As 2024 draws to a close, we at Upside Learning – A Division of Mitr – take an opportunity to reflect on a year full of successes, development, and influence. This year has been about moving forward with our aim of providing impactful performance-focused learning solutions, from collaborating with worldwide businesses to winning industry accolades.
The journey in 2024 has been full of milestones. We celebrated awards, enhanced client relationships, and presented innovative learning programs that addressed real-world problems. Each success demonstrates our commitment to providing meaningful learning experiences.
In this blog, we look back at the year’s highlights, and experiences that influenced our path and paved the way for even bigger chances in 2025. Join us as we reflect on the successes that shaped 2024.
Inspiring the L&D Community: 2024’s Most Loved Campaigns Driving Learning Impact by Upside Learning
2024 began with great expectations, and Upside Learning was committed to producing experiences that would resonate with the L&D community and bring real, actionable value. From educational webinars to comprehensive eBooks, every campaign we launched in 2024 was intended to engage, challenge, and encourage L&D professionals in their quest to create impactful learning experiences. The response was overwhelming: each endeavor was a huge success, with plaudits for its relevance, profundity, and practicality.
Webinars That Deliver Impact: Driving Engagement, Performance, and Purposeful Design in 2024
We started the year by addressing one of the L&D community’s most persistent challenges: How do you balance learner engagement with effectiveness? This question paved the way for our first successful webinar of the year, starring the legendary Clark Quinn. The webinar, titled “How Do You Mix Learning Engagement with Effectiveness,” looked at ways to create training programs that mix compelling material with quantifiable effectiveness.
Clark’s professional ideas connected strongly with participants, as he gave practical ways for improving training outcomes while keeping learners interested. The webinar was more than simply theoretical; it was packed with practical advice that could be utilized right away. It rapidly became one of the most widely discussed workshops, with attendees appreciating its depth and clarity. The good comments indicated that this session genuinely struck the goal, establishing a high bar for the remainder of the year’s initiatives.
Building Momentum: Shifting from Learning to Performance
As the year progressed, we addressed another critical topic in the L&D field: how to move beyond attendance data and focus on actual performance outcomes. Our webinar, From Learning to Performance: Achieving Impact, Not Just Attendance, was a huge success, owing to Clark Quinn’s riveting ideas yet again.
The subject matter emphasized the transition from evaluating learner involvement to concentrating on how learning influences performance. It prompted participants to reconsider how they evaluate training efficacy and to see performance results as the ultimate measure of success. The webinar prompted a lot of debate and enthusiasm among L&D professionals, with many stating that they now had a better foundation for aligning learning programs with business goals. It was more than simply a fantastic event; it was a watershed moment for attendees to start changing their learning practices.
Designing with Purpose: The Mid-Year Spotlight on Learning Design
By mid-year, we had shifted our attention to the basic cornerstone of effective learning: instructional design. Impact by Design: Decoding the Learning Designer’s Considerations was our third top-performing campaign, starring Vidya Rajagopal, Senior Manager and Head of Instructional Design at Upside Learning. The event provided a deep dive into how to design learning experiences that not only instruct but also produce quantifiable outcomes.
Vidya’s insight on how to design with impact deeply resonated with the audience. She underlined the significance of connecting learning material with company objectives, implementing learner engagement tactics, and assessing performance with real outcomes. The workshop was a hit because it addressed the pain points of learning designers, many of whom were looking for advice on how to move beyond old methodologies and create learning that genuinely made a difference. Attendees left with a better grasp of how to incorporate creativity and strategy into their ideas to effect actual change.
Deep Dives Through Interactive eBooks
As the year continued, we broadened our reach with a series of interactive eBooks that provided in-depth insights into the important themes affecting learning and development in 2024. These eBooks immediately became indispensable tools for L&D professionals, significantly contributing to their continuing learning journeys.
Designing for Learning Impact: Strategies and Implementation
Our first eBook of the year, Designing for Learning Impact: Strategies and Implementation, was a huge success among those eager to build learning interventions with a real, verifiable impact. It went beyond theory and provided actual techniques for creating learning experiences that result in quantifiable outcomes. The eBook guided professionals through typical design mistakes and gave a clear framework for developing solutions that drive organizational success. The response was extremely favorable, with readers praising it as a practical reference they could refer to time and again.
Rethinking Learning: Focus on Performance
Our second ebook was another smash-hit, Rethinking Learning: Focus on Performance, expanded on prior campaigns’ success by stressing the transition from information acquisition to practical application. This material was ideal for firms seeking to establish a performance-driven learning environment. It provided L&D professionals with the resources they needed to create learning initiatives that not only educated but also empowered students to use their knowledge successfully. The eBook quickly became a favorite among individuals seeking to improve their learning practices for increased corporate impact.
Skilling for Performance: A Strategic Imperative for Organizations
The third eBook of the year, Skilling for Performance: A Strategic Imperative for Organizations, was another success, delving into how skill development can become a strategic driver of organizational performance. In a period of fast technological development, this eBook was especially appealing to enterprises trying to remain ahead of the curve. It provided useful insights on how to successfully manage skill gaps, ensuring that staff are prepared for the future. Many users praised this eBook for its contemporary and relevant content, and it rapidly became a go-to resource for developing a workforce capable of overcoming tomorrow’s difficulties.
Each campaign was a big success, providing L&D professionals and businesses with useful information and strategies to improve their learning programs. The overwhelming response demonstrates a great demand for practical, performance-driven resources.
As the year advances, Upside Learning stays committed to meeting the changing demands of L&D professionals by offering more valuable sessions and resources.
The L&D Go Beyond Podcast made its long-awaited comeback in 2024. Building on the popularity of the first season, the second season took listeners on a journey through learning impact. Each episode was carefully created to provide genuine, usable insights for workplace learning professionals, and included talks with some of the sharpest minds in the L&D industry.
The first ten episodes of Season 2 covered varied yet related themes, providing listeners with an unprecedented depth of understanding:
- Episode 1: Evolving from Order Taker to Trusted Learning Advisor, with Dr. Keith Keating
- Episode 2: Improving Learning Transfer Effectiveness, with Dr. Ina Weinbauer-Heidel
- Episode 3: Designing Learning for Behavior Change, with Julie Dirksen
- Episode 4: Learner Surveys and Learning Effectiveness, with Will Thalheimer
- Episode 5: Designing for Learning Impact, with Clark Quinn
- Episode 6: Scenario-Based Learning for Learning Impact, with Christy Tucker
- Episode 7: Leveraging the 5 Moments of Need for Learning Impact, with Bob Mosher
- Episode 8: Real World Insights on Learning Impact, with Christopher Lind
- Episode 9: Learning Impact Through a Practitioner’s Lens, with Laura Bartus
- Episode 10: Creating Impactful Reskilling Programs, with Anish Lalchandani
Listeners complimented the program for its high-quality, useful content and the presenters’ practical experiences. Each episode pushed the envelope, challenging L&D professionals to reconsider standard methods and focus on strategies that have measurable impact.
The second season has gotten a resounding reaction, with the L&D community viewing the podcast as a go-to resource for professional development. With such a positive reaction, we are already thinking ideas for the next installment of L&D Go Beyond. The drive to redefine and expand the possibilities of workplace learning continues, and we are looking forward to bringing more intriguing topics to the forefront in the future. Stay tuned for more stimulating debates about defining the future of workplace learning.
Voices of L&D: Amplifying Expertise and Insights
Another fantastic campaign we launched in 2024 was Voices of L&D, which highlighted the expertise and experiences of top specialists in the learning and development area. The campaign, which included prominent voices such as Dr. Keith Keating, Dr. Ina Weinbauer-Heidel, Julie Dirksen, Will Thalheimer, Clark Quinn, Christy Tucker, Bob Mosher, Christopher Lind, Laura Bartus, and Anish Lalchandani, provided practical advice and tried-and-true strategies for addressing critical challenges in workplace learning.
From designing learning that fosters behavior change to developing powerful reskilling programs, Voices of L&D provided a platform for actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas. Each speaker provided a distinct viewpoint, pushing L&D professionals to push boundaries and implement ways that produce significant results.
With Voices of L&D, we are committed to extending the discourse and bringing forward more important discussions that help to advance the workplace learning profession.
Upside Learning at Learning Technologies London 2024
The event provided an opportunity for Upside Learning to demonstrate its expertise in creating learning experiences with quantifiable impact. The organization’s representatives were Sonal Sheth (Chief Operating Officer), Sushant Gore (Head of Business for Europe and the Middle East), and Vidya Rajagopal.
To add to the buzz, Vidya Rajagopal presented an insightful session titled “Impact by Design: Decoding the Learning Designer’s Considerations”. Her presentation explored:
- How to measure learning impact effectively.
- Strategies to navigate design challenges.
- Real-life examples of applying learning science to create success stories.
With over 10,000 attendees this year, 200 exhibitors, and a worldwide audience of over 50 countries, Learning Technologies is Europe’s largest workplace learning event. Upside Learning began preparing for this milestone event in March, with interesting conversations, informative lectures, and meaningful connections.
Upside Learning Solutions Commemorates Two Decades of Operations – April 2024
Reflecting on Two Decades of Innovation and Learning Excellence.
Nearly halfway through the year, Upside Learning Solutions celebrated a significant milestone: 20 years of offering relevant learning solutions. From its origin as a bootstrapped startup to its present position as a renowned leader in the learning and development industry, the company’s route has been defined by a focus on client results, long-term partnerships, and the construction of a pleasant and supportive work environment.
Founder and former CEO Amit Garg remarked on the experience, saying, “Surviving 20 years, especially as a bootstrapped firm, is an incredible accomplishment in and of itself. The true joy comes from seeing the impact we’ve had by assisting customers in achieving actual outcomes, earning several accolades, and building a vibrant working culture. I’m very thankful to our people, clients, and partners for making this happen.”
Celebrating 20 Years of Upside Learning: A Carnival Extravaganza
In celebration of this achievement, Upside Learning held a huge Carnival Extravaganza, converting the venue into a lively, colorful world. The event was packed with enthusiasm, with a majestic carousel, amusing signage, and eccentric centerpieces that reflected the joyful vibe. Stilt walkers gave a touch of enchantment, and the evening was filled with performances, games, and food to keep everyone engaged.
Dazzling Performances & Games
The celebrations began with a live band performing well-known Bollywood songs, followed by fantastic dance performances by Upside employees and a few young members of their family. Carnival-style games and challenges provided a participation element, while the culinary delights kept people entertained all night.
Awards Ceremony: Recognizing Exceptional Achievements
A special awards ceremony recognized the outstanding achievements of people and teams that have been critical to Upside Learning’s success. Categories included:
- Best Growth Mentors
- Most Inspiring Manager
- Most Impressive Debut
- Best Learning & Practice
- Most Dependable & Driven
- Best Managed Account
- Most Innovative Solution
- Fast Expanding Account
Each award recognized accomplishments that have contributed to Upside Learning’s current success.
A Night of Gratitude and Looking Ahead
Amit Garg finished the event by expressing his genuine gratitude to the company’s employees, clients, and partners. The event culminated with a beautiful cake-cutting ritual with Upside workers’ children, reaffirming the company’s spirit of family and unity.
With two decades of success behind us, Upside Learning is excited to continue its journey under new leadership, ready to seize new possibilities and challenges in the learning and development environment. The future is full with potential and ongoing expansion!
One of the Biggest Highlights of This Year: Mitr Learning & Media Acquires Upside Learning Solutions
For Amit Garg, the Founder and former CEO of Upside Learning Solutions, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Reflecting on the acquisition, Amit shared how it felt to see his company’s hard work and dedication culminate in such a significant milestone: “I’m thrilled about the opportunities this new partnership brings. By joining forces with Mitr Learning & Media, we can expand our impact, delivering the solutions we’ve been so passionate about to a wider audience. It’s an exciting time for all of us.”
This purchase was more than simply a financial transaction; it was the merger of two like-minded businesses with a same goal of producing individualized, high-impact learning experiences. Mitr Learning & Media’s leadership in new learning technologies, combined with Upside Learning technologies’ extensive knowledge in specialized training and consulting, is nothing short of powerful. Upside Learning’s team, recognized for its creative and intelligent approach to tackling learning difficulties, has joined Mitr, providing even more firepower to an already vibrant organization.
The move has gone well for both organizations’ teams, partners, and clients. The purchase will only improve the learning experiences people have come to anticipate, as the combined capabilities of the two firms provide additional depth, resources, and creativity.
Rahul Bansal and Siddharth Agarwal, Co-Founders of Mitr Learning & Media, shared their enthusiasm about this collaboration: “We’re excited to welcome Upside Learning Solutions into the Mitr Learning & Media family. This acquisition perfectly aligns with our goal of delivering cutting-edge, results-driven learning solutions. Together, we’re poised to offer even more powerful, customized learning experiences that will help organizations around the world achieve their business goals.”
The future seems promising as the firms move forward as one. It’s not just about expanding; it’s about maintaining excellence in the learning and development arena and creating an even greater impact. Here’s to the future, when Mitr Learning & Media and Upside Learning Solutions will combine their talents to generate even more success stories.
Upside’s Celebratory Moments: A Journey of Togetherness
At Upside Learning, we believe that our organization’s strength is built not just on the work we accomplish, but also on the connections we form along the way. Our Celebratory Days reflect this philosophy—special times throughout the year when the whole team gathers to celebrate, reflect, and participate in the delight of our joint accomplishments. These moments serve as a reminder that we are more than simply coworkers; we are a family bound together by shared experiences, beliefs, and a desire to make a lasting difference. Each celebration provides us time to pause, appreciate one another, and recognize the unique contributions that make Upside Learning a special place to be.
Celebrating Women’s Day at Upside: A Day of Appreciation and Fun
International Women’s Day at Upside was a heartfelt tribute to all of the great women on our team. The day began with a fun and engaging game called Guess the Childhood Photograph, in which all female employees contributed a childhood photo. The excitement intensified as the images were shown one by one, and coworkers anxiously guess who was in each. It prompted laughter and happy recollections, resulting in a lively and welcoming environment.
The event was a magnificent combination of joy, acknowledgment, and friendship, underlining our dedication to acknowledging and encouraging the women at Upside on a daily basis.
In addition to the enjoyable activities, our female colleagues were greeted with a wonderful surprise when they arrived at the workplace. Roses and chocolates were put on their desks as a token of thanks. It was a nice surprise that added to the day’s specialness and meaning for everyone.
Celebrating Independence Day at Upside: A Day of Creativity, Play, and Delicious Food
On August 15th, as the country celebrated Independence Day, the spirit of togetherness and joy was alive and well at Upside Learning. The day was filled with a unique combination of creativity, fun, and companionship, making it an unforgettable experience.
The celebrations began with a photographic competition focusing on the topic “Sports or Animals/Birds.” Employees had taken amazing photographs in preparation, each of which reflects the vitality of sports or the beauty of nature. Some featured frantic athletic activity, while others highlighted the peaceful elegance of birds in flight or animals in their natural environments. The entries demonstrated the team’s ingenuity and commitment, inspiring debates and appreciation among coworkers.
As the day progressed, the team gathered in the cafeteria for a lively and entertaining game of hopscotch. The fun battle had everyone smiling and shouting as teams jumped through the squares, demonstrating their finest routines. Rahul Bansal and Siddharth Agarwal, Mitr Learning & Media’s co-founders, joined in the fun, playing the game and adding to the event’s colorful spirit. The hopscotch challenge evoked youthful excitement in everyone, converting the cafeteria into a center of fun and laughing.
The dress code for the day encouraged everyone to wear a tricolor mix of saffron, white, and green to symbolize the holiday’s ethos.
Following the activities, the team convened for a simple but gratifying lunch, where they shared a great feast, fostering a stronger sense of togetherness and community. The day was the right combination of creativity, play, and community, making it a spectacular Independence Day celebration at Upside Learning.
Diwali at Upside: A Festival of Colors and Creativity
As Diwali came in, the enthusiasm at Upside Learning was palpable, and we were all set to celebrate this happy event with fun and camaraderie. To make the day even more memorable, we planned a Rangoli Competition in which workers competed in teams of two to four people, demonstrating their creativity and collaboration.
The competition was a gorgeous show of colors and intricate designs, with each team collaborating to produce lovely Rangolis that lit up the workplace environment. The environment was filled with laughter and passion as everyone got into the holiday mood, exchanging ideas and working together to produce masterpieces that captured the genuine essence of Diwali.
In addition to the Rangoli Competition, we celebrated with a delicious lunch, allowing everyone to enjoy a full meal while bonding with coworkers. To add to the delight, each employee was given sweets and tiny tokens of thanks, making the day even more special.
Men's Day Celebration at Upside: A Day of Fun and Appreciation
Our Men’s Day party at Upside was full with laughter, camaraderie, and gratitude for the guys who have contributed so much to our success. We started the day with a fun and sentimental activity: Guess the Childhood Photograph. Each male employee provided a childhood photo, which we exhibited one by one, asking everyone to determine who was in each photograph. The room erupted with laughter and eager guesses as everyone sought to figure out which coworker belonged to this charming childhood memory. It was a fun way to bring everyone together, eliciting laughter and creating memories.
Overall, Men’s Day was a wonderful opportunity to show our appreciation for the men at Upside who consistently contribute to the workplace’s success and spirit. It was a day of laughter, bonding, and a reminder of the importance of teamwork and appreciation.
Upside Learning's Award-Winning Journey in 2024: Celebrating Learning Impact
Upside Learning achieved great success in 2024, as evidenced by a number of major accolades that highlight our ongoing dedication to providing exceptional learning solutions. From being acknowledged at the Learning Excellence Awards in March to our strong presence at the Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards in August and the LearnX Live Awards in December, each milestone demonstrates our team’s commitment to producing engaging learning experiences. Here’s a deeper look at our most memorable moments from an award-winning year.
Upside Learning Clinches Top Honors at the 2024 Learning Excellence Awards
In the HR and Talent Development category, we were recognized for revamping the MIGA Induction Program. MIGA’s onboarding process was transformed into a dynamic blended learning experience, which greatly increased employee engagement and skill development. This award recognized our capacity to develop meaningful, high-impact initiatives that make a significant difference.
Upside Learning Retains Solid Performer Status on the 2024 Fosway 9-Grid™
Upside Learning Wins 23 Awards at the 2024 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards
The summer brought additional more praise as Upside Learning won the 2024 Brandon Hall Group HCM Excellence Awards. We received an incredible 23 accolades, including ten gold, seven silver, and six bronze. Notably, we won Gold Awards for Best Custom Content from AstraZeneca and Best Extended Enterprise Learning Program from ISO. Our work with ISO was also honored with a Gold Award in the Best Unique or Innovative Learning and Development Program category, showcasing our ability to create and implement learning solutions that yield concrete outcomes. These awards recognize our effect on enterprises like as Standard Chartered Bank, RHB Bank, and the World Bank Group, proving our leadership in the learning and development market.
December: Upside Learning Triumphs at LearnX 2024, Taking Home 22 Awards for Excellence in Learning Solutions
December marked a memorable end to the year with a remarkable performance at the LearnX Live honors 2024, where Upside Learning won 22 honors, including numerous Diamond Awards. Among our notable achievements, we received a Diamond Award for Best Learning & Talent Development Sales Training from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Best eLearning Project from the World Bank Group. Our tailored solutions received top ratings in a variety of areas, including banking, energy, and international organizations. The success of LearnX cemented Upside Learning’s status as an industry leader capable of providing interesting and effective learning events that yield demonstrable outcomes for our clients.
We’d want to use this moment to convey our genuine appreciation for our clients, partners, and the whole Upside Learning team. Your trust, teamwork, and effort have helped make 2024 a great year. These awards highlight the dedication and enthusiasm that each of you gives to each project. We are delighted to be a part of a journey that promotes development, learning, and success for all participants.
Each award and recognition in 2024 has demonstrated our commitment to quality, innovation, and the development of transformational learning experiences. With each success, we broaden our reach and effect across sectors and organizations. As we look out to the future, the energy of this year feeds our enthusiasm for the opportunities that await. Here’s to another year of development, influence, and quality!
Upside Learning saw exceptional development and performance in 2024. Every milestone highlights our amazing team’s dedication, from winning many major accolades to keeping loyal to our promise to provide powerful, tailored learning solutions. We’ve enjoyed tremendous triumphs with our clients, launched ground-breaking projects, and are always adapting to the ever-changing learning landscape.
Each hurdle we’ve faced and every victory has increased our desire to create transformative learning experiences that produce tangible outcomes.As we approach 2025, we are thrilled by the potential ahead. The energy of this year motivates our desire to build on our achievements and continue to shape the future of learning. We greatly appreciate your continuing confidence and collaboration. Here’s to another year of development, influence, and constant quality!
