Oliver Dick

A strategic and results-driven professional with over 10 years of experience conceptualizing and delivering innovative digital learning solutions within large-scale, multicultural environments. Expertise lies at the intersection of instructional design, emerging technology, and business leadership, with a specialized focus on scaling learning models that are both impactful and cost-efficient.

Driven by a "frugal innovation" methodology, a proven track record exists for optimizing learning ecosystems—achieving significant reductions in operational costs (up to 35%) through vendor consolidation and strategic platform management. Advanced certifications from Carnegie Mellon University in Applied AI and Strategic Gamification allow for the creation of personalized, high-engagement digital pathways that go beyond traditional training to drive measurable behavioral change.

Experience spans the entire development lifecycle, from conducting deep-dive capability needs analyses to managing global LMS architectures and training high-performing instructional teams. A curious and resilient mindset ensures that learning strategies remain future-proof, evidence-based, and aligned with broader organizational goals.

Core Competencies

Strategic L&D: Global Strategy Execution, Functional Capability Mapping, 1-Year Plan (1YP) Development, and Change Management.

Digital Innovation: Applied AI in Learning, Gamification & Motivational Psychology, AR/VR Integration, and Blended Learning Models.

Operational Excellence: Frugal Innovation, Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) Alignment, Vendor Management, and Cost Optimization.

Technical Mastery: Advanced LMS Administration (itslearning), Instructional Design (ID), Data Governance (POPIA/GDPR), and Agile Project Management (SCRUM).

Leadership: Cross-functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, and Facilitator Coaching.

Featured Accomplishments

Scalable Model Leadership: Successfully led the long-term sustainability of a blended learning model across a vast network, ensuring technological integration and pedagogical excellence.

Financial Impact: Delivered a verifiable 35% reduction in annual licensing costs by implementing a strategic "frugal innovation" framework and optimizing the EdTech stack.

Evidence-Based Frameworks: Designed and implemented critical evaluation mechanisms to assess product suitability and comparative impact-at-scale, enabling data-driven procurement and strategy.

Global Thought Leadership: Presented modern digital learning strategies at international conferences and served on global advisory councils for EdTech optimization.

My educational background is a strategic blend of formal academic theory and high-level technical innovation. My foundation is built on a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Early Childhood Development from the University of Pretoria, which provided me with the core principles of learning sciences and developmental psychology necessary to design effective instructional frameworks.

To stay at the forefront of the digital landscape, I earned advanced certifications through Carnegie Mellon University’s "Learning Sciences for Innovators" program. Specifically, my training in Applied AI for Learning & Development allows me to leverage generative AI and machine learning to personalize learner pathways and drive operational efficiency. Complementing this is my expertise in Game Design and Gamification, where I apply motivational psychology and game mechanics to significantly boost engagement and completion rates.

I have also secured technical certifications that ensure I can execute and govern complex systems at scale. These include Advanced LMS Administration for managing large-scale content libraries, and Instructional Design & Agile Project Management (SCRUM/Asana) for rapid digital solution development. Finally, my training in Data Governance and Compliance (POPIA/GDPR) ensures that every learning solution I implement is evidence-based and fully compliant with international data protection standards.