
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

Oct 3, 2023 • 39min
Promoting Within: Navigating New Leadership Roles
Did you know that approximately 46% of leadership transitions fail? Transitioning from a colleague to a leadership role can be an immense challenge. This leads us to a crucial question: How can we empower new leaders to successfully navigate the leap from peer to leader? In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we discuss the intricacies of transitioning from a peer to a leader with our guest, Dr. Karen Jacobson. Dr. Jacobson, the visionary behind Aligned Leadership Academy, brings a wealth of experience in neuroscience and team development, and she has a track record of transforming organizations into competitive powerhouses. During our conversation, Dr. Jacobson shares insights on adapting leadership styles, building trust within diverse teams, and bridging generational differences.Join us as we explore effective strategies for new leaders to smoothly transition from being buddies to leaders, maintaining peer relationships, and navigating changes without burning bridges

Sep 12, 2023 • 45min
Redefining the Traditional Workweek: Four-Day Work Week Success Stories
As more research and case studies emerge, the evidence supporting the benefits of a shorter workweek continues to grow, making it an increasingly popular choice for forward-thinking organizations. However, despite the positive outcomes, the majority of companies still struggle with the idea of adopting a four-day work week.In this episode of “Bring Out the Talent” we explore the findings from a 12-month study on a four-day workweek - unveiling its impact on success rates, revenue, well-being, and more. Joining us to discuss this popular topic is our returning guest, Jordan George. Jordan is a Principal Consultant and Head of Client Solutions at Curium Solutions US, an award-winning business transformation consultancy working with global brands. Tune in as we arm you with actionable insights for navigating this transformative shift.

Aug 22, 2023 • 46min
Leadership Burnout: Self-Care for Worn Out Leaders
Did you know that a staggering 60% of leaders experience burnout by the end of each day? Another study revealed that an astonishing 87% of leaders reported regularly switching between three or more roles throughout their workday. These statistics highlight the need for leaders to prioritize their own mental and physical well-being. What impact will this have on the organization if your leaders are burnt out? In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we are joined by Dr. Allessandria Polizzi, CEO, and owner of Verdant Consulting, to better understand the importance of self-care for leaders. With her extensive expertise, Al shares valuable strategies that leaders can implement to enhance their overall well-being, effectively manage stress, and maintain resilience in the face of challenges. Tune in as we discuss this very important topic and learn strategies on how to prioritize our mental and physical well-being with Dr. Allessandria Polizzi.

Aug 8, 2023 • 45min
Navigating Sales Challenges: Insights and Solutions
In today's competitive market, sales professionals encounter numerous obstacles that can significantly impact their success. However, with the right strategies and techniques, salespeople can effectively overcome these common challenges and build strong relationships with potential customers. In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we are joined by Tom Hurley, the managing partner at OwenCollier Partners, a leading sales consulting company. Tom shares key insights to help salespeople flourish in the face of changing market conditions and customer preferences.Tune in to this week's episode of "Bring Out the Talent" and learn practical tips and expert insights that will empower sales professionals to be more successful and thrive in today's competitive market.

Jul 25, 2023 • 58min
Harnessing Individual Strengths for Collective Success: Insights from CliftonStrengths Coaching
Celebrate our momentous 50th episode of Bring Out the Talent with an inspiring exploration of individual strengths and their profound impact on collective success. Join us as we dive into the world of CliftonStrengths coaching, where we uncover the transformative power that lies within each of us.In this episode, we chat with Kisha Dixon, a certified CliftonStrengths coach who has empowered countless individuals and teams to reach their full potential. Discover the significance of self-awareness, and how embracing our unique strengths can be the key to unlocking unparalleled synergy within groups and organizations. Whether you're an entrepreneur, team leader, or simply someone seeking personal growth, this episode promises invaluable insights to elevate your understanding of self and others. Embrace the power of individuality and learn how harnessing diverse strengths can propel us towards collective achievement.Join us as we mark our 50th episode in true podcast style, with a thought-provoking conversation that illuminates the path to harnessing individual strengths for a future filled with limitless possibilities.

Jul 11, 2023 • 39min
Confidence in Speaking for Any Situation
Public speaking is the number one phobia in the world. The good news is there are specific, actionable steps you can take to decrease your anxiety about public speaking. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, our guest, Terry Bean, will help us navigate through the most common challenges people face when presenting and will provide strategies to overcome them. Terry's expertise as a three-time TEDx speaker, Business Development Coach, Author, Trainer, and Consultant has empowered individuals and organizations to enhance their presentation skills and build meaningful connections with their audiences. Tune in to discover how you can cultivate unwavering confidence, speak with poise, and make a lasting impact in any situation. Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your true speaking potential!

Jun 20, 2023 • 46min
Building a Customer-Centric Culture: Empowering Employees to Drive Service Excellence
68% of customers leave a company because they feel the business doesn't care about them. So, as leaders, it's crucial to prioritize customer service and create a culture that values and fosters excellent customer experiences. In this episode of Bring Out The Talent, we are joined by Holly O'Donnell, founder of Slone Solutions, a leading customer service consultancy firm, to discuss ways that leaders can prioritize customer service, empower their employees, and drive long-term success. Tune in as we explore how service leadership can drive customer loyalty, increase revenue, and ultimately transform your business, highlighting the indispensable role customer service plays in today's competitive landscape.

Jun 7, 2023 • 49min
Unlocking the Power of Generative AI: Exploring its Potential in HR and L&D
In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we to discuss the power of generative AI and its potential for HR and Learning and Development departments with our guest Gary DePaul, PhD. Gary unravels the potential and the power of generative AI, shedding light on its positive and negative implications for those in L&D and HR roles. From personalized learning experiences to ethical considerations, we delve into how this technology is reshaping the landscape. Discover how generative AI is revolutionizing training programs and the challenges it poses in terms of data privacy. Tune in for a captivating exploration of the dynamic effects of generative AI on learning and development!

May 23, 2023 • 53min
The Power of Storytelling to Drive Positive Transformation
In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we are joined by Maggie Redling and Coleman Williams, owners of Wrestling With Talent, to discuss how each of us can drive effective change and develop an emotional connection that will engage our workplace by using the power of storytelling. Learn how storytelling can evolve into a companywide theme that unites teams and fosters high participation and positive change. Maggie and Coleman share their journey of transforming a mundane compliance learning program into a fun experience that everyone wanted to be a part of. Drawing from their expertise in leadership development, HR consulting, and learning innovation, Maggie and Coleman share their experiences and creativity to guide us in creating impactful learning experiences and cultivating a stronger, more engaged workplace culture. So, tune in as we uncover the power of storytelling to drive performance and engagement in the workplace.

May 9, 2023 • 37min
Building Psychological Safety as a Leader
In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we explore the importance of psychological safety in the workplace with our guest, Kristy Busija. Kristy breaks down the four stages of psychological safety and shares how leaders can cultivate each of these stages. We also discuss how leaders can create a personal action plan to establish a psychologically safe environment for themselves and their teams, misconceptions surrounding psychological safety and its impact on mental health and wellness, and the different aspects of psychological safety when working in a hybrid workplace.Tune in as we welcome Kristy Busija, CEO and Founder of Next Conversation Coaching, to help us prioritize psychological safety and create a workplace that empowers personal growth, innovation, and mental health.