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 moved that blog to this website, barbarabray.net, to expand on the writing she was doing.
Making Learning Personal
Barbara founded Personalize Learning, LLC in 2012 with Kathleen McClaskey who co-authored two books on personalized learning: Make Learning Personal and How to Personalize Learning. In 2016, 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 any person no matter what age can find their purpose and develop agency.
Podcast Host
In 2017, she worked in New Zealand and visited schools in the north and south islands. That’s where she learned how much stories matter. When she returned, Barbara started her Rethinking Learning podcast to capture stories from people who inspired her. There are now over 150 podcasts 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. She invited people who were on her podcast or 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 stopped the world and all of the planned events including book signings were canceled. Barbara expanded coaching and mentoring by listening to the concerns of educators, families, friends, and business owners.
New Book and Podcast
Barbara continues to blog, host her podcast, is active on social media to connect people, and does whatever she can to support educators and learners of all ages during this time. In October 2023, she is the co-host with Nicole Biscotti on the “Real Talk with Barbara and Nicole” podcast about authenticity in a polarized society. Her new book, “Grow Your Why… One Story at a Time” launches January 2024 with 23 personal stories from contributing authors. Barbara started a new division, “Why Press Publishing” to self-publish and support aspiring authors and podcasters.
Reach out to Barbara so you can discover and grow your WHY to live and learn on purpose even in these uncertain times.
Contact Barbara
Cell: 510-593-7835
Email: [email protected]
- 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
Follow Barbara
- Facebook (barbara.bray)
- Instagram (bbray27)
- Twitter (X) (bbray27)
- Linked In (barbarabray)
- Threads (bbray27)
- Pinterest Boards (bbray27)
- Voxer (barbarabray48)
