FutureMakers Talent Talk

Tessa Lesage
  • 5.0 (10)
  • CAREERS
FutureMakers Talent Talk

FutureMakers Talent Talk

  1. Unlocking Talent with Unique Abilities — Expanding Opportunities and Building Stronger Career Pathways

    JUL 10

    Unlocking Talent with Unique Abilities — Expanding Opportunities and Building Stronger Career Pathways

    In this episode, we speak with Christian Zimmerman, a national leader in education and workforce development, about how individuals with unique abilities are redefining talent in today’s job market. Drawing on his experience at the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and his work on national postsecondary transition programs, Christian shares real stories and actionable strategies for educators, employers, and training providers. Discover why hiring people with diverse abilities is not only meaningful but also a smart move for any organization. Learn what sets Florida’s FPCTPs apart, how career and technical education programs are creating hands-on learning opportunities, and how every employer can help build a broader, more capable workforce. Whether you're just beginning to explore these ideas or are already supporting a more accessible workplace, Christian’s insights will offer practical guidance and fresh perspective.

    41 min
  2. The Future of Work: Resilience in Design, Construction, and Community

    JUN 16

    The Future of Work: Resilience in Design, Construction, and Community

    In this episode of Talent Talk, we sit down with Jeff Carney, Director of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) at the University of Florida, to explore how the concepts of resilience are reshaping careers in design, construction, and planning. From shifting skill sets and cross-disciplinary collaboration to the growing importance of community-engaged learning, Jeff shares insights on what the workforce of the future needs to thrive in an era of increasing environmental and social challenges. Whether you're a student, educator, or industry professional, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can build both stronger communities—and stronger career pathways—for the long term.

    49 min
  3. Second Chances and New Foundations: Paul’s Story

    MAY 27

    Second Chances and New Foundations: Paul’s Story

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul, a resilient entrepreneur and tradesman whose journey from addiction and incarceration to owning a growing plumbing and contracting business is nothing short of inspiring. Paul opens up about the struggles he faced, the turning point that changed everything, and how support from the Navigator program helped him rebuild—not just his career, but his life. From navigating reentry and family responsibilities to chasing big dreams and staying grounded, Paul shares what keeps him motivated and how he hopes his story inspires others who are searching for a second chance. If you’ve ever felt stuck or hopeless, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

    25 min
  4. Weathering the Storm: Building Workforce Resilience and Community Empathy

    MAY 5

    Weathering the Storm: Building Workforce Resilience and Community Empathy

    When disaster strikes, it doesn’t just impact buildings — it shakes the very foundation of our communities and workplaces. In this episode, we sit down with Chapman Insurance Group to explore how organizations can foster employee resilience and strengthen community empathy in the face of storms and crises. We’ll discuss practical strategies to prepare teams ahead of disasters, ways to support employees and employers through business disruptions and job losses, and how collaboration can rebuild a stronger, more connected workforce after the storm has passed. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about community recovery, this conversation offers critical insights on turning trials into transformative growth.

    45 min
  5. Workforce Development: Barriers to training don't have to prevent you from starting a great career

    10/25/2024

    Workforce Development: Barriers to training don't have to prevent you from starting a great career

    April Mesa and Africa Newby are Navigators within the FutureMakers Coalition. As Navigators, Mesa and Newby work with adults who want to gain new job skills and expand their career possibilities, assisting with everything from exploring options to completing degrees. On today’s episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the work of Navigators, the most common barriers they find people struggling with, and how they help individuals to overcome. We also share testimonies of the impactful work happening within this program.

  6. Workforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry County

    10/25/2024

    Workforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry County

    Michael Swindle is the Superintendent of Hendry County Schools, a rural school district serving over 13,000 students. On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the areas Swindell is working to grow in Hendry County, namely early learning, graduation rates, transportation and housing. We discuss HCSD’s workforce development initiatives and ways the district helps students make informed decisions about their future careers by incorporating career exploration and guidance into the K-12 curriculum.

    43 min
  7. Student Voices: Reconnecting with education to achieve a dream

    10/25/2024

    Student Voices: Reconnecting with education to achieve a dream

    24-year-old Junson Francois is a first-generation Haitian American who was born in Miami, Florida and raised in Lee County. Junson, who worked with a FutureMakers Navigator to reconnect with education to get into the career of his dreams, is currently a probationary firefighter with North Fort Myers Fire Department. On this episode of Talent Talk we discuss Junson’s story, the challenges he faced growing up and what advice he has for others facing similar things, as well as what led him to begin serving as a firefighter.

    22 min
  8. Workforce Development: Giving second chancers an opportunity to succeed

    10/25/2024

    Workforce Development: Giving second chancers an opportunity to succeed

    Neil Volz is the Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC). On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the importance of helping individuals who have been previously incarcerated to find meaningful careers and to help educate employers on the benefits and practical implications of Second Chance hiring. Neil has more than 25 years of experience working as a public servant and community advocate. He recently helped lead the passage of Amendment 4, ending the lifetime ban on voting for people with past convictions in the state of Florida and restoring voting eligibility for 1.4 million people, representing the largest expansion of US democracy in a generation. Neil previously worked towards voter accessibility in Washington DC and has served in a variety of non-profit and entrepreneurial capacities.

    44 min
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About

FutureMakers Talent Talk

Information

  • Creator
    Tessa Lesage
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 FutureMakers Talent Talk
  • Show Website
    FutureMakers Talent Talk

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