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

Andy Storch
  • 4.9 (132)
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The Talent Development Hot Seat podcast is a show dedicated to helping you develop the most important part of your organization – the people! Each week, Andy shares interviews with Talent Development professionals, thought leaders, and experts to share best practices, learn about the latest trends and find out what has been successful in the world of talent development. This podcast and community are designed to enable you to be successful in the world of Talent Development. If you work in Learning and Development (L&D) this is the podcast for you Be sure to check out our website and join our membership community to learn more and connect with other exceptional talent development professionals. http://www.talentdevelopmenthotseat.com/

  1. Reimagining eLearning: How AI is Powering Industry-Specific Personalization at Scale with Shrikant Pattathil from Harbinger Group

    6D AGO

    Reimagining eLearning: How AI is Powering Industry-Specific Personalization at Scale with Shrikant Pattathil from Harbinger Group

    Today, I am talking with Shrikant Pattathil from Harbinger Group, a recognized leader with more than 25 years in the eLearning and HR technology space. In this conversation, Shrikant shares his unique perspective on the evolution of eLearning from the early days of computer-based training to today’s dynamic, AI-powered personalized learning experiences. You'll learn how eLearning has transformed over the decades, the pitfalls organizations still encounter when implementing digital learning solutions, and the best practices for driving engagement and adoption. Shrikant dives into the concept of “industrialization” of eLearning, explaining how hyper-personalization and AI are reshaping the future of content creation and delivery for both learners and enterprises. Whether you’re a talent development leader, learning designer, or tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and fresh ideas for navigating the rapidly changing landscape of workplace learning. Learn more about The Harbinger Group Order my new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon And my first book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, is on Amazon as well. This episode is also sponsored by The Harbinger Group, a trusted leader in eLearning. And also LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Shrikant: Website I LinkedIn

    40 min
  2. Transforming Healthcare Leadership and Learning: Insights from Geoffrey Roche

    DEC 2

    Transforming Healthcare Leadership and Learning: Insights from Geoffrey Roche

    Today, host Andy Storch sits down with Geoffrey Roche, the inaugural North America Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers. With over 16 years of leadership experience in hospitals and higher education, and a deep passion for advancing talent development in healthcare, Geoffrey Roche brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation. In this episode, you'll discover how learning and development plays a crucial role in shaping the future-ready healthcare workforce, the unique challenges faced by frontline healthcare professionals, and why the industry is reimagining leadership development and talent pipelines. Geoffrey Roche shares powerful stories about the impact of great leaders, dives into the importance of connection, equity, and apprenticeship models, and discusses the evolving demands in healthcare and talent management. Whether you work in healthcare or are simply passionate about developing leaders, this episode offers practical insights and compelling strategies to help individuals and organizations thrive in today’s dynamic environment. Tune in and learn how transformational L&D can drive better culture, retention, and career mobility in healthcare and beyond! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why traditional approaches to healthcare leadership often fall short—and how to better prepare nurses and doctors for management roles.Real examples of inspiring executive leadership and the impact on retention, culture, and patient care.The importance of connecting learning initiatives to business strategy and organizational outcomes.Fresh solutions for delivering training to busy frontline healthcare workers (think microlearning and mobile-first!).The role of equity in workforce development and how to build pipelines for diverse future leaders.Trends to watch: AI in L&D, work-based learning, and the rising power of apprenticeship degrees. This episode is also sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Geoffrey Roche here: LinkedIn Order my new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon And my first book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, is on Amazon as well.

    41 min
  3. Seven Years, 600 Episodes: The Biggest Talent Development Lessons and What's Next

    NOV 25

    Seven Years, 600 Episodes: The Biggest Talent Development Lessons and What's Next

    Welcome to a milestone episode of The Talent Development Hot Seat! In this very special 600th episode, host Andy Storch reflects on the incredible journey of the podcast, which has been igniting conversations in the world of talent and learning development since 2018. Andy Storch takes us behind the scenes, sharing heartfelt gratitude for listeners, guests, sponsors, and the team members who've helped make the show a success. But this isn’t just a celebration—Andy Storch dives deep into the most powerful insights uncovered over the last 600 episodes. You’ll hear his top eight takeaways on the evolving talent landscape, from the importance of fostering a learning culture to the game-changing impact of AI, the shift toward skill-based organizations, and why human-centered leadership and career ownership are now essential. Plus, Andy Storch shares memorable quotes from standout guests and outlines what’s ahead for talent development in the coming years. Whether you’re a longtime listener or discovering the podcast for the first time, this episode is packed with actionable ideas, heartfelt stories, and a roadmap for the future of learning and development. Join Andy Storch as he celebrates this major milestone and looks forward to helping you and your organization thrive in the ever-changing world of work! Certainly! Here’s a comprehensive sequence of topics covered in this episode of The Talent Development Hot Seat podcast, with sub-topic bullets under each primary topic. This breakdown follows the episode’s flow and highlights the main insights and supporting details discussed by Andy Storch. KEY TOPICS: 1. Introduction and Milestone Celebration Acknowledgment of episode 600 and the podcast’s evolution since 2018Initial doubts and challenges when starting the podcast Growth into a vibrant community, conference, and ongoing conversations with top talent leaders 2. Podcast Structure and Guests Breakdown of solo vs. interview episodes (less than 10% solo)Types of guests: talent leaders, practitioners, gurus, authors, and sponsorsExpression of gratitude to listeners, guests, sponsors, and support staff 3. Recognizing Support and Production Team Shoutouts to editors, assistants, and virtual staff for helping sustain the podcastPersonal reflection on strengths and weaknesses in managing podcast details 4. Purpose of the Episode & Value to Audience Intention to share actionable insights for listeners—especially those in talent developmentExplanation about the method: reviewing recent episodes to find key trends and lessons 5. Eight Biggest Insights in Talent Development (Main Segment) Learning Culture is the Strategic Foundation Importance of fostering curiosity and growth mindsetRole of leadership in modeling and encouraging learningQuotes from guests emphasizing experiential and continuous learning Leadership Must Be Human, Authentic, and Vulnerable Shift from command-and-control to coaching and empathyEmployees’ desire for authenticity, transparency, and psychological safetySupporting quotes on modern leadership and human connection Career Ownership and Talent Mobility Are Now the Norm Rise of individual responsibility in career growthShift from linear career ladders to skill-based, lateral, and diagonal career movesOrganizations supporting internal mobility through marketplaces and stretch assignments L&D Must Become Data-Driven and Evidence-Based Emphasis on measuring business impact and connecting to

    54 min
  4. Talent Management vs. Development and the Impact of AI with Andrew Wilhelms from Databricks

    NOV 18

    Talent Management vs. Development and the Impact of AI with Andrew Wilhelms from Databricks

    In today’s episode, I'm talking with Andrew Wilhelms, VP of Talent Management at Databricks and a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience from organizations like Twilio and Tesla. In t his conversation, we explore the evolving world of talent development and break down the difference between building individual capabilities and managing organizational systems, and why understanding both is crucial in today’s dynamic business landscape. Andrew also shares insights from his unique journey, including how his philosophy background shaped his approach to leadership, what he believes actually transforms good teams into high-performing ones, and why the next wave of talent will require us all—no matter our title—to start thinking (and leading) like executives. They also dig into the impact of AI on both work and leadership, the importance of designing a positive employee experience, and practical ways to move beyond “knowing” to actually “doing” when it comes to developing great leaders. Key Notes and topics we cover in this episode: The Nature of LeadershipPreparing Future LeadersChallenges in Corporate LeadershipTalent Management vs. Talent DevelopmentThe Next Paradigm Shift in Talent: AIAI and Tools in Talent DevelopmentThe “Brickster Experience” at DatabricksPsychological Safety and Growth MindsetManager and Leadership Development ModelsCareer Development PhilosophyLessons Learned & ReflectionsTalent Development TrendsRecommended ResourcesCareer Advice for Talent Professionals This episode is also sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Andrew Wilhelms here: LinkedIn Order my new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon And my first book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, is on Amazon as well.

    1h 1m
  5. Unlocking Performance: The Power of Root Cause Analysis in Talent Development with Eric Nielsen

    NOV 11

    Unlocking Performance: The Power of Root Cause Analysis in Talent Development with Eric Nielsen

    Welcome back to The Talent Development Hot Seat! In today’s episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Eric Nielsen, founder and CEO of YUI Consulting. With over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies—including a 17-year stint at Verizon—Eric is a recognized expert in organizational development and leadership transformation. This episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of designing truly effective training and development programs. Eric shares powerful insights into trends like experiential learning, the importance of focusing on root causes rather than symptoms, and how to build a training culture that drives high performance—rather than delivering “flavor-of-the-month” programs that fade from memory. We’ll also hear about common pitfalls in change management, why many soft skills trainings only scratch the surface, and how Eric’s unique ADEPT framework is helping organizations achieve dramatically better results—in customer and employee experience, engagement, and hard metrics like cost savings. If you’re in talent development and want to move beyond order-taking to real business impact, or you’re curious about what makes learning stick for the long term, this conversation is packed with practical advice and bold challenges to rethink your approach. Ready to unlock the untapped performance hiding in your organization? Let’s jump into this enlightening conversation with Eric Nielsen. Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon Apply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! This episode is also sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Eric: Website I LinkedIn — They discuss: The biggest trends and opportunities in talent development, including experiential learning and the shift towards AI (Yes, it’s shaking things up!).Why so much corporate training fizzles out within months—and how to ensure learning lasts and drives real behavior change.The importance of focusing on root causes, not just surface-level issues, to create solutions employees truly run towards.Eric’s unique "ADEPT" framework for advanced soft skills and de-escalation—delivering powerful results like reduced escalations, higher employee engagement, and even fewer absences!The often-overlooked risks companies face when cutting back on training in uncertain times.The real reason employees resist change (spoiler: it’s not just “people hate change!”), and how leaders can effectively manage and communicate through organizational change.The staggering cost of delivering “okay” or generic training versus programs that create lasting WOW experiences. Eric challenges the industry to ditch checking the box on training hours and instead measure real outcomes—with the bold promise of guaranteed results....

    42 min
  6. Building Leadership and Culture: Molly Hill’s Insights from Disney, Starbucks, Airbnb, and Toast

    NOV 4

    Building Leadership and Culture: Molly Hill’s Insights from Disney, Starbucks, Airbnb, and Toast

    Welcome back to The Talent Development Hot Seat! In this episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Molly Hill, Global Head of Talent Development at Toast, for a lively and insightful conversation on the evolving landscape of talent development. Molly shares her fascinating career journey, from her early days at Disney and impactful roles at Microsoft, Starbucks, and Airbnb, to her current adventure at Toast—where she blends her professional passion with the hands-on experience of owning a bar in picturesque Lake Chelan, Washington. Together, Andy and Molly dig into the art and science of large-scale leadership development, codifying company values, and fostering a culture of connection in remote and in-person environments. Molly offers practical advice and lessons learned from orchestrating major events at Starbucks and spearheading innovative programs like the Leadership Lunchbox series and executive development initiatives at Toast. Plus, the conversation touches on the importance of behavior change, using marketing principles in L&D, and adapting to the growing influence of AI in HR—including hosting internal hackathons to inspire curiosity and collaboration. If you're ready for fresh ideas on building manager capability, driving career development, or creating memorable learning experiences, you won't want to miss this episode! Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon Apply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! This episode is also sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Molly: LinkedIn: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseat

    50 min
  7. Future-Proofing Your Career: Embracing AI and Building Your Brand

    OCT 28

    Future-Proofing Your Career: Embracing AI and Building Your Brand

    In today’s episode, host Andy Storch dives into one of the most pressing topics shaping careers and organizations right now: the rise of AI in career development. Andy explores how generative AI is not only transforming the way we work but also the way we identify, build, and leverage skills for the future. Whether you’re an individual looking to future-proof your career or a leader aiming to unlock new talent pathways within your organization, this conversation is packed with practical insights. Andy shares the latest AI-driven tools revolutionizing learning and development, offers actionable tips to stay ahead of disruption, and explains why owning your career journey, building authentic connections, and nurturing your personal brand have never been more important. Plus, he outlines the three essential habits you can adopt today to set yourself up for long-term success in an AI-powered world. Join us as we tackle the opportunities—and challenges—AI brings and learn how you can thrive now and in the years to come. Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon Apply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! This episode is sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. This episode is also sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseat Try Mento for coaching For coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co

    25 min
  8. Leading Talent Transformation and AI Adoption at eBay with Danielle Clark

    OCT 21

    Leading Talent Transformation and AI Adoption at eBay with Danielle Clark

    Welcome back to The Talent Development Hot Seat podcast! In today’s episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Danielle Clark, VP of Talent and Head of Global Talent Strategy at eBay, for a practical and insightful exploration of the future of work and talent management. Danielle, a seasoned leader with more than 15 years of industry experience, shares her journey from recruitment in London to spearheading major talent transformations at eBay and other Fortune 500 companies. This episode dives into Danielle’s blueprint for building a unified talent ecosystem—connecting talent acquisition, development, and management under one strategic umbrella. Learn how she’s championed data-driven approaches, scalable learning initiatives, and internal mobility to keep eBay’s workforce agile, empowered, and ready for what’s next. Danielle also reveals eBay’s tactics for upskilling employees, the impact of live and on-demand learning, and how integrating AI into talent development is reshaping everything from recruitment to coaching. For talent leaders eager to drive sustainable change, Danielle shares actionable advice on sponsorship, communications, and building cross-functional teams. Whether you’re in HR, L&D, or simply passionate about helping people grow, you’ll find tons of value in this candid conversation. Ready to rethink talent development and get inspired to tackle the tough challenges? Let’s jump into the conversation with Danielle Clark. Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on Amazon Apply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community! This episode is sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. This episode is also sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedIn Connect with Danielle: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Try Mento for coaching For coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseat

    47 min
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4.9
out of 5
132 Ratings

About

The Talent Development Hot Seat podcast is a show dedicated to helping you develop the most important part of your organization – the people! Each week, Andy shares interviews with Talent Development professionals, thought leaders, and experts to share best practices, learn about the latest trends and find out what has been successful in the world of talent development. This podcast and community are designed to enable you to be successful in the world of Talent Development. If you work in Learning and Development (L&D) this is the podcast for you Be sure to check out our website and join our membership community to learn more and connect with other exceptional talent development professionals. http://www.talentdevelopmenthotseat.com/

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