Development Nerds with Candice Mitchell

Candice Mitchell
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Why career growth isn’t about playing it safe

    MAR 27

    Why career growth isn’t about playing it safe

    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 success This 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/ 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
  2. Why education fails people (and what actually shapes careers)

    MAR 20

    Why education fails people (and what actually shapes careers)

    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 development If 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: @shackletonjones Tiktok: @shackletonjones 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

    1h 2m
  3. Why storytelling matters more than content in learning

    MAR 12

    Why storytelling matters more than content in learning

    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 impact Get 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/ajaytj Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/storytelling-foundations-unlocking-the-power-of-stories/?referralCode=91BDA7E8C30712E28687 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
  4. Why betting on yourself changes everything

    MAR 6

    Why betting on yourself changes everything

    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 down This 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/0u42nNEz1pAsJsoEcDkTvA 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

    56 min
  5. Leadership isn’t about control — It’s about curiosity

    FEB 27

    Leadership isn’t about control — It’s about curiosity

    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 episode Why 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 yourself This 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/ 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

    51 min
  6. Why loving your work matters more than discipline

    FEB 23

    Why loving your work matters more than discipline

    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 episode Why 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 gratitude Get 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/ 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
  7. Why sustainable success isn’t about being “On” all the time

    FEB 13

    Why sustainable success isn’t about being “On” all the time

    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 hard If 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/ 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

    45 min
  8. Nobody knows what they’re doing (and that’s normal)

    FEB 6

    Nobody knows what they’re doing (and that’s normal)

    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 episode Why 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 hype If 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/ 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
See All (103)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

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!

Information