Best National Association Of Workforce Boards Podcasts (2025)

This week on The FED Weekly (7-13 Sep 2025), we cover major updates affecting federal employees and retirees. Congress introduced the Claiming Age Clarity Act to simplify Social Security claiming age terms, aiming to help retirees make more intelligent decisions about when to start benefits. Another bill, the Keep Billionaires out of Social Securit…

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The FED Weekly 31 Aug - 6 Sep 2025 (Episode 14) 18:40

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14d ago18:40

18:40

This week, the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program announced a historic 13.5% premium hike for 2025—significantly outpacing proposed federal pay raises and eroding purchasing power for employees and retirees. Expanded IVF and anti-obesity drug coverage are driving up costs. In retirement news, the Thrift Savings Plan topped $1 trillion…

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The FED Weekly 24-30 Aug 2025 (Episode 13) 15:07

8d ago15:07

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In this week’s episode of The FED Weekly, Lawrence covers urgent updates for federal employees and retirees. The 2025 Federal Employees Health Benefits Program premiums are set to rise by a historic 13.5%, the most significant increase in almost 20 years, while dental and vision plan hikes are more moderate. With government funding still stalled in…

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The FED Weekly 17-23 Aug 2025 (Episode 12) 17:47

19d ago17:47

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This episode of The FED Weekly covers crucial updates for federal employees and retirees for August 17-23, 2025. Host Lawrence outlines the impending 2026 pay freeze, significant increases in FEHB health insurance premiums, and the removal of gender-affirming care coverage from all federal health plans starting in 2026. The “One Big Beautiful Bill”…

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The FED Weekly 10-16 Aug 2025 (Episode 11) 25:07

22d ago25:07

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With Congress adjourning for the August recess, a government shutdown looms as key budget bills remain unresolved. Divided proposals over federal spending heighten uncertainty, threatening paychecks and agency services. Major union battles escalate, including terminations of collective bargaining agreements at the VA and EPA, while unions mobilize …

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The FED Weekly 3-9 Aug 2025, Episode 10 27:06

29d ago27:06

27:06

This episode of The FED Weekly covers major updates affecting federal employees and retirees for August 3-9, 2025. Key topics include OPM’s directive to remove COVID-19 vaccine records from personnel files, new legislation to protect employee access to personnel files, and revised rules for probationary periods that make it easier to terminate new …

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HSA Can You See? A Deep Dive on Health Savings Accounts, with Katy Spangler 55:55

1M ago55:55

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Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and the high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) associated with them, still constitute a minority share of all employer-provided health offerings in the United States. But they probably also represent the most fertile area of employer innovations to reduce cost and improve health care value. That is why the American Ben…

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The FED Weekly 27 Jul - 2 Aug 2025 (Episode 9) 14:19

2M ago14:19

14:19

This episode of The FED Weekly covers key policy updates impacting federal employees and retirees for the week of July 27 to August 2, 2025. Major tax changes from the Big Beautiful Bill Act, including adjustments to federal tax rates, deductions for seniors, and new credits for overtime and family leave. The episode examines President Trump’s Exec…

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The FED Weekly 20-26 Jul 2025 (Episode 8) 18:20

1M ago18:20

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This is your essential briefing for the week of 20-26 July 2025. It has been a watershed week for the federal civil service. A landmark Supreme Court decision has fully unleashed the administration's workforce reduction plans, and a stunning court filing has revealed exactly which offices are in the crosshairs. Meanwhile, the massive "One Big Beaut…

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The FED Weekly 13-19 Jul 2025 (Episode 7) 20:13

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This week, the foundations of the federal civil service experienced seismic shocks. A landmark Supreme Court decision effectively dismantled long-standing job protections, unleashing a wave of workforce reduction actions across multiple agencies. Simultaneously, the administration advanced a legal theory of "at-will" employment and created new hiri…

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The FED Weekly 6-12 July 2025 (Episode 6) 20:56

2M ago20:56

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The second week of July 2025 brought seismic shifts to the U.S. federal workforce, marked by a coordinated effort to reshape the civil service. A landmark Supreme Court ruling on July 8 cleared the way for the administration to proceed with mass layoffs, known as Reductions-in-Force (RIFs), across the government. President Trump signed the "One Big…

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The FED Weekly 29 Jun - 5 Jul 2025 (Episode 5) 14:30

2M ago14:30

14:30

During the week of June 29 to July 5, 2025, major federal legislative developments preserved key benefits for current and retired federal employees. The Senate version of H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” removed all proposed cuts to pensions and health benefits previously included in the House version, including elimination of the FERS supplem…

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The FED Weekly 22-28 June (Episode 4) 15:03

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Welcome to the FED Weekly, the go-to podcast for current and retired U.S. federal employees who need to stay informed on the issues that matter most. In a rapidly changing political landscape, we deliver concise, weekly updates on the legislative, executive, and agency-level actions that have a direct impact on your professional life and financial …

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The FED Weekly 15-21 June 2025 (Episode 3) 16:04

3M ago16:04

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The FED Weekly: June 15–21, 2025 report highlights significant developments impacting federal employees and retirees. A major focus is the Senate’s draft of a budget reconciliation bill that preserves controversial measures requiring new federal employees to either pay a higher retirement contribution or forfeit civil service protections. While som…

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The FED Weekly 8-14 June 2025 (Episode 2) 23:44

3M ago23:44

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Welcome to the Federal Workforce Roundup, the go-to podcast for current and retired U.S. federal employees who need to stay informed on the issues that matter most. In a rapidly changing political landscape, we deliver concise, weekly updates on the legislative, executive, and agency-level actions that have a direct impact on your professional life…

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The FED Weekly 1-7 June 2025 (Episode 1) 21:02

3M ago21:02

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The first week of June 2025 brought several important developments for the federal community. Below is a roundup of key news affecting U.S. federal employees and retirees, organized by category for clarity.By Dave Faulk

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Enter Your Destination: Introducing the Council's Long-Term Strategic Plan 42:45

7M ago42:45

42:45

On Wednesday, February 12, the American Benefits Council released its long-term public policy strategic plan, DESTINATION 2030: A Roadmap for the Future of Employee Benefits. In this episode, host Jason Hammersla speaks with Strategic Plan Task Force Chair Tami Simon about the plan's development and ultimate framework for advancing holistic well-be…

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E08: Partners in Progress: Workforce, Economic Development, and Commerce Unite 48:06

9M ago48:06

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In this episode, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, is joined by Nathan Ohle, CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and Sheree Anne Kelly, President and CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), for a discussion about the intersection of workforce development, economic development, and Chamber …

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E07: National Apprenticeship Week Spotlight: Apprenticeships in Wisconsin 36:16

10M ago36:16

36:16

Tune in as NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, is joined by David Polk, Director of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards, and President of NASTAD (National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors), during National Apprenticeship Week 2024. Polk shares his unique perspec…

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E06: Workforce Solutions from the Border: El Paso's Workforce Innovation Playbook 37:14

12M ago37:14

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In this episode, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, is joined by Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, in El Paso, Texas. Leila shares her organization's innovative approach to adapting national workforce mandates to meet local needs in the diverse Borderplex region. She discusses creative initiatives like NextForce, HerFo…

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E05: Entrepreneurial Approaches for Workforce Boards: Strategies from South Central PA Works 38:31

1y ago38:31

38:31

In this episode, CEO of South Central PA Works, Jesse McCree, joins us for an illuminating discussion on workforce development innovation. Leading an influential board that spans eight counties in central PA, Jesse offers insights from his nearly eight-year tenure. The conversation delves into South Central PA Works' pioneering strategies, includin…

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E04: Workforce Solutions for the Future: Technology, Partnerships, and Community Impact 44:20

1y ago44:20

44:20

In this episode, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, is joined by President and CEO of CareerSource Central Florida, Pam Nabors. Pam shares insights on leading a large workforce board and preparing for the future of workforce development and discusses her organization's role in serving a diverse five-county region surrounding Orlando, inclu…

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E03: Workforce Innovation in Action: Spotlight on WorkSource Montgomery, Inc. 36:48

1y ago36:48

36:48

Tune in for another episode of Workforce Central, as NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little speaks with Anthony Featherstone, the new Executive Director of WorkSource Montgomery, about workforce development initiatives in Montgomery County, Maryland. They discuss the county's diverse demographics, major industries, and workforce challenges. Ant…

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E02: Overcoming Barriers and Defining Workforce Development: Insights from Coconino County 36:02

1+ y ago36:02

36:02

In this episode of Workforce Central, Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of NAWB, is joined by Billy Francis, Executive Director of the Coconino County Workforce Development Board in Flagstaff, Arizona. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of workforce development in rural Coconino County, which has a large landmass and significa…

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E01: Adapting to the Future of Work: Insights from Pikes Peak Workforce Center 30:27

1+ y ago30:27

30:27

Welcome back to an all-new edition of Workforce Central! In this episode, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, talks with Executive Director and CEO of Pikes Peak Workforce Center, Traci Marques. They discuss the vital role that workforce boards play in connecting businesses with job seekers and fostering economic vitality in their communiti…

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Common Sense, Common Cause: Talking Health Care Value with National Alliance CEO Shawn Gremminger 38:15

1+ y ago38:15

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Shawn Gremminger recently assumed the role of president and CEO of the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Associations -- a Council member and frequent ally on health care policy. In this episode, we discuss the National Alliance's unique structure and composition, its policy priorities and the importance of getting value for every health ca…

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E129: Meet Brad Turner-Little, CEO of NAWB 27:21

2y ago27:21

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Tune in for this special episode as Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, interviews Brad Turner-Little, the new CEO of NAWB. Brad talks about his career journey and outlines his vision for NAWB.

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Windows on Benefits: Introducing New Board Chair Fred Thiele (Microsoft Corporation) 48:15

2y ago48:15

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Fred Thiele, vice president, global benefits and mobility for Microsoft, will serve as chair of the American Benefits Council's Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 term. In this episode, he speaks with host Jason Hammersla about his company's unique approach to benefits, outlines his priorities for the next year and drops a few tales of questionab…

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E128: Mental Health in the Workplace: How Workforce Boards Can Support Wellness at Work 29:39

2+ y ago29:39

29:39

John R. Blosnich, Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at USC, joins the program to discuss the impact of mental health in the workplace. Discover the impact of the pandemic on workers’ mental health and the life disruptions that can lead to suicidal ideation. John …

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E127: The Employment Consequences of Robots 34:28

2+ y ago34:28

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Jay Dixon, an economist for Statistics Canada, joins the program to discuss the research that his organization has conducted about robots and the impact of robots on various industries. Jay reveals three major takeaways from the study and the impact of robots on middle-skill jobs. Discover the correlation between robot adoption and worker shortages…

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E126: Google Career Certificates: Providing Job Training in Fast Growing Fields 26:26

2+ y ago26:26

26:26

This episode features a conversation with Janice Fidalgo, Product Marketing Manager for Grow with Google, as she provides an overview of the tools and resources available to help job seekers grow their skills. Discover some of the career certificates available through Grow with Google and their partnership with NAWB. You’ll also learn about how the…

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E125: Quiet Quitting and Workplace Mental Health 27:51

2+ y ago27:51

27:51

Author and consultant Oreste D'Aversa joins the program to discuss the phenomenon of "quiet quitting" and the impact that it has on the workforce. Oreste reveals the definition of quiet quitting and some of the reasons behind it. Discover the importance of communication between employees and employers, and how employers can address quiet quitting i…

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E124: The Economy and Youth Labor Force Participation: With Economist Dr. Paul Harrington 33:04

3y ago33:04

33:04

Dr. Paul Harrington, Professor, and Director of the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University, returns to the program to provide an updated look at the economy and the labor market. Paul discusses the shift of the regional labor markets, the impact of remote work and the changing dynamics of labor relationships. Discover labor partic…

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Episode 45: Bigger Data: The First Step to Improving Health Equity (with Jennifer Haley, Urban Institute) 39:09

3y ago39:09

39:09

Diversity, equity and inclusion is a priority for many of the American Benefits Council’s member companies, who have in turn directed us to engage with these issues as they relate to employee benefits. Over the previous 12 months, the Council has established a task force to address social determinants of health and joined with a number of other est…

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Episode 44: Follow the Leader: Getting to Know the Council’s New Board Chair (with Tracy Watts, Mercer) 34:52

3y ago34:52

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If the American Benefits Council is to be a leader in the employee benefits world, we must have strong internal leadership. The Council’s policy agenda is carefully considered and set by our Policy Board of Directors, made up of knowledgeable and dedicated human resource and benefits professionals at each of our most engaged member companies. Holdi…

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E123: Preparing Justice Involved Individuals for Successful Reentry and Living Wage Employment 22:13

3y ago22:13

22:13

Arti Finn, Co-Founder of American Prison Data Systems (APDS), joins the program to discuss the work that her organization does to promote free and ethical education options for incarcerated learners. Discover some of the biggest challenges in the US around preparing people for employment and a successful transition out of incarceration. Arti also r…

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Episode No. 43: Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: A Round-Up of the Council's International Benefits Activity 34:05

3y ago34:05

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For many multinational companies, figuring out how to scale employee benefits for a global population is a critical element of their economic competitiveness. But if providing comprehensive employee benefit programs in the United States is like playing advanced chess, doing so on a global basis is like playing advanced chess on a moving speedboat. …

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E122: Maximizing Impact with the American Rescue Plan 30:00

3y ago30:00

30:00

This episode features an interview with Walter Simmons, CEO of Employ Prince George's and Kyle Marinelli, Manager of Government Relations and Policy for NAWB, as they discuss what workforce boards need to know about the American Recovery Plan Act, or ARPA. You’ll hear details about an exciting new Workforce Program Training Guide, created in partne…

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E121: Meeting Unprecedented Challenges: Ron Painter on the Importance of Workforce Boards 35:08

3y ago35:08

35:08

This episode was originally recorded on the WorkforceRx Podcast by Futuro Health, a podcast where Futuro Health CEO Van Ton-Quinlivan interviews future-focused leaders in education, workforce and healthcare to explore new innovations and approaches. Ron Painter joins the program to discuss the vital role that workforce boards play in advancing econ…

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Episode 42: Into the Deep End: The Big Splash of Pooled Employer Plans (with Rick Jones, Aon) 30:42

3+ y ago30:42

30:42

Even as policymakers discuss and debate the so-called "retirement savings gap," employers and others are starting to take part in a newly-minted coverage expansion tool: the SECURE Act of 2019 birthed the inception of the Pooled Employer Plan (PEP), which allows separate companies employers to team up and share plan administration for their collect…

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E120: Preparing Diverse Learners to Pursue In-Demand Cloud Roles 21:27

3+ y ago21:27

21:27

Kevin Kelly, Director of AWS Education Programs at Amazon Web Services, joins the program to discuss the importance of cloud computing for the future of work and the work that AWS Education Programs does to help prepare diverse learners to pursue in-demand cloud roles. Kevin reveals details about a recent global digital skills study and the growing…

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Episode 41: Get Out the Map: Paid Leave and the State of Play 47:43

3+ y ago47:43

47:43

Paid leave may not be an “employee benefit,” strictly speaking, in the same way that health coverage and retirement coverage are. But providing it has become a significant pressure point for employers, especially as an increasing number of states and localities have erected their own mandates over the last decade. In this episode, host Jason Hammer…

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Episode 40: No Surprises, Please: The Twisty Tale of 'Surprise' Medical Billing 48:57

3+ y ago48:57

48:57

The 2020 enactment of legislation to eliminate “surprise” medical billing was not just the most significant health care coverage legislation since the Affordable Care Act. It was also the culmination of a remarkable show of (relatively) swift and bipartisan lawmaking. Since that enactment, however, the story has taken dizzying twists and turns, wit…

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E119: The Power of Data: Empowering Workforce Systems to Achieve Equitable Economic Advance for All 34:52

3+ y ago34:52

34:52

This episode features an interview with Eshwar Eswaran, Director, JFFLabs LEAD (Leading Economic Advancement through Data). Eshwar discusses the work that JFF is doing to find new and innovative ways to lead workforce and education systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all, through data and data-driven solutions. He also reveals ho…

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Episode 39: Plumbing and the PBGC: How Plans and Participants are Getting Stuck 38:52

3+ y ago38:52

38:52

Even casual observers know that, over the past several decades, the nation's retirement system has evolved from a predominantly defined benefit system to a predominantly defined contribution system. That said, there are still nearly 47,000 defined benefit plans in the United States, (half of which are insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corpora…

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E118: A Look at the Labor Market: With Economist Dr. Paul Harrington 36:59

3+ y ago36:59

36:59

Dr. Paul Harrington, Professor, and Director of the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University, returns to the program to discuss the current state of the labor market. Dr. Harrington shares insights about the impact of the Great Resignation, youth participation in the labor market, as well as his thoughts about immigration and educat…

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Episode 38: Nontraditional Workers and Barriers to Retirement Savings 46:26

3+ y ago46:26

46:26

The current labor market is in flux, with many industries still in pandemic recovery while the "great resignation" creating a talent vacuum. Contingent or "nontraditional" work may not be as trendy a topic as it was five years ago, but it could represent a resource for companies seeking to fill important roles. In this episode, host Jason Hammersla…

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Episode No. 37: Still V.B.I.D.: Chronic Disease and the Drive to Health Care Value 46:04

3+ y ago46:04

46:04

According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease, while 4 in 10 have two or more. The CDC also estimates that 90% of the nation’s health care expenditures are for people with chronic and mental health conditions. And it’s very likely that the pandemic has ex…

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E117: AI, The Great Resignation, and Supporting Transitioning Veterans 32:15

3+ y ago32:15

32:15

Kamal Ahluwalia, president of Eightfold.ai, joins the program to provide an overview of his organization, share his thoughts about the Great Resignation, as well as his work with veterans and the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Discover the promise of AI and the importance of creating a succession plan for every individual in an organization. …