By Katherine Beaty
Public speaking is one of my passions. I enjoy sharing insights on a wide range of topics, from the parking industry to fraud prevention, cybersecurity, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). At events and conferences, two questions consistently come up:
- How did you learn that?
- Where did you find the time?
The answer surprises most people. It’s not an exclusive course, expensive seminar, or elite degree. My secret weapon is something almost everyone has access to — YouTube.
The Ivy League of the internet
While many spend hours scrolling through social media platforms, I scroll through YouTube. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a gateway to continuous learning, like a free Ivy League campus at your fingertips. The platform offers a wealth of knowledge on virtually any topic, presented in short, engaging videos that are easy to fit into a busy schedule.
Here are a few examples of how YouTube has helped me tackle challenges at work and stay ahead in a fast-changing world.
My first YouTube learning experience: Excel
I used YouTube as a learning tool for the first time when I wanted to improve my Excel skills. At the time, I knew the basics — how to input data and create simple formulas — but I realized that mastering Excel could make me much more efficient and effective at work.
I searched YouTube for “Excel tips for beginners,” and within seconds, I found a series of short videos explaining everything from creating pivot tables to using advanced formulas like VLOOKUP and INDEX-MATCH. One of the most helpful videos was only five minutes long but completely transformed how I approached organizing and analyzing data.
Armed with these new skills, I could automate tasks that previously took hours and present data in ways that made insights more accessible to my team. That first experience showed me how powerful YouTube can be as a learning tool and inspired me to keep using it for other challenges.
Creating better training videos
More recently, my company launched a new product, and I was tasked with creating training content. Most people would approach this by starting a virtual meeting, sharing their screen, and hitting “record.” But I wanted something more polished and professional.
I turned to YouTube and searched for “video recording and editing using Microsoft products.” Within moments, I found an 8-minute video introducing Microsoft Stream, a tool included in our Microsoft Office 365 suite. Stream is like a personal YouTube studio, enabling users to record, edit, and store video content seamlessly.
Intrigued, I watched another 3-minute tutorial on how to get started. In less than 30 minutes, I had enough knowledge to begin creating my own training videos. Of course, there were some hiccups along the way — muted microphones, barking dogs, and accidental deletions — but those missteps helped me refine my process. Soon, I was producing high-quality content that was both effective and professional.
Learning to leverage AI
Another area where YouTube has been invaluable is in my exploration of artificial intelligence. At first, AI seemed daunting — a complex field reserved for tech wizards. But I was determined to understand how it could benefit both me and my company.
A simple YouTube search for “How to use AI for productivity” opened up a world of possibilities. I found tutorials on tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E that demonstrated how AI could automate mundane tasks, analyze data, and even generate creative ideas.
These short, practical videos made AI accessible and actionable. By experimenting with what I learned, I began incorporating AI into my work, streamlining workflows, and inspiring my colleagues to explore its potential as well.
The key to lifelong learning
What I’ve discovered through these experiences is that knowledge is everywhere: You just have to look for it. YouTube’s bite-sized, digestible videos make even the most complex topics approachable, enabling you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule.
The flexibility of this approach is one of its greatest strengths. Whether you have five minutes during lunch, ten minutes while waiting for an appointment, or a free evening, you can use that time to build skills that transform your career and personal life.
Final thoughts
Lifelong learning doesn’t require a formal classroom or a hefty price tag. It requires curiosity, initiative, and the willingness to explore tools like YouTube. The next time you’re tempted to scroll through your social feed, consider searching for a topic you’ve always wanted to learn about. You might be surprised by how much you can accomplish with just a few clicks.
For me, YouTube has been an open door to endless possibilities. It’s helped me create better training content, leverage cutting-edge technology, and grow in a rapidly changing world. The knowledge I’ve gained has not only advanced my career but also enriched my personal life.
So, what’s stopping you? Open YouTube, type in your next challenge, and let the journey begin.
Katherine Beaty is the CEO and president of Beaty Solutions. She can be reached at [email protected].
