Finding Purpose in Helping People Thrive
In the second episode of What's Your College Story?, I interviewed Troy Kindle, a learning and development professional whose path from a rural Illinois childhood to a master's degree from DePaul University took more than two decades, a military enlistment, a career in law enforcement, and a whole lot of self-awareness along the way.
Starting Where He Was
Troy's story begins, as many do, with an associate's degree and a detour. After a family tragedy, he set college aside and enlisted in the military. When he returned to civilian life, Troy thought a role in law enforcement would fulfill his desire to help people. But it wasn't until he was asked to help lead some training that his love of teaching was reignited.
Finding His Calling in L&D
Troy had the opportunity to earn certifications in learning and development (L&D) from the Association for Talent Development (ATD) and other organizations. He loved training, but more than facilitating, he loved learning what happens in the human psyche when learning occurs.
As Troy was approaching 30, he made a decision that many working professionals wrestle with: he went back for his bachelor's degree while managing a full-time L&D leadership role. He finished at DePaul University — summa cum laude — then kept going, completing his master's there in 2022. A doctorate is on the horizon, with a goal of transitioning into full-time teaching.
For more than 20 years, Troy has been helping organizations as big as Google as well as small businesses grow through people development, training, and change management. It wasn't a direct path to his chosen career, but Troy will tell you, that's exactly the point.
Why Life Experience Is the Best Prerequisite
One of the most resonant themes in our conversation was how Troy's lived experience shaped his approach to learning and his effectiveness as an L&D professional. His coursework in learning structures and the science of education didn't feel abstract; it clicked because he'd already been living it.
That's a story I hear again and again from people who came to formal education later in life. The classroom hits differently when you've already spent years doing the work.
When Learning is Hard: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
When people are focused on meeting basic needs like safety, stability, and belonging, the focus for study isn't just a low priority; it can feel completely out of reach. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs illustrates this idea by stacking the sort of needs that build toward self-actualization — the space where thriving and learning are optimized.
Troy offered a beautifully clear explanation of this hierarchy during our conversation, and the connection to education access is impossible to ignore. This is foundational to what Elikonas is building: a platform that meets learners where they are in that hierarchy, recognizes the learning they've already done, and helps them take the next step — whatever that step looks like for them.
AI, the Workforce, and Why Lifelong Learning Isn't Optional
Troy is watching AI reshape the workforce in real time, and helping organizations navigate it. His approach is straightforward: AI is a tool, not a threat, and the organizations that help their people understand that early are the ones that come out ahead. For workers who've spent decades building expertise, that reframe isn't always easy. It's exactly the kind of change management work where Troy excels.
What Troy Knows for Sure
At the end of every episode, I ask guests two questions: what's your favorite part of education, and what's the hardest part?
For Troy, the answer to the first is easy: lifelong learning. The joy of continuing to grow, staying curious, and building on everything that came before. The hardest part? Time management — the universal struggle of anyone trying to balance education with the rest of life.
Watch the Full Episode
Troy's full conversation is available now on YouTube. If his story resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Take our survey! (And share)
Elikonas is currently in development — and we're building it with real learners in mind from day one. Take our short survey and help shape what the platform becomes. Early respondents will get first access when we launch.
Share YOUR College Story
Every week on What's Your College Story?, we sit down with real people and talk about their real education journeys. The winding ones. The interrupted ones. The ones that took longer than expected and meant more because of it.
If you have a story to share, we'd love to feature you — either as a podcast guest or in a written profile right here on the blog. Email us and submit your story, or just let us know that you'd like to chat. We'll either turn that chat into a blog post or schedule you to be on the show. Whatever is most comfortable for you.
The more voices we gather, the stronger the case becomes: education is not a straight line, and why would it be? Those paths are as unique as you are!
— Katie
About What's Your College Story?
What's Your College Story? is a weekly podcast hosted by Katie Stroud, founder of Elikonas, Public Benefit Corporation. Each episode features a real conversation with a real person about their education journey — the detours, the discoveries, and everything in between. The show exists to celebrate non-traditional paths and to build the community that Elikonas will serve. New episodes drop every week. Subscribe on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Elikonas is a mission-driven platform expanding equitable access to education and workforce development — connecting learners, education providers, and employers in ways that increase opportunity, economic mobility, and skills attainment. Coming soon.