Learning can be incredible
I'm Sean Traynor, a learning designer who believes the best training doesn't feel like training at all.
For over a decade, I've been turning complex ideas into incredible experiences. Whether that's through e-learning that people actually want to complete, leadership programmes that build real capability, or tabletop adventures that make learning feel like play.
My philosophy? If it's not engaging, it's not working.
The Journey
From leading high-performance retail teams to designing award-winning digital learning. Here's how I embraced the unexpected party.
I started on a shop floor, coaching colleagues to hit ambitious targets and discovering what truly motivated me: watching someone go from uncertain to confident through the right support and training. Leading a £32m store with 50+ people taught me more about learning design than any textbook could: how to read a room, adapt in real-time, and create moments that stick.
When I moved into L&D, I brought that same energy with a new toolkit. I designed digital experiences that didn't just inform - they engaged, motivated, and delivered results. Working with a fantastic agency partner, our team built an advocacy programme that won national awards and drove engagement up 220%. Along the way, colleagues started noticing patterns: I went beyond sending links, suggesting tailored solutions. I made content applicable across teams. I turned commercial demands into effective learning experiences.
Today, I design leadership development pathways, sales mastery programmes, and strategic learning experiences. Blending creativity, data, and a commitment to making learning feel less like work and more like discovery.
Retail Leadership
Started managing teams and discovering my passion for developing people.
High-Performance Store
Led Scotland's highest-turnover store: £32m revenue, 50+ people.
Coaching Culture
Refined coaching skills, watching colleagues transform through support.
Transition to L&D
Brought retail energy to digital learning design and delivery.
Advocacy Programme
Built award-winning digital experience with 220% engagement increase.
Industry Recognition
Team won Learning Technologies Award & Learning Award for collaborative innovation.
Client Success
Pivotal role in major client pitch, unanimously won with strong feedback.
Full-Spectrum Design
Leading leadership pathways, sales mastery, and strategic learning experiences.
1-3 of 8
10+
Years Experience
10,000+
Learners Trained
100+
Workshops Facilitated
220%
Engagement Increase
What I Do Best
A blend of creative design, technical know-how, and strategic thinking; all focused on making learning that works.
Learning Experience Design
Creating engaging digital and blended learning that actually sticks
Leadership Development
Building structured pathways that grow capability from first-line to senior leaders
Workshop Facilitation
Delivering interactive sessions that spark collaboration and build confidence
Gamification & Engagement
Using game mechanics and playful design to drive motivation
Learning Analytics
Data-driven evaluation and ROI measurement (Kirkpatrick Levels 1-4)
Digital Content Creation
Adobe Creative Suite, video production, and multimedia storytelling
LMS Administration
Platform optimization, user engagement strategies, and technical troubleshooting
Stakeholder Collaboration
Partnering with leaders to align L&D strategy with business goals
Certifications & Qualifications
TAP.Cert
Learning Design (QA)
2023
BA (Hons)
Business Management
In Progress - 2025
Google Certified
Project Management
2022
How I Work
Four principles that guide everything I create; from course design to workshop facilitation.
Learner-First Design
Every decision starts with the people who will actually use it. If it doesnt work for them, it doesnt work.
In practice: User testing, feedback loops, and accessibility at the core of every project
Play & Curiosity
Learning should spark joy. I use gamification, storytelling, and playful mechanics to make experiences memorable.
In practice: From advocacy programmes to D&D campaigns that teach teamwork
Proven Impact
I dont just create, I measure. Kirkpatrick evaluation, ROI tracking, and data-driven iteration ensure results.
In practice: 95+ NPS scores, 220% engagement increases, award-winning outcomes
Collaboration
Great learning is co-created. I partner with stakeholders, SMEs, and learners to build solutions that truly align.
In practice: Strategic planning sessions, stakeholder workshops, and iterative design
My Design Process
Discover
Understand the problem, audience, and goals
Design
Map learning journeys and create prototypes
Develop
Build engaging content with iterative feedback
Deploy
Launch with clear communication and support
Iterate
Refine and improve based on real-world impact
What Colleagues Say
Real feedback from stakeholders across projects, because impact is measured in the work, not just the words.
"Launching a pilot with 40% of the team being brand new added another layer of challenge. Your approach, from pre-launch preparation through to aftercare, was fantastic. The team hit the ground running, especially the new members. They referenced how the information stuck because the sessions were fun and interactive."
Product Launch Training
Regional Manager
1 of 7
Beyond Work
When I'm not designing learning experiences, you'll find me outdoors, rolling dice, or experimenting with new creative tools.
I'm a firm believer that the best ideas come when you step away from the screen. Whether I'm halfway up a Munro, running a D&D campaign for friends, or tinkering with a new beat in Ableton, I'm always exploring how challenge, creativity, and play intersect.
These aren't just hobbies! They're extensions of how I think about learning. Tabletop RPGs taught me storytelling and improvisation. Music production refined my attention to detail and timing. Trail running? That's where I practice resilience and strategic pacing.
Everything feeds back into the work. The best learning experiences, like the best adventures, are the ones that surprise you, challenge you, and leave you wanting more.
Munro Bagging
Climbing Scotland's highest peaks, because the best problem-solving happens at altitude.
Trail Running & Cycling
Building the same endurance and focus I bring to every project.
Tabletop RPGs
Game Master for D&D campaigns, storytelling meets strategic thinking.
Music Production
Experimenting with Ableton and Cubase, blending creativity with technical precision.
Content Creation
From video editing to graphic design, always looking for new ways to engage audiences.
Continuous Learning
Currently studying BA Business Management while keeping up with L&D certifications.
🎲 Fun Fact
I've been DMing tabletop RPG campaigns for over 5 years. My current campaign has been running weekly since 2021, and we're 80+ sessions deep into an epic homebrew world. The storytelling skills? They transfer directly to learning design.