Meet Fred Margolis, Independent Consultant, Author, and nationally recognized expert in adult training and performance improvement.

Early Passion for Adult Learning

Fred’s passion for adult learning began in high school where he attended the prestigious Todd School for Boys in Woodstock, Illinois, a prep school that was way ahead of its time. Rather than lecture and test-taking, the curriculum focused on helping students develop a keen sense of inquiry through participatory learning experiences. This approach, says Fred, “turned me on”.

The principal at the Todd School, Arthur Shedlin, a colleague and friend of Malcolm Knowles (who is often called “the father of adult education”), was so impressed with Fred’s enthusiasm and capabilities, that he introduced him to Malcom, who was a professor at Boston University — and the rest is history.

As a student at Boston University, and a protégé of Malcom Knowles, Fred developed the insights and skills that led to his brilliant and successful career as an adult educator, consultant, and author.

"Knowing" is Not Enough

As Fred says, "Knowing things is not enough. All jobs require the application of this knowledge, which involves the skills of analysis and judgment."

Fred has developed over 125 courses which prepare people to effectively analyze the decision-making required of the job, and then exercise the necessary judgment to perform the job successfully. He has done this for a variety of fields including accounting, safety, sales, finance, law, computer science, mentoring, performance feedback, and employee-supervisor communication.

Fred developed numerous courses for Price Waterhouse, DuPont, and The World Bank, many of which have been translated into 20 languages.

Prolific Author and Thought Leader

In addition to his more than 20 published articles in training periodicals such as Training News and Training and Development Magazine, Fred’s best-selling books, Instructing for Results and The Trainer’s Handbook for Participative Learning have been perennial must-read standards for course developers worldwide.

Fred and his wife Susan Tipton enjoy traveling, gardening, wine collecting, and rescuing and caring for dogs. They reside in Potomac, Maryland.