The Talent Development Hot Seat - The #1 podcast for L&D Professionals

Andy Storch
  • 4.9 (132)
  • Management
  • Updated Semiweekly

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. Is AI Fluency Is the New Microsoft Office Proficiency?

    2d ago

    Is AI Fluency Is the New Microsoft Office Proficiency?

    In this solo episode, Andy Storch makes the case for why AI fluency isn't optional — it's the new baseline for employability. While the macro debates around AI (government regulation, ethics, AGI timelines) are worth following, Andy argues that the wave is coming regardless. The real question is: will you be ready? Andy draws a powerful analogy between the early days of listing "proficient in Microsoft Office" on a résumé and what AI proficiency means for today's workforce — except the stakes are exponentially higher. He shares what he's hearing from talent development professionals, company leaders, and frontline employees, and explains why the biggest gap isn't technology — it's adoption. He also shares exciting news: Andy is launching an AI Kickstarter Workshop (available this fall) — a hands-on 90-minute session designed to get teams not just learning about AI, but actually using it and producing real output during the session. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Why the AI wave is happening whether we embrace it or not — and why that matters for L&DThe Microsoft Office analogy: how AI proficiency today mirrors a skill that once set candidates apart on résumésWhat Andy is hearing from leaders and talent development professionals about low AI adoption ratesThe "60% in the middle" — why most employees aren't anti-AI, they just don't know where to startWhy employees who avoid AI fluency risk being left behind in hiring — and what you can do about itHow organizations are paying for AI licenses that no one is using, and what to do insteadThe two types of speaking engagements Andy is now booking around AI enablement and career ownershipDetails on Andy's upcoming AI Kickstarter Workshop — a 90-minute session to get your team actually using AI tools Resources & Links Mentioned: Andy's website: andystorch.comEmail Andy directly: andy@andystorch.comAI tools mentioned: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini Work With Andy: Ready to get your team AI-fluent? Andy is booking two types of engagements: AI Kickstarter Workshop — A 90-minute hands-on session to get your team using AI tools and producing real output. Available this fall.Career Ownership & AI Keynote — For teams that have already started AI training but need a session on owning their careers and taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them. Reach out at andy@andystorch.com or visit andystorch.com. About The Talent Development Hot Seat: Hosted by Andy Storch, this podcast connects talent development professionals with insights, ideas, and inspiration to grow their careers and their organizations. With over 600 episodes published since 2018, the Hot Seat is your resource for what's next in L&D.

    15 min
  2. The New Employee Contract: Why Career Growth and Transparency Matter More Than Ever with Tatiana G

    Jun 16

    The New Employee Contract: Why Career Growth and Transparency Matter More Than Ever with Tatiana G

    In this episode, Tatiana Goldberg shares insights from more than 20 years in HR, talent management, and leadership development. She explores how the employer-employee relationship is evolving, why career growth has become the most important retention factor, and how organizations must rethink talent mobility, leadership development, and performance management in a rapidly changing world. Tatiana also discusses the impact of AI on early-career talent, the importance of business acumen for talent professionals, and why performance management systems are among the strongest drivers of organizational culture. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes that behind every business challenge lies a talent challenge—and that talent leaders sit at the center of business success. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon. Connect Tatiana Goldberg: linkedin

    38 min
  3. Leadership Development Lessons from Nike, Google, and Amazon with Vic Smith

    Jun 2

    Leadership Development Lessons from Nike, Google, and Amazon with Vic Smith

    Andy Storch sits down with leadership development expert Vic Smith to unpack what truly makes great managers and high-performing workplace cultures. Drawing from leadership development experience at Nike, Google, and Amazon, Vic shares why most leadership training programs fail, how organizations can actually drive behavior change, and why investing in managers is now a business imperative. The conversation explores modern leadership challenges, the impact of AI on management, culture transformation, coaching conversations, career development, and the critical role managers play in employee engagement and retention. If you lead people, build leadership programs, or work in learning & development, this episode is packed with actionable insights for building stronger leaders in today’s evolving workplace. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon. Connect with Vic Smith: LinkedIn

    34 min
  4. How Sanjit Kaur is Transforming HR Through Culture, Leadership & Employee Experience at Cox Automotive UK

    May 19

    How Sanjit Kaur is Transforming HR Through Culture, Leadership & Employee Experience at Cox Automotive UK

    Andy Storch sits down with Sanjit Kaur to discuss how modern HR leaders can drive business transformation through culture, leadership development, and intentional employee experience. Sanjit shares her journey from frontline contact center roles into executive HR leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business, speaking the language of leadership, and aligning people strategy with organizational growth. Throughout the conversation, Sanjit explores how Cox Automotive is transforming its HR function through technology modernization, inclusive people practices, leadership development programs, and investment in future workforce skills. She highlights the importance of creating safe spaces, empowering middle managers, building a strong learning culture, and preparing employees for the evolving impact of AI and digital transformation. The discussion ultimately centers on one key message: intentional cultures and continuous learning are essential for building engaged teams and future-ready organizations. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon. Connect with Sanjit Kaur: LinkedIn

    39 min
  5. Building Leadership Stability and Neuro Resilience with Angus Nelson

    May 5

    Building Leadership Stability and Neuro Resilience with Angus Nelson

    Andy Storch speaks with Angus Nelson about why many high-performing leaders feel stuck in today’s fast-changing environment, despite having the experience and capability to succeed. They explore how traditional approaches like pushing harder and doing more are no longer effective as pressure, complexity, and expectations continue to rise. Angus explains that the real challenge is not effort, but internal capacity, and how an outdated “operating system” shaped by past experiences can limit how leaders think, respond, and perform. The conversation also dives into the role of identity and mindset in leadership growth, emphasizing that success at the next level requires becoming a different version of yourself. In addition, they highlight the importance of nervous system regulation, showing how stress and reactivity can impact decision-making and communication. Together, these insights offer a practical perspective on how leaders can stay clear, adapt to change, and perform more effectively under sustained pressure. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon. Connect with Angus Nelson: LinkedIn

    37 min
  6. Leadership, Culture, and Career Mobility with Johanna Hummer, VP of Global People Success at Opella

    Apr 21

    Leadership, Culture, and Career Mobility with Johanna Hummer, VP of Global People Success at Opella

    Andy Storch speaks with Johanna Hummer, VP of Global People Success at Opella, about building a new company culture after its spin-off from Sanofi. They explore the challenges and opportunities of transformation, the importance of leadership and well-being, and how Opella is evolving its talent and learning strategies. Johanna also shares her passion for developing young and female leaders in today’s workplace. You’ll gain practical insights on navigating large-scale change, fostering an inclusive culture, and preparing teams for the future of work. Whether you’re a leader or an individual contributor, this conversation offers valuable takeaways to support your growth. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon. Connect with Johanna Hummer: LinkedIn

    37 min
  7. Transforming Meetings and Management with Mamie Stewart: Practical Insights for Modern Leaders

    Apr 7

    Transforming Meetings and Management with Mamie Stewart: Practical Insights for Modern Leaders

    In this episode, Andy Storch sits down with Mamie Kanfer Stewart—founder of Meteor and The Modern Manager, executive coach, and author of Momentum. With nearly two decades of experience, she shares practical insights on improving management, meetings, and workplace dynamics. They dive into one of the biggest workplace challenges: meetings—what makes them effective versus time-wasting, and how to set clear outcomes while involving the right people. Mamie also explores what it means to be a modern manager, from leading remote teams and navigating cultural differences to building essential skills like feedback, delegation, and conflict management. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon. Connect With Mamie Kanfer Stewart: LinkedIn

    37 min
  8. Empowering Employees to Own Their Careers and Brands with Maura Lemon, The Talent Whisperer

    Mar 24

    Empowering Employees to Own Their Careers and Brands with Maura Lemon, The Talent Whisperer

    In this episode of Talent Development Hot Seat, host Andy Storch speaks with Maura Lemon, known as the “Talent Whisperer,” who leads Learning and Development at FDH Aero and serves as president of ATD Los Angeles. With a background that includes Disney and executive recruiting, Maura shares her unique journey into talent development and how she built her personal brand. She introduces her RAD Talent framework—Resilient, Adaptable, and Driven—and explains how organizations can recruit, develop, and retain strong talent. Maura also discusses the importance of creating a supportive learning culture, empowering employees to take ownership of their careers, leveraging internal talent, and preparing for the growing influence of AI. She highlights why psychological safety and effective leadership are key to helping both people and organizations succeed. I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon. Connect with Maura Lemon: LinkedIn Mentioned in this episode: Thanks for listening Thanks again for listening. You can find more information about me and everything I do on my website: andystorch.com

    41 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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