The Talent Development Hot Seat podcast - The #1 podcast for Learning and Development (L&D), HR, Career Development, Organizational Development, and Leadership Development professionals

Andy Storch
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Aug 12, 2025 • 49min

Navigating Your Next L&D Role with Sarah Cannistra: Tips for Career Clarity and Success

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cannistra, longtime L&D leader, coach, and the author of “Land Your Next L&D Role: Creating a Career that Works for You.” With more than 15 years of experience across every facet of learning and development, both as a practitioner and as an entrepreneur. Sarah brings hard-won perspective and actionable advice to help professionals navigate career transitions in today’s talent market.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Sarah Cannistra here: LinkedInIn this lively and practical conversation, Sarah opens up about her journey from internal L&D roles to running her own coaching and consulting business, and why she ultimately chose to return to an in-house corporate role—even while writing her book. She candidly shares what she’s learned about the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of stability, and the value of continual growth (plus, the underrated joy of a regular paycheck).In this episode, Sarah covers:Her “ABCDs of Career Success” framework—Alignment (finding your niche), Branding, Community, and Development—to help L&D professionals land their next role and build a truly rewarding career.Why clarity about your skills, interests, and values is more important than chasing specific job titles or credentials.How intentional job searches yield better, faster results than “spray and pray” applications, plus ways to sidestep the common pitfall of endless rejection cycles.The critical role of mindset and personal branding—how to be seen for your unique value instead of just another applicant in a crowded field.Tips for leveraging community (without getting trapped in negative job-seeker echo chambers), and why surrounding yourself with the right people is vital for growth.Real-life exercises for defining your legacy, honing your career story, and advocating for new opportunities—whether inside your current organization or beyond.If you’re planning your next move in L&D, wrestling with tough market conditions, or simply want more control over your career journey, Sarah’s actionable advice and relatable stories will help you move forward with confidence.Sarah’s book, “Land Your Next L&D Role,” is available now from ATD Press, Amazon, and all major booksellers. Tune in for a wealth of inspiration and strategy!
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Aug 5, 2025 • 39min

Transforming Onboarding and Upskilling at Johnson Controls with Lizzy Kizer

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, I’m joined by Lizzy Kizer, Director of Learning and Development at Johnson Controls, seasoned educator, and champion of building learning cultures for technical organizations. With a background spanning corporate, government, higher education, and K-12, Lizzy brings a unique blend of expertise in adult learning, instructional design, and science education to her work leading learning initiatives for JCI’s 30,000-strong technical labor force.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Lizzy Kizer here: LinkedInIn this candid and practical conversation, Lizzy and I dive deep into the real-world challenges and solutions for onboarding, upskilling, and fostering continuous growth in large, complex organizations. Drawing on her career journey from zoology major and science teacher to L&D leader, Lizzy shares insights into what it takes to create relevant, impactful learning programs that drive both employee retention and business results.In this episode, Lizzy discusses:Her unconventional path from science education to learning and development and why so many effective L&D professionals have roots in K-12 teaching.The critical importance of making learning immediately applicable and relevant, with adult learners motivated by real job needs and future career goals.How Johnson Controls transformed technical onboarding from a fragmented, manager-driven process to a scalable, centralized program with over 80% coverage and measurable ROI.The structure of their onboarding approach, including phased learning, strong “human touch” welcome, role-specific cohorts, and a blend of virtual and in-person components tailored to regional needs.Eye-popping results: 300% ROI, 5–7x improved retention, 36% increase in role performance, and huge manager time savings.Key strategies for upskilling and reskilling a frontline technical workforce—moving beyond product training to leveled, scaffolded learning pathways for foundational, intermediate, and advanced skills.How to pinpoint future skills needs (and stay agile as technology evolves), create responsive L&D solutions, and benchmark learning impact with real business KPIs.Practical approaches to evaluating learning ROI including measuring performance impact, retention, and even manager and employee Net Promoter Scores.Johnson Controls’ evolving journey in career development, job architecture, and leadership pipelines, making it easier for employees to find new roles, grow their skills, and advance.Why passion for learning (and for your learners) drives innovation and impact in talent development work.Whether you design onboarding, lead L&D in a technical setting, or want ideas to boost learning culture and ROI at scale, Lizzy’s real-life strategies and insights will help you elevate your programs and sharpen your business impact.Thanks for listening! Connect with Lizzy Kizer on LinkedIn to learn more about her journey and the groundbreaking work at Johnson Controls. If you found this episode valuable, share it with your learning team and keep building a culture where learning drives real business value.
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Jul 29, 2025 • 36min

Unlocking Business Artistry: Creativity, Leadership, and Innovation with Nir Hindie

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, I’m joined by Nir Hindie—international keynote speaker, founder of The Artian, and passionate advocate for merging business with artistic creativity. With clients like Google, SAP, and TikTok, and a background teaching at institutions such as IE Business School, Harvard, and MIT, Nir is renowned for helping leaders and organizations unlock innovation through a mindset he calls “business artistry.”Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Nir Hindie here: LinkedInIn this insightful and energizing conversation, Nir and I explore why creativity isn’t just for artists. Creativity is an essential leadership and business skill. Nir shares his philosophy that “art is a mindset,” explaining how adopting artistic approaches leads to greater experimentation, innovation, and emotional connection at work.In this episode, Nir discusses:Why art is more about exploration and mindset than the final object—and how this empowers business leaders to approach challenges differently.Real-world examples of artist-driven innovation, such as the MIT project that predated Google Street View.The importance of leaders staying engaged with creative processes, not just delegating them—drawing inspiration from icons like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney.The value of micromanaging the customer experience (not people), modeling a commitment to excellence throughout the organization.How observation and questioning are foundational skills for creativity and innovation—and practical ways to build these in L&D programs.The role of storytelling for leaders selling ideas and driving organizational change.Whether you’re in L&D, lead teams, or want to bring more artistry to your leadership, Nir’s business artistry approach will help you unlock creative potential in yourself and your organization.Thanks for listening! Connect with Nir Hindie on LinkedIn or check out his Business Artistry newsletter for more inspiration. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your team and keep fostering creativity in your workplace.
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Jul 22, 2025 • 19min

Are your leaders leveraging their personal brands? (Solo)

Today, Andy Storch takes a solo seat behind the mic for a focused, practical deep-dive into one of the most pressing and misunderstood topics in talent development: the power and ROI of personal brand, not just for individuals, but for your organization as a whole.Drawing from years of personal experience, ongoing research, and real-world examples, Andy breaks down why building a personal brand isn't just for entrepreneurs and LinkedIn influencers anymore. In fact, it’s becoming an essential differentiator for leaders and employees at every level—especially in today’s rapidly changing, AI-driven workplace.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInIn this episode, Andy explores:The shifting landscape: How personal branding has moved from something companies feared to an opportunity the best organizations are now embracing.The business case: Surprising stats, including why 82% of people trust companies more when their leaders are active online, and how employee-shared content delivers 8x the engagement of corporate channels.Real-world inspiration: A behind-the-scenes look at Tractor Supply Company and how CEO Hal Lawton’s authentic LinkedIn presence has become a powerful recruitment and culture-building tool.Actionable strategies: Simple, low-cost ways any company can start empowering employees and leaders—from raising awareness to adding personal brand workshops to your leadership programs.Overcoming old-school resistance: The mindset shifts required to move beyond fears of talent “shopping for jobs,” and why stifling employees’ visibility could be costing organizations millions in missed opportunities.The human factor: Why, in an age of faceless technology and AI, people connect so much more deeply with individuals than with company logos—and how you can put this insight to work for retention, recruitment, and reputation.Andy’s own framework: A five-step process for helping leaders and teams build compelling internal and external brands, boosting career growth, engagement, and organizational prestige.Equipping your team: How investing in personal branding delivers ROI for both employer and employee—and key first steps to get started, even in the most traditional workplaces.Whether you’re a talent development professional, business leader, or HR partner, Andy’s practical ideas and thought leadership will challenge you to rethink what it really means to “show up” for your company—and yourself—online.Thanks for listening! If you’re inspired to take action, Andy invites you to connect directly at andystorch.com, and to share this episode with leaders and teams ready to unlock the next level of personal and organizational growth through intentional brand-building.Stay tuned for more great interviews and conversations coming your way on the Talent Development Hot Seat!
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Jul 15, 2025 • 45min

Building People-Centric Cultures and Coaching Leaders with Garry Ridge, Former CEO of WD40

Today, I’m joined by Garry Ridge—beloved leadership coach, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for people-first workplace cultures.In this candid and energizing conversation, Garry and I dig into what it truly means to foster a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and connected—a space where anyone, with the right approach, can build an extraordinary culture. Drawing from his 25 years at the helm of a global brand and his latest book, Any Dumbass Can Do It, Garry shares his hard-earned wisdom, favorite behaviors of great coaches, and the core values that made WD-40 a beacon of trust, belonging, and performance.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Garry Ridge here: LinkedInIn this episode, Garry shares:His simple yet powerful philosophy: when people feel safe, valued, and connected, they do their best work—and go home happier.The critical distinction between managers and coaches, and why WD-40 replaced “manager” with “coach” in every job title.A breakdown of “soul-sucking” leadership behaviors—from ego and micromanagement to fear-based cultures—and the transformation that comes with self-awareness.Strategies for equipping new leaders, including the necessity of teaching fundamental coaching skills, not just promoting top performers.The power of psychological safety, learning moments, and openly sharing mistakes for creating a culture of innovation and growth.WD-40’s unique “Maniac Pledge” and how it eliminates blame, sparks accountability, and puts people in the driver’s seat of their own learning.Why feedback, authenticity, and vulnerability are non-negotiable for today’s leaders—and how to ask for help as a superpower, not a weakness.Insights on maintaining strong cultures in remote/hybrid work environments, plus the evolving opportunity of AI to free up creativity and connection.Practical lessons from Garry’s own “dumbass” moments, and why leaders must intentionally center themselves to avoid “bringing leftovers” to their teams.Whether you’re an HR or talent professional, a seasoned leader, or aspiring to lead, Garry’s philosophy offers both aspiration and action for making your company—and the world—a better place.Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to share this episode with your network, and check out Garry’s book, Any Dumbass Can Do It, for more great stories and practical tools for building winning cultures.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 45min

Navigating Change Management, Career Growth, and Field Enablement with Brittany Honor from Boston Scientific

Today, I’m talking with Brittany Honor—a dynamic leader with more than 12 years of experience spanning the medical device and consumer packaged goods industries. In this inspiring and practical conversation, Brittany and I dig into the realities of learning and development, change management, and field enablement—particularly in fast-paced and high-performing sales-driven organizations. Through candid stories, tactical strategies, and reflections on her own journey, Brittany equips L&D and talent professionals to navigate change, support teams, and elevate their careers with authenticity and impact.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Brittany Honor here: LinkedInIn this episode, Brittany shares:How she “fell into” L&D, moving from sales and leadership roles into developing future leaders.Why promoting top sales performers into management isn’t always the answer—and the value of focusing on transferable leadership skills.The critical mindset shift from “super salesperson” to effective leader.Communication pitfalls in change management and why messaging must start with the most impacted groups.The importance of listening and needs assessments for successful technology and training rollouts.How to handle requests for training—often uncovering root causes like trust, not just surface skills.Why authenticity, vulnerability, and ownership are essential for leaders.The role of clarifying personal values in driving career satisfaction and growth.Practical ways to build your personal brand alongside a corporate L&D career.How networking (especially on social media) can open doors and boost your professional impact.Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe and share with your colleagues and friends.
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Jul 1, 2025 • 36min

Creative Talent Development on a Small Team in Professional Services with Kelsey Kelly from Point B

Today, I am talking with Kelsey Kelly who is Manager of Learning and Employee Experience at Point B, a small professional services firm. In this conversation Kelsey and I dive into the real-world challenges and opportunities of building impactful learning cultures—especially within professional services firms that demand both continuous client value and employee growth. With experience spanning HR, military service, banking, and consulting, Kelsey shares lessons from her journey and how she’s driving holistic learning, employee experience, and leadership development with a lean team and limited resources.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Kelsey Kelly here: LinkedInIn this episode, Kelsey shares:Her winding path from accounting to HR to becoming an L&D champion—with key moments that revealed the "fun side of HR" and her passion for helping people grow.Why learning in professional services is both rewarding and tricky, with experts who love billable work—and how to position learning as both a personal and business imperative.How she scaled L&D at Point B with a drastically reduced team—leveraging partnerships (like Learnit), learning ecosystems, and creative problem-solving to provide meaningful development at scale.Strategies for shaping employee experience: building manager communities, creating branded programs (like the Empower Manager Exchange), and amplifying leadership through hubs and local adaptation.The pivotal role of onboarding, integrating with talent acquisition, and working cross-functionally to deliver welcoming, effective experiences for every new hire—no matter where they are.Practical leadership development tactics: focusing on relevance, adaptability, and community; supporting both current and next-generation leaders; and embracing constant change—even if it means pivoting or retiring programs.On measuring impact: Why authentic conversations, continuous feedback, and genuine connection with employees matter as much as hard metrics—and how being “human-centered” means evolving with your people.Brave, personal reflections on grief and work—how sharing her experience with loss, caregiving, and family shaped her perspective, deepened her empathy, and fueled her purpose.The power of personal branding on LinkedIn: Kelsey’s strategies for authentic connection, building visibility (even on a small team), and using social media to amplify both personal and organizational impact.Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe and share with your colleagues and friends.
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Jun 24, 2025 • 39min

Building a Learn It All Culture with Damon Lembi from LearnIt: Trends and Insights for Talent Development

Today, Andy Storch welcomes Damon Lembi—CEO of Learn It, host of the Learn It All Podcast, and two-time bestselling author—back to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast for a deep dive into building world-class learning cultures.In this candid conversation, Andy and Damon explore what separates “learn it all” organizations from “know it all” cultures, and why curiosity, humility, and action are the keys to thriving in today’s fast-changing landscape. Damon shares lessons drawn from his unique journey from aspiring Major League Baseball player to L&D leader, plus actionable strategies for making learning stick—especially when budgets and headcount are tight.A must-listen for L&D professionals, HR leaders, and anyone passionate about upskilling teams and building resilient learning organizations.In this episode, Damon shares:How his path from professional baseball dreams to receptionist at Learn It shaped his approach to leadership and lifelong learning.The difference between “learn it all” and “know it all” cultures—and why modeling curiosity, courage, and humility at the top makes all the difference.Why learning without action is “treason,” and how real transformation happens when people apply what they learn.The biggest trends reshaping talent development, including upskilling after layoffs, leveraging AI, and adapting to constant uncertainty.How the best organizations create space and psychological safety for learning—backed by intentional programs, strategic business unit partnerships, and executive role modeling.Why investing in people—even on a tight budget—yields massive ROI through retention, engagement, and competitive advantage.Lessons from evolving Learn It from in-person Excel classes to live, virtual, and AI-supported human skills development serving 2 million+ learners.Best practices for marketing learning programs internally, building buy-in, and encouraging participation—even when everyone feels too busy.Insights on building holistic development programs that mix live, on-demand, and coaching elements tailored to each learner’s needs.Plus, anecdotes from co-host Lucy Storch, discussion of Eurovision, and an exclusive offer for podcast listeners to try Learn It’s “Team Pass” for six months.Tune in for practical inspiration and expert tips on creating learning cultures that enable people—and companies—to thrive through any challenge.Thanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Damon Lembi here:LinkedIn
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Jun 17, 2025 • 42min

Never Lead Alone - Unlocking Team Potential Through Collaborative Leadership with Keith Ferrazzi

Today, Andy Storch welcomes Keith Ferrazzi—#1 New York Times bestselling author, renowned management thinker, and founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight—to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast.In this energizing episode, Andy and Keith go deep into the future of work, the enduring power of connection, and how leaders and talent professionals can navigate the disruptive rise of AI. Drawing on research from his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship, Keith shares practical tools for fostering high-performing teams, building organizational cultures of candor and accountability, and future-proofing your career in an AI-enabled world.A must-listen for talent development professionals, people leaders, and anyone seeking to amplify impact through relationships, collaboration, and bold innovation.In this episode, Keith shares:How the principles from Never Eat Alone remain timeless—even as networking tools and remote work reshape the landscape.Why talent pros must go beyond individual engagement and focus on unleashing high-performing teams (teamship) to drive organizational results.What “flash teams” are—and how cross-silo collaboration is the new currency for solving tough business challenges.How to create a culture of candor, stress-testing, and mutual accountability, so teams help each other succeed (not just play it safe).The reality of AI: 70% of recruitment tasks may soon be automated, and why only proactive, curious, and tech-savvy professionals will thrive.Practical “culture hacks” talent professionals can use—like candor breaks and energy checks—to make teamwork more inclusive, resilient, and effective.The importance of “meeting shifting” and why real collaboration should happen before you get in the room.Why leaders of the future are those who build teams without waiting for permission or relying on org charts.How purposeful relationship-building—inside and outside your organization—is essential for both personal and company growth in the age of AI.Insights on skills-based organizations, the shift away from rigid hierarchies, and how pixelating roles helps reimagine work with AI.Tune in to discover how you and your teams can move from old models of leadership to a bold, collaborative future—where no one ever leads (or learns) alone.Thanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Keith Ferrazzi here:LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Learnit.com/hotseatVisit learnit.com/hotseat to start your free 45-day trial of their Team Pass which includes unlimited classes for up to 20 people. It's a no brainer!
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Jun 10, 2025 • 47min

Upskilling Frontline Workers and Cultivating People Potential: Lessons from Chipotle and Din Tai Fung with Eric DiCenzo-Crotallo

Today, Andy Storch welcomes Eric DiCenzo-Crotallo—Vice President of Talent, Learning, and Communication at Din Tai Fung and former Director of Talent and Learning Development at Chipotle—to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast.In this value-packed episode, Andy and Eric explore what it really takes to build world-class talent development for hourly, frontline teams—and why the best talent programs blend operational know-how with authentic care for people. Eric shares candid stories and practical advice from his journey pivoting from operations to HR, launching large-scale leadership development initiatives, and driving data-informed decisions that impact every corner of the organization.A must-listen for L&D professionals, HR leaders, and anyone dedicated to elevating frontline talent, building winning cultures, and translating strategy into real growth opportunities for people at every level.In this episode, Eric shares:His winding path from restaurant operations to finding purpose in talent development—and why focusing on individual success became his passion.How launching Cultivate University at Chipotle upskilled 400+ field leaders with critical soft skills, leadership behaviors, and a culture of accountability—becoming a turning point in the company’s performance.How performance management and succession planning were transformed by replacing cumbersome, outdated processes with simple, conversation-driven frameworks—enabling managers to focus on feedback, recognition, and developing talent for a deep internal pipeline.The launch of the Always On, Always Listening “Voice of the Employee” program: how collecting real-time feedback through lifecycle surveys empowered managers with actionable insights and increased transparency.Powerful examples of how employee engagement directly influences business outcomes—like the surprising link between frontline buy-in on company vision and the accuracy of digital orders.His experience joining Din Tai Fung’s executive team to formalize HR, implement pay-for-performance, and introduce Elevate You—an English language learning initiative that’s already transforming lives and building a powerful employee value proposition.How talent development at Din Tai Fung shifted from top-down directives to empowering leaders with tools, resources, and autonomy for growth at scale.Strategies for career development in a high-growth environment: mapping clear paths, providing time and space for learning, and embracing the “you are the pilot of your own career” mindset—where the company becomes your co-pilot.Lessons learned about the critical importance of collaboration, bringing partners along to build diverse and sustainable talent solutions.The urgent need for talent development professionals to directly align their work with organizational strategic priorities, become data-savvy, and prepare teams for a rapidly evolving future—including the impact of AI.Plus, Eric’s book recommendation (“Radical Candor”), his favorite tools (including ChatGPT for ideation), and why the most meaningful wins come from seeing others unlock their potential and grow.Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at building talent strategy for frontline organizations—and discover how you can create scalable, people-centric programs that drive performance, engagement, and opportunity for all.Thanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Eric DiCenzo-Crotallo here:LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Learnit.com/hotseatVisit learnit.com/hotseat to start your free 45-day trial of their Team Pass which includes unlimited classes for up to 20 people. It's a no brainer!

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