Podcast Summary “Transforming Corporate Training With Gamification with Brian Harkins of Topgolf”
Brian Harkins, Director of Training at Topgolf, didn’t set out to become a learning leader. In fact, he admits he landed in L&D by “pure necessity,” but it’s clear from the moment he starts talking that he’s found his calling. In this episode of Learning Leader Spotlight, Brian shares how he turned his operational background into a design-forward, fun-first approach to learning at one of the most playful brands in the country. From ditching clip art to baking “why” into every module, this conversation is a mix of L&D insight and storytelling gold.
From the Ops Floor to the Design Table
Brian’s journey into learning and development started when he worked in operations at a new concept business with zero guidance. To survive, he created his own materials. One of those on labor forecasting made its way to a VP at Fossil, who tracked him down. That VP, Lisa Lopiska, became his first mentor, and helped shape his mindset around not just creating learning, but making it clear, intentional, and goof-proof.
Now at Topgolf, Brian leads the instructional design team that supports venue operations, sales, and corporate training. He’s focused on the craft of learning, leaving implementation to a counterpart, so that he can go deep on making content effective and beautiful.
Gamified, Branded, and Always Fun
Over the last five years, the biggest shift Brian has seen is the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and the move away from print. At Topgolf, they’ve nearly eliminated paper materials in favor of QR codes and digital delivery. AI tools have accelerated content development, even if, as Brian notes, you still have to fact-check and rewrite what ChatGPT spits out.
Looking ahead, Brian sees more AI and even shorter content formats. Microlearning is key to meeting the expectations of faster-paced learners. “They want what they need and they want it now,” he says. “No fluff.”
The Skill Every Instructional Designer Needs Today
When asked what skills are most critical in today’s L&D job market, Brian doesn’t hesitate: design. Not just instructional design, but visual design. Being able to write and understand adult learning theory is trainable. Branding and creating something visually polished? Much harder. And at a company like Topgolf, the look of the learning is just as important as the message.
Still, he believes design skills can be developed, especially when teams are provided with clear guidelines, resources, and mentorship. “You can’t always find the unicorn, but you can grow one.”
Start with Why (Literally)
Brian’s recommended read for any aspiring leader or instructional designer is Simon Sinek’s Start With Why. Though technically a marketing book, Brian finds it directly applicable to L&D. At Topgolf, they use the concept so literally that their change management trainings often start with a “why” module before introducing anything else.
By separating out the “why” from the rest of the content, they’ve created a more reusable system that scales well, and makes the case for change more convincingly.
Where He Finds Ideas (and Laughter)
Brian credits his team for keeping the learning fresh. They maintain a shared text thread called “There’s No Such Thing as a Training Emergency”, where they pass around resources, cool finds, and the occasional TikTok. He also turns to Training Industry Magazine and lets algorithms do their magic. “Facebook and Instagram are listening,” he jokes, “so the right ad or article always shows up.”
This conversation with Brian Harkins is a reminder that great learning is not just about what people need to know, it’s about how it looks, how it feels, and how it starts. When fun is the product, learning has to be fun too.
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