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

Today we delve into an essential topic for anyone in the world of talent development: Psychological Safety. Our guest, Mehmet Baha, is a renowned expert in this field, having started his career with Facebook in Europe and now conducting extensive research and training on creating and fostering psychological safety in organizations.In this episode, Mehmet will:Share his intriguing journey from his impactful time at Facebook to his broader research across various organizations. Explore what psychological safety truly means and how it significantly impacts culture, leadership, team performance, learning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Provide both common pitfalls and valuable strategies that organizations can use to cultivate a psychologically safe environment.Whether you're keen on boosting team performance, navigating organizational change, or enhancing your company's learning and development initiatives, this episode offers invaluable insights. Mehmet's practical examples and actionable tips promise to help you understand and implement psychological safety to elevate your organizational culture. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this enlightening conversation with Mehmet Baha on creating psychological safety at work.His full name is Mehmet Baha and everyone calls him Baha. Since his childhood, he has been fascinated by the question: “How can I make a difference in the lives of people?” His interest leads him to win a scholarship from Fulbright and finish his master’s in the USA on the topic of Conflict Resolution.He has lived and worked in Germany, Turkey, Ireland, Guatemala, and the USA with more than 24 years of work experience. Baha was one of the first employees of Facebook in Europe. Throughout his life, he has realized the importance of having psychological safety to create high-performing teams. So far, he has delivered training and given talks in more than 28 countries across 5 continents. Recently, he completed Harvard Business School’s Online Executive Education Programme “Organizational Leadership”.He is fluent in English, Spanish, Turkish, and German. In his free time, he loves to play percussion, travel with his family, and play basketball with his 8-year-old daughter. “Playbook for Engaged Employees“ is his first book.In September 2024, his second book “Creating Psychological Safety at Work: The Essential Guide to Boosting Team Performance“ was published.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Mehmet Baha here:LinkedIn

In this bonus Q&A with Matthew, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youMatthew has 25 years in the learning space - both corporate and for agencies. His experience ranges from working with global clients with large culture and organisational change programmes, develop learning strategies, develop learning solutions and occasionally getting out in the wild to deliver leadership programmes. All this is across lots of different sectors: pharma, automotive, manufacturing, telco and retail. His big passion is improving business performance through people - especially focusing on authentic leadership, innovation, culture, empowerment and trust.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Matthew Moxon here:LinkedIn

Today we dive deep into the complexities and nuances of leadership with our special guest, Matthew Moxon, the Global Director of Learning Experience Design at Nazare. With over 25 years of experience across sectors like pharma, automotive, and manufacturing, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge on developing authentic leadership, fostering innovation, and cultivating an empowering corporate culture.In this episode, we’ll explore:Essential leadership principles such as empowering others, providing constructive feedback, and maintaining accountability. Matthew's personal journey with testicular cancer, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early detection, while using humour and resilience to inspire others.The challenges of ensuring strategic communication resonates with employees, the concept of leadership "Multipliers" to maximize team potential, and integrating leadership training into daily workflows rather than isolated events. The importance of understanding employee mindsets, addressing roadblocks, and fostering genuine engagement.So, settle in and get ready to rethink leadership, culture, and personal well-being with insights that can transform both your professional and personal lives. Let's get started!Matthew has 25 years in the learning space - both corporate and for agencies. His experience ranges from working with global clients with large culture and organisational change programmes, develop learning strategies, develop learning solutions and occasionally getting out in the wild to deliver leadership programmes. All this is across lots of different sectors: pharma, automotive, manufacturing, telco and retail. His big passion is improving business performance through people - especially focusing on authentic leadership, innovation, culture, empowerment and trust.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Matthew Moxon here:LinkedIn

In this bonus Q&A with Dr. Shveta, 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 youDr. Shveta Miglani is a passionate talent development professional who has become an expert on career, leadership, and organizational development with a PhD in those topics. Most recently, Shveta was Head of Global Learning, Development, and Skilling at Micron Technology, where she was overseeing growth and development needs of more than 48,000 employees. With her team, she fosters a culture of continuous learning through the digital transformation of the learning environment. Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Dr. Shveta Miglani:LinkedInWebsite

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Shveta Miglani, an accomplished expert in talent development, leadership, and organizational culture. Shveta shares her extensive experience from working with diverse organizations and discusses the critical role of strong leadership in employee retention. In this episode, we cover:The rapid shifts in organizational cultureThe balance between innovation and company valuesThe evolving landscape of HR and L&D through the integration of AI and automationThe importance of continuous evaluation and adaptation of learning programsThe ROI of training initiatives, and strategic alignment with business goalsHer insights on leveraging data and AI for personalized learningHer thoughts on effective HR management, and the role of strong IT partnerships.Additionally, Shveta introduces her upcoming book, Take Charge of Your New Job, which offers strategies for career success derived from her PhD research and extensive interviews with industry leaders. Whether you're an HR professional, a leader seeking to enhance your team's development, or someone navigating a new role, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable insights. Dr. Shveta Miglani is a passionate talent development professional who has become an expert on career, leadership, and organizational development with a PhD in those topics. Most recently, Shveta was Head of Global Learning, Development, and Skilling at Micron Technology, where she was overseeing growth and development needs of more than 48,000 employees. With her team, she fosters a culture of continuous learning through the digital transformation of the learning environment. Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Dr. Shveta Miglani:LinkedInWebsite

As we kick off the new year, Andy takes a deep dive into the topic of owning performance and achieving goals in this solo episode;Reflecting on a recent goal-setting session he led within the Talent Development Think Tank community, where participants shared their accomplishments, challenges, and aspirations for 2025Emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals, creating actionable plans, and seeking help from mentors, colleagues, or coaches to achieve these goals.Sharing personal anecdotes, including his journey of working with a sales coach to grow his business, and highlights the significance of vulnerability and collaboration in the goal-setting process.Outlining the top six reasons people often fail to achieve their goals and provides a comprehensive five-step approach to owning performance and reaching milestones. Whether you're aiming to advance your career, improve your team's performance, or achieve personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you stay on track and make 2025 a successful and fulfilling year. Tune in to learn more about developing the right mindset, making time for your goals, and maintaining momentum throughout the year.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!

In this bonus Q&A with Ty, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youTy has reimagined talent strategies, focusing on employee well-being, career mobility, and building an inclusive culture. Ty can speak to unlocking individual potential for collective impact, sharing how RSM recognizes and leverages each employee’s unique talents. Ty and his team are also leveraging AI to cultivate and upskill talent. With his experience in transforming RSM’s talent experience—emphasizing mental health and flexible work arrangements—Ty’s insights would be a perfect fit for your audience, bringing a fresh perspective on the future of talent development.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Ty Beasley here:LinkedIn

Today we have a fascinating conversation lined up with Ty Beasley, Chief Talent Officer at RSM, a global professional services firm with over 18,000 employees.In this episode, Ty dives into:The heart of RSM's workplace culture, which emphasizes flexibility, inclusivity, and employee well-being. How RSM creates a balanced environment where work and personal life can coexist harmoniously through remote and office work options.Insights on their inclusive culture, internal mobilityThe innovative "talent marketplace" strategy aimed at retaining top talent by offering diverse career opportunities within the company.The importance of leadership in setting the tone for inclusivity and how data-driven strategies are used to measure the success of internal mobility initiatives.A unique approach, especially post-pandemic, introduces flexible work arrangements and holistic well-being programs to support employees in demanding work environments.From career development to leadership training and internal career mobility, this episode is packed with valuable insights on fostering a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic workplace. Whether you're an HR professional, a leader, or someone passionate about talent development, you won't want to miss this conversation. Tune in and join us as we unlock the potential of individuals and explore the transformative power of a great workplace culture!Ty has reimagined talent strategies, focusing on employee well-being, career mobility, and building an inclusive culture. Ty can speak to unlocking individual potential for collective impact, sharing how RSM recognizes and leverages each employee’s unique talents. Ty and his team are also leveraging AI to cultivate and upskill talent. With his experience in transforming RSM’s talent experience—emphasizing mental health and flexible work arrangements—Ty’s insights would be a perfect fit for your audience, bringing a fresh perspective on the future of talent development.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Ty Beasley here:LinkedIn

In this bonus Q&A with Kami, 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 youKami's mission is to support, invest in, value and grow education professionals as leaders. She has spent the past two decades supervising, coaching, and developing urban school and system leaders through a people-centered approach to systemic change. Catalyzed by her own early experiences in the classroom and the lack of adequate preparation she received, she now works with system-level leaders at schools across the nation to create and grow leadership development programming and pathways for educators and school leaders. As a long-time instructor at Columbia’s Teachers College, and in recent roles as a Chief Learning Officer and consultant supporting school and district leaders in the areas of leadership development, instruction, and capacity building, she bridges the gap between theory and practice in K-12. She is obsessed with all things leadership development and professional learning and deeply believe that when we invest in education talent, we transform schooling.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Kami Lewis Levin:LinkedIn

Today, we're diving deep into the world of educational leadership with our special guest, Kami Lewis Levin. With over two decades of experience in empowering urban school leaders and promoting systemic change, Kami brings invaluable expertise to our discussion. As an instructor at Columbia's Teacher College and Chief Learning Officer for various nonprofits, she plays a pivotal role in addressing critical issues in K-12 education, notably through her work with the Literacy Design Collaborative.In this episode, we tackle:The challenges of outdated education modelsThe decline in students' reading and math skills, and the urgent need for critical thinking developmentKami collaborates with school districts to create leadership pathways for educators, effectively addressing the prevalent teacher shortage and enhancing career progression opportunitiesParallels between educational and corporate leadership transitions, highlighting the unique hurdles and growth opportunities faced by educators stepping into leadership rolesTune in as we delve into adult learning models, the importance of mindset work for leaders, and the transformative shift from fear-based to trust-based leadership. Whether you're in the educational sector or the corporate world, this episode is packed with insights that promise to inspire and inform your leadership journey. Kami's mission is to support, invest in, value and grow education professionals as leaders. She has spent the past two decades supervising, coaching, and developing urban school and system leaders through a people-centered approach to systemic change. Catalyzed by her own early experiences in the classroom and the lack of adequate preparation she received, she now works with system-level leaders at schools across the nation to create and grow leadership development programming and pathways for educators and school leaders. As a long-time instructor at Columbia’s Teachers College, and in recent roles as a Chief Learning Officer and consultant supporting school and district leaders in the areas of leadership development, instruction, and capacity building, she bridges the gap between theory and practice in K-12. She is obsessed with all things leadership development and professional learning and deeply believe that when we invest in education talent, we transform schooling.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Kami Lewis Levin:LinkedIn