Welcome to The Talent Forge! Where we are shaping the future of training and development I am your host, Jay Johnson. Through my 20+ years as a coach, trainer, and leader, I have seen the best and the worst of talent development across the globe. That has inspired and compelled me to create a show that helps other professionals like me navigate the challenging waters of growing people. The Talent Forge isn't your typical tips and tricks podcast. We delve deeper, explore the future, and pione ...
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Leading Through Uncertainty with Peter Willis and Gareth Morgan
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1:00:55What separates a true crisis from everyday challenges, and how can leaders effectively navigate through unprecedented disruption? In this eye-opening conversation, Peter Willis and Gareth Morgan—authors of "Becoming Good at Crises: A Field Guide For Leaders"—share hard-won wisdom from leading through Cape Town's devastating drought and the COVID-19…
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Beyond the Self: Creating Waves of Positivity in Work and Life with Jon Sabes
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41:01Take a deep dive into the philosophy that transforms daily habits into lifelong success with serial entrepreneur Jon Sabes. This conversation uncovers the power of "small, consistent efforts made upstream that lead to significant downstream effects" across all areas of life. Jon shares his journey as a two-decade entrepreneur who's built multiple c…
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Independence in Learning - Fourth of July Special
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10:13What makes a training program truly effective? The answer might be simpler than we think: independence. When learners feel ownership over their development journey, engagement and results skyrocket. In this special Fourth of July solo episode, our host Jay explores how traditional training programs often fail despite abundant resources. The missing…
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The Power of We: Building Connection in Corporate Culture with Kyle McDowell
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51:45Have you ever achieved success but felt empty inside? Kyle McDowell's journey from corporate executive to leadership visionary offers a roadmap for anyone feeling disconnected in their professional life. After spending decades climbing the corporate ladder, managing 30,000 employees, and multi-billion dollar P&Ls, Kyle found himself in a state of p…
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Transforming Learning Through AI-Powered Job Shadows with Frank Fusco
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43:44Ever watched someone masterfully perform a task and thought, "I wish I could understand exactly what they're doing and why"? In today's episode of The Talent Forge, we explore the revolutionary approach Silicon Society is taking to transform workplace learning through AI-powered job shadowing. Frank Fusco, a fascinating founder with roots in both l…
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Clarity, Communication, and Co-Pilots: The New Skills for an AI-Powered Workplace with Fahed Bizzari
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52:15The AI revolution is reshaping how we work, learn, and create—yet 81% of professionals feel anxious about this transformation. Why? Many have been avoiding the inevitable, creating what Fahed Bizzari calls "heads in the sand" that are now being forced into the open as AI capabilities expand exponentially. Fahed shares his journey from achieving the…
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Beyond Training: The Art of Speaking Leadership's Language with Traci Austin
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41:19Why does executive leadership often fail to see the value in talent development initiatives? Traci Austin of Elevated Talent Consulting reveals the critical disconnect between HR professionals and the C-suite that's creating frustration on both sides. The conversation explores specific techniques for gaining trust in challenging industries where vu…
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Leading Through Change: Succession Planning at Scale with Ernesto Gómez
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50:06What happens when nearly 150 leadership positions need to be filled simultaneously due to a wave of retirements? For Ernesto Gómez, former VP of Human Capital at Grupo Alpha and CHRO at Sigma Alimentos, this wasn't a hypothetical scenario—it was the challenge that defined his career transition from business leader to HR innovator. Ernesto shares ho…
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Unleashing Your Inner Champion: How Mindset Drives Success with Nicky Billou
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28:36Nikky Billou takes us on an extraordinary journey from post-revolution Iran to becoming a champion for freedom and human potential. As a Christian immigrant fleeing religious persecution, Nikky's early experiences shaped his profound understanding that freedom isn't just political—it's the essential foundation for entrepreneurship, creativity, and …
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The Psychology of Presence: How to Connect and Influence Through Body Language with Richard Reid
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41:43Richard Reid takes us on a fascinating journey from his classics degree and IT consulting days to his current role as a psychologist working with executives and organizations. The discussion opens with a counterintuitive insight: being too polished in your presentation style can actually make people distrustful. Instead, Richard advocates for findi…
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Bridging Cultures: How Understanding Differences Improves Business Outcomes with Sanjyot Dunung
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44:36Cultural intelligence has become the hidden competitive advantage in today's global business landscape. When your teams can navigate the subtle nuances of cross-cultural communication, everything from customer satisfaction to operational efficiency improves dramatically. Sanjyot Dunung brings her fascinating journey from banker to cultural anthropo…
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Digital Overwhelm in the Workplace with Dr. Craig Mattson
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36:50The digital workplace isn't just changing how we work—it's fundamentally altering how we communicate, learn, and connect. After spending years interviewing dozens of Millennial and Gen Z professionals, Dr. Craig Mattson uncovered surprising patterns in how people cope with the constant barrage of platforms, tools, and digital expectations. While po…
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The 86% Solution: Why Accountability Partners Transform Goal Achievement with Aaron Helton
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36:55What if the leadership development initiatives you're pouring resources into aren't delivering measurable results? In this eye-opening conversation with Aaron Helton, leadership consultant and author, we uncover the science behind truly effective coaching and development programs—and it's all in the numbers. The statistics are startling: people wit…
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Beyond Visualization: The Mind-Body Connection That Changes Everything with Dominika Staniewicz
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46:26Could your brain be lying to you? What if everything you thought about motivation and training is fundamentally flawed? In this eye-opening conversation with Dominika Staniewicz, we dive deep into how neuroscience is revolutionizing corporate training and personal development. Drawing from her extensive background as an HR director, career coach, a…
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The Dance of Authentic Leadership: Embracing Your Whole Self at Work with Dr. Jennifer Nash
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52:40Dr. Jennifer Nash takes us on a profound journey into what it truly means to lead with humanity in today's complex workplace. Drawing from her background in piano, dance, foreign languages, and eventually the automotive industry, she shares how these seemingly divergent paths converged to form her unique leadership philosophy. Nash reveals the powe…
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The Elite Mindset: Transforming How Athletes and Executives Reach Their Peak with Gary Chupik
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47:28What separates truly exceptional performers from the merely talented? According to mental performance coach Gary Chupik, it's not motivation, talent, or even discipline—it's self-leadership. Drawing from his extensive work with professional athletes and high-performing executives, Chupik challenges conventional thinking about performance psychology…
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Strategic Storytelling: The Key to Transformational Training with Aleya Harris
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37:47How do you turn mandatory corporate training from a dreaded box-checking exercise into an engaging experience that actually changes behavior? The answer lies in strategic storytelling. In this eye-opening episode, Aleya Harris, a strategic storytelling consultant, reveals how the same storytelling frameworks used in marketing can revolutionize lead…
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Transforming Vision into Action: Emma Rainville's Guide to Operations
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42:18Dive into an insightful conversation with Emma Rainville, dubbed the Wizard of Ops, as she shares her unparalleled wisdom on the intersection of operations and talent development. With an incredible journey from managing one of the largest HVAC companies in Texas to becoming a fractional COO, Emma unveils the secret ingredients for operational succ…
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Crayon Revolution: How Child-Like Play Makes Better Executives with Susan Hensley
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46:31What happens when a television journalist becomes an HR executive and discovers the transformative power of crayons? Susan Hensley shares her transformative three-career act from television journalist to HR executive to art journaling coach, revealing how each career phase built valuable skills that enhanced her effectiveness as a leader. Her exper…
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How to Create Inclusive Spaces: A Conversation with Delphia Howze
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39:17Explore the dynamic world of inclusion with Delphia Howze in our latest episode! Delphia shares her surprising career journey from aspiring attorney to leading advocate for inclusive practices in the workplace. In a world that increasingly values diverse perspectives, she unpacks why inclusion should not solely be the responsibility of leadership. …
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From Service to Success: Understanding Veteran Workforce Challenges with Jason Anderson
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43:40Many veterans face challenges when transitioning from military service to civilian jobs. In this enlightening episode of The Talent Forge, Jason Anderson, a veteran with years of corporate experience, unpacks the complexities behind these transitions. He sheds light on the common pitfalls that cause many veterans to struggle in their new roles, par…
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From Traditional HR to Strategic Partnership with Andrew Almazan
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47:36What if HR could transcend its traditional role and become a true powerhouse of organizational success? Join us on this episode of the Talent Forge as we welcome Andrew Almazan, an ex-VP of people with 15 years of industry experience, who shares his journey from the challenges of COVID-19 to creating the Brave Leadership Guild. Andrew takes us thro…
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Part 2: The Power of Assessments & Combating Burnout with Dr. Barb Thompson
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37:26Join us as we welcome back Dr. Barb Thompson, a seasoned expert in the world of assessments. In this episode, we explore the importance of having a trained professional guide the interpretation of these assessments to harness their full potential and adapt to life's ever-changing landscape. Additionally, our conversation shifts toward the pressing …
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Building High-Performing Teams with Dr. Michael Neal
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30:10Unlock the secrets to building a high-performing team with insights from this week's guest, Dr. Michael Neal, founder of Build My Team. Faced with the challenge of high turnover in his eye care practice, Dr. Neal sought inspiration from industry giants like Disney and the Four Seasons, leading to the creation of a transformative hiring system. Join…
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Training Leadership to Become Better Partners with Rebecca Vickers
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51:31Rebecca Vickers, our esteemed guest and VP of Operations and Marketing, joins us to explore the transformative power of storytelling in talent development. Her journey is a testament to the importance of fostering a people-centered approach in the ever-evolving business environment. In this episode, we dive into the nuances of maximizing training i…
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From Policy to Practice with Legal Insights from Taylor Crabill
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30:23Unlock the complexities of legal and compliance training in the workplace with insights from our esteemed guest, Taylor Crabill, an accomplished employment lawyer. This episode of The Talent Forge promises to transform your understanding of sexual harassment and discrimination training. Discover how to make these crucial topics not only engaging bu…
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From Setbacks to Stepping Stones with Rhonda Parker-Taylor
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47:38Unlock the secrets to personal growth with this week's guest, Rhonda Parker Taylor, a leader in talent development. Rhonda shares her remarkable journey from an entrepreneurial upbringing to finding her true calling in the world of emotional intelligence and resilience. Hear as she candidly recounts her initial dabbling in finance, law, and account…
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From Tech Giants to Leadership Coaching with Emily Sander
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32:51Curious about the pivotal role of a Chief of Staff in shaping talent strategies at fast-growing tech companies? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Executive Coach and former Chief of Staff, Emily Sander, as she reveals her unique journey from the tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon to the high-pressure world of private equity-backed fi…
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Journey to Growth: Dr. Danny Brassell on Resilience and the Power of Reading
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38:07Dr. Danny Brassell’s incredible journey from journalism to becoming a powerhouse in talent development and education is nothing short of inspiring. Starting his career covering President Bush in 1992, Danny found his true calling in teaching in South Central Los Angeles, navigating through setbacks like a real estate scam with unwavering resilience…
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Designing Events for All Personality Types with Rob Giardinelli
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38:55Join us as we welcome Rob Giardinelli, a seasoned professional who has made the fascinating transition from the tech sphere to becoming a master of social dynamics through his initiative, Event Mindset. Rob, a self-proclaimed introvert, shares his compelling journey and offers fresh perspectives on how introverts can shine at business and social ev…
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Wild Horses and Leadership: Lessons in Trust and Empowerment with Shane Jacob
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35:21What can wild horses teach us about effective leadership and human relationships? Join us as we welcome the multifaceted Shane Jacob, who draws from his rich experience in the horse industry to share insightful parallels between training horses and developing human talent. Shane introduces five key principles of leadership and talent management, wi…
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Bilingual Insights and Future Trends in Training with Michelle Bonkosky
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41:24Discover the transformative power of bilingualism in training and development as we explore the unique insights of our guest, Michelle Bonkosky. Michelle takes us on her compelling journey from Puerto Rico to pursuing a doctorate in online education, highlighting how her bilingual abilities have enriched her understanding of linguistic and cultural…
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Small Steps for Lasting Change with Roman Fischer
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36:42What if transforming your life was just a matter of embracing healthier habits? Today on The Talent Forge, we are thrilled to have Roman Fischer, an inspiring fitness coach whose personal journey is nothing short of transformative. Roman opens up about how his younger brother's health changes sparked his passion for fitness and talent development c…
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Redefining Aging Through Mentorship and Generativity with Dr. Deborah Heiser
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36:19Discover how the drive to give back can redefine the aging experience with our insightful guest, Dr. Deborah Heiser. Dr. Heiser, a trailblazer in the study of aging, shares her unique journey from focusing on aging challenges to exploring mentorship and the enriching aspects of generativity. After a pivotal moment at a conference, she shifted her p…
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From Coding to Coaching: Navigating Growth and Leadership with Brian Walch
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33:45What happens when a seasoned software developer turns his talents to nurturing human potential? Join us for an insightful conversation with Brian Walch, who shares his unique journey from the tech world to becoming a leader in talent development. Over his 25-year career at a consulting firm, Brian discovered his passion for people, eventually creat…
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Leading With Purpose: The Journey from Corporate Life to Purpose-Driven Initiatives with Elona Lopari
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33:46Ever wondered how to align your professional life with your personal purpose? Join us in this enlightening episode of Talent Forge as we welcome Elona Lopari, CEO of the Life School, to share her inspiring journey from the corporate world to spearheading purpose-driven initiatives. Elona opens her heart about the courage it took to step out of her …
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Redefining Success Through Transformational Relationships with Steven Falk
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36:16Steven Falk, CEO and founder of Switchback OS, reveals his transformative journey from a career in marriage and family therapy to a leader in talent development within heavy industry. With the backing of his supportive wife, he took a leap of faith, using his therapeutic expertise to bring about positive changes in various professional environments…
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Behavioral Assessments Redefined with Dr. Barb Thompson
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51:33Welcome Dr. Barb Thompson, a distinguished clinical psychologist and Army veteran, into our conversation. Dr. Thompson takes us on her remarkable journey from clinical to operational psychology, sharing valuable insights from her experiences working with top military leaders. Her unique perspective sheds light on the delicate balance of personal dr…
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Rethinking Feedback: A New Era of Workplace Communication with John Larsen
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32:40Can surveys really mask deeper communication issues in the workplace? Join us as we welcome John Larsen from Vellum to shed light on this eye-opening topic. John challenges the status quo of organizational feedback mechanisms with his bold presentation, "Stop the Surveys." Discover how fostering authentic human connections can revolutionize workpla…
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Elevating L&D: From Fast Food to VP with Jess Almlie
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55:53Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Learning and Development with seasoned expert Jess Almlie, whose nearly 30-year journey reveals the art of crafting impactful learning experiences. From her early days at McDonald's to her pivotal role as VP of Learning at WEX, Jess shares her unique insights into transforming traditional classroom lea…
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Unlocking Leadership: Insights from Hank Wethington on Transformation and Growth
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38:57Ready to unlock the secrets of effective leadership? Join us on Talent Forge as we sit down with Hank Wethington, the IT professional turned executive coach, who reveals how a fortuitous opportunity in learning and development ignited his passion for teaching and leadership. Hank shares his personal journey from aspiring high school biology teacher…
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Embracing Neurodiversity: Transforming Talent Development with Rebecca Prejean
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33:05Discover how embracing neurodiversity can transform talent development as we sit down with Rebecca Prejean, an expert in the field who brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the table. From her unexpected journey transitioning from graphic design to a key role in training at a fast-growing startup, Rebecca's story is as intrigui…
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Breaking Free: Transformative Coaching for Lasting Growth with Hilda Fainsod
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26:48What if you could break free from the constraints of traditional training and achieve lasting personal and professional growth? Join us on Talent Forge as we explore this exciting possibility with our special guest, Hilda Fainsod. Discover the transformative power of coaching as Hilda shares her inspiring journey from educational trainer in Mexico …
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Moving From Individual Contributor to Visionary Leader with Aaron Trahan
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34:29Ready to unlock the secrets of effective leadership? Join us on this illuminating episode of Talent Forge where we sit down with Aaron Trahan, a former corporate executive turned executive performance coach. Discover Aaron's unique insights into the often-overlooked challenges of transitioning high-performing individual contributors into leadership…
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Transforming Work Environments with Inclusive Design Featuring Katherine McCord
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26:57Unlock the secrets to creating inclusive, sustainable work environments with Katherine McCord, a trailblazer in HR and talent development. Discover how universal workplace design, inspired by architectural and IT principles, can revolutionize your company's culture. Katherine's journey, from her early exposure to HR through her mother to her innova…
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Transforming Legal Training: Best Practices for Compliance and Engagement with Matthew Fornaro
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24:13Unlock the keys to legal compliance in talent development with our featured guest, Matthew Fornaro, a seasoned attorney who specializes in guiding small and medium-sized businesses through their legal frameworks. Discover how Matthew transforms mundane legal training into engaging learning experiences using PowerPoint presentations, real-life scena…
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Building Trust: Expert Coaching Insights with Curtis Butler
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30:25Join us for a compelling conversation with Curtis Butler, a finance veteran who transitioned into a career coaching role to help young professionals find their paths. Curtis shares his journey from finance to mentoring, offering expert insights on how to support college students and recent graduates through the uncertainties of job searching. We al…
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Building High Accountability and Morale with Doris Jackson-Shazier
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38:00Unlock the secrets to building high accountability and high morale teams with insights from Doris Jackson-Shazier, our distinguished guest on this episode of the Talent Forge. Ever wondered how parenthood parallels leadership? Doris illuminates this intriguing connection and shares actionable advice on achieving long-term business results. Her coac…
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Small Changes, Big Results: Inspiring Behavioral Shifts with Leadership Coach Tabatha Thorell
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28:30Are you ready to unlock the secrets of effective leadership while improving your overall well-being? Join us on this episode of the Talent Forge as we chat with Tabatha Thorell, a seasoned coach boasting over 16 years of experience. Tabatha's unique journey from group fitness coaching to personal development and leadership training is packed with i…
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From War Zones to Enterprise: The Power of Micro-Learning with Michael Ioffe
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32:51Imagine transforming complex learning into engaging, bite-sized lessons delivered directly to your phone, just like a text message. In our latest episode on Talent Forge, we welcome Michael Ioffe from Arist to share his revolutionary approach to education. Discover how Michael's experience teaching entrepreneurship in war zones led to the creation …
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