
Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Tune into The Training Associates (TTA) “Bring Out the Talent” podcast to hear from learning and development talent and partners on their innovative approaches and industry insights. In each episode, TTA’s CEO, Maria Melfa, and Talent Manager, Jocelyn Allen will chat with subject matter experts and bring you casual, yet insightful conversations. Maria and Jocelyn use their unique blend of industry experience and humor to interview the L&D industry’s most influential people, latest topics, and powerful stories. Each episode has important takeaways that will help to create a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Tune in as we Bring Out The Talent!
Latest episodes

Aug 6, 2024 • 43min
AI Essentials: Equipping Professionals for the Future of Work
Dr. James Stanger, a prominent authority in security and IT, discusses the crucial role of AI in reshaping job markets and emphasizes the need for digital fluency. He highlights that while AI may displace millions of jobs, it will also create new opportunities, making AI literacy essential for success. Stanger also shares insights on CompTIA’s AI Essentials Series aimed at equipping professionals with necessary skills. The conversation addresses the importance of ethical practices and continuous learning in navigating AI's evolving landscape.

Jul 23, 2024 • 47min
The Power of Presence: Strategies for Effective Leadership Communication
In a world where effective communication can make or break a leader, mastering the art of presence and message crafting is more important than ever. In fact, according to a Forbes study, 85% of job success stems from well-developed soft skills, with public speaking and communication being paramount. This underscores the critical importance of not just what you say, but how you say it. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we welcome Christina Butler, President and Lead Facilitator for Speak Training Development. Christina brings a unique perspective, drawing on her extensive experience as a television news reporter to connect with and engage her audience. Join us as we discuss the importance of presence in public speaking, effective communication strategies, and practical tips for managing anxiety. Christina will also share her insights on why presentation skills matter and how leaders can adapt their messages for different audiences, from boardrooms to large conferences.If you want to refine your presentation skills, boost your confidence speaking in public, or learn how to craft compelling messages as a leader, this discussion promises to be incredibly valuable.

4 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 50min
Navigating Change Management
Speaker and business advisor Joe Jordan shares insights on change management and communication, emphasizing key elements like leadership involvement, stakeholder buy-in, and transparent communication. The podcast highlights the importance of celebrating progress, aligning with company values, and fostering trust to navigate significant changes effectively.

7 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 48min
Leadership Development: Strategies for Sustaining Growth and Adaptability
Join us in this episode as we are joined by Phil Cicio, a seasoned TTA consultant and Leadership Development expert, to discuss comprehensive leadership development programs for new and emerging leaders. Explore the importance of intrinsic motivation in the workplace and the shift towards purpose-driven leadership. Gain valuable insights on creating a work environment that empowers employees to reach their full potential.

Jun 4, 2024 • 45min
Aligning L&D for Impact: Driving Corporate Goals with Strategic OKRs
In today's ever-changing business landscape, aligning learning and development with organizational goals is not just strategic, it’s essential. In fact, according to an ATD report, organizations that have strong alignment between L&D and business goals achieve 13% higher mean revenue per employee.In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we welcome Dr. Jessica Brown, CEO & Founder of Cultivate2Generate. With a background spanning 15 years in consulting and coaching, Dr. Brown has dedicated her career to empowering organizations by enriching their people and enhancing their systems. We will dive into how strategic OKRs can effectively bridge the gap between L&D initiatives and broader corporate goals. We discuss strategies to foster an engaging workplace culture that aligns with long-term organizational success.Tune in and gain valuable insights on this powerful business strategy tool that will keep your team focused on the most important areas to achieve company goals and success.

May 14, 2024 • 35min
Empowering Leadership: Fostering Workplace Confidence
Guest Velera Wilson, CEO of Positive Identity, delves into the essence of leadership and confidence in the workplace. They discuss the impact of a leader's confidence on their team, the journey to building resilient self-assurance, and the tools needed for effective leadership.

11 snips
Apr 30, 2024 • 47min
Instructional Design Strategies for Organizational Growth
This podcast explores instructional design strategies for organizational growth, featuring Dr. Kate Hixson with expertise in crafting learning experiences for diverse clients. Topics include leveraging AI, scaling learning teams, integrating new technologies, and measuring learning effectiveness. The conversation also delves into training for space exploration, balancing technology with human interaction, and includes playful Q&A sessions for a fun twist.

Apr 16, 2024 • 54min
Work Life Balance for Leaders
According to recent studies, a staggering 70% of employees report struggling with work-life balance. This statistic highlights the pressing need for leaders to address this issue and create supportive environments for their teams.In this episode “Bring Out the Talent,” we discuss effective strategies to help leaders navigate the delicate balance between work and personal life with our guest, Phil Cicio. Phil, a certified high-performance coach with over 20 years of experience from small companies to fortune 500, brings his expertise to shed light on the challenges and opportunities associated with work-life balance. We will explore practical strategies that leaders can implement to foster a healthier and more harmonious integration of work and personal life because achieving work-life balance is not solely an individual pursuit but a collective effort that starts with leaders.Tune in for a compelling conversation that will equip you with strategies for fostering a healthier work-life balance.

10 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 35min
The Learner's Journey: Fostering Engagement at Every Turn
The podcast delves into the importance of engaging learning experiences, with guest Adam Weisblatt sharing insights on crafting personalized learning paths. Topics range from balancing AI with human touch in training to leveraging humor to enhance retention. The evolving role of AI in learning and development is explored, emphasizing the value of human input. A playful trivia session and appreciation rap add a fun twist to the discussion.

Mar 19, 2024 • 47min
Beyond Just Bricks: Unleashing Potential with Lego Serious Play
Imagine a workspace filled with the colorful, familiar shapes of Lego bricks. Now, imagine these aren't just for play, but powerful tools for learning, communication, and problem-solving. This is the world of Lego Serious Play, a methodology that harnesses the power of play to unlock creativity, foster collaboration, and solve complex problems in corporate settings. Lego Serious Play has evolved into a widely used tool in workshops and team-building sessions across various industries. It's not just about building models; it's about constructing ideas, sharing stories, and building a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing teams and organizations.In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we are joined by Lynn Turner, a Lego Serious Play facilitator, who will share insights and experiences from her journey in bringing this innovative approach to organizations. Whether you're a skeptic of unconventional learning methods or a believer in the power of play, today's episode is bound to offer you some valuable insights.So, tune in and explore how Lego Serious Play is more than just play, it's a serious tool for learning, development, and transformation in the adult world.