
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

Mar 5, 2024 • 49min
Creating a Culture of Dignity
A workplace culture rooted in dignity is not merely "a nice to have" but a critical component for attracting and retaining talent, enhancing engagement, and boosting overall performance. The significance of dignity within the corporate landscape is undeniable, with 93% recognizing its critical importance for organizational success.Although dignity and respect are often considered synonymous, they each play a distinct and vital role in shaping our interactions at work. Understanding the differences between them can profoundly transform our communication, leadership styles, and teamwork.In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we're joined by Ralph Campbell, an expert in organizational behavior and the creator of the Dignity Index Assessment. We will explore the differences between dignity and respect, and why these distinctions matter. We'll discuss the challenges leaders face in fostering a culture of dignity and learn how organizations can genuinely integrate these values into their everyday practices. Additionally, we'll dive into how these principles can lead to better communication, stronger teams, and an improved company culture.Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on nurturing a culture of dignity in the workplace.

Feb 20, 2024 • 48min
Aligning Personal Purpose with Professional Leadership
Most of us are familiar with the term IQ (intelligent quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) – but how familiar are you with your MQ or Motivational Quotient? MQ is the driving force behind our ambitions and growth, influenced by factors like goals, confidence, personality, and attitude. But while many leaders pay special attention to IQ and EQ, ones MQ can differentiate a truly successful leader from the rest.This episode of ‘Bring Out the Talent’ welcomes Sam Caballero, a seasoned Talent Development expert, Pivotn co-founder, CEO, and Coach, and a key figure in talent cultivation at the Air Force Reserve Command and the International Coaching Federation. Together, we'll discuss the pivotal role of personal purpose and motivation in steering impactful leadership, the significance of MQ in navigating leadership challenges, and how aligning personal values with professional responsibilities can elevate leadership effectiveness. So, tune in to elevate your leadership game by harnessing your motivational intelligence.

Feb 6, 2024 • 36min
The Future of Learning: AR/VR’s Evolving Role in Corporate Training
AR and VR are no longer a trending novelty utilized by the top 1%. These immersive technologies are rapidly being embraced by organizations worldwide. In fact, a recent survey found that 82% of company executives anticipate incorporating immersive technologies into their business models within the next three years. In this episode of ‘Bring Out the Talent,’ we are joined by Jason Morris, Extended Reality (XR) Manager at CrossTrainer, to discuss the future of learning and AR and VR’s evolving role in corporate training. So, tune in for an insightful journey into the future of workplace!

Jan 23, 2024 • 40min
The Power of Transformational Leadership in the Workplace
Leadership can make a monumental difference in organizational success. In fact, a McKinsey report found that organizations with effective transformational leaders are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers. These leaders also foster environments with higher employee engagement and a significant increase in productivity. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we are joined by Ely Caputo to learn more about transformational leadership and its impact on organizational success. Ely is the cofounder and CEO of 4D Associates International and a certified Master Coach. With more than 18 years of experience in transformational leadership, Ely discusses the differences between transformational and transactional leadership, highlighting the profound impact transformational leadership can have in reshaping organizational culture and enhancing employee engagement. So, tune in to gain valuable insights into the power of transformational leadership and its important role in the ever-evolving landscape of workplace dynamics.

15 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 44min
Career Mapping: Navigating Today's Dynamic Work Environment
Join seasoned Leadership Development Consultant and Executive Coach, Paul MacLoughlin, as he delves into career mapping, aligning personal goals with company objectives, and identifying key future workplace skills. Learn strategies for integrating continuous learning into your career trajectory and effectively navigating career changes with career mapping insights.

Dec 12, 2023 • 41min
Emotional Intelligence in Action: Shaping Leaders and Cultures
Emotional Intelligence is more than just a buzzword in today's workplace. It's an essential skill set that influences our interactions, decision-making, and leadership styles. In fact, studies have shown that Emotional Intelligence is responsible for 58% of performance in all types of jobs, underscoring its important role across various professional settings. In this episode of ‘Bring Out the Talent,’ we are joined by Joel Silverstone, the founder of ‘This Feels Right.’ Joel, with over two decades of experience, offers insights into the role and application of Emotional Intelligence in the workplace. We discuss the evolution of EI and its important role in personal growth, effective leadership, and shaping organizational cultures. Tune in for and learn practical ways to harness Emotional Intelligence for personal and organizational success.

19 snips
Nov 28, 2023 • 55min
Navigating the First Mile: Best Practices in Onboarding Excellence
Tiffany Lymon, workplace culture expert, shares insights on the transformative power of onboarding, emphasizing the 'fit test' for employers and new hires. Topics include aligning onboarding with real work environments, fostering transparency, optimizing for employee engagement, and navigating challenges in hybrid work setups. The episode also features a fun rapid-fire round and a tribute to Tiffany's skills in workplace culture design.

Nov 14, 2023 • 42min
Mentorship Matters: Closing the Gap in Professional Development
Mentorship has become a top priority for most L&D programs, with studies highlighting its benefits for career growth, self-confidence, and mental health. Despite its clear advantages, a mere 37% of professionals currently engage with a mentor, indicating a vast potential for development. In this episode of ‘Bring Out the Talent’ we’re joined by Stacy Golden, an expert in mentorship and organizational development. Together we explore the significant impact of mentorship in the workplace. Our conversation will also highlight how mentorship programs are not just beneficial for individuals but are crucial for organizational health, aiding talent retention and nurturing leadership — essential components for long-term corporate vitality. So, tune in and discover how mentorship is shaping the future of work!

Oct 31, 2023 • 41min
The Value of Design Thinking in Learning & Development
Seeking impactful strategies to elevate your employees' learning experiences? Dive into the world of Design Thinking—a method deeply anchored in catering to the unique needs of each learner. This progressive approach is redefining the landscape of Learning and Development, empowering professionals to craft solutions that amplify engagement, foster creativity, and deliver concrete results.Join us in the latest episode of “Bring Out the Talent” as we discuss the transformative role of design thinking. To help us better navigate design thinking, we're joined by Jason Schneider, the visionary Founder and Director of Learning Engineering at Legacy Learning Consulting. With Jason's depth of expertise, discover how design thinking can revolutionize your approach to employee growth and development. Tune in to redefine and elevate your learning approach!

Oct 17, 2023 • 38min
Virtual Events: Captivating Audiences from Start to Finish
Since 2020, there has been a 75% surge in organizations using virtual platforms like Zoom and Teams for conduct training. However, many organizations have yet to address the technical nuances that can disrupt training sessions, leading to frustrations, poor delivery, and dissatisfied students. In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we have a conversation with Matt Granato, the Managing Director of MG Creative Group, a master virtual session producer supporting companies with their virtual deliveries. With the increased demand for virtual deliveries, we discuss the art of curating engaging and immersive virtual experiences, where Matt shares valuable tips and best practices for effective virtual session production.