Best Unique Training Amp Development Podcasts (2025)

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Beyond Training: Cathy Hoy on How L&D Leaders Can Drive Real Business Impact 34:57

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2d ago34:57

34:57

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E3: In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we sit down with Cathy Hoy, a trailblazer in the L&D space with an impressive career spanning over 25 years at global giants like Tesco, Coca-Cola, and Expedia. Cathy shares her unconventional journey into L&D, the pivotal mom…

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

4d 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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Bonus Episode Beyond Confidence: What’s Really Holding You Back? 8:18

9d ago8:18

8:18

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! What if confidence isn’t the real issue? In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill interviews Executive Career Transition Coach Julia Bend to unpack a common career assumption: “I just need more confidence.” But is that really what’s holding people back…

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From Career Crossroads to Purposeful Work: Holly Worton on Reinventing Yourself with Confidence 30:07

15d ago30:07

30:07

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3: In this episode, we meet the multifaceted Holly Worton – coach, author, shamanic practitioner and founder of North Downs Publishing. From quitting graduate school to running an eco hotel in Mexico, and later building a thriving publishing business in the UK, Holly shares the defining mome…

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L&D in 2025: Personalised, Inclusive and Always Evolving 6:53

22d ago6:53

6:53

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie takes the lead as she and Julia explore the trends shaping L&D in 2025. From the rise of personalised learning and microlearning to the growing emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility, Valerie shares timely insights a…

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The Mindset Shift You Need to Succeed: Lessons from Sarah Pittendrigh 33:02

30d ago33:02

33:02

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S3 E1: What does it take to rise from financial devastation and build a thriving business? In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we welcome Sarah Pittendrigh award-winning entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and author of The ICAN Method. Sarah’s story is a testament to resi…

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

1M 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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Season 3 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! 7:51

1M ago7:51

7:51

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! This season hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend, bring you fresh, thought-provoking conversations with the people shaping how we learn, lead and grow at work. From bold career moves to innovative approaches to leadership and development, each episode offers honest reflections, practical take…

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Dynamic Alignment: Find Clarity, Energy & Purpose with Brad Borkan & Holly Worton 33:39

1M ago33:39

33:39

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2 E:13 In this insightful episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie are joined by authors Brad Borkan and Holly Worton to discuss their collaborative book, Dynamic Alignment. Together, they unpack the eight-step process designed to help you uncover your passions, alig…

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Global Mindsets Unlocked: Viktoria Kish on Leading Across Cultures 28:09

2M ago28:09

28:09

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E12 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Viktoria Kish, a global business consultant, entrepreneur, and connector with over 25 years of experience in international business education and leadership. Viktoria shares her remarkable jou…

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Beyond the Numbers: Douglas Lines on Building Trust and Inspiring Innovation 34:25

2M ago34:25

34:25

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E11 - In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie sit down with Douglas Lines, a seasoned chartered accountant and co-founder of IBEM Group, who has led transformative change across multiple continents and industries. With a career that spans corpora…

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Resilience Reimagined: Navigating Change and Transformation 49:36

2M 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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Julia Bend: Why Boundaries Aren’t Harsh – They’re Essential 7:07

2M ago7:07

7:07

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, the spotlight turns to our co-host Julia Bend as she unpacks the power of boundaries in leadership, coaching and life. Together with Valerie Merrill, she explores why boundaries are so often misunderstood, and how setting them …

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Redefining Inclusion and Creativity: Allegra Chapman’s Journey to Empowerment 36:25

2M ago36:25

36:25

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E10 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie are joined by Allegra Chapman, co-founder of Watch This Sp_ce, a consultancy dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in workplaces. Allegra shares her inspiring and non-linear career journ…

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Curiosity in Practice: Coaching Meets Training 5:04

3M ago5:04

5:04

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie take a closer look at Curiosity, what it means, how it shows up in their work and why it matters more than ever. While they approach it from different angles, Julia through coaching and Valerie through IT training, they…

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From Saving Lives to Leading Teams: Ashley Brice on Mastering High-Stakes Communication 46:04

3M ago46:04

46:04

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E9 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Ashley Brice, a former military police officer, police negotiator, and now a highly sought-after communication and leadership expert. Ashley’s journey spans from handling covert police operatio…

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

3M 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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Is Your Story Landing? Why Perception Shapes Opportunity 6:43

3M ago6:43

6:43

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this reflective bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie Merrill is joined by co-host and executive career transition coach Julia Bend to unpack the real impact of perception during times of change. It’s not just about your experience, it’s about how others interpr…

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Mastering Workplace Harmony: Proactive Conflict Resolution with Nicole Posner 32:24

3M ago32:24

32:24

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E8 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Nicole Posner, an expert mediator and executive conflict coach. With a background in PR and psychology, Nicole shares how her early experiences in a toxic work environment inspired her to specialise …

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Bonus Episode: Bespoke Training – Why It’s More Than Just ‘How-To’ 6:13

4M ago6:13

6:13

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special fireside edition of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia hands the mic to co-host Valerie Merrill for an expert deep dive into the world of bespoke training. If you’ve ever been involved in rolling out a customised system, you’ll know it’s far from straightforward. V…

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Brad Borkan - Decisions Under Pressure: What Antarctic Explorers Teach Us About Leadership and Resilience 32:33

4M ago32:33

32:33

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E7 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia welcome Brad Borkan, an author and decision-making expert with a unique approach to leadership inspired by history. Brad’s career spans from roles at tech giants like SAP and Oracle to becoming a published a…

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Cyber Security Essentials with Valerie Merrill: How to Stay Safe Online 11:32

4M ago11:32

11:32

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and co-host Valerie Merrill dive into the crucial topic of cyber security awareness for end users. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, understanding the risks and how to safeguard yourself is more important than …

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

4M 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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Breaking Barriers, Leading Change: I.Stephanie Boyce on Resilience, Leadership & Social Mobility 34:43

4M ago34:43

34:43

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this powerful episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we welcome I. Stephanie Boyce, a trailblazer in the legal profession and a relentless advocate for social justice, equality, diversity, inclusion, and social mobility. As the first person of colour to become President of the…

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From Experience to Opportunity: Julia Bend on Making Your Skills Work for You 9:08

4M ago9:08

9:08

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend explore one of the most critical yet overlooked elements of career success, leveraging transferable skills. Whether you're considering a career shift or looking to elevate your leade…

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Glen Williamson Reveals the Secret to Building Unbreakable Client Bonds 36:56

5M ago36:56

36:56

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E5 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Glen Williamson, a visionary sales coach with nearly four decades of experience. Glen has transformed the concept of selling, introducing an approach he calls coach-based selling, which combines hu…

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M365 Copilot: Your AI Assistant for a Smarter Workday 7:34

5M ago7:34

7:34

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Julia and Valerie explore Copilot for Microsoft 365, an AI-powered assistant designed to help professionals work smarter, not harder. Valerie explains how M365 Copilot enhances productivity by automating repetitive tasks, managing em…

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AI to Improve Learning and Development Outcomes 44:28

5M 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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Redefining Learning: Donald Taylor on Networks, Technology, and the Future of L&D 33:38

5M ago33:38

33:38

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E4 In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Donald Taylor, Chair of the Learning Technologies Conference and a pioneering thought leader in the L&D field. With a career spanning decades, Donald reflects on how his early decisions and exper…

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Feeling Stuck in Your Career? It Might Be Time to Move On 11:49

5M ago11:49

11:49

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this special bonus episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, Valerie and Julia shine a light on a career dilemma many professionals face but rarely discuss: the hidden costs of staying in a role for too long. What happens when comfort turns into stagnation? Julia, an Executive Ca…

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Unlocking Client Attraction: Henriette Danel on Energy Alignment and Strategic Growth 28:57

6M ago28:57

28:57

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E3 - In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development hosts Valerie and Julia welcome Henriette Danel, an award-winning business coach, client attraction specialist, TEDx speaker, and host of the Entrepreneurial Success Podcast. Henriette shares her journey from interior design t…

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Beyond the Basics, Transform Your Workflow with Excel 365 6:08

6M ago6:08

6:08

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, I’m joined by my co-host Valerie, founder and MD of Merrill Consultants, as she reveals the untapped potential of Excel 365. Drawing on over 30 years of training experience, Valerie explains transformative features like XLOOKUP, dyna…

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

6M 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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Leading with Laughter: Em Stroud on Creativity, Impact, and Authentic Leadership 26:47

6M ago26:47

26:47

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E2 In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Em Stroud, a multi-talented leadership coach, performer, and podcaster known for her unique blend of comedy, business expertise, and authentic storytelling. Em shares her inspiring journey from…

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Futurist Tom Cheesewright on Bridging the Skills Gap and Embracing Change 36:28

6M ago36:28

36:28

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S2:E1 - In this insightful episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, we are excited to welcome Tom Cheesewright, a futurist, author, and commentator on the future of work. Known for his compelling take on tomorrow's world, Tom helps organisations and individuals navigate a rapidly chang…

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Season 2 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! 6:32

6M ago6:32

6:32

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Join hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend as they dive even deeper into the inspiring, the innovative, and the transformative. This season brings you more real stories, expert insights, and thought-provoking moments from leaders shaping the future of learning and growth. From mastering career…

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Julia Unlocks Career Satisfaction Through Core Values 13:02

7M ago13:02

13:02

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we’re joined by Julia, my co-host and founder of Premier Coaching, who brings her expertise in helping individuals align their careers with their core values. She explores the transformative impact of understanding and prioritising v…

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Harnessing Technology for Continuous Learning and Development 27:46

7M 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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Unlocking Growth: Paul Mills on Mastering Strategic Marketing, Fractional Leadership, and Building a Personal Brand 40:03

8M ago40:03

40:03

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E12 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Paul Mills, a seasoned leader with a diverse background spanning pharmaceutical, corporate finance, and now the entrepreneurial world as a fractional CMO. Paul shares his personal journey of…

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Unlocking the Secrets: Season 1 Highlights of The Secrets of Learning and Development 10:36

8M ago10:36

10:36

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Season 1 of The Secrets of Learning and Development has arrived! Join hosts Valerie Merrill and Julia Bend on a journey through the unexpected, the inspiring, and the game-changing. With real stories, actionable insights, and jaw-dropping moments from industry leaders, this season uncovers wh…

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How SharePoint Transforms Collaboration and Productivity 7:30

8M ago7:30

7:30

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! In this episode of The Secrets of Learning and Development, we’re joined by Valerie, my co-host and founder of Merrill Consultants, who shares her expertise in transforming team collaboration and productivity through SharePoint. She explores the common challenges faced by organisations, from …

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

8M 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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Unlocking Media Visibility: Marina Gask on Elevating Your Profile and Crafting Compelling Stories 27:08

8M ago27:08

27:08

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E11 -In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie welcome Marina Gask, a distinguished journalist, magazine editor, and visibility coach with over 35 years of experience. Marina shares her extensive knowledge on press and visibility, offering valuable ins…

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Championing Diversity: Mo Kanjilal’s Blueprint for Inclusive Workplaces 30:06

9M ago30:06

30:06

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E10 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Mo Kanjilal, a dynamic leader in diversity, inclusion, and leadership. Mo shares her personal journey from growing up as a shy child in East Anglia to becoming a TEDx speaker, award-winning …

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Unlocking the Power of Voice: Anne Leatherland’s Expertise in Building Confidence and Personal Growth 46:17

9M ago46:17

46:17

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E9 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Anne Leatherland, a dynamic professional with a unique blend of expertise in science, music, and coaching. Anne shares her fascinating journey from teaching chemistry to becoming a voice coac…

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Strategies for Building a Thriving Workplace Culture 49:05

9M 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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Let's Get Visible! : Sapna Pieroux’s Secrets to Building Your Personal and Business Brand 48:30

9M ago48:30

48:30

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E8 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Julia and Valerie are joined by Sapna Pieroux, a leading expert in brand, and a multi-award-winning entrepreneur. Sapna shares her journey from a successful corporate career in media and marketing to today, where she now he…

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Episode 10: Dissing My Ability w guest Meryl Evans S2 E10 26:32

10M ago26:32

26:32

Welcome to Dissing My Ability, a podcast focused in removing shame and stigma associated with disability. Host, Ken Meeker is joined by Meryl K. Evans, CPACC. Meryl is an acclaimed professional speaker and trainer, accessibility marketing consultant, author of Brilliant Outlook Pocketbook and the co-author of Adapting to Web Standards: CSS and Ajax…

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Transforming Leadership: Charles McLachlan on Experiential Learning and CEO Growth 41:45

10M ago41:45

41:45

If you enjoyed this podcast, we'd love to hear from you! S1:E6 - In this episode of Secrets of Learning and Development, hosts Valerie and Julia are joined by Charles McLachlan, who is committed to developing senior executives with a rich background in technology, teaching, and leadership development. Charles, who played a role in Valerie's own pro…

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

10M 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…