The Talent Forge: Shaping Workforce Behaviors with Jay Johnson

Promotions are exciting until the work changes under your feet. We sat down with leadership expert Dalmo Cirne to unpack why great individual contributors can stumble as new managers—and how to replace uncertainty with clarity, systems, and steady wins. Dalmo makes a bold claim that resonates: leaders don’t suddenly become incompetent, they arrive unprepared. From there, we dig into how to prepare on purpose.

We break down the four streams of leadership—manage self, downstream, upstream, and sidestream—and show why most headaches come from over-focusing on the team and ignoring the other three. Dalmo explains...

The biggest blocker to remote success isn’t the tool you picked. It’s the clarity you haven’t written down. Jay sits with culture expert Chris Dyer to unpack how a recession forced him to ditch the office, kill the bottlenecks, and build a remote-first system where people make smart decisions without waiting for the boss. The story starts with hard lessons from a coach-style leadership approach and lands on a repeatable playbook any team can use, on-site or distributed.

Chris lays out the mindset shift that changed everything: keep only one control—own the culture—and give a...

Loud doesn’t equal leader. Greg Weinger joins us to unpack why quiet professionals can become some of the most effective leaders in the room—and how to get there without faking extroversion or burning out. We dig into the real difference between introversion and shyness, the energy mechanics that shape how people think and speak in groups, and the small, repeatable steps that turn hesitation into confident presence.

Greg shares the pivot from “performing extrovert” to authentic leadership, including the meeting moves that keep ideas from getting lost when the conversation sprints ahead. You’ll hear practical...

What if the secret to consistent high performance isn’t more grind, but a better story? We sit down with Steven Puri, a former studio executive turned founder, to connect surprising dots between Hollywood and the workplace: how timeless myths power blockbuster hits, why fear and risk shape decisions, and how those same forces show up in teams that confuse busyness with value.

We get personal about failure, shame, and the discipline of reflection. Steven shares what he learned leaving big studios, launching startups, and then stopping—pen and paper in hand—while the wounds were still fresh...

Fluency isn’t a streak; it’s a human connection. Jay sits down with Stacy Richter, CEO of Live Lingua, to unpack why real progress happens when we move beyond vocabulary drills and into immersive, person-to-person learning that mirrors how we actually speak, negotiate, and care for others. From a Minnesota medical center reducing interpreter delays to a manufacturing team winning trust across the border, Stacy shows how learning a language shifts teams from transactional messages to transformational relationships.

We get candid about brain science, too. That “rusty” Spanish you think you lost? It’s still there. Neuroplast...

Perfection looks powerful until it breaks a team. We sat down with Julie Booksh—licensed counselor, marriage and family therapist, and leadership coach—to rethink what real strength looks like inside complex systems. Julie’s journey from HR to therapy to organizational consulting frames a core insight: families and workplaces both protect a “normal temperature,” even when it stalls growth. To change the system, you start with the smallest circle you control—yourself—and expand outward with intention.

We dig into the inner critic that many high achievers mistake for motivation. Julie shows how that voice once served safety...

What if anger, fear, and stress weren’t problems to suppress but power you could steer? We sit down with Dr. Greg Stewart—author, counselor, coach, and former senior pastor—to unpack a practical roadmap for turning raw emotion into leadership leverage. Greg connects four growth levers that drive real performance: IQ for capacity, EQ for adaptability, personality as our default approach, and purpose as the deeper engine that keeps us steady when pressure spikes.

Greg’s “house of the heart” metaphor makes self-mastery simple without being simplistic. When your reaction is bigger than the moment, he shows how to...

Feeling pulled in every direction, yet determined to lead well? We sit down with Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau—author of "Who’s in Charge?"—to unpack a practical path for impact that doesn’t cost your health or your soul. Drawing on her experience across the European Commission, consulting, and executive coaching, we examine how culture, power, and purpose intersect in real workplaces where speed and pressure never quit.

We start with power. Not the brittle kind that leans on title and control, but smart power: a blend of systems thinking, merging perspectives, authentic grounding, relational fluency, and transfor...

What if admitting “I don’t know” is the most powerful leadership move you can make? We sit down with innovation consultant and author Alan Gregerman to unpack the “wisdom of ignorance” and why certainty can quietly sink companies while curiosity keeps them alive. From Kmart and Blockbuster to the next disruptor waiting in a garage, we trace how organizations lose relevance—and how to build the habits that keep you learning faster than the market shifts.

Alan shares practical scripts leaders can use to normalize not knowing, create psychological safety, and invite teams into co-creation. We get specific...

Strategy dies in the “telephone game.” We sat down with leadership expert Kim Crowder to unpack how to turn top‑down plans into daily behaviors people can actually do, coach, and scale. The core idea is deceptively simple: bring voices in early, tie the why to real work, and build trust before you need it.

Kim walks us through a client story where leaders invited team input at the start, mapped the change across people, process, and communications, and defined what success looks like in the day-to-day. That clarity allowed internal leaders—not outside consultants—to teach the approa...

A single question from a colleague—“Can you look at this?”—set off a chain of events that reshaped our host Jay Johnson's career. 

In this episode, he walks through the moment misaligned expectations between faculty and international students became visible, how listening and clear onboarding turned conflict into engagement, and why that experience pushed him toward a practical approach to behavior change that goes beyond feel-good ideas.

Jay shares the personal detours that mattered: early math anxiety, a third-grade comment that stuck, and the realization that his brain processes emotion and decisions a bit different...

Safety isn’t a side project—it’s the system your team runs on. We sit down with martial arts champion and corporate coach Laura Armstrong to unpack trauma-informed training that actually works in the workplace.

Laura breaks down the window of tolerance—where people learn, collaborate, and think clearly—and what happens when we slip into hypo (freeze, shut down) or hyper (fight, agitation) states. From synchronized breathing to tactile grounding to micro-routines that create predictability, she shows how small, repeatable practices restore focus and dignity without forcing productivity.

We also shine a light on de-esca...

Jobs don’t fail because people don’t work hard; they fail because the work isn’t designed to move the numbers that matter. That’s the uncomfortable truth we dig into with Scott Morris—longtime Chief People Officer, HR transformer, and founder of Propulsion AI—who makes a compelling case for designing roles around outcomes, not task lists. 

Scott shares a fast history lesson on technological disruption—from calculators to spreadsheets to AI—and shows why the safest path is embracing new tools to change where we add value. Rather than fearing replacement, we can use AI to clarify exp...

The future of work hinges on our ability to keep it human—a powerful message from Jim Bouchard, who joins The Talent Forge to share his extraordinary journey from drug addiction to martial arts mastery and leadership coaching.

Jim's transformation began when he discovered martial arts during his recovery, unaware it would become a 30-year career and life philosophy. His martial arts teachers didn't just show him self-defense techniques; they revealed profound insights about human connection, continuous improvement, and responding to uncertainty.

Drawing fascinating parallels between martial arts training and effective leadership, Jim reframes our un...

What if the secret to creating training that people actually want to complete has nothing to do with points, badges, or leaderboards? In this eye-opening episode of The Talent Forge, Dr. Natalie Makulski of Coeus Creative Group reveals how her deeply personal journey into gamification—which began with helping her grandmothers combat Alzheimer's and dementia—transformed her understanding of what truly drives engagement in learning.

Rather than focusing on the superficial elements of games, she delves into the psychological underpinnings that keep us coming back for more. Her research on Magic: The Gathering players uncovered a surprising trut...

What happens when military discipline meets empathetic leadership? Juan Alvarado's extraordinary journey from military sergeant to leadership coach reveals powerful insights for anyone developing talent.

After nearly a decade in military service followed by law enforcement, Juan faced a profound realization: "You go 10 to 12 years not knowing if you're going to come home, at the end of the day gets old pretty fast." This pivotal moment led him to youth development, where he revolutionized training approaches before launching his own leadership coaching practice.

Juan brings a refreshingly practical perspective to leadership development. Having faced life-threatening...

What if your entire reality was being filtered through beliefs you formed as a five-year-old? According to mindset expert Jim Huntzicker, neuroscience reveals we only perceive about 12% of reality—the rest gets filtered out by subconscious beliefs we established before age eight.

In this perspective-shifting conversation, Jim reveals how childhood experiences create the mental "ruts" that dictate our adult behaviors around money, relationships, and success. He shares the shocking story of walking away from six profitable businesses due to limiting beliefs formed while witnessing his parents' arguments about money. This pattern—sabotaging success just when things are goin...

What happens when military wisdom meets modern marketing challenges? In this eye-opening conversation with Lee Pepper, former Army officer turned marketing strategist, we explore the surprising intersection of battlefield tactics and business success.

Lee's remarkable journey from military service through Ross Perot's presidential campaign to behavioral health marketing leadership provides the backdrop for a masterclass in strategic thinking. At the heart of our discussion is the transformative power of motivational interviewing—a technique that shifted Lee's admissions teams from simply selling services to genuinely connecting with people in crisis.

Whether you're in marketing, HR, leadership, or...

What does it mean to bring your authentic self to work, especially when spirituality is central to who you are? Christian F. Johnson tackles this question head-on as he shares his powerful RINSE method for maintaining focus and purpose in leadership.

Christian approaches leadership development as a calling rather than just a career. He positions himself as the "mic stand" for leaders – the essential support structure that enables their voices to be heard clearly while filling the crucial gap between a leader's personal brand and their authentic self. This servant leadership perspective shifts the focus from spotlight-seeking to...

Dr. Conor Hogan takes us on a fascinating journey through the neural pathways of effective leadership in this mind-expanding conversation. Drawing from his unique background—from coaching sports as a teenager to working with special needs children and eventually earning his PhD—Hogan reveals how neuroscience principles can transform your leadership approach.

The discussion begins with Hogan's remarkable early leadership experiences at just 14 years old, directing adults at his family's golf course. These formative moments taught him to read group dynamics, identify key influencers, and communicate effectively across age gaps—skills that translate perfectly to today's complex workpl...

Leadership doesn't require a fancy title, an MBA, or a corner office. What it does demand is authenticity, communication, and genuine care for the people you work with. This transformative perspective forms the heart of my conversation with Mandee Bowsmith, an HR veteran with over 24 years of experience who's now dedicated to democratizing leadership training.

Mandee's journey from temporary file clerk to HR director offers a refreshing counterpoint to traditional leadership narratives. Throughout our discussion, she challenges the notion that HR departments must function as organizational disciplinarians, advocating instead for "putting humanity back in human resources." Her...

Ever wonder why some people consistently sabotage their own success? In this eye-opening conversation with psychologist Dr. Albert Bramante, author of "Rise Above the Script," we dive deep into the hidden mental patterns that keep talented people stuck in cycles of underperformance.

Dr. Bramante shares fascinating insights from his journey working with actors and performers, revealing how the psychology of self-sabotage manifests in everyday behaviors like chronic lateness, procrastination, and the "I'm too busy" narrative. You'll discover how these patterns form and—more importantly—practical techniques to break free from them.

Whether you're a trainer look...

What happens when a Broadway performer turns his theatrical training toward helping professionals find their authentic voice? In this captivating conversation with Jay Harris, we explore the powerful intersection of performing arts and professional communication that can transform how you show up in every setting.

Harris shares his journey from Dreamgirls and Wicked to executive coaching, revealing how the skills that made him successful on stage now help professionals overcome their greatest communication challenges. "I had to find my voice, my real voice, not my performance voice or my agreeable voice or my professional voice," Harris explains...

What separates a true crisis from everyday challenges, and how can leaders effectively navigate through unprecedented disruption? In this eye-opening conversation, Peter Willis and Gareth Morgan—authors of "Becoming Good at Crises: A Field Guide For Leaders"—share hard-won wisdom from leading through Cape Town's devastating drought and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The conversation cuts through crisis leadership platitudes to reveal something profound: leaders aren't born ready for crises—they become good at handling them through intentional capability building before disaster strikes. Willis and Morgan outline four distinct phases of crisis management and the specific leadership approaches each requir...

Take a deep dive into the philosophy that transforms daily habits into lifelong success with serial entrepreneur Jon Sabes. This conversation uncovers the power of "small, consistent efforts made upstream that lead to significant downstream effects" across all areas of life.

Jon shares his journey as a two-decade entrepreneur who's built multiple companies, gone public, and experienced both incredible success and massive challenges. Through these experiences, he's developed practical wisdom about what truly drives performance and happiness.

The conversation explores the true nature of happiness as a journey rather than a destination. Jon differentiates between...

What makes a training program truly effective? The answer might be simpler than we think: independence. When learners feel ownership over their development journey, engagement and results skyrocket.

In this special Fourth of July solo episode, our host Jay explores how traditional training programs often fail despite abundant resources. The missing ingredient? Relevance and autonomy. When we don't see how learning connects to our career growth or daily challenges, motivation vanishes. Most valuable skills develop through independent practice, not prescribed training sessions.

The most impactful learning experiences often stem from self-directed discovery rather than forced...

Have you ever achieved success but felt empty inside? Kyle McDowell's journey from corporate executive to leadership visionary offers a roadmap for anyone feeling disconnected in their professional life.

After spending decades climbing the corporate ladder, managing 30,000 employees, and multi-billion dollar P&Ls, Kyle found himself in a state of profound apathy. The turning point came with a shocking realization: what he had perceived as respect from his team was actually fear. This revelation sparked a transformational journey that would not only reshape his career but his entire approach to life.

For anyone responsible for...

Ever watched someone masterfully perform a task and thought, "I wish I could understand exactly what they're doing and why"? In today's episode of The Talent Forge, we explore the revolutionary approach Silicon Society is taking to transform workplace learning through AI-powered job shadowing.

Frank Fusco, a fascinating founder with roots in both liberal arts and computer science, shares how his journey through humanitarian work, bootcamp education, and software development led to a breakthrough realization: traditional learning approaches are fundamentally flawed in today's rapidly changing world. As Frank explains, "We're not built for even a six-month curriculum...

The AI revolution is reshaping how we work, learn, and create—yet 81% of professionals feel anxious about this transformation. Why? Many have been avoiding the inevitable, creating what Fahed Bizzari calls "heads in the sand" that are now being forced into the open as AI capabilities expand exponentially.

Fahed shares his journey from achieving the "4-hour workweek" back in 2006 to experiencing an existential crisis when ChatGPT outperformed his own engineering capabilities in minutes rather than days. This pivotal moment led to his realization that our value isn't diminished by AI—it's multiplied when we embrace it properly. Thro...

Why does executive leadership often fail to see the value in talent development initiatives? Traci Austin of Elevated Talent Consulting reveals the critical disconnect between HR professionals and the C-suite that's creating frustration on both sides.

The conversation explores specific techniques for gaining trust in challenging industries where vulnerability isn't welcome, including the one question that transforms any training session: "What would make this hour a good use of your time?" This simple approach demonstrates respect while opening the door to meaningful engagement.

Whether you're in HR, talent development, or leadership, this episode provides the...

What happens when nearly 150 leadership positions need to be filled simultaneously due to a wave of retirements? For Ernesto Gómez, former VP of Human Capital at Grupo Alpha and CHRO at Sigma Alimentos, this wasn't a hypothetical scenario—it was the challenge that defined his career transition from business leader to HR innovator.

Ernesto shares how he approached this daunting succession planning challenge by reframing it as an innovation problem rather than a traditional HR issue. With no formal HR background but extensive business leadership experience, he crafted a comprehensive talent development strategy involving partnerships with eli...

Nikky Billou takes us on an extraordinary journey from post-revolution Iran to becoming a champion for freedom and human potential. As a Christian immigrant fleeing religious persecution, Nikky's early experiences shaped his profound understanding that freedom isn't just political—it's the essential foundation for entrepreneurship, creativity, and human flourishing.

Drawing wisdom from his late father's example, Nikky shares the transformative lesson that became his life's mission: "Your job is to see greatness in people and show it to them." This philosophy has guided him through writing ten books (including two New York Times bestsellers), hosting hundreds of po...

Richard Reid takes us on a fascinating journey from his classics degree and IT consulting days to his current role as a psychologist working with executives and organizations. 

The discussion opens with a counterintuitive insight: being too polished in your presentation style can actually make people distrustful. Instead, Richard advocates for finding that sweet spot between authentic self-expression and professional delivery. 

Whether you're looking to enhance your presence as a trainer, develop stronger connections with your team, or simply communicate more effectively, Richard's insights offer a refreshing blend of psychological depth and practical application. His em...

Cultural intelligence has become the hidden competitive advantage in today's global business landscape. When your teams can navigate the subtle nuances of cross-cultural communication, everything from customer satisfaction to operational efficiency improves dramatically.

Sanjyot Dunung brings her fascinating journey from banker to cultural anthropology expert to this episode, sharing how her unique background—born in India but raised in Chicago—provided the perfect foundation for helping organizations bridge cultural divides. 

What sets this conversation apart is the emphasis on measurable business impact. Cultural training isn't presented as a nice-to-have diversity initiative but as a strategic imper...

The digital workplace isn't just changing how we work—it's fundamentally altering how we communicate, learn, and connect. After spending years interviewing dozens of Millennial and Gen Z professionals, Dr. Craig Mattson uncovered surprising patterns in how people cope with the constant barrage of platforms, tools, and digital expectations.

While popular advice suggests digital minimalism as the solution, Mattson's research reveals a more nuanced reality. For most professionals, simply using fewer tools isn't an option. Instead, developing what he calls "digital flexibility" proves far more effective—the ability to navigate between different communication modes depending on the situ...

What if the leadership development initiatives you're pouring resources into aren't delivering measurable results? In this eye-opening conversation with Aaron Helton, leadership consultant and author, we uncover the science behind truly effective coaching and development programs—and it's all in the numbers.

The statistics are startling: people with accountability partners achieve their goals 86% of the time versus just 16% for those going it alone. That's a 70% difference that directly impacts your organization's bottom line. Aaron breaks down how replacing senior executives can cost up to 400% of their annual salary, transforming a modest investment in coaching into a massive RO...

Could your brain be lying to you? What if everything you thought about motivation and training is fundamentally flawed? In this eye-opening conversation with Dominika Staniewicz, we dive deep into how neuroscience is revolutionizing corporate training and personal development.

Drawing from her extensive background as an HR director, career coach, and advisor to the Polish president on education standards, Staniewicz reveals how neuroencoding—a practical application of neuroscience—creates lasting behavioral change by rewiring the brain. Unlike traditional visualization techniques that only engage the visual cortex, neuroencoding involves practicing scenarios with full body engagement before they happen, allo...

Dr. Jennifer Nash takes us on a profound journey into what it truly means to lead with humanity in today's complex workplace. Drawing from her background in piano, dance, foreign languages, and eventually the automotive industry, she shares how these seemingly divergent paths converged to form her unique leadership philosophy.

Nash reveals the powerful concept behind her book "Be Human, Lead Human," explaining that authentic leadership begins with recognizing that people—not products or services—create organizational value. She articulates how organizations function best when viewed as spaces where people both work and evolve as human beings, rath...

What separates truly exceptional performers from the merely talented? According to mental performance coach Gary Chupik, it's not motivation, talent, or even discipline—it's self-leadership.

Drawing from his extensive work with professional athletes and high-performing executives, Chupik challenges conventional thinking about performance psychology. While most focus on fixing weaknesses, he advocates for a strength-based approach that identifies what's working well and replicates it. This shift in perspective—from the "training room" of mental health to the "gym" of mental performance—reveals hidden reservoirs of potential in even the most accomplished individuals.

Meet the Host Duration: 00:47:40

How do you turn mandatory corporate training from a dreaded box-checking exercise into an engaging experience that actually changes behavior? The answer lies in strategic storytelling.

In this eye-opening episode, Aleya Harris, a strategic storytelling consultant, reveals how the same storytelling frameworks used in marketing can revolutionize leadership development and corporate training. Drawing from her background as a marketing executive and entrepreneur, Aleya shares how she accidentally discovered the power of storytelling in building high-performing teams and authentic leadership.

Whether you're designing onboarding programs, leadership development initiatives, or mandatory compliance training, this episode offers practical...

Dive into an insightful conversation with Emma Rainville, dubbed the Wizard of Ops, as she shares her unparalleled wisdom on the intersection of operations and talent development. With an incredible journey from managing one of the largest HVAC companies in Texas to becoming a fractional COO, Emma unveils the secret ingredients for operational success. 

Join us as we explore the fundamentals of effective operations in talent development. This discussion serves as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their organizational effectiveness and drive meaningful change. 

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson wo...

What happens when a television journalist becomes an HR executive and discovers the transformative power of crayons? 

Susan Hensley shares her transformative three-career act from television journalist to HR executive to art journaling coach, revealing how each career phase built valuable skills that enhanced her effectiveness as a leader. Her expertise in developing teams, navigating transitions, and using creative tools for personal growth offers powerful insights for talent development professionals.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder o...

Explore the dynamic world of inclusion with Delphia Howze in our latest episode! Delphia shares her surprising career journey from aspiring attorney to leading advocate for inclusive practices in the workplace. In a world that increasingly values diverse perspectives, she unpacks why inclusion should not solely be the responsibility of leadership. Instead, each individual plays a critical role in creating a culture that enables everyone to thrive.

Join us to learn how you can take actionable steps toward inclusivity in your work environment and engage authentically with your colleagues. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help...

Many veterans face challenges when transitioning from military service to civilian jobs. In this enlightening episode of The Talent Forge, Jason Anderson, a veteran with years of corporate experience, unpacks the complexities behind these transitions. He sheds light on the common pitfalls that cause many veterans to struggle in their new roles, particularly due to the different expectations and cultures between military and corporate environments.

Tune in to discover actionable steps L&D professionals and employers can take to create successful onboarding experiences for veterans. This episode isn’t just about showcasing the achievements of veterans; it’s ab...

What if HR could transcend its traditional role and become a true powerhouse of organizational success? Join us on this episode of the Talent Forge as we welcome Andrew Almazan, an ex-VP of people with 15 years of industry experience, who shares his journey from the challenges of COVID-19 to creating the Brave Leadership Guild. Andrew takes us through the nuanced roles of VP of people and HR, shedding light on strategies for overcoming the stigma of HR as merely an enforcement arm. With insights into the balance between risk mitigation and the human aspect of HR, Andrew advocates for...

Join us as we welcome back Dr. Barb Thompson, a seasoned expert in the world of assessments. In this episode, we explore the importance of having a trained professional guide the interpretation of these assessments to harness their full potential and adapt to life's ever-changing landscape.

Additionally, our conversation shifts toward the pressing issue of burnout, particularly within high-performance teams, and how we challenge traditional notions of resilience and toughness, offering a fresh perspective on how intrinsic motivation can act as a safeguard against burnout. 

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with p...

Unlock the secrets to building a high-performing team with insights from this week's guest, Dr. Michael Neal, founder of Build My Team. Faced with the challenge of high turnover in his eye care practice, Dr. Neal sought inspiration from industry giants like Disney and the Four Seasons, leading to the creation of a transformative hiring system. Join us as we explore how identifying natural strengths and talents can revolutionize your approach to talent development, echoing the unique goal-setting strategies of Warren Buffett.

Discover effective strategies for engaging and motivating A and B plus players with minimal micromanagement...

Rebecca Vickers, our esteemed guest and VP of Operations and Marketing, joins us to explore the transformative power of storytelling in talent development. Her journey is a testament to the importance of fostering a people-centered approach in the ever-evolving business environment. 

In this episode, we dive into the nuances of maximizing training impact through strategic partnerships and effective communication. Rebecca sheds light on the art of guiding clients toward optimal decisions while maintaining empathy and transparency. 

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and el...

Unlock the complexities of legal and compliance training in the workplace with insights from our esteemed guest, Taylor Crabill, an accomplished employment lawyer. This episode of The Talent Forge promises to transform your understanding of sexual harassment and discrimination training. Discover how to make these crucial topics not only engaging but also deeply relevant to all employees. Taylor offers a wealth of experience in representing employees in cases of unlawful conduct and shares effective strategies for embedding current events and relatable examples into training sessions. Learn the art of clear communication of company procedures to managers, mitigating potential legal...

Unlock the secrets to personal growth with this week's guest, Rhonda Parker Taylor, a leader in talent development. Rhonda shares her remarkable journey from an entrepreneurial upbringing to finding her true calling in the world of emotional intelligence and resilience. Hear as she candidly recounts her initial dabbling in finance, law, and accounting before embracing her passion for nurturing talent. Through her story and works like "The Crossroads," Rhonda illustrates the profound impact of empathy, competitiveness, and the pursuit of purpose in both personal and professional realms.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with...

Curious about the pivotal role of a Chief of Staff in shaping talent strategies at fast-growing tech companies? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Executive Coach and former Chief of Staff, Emily Sander, as she reveals her unique journey from the tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon to the high-pressure world of private equity-backed firms. Emily shares the invaluable lessons learned from her transition into leadership roles and collaborating closely with CEOs to drive company-wide initiatives. Gain insights into the nuanced responsibilities of a chief of staff and the importance of fostering collaboration across the organization to ensure...

Dr. Danny Brassell’s incredible journey from journalism to becoming a powerhouse in talent development and education is nothing short of inspiring. Starting his career covering President Bush in 1992, Danny found his true calling in teaching in South Central Los Angeles, navigating through setbacks like a real estate scam with unwavering resilience. His transition from educator to motivational speaker and coach showcases his ability to thrive amidst adversity, including during the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Danny’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one can have by fostering a love for lear...

Join us as we welcome Rob Giardinelli, a seasoned professional who has made the fascinating transition from the tech sphere to becoming a master of social dynamics through his initiative, Event Mindset. Rob, a self-proclaimed introvert, shares his compelling journey and offers fresh perspectives on how introverts can shine at business and social events, balancing the atmosphere with their extroverted counterparts. With his rich experience from attending countless fundraisers and galas, Rob unravels the art of maximizing interactions at events to foster meaningful relationships and drive growth.

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Jay Johnson works with...

What can wild horses teach us about effective leadership and human relationships? Join us as we welcome the multifaceted Shane Jacob, who draws from his rich experience in the horse industry to share insightful parallels between training horses and developing human talent. Shane introduces five key principles of leadership and talent management, with a focus on the significant, often underestimated, time investment required to nurture growth. His captivating anecdotes reveal the transformative power of understanding and patience, both in horses and in people.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to...

Discover the transformative power of bilingualism in training and development as we explore the unique insights of our guest, Michelle Bonkosky. Michelle takes us on her compelling journey from Puerto Rico to pursuing a doctorate in online education, highlighting how her bilingual abilities have enriched her understanding of linguistic and cultural nuances in Spanish-speaking regions. Her story, combined with my own experiences navigating language barriers, underscores the vital role of language skills in fostering effective communication and connection in global training environments, particularly within healthcare and life sciences.

We also discuss the role of AI in enhancing...

What if transforming your life was just a matter of embracing healthier habits? Today on The Talent Forge, we are thrilled to have Roman Fischer, an inspiring fitness coach whose personal journey is nothing short of transformative. Roman opens up about how his younger brother's health changes sparked his passion for fitness and talent development coaching. By moving away from medications and embracing a healthier lifestyle, Roman experienced a boost in energy and mental clarity that completely altered his life direction. Tune in to hear how Roman's humanitarian approach to fitness coaching, especially during the pandemic, has helped countless...

Discover how the drive to give back can redefine the aging experience with our insightful guest, Dr. Deborah Heiser. Dr. Heiser, a trailblazer in the study of aging, shares her unique journey from focusing on aging challenges to exploring mentorship and the enriching aspects of generativity. After a pivotal moment at a conference, she shifted her perspective to highlight the human desire for meaningful contributions through mentorship, philanthropy, or volunteering. Join us as we unpack the differences between mentors, coaches, and colleagues, and why genuine mentor-mentee connections are essential for both personal satisfaction and professional success.

This...

What happens when a seasoned software developer turns his talents to nurturing human potential? Join us for an insightful conversation with Brian Walch, who shares his unique journey from the tech world to becoming a leader in talent development. Over his 25-year career at a consulting firm, Brian discovered his passion for people, eventually creating the spiral development matrix—a transformative framework that guides individuals from expert roles into effective management. He shares the importance of understanding management responsibilities before diving into them, along with the mindset shifts necessary for successful leadership transitions, such as moving from sales to ma...

Ever wondered how to align your professional life with your personal purpose? Join us in this enlightening episode of Talent Forge as we welcome Elona Lopari, CEO of the Life School, to share her inspiring journey from the corporate world to spearheading purpose-driven initiatives. Elona opens her heart about the courage it took to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a life guided by purpose. Her transformative story provides a roadmap for those looking to bridge the gap between everyday responsibilities and deeper, more meaningful goals.

This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice...

Steven Falk, CEO and founder of Switchback OS, reveals his transformative journey from a career in marriage and family therapy to a leader in talent development within heavy industry. With the backing of his supportive wife, he took a leap of faith, using his therapeutic expertise to bring about positive changes in various professional environments. In this episode, Steven highlights the significance of transformational relationships over transactional ones, showing the power of genuine care for individuals beyond mere business success. As he shares his passion for training and development, the episode is filled with insights that inspire listeners to...

Welcome Dr. Barb Thompson, a distinguished clinical psychologist and Army veteran, into our conversation. Dr. Thompson takes us on her remarkable journey from clinical to operational psychology, sharing valuable insights from her experiences working with top military leaders. Her unique perspective sheds light on the delicate balance of personal drives, collaboration, and effective listening skills essential for leadership success. Engage with us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of coaching high-performance leaders, addressing feelings of intimidation and the ever-present imposter syndrome.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower...

Can surveys really mask deeper communication issues in the workplace? Join us as we welcome John Larsen from Vellum to shed light on this eye-opening topic. John challenges the status quo of organizational feedback mechanisms with his bold presentation, "Stop the Surveys." Discover how fostering authentic human connections can revolutionize workplace communication, and why building trust is the key to breaking the cycle of reliance on traditional surveys. Through meaningful dialogue, we explore strategies for overcoming the fear of difficult conversations to enhance team dynamics and drive real change.

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Jay Johnson...

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Learning and Development with seasoned expert Jess Almlie, whose nearly 30-year journey reveals the art of crafting impactful learning experiences. From her early days at McDonald's to her pivotal role as VP of Learning at WEX, Jess shares her unique insights into transforming traditional classroom leadership development. Her master's thesis challenged conventional methods, emphasizing the synergy between education and continuous practice. Discover how Jess turns everyday training into opportunities for real behavioral change, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of L&D.

Meet the Host <...

Ready to unlock the secrets of effective leadership? Join us on Talent Forge as we sit down with Hank Wethington, the IT professional turned executive coach, who reveals how a fortuitous opportunity in learning and development ignited his passion for teaching and leadership. Hank shares his personal journey from aspiring high school biology teacher to helping individuals transition into successful leaders. We explore the hurdles of changing mindsets, giving up control, and discovering one's leadership voice, with Hank offering sports analogies and wisdom drawn from Marshall Goldsmith's "What Got You Here Won't Get You There."

Meet...