The Talent Development Hot Seat - The #1 podcast for L&D Professionals

Episoder

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  Why Training Fails and How to Design for Change Instead with Heather Burright 21.07.2026 29min

  In this episode, Heather Burright shares what she has learned building learning and development programs for the nonprofit sector. Heather is the founder of Skill Masters Market and host of the Learning for Good podcast, with more than 15 years in L&D and a niche helping nonprofits and associations build the training their missions deserve. She combines instructional design expertise with change management principles to create real behavior change rather than course completions. Heather and Andy explore what makes L&D in the nonprofit world genuinely different, from training volunteers and community members to navigating federated structures where the national office supports local organizations it does not actually manage, and why influence and buy-in matter more there than authority ever could.The heart of the conversation is Heather's argument that training is too often treated as the goal when the real goal is change. She explains why L&D professionals should see themselves as change agents rather than training factories, walks through a seven month learning experience she designed that finally made a struggling team feel heard, and shares how she approaches skills analysis, competency models, and AI readiness. She also offers practical advice on building trusting stakeholder relationships, asking better questions instead of absorbing other people's stress, and the identity shift that helps talent development professionals earn genuine credibility.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Heather Burright: LinkedIn
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  AI Literacy Is a Leadership Problem: Christa Hill on What Executives Are Missing 15.07.2026 58min

  In this episode, Christa Hill shares what she has learned moving teams from AI resistance to real capability. Christa is the founder of Tacit Edge and creator of an AI readiness framework used by organizations across Canada and beyond. A product leader turned educator, she works at the intersection of AI literacy, leadership development, and workforce transformation. She and Andy dig into what she calls the messy middle of AI adoption, the place organizations land after the licenses are handed out and there is no plan for what comes next. Christa makes the case that there are no product problems, only people problems, and that adoption moves at the speed of trust, not the speed of technology.Christa walks through her mindset first framework and the sequence she takes teams through: mindset, then skill set, then tool set, and why buying tools before doing the other two is a costly mistake. She unpacks the most common sources of resistance she hears, the trap of judging AI by free tools, why leaders cannot delegate their own literacy, and how weak AI policies are usually a symptom of leadership that has not built any. The conversation also covers what companies getting this right actually do differently, the shift toward flatter organizations, and a round of Smash or Pass on the AI tools everyone is using right now.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Christa Hill: LinkedIn | tacit-edge.com
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  How Julie Stone Is Reinventing Learning and Development With AI at TTEC 07.07.2026 42min

  In this episode, Julie Stone shares how she is reinventing learning and development for a 50,000 person workforce as Group Vice President and Chief Learning Officer at TTEC, a global customer experience company operating in 22 countries. With a background in linguistics that shapes how she thinks about the way humans learn, Julie explains why practice, spaced repetition, and real feedback are the elements most training programs have been missing for decades, and how AI simulated practice finally solves for them. She walks through how letting frontline agents rehearse live customer conversations with AI builds confidence, shortens training duration by around 20 percent, and speeds up time to proficiency, all without the awkwardness of traditional role plays.Julie and Andy also dig into the bigger picture of AI in the enterprise: the proprietary wizard suite her team built to redesign the entire curriculum discovery, design, and development process, the redesign of jobs and workflows that comes with it, and why she believes L&D is now mission critical rather than optional. She makes the case for L&D professionals becoming work design architects, explains why skills are the new currency inside organizations, and offers practical advice for anyone trying to build a skills-based approach or drive real AI adoption on their team.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Julie Stone: LinkedIn
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  From Truck Driver to VP of L&D: Joshua Remerowski on Frontline Credibility and Measuring Impact 30.06.2026 42min

  In this episode, Joshua Remerowski shares how he went from a temp truck driver at FedEx to Vice President of Learning & Development at SRS Distribution, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Home Depot, where his team has built award-winning training for sales performance and innovation. Drawing on his frontline roots, Joshua makes the case that credibility in talent development is earned by doing the work — getting into the field, talking to real people, and listening to the voice of the customer rather than relying on surveys or academic models. He explains why measuring impact is non-negotiable, how most L&D teams talk themselves out of it, and how rigor around measurement builds the trust that turns talent leaders into genuine business partners.Joshua and Andy also dig into co-creating programs alongside leaders, why frontline and middle managers are the most forgotten yet most influential layer in any organization, and how pushing executive teams out of their comfort zone (think gamified learning and Wild West-themed HR escape rooms) drives real engagement. The conversation closes on a growing challenge Joshua calls the death of critical thinking — how over-reliance on AI is producing lazy, half-baked work, and what leaders can do to keep their teams thinking, questioning, and pressure-testing ideas.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Joshua Remerowski: LinkedIn
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  Is AI Fluency Is the New Microsoft Office Proficiency? 23.06.2026 14min

  In this solo episode, Andy Storch makes the case for why AI fluency isn't optional — it's the new baseline for employability. While the macro debates around AI (government regulation, ethics, AGI timelines) are worth following, Andy argues that the wave is coming regardless. The real question is: will you be ready?Andy draws a powerful analogy between the early days of listing "proficient in Microsoft Office" on a résumé and what AI proficiency means for today's workforce — except the stakes are exponentially higher. He shares what he's hearing from talent development professionals, company leaders, and frontline employees, and explains why the biggest gap isn't technology — it's adoption.He also shares exciting news: Andy is launching an AI Kickstarter Workshop (available this fall) — a hands-on 90-minute session designed to get teams not just learning about AI, but actually using it and producing real output during the session.In This Episode, You'll Hear:Why the AI wave is happening whether we embrace it or not — and why that matters for L&DThe Microsoft Office analogy: how AI proficiency today mirrors a skill that once set candidates apart on résumésWhat Andy is hearing from leaders and talent development professionals about low AI adoption ratesThe "60% in the middle" — why most employees aren't anti-AI, they just don't know where to startWhy employees who avoid AI fluency risk being left behind in hiring — and what you can do about itHow organizations are paying for AI licenses that no one is using, and what to do insteadThe two types of speaking engagements Andy is now booking around AI enablement and career ownershipDetails on Andy's upcoming AI Kickstarter Workshop — a 90-minute session to get your team actually using AI toolsResources & Links Mentioned:Andy's website: andystorch.comEmail Andy directly: andy@andystorch.comAI tools mentioned: ChatGPT, Claude, GeminiWork With Andy:Ready to get your team AI-fluent? Andy is booking two types of engagements:AI Kickstarter Workshop — A 90-minute hands-on session to get your team using AI tools and producing real output. Available this fall.Career Ownership & AI Keynote — For teams that have already started AI training but need a session on owning their careers and taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them.Reach out at andy@andystorch.com or visit andystorch.com.About The Talent Development Hot Seat:Hosted by Andy Storch, this podcast connects talent development professionals with insights, ideas, and inspiration to grow their careers and their organizations. With over 600 episodes published since 2018, the Hot Seat is your resource for what's next in L&D.
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  The New Employee Contract: Why Career Growth and Transparency Matter More Than Ever with Tatiana G 16.06.2026 38min

  In this episode, Tatiana Goldberg shares insights from more than 20 years in HR, talent management, and leadership development. She explores how the employer-employee relationship is evolving, why career growth has become the most important retention factor, and how organizations must rethink talent mobility, leadership development, and performance management in a rapidly changing world.Tatiana also discusses the impact of AI on early-career talent, the importance of business acumen for talent professionals, and why performance management systems are among the strongest drivers of organizational culture. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes that behind every business challenge lies a talent challenge—and that talent leaders sit at the center of business success.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect Tatiana Goldberg: linkedin
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  Leadership Development Lessons from Nike, Google, and Amazon with Vic Smith 02.06.2026 34min

  Andy Storch sits down with leadership development expert Vic Smith to unpack what truly makes great managers and high-performing workplace cultures. Drawing from leadership development experience at Nike, Google, and Amazon, Vic shares why most leadership training programs fail, how organizations can actually drive behavior change, and why investing in managers is now a business imperative. The conversation explores modern leadership challenges, the impact of AI on management, culture transformation, coaching conversations, career development, and the critical role managers play in employee engagement and retention. If you lead people, build leadership programs, or work in learning & development, this episode is packed with actionable insights for building stronger leaders in today’s evolving workplace.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Vic Smith: LinkedIn
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  How Sanjit Kaur is Transforming HR Through Culture, Leadership & Employee Experience at Cox Automotive UK 19.05.2026 39min

  Andy Storch sits down with Sanjit Kaur to discuss how modern HR leaders can drive business transformation through culture, leadership development, and intentional employee experience. Sanjit shares her journey from frontline contact center roles into executive HR leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business, speaking the language of leadership, and aligning people strategy with organizational growth.Throughout the conversation, Sanjit explores how Cox Automotive is transforming its HR function through technology modernization, inclusive people practices, leadership development programs, and investment in future workforce skills. She highlights the importance of creating safe spaces, empowering middle managers, building a strong learning culture, and preparing employees for the evolving impact of AI and digital transformation. The discussion ultimately centers on one key message: intentional cultures and continuous learning are essential for building engaged teams and future-ready organizations.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Sanjit Kaur: LinkedIn
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  Building Leadership Stability and Neuro Resilience with Angus Nelson 05.05.2026 36min

  Andy Storch speaks with Angus Nelson about why many high-performing leaders feel stuck in today’s fast-changing environment, despite having the experience and capability to succeed. They explore how traditional approaches like pushing harder and doing more are no longer effective as pressure, complexity, and expectations continue to rise. Angus explains that the real challenge is not effort, but internal capacity, and how an outdated “operating system” shaped by past experiences can limit how leaders think, respond, and perform.The conversation also dives into the role of identity and mindset in leadership growth, emphasizing that success at the next level requires becoming a different version of yourself. In addition, they highlight the importance of nervous system regulation, showing how stress and reactivity can impact decision-making and communication. Together, these insights offer a practical perspective on how leaders can stay clear, adapt to change, and perform more effectively under sustained pressure.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Angus Nelson: LinkedIn
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  Leadership, Culture, and Career Mobility with Johanna Hummer, VP of Global People Success at Opella 21.04.2026 37min

  Andy Storch speaks with Johanna Hummer, VP of Global People Success at Opella, about building a new company culture after its spin-off from Sanofi.They explore the challenges and opportunities of transformation, the importance of leadership and well-being, and how Opella is evolving its talent and learning strategies. Johanna also shares her passion for developing young and female leaders in today’s workplace.You’ll gain practical insights on navigating large-scale change, fostering an inclusive culture, and preparing teams for the future of work. Whether you’re a leader or an individual contributor, this conversation offers valuable takeaways to support your growth.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Johanna Hummer: LinkedIn
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  Transforming Meetings and Management with Mamie Stewart: Practical Insights for Modern Leaders 07.04.2026 36min

  In this episode, Andy Storch sits down with Mamie Kanfer Stewart—founder of Meteor and The Modern Manager, executive coach, and author of Momentum. With nearly two decades of experience, she shares practical insights on improving management, meetings, and workplace dynamics.They dive into one of the biggest workplace challenges: meetings—what makes them effective versus time-wasting, and how to set clear outcomes while involving the right people. Mamie also explores what it means to be a modern manager, from leading remote teams and navigating cultural differences to building essential skills like feedback, delegation, and conflict management.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect With Mamie Kanfer Stewart: LinkedIn
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  Empowering Employees to Own Their Careers and Brands with Maura Lemon, The Talent Whisperer 24.03.2026 41min

  In this episode of Talent Development Hot Seat, host Andy Storch speaks with Maura Lemon, known as the “Talent Whisperer,” who leads Learning and Development at FDH Aero and serves as president of ATD Los Angeles. With a background that includes Disney and executive recruiting, Maura shares her unique journey into talent development and how she built her personal brand.She introduces her RAD Talent framework—Resilient, Adaptable, and Driven—and explains how organizations can recruit, develop, and retain strong talent. Maura also discusses the importance of creating a supportive learning culture, empowering employees to take ownership of their careers, leveraging internal talent, and preparing for the growing influence of AI. She highlights why psychological safety and effective leadership are key to helping both people and organizations succeed.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Maura Lemon: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Thanks for listeningThanks again for listening. You can find more information about me and everything I do on my website: andystorch.com
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  Recognizing How Far You’ve Come 17.03.2026 7min

  Today is March 17, 2026, and I am officially turning 46. I wanted to take a moment to step away from the "hustle" and the constant drive for the next goal to simply say thank you. Thank you for listening, for being part of my network, and for allowing me to share my journey with you.I’m recording this from my home in Spain, with my dog at my feet and my family nearby, feeling incredibly lucky—but also incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.
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  Building a Thriving L&D Team at Bonadio Group with Allyson Roote 10.03.2026 38min

  Andy Storch sits down with Allyson Roote, Vice President of Learning and Organizational Development at the Bonadio Group. Allyson Roote shares her inspiring journey from studying psychology and working with an executive coach, to leading a thriving L&D function at a major professional services firm.In this conversation, we dive into how Allyson Roote built Bonadio’s learning and development team from the ground up, scaling from a solo role to a team of nine—even expanding internationally. She explains the importance of relationships, taking a consultative approach to internal learning, and tying learning outcomes directly to performance results. We explore the innovative quarterly business reviews she’s implemented, her leadership development framework, Manager and Principal Development Programs, future leaders academy, and her latest initiative—Amplifier, an adaptive AI-powered learning platform.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Allyson Roote: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Thanks for listeningThanks again for listening. You can find more information about me and everything I do on my website: andystorch.com
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  How to Evaluate and Implement HR and L&D Software Effectively 24.02.2026 46min

  In this episode Andy Storch explores the rapidly changing world of HR technology with guest Phil Strazzulla, founder of Select Software Reviews. Phil shares his journey from venture capital to HR tech, the story behind SSR, and how the platform helps HR teams confidently choose the right software at no cost. Together, they discuss key trends like platform consolidation, AI’s growing role, and adaptive learning in L&D, along with practical advice on evaluating tools, building a business case, and ensuring successful implementation—plus live insights from Christopher McCormick.So if you're wrestling with vendor choices, striving for better ROI from your HR platforms, or curious about where HR tech is headed, you won't want to miss this episode!I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Phil Strazzulla: LinkedInConnect with Christopher McCormick: LinkedInConnect with Emma Strong: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Thanks for listeningThanks again for listening. You can find more information about me and everything I do on my website: andystorch.com
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  Unpacking Talent Development Trends and the Future of Work with Al Dea 10.02.2026 41min

  In this episode, I am talking with my friend, Al Dea, who is an expert on talent development and the future of work. In this conversation, we are doing a deep dive into the latest trends shaping the future of work. Al Dea, known for his research and consulting at Edge of Work and as a LinkedIn Top Voice, brings fresh insights from his recent report, where he interviewed over 40 talent and learning leaders across Fortune 1000 organizations.Together, we unpack what’s top of mind in talent development right now from navigating constant change, embracing AI, and building adaptable leadership pipelines, to the rising importance of skills-based talent strategies. Hear candid stories about the challenges of implementing new technologies, the evolving role of managers, and why a blend of “deep tech” and “deep human” skills will define the talent profession’s next chapter.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Al Dea: LinkedIn
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  Collaboration vs. Speed: When Going Solo Might Be the Better Choice 03.02.2026 6min

  Today I'm sharing a short solo episode from my other podcast, The Andy Storch Show, all about the trade-offs between collaborating or working alone. I was reflecting on this beacuse how different it has been working on books on my own vs. with a partner. I wonder if you can relate. You can listen to more episodes on The Andy Storch Show now on Apple or Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can also find more insights and sign up for our newsletter at: http://www.talentdevelopmenthotseat.com/
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  Building a Coaching Culture with RESPECT Coaching Styles feat. Dr. David Morelli 27.01.2026 49min

  Welcome back to The Talent Development Hot Seat! In this episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Dr. David Morelli, co-founder and CEO of Owl Hub, to explore the evolving landscape of coaching in talent development. With decades of experience in organizational psychology and leadership assessment, David Morelli shares his journey from semi-pro volleyball player to executive coach and leadership innovator.Together, they dive into the importance of building a true coaching culture within organizations—one where managers are empowered to coach more effectively, not just rely on outside experts. David Morelli unpacks the groundbreaking Respect Coaching Styles Assessment, a tool that's already making waves at Fortune 500 companies, and explains the seven distinct coaching styles that can transform the way leaders support their teams.Andy Storch and David Morelli discuss why most coaching breaks down in organizations, how to scale coaching beyond top executives, and what it really takes to meet employees where they are. Whether you’re a talent development professional, a people leader, or just passionate about helping others grow, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on personalizing coaching, overcoming common pitfalls, and future-proofing your leadership strategy in the age of AI and skills-based transformation.Get ready for a deep dive into what it means to unlock the full potential of your people—and yourself—through the power of coaching. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon. Connect with David Morelli: LinkedIn
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  How to Read More Books in 2026 (from The Andy Storch Show) 20.01.2026 2min

  Subscribe to The Andy Storch Show on Apple or Spotify You can learn more about the Talent Development Think Tank Community here As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.
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  Leading Talent Development in a Multilingual Hybrid World at the National Bank of Belgium with Siska D'hoore 13.01.2026 41min

  Welcome back to the Talent Development Hot Seat podcast! In this episode, I am talking with Siska D'hoore, Head of HR at the National Bank of Belgium. With over 20 years of experience spanning IT, banking, government, and work across three continents, Siska brings a wealth of insight into human resources strategy, talent management, learning and development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.In this conversation, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of leading HR in a highly regulated, multilingual, and hybrid work environment. Siska shares her unique journey from engineering to HR leadership, the bank’s innovative approach to onboarding and leadership development, and how they navigate Belgium’s complex landscape with three national languages. They also explore the realities of return-to-office mandates, strategies for building an inclusive workplace that goes beyond gender, and the future of AI in HR at a central banking institution.As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Siska D'Hoore: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Thanks for listeningThanks again for listening. You can find more information about me and everything I do on my website: andystorch.com