Strategic Shift

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt speaks with David Barnette, Co-Founder and President of Avant Executive Search, about the rise of fractional work and global talent. David shares how companies are rethinking traditional full-time roles, when fractional leadership makes sense, and how borderless work is expanding access to talent and opportunity around the world.   Timestamps: 00:50 Meet David Barnette 02:13 Career Journey Highlights 04:48 Why Private Equity Appeals 06:17 Who Thrives in PE 08:08 Coaching for PE Success 10:43 Fractional Work Rising 13:10 Fractional vs Full Time Planning 17:13 Hybrid Remote Expectations 19:36 Trust and Performance Management 26:54 Borderless Work and Global Talent Connect with David Barnette: Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory LinkedIn Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift. Is your organization prepared for the Future of Work? Learn more: https://www.pepelwerk.com/build-my-future-workforce/ Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of Strategic Shift, executive coach Carrie Fabris discusses the critical shift toward human-centered leadership as organizations navigate the complexities of AI, hybrid work, and shifting employee expectations. The conversation provides actionable insights for HR leaders on bridging the gap between C-suite ROI demands and the human needs of the workforce   Timestamps: 01:34 Carrie’s Background and CareerFrame 02:32 Future of Work Culture Trends 04:04 Leadership Buy In and ROI 08:16 Retention and Strengths Engagement 10:14 Job Hugging Tough Love 13:46 Hybrid Work and AI Policies 17:46 Staying Human With AI 21:45 Top Skills for the Next Decade 24:00 Finding the Right Coach 27:30 Books and Final Takeaways  Connect with Carrie Fabris: CareerFrame LinkedIn  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Is your organization prepared for the Future of Work? Learn more: https://www.pepelwerk.com/build-my-future-workforce/ Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us as Matt Baxter, CEO of WedgeHR, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in HR tech. Discover how storytelling, authenticity, and human connection are transforming the future of hiring and why hope and trust are more vital than ever in workforce innovation.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Matt Baxter and his journey from lawn care entrepreneur to HR innovator 00:25 - The impact of technology on remote work and hiring practices 01:17 - The importance of storytelling and human connection in recruitment 02:44 - How Wedge HR helps organizations recruit high-volume, customer-facing roles 04:42 - Hiring for potential vs. skills: what stage is your company in? 05:49 - Practical tips for job seekers: identifying what makes you irreplaceable 08:16 - The challenge of fake applications, AI bots, and sourcing quality talent 11:30 - Creating cultures of transparency and hope in organizations 16:06 - The power of networking and proactive outreach during job searches 28:04 - The role of hope and trust in the future of work  Connect with Matt Baxter: Wedge HR LinkedIn Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Is your organization prepared for the Future of Work? Learn more: https://www.pepelwerk.com/build-my-future-workforce/ Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of workforce strategies, AI integration, and talent mobility with Stephanie Manzelli, Chief People Officer of EMPLOY. Stephanie shares her insights on how HR can lead change, foster a human-centric approach amidst technological advancements, and adapt career evolution models to modern organizational needs.  Timestamps: 1:24 - Stephanie's Role and Company Overview 2:11 - Workforce Trends and AI 3:31 - Change Management and Culture 4:25 - Recruitment and Candidate Personas 6:13 - Unique Recruitment Processes 8:07 - Addressing Skill Gaps 10:50 - Guidance for Candidates 13:02 - Caution and Boldness with AI 18:49 - DEI Evolution  Connect with Stephanie Manzelli: LinkedIn EMPLOY Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Is your organization prepared for the Future of Work? Learn more: https://www.pepelwerk.com/build-my-future-workforce/ Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Huw Newton-Hill, Managing Director of Attensi, to explore why confidence and behavior change matter more than information in workforce training. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of work, including digital twins, human-centered AI, and the growing importance of communication and problem-solving skills.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Hugh Newton-Hill and ATTENSI’s AI-driven game-based solutions 02:54 - Building sustainable learning with behavioral analytics 04:44 - The value of game mechanics versus gamification in corporate training 06:02 - Case study: Circle K’s scalable store manager simulations 07:24 - Confidence as a cornerstone of effective workforce training 08:21 - Keeping technology human-centric and accessible across environments 11:31 - Addressing frontline skills gaps and onboarding overwhelm 13:52 - Designing onboarding to foster psychological safety and confidence 15:11 - The science of behavior change: capability, practice, and motivation 17:24 - The impact of behavioral data on future workforce analytics 21:07 - Innovations in skills verification and digital twins of work environments 28:22 - The potential of creating digital twins for organizations and workforces 29:44 - Final thoughts: movies predicting future tech and workforce modeling  Connect with Huw Newton-Hill: LinkedIn  ATTENSI   Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

In this episode, discover actionable strategies to stand out in today's competitive job market, harness the power of personal branding, and leverage digital and social platforms to amplify your professional presence. Stacey Ross Cohen, CEO of Co-communications and author of Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success in the Digital World, shares her insights on self-awareness, networking, and online reputation management.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Stacey Ross Cohen and today’s focus 00:26 - Stacey’s background and professional journey 01:54 - The inspiration behind Brand Up and its target audience 02:41 - How personal branding helps stand out in a competitive job market 03:06 - Stacey’s personal twin story and its lessons on identity and differentiation 06:29 - The three-part framework for personal branding success 09:13 - Networking as a necessity, not a luxury, with early skill development 12:30 - Overcoming blinders by recognizing your true talents 16:30 - How to make your LinkedIn profile magnetic and authentic 31:23 - Stacey’s closing thoughts: personal branding as life-long career insurance  Connect with Stacey Cohen: LinkedIn Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success in the Digital World Brand Up 2.0: Propel Your Early Career Success Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Remember, personal branding is not a luxury—it's a career insurance policy and a future of work essential. Start early, stay consistent, and be authentically you. Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

Discover how Jason Putnam, CEO of Vetty, is transforming talent verification, onboarding, and leadership with a focus on trust, human experience, and innovative tech. This episode explores the evolving landscape of HR, AI, candidate trust, and community building in the workforce. Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or job seeker, the insights shared by Jason Putnam provide a roadmap for navigating change with trust and innovation.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Jason Putnam and Vetty 02:52 - Leadership Philosophy  03:21 – Vetty's Unique Approach 05:13 - Impact of AI and Technology 06:08 - Fraud and Deep Fakes in Hiring 12:18 - Future of Work and AI 16:28 - Human Connection and Community 18:09 - Marketing and Branding Strategies 25:38 - Navigating Economic Shifts 29:52 - Networking and Trust Connect with Jason Putnam: LinkedIn  Vetty.co   Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Angela Sycz, VP of People Operations at Counslr, discusses the critical importance of mental health in the workplace. She emphasizes the need for self-care, work-life harmony and the generational shifts in attitudes towards work. The conversation explores how organizations can better listen to employee sentiment, the role of AI in mental health and practical advice for job seekers navigating the modern workforce. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Angela Sycz and Counselor’s Mission 01:53 - Emerging Workplace Trends Impacting Mental Health 04:16 - Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Effects 07:04 - Gen Z's Demand for Mental Health Benefits 11:54 - Recognizing Burnout and Stress Indicators 15:11 - Building Psychological Safety and Trust 19:28 - AI's Role in Mental Health Trends 22:22 - Ethical Considerations of AI in Mental Health 29:07 - Evaluating Organizational Well-being 35:21 - Workplace Mental Health's Ripple Effect  Connect with Angela Sycz: LinkedIn Counslr  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Join us next time as we continue exploring innovation at the intersection of work, technology, and well-being. Keep shifting!  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

We keep calling Gen Z “unprepared” … while giving them work that isn’t worth doing. L-EAF LAB co-founders Pinny Sutkin (20+ years in talent acquisition) and Simon Holzapfel (former head of school) join Strategic Shift to explain why early talent is misunderstood and how companies can stop losing great people before they even start. From “you can’t schedule innovation” to “it’s time for resumes to go bye-bye,” they break down what a purpose-driven, collaborative workplace requires and how their lab model produces graduates who can show real outcomes.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to L-EAF LAB 02:28 - Backgrounds of Pinny and Simon 03:19 - New Generation Workplace Perceptions 04:36 - Gen Z's Automation Mindset 05:47 - Performance Orientation in Workers 06:30 - Viewing Young Talent Holistically 07:07 - Purpose-Driven Work Engagement 07:56 - Digital Literacy's Employment Impact 08:26 - Collaboration Culture Building 09:00 - Future of Creator Economy 09:41 - Real Project Work Support by L-EAF LAB  Connect with the Guests: Pinny Sutkin Simon Holzapfel L-EAF LAB  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt speaks with AI strategist Tori Begg on navigating the AI shift inside modern organizations. They explore human-first AI adoption, enablement in real workflows and where leaders are seeing tangible value today. The discussion offers practical perspective for executives shaping strategy, teams and culture in an AI-driven workplace.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 00:58 - Tori’s AI Background 01:49 - AI as a Co-Pilot for Kids 04:09 - ChatGPT for Learning 05:24 - Discovering AI at a Party 07:12 - AI in Sales Workflows 09:28 - AI as an Equalizer 12:15 - Effective Prompt Engineering 17:22 - Change Management in AI 28:30 - Mind and Machine Networking  Connect with Tori Begg: LinkedIn Mind and Machine DFW  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

Change doesn’t fail because of technology — it fails because of how people experience it. In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt sits down with HR advisor and change strategist Mindy Honcoop to unpack what really sits beneath AI resistance at work. They explore curiosity as a leadership skill, the emotional layers of change and why readiness starts long before new tools are introduced. It’s an honest conversation about people, uncertainty and what is needed to move forward.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Mindy Honcoop 02:45 - Human-Centered HR Approach 04:56 - Overcoming Organizational Fear 06:16 - Agility in Workplace Redesign 07:42 - Emotional Pillars of Resistance 09:06 - Normalizing Workplace Emotions 10:54 - Diagnosing Emotional Climate 12:46 - Self-Awareness in AI Adoption 14:10 - Rethinking Workplace Processes 16:56 - Job Shadowing for Improvement  Connect with Mindy Honcoop: LinkedIn Agile in HR  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

This episode explores how clarity, confidence, and community can change your career trajectory. Anna Morgan, Career BFF and founder of EVOLVE, joins Christy Honeycutt to share how to truly stand out in a crowded job market, network with intention and rebuild the in-person connection so many of us are craving. It’s a refreshing, human-centered take on navigating work in a chaotic world.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Anna Morgan and Evolve Conference 02:15 - Evolve's Unique Approach to HR Events 04:13 - Importance of Self-Care in HR 09:22 - Job Seekers: Stand Out on LinkedIn 12:51 - Building Authentic Online Engagement 15:02 - Personal Branding Tips 19:00 - Generating Opportunities Through Content 22:15 - Relationship-Building in Competitive Landscapes 27:07 - Emotional Intelligence in Organizations 32:19 - Networking Tips for Conferences  Connect with Anna Morgan: LinkedIn Your Career BFF EVOLVE  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

This episode features author and Three Ears Media founder Katrina Kibben, who breaks down why hiring feels harder than ever and what it really takes to create a candidate experience people can trust. They explore the failures of traditional job postings, the rise of fraud and why frontline workers hold the key to the future of work—along with insights from The Bounce Back Factor on navigating uncertainty, staying findable and leading change by starting with yourself.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Katrina Kibben 02:23 - Evolution of Job Platforms 03:44 - Trust in Recruitment 06:01 - Challenges of AI in Hiring 09:17 - Importance of Frontline Workers 10:15 - The Bounce Back Factor 13:29 - Enhancing Human Experience with AI 15:24 - Auditing Candidate Experience 18:34 - Pitfalls of Accelerated Hiring 23:13 - Boosting LinkedIn Visibility  Connect with Katrina Kibben: LinkedIn Three Ears Media The Bounce Back Factor  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

This episode dives into the story of two leaders who turned a bold idea into an eight-figure company and are now helping people unlock the next chapter of their lives. Dr. Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, co-authors of The Business of You, share how understanding your values, shaping your personal brand and telling your story with confidence can change your trajectory. They explore the rise of character-driven success, the power of intentional habits and what it really means to run your life like a business built to grow.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Nick and Marnie 01:23 - Leadership Philosophy Inspired by Ted Lasso 04:15 - Marrying Sitcom Lessons with Leadership 05:40 - Launch of "The Business of You" 07:58 - Importance of Soft Skills for Success 09:24 - Gamification in Teaching Values 11:11 - Self-Investment and the CFO Mindset 15:28 - Storytelling for Job Market Differentiation 17:18 - Evolution of Personal Branding 19:12 - Alternative Pathways to Success  Connect with Guests: Dr. Marnie Stockman Nick Coniglio Book: Lead It Like Lasso Book: The Business of You: Ask the Right Questions, Tell Your Story, and Lead Your Life  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

In this conversation, Scott Birkhead shares insights from his extensive experience in recruitment and talent acquisition, particularly in the context of his current role at Geostabilization. He discusses the importance of hiring veterans, the need for upskilling in a changing workforce, and the metrics that matter in measuring recruitment effectiveness. Scott emphasizes the role of technology in enhancing human connections in recruitment and the importance of adapting to new tools while maintaining a focus on core human values. He also addresses the evolving perception of college degrees in the job market and offers advice for job seekers navigating potential fraud.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Scott’s Career Overview 01:10 - The Fun of Small, Synergistic Teams 02:28 - Geostabilization's Niche Importance 03:42 - Military Veterans in the Workforce 04:57 - Upskilling Through On-the-Job Training 06:29 - Measuring Recruitment Success 08:00 - Setting Ambitious Goals 10:23 - Improving Deployment Times 13:10 - Data-Driven Hiring 15:01 - Exploring 'What's Possible'  Connect with Scott Birkhead: LinkedIn Geostabilization Inc.  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

This episode dives into the future of work by reimagining how we prepare people for it. Dr. Kevin Fleming, founder and CEO of Catapult Masterclass, challenges the “graduate and figure it out later” mindset and shows how aligning purpose, talent and opportunity creates strong career momentum.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Kevin Fleming 00:29 - Mission of Catapult Masterclass 01:51 - Life-Readiness Over Graduation 02:41 - Education System Gaps 04:29 - Viral Animation Videos 06:49 - Aligning Education with Strengths 08:37 - Impact of Social Capital 10:24 - Real-World Skills vs. Curricula 14:42 - Redefining Success Metrics 19:21 - Supporting Alternative Pathways  Connect with Dr. Kevin Fleming: LinkedIn Catapult Masterclass (Re)Defining the Goal: The True Path to Career Readiness in the 21st Century  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Want clarity about your own career path? Explore tools, mentors and real-world opportunities at pepelwerk.com. Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

In this episode, Hart Brown, CEO of Future Point of View and certified futurist, joins Christy Honeycutt to break down the truth about AI, the future of work, and why this moment matters more than any other in modern business. From rethinking education to transforming workforce culture, Hart shares bold insights and a surprisingly optimistic vision, one where AI gives us back time, strengthens human connection and redefines what’s possible for work and life.   Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Hart Brown 02:19 - The Frankenstein Effect 03:41 - AI Implementation Challenges 05:28 - Building Digital Humans 07:25 - Becoming a Certified Futurist 09:17 - Communicating Technology 10:14 - Guidance for CEOs 12:31 - Educational Strategies 14:14 - Cultivating a Curious Mindset 15:43 - Global AI Mastery Strategies  Connect with Hart Brown: LinkedIn Future Point of View  Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Go to pepelwerk.com to future-proof your workforce and stay ahead of the AI revolution. Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

This episode explores the future of work through the lens of public education and equity. Karim Abouelnaga, CEO of Practice, explains why potential is universal but opportunity is not and how Title I schools can raise proficiency through thoughtful design, transparent tools and the practical use of AI. He unpacks “possibility versus probability,” the importance of modeling new technology and the tradeoffs of phone and AI adoption.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing the Future of Work 02:15 - Kareem’s Journey from NYC Public Schools 04:00 - Supporting 1 Million Low-Income Children 06:00 - Impact of COVID-19 on Education 08:00 - AI's Role in Closing Achievement Gaps 10:00 - Global Access to Quality Education 12:00 - Rethinking Education Pathways 14:00 - Micro-Schools and Personalized Learning 16:00 - Future-Proofing Careers with Skills 18:00 - AI-Human Collaboration and Ethics  Connect with Kareem Abouelnaga LinkedIn Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn  Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.  Complete your FREE profile on pepelwerk.com! and get matched to jobs!Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

Season 2 of Strategic Shift kicks off with a conversation about thriving in today’s multi-generational workforce. Mark Beal, professor and Gen Z thought leader, explains how younger professionals are working smarter with AI, while also showing why human interaction and cultural fit remain essential. He offers practical guidance for candidates, leaders and anyone navigating the evolving workplace. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Mark Beal 02:00 - Mark Beal's Career Insights 04:00 - Multi-Generational Communication 06:00 - AI's Impact on Marketing 08:00 - Importance of AI Immersion 10:00 - Job Interview Preparation 12:00 - Standing Out with Referrals 14:00 - Balancing Tech and EQ 16:00 - Generational Work Myths 18:00 - Building Networks Beyond Academics Connect with Mark Beal: LinkedIn Books Connect with Christy Honeycutt: LinkedIn Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift. Complete your free profile and start getting matched to your goal jobs at pepelwerk.com! Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

🎙️ In this episode of Strategic Shift, Dion McIntosh sits down with Jude Reser — former VP of HR for a top hospitality company turned Head of HR at Thomas More University.They dive deep into:-Why she left corporate HR for a purpose-driven university role-Creative ways to retain talent when budgets are tight-How to compete for great hires without sky-high salaries-Why she’s removing performance ratings altogether-Her perspective on AI’s role in HR and education💡 Whether you're in HR, leadership or early in your career, this conversation is packed with transformative insights about hiring, retention and building culture.👉 Learn more about Thomas More University: https://www.thomasmore.edu📌 Subscribe to never miss a Strategic ShiftFacing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

What if the biggest challenge facing education, work, and technology isn't innovation — but misalignment?In this episode, Silas Ellis dives deep into the cracks forming between generations, tech, and workforce expectations. From his work with tribal nations in Oklahoma to solving real-time gaps in economic development, Silas offers a front-line view of what’s working, what’s broken, and how to bridge the gap before it’s too late.🎙 We unpack:✅ What peak high school means for your future (and your kids)✅ The talent cliff coming in 2030✅ How tribal nations are filling critical gaps in healthcare and employment✅ Why Gen Z's "job hopping" is actually strategic✅ How to use tech as a liberator, not a replacer✅ Real-world uses of AI that save hours without losing human touchThis episode is a must-watch for educators, policymakers, employers, and Gen Z leaders ready to shape the future. Come for the data, stay for the heart.🔗 Follow Silas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-ellis/Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

🔧 America’s skilled trade crisis is real—and it’s your opportunity to thrive.In this episode of Strategic Shift, Rob Holmes, co-founder of Forge Now, breaks down why 9 million trade jobs are going unfilled while college grads struggle with debt and unemployment. This powerful, eye-opening interview reveals:✅ How you can earn $28/hour in just 7 weeks✅ Why 80% of tradespeople are retiring in the next 10 years✅ How Forge Now’s military-style training is changing lives✅ Why trades are the “first responder” jobs of our economy✅ The path to a 6-figure career—no degree requiredWhether you're a parent, veteran, or someone looking to escape the college debt trap, this conversation will change how you think about career paths. As Rob says: "You don't need permission to get your life back. You just need a path."Connect with Forge Now: ForgeNow.comInstagram:   / forgenow  YouTube:    / @forgenow3692  Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

🚨 The education system is BROKEN — and this CEO has the data to prove it.In this episode of Strategic Shift , Kim Kelly, CEO of pepelwerk, explains why college is missing the mark for 85% of people, and how she’s revolutionizing hiring by ditching resumes altogether.If you’re a parent, student, employer, or anyone questioning the value of traditional education, this episode will shift your perspective.🔥 In This Episode, You'll Learn:- Why traditional hiring is setting businesses (and people) up to fail- The REAL cost of college — financially and mentally- How other countries are outperforming the U.S. in education- The truth about where your tax dollars are going- A simple hiring strategy that works better than resumesThis isn't just another business podcast - this is a blueprint for the future of work and education that could change everything for you and your family.💡 Ready to strategically shift your approach to career and education? Watch until the end for Kim's simple solution that could revolutionize the entire system.To learn more about pepelwerk follow:X: https://x.com/pepelwerkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepelwerk/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepelwerkTo learn more about Kim Kelley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the1kimkelley/X: https://x.com/the1kimkelley/Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.

Welcome to Strategic Shift, a podcast by pēpelwerk exploring bold decisions and workforce innovations shaping the future of work.In this inaugural episode, we sit down with Dr. Ayers, Coordinator for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming at Little Elm ISD in North Texas, for a candid and eye-opening conversation about the hidden challenges within the education system and how we can better prepare students for real-world success.As graduation rates rise above 90%, only a third of students complete college. So what happens to the other 60%?Together, with host Dion McIntosh they explore:- The real data behind graduation rates and the political narratives that obscure them- How CTE programs bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness- Practical AI tools every educator and student should know- The urgent need for K–12 career development programs- Why adaptability—not degrees—is the future of employabilityDr. Ayers shares his vision for transforming education from a narrow college-prep track to a career-focused ecosystem that values skills, purpose, and partnerships between educators and employers.Whether you're an educator, policymaker, business leader, or parent, this episode will reframe how you think about education's role in the workforce of tomorrow.Connect with Dr. Ayers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayersjj/Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.