Designing Learning That Solves Real Business Problems

At Zenith Performance Solutions (ZPS), we partner with organizations to design learning experiences that improve performance, strengthen leadership, and support complex organizational challenges. Our work spans eLearning, leadership development, virtual training, and blended learning solutions across multiple industries.

Our Portfolio: Where Collaboration Meets Innovation
Explore our portfolio to see how thoughtful instructional design transforms ideas, research, and technical expertise into engaging learning experiences. Each project represents a collaboration between our team and our clients to solve a specific learning or performance challenge.
Rather than simply showcasing finished deliverables, these examples highlight the thinking behind the design.
For each project, you will see:
  • The audience and learning context.
  • The problem or challenge we were solving.
  • The design decisions that shaped the solution.
  • How the learner experience influenced the final approach.
  • Reflections on what worked well and what could be improved.
Customized, Impactful Designs
Our approach focuses on practical, effective learning solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals and constraints. As you explore the projects below, you will see how we integrate stakeholder insights, learner needs, and real-world context to create meaningful learning experiences.
Let’s Find What Works for You
If you’re exploring options for a learning initiative or looking for examples relevant to your industry or challenge, we’d be happy to help you navigate the portfolio or discuss ideas for your next project.

Selected Instructional Design Projects

eLearning Design and Development

Transforming complex content into engaging digital learning experiences.

Turning Academic Research on Teen Distracted Driving into a Story-Driven Learning Experience

Teen Focus on Distracted Driving

I served as the instructional designer, developer, and project manager for this eLearning course created in collaboration with the Florida Department of Transportation and the University of Florida. The course was designed for teenage drivers in Florida ages 14–19.

University of Florida researchers had compiled extensive research on the causes of teen distracted driving. The challenge was transforming this research into an engaging learning experience that could influence teen behavior and reduce distracted driving incidents.

To create emotional relevance, we structured the course around the story of a teenager who was killed in a distracted driving crash. Interactive scenarios and decision points allowed learners to experience situations similar to those they may encounter while driving. The course also needed to function across school districts with varying devices, browsers, and internet speeds, including rural areas with limited bandwidth.

One unexpected success came from using multiple voice actors of different ages throughout the course. This approach strengthened the storytelling and made the experience feel more authentic for teen learners.

Helping Real Estate Agents Build and Lead High-Performing Teams

Team Up: Create Your Team Business Plan

I served as the instructional designer and eLearning developer for this six-module Articulate Rise course created for real estate agents who wanted to build and lead their own teams.

The organization was experiencing challenges with dysfunctional teams and inconsistent leadership practices. At the same time, limited resources made it difficult to deliver live training to every agent interested in scaling their business.

We chose Articulate Rise to create a mobile-friendly experience that agents could easily access on tablets or phones. The course was structured around building a real business plan. Learners completed a workbook alongside the modules, developing their own financial projections and operational plans while progressing through the course.

Participants also worked with mentor coaches during the program, applying what they learned directly to their businesses. With additional time, I would strengthen the integration between the eLearning modules and coaching sessions to further increase accountability and consistency across mentors.

Making Complex Power Grid Restoration Procedures Understandable Through Animation

Power Restoration

This project supported field technicians and engineers responsible for restoring electrical power during major disasters. I served as the instructional designer and eLearning developer for a continuing education course built from highly technical operational documentation.

The source material came from a technical operations manual known as the “Blue Book,” which included complex formulas, engineering procedures, and industry terminology. The challenge was making this content accessible to both new technicians and engineers with decades of experience.

To simplify difficult concepts, we incorporated animated segments created in Vyond within the larger eLearning course. Whiteboard-style animations were used to visually demonstrate calculations and processes that were difficult to understand through text alone.

While the full course ultimately remained a single 2.5-hour module due to LMS preferences, breaking the course into shorter learning segments would likely have improved flexibility and learner engagement.

Visualizing Industry Growth to Support Safer Transportation of Crude Oil

The History of Crude Oil by Rail

I worked as an instructional designer and eLearning developer for a training program designed to support organizations responsible for transporting crude oil by rail and managing hazardous materials documentation.

The content originated from a large technical guide provided by the American Petroleum Institute. While comprehensive, the guide was rarely used in the field. The goal was to convert this information into accessible training that would help reduce safety incidents during crude oil transport.

To provide context before learners moved into technical procedures, we created an animated video illustrating the rapid growth of crude oil shipments by rail over time. Using whiteboard animation allowed us to visually demonstrate how transportation volumes increased and why safety practices became increasingly critical.

With today’s technology, additional interactive visualizations could further enhance the learning experience and allow learners to explore industry trends in greater depth.

Leadership and Organizational Development
Designing a 46-Week Executive Leadership Program to Prepare the Next Generation of Brokerage Leaders

Ascend: The Executive Leadership ExperienceSM

Ascend is a 46-week hybrid leadership development program created for rising and current brokerage leaders within the Anywhere Real Estate network. I designed, developed, and delivered the program in partnership with leadership expert Matthew Ferrara and Anywhere subject matter experts. Over ten years and ten cohorts, the program graduated more than 350 participants and established a strong alumni network that continues to engage in ongoing learning and collaboration.

The goal of the program was to prepare the next generation of brokerage leadership through a comprehensive learning journey focused on three core capabilities: Leading Self, Leading Others, and Leading Organizations. Participants included brokerage owners, emerging leaders, and corporate professionals across multiple Anywhere brands who were preparing for succession or expanding leadership responsibilities.

The program combined quarterly in-person or virtual intensives lasting three to four days with weekly one-hour webinar sessions and ongoing assignments. This spaced learning approach allowed participants to immediately apply new leadership strategies within their organizations while continuing to build skills throughout the year.

As co-architect of the program, I helped design the overall curriculum framework and learning objectives, continually refining the program to reflect evolving industry conditions and leadership challenges. The experience incorporated leadership assessments, peer discussions, expert panels, financial analysis, and collaborative problem solving. Participants explored topics such as emotional intelligence, situational leadership, diversity in real estate markets, coaching and mentoring, change management, and emerging technologies such as AI in the real estate industry.
One of the most impactful components was a financial semester that included a simulated merger and acquisition exercise where participants worked in breakout teams to analyze business scenarios and present strategic decisions. Throughout the program, learners also developed a capstone case study addressing a real leadership challenge within their organization. I served as a faculty advisor to participants as they built their projects and provided feedback on their final presentations.

The program emphasized strong cohort relationships and peer learning. Interactive sessions used tools such as breakout discussions, collaborative whiteboards, and networking events, alongside unique experiences such as a philanthropic team activity supporting a local food bank. The program concluded with formal capstone presentations and graduation.

Ascend has had a lasting impact on participants and their organizations. Many graduates have moved into senior leadership roles or taken ownership of brokerage businesses, and the alumni community continues to support each other through ongoing professional development and networking opportunities.

Participant Perspectives
“Ascend has strengthened my leadership effectiveness by improving my strategic thinking and self-awareness.”

“The program provided tools, knowledge, and insights that helped me lead more effectively and drive success in our organization.”

Equipping Leaders to Navigate Cultural Integration After a Company Acquisition

Leading Change

I designed and facilitated this leadership workshop for managers at a real estate organization that had recently acquired another company and was working to integrate two distinct organizational cultures.

Leaders were facing challenges maintaining team engagement while navigating cultural differences and operational changes. They needed practical strategies to help their teams adapt while minimizing the risk of losing agents during the transition.

The workshop included a slide deck, participant workbook, and facilitator guide to support consistent delivery across multiple sessions. The session incorporated interactive strategies including breakout discussions, collaborative brainstorming in Mural, reflection exercises, and activities based on the change curve model.

Participants analyzed where members of their teams were in the change process and identified strategies to help move them forward. Extending the workshop slightly would allow even deeper discussion and peer learning among leaders experiencing similar challenges.

Preparing Leaders for Deeper DiSC Workshops Through Focused Pre-Learning

Introduction to Everything DiSC

This Articulate Rise module was designed as pre-work for learners preparing to complete the Everything DiSC assessment and attend a facilitated workshop.

Because workshop time is often limited, the goal was to move foundational knowledge online so live sessions could focus on application rather than basic instruction.

The course introduces the four DiSC behavioral styles and encourages learners to reflect on their own tendencies after completing the assessment. By arriving at the workshop with a baseline understanding of the model, participants are better prepared to ask meaningful questions and apply insights to workplace interactions.

Additional reflection activities and scenarios could further deepen learners’ understanding before the live training session.

Learning Experience Design Enhancements
Supporting learning experiences with specialized assets that improve engagement and accessibility.
Helping Clients Select the Right Voice to Bring Learning to Life

ZPS Voice Talent

The ZPS Voice Talent portfolio showcases voiceover options available for client eLearning projects. As the lead instructional designer and project lead, I help clients determine whether synthetic or human voice narration best supports their learning experience.
Many organizations want professional narration but are unsure how to evaluate voice talent or understand the trade-offs between AI-generated voices and human recordings.

To simplify this process, we created a curated voice portfolio that allows clients to quickly listen to sample narrators and select voices that match their project’s tone. For human voice samples, we intentionally paired each voice with an image of a cat so listeners focus on the sound of the voice rather than visual bias about the speaker.

Voice narration improves accessibility and can significantly enhance storytelling within a course. Today we often recommend high-quality synthetic voices such as WellSaid Labs or ElevenLabs for efficiency, while still providing human options for organizations with AI restrictions.

Creating a Shared Financial Vocabulary for Emerging Real Estate Leaders

Ascend: Executive Leadership Experience Financial Glossary

I designed this interactive glossary as part of the Ascend Executive Leadership Experience, a 46-week hybrid succession program for leaders across the Anywhere Real Estate network.

As the program expanded, participants began joining business units outside traditional brokerage operations. Many lacked familiarities with real estate brokerage terminology, which made financial discussions difficult to follow.

To address this challenge, we created an interactive glossary in Articulate Storyline hosted within the program’s LMS. Participants reviewed the glossary before attending a session on brokerage financials, ensuring everyone entered the discussion with a shared understanding of key terms.

Future enhancements could include additional industry resources and expanded examples for participants who want to deepen their understanding of brokerage financial operations.