Transforming Military Cultural Competence at Scale
Scale
300k+
Total Users
Performance
30%
Competency Increase
Reach
7
Strategic Languages
Status
Required
Institutional Training
Government-Grade Learning Design
We solve the Human Performance gap by transforming knowledge into operational capability: expertise that performs when time is limited, conditions are ambiguous, and consequences are real.
Founded by a Navy Reserve officer.
Small Business & Diverse Supplier Certified.
450,000+ learners across 30+ countries.
How do you train for situations you can't fully predict?
Defense contractors face a persistent challenge: the Human Performance gap. It requires specialized subcontractors who can bridge the technical rigor of government training with the operational realities of high-stakes environments.
You need partners who won't slow you down. You need someone who's been there—who understands what "mission-ready" actually means because they've served in those environments.
That's where we come in.
"Operational readiness isn't just a metric.
It's the mission."
We don't just organize content; we organize learning experiences based on how adult brains encode information under pressure. Our process is validated across DoD, USAID, and State Department programs.
We systematically capture tacit knowledge from SMEs—getting the decision-making frameworks experts can't articulate, not just surface-level procedures.
We transform dense technical content using cognitive load management—progressive complexity building and pattern recognition rather than overwhelming working memory.
We create practice scenarios mirroring operational cognitive demands—realistic decision-making under pressure and error recovery in risk-free environments.
We pilot test with actual learners before deployment, validating that training works for your real personnel across experience levels, not hypothetical students.
Most training fails because traditional content principles overlook how adults actually learn complex systems. We solve this by applying the cognitive science of language acquisition—our content-agnostic methodology—to technical domains, accelerating the path to rapid, effective mastery.
Follows a linear, content-heavy progression (Chapter 1, Chapter 2) that ignores cognitive capacity limits and rarely translates to operational readiness.
Organizes experience cognitively. We respect working memory limits (3-5 concepts) and build progressive complexity, just like teaching a language.
Training that is technically accurate but unusable fails. Our approach is driven by creating human-centered learning experiences that are effective, engaging, and efficient.
We apply UX/UI design principles across all modalities—synchronous, asynchronous, hybrid, in-person, immersive scenarios, and tabletop exercises. Whether digital or analog, we create intuitive learning architectures that reduce cognitive load, allowing learners to focus on the mission.
Prioritizes curriculum development while treating user experience as a decorative afterthought, often resulting in clunky, high-friction interfaces.
Design is architecture. We ensure every touchpoint—from a software interface to a facilitator guide—is cognitively ergonomic and intuitive under pressure.
| Comparison | Traditional Agencies | CoCrea8 Learning Design |
|---|---|---|
| Methodology | Pedagogical theory (classroom focus) | Cognitive Science & Linguistics (operational focus) |
| Development | Template-based implementation | Custom UX/UI for cognitive load reduction |
| Expertise | Delegated delivery teams | Founder-led (15+ yrs govt experience) |
| Outcome | Completion rates | Measurable performance transfer |
CoCrea8 Learning Design is a performance-focused consultancy specializing in training that performs under operational pressure. We exist to solve the hardest learning challenges—building critical judgment rather than just teaching procedures.
Founder & CEO | U.S. Navy Reserve Officer
Learning Strategist and Navy Reserve officer with 15+ years of experience designing learning systems for the DoD, USAID and US State Dept. Credentials include a MPhil in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics, University of Cambridge and a B.Sc. in Cognitive Psychology, Florida State University. But the real measure isn't credentials—it's results.
"Are you just a solo consultant?"
No. We operate through a strategic network model.
CoCrea8 maintains a curated group of specialized contractors who collaborate on projects—think of it as having a bench of top-tier talent strategically deployed for your specific needs, without the fixed overhead costs of maintaining full-time staff.
Our core network members have collaborated across 15+ major projects over 5+ years, so we know each other's work intimately. When you need animation, technical illustration, audio production, or specialized development, we bring in the exact expertise required.
We are a full-service partner guiding you from initial conversations through design, development, final implementation, and evaluation. We handle the complete lifecycle, giving you one point of contact and one consistent quality standard.
Our founder personally leads all instructional design and QA. You're not handed off to junior staff.
We use agile project management to navigate changing requirements and compressed timelines, ensuring deliverables evolve with your mission needs.
Every deliverable meets the standards we've maintained across DoD, USAID, and State Dept contracts.
Woman-owned, diverse supplier certifications with responsiveness large firms can't match.
"We believe training is only as good as what people can do afterward. Not what they remember on a test. Not what looks impressive in a demo. What they can actually execute under pressure."
Our commitment extends beyond the contract. We actively engage with and support the broader Contracting and Learning & Development communities, contributing insights and fostering partnership. We believe in shared success—by elevating the ecosystem together, we prove that a rising tide truly raises all ships.
Start the ConversationSpecialized tools for cognitive resilience in high-stakes environments. We don't just deliver content; we build the architecture for decision-making under pressure.
Download Capabilities Statement
Virtual and hybrid crisis training that builds adaptive decision-making under pressure. We've trained 100+ participants across 30+ countries in real-time humanitarian emergency scenarios. We understand how to create cognitive load that matches operational conditions.
Led CultureReady Basics curriculum within DoD's Culture Program (300,000+ total program users), deployed publicly and via Joint Knowledge Online for DoD service members, Foreign Area Officers, and university students across 7 strategic languages. CQ Certified Facilitator with DoD Cultural Intelligence Trainer certification.
Complex technical content transformed into operational learning that transfers to workplace performance. We've taken climate science, infrastructure engineering, and policy frameworks and made them accessible without sacrificing depth—achieving 90% increase in knowledge retention at 30 days and a 50% reduction in time-to-competency.
SCORM 1.2/2004 compliant, xAPI integration, Section 508 accessibility. Government-standard development with experience across commercial LMSs (Canvas, Blackboard, Desire2Learn) and proprietary DoD systems. We build learning that works in your technical environment.
Our multidisciplinary approach ensures holistic support from organizational strategy to individual learning outcomes.
Proven performance on complex government contracts delivering measurable operational outcomes.
Scale
300k+
Total Users
Performance
30%
Competency Increase
Reach
7
Strategic Languages
Status
Required
Institutional Training
DoD faced a critical inefficiency: teaching cross-cultural competence to personnel operating across 7 strategic language regions. Traditional approaches relied on 7 separate, static programs that focused on memorization rather than competency, failing to prepare personnel for high-stakes, unpredictable environments.
CoCrea8 led the development of a content-agnostic methodology integrating three distinct domains: Culture-General Knowledge, Culture-Specific Information, and Target Language Proficiency.
"The CultureReady Basics program revolutionized how we approach cultural competence... the sustained adoption across the department validates the program's exceptional design."
— DoD DLNSEO Program Director
Scale
100+
Simultaneous Participants
Global Reach
30+
Countries Represented
Rating
#1
Highest Rated Session
Outcome
Evergreen
Framework Adopted
CoCrea8 designed "Perfect Storm," eliminating all "training" cues. Participants entered a live, unfolding scenario with incomplete information, cascading consequences, and real-time facilitation acting as a command center.
"I was so engaged in navigating the virtual emergency, I forgot I was in training. It felt real."
— Humanitarian Affairs Field Specialist
"Leila and her team worked with USAID and TRG's LTS team to design an elaborate interactive, immersive tabletop exercise, that was expertly executed... Both of these sessions were the highest rated sessions for the entire workshop."
— Facilitation & Training Lead, TRG
Learners
12,000+
Across 6 Continents
Retention
+90%
Increase at 30 Days
Speed
50%
Faster Time-to-Competency
Budget
Zero
Overruns ($MM Portfolio)
USAID needed to translate complex climate science (Finance, Natural Solutions, Adaptation) for diverse global audiences ranging from novices to experts. Traditional lecture-based training yielded poor retention and minimal field application.
We designed a comprehensive ecosystem combining self-paced e-learning (Climate Basics), interactive virtual workshops (Deep Dives), and job aids.
"Leila has grown to take on the entire training portfolio... She did it with grace and professionalism that should be held up as an example."
— Project Director
Scale
70+
Languages
Proficiency
ILR 3+
Target Level
Compliance
100%
Zero Violations
Impact
Sustained
Institutional Use
The Foreign Service Institute needed to prepare diplomats for posts in 70+ languages, requiring advanced proficiency (ILR 3+) and deep integration of diplomatic protocol. The challenge was scaling quality instruction across dozens of languages while maintaining strict security and cultural accuracy.
CoCrea8 developed a comprehensive curriculum architecture integrating language, culture, and protocol.
"[CoCrea8's] ability to scale sophisticated instructional design across 70+ languages while maintaining diplomatic context relevance exceeded our expectations."
— FSI School of Language Studies Leadership
Participants
108+
From 4 Continents
Satisfaction
100%
Client Rating
Format
5-Day
Multi-Track Virtual
Legacy
Model
Adopted for Future
USAID needed to deliver sophisticated technical training to a global audience with varying expertise levels. The challenge was managing a multi-day virtual conference that balanced deep technical specializations (Finance, Adaptation, etc.) with necessary cross-pollination.
CoCrea8 designed an immersive 5-day architecture with parallel specialized tracks that converged for cross-sectoral problem solving.
"The cross-track sessions were brilliant—I learned as much from other specializations as my own."
— Implementing Partner
Trusted by government agencies, prime contractors, and international organizations to deliver under pressure.
"Leila brings an infectious enthusiasm to every project she tackles. As a trusted partner in brainstorming sessions, she offers valuable insights drawn from her unique blend of experience in both development and defense sectors... Leila’s passion for these topics is evident, and she effortlessly channels that energy into helping others."
Director of Training & Facilitation
Training Resources Group (USAID contract)
"Leila is a joy to work with and has played a critical role in SEEK’s accomplishments... Leila’s confidence in her abilities and strategic acumen has enabled her to engrain herself in complex client systems. Her ability to manage SMEs and help them apply best practices in adult learning principles enabled CCS to deliver a product in a timely fashion."
Organizational Development & Training Lead
Training Resources Group (USAID contract)
"Leila has grown to take on the entire training portfolio for CCS. She is navigating several requests (and demands with changing deadlines)... She does it with grace and professionalism that should be held up as an example to anyone new to TRG."
Training and Facilitation Lead
Training Resources Group (USAID contract)
"Leila is a great organizer, and is always thinking about how she can improve processes to make it easier not only for herself, but for her developers, and to create the best product possible for the client."
Project Manager
Diplomatic Language Services
"I'm so grateful for your creative ID skills, unwavering positivity, and true commitment to our projects. Looking forward to more ID work together in 2026!"
Founder
Innovate Globally
"Leila and her team worked with USAID and TRG's LTS team to design an elaborate interactive, immersive tabletop exercise, that was expertly executed...Both of these sessions were the highest rated sessions for the entire workshop."
Facilitation & Training Lead, TRG
Training Resources Group (USAID contract)
Thought leadership at the intersection of cognitive science and operational readiness.
An exploration of the innovative "Three-Domain Integration" methodology behind DoD's culture and language training. How we combined culture-general, culture-specific, and language proficiency into one cohesive learning model.
Read Full ArticleWhether you need specialized instructional design expertise, full training program delivery, or a partner who understands operational realities, we're here to help.
Contact Us
Woman-Owned Small Business
Diverse Supplier Gateway Certified
Active Security Clearance Capability
Florida
Orlando (Primary)
Washington, D.C.
Metro Area