A custom learning platform that blends modular content, coaching, and automation

The Problem

At the core of Peerpod’s model is its extensive session library—nearly 100 unique learning sessions designed to address common business and people challenges, and help learners develop skills in leadership, productivity, and collaboration.

Founder Carl Martin envisioned a system where this library could be dynamically customized to create tailored learning programs for different clients. However, existing learning management systems (LMS) were too rigid, optimized for repeating programs rather than customized, client-specific learning experiences.

Initially, Peerpod used Circle as its online home, but administering each new program required over an hour of manual copy-pasting. Carl also wanted the database library to have rich data and metadata, to enable him to build custom programs and roll out other service offerings. But with Circle, the session database was maintained in Google Sheets, meaning there was no incentive to expand on the metadata associated with each session.

He was looking for a system that:

• Seamlessly integrated with Airtable, the ideal database for Peerpod’s content library
• Offered him the flexibility to explore the playground of ideas and vision he had for Peerpod, and create the core set of functionality he needed
• Enabled him to make updates and customizations without relying on a developer

The Solution

Carl worked with Softr expert Shenal Harakh, who built a robust LMS and content delivery platform for Peerpod using Softr, Airtable, and Zapier. This no-code system supports four key user roles:

• Admins, who oversee the entire system, managing content, users, and programs.
• Associates, the individuals who deliver Peerpod’s programs on its behalf.
• Clients, who represent companies that purchase Peerpod’s services and their client users, who may or may not have enrolled in programs as learners.
• Learners, the employees from client companies who have been assigned to a specific learning program.

Shenal and Carl built the LMS in two phases: they first focused on building the interface and custom program creation, then built in email nudges around each session using Airtable automations.

The next phase involved building assessments and a new client interface into the platform. The new system automates the following workflows:

1. Program creation: Peerpod can create customized programs for each client based on the session library, with the ability to segment learners into multiple cohorts and define the number of sessions in each program. Based on those inputs, the platform automatically creates records in Airtable for each session and cohort, eliminating manual session creation and saving significant admin time.
2. Session scheduling: Admins define three key pieces of data—number of sessions, cadence (e.g. monthly, fortnightly), and start date—and the system calculates all the necessary scheduling details automatically.
3. Learner experience and content delivery: The learner interface built with Softr is designed to provide the right information at the right time. If a session is upcoming, learners can only see preparatory materials. Once the session is completed, they gain access to recordings, homework, and additional resources.
4. Client communication and credit tracking: Clients can access real-time data on program participation, learning progress, and session credit usage (Peerpod works on a credit-based system) on one dashboard. Shenal used Softr’s container blocks to show clients their remaining credits and overall company level statistics when they log into the portal.
5. Pre- and post-program surveys: The system includes dynamic surveys built using Softr’s conditional forms. Before a program starts, learners receive a welcome email and a link to a pre-program survey, which adapts based on the program’s theme and objectives. Once the program concludes, both learners and their managers receive post-program feedback forms.
6. Bulk enrolment: Uploading new users to Softr by CSV simplifies onboarding, while magic links ensure frictionless user authentication to the Peerpod platform.
7. Zoom attendance tracking: Through a Zoom integration with Zapier, the system logs attendance in real time, providing granular insights at individual, cohort, and company levels.