In this episode of Chalk and Code, Steve Stookey, Vice President and CCO at CypherWorx, joins us to explore how purpose-driven professional development can transform the way organizations learn and lead.
From training design to technology integration, Steve shares how CypherWorx builds learning experiences that adapt to each organization’s unique culture — whether it’s a school district, YMCA, fire department, or cultural institution. He also reflects on his own journey from corporate leadership to social entrepreneurship and what it means to design learning that’s simple, human, and scalable.
If you care about creating meaningful training that drives culture, builds capability, and keeps people at the center of innovation, this conversation offers practical insight and inspiration for today’s edtech and learning leaders.
Key Moments01:40 From corporate sales to social entrepreneurship — the path to CypherWorx
05:50 Why culture and training must grow together
10:20 “Once you’ve met one institution, you’ve met one institution” — the case for
personalization
15:45 How listening and flexibility drive better learning outcomes
20:50 Building CollabNation — turning instructional design into a learning platform
27:30 Why leadership, not software, determines LMS success
33:15 Creating purposeful professional development that scales
37:34 KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to track progress, what they really mean for educators and business leaders
38:00 Balancing technology, culture, and human connection in learning
44:20 How CypherWorx is preparing for the future of AI-enabled education
47:45 Connect Steve at “sstookey@cypherworx.com” and visit website at “https://cypherworx.com/”
Why You’ll Love This EpisodeThis episode dives into what makes learning truly effective — not more tools, but more intention.
You’ll hear how Steve Stookey and CypherWorx design training that blends instructional design, culture, and technology to create real impact across sectors.
Steve also shares:
- Why personalization is key to learner engagement
- How leadership defines the success of any LMS
- What “purposeful professional development” looks like in action
- How to stay adaptable while keeping learning human
Connect with Steve Stookey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevestookey/
Email: sstookey@cypherworx.com
Website: https://cypherworx.com/
Connect with Us
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexion-inc
Company Website: https://flexion.us/
If this conversation sparked new ideas or challenged your thinking, share this episode with a colleague and subscribe for more thoughtful discussions at the intersection of learning, leadership, and educational technology.
Join us next time on Chalk and Code, where the science of learning meets modern technology.