Development Nerds with Candice Mitchell

Candice Mitchell
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Real talk. No fluff. Just honest conversations about career growth, resilience, and the messy middle of success. Hosted by Candice Mitchell, this podcast dives deep into what it really takes to build a career, and a Talent Development function, that makes an impact. Many solo episodes are tailored for high-level, strategic Talent Development professionals, offering the kind of depth you won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s building and nurturing a Talent Development function, truly partnering with the business to become business critical, or navigating your own career growth, this podcast gives you the practical insights and unfiltered conversations you actually need. 🎧 Listen in for: ✔ Strategic insights for senior L&D professionals ✔ Actionable career strategies you can actually use ✔ Unfiltered conversations on leadership, growth, and business impact ✔ Lessons from setbacks, pivots, and defining career moments Because career growth, and Talent Development itself, is never-ending and I love that for all of us! Subscribe now and let’s nerd out on all things development!

  1. Amber Anderson: From Dive Shop Deckhand to Global L&D Leader — a story of brave pivots and self-trust

    6D AGO

    Amber Anderson: From Dive Shop Deckhand to Global L&D Leader — a story of brave pivots and self-trust

    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 regulation If 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/ Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven pauldehavenmusic.com

    57 min
  2. Sarah Nicholls: from A&E shifts to burnout coach

    SEP 26

    Sarah Nicholls: from A&E shifts to burnout coach

    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 life If 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/sarahnicholls Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven pauldehavenmusic.com

    47 min
  3. Lisa Long: from GE fast-track to a midlife reboot - a story of building a life you actually like

    SEP 19

    Lisa Long: from GE fast-track to a midlife reboot - a story of building a life you actually like

    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_msc LinkedIn: https://www.likedin.com/lisalongpsychologist Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven pauldehavenmusic.com

    48 min
  4. Mike Pacchione: From comic books to world stages — a story of finding your voice and teaching others to speak

    SEP 12

    Mike Pacchione: From comic books to world stages — a story of finding your voice and teaching others to speak

    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 love If 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/candice Get 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: @mpacc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpacchione/ Website: bestspeech.co Freebie: bestspeech.co/candice Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven pauldehavenmusic.com

    53 min

  5. SEP 10

    4 jobs AI will replace first (and how to stay safe)

    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 work In this episode, we’ll talk about: 0:00 - AI is coming for senior jobs too 01:10 Job 1 - Content creators 03:30 Job 2 - Lawyers & Compliance roles 05:48 - SCREENSHOT THIS! 06:19 Job 3 - Financial Analysts and Accountants 08:43 - SCREENSHOT THIS! 09:17 Job 4 - dum dum dah.... 11:04 - SCREENSHOT THIS 11:41 - Why people want to stay 12:21 - senior level roles are in the danger zone 13:29 - 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. Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ LinkedIn:...

    15 min
  6. Andrew Barry: from Auditor to Entrepreneur — a story of mistakes, pivots, and finding freedom

    SEP 5

    Andrew Barry: from Auditor to Entrepreneur — a story of mistakes, pivots, and finding freedom

    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 #DevelopmentNerds Get 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/realandrewbarry Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven pauldehavenmusic.com

    50 min

  7. SEP 2

    AI Is Coming for Jobs — 5 Ways to Make Sure Yours Survives

    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. Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven pauldehavenmusic.com

    20 min
  8. Matt Gjertsen: From Air Force cockpits to coaching managers — a story of freedom, fit, and finding your game

    AUG 29

    Matt Gjertsen: From Air Force cockpits to coaching managers — a story of freedom, fit, and finding your game

    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/ Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven pauldehavenmusic.com

    59 min
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About

Real talk. No fluff. Just honest conversations about career growth, resilience, and the messy middle of success. Hosted by Candice Mitchell, this podcast dives deep into what it really takes to build a career, and a Talent Development function, that makes an impact. Many solo episodes are tailored for high-level, strategic Talent Development professionals, offering the kind of depth you won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s building and nurturing a Talent Development function, truly partnering with the business to become business critical, or navigating your own career growth, this podcast gives you the practical insights and unfiltered conversations you actually need. 🎧 Listen in for: ✔ Strategic insights for senior L&D professionals ✔ Actionable career strategies you can actually use ✔ Unfiltered conversations on leadership, growth, and business impact ✔ Lessons from setbacks, pivots, and defining career moments Because career growth, and Talent Development itself, is never-ending and I love that for all of us! Subscribe now and let’s nerd out on all things development!

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