Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast

What do higher productivity, stronger trust, and healthier cultures all have in common? They’re all fueled by one thing: positive leadership. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by Jason Murphy, President and Chief Consultant of JRM Human Capital, keynote speaker, executive coach, and master facilitator. For over 25 years, Jason has helped Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized firms, and mission-driven organizations unlock the full potential of their people by making leadership a lived experience. Known for his energy, authenticity, and #EveryDayGreatDay mantra, he’s inspired leaders around the globe to transform how they lead, connect, and grow. This conversation is all about what it really takes to drive positive leadership in today’s workplace. From closing the gaps in clarity, connection, commitment, and care to shutting out negativity and fueling teams with purpose, Jason offers practical steps that leaders can put into action right away.Get ready for an engaging, energizing discussion that will leave you rethinking how positivity can transform performance, culture, and leadership at every level. 

What do billion-dollar innovation, a global marketplace, and bold leadership have in common? They were all driven by one thing: strategic leadership. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by John Rossman, former Amazon executive and author of Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era. John led the launch of Amazon Marketplace, now responsible for over half of Amazon’s global sales, and has since guided high-impact transformation at organizations like T-Mobile, the Gates Foundation, and Walmart.This conversation is all about what it really takes to drive innovation and transformation at scale. From identifying strategic opportunities to breaking through organizational inertia, John offers a behind-the-scenes look at how leaders can make bold moves without losing alignment, culture, or control. Tune in for a sharp, energizing conversation that’ll challenge the way you think about leadership.

A toxic workplace culture can drive out great employees faster than low pay, and nearly 70% of workers say culture directly impacts productivity. So, what’s quietly undermining your organization?In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, Brett Hoogeveen, Co-Founder of BetterCulture, shares how to spot and stop the behaviors that erode trust, lower morale, and sabotage performance. Brett offers a unique lens on what makes organizations thrive and what tears them apart. From gossip and negativity to leadership blind spots, Brett reveals early warning signs of culture erosion and practical ways to course-correct. You’ll also hear about BetterCulture’s “20 Tenets of Culture” a blueprint for building workplaces people genuinely want to join.This episode offers actionable insights for leaders who want to build a higher-performing culture.Here is your link to a free resource mentioned in the episode:https://betterculture.com/bringoutthetalent/. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor Education and the founding Dean of Apple University, for a deep dive into how organizations can build a culture where teaching and learning are embedded into everyday work.Joel shares insights from his leadership at Apple, Yale, Harvard, and Stanford, focusing on the concept of “experts leading experts.” We examine the challenges and opportunities in empowering top talent to share knowledge, the role of humility and mutual respect, and the steps leaders can take to create meaningful, peer-driven learning environments.Whether you're shaping learning strategy, driving innovation, or developing your teams, this episode offers practical guidance for cultivating a stronger learning culture at every level.  

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by Olympic gold medalist and keynote speaker Connor Fields for a powerful conversation on mental toughness and resilience. As the first American to win gold in BMX racing, Connor’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and reinvention, from his historic victory in Rio to the life-changing crash in Tokyo that forced a dramatic career pivot. Connor opens up about what it really takes to build mental toughness, not just in elite sports, but in everyday life and leadership. He shares how he stayed grounded through pressure, how he reframed failure, and the mindset shifts that helped him find purpose after adversity.Whether you’re facing a personal setback, navigating a career change, or simply looking to strengthen your resilience, this episode is full of honest insights and actionable takeaways to help you bounce back stronger.

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we welcome Chad Foster, author, innovator, and leadership expert known for helping global organizations turn adversity into advantage. Chad shares his remarkable journey of breaking barriers, from creating the first CRM software for the visually impaired to guiding leaders at Google, IBM, and Microsoft. We explore the anatomy of resilience, strategies for navigating change, and practical tools to help individuals and organizations build lasting strength through challenges.This inspiring conversation will encourage you to rethink what’s possible and reimagine resilience in your own life and work. Discover more of Chad’s insights here. 

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we explore the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence and learning and development with Margie Meacham. Margie is the renowned author of AI in Talent Development, learning consultant, and a global expert in applying neuroscience and AI to transform education and performance.Margie shares how AI is reshaping the learning landscape through personalized learning coaches, immersive simulations, and adaptive platforms. She also unpacks the ethical considerations and strategic opportunities L&D professionals must understand to leverage AI responsibly and effectively.Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or looking to enhance your learning programs with smarter, data-driven tools, this conversation is full of forward-thinking insights and actionable takeaways.

In a dynamic discussion, Chris Seifert, founder of Enabling Empowerment and author renowned for his insights on leadership, dives into strategies for enhancing team decision-making skills. He emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals at all levels and fostering a culture of shared leadership. Chris highlights how clear communication can bolster confidence among team members and shares tactics to navigate cognitive biases in decision-making. Listeners will learn practical approaches to avoid micromanagement and embrace innovative brainstorming techniques for better outcomes.

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we chat with Kayvon Touran, Co-Founder and CEO of Zal.AI, to explore how AI is transforming Learning & Development. Kayvon has been at the forefront of reshaping training strategies, leveraging AI to enhance personalization, engagement, and measurable business impact.Tune in as we discuss:✅ How AI is revolutionizing L&D✅ The challenges and opportunities of AI-powered training✅ What the future holds for AI in corporate learningIf you’re looking to elevate your L&D initiatives with AI, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss! 

Anxiety has become a pervasive issue, especially among younger generations. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, nearly 62% of Millennials report feeling overwhelmed by stress, and Gen Z-ers are not far behind at 59%. These statistics highlight the pressing need to address mental health challenges in our workplaces and communities.In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we speak with Dr. Lauren Cook, author of the book, “Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World.” Dr. Cook is a therapist, consultant, speaker, and author who specializes in helping individuals and organizations improve their mental wellness. Dr. Cook's passion for mental health spans all ages and identities, with a particular focus on workplace well-being.Together, we discuss the unique stressors facing Millennials and Gen Z-ers, the impact of anxiety on learning and productivity, and practical strategies for creating supportive workplace environments. If you're looking to foster a more supportive and productive workplace, this discussion is filled with invaluable insights and actionable takeaways.