Visionary

Builder

Optimier

Meet Clain Udy

Author | Speaker | Leader

I have worked in the field of learning and development for 30 years, and over that time, I have come to learn a few things about myself. These three words describe me best:

Visionary: I have always been good at seeing the hidden things. My strength lies in thinking in the abstract – working with ideas, distilling complex thoughts into models and frameworks that are both elegant and practical, making them accessible and actionable for others.

Builder: I’m an innovator and a builder – both abstract and material things. I’m energized by doing hard things. I’m also an explorer, and I thrive in spaces where I’m challenged to push boundaries, create, and grow.

Performance Optimizer: I love to do hard things, and I am on a continuous quest to step into new and ambitious projects, set ambitious goals, and lead myself and others toward that goal with an ambitious smile

Who I am

Over twenty-five years ago, when I worked as a learning and development consultant (my first professional job), my boss and mentor told me,

“You’re like a kite: very bright, colorful, creative, with an insight that reveals itself in surprising ways – dancing in the sky… but, at the same time, you’re very grounded.”

To what extent that is true, I don’t know; nor am I entirely sure what it means, but I like to think of myself that way.

My background

I grew up in a small valley in Idaho, nestled between mountains that quietly encouraged my curiosity and independence. With a horse at 10 and a motorbike at 12, I made the most of every opportunity to explore the valley and learn about self-reliance.

My summers working on a family friend’s farm and ranch taught me the value of responsibility. Being active in sports helped me develop persistence and a practical approach to life’s challenges. This humble, expansive place played a key role in shaping who I am today.

I enjoy exploring, pushing myself, and climbing high mountains – on a bike and in life.

Outside of work, I’m an avid destination cyclist. I truly value my alone time, whether on my bike or simply being alone (being in my head). This independent spirit, a lifelong connection to fitness, and a love for discovery define who I am both personally and professionally

Education

After earning my bachelor’s degree – in English Literature – I worked at a few starter jobs to test my interest in a few fields: I taught English as a second language in Japan, I wrote for the West Yellowstone News, and I worked for a few years in video production.

I decided that I wanted to be an English Lit. professors, I returned to college with the intention of spending my professional career on a college campus.

As I was applying for PhD. programs, I realized the time and cost of pursing a PhD. in English vs. the salary and job availability were not worth the investment, so I picked up a second master’s degree in Instructional Technology. This put me on the path of a long and satisfying career in Learning and Development in the corporate world.

Professional career

I’ve spent 30 years in Learning and Development, beginning as part of a small, four-person team at a consulting firm where we focused on front-end analysis and designing learning programs for clients like Frito Lay, the IRS, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and Bell Telephone, among others.

Later, I moved into leadership roles in learning and development for an outsourced sales and marketing organization, and then for a home automation and security company.

I currently serve as the Regional Vice President of Learning and Development for Fortidia, a global family of franchise brands headquartered in Milan, Italy.

As a member of the U.S. executive team, I oversee learning and development across brands operating in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and the Netherlands.

My philosophy

In work and in life

Throughout my professional experience, I have sought answers to questions about how people learn, grow, and develop.

In each company I’ve worked for, I’ve been regarded as a thought leader, an innovator, and a builder.

My professional background has not only informed the design of the programs I’ve developed (First Ascent and Peak Potential), as well as the learning community I am forming in Autism Elevated but is central to the pathway we have developed for our son.

Personal life

At the center of life is the premise and the promise of learning, development, and growth. At the center of my life is my family, which serves as the ultimate learning unit. Our lived experience–the good, the bad, and everything in between–has taught us all that we know and has indelibly shaped who we have become. I can’t imagine a more rich, meaningful, and beautiful experience than the one we’ve experienced together, as a family.