Training Unleashed Archives - Training Unleashed

Unleashing the Art of Interviewing: Insights from Jordan Burton

In the dynamic world of talent acquisition, the interview process stands as a crucial gateway to identifying exceptional individuals who can contribute meaningfully to an organization’s success. Jordan Burton, an expert in interviewing and assessments shared valuable insights on everything from navigating interview questions to post-interview development strategies

Shifting Perspectives: From Good vs. Bad to Data Gathering

Jordan Burton challenged the conventional wisdom of categorizing interview responses as “good” or “bad.” Instead, he emphasized viewing interviews as data gathering exercises, where the focus should be on extracting meaningful information rather than passing judgment on the responses. With this Evan Hackel expressed his struggle with maintaining objectivity during interviews, admitting his inclination to root for every candidate. Burton emphasized the importance of approaching interviews with curiosity and objectivity, aiming to gather factual information rather than forming subjective impressions.

Interviewer Skills: Navigating the Conversation

Burton emphasized the importance of interviewer skills in managing dialogue effectively, guiding candidates to provide concrete examples and avoiding subjective biases. Its the responsibility of the interviewer to create a balance between keeping interviewees comfortable so that the interviewee is open and willing to talk and open up during the process. Burton emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for candidates to share authentically.

Leveraging Interview Insights for Development

Burton speaks that there is always a broken aspect to the interview process in most companies. Either it is undervalued or underused. He emphasizes the missed opportunity of not leveraging interview insights for employee development, advocating for using interview data to tailor development plans and support employees’ success in their roles.

About Our Guest

Jordan Burton is an executive assessor and interviewing trainer with over 17 years of experience. He specializes in training top VC and Private Equity investors and high-growth companies on how to hire the best talent. Jordan is a co-founder of Talgo (Talent algorithm), it’s of cracking the code on getting exceptional talent into your organization. Check out Talgo on Demand by visiting talgo.io or talgo.io/tod to get first hand advice and lessons in the art and mastery of the interviewing process no matter your level. You don’t need to be an Exec. to take advantage of this resource!

Mikayla Takacs2024-04-19T15:01:10-04:00April 17, 2024|

Unleashing Potential: A Journey from Business Growth to Personal Fulfillment with Herb Cogliano

In the fast-paced world of business, success often hinges on strategy, innovation, and perseverance. In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Herb Cogliano, founder of Aspire Growth Advisors, as he navigates the realms of physical challenge and business growth with equal vigor.

Applying Principles to Business:

Despite not being the youngest competitor, Herb embarked on the grueling Iron Man challenge with one goal in mind: to share the experience with his son. It’s a testament to the power of family bonds and shared goals in driving personal achievement. Herb’s approach to the Iron Man mirrors his philosophy in business—discipline, focus, and determination. As a seasoned consultant, he helps businesses articulate their vision, align their teams, and execute their goals with precision.

The Importance of Clarity:

Central to Herb’s methodology is the concept of clarity—a shared understanding of purpose, values, and objectives. In a world of distractions, clarity becomes the guiding force that steers organizations toward success. For Herb, success isn’t just about hitting targets—it’s about unleashing potential. Through Aspire Growth Advisors, he partners with mid-market companies to accelerate their growth and cultivate exceptional leadership.

Embracing the Journey

Herb’s journey serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes from pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and discovering our limitless potential.

About Our Guest

Herb Cogliano is the founder of Aspire Growth Advisors, a seasoned consultant, and a passionate advocate for personal and professional growth. With a diverse background in business consulting and endurance sports, Herb brings a unique perspective to driving business growth. Through Aspire Growth Advisors, he offers practical strategies and resources to help mid-market companies accelerate their growth and achieve lasting transformation. Herb’s mission is to inspire individuals to embrace growth, overcome challenges, and make a meaningful impact in their organizations and communities. Visit Aspire Growth Advisors to learn more about Herb’s work and explore resources for business growth and to access their Complimentary Growth Kit!

Mikayla Takacs2024-04-10T12:59:58-04:00April 10, 2024|

Unleashing the Power of Training in Marketing: Navigating the Future with AI with Ford Saeks

In today’s rapidly evolving world, where staying ahead of the curve is essential for personal and professional growth, we find ourselves at the intersection of marketing, training, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). In this captivating conversation between seasoned experts Ford Saeks and Evan Hackel, we explore how effective training can elevate marketing efforts, drive organizational success, and navigate the transformative landscape shaped by AI.

The Foundation of Effective Training

As our discussion unfolds, Ford Saeks, a Hall of Fame speaker and serial entrepreneur with a wealth of experience spanning various industries, emphasizes the foundational importance of training. Drawing from personal experience, he underscores that training is not merely a one-time event but an ongoing process. “Training isn’t something you did. It’s something you do,” he asserts, emphasizing the continuous nature of learning and development.

Aligning Communication for Optimal Results

In the fast-paced world of marketing, effective communication is key. Our guest emphasizes the significance of aligning messaging with market needs and preferences. Whether it’s internal communication with staff or external communication with customers, the message must resonate to elicit the desired response.

The Customer-Centric Approach

Reflecting on a memorable marketing mishap, our guest underscores the importance of viewing business through the lens of the customer. Sharing an anecdote from a presentation to community bankers, he emphasizes the need to deliver on the promised value proposition. “You really need to look at your business model and your communications through the eyes of the customer,” he advises, stressing the importance of understanding and meeting customer expectations.

Embracing the Future with AI

Building upon the foundation laid by effective training, Evan Hackel, in his conversation with Ford Saeks, delves into the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on various aspects of society. Both speakers emphasize the importance of continuous learning in navigating the complexities of today’s world, urging individuals and organizations to embrace AI and understand its potential.

Practical Training for Tangible Results

The discussion further explores the value of practical, actionable insights in training sessions. From keynotes to webinars, the goal is to deliver content that resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impact. Both speakers stress the significance of effective training delivery, tailored to the needs of the audience. Keeping participants engaged is key to maximizing the impact of training sessions.

Marketing Benefits vs. Features

Finally, the conversation touches upon the importance of marketing benefits over features. This results-driven approach ensures that clients understand the value proposition and are more likely to invest in growth opportunities.

In conclusion, our exploration of training and marketing reveals a symbiotic relationship that fuels business growth, fosters customer engagement, and embraces the transformative potential of AI. By unlocking the power of effective training and embracing emerging technologies, individuals and organizations can navigate the future with confidence, innovation, and growth.

About Our Guest

Ford Saeks is more than a hall of fame keynote speaker, he’s a research-based thought leader. An engine. An expert. An idea man and marketing machine. He helps businesses not by talking at them about success, but by talking them through the steps to get there.

He invites all listeners to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, with a special mention of Ford’s AI training webinar: https://profitrichresults.com/ai-training a must for anyone looking to harness the power of AI.

Mikayla Takacs2024-04-03T10:26:25-04:00April 3, 2024|

Navigating Diversity and Equity Across Borders: Insights from Toby Mildon

Toby Mildon is on a mission to help put the right strategies in place to improve retention, innovation, productivity, profitability and so much more. In this episode of Training Unleashed, Evan Hackle and Toby have an enlightening discussion on diversity and inclusion.

Comparing Diversity Discussions: UK vs. US

The definitions of diversity, equity, and inclusion are remarkably similar in the UK and the US. Toby emphasizes the importance of all three elements for creating a fair society. Diversity includes everyone, inclusion enables full contributions, and equity emphasizes personalized approaches. Toby introduces the iceberg analogy, stating that visible characteristics represent only 10% of our diversity, while the remaining 80% consists of invisible attributes. Understanding this diversity is crucial for creating an inclusive and respectful work environment.

Impact of Bias on Decision-Making

Bias, often automatic and unintentional, significantly influences decision-making, especially in critical situations like hiring or promotions. Toby highlights the importance of being mindful, curious, and challenging assumptions to understand individuals and their strengths.

Six Signature Traits of Inclusive Leadership

Toby shares the six traits identified by Deloitte for inclusive leadership:

Curiosity: A trait essential for inclusive leaders.
Cognizance: Being aware of biases and blind spots.
Courage: Fostering honest, frank, and brave discussions.
Cultural Intelligence: Understanding and navigating different cultures.
Collaboration: Encouraging effective collaboration across teams.
Commitment: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, challenging the status quo.

Inclusive Growth: Good for Business

Toby emphasizes that diverse teams make better decisions, and McKinsey’s reports support the idea that diverse leadership teams lead to more profitable businesses. Inclusive cultures improve creativity, innovation, customer experiences, and employee retention, leading to positive business outcomes.

About Our Guest

Toby Mildon, the founder of Milton Echo Ltd., is a dedicated advocate for fostering inclusive cultures within organizations. With a wealth of experience, Toby collaborates with clients to drive positive change, improve productivity, and create environments where everyone feels valued. For more information about Toby Mildon and his work, visit Milton Echo Ltd.. Connect with Toby on LinkedIn, where he shares valuable content regularly.

Mikayla Takacs2024-01-29T17:36:23-05:00February 21, 2024|

The Transformative Power of Coaching in Career Development with Randi Roberts

Welcome to another insightful edition of Training Unleashed! Today’s episode brings us a compelling conversation between our host, Evan Hackle, and the esteemed guest, Randi Roberts, CEO of Randi Roberts Coaching. The focus of this discussion revolves around the world of coaching and its profound impact on individuals, teams, and organizational growth.

Why Coaching Matters

Evan begins the conversation by addressing a significant question: Why do some people undervalue coaching, and why isn’t it a more prominent part of the executive world? Randi expresses her belief that awareness of coaching is on the rise and emphasizes the transformative nature of coaching relationships. As someone deeply passionate about coaching, Randi emphasizes that coaching isn’t about telling people what to do; it’s about guiding them to find their own path forward.

The conversation evolves to highlight the changing landscape of coaching acceptance. Randi notes that once individuals understand the support and possibilities coaching brings, they become more open to it. Coaching, however, isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. While it may not be for everyone, those willing to engage in inner work and move forward find tremendous value in the coaching relationship.

Introducing Coaching Effectively

The discussion touches upon the crucial aspect of introducing coaching effectively within organizations. Randi and Evan share their experiences of coaching within corporate settings, highlighting the positive impact on individual and team performance. The key, they suggest, is framing coaching as an investment in personal and professional growth rather than a corrective measure.

Confidentiality in coaching engagements is a pivotal aspect that Randi emphasizes. Whether coaching is initiated by individuals or companies, setting clear objectives and maintaining confidentiality creates a safe space for clients to explore and grow.

Leadership Team Development: Nurturing High Performance

Transitioning into leadership team development, Randi underscores its essential role in organizational success. With teams constantly evolving, from forming new teams to assimilating new leaders and diagnosing team challenges, the need for ongoing development becomes apparent. Trust is identified as the foundational element, and addressing both strengths and deficits is crucial for fostering high-performance teams.

One Tip for Career Success

As the conversation concludes, Randi offers a valuable tip: If something doesn’t feel right in your career, invest time in inner work to identify the root cause. Ensuring you solve the right problem is crucial for making informed decisions about your career path.

About Our Guest

Randi Roberts shares her journey, having enjoyed two fulfilling careers—one in pharmaceuticals and the current one as a coach for the past five years. As the founder of Randi Roberts Coaching, she specializes in executive coaching, career life coaching, and leadership team development. Interested readers can explore valuable resources on her website and connect via email at [email protected].

Mikayla Takacs2024-01-29T17:35:30-05:00February 14, 2024|

Navigating the Future of Learning: Insights from Vena Sterling

This episode features a thought-provoking conversation with Vena Sterling, a prominent figure from the Leadership Research Institute. We delve into the future of learning, leadership, and the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset in today’s corporate landscape.

Understanding the Present: The Future of Learning Today

In this episode, Vena Sterling shares her insights into the current state of learning and work. According to Vena, we’re in a state of perpetual change, and returning to the way things were before is not an option. The workforce is divided between those who thrive in remote work and those eager to return to the office. Leaders face the challenge of navigating this diversity and deciding on a clear direction for their organizations. Whether it’s fully virtual, in-person, or a hybrid model, the key is making a conscious decision and communicating the “why” behind it.

Taking a Stand: Companies’ Approach to Hybrid Working

Vena emphasizes the importance of companies “picking a side” when it comes to their approach—be it fully virtual, in-person, or hybrid. Making a clear choice and communicating the “why” behind it is crucial for fostering alignment and reducing ambiguity. While not everyone may agree, clarity prevents inconsistencies and fosters a sense of purpose within the organization.

Work-Life Integration Challenges: Maintaining a Healthy Balance

The continuous integration of work into personal lives poses challenges, and Vena emphasizes the need to be mindful of this dynamic. Establishing boundaries and promoting psychological safety within teams is crucial. Leaders play a significant role in creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable expressing their needs, and organizations need to actively support well-being initiatives. Vena addresses the challenges of overworking and the increasing integration of work into personal lives. Establishing boundaries and recognizing the value of flexibility, whether in a remote or in-person setting, is vital. Vena advises individuals to master their calendars, starting with personal priorities, to create a balance between work and personal life.

Connecting with Vena Sterling and a Special Offer

The Leadership Research Institute, or LRI, has been serving clients for over 40 years, specializing in leadership development and research. Vena primarily works with women leaders and entrepreneurs, providing assessments and transformative experiences. Listeners can connect with her through the Leadership Research Institute website, www.leadershipresearchinstitute.com, or on LinkedIn, where she regularly shares insights and engages in discussions on leadership and learning.

As a special offer for Training Unleashed listeners, Vena has graciously provided a discount code for any leadership assessments. Simply use the code “TRAININGUNLEASHED” at checkout on the Leadership Research Institute website to unlock this exclusive offer.

About Our Guest

Vena Sterling is a respected figure in the field of leadership development and research. With a wealth of experience spanning over several decades, Vena has been a driving force behind the success of the Leadership Research Institute (LRI). Specializing in leadership development and research, Vena primarily works with women leaders and entrepreneurs, providing assessments and transformative experiences. Her expertise lies in guiding individuals and organizations towards effective leadership strategies, fostering growth and innovation.

Mikayla Takacs2024-01-29T17:33:41-05:00January 31, 2024|

Mastering the Art of Leadership: A Conversation with Chad Brown

Chad is an Associate Partner at Take New Ground and the host of The Naked Leadership Podcast with the founding partners of TNG (Take New Ground). In this episode, Evan takes a deep dive into the world of leadership with our special guest, Chad Brown. With a wealth of experience and insights, Chad is here to share his perspectives on what it takes to be an exceptional leader.

Defining Leadership

At the heart of this episode is Chad’s definition of leadership – an art form that involves inspiring and empowering others. Drawing from his diverse background and extensive leadership roles, Chad sets the stage for a conversation that goes beyond conventional leadership norms. Evan delves into the qualities that make a great leader, exploring authenticity, empathy, and adaptability with Chad. According to Chad, titles and authority don’t define leadership; instead, it’s about influence, service, and creating a culture of collaboration. The discussion serves as a guide for both emerging and experienced leaders, offering insights into what truly matters in leadership.

Navigating Challenges: Lessons from Chad’s Journey:

One of the most engaging parts of the episode is when Chad shares a significant leadership challenge he faced – leading a team through a major organizational change. The transparency, resilience, and adaptability required during this period provided invaluable lessons that every leader can learn from.

Advice for Aspiring Leaders:

For our aspiring leaders, Chad offers practical advice based on his journey. Continuous learning, embracing challenges, and being open to feedback are key components that Chad believes can contribute to a fulfilling and successful leadership journey.

About Our Guest

Chad Brown is a leadership engagement expert. He coaches executives and entrepreneurs in the art and science of leadership for themselves, their teams, and clients to create new, unprecedented results and experience fulfillment in their work. He thrives in extreme environments and finds comfort in difficult conversations. Over the last 5 years, Chad has trained and developed leaders at globally recognized brands like Lulu Lemon, and Ironclad Document Services along with many burgeoning start-ups.

Mikayla Takacs2024-03-21T13:53:32-04:00January 24, 2024|

Navigating the Modern Job Hunt: Insights from Lori Wallace

Welcome, to another engaging episode of “Training Unleashed” with your host, Evan Hackel. In this episode, Evan sits down with Lori Wallace, the founder of Career Ecology – a hub spot for Work-Life Empowerment and explores innovative perspectives on the workplace. Lori’s unique approach to career transitions and authentic relating adds a refreshing touch to the job hunting discussion.

The Modern-Day Hero Journey

Evan kicks off the conversation by delving into Lori’s concept of the “modern-day hero journey.” According to Lori, career transitions can feel like an initiation into the unknown, akin to a hero’s journey. Individuals, whether seasoned CEOs or recent graduates, often grapple with feelings of being an outcast, questioning their value, and facing uncertainties in their professional journey.

Shifting Trends in Job Hunting

The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of job hunting, comparing the pre-pandemic era to the present. Lori notes a growing emphasis on authentic relating and genuine communication. In the pre-pandemic era, interviews were typically in person, laborious, and lacked the chance for authentic connections. Post-pandemic, with virtual touchpoints, there’s an opportunity for a more authentic exchange, akin to a speed-dating experience.

Authentic Relating in Interviews

Lori introduces the concept of “authentic relating” in interviews, emphasizing a shift from performance-oriented messaging to a service-oriented approach. She encourages individuals to express themselves authentically without succumbing to the pressure of competition. By interviewing from a place of service, candidates can establish a genuine connection with the interviewer, creating a more meaningful dialogue.

Generational Diversity

The conversation takes a turn towards hiring strategies, particularly concerning different generations in the workforce. Lori advocates for diversity and cooperation as essential elements in hiring. She stresses the significance of embracing diverse perspectives to create a dynamic and adaptable work environment. Evan concurs, highlighting the positive impact of diverse teams on innovation and business success.

Gen Z in the Workplace

Evan and Lori discuss the unique characteristics of Generation Z in the workplace. Lori underscores the importance of viewing generations through the lens of different personalities rather than age. She encourages hiring managers to consider personality types and diverse perspectives, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Ecology Philosophy

Lori explains the inspiration behind her company, Career Ecology, drawing parallels with the principles of biomimicry. She emphasizes the need for individuals to authentically integrate into their professional environments, maintaining balance and adapting to changes. Career Ecology aims to empower individuals during career transitions, shifting the narrative from “outplacement” to “empowerment.”

About our Guest

Lori Wallace has mentored job seekers for over twenty years as the owner of her own search agency where she’s matched prominent hospital systems like
Cedars Sinai, Kaiser Permanente, and Sutter Health to skilled and passionate professionals ranging from CEO to Lab Assistant.

Special offers

Join Lori every Tuesday on Zoom for open discussions and expert guidance on career empowerment. Or check out her book “Way of the Monarch,” her Hero’s Journey book that offers a four-month experiential program. She extends a generous offer to listeners, providing access to the first chapter and a 10% discount on Career Ecology for Unleashed !

Mikayla Takacs2024-01-16T11:14:37-05:00January 11, 2024|

Nurturing Psychological Safety: Unveiling Workplace Insights with Mehmet Baha

His full name is Mehmet Baha and everyone calls him Baha. Since his childhood, he has been fascinated by the question: “How can I make a difference in the lives of people?” His interest led him to win a scholarship from Fulbright and finish his master’s in the USA on the topic of Conflict Resolution.

In this episode of Training Unleashed, hosted by Evan Hackel and proudly sponsored by C-suite TV, listeners are treated to an engaging exploration of psychological safety in the workplace.

Understanding Psychological Safety

Evan Hackel kicked off the conversation with a fundamental question, asking Mehmet to demystify the concept of psychological safety. Mehmet’s enlightening response highlighted psychological safety as the bedrock of environments where employees feel secure expressing questions, concerns, ideas, and even mistakes – an indispensable ingredient for fostering high-performing teams. Mehmet shared insightful strategies for establishing psychological safety, placing a special emphasis on involving employees in decision-making processes. Drawing from a transformative example, he illustrated how traditional organizations can shift decision-making power to frontline employees, fostering a culture of inclusion and agility.

Empowering Employees

Evan steered the conversation towards situations where employees fear making decisions without absolute clarity. In response, Mehmet advocated for organizational awareness, genuine interest, knowledge acquisition, and the application of empowering practices to instigate sustainable change. Mehmet shared his experiences at Facebook, shedding light on the company’s commitment to transparency, open communication, and active employee involvement in addressing challenges. The emphasis here was on fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

Free Resources

The episode drew to a close with Mehmet generously sharing free resources on psychological safety available at solutionfolder.com/free-resources. These resources include eight concise, actionable videos covering various aspects of psychological safety, providing valuable insights for organizations seeking to implement positive change.

About Our Guest

He has lived and worked in Germany, Turkey, Ireland, Guatemala, and the USA with more than 18 years of work experience. Baha was one of the first employees of Facebook in Europe. Throughout his life, he has realized the importance of collaborative work culture in organizations. So far, he has delivered training and given talks in more than 28 countries across 5 continents. Recently, he completed Harvard Business School’s Online Executive Education Programme “Organizational Leadership”. He is fluent in English, Turkish, Spanish, and German. In his free time, he loves to play percussion, travel with his family, and play puzzles with his 5-year-old daughter. His new book “ Playbook for Engaged Employees“ was published in April 2021 and has already been purchased in the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, the UK, and Switzerland.

Mikayla Takacs2023-12-07T14:55:31-05:00December 7, 2023|

Creating Inclusive Workplaces: A Conversation with Sejal Thakkar

Sejal Thakkar is on a mission to educate and empower people to create a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. In this episode of “Training Unleashed,” host Evan Hackel engaged in a compelling conversation with Sejal, delving into the critical aspects of equity, diversity, and employee civility in the workplace.

The Hard Way v. The Easy Way?

The discussion kicks off with the question of whether companies prefer the hard way or the easy way when it comes to training and coaching leaders. Thakkar emphasizes the importance of being proactive in providing leaders with the necessary tools to prevent issues, rather than taking shortcuts that might lead to negative consequences later.

Bystander Training: Empowering the Silent Observers

Thakkar passionately advocated for bystander intervention training, shedding light on the pivotal role of bystanders in creating safe environments. By encouraging respectful and professional intervention, organizations can alleviate the burden placed on marginalized individuals and contribute to the establishment of psychological safety.

The HAT Technique

Thakkar introduces the HAT technique—an acronym for Hold Off, Ask Why, and Take Action—as a framework for mitigating unconscious biases. This technique encourages individuals to question immediate reactions, explore the reasons behind biases, and take actions that promote inclusivity.

Golden Rule? No, The Platinum Rule!

The episode concludes with a valuable tip from Sajel: adopting the platinum rule—treating others how they want to be treated. By understanding and respecting individual differences, organizations can enhance creativity, innovation, and overall workplace dynamics.

About Our Guest

Sejal is a former employment law attorney, a 2X TEDx speaker, and the Founder and Chief Civility Officer at TrainXtra, where she helps leaders create positive, safe, and respectful workplaces through customized training and coaching. She is responsible for cultivating a people-first culture at Nobody Studios.

She invites all organizations to explore TrainXtra‘s workshops and resources. Whether in-person or virtual, TrainXtra offers a diverse range of workshops covering topics such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and fostering diversity and inclusion.

Mikayla Takacs2023-11-17T17:26:25-05:00November 17, 2023|