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

Today, we’re exploring a topic that’s front and center for every talent development leader: building a high-performance culture and cultivating genuine community at work.The pressure to create thriving, connected, results-focused organizations has never been higher—and getting it right goes far beyond slogans or perks. Developing the right mindset, practices, and community is a true differentiator, especially for fast-growing companies navigating constant change.Our guest, Stacey Porter, Chief People Officer at Procept Biorobotics, returns with invaluable insights from her decades of experience, including:Her approach to intentionally designing culture—treating it like a product you can shape, market, and continually refine.How high-performance isn’t just about hiring smart people, but empowering teams with real decision-making authority and clarity.Why "getting 1% better" is more than a slogan—it's a practical framework for individual and organizational growth.The tactical side of leadership development, spotlighting Procept’s internally-built "Spark" program and how it motivates, equips, and connects managers from every function and level.Creative ways to foster career mobility, drive retention, and create a workplace where connection and community fuel lasting engagement.Her shift from using traditional ERGs to intentionally nurturing "tribes," so employees always have a circle rooting for their success.Even in a rapidly scaling tech organization, Stacey demonstrates that the right language, rituals, and targeted development can build an adaptable, strong culture that withstands the pressures of growth. She also candidly shares how performance, belonging, and community aren’t just "nice to haves"—they're essential for business results and personal fulfillment.This conversation was recorded for the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast and contains a wealth of details you can bring straight to your team—including insightful metrics, innovative program design, and actionable tips to strengthen both leadership and community.Stacey is not only an expert in HR and talent development—her commitment to people-centric business and leadership is clear in everything she shares.Tune in for an episode filled with practical wisdom, creative strategies, and inspiration to elevate your culture, your people, and your business.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Stacey Porter here:LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!

Today, Andy sits down with Simmer Singh, a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience spanning Fortune 500 companies across the globe. This episode dives deep into workplace culture and the concept of cultural intelligence. Simmer shares; Her journey of rebuilding her career in a new culture as an immigrantUnique insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The power of cultural intelligence, how it differs from emotional intelligence, and its vital role in today's global workplace. Her thoughts on the evolving landscape of workplace culture post-pandemic, emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership and creating a culture of trust and open communication. Whether you're navigating cultural transitions, leading diverse teams, or looking to enhance your workplace environment, this episode is packed with valuable insights for talent development professionals. With a rich HR leadership background in Fortune 500 companies, Simmer has navigated complex cultural challenges and spearheaded global transformation projects. Her expertise spans cultural transformation and organizational development, having supported diverse teams across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.As a Certified Global Leadership Coach, consultant, and speaker, Simmer empowers diverse leaders and organizations to thrive by fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, enhancing cultural intelligence, and shaping organizational culture. She works closely with clients to engage stakeholders, explore challenges thoughtfully, and deliver actionable solutions tailored to their unique contexts.As an immigrant who had to rebuild her career in a completely different culture, Simmer deeply understands the unique challenges faced by those navigating unfamiliar environments while holding onto their cultural values and is passionate about supporting immigrant moms from diverse backgrounds.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Simmer Singh here:LinkedInThanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more here.

Today we're diving deep into one of our most popular and timeless topics: measuring impact in talent development. Many organizations still grapple with proving the tangible effects of their learning and training programs, which is crucial for securing funding, gaining support, and becoming strategic partners within companies.Our guest, Kevin M. Yates, known fondly as the L&D Detective, joins us once again to:Share his wisdom and experience in surfacing the true value of learning initiatives in organizational success. Share his journey from aspirational ideas to actionable strategiesDiscuss importance of using business metrics over surveysExplore how training, learning, and other contributors collectively drive performance within the workplace ecosystem.Although this conversation was originally recorded during a community call within our Talent Development Think Tank Community, it's packed with fresh insights, including Kevin's updated L&D Detective kit.Kevin is not just an expert in learning and development, but he also has a heart for impact through his non-profit organization, Meals in the Meantime, which provides nourishing meals to those in need. Stay tuned for a discussion that promises both practical advice and inspiration to elevate your talent development strategies!Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Kevin M Yates here:LinkedInThanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more here.Mentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!

In this episode, we sit down with Charlotte Evans, the Director of Global Customer Advocacy at Coursera for Business. Charlotte brings a wealth of expertise in the realm of talent development, focusing on how organizations can drive transformation through upskilling and reskilling initiatives. Together, they explore;The burgeoning trend of skills-based learningThe pivotal role of AI as both a disruptor and an enabler in the workplace. Charlotte's insights on the top skills in demand, derived from data on 5 million Coursera learners.How organizations like yours can align learning strategies with business outcomes. Dive into this episode to uncover the latest trends in AI, talent mobility, and more, as you gear up to stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of talent development.As Director, Global Customer Advocacy, Coursera for Business, Charlotte Evans collaborates with leading organizations to drive workforce transformation through upskilling and reskilling initiatives. Her focus is advising companies across industries on unlocking their potential by aligning learning strategies with measurable business outcomes. She is passionate about highlighting customer achievements to inspire action, build trust, and foster long-term partnerships.Her career began in student services in Asia, and her commitment to global education access was cemented while at Harvard Graduate School of Education where she received an Ed.M. in International Education Policy. Since joining Coursera in 2019, she has been proud to create meaningful opportunities for individuals to find opportunity and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Charlotte Evans here:LinkedInJob Skills Report 2025 / CourseraThis episode is sponsored by Learnit, the #1 place for live facilitated programs to elevate individual and organizational growth. Learn more. Mentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!

Today, we are diving into an intriguing topic that is at the forefront of many minds in the talent development sphere: AI transformation in the workplace. Our episode features a keynote session by Charlotte Evans from Coursera, who serves as the Director of Global Customer Advocacy, specializing in workforce transformation through upskilling and reskilling.In this episode, originally recorded at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference back in November, Charlotte takes us through;A rapidly evolving landscape where AI is not just a buzzword, but a critical tool for future workforce readinessThe unprecedented speed at which AI tools like ChatGPT have reached global adoption Her insights on how talent development professionals can harness AI for productivity gains.The challenges of integrating AI smoothly into business models, emphasizing the importance of aligning L&D strategies with measurable outcomes, as well as maintaining a growth mindset in the face of rapid technological advancements.Join us as we explore these topics and prepare to elevate your understanding of AI's role in talent development. Whether you are part of L&D, HR, or another area keen on leveraging AI, this episode is packed with valuable insights that will help you navigate the AI transformation journey. Stay tuned for our full interview with Charlotte next week, where we will delve deeper into current skills trends and what they mean for the future of learning. Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Charlotte Evans here:LinkedInCoursera 2025 Job Skills ReportThanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more. Mentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!

In this bonus Q&A with Ash Panjwani, 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 youAsh Panjwani's journey began with a clear vision at an unusually young age. At just 16, while immersed in an AP Psychology course, Ash discovered a fascination with interpersonal dynamics and business operations. Growing up in a family with a small business owner father and a marketing executive mother, Ash was constantly surrounded by discussions about people, management, and workplace interactions. These daily conversations piqued Ash's interest in how these elements influenced business environments, sparking a lifelong passion for understanding the human aspect of business, even before fully grasping what the business world entailed.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Ash Panjwani here:LinkedInThanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more here.Mentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!

Today we're thrilled to feature Ash Panjwani, the Head of Talent Development at Procore. Ash brings her wealth of experience from companies like Twilio and VMware to share;Her transformative approach to leadership developmentHer unique Define, Drive, and Develop frameworkHow the framework aligns leadership expectations to build ecosystems that nurture leaders on a large scaleWhether you're a talent development pro, a leader, or someone keen on organizational growth, this episode is loaded with actionable insights. Don't miss out on learning how Ash and her team are revolutionizing talent and leadership development. Tune in and elevate your understanding and capabilities within your organization!Ash Panjwani's journey began with a clear vision at an unusually young age. At just 16, while immersed in an AP Psychology course, Ash discovered a fascination with interpersonal dynamics and business operations. Growing up in a family with a small business owner father and a marketing executive mother, Ash was constantly surrounded by discussions about people, management, and workplace interactions. These daily conversations piqued Ash's interest in how these elements influenced business environments, sparking a lifelong passion for understanding the human aspect of business, even before fully grasping what the business world entailed.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Ash Panjwani here:LinkedInThanks to our sponsor, Learnit, you can get a free 45-day trial to help your people build more skills that drive success Learn more here.Mentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!

Today's episode welcomes Arno Pepperkoorn, the Chief Talent Officer at Omnicom Media Group in the Netherlands, for an insightful conversation on constructing a robust learning academy. With a wealth of experience in media and creative industries, Arno & Andy discuss;The challenges and triumphs of building the HUME Academy, a one-year program designed to develop human media and professional skills for new employees. How this innovative academy addresses critical topics such as diversity, inclusivity, mental health, and leadership, while also providing Practical insights into the global working culture, specifically comparing Dutch, US, and UK approaches. If you're looking to enhance your talent development strategies and cultivate a more inclusive work environment, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Join us as we delve into creating meaningful and effective learning experiences for the future.Arno Peperkoorn is a prominent figure in the media and creative industries, currently serving as the Chief Talent Officer at Omnicom Media Group in the Netherlands. He is recognized for his commitment to advancing diversity and inclusivity in the workplace and beyond. Peperkoorn is also the co-founder of Include Now, a foundation that advocates for creating inclusive environments and celebrates diverse perspectives.His work emphasizes amplifying individual strengths and fostering respect for diversity in professional spaces. He frequently speaks at global events, including the Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS), where he shares his insights on inclusivity and media’s role in promoting equity and Black excellenceFinally, and what is most relevant to our discussion today, Arno has built and run an in-house learning academy at OMG called the Hume Academy, short for “Human Media” that is a 1-year program for new employees to develop human, media, and professional skills.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Arno Peperkoorn here:LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!

In this episode, Andy dives deep into the realms of mental health, resilience, emotional well-being, and the importance of courage in the workplace with expert Justine Froelker. Justine brings over 25 years of experience as a licensed professional counsellor and together they dive into;The challenges we face in today's fast-paced worldPractical advice for improving well-being both at home and at work Justine's transformative career shift towards empowering leaders with courage-centered strategies. As the author of 11 books and a seasoned speakerJustine's unique perspective on fostering workplace cultures that support personal growth and authentic connection.Setting boundariesEmbracing vulnerabilityEnhancing emotional intelligenceJustine now shares her own curriculum, Courage is Built Here™, after being certified in Dr. Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability, courage, and empathy for 11 years. This transformative program empowers individuals to live and lead with self-awareness, authenticity, and resilience, building a foundation for courage-centered leadership. An accomplished author of eleven books—including five Amazon bestsellers—Justine has written across genres, from children’s books to in-depth explorations of infertility, faith, and grief. She has delivered two TEDx Talks, The Permission of the And and The Donut Effect, which highlight her unique perspective on navigating life’s complexities with grace. Justine is a sought-after speaker who travels nationally and presents virtually to global audiences, delivering keynotes, workshops, retreats, and trainings on topics such as leadership, resilience, mental health, coping with burnout, courageous and curious conversations, and fostering cultures of inclusion and belonging. Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Justine Froelker here:LinkedInWebsite Mentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!

In today's episode, Andy sits down with Jill Schulman, a former United States Marine Corps officer and acclaimed expert on the science of bravery. Together, they explore:Courage and bravery within the workplaceJills extensive background in military service Corporate leadership Positive psychology to offer actionable insights on how we can unlock individual and team potential through the science of braveryJills academic research on bravery Powerful strategies to help us recognize fear and take bold actions to overcome itWhether it's having difficult conversations, pursuing ambitious goals, or breaking out of our comfort zones, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for anyone looking to bolster their courage in both personal and professional spheres. Join us as we dive deep into cultivating a brave mindset for a more fulfilling and impactful career.Jill Schulman is a former USMC officer, leadership expert, happiness scientist, and keynote speaker who specializes in helping individuals and teams unlock their potential through the science of bravery. With a diverse background spanning military service, corporate leadership, and academia, Jill combines research-based insights with real-world experience to empower others to push limits, embrace bold goals, and elevate their impact—all while enhancing well-being and life satisfaction.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Jill Schulman here:LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Learnit prerollVisit learnit.com/andy 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!