The Talent Forge: Shaping Workforce Behaviors with Jay Johnson

Jay Johnson

Welcome to The Talent Forge: Shaping Workforce Behavior with Jay Johnson — the podcast where behavioral science meets the day-to-day challenges of leadership and talent development. Each week, Jay Johnson, behavioral architect, two-time TEDx speaker, and corporate trainer, brings you bold conversations and tactical insights to help organizations develop better managers, improve communication, and shape workplace behavior that drives results. Whether you're an emerging leader, a C-suite executive, an operations manager, or an individual seeking growth, this show delivers behavior-based strategies that stick. Jay and experts in the field come together to share a behind-the-scenes look at the tools that build high-performing teams, reduce burnout, and foster cultures of accountability and trust. From leadership development and management coaching to behavioral intelligence and culture transformation, you'll walk away with actionable tools to improve your people, processes, and performance. This isn’t theory. This is real-world behavior, transformed. Welcome to the Forge.

  1. 5 ДН. ТОМУ

    From Martial Arts to Trauma-Informed Leadership: Laura Armstrong on Safety, Boundaries, and Real De-escalation

    Safety isn’t a side project—it’s the system your team runs on. We sit down with martial arts champion and corporate coach Laura Armstrong to unpack trauma-informed training that actually works in the workplace. Laura breaks down the window of tolerance—where people learn, collaborate, and think clearly—and what happens when we slip into hypo (freeze, shut down) or hyper (fight, agitation) states. From synchronized breathing to tactile grounding to micro-routines that create predictability, she shows how small, repeatable practices restore focus and dignity without forcing productivity. We also shine a light on de-escalation as a daily leadership skill. Laura names subtle aggressor behaviors many managers miss—unsolicited promises, microaggressions disguised as jokes, “loan sharking” favors—and maps out how they push employees into survival mode. The fix is practical: name behaviors precisely, use culturally aware eye contact, square your stance, and deploy boundary scripts that remove guesswork. Pair that with explicit assurances of safety and no-judgment support, and you get a container strong enough for hard truths, clean repairs, and faster resolution. If this conversation resonates, follow, like, or subscribe to the show, share it with a friend who leads people, and leave a quick review so others can find these tools too. Meet the Host Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/ Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

    36 хв

  2. 3 ЖОВТ.

    Design Roles, Not Tasks: AI’s Edge in HR and L&D with Scott Morris

    Jobs don’t fail because people don’t work hard; they fail because the work isn’t designed to move the numbers that matter. That’s the uncomfortable truth we dig into with Scott Morris—longtime Chief People Officer, HR transformer, and founder of Propulsion AI—who makes a compelling case for designing roles around outcomes, not task lists.  Scott shares a fast history lesson on technological disruption—from calculators to spreadsheets to AI—and shows why the safest path is embracing new tools to change where we add value. Rather than fearing replacement, we can use AI to clarify expectations and accelerate the slowest parts of talent work. His framework helps managers define business outcomes first, then layer in key results, success measures, competencies, and skills. The payoff is visible across the talent lifecycle: recruiters source to impact, candidates self-select with eyes open, and trainers build programs that correlate to movement in KPIs like DSO, eNPS, conversion, and churn. Even “entry-level” roles transform when reframed from “push buttons” to “create experiences that drive loyalty,” unlocking better interviews, stronger motivation, and clearer coaching moments. If you’re ready to make work more human and more effective, subscribe, share this with your HR and L&D peers, and leave a review with the one outcome you’ll measure differently this quarter. Meet the Host Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/ Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

    40 хв

  3. 26 ВЕР.

    Martial Arts Wisdom for Leadership and Learning with Jim Bouchard

    The future of work hinges on our ability to keep it human—a powerful message from Jim Bouchard, who joins The Talent Forge to share his extraordinary journey from drug addiction to martial arts mastery and leadership coaching. Jim's transformation began when he discovered martial arts during his recovery, unaware it would become a 30-year career and life philosophy. His martial arts teachers didn't just show him self-defense techniques; they revealed profound insights about human connection, continuous improvement, and responding to uncertainty. Drawing fascinating parallels between martial arts training and effective leadership, Jim reframes our understanding of discipline as "the development, cultivation, and practice of meaningful and purposeful habits." This perspective shifts discipline from something restrictive to a positive framework for growth and development.  For HR professionals and talent developers facing increasingly complex workplace dynamics, Jim offers practical wisdom: ask broad questions, listen without judgment, and follow through on commitments.  Connect with Jim through thehumancentricleader.org to continue exploring how we can harness technology while honoring our fundamental human need for authentic connection. Meet the Host Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/ Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

    44 хв

  4. 19 ВЕР.

    Press Start to Learn: Gaming's Secret Sauce for Training Success with with Dr. Natalie Makulski

    What if the secret to creating training that people actually want to complete has nothing to do with points, badges, or leaderboards? In this eye-opening episode of The Talent Forge, Dr. Natalie Makulski of Coeus Creative Group reveals how her deeply personal journey into gamification—which began with helping her grandmothers combat Alzheimer's and dementia—transformed her understanding of what truly drives engagement in learning. Rather than focusing on the superficial elements of games, she delves into the psychological underpinnings that keep us coming back for more. Her research on Magic: The Gathering players uncovered a surprising truth: the most powerful element of gaming isn't competition or rewards—it's belonging. This insight completely transforms how we should approach training design. Dr. Makulski challenges conventional wisdom by suggesting that competition between learners can actually undermine learning by creating subtle divisions. Instead, she advocates for collective challenges where learners work together against a common obstacle, fostering a shared identity that extends beyond the training event. Whether you're a seasoned L&D professional or just starting out, this episode will forever change how you think about engagement in learning environments. Subscribe to The Talent Forge for more conversations that challenge conventional wisdom and provide actionable strategies to future-proof your training programs. Meet the Host Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/ Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

    35 хв

  5. 12 ВЕР.

    Leadership Beyond Limits: Owning Your 1% in Every Situation with Juan Alvarado

    What happens when military discipline meets empathetic leadership? Juan Alvarado's extraordinary journey from military sergeant to leadership coach reveals powerful insights for anyone developing talent. After nearly a decade in military service followed by law enforcement, Juan faced a profound realization: "You go 10 to 12 years not knowing if you're going to come home, at the end of the day gets old pretty fast." This pivotal moment led him to youth development, where he revolutionized training approaches before launching his own leadership coaching practice. Juan brings a refreshingly practical perspective to leadership development. Having faced life-threatening situations, he approaches difficult conversations with a unique clarity. His approach balances toughness with remarkable empathy through his HAT framework: How do you Handle what you hear? How do you give Attention with the right attitude? How do you Transform the temperature? Whether you're developing talent professionally or simply trying to help others grow, Juan's frameworks provide actionable tools for meaningful transformation. Ready to revolutionize your approach to leadership development? Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who could benefit from these insights. Meet the Host Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/ Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

    38 хв

  6. 5 ВЕР.

    Mindset: The Filter to Your Reality with Jim Huntzicker

    What if your entire reality was being filtered through beliefs you formed as a five-year-old? According to mindset expert Jim Huntzicker, neuroscience reveals we only perceive about 12% of reality—the rest gets filtered out by subconscious beliefs we established before age eight. In this perspective-shifting conversation, Jim reveals how childhood experiences create the mental "ruts" that dictate our adult behaviors around money, relationships, and success. He shares the shocking story of walking away from six profitable businesses due to limiting beliefs formed while witnessing his parents' arguments about money. This pattern—sabotaging success just when things are going well—is something many high-achievers experience without understanding why. The episode delivers practical frameworks for transformation, including the powerful "Decision Director" method for reprogramming limiting beliefs and a five-step process for releasing deep-seated resentments that anchor our core limiting beliefs. Jim explains why identifying when you go "primal" (experiencing fear, anxiety, or stress) provides the perfect opportunity to uncover what's truly holding you back.  For leaders and coaches, Jim offers valuable insights on how to address resistance to change by helping people recognize their emotional patterns and shift from "primal" to "powerful" states. He emphasizes that this work isn't a one-time fix but a lifelong practice of awareness, presence, and gratitude that fundamentally changes how you experience challenges. Ready to discover what your five-year-old brain decided that's still running your life today? This episode provides the awareness and tools to finally break free from invisible mental patterns and consciously create the reality you desire. Meet the Host Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/ Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

    51 хв

  7. 29 СЕРП.

    Never Outmatched: How Military Thinking Transforms Corporate Culture with Lee Pepper

    What happens when military wisdom meets modern marketing challenges? In this eye-opening conversation with Lee Pepper, former Army officer turned marketing strategist, we explore the surprising intersection of battlefield tactics and business success. Lee's remarkable journey from military service through Ross Perot's presidential campaign to behavioral health marketing leadership provides the backdrop for a masterclass in strategic thinking. At the heart of our discussion is the transformative power of motivational interviewing—a technique that shifted Lee's admissions teams from simply selling services to genuinely connecting with people in crisis. Whether you're in marketing, HR, leadership, or transitioning from military to civilian work, this conversation offers invaluable insights on the power of strategic thinking before tactical execution.  Meet the Host Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/ Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

    39 хв

  8. 22 СЕРП.

    Finding Your Divine Purpose: Conversations on Authenticity and Alignment with Christian F. Johnson

    What does it mean to bring your authentic self to work, especially when spirituality is central to who you are? Christian F. Johnson tackles this question head-on as he shares his powerful RINSE method for maintaining focus and purpose in leadership. Christian approaches leadership development as a calling rather than just a career. He positions himself as the "mic stand" for leaders – the essential support structure that enables their voices to be heard clearly while filling the crucial gap between a leader's personal brand and their authentic self. This servant leadership perspective shifts the focus from spotlight-seeking to empowering others. For those struggling to identify their purpose, Christian offers practical wisdom: examine what naturally energizes you, notice patterns in unsolicited compliments, and identify what others consistently seek from you. These external signals often point to innate gifts that may not be immediately obvious. As he poignantly observes, "What are people going to you for? Chances are you have a gifting, a calling, something that's leading you towards those things." Connect with Christian on LinkedIn, visit IamChristianFJohnson.com, check out his book "When You're Speaking but Still Silent," or listen to his Presence-Centered Podcast. Meet the Host Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/ Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

    38 хв
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Опис

Welcome to The Talent Forge: Shaping Workforce Behavior with Jay Johnson — the podcast where behavioral science meets the day-to-day challenges of leadership and talent development. Each week, Jay Johnson, behavioral architect, two-time TEDx speaker, and corporate trainer, brings you bold conversations and tactical insights to help organizations develop better managers, improve communication, and shape workplace behavior that drives results. Whether you're an emerging leader, a C-suite executive, an operations manager, or an individual seeking growth, this show delivers behavior-based strategies that stick. Jay and experts in the field come together to share a behind-the-scenes look at the tools that build high-performing teams, reduce burnout, and foster cultures of accountability and trust. From leadership development and management coaching to behavioral intelligence and culture transformation, you'll walk away with actionable tools to improve your people, processes, and performance. This isn’t theory. This is real-world behavior, transformed. Welcome to the Forge.

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