The Talent Development Hot Seat podcast - The Top podcast for L&D Professionals

In today’s episode, I'm talking with Andrew Wilhelms, VP of Talent Management at Databricks and a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience from organizations like Twilio and Tesla. In t his conversation, we explore the evolving world of talent development and break down the difference between building individual capabilities and managing organizational systems, and why understanding both is crucial in today’s dynamic business landscape.Andrew also shares insights from his unique journey, including how his philosophy background shaped his approach to leadership, what he believes actually transforms good teams into high-performing ones, and why the next wave of talent will require us all—no matter our title—to start thinking (and leading) like executives. They also dig into the impact of AI on both work and leadership, the importance of designing a positive employee experience, and practical ways to move beyond “knowing” to actually “doing” when it comes to developing great leaders.Key Notes and topics we cover in this episode:The Nature of LeadershipPreparing Future LeadersChallenges in Corporate LeadershipTalent Management vs. Talent DevelopmentThe Next Paradigm Shift in Talent: AIAI and Tools in Talent DevelopmentThe “Brickster Experience” at DatabricksPsychological Safety and Growth MindsetManager and Leadership Development ModelsCareer Development PhilosophyLessons Learned & ReflectionsTalent Development TrendsRecommended ResourcesCareer Advice for Talent ProfessionalsThis episode is also 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 Andrew Wilhelms here: LinkedInOrder my new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonAnd my first book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, is on Amazon as well.

Welcome back to The Talent Development Hot Seat! In today’s episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Eric Nielsen, founder and CEO of YUI Consulting. With over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies—including a 17-year stint at Verizon—Eric is a recognized expert in organizational development and leadership transformation.This episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of designing truly effective training and development programs. Eric shares powerful insights into trends like experiential learning, the importance of focusing on root causes rather than symptoms, and how to build a training culture that drives high performance—rather than delivering “flavor-of-the-month” programs that fade from memory.We’ll also hear about common pitfalls in change management, why many soft skills trainings only scratch the surface, and how Eric’s unique ADEPT framework is helping organizations achieve dramatically better results—in customer and employee experience, engagement, and hard metrics like cost savings.If you’re in talent development and want to move beyond order-taking to real business impact, or you’re curious about what makes learning stick for the long term, this conversation is packed with practical advice and bold challenges to rethink your approach.Ready to unlock the untapped performance hiding in your organization? Let’s jump into this enlightening conversation with Eric Nielsen.Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is also 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 Eric: Website I LinkedIn—They discuss:The biggest trends and opportunities in talent development, including experiential learning and the shift towards AI (Yes, it’s shaking things up!).Why so much corporate training fizzles out within months—and how to ensure learning lasts and drives real behavior change.The importance of focusing on root causes, not just surface-level issues, to create solutions employees truly run towards.Eric’s unique "ADEPT" framework for advanced soft skills and de-escalation—delivering powerful results like reduced escalations, higher employee engagement, and even fewer absences!The often-overlooked risks companies face when cutting back on training in uncertain times.The real reason employees resist change (spoiler: it’s not just “people hate change!”), and how leaders can effectively manage and communicate through organizational change.The staggering cost of delivering “okay” or generic training versus programs that create lasting WOW experiences.Eric challenges the industry to ditch checking the box on training hours and instead measure real outcomes—with the bold promise of guaranteed results. If you want to know how to get employees excited about training, make learning stick, and drive business results your execs can't ignore, you’ll love this episode!—#talentdevelopment #leadership #changemanagement #training #learninganddevelopment #L&D #organizationaldevelopment #employeeengagement #businesssuccess #softskills #AI #trainingresults #futureofwork #andystorch #YUIConsulting #ADEPTframeworkMentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseat

Welcome back to The Talent Development Hot Seat! In this episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Molly Hill, Global Head of Talent Development at Toast, for a lively and insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of talent development. Molly shares her fascinating career journey, from her early days at Disney and impactful roles at Microsoft, Starbucks, and Airbnb, to her current adventure at Toast—where she blends her professional passion with the hands-on experience of owning a bar in picturesque Lake Chelan, Washington.Together, Andy and Molly dig into the art and science of large-scale leadership development, codifying company values, and fostering a culture of connection in remote and in-person environments. Molly offers practical advice and lessons learned from orchestrating major events at Starbucks and spearheading innovative programs like the Leadership Lunchbox series and executive development initiatives at Toast. Plus, the conversation touches on the importance of behavior change, using marketing principles in L&D, and adapting to the growing influence of AI in HR—including hosting internal hackathons to inspire curiosity and collaboration.If you're ready for fresh ideas on building manager capability, driving career development, or creating memorable learning experiences, you won't want to miss this episode!Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is also 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 Molly: LinkedIn: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseat

In today’s episode, host Andy Storch dives into one of the most pressing topics shaping careers and organizations right now: the rise of AI in career development. Andy explores how generative AI is not only transforming the way we work but also the way we identify, build, and leverage skills for the future. Whether you’re an individual looking to future-proof your career or a leader aiming to unlock new talent pathways within your organization, this conversation is packed with practical insights.Andy shares the latest AI-driven tools revolutionizing learning and development, offers actionable tips to stay ahead of disruption, and explains why owning your career journey, building authentic connections, and nurturing your personal brand have never been more important. Plus, he outlines the three essential habits you can adopt today to set yourself up for long-term success in an AI-powered world.Join us as we tackle the opportunities—and challenges—AI brings and learn how you can thrive now and in the years to come.Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. This episode is also 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 | LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseatTry Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co

Welcome back to The Talent Development Hot Seat podcast! In today’s episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Danielle Clark, VP of Talent and Head of Global Talent Strategy at eBay, for a practical and insightful exploration of the future of work and talent management. Danielle, a seasoned leader with more than 15 years of industry experience, shares her journey from recruitment in London to spearheading major talent transformations at eBay and other Fortune 500 companies.This episode dives into Danielle’s blueprint for building a unified talent ecosystem—connecting talent acquisition, development, and management under one strategic umbrella. Learn how she’s championed data-driven approaches, scalable learning initiatives, and internal mobility to keep eBay’s workforce agile, empowered, and ready for what’s next. Danielle also reveals eBay’s tactics for upskilling employees, the impact of live and on-demand learning, and how integrating AI into talent development is reshaping everything from recruitment to coaching.For talent leaders eager to drive sustainable change, Danielle shares actionable advice on sponsorship, communications, and building cross-functional teams. Whether you’re in HR, L&D, or simply passionate about helping people grow, you’ll find tons of value in this candid conversation.Ready to rethink talent development and get inspired to tackle the tough challenges? Let’s jump into the conversation with Danielle Clark.Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. This episode is also 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 Danielle: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Try Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.coCheck out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseat

Welcome back to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast! In today’s episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Dr. Colin Fisher, Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at University College London’s School of Management, to dive deep into the hidden processes that make teams—and organizations—thrive. From his unique journey as a professional jazz musician to becoming a renowned researcher on group dynamics and creativity, Colin shares insights from his latest book, The Collective: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups.Together, Andy and Colin explore why we’re so attached to the myth of the lone genius, what most team-building exercises are getting wrong, and how the structure of a team—right from its inception—can make or break its success. Drawing from science, real-world examples, and personal experience, they break down the essential elements for building high-performing, synergistic teams, and discuss practical strategies for leadership, rewards, and navigating the post-Covid world of remote and hybrid teamwork.Whether you’re a talent development professional, team leader, or just passionate about helping people and organizations achieve more together, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking research you won’t want to miss!Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. This episode is also 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 Colin: LinkedIn: LinkedInKeynotes:1. Colin’s Professional Journey and Origins in Collective Intelligence2. Studying Teams: Gaps and Structural Issues3. The Structural Foundations of Team Performance4. The Myth of the Lone Genius and Value of Teams5. Balancing Individual Recognition with Team Success6. The Science of Team Building: What Works and What Doesn't7. Creating Synergistic Teams8. Practical Guidance for Talent Development Professionals9. Harnessing Competition within Teams10. Managing Remote and Hybrid Teams11. Leadership and Coaching Impact on Group SuccessMentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseatTry Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co

In this episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Jamie Albers, co-founder of Mento—a company at the forefront of transforming professional development with performance-based coaching solutions. Jamie shares her journey from Middle Eastern Studies to leading innovative teams at Google and eventually launching Mento, which is redefining coaching by skillfully blending mentorship from real-world operators with data-driven methodologies.Jaime’s journey may look intentional in hindsight, but it unfolded through a series of unexpected choices. Originally pursuing Middle Eastern studies in college, Jaime set out in a different direction than most would expect. After graduation, they took a role as an advertising associate at Google during the 2010s—a time when such jobs were often a mix of customer service and ad review, but proved to be a valuable training ground. Grateful for the opportunities at Google, Jaime also seized the chance to participate in a classic “20% project,” further shaping their path. Looking back, every step seems to have fit together as if by destiny, even if it wasn’t the plan from the start.Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. This episode is also 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 Jamie: LinkedIn: LinkedInKey Topics:1. The Importance of Intentional Career Development2. Transition into Talent Development3. Current and Emerging Trends in Talent Development4. Bridging the Skills Gap and Skills-Based Hiring5. Fostering Collaboration, Knowledge Sharing, and Internal Upskilling6. The Role of Mindset in Adopting New Skills and Technologies7. Coaching and Mentoring: The Mento Model8. Measuring Impact and Return on Investment (ROI) in Coaching & L&D9. The Rise of AI Coaching and Where It’s Headed10. Evaluating and Selecting Coaching and L&D SolutionsMentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseatTry Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co

In this candid and insightful conversation, host Andy Storch welcomes back Mita Mallick to explore what effective leaders can learn from the worst bosses they've encountered. Drawing from her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses, Mita shares her personal journey, the archetypes of bad bosses, and practical strategies for both surviving toxic leadership and breaking negative cycles as a leader.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career 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.This episode is also sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Mita: LinkedIn: Mita MallickTop 5 Key Notes:1.Bad Bosses Aren’t Born, They’re MadeMita emphasizes that most bad bosses don't set out to be that way—often they're shaped by their own experiences, circumstances, or lack of self-awareness. Many toxic behaviors are responses to external or personal stress, not innate malice.2.Recognizing Archetypes of Bad LeadershipMita's book introduces 13 archetypes of bad bosses, including Medusa (the bully), the Chopper (micromanager), the Napper (disengaged boss), and Tony Soprano (talent hoarder). These archetypes help us recognize and address negative behaviors in leadership.3.Impact of Exclusion and Toxic WorkplacesDrawing from her personal journey, Mita highlights the profound impact that exclusion and toxic bosses can have on employee wellbeing, engagement, and confidence. Her own experiences with bullies followed her from childhood schoolyards into the workplace, fueling her passion for building inclusive cultures.4.Advice for Employees Facing Toxic LeadershipMita suggests practical steps for employees: document toxic behavior, develop an exit strategy (even if it’s internal), network discreetly, and focus on activities outside work that rebuild confidence. She stresses that individuals alone cannot fix toxic workplaces or change others’ behavior—they have to prioritize their own well-being.5.Role of HR and Talent Professionals in Addressing ToxicityThe conversation offers guidance for HR and talent leaders: document issues, influence decision-makers with facts, and recognize when to recommend coaching—or, when necessary, help leaders move on. Using curiosity, vulnerability, and honest feedback can guide leaders toward positive change, but some situations may require more decisive action.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseatTry Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, host Andy Storch welcomes Cory Sanford, VP of Culture and Talent at Guidant Financial, HR consultant, speaker, and author of “hr. Are you kidding me? Surprisingly Simple Steps to Unlock the Power of People.” In this energizing conversation, Cory shares his unique philosophy on creating an award-winning remote culture and how intentional talent development practices can transform the employee experience.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career 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 Cory Sanford here: LinkedInKey highlights from this episode include:Cory recounts his journey into HR and talent development, plus the personal mantra that guides his work: the workplace should empower people to be, do, and feel their best.Discover how Guidant Financial has thrived as a fully remote organization—winning “Best Place to Work” awards and attracting top talent by leaning into flexibility and connection.Cory explains the secret to overcoming hybrid and remote work challenges, focusing on building deliberate connections—to purpose, leaders, and each other through required and optional cultural activities.Take a behind-the-scenes look at Guidant’s innovative use of Microsoft Teams, including fun “Break Room” and “Cheers” channels to promote organic interaction and real-time peer recognition.Learn about Guidant’s bold goal to promote or advance 25% of its team annually, and how Cory’s approach to career development includes step promotions, subject matter expert tracks, and creating new roles where talent and organizational needs align.Hear practical strategies for supporting managers to develop, not hoard, talentincluding regular, effective one-on-ones and celebrating leaders who help their people move up or across the organization.Cory shares his philosophy for meaningful onboarding (cohort hiring, “partners in crime” buddies, and personal welcome messages) and offboarding (company-wide celebration of departures and active alumni engagement).Dive into the design and impact of Guidant’s all-virtual Development Day, featuring Andy as keynote, personal vision boarding, actionable next steps, and hands-on AI training to foster an ownership mindset.Insights on building a culture that encourages side hustles and celebrates employees who pursue their dreams; whether inside or outside the company.Cory’s take on why he wrote “hr. Are you kidding me?”: to offer simple, story-driven frameworks anyone can use to unlock the power of culture and people.Tune in for actionable inspiration and ideas to create, sustain, and measure a standout culture. Whether you are in the office or distributed across the globe. Connect with Cory Sanford on LinkedIn and check out his book for more practical HR insights.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseatTry Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co

Today I talk with my friend and coauthor, Mike Kim, personal branding expert, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and co-author of the brand new book Own Your Brand, Own Your Career. In this special episode, we discuss how we wrote our book, the importance of trust and the importance of personal branding for corporate professionals.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career 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.And by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 coaching style utilizing coaches with real world experience to help your people drastically improve performance. Learn more at Mento.coConnect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Mike Kim here: LinkedInKey highlights from this episode include:Andy shares the story behind the new book, “Own Your Brand, Own Your Career,” co-authored with Mike Kim, and why they teamed up to bring personal branding strategies to professionals beyond just the entrepreneur world.Mike describes the value of collaboration over competition and lessons learned from co-writing a book, emphasizing trust, humility, and clarity in working relationships.Discover practical frameworks for personal branding, including Mike’s signature “Personal Brand 3 (PB3)” questions to help you clarify your purpose and stand out.Andy and Mike offer fresh, actionable exercises for defining your identity, leveraging your career experiences, and determining what you want to be known for within your organization or industry.Get a preview of the book’s key chapters, including up-to-date strategies for building your brand in an era shaped by technology and AI, and the seven essential human traits that will matter most in the workplace of the future.Learn the secrets to developing trust, influence, and relationships at work and why these human skills will only increase in value as automation and AI advance.Uncover the shift happening in organizations as more companies recognize the value of personal brands, not just for individuals, but for their teams and enterprise success.Mike and Andy discuss how to approach your career with an entrepreneurial mindset, lead without a title, and build your legacy through intentional action.The episode also features expert-backed job search and interview tips, curated specifically for professionals seeking to leverage their personal brand for career growth.Don’t miss the discussion about LinkedIn, storytelling, and strategies to cultivate an authentic, respected brand both online and offline.Tune in for invaluable insights on harnessing the power of personal brand to level up your career, drive fulfillment, and future-proof your success in today’s rapidly changing work environment.Ready to take action? Pick up your copy of “Own Your Brand, Own Your Career” on Amazon, and access free resources at OwnYourBrandBook.com. Connect with Andy and Mike on LinkedIn to stay inspired and informed on your talent development journey!