At TLN, growth doesn’t pause — it evolves.

And so does Training Unleashed.

With all the success we’ve had, we’re taking a moment to level up.

The podcast is on a short pause — not to stop, but to sharpen.

To come back with deeper insights and even more powerful conversations.

Thank you for being part of the journey so far.

Stay tuned — because when we return…

It’ll be unleashed like never before.

TLN | Unleash Your Greatness.

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In this insightful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel is joined by Brett Hoogeveen, Co-Founder of BetterCulture, to discuss one of the most critical elements of organizational success: company culture.

Together, Evan and Brett explore why “culture eats strategy for breakfast,” how employee engagement drives customer satisfaction, and the pivotal role leadership plays in building a healthy workplace environment. Brett breaks down the five strategic pillars of culture transformation from executive buy-in to frontline empowerment and offers practical steps for creating workplaces where people thrive.

They also dive into challenging real-world scenarios, like dealing with high-performing employees who are toxic to company culture, and share stories and tips for giving meaningful feedback, even on those tricky “soft skills.”

Whether you’re an executive, HR leader, or team manager, this episode offers a roadmap for turning culture into a competitive advantage. Learn how to measure culture, define what it should be, and implement actionable strategies to improve it at every level.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Culture Drives Results: A strong workplace culture leads to higher employee engagement, better customer satisfaction, and improved business performance.

• Define Culture Intentionally: Every company has a culture – successful ones design and nurture it rather than letting it happen by default.

• Start with Leadership: Culture change begins at the top. Executive teams must align on cultural goals and model the behaviors they want to see.

• Measure What Matters: Tools like employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) and culture surveys provide a baseline and guide ongoing improvement.

• Don’t Ignore the Impact of One: A high-performing employee who undermines culture can drag down the whole team – coaching, restructuring, or letting go may be necessary.

• Equip Managers to Lead Culture: Most managers struggle with giving feedback on soft skills – organizations must train and support them to lead culture conversations confidently.

About Our Guest

Brett Hoogeveen is a trained engineer, former healthcare executive, startup investor, and the co-founder of BetterCulture: a prominent leadership development and technology firm with clients spanning from entrepreneurial startups to Fortune 500 companies.

In the past 10+ years, Brett has trained thousands of leaders and worked hands-on with hundreds of organizations and executive teams focused on creating stronger businesses through elevated leaders, stronger teams, and more energized workplace cultures.

An international speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®), Brett focuses on providing practical and actionable advice on leadership, company culture, and the ‘not-so-secret’ secrets of becoming successful and happy.

Brett lives in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife and three delightfully spunky children. He loves jumping on his trampoline with his kids, is a self-proclaimed personal finance nerd, and believes that he might just be one of the ‘Top 10 Airzooka Marksmen’ in the entire world.

How to Connect:

• • Website: BetterCulture
  • LinkedIn: Brett Hoogeveen | BetterCulture
  • Facebook: BetterCulture
  • Instagram: BetterCulture

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In this thought-provoking episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Brad Englert, founder of Brad Englert Advisory and author of Spheres of Influence, to explore the power of effective workplace communication and leadership alignment.

Brad shares insights from his book, including why people dislike hearing “no” and how replacing it with “Whoa!” can create better outcomes. He discusses the importance of setting clear expectations, aligning with leadership goals, and fostering strong relationships within an organization.

Throughout the conversation, Brad and Evan dive into practical strategies for influencing decision-makers, improving collaboration, and managing major organizational changes – like transitioning to a new Learning Management System (LMS). Whether you’re a leader, manager, or aspiring executive, this episode is packed with valuable lessons to enhance your career.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The psychology behind using “Whoa!” instead of “No”
• How to align with leadership and peers for workplace success
• The three principles of effective business relationships
• Managing organizational change and transitioning to a new LMS
• Practical tips for building influence in your career

About Our Guest

Brad Englert is an experienced author, advisor, and technologist with over 40 years of experience in the private and public sectors:

Accenture for 22 years, including 10 years as a partner, and then The University of Texas at Austin for eight years, including seven years as the Chief Information Officer. Brad is the founder of Brad Englert Advisory. His recent book, Spheres of Influence: How to Create and Nurture Authentic Business Relationships, offers a practical guide to help emerging and established leaders develop and perfect the critical hard skill of building effective and lasting professional relationships. The crunchy, real-world stories in this book are relevant to a diverse range of industries, organizations, and backgrounds. The internal sphere of influence are those relationships with whom you have the most impact: boss, executive leaders, direct reports and staff. Relationships with customers, peers and influencers, and vendors form the external sphere of influence.

How to Connect:

• • Website: Brad Englert
  • LinkedIn: Brad Englert

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In this insightful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Tara Landes, founder of Bellrock, to explore innovative approaches to leadership training and effective management practices.

Tara shares her unique synchronous online training methodology, designed to engage learners through live workshops, breakout sessions, and one-on-one coaching. She discusses why reinforcement and real-world application are critical for leadership development and explains how her Management Foundations course helps leaders build long-term habits.

Evan and Tara also dive into the power of one-on-one coaching, how managers can leverage it to boost engagement, and why focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses is the key to driving team performance.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why synchronous learning is making a comeback in leadership training
• How breakout sessions and real-world application improve learning retention
• The importance of one-on-one coaching and how to structure impactful sessions
• How Gallup’s StrengthsFinder approach applies to management
• Practical tips for holding better leadership conversations

About Our Guest

For 25 years, Tara Landes has been the secret weapon 300+ small businesses leaders have used as they solve operational challenges. She is a certified change management practitioner from The Prosci Institute and a licensed influence trainer from The Cialdini Institute. She is the lead faculty member for the Bellrock management training programs, having graduated 950+ students and counting. She has also delivered almost 100 presentations to organizations like TEC Canada, Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (EGBC), and Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon (CPHR BC & Yukon).

How to Connect:

• • Website: bellrock
  • LinkedIn: Tara Landes

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In this insightful episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Deb Coviello, the Drop In CEO, to explore why leaders often wait for a crisis before seeking help and how they can proactively prevent one.

Deb, a seasoned leadership and quality expert, shares her experience working with organizations in crisis and discusses how businesses can shift from firefighting to strategic risk management. She introduces key concepts from her book The CEO’s Compass, offering a roadmap for leaders to achieve peace of mind while navigating change.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why leaders resist change until a crisis hits
• The role of leading vs. lagging indicators in risk management
• How organizations can implement early warning systems to detect potential issues
• The importance of trust but verify in leadership and decision-making
• How internal podcasting can enhance communication during change

About Our Guest

Deb Coviello is an accomplished author, podcast host, and leadership expert in Quality and Operational Excellence.

Known as the “CEO Whisperer,” Deb uses her 30 years of experience to help CEOs and C-Suite leaders of tomorrow find peace of mind by providing solutions to their technical business issues and elevating their teams.

Her book, “The CEO’s Compass”, is a go-to guide for navigating challenges and achieving lasting success.

How to Connect:

• • Website: The Drop In CEO
  • LinkedIn: Deb Coviello

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Bob Carrothers, an experienced Vistage Chair, to explore the power of peer groups and leadership development.

Bob shares insights into why CEOs, executives, and key leaders benefit from peer networks, the resistance factors that prevent leaders from seeking help, and how vulnerability can actually be a strength in leadership. He discusses how peer groups help professionals make better decisions, grow their businesses, and even improve their personal lives.

The conversation also dives into the traits of successful peer group members, the common pitfalls that hold people back, and real-life success stories of executives who have risen through the ranks with the support of Vistage.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Power of Peer Groups: How Vistage and similar networks help CEOs and executives grow.
• Overcoming Leadership Isolation: Why many leaders struggle without a peer network and how to find the right support.
• Breaking Barriers to Growth: Common resistance factors—ego, fear of vulnerability, and lack of awareness—that prevent leaders from joining peer groups.
• The Role of Vulnerability in Leadership: Why being open and seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
• Key Traits of Successful Leaders: What separates executives who thrive in peer groups from those who don’t.
• The Impact of Peer Learning: How discussing challenges with others leads to better decision-making and business success.
• From Key Executive to CEO: Real-life success stories of professionals who leveraged peer groups to reach the next level.
• Why Leadership Development Isn’t Just About Business: How professional growth influences personal life, relationships, and overall well-being.

About Our Guest

With 29 years of experience, Bob facilitates peer-to-peer boards of CEOs and executives, creating environments conducive to skill enhancement, informed decision-making, and superior results. He offers individual coaching, arranges expert speakers, and provides access to a global network of over 45,000 board members spanning 35 countries.

Experience and Expertise:

• Bob Carrothers, a Master Chair at Vistage Worldwide, brings over 29 years of experience in leadership development and executive coaching.
• He has guided CEOs and C-suite executives towards greater success and fulfillment through his extensive expertise in the field.

Recognition and Achievements:

• Bob was appointed as a Master Chair in 2015 and in 2016 and has been recognized with the prestigious Chair Excellence Award 6 times for his outstanding contributions to Vistage members.

Entrepreneurial Insights:

• Drawing from his experience as a Founder and CEO of three interrelated companies, Bob brings a unique perspective to his coaching practice, learning valuable lessons from past mistakes.

Certifications and Tools:

• Bob is certified as an Emergenetics advisor and Predictive Index practitioner, equipping him with a profound understanding of human behavior and cognition.

Podcast Topic Suggestions:

• Executive Leadership; Company Culture; Delegation; Taking Risk

How to Connect:

• • Website: VISTAGE
  • LinkedIn: Bob Carrothers
  • Email: [email protected]

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In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Chris Tripoli, a 45-year hospitality veteran and training expert, to explore what businesses can learn from the hospitality industry’s approach to training and development.

Chris shares insights on the importance of structured, ongoing training, the role of leadership in fostering a strong learning culture, and key strategies that restaurant and hospitality businesses use to ensure top-tier performance. Tune in to discover how these best practices can be applied to any industry to improve employee engagement, retention, and operational success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Power of Continuous Training – Why training isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process for success.
• Lessons from Hospitality – How top restaurants and hotels implement training that drives performance.
• Leadership’s Role in Training – How effective leaders create a culture of learning and development.
• Employee Engagement & Retention – Strategies to keep employees motivated and reduce turnover.
• Applying Hospitality Best Practices to Any Industry – What businesses outside hospitality can learn from its training models.

About Our Guest

Chris Tripoli has over 45 years of service in the hospitality industry as a concept developer, owner-operator and restaurant consultant. He has created award-winning restaurant concepts; consulted on a wide variety of restaurant projects throughout the US and internationally; and developed successful food service programs for airports, parks, theaters, arenas, convention centers, and medical centers.

Chris teaches classes in opening, operating and expanding restaurants to advisors and clients of the Small Business Development Centers throughout the US, is an active member of Foodservice Consultants Society International and a regular speaker at association conferences.

He has been a RestaurantOwner.com contributor since 1998 and hosts the podcast Corner Booth, “candid conversations with today’s restaurant entrepreneurs.”
Chris enjoys his work on hospitality-related projects throughout the US, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and the Middle East. However, his current objective is to promote restaurant entrepreneurship and support customer service businesses and those wanting to create their first start-up business by providing them with insights and support. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to further educate and inspire your listeners!

How to Connect:

• • Website: THE RESTAURANT CLINIC | Restaurantowner.com
  • LinkedIn: Chris Tripoli
  • Podcast: Corner Booth | Future of Service | Developing Good Managers | THE TRIPOLI 10 COMMANDMENTS

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Kristel Bauer, a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker, and TEDx speaker, to explore strategies for achieving greater happiness and success in both work and life.

Kristel, the author of Work-Life Tango, shares insights on balancing professional and personal well-being, the mindset shifts needed for sustainable performance, and practical ways to foster a healthier workplace culture. Tune in to hear her take on the “tango” of work-life balance, leadership, and resilience, along with actionable tips that can help individuals and organizations thrive.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Concept of Work-Life Tango – Kristel Bauer explains the inspiration behind her book Work-Life Tango and how the metaphor of tango applies to balancing professional and personal well-being.
• Optimizing Performance Through Well-Being – Strategies for enhancing workplace performance by prioritizing mental and physical health.
• The Role of Mindset in Success – How shifting perspectives can lead to greater resilience, happiness, and productivity.
• Leadership and Workplace Culture – The impact of leadership on fostering a supportive and thriving work environment.
• Navigating Stress and Burnout – Practical tips for managing stress and avoiding burnout while maintaining high performance.
• The Science of Happiness and Success – Insights from research on how well-being contributes to professional and personal success.
• Actionable Steps for Individuals and Organizations – Key takeaways to help professionals and leaders implement well-being strategies effectively.

About Our Guest

Kristel Bauer is a corporate wellness and performance expert, keynote speaker and TEDx speaker supporting organizations and individuals on their journeys for more happiness and success. She is the author of Work-Life Tango: Finding Happiness, Harmony, and Peak Performance Wherever You Work (John Murray Business November 19, 2024). With Kristel’s healthcare background, she provides data driven actionable strategies to leverage happiness and high-power habits to drive growth mindsets, peak performance, profitability, well-being and a culture of excellence. Kristel is the creator and host of her global top self-improvement podcast, Live Greatly. She is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur, and she is an influencer in the business and wellness space having been recognized as a Top 10 Social Media Influencer of 2021 in Forbes. As an Integrative Medicine Fellow & Physician Assistant having practiced clinically in Integrative Psychiatry, Kristel has a unique perspective into attaining a mindset for more happiness and success in the workplace and beyond. Kristel has been featured in Forbes, Forest & Bluff Magazine, Authority Magazine & Podcast Magazine and she has appeared on ABC 7 Chicago, WGN Daytime Chicago, Fox 4’s WDAF-TV’s Great Day KC, and Ticker News. You can learn more about Kristel at https://www.livegreatly.co/

How to Connect:

• • Website: LIVE GREATLY
  • LinkedIn: Kristel Bauer
  • Book: Work-Life Tango

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In this episode of Training Unleashed, host Evan Hackel sits down with Barry Auchettl, founder of the Life Vision Academy, to discuss the transformative power of vision, mindset, and belief systems in personal and professional success. Barry shares insights on how embracing a clear life vision can help individuals break through limiting beliefs, overcome mental blocks, and unlock their full potential. The conversation explores the connection between vision and success, how subconscious programming influences our achievements, and practical strategies to shift perspectives for greater fulfillment. Barry also introduces his powerful Light Body Alignment technique, which helps individuals clear emotional and mental barriers in under a minute. This episode is packed with actionable takeaways on leadership, self-awareness, and fostering a positive, growth-oriented mindset. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion that will challenge you to rethink how you approach success and personal development!

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Power of Vision – Understanding how a clear life vision can shape personal and professional success.
• Breaking Limiting Beliefs – Identifying and overcoming subconscious barriers that hold you back.
• Light Body Alignment Technique – A powerful method to clear mental and emotional blocks in under a minute.
• Mindset Shifts for Success – How changing your perspective can unlock new opportunities.
• Leading by Example – The impact of personal growth on leadership and workplace culture.
• The Role of Training in Business Growth – Why companies that invest in learning and development thrive.
• From Idea to Reality – Steps to turn your personal vision into actionable goals.
• The Choice to Succeed – How making intentional decisions can create lasting change.

About Our Guest

Rev Barry Auchettl, affectionately known as The Blockbuster, is a Life Visionary who has moved from Australia to the USA. Barry helps people see the world with new eyes, by improving their physical eyesight and their insight as to what’s possible for themselves and others.

Barry is also the creator of Conversations, an inspirational game that encourages more meaningful conversations and connections, and is also the producer and features in the movie Vision 2020: from eyesight to insight.

Barry is the head of Visionaries of Light which runs The Vision School to help people raise their vibration and frequency. He is a sought after International Speaker, best-selling author and mentor helping people unlock their full potential and achieve their goals.

He loves electric bicycles, music and his six grandchildren, for whom his work and his vision is dedicated to creating a more harmonious world for them to grow up in!

How to Connect:

• • Website: Life Vision Academy
  • LinkedIn: Barry Auchettl

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.

In this episode of Training Unleashed, Evan Hackel sits down with Marie Deveaux, an expert in leadership and communication. Marie shares insights on effective conversations, the importance of preparation, and the impact of clear messaging in professional settings. From handling common communication challenges to fostering stronger workplace relationships, this discussion is filled with valuable takeaways.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Art of Effective Conversations – How to engage in meaningful discussions that drive impact.
• Overcoming Communication Pitfalls – Strategies for avoiding misinterpretations and fostering clarity.
• The Power of Preparation – Why being intentional and organized leads to more productive interactions.
• Leadership Through Language – Using communication as a tool for influence and team empowerment.
• Handling Difficult Dialogues – Tips for navigating challenging conversations with confidence.
• Real-World Lessons in Workplace Communication – Practical examples of how strong communication skills lead to professional success.

About Our Guest

Marie Deveaux is an executive leadership coach, effective communications strategist, DEI consultant and International speaker.

Marie has brought her training and inclusive workshop programs and talks to organizations across the media and education sectors including firms like Facebook, Essence Global, WPP, the 4As, Rocketship Education, Spotify, KIPP New Jersey, and the Ford Foundation.

Marie’s 20 year background in corporate training and learning and development has cultivated her consulting and coaching philosophy to one that is focused on self awareness, compassion and effective communication as an avenue for fostering deeper connections in relationships. Through this lens, we deepen capability in how we are relating with our work, ourselves as workers, and with those who co-work alongside us. These are the building blocks of cultures of belonging. Where you work should nurture who you are, and Marie is on a mission to support as many nurturing work relationships, for as many people as possible.

Marie holds a Master of Science in Management from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature from New York University. Her executive coach training was completed at ICF accredited Accomplishment Coaching. She is a Professional Certified Coach, and member of The International Coaching Federation. When not speaking or training she enjoys baking for her husband and two children, and listening to a good book.

How to Connect:

• • Website: High Tides, mariedeveaux.com
  • LinkedIn: Marie Deveaux

Stay connected with Training Unleashed beyond the podcast! Join our growing community and be part of the conversation about leadership, training, and personal growth.