Talent Management Truths

"I think that business strategy is important, but the people strategy is equally important to support the business strategy. So when the business strategy evolves, you have to evolve the people strategy." - Cindy ThomasHow well does your people strategy align with the overall business strategy for your organization? Are you part of the process up front, or catching up in reaction mode after the business strategy is locked down? In today’s episode, my guest makes the case f...

" ‘Cultivate’ and ‘culture’ come from the same root. So, cultivating coach-like leaders is about nurturing a culture that values coaching.” - Lisa MitchellFor today’s episode, I’m flying solo! Sharing with you what I know to be true when it comes to cultivating coach-like leaders.So many organizations are trying to help their leadership teams become more coach-like in their approach. Some are succeeding, some are failing. I chose this topic because I frequently hear T...

“Our purpose and our value is to be able to diagnose and consult and create something valuable and meaningful. It is not our role, and our value does not come from taking orders and just doing what people say.” - Melissa LawEver been frustrated with talent initiatives that get built but don’t make it across the finish line when it comes to implementation and adoption by the business? How can middle stakeholders, such as regional operations directors and HR business partners, be effectively en...

“[A matrix reporting structure] really requires both sets of managers to…have alignment around an individual’s goals.”-Allison MairenaHave you ever been in a matrix reporting relationship? It can be very frustrating if both leaders are not aligned. In today’s episode, my guest gives us a peek into how her organization manages matrix reporting.My guest is Allison Mairena. Allison (she/her) specializes in building and scaling People Operations practices, particularly for rapidly-gr...

“We’d love to hire someone and have them stay 6-8 years, but when it’s not the reality anymore, then shifting that paradigm and mental model [is important.]-Jamie BrunoThe job market is constantly in flux. Sometimes it’s an employer’s market, sometimes a candidate’s market, sometimes it’s balanced. One trend that is here to stay is the overall decrease in employee tenure. The 25-year gold watch is no longer a norm, it is an exception. Today’s guest shares his view that we need to...

“When you aren’t bringing in direct revenue…you need to make that connection between what it is you do do and how you help enable the business to meet goals…and how HR functions link into that.”-Nancy TavaresHR and L&D are not typically revenue generators. AND they had huge value to organizations, as you and I both know well. Today’s guest beautifully articulates the power of metrics and how to use them effectively to make decisions and build trust with stakeholders.My guest is Nanc...

“What do they need a facilitator for vs. something they can learn on their own?”-Cindy HuggettVirtual online training has been around for decades now. And yet many organizations firmly resisted it beyond those annual mandatory trainings. Covid pushed many outside their comfort zone to finally start to leverage technology and yet the quality of virtual offerings varies widely! Today’s guest provides practical tips and questions you can ask to assess the state of your own virtual l...

“We trust first.”-Krista PellHow has your organization handled the whole RTO question? Are people on board with the arrangement in place, whether that’s 3 days in office, or only 1 - or something else entirely? In today’s episode, my guest gives us a peek into an organization that considers itself “fully flex.”My guest is Krista Pell. Krista is the Chief People, Culture & Engagement Officer at AIMCo. With over 25 years of People, Culture and corporate leader...

“I thought I was coaching by prescribing solutions.”-Kacy WickenhauserHave you ever felt pulled into the drama weeds with your clients - the stakeholders who rely on you as an HR or Talent professional? Me too:) In today’s episode, my guest shares how she has been able to shift from a prescriber of advice to a coach-like HR leader and the impact that has had.My guest is Kacy Wickenhauser. Kacy is the Chief HR Officer at Wolverine Power Cooperative, serves as a member...

“We tell ourselves the story that strategy is Big! Complex! Hard! Time-consuming!”-Lisa MitchellDo you ever just give in to a client’s demands because you don’t want to be seen as “pushing back?”Today’s episode is a solo one about your STRATEGIC VALUE as a Talent, HR or L&D professional. And it’s about what gets in our way of being strategic.I’d love to hear YOUR challenges with stakeholders who like to prescribe the solutions they want you to implement. And if you...

“More often that not, talent acquisition is tucked into HR as a function that everyone has to tolerate vs. a strategic arm of the organization.”-Liza VotickyWithout the right people in the right place at the right time, your organization cannot meet its objectives. Today’s guest approaches the discipline of Talent Acquisition as a strategic and essential function vs. a necessary evil that should be done as cheaply as possible.My guest is Liza Voticky. Liza began her career in Toronto, ...

“Culture is not owned by HR, it’s owned by every single leader.”-Jessica BacherWhat is your organizational culture like? Who drives it? Who sees themselves as driving it? In some companies, people look to HR to take the lead - or the blame - on company culture. In this episode, my guest and I explore how HR can support culture with an innovative structure and respect for people’s time.My guest is Jessica Bacher who is the Chief People Officer at Prolink. Jessica is a proven ...

“If you continue to always look at it like a start-up, you are always growing to be better.”-Casey OwareHow entrepreneurial is your organization? And what do entrepreneurial behaviours actually look like in different company cultures? In today’s episode, we explore this theme in an organization that still thinks of itself as a start-up - by design - 10 years in.My guest is Casey Oware who is Vice President of Human Resources of Encompass where she oversees compliance, payrol...

“Creativity doesn’t exist when you don’t have constraints.”-Natalia MatusevscaiaHave you ever been frustrated when you were down a team member or were low on other resources or funds? What was the gift in that situation? Chances are, the constraint you were faced with helped you be more creative and innovative. Today’s guest shares clear examples of this in action.My guest is Natalia Matusevscaia. An immigrant to Canada, Natalia is a migrant to the domain of educational tech...

“A lot of HR projects fail because we haven’t asked the right questions.”-Sarem YesusWhen you come into a new organization as the lead for Talent and People, how do you decide where you should start? In today’s episode, my guest shares why she focused on understanding engagement first, before moving on to look at other core programs and systems.My guest is Sarem Yesus. Sarem is Executive Director of People and Engagement at Nelson Education and brings over 13 years of experience in the ...

“Are we learning as fast as the business is changing?”- Ken FinneranDo you see yourself as a MULTIPLIER? As a Talent leader, you should. Consider the impact your work has on all the people in your organization. It’s why I produce this podcast week in and week out - to provide you with learning and inspiration so that you can be the best multiplier possible - lifting people up and helping them live into their potential! Today’s guest gussies up the term a little ...

“There’s something really magical about the building of something .”- Susan WaysHave you ever been drawn to a high-risk opportunity because you loved the idea of getting to pioneer something completely new? I know I have - and so has today’s guest! Together we discuss her experience of working for several start-ups, some of which didn’t end up surviving long-term. We also dig into ways to build a culture of transparency.My guest is Susan Ways. Susan is the Head of HR, ...

“Given Talent Leaders are stuck in the sticky organizational middle, EVERYONE is a stakeholder.”- Lisa MitchellHow can we make the buy-in part of the process EASIER and more ELEGANT? Today’s episode is a solo one. The need for stakeholder buy-in is constant for all Talent leaders. Yet there are common pitfalls and mistakes made that make some initiatives more difficult or worse, fail. That’s why I decided it was time to talk about the challenges and how to...

“A company doesn’t have to be employee-owned to give your employees a voice.”- Kristi SpindlerDo you like ESOPs? Most people do. Wondering if it’s small alien species on a planet in the Star Wars universe? Nope. ESOP stands for Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and it’s an acronym used frequently by wholly employee-owned companies. In today’s episode, my guest shares what she loves about working in HR in an ESOP environment. We also spend some time in the latt...

“There’s an increasing need for organizations to focus on developing people-centred programs that focus on the values and culture of the organization.”- Lisseth ZouhbiWhat does people-centred describe to you? How do you actually make your HR and Talent programs even more people-centred? Today’s guest shares her philosophy on this, as well as some practical examples of how she is putting it into action.My guest is Lisseth Zouhbi. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Child Care Resourc...

“If you democratize the transformation so that there can be true ownership amongst every leader and every person…it will be more successful than if you outsource it to one team.”-Suzanne KnightWhat does transformation mean to you when it comes to organizations? Do you ever wonder if maybe there are some transformational “secrets” you haven’t uncovered yet? In today’s episode, my guest and I break down various examples of transformation that I know you’ll find illuminating.My gues...

“HR is the cone of silence…you take the weight of a lot of people’s emotions.”“When you are in a space in your own life, when things are piling up, as an HR professional who is perceived to have all the answers, where can you go?”-Leanne SchultzHave you had to deal with grief or personal crisis while still working and while people are still looking to you for support with their own tough situations? Today’s guest and I discuss how she is navigating her mom’s terminal illnes...

“Funny how this life works. Things can suck and be gratitude-inspiring at the same time..”-Lisa MitchellWhat sucks and what is the associated gift you are grateful for? Today’s episode is a solo one with yours truly, Lisa Mitchell. Think of it as a bit of an audio diary entry I thought I’d share with you as food for thought in case you are struggling with something right now - something that seems unfair, inconvenient, painful, or even devastating. Who is this host-p...

“I don’t always tell them what they want to hear…I have to have that trust and relationship to get people to be honest with me so I can be honest with them and how do we move forward with that.”-Lorie HulseyHow do you like being the person who sometimes has to say no to people? Do you dread it? Accept it? Enjoy it? :) Today’s guest makes the case that being able to say no as well as yes is key to effective relationships with your employees and stakeholders.My guest is Lorie ...

“We have a responsibility to show vulnerability.”-Preet MakkarHow comfortable are you with being vulnerable at work? I’m not talking about over-sharing, but rather sharing your humanity and sometimes painful learnings with others so that they don’t feel so alone. In today’s episode, my guest makes the case for being transparent about our own struggles.Preet Makkar is a Human Resource leader with 20+ years of experience working in various HR disciplines. She has spent the entirety ...

“I’m an island.”-Mary Meston (embedded internal Coach)Do you have a coaching roster in your organization? Or do you have internal coaches embedded internally? Perhaps you're listening to this, saying “I only wish I had either one!” No matter your situation or opinion on the best structure, you will find this conversation thought-provoking.My guest is Mary Meston. Mary has extensive experience in large-scale organizational growth, talent transformation and change and ta...

“Our health and safety program has become more than just a traditional safety program…[it] looks at the whole person whether that is physical or psychological.”-Manisha MistryHow well does your organization support employee mental health? How well do employees avail themselves of existing resources? Tune in today to learn about mental health first aid training and how to help people take advantage of your offerings just-in-time.My guest is Manisha Mistry. For two decades, Manisha...

“You don’t have to move in one particular direction.”-Kate McKinnonHow does your succession planning strategy work? Is it more focused on moving people UP or does it include moving people ACROSS? In today’s episode, my guest gives us a peek into how to ensure that there are multiple avenues for people’s development and talent cross-population which develops breadth and depth.My guest is Kate McKinnon. Kate is an enthusiastic Human Resources Executive with progressive ...

The traditional name of] HR becomes really non-connected and what you’re doing is looking at people as objects. - Anita BhandariThe HR Department. A common department name in countless organizations. Yes is it the right one for this period in time? Was it ever the right one? In today’s episode, my guest makes the case for shifting this department’s title to “People and Culture” which is a shift I am seeing more and more of with my clients and podcast guests.My guest is Anita Bhandari, t...

“We know who our employees are and what drives them.”- Jeannie Ambler How do you support employees who happen to work inside people’s homes instead of in a corporate office? Today’s guest comes from the seniors living industry, which is the industry I supported in my last corporate role. Tune in for some unique insights into this purpose-driven world and ideas on how to support employees who don’t work behind a desk all day. My guest is Jeannie Ambler, Vice President of Human...

“All leaders need to be constantly looking at their own growth.”- Lisa MitchellIn today’s episode, we’re flipping things around! I’m sharing an episode where I was the guest and not the host.In May 2023, I was invited to appear on the Who Are You to Lead Anyway? Podcast hosted by the wonderful Cynthia Jamieson. And what a great experience! Cynthia is a skilled host who asks great questions and listens deeply.Cynthia works with emerging and new leaders and wante...

“It’s really important for HR and Talent folks to work in different organizations to get a feel for different business units and industries because you get a well-rounded perspective on how the profession is perceived and valued.”- Matt ChapelskyWhat parts of your Talent or HR career do you value the most in retrospect? What did these parts give you and how do they help you today? In today’s episode, my guest explains ways to build a well-rounded perspective, and paints a picture...

“How can we take [what the COE has created for us] and stay true to the spirit and core of it and offer it in a way that is credible for our leaders and team members?”’- Vanessa HinkleHave you ever felt irritated with your own HR colleagues - the ones that are experts in a related but different domain from your own? For instance, HR Business Partners and Centres of Excellence groups can often experience tension when working with each other. In today’s episode, my guest and I disc...

“What is going to bring the BIGGEST impact to the organization and how do we do it in the most efficient way possible?”- Katrina McFaddenHow do you build strategy into your work? Does strategy work occur annually? At the end of each week? During quarterly all team meetings? Or is it baked into the day to day? Today’s guest has a helpful philosophy around how to keep strategy top of mind even when it’s early days and much work is still manual.My guest is Katrina M...

“As you continue to show up for your employees in the way that you want someone to show up for you, you feel good about yourself…and you get hooked.- Ginette BattikhaHow do you operationalize values in an organization? In today’s episode, my guest shares what she and her team have put in place to help the values come to life.My guest is Ginette Battikha. Ginette is Vice President of People and Culture at The Daniels Corporation, one of Canada's largest and preeminent builders and developers w...

“[New leaders] need so much help and guidance and are often overlooked.”-Cynthia JamiesonThere are different levels of leaders. Historically, the higher levels get the most support when it comes to training - and coaching. While that is changing, in many organizations, the new/early leader layer is often overlooked and under-supported. Today’s guest is a fellow coach who focuses specifically on coaching new leaders to help them be more effective earlier. My guest is Cyn...

“A huge aspect of unlearning is being clear with yourself about what you are carrying forward and what you are not.”-Madhavi KulkarniIn Talent and HR, we take care of people. We support people. Have you ever had to support people at work who are experiencing the same personal challenges that you yourself are experiencing? In today’s episode, my guest describes her experience with a situation like this, and how she approached it.My guest is Madhavi Kulkarni who is Director of...

“It’s your [leadership] job to make sure your people can do their job.”-Jared TaylorHave you ever wondered what it would be like to be part of an employee-owned organization? Today’s guest pulls back the curtain of one such company, and insight into the world of education publishing.My guest is Jared Taylor, who is Publisher and Chief People Officer at Gibbs Smith Education and Gibbs Smith. Jared brings a wealth of experience to the fields of education and publishing. He has serve...

“Leadership is critical because it shapes the culture.”-Anahita CameronHave you ever been tapped on the shoulder for a new opportunity? Have YOU tapped someone else on the shoulder? We don’t see ourselves the way others do, and we can all benefit from people seeing potential in us that we don’t see. Today’s guest has benefited from being “tapped” throughout her career, and this experience informs how she now leads the People function.My guest is Anahita Cameron, Chief People...

“We have to define what good looks like.”- Joe DunlapDo you have a clear set of competencies in your organization? Many do. And many have older competency models that may no longer be providing all the benefits they could. Today’s guest shares his experience using a competency model in his manufacturing environment and practical examples of how to build it correctly.My guest is Joe Dunlap. He has spent 20 years in continuous learning and performance improvement and has worked for ...

“Once you start asking questions, you generally find that training is probably less than half the solution.”- Richard “Bo” BodoHow often have you been asked by internal clients to “fix” a team or performance problem through training? And how often has training only been part of the solution? Today’s guest highlights how important it is to ensure that L&D is helping its clients understand everything that needs to be considered or addressed in order for training to have any imp...

“Uncertainty is life.”-Melissa LawHow many times have your life and career thrown you some curveballs? If you’re like me and today’s guest, it’s a big number! So, how do you LEAD while acknowledging that all of us are experiencing change almost constantly? In this episode, we start to dig into what this looks like from a practical perspective.My guest is Melissa Law. Melissa has 25+ years of progressive leadership experience, spanning five industries. Melissa has had the opp...

“The power of understanding the Dreaded Drama Triangle roles is so that you can choose to shift out of them, because when we stay in them, we are unhappy and stuck and not able to live up to our potential. “- Lisa MitchellOver the last quarter, I’ve shared the concept of Karpman’s Dreaded Drama Triangle and Emerald’s T.E.D. The Empowerment Dynamic with several clients, both individuals and large groups. These clients were falling into the drama roles and staying there too long. K...

“I’m fascinated by the idea of finding the greatness in others.”- Michael SalameyWhere do you find the best talent for your organization? How do you identify the best people? How well do people in different roles work cohesively together, in a complementary manner? Did you hire for that cohesion?My guest is Michael Salamey. He began his career working dispatch on midnight shift for a trucking company and worked up to HR and People Operations before leaving to become a consu...

“I know that I am here to help people feel and be better as a result of their interaction with me..and that ties into Talent Management.”- Anjana Moitra-OhriHow do you view your purpose in life and how does that align - or not - with your work? Today’s guest is very clear that Talent Management is in full alignment with her purpose to help people be better. My guest is Anjana Moitra-Ohri. Anjana is currently the Vice President, HR Programs and Services at CBI Health, one of Canada...

“Out of every lesson with the 4-day work week, communication is key.”- Ryan-Mae McAvoyDreaming of a 3-day weekend, every week? Already living the dream? You’ll be intrigued by this episode where my guest pulls back the curtain on how her organization has implemented a 4-day work week, and the learnings along the way.My guest is Ryan-Mae McAvoy. Ryan-Mae considers herself a nontraditional "people person" and has worked in the people space from Startups to Ski Areas. She is well-ve...

“We need to be delivering learning at the speed of culture.”- Alexandra HylandAre you a collector of knowledge, skills and experiences? Well, my guest definitely is! Tune in to hear about her non-linear career journey and her thoughts about the seasonality of life and career.My guest is Alexandra Hyland. Alexandra is Head of Capabilities & Culture – Global Senior Director of Learning & Diversity at Kraft Heinz. An experienced Human Resources professional, Alexandra Hyland...

“One of the biggest opportunities as a team of one, is that you get to closely work with ALL those business partners…there isn’t that siloed disconnect.”- Jewel von KempAre you an HR or Talent department of ONE in a smaller organization? Have you ever been? Or maybe you are considering a move that would give you this experience? Regardless, today’s episode will give you food for thought and some surprising insights. My guest is Jewel von Kempf. Jewel von Kempf has spent the...

“I’ve always considered HR to be an integral part of the organization. Both HR and myself, I feel, are jointly responsible for managing a company’s most valuable asset, which is of course its people.”- Colin MorrisIn our continued series of discussions with stakeholder leaders (outside of HR/Talent), today’s episode explores the role of HR and Talent from the perspective of a seasoned senior leader in operations and business development. Tune in to hear what works and doesn’t when...

“You have to be trusted to be a really great HR partner.”- Nicole StuartWhat is YOUR story of the best support you ever received from HR as an employee yourself? What’s the MOST important element of the HR partnering relationship? In today’s episode, I share a story of an HRBP that helped me with a tough situation and my guest breaks down what helps drive confidence in HR leaders.My guest is Nicole Stuart, VP, People & Culture at Jamieson Wellness Inc. Nicole is a passi...

“HR leaders have a skillset that is difficult for others: difficult conversations, radical candor. So I also see us as teachers.”- Sandra CunhaHas your L&D team ever been asked to pretty up a PowerPoint? Eek! HR can fall into the police/administrator role very easily - if we let it. In today’s episode, my guest makes a passionate case for how Talent and HR teams can and must add value beyond transactional and administrative work, and beyond the 15% non-negotiable risk ma...

“No matter how good you are, without the business context, it’s challenging.”- Nathan DeilyHow well do you and your team understand your client’s business? How much importance do you place on business acumen as a core HR and Talent professional competency? In today’s episode, my guest makes the case for ensuring that business acumen is a fundamental skill amongst people professionals.My guest is Nathan Deily. Nathan is a co-founder and Chief People Officer of nth Venture. H...

“It’s very important for organizations to define growth for their companies”- Diljot KaurWhat type of growth does your organization celebrate? How do you personalize growth and development for your employees? Listen to this episode for some alternative and thought-provoking ideas around how to navigate the age-old problem of having fewer roles for people to move into the higher you go in an organization. My guest is Diljot Kaur. Diljot is a global HR leader with 16 years’ e...

“We plant some seeds that get watered and grown in the flow of work.”- Neil HunterHow can an organization truly tap into the potential of its people - especially as the new Chat GPT-type tools give rise to fear and uncertainty around the future of work? Listen into this episode for some inspiration and practical ideas from a best-in-class organization and leader.My guest is Neil Hunter. With over 30 years of industry experience, Neil Hunter is currently the Chief Learning Officer for De...

“The more we can co-create together [with our HRBPs], the better our end product is.”-Kerri CartwrightWhether you lead a COE or work directly with the business as an HR Business Partner or Leader, you will relate to today’s guest. Tune in for some reflections on how important it is to co-create solutions vs coming up with them all yourself. My guest is Kerri Cartwright. Kerri is a strategic, results oriented senior Human Resources leader with over 23 years of professional services...

“It’s important that [HR/Talent] understands what I’m thinking about.”Rana GhoshWhat do your internal stakeholders REALLY value about you, your team and the services you provide? What works from their perspective - and what doesn’t? Tune in today to hear from someone who has been that internal client to many HR teams over the years.My guest is Rana Ghosh. Rana is VP, Omnichannel, Loyalty and Ancillary Revenue at Spirit Airlines. Rana is a corporate gypsy who has moved from the fin...

“I adjusted my expectations so that I wasn't crushed if one experiment didn’t pay off.”- Lisa MitchellThis is the second of a 2-part series about CREATING what you want.And how do I know what you want? Because I want it too. And so do my clients - whether we work together 1:1, or in the Talent Trust. Talent leaders all want to create:Results and Momentum (Episode 71)Habits and Follow-through skills (Episode 72)In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you’ll discover:🍏 A ...

“Most people are not specific enough and realistic enough about the outcome they are wanting to achieve.” - Lisa MitchellThis is the first of a 2-part series about CREATING what you want.And how do I know what you want? Because I want it too. And so do my clients - whether we work together 1:1, or in the Talent Trust. Talent leaders all want to create:Results and Momentum (Episode 71)Habits and Follow-through skills (Episode 72)In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you...

“Compassion is not conditional. It matters the most when you don’t have a natural connection with somebody.”- Georgina BoulineauTen years ago, we weren’t talking much about vulnerability and compassion at work. Today, it’s part and parcel - especially when organizations and the people that make them work are all navigating huge waves of ongoing change such as mergers and acquisitions or technological transformations, and anxiety-provoking world events such as the Covid 19 pandemic, the ...

“Influence doesn’t just lie in the C-suite.” - Lisa MitchellFor many leaders, becoming more influential sounds scary or impossible. And yet it’s an essential skill for all of us! Listen to this episode to challenge some unconscious beliefs you may be harbouring about influence. In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you’ll discover:🍏 Some common myths about influence🍏 The difference between influencing EFFECTIVELY vs exerting influence🍏 How to avoid the land of r...

“Be fiercely curious.” - Shannon HamiltonWhat do business stakeholders really want from HR and Talent - and what do they NOT want? So much of the work I do with my Talent leader clients is to help them figure out how to build or improve stakeholder relationships. In this second year of the show, I’m expanding my guest list to include some amazing leaders from other areas of business - leaders from Operations, Sales, Marketing, Communications, IT, Finance and more! Tune...

“At the heart of sustainability for me, it’s about recognizing that we as individuals have a responsibility and an accountability to take care of our environment and our fellow man.”- Rishma NathooHow does your organization embrace sustainability - or not? What does sustainability look like in action anyways? Listen into this discussion for important insights!My guest is Rishma Nathoo. Rishma is Founder & CEO of TESORO. Tenacious and inquisitive, strategist and implementer, re...

“We rally around a purpose larger than ourselves.”- Sarah Icely HillIf you’re like most Talent Leaders, you think a lot about engagement and passionate purpose. Maybe you have a tired engagement survey and are thinking of refreshing the questions to get better data. Perhaps you are dreaming of how you could infuse passion into the commercial aspect of your work and your organization’s culture. Tune into this episode for some innovative ideas on how you might do these very th...

“Do I even WANT that?” - LIsa MitchellDo you ever experience a pang of envy when scrolling through social media? Or perhaps when you’re tired or run down, you’ve noticed you tend to feel a bit “woe is me?” Like you don’t have enough? ARE not enough?Listen to this very quick episode for some helpful reframing.In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you’ll discover:🍏 What rolls through my head when I can’t sleep🍏 An effective technique for moving out of a...

“Everyone has a story.”- Magdalena Duleba-LapenseeWhether you use search firms in your organization or are interested in working with one for your own career, this episode is a must-listen. Today’s war for talent is real. It’s critical to be strategic about your talent acquisition practices and not settle for status quo. My guest is Magdalena Duleba-Lapensee. Magdalena has spent her career establishing connections and building relationships with companies and talent ...

“Flexibility is inclusivity.” - Clare KumarIn this time of talent shortages and so-called “quiet quitting,” organizations are working to switch up their approaches to hiring and developing and retaining their people. That’s why being inclusive in the design and offering of programs that support employees is essential. When it comes to how YOU lead and how you design organizational programs, how do you ensure you are addressing the needs of neurodivergent groups and of highly-...

“We are all in the people business.” - Shelagh CumminsHave you ever mused about starting your own business? Or perhaps you have, and then returned to the job world. The two worlds are different, yes - and they share many similarities when it comes to what effective team leadership looks like. Today’s guest shares some clear examples of language and approach you can use when setting clear expectations and having uncomfortable conversations. My guest is Shelagh Cummins. Shelagh is the...

“Given the pace and volume of work these days, it’s critical that Talent leaders take the time to identify their most essential productivity-boosting activity.”Lisa MitchellDo you sometimes wonder at the end of the day where all the time went? Do you ever write down a task you’ve already done on your agenda just so you can check it off? Me too. And it bugs me! I enjoy being productive. It’s important to my work that I AM productive. I bet the same can...

“I was surprised - it doesn’t matter what experience you have [as a newcomer].”- Nadiia Lagutina Can you imagine packing up your whole life and your child and leaving your home because staying in a basement with bombs raining down outside is simply not an option? Can you imagine not being able to find a comparable position and salary in your new country? For some of you listening, you CAN imagine this. Unfortunately, for so many Ukrainian citizens and other people displaced b...

“The [employment] landscape is going to change. It never stays the same.”- Sandra Sears Are you responsible for Talent Acquisition? Do you collaborate with search and staffing firms? Have you noticed some interesting new trends showing up in terms of candidate behaviour and the broader labour market? Then this episode is for you!My guest is Sandra Sears. Sandra began in the staffing industry in 1993 after graduating from McGill University. Inspired by some great bosses, she s...

“Instructional design [skills] are really powerful as a business person.” - Caitlyn Beattie Thinking about a career move? Or perhaps you want to shift - now or later - from generalist to specialist or the other way around? Listen into this discussion to spark your thinking!My guest is Caitlyn Beattie. Caitlyn is an established Human Resources leader, specializing as a Certified Training and Development Professional and Certified Coach. Caitlyn is currently the Head ...

“Now, there’s no shame in making mistakes. It’s how we learn a lot of the time. But what if you could AVOID some of the most common mistakes in the first place?”- Lisa MitchellToday I'm revealing 3 of the most common mistakes I’ve observed Talent leaders make - or that I’ve made myself. In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you’ll discover:🍏 Three of the most common mistakes I’ve observed🍏 Practical ways to avoid these mistakes in the first place!LinksWays to work tog...

“Where can I get things for free and where can I get discounts?” - Tracey BissettAre you taking full advantage of all your benefits? Or are you leaving money on the table? Today’s episode is a bit of a departure for the show. Instead of focusing on Talent Management and HR, we are focusing on YOUR financial fitness, both personally and at work! My guest is Tracey Bissett. As Chief Financial Fitness Trainer of Bissett Financial Fitness Inc...

“How do we make it so that [people] SEE themselves in the process?” - Suzannah KellyThere’s nothing more disheartening than designing or implementing a program or process and seeing it land with a thud. That’s why it’s critical to involve your stakeholders early and often! Listen to this episode to be inspired around how to help people see themselves in the processes and programs you implement. My guest is Suzannah Kelly. Suzannah is Vice President, Global Talent M...

“We all know the best people don’t apply.” Lou AdlerHave you ever been frustrated by a small talent pool, a lack of qualified candidates, or by hiring managers fixated on candidates having certain degrees or credentials? If yes, this episode is for you.My guest is Lou Adler. Lou is the CEO and founder of Performance-based Hiring Learning Systems – a consulting and training firm helping recruiters and hiring managers around the world source, interview and hire the strongest ...

“Openness, humility and curiosity are hallmarks of people in Talent Management roles.”- Lisa MitchellWhat’s the best way to celebrate a key accomplishment milestone - such as the one-year anniversary of your podcast? Why, with family! My 16-year-old son Patrick is the interviewer in this conversation where he helps me reflect on the challenges and learning I’ve experienced over the last year while creating 52 weekly episodes of Talent Management Truths. PLUS as a bonus, Pat...

“People need to realize that that [performance] conversation is a right, not a privilege.” - Lynda KeatingHave you ever filled out a survey or attended a focus group - providing lots of ideas and feedback - only to notice that nothing ever came of it? Me, too. :) In this discussion, my guest and I discuss how to use feedback data to move from a performance management culture that feels like something “done to you,” into one that is a “team sport” - a partnership. My gue...

“It’s learning in real time, really. Because you can read about swimming and watch videos, but you don’t know how to swim. There’s information out there, courses and learning, but applying it - we’re doing that right away.”- Candace BreretonThis episode is the SECOND of a 2-part series covering my panel interview with several members of The Talent Trust, my 6-month Mentoring and Peer Learning Community for Talent Leaders. Check out Episode 50 to hear the first part! Listen in...

“[The practice of reflection] has been such a powerful takeaway personally, and also the learning for me and my work groups, to make sure that we’re building in that reflection opportunity for my people and for myself.”Susan Salomone This episode is the FIRST of a 2-part series covering my panel interview with several members of The Talent Trust, my 6-month Mentoring and Peer Learning Community for Talent Leaders. The second episode will air a week later.Listen in for a snea...

“Be vocal about what you need from an organizational space.”Sheila Austin Balancing parenthood and career can be challenging - especially when a senior leader tells you that your maternity leave erases all your previous experience! Tune into this episode to learn how my guest learned to advocate for herself and how this contributes to how she leads today.My guest is Sheila Austin. Sheila is the Vice President, Learning and Development responsible for internal learning, customer lea...

“The employee voice is instrumental in how you shape your programs.” - Kristy Jones So what makes an employee’s experience memorable and meaningful? A sense of belonging is at the heart of it. In this discussion, my guest walks us through the 5 components of the Belonging Model that they leverage in her organization. LIsten in for reflections on how belonging and being heard drive employee success. My guest is Kristy Jones, is a dedicated and collaborative HR profes...

“[In creating our EVP]...there was a real opportunity for us to own the human side.” - Keri Fraser It seems like so many Talent Leaders I work with right now are charged with leading the creation of their organization’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and employer branding. The EVP is often a major undertaking, even in smaller organizations. So - how do you start? How do you roll it out? Tune in to this episode for some really helpful examples to help spar...

“Policies have a tone of voice.” - Lewis Eisen Policies have a tone of voice. Getting that tone right is key in influencing people to actually follow the policies. Unfortunately, the tone of written policies in many organizations has not kept up with the shift in how leaders actually speak with their employees in modern times (ie., respectfully). Most of us were brought up to think that rules must be bossy in order to work. Listen to this episode as w...

“Reflection is the path to a calm and intentional state.” - Lisa Mitchell Today I’m musing about the role of reflection in combating overwhelm and moving us forward. In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you’ll discover:🍏 What accelerant and glue have in common :)🍏 The only thing you need to do when you think you have no time to stop and reflect🍏 Ideas for moving beyond the “dear diary” style of writingStay Connected JOIN our free, value-added Community of Peers a...

“People understand [values] when info is transparent and shared.” - Lynn Ardizzi At the end of the day, when it comes to where you work, do the values really resonate for you? This is a question that today’s guest asks regularly - of herself at work and of her adult kids. Many organizations have a list of values on the wall in various conference rooms - but are they truly living into those values? Listen into this discussion where we explore what this can actually...

“The Talent world is grey, and there are very few things that are black and white. The black and white things are usually legal and ethical. Living in the grey is about possibilities.” - Helen Ashton HR can feel like a very black-and-white place sometimes - especially for the people it serves. People in Talent and HR usually acknowledge that the work is more complex in its many shades of grey. Context and circumstances must be considered for each situation encountered, o...

“Evaluate what things technology can be used to enhance, and what are those things where we still need a personalized touch.” Christopher GarnettThe health care sector is complex. It’s especially so during a global pandemic! How do you deal with the annual, repetitive mandatory trainings - on top of development programs? How can you better leverage technology - without losing the personal touch? We cover a lot of ground in this interview - and even if you’re not...

“When I support Talent Leaders, they in turn are better positioned to support the thousands of people relying on them for essential programs and tools.”- Lisa MitchellToday I’m taking you behind the scenes here at Green Apple Consulting - a bit of a sneak peek into our world and the work that we do. I’m going to answer questions that people ask me when I’m first getting to know them :) In this episode of Talent Management Truths, you’ll discover:🍏 Why I became a consultant and busin...

“Inclusion first.” - Naomi Mercer What do DEI efforts in the Military and in the American Banking world have in common? They have both benefited from the expertise and support of today’s guest! Listen to this episode for her fascinating career story, insightful examples of inclusion and compelling stories of how she has helped many teams embrace DEI with head AND heart. My guest is Naomi Mercer who is SVP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the American Bankers A...

“The vision to bring HR and Marketing together is a good one because it allows us to leverage our strengths.”Sherri EvansHow do you help employees understand your brand promise - and align their performance and engagement to it? Sometimes, organizational silos can make alignment difficult. In this episode, we get a peek behind the curtains at an organization that chose to align 3 essential and typically distinct functions together: HR and EX (Employee Experience), Client Ex...

“Culture is the accumulation of smaller moments.” - Keira Torkko What IS organizational culture? What are all the components and how do you create the culture you want? These are complex questions - and yet they are critical to the work of Talent Leaders. Listen to this episode for insights on building and sustaining culture.My guest is Keira Torkko who is Chief People Officer at Assent in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Keira has an intriguing background in that sh...

“What’s the point?” - Paul Eisen What’s an example of an online system, process or tool you’ve used that has caused you frustration? Perhaps it was a bank machine, or an online purchase website, or a work process with a million hand-offs and approvals. Chances are, my guest did not work on the User Experience (UX) design aspect of those projects! My guest is Paul Eisen, a User Experience expert and consultant. He holds a Doctorate degree in Human Facto...

“HOW are you creative?” - Lisa Mitchell What does creativity mean to you? Creativity is the theme of the month in my mastermind program for Talent Leaders, The Talent Trust - and so I’ve been thinking a lot about creativity and how this quality is often misunderstood.For many of us, we think that if we do not know how to draw or paint, that we somehow lack creativity. What if we accepted that we are all creative in our own way and actually leveraged that creativity more ...

“Leave any judgments and any assumptions or jumping to conclusions at the door.” - Melissa Law All of us share the experience of being new into a role or organization - at least once! It can be uncomfortable AND exciting. And yet it can be easy to forget that mix of emotion when it comes to designing or sustaining onboarding programs and processes for other people. There are important learnings you can extrapolate when considering how to create or improve support ...

“The individual employee must drive the individual career path…they are in the car as the driver and we will help navigate.” - Pete Needham Are you intrigued by the idea of employee-led development? Of truly partnering with employees related to their performance and development? Then you are in for a treat with this episode. Learn the role of empathy and design thinking in creating talent systems that put employees in the driver’s seat of their own careers and performance.My g...

“From a leadership standpoint, [the DEI journey] takes humility, it takes curiosity, it takes grit, it takes boldness, and it takes stamina.” -Rachel Baptiste If you’ve been feeling a bit at sea about how to begin - or go deeper with - your organization’s DEI efforts, this is a must-listen episode. You’ll hear insights about working with leaders and CEOs who have good intentions yet need practical ways to help their organizations move beyond performative activity and into mean...

“While you may KNOW that different choices are in order, it's another thing altogether to actually follow through.”- Lisa MitchellHow blurred has the line between life and work become for you since the pandemic began? How easy or difficult is it for you to disconnect and refuel so you can focus on your most important priorities? Many of the people I talk to daily KNOW they need to make different choices in order to get different results. But they don’t. They stay stuck.Tune in to ...

“This is where the ball is. This is where I’m going to spend some time.” - Luc BeaudryAsking the right questions is an art form. Sometimes these questions can create discomfort so it’s important to be intentional about how you create psychological safety in your approach to allow for the right questions to surface. Good question-asking ensures that you are gathering perspectives and getting the whole picture, not only part. Listen to this episode for some examples of ho...

“Find ways for people to participate.” - Jenny do FornoHow do YOU listen to your employees? How do you find ways for them to participate in change and the company’s success? Tune into this episode to refresh your passion for listening to the people you serve and for treating them as fully-formed adults. My guest is Jenny do Forno who is the Talent Director at OMERS Ventures where she is part of the Operations team supporting 55 different start-up companies. She also help...