Development Nerds with Candice Mitchell

What if the problem isn’t your job… but how much of yourself you’ve tied to itThis conversation with Madison Butler felt like saying out loud the things most people only think about Madison Butler to talk about work, identity, burnout, and what it actually means to build a life that feels like yours from people pleasing in early careers to detaching your identity from your job to walking away from corporate entirely, this is an honest conversation about what we’re not saying out loud.If you’ve ever felt like work is taking more from you than it’s giving this episode will hit closeWhat you'll hear in this e pisode:why so many people tie their identity to workhow to emotionally detach from your job without quittingthe real impact managers have on your mental healthwhat burnout actually looks like in real lifehow to start choosing yourself without blowing everything upwhy you’re allowed to redefine success at any pointGet to know Madison:Madison Butler is a workplace strategist, author, and professional “call-it-like-it-is” speaker who is on a mission to make work suck less. A former Chief People Officer turned founder, she helps companies fix broken cultures, challenge outdated leadership norms, and actually give a damn about their people. She is the host of Crash Out With Me, where she unpacks burnout, identity shifts, and what happens when high-performing humans hit their limit. She’s worked with brands like Zillow, Amazon, and Mammoth Brands, and is known for blending tough empathy with systems-level change. Connect with Madison:Instagram: @MadisonAmeliaBLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluehairedunicorn/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

From side hustle at 15 to SaaS founder — Ryan Austin shares the raw entrepreneur story behind personal growth, success mindset, self improvement, and starting a business with nothing but grit.___________________JOIN US FOR OUR LIVE EVENT: We run a career-changing live event every month.🔗 Register here: https://talentcollective.org/live___________________In this candid conversation, Ryan — Founder and CEO of Cognota, the world's first Learn Ops platform — tells the full, unfiltered story of what entrepreneurship actually looks like from the inside. The side hustles that became real businesses. The exits. The wrong partnerships. And the moment in Austin, Texas, when he slid down against a wall, went into something like a fetal position, and genuinely thought it was over. This is not a highlight reel. This is the real thing. 🔑 What you'll get from this conversation: → How Ryan turned a teenager's side hustle into real businesses with employees — before he could drive → Why his university campus store shut him down (and what he did next) → The wrong partnership that killed a business that could have been massive → How he became SVP by pitching the board a revenue stream they didn't know they needed → The $100K phone call that came the second he hit rock bottom → Why he says "businesses don't die unless you kill them" → What the SaaS apocalypse looks like from inside a company going fully AI-native → His advice for anyone in L&D or corporate training who is job searching right now → What he'd tell his younger self — including the childhood stuff he rarely shares Whether you're building a business from scratch, navigating a career pivot, working in learning and development, or sharpening your entrepreneur mindset — this one's for you.MEET RYAN AUSTIN: Ryan Austin is a serial entrepreneur and thought leader in talent development with nearly 20 years of experience. As CEO of Cognota, the leading LearnOps platform, he's building a new software category focused on the operational effectiveness of corporate L&D, Talent, and HR teams. Cognota's patent-pending technology is trusted by global enterprises and recognized by Brandon Hall Group. Ryan is also host of the LearnOps Leadership Series and a contributor to Forbes Business Council, ATD, and Training Journal.CONNECT WITH RYAN:IG: @ryanwhyyyLI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanaustin3Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if your manager has more impact on your emotional wellbeing than almost anyone else in your life?Ryan shares the career journey that took him from industrial-organizational psychology into leadership development, talent strategy, people analytics, and executive coaching.From building HR systems from the ground up to leading talent development strategies across major organizations, Ryan brings both the human and commercial side of leadership into one powerful conversation.This episode dives into what makes great leaders, why workplace culture starts with management, and how leadership decisions shape not only business outcomes, but people’s lives far beyond work.A must-listen for leaders, managers, HR professionals, and anyone building teams.What you’ll get from this episodeWhy managers deeply affect emotional wellbeingHow leadership shapes workplace cultureLessons from talent development and people analyticsWhat great leadership looks like in practiceHow to think commercially as a people leaderWhy development starts with self-awarenessGet to know Ryan:Ryan McCrea is a senior talent and leadership development leader known for building practical, high-impact strategies that help organizations grow stronger leaders, better teams, and healthier cultures. With more than two decades of experience across talent management, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, mentoring, and culture transformation, Ryan brings a science-practitioner approach to helping people and businesses perform at their best. He is also the author of Quick Bites of Insight, a book that offers practical, real-world leadership lessons for managers and professionals looking to grow in the flow of work.Most recently, Ryan served as Head of Learning and Leadership Development at Ameren, where he led enterprise-wide learning and leadership development strategy and oversaw a team responsible for building scalable solutions that supported leaders and employees across the organization. He currently serves as President of the Saint Louis Organization Development Network (STL-ODN), reflecting his continued commitment to advancing the field of organizational development and leadership practice.Previously, Ryan served as Vice President, Talent Development at Commerce Bank, where he launched a company-wide professional development program and led strategic initiatives to strengthen leadership capability, employee growth, and organizational effectiveness.Ryan is certified in Situational Leadership®, The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety™, DiSC®, and MBTI®, and is also a certified Social and Emotional Intelligence Coach. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana and a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.Based in St. Louis, Ryan lives with his wife, Susan, and their two cats, Zooey and Coco. Outside of work, he is passionate about music, movies, fashion, pop culture, and art, and is always up for a lively conversation about any of them.Connect with Ryan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea/Website: www.quickbitesofinsight.comBuy his book here: https://a.co/d/01WVNkb0Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Adrienne Weimer’s career path did not follow a straight line and that is exactly what makes this conversation so powerful. From nearly becoming a doctor, to building a career in consulting and leadership development, to moving alone across the world to Thailand, to leaving LinkedIn and building a million-dollar business, Adrienne shares the real story behind what it takes to trust yourself through uncertainty.This episode is a deeply honest conversation about identity shifts, career pivots, resilience, entrepreneurship, and what success really looks like when you define it on your own terms. If you are navigating change, questioning your next step, or building something that asks you to believe in yourself before the proof exists, this conversation will stay with you.What you’ll get from this episode: How to know when it’s time to pivotThe courage it takes to trust yourself without proofLessons from corporate leadership and entrepreneurshipWhat building a business really feels like behind the scenesHow moving abroad changed Adrienne’s perspectiveWhy success should be defined by freedom, not titlesGet to know Adrienne:Adrienne Weimer is a business mentor and former LinkedIn Sales Consultant who helps conscious women entrepreneurs build businesses where visibility feels safe, sales feel aligned, and wealth feels natural. With over four years of experience at LinkedIn and more than 3,000 entrepreneurs, coaches, and sales professionals mentored, Adrienne brings both insider strategy and deep coaching expertise to her work.Through her signature coaching programs and masterminds, she helps women become visible with confidence, sell through self-trust instead of pressure, and build sustainable financial freedom without burnout or bro tactics. Her mission is to empower women to own their brilliance, lead with presence, and create meaningful impact while working less.Connect with Adrienne: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachadrienneweimer/ Website: https://www.adrienneweimer.com/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if career growth isn’t about climbing faster — but choosing challenge over comfort?In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with learning & development leader, community builder, and solopreneur Anamaria Dorgo to unpack what a non-linear, intentional career really looks like.From starting in retail, to staying with one company for a decade across countries and roles, to experimenting with consulting, community building, and finally finding the right hybrid — this conversation is an honest look at clarity, pivots, and designing a career that actually fits.No hype. No “follow your passion” clichés. Just real decisions, trade-offs, and growth.What you’ll get from this episode:Why variety and challenge matter more than titlesHow to think about sideways (and backward) career movesThe role clarity plays when things get hardWhy not every career needs an “all-in” leapHow side projects quietly shape long-term successThis episode is for anyone questioning their next move or wondering if they’re “doing it wrong.”Get to know AnamariaAnamaria is a Learning & Development Manager and Community Builder, a podcast host, and the founder of Handle with Brain. You'll usually find her tinkering with collaborative projects at the overlap between community + (learning) experience design + facilitation.She prefer practical approaches over grand theories, and she cares about creating environments where people share what they know, challenge each other, and make progress together. Connect with AnamariaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamariadorgo/Podcast (Mapping Ties) : https://mapping-ties.com/Newsletter: https://anamariadorgo.substack.com/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if the way we educate people is actively working against how humans actually learn?In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with learning strategist, leadership expert, and author Nick Shackleton-Jones to unpack why traditional education and corporate learning miss the mark and what actually creates meaning, growth, and capability.From lecturing psychology, to consulting at global organizations like the BBC, BP, and Deloitte, Nick shares real stories about learning systems, leadership mistakes, and why most development programs fail the people they’re meant to serve.This is a candid conversation about purpose, experience design, and building learning that actually sticks.What you’ll get from this episode:Why education feels empty for so many peopleWhat really shapes purpose and career directionHow learning became a ritual instead of an experienceWhy breaking the mold often leads to impactWhat leaders get wrong about learning and developmentIf you work in leadership, L&D, HR, or simply care about how people grow — this one’s for you.Get to know Nick:Nick Shackleton-Jones is the author of How People Learn, a book which introduces the first general theory of learning & describes how to apply it. An industry revolutionary, he introduced the ‘courses to resources’ mantra & pioneered human-centred learning design (5Di).A track record of shaping future learning approaches for public & private organisations, he is winner of several awards for people development, strategy, innovation, & learning content (including the Learning & Performance Institute’s Award for Services to the Learning Industry, 2017). He is the former CLO at Deloitte UK & now CEO at Shackleton Consulting.Connect with Nick:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shackletonjones/X: @shackletonjonesTiktok: @shackletonjonesMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

For years, learning and development has focused on content.More courses.More platforms.More information.But information isn’t the problem anymore.In this episode, Candice speaks with learning leader Ajay to talk about what actually helps people learn, grow, and change their behavior at work.Ajay shares his journey from discovering e-learning early in his career to working across the UK and Europe in corporate L&D. Along the way, he began noticing something important: the moments people remember most in learning aren’t slides or modules — they’re stories.This conversation explores why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in learning and development, why the industry may be focusing on the wrong problem, and what organizations need to rethink if they want learning to actually work.If you work in L&D, leadership, HR, or anyone responsible for helping people grow at work, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.What you'll get from this episodeWhy information alone doesn’t drive learningThe role storytelling plays in behavior changeWhat many organizations misunderstand about learning contentWhy human connection still matters in the age of AIHow L&D can move from content delivery to real impactGet to know Ajay:Ajay Jacob is an L&D professional and Storyteller. After 20 years of L&D roles across multiple countries, he founded Tell More Stories to help individuals and teams use storytelling principles to increase their impact. His work also involves working with L&D teams to integrate Story more deeply into learning design to drive better engagement and results.Connect with Ajay:LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/ajaytjCourse: https://www.udemy.com/course/storytelling-foundations-unlocking-the-power-of-stories/?referralCode=91BDA7E8C30712E28687Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if the thing holding you back isn’t lack of talent — but lack of permission?In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with keynote speaker, author, and musician Rachel Druckenmiller for a powerful conversation about courage, burnout, self-trust, and choosing yourself — even when it feels risky.From studying abroad and finding her voice, to building a career through initiative, to burnout, a life-altering accident, and learning to trust herself again — Rachel shares what it really takes to live an unmuted life.This is an honest, deeply human episode about agency, resilience, and why your contribution matters more than you think.What you’ll get from this episode:Why initiative matters more than titles or permissionHow burnout often comes from proving instead of beingWhat it means to truly “bet on yourself”Why your perspective matters more than perfectionHow to reclaim trust in yourself after life knocks you downThis episode is for anyone who feels called to more but hasn’t fully stepped into it yet.Get to Know Rachel:Rachel Druckenmiller is a leadership strategist and keynote speaker who helps people stop holding back and start showing up with clarity, confidence, and courage so they come alive at work.With nearly 20 years of experience, Rachel works with high-performing professionals who are capable, thoughtful, and committed to doing good work but who often second-guess themselves, downplay their strengths, or hesitate to speak up. Her work helps leaders think more clearly, advocate for themselves more effectively, and lead with greater presence and impact.Rachel’s approach brings together psychology, leadership insight, and real-world experience, delivered through stories that stick and tools people actually use. She’s known for making complex human dynamics—like self-silencing, burnout, and self-doubt—feel understandable, relatable, and actionable.A TEDx speaker, Rachel has been recognized by Forbes, Smart Meetings, and Workforce Magazine for her work helping people build confidence and lead from the inside out. She’s worked with a wide range of organizations and in the legal field, she’s spoken at events for the American Bar Association, the Association of Legal Administrators, and Squire Patton Boggs.Rachel is respected for her ability to challenge assumptions, elevate thinking, and create moments of insight that change how leaders show up long after the session ends.Connect with Rachel:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/racheldruckenmiller Website: https://www.racheldruckenmiller.com/ Rachel's Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0u42nNEz1pAsJsoEcDkTvAMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers it’s about being willing to ask better questions.In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Al Dea, founder of Edge of Work, to unpack what leadership really looks like in practice not theory.From Al’s first leadership role at age 14, to navigating loss early in his consulting career, to building a consulting practice rooted in empathy, curiosity, and context this conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply human.Together, they explore how leaders are shaped, how trust is built, and why curiosity matters more than authority in today’s workplace.What you’ll get from this episodeWhy curiosity is a leadership skill — not a personality traitHow early leadership mistakes shape better leaders laterThe role empathy plays in high-pressure work environmentsHow to build meaningful professional relationships over timeWhy leadership is more about others than yourselfThis episode is for leaders who care about doing it right, not just doing it fast.Get to know Al:Al is a speaker, facilitator, and advisor. He runs The Edge of Work, a talent and leadership consulting firm that helps organizations develop their leaders with the critical skills they need to lead in a changing workplace.Al’s insights on leadership have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider. He is also recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Voice in Leadership and the Future of Work. Previously, Al worked at Deloitte Consulting LLP and Salesforce. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.Connect with Al:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsaldea/Website: https://theedgeofwork.com/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

In a world obsessed with hacks, shortcuts, and instant success, this conversation slows everything down.In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Ryan Clark to explore what it actually takes to build a life and career you love without pretending it’s easy.Ryan shares his journey from building a production company with close friends, navigating betrayal and reinvention, and ultimately choosing freedom, creativity, and values over status or certainty. Together, they talk about content creation, discipline, trusting yourself, and why loving the work matters more than motivation ever will.This episode is reflective, honest, and deeply human.What you’ll get from this episodeWhy discipline alone won’t carry you long-termThe real reason most people burn out creating contentHow to build a career around values instead of pressureWhat “freedom” actually looks like in day-to-day lifeA grounded reframe of success, struggle, and gratitudeGet to know Ryan:Ryan Clark is a marketing consultant who helps entrepreneurs turn content into consistent, time-efficient revenue through clear messaging and sustainable systems. His career spans copywriting, video production, and brand strategy, giving him a hands-on perspective on what actually works in real businesses.Known for helping clients book sales, fill offers, and close high-ticket deals through content alone, Ryan believes growth doesn’t have to feel frantic. His work centers on building peaceful, effective funnels that support both profitability and long-term alignment.Connect with Ryan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhamiltonclark/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if the pressure to be “on” every single month is actually holding your business back?In this episode, I sat down with Abi for a deeply honest conversation about building a business that’s profitable and sustainable.Abi shares her journey from early entrepreneurship and freelancing to running an agency and coaching course creators — along with the reality of feast-and-famine cycles, mindset traps, and why there’s no single moment where everything suddenly feels “figured out.”This conversation is calm, practical, and refreshingly real — especially for anyone tired of chasing constant growth.What you’ll get from this episode:Why slowing down doesn’t mean you’re failingHow to think long-term instead of chasing constant momentumThe mindset shift from outcomes to transformationWhy courses aren’t “dead” and what actually makes them workHow to build something you still love when things get hardIf you’re building a business and questioning your pace, this episode will feel grounding.Get to Know Abi:Abi is an evergreen funnel strategist who helps course creators step off the launch treadmill and build businesses that feel both profitable and peaceful. Her work focuses on long-term strategy, messaging, and optimization guiding clients to become confident decision-makers rather than relying on tactics, trends, or constant urgency. Having built her career through resourcefulness and adaptability, Abi brings a grounded perspective on what it actually takes to grow in an unpredictable market. She helps creators build not just better funnels, but a deeper sense of trust in their work, their skills, and themselves.Connect with Abi:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-prendergast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abiprendy/Website: https://www.aptcontent.co.uk/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if the pressure to “have it all figured out” is the very thing holding you back?In this episode, I sat down with Erin Halper for a refreshingly honest conversation about entrepreneurship, consulting, and what it really looks like to build a sustainable business over time.Erin shares her journey from early entrepreneurship to private equity, consulting, and eventually building The Upside — a global community for independent consultants and business owners. Along the way, she breaks down some uncomfortable truths we don’t talk about enough: nobody has all the answers, “overnight success” is mostly fiction, and slow, steady work beats flashy metrics every time.This episode is for anyone who’s tired of pretending, tired of chasing vanity milestones, and ready to build something real.What you’ll get from this episodeWhy even experienced entrepreneurs are still figuring it outThe myth of overnight success — and what actually creates momentumHow to spot bad advice and unhealthy business role modelsWhat sustainable success really looks like behind the scenesWhy curiosity, humility, and patience matter more than hypeIf you’ve been questioning your pace, your progress, or yourself — this conversation will feel grounding.Get to know Erin:Erin Halper is a former private equity professional and entrepreneur who founded The Upside, a high-caliber community connecting experienced consultants and senior leaders to meaningful, flexible work. After more than a decade advising businesses, Erin set out to build a better way for top talent to collaborate as colleagues, not competitors. Her journey into entrepreneurship became deeply personal when her first son was born with a heart defect, reinforcing her belief in autonomy, flexibility, and sustainable success. Today, Erin helps seasoned professionals level up their impact, income, and control over how they work without sacrificing excellence.Connect with Erin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhalper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.halper/Website: https://betheupside.com/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Why do so many workplace changes fail, even when the tools are “better” and the systems are “improved”?In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Katrina Kennedy, facilitator, consultant, and author of Learning That Lasts, to talk about learning, change, and what really happens when organizations roll out new systems without supporting the people expected to use them.Katrina shares stories from her early career in the district attorney’s office, the moment that shaped her philosophy on training, and how decades of experience taught her that learning isn’t about information, it’s about confidence, safety, and trust.This is a practical, honest conversation for leaders, trainers, and anyone responsible for helping people adapt to change at work.What you’ll get from this episode:Why “just telling people to use the new system” never worksHow poor training creates resistance, frustration, and disengagementThe difference between access to tools and readiness to use themHow trainers and leaders can design learning that actually sticksWhy empathy is a critical leadership skill during changeIf you’re responsible for rolling out change—or expected to adapt to it—this episode will change how you think about learning.Get to know Katrina:Katrina, known as the "trainer's trainer,” is a facilitator, speaker, and author with 25+ years in learning and development. Author of the book, Learning That Lasts, she has helped thousands of subject matter experts design and deliver engaging learning experiences in a variety of industries. She shares training insights and ideas at www.katrinakennedy.comConnect with Katrina:LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakennedytrainingWebsite: https://www.katrinakennedy.comGrab Katrina's Book Here: https://www.katrinakennedy.com/bookMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if the thing holding you back isn’t fear, skill, or timing but waiting for permission that’s never coming?In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of Wild Courage, for a wide-ranging conversation about career growth, confidence, and taking bold action before you feel ready.Jenny shares the now-famous subway story that sparked her concept of “wild courage,” along with lessons from her 18-year career at Google, her transition into entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that help people stop waiting and start moving.This conversation is honest, funny, and deeply practical. It’s about what it really takes to build a career (and life) you’re proud of without waiting for approval from anyone else.What you’ll get from this episodeWhy no one gives you permission—and why that’s actually freeingHow courage shows up in small, everyday decisionsLessons from Google on influence, promotion, and leadershipWhy bold action creates clarity (not the other way around)What it really takes to build a career you love over timeIf you’ve been hesitating on a next step, this episode might be the nudge you didn’t know you needed.Get to know Jenny:Jenny Wood a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, former Google executive, and former Harvard Business School researcher who knows that real success isn’t about following the rules or waiting your turn. She is also the founder of Own Your Career, one of Google's largest career programs. In her new book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It , Jenny breaks down 9 bold traits that defy conventional career advice: Obsessed, Weird, Selfish, Shameless, Nosy, Manipulative, Brutal, Reckless, and Bossy.Her practical, no-nonsense approach empowers ambitious people to break the mold, be better leaders, build influence, and reach their full potential. Jenny has been featured in NBC, Bloomberg, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Business Insider. She lives in Boulder with her husband and two children and is in constant pursuit of the perfect zucchini bread recipe.Connect with Jenny:Instagram: ⁨@itsjennywood⁩ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennyilles Website: http://itsjennywood.comMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if the reason your career feels misaligned isn’t your role, your company, or your industry but the way you’ve been taught to separate work from life?In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Mel Fox Dhar for an honest conversation about career alignment, burnout, and navigating transitions especially in big tech. Mel shares her journey from retail and customer-facing roles to Microsoft, Amazon, and ultimately into career coaching.Along the way, she explains why alignment doesn’t come from optimizing your resume alone but from understanding who you are as a whole person. This conversation is practical, grounded, and deeply human. No hustle talk. No “just push through it.” Just real insight into how people actually build careers that fit their lives.What you’ll get from this episodeWhy separating “work life” and “real life” creates misalignmentHow career clarity starts with understanding what lights you upWhat to do when you’re burnt out, laid off, or stuck in a transition you didn’t chooseHow early career experiences quietly shape long-term successWhy telling your story clearly matters more than having the perfect resumeIf you’re questioning what’s next or why what you’re doing no longer fits, this episode will help you think differently about alignment and direction.Get to Know Mel:Mel Fox Dhar is a career coach and former Big Tech leader who helps experienced professionals make more intentional career moves. After a decade at Amazon and Microsoft, she knows what it’s like to be successful on paper while feeling misaligned underneath. Today, Mel works with senior and mid-career leaders to clarify their personal brand, identify the right next step, and navigate job transitions with confidence—so they can do meaningful work and actually thrive.Connect with Mel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melfoxdhar/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCdDreU78e0fRAEhp4w8mX-wWebsite: https://www.melfoxdhar.com Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

In this episode, I sat down with Rosie for a very honest conversation about self-judgment, shame, and the quiet emotional weight many people carry especially when life doesn’t unfold the way they expected. Rosie shares what helped her move through a deeply difficult season, including the jealousy, resentment, and guilt that often stay unspoken. Candice adds context from her coaching work, where she sees these same patterns show up again and again in capable, driven people. This isn’t a conversation about “fixing yourself.” It’s about understanding yourself with more honesty and less cruelty.What you'll get from this episode:• Why shame and self-judgment often show up during hard seasons• How curiosity and compassion create more progress than criticism• Why jealousy and resentment are usually signals of hurt, not failure• How worthiness (not time or skill) is often the real thing holding people back If you’ve been telling yourself something is “wrong” with you, this episode offers a different perspective, one that feels a lot more human.Get to know Rosie:Rosie Milsom is a Self-Worth & Confidence Coach for purpose-driven women who know they’re meant for more. She helps founders, changemakers, and ambitious doers stop getting in their own way so they can finally build the confidence, clarity, impact and income they’re truly capable of - without burnout, self-doubt, or constant second-guessing. Her mission is simple: when a woman’s self-worth catches up with her potential, everything risesConnect with Rosie:Facebook: www.facebook.com/rosiemilsomcoachingInstagram: @rosie_milsom_coachingYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@self-worthschoolLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-milsom-36667a5a/Website: https://www.rosiemilsom.com/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Behind every confident leader is a collection of awkward, funny, and deeply formative moments, and many of them start in our very first jobs.This episode brings together some of the most memorable, laugh-out-loud stories from past guests as they reflect on their earliest working experiences. From misunderstood presentations and customer blow-ups to first paychecks, first mistakes, and first lessons in responsibility, these moments are as funny as they are meaningful.What begins as humor quickly turns into insight:How early jobs quietly shape our work ethic and confidenceWhy mistakes often become the doorway to growthThe leadership lessons we learn long before we ever manage a teamHow being defended—or defending others—can leave a lifelong impactFeaturing moments from Mike Pacchione, Jo Watson, and others, this episode is a reminder that leadership doesn’t start with a title, it starts with experience.If you’ve ever felt awkward, out of place, or unsure early in your career, this conversation will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe see your own journey a little differently.Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What were the most impactful moments from Development Nerds this year? This special Top 12 compilation episode pulls together the clips that stopped me mid-sentence, rewired a belief, or made me sit in silence for a second.You’ll hear powerful takeaways on future readiness, confidence and self-worth, burnout, career pivots, mentorship, resilience, experimentation, and what real impact looks like beyond the workplace.Featured guests and their moments:Allister Frost: Make time to be future-ready, or the future will happen to you.Amber Anderson: The story we tell ourselves, plus the missing accountability after training.Chris Taylor: The turning point: knowledge doesn’t change anything until you apply it.David James: You’re building skills, even when it feels like you’re not.Dr. Sarah Nichols: Burnout hides in plain sight, and it quietly steals your confidence.Elena Agaragimova: The courage to pivot, and the ache of trying to prove you belong.Heather Burright: When learning saves a life, it changes how you see your work forever.Jen Recla: “Think like a scientist.” Experiments, not identity. Data, not drama.Kelsea Warren: Stop waiting for “when.” Live in your values, today.Tara Rynders: Let yourself receive care. It can change everything.Yogi Mueller: Don’t outsource your value. Find your strengths, your people, your mentors.Lorie Jones: “It’s not going to get better” and the brave choice to change the story.🎧 This episode is a highlight reel, but it’s also a nudge: if one clip hits you, go listen to the full episode for the context and the full conversation.Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

To wrap up the year, I’m bringing you something special — the most relatable moments shared by a curated group of incredible guests from the show. Not all of this year’s guests appear in this episode. These were specifically chosen because they shared something deeply human, honest, and universally felt.This episode is part of our BEST Moments of the Year series, and this one is all about the moments that made us say:“Wait… I’ve felt that too.” “Oh wow, I thought I was the only one.” “Yep. That’s exactly my life right now.”In this compilation you will hear stories about:Losing jobs unexpectedlyMental health and the moments things fell apartSquiggly, non-linear careers that make sense only in hindsightBeing brave enough to start before you’re readyCarrying pressure, expectations, and self-doubtWanting to give up, and choosing not toReinventing yourself at any ageBuilding a life and career that actually feels like yoursThese are the conversations listeners wrote to me about — the lines that stuck with you, the moments you sent to friends, the truths that made you breathe out and whisper: “Finally. Someone said it.”⭐ FEATURED GUESTS IN THIS SPECIAL EPISODEA curated selection of guests from across the year:AJ LauerAndy StorchBrenda Noon-SchmidtDanny DelvecchioDavid GilbertJB RyanJess AlmieJessica SchloempLauren EvansMatt GjestsenStacey Oliver-KnappeClay GillSponsored by Your360 AIThis episode is sponsored by Your360 AI — developmental 360 feedback turned into actionable growth.The world of work is changing fast, and teams that don’t share honest feedback get left behind. Your360 uses Voice AI to deliver 360s that uncover what surveys miss — for just a couple hundred dollars. Real conversations turned into real growth.Stop guessing — start growing.Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com Visit Your360.ai today.

This episode is special.Across dozens of conversations this season, certain moments made me stop, scribble notes, replay the audio, or just sit back and breathe for a second. These weren’t just good insights — they were the best learning moments shared by a handful of guests whose wisdom hit differently.Today, I’m bringing them together for the first time.You’ll hear the strongest, sharpest, most transformative moments from:Dr. Alaina SzlachtaAlyssa WilletAndrew JacobsAnna LudwinowskiBianca Baumann & Mike TaylorBrianna JohnstonDesiree PetrichKevin M. YatesLavinia MehedințuPaul MatthewsSusanne BiroThese moments are practical. Human. Career-shaping. Whether you’re an L&D professional, a leader, or someone who simply wants to build a career (and life) you love — this episode is a “bookmark it, save it, replay it” kind of experience.Grab your notebook, your coffee, or the dog’s leash if you’re listening on your walk — and enjoy the best of the best.🌟 Sponsored by Your360 AIThis episode is sponsored by Your360 AI — developmental 360 feedback turned into actionable growth.The world of work is changing fast, and teams that don’t share honest feedback get left behind. Your360 uses Voice AI to deliver 360s that uncover what surveys miss — for just a couple hundred dollars. Real conversations turned into real growth.Stop guessing — start growing. Visit Your360.ai today.Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What does it look like to take ownership of your money, and your career, when the world told you not to?In this episode, Lorie Jones (CFP®, MBA), owner of Fearless Financial Advisors, shares how she went from McDonald’s Hamburger University to helping grow an RIA from ~$30M to ~$230M, all while raising five kids, earning her licenses, and fighting imposter syndrome in a male-dominated industry. We dig into servant leadership, building systems when life is full, why “balance” is measured over years (not days), and how women can start feeling fear-less about their finances, today.You’ll learn:The mindset shift from “finance isn’t for me” → “I can do this.”How Lorie organized the “bejesus” out of life to get her MBA + CFP while parenting five kids.Why mentorship matters (and how to find a woman who’s in your corner).Practical first steps for women who want to confidently participate in money decisions.What “fearless” really means: taking one small brave step, even while scared.Get to know Lorie:Lorie Jones, MBA, CFP®, is a fourth-generation Wyoming rancher turned financial advisor with over thirteen years of experience in the industry. After raising five children, she found her calling at a small RIA in South Denver, driven by a passion to support women navigating financial transitions with clarity and confidence. She holds a History degree from the University of Wyoming, an MBA from Colorado State University, and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, currently pursuing both CFA and CDFA credentials. Lorie’s mission is to transform financial chaos into peace of mind through practical, empowering plans. She hosts the Fearless Females podcast, mentors young women, and volunteers with groups like Leadership Douglas County. Married to David, with five grown children and two grand dogs, Lorie blends her love of storytelling, crafting, and spreadsheets into both her travel adventures and her holistic approach to financial planning.Connect with Lorie:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorie.jones.505Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571028827696Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriejones_7/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriejones/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC0oqApmg_k_QvSzbhP_pUyA Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What if everything you do today is already out of date?In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice sits down with Allister Frost — former Microsoft marketing leader, global keynote speaker, and author of Ready Already — to talk about developing a future-ready mindset in a world that won’t stop changing.From wiping tables at 11 to leading marketing at Microsoft, Allister shares how curiosity, empathy, and continuous learning shaped his career. He unpacks his 5-step Ready Already Growth Cycle — Follow, React, Open, Surprise, Tell — a simple but powerful framework for staying adaptable, creative, and human in the age of AI.💡 You’ll learn:Why “if it works, it’s obsolete” is the mindset every modern professional needsHow to keep learning without burning outThe one question to ask every Friday to check if you’re still growingWhy your personal mission is the fuel that keeps you future-readyHow to replace fear of change with curiosity and actionThis conversation is equal parts inspiration and practicality — perfect for anyone who wants to stay relevant, keep learning, and shape the future instead of reacting to it.Get to know Allister:Allister Frost is a business transformation and growth expert, known for his energy and passion for helping others to embrace change. As a former Microsoft leader, his highly acclaimed Future-Ready Mindset talks and workshops inspire greater curiosity, imagination, and courageous collaboration to unlock daily improvements, strengthen resiliency, and fuel high-performance teamwork. He is the author of ReadyAlready and an award-winning speaker and marketer. His mission each day is to help busy people transform their lives with the positive mindset needed to become—and remain—future-ready for life.Connect with Allister:https://www.instagram.com/allisterspeaks/https://www.youtube.com/@allisterfrosthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/allisterspeaks/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

If you work in Learning & Development, HR, or People Enablement and you keep asking “How do we actually close skills gaps at scale?”, this episode with David James (Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, former Director of Learning, Talent & OD at Disney, and host of The Learning & Development Podcast) is your blueprint. We go from stacking shelves at 14 and gigging in London, to running L&D functions, mentoring (without ever asking), and designing learning that drives proficiency, not vanity metrics—so you can genuinely love Mondays again.What you’ll learnProficiency at scale: David’s practical approach to capability building that moves beyond “courses” to real performance.Career inflection points: Leaving school at 16, bank cashier → trainer → Disney L&D leader → co-founder (Loop) → CLO at 360Learning.Mentors without the awkward ask: How to build genuine relationships and get world-class guidance—no “will you be my mentor?” needed.Readiness beats luck: The exact habits that make you “lucky” when opportunity arrives.Stakeholder credibility: Partnering with HRBPs, reading the culture, and earning a seat at the table.Early career reframed: Why those frontline jobs are powerful skill-building reps you’ll use for life.Who this episode is forL&D leaders, CLOs, HR/People leaders, enablement pros, OD practitioners, instructional designers, talent strategists, and anyone who wants their learning programs to be taken seriously by the business.Get to know David:David James is the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning and a highly respected voice in the Learning & Development industry. With a focus on harnessing technology to drive impactful learning strategies, David is recognised as one of the top 10 global influencers in the L&D space. His expertise lies in helping organisations modernise their approach to workplace learning, ensuring measurable results and business alignment.David is also the host of The Learning & Development Podcast, which has amassed over 500,000 downloads and ranks in the top 1% of podcasts globally. With more than 30,000 LinkedIn followers, he continues to shape the conversation around L&D innovation and best practices, drawing on his deep experience, including his time as Director of Learning, Talent & Organisational Development at The Walt Disney Company.Connect with David:https://360learning.com/lp/david-james/https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin/https://360learning.com/lp/learning-and-development-podcast-by-david-james/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Executive coach Susanne Biro (Vancouver, BC) gets radically honest about leadership, self-doubt, and what entrepreneurship really looks like—sometimes 11 p.m., laptop open, tears flowing… and doing it anyway. We dig into “having your own back,” doing scary things before you feel ready, building a reputation that earns investment, and why the inside-out game (how you feel daily) drives sustainable success.In this episode:From dancing duck and barbershop lessons to coaching CEOs of billion-dollar companiesHow to build confidence through action (not waiting to “feel” confident)Asking for investment: crafting the business case + earning it with your reputationLeading high-stakes rooms with candor and EQThe truth of entrepreneurship: resilience, risk, and that 11 p.m. momentInside-out success: joy, health, and habits that compoundSusanne’s upcoming book “This Could Be Everything” and her Deep Fear podcast/appTimestamps (quick guide): 00:00 Meet Susanne Biro & early career 04:50 Marketing yourself (and negotiating for you) 13:45 Coaching, credibility, and getting a “yes” 21:50 Two years of tears: the messy middle of building a business 30:30 Doing it terrified + the TEDx story 36:30 Facilitating tough executive rooms with EQ 40:40 Where work is going: focus in an overloaded world 46:20 Inside-out success & health as a lifelong advantage 52:00 Who Susanne works with + accessible ways to learn from herGet to know Susanne:Susanne Biro has spent over two decades as a confidant to CEOs and C-suite executives, helping them confront what she calls 'Deep Fear' – the anxious thoughts that secretly limit even the most accomplished leaders. A TEDx speaker and author of This Could Be Everything, she transforms these hidden anxieties into a catalyst for authentic leadership through her signature Inner Life Leadership approach.With 24+ years of global experience coaching over 200 CEOs and thousands of senior leaders, Susanne specializes in emotional intelligence, leadership effectiveness, and whole-life success. She understands that leadership at the highest levels is demanding, exhausting, and often lonely. Through her signature approach, Inner Life Leadership, she helps leaders harness the power of self-awareness, because what happens inside always shapes what happens out there.Connect with Susanne:https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-biro-executivecoach/Keywords: executive coach, CEO coaching, leadership development, entrepreneurship journey, imposter syndrome, confidence, self-belief, emotional intelligence, facilitation, high-stakes teams, Vancouver, TEDx, Susanne Biro, Deep Fear podcast, This Could Be Everything bookMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Dr. Jessica Schloemp’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles, ladders, or likes — it’s about being honest with yourself. From dropping ketchup on a customer at 14, to door-to-door sales, to earning her doctorate in Strategic Leadership, Jessica has lived every lesson she now teaches.In this episode, Jessica and Candice talk about: ✅ Finding yourself again after losing your identity in the corporate mold ✅ The difference between being nice and being kind ✅ How to lead authentically in a male-dominated industry ✅ Why getting off social media helped her find her true voice ✅ The power of honesty, reflection, and showing up for yourself firstGet to know Jessica:I help companies turn chaos into culture.I’m not your typical leadership consultant. I’m a corporate insider who rebuilt toxic, underperforming teams from the inside out. As Director of Operations and founder of Revive & Rise Consulting, I’ve developed a proven method for transforming culture, developing leaders, and empowering teams to take ownership without fear or micromanagement.My TRUE TEAM Method (Transparency, Relatability, Understanding, Empowerment) is the framework I’ve used to double team output, reduce turnover, and bring clarity to disjointed organizations. It works because it’s built on what people actually need: psychological safety, consistent leadership, and a sense of purpose.My best-selling book, The Leader Within Her, outlines a counter-cultural approach to leadership that’s resonating with a new generation of professionals and executives. I’ve also co-authored Financial Trendsetters 2 and am launching a leadership-focused podcast in late 2025.I speak, I train, and I partner with forward-thinking organizations to fix what’s broken and build what’s next.Currently booking for:Keynote speaking (Fall 2025 and beyond)Podcast interviewsInternal leadership workshops and culture strategy sessionsLet’s create a workplace people don’t just survive in. Let’s build one they can thrive in.Connect with Jessica:Contact: [email protected] for further information and collaborationInstagram: @jessicaschloempLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drjschloempWebsite: https://www.reviveandriseconsulting.com/Her book: The Leader within HER: https://amzn.to/3JKe28J Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

On paper, Lauren Evans had everything: a secure corporate job, steady paycheck, even a pension. But inside her cubicle, she kept asking herself one quiet, uncomfortable question — is this it?This is the story of what happens when you stop ignoring that question.Lauren shares how she went from an 18-year-old UPS supervisor to the founder of Design and Streamline Solutions, where she helps small business owners reclaim time and sanity by simplifying their tech.We talk about the real meaning of “paying your dues,” what happens when your weekends are the only time you feel alive, and how faith and courage guided her toward a business built on purpose, not pressure.💡 In this episode:The early lessons that built lifelong confidenceWhy “secure” can be the most dangerous word in your careerThe turning point between staying safe and starting overHow a side gig became her real callingThe unfiltered truth about running your own businessWhat sustainability really means when the hype fadesThis isn’t a story about hustle. It’s about alignment — and the courage to build a life that finally makes sense.Get to know Lauren:Lauren Evans is the founder of Design & Streamline Solutions, where she helps small business owners simplify their technology and automate the behind-the-scenes systems that keep their businesses running. By streamlining the processes that often eat up time and energy, Lauren makes it easier for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, serve their clients, and enjoy the freedom they set out to create.Connect with Lauren:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenshakevansLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lshakevans/Instagram: @laurenshakevansMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

When you hear the name “L&D Detective,” you probably think: clever branding. But for Kevin M. Yates, it’s more than that — it’s who he is.In this episode, Kevin shares his remarkable journey: from his first job at 16 stocking shelves in a Chicago pharmacy to a global career leading learning impact at brands like McDonald’s and Meta — and ultimately, to founding Meals in the Meantime, a nonprofit that’s fed thousands.We talk about rediscovering purpose when work starts to feel flat, why mentorship and community matter more than strategy, and what it means to keep serving — even when you’ve “made it.”If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or like you’ve outgrown your chapter — this conversation is your reminder: your next chapter might just be the one you were born for.𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧:Kevin M. Yates is known in the global training, learning, and talent development community as the L&D Detective®. He solves measurement mysteries and investigates how training and development as an experience and L&D as a function contribute to the workplace performance ecosystem. Kevin uses facts, clues, and evidence to uncover the truth about impact, focusing on collective contributions that influence business and human performance. He has used his measurement expertise in roles with world-renowned brands including Grant Thornton, Kantar, McDonald’s, and Meta (Facebook). He is also president and founder of Meals in the Meantime, a nonprofit providing free, fresh, healthy, and high-quality food for people in need through pop-up pantries in the Chicagoland south suburbs.𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧:Website: https://kevinmyates.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmyates/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevmyates/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevmyates

What does it take to go from bartending in a tourist town to leading global leadership development programs for billion-dollar companies?In this episode, I sit down with Amber Anderson, Head of Learning & Leadership Development and Executive Coach, to unpack her incredible 25-year career journey. From working in her dad’s dive shop on the Great Lakes, to creating her own role in corporate training, to taking bold leaps of faith without a safety net — Amber’s story is all about courage, self-trust, and building a career that truly fits.We talk about:How Amber pivoted from social work to learning & developmentWhat it was like consulting at age 22 with major automotive suppliersThe turning point when she quit without another job lined up (and why it wasn’t quitting, but courage)Building Spectrum Health University and leading award-winning programsWhy leaders must embrace self-leadership before servant leadershipHow Amber supports introverted and highly sensitive leaders through coaching and nervous system regulationIf you’re in Learning & Development, Talent Development, or Leadership Coaching, this episode is packed with insights into career growth, resilience, and making L&D a true business partner.🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real stories from seasoned professionals who are reshaping how we think about work, leadership, and development.Get to know Amber:Amber Anderson is a leadership strategist who transforms workplace dynamics through her "Me Before We" philosophy. With 20+ years of experience in senior-level learning and leadership effectiveness roles in large and small organizations, Amber has seen first-hand how and why traditional leadership development doesn't work. She leverages this experience to bring playful wisdom and practical tools that help leaders create powerful ripple effects through intentional self-leadership. Through her work, Amber empowers leaders to elevate their teams not by depleting themselves, but by first becoming the leaders they were meant to be—powered by emotional regulation, mindset management, and skillset development.Connect with Amber:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachamberanderson/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

When Dr. Sarah Nicholls hit the wall in her first year as a doctor, she did what most high-achievers do: pushed harder. That only made the burnout worse. In this conversation, Sarah shares how a toxic work culture, night shifts, and perfectionism turned life into a slog—and how she found her way back to lightness, joy, and sustainable success. (Plot twist: she also launched a mini business painting people’s pets to pay for med school. 🐶🎨)We talk about:spotting burnout early (before it nukes your confidence)the stigma of stepping off the “straight-line” career ladder in medicinechoosing a locum path for autonomy and recoverybuilding community, asking for help, and why your “hype-girl playlist” mattersadding micro-joy at work so healthcare doesn’t swallow your lifeIf you’re a healthcare professional, resident, junior doctor, nurse, or any human who feels stuck in grind culture, this is your sign to rethink “work harder” and choose “work lighter.”Free resource Sarah mentioned: “Switch Off” masterclass (link in description).Get to know Sarah:Life coach helping people recover from burnout. Connect with Sarah:Instagram:  @SarahNicholls  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/sarahnichollsMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What happens when you do everything “right” — top grad program at GE, Six Sigma Black Belt, big roles at BP — and still feel the tug to do life on your terms? Meet Lisa Long, a Scotland-born entrepreneur and psychologist who moved countries (more than once), left corporate, built and sold a viral custom art brand (featured by major outlets), earned a master’s in psychology at 44, and now coaches women in midlife to design sustainable, hype-free businesses that fit real life.We talk about: • moving overseas young and “growing up fast” — loneliness, culture shock, and finding your people • the GE cocoon, BP culture, and the “I’m not building your KPIs for 25 years” epiphany • maternity leave → unexpected product → wild demand → scaling pains → smart exit • Spain, invisibility as an expat mom, grief, and rebuilding identity • going back to study psychology in midlife and marrying it with business coaching • the truth about “overnight success,” dopamine hits, and building something that lasts • thanking your younger self for just doing it — even when others call it “a hobby”Who this helps: midlife founders, women changing careers, expats starting over, anyone tired of duct-taped launches and looking to build a calm, recurring-revenue offer ecosystem.Connect with Lisa:Instagram: @lisalong_mscLinkedIn: https://www.likedin.com/lisalongpsychologistMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What does it take to go from walking dogs for $10 a day to coaching New York Times bestselling authors, Olympians, and industry leaders on how to deliver the best speech of their lives?In this real, unpolished conversation, I sit down with Mike Pacchione, founder of Best Speech, to hear his career journey — from comic books and mowing lawns, to botched interviews, a fax machine that changed his life, and the random Saturday class that opened the door to Nike and Silicon Valley.Mike shares:Why he almost became a college professor (and how grad school changed his path)The accident that left him without the tip of a finger (and what it taught him)How a misheard word (“tower of story” instead of “power of story”) set him on the path to becoming one of the most sought-after speech coachesWhy we should rethink people-pleasing — and even thank our younger selves for itWhat no one tells you about building a career you actually loveIf you’ve ever felt stuck, intimidated, or like you “missed the right path,” this episode is your reminder: careers aren’t straight lines — and sometimes the best opportunities come from accidents, detours, and saying yes before you feel ready.🔗 Grab Mike’s free guide: bestspeech.co/candiceGet to know Mike:Mike Pacchione helps speakers deliver the best speech of their lives. He works with speakers 1-1 and in group cohorts...which is where he met our dear friend Candice Mitchell. If you are impressed by such things, he has been featured in publications like Forbes, Entrepreneur and Toastmasters Magazine, and has worked with famous people like James Clear, Pat Flynn and Amy Porterfield. His most fulfilling work is always helping someone who is really smart find the words to come alive on stage.Connect with Mike:Instagram: @mpaccLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpacchione/Website: bestspeech.coFreebie: bestspeech.co/candice Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Worried about the jobs AI will replace? You’re not alone. It’s not just entry-level work at risk anymore — some of the highest-paid, most prestigious careers are on the chopping block.In this video, I break down the 4 jobs AI will replace first — from content creators (yes, even in Learning & Development) to financial analysts, lawyers, and even managers who don’t actually lead. More importantly, you’ll learn what keeps you safe in an AI-driven world: doubling down on the skills no machine will ever touch.You’ll discover: ✅ Why content isn’t impact (and what to do about it) ✅ How AI is reshaping law, finance, and compliance work ✅ The real risk for managers & leaders who only “manage tasks” ✅ What makes you irreplaceable when AI can already do the grunt workIn this episode, we’ll talk about:0:00 - AI is coming for senior jobs too01:10 Job 1 - Content creators03:30 Job 2 - Lawyers & Compliance roles05:48 - SCREENSHOT THIS!06:19 Job 3 - Financial Analysts and Accountants08:43 - SCREENSHOT THIS!09:17 Job 4 - dum dum dah.... 11:04 - SCREENSHOT THIS11:41 - Why people want to stay12:21 - senior level roles are in the danger zone13:29 - Grab the AI Proof Skills checklist👉 Grab your free AI-Proof Skills Checklist here: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ai... This survival kit shows you the exact human skills that will keep you relevant no matter how fast AI advances.👀 Watch next:What HR and L&D Really Need to Know About AI series - • Machine Learning vs Generative AI Explaine...   📌 Subscribe for more: practical career growth, talent development, and how to stay future-ready in an AI-driven world.Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Andrew Barry’s career story is a masterclass in resilience, humility, and reinvention.From bagging groceries in Cape Town to qualifying as a chartered accountant, from corporate auditor at KPMG to global learning facilitator, and finally taking the leap into entrepreneurship — Andrew’s journey shows the lessons hidden inside the hardest jobs and the courage it takes to keep moving forward.In this episode of Development Nerds, Andrew shares:The “punishment” retail job that taught him empathy, diversity, and how to handle tough conversations.Why tutoring math opened his eyes to entrepreneurship and ignited his love for learning.The dreadlocks-and-audit years at KPMG, where he discovered facilitation and L&D.The move from South Africa to the US — and the freedom of reinvention.Painful lessons from starting his own business, Curious Lion, and why “the market drew my business out of me.”Why intellectual humility matters more than ever in careers and leadership.The advice he’d give to his younger self: you were good enough all along.If you’ve ever doubted yourself, coasted at work, or wondered whether to take the leap into something new, Andrew’s story will hit home.🔔 Subscribe for more real, practical AF career and L&D conversations. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.#CareerStories #LeadershipDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #LearningAndDevelopment #DevelopmentNerdsGet to know Andrew:Andrew is a 20+ year veteran in learning and development, serving in executive roles at global organizations like KPMG. He is the founder and CEO of [Curious Lion](https://curiouslionlearning.com/), a company that specializes in developing self-leadership in individual contributors. Andrew and his team have developed 1,000s of leaders at clients like Workday, Pinterest, IMG, and USAA, winning numerous awards for their engaging learning experiences. He also hosts [The Learning Culture Podcast,](https://thelearningculturepodcast.buzzsprout.com/) where he shares key insights and trends in the industry.Connect with Andrew:https://www.linkedin.com/in/realandrewbarryMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

AI is coming for jobs — maybe even yours. Roles built on repeatable, predictable tasks are already disappearing. But this doesn’t have to be a career death sentence. If you know how to respond, you can make yourself AI-proof and thrive in this new world of work.In this video, we’ll talk about:AI is coming for jobs (why it matters now) Stop pretending AI is a fad How to know if your job is in the replaceable zoneThe human skills AI will never replace (your real safety net)How to reframe AI as a teammate, not a threatWhy starting now puts you miles ahead of everyone else👉 Grab your free AI-Proof Skills Checklist here This survival kit shows you the exact human skills that will keep you relevant no matter how fast AI advances.Coming up next:The 4 Jobs AI Is Replacing Fastest (and What To Do If Yours Is One of Them)Want to learn more?What HR and L&D Really Need to Know About AI📌 Subscribe for more: practical career growth, talent development, and how to stay future-ready in an AI-driven world.Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

In this episode, I sit down with Matt Gjertsen, founder of Better Everyday Studios and former Air Force pilot turned SpaceX training leader, to dive deep into what it really takes to love your work and build a career that fits the life you want.We talk about: ✅ Matt’s journey from yard work as a teen to the Air Force Academy and pilot training. ✅ How becoming an instructor pilot led to running training at SpaceX for 7,500+ employees. ✅ Why frontline managers hold the key to engagement, retention, and productivity—and what most companies miss. ✅ The messy reality of entrepreneurship: sales, scaling, and becoming someone you’ve never been before. ✅ The overlooked questions we should be asking about career fit, culture, and how life choices shape our work.Whether you're an L&D professional, a new manager, or someone craving a career that energizes you, Matt’s story is proof that structure, pressure, and persistence can create incredible outcomes.🎧 Listen in for actionable insights, candid career lessons, and a real conversation about why hitting a "home run" in the wrong game never counts.Connect with Matt:LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/matthewgjertsen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewgjertsen/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Meet Brenda Noon Schmidt, aka Kick-Ass Modern Mom. She grew up on a cattle ranch on the Arizona/Mexico border, worked six jobs in college (including teaching swim lessons and working at a cigar shop with retired cops), built a career in marketing and finance, and now runs her own business teaching moms how to outsource, delegate, and reclaim their time.This episode is pure energy. We talk about: ✅ What ranch life taught her about systems and collaboration ✅ How she balanced multiple jobs, paid her way through college, and married an entrepreneur ✅ The surprising link between restaurant work and business strategy ✅ Her journey from finance to entrepreneurship and helping moms "run their home like a business" ✅ Why outsourcing isn’t a luxury (and how anyone can start with 5 hours a week)If you’ve ever wondered how to juggle everything—career, family, adventure, and sanity—this conversation is your permission slip to stop doing it all yourself.🎧 Listen in for stories about $2.13 diner shifts, cigar shop nights with Bill Murray types, and the secret to finally making time for the life you want.📌 Watch now and learn how to buy back your time, build your village, and enjoy the life you’re working so hard for.Connect with Brenda:LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-noon-schmidt-4880aa183/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

How do we help our kids (and learners) grow up with AI — without outsourcing all their thinking to it? In this final episode, Gavin shares the behind-the-scenes of his AI academy for kids and what he’s learned about teaching technology in a way that builds curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.We also explore the massive opportunity AI offers L&D professionals to personalize learning and build truly future-ready teams — and what we, as parents and People leaders, need to do right now.Get to know Gav:I’m a husband to an ambitious woman and a dad to two curious girls. I’ve spent years in tech as a seasoned IT professional, certified in AI and other areas at the world’s largest cloud computing company. Now I’m building a generative AI school for kids. The idea came from both personal and professional motivation. I want my daughters, and others growing up in this AI-shaped world, to understand the tools shaping their future.Connect with Gav:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-b-4467198/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutsmethod.official/Keywords:AI in education, personalized learning with AI, kids and AI, AI for parents, AI learning tools, future-ready skills, learning and development, adaptive learning technology.Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

At seven years old, Brianna published her first book and dreamed of changing the world. But her path was far from easy. Bullied in school, battling an eating disorder, and starting a business at 16, she learned grit the hard way. Ten years later, after building a successful agency, she burnt it all down to rebuild life and business on her terms — and birthed Overflow, her global movement helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses while actually enjoying their lives.In this episode, Brianna shares:How writing and publishing a book at 7 shaped her entrepreneurial mindsetThe harsh lessons of bullying, judgment, and proving herself in boardrooms at 16Why she walked away from a thriving 10-year business to build OverflowThe mindset shifts and support systems that keep her grounded while growingWhy so many entrepreneurs hit big milestones yet still feel empty — and how to stop that cycle.If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of your clients, your dreams, or your business alone, Brianna’s story will inspire you to believe again. This isn’t just about scaling a business. It’s about creating a life of happiness, health, freedom, and impact — a life of Overflow.Connect with Brianna:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-johnston-8b1229102/?originalSubdomain=ukInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/_briannajohnston/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Will AI agents replace people? Or will they just free us from the worst parts of work? In this episode, we explore the future of work with AI agents — intelligent tools that don’t just suggest actions, but take them for you.We talk about automation, emerging roles, job redesign, and how People functions need to get ready — now. Plus: how to help your workforce shift, reskill, and stay relevant in a world where knowledge work is being redefined.Get to know Gav:I’m a husband to an ambitious woman and a dad to two curious girls. I’ve spent years in tech as a seasoned IT professional, certified in AI and other areas at the world’s largest cloud computing company. Now I’m building a generative AI school for kids. The idea came from both personal and professional motivation. I want my daughters, and others growing up in this AI-shaped world, to understand the tools shaping their future.Connect with Gav:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-b-4467198/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutsmethod.official/Keywords:AI agents, future of work, HR automation, AI job disruption, strategic L&D, AI in business operations, reskilling workforce, AI adoption in HRMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What does it take to go from working 17 jobs before age 25 to building a business in Dubai, pitching to investors, and living an adventurous, international life?In this episode, Elena Agaragimova shares her fascinating journey:➡️ Moving from Russia to the U.S. as a teen and feeling like an outsider➡️ Changing majors five times and navigating her way through community college➡️ Traveling the world recruiting students and living out of a suitcase (while sick in Peru!)➡️ Moving to Dubai, reinventing herself, and launching a startup from scratch➡️ Facing rejection, career lows, and rebuilding her confidence—plus how she turned it all aroundThis is a story about reinvention, risk-taking, and what you learn about yourself when you keep stepping into the unknown.🎧 If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, doubted yourself, or wondered if it’s too late to pivot—this episode will inspire you to take the leap.Connect with Elena:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/?hl=enMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Ever talked about something random and then got an ad for it the next day? You’re not imagining it — and there’s more going on than you think. In this episode, we dive into how AI-driven algorithms shape what we see, hear, and even believe.We unpack targeted ads, cookies, echo chambers, and why your AI tools are so agreeable — and how that can be dangerous. Plus: how to use prompts like “act as” to break out of the bubble and get AI to challenge you instead of flatter you.Get to know Gav:I’m a husband to an ambitious woman and a dad to two curious girls. I’ve spent years in tech as a seasoned IT professional, certified in AI and other areas at the world’s largest cloud computing company. Now I’m building a generative AI school for kids. The idea came from both personal and professional motivation. I want my daughters, and others growing up in this AI-shaped world, to understand the tools shaping their future.Connect with Gav:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-b-4467198/Website: https://nextgencloudacademy.comMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

John Kraski has been an ice cream scooper, UPS loader, aspiring airline pilot, Big Four accountant, author, startup exec, LinkedIn content machine, and maybe, just maybe, a future TV producer.This episode isn’t about climbing a ladder. It’s about realizing the ladder’s against the wrong wall… and having the nerve to build your own.We get into:How John spent 20 years in finance trying to leaveWhy LinkedIn became his personal TV channel (and what that even means)What people get totally wrong about brand partnerships and content monetizationThe business model he’s building next, and why it's designed to be replicableHis “unhinged within professional guardrails” philosophy that keeps people watchingWhy he’d thank his younger self for booking a plane ticket, not picking a majorIf you’ve ever felt stuck in a career that looks good on paper but drains your soul in practice, John's story will hit home. And if you're building something new from scratch? He’s got receipts, reality checks, and ideas you’ll want to steal.🎧 Listen in for a very real, slightly wild, always strategic conversation about what it actually looks like to make your own lane.Get to know John:John Kraski is what happens when a former Big Four accountant decides to stop ignoring his creative instincts and start treating LinkedIn like late-night TV. After 20 years in finance (and knowing on day one it wasn’t for him), John’s built a second career as a content strategist, storyteller, and brand builder—logging 10,000+ hours on LinkedIn and driving over $10M in revenue for the companies he’s worked with.He’s launched global event series, closed deals with CAA, helped raise $7M for a Mark Cuban–backed startup, and even chased Will Ferrell off a plane to pitch a screenplay.Today, he’s obsessed with helping brands and leaders turn scrolls into strategy using the power of content that’s actually good. His style? “Unhinged within professional guardrails”—equal parts data-driven and delightfully unpredictable.Oh, and he’s still got that screenplay. Hollywood, call him.Connect with John:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkraski/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

What’s the difference between machine learning and generative AI? What even is a hallucination in AI terms (and is ChatGPT taking mushrooms)? In this episode, Gavin breaks it all down in plain English — no tech jargon required.We explore how tools like ChatGPT work, what they can really do, and why understanding the difference between prediction and true intelligence matters more than ever. This is your no-BS AI 101 — and every People leader should hear it.Get to know Gav:I’m a husband to an ambitious woman and a dad to two curious girls. I’ve spent years in tech as a seasoned IT professional, certified in AI and other areas at the world’s largest cloud computing company. Now I’m building a generative AI school for kids. The idea came from both personal and professional motivation. I want my daughters, and others growing up in this AI-shaped world, to understand the tools shaping their future.Connect with Gav:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-b-4467198/Website: https://nextgencloudacademy.comKeywords:machine learning vs generative AI, what is AI, AI for HR, ChatGPT explained, AI hallucinations, people-first AI, how does AI work, L&D and AIMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Chris Taylor built his first business at 12, selling homemade "devil sticks" at school fairs. Since then, he’s been on a wild ride, from selling knives to crashing hard as a young leader, to rebuilding from his parents' basement and becoming a trailblazer in behavior change and impact measurement.In this conversation, Chris shares the real behind-the-scenes story: the failure that humbled him, the habits that changed everything, and why he believes L&D must evolve from content delivery to driving measurable behavior change.He also opens up about building Actionable (a tech platform now used in 7,000+ programs) and Catalyst (his community for early-stage consultants). Plus, we talk about the power of choosing yourself, building social capital before asking for anything in return, and how living nomadically reshaped his view on success.If you’re in learning, leadership, consulting—or dreaming about what’s next—this episode is full of gems.🎧 Topics we cover:Early entrepreneurial rootsFailing hard as a young leader (and what turned it around)Building tech from a basement with $600How to prove the impact of your workWhy you should create value before asking to be valuedGet to know Chris:Chris founded Actionable.co in 2008 for the express purpose of helping corporate learners applywhat they learned; consistently and measurably. Since then, Chris – and his team at Actionable– have supported the deployment of over 3000+ programs leveraging the Impact Certaintymodel for driving change.Described once by a client as “a curious blend of Boomer and Gen-Y”, Chris is often calledupon to act as a bridge and translator between generations at work, our new state of constantchange and impact technology has on team dynamics. He brings a self-deprecating sense ofhumour and grounded-ness to his keynotes and workshops, ensuring attendees leave inspiredand well equipped to drive real change back in the workplace.Chris is a regular speaker and writer on Learning Impact Measurement, Behavior Change andhow to overcome the challenges of eLearning.Connect with Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjrtaylor/Website: www.actionable.coThe Behavior Change Toolkit(TM): https://actionable.scoreapp.com/Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

How does a kid stacking shelves in a South African supermarket end up advising Fortune 50 CEOs on AI strategy? In this episode, Gavin Bull — now a Principal at AWS — shares his unexpected journey from retail to tech leadership. We talk about the early jobs that shaped his people skills, the realities of moving across three continents, and the career pivots that led him into cloud computing and artificial intelligence.Whether you’re in HR, L&D, or just curious about real-world tech careers, this is a powerful reminder that your starting point doesn’t define your trajectory.Get to know Gav:I’m a husband to an ambitious woman and a dad to two curious girls. I’ve spent years in tech as a seasoned IT professional, certified in AI and other areas at the world’s largest cloud computing company. Now I’m building a generative AI school for kids. The idea came from both personal and professional motivation. I want my daughters, and others growing up in this AI-shaped world, to understand the tools shaping their future.Connect with Gav:LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-bull-aws-canada-technologistWebsite: https://nextgencloudacademy.comMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com Keywords:career transitions, Gavin Bull, AI in business, AWS Principal, global career path, HR podcast, learning and development, people development, AI journey

AJ Lauer, EdD: From Shoveling Snow in a Blizzard to Coaching Scientists Through Imposter Syndrome: a Story of Knowing When to Walk AwayWhat do snow shoveling, hurricanes, and a room full of grandmothers on a ferry have in common? They're all part of Dr. AJ Lauer’s winding, real-life journey to becoming a leadership coach for scientists, engineers, and STEM professionals.In this episode, AJ shares her incredible path — from her first job trudging through Wisconsin snowstorms to standing on stage as an executive coach and author of My Monster Mungo, an illustrated book about imposter syndrome. We talk about the grit it takes to leave a toxic workplace, the courage to rebuild your confidence, and the power of knowing when it’s time to walk away.Whether you’re in a leadership role, navigating burnout, or wondering if you really belong in the room — AJ’s story will hit home. She opens up about long-distance love, writing her dissertation while raising two babies, and why speaking up (even when it’s hard) matters more than ever.🎧 You’ll love this if you:Feel like you're doing all the right things but still not getting recognizedAre battling imposter syndrome (or coaching people who are)Want to hear a real, messy, inspiring story of reinventionNeed a reminder that you can walk away and still riseGet to know AJ:With over 2 decades of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, 10+ years developing the future science and technology workforce, and multiple publications on DEI in STEM, Dr. AJ Lauer is a leading expert on workforce development in science and technology fields.Dr. Lauer regularly coaches professionals at the executive level on how to create more inclusive and productive workplaces. Her 1:1 clients have held leadership roles at Amazon, Stitch Fix, The Ohio State University, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the American Meteorological Society.Her new book, My Monster Mungo: A Story About Imposter Syndrome, uses relatable characters, humor, and engaging illustrations to present a fresh new way to think about the dreaded imposter syndrome — your Imposter Monster.Connect with AJ:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ajlauerWebsite: http://www.thrivingibis.comBook: My Monster Mungo on Amazon (amzn.to/43WWEUj) and Bookshop (bookshop.org/a/103170/9798992394214)Info about Imposter Monsters, upcoming workshops, and coaching: https://www.thrivingibis.com/imposter-monstersMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Alyssa Willet: From Cleaning Glasses at 13 to Coaching Women to Ditch the Doubt — a Story of Owning Her VoiceWhat does it really take to own your voice and design a career you actually love?In this inspiring and refreshingly honest conversation, I sit down with Alyssa Willett—leadership trainer, certified coach, and talent development powerhouse—who shares her journey from cleaning glasses at age 13 in her stepdad’s optometry shop to coaching women to ditch doubt and design lives they're proud of.We talk about:✨ Early jobs, leadership lessons, and the power of that one person who believes in you✨ Building a career in higher ed and pivoting into corporate talent development✨ Imposter syndrome, micro-managers, and the moments that cracked her confidence✨ Experiencing pregnancy discrimination—and what she wishes more women knew✨ The power of coaching, CliftonStrengths, and helping women feel less stuck✨ Why leadership development isn't just a job—it's a missionAlyssa’s story will speak to anyone who’s ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure—and is ready to reclaim their confidence and take the next brave step.Get to know Alyssa:Alyssa Willet is an ICF certified life and leadership coach, CliftonStrengths practitioner, and founder of Willet Coaching. With a background in talent development and years of experience leading teams and empowering women in the workplace, she helps ambitious, heart-centered women — especially working moms — trade self-doubt for self-trust so they can lead, live, and design lives they love.Through her signature group program, The Becoming Circle, Alyssa guides women to release limiting beliefs, reconnect with themselves, and design lives that feel true and fulfilling. She also offers 1:1 coaching for those seeking personalized transformation and is the creator of the Rooted Moms Book Club, a membership book summary community for moms craving reflection and connection.Known for her warm, grounded presence, Alyssa blends mindset work, strengths-based tools, and practical action to help women become more of who they already are.When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her soaking up Colorado sunshine with her family and new puppy.Connect with Alyssa:IG: @willetcoachingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssawillet/Website: https://www.willetcoaching.com/Resources: https://www.willetcoaching.com/resourcesCoaching: https://www.willetcoaching.com/group-coachingMeet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

Everyone says people leave bad managers.But the truth?People leave when they don’t see a future.In this video, we unpack why lack of development and growth opportunities has become the #1 reason employees are quitting, and what Learning & Development can actually do about it.📉 Braverly. Lattice. Gartner. Deloitte.The data is loud: employees are craving growth, not more eLearning.So if you work in L&D, HR, Talent, or People Ops, and you’re tired of feeling like you're patching leaks with training courses, this episode is for you.🎯 Inside this episode:– What the latest reports say about why people are really leaving– The three biggest pressure points HR is facing around retention– How L&D can respond strategically and practically, from career pathing to succession, from onboarding to capability-building– The real role of culture in making growth part of everyday work– 3 conversations to start having today, with HR, managers, and employeesBecause if development is only seen as a course… it’s already too late.We’re not just here to train. We’re here to build careers that stick.—📌 Keywords:employee retention strategies, L&D and HR partnership, career development in the workplace, talent development, performance enablement, succession planning, organizational culture, learning and development strategy—🎁 Download the free Talent Enablement Impact Toolkit here → https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/impact🧠 Practical frameworks to connect L&D with business priorities.—🙋‍♀️ Subscribe for new weekly episodes packed with smart, doable strategies for L&D professionals who want to lead, not follow.Because development should never be an afterthought.Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_mscTalent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academyChoose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/Original music composed by: Paul DeHavenpauldehavenmusic.com

In this powerful episode, we dive into Desiree’s real, raw, and remarkably relatable story. From working in a nursing home at 15 to leading a dementia facility through the pandemic, from personal tragedy to launching a leadership company, Desiree’s path has been anything but smooth. And that’s exactly what makes it worth listening to.We talk about:Why she felt unqualified for her first leadership role (and what helped her grow into it)How personal development books quite literally saved herThe grief of losing her mom, and how she turned that loss into legacyWhat energy, boundaries, and resistance have to do with building a career (and a life) you actually wantAnd the truth about the unglamorous grind of entrepreneurshipWhether you’re navigating your own career pivot, wrestling with purpose, or figuring out how to keep going when things feel heavy — this conversation will hit home. Desiree is the kind of guest who makes you feel seen and reminds you of the power you already hold.🎧 Listen in and walk away with a little more strength, strategy, and self-belief.

Learning and Development isn’t just a support function—it’s a critical part of how HR delivers on its strategic goals. So why are L&D and HR still working in silos?In this episode, we explore how learning and development in human resource management can become a true strategic partnership. We’ll unpack:✅ Why L&D and HR often operate in parallel✅ What high-impact partnership really looks like✅ How integrated L&D–HR teams drive better business outcomes✅ Where to start—even if you don’t have a seat at the planning table yetWhether you work in human resources, talent management, or organizational development, this video will help you see the bigger picture—and your powerful role within it.✨ Plus: I’ll give you 3 practical questions to kick-start a real partnership with HR.📌 Keywords: learning and development in HR, HR strategy, HRM, human resource development, employee training, L&D in HR👇 Let’s rethink the relationship—and build something better.—🎁 Want bite-sized career-boosting ideas straight to your inbox?Join the newsletter here: [insert link]—🔗 Explore more:Watch the full "How L&D Fits into HR" series here → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRPqNNQbaJw8Kom88Oncmo7A_QIFTf0-1Download the free Talent Enablement Impact Toolkit → https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/impact