The Talent Development Hot Seat

In this bonus Q&A with Jennifer, 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 youJennifer is passionate about helping others be their best. For almost 25 years leaders at all levels have appreciated her candor & humor coupled with practical strategies for the care & feeding of other humans (you know, leadership). Jennifer pulls from a range of leadership concepts to create experiences to help teams deliver on their goals. It’s been said Jennifer is allergic to inauthenticity. Jennifer earned a BS in Apparel Merchandising from Indiana University. That’s right, the very common leadership development educational background of apparel and retail planning.Jennifer started her career with Target Corporation after attending in-person interviews. In January. In Minneapolis. D

Host Andy Storch sits down with Jennifer Butler, the director of leadership development at Elevance Health, to delve into the intricacies of creating comprehensive leadership programs. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Jennifer shares her insights on implementing effective leadership development initiatives, including live events, virtual sessions, and small group coaching.Together, they discuss:The structure of various developmental programs at Elevance Health, from manager-focused projects aimed at understanding the company's value chain to executive programs featuring one-on-one coaching and action learning projects. How these initiatives align with the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion mission, ensuring equal opportunities for leaders from diverse backgrounds.The importance of assessing program impact, leveraging assessment tools, and co-creating with partners to tailor leadership programs to business needs.Jennifer’s unique career journey and valuable advice for those looking to thr

In this special episode, we are sharing an interview that JP Elliott did with Andy Storch for the Future of HR podcast and publishing it here.In their discussion, Andy shares:The essential skills of the futureThe transformative power of curiosityThe impact of owning your career and life. Andy's personal journey, resilience, and the motivation behind his book, Own Your Career, Own Your LifeThe conversation also touches on Andy's inspirational battle with cancer, his recent move to Barcelona, and the significance of human connections in the evolving landscape of talent development. JP Elliott is a forward-thinking global human resources executive with extensive experience implementing human capital initiatives that drive business results, improve organizational performance, and elevate company culture.He is a trusted business partner to C-level and senior management teams who can translate business needs into people strategies aligned with the enterprise priorities and P&L targets.Over his career, JP has be

In this bonus Q&A with Paul, 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 youPaul Carney helps leaders harness the power of people as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Carter Bank & Trust, a $4B community bank with locations in Virginia and North Carolina. He is an accomplished author and speaker and has more than 30 years of experience in business, IT, and as a human resources professional and career advocate.Paul often explains that he is a business person who manages HR while being a trusted advisor to his business partners. He wrote and published his first book, "Move Your Æ(ash): Know, Grow, and Show Your Career Value" in 2018. Paul has been designated a Certified Artificial Intelligence (AI) Expert™ and Certified Prompt Engineer™ by the Blockchain Council.Paul and Lisa, h

Andy Storch sits down with Paul Carney, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Carter Bank & Trust. With over 30 years of experience in business and HR and certifications in AI and blockchain, Paul has an impressive background in leading transformative HR initiatives.Paul shares his journey from tech projects to heading the entire HR operations at Carter Bank, where he built the HR and talent development functions from scratch.We'll explore:How he introduced foundational practices like job descriptions, performance reviews, and leadership development in an environment that previously lacked comprehensive HR structures.The innovative ways he's leveraging AI to revolutionize talent development, offering practical tips and insights for HR professionals eager to embrace new technologies. The successful management development programs and the surprising impact they had on reducing attrition rates and boosting employee engagement.Join us as we navigate the future of HR, discuss the role of AI in learning and deve

In this bonus Q&A with JP, 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 youJP Elliott is a forward-thinking global human resources executive with extensive experience implementing human capital initiatives that drive business results, improve organizational performance, and elevate company culture.He is a trusted business partner to C-level and senior management teams who can translate business needs into people strategies aligned with the enterprise priorities and P&L targets.Over his career, JP has been fortunate to work across a broad spectrum of industries and organizations, many under going significant business and culture transformations. These experiences have shaped him into a versatile, pragmatic, and global leader who builds strong teams that deliver results.Connect with

We are thrilled to welcome JP Elliott for a dynamic and insightful conversation. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolving world of HR and talent development. JP, a distinguished HR and talent development expert, shares:Invaluable strategies on how to proactively get involved in crucial business conversations by building relationships and credibilityThe transformative potential of AI in HR, specifically in learning and development, curriculum design, and talent acquisitionHow AI can act as a supercharged assistant to enhance creativity and decision-makingHis personal journey, from his initial steps at Taco Bell to becoming the Chief People Officer for Williams Marston. The concept of "authentic influence" in organizational transformationExecutive assessments, succession planning, and leadership development programs vital for sustaining growth and continuity in leadership rolesJP Elliott is a forward-thinking global human resources executive with extensive experience implementing human capital initiative

In this bonus Q&A with Sandra, 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 youSandra Humbles, Chief Learning Officer at Johnson & Johnson, discovered her passion for science early in life, a passion that guided her academic and professional journey. Pursuing her interests vigorously, Sandra attended university where she specialized in microbiology and virology. Upon graduation, her career path led directly into the healthcare industry, where she began by contributing to groundbreaking work in HIV research. Her early work primarily focused on the development of diagnostic kits that facilitated early HIV detection, thereby playing a critical role in enhancing patient safety and medical response during the initial phases of the AIDS crisis. Sandra's dedication to her field was d

We're joined by Sandra Humbles, the insightful Chief Learning Officer at Johnson & Johnson. With an impressive 34-year tenure at J&J, Sandra has transitioned from healthcare into roles across sales, marketing, and strategic planning before finding her true calling in learning and development. She brings a rich blend of business acumen and marketing expertise to her current role, where she focuses on unlocking the potential of J&J’s workforce.In this episode, Sandra shares:Her vision of bringing a personalized learning experience, akin to services provided by Amazon and Netflix, to all J&J employees. The company's revolutionary tech stack designed to facilitate this and discusses the shift towards agile methodologies in their learning frameworks to maintain high utilization and engagementThe challenges, including navigating a complex tech landscape and managing numerous learning organizations during the COVID crisis. The strategic importance of simplifying and centralizing J&J’s learning en

Your host, Andy Storch, dives deep into the empowering world of the growth mindset, challenging the allure of perfectionism and promoting the concept of progress over perfection. Andy shares:His reflections on how striving for an unattainable ‘perfect’ can hold us back, while embracing imperfection can lead to innovation, growth, and ultimately, fulfillment. The importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life—beyond work—highlighting the significance of health, family, and personal well-being. Actionable insights on how adopting a growth mindset and reassessing life’s priorities can not only prevent burnout but also enhance overall happiness and productivity. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that’s bound to inspire you to make meaningful changes in both your professional and personal life. Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to start owning your life with a solo-growth mindset!Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

We have the pleasure of hosting Kent Murawski, a distinguished keynote speaker and leadership coach who will lead an insightful discussion on avoiding burnout and overwhelm in the realm of talent development. In today’s episode, Kent opens up about his personal journey through burnout, his transformative experiences, and the lessons learned along the way. He'll delve into:Kent’s Journey of Overcoming Burnout: Discover how Kent rebounded from personal and professional burnout through holistic and spiritual practices.The ‘Rhythms of Rest’ Framework: Kent introduces his unique framework addressing relational, emotional, spiritual, and tangible rhythms to achieve a state of rest and wholeness.Integrating Life, Not Just Balancing: Shift your perspective from seeking work-life balance to embracing work-life integrity, focusing on wholeness and integrated living.Kent is a CEO Performance and Leadership Coach; Keynote Speaker & Workshop Facilitator; Catalyst for leaders and organizations to reach their potential

Today, we've got an electrifying discussion lined up for you based on a recent webinar hosted by Andy and Josh. We will explore how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing talent development and diving deep into the heart of AI bias and how it permeates through our world, the importance of aligning with value-centric companies, and we'll introduce you to an innovative platform called Landdai that's transforming the creation of e-learning courses.Listen in as we unpack the future of work, remote work productivity, and the remarkable capabilities of AI in the talent development industry. From personal cloning to customized communication, we’ll cover the spectrum of AI’s role in learning assets and talent development.You'll hear:The benefits and capabilities of Landdai for education assets and instructional design.Ways in which AI is shaking up talent development, from persona cloning to integrating AI coaches within your team.Practical strategies to make AI work synergistically with human creativity, ensurin

In today's solo episode, I delve deep into three powerful mindsets that can revolutionize the way we embrace uncertainty and challenges – both in the talent development field and beyond. As the world around us continuously evolves, it's crucial we equip ourselves with the tools to not only survive but thrive amidst change. Today's conversation will reveal actionable insights inspired by my experiences, client discussions, and keynotes on navigating uncertainty with confidence.We will explore: The Ownership Mindset, which emphasizes taking control of what's within our powerThe Growth Mindset, fostering a belief in continuous learning and improvementThe Abundance Mindset, inviting us to see life's limitless possibilities. These perspectives are more than just attitudes – they're transformative approaches to life's unpredictable moments that we can all benefit from. Get ready to enrich your outlook, discover the true potential within challenges, and learn how to turn any adversity into an opportunity for growth.

In this bonus Q&A with Candice, 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 youFor almost 20 years now, Candice has been in the business of developing people. And here's where it gets interesting... her focus has shifted to developing those who are in the business of developing others. She's all about giving you an extra lift, helping you become even more effective in what you do. When your skills get a boost, the ripple effect is huge – better skills lead to bigger ripples, touching every part of the organization.What really lights her up? Transforming Talent Development professionals from order-takers to pivotal business players. She's here to help you enhance your influence and really thrive in both the success of your business and the development of your employees.Connect wit

Today, we're diving deep into the ever-evolving world of learning and development with Candice Mitchell.Candice brings her rich international experience across the fields of corporate L&D, her own entrepreneurial journey, and her work in both South Africa and the United States. She's here to discuss the importance of understanding both your business environment and the unique challenges faced by employees.Throughout this episode, we'll uncover: The current challenge talent development faces – a mismatch of skills in the market exacerbated by layoffs and inadequate training.How to get out of "order taker" mode as an L&D professional The trends steering talent development towards strategic business partnershipHer controversial take on how to create a lasting partnership and the importance of addressing actual business problems.Strategic advice for smaller companies starting from scratchFor almost 20 years now, Candice has been in the business of developing people. And here's where it gets interesting...

In this solo episode, I discuss the most valuable skills of the future. I share insights from a keynote presentation I recently delivered and present 6 essential skills that are currently valuable and will become increasingly important in the future. From curiosity and learning to empathy and communication, I delve into the significance of these skills for both individuals and organizations. As the world of work continues to evolve, the ability to adapt and collaborate becomes crucial, and I emphasize the need for a growth mindset and ownership. Tune in as I share my thoughts on the skills that will shape the future of work and how you can start developing them today.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

In this bonus Q&A with Kevin, 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 youHe is the Founder and CEO of LEADx.org, offering an AI-powered leadership habits building platform. Kevin is also:Inc 500 and Best Place to Work award-winning entrepreneurNY Times bestselling author of 9 books including 15 Secrets successful people know about time management and Employee Engagement 2.0Kevin is also a regular Forbes contributor and was kind enough to write an article about me and my book when it came out in 2020Keynote speaker or advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs, non-profit leaders, US Marines, and members of CongressThis is Kevin’s second time on the podcast. The first was episode 81 way back in May 2019 so it has been a few years and I am sure a lot has changed since then, so I’m eager to dig in

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Talent Development Think Tank podcast. Joining us today is the prodigious Kevin Kruse, an expert in talent development and leadership who famously wrote 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management. Our conversation today takes a deep dive into the challenges facing talent development professionals, especially amid the pandemic's upheavals.Kevin critically examines the role of these professionals, often relegated to 'order takers' with limited influence over training topics and budgets. We discuss:The pressing need to ask targeted questions to deeply understand clients’ goals and ensure the relevance of keynotes and training sessions to their objectivesThe changes in the work landscape, notably the alarming trend where leadership development budgets get slashed, and the sorrowful fact that many clients disappear—not through direct termination, but because they themselves are let go. Hindrances of fostering a future vision and providing feedback from afar

In this bonus Q&A with Annalisa, 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 youAnnalisa Jackson is an ICF certified somatic coach and trauma-informed facilitator with 8 years of experience leading wellbeing and leadership programs for global organizations.  As the founder of Collective Flourishing, she helps values-driven teams and leaders manage stress with more ease, lead with clarity and strengthen their connection with one another.Prior to launching Collective Flourishing, Annalisa worked in international peacebuilding where she led trainings on leadership, cross-cultural communication, resilience, and conflict resolution. Annalisa is certified in somatic coaching by the Strozzi Institute, holds a BA in intercultural studies, an MA in inter-reli

In today’s episode, we will explore the intricacies of introversion and extroversion, the power of silence, and how Annalisa mastered the art of creating space for all voices in a conversation. We'll discover:The profound impact of our physical responses to stress and emotions, and learn practical ways to navigate these challenges through mindfulnessHow our current high-pressure work environments demand resilience and adaptability from employeesHow to slow down, become intentional in our communication, and why leaders should cultivate a deeper connection to their bodies to improve decision-making and foster more empathetic workplacesHow somatic coaching not only enhances personal growth but also informs Annalisa’s approach to designing diverse and inclusive spaces for learning and developmentAnnalisa Jackson is an ICF certified somatic coach and trauma-informed facilitator with 8 years of experience leading wellbeing and leadership programs for global organizations.  As the founder of Collective Flo