Talent Talks- With Rick Maher

Josh Wyner, V.P. of Aspen Institute's College Education Excellence Program, joins the program to discuss the challenges and disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when it comes to training and education, and how colleges have pivoted to meet those challenges. Josh reveals details about the College Education Excellence Program and the need for college leaders to adopt a “3.0 Mindset.”

For over 30 years, Maher & Maher has been at the forefront of innovation and talent development. Now its capabilities are blending with the vast resources of the American Institutes for Research (AIR).  Beth Brinly and Irma Perez-Johnson, Vice Presidents in the Human Services Division, and Catherine Baker, Practice Director and Chief Learning Officer at Maher & Maher, join the program to discuss how the combined companies' capabilities can positively impact America's talent development future.

IBM Learning Strategist Sonia Malik,returns to the program to discuss the work that IBM is doing to help prepare for the future of work. Sonia discusses the impact that the “Great Resignation” is having on her organization, and how IBM has been a pioneer in creating pathways to degrees using stackable micro-credentials, apprenticeships, and partnerships with providers. You'll also discover how IBM's efforts help not only their own organization, but also support the broader community. Sonia also shares her thoughts about the future of the employer/employee contract and how employers will need to adapt in the post-COVID world.  

John Helton, Executive Director of Atlanta CareerRise, joins the program to discuss the work that his organization is doing to get long-term unemployed individuals in the region re-engaged in the workforce. John reveals the efforts that CareerRise is making around equity and inclusion and discusses the importance of philanthropic sources of funding. You'll also hear about an approach designed to engage and support the long-term unemployed by meeting their needs for more intensive counseling, case management and peer support.  

This episode features a panel of experts sharing their thoughts and insights on registered apprenticeships, in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week. Amy Firestone, V.P.; Apprenticeship Carolina, Katherine Keegan, Director, Office of the Future of Work, Colorado Dept. of Labor & Employment and William Higgins, State Apprenticeship Director, Arizona, discuss the importance of registered apprenticeships as one of the most dependable and proven methods of job training. Discover the power of partnership in successfully scaling registered apprenticeships, and how registered apprenticeships can be a powerful tool to help job seekers return to the labor force and help employers find the talent they need.  

Peter Callstrom, CEO (Chief Employment Officer) from the San Diego Workforce Partnership, joins the program to share his thoughts about the post-pandemic environment and the importance of securing 3rd party funds. Discover why the risk of failure for relying only on federal funds is too high and how income sharing agreements work. 

Brittany Lenertz, Talent Solutions Director for West Michigan Works! joins the program to discuss the results of a wide-ranging survey that her organization conducted with job seekers. Brittany reveals insights gleaned from the survey and provides her thoughts about why people are not flocking back to work, even with the end of their benefits. She also reveals changes in job seekers' attitudes and the most significant barriers that are keeping people out of workforce. You'll also hear about an innovative marketing campaign designed to bring people back into the labor market.   

Michele Martin, Director of Technical Assistance at the Heldrich Center, joins the program to discuss the mission of the Heldrich Center and its Institute for Career Transitions. Discover some of the emotional challenges that the long-term unemployed face, and an innovative approach to provide the long-term unemployed the supports that they need to thrive. Michele also discusses how the Heldrich Center is supplementing the public workforce system using volunteers and peer-to-peer support. 

Lori Strauss, from AARP Foundation's Workforce Programs Team and leader of the Back to Work 50+ Program, joins the podcast to explain the unique challenges that 50+  workers face and how the AARP Foundation is stepping up to help. Discover the background of the AARP Foundation and the role that ageism plays for the long-term unemployed in this demographic.  

  In this next episode in America's Comeback from COVID Series, Dr. Nichole Torpey-Saboe, Director of Research and Insights for the Strada Education Network, joins the program to discuss youth – and the special challenges they face in reconnecting to education and getting back on track towards a career. Nichole shares insights from a research project that Strada conducted about how youth are feeling at this time. You'll also hear clips from young people about how the pandemic has impacted them on their educational and career journeys. 

In this first episode of “America's Comeback from COVID” series, Ofer Sharone, Professor of at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, joins the program to reveal the challenges facing the long-term unemployed and older workers in particular. Discover what lessons we should take away from the end of the Great Recession that will apply to today's long-term unemployed workers. Ofer also discusses the sociology of aspiration, and how it related to the long-term unemployed.

In this 43-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Scott Jensen, CEO and VP of External Affairs at RIPL (Research Improving People’s Lives, as he shares his perspective on how to envision a better normal. Scott discusses the challenges of re-bounding from the COVID-19 pandemic and how the workforce development system can best prepare to meet future workforce challenges. You’ll also hear about Skipper, a bot and virtual career coach that uses machine learning and AI to support customer service.

In this 30-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Kevin Stomp, Director of Impact, Evaluation, and Thought Leadership at Education Design Labs (EDL) to discuss EDL’s mission and what the higher education system needs to do to respond at this moment in history. Discover the importance of stackable, micro-credentials and sector-focused solutions. Kevin also reveals details about the Community College Growth Engine Fund, and why this new model better serves changing customer demographics.

In this 32-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Anne Velardi, the Apprenticeship Coordinator for Alaska Workforce Investment Board and Mari Selle, the Director of Workforce Development for the South Central Alaska Health Education Center of the Alaska Primary Care Association. Anne and Mari reveal the details about the Alaska Primary Care Association Apprenticeship Program and why the Workforce Investment Board decided to make registered apprenticeships a focus of workforce development efforts in Alaska. You’ll hear about the types of jobs available and the innovation that is happening with online training.

In this 34-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Jane Oates, President of WorkingNation, to discuss the unemployment crisis that her organization foresaw even before the pandemic. Jane shares insights about current challenges as well as signs of progress and discusses some of the results of WorkingNation’s American Worker Survey. Discover how WorkingNation intends to continue to support and advocate for reforms, and some of the most pressing public policy issues facing the new administration.

In this 32-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Julian Alssid, Chief Marketplace Engagement Officer at Social Tech. Julian reveals the details behind Unmudl, a “course to jobs” marketplace that allows every learner, employee, or business in all communities to walk-in or connect online with any community college in the nation at any time with just a couple of clicks or a quick trip. Discover how community colleges can join Unmudl and the benefits and the results to date.

In this 40-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Todd Thibodeaux, CompTIA’s President and CEO, as they discuss how CompTIA is helping to prepare talent for the future of work. Todd discusses the confidence gap, and how CompTIA is partnering with various stakeholders to bring their solutions to scale. Todd also speaks about CompTIA’s research division and how they forecast changes in IT, as well as future skill needs.

In this 24-minute podcast, Todd Cohen, Lockheed Martin’s Senior Manager, Strategic Workforce Initiatives, joins the program to discuss the number of apprenticeship programs that Lockheed is running today, and the growth of apprenticeships at Lockheed Martin. Todd reveals the reasons behind the growing popularity of apprenticeship programs, and some of the key benefits that Lockheed Martin is deriving from its commitment to apprenticeships.

In this 35-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Ravi Kumar, President of Infosys, a global technology leader, as they  discuss  Infosys’ Reskill & Re-start initiative, which includes a commitment to hiring 12,000 workers in the US over the next two years. Discover the type of candidates being targeted and the types of skills training being offered. Ravi also reveals why Infosys is looking to partner with states, as well as the public workforce and education systems.

In this 38 minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by  Dr. Holly Ann Custard, Strada’s Deputy Director of Institute Partnerships and Outreach, to discuss Strada’s work to help design an education and training system to prepare America’s workers for the future. Discover Strada's new learning ecosystem, and the importance of customized approaches to learning. 

In this 38-minute episode, Host Rick Maher is joined by Adam Sherman, EdCast’s VP of Growth Initiatives and Public Sector Markets as they discuss how EdCast is accelerating the adoption of new technology and the future of work. Discover how businesses are using EdCast to upskill their workforce and how EdCast users can curate content from a variety of sources. Adam also reveals how EdCast’s platform can help expand the reach and scale of the Workforce Development System.

In this 30-minute episode, Host Rick Maher is joined by Alison Lands, Coursera’s Regional Head of Skills Transformation, North America as they discuss how technology can help address the challenge of reskilling and upskilling of America's workforce. Discover how Coursera is disrupting the business of education and training both in the U.S. and globally, the kinds of training available to Coursera users, and the need to create quickly scalable training solutions in light of the disruption created by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this 50-minute episode, Host Rick Maher is joined by IBM Learning Strategist Sonia Malik. Sonia provides insight into the IBM approach to learning and training, and reveals the significant reskilling that will be required of the workforce. Discover IBM’s New Collar Program, the opportunity that exists to democratize the labor market, and a resource to help your organization prepare for the future of work.

In this 34 minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Noel Ginsberg, CEO of InterTech Plastics and founder and CEO of CareerWise Colorado, and Phil Kalin, CEO of Pinnacol Assurance. Noel and Phil provide an overview of CareerWise Colorado and how they are creating opportunities for youth and businesses by developing and supporting an innovative youth apprenticeship program. Discover the financial ROI of the CareerWise solution, as well as other measurable outcomes. Noel and Phil also reveal how CareerWise provides both social good and is also a good business investment for employers and discuss their plans to expand the program nationally.

In this 34-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Beth Noveck, Chief Innovation Officer for Governor Phil Murphy in New Jersey and Chair of the Governor’s new Task Force on the Future of Work, and Dr. Carl Van Horn, Director and Distinguished Professor of Public Policy at the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University, whose team is serving to staff the Task Force work for Beth. Beth and Carl reveal why New Jersey has chosen to focus on preparing for the future of work, as well how the future of work could shape the future of New Jersey’s economy. Discover lessons and takeaways from their work so far, and what workforce professionals and educators can do to better prepare for future of work trends.

In this 36-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Stephen Pruitt, President of The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), the largest collaborative of its type in the United States. Stephen shares his perspective on the future of work and discusses the training that will be required to prepare the workforce for the future economy. Discover the multigenerational challenge and the impact that today’s job losses can have on future generations.

In this 38-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Frank Britt, CEO of Penn Foster, as they discuss the disruptive impact that technological advances will have on the workforce, and how his organization is delivering solutions to address future workforce needs. Frank shares his thoughts about why employers are taking a more proactive approach to upskilling employees, and how social media has empowered workers. He also reveals the need to focus on regional solutions, and how Penn Foster partners with traditional workforce boards.

In this 40-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Liz Lowe, Innovation Lead, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Adobe, as they discuss the Adobe Digital Academy, which offers career switchers the education and experience they need to launch successful careers in user experience design, data science and web development. Liz shares how she was able to gain internal support for the academy and reveals data about outcomes. Discover Adobe’s “Playbook” and why Adobe is offering it as an open-source tool for others to leverage.

In this 32-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Kristen Fyfe-Mills, Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications from the Association for Talent Development (ATD), as they discuss the report from ATD Research entitled “The Future of Work: Technology, Predictions, and Preparing the Workforce.” Discover the critical role that employers have in preparing for the future of work, and what workforce professionals can do today to begin to prepare for the workforce needs of tomorrow.

In this 45-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Eleni Papadakis, Executive Director of Washington State's Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, as they discuss Washington’s new Future of Work Task Force. Eleni reveals why they decided to create the task force, the progress they have made so far, and lessons learned. Discover what the workforce system needs to be doing today to prepare for Future of Work trends.

In this 29-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Alex Forrester, Co-founder and Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer of Rising Tide Capital, as well as Alfa Demmellash, CEO and Co-founder of Rising Tide, as they discuss the support that they offer entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities to help them grow their businesses. Alex and Alfa reveal their holistic approach to supporting entrepreneurs, their vision for future partnerships with the workforce development system, and the efforts they are making to expand their model to other communities.

In this 55-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Walter Simmons, President and CEO of Employ Prince George’s Inc., Paul Grzella, Director of the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board, and Kirkland Murray, President and CEO at Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation. All three organizations were awardees of the IMPAQ/Maher Education Fund. Discover how each organization plans to use their awarded funds, and how they are creating partnerships across various sectors to connect job seekers to in demand careers.

In this 30 minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Shannon Block, Executive Director of Skillful Colorado, as she discusses how Skillful is developing skills-based training and employment practices to help the majority of Americans get good jobs in a rapidly changing economy. Discover the innovative tools that Skillful is using, including the Skillful Job Posting Generator, which allow employers to attract the talent they need to grow their business by using skills-based hiring practices.

In this 25-minute episode (the second in a 2-part series), host Rick Maher is joined by “innovators in action” -- Judy Emery from the Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance, Bruce Ferguson from CareerSource Northeast Florida, and Jacob Maas of West Michigan Works. Each guest shares sector-based strategies and reflects on their real-world experiences in engaging with employers and delivering meaningful results for those they serve. They also share advice for those who are just getting started and need to begin engaging with employers.

In this 30-minute podcast episode (the first in a 2-part series), host Rick Maher is joined by three “innovators in action” -- Judy Emery from the Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance, Bruce Ferguson from CareerSource Northeast Florida, and Jacob Maas of West Michigan Works. Discover how each guest took a different but effective path to working in regional partnerships.

In this 35-minutes episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Stuart Andreason, Director of the Center for Workforce and Economic Opportunity at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Stuart explains the role of the Federal Reserve in the workforce development system, and how data drives that work. Discover the re-skilling that needs to happen in order to keep up with technological advances, and how the system can become both bigger and more nimble. Stuart also shares insights about how “braiding” funds and leveraging private sector investments can help scale efforts, even in a time of declining budgets.

In this 30-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Dr. Ken Ender, President of William Rainey Harper College and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Chicago/Cook Workforce Development Board. Dr. Ender explains how the “Carnegie Unit” became the standard for packaging and delivering learning, and how that model can now be a barrier for the educational needs of the 21st century. Discover the disruption that is occurring in the education industry and what workforce is asking of the educational system. Dr. Ender also shares the importance of public-private partnerships and the key features of a disruptive public education system of the future.

In this 30-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Emily Stover-DeRocco, CEO/Principal at E3 consulting, who shares her thoughts on trends that are impacting the workforce and education systems, and the need for all systems to become nimbler and more responsive. Emily shares insights on what a future workforce might look like, and some of the key features that the next generation of workforce participants are looking for in a job or career. She also reveals some of the changes that will be necessary in the educational system to keep up with disruption.

In this 35-minute episode, host Rick Maher is joined by Dr. James Applegate from the Office of the President at the Center for Educational Policy at Illinois State University. Dr. Applegate discusses the coming “Fourth Industrial Revolution” that will have the capacity to disrupt the job market with tech innovations like AI, machine learning and 3D printing – potentially causing by 2030, nearly 350 million workers globally to need “re-skilling” to stay employable. Dr. Applegate reveals how such a future could shape our educational system. He also shares insights about U.S. immigration policy and its impact on the higher educational system, as well as the shifting market for higher education. Discover how to move past the false dichotomy between choosing skills-based learning or higher education, and the systemic change that is needed to stay competitive.