
Brandon Hall Group- Excellence at Work
HCMx Radio is the only podcast in the human capital management arena that features current market research and industry leaders that are driving innovation, modeling business success and enabling competitive performance into each episode. This podcast is produced by independent HCM research and analyst firm, Brandon Hall Group. It is hosted by Rachel Cooke, Michael Rochelle, Mike Cooke and Brandon Hall Group's Analyst Team.
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 37min
Episode 302: Navigating the Future of Work
Join leadership expert Mike Cooke and AI transformation leader David Chestnut as they dive into the revolutionary world of artificial intelligence and its impact on the future of work. In this engaging podcast, they explore the evolving landscape of AI transformation, from IBM's recent workforce changes to the emergence of agentic AI systems. With a blend of personal anecdotes and professional insights, Mike and David discuss the challenges and opportunities facing today's leaders as they navigate AI implementation. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this podcast offers valuable perspectives and actionable advice to help you harness AI's potential while keeping humans at the center. Tune in for thought-provoking discussions about digital pareidolia, the "Three I's" of AI implementation, and the skills needed for tomorrow's workforce. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain fresh insights and stay ahead in the AI-driven future of work!

Jul 11, 2025 • 22min
Episode 301: After Hours Edition - Leadership Unplugged
Tune in to "Leadership Unplugged" with Mike Cooke and Rachel Bolton as they explore the future of work, leadership, and AI's impact on jobs. Gain valuable insights and actionable advice from industry experts.

Jul 9, 2025 • 31min
Episode 300: Navigating Change: Digital Transformation in Leadership
In this episode of the Excellence at Work podcast, host Rachel Cooke engages with Michelle Moore, Senior VP of Leadership Assessment and Development at Gallagher, to explore the dynamic intersection of digital transformation and leadership development. They discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, such as generative AI, the importance of fostering a digital mindset, and the critical role of HR in bridging the gap between technology and people. Tune in to discover how leaders can navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape to drive meaningful change and innovation!

Jul 7, 2025 • 33min
Episode 299: Unlocking the Power of Learning Operations
In this conversation, experts discuss the critical importance of Learning Operations in organizations, emphasizing its role in improving efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with business goals. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the learning and development space, particularly in the context of AI and data-driven decision-making. The discussion highlights the need for organizations to centralize learning processes, invest wisely, and demonstrate ROI to ensure sustainable growth and talent retention.

Jun 23, 2025 • 23min
Episode 298: The Recognition Renaissance: Using Human Intelligence to Drive Talent Decisions
In this compelling episode of Excellence at Work, David Forry sits down with Jesse Harriott, Head of Analytics at Workhuman, to explore how recognition data is revolutionizing talent intelligence. Recorded live at Workhuman Live 2025, this conversation reveals how organizations can transform simple recognition moments into strategic insights that identify hidden skills, predict future leaders, and detect early warning signs of employee burnout.

Jun 6, 2025 • 32min
Episode 297: AI Learning at Scale: NTT Data's Journey with CYPHER Learning
In this Brandon Hall Group™ Excellence at Work Podcast, Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer, engages in an insightful conversation with Daniel Frye, Senior Manager of Training Design at NTT Data, and Caitlin Bigsby, Director of Solution Marketing at CYPHER Learning. They explore how AI-powered learning platforms are transforming workplace training by driving compliance, engagement, and efficiency at scale. The discussion examines how organizations can leverage AI to move beyond manual training processes to create automated, personalized learning experiences that deliver measurable business impact.

Jun 3, 2025 • 24min
Episode 296: Scaling Skills for the Future: How AI and Simulation Are Transforming Workplace Learning
In this Brandon Hall Group™ Excellence at Work Podcast, Rachel Cooke, Chief Executive Officer of Brandon Hall Group, engages in an insightful conversation with Mark Atkinson, CEO of Mursion, exploring how organizations can leverage AI-powered simulations and immersive learning technologies to scale skills development across the enterprise. The discussion examines the evolution from traditional upskilling approaches to personalized, simulation-based learning that enables employees to practice critical skills in psychologically safe environments while delivering measurable business impact.

May 5, 2025 • 31min
Episode 295: Content, Coaching, and Connection: Scaling Leadership Development
In this Brandon Hall Group™ Excellence at Work Podcast, Rachel Cooke, COO and podcast host, engages in an insightful conversation with Neena Newberry, CEO of Newberry Solutions and founder of NewLens. They explore how organizations can develop effective leaders through coaching and leadership development programs while navigating today's rapid workplace changes. The discussion examines how learning professionals can move beyond content consumption to create meaningful connections and coaching cultures that drive measurable leadership impact.

Mar 28, 2025 • 31min
Episode 294: Beyond Metrics: Unlocking Performance through Value-Led Learning
In this Brandon Hall Group™ Excellence at Work Podcast, Rachel Cooke, COO and podcast host, engages in an insightful conversation with Melissa Kruminas, Lead of Customer Education and Talent Development at Docebo. They explore how organizations can create value-led learning supported by organizational development. The discussion examines how learning professionals can shift from consumption-focused metrics to becoming true performance partners who drive measurable business outcomes while navigating rapid technological changes and multi-generational workplaces.

Mar 12, 2025 • 41min
Episode 293: Mentorship Matters: How Strategic Coaching Transforms Leadership
In this Brandon Hall Group™ Excellence at Work Podcast, Rachel Cooke, Chief Operating Officer, engages in an insightful conversation with Jodi Petersen, VP of Customer Experience at Chronus, exploring the critical role of strategic mentoring in leadership development and how organizations can prepare for unique challenges in 2025. The discussion examines how companies can leverage mentorship programs to build resilience, foster retention, and create effective leadership pipelines while navigating unprecedented workforce changes and technological disruption.