#136: Talent Optimization Isn’t HR’s Job—It’s Yours with Mike Zani

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Aug 28, 2025

Mike Zani, CEO of The Predictive Index and author of The Science of Dream Teams, dives into the intersection of behavioral science and team dynamics. He reveals that most hiring failures stem from poor fit rather than lack of skills. Leaders can leverage data to enhance trust, engagement, and communication. Zani emphasizes the importance of personalized leadership development and cultivating a culture of feedback. Ultimately, talent optimization is a leadership responsibility, crucial for any organization aimed at growth.

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INSIGHT

Leaders Must Model Vulnerability

A culture of self-awareness enables honest feedback and vulnerability.
Leaders must model vulnerability to unlock openness and learning across the team.

ADVICE

Give Truthful, Specific, Positive Praise

Use TSP: truthful, specific, positive, when giving recognition.
Prioritize specificity to show attention and make praise actionable.

ANECDOTE

TSP Worked At The Family Dinner

Mike forced specificity from his kids about dinner and moved his wife to tears.
He demonstrates TSP works at home as well as at work.

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In this episode, Mike Zani, CEO of The Predictive Index and author of The Science of Dream Teams, joins the show to break down how behavioral science can transform hiring, culture, and leadership.

From his Olympic sailing background to leading a talent optimization platform used by over 10,000 companies, Mike shares practical insights on what makes teams click and what causes them to fall apart. He explains why most hiring failures aren’t about skills, but about fit, and how leaders can use data to build trust, increase engagement, and lead more effectively.

Key Takeaways:

Most hiring mistakes are due to poor behavioral fit, not a lack of skill or experience.
Behavioral science gives leaders a data-driven edge in building and managing high-performing teams.
Understanding natural drives helps reduce friction, improve communication, and boost engagement.
Leadership development is most effective when it’s personalized and grounded in behavioral awareness.
Talent optimization is not an HR function, it’s a leadership imperative for any growth-focused organization.

From Our Sponsor:

The Predictive Index (PI) is an award-winning talent optimization platform that aligns business strategy with people strategy for optimal business results. More than 60 years of proven science, software, and a curriculum of insightful management workshops make PI the solution for any company looking to design great teams and culture, make objective hiring decisions, foster engagement, and inspire greatness in their people anywhere in the world. More than 10,000 clients and 480+ partners use PI—including Nissan, Citizens Bank, Subway, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Omni Hotels—across 90+ countries. Learn more at predictiveindex.com.

Additional Resources:

Mike Zani | CEO, The Predictive Index & Author of “The Science of Dream Teams”:

https://www.predictiveindex.com/blog/author/mike-zani/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikezani/

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/

Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all

Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/