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In this bonus Q&A with Darren, 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 you Darren McKee's journey took a transformative turn during his tenure at Better, a dynamic company nestled along the vibrant west coast. He arrived with the ambition to excel in sales, particularly in the realm of coaching services, and quickly proved his mettle by surpassing his sales targets. However, it was the invaluable mentorship of PhD industrial-organizational psychologists, affectionately termed "people scientists" at Better, that reshaped his approach to sales and customer interaction. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with these experts, Darren was steered towards a deeper comprehension of his buyers' core needs and desires. He learned to strip away the superfluous details of his pitches to focus on what really mattered to his clients: behavioral changes and tangible outcomes. This epiphany was a career-defining moment for Darren; he dove headlong into learning and adapting his techniques to align with the rich insights shared by his colleagues. Darren's story exemplifies the power of empathy and expertise in forging a successful sales career, underscored by an unwavering commitment to truly understanding and addressing the needs of those he served. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Darren McKee: LinkedIn

In today's episode, we're diving deep into the current state of the talent development and coaching industry as of February 2024. We will also discuss: The latest trends, like the shift to a bank-style allocation of coaching sessions and the resurgence of in-person workshops and trainings, particularly for C-suite leaders. Considerations for L&D leaders when choosing external coaching providersStrategies for organizations with budget constraints to still invest in crucial talent development initiativesHow companies can benefit from strategic coaching pilots, auditing coaching programs, and even comparing multiple coaching providers to make educated decisionsChallenges of succession planning, the critical role of the "forgotten middle" managers, and the necessity for alignment and C-suite involvement to ensure the success of learning programsThe complexities global companies face in finding equitable solutions across all headquarters, and how coaching is adapting to support busy professionals through shorter, more targeted session Darren McKee's journey took a transformative turn during his tenure at Better, a dynamic company nestled along the vibrant west coast. He arrived with the ambition to excel in sales, particularly in the realm of coaching services, and quickly proved his mettle by surpassing his sales targets. However, it was the invaluable mentorship of PhD industrial-organizational psychologists, affectionately termed "people scientists" at Better, that reshaped his approach to sales and customer interaction. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with these experts, Darren was steered towards a deeper comprehension of his buyers' core needs and desires. He learned to strip away the superfluous details of his pitches to focus on what really mattered to his clients: behavioral changes and tangible outcomes. This epiphany was a career-defining moment for Darren; he dove headlong into learning and adapting his techniques to align with the rich insights shared by his colleagues. Darren's story exemplifies the power of empathy and expertise in forging a successful sales career, underscored by an unwavering commitment to truly understanding and addressing the needs of those he served. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Darren McKee: LinkedIn

In this bonus Q&A with Susan, 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 you Susan Mason is the Principal of Susan Mason Consulting, an agency focusing on the future of work, workforce development, and fair chance hiring initiatives for untapped talent. With a profound understanding of the lifetime economic impact of a conviction due to her own incarceration, she has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for people with conviction histories (PWCH) and formerly incarcerated talent (FIT), emphasizing their inclusion in the workforce. Ms. Mason has become a sought-after subject matter expert on the collateral consequences of a conviction, making an impact on public, private and non-profit organizations across various sectors. Her innovative strategies and tools have been instrumental in driving meaningful change within organizations and society at large. Ms. Mason has consistently demonstrated her ability to conceptualize and execute groundbreaking ideas. She navigates complex challenges while consistently delivering measurable and sustainable value to her clients. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Susan Mason: LinkedIn Website

I am honored to welcome our remarkable guest, Susan Mason, to share her powerful insights on overcoming barriers to employment after incarceration. Susan brings to light the stark realities faced by individuals with conviction histories and pushes us to consider the untapped potential they hold. As a society grappling with the aftermath of a flawed judicial system that disproportionately affects Black and Native American communities, we face the critical task of dismantling the discrimination that persists in our hiring practices. In this episode, we explore: Her own journey of addiction, incarceration, and the relentless fight to regain creditworthiness in the job marketRegulatory challenges and the role of background checks to the transformative power of education and policy reformThe systemic barriers that hold back a significant portion of our workforceHow we can genuinely screen talent 'in' rather than 'out', challenging fear-based stereotypes and committing to change Susan's experiences and her work both highlight a critical aspect of talent development that can no longer be ignored, making this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about building a more equitable and effective workforce. Susan Mason is the Principal of Susan Mason Consulting, an agency focusing on the future of work, workforce development, and fair chance hiring initiatives for untapped talent. With a profound understanding of the lifetime economic impact of a conviction due to her own incarceration, she has dedicated her career to advancing opportunities for people with conviction histories (PWCH) and formerly incarcerated talent (FIT), emphasizing their inclusion in the workforce. Ms. Mason has become a sought-after subject matter expert on the collateral consequences of a conviction, making an impact on public, private and non-profit organizations across various sectors. Her innovative strategies and tools have been instrumental in driving meaningful change within organizations and society at large. Ms. Mason has consistently demonstrated her ability to conceptualize and execute groundbreaking ideas. She navigates complex challenges while consistently delivering measurable and sustainable value to her clients. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Susan Mason: LinkedIn Website

Today, we're diving into Keith's recent experiences at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the unofficial buzz was all about the transformative power of generative AI. We'll explore conversations that blend the realms of AI and human skills, such as those with the founder of Sophia the robot, David Hansen, and the tales of Brittany Kaiser, who unfolded the Facebook scandal with Cambridge Analytica, along with will.i.am's advocacy for owning one's likeness in the AI-integrated music industry. Keith will share with us: The excitement and concern wrapped around AI's rapid evolution, emphasizing the importance of embracing these changes and the pressing need for education to alleviate fears. Stories including AI in the workplace, AI rights versus human rights, and personal tales of integration with productivity tools.The essence of the Davos Summit, touching upon topics like crypto, climate control concerns, and the message of human empathy and connection in an ever-advancing technological landscape. It's a discussion that not only reflects on the future of work and learning but also challenges us to consider how we prioritize humanity in the face of such profound change. Dr. Keith Keating serves as a Chief Learning and Talent Officer, collaborating with numerous Fortune 500 companies worldwide. He is the author of the groundbreaking L&D practitioner's guide, 'The Trusted Learning Advisor.' A respected industry author and sought-after keynote speaker, Dr. Keating ardently champions lifelong learning as the pathway to seizing control of one’s career trajectory. He is also an advocate for talent development and leverages his platform to emphasize human talent as the cornerstone of organizational success. He resides in Toronto. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Dr. Keith Keating: LinkedIn Website The Trusted Advisor

In this bonus Q&A with Megan, 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 you Megan Galloway is on a mission to make our workplace a more authentic and human place for current and future generations to thrive. Megan is the Founder of Everleader, a Culture Strategy Agency that helps companies map their culture strategy and implement it into their day-to-day business operations. Megan has held L&D roles in multiple companies and specialized in building award-winning learning programs and communities for teams and fast-growing companies. Her thought leadership has been featured in podcasts, articles, and international conferences, and her LinkedIn-based coffee chat community has hosted thousands of participants from six of the seven continents around the world. She’s also a prolific and inspiring creator on LinkedIn with over 10K followers and recently kicked off a new leadership builders cohort program to help L&D professionals build better leadership development programs. She loves Ted Lasso, baking french pastries, and spending time with her family. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Megan Galloway: LinkedIn Website

In this episode, you're about to dive into the multifaceted world of leadership development with Megan as she unpacks her multimodal approach that transcends traditional training boundaries. From the invaluable role of coaching to the significance of creating a culture of mentorship and executive sponsorship, Megan shares how these components create a robust leadership development ecosystem. We'll uncover: Unique challenges that mid-level managers face in the modern corporate landscape The criticality of organization-wide cultural and structural shifts that support not only their growth but the entire leadership pipelineInsights into how the pandemic has reshaped the workplace, spotlighting the resilience of companies with proactive management in the face of adversityThe need for leaders to adapt and maintain effective day-to-day interactions regardless of the setting As we delve into Megan's experiences with Everleader, she'll recount her journey through building award-winning programs, venturing into the strategic side of business, and her advocacy for tailored leadership content that's both practical and grounded in theory. Megan Galloway is on a mission to make our workplace a more authentic and human place for current and future generations to thrive. Megan is the Founder of Everleader, a Culture Strategy Agency that helps companies map their culture strategy and implement it into their day-to-day business operations. Megan has held L&D roles in multiple companies and specialized in building award-winning learning programs and communities for teams and fast-growing companies. Her thought leadership has been featured in podcasts, articles, and international conferences, and her LinkedIn-based coffee chat community has hosted thousands of participants from six of the seven continents around the world. She’s also a prolific and inspiring creator on LinkedIn with over 10K followers and recently kicked off a new leadership builders cohort program to help L&D professionals build better leadership development programs. She loves Ted Lasso, baking french pastries, and spending time with her family. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Megan Galloway: LinkedIn Website

In this bonus Q&A with Emma, 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 you Emma Strong is an experienced L&D professional with a passion for effective, impactful learning solutions. Her primary focus is employee onboarding. As a Senior L&D Program Manager, she also develops eLearning courses, designs learning programs, and provides admin support for L&D initiatives at her company. Prior to her role in L&D, Emma spent 7 years working in higher education. In addition to her day job, Emma also consults with clients 1:1 as a private resume coach. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Emma Strong: LinkedIn

Emma and Andy will be discussing the intricacies of creating a top-notch virtual onboarding program that leverages instructor-led training, complete with icebreakers, games, and polling, ensuring new hires feel welcome and ignited with excitement for their new roles. You will learn: The impressive results of Emma's onboarding initiatives, with a near-perfect satisfaction score. Nuances of integrating employees from acquisitions How to cater distinct training plans to specific needsHow to bring a touch of creativity in training sessions—think Marvel characters—making them unforgettable. Emma Strong is an experienced L&D professional with a passion for effective, impactful learning solutions. Her primary focus is employee onboarding. As a Senior L&D Program Manager, she also develops eLearning courses, designs learning programs, and provides admin support for L&D initiatives at her company. Prior to her role in L&D, Emma spent 7 years working in higher education. In addition to her day job, Emma also consults with clients 1:1 as a private resume coach. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Emma Strong: LinkedIn

As we usher in the new year, it's the perfect time for us to hone our time-management skills and set our sights on achieving big goals in 2024. If you've been following our recent workshop on reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the year ahead, you know how crucial it is to revisit your objectives quarterly, leverage habits for success, and challenge yourself with stretch goals. In today's episode, we're going to cover: Common challenges of mastering our schedules in a distraction-filled worldMy top ten time management tips to help you be intentional and take command of your career and life. How to gracefully decline those meetings that clog up our calendars, prioritize tasks using tools like the Eisenhower matrix, and why it's vital to plan your day to avert the pitfalls of reactive living.The power of routine, including the transformative morning ritual that's boosted my productivityWhy understanding the trade-offs of time can help you ensure you're investing it wisely. The importance of managing social media consumption, and why stepping away might just be the breath of fresh air your mental health needs. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with strategies to own your time and ultimately, own your life. So, whether you're a professional looking to level up your time management game or someone eager to carve out more time for what truly matters, this is the episode you can't afford to miss. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

In this bonus Q&A with Michele, 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 youA surprising anecdote from Michele's time as a backup singer for the musical legend, Ray Charles. Stanford grad Michele Moreno became a staff writer for business guru Tom Peters and on 2 best-selling books by Guy Kawasaki. But she dreamed of acting, packed her life into a U-Haul and learned from every Hollywood hard knock. She won roles on FX’s The Shield, ABC’s Boston Legal, and NBC’s Parenthood, sang backup for soul legend Ray Charles and spent 10 years as an award-winning multimedia producer. Now an award-winning communication and storytelling strategist, she's helped thousands become clear and compelling with 80+ appearances worldwide. She's a recipient of the Growthspace Top Expert award and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Michele Moreno: LinkedIn Website

Michele has a wealth of experience in boosting leadership and communication within organizations. She'll be sharing practical tips on giving feedback, using nerves to enhance your performance, and the power of storytelling in presentations. Expect a down-to-earth discussion on career growth, adapting to technology like AI in the workplace, and the key skills you'll need to thrive in the future. You will also learn: How to use storytelling and visualization to engage and lead teams effectively.The power of data in storytellingThe importance of understanding your audience, and techniques like the 1-minute business story framework. Stanford grad Michele Moreno became a staff writer for business guru Tom Peters and on 2 best-selling books by Guy Kawasaki. But she dreamed of acting, packed her life into a U-Haul and learned from every Hollywood hard knock. She won roles on FX’s The Shield, ABC’s Boston Legal, and NBC’s Parenthood, sang backup for soul legend Ray Charles and spent 10 years as an award-winning multimedia producer. Now an award-winning communication and storytelling strategist, she's helped thousands become clear and compelling with 80+ appearances worldwide. She's a recipient of the Growthspace Top Expert award and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. Connect with Andy Storch here: Website LinkedIn Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! Connect with Michele Moreno: LinkedIn Website