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

Ryan Caldarone, a talent development leader at Amica, shares his inspiring journey from claims adjuster to spearheading leadership initiatives. He discusses the evolution of Amica's training programs, designed to nurture a diverse group of future leaders. Ryan emphasizes the balance between task-oriented leadership and the importance of reflection. He delves into the role of community engagement and effective communication in driving success, as well as the challenges of integrating career mentoring with daily responsibilities, all while fostering a culture of continuous learning.

In this solo episode, we'll explore:The essence of effective goal setting and the importance of aligning them with your personal values and purpose. Actionable strategies for goal attainment. Setting SMART goals and making detailed plans to embracing a growth mindset and harnessing the power of accountability. Whether you're aiming to write a book, excel in your career, or embrace a healthier lifestyle, these steps will help you move forward with clarity and determination. Tune in as we unlock the secrets to transforming aspirations into reality and learn how to leverage accountability for unwavering commitment and success.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference

In this very special 500th episode, your host, Andy Storch, takes you on a reflective journey through the most impactful moments and episodes in the podcast’s history. We'll revisit key discussions on Agile Project Management in L&D, retaining talent during the great resignation, digital learning, and more. Andy shares his personal insights into the joys and challenges of podcasting, the importance of continuous learning, and the integral role of AI in talent development.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank Conference

In this bonus Q&A with Dwayne, 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 youWith a background in learning, brand and program management, Dwayne is passionate about designing & facilitating premium experiences for classrooms, conference rooms and communities.He has had the privilege of working with some renowned brands and measure personal success more by how much he is living into my core values: connection, entrepreneurship, creativity, verve & fun.Currently, Dwayne serves as the Head of Global Learning & Development at On, leading initiatives to help the Oniverse elevate itself, build high-performing teams, and confidently guide On's culture and business into the future. His team's portfolio includes onboarding and leadership development, among several other culture-steeped learning programs.Previously, at Zalando, Dwayne led learning and development efforts within a startup team, supporting rapid team scaling and cross-functional collaboration. His journey includes roles at Apple, where he led a consumer training program and was a regional business trainer, and at Adidas, where Dwayne managed brand flagship projects and strategic collaboration initiatives.Dwayne shares, "Each experience on my career journey has deepened my commitment to my core values of connection, entrepreneurship, creativity, verve, and fun — which in turn impacts my approach to leadership and development."Beyond his professional endeavors, Dwayne enjoys:5K Photo Tours: Exploring nearly 60 countries, he’s found snapping shots while jogging a great way to discover new places.Language Immersion: Spending 12 weeks in Spain and Argentina, and currently immersed in German ("Wunderbar").The Breakfast of Champions: Cold Pizza + Hot Coffee (#IYKYK).Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Dwayne Britton:LinkedInWebsite

Dwayne Britton, the head of global learning and development at 'On,' shares insights shaped by his eclectic career, from performing on cruise ships to leading talent at major brands. He discusses 'On's unique people-first culture that fosters autonomy and inclusivity, exemplified by the SPARK learning program. Dwayne highlights the necessity of psychological safety for innovation and the importance of career ownership, encouraging employees to take charge of their paths. Passionate about DEI, he emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives in cultivating a thriving workplace.

In this bonus Q&A with Kat, they share:Their proudest moment and biggest failure in their career so farA trend that they are following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge they see in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact in their lifeOne piece of career advice they have for youKat Kibben is an award-winning writer and renowned keynote speaker known for helping hiring teams write inclusive, unbiased job postings that help them hire the right person faster.Before founding Three Ears Media, Kat was a CMO, Technical Copywriter, and Managing Editor for leading companies like Monster.com, Care.com, and Randstad Worldwide. Today, they are a featured HR and recruiting expert, working with globally-known organizations like Zoom, Instacart, Zillow and more.Kat travels the country in their RV while dividing time between North Carolina, Colorado, and the dogs behind the name Three Ears Media.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Kat Kibben:LinkedInPersonal WebsiteThree Ears Media

In this episode, Andy Storch and Kat Kibben dive deep into the evolving roles within organizations and the imperative to develop new skills for the future. Kat Kibben, an award-winning writer, speaker, and HR/recruiting expert known for their work on inclusive job postings and pronouns, explores their extensive research on job postings, addressing biases, and creating more inclusive hiring practices.Kat shares:Their remarkable journey from leaving a corporate job to becoming a specialized copywriter in job postings, driven by their conviction to bridge the communication gap in workplacesCommon pitfalls in recruitment, such as overly lengthy ads and buzzwords that lack contextThe impact of AI technology on recruiting, emphasizing the need for experience-based hiring over skills-based hiring to better match candidates with rolesUnique challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals in the workplace, with Kat offering insights drawn from their own life, including their experiences as a trans, non-binary, and gay entrepreneur.The importance of making everyone feel safe and understood, even if we don't fully comprehend their experiencesJoin us as we navigate the complex yet rewarding landscape of inclusive hiring and talent development.Kat Kibben is an award-winning writer and renowned keynote speaker known for helping hiring teams write inclusive, unbiased job postings that help them hire the right person faster.Before founding Three Ears Media, Kat was a CMO, Technical Copywriter, and Managing Editor for leading companies like Monster.com, Care.com, and Randstad Worldwide. Today, they are a featured HR and recruiting expert, working with globally-known organizations like Zoom, Instacart, Zillow and more.Kat travels the country in their RV while dividing time between North Carolina, Colorado, and the dogs behind the name Three Ears Media.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Kat Kibben:LinkedInPersonal WebsiteThree Ears Media

In this bonus Q&A with ben, 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 youBen Bergon (he/him) is deeply passionate about helping others. He is currently a Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at Chobani, where he focuses on providing challenging and fulfilling career journeys through an employee driven, robust career growth and development framework. He spent the first chapter of his own career as a Certified Public Accountant working at KPMG and then at Chobani helping them prepare for an Initial Public Offering. His transition into Learning & Development was a product of his relentless pursuit of passion and purpose. He also leads the LGBTQ+ & Allies Employee Resource Group at Chobani and strives to continue to establish Chobani as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ employees.Ben is also the Chairmen of the Board of Compassion Animal Project, a nationwide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for life-saving treatments for pets and helps keep families together. When he's not working Ben can either be found on a hike at a national park, a concert somewhere in NYC, in the kitchen cooking for family and friends, or playing fetch with his 'dog-like' kitten Grover.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Ben Bergon:LinkedIn

Ben Bergon and Andy Storch dive deep into an extraordinary career transition story. Ben shares his journey from accounting to human resources and learning and development at Chobani, emphasizing the importance of advocating for oneself, building trust with leaders, and creating a supportive environment. We explore Chobani's innovative approach to career mobility, fostering an inclusive workplace, and leadership development. You will hear: How Chobani's culture and leadership programs support employee growthThe unique role of Employee Resource Groups in enhancing workplace belongingValuable insights on leading with curiosity, empathy, and creating fulfilling career journeysBen Bergon (he/him) is deeply passionate about helping others. He is currently a Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at Chobani, where he focuses on providing challenging and fulfilling career journeys through an employee driven, robust career growth and development framework. He spent the first chapter of his own career as a Certified Public Accountant working at KPMG and then at Chobani helping them prepare for an Initial Public Offering. His transition into Learning & Development was a product of his relentless pursuit of passion and purpose. He also leads the LGBTQ+ & Allies Employee Resource Group at Chobani and strives to continue to establish Chobani as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ employees.Ben is also the Chairmen of the Board of Compassion Animal Project, a nationwide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for life-saving treatments for pets and helps keep families together. When he's not working Ben can either be found on a hike at a national park, a concert somewhere in NYC, in the kitchen cooking for family and friends, or playing fetch with his 'dog-like' kitten Grover.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Ben Bergon:LinkedIn

In this bonus Q&A with Mitchell, 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 youMitchell Kenyon Davis, M.S. & M.A. is a culture transformation and DEI executive coach & strategic partner. He leads global culture & DEI programs in house at Autodesk and consults with other organizations in the tech, finance, automotive, hospitality and public sectors.His master's degrees focused on International Development & Healthcare, and Emotional Intelligence, Coaching & Leadership Development. He's a certified coach by the International Coaching Federation with over 400 hours of executive coaching experience. He's also certified in the Intercultural Development Index, design thinking, Prosci Change Management, Birkman Coaching, Harvard Management and Mentorship, Situational Leadership, and Speaking with Impact.With 11 years additional experience leading international teams in sales, corporate social responsibility, and entrepreneurial operations, he brings unique business insights to the work he does now. He lives between Barcelona and Berlin and has nationalities from the United States and Spain, although he likes to call himself a citizen of the world. Mitchell is a proud gay man and leverages his own personal journey to empathetically build bridges across differences. His passion and talent for breaking down barriers to new learning opportunities creates conscious human connection.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Mitchell Kenyon Davis:LinkedIn