We’re excited to shine the spotlight on Joseph Padden, our Campaign Head and Canadian Lead, whose journey is a perfect example of the Ownership and Opportunity culture at the Learning Online Group (LOG). Starting as a Course Consultant in the Melbourne office in March 2020, Joe has since progressed across Australia, the UK and now Canada—to become a driving force in our international expansion.
Joseph joined LOG when it was a tight-knit team of just over a dozen employees. He’s been instrumental in navigating massive shifts, from the challenging but ultimately successful pivot to a full Work-From-Home operation during COVID lockdowns to helping scale the company globally.
From $200 parking fines and flooded car parks to helping students land dream internships, Joe’s story is full of unforgettable moments. Get ready to dive into the evolution of LOG, the secrets behind building student trust, and the “tumultuously phenomenal” journey of one of our most globe-trotting leaders.
🎤Part I: The LOG Origin Story
Q: How would you describe your first days at Learning Online Group, the moment you realized the company would make a real impact, and your journey from your starting role to becoming the Canadian Lead?
A: My first days at Learning Online Group were truly something special. I was originally greeted by Emma Schofield, who still works there today on the infamous Level 7 in Melbourne. I then went on to meet the whole executive team, and I really loved the transparency of working closely with senior staff including Jason, Phil, Tom, Juls, and Sam. I remember sitting next to Nicholas Molnar for my first few months; he really showed me the ropes and helped me settle into my new role.
I joined as a Course Consultant in March 2020 and progressed through the ranks to become a Campaign Head in our Toronto office. I’ve been fortunate enough to work for Learning Online Group all over the world, including Australia, the United Kingdom and of course my resident country of Canada. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work with so many amazing people who have helped shape me into the manager I am today.
From navigating COVID lockdowns to launching new campaigns around the world, it’s been a tough but incredibly fun journey, and I’ve learned so much along the way. When I joined the Learning Online Group in 2020, I believe we had roughly 10 to 12 employees. Now, we’ve expanded internationally and are closing in on 100+ employees across all divisions and countries. Being a part of that growth is something I’m very proud of.
Q: Looking back, how would you sum up the evolution of the Learning Online Group from the early challenges and funny problems to the small decisions that became turning points using a simple metaphor or story?
A: The evolution of the Learning Online Group has been tumultuously phenomenal. I personally started in the Melbourne office and swiftly shifted to a full WFH operation during lockdowns. A whole call centre operating from home came with its challenges. I remember one of our Directors, Juls, driving around to people’s houses to drop off mobile internet dongles and computer equipment — but we made it work.
We actually flourished, which says a lot about the team!
Part II: Culture, Team, and Student Impact
Q: How would you describe the culture at Learning Online Group, the lessons your team has taught you over the years, and the unique “superpower” you think our people share?
A: I would describe the culture as one of ownership and opportunity. I’ve learned lots of valuable lessons along the way, but what’s stood out the most for me in my current leadership role is not underestimating people and understanding that everyone learns differently.
Q: In your view, what are the most important benefits we offer our students, and how do we build trust with them in such a crowded online education space?
A: I believe the most important benefit we offer our students has to be flexibility. Just because you’re a full-time worker, parent, or living in a remote area does not mean you shouldn’t be able to pursue a career you’re passionate about. When it comes to trust, this is built through honesty and understanding that some students are suited to our programs and some are not—and that’s okay.
Q: What student success story has stayed with you, and how do you explain that online vocational training is far more valuable and involved than just watching videos for a certificate?
A: I personally remember enrolling a student into our Certificate in Reptile Zoology and receiving an email from them later saying they’d been accepted into an internship at a local vets. It was amazing to see the outcome play out for the student.
Part III: Innovation and The Bigger Picture
Q: What innovations have impressed you the most at Learning Online Group, and what ideas—whether borrowed from traditional education, tech startups, or new industries — do you think could shape our future?
A: From a tech and innovation perspective, the Learning Online Group has always reinvested into new course content, kits, and LMS systems, resulting in constant improvement for student experience and outcomes. I’ve always been impressed with our ability to disrupt traditional educational methods and provide hands-on practical courses. From my years on the phone, you could always hear the penny drop for students: “Oh, I actually can do this online.”
International expansion is something I’ve been exposed to a lot since joining in 2020—from NZ, US, and UK through to Canada. Reaching out to more countries is definitely going to be part of our future.
Q: How has working at Learning Online Group changed the way you see education and careers, and what do you wish every potential student understood about us that isn’t written anywhere?
A: We make decisions with the student’s best interest at heart, and that’s what has helped both our student experiences and our business sustainability.
Part IV: Personal & Final Word
Q: What’s a surprising or unbelievable early-day story that you think new staff would never believe actually happened?
A: I have a few!
- I remember a previous manager driving his 4×4 into the car park of our Melbourne office with a huge roof rack, clipped the sprinkler system and flooded the car park and about five fire engines showed up!
- We never used to have Slack for many years or a dialler. Everything was click-to-dial and we actually had physical handset phones on the desks that we’d use occasionally like something from the 80s.
Q: Your Final Word?
A: My time at the Learning Online Group has truly changed my life in many ways. My career has spanned over five years and four countries, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next. I’m forever grateful.
