Tune into The Training Associates (TTA) “Bring Out the Talent” podcast to hear from learning and development talent and partners on their innovative approaches and industry insights. In each episode, TTA’s CEO, Maria Melfa, and Talent Manager, Jocelyn Allen will chat with subject matter experts and bring you casual, yet insightful conversations. Maria and Jocelyn use their unique blend of industry experience and humor to interview the L&D industry’s most influential people, latest topics, an ...
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Living with disability can be hard. People living with disability need to do all the same things as people who do not have disabilities, but must figure out a different way to do them. Dissing My Ability podcast is about helping removing shame, feelings of "otherness," and of feeling alone in disability. Every week guests share in how disability has affected their life, the ups and downs. But more importantly, we focus on how individuals living with disability are rock-stars, and how their d ...
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Instructional Design Strategies for Organizational Growth
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In an era where knowledge becomes obsolete almost overnight, the continuous investment in learning and development has proven essential for organizational agility and growth. In fact, a LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report revealed that 51% of companies globally are increasing their spend on learning and development, reflecting a widespread recogniti…
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According to recent studies, a staggering 70% of employees report struggling with work-life balance. This statistic highlights the pressing need for leaders to address this issue and create supportive environments for their teams. In this episode “Bring Out the Talent,” we discuss effective strategies to help leaders navigate the delicate balance b…
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The Learner's Journey: Fostering Engagement at Every Turn
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A recent study by Udemy revealed an interesting fact: 80% of employees feel more engaged at work when they're learning new skills. Yet, despite this clear desire to learn, keeping learners truly engaged remains a significant challenge for L&D professionals. It's not just about providing learning opportunities - it's about making those opportunities…
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Beyond Just Bricks: Unleashing Potential with Lego Serious Play
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Imagine a workspace filled with the colorful, familiar shapes of Lego bricks. Now, imagine these aren't just for play, but powerful tools for learning, communication, and problem-solving. This is the world of Lego Serious Play, a methodology that harnesses the power of play to unlock creativity, foster collaboration, and solve complex problems in c…
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A workplace culture rooted in dignity is not merely "a nice to have" but a critical component for attracting and retaining talent, enhancing engagement, and boosting overall performance. The significance of dignity within the corporate landscape is undeniable, with 93% recognizing its critical importance for organizational success. Although dignity…
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Aligning Personal Purpose with Professional Leadership
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Most of us are familiar with the term IQ (intelligent quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) – but how familiar are you with your MQ or Motivational Quotient? MQ is the driving force behind our ambitions and growth, influenced by factors like goals, confidence, personality, and attitude. But while many leaders pay special attention to IQ and EQ, one…
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The Future of Learning: AR/VR’s Evolving Role in Corporate Training
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AR and VR are no longer a trending novelty utilized by the top 1%. These immersive technologies are rapidly being embraced by organizations worldwide. In fact, a recent survey found that 82% of company executives anticipate incorporating immersive technologies into their business models within the next three years. In this episode of ‘Bring Out the…
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The Power of Transformational Leadership in the Workplace
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Leadership can make a monumental difference in organizational success. In fact, a McKinsey report found that organizations with effective transformational leaders are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers. These leaders also foster environments with higher employee engagement and a significant increase in productivity. In this episode of …
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Episode 6: Dissing My Ability w guest Liam Doyle Part 2 S2 E6
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E6 S2 – W/ Liam Doyle Welcome to the Dissing My Ability Podcast. On this episode we continue the conversation with disability advocate, ADA Certified Coordinator, and TedX speaker, Liam Doyle. Liam and podcast host, Ken Meeker, as they discuss why advocacy is so important, the value in choosing our own path, and why embracing challenge can lead to …
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Career Mapping: Navigating Today's Dynamic Work Environment
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A Gartner study found that less than one-third of employees have a clear plan for their career progression. This gap can lead to issues like high employee turnover, lack of engagement, skill shortages, and disrupted succession plans, impacting an organization's overall performance. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,’ we are joined by Paul Ma…
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Emotional Intelligence in Action: Shaping Leaders and Cultures
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Emotional Intelligence is more than just a buzzword in today's workplace. It's an essential skill set that influences our interactions, decision-making, and leadership styles. In fact, studies have shown that Emotional Intelligence is responsible for 58% of performance in all types of jobs, underscoring its important role across various professiona…
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Episode 5: Dissing My Ability w guest Liam Doyle S2 E5
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E5 S2 – W/ Liam Doyle Welcome to the Dissing My Ability Podcast. On this first of two part series, we welcome disability advocate, ADA Certified Coordinator, and TedX speaker, Liam Doyle. Join Liam and podcast host, Ken Meeker, as they discuss Liam’s journey with disability, the challenges he’s faced along the way, and how is positive reflection ha…
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Navigating the First Mile: Best Practices in Onboarding Excellence
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Have you ever thought about the significant impact the 'right start' can have on a new hire's journey? Research, including studies from the Brandon Hall Group, shows that a strong onboarding process can improve new hire retention by 82% and increase productivity by over 70%. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,' we discuss the transformative b…
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Mentorship Matters: Closing the Gap in Professional Development
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Mentorship has become a top priority for most L&D programs, with studies highlighting its benefits for career growth, self-confidence, and mental health. Despite its clear advantages, a mere 37% of professionals currently engage with a mentor, indicating a vast potential for development. In this episode of ‘Bring Out the Talent’ we’re joined by Sta…
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The Value of Design Thinking in Learning & Development
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Seeking impactful strategies to elevate your employees' learning experiences? Dive into the world of Design Thinking—a method deeply anchored in catering to the unique needs of each learner. This progressive approach is redefining the landscape of Learning and Development, empowering professionals to craft solutions that amplify engagement, foster …
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Episode 4: Dissing My Ability w guest Tamara Amavilah S2 E4
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Welcome to the Dissing My Ability Podcast. Our guest on this episode played an important role in the life of podcast host, Ken Meeker. Orientation and Mobility (also known as O&M) plays an important part in accessing the world safely and independently for people who are blind/low vision. Tamara Amavilah met Ken in 2018 to provide white cane trainin…
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Virtual Events: Captivating Audiences from Start to Finish
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Since 2020, there has been a 75% surge in organizations using virtual platforms like Zoom and Teams for conduct training. However, many organizations have yet to address the technical nuances that can disrupt training sessions, leading to frustrations, poor delivery, and dissatisfied students. In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we have a co…
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Promoting Within: Navigating New Leadership Roles
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Did you know that approximately 46% of leadership transitions fail? Transitioning from a colleague to a leadership role can be an immense challenge. This leads us to a crucial question: How can we empower new leaders to successfully navigate the leap from peer to leader? In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we discuss the intricacies of trans…
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Episode 3: Dissing My Ability w guest Sarah Harris part 2 S2 E3
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The Dissing My Ability Podcast welcomes back the first guest from Season Two, Sarah Harris, for part 2 of her extended conversation with podcast host, Ken Meeker. Join them as they talk about the challenges faced when trying to adjust to disability and access to services, being engaged with your community, and why it is important to get involved. T…
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Episode 2: Dissing My Ability w/ guest Sarah Harris pt 1 S2 E2
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E2 S2 – W/Guest Sarah Harris - Part 1 Welcome to season two of Dissing My Ability! The first guest on this new season is the fabulous Sarah Harris. On this episode, join Sarah and host Ken Meeker as they discuss encountering disability as an adult and learning to carve out a space for yourself. The Dissing My Ability podcast is hosted by Ken Meeker…
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Redefining the Traditional Workweek: Four-Day Work Week Success Stories
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As more research and case studies emerge, the evidence supporting the benefits of a shorter workweek continues to grow, making it an increasingly popular choice for forward-thinking organizations. However, despite the positive outcomes, the majority of companies still struggle with the idea of adopting a four-day work week. In this episode of “Brin…
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Leadership Burnout: Self-Care for Worn Out Leaders
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Did you know that a staggering 60% of leaders experience burnout by the end of each day? Another study revealed that an astonishing 87% of leaders reported regularly switching between three or more roles throughout their workday. These statistics highlight the need for leaders to prioritize their own mental and physical well-being. What impact will…
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Navigating Sales Challenges: Insights and Solutions
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In today's competitive market, sales professionals encounter numerous obstacles that can significantly impact their success. However, with the right strategies and techniques, salespeople can effectively overcome these common challenges and build strong relationships with potential customers. In this episode of "Bring Out the Talent," we are joined…
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Harnessing Individual Strengths for Collective Success: Insights from CliftonStrengths Coaching
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Celebrate our momentous 50th episode of Bring Out the Talent with an inspiring exploration of individual strengths and their profound impact on collective success. Join us as we dive into the world of CliftonStrengths coaching, where we uncover the transformative power that lies within each of us. In this episode, we chat with Kisha Dixon, a certif…
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Public speaking is the number one phobia in the world. The good news is there are specific, actionable steps you can take to decrease your anxiety about public speaking. In this episode of Bring Out the Talent, our guest, Terry Bean, will help us navigate through the most common challenges people face when presenting and will provide strategies to …
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Episode 1: Dissing My Ability Season 2 Introduction w/host Ken Meeker
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Welcome to the Dissing My Ability Season 2 opener. In this episode, host Ken Meeker discusses the importance to language and how it relates to disability. Words matter. The language and words used to discuss disability convey attitudes about people living with disability. Tune in to this introductory episode for Season Two of the Dissing My Ability…
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Building a Customer-Centric Culture: Empowering Employees to Drive Service Excellence
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68% of customers leave a company because they feel the business doesn't care about them. So, as leaders, it's crucial to prioritize customer service and create a culture that values and fosters excellent customer experiences. In this episode of Bring Out The Talent, we are joined by Holly O'Donnell, founder of Slone Solutions, a leading customer se…
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Unlocking the Power of Generative AI: Exploring its Potential in HR and L&D
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In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we to discuss the power of generative AI and its potential for HR and Learning and Development departments with our guest Gary DePaul, PhD. Gary unravels the potential and the power of generative AI, shedding light on its positive and negative implications for those in L&D and HR roles. From personalized l…
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The Power of Storytelling to Drive Positive Transformation
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In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we are joined by Maggie Redling and Coleman Williams, owners of Wrestling With Talent, to discuss how each of us can drive effective change and develop an emotional connection that will engage our workplace by using the power of storytelling. Learn how storytelling can evolve into a companywide theme that …
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Building Psychological Safety as a Leader
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In this episode of "Bring Out The Talent," we explore the importance of psychological safety in the workplace with our guest, Kristy Busija. Kristy breaks down the four stages of psychological safety and shares how leaders can cultivate each of these stages. We also discuss how leaders can create a personal action plan to establish a psychologicall…
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7 Leadership Characteristics for High-Potential Leaders
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In this episode of “Bring Out The Talent,” we are joined by Karan Ferrell-Rhodes. Karan is an organizational psychologist, a leadership development strategist, an HR consultant, and the CEO of Shockingly Different Leadership. In today’s conversation, Karan shares her research of over 10,000 global high-potential leaders and their organizations and …
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Episode 20: Dissing My Ability Podcast w/ Host Ken Meeker - Season One Finale
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On this Season Finale episode, join podcast creator and host, Ken Meeker as he recaps season one. The Dissing My Ability Podcast began was originally conceived around engaging in meaningful, candid conversation about what it is like to live with disability. In this first season, the Dissing My Ability Podcast featured guests who live with a wide ra…
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Collaboration Revolution in the Workplace
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We are in the midst of a collaboration revolution. We are working with everyone, all the time, across silos and different platforms, but sometimes it feels as if we're stuck in a no-win cycle. We’re dealing with a sometimes-overwhelming influx of asks, with unclear lines of communication, and authority. This leaves many of us asking - how can we im…
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Episode 19: Dissing My Ability Podcast w/Guest Arthur Gwynne E19, S1
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After a brief hiatus, the Dissing My Ability Podcast returns with this very important and special episode featuring guest, Arthur Gywnne. In this episode, podcast host, Ken Meeker CPC and Arthur engage in an open an honest conversation on how attitudes, stigma, and trauma associated with mental health can lead to debilitating scenarios. Arthur is a…
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Building Trust: Blueprint for Developing Trust in the Workplace
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A surprising Gallup survey recently revealed that 77% of employees have some degree of mistrust of their leaders. This alarming number is important to address because trust touches every area of a business. Research tells us that there is a direct correlation between high trust and high engagement and productivity. So, what can leaders do if their …
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Episode 18: Dissing My Ability Podcast w/ guest April Alexander pt. 2 E18 S1
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On this episode of the Dissing My Ability podcast, host Ken Meeker CPC continues the conversation with special guest, April Alexander on the relationship between mental health and how it often intersects with disability. They discuss why psychological safety is important when discussing mental health. Ken and April share their experiences and to en…
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4-Day Work Week: Explore Better Ways of Working
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The past few years have caused many business leaders to rethink the way their organizations work, where they get the work done, and how long a workweek should be. Since the 1900s, a 40-hour work week has been the accepted standard in the workplace. But has the idea of a 40-hour – five-day workweek evolved? Research seems to suggest that less is mor…
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Episode 17: Dissing My Ability w/guest April Alexander Part 1 E17 S1
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In this first part of a two part series of the Dissing My Ability podcast, host Ken Meeker CPC welcomes special guest, April Alexander for a conversation about their personal experiences in discovering the importance of taking care of our mental health. The correlation between mental and physical health can often intersect with disability. Discussi…
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Expert Chat with Dr. James Stanger: Emerging Technology Trends in 2023
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In this episode of “Bring Out the Talent,” we speak with Dr. James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist at CompTIA and recognized authority in security, information technology, workforce development, analytics, and open source. Dr. Stanger consults regularly with organizations such as the University of Cambridge, Oxford University, West Point, Astr…
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Episode 16: Dissing My Ability w/Guest David Snyder Pt.2 E16 S1
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In this episode of the Dissing My Ability Podcast, we continue the conversation with guest David Snyder for part 2 of our extended conversation. Join podcast host, Ken Meeker CPC and David as they discuss how disability has personally affected their lives in honest and candid conversation. David shares how we coped with the accident he had as a tee…
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Episode 15: Dissing My Ability w/ Guest David Snyder Part 1
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This episode of the Dissing My Ability Podcast welcomes guest David Snyder for part 1 of this extended conversation. Join podcast host, Ken Meeker CPC and David as they discuss how disability has personally affected their lives in honest and candid conversation. David shares the details of the terrifying accident he had as a teen that left him with…
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Case Study: A Cultural Change That Led to Transformational Leadership
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There are numerous studies showing the significant impact that leaders have on the quality of a company’s culture. A leader’s talent, skill, and knowledge can improve company culture and productivity exponentially. In fact, there is a 70% difference in culture quality between companies with great leaders versus inadequate leaders. In this episode o…
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Episode 14: Dissing My Ability w/Guest Marcia Wall E14 S1
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Welcome to the Dissing My Ability Podcast, a place where host, Ken Meeker CPC and guests engage in honest, candid conversations about living with disability. In this episode, Ken is joined by fellow career success coach, Marcia Wall. Together, they discuss how individuals can benefit from working with a coach and why these benefits can greatly help…
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Episode 13: Dissing My Ability Season 1 Recap E 13 S 1
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The Dissing My Ability podcast is about having open and honest conversation about living with disability. Through these conversations, we hope to help remove the stigma, shame, and feelings of otherness that so often accompany living with disability. In this Season 1 recap episode of the inaugural season, a few highlights and messages of positivity…
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Defining Leadership: Who Am I To Be A Leader?
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Leadership can be defined in many different ways, but author Joanne Ciulla said it best when she wrote, “Leadership is not a person or a position. It’s a complex moral relationship between people based on trust, obligation, commitment, emotion, and a shared vision of the good.” There are many leaders among us, and they’re found in various kinds of …
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Episode 12: Dissing My Ability w/Guest Host Montreece Hardy E12 S1
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In this episode, guest ‘host’ Montreece Hardy asks Dissing My Ability creator and host, Ken Meeker about his thoughts on intersectionality and living with disability. Join in on this important discussion on the DEI space and how they fit into it. Dissing My Ability is hosted by Ken Meeker. Ken is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in execu…
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Is Your Onboarding Program Setting Your Team Up for Success?
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Research by the Brandon Hall Group found that organizations with a strong onboarding process improve new hire retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. While creating a strategic employee onboarding process continues to be a key focus for many organizations, many miss the mark when it comes to building an effective new-hire program. In fact, a…
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Episode 11: Dissing My Ability w/guest Montreece Hardy E11 S1
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This week’s episode of the Dissing My Ability Podcast features guest, Montreece Hardy. Host, Ken Meeker CPC and Montreece openly discuss some of the barriers to accessibility and inclusion for differently abled individuals. They also candidly talk about the issue of ablism and language use in the disability community. Please join in on this episode…
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Organizational Learning Strategies: Learning to Learn
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Most organizations know the importance of continuous workplace learning, but are we teaching our teams how to learn? Oftentimes, corporations may miss the mark on developing a specific learning plan that identifies what is needed in order to close the skills gap. Furthermore, many employees enter the workforce without being fully prepared for the u…
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Episode 10: Dissing My Ability w/Guest Brooke Beatty E10 S1
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This episode of the Dissing My Ability podcast features guest, Brooke Beatty. Brooke and Podcast host, Ken Meeker discuss the challenges individuals living with disability face with regard to interpersonal communication and relationships. Brooke and Ken invite you in on this uplifting and candid conversation on the value each of us bring, why disab…
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