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About Barbara
Creative Learning Strategist and Story Weaver
Barbara is an author, podcast host, coach, disruptor, risk-taker, connector, and visionary. She calls herself a creative learning strategist and a “Story Weaver.” Barbara, as a “Digital Pioneer,” took on challenges and created My eCoach as early as 1999 — way before there was Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Her amazing team created coaching strategies and processes that were adopted in schools and districts in the U.S. and around the world for 23 years. Barbara coined the phrase “Making Learning Personal” in 2000 and trademarked it in 2002 using approaches that addressed the needs of all learners. In 2004, she started her Rethinking Learning blog on My eCoach. In 2009, she transferred the blog to this website, barbarabray.net, to expand her writing and host her podcast.
Making Learning Personal
Barbara founded Personalize Learning, LLC in 2013 with Kathleen McClaskey, who co-authored two books on personalized learning: Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning. In 2017, they decided to do what they do best and consult independently. Barbara continues to research new tools and methods that help educators create learner-centered environments so that any person, no matter what age, can develop agency and live their purpose.
Podcast Host
In 2017, she provided professional development with the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. She was fortunate to visit schools on the North and South islands with Dr. Cynthia Sistek. The wonderful hosts, Leigh Hyne,s and Anne Kenneally, with their team, showed us how much stories matter. When she returned, Barbara started her Rethinking Learning podcast to capture stories from inspirational people. There are now over 178 episodes plus separate reflections on controversial topics; mental health and the importance of developing wellbeing, a sense of belonging, and empathy.
Author, Define Your Why
After listening to the stories about how the struggles people experience helped them discover their WHY, Barbara started writing. Guests from her podcast or others who had reached out to her to share their stories for her book, Define Your WHY published in February 2020. One month later, the pandemic happened, and all the planned events, including book signings, were canceled. That didn’t stop Barbara. She expanded coaching and mentoring by listening to the concerns of educators, families, friends, and business owners.
New Book and Podcast
In October 2023, she and Nicole Biscotti co-hosted the “Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole” podcast about authenticity in a polarized society. She self-published her most recent book, “Grow Your Why… One Story at a Time,” in July 2024 with 23 personal stories from amazing contributing authors. Barbara started a new division, “Why Press Publishing,” to self-publish and support aspiring authors, podcasters, and speakers. She continues to blog, host her podcast, and is active on social media, connecting with people who inspire her. Barbara continues to do whatever she can to support educators and learners of all ages during this time.
Reach out to Barbara so you can define and grow your WHY to live and learn on purpose, even in these uncertain times.
Contact Barbara
Cell: (510) 593-7835
Email: barbara.bray@gmail.com
- Host, Rethinking Learning Podcast
- Author, Define Your Why: Own your story so you can live and learn on purpose
- Co-Author, Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning (link)
- Co-Host, Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole” Podcast
- Author, Grow Your Why… One Story at a Time
- Publishing Website, Why Press Publishing
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