The Talent Development Hot Seat

Today, Andy sits down with Simmer Singh, a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience spanning Fortune 500 companies across the globe. This episode dives deep into workplace culture and the concept of cultural intelligence. Simmer shares; Her journey of rebuilding her career in a new culture as an immigrantUnique insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The power of cultural intelligence, how it differs from emotional intelligence, and its vital role in today's global workplace. Her thoughts on the evolving landscape of workplace culture post-pandemic, emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership and creating a culture of trust and open communication. Whether you're navigating cultural transitions, leading diverse teams, or looking to enhance your workplace environment, this episode is packed with valuable insights for talent development professionals. With a rich HR leadership background in Fortune 500 companies, Simmer has navigated complex cultural challenges and spearheaded glob

Today, we’re exploring a topic that’s front and center for every talent development leader: building a high-performance culture and cultivating genuine community at work.The pressure to create thriving, connected, results-focused organizations has never been higher—and getting it right goes far beyond slogans or perks. Developing the right mindset, practices, and community is a true differentiator, especially for fast-growing companies navigating constant change.Our guest, Stacey Porter, Chief People Officer at Procept Biorobotics, returns with invaluable insights from her decades of experience, including:Her approach to intentionally designing culture—treating it like a product you can shape, market, and continually refine.How high-performance isn’t just about hiring smart people, but empowering teams with real decision-making authority and clarity.Why "getting 1% better" is more than a slogan—it's a practical framework for individual and organizational growth.The tactical side of leadership development, spo

Today we're diving deep into one of our most popular and timeless topics: measuring impact in talent development. Many organizations still grapple with proving the tangible effects of their learning and training programs, which is crucial for securing funding, gaining support, and becoming strategic partners within companies.Our guest, Kevin M. Yates, known fondly as the L&D Detective, joins us once again to:Share his wisdom and experience in surfacing the true value of learning initiatives in organizational success. Share his journey from aspirational ideas to actionable strategiesDiscuss importance of using business metrics over surveysExplore how training, learning, and other contributors collectively drive performance within the workplace ecosystem.Although this conversation was originally recorded during a community call within our Talent Development Think Tank Community, it's packed with fresh insights, including Kevin's updated L&D Detective kit.Kevin is not just an expert in learning and devel

In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte Evans, the Director of Global Customer Advocacy at Coursera for Business. Charlotte brings a wealth of expertise in the realm of talent development, focusing on how organizations can drive transformation through upskilling and reskilling initiatives. Together, they explore;The burgeoning trend of skills-based learningThe pivotal role of AI as both a disruptor and an enabler in the workplace. Charlotte's insights on the top skills in demand, derived from data on 5 million Coursera learners.How organizations like yours can align learning strategies with business outcomes. Dive into this episode to uncover the latest trends in AI, talent mobility, and more, as you gear up to stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of talent development.As Director, Global Customer Advocacy, Coursera for Business, Charlotte Evans collaborates with leading organizations to drive workforce transformation through upskilling and reskilling initiatives. Her focus is advising companies across i

Today, we are diving into an intriguing topic that is at the forefront of many minds in the talent development sphere: AI transformation in the workplace. Our episode features a keynote session by Charlotte Evans from Coursera, who serves as the Director of Global Customer Advocacy, specializing in workforce transformation through upskilling and reskilling.In this episode, originally recorded at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference back in November, Charlotte takes us through;A rapidly evolving landscape where AI is not just a buzzword, but a critical tool for future workforce readinessThe unprecedented speed at which AI tools like ChatGPT have reached global adoption Her insights on how talent development professionals can harness AI for productivity gains.The challenges of integrating AI smoothly into business models, emphasizing the importance of aligning L&D strategies with measurable outcomes, as well as maintaining a growth mindset in the face of rapid technological advancements.Join us as w

In this bonus Q&A with Ash Panjwani, she shares:Her proudest moment and biggest failure in her career so farA trend that she is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge she sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on her lifeOne piece of career advice she has for youAsh Panjwani's journey began with a clear vision at an unusually young age. At just 16, while immersed in an AP Psychology course, Ash discovered a fascination with interpersonal dynamics and business operations. Growing up in a family with a small business owner father and a marketing executive mother, Ash was constantly surrounded by discussions about people, management, and workplace interactions. These daily conversations piqued Ash's interest in how these elements influenced business environments, sparking a lifelong passion for understanding the human aspect of business, even before fully grasping what the business world entailed.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Ta

Today we're thrilled to feature Ash Panjwani, the Head of Talent Development at Procore. Ash brings her wealth of experience from companies like Twilio and VMware to share;Her transformative approach to leadership developmentHer unique Define, Drive, and Develop frameworkHow the framework aligns leadership expectations to build ecosystems that nurture leaders on a large scaleWhether you're a talent development pro, a leader, or someone keen on organizational growth, this episode is loaded with actionable insights. Don't miss out on learning how Ash and her team are revolutionizing talent and leadership development. Tune in and elevate your understanding and capabilities within your organization!Ash Panjwani's journey began with a clear vision at an unusually young age. At just 16, while immersed in an AP Psychology course, Ash discovered a fascination with interpersonal dynamics and business operations. Growing up in a family with a small business owner father and a marketing executive mother, Ash was constan

Today's episode welcomes Arno Pepperkoorn, the Chief Talent Officer at Omnicom Media Group in the Netherlands, for an insightful conversation on constructing a robust learning academy. With a wealth of experience in media and creative industries, Arno & Andy discuss;The challenges and triumphs of building the HUME Academy, a one-year program designed to develop human media and professional skills for new employees. How this innovative academy addresses critical topics such as diversity, inclusivity, mental health, and leadership, while also providing Practical insights into the global working culture, specifically comparing Dutch, US, and UK approaches. If you're looking to enhance your talent development strategies and cultivate a more inclusive work environment, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Join us as we delve into creating meaningful and effective learning experiences for the future.Arno Peperkoorn is a prominent figure in the media and creative industries, currently serving as the C

In this episode, Andy dives deep into the realms of mental health, resilience, emotional well-being, and the importance of courage in the workplace with expert Justine Froelker. Justine brings over 25 years of experience as a licensed professional counsellor and together they dive into;The challenges we face in today's fast-paced worldPractical advice for improving well-being both at home and at work Justine's transformative career shift towards empowering leaders with courage-centered strategies. As the author of 11 books and a seasoned speakerJustine's unique perspective on fostering workplace cultures that support personal growth and authentic connection.Setting boundariesEmbracing vulnerabilityEnhancing emotional intelligenceJustine now shares her own curriculum, Courage is Built Here™, after being certified in Dr. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy for 11 years. This transformative program empowers individuals to live and lead with self-awareness, authenticity, and resili

In today's episode, Andy sits down with Jill Schulman, a former United States Marine Corps officer and acclaimed expert on the science of bravery. Together, they explore:Courage and bravery within the workplaceJills extensive background in military service Corporate leadership Positive psychology to offer actionable insights on how we can unlock individual and team potential through the science of braveryJills academic research on bravery Powerful strategies to help us recognize fear and take bold actions to overcome itWhether it's having difficult conversations, pursuing ambitious goals, or breaking out of our comfort zones, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to bolster their courage in both personal and professional spheres. Join us as we dive deep into cultivating a brave mindset for a more fulfilling and impactful career.Jill Schulman is a former USMC officer, leadership expert, happiness scientist, and keynote speaker who specializes in helping individuals and teams unlock th

In this bonus Q&A with Jonathan Hodge, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youJonathan Hodge offers a compelling journey of growth and transformation, highlighted by an impressive 22-year career in the professional development industry. Originally emerging from a background in tech sales, Jonathan honed his skills as a senior salesperson and eventually became a sales manager for a telecommunications company. His passion for personal and team development led him to the field of adult and professional growth. Taking inspiration from his father, a former business leader who transitioned into the realm of adult development later in his career, Jonathan carved a niche for himself in helping others reach their potential and is President of Advantage Performance Group (APG).Connect

Today, we are diving into a crucial conversation about the ethical use of generative AI in the field of learning and development. Our guest is Jonathan Hodge, the CEO and President of Advantage Performance Group, a professional services firm dedicated to creative learning solutions. Andy and Jonathan discuss;Jonathan's insights on the potential challenges and risks associated with AI.Four key guidelines for its ethical use. How AI is reshaping talent development.The importance of balancing innovation with ethical considerations. Whether you're new to AI or already incorporating it into your work, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate this evolving landscape responsibly. Listen in as we uncover the future of AI in talent development and how it can be harnessed to drive growth and success while respecting ethical boundaries.Jonathan Hodge offers a compelling journey of growth and transformation, highlighted by an impressive 22-year career in the professional development industry. Or

In this bonus Q&A with Rashi, she shares:Her proudest moment and biggest failure in her career so farA trend that she is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge she sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on her lifeOne piece of career advice she has for youRashi Kakkar has a career spanning strategy consulting, sports management, design thinking / service design and digital transformations, before getting into learning and development at McKinsey. All of this has helped Rashi develop her own unique look at problems and servicing and developing others. Currently Rashi is the Global Manager and Portfolio Lead for Leadership Development at McKinsey and Author of the Decks and Diapers blog. All views expressed in this podcast interview are her own and not representative of the McKinsey organization. Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Check out Andy's feature on Rashi's Blog here Connect with Rash

Today we welcome Rashi Kakkar, Global Manager and Portfolio Lead for Leadership Development at McKinsey & Company. Rashi shares her unique journey from strategy consulting, sports management, and digital transformations to her current role in learning and development. Together, Andy and Rashi delve into a range of compelling topics, including: The Brand of learning and development (L&D)Digital transformationsScaling and upskilling employees within a global organization, with a focus on professional services. Rashi provides valuable insights into the importance of clear communication, people alignment, and capability building during organizational transformations. She also discusses the significance of breaking down silos, working closely with IT and digital teams, and the need for L&D to take a more strategic, proactive approach. Additionally, Rashi shares her perspective on using principles from CX, UX design, service design, and agile thinking to enhance talent development practices. Listen in t

In this bonus Q&A with Mehmet, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youHis full name is Mehmet Baha and everyone calls him Baha. Since his childhood, he has been fascinated by the question: “How can I make a difference in the lives of people?” His interest leads him to win a scholarship from Fulbright and finish his master’s in the USA on the topic of Conflict Resolution.He has lived and worked in Germany, Turkey, Ireland, Guatemala, and the USA with more than 24 years of work experience. Baha was one of the first employees of Facebook in Europe. Throughout his life, he has realized the importance of having psychological safety to create high-performing teams. So far, he has delivered training and given talks in more than 28 countries across 5 continents. Recently, h

Today we delve into an essential topic for anyone in the world of talent development: Psychological Safety. Our guest, Mehmet Baha, is a renowned expert in this field, having started his career with Facebook in Europe and now conducting extensive research and training on creating and fostering psychological safety in organizations.In this episode, Mehmet will:Share his intriguing journey from his impactful time at Facebook to his broader research across various organizations. Explore what psychological safety truly means and how it significantly impacts culture, leadership, team performance, learning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Provide both common pitfalls and valuable strategies that organizations can use to cultivate a psychologically safe environment.Whether you're keen on boosting team performance, navigating organizational change, or enhancing your company's learning and development initiatives, this episode offers invaluable insights. Mehmet's practical examples and actionable tips prom

In this bonus Q&A with Matthew, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youMatthew has 25 years in the learning space - both corporate and for agencies. His experience ranges from working with global clients with large culture and organisational change programmes, develop learning strategies, develop learning solutions and occasionally getting out in the wild to deliver leadership programmes. All this is across lots of different sectors: pharma, automotive, manufacturing, telco and retail. His big passion is improving business performance through people - especially focusing on authentic leadership, innovation, culture, empowerment and trust.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Matthew Moxon here:LinkedIn

Today we dive deep into the complexities and nuances of leadership with our special guest, Matthew Moxon, the Global Director of Learning Experience Design at Nazare. With over 25 years of experience across sectors like pharma, automotive, and manufacturing, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge on developing authentic leadership, fostering innovation, and cultivating an empowering corporate culture.In this episode, we’ll explore:Essential leadership principles such as empowering others, providing constructive feedback, and maintaining accountability. Matthew's personal journey with testicular cancer, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early detection, while using humour and resilience to inspire others.The challenges of ensuring strategic communication resonates with employees, the concept of leadership "Multipliers" to maximize team potential, and integrating leadership training into daily workflows rather than isolated events. The importance of understanding employee mindsets, addressing roadblocks

In this bonus Q&A with Dr. Shveta, she shares:Her proudest moment and biggest failure in her career so farA trend that she is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge she sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on her lifeOne piece of career advice she has for youDr. Shveta Miglani is a passionate talent development professional who has become an expert on career, leadership, and organizational development with a PhD in those topics. Most recently, Shveta was Head of Global Learning, Development, and Skilling at Micron Technology, where she was overseeing growth and development needs of more than 48,000 employees. With her team, she fosters a culture of continuous learning through the digital transformation of the learning environment. Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Dr. Shveta Miglani:LinkedInWebsite

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Shveta Miglani, an accomplished expert in talent development, leadership, and organizational culture. Shveta shares her extensive experience from working with diverse organizations and discusses the critical role of strong leadership in employee retention. In this episode, we cover:The rapid shifts in organizational cultureThe balance between innovation and company valuesThe evolving landscape of HR and L&D through the integration of AI and automationThe importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation of learning programsThe ROI of training initiatives, and strategic alignment with business goalsHer insights on leveraging data and AI for personalized learningHer thoughts on effective HR management, and the role of strong IT partnerships.Additionally, Shveta introduces her upcoming book, Take Charge of Your New Job, which offers strategies for career success derived from her PhD research and extensive interviews with industry leaders. Whether you're an HR