Gemma Towersey wins Gold at the Learning Technologies Awards 2021

The Mind Tools team are delighted to share that Learning Experience Manager Gemma Towersey won the Gold award in the ‘Learning Designer of the Year’ category at the 2021 Learning Technologies Awards.

Gemma’s award was based on her work with some of Mind Tools’ biggest clients, including global schools programme The International Baccalaureate, food and drink manufacturer Suntory and the team at Heathrow Airport.



Speaking about working with Gemma, Heathrow Digital Learning Manager Ian Sumner said:

“Gemma really took the time to understand our unique needs and those of our audience. She zeroed in on metrics at scoping and kept us focused on them whilst the materials were developed.”

Alicia Miller, Senior Manager of Professional Development: PYP at the IB, said:

“Implementing an IB education is complex for our educators around the world. Gemma has taken the time to learn about these complexities and each product she has created with us dives into one aspect of an IB education, through an inquiry cycle. We create products for a global audience, and Gemma has approached this work with sensitivity to cultural contexts, especially in how we use images and video.”

Gemma’s manager, Ross Garner, said:

“This month marks five years that Gemma has worked at Mind Tools. Throughout that time, she’s lead on some of our most complex projects; she’s demonstrated a passion for measuring what we do; and she’s become an active contributor to the L&D community through her appearances on the Mind Tools L&D Podcast.

“As a colleague, she’s shaped the way we work by constantly advocating for the learner. As a direct report, she’s a reassuring presence capable of handling any learning design challenge. And as a friend, she’s supported and coached me through difficult decisions. It’s my privilege to see her win this award and I believe that she demonstrates the award criteria every day.”

Gemma’s Gold award is the third consecutive year that a Mind Tools Learning Experience Designer has placed in this category. In 2020, Tracey McDonald took Bronze. In 2019, Ross Garner took Gold.