Meet the Trainer: James Conrad
James Conrad makes even work seem fun. He is a well-known Microsoft expert and a rockstar CBT Nuggets trainer since 2003.
It all started with a broken typewriter that sparked James’s interest in technology, though it would take years before he turned that passion into a career. Now, James brings a unique perspective on making technology work for you. In his latest courses, he walks you through computing fundamentals, cybersecurity fundamentals, Microsoft, and Linux. Whether it’s Microsoft systems, Windows, cybersecurity strategies, or PC hardware, he knows the ins and outs of it all.
Let’s get to know James for the trainer we all know and love.
Has your approach to video training changed over the years? If so, how? When I first started training with CBT Nuggets we didn't have video cameras on the trainer. This is fine because it's mostly visual and audible training. However these days, I like to be on camera myself. Even though there is nobody else actually present when I do the training, it somehow makes me feel more connected to my audience. Hopefully learners don’t get too tired of seeing me—haha. Also I try to make my individual training videos shorter. In years past, I might have some videos that were an hour long. Now, I try to make them a little bit more digestible and bite-sized.
A new tip or trick you love sharing with learners is: Any kind of shortcut to simplify a process.
The best part about being a trainer is… Seeing the learners become successful! I really try to make myself a friend to the learner. Although I rarely meet learners in person I want them to know that they have someone who cares about their learning and their progress, and I try to communicate that in my overall approach and tone to the training.
What have been some of your favorite moments or feedback from learners these past few years? I've received messages from learners who have passed exams, gotten promotions, landed jobs they didn’t think they could get, and otherwise advanced in their careers. It’s incredibly encouraging to see these types of messages. In fact, it's even more gratifying when one of my learners actually surpasses me. One of my dear friends is someone I met as a learner at CBT Nuggets, and now he's doing high-level work that I could never do. I'm so grateful to have helped him get started in his IT career.
Do you have any fun anecdotes or stories from your training sessions? Well, my pets seem to get involved in my training sometimes. I've actually used one of them as a training tool! The topic was keeping people out of things in a security context, and we were having trouble keeping the cat out of mischief, so I used that as a sort of illustration. I also live in Arizona, where it's very hot. A couple of times a week, an ice cream truck goes down the street, music blaring to announce its presence. Often, I have to stop training and run out to the street to line up behind all the kids to buy ice cream. Real mature for a guy my age—haha.
When I'm not making CBT Nuggets videos, you'll find me…. Traveling! I love overseas travel to Italy, Austria, Hungary, Estonia, Romania, Georgia, Russian-speaking countries, and more. I’m learning Russian, but so far, I’m pretty poor at it. I also love to ski—usually in Colorado or France. One of my favorite pastimes is landscape photography, but I rarely have time for it anymore. You can see my photography on Instagram @jamesconrad.photos. I also have three motorcycles that I try not to crash, and a new grandson that I love to visit in Texas.
What’s your learning philosophy? Make complex topics as simple as possible, and distill them down to their most essential elements. Technical documentation that goes into excruciating detail on a particular topic, but doesn't actually show you how to use it is very frustrating. So I tried to take that kind of information and make it very practical and useful for the learner.
Favorite Nugget: Implement Encryption. It’s not highly technical, but does show something about my training style!
Train with James Conrad
Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (MD-102)
Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
Connect with James on X!
If you’re looking to level up as a systems administrator, cybersecurity pro, or Microsoft specialist, you’re in the right place. James brings his signature style to each course, with a mission to help others succeed and make tech feel a little less intimidating. Jump into one of James’ courses with CBT Nuggets and see just how far his training can take you.
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