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

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

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

Today is March 17, 2026, and I am officially turning 46. I wanted to take a moment to step away from the "hustle" and the constant drive for the next goal to simply say thank you. Thank you for listening, for being part of my network, and for allowing me to share my journey with you.I’m recording this from my home in Spain, with my dog at my feet and my family nearby, feeling incredibly lucky—but also incredibly proud of the progress I’ve made.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.

In this episode Andy Storch explores the rapidly changing world of HR technology with guest Phil Strazzulla, founder of Select Software Reviews. Phil shares his journey from venture capital to HR tech, the story behind SSR, and how the platform helps HR teams confidently choose the right software at no cost. Together, they discuss key trends like platform consolidation, AI’s growing role, and adaptive learning in L&D, along with practical advice on evaluating tools, building a business case, and ensuring successful implementation—plus live insights from Christopher McCormick.So if you're wrestling with vendor choices, striving for better ROI from your HR platforms, or curious about where HR tech is headed, you won't want to miss this episode!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 Phil Strazzulla: LinkedInConnect with Christopher McCormick: LinkedInConnect with Emma Strong: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Thanks for listeningThanks again for listening. You can find more information about me and everything I do on my website: andystorch.com

Today I'm sharing a short solo episode from my other podcast, The Andy Storch Show, all about the trade-offs between collaborating or working alone. I was reflecting on this beacuse how different it has been working on books on my own vs. with a partner. I wonder if you can relate. You can listen to more episodes on The Andy Storch Show now on Apple or Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. You can also find more insights and sign up for our newsletter at: http://www.talentdevelopmenthotseat.com/

Subscribe to The Andy Storch Show on Apple or Spotify You can learn more about the Talent Development Think Tank Community here 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.

Welcome to the first episode of 2026 on The Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast! Join host Andy Storch for a solo deep dive into the six (plus a bonus!) biggest trends shaping talent development this year and beyond.In this episode, Andy Storch shares actionable insights and strategies informed by countless conversations with industry leaders—and even some innovative advising from his custom ChatGPT! Discover what organizations, L&D teams, and individual professionals MUST focus on to thrive in a rapidly evolving workplace.What you'll learn:Why "AI readiness" is about more than just tools—and how to create a growth mindset for tech adoption.The shift from roles to skills: How to actually execute as a skills-based organization (not just talk about it).Career ownership as the new retention strategy—in a world where promotions are slower and organizations are flatter.Coaching at scale: Managers as key drivers of employee engagement, performance, and growth.How L&D professionals can move from content creators to strategic business advisors.The essential role of personal brand—why visibility and reputation inside organizations are now business assets.BONUS: Why human skills will be the ultimate differentiator in a tech-dominated future.This episode is packed with real-world examples, practical frameworks, and resources for anyone responsible for talent development—or those simply interested in owning their career amid change.Grab the quick one-sheet summary of these 2026 trends at:https://talentdevelopmenthotseat.com/Hit ‘Subscribe’ for more expert discussions, practical strategies, and future-focused talent development insights!Talent Development, L&D, Learning and Development, Andy Storch, Future of Work, AI Readiness, Career Ownership, Coaching at Scale, Skills-Based Organization, Personal Brand, Employee Engagement, HR Trends, Workplace Innovation, Human Skills, Strategic Advisor, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Career Growth, Professional Development, Organizational Culture, Retention Strategies, Corporate Learning, Amazon, Allstate, BetterUp, ATD PressConnect with Andy:Website: https://andystorch.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andystorch/My books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Andy-Storch/author/B08NF9QPFY?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1767699536&sr=8-2&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

I’m excited to share a special highlight from The Talent Development Hot Seat podcast perfect for anyone passionate about building thriving workplaces, authentic leadership, and truly inclusive cultures.Since this is a holiday week and many of us (myself included) are taking some well-earned downtime, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to revisit the archives and reshare a few of our most popular and impactful episodes. Today’s feature is one I found especially meaningful and insightful: my conversation with my friend Claude Silver, originally released as Episode 365 in January 2023.Claude is on a mission to spread what she calls “emotional optimism,” which is simply an awareness that we have the capacity to influence how we think and how we feel.In this episode, you’ll hear:The mission of Vayner Media and what the term Honey Empire means to Claude Silver.How you can move away from leading with fear and instead leading with honey in your organization.Why safety in an organization is vital for employees to bring their authentic selves to work.What emotional optimism is, why it’s important in the workplace and what toxic positivity is.The definition of radical inclusion and how it can help others find their voices to participate in the conversation.A preview of Claude’s talk about building a culture of belonging and bravery at the upcoming Talent Development Think Tank Conference.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.Order my new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonAnd my first book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, is on Amazon as well. Here is the link to the YouTube channel of Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast.Connect with Andy Storch here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Claude Silver: LinkedIn | Website

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 GroupOrder my new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonAnd 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 | LinkedInConnect with Shrikant: Website I LinkedIn

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 CelebrationAcknowledgment of episode 600 and the podcast’s evolution since 2018Initial doubts and challenges when starting the podcastGrowth into a vibrant community, conference, and ongoing conversations with top talent leaders2. Podcast Structure and GuestsBreakdown 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 staff3. Recognizing Support and Production TeamShoutouts to editors, assistants, and virtual staff for helping sustain the podcastPersonal reflection on strengths and weaknesses in managing podcast details4. Purpose of the Episode & Value to AudienceIntention to share actionable insights for listeners—especially those in talent developmentExplanation about the method: reviewing recent episodes to find key trends and lessons5. Eight Biggest Insights in Talent Development (Main Segment)Learning Culture is the Strategic FoundationImportance of fostering curiosity and growth mindsetRole of leadership in modeling and encouraging learningQuotes from guests emphasizing experiential and continuous learningLeadership Must Be Human, Authentic, and VulnerableShift from command-and-control to coaching and empathyEmployees’ desire for authenticity, transparency, and psychological safetySupporting quotes on modern leadership and human connectionCareer Ownership and Talent Mobility Are Now the NormRise 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 assignmentsL&D Must Become Data-Driven and Evidence-BasedEmphasis on measuring business impact and connecting to KPIsNeed for strategic alignment and moving beyond anecdotal evidenceRecommendations for L&D leaders to be strategic business partnersOnboarding and Employee Experience are Strategic LeversOnboarding’s impact on satisfaction, retention, and performanceData-driven improvements and examples from guest organizationsImportance of early connection and experience managementAI and Skills-Based Organizations are Reshaping EverythingIntegration of AI in learning, coaching, content creation, and talent developmentMovement towards skills over job titles and traditional rolesUrgency for organizations and individuals to embrace and learn AI toolsHuman Skills, Inclusion, and Wellbeing as Competitive AdvantagesGrowing value of empathy, creativity, adaptability, and inclusion in the age of automationWell-being and belonging drive performance, retention, and engagementAddressing burnout and focusing on whole-person developmentL&D Must Be Agile and Do More With LessResponse to shrinking teams and budgets: being resourceful, creative, and partnership-orientedImpact of strategic alignment and external partners on L&D’s effectivenessExamples of small teams leveraging industry networks and vendors6. Future Trends for Talent Development (2026 and Beyond)AI-infused Talent Development and Skills MarketplacesAcceleration of personalized, adaptive learning journeys via AISkills intelligence and talent mobility powered by new technologiesLeadership for UncertaintyEmphasis on resilience, adaptability, and comfort with ambiguity in leadersMeasurement-Focused, Results-Driven L&DHeightened expectations to demonstrate ROI and business resultsInclusive, Human-Centric LearningEmbedding inclusion and belonging into all aspects of talent managementCareer Ownership and MobilityGrowth of platforms and systems supporting employee-led career developmentAgile L&D Teams and EcosystemsIncreasing reliance on curation, partnership, and strategic focusOnboarding and Employee ExperienceEmployee experience recognized as a strategic business priority7. Reflections and the Podcast’s FutureAndy Storch's personal journey: growth, connection, and contribution through hostingReminder of the importance of environments, leaders, and opportunities for developmentInvitation for feedback on the podcast’s direction and mention of upcoming changes8. Resources for ListenersAnnouncement of a downloadable guide summarizing episode insightsOffer for speaking engagements and further support to organizations9. Closing Thoughts and AppreciationExpression of gratitude to listeners, sponsors, guests, and the broader communityEncouragement for ongoing learning, growth, and gratitude in career and lifeThis episode thoroughly covers both the evolution of the podcast and current trends shaping the field of talent development, with a strong focus on practical insights, future direction, and community acknowledgment. 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 | LinkedInOrder my new book, Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonAnd my first book, Own Your Career Own Your Life, is on Amazon as well. Mentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseat

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 AmazonApply 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 | LinkedInConnect 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. If you want to know how to get employees excited about training, make learning stick, and drive business results your execs can't ignore, you’ll love this episode!—#talentdevelopment #leadership #changemanagement #training #learninganddevelopment #L&D #organizationaldevelopment #employeeengagement #businesssuccess #softskills #AI #trainingresults #futureofwork #andystorch #YUIConsulting #ADEPTframeworkMentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseat

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 AmazonApply 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 | LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseatTry Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co

Welcome back to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast! In today’s episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Dr. Colin Fisher, Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at University College London’s School of Management, to dive deep into the hidden processes that make teams—and organizations—thrive. From his unique journey as a professional jazz musician to becoming a renowned researcher on group dynamics and creativity, Colin shares insights from his latest book, The Collective: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups.Together, Andy and Colin explore why we’re so attached to the myth of the lone genius, what most team-building exercises are getting wrong, and how the structure of a team—right from its inception—can make or break its success. Drawing from science, real-world examples, and personal experience, they break down the essential elements for building high-performing, synergistic teams, and discuss practical strategies for leadership, rewards, and navigating the post-Covid world of remote and hybrid teamwork.Whether you’re a talent development professional, team leader, or just passionate about helping people and organizations achieve more together, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking research you won’t want to miss!Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply 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 | LinkedInConnect with Colin: LinkedIn: LinkedInKeynotes:1. Colin’s Professional Journey and Origins in Collective Intelligence2. Studying Teams: Gaps and Structural Issues3. The Structural Foundations of Team Performance4. The Myth of the Lone Genius and Value of Teams5. Balancing Individual Recognition with Team Success6. The Science of Team Building: What Works and What Doesn't7. Creating Synergistic Teams8. Practical Guidance for Talent Development Professionals9. Harnessing Competition within Teams10. Managing Remote and Hybrid Teams11. Leadership and Coaching Impact on Group SuccessMentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseatTry Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co