Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast

What do billion-dollar innovation, a global marketplace, and bold leadership have in common? They were all driven by one thing: strategic leadership. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by John Rossman, former Amazon executive and author of Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era. John led the launch of Amazon Marketplace, now responsible for over half of Amazon’s global sales, and has since guided high-impact transformation at organizations like T-Mobile, the Gates Foundation, and Walmart. This conversation is all about what it really takes to drive innovation and transformation at scale. From identifying strategic opportunities to breaking through organizational inertia, John offers a behind-the-scenes look at how leaders can make bold moves without losing alignment, culture, or control. Tune in for a sharp, energizing conversation that’ll challenge the way you think about leadership.

A toxic workplace culture can drive out great employees faster than low pay, and nearly 70% of workers say culture directly impacts productivity. So, what’s quietly undermining your organization? In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, Brett Hoogeveen, Co-Founder of BetterCulture, shares how to spot and stop the behaviors that erode trust, lower morale, and sabotage performance. Brett offers a unique lens on what makes organizations thrive and what tears them apart. From gossip and negativity to leadership blind spots, Brett reveals early warning signs of culture erosion and practical ways to course-correct. You’ll also hear about BetterCulture’s “20 Tenets of Culture” a blueprint for building workplaces people genuinely want to join. This episode offers actionable insights for leaders who want to build a higher-performing culture. Here is your link to a free resource mentioned in the episode:https://betterculture.com/bringoutthetalent/.

In this episode, we’re joined by Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor Education and the founding Dean of Apple University, for a deep dive into how organizations can build a culture where teaching and learning are embedded into everyday work. Joel shares insights from his leadership at Apple, Yale, Harvard, and Stanford, focusing on the concept of “experts leading experts.” We examine the challenges and opportunities in empowering top talent to share knowledge, the role of humility and mutual respect, and the steps leaders can take to create meaningful, peer-driven learning environments. Whether you're shaping learning strategy, driving innovation, or developing your teams, this episode offers practical guidance for cultivating a stronger learning culture at every level.

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by Olympic gold medalist and keynote speaker Connor Fields for a powerful conversation on mental toughness and resilience. As the first American to win gold in BMX racing, Connor’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and reinvention, from his historic victory in Rio to the life-changing crash in Tokyo that forced a dramatic career pivot. Connor opens up about what it really takes to build mental toughness, not just in elite sports, but in everyday life and leadership. He shares how he stayed grounded through pressure, how he reframed failure, and the mindset shifts that helped him find purpose after adversity. Whether you’re facing a personal setback, navigating a career change, or simply looking to strengthen your resilience, this episode is full of honest insights and actionable takeaways to help you bounce back stronger.

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we welcome Chad Foster, author, innovator, and leadership expert known for helping global organizations turn adversity into advantage. Chad shares his remarkable journey of breaking barriers, from creating the first CRM software for the visually impaired to guiding leaders at Google, IBM, and Microsoft. We explore the anatomy of resilience, strategies for navigating change, and practical tools to help individuals and organizations build lasting strength through challenges. This inspiring conversation will encourage you to rethink what’s possible and reimagine resilience in your own life and work.

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we explore the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence and learning and development with Margie Meacham. Margie is the renowned author of AI in Talent Development, learning consultant, and a global expert in applying neuroscience and AI to transform education and performance. Margie shares how AI is reshaping the learning landscape through personalized learning coaches, immersive simulations, and adaptive platforms. She also unpacks the ethical considerations and strategic opportunities L&D professionals must understand to leverage AI responsibly and effectively. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking to enhance your learning programs with smarter, data-driven tools, this conversation is full of forward-thinking insights and actionable takeaways.

Great teams make great decisions when they’re empowered to do so. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we welcome Chris Seifert, founder of Enabling Empowerment and author of Enabling Empowerment: A Leadership Playbook for Ending Micromanagement and Empowering Decision-Makers. Together, we discuss how leaders can foster shared leadership, empower decision-makers at every level, and build a culture where creativity and ownership flourish. Chris also shares insights on avoiding common leadership pitfalls, overcoming resistance to change, and preparing for the future of decision-making in a rapidly evolving workplace. Tune in and start transforming the way your team makes decisions.

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we chat with Kayvon Touran, Co-Founder and CEO of Zal.AI, to explore how AI is transforming Learning & Development. Kayvon has been at the forefront of reshaping training strategies, leveraging AI to enhance personalization, engagement, and measurable business impact. Tune in as we discuss: ✅ How AI is revolutionizing L&D ✅ The challenges and opportunities of AI-powered training ✅ What the future holds for AI in corporate learning If you’re looking to elevate your L&D initiatives with AI, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss!

Anxiety has become a pervasive issue, especially among younger generations. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, nearly 62% of Millennials report feeling overwhelmed by stress, and Gen Z-ers are not far behind at 59%. These statistics highlight the pressing need to address mental health challenges in our workplaces and communities. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we speak with Dr. Lauren Cook, author of the book, “Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World.” Dr. Cook is a therapist, consultant, speaker, and author who specializes in helping individuals and organizations improve their mental wellness. Dr. Cook's passion for mental health spans all ages and identities, with a particular focus on workplace well-being. Together, we discuss the unique stressors facing Millennials and Gen Z-ers, the impact of anxiety on learning and productivity, and practical strategies for creating supportive workplace environments. If you're looking to foster a more supportive and productive workplace, this discussion is filled with invaluable insights and actionable takeaways.

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re diving into the transformative power of technology in employee learning and development. Our guest, Bonnie Anderson, Founder and President of Anderson Training and Development, brings her wealth of expertise in instructional design, project management, and technology integration to the conversation. Together, we discuss how AI and video are reshaping continuous learning, creating engaging training experiences, and driving organizational success. Whether you’re curious about the latest tech trends or seeking actionable tips to elevate your L&D strategy, this episode is filled with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

Workplace culture is a critical factor in modern business success. Engaged employees can boost performance by 202%, while disengaged employees lead to costly turnover—around $2.9 million per day for U.S. companies. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by Dr. Mechelle Roberthon, a CPTD and expert in workplace culture strategy. We’ll explore how cultivating a positive work environment drives organizational success, including key components, trends, and challenges. Dr. Roberthon will share practical insights on building and sustaining an engaged and thriving workforce—critical for any HR leader or organizational professional. Don’t miss this fun and lively discussion packed with actionable takeaways for fostering a strong, supportive workplace culture.

In an era where knowledge becomes obsolete almost overnight, the continuous investment in learning and development has proven essential for organizational agility and growth. In fact, a LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report revealed that 51% of companies globally are increasing their spend on learning and development, reflecting a widespread recognition of its critical role in achieving business success. As we navigate this era of rapid change, the strategic integration of instructional design into corporate learning initiatives has never been more important. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we are joined by Dr. Kate Hixson. With over 15 years of experience, Kate has crafted learning experiences for an impressive array of clients, from multinational corporations to global non-profits and tech giants. She has a Ph.D. in learning design, with a remarkable dissertation completed with NASA, focusing on teamwork training for the Astronaut Corp. From boardrooms to space stations, her expertise in learning design is truly out of this world. Together we discuss instructional design strategies for organizational growth, including captivating corporate learners, leveraging AI, and strategically scaling learning teams. Kate will also offer her insights on integrating new technologies, measuring learning effectiveness, and pinpointing the critical skills needed for the future workforce. So, tune in if you're looking to inspire your team, innovate your learning programs, or navigate the future of work, this episode is filled with invaluable insights.

Most business leaders understand the power of a dynamic and positive workplace culture, but only about 15% of companies that embark on making such a change are successful. Which leads many business leaders to ask - why do so many organizations fail when attempting a culture change? There are many factors to consider when undertaking a culture renovation. Business leaders must ask strategic questions such as what specific actions need to take place to successfully change an organization’s...

According to Gallup, a staggering 85% of employees are not engaged or are actively disengaged at work, resulting in $7 trillion in lost productivity. But there is hopeful news, the Institute of Coaching revealed that over 70% of individuals who received coaching benefited from improved work performance, engagement, relationships, and more effective communication skills. They also reported that 86% of companies felt that they recouped the investment they made into coaching - plus some! So...

While the economy is attempting to recover, the number of jobs still available has been a cause of concern for most employers. In fact, the latest data from the Labor Department revealed that there are currently 11.3 million job openings. Along with the slow return to work, we are experiencing the effects of the Great Resignation. With the challenge of finding talent - what should organizations do? To help us dive into recruiting and talent acquisition, we are joined by TTA’s Direct Hire...

Curiosity is an increasingly important skill for employees. In fact, a recent study from the Harvard Business Review revealed that curiosity allowed employees to think more innovatively and rationally about decisions and come up with new and creative solutions. Additionally, leaders who encouraged curiosity had more trusting and collaborative relationships within their teams. Who wouldn’t want that? Unfortunately, some leaders unwittingly stifle curiosity, fearing it will increase risk and...

For the first time in our economic history, there are five generations of employees making up our workforce. From the ‘Traditionalists’ generation to the newcomers ‘Gen Z’ – there are decades of experiences, cultures, and knowledge in our workplaces that each of us can learn from. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that by 2026 we can expect nearly two-thirds of people aged 55-64 to be working, and about 30% of people ages 65-74 to likely have full or part-time jobs. So how...

In this episode of “Bring Out The Talent,” we speak with Allessandria Polizzi, PhD, CEO and Founder of Verdant Consulting. Last year, more than 3.98 million workers quit their jobs each month, the highest average on record. This mass exodus of employees, or “Great Resignation” isn't necessarily indicative of people not liking what they do but according to mental health experts, many people are in search of employers who make them feel more psychologically safe. To better understand...