Best Talentdevelopment Podcasts (2025)

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Age Bias is a Crisis. Let's Solve It with Tonya Wilson 43:02

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6d ago43:02

43:02

When it comes to tackling the bias around age, is the juice worth the squeeze? Our guest, Tonya Wilson, says absolutely. Tonya, organizational strategist and founder of AFC Consulting Group, joins the podcast to discuss the hidden costs of age discrimination—an issue that drains more than $850 billion from the U.S. economy each year. Tonya debunks …

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Can AI Help L&D Bridge the Skills Gap? with Ryan Lufkin 38:39

21d ago38:39

38:39

Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure, joins the podcast to cut through the noise around AI-enabled skill building and explore how this technology can truly support a thriving learning culture. AI is an accelerator, a disruptor, and a powerful tool—but it’s not replacing educators any time soon. Ryan shares how AI c…

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Geostrategy Imperative: How it Elevates Risk Management 20:08

20d ago20:08

20:08

As geopolitical volatility reigns, organizations must increasingly anticipate, assess and manage the risks that come in such a complex project environment. How is this turbulence affecting project leaders? How are they incorporating geostrategy into their risk management processes? We discuss this with: Heather Buchanan, PMI-RMP, PMP, supply chain …

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193: TribalHub CTTP Program Launch 47:32

29d ago47:32

47:32

In this episode of "Magic in the Room," Luke Freeman sits down with Mike Day, founder and CEO of Tribal Hub. This episode explores the rapidly evolving landscape of tribal technology leadership, focusing on unique challenges and opportunities in tribal enterprises. They unveil the new Certified Tribal Technology Practitioner program, designed to cl…

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Power, Pressure, Performance: A Manager’s Balancing Act with Sabina Nawaz 35:01

1M ago35:01

35:01

Sabina Nawaz is a global CEO coach, leadership keynote speaker, author, and advisor to C-level executives in Fortune 500 corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and academic institutions. She joins the podcast to discuss themes of leadership from her book, You’re the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be (and Others Need). As leaders navi…

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How to Get Noticed Without Self-Promotion with Connie Malamed 28:12

2M ago28:12

28:12

Many talented learning professionals feel invisible—despite doing incredible work. In this episode, Connie Malamed joins us to explore how to gain visibility by contributing meaningfully to the field. We talk about why visibility matters, how to build credibility without being performative, and the ripple effects of sharing your work. You’ll also h…

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How Next-Gen Project Professionals Deliver Positive Social Impact 25:43

2M ago25:43

25:43

The youngest generations in the workforce don’t just want jobs—they want to deliver impact. What skills do project professionals need to ensure their efforts lead to deep social impact? And how do they build support for these initiatives? We discuss this with: Martin Irungu, founder and executive director, Empower and Serve Kenya (EmpServe), Nairob…

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192: Return on Relationship 55:21

2M ago55:21

55:21

In this episode of "Magic in the Room," hosts Luke and Chris are joined by Sara Hardwick of Giftology to explore the concept of Return on Relationship. They discuss how investing in authentic, intentional relationships, both internally within teams and externally with clients and partners, can drive loyalty and long-term business outcomes. Sara sha…

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The Problem with Bloom’s Taxonomy, and What To Use Instead with Jonathan Halls 40:37

2M ago40:37

40:37

Jonathan Halls is an author and consultant who uses learning science to streamline talent development to be digital and focused on business results. In today’s episode, Jonathan takes on L&D’s Goliath: Bloom’s Taxonomy. If you’ve written a learning objective before, you've likely used a version of Bloom’s Taxonomy. But what if we’ve been using it i…

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How Talent Development Can Boost Engagement and Retain Top Talent 27:12

3M ago27:12

27:12

Across the globe, employees are leaving their jobs because they are not fulfilled—and it’s costing organizations big time. One way to fix this? Investing in your talent. Our roundtable discussion outlines the benefits of internal talent development, how to identify team members with potential and steps to keep team members engaged when they’re stru…

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Beyond Stereotypes: Gen Z in the Workforce with Chelsea C. Williams 40:17

3M ago40:17

40:17

Chelsea C. Williams, Founder & CEO of Reimagine Talent, is an expert on intergenerational talent strategies and the Gen Z workforce. In this episode, Chelsea debunks myths about Gen Z and shares lessons we can learn from the youngest working demographic. She breaks down what research reveals Gen Z truly values—from transparency and purpose to wellb…

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191: Regaining Agency in Chaotic Times 40:45

3M ago40:45

40:45

In this episode of "Magic in the Room," hosts Luke, Hannah, and Chris delve into the themes of leadership, agency, and emotional regulation amidst chaos. They discuss how leaders can maintain control and purpose when faced with unexpected challenges or disruptions, emphasizing the importance of not succumbing to emotional hijacks. The conversation …

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Borrow from Marketing to Boost Learning Impact with Bianca Baumann and Mike Taylor 36:12

3M ago36:12

36:12

To elevate your training, it’s time to take a page from the marketing playbook. In this episode, we’re joined by Bianca Baumann and Mike Taylor—co-authors of Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro: Strategies to Ignite Learning—to explore how applying marketing strategies within learning programs can supercharge engagement, drive measurable i…

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How to Stand Out in Today’s Job Market 19:48

4M ago19:48

19:48

In today’s hypercompetitive job market, organizations are looking for change-ready project talent that can add value from the get-go. In a group discussion, three project professionals share which must-have skills and acumen—from artificial intelligence proficiency and data analysis to communication and active listening—have bubbled up in 2025. The…

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190: Leading Through Loss 36:13

4M ago36:13

36:13

In this episode of "Magic in the Room," hosts Hannah Bratterud, Chris Province, and Luke Freeman delve into the complexities of leadership, particularly when dealing with personal and professional challenges that aren't covered by standard policies. They discuss the importance of embracing a holistic community approach in workplaces, where personal…

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Fair by Design: From Good Intentions to Behavior Change with Siri Chilazi 41:02

4M ago41:02

41:02

Siri Chilazi, senior researcher at the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School and co-author of Make Work Fair: Data-Driven Design for Real Results, joins the podcast to explore how organizations can meaningfully advance fairness at work. Drawing on insights from her research and the book, Siri discusses how to drive change even i…

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Tech Reboot for Wildlife Conservation Projects 26:19

5M ago26:19

26:19

With wildlife populations plummeting, conservation teams are fighting back, using cutting-edge technology to track and protect the world’s flora and fauna. We discuss this with: Shannon Dubay, director of conservation technology, Panthera, Cape Town, South Africa: Dubay discusses how teams use camera traps, satellite imagery, AI and other technolog…

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Talking Tech Without Losing Your Audience with Neil Thompson 27:04

5M ago27:04

27:04

Neil Thompson is the founder of Teach the Geek, a company dedicated to helping technical professionals effectively communicate the value of their work to non-technical stakeholders. He joins the podcast to share how anyone with a specialization can sharpen their presentation skills—moving beyond acronyms and jargon that only experts understand. Thi…

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189: Looking Back and Moving Forward 42:01

5M ago42:01

42:01

Welcome to a new season of Magic In The Room! In this episode, hosts Hannah Bratterud, Chris Province, and Luke Freeman reflect on the evolution of their podcast as they enter this new season. They discuss the concept of seasons in both personal and professional contexts, emphasizing the importance of recognizing transitions and growth. The team sh…

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Flip the Script: Turning “Negative” Traits into Career Strengths with Jenny Wood 30:51

5M ago30:51

30:51

Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It, challenges the idea that success means playing it safe. In this episode, she reveals how to reclaim nine so-called "negative" traits—like being selfish, nosy, or even manipulative—and use them to build confidence, influence without authority, and stan…

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How to Avoid AI Project Failure 23:05

5M ago23:05

23:05

More and more project professionals are managing artificial intelligence (AI) projects, but teams are struggling to make sure they deliver real value. What makes AI projects different—and what are some common reasons they fail? What does it take to lead successful AI projects—and how do you build those must-have skills? We discuss the big issues wi…

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What Chocolate, Games, and Empathy Reveal About Strategy with Seth Godin 35:31

6M ago35:31

35:31

Seth Godin – acclaimed entrepreneur, bestselling author of This is Strategy: Make Better Plans, and closing keynote speaker at ATD25 – joins the podcast to challenge the way we think about strategy. What if strategy isn’t about rigid plans but about systems, time, and the games we choose to play? What happens when we mistake false proxies for progr…

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Go Beyond a Checklist Mentality and Design for All Learners with Sarah Mercier 43:44

6M ago43:44

43:44

Sarah Mercier is the CEO of Build Capable and the editor of the newly released book, Design for All Learners: Create Accessible and Inclusive Learning Experiences. Sarah joins the podcast to share an inside look into Design for All Learners, revealing why everyone benefits from more inclusive design, and actionable steps you can take immediately to…

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Gender Equality in Action: The Role of Project Leaders 27:57

6M ago27:57

27:57

International Women’s Day is a clarion call for gender equality—and project professionals around the globe are taking bold action to advance the cause. Our guests discuss the projects they’re leading to empower girls and women, how they ensure they’re delivering positive social impact, and how they keep themselves—and their teams—motivated in the f…

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"Yes And," Failing, and Other Transformative Improv Techniques with Erin Diehl 38:56

7M ago38:56

38:56

Erin Diehl is a podcast host, a bestselling author, and the CEO of improve it!. In this episode, she discusses how improv shows up in day-to-day life and simple ways to use improv techniques to find success in your work and relationships. Improv as a strategic tool has a variety of uses, including building company culture, navigating workplace chal…

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The Happiness Strategy with Juliana Sawaia 39:26

7M ago39:26

39:26

Juliana Sawaia is a happiness-at-work scientist, business consultant, and researcher with over 20 years of experience specializing in corporate happiness. On this episode, Julianna explains “why” fostering happiness is imperative not just for individuals, but as a business strategy. Tune in for actionable steps on “how” to cultivate happiness at wo…

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What to Expect in 2025: A Guide for Project Professionals 26:26

7M ago26:26

26:26

What can project professionals around the globe expect to face in 2025? We talk with project leaders to help you prepare. Sanjukta Ghosh, PMP, data and AI leader at Siemens in Erlangen, Germany, and Alexandra Schutz, PMI-ACP, PMP, director of the program management office at Appfire in Washington, D.C., discuss what’s next for artificial intelligen…

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New Year, New Trends: 2025 Predictions with Jessica Kriegel 48:51

8M ago48:51

48:51

Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners, is an author, podcast host, and culture expert. She joins the podcast to explore the many trend predictions for 2025, forecast which ones are likely to stick, and discuss how L&D professionals can anticipate changes to their roles. The conversation delves into the evolving use of AI tools…

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Arrive with Executive Presence, Leave with Results: Tips from Hilary Blair 45:21

9M ago45:21

45:21

Executive presence goes beyond confidence and charisma—it's a vital skill for every professional, not just those in the C-Suite. Hilary Blair, cofounder and CEO of ARTiculate Real&Clear, explores the evolving role of executive presence and its particular importance for trainers and instructional designers in the L&D field. Hilary delves into how ex…

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188: Activating Shared Values at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation with Guests Kelley Francen and April Carter 56:40

9M ago56:40

56:40

In today’s episode of Magic in the Room, Chris and Luke sit down with Kelley Francen and April Carter to discuss leadership development at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Kelley and April developed a unique program that integrates the traditional cultural teachings of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation into leadership development. The goal of this progra…

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Build, Borrow, or Buy Your Way to Better Evaluation with Alaina Szlachta 50:36

9M ago50:36

50:36

Alaina Szlachta, PhD, is the founder of By Design Development Solutions and author of the recently published Measurement and Evaluation on a Shoestring. Alaina’s book provides advice for L&D professionals navigating tight budgets, limited resources, and demanding expectations. In this episode, Alaina unveils her practical framework for measurement …

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Measuring Up: How to Track and Deliver Positive Social Impact 30:29

9M ago30:29

30:29

To ensure projects deliver real social impact, organizations and their teams need to set clear targets, track progress—and adjust when plans and variables shift. We host a joint discussion with Karlijn Sibbel, innovation director at Notpla in London, and Grzegorz Wach, refugee employment initiative lead at NESsT in Warsaw. They discuss their work o…

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Assessment-Based Coaching That Delivers with Jackie Sahm 46:17

10M ago46:17

46:17

As coaching grows in popularity, so does the misconception that all coaching methods deliver the same results. In this episode, Jackie Sahm, Vice President of Integrative Solutions at Hogan Assessments, joins us to explore why assessment-based coaching stands out as a transformative approach for L&D professionals. Jackie breaks down what makes asse…

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Powerful Partnerships: Collaborating to Achieve UN SDGs 31:16

10M ago31:16

31:16

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call to action to help people and the planet—and projects aligned to those goals require strong collaboration with stakeholders, whether they’re government agencies, teachers or farmers. We discuss this with: Jenny Buccos, CEO of EXPLR and co-director of the National STEM Festival, New York …

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Communication Tips To Get You Noticed with Jessica Chen 41:19

10M ago41:19

41:19

Jessica Chen is the author of Smart Not Loud -How to Get Noticed at Work for all the Right Reasons. In this podcast episode, she explores effective communication strategies that elevate your professional presence. Jessica shares insight into understanding the common communication scale within organizations and how to assess your perceived position …

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How Tech is Powering the Clean Energy Transition 29:00

10M ago29:00

29:00

Public and private organizations across the globe are taking action to reach net-zero emissions targets—investing heavily in new technology to build resilient and efficient energy systems. Guests discuss the push for cleaner energy, the tech their teams use to develop cleaner energy solutions and the skills project professionals need to lead these …

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187: Wrapping up Lead a Team 42:51

10M ago42:51

42:51

To download the free guide that goes with all the Lead a Team episodes, subscribe at www.magicintheroom.com. Today we wrap up season five of Magic in the Room! This season has focused on the skills that people need when leading a team. The good news is that these skills can be learned, if we are intentional. In this episode, Hannah, Chris, and Luke…

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The Project Management Skills That Keep Creatives On Track 29:12

11M ago29:12

29:12

Today’s creative agencies need to move rapidly, whether they’re executing campaigns, capitalizing on pop culture moments or averting a crisis. Project management helps channel that urgency into strong execution and buzz-worthy results. In a joint discussion, two project leaders at creative agencies discuss which project management skills help teams…