Best Maria Melfa Podcasts (2025)

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Change Management: What Do You Do When It Goes Wrong? 48:00

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9d ago48:00

48:00

What do stalled initiatives, employee resistance, and missed business outcomes all have in common? They’re often signs that change management has gone wrong. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by Carrie Quick, a senior human capital, operations, and business development leader with over 23 years of multi-industry experience. Thro…

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Setting the Stage for Success: Onboarding and Orientation Strategies 50:08

1M ago50:08

50:08

Starting a new job should feel energizing, not overwhelming. Yet research shows that nearly 30% of new hires leave within their first 90 days, a costly miss that often traces back to ineffective onboarding and orientation. Even more telling, only 12% of employees believe their company provides a great onboarding experience, which means most people …

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Driving Positive Leadership in Today's Workplace 46:58

3M ago46:58

46:58

By Maria Melfa & Jocelyn Allen

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Driving Innovation Through Strategic Leadership 44:40

3M ago44:40

44:40

What do billion-dollar innovation, a global marketplace, and bold leadership have in common? They were all driven by one thing: strategic leadership. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by John Rossman, former Amazon executive and author of Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era. John…

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Culture Killers: Addressing the Behaviors Disrupting Today’s Workplace Cultures 43:05

4M ago43:05

43:05

A toxic workplace culture can drive out great employees faster than low pay, and nearly 70% of workers say culture directly impacts productivity. So, what’s quietly undermining your organization? In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, Brett Hoogeveen, Co-Founder of BetterCulture, shares how to spot and stop the behaviors that erode trust, lower m…

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Experts Leading Experts: Building a Culture of Teaching and Learning 39:08

6M ago39:08

39:08

In this episode, we’re joined by Joel Podolny, CEO of Honor Education and the founding Dean of Apple University, for a deep dive into how organizations can build a culture where teaching and learning are embedded into everyday work. Joel shares insights from his leadership at Apple, Yale, Harvard, and Stanford, focusing on the concept of “experts l…

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High-Stakes Performance: How to Thrive Under Pressure 53:17

6M ago53:17

53:17

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we’re joined by Olympic gold medalist and keynote speaker Connor Fields for a powerful conversation on mental toughness and resilience. As the first American to win gold in BMX racing, Connor’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and reinvention, from his historic victory in Rio to the life-changing crash in…

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Resilience Reimagined: Navigating Change and Transformation 49:36

7M ago49:36

49:36

In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, we welcome Chad Foster, author, innovator, and leadership expert known for helping global organizations turn adversity into advantage. Chad shares his remarkable journey of breaking barriers, from creating the first CRM software for the visually impaired to guiding leaders at Google, IBM, and Microsoft. We e…

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AI Meets L&D: Unlocking the Potential of Personalized Learning 57:02

8M ago57:02

57:02

In 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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Strategies to Enhance Your Team’s Decision-Making Skills 48:39

10M ago48:39

48:39

Great 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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AI to Improve Learning and Development Outcomes 44:28

10M ago44:28

44:28

In 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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Mental Wellness in the Workplace: Supporting Millennial and Gen Z Employees 44:05

11M ago44:05

44:05

Anxiety 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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Harnessing Technology for Continuous Learning and Development 27:46

1y ago27:46

27:46

In 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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Embracing Failure: How Leaders Can Transform Setbacks into Stepping Stones 50:21

1y ago50:21

50:21

In 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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Strategies for Building a Thriving Workplace Culture 49:05

1y ago49:05

49:05

Workplace 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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Unlocking Hidden Potential: The Power of Internal Influencers 46:11

1+ y ago46:11

46:11

Did 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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AI Essentials: Equipping Professionals for the Future of Work 43:22

1+ y ago43:22

43:22

In 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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The Power of Presence: Strategies for Effective Leadership Communication 46:45

1+ y ago46:45

46:45

In 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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Navigating Change Management 49:58

1+ y ago49:58

49:58

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 48:08

1+ y ago48:08

48:08

In 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 44:34

1+ y ago44:34

44:34

In 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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Empowering Leadership: Fostering Workplace Confidence 34:57

1+ y ago34:57

34:57

Unlocking the secret to success often begins with a single step: building confidence. It's a critical component not just for individual growth, but as the cornerstone of effective leadership. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we are joined by Velera Wilson, founder and CEO of Positive Identity, a company that helps people gain the skills t…

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Instructional Design Strategies for Organizational Growth 46:43

1+ y ago46:43

46:43

In an era where knowledge becomes obsolete almost overnight, the continuous investment in learning and development has proven essential for organizational agility and growth. In fact, a LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report revealed that 51% of companies globally are increasing their spend on learning and development, reflecting a widespread recogniti…

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Work Life Balance for Leaders 53:32

1+ y ago53:32

53:32

According to recent studies, a staggering 70% of employees report struggling with work-life balance. This statistic highlights the pressing need for leaders to address this issue and create supportive environments for their teams. In this episode “Bring Out the Talent,” we discuss effective strategies to help leaders navigate the delicate balance b…

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The Learner's Journey: Fostering Engagement at Every Turn 35:14

1+ y ago35:14

35:14

A recent study by Udemy revealed an interesting fact: 80% of employees feel more engaged at work when they're learning new skills. Yet, despite this clear desire to learn, keeping learners truly engaged remains a significant challenge for L&D professionals. It's not just about providing learning opportunities - it's about making those opportunities…

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Beyond Just Bricks: Unleashing Potential with Lego Serious Play 47:05

2y ago47:05

47:05

Imagine a workspace filled with the colorful, familiar shapes of Lego bricks. Now, imagine these aren't just for play, but powerful tools for learning, communication, and problem-solving. This is the world of Lego Serious Play, a methodology that harnesses the power of play to unlock creativity, foster collaboration, and solve complex problems in c…

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Creating a Culture of Dignity 48:43

2y ago48:43

48:43

A workplace culture rooted in dignity is not merely "a nice to have" but a critical component for attracting and retaining talent, enhancing engagement, and boosting overall performance. The significance of dignity within the corporate landscape is undeniable, with 93% recognizing its critical importance for organizational success. Although dignity…

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Aligning Personal Purpose with Professional Leadership 47:38

2y ago47:38

47:38

Most of us are familiar with the term IQ (intelligent quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) – but how familiar are you with your MQ or Motivational Quotient? MQ is the driving force behind our ambitions and growth, influenced by factors like goals, confidence, personality, and attitude. But while many leaders pay special attention to IQ and EQ, one…

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The Future of Learning: AR/VR’s Evolving Role in Corporate Training 35:43

2y ago35:43

35:43

AR and VR are no longer a trending novelty utilized by the top 1%. These immersive technologies are rapidly being embraced by organizations worldwide. In fact, a recent survey found that 82% of company executives anticipate incorporating immersive technologies into their business models within the next three years. In this episode of ‘Bring Out the…

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The Power of Transformational Leadership in the Workplace 40:07

2y ago40:07

40:07

Leadership can make a monumental difference in organizational success. In fact, a McKinsey report found that organizations with effective transformational leaders are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers. These leaders also foster environments with higher employee engagement and a significant increase in productivity. In this episode of …

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Career Mapping: Navigating Today's Dynamic Work Environment 44:02

2y ago44:02

44:02

A Gartner study found that less than one-third of employees have a clear plan for their career progression. This gap can lead to issues like high employee turnover, lack of engagement, skill shortages, and disrupted succession plans, impacting an organization's overall performance. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,’ we are joined by Paul Ma…

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Emotional Intelligence in Action: Shaping Leaders and Cultures 40:35

2y ago40:35

40:35

Emotional Intelligence is more than just a buzzword in today's workplace. It's an essential skill set that influences our interactions, decision-making, and leadership styles. In fact, studies have shown that Emotional Intelligence is responsible for 58% of performance in all types of jobs, underscoring its important role across various professiona…

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Navigating the First Mile: Best Practices in Onboarding Excellence 54:46

2y ago54:46

54:46

Have you ever thought about the significant impact the 'right start' can have on a new hire's journey? Research, including studies from the Brandon Hall Group, shows that a strong onboarding process can improve new hire retention by 82% and increase productivity by over 70%. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we discuss the transformative b…

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Mentorship Matters: Closing the Gap in Professional Development 42:08

2y ago42:08

42:08

Mentorship has become a top priority for most L&D programs, with studies highlighting its benefits for career growth, self-confidence, and mental health. Despite its clear advantages, a mere 37% of professionals currently engage with a mentor, indicating a vast potential for development. In this episode of ‘Bring Out the Talent’ we’re joined by Sta…

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The Value of Design Thinking in Learning & Development 40:44

2y ago40:44

40:44

Seeking impactful strategies to elevate your employees' learning experiences? Dive into the world of Design Thinking—a method deeply anchored in catering to the unique needs of each learner. This progressive approach is redefining the landscape of Learning and Development, empowering professionals to craft solutions that amplify engagement, foster …

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Virtual Events: Captivating Audiences from Start to Finish 37:56

2y ago37:56

37:56

Since 2020, there has been a 75% surge in organizations using virtual platforms like Zoom and Teams for conduct training. However, many organizations have yet to address the technical nuances that can disrupt training sessions, leading to frustrations, poor delivery, and dissatisfied students. In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we have a co…

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Promoting Within: Navigating New Leadership Roles 39:18

2y ago39:18

39:18

Did you know that approximately 46% of leadership transitions fail? Transitioning from a colleague to a leadership role can be an immense challenge. This leads us to a crucial question: How can we empower new leaders to successfully navigate the leap from peer to leader? In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we discuss the intricacies of trans…

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Redefining the Traditional Workweek: Four-Day Work Week Success Stories 45:16

2+ y ago45:16

45:16

As more research and case studies emerge, the evidence supporting the benefits of a shorter workweek continues to grow, making it an increasingly popular choice for forward-thinking organizations. However, despite the positive outcomes, the majority of companies still struggle with the idea of adopting a four-day work week. In this episode of “Brin…

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Leadership Burnout: Self-Care for Worn Out Leaders 46:15

2+ y ago46:15

46:15

Did you know that a staggering 60% of leaders experience burnout by the end of each day? Another study revealed that an astonishing 87% of leaders reported regularly switching between three or more roles throughout their workday. These statistics highlight the need for leaders to prioritize their own mental and physical well-being. What impact will…

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Navigating Sales Challenges: Insights and Solutions 44:53

2+ y ago44:53

44:53

In today's competitive market, sales professionals encounter numerous obstacles that can significantly impact their success. However, with the right strategies and techniques, salespeople can effectively overcome these common challenges and build strong relationships with potential customers. In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we are joined…

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Harnessing Individual Strengths for Collective Success: Insights from CliftonStrengths Coaching 57:45

2+ y ago57:45

57:45

Celebrate our momentous 50th episode of Bring Out the Talent with an inspiring exploration of individual strengths and their profound impact on collective success. Join us as we dive into the world of CliftonStrengths coaching, where we uncover the transformative power that lies within each of us. In this episode, we chat with Kisha Dixon, a certif…

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Confidence in Speaking for Any Situation 39:10

2+ y ago39:10

39:10

Public speaking is the number one phobia in the world. The good news is there are specific, actionable steps you can take to decrease your anxiety about public speaking. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, our guest, Terry Bean, will help us navigate through the most common challenges people face when presenting and will provide strategies to …

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Building a Customer-Centric Culture: Empowering Employees to Drive Service Excellence 46:09

2+ y ago46:09

46:09

68% of customers leave a company because they feel the business doesn't care about them. So, as leaders, it's crucial to prioritize customer service and create a culture that values and fosters excellent customer experiences. In this episode of Bring Out The Talent, we are joined by Holly O'Donnell, founder of Slone Solutions, a leading customer se…

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Unlocking the Power of Generative AI: Exploring its Potential in HR and L&D 48:30

2+ y ago48:30

48:30

In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we to discuss the power of generative AI and its potential for HR and Learning and Development departments with our guest Gary DePaul, PhD. Gary unravels the potential and the power of generative AI, shedding light on its positive and negative implications for those in L&D and HR roles. From personalized l…

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The Power of Storytelling to Drive Positive Transformation 52:59

2+ y ago52:59

52:59

In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we are joined by Maggie Redling and Coleman Williams, owners of Wrestling With Talent, to discuss how each of us can drive effective change and develop an emotional connection that will engage our workplace by using the power of storytelling. Learn how storytelling can evolve into a companywide theme that …

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Building Psychological Safety as a Leader 37:00

2+ y ago37:00

37:00

In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we explore the importance of psychological safety in the workplace with our guest, Kristy Busija. Kristy breaks down the four stages of psychological safety and shares how leaders can cultivate each of these stages. We also discuss how leaders can create a personal action plan to establish a psychologicall…

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7 Leadership Characteristics for High-Potential Leaders 38:47

2+ y ago38:47

38:47

In this episode of “Bring Out The Talent,” we are joined by Karan Ferrell-Rhodes. Karan is an organizational psychologist, a leadership development strategist, an HR consultant, and the CEO of Shockingly Different Leadership. In today’s conversation, Karan shares her research of over 10,000 global high-potential leaders and their organizations and …

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Collaboration Revolution in the Workplace 36:32

3y ago36:32

36:32

We are in the midst of a collaboration revolution. We are working with everyone, all the time, across silos and different platforms, but sometimes it feels as if we're stuck in a no-win cycle. We’re dealing with a sometimes-overwhelming influx of asks, with unclear lines of communication, and authority. This leaves many of us asking - how can we im…

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Building Trust: Blueprint for Developing Trust in the Workplace 43:28

3y ago43:28

43:28

A surprising Gallup survey recently revealed that 77% of employees have some degree of mistrust of their leaders. This alarming number is important to address because trust touches every area of a business. Research tells us that there is a direct correlation between high trust and high engagement and productivity. So, what can leaders do if their …

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4-Day Work Week: Explore Better Ways of Working 57:02

3y ago57:02

57:02

The past few years have caused many business leaders to rethink the way their organizations work, where they get the work done, and how long a workweek should be. Since the 1900s, a 40-hour work week has been the accepted standard in the workplace. But has the idea of a 40-hour – five-day workweek evolved? Research seems to suggest that less is mor…