Tune into The Training Associates (TTA) “Bring Out the Talent” podcast to hear from learning and development talent and partners on their innovative approaches and industry insights. In each episode, TTA’s CEO, Maria Melfa, and Talent Manager, Jocelyn Allen will chat with subject matter experts and bring you casual, yet insightful conversations. Maria and Jocelyn use their unique blend of industry experience and humor to interview the L&D industry’s most influential people, latest topics, an ...
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Our podcast is designed for business leaders, managers, consultants, industry experts, and individuals who are passionate about driving change and promoting growth in their organisations or personal development. Each episode will delve into crucial topics such as mindset recalibration, visibility, and strategic planning. We will have insightful conversations about change management and innovative initiatives that can transform your approach to learning and development. Our aim is to equip yo ...
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Living with disability can be hard. People living with disability need to do all the same things as people who do not have disabilities, but must figure out a different way to do them. Dissing My Ability podcast is about helping removing shame, feelings of "otherness," and of feeling alone in disability. Every week guests share in how disability has affected their life, the ups and downs. But more importantly, we focus on how individuals living with disability are rock-stars, and how their d ...
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Curiosity in Practice: Coaching Meets Training
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5:04If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie take a closer look at Curiosity, what it means, how it shows up in their work and why it matters more than ever. While they approach it from different angles, Julia through coaching and Valerie through IT training, they…
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From Saving Lives to Leading Teams: Ashley Brice on Mastering High-Stakes Communication
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46:04If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E9 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Ashley Brice, a former military police officer, police negotiator, and now a highly sought-after communication and leadership expert. Ashley’s journey spans from handling covert police operatio…
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AI Meets L&D: Unlocking the Potential of Personalized Learning
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57:02In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we explore the powerful intersection of artificial intelligence and learning and development with Margie Meacham. Margie is the renowned author of AI in Talent Development, learning consultant, and a global expert in applying neuroscience and AI to transform education and performance. Margie shares how AI is…
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Is Your Story Landing? Why Perception Shapes Opportunity
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6:43If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this reflective bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill is joined by co-host and executive career transition coach Julia Bend to unpack the real impact of perception during times of change. It’s not just about your experience, it’s about how others interpr…
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Mastering Workplace Harmony: Proactive Conflict Resolution with Nicole Posner
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32:24If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E8 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Nicole Posner, an expert mediator and executive conflict coach. With a background in PR and psychology, Nicole shares how her early experiences in a toxic work environment inspired her to specialise …
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Bonus Episode: Bespoke Training – Why It’s More Than Just ‘How-To’
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6:13If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special fireside edition of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia hands the mic to co-host Valerie Merrill for an expert deep dive into the world of bespoke training. If you’ve ever been involved in rolling out a customised system, you’ll know it’s far from straightforward. V…
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Brad Borkan - Decisions Under Pressure: What Antarctic Explorers Teach Us About Leadership and Resilience
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32:33If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E7 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia welcome Brad Borkan, an author and decision-making expert with a unique approach to leadership inspired by history. Brad’s career spans from roles at tech giants like SAP and Oracle to becoming a published a…
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Cyber Security Essentials with Valerie Merrill: How to Stay Safe Online
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11:32If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and co-host Valerie Merrill dive into the crucial topic of cyber security awareness for end users. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, understanding the risks and how to safeguard yourself is more important than …
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Strategies to Enhance Your Team’s Decision-Making Skills
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48:39Great teams make great decisions when they’re empowered to do so. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we welcome Chris Seifert, founder of Enabling Empowerment and author of Enabling Empowerment: A Leadership Playbook for Ending Micromanagement and Empowering Decision-Makers. Together, we discuss how leaders can foster shared leadership, empow…
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Breaking Barriers, Leading Change: I.Stephanie Boyce on Resilience, Leadership & Social Mobility
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34:43If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this powerful episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we welcome I. Stephanie Boyce, a trailblazer in the legal profession and a relentless advocate for social justice, equality, diversity, inclusion, and social mobility. As the first person of colour to become President of the…
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From Experience to Opportunity: Julia Bend on Making Your Skills Work for You
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9:08If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend explore one of the most critical yet overlooked elements of career success, leveraging transferable skills. Whether you're considering a career shift or looking to elevate your leade…
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Glen Williamson Reveals the Secret to Building Unbreakable Client Bonds
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36:56If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E5 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Glen Williamson, a visionary sales coach with nearly four decades of experience. Glen has transformed the concept of selling, introducing an approach he calls coach-based selling, which combines hu…
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M365 Copilot: Your AI Assistant for a Smarter Workday
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7:34If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie explore Copilot for Microsoft 365, an AI-powered assistant designed to help professionals work smarter, not harder. Valerie explains how M365 Copilot enhances productivity by automating repetitive tasks, managing em…
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AI to Improve Learning and Development Outcomes
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44:28In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we chat with Kayvon Touran, Co-Founder and CEO of Zal.AI, to explore how AI is transforming Learning & Development. Kayvon has been at the forefront of reshaping training strategies, leveraging AI to enhance personalization, engagement, and measurable business impact. Tune in as we discuss: ✅ How AI is revol…
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Redefining Learning: Donald Taylor on Networks, Technology, and the Future of L&D
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33:38If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E4 In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Donald Taylor, Chair of the Learning Technologies Conference and a pioneering thought leader in the L&D field. With a career spanning decades, Donald reflects on how his early decisions and exper…
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Feeling Stuck in Your Career? It Might Be Time to Move On
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11:49If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie and Julia shine a light on a career dilemma many professionals face but rarely discuss: the hidden costs of staying in a role for too long. What happens when comfort turns into stagnation? Julia, an Executive Ca…
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Unlocking Client Attraction: Henriette Danel on Energy Alignment and Strategic Growth
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28:57
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28:57If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E3 - In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development hosts Valerie and Julia welcome Henriette Danel, an award-winning business coach, client attraction specialist, TEDx speaker, and host of the Entrepreneurial Success Podcast. Henriette shares her journey from interior design t…
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Beyond the Basics, Transform Your Workflow with Excel 365
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6:08If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, I’m joined by my co-host Valerie, founder and MD of Merrill Consultants, as she reveals the untapped potential of Excel 365. Drawing on over 30 years of training experience, Valerie explains transformative features like XLOOKUP, dyna…
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Mental Wellness in the Workplace: Supporting Millennial and Gen Z Employees
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44:05Anxiety has become a pervasive issue, especially among younger generations. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, nearly 62% of Millennials report feeling overwhelmed by stress, and Gen Z-ers are not far behind at 59%. These statistics highlight the pressing need to address mental health challenges in our workplaces and comm…
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Leading with Laughter: Em Stroud on Creativity, Impact, and Authentic Leadership
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26:47If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E2 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Em Stroud, a multi-talented leadership coach, performer, and podcaster known for her unique blend of comedy, business expertise, and authentic storytelling. Em shares her inspiring journey from…
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Futurist Tom Cheesewright on Bridging the Skills Gap and Embracing Change
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36:28If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E1 - In this insightful episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are excited to welcome Tom Cheesewright, a futurist, author, and commentator on the future of work. Known for his compelling take on tomorrow's world, Tom helps organisations and individuals navigate a rapidly chang…
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Season 2 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived!
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6:32If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Join hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend as they dive even deeper into the inspiring, the innovative, and the transformative. This season brings you more real stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking moments from leaders shaping the future of learning and growth. From mastering career…
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Julia Unlocks Career Satisfaction Through Core Values
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13:02If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we’re joined by Julia, my co-host and founder of Premier Coaching, who brings her expertise in helping individuals align their careers with their core values. She explores the transformative impact of understanding and prioritising v…
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Harnessing Technology for Continuous Learning and Development
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27:46In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re diving into the transformative power of technology in employee learning and development. Our guest, Bonnie Anderson, Founder and President of Anderson Training and Development, brings her wealth of expertise in instructional design, project management, and technology integration to the conversation. To…
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Unlocking Growth: Paul Mills on Mastering Strategic Marketing, Fractional Leadership, and Building a Personal Brand
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40:03If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E12 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Paul Mills, a seasoned leader with a diverse background spanning pharmaceutical, corporate finance, and now the entrepreneurial world as a fractional CMO. Paul shares his personal journey of…
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How SharePoint Transforms Collaboration and Productivity
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7:30If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we’re joined by Valerie, my co-host and founder of Merrill Consultants, who shares her expertise in transforming team collaboration and productivity through SharePoint. She explores the common challenges faced by organisations, from …
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Unlocking the Secrets: Season 1 Highlights of The Secrets of Learning and Development
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10:36If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Season 1 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! Join hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend on a journey through the unexpected, the inspiring, and the game-changing. With real stories, actionable insights, and jaw-dropping moments from industry leaders, this season uncovers wh…
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Embracing Failure: How Leaders Can Transform Setbacks into Stepping Stones
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50:21In a world where the fear of failure often hinders progress, embracing and learning from our mistakes has become crucial for both personal and professional growth. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we chat with Jordan George, an award-winning HR leader, to explore how embracing failure can drive personal and professional growth. Jordan share…
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Unlocking Media Visibility: Marina Gask on Elevating Your Profile and Crafting Compelling Stories
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27:08If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E11 -In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Marina Gask, a distinguished journalist, magazine editor, and visibility coach with over 35 years of experience. Marina shares her extensive knowledge on press and visibility, offering valuable ins…
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Championing Diversity: Mo Kanjilal’s Blueprint for Inclusive Workplaces
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30:06If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E10 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Mo Kanjilal, a dynamic leader in diversity, inclusion, and leadership. Mo shares her personal journey from growing up as a shy child in East Anglia to becoming a TEDx speaker, award-winning …
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Unlocking the Power of Voice: Anne Leatherland’s Expertise in Building Confidence and Personal Growth
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46:17If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E9 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Anne Leatherland, a dynamic professional with a unique blend of expertise in science, music, and coaching. Anne shares her fascinating journey from teaching chemistry to becoming a voice coac…
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Strategies for Building a Thriving Workplace Culture
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49:05Workplace culture is a critical factor in modern business success. Engaged employees can boost performance by 202%, while disengaged employees lead to costly turnover—around $2.9 million per day for U.S. companies. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by Dr. Mechelle Roberthon, a CPTD and expert in workplace culture strategy. We’ll…
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Let's Get Visible! : Sapna Pieroux’s Secrets to Building Your Personal and Business Brand
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48:30If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E8 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie are joined by Sapna Pieroux, a leading expert in brand, and a multi-award-winning entrepreneur. Sapna shares her journey from a successful corporate career in media and marketing to today, where she now he…
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Episode 10: Dissing My Ability w guest Meryl Evans S2 E10
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26:32Welcome to Dissing My Ability, a podcast focused in removing shame and stigma associated with disability. Host, Ken Meeker is joined by Meryl K. Evans, CPACC. Meryl is an acclaimed professional speaker and trainer, accessibility marketing consultant, author of Brilliant Outlook Pocketbook and the co-author of Adapting to Web Standards: CSS and Ajax…
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Transforming Leadership: Charles McLachlan on Experiential Learning and CEO Growth
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41:45If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E6 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Charles McLachlan, who is committed to developing senior executives with a rich background in technology, teaching, and leadership development. Charles, who played a role in Valerie's own pro…
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Unlocking Hidden Potential: The Power of Internal Influencers
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46:11Did you know that key influencers within organizations can boost company performance by up to 25%? These are the go-to people for the “meeting after the meeting,” and leveraging their potential can transform your business. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we speak with Jason Anthoine, who brings 35 years of experience working with top exe…
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Transforming Professional Relationships: Andy Lopata
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49:05If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E7 - In this thought-provoking episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are thrilled to welcome Andy Lopata, one of Europe's leading business networking strategists, renowned for his expertise in building meaningful professional relationships. With six influential books and a cli…
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Episode 9: Dissing My Ability w guest Julie Oliver.S2 E9
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45:23Welcome to Dissing My Ability, a podcast focused in removing shame and stigma associated with disability. On this episode, Julie Oliver, Vice President of Programs with the Foundation for Blind Children (FBC), talks with host Ken Meeker about why “good enough” is the wrong approach and attitude, especially when providing services to the disability …
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Breaking Barriers: Tracey Barr’s Journey from Engineering to Healthcare Leadership
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1:00:07If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E5 - In this compelling episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we sit down with Tracey Barr, a remarkable strategic advisor whose journey from a small village in Cumbria to leading roles in healthcare and consultancy sectors is nothing short of inspiring. Tracey’s story is one of …
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Beyond Buzzwords: Understanding True Resilience in the Workplace
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34:57If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E4 - In this enlightening episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie sit down with Karen Ferris, a renowned author, consultant, and speaker who has revolutionised the approach to organisational change and workforce resilience. Karen's journey from IT service ma…
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The Four Pillars of Business Growth: Sales, Margins, Profitability, and Value Creation
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32:22If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E3 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we're thrilled to welcome Rob Nicholls, a seasoned CFO and private investor who has navigated the corporate landscapes of both the UK and the USA. With over 35 years of experience, Rob has successfully supported businesses in sca…
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Unlocking the Subconscious: Tanya Mann Rennick's Secrets to Mindset Recalibration
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54:13If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E2 - In this captivating episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are honoured to welcome Tanya Mann Rennick, a transformative figure in the fields of clinical hypnotherapy, EMDR, and life coaching. Tanya's journey is nothing short of extraordinary—she has not only survived perso…
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Julia & Valerie Introduction: Who We Are and What We Do: Introducing the Secrets of Learning and Development
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22:39If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E1 - Welcome to the first episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, where we, your hosts Julia and Valerie, take you on a journey through our personal and professional experiences that have shaped our passion for learning and development. This episode is all about getting to know us—…
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Episode 8: Dissing My Ability w host Ken Meeker S2 E8
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19:01Welcome to the Dissing My Ability Podcast, a podcast focused on de-stigmatizing and removing shame associated with disability. On this episode, creator and host Ken Meeker discusses the two major political parties in the United States platforms with regard to disability. The November 2024 election outcome will affect anyone who lives with or is aff…
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AI Essentials: Equipping Professionals for the Future of Work
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43:22In an era where AI is reshaping industries and redefining job roles, understanding and leveraging AI has become essential for professionals across various sectors. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2025, AI will displace 85 million jobs but create 97 million new ones, underscoring the urgent need for digital fluency and AI literacy. Dr. Jam…
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Episode 7: Dissing My Ability w/guest Dr. Sujata Ives S2 E7
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41:55E7 S2 – W/Guest Dr. Sujata Ives Dr. Ives is a global consultant, leader, international speaker, and international best-selling Author. In this episode, Dr. Ives talks about her recent book Activate Success and how she has embraced each of her identities and not allowed others to define her. She is a graduate of the 2023-2024 NCDA Leadership Academy…
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The Power of Presence: Strategies for Effective Leadership Communication
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46:45In a world where effective communication can make or break a leader, mastering the art of presence and message crafting is more important than ever. In fact, according to a Forbes study, 85% of job success stems from well-developed soft skills, with public speaking and communication being paramount. This underscores the critical importance of not j…
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In an era where change is constant, mastering change management is crucial for organizational success. In fact, a McKinsey report found that 73% of organizations fail to achieve substantial returns on their change management investments, highlighting the need for effective leadership during transitions. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we…
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Leadership Development: Strategies for Sustaining Growth and Adaptability
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48:08In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we are joined by Phil Cicio, a seasoned TTA consultant and Leadership Development expert. Join us as we discuss our off-the-shelf comprehensive leadership development programs – ‘Strategies for Sustaining Growth and Adaptability.’ These leadership development programs are specifically designed to empower n…
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Aligning L&D for Impact: Driving Corporate Goals with Strategic OKRs
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44:34In today's ever-changing business landscape, aligning learning and development with organizational goals is not just strategic, it’s essential. In fact, according to an ATD report, organizations that have strong alignment between L&D and business goals achieve 13% higher mean revenue per employee. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we welco…
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