The Dignity of Work

In this episode of our Beyond the Paycheck series, we hear directly from Cierra Monsees, whose story inspired the entire project. Cierra reflects on the financial challenges and lessons she encountered after landing her first full-time job—including navigating benefits, setting up retirement contributions, building credit, and buying her first home at 23. Listeners will gain insight into the real-life decisions facing young professionals, the importance of mentorship, and the value of long-term thinking when it comes to money. 

In this episode of our Beyond the Paycheck series, we're focusing on demystifying retirement plans and investment options so you can make confident, informed decisions about your financial future. Whether you're just starting out, changing jobs, or reentering the workforce, we unpack the differences between 401(k), 403(b), IRA, and Roth IRA accounts, and explore how tax status, life changes, and long-term goals shape the best strategy for you. You'll also learn how to sidestep common investing myths, adapt your plan over time, and take proactive steps to set your future self up for success.

In this episode of our Beyond the Paycheck series, we're focusing on Building Your Financial Foundation. If you're just starting your career or re-entering the workforce, this conversation is for you. We'll break down how to set short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals, how to balance debt with saving, and why starting now—no matter how small—can make a big difference. You'll learn how to make saving a habit, keep track of your spending, and use tools like compound interest to your advantage. Wherever you are on your journey, this episode will help you take confident steps toward a more secure financial future.

Navigating a new job comes with a maze of important financial decisions that can impact your future for years to come. In this podcast series, we break down the often-overwhelming world of workplace benefits, compensation packages, and financial choices facing newly employed individuals—whether you're starting your first job or returning to the workforce after time away.   In this second episode in the series Beyond the Paycheck, we're joined by Amy Trosine, Vice President of Human Resources and Administration for Career Path Services, who shares practical guidance on how to confidently understand and maximize your employee benefits. From comparing health insurance plans and leveraging HSAs or FSAs, to understanding retirement options and overlooked perks like wellness programs and professional development, Amy helps listeners approach their total compensation with clarity and confidence. Whether you're navigating open enrollment or preparing for your first onboarding session, this conversation offers the insights you need to make smart, informed choices.

Navigating a new job comes with a maze of important financial decisions that can impact your future for years to come. In this podcast series, we break down the often-overwhelming world of workplace benefits, compensation packages, and financial choices facing newly employed individuals—whether you're starting your first job or returning to the workforce after time away. Each episode features conversations with industry experts who translate complex topics into clear, actionable advice. From understanding your first paycheck and making smart health insurance selections to maximizing retirement benefits and managing student loans, we provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions from day one. Join us as we demystify workplace benefits, unpack financial jargon, and empower you to make confident choices that build a solid foundation for your financial future.  

In this final episode of the Good at Work series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and Dr. Anna Valiavska (organizational researcher and professor) continue their conversation about career transitions, diving deep into how organizational exits can be handled with care, dignity, and long-term impact in mind. They explore the natural end of the socialization process—leaving an organization—and examine how both employees and employers can navigate this moment with intention. From thoughtful exit interviews to preparing employees for leadership roles elsewhere, they discuss how transitions offer opportunities for growth, reflection, and even cultural strengthening. Whether you're considering a career pivot, facing a layoff, or leading through a time of change, this conversation offers meaningful insights, practical strategies, and a refreshing human-centered approach to navigating the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

In this episode of the Good at Work series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and Dr. Anna Valiavska (organizational researcher and professor) continue their conversation about building sustainable work practices through effective feedback systems. The panel explores how workplace communication tools, knowledge management practices, and structured feedback processes contribute to creating positive work environments. They discuss strategies for overcoming discomfort with feedback, the importance of approaching feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism, and practical tactics for both giving and receiving feedback effectively. Discover how successful workplace communication requires intentional systems, consistent practices, and a foundation of trust between employees and leaders.

In this third episode of the Good at Work series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and Dr. Anna Valiavska (organizational researcher and professor) continue their conversation about effective workplace practices, focusing on what happens when employees first enter an organization. They explore how the initial 30-90 days are crucial for forming habits and understanding what success looks like in a particular workplace. Discover practical strategies for creating meaningful onboarding experiences, from sending welcome packages and writing personalized notes to scheduling regular check-ins and creating "manager cheat sheets" that clarify expectations. 

In this second episode of the Good at Work series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and Dr. Anna Valiavska (organizational researcher and professor) explore how organizations and employees can build a sense of belonging even before the first day of work. The panel discusses the evolution of hiring practices from seeking "cultural fit" to embracing cognitive diversity, the importance of authentic organizational messaging in job postings and interviews, and how both employers and job seekers can evaluate the alignment of values during the hiring process. Through personal experiences and professional insights, the conversation highlights how creating genuine belonging requires consistent organizational practices, transparent communication, and empowerment of both leaders and potential employees to ask meaningful questions during the hiring process.

Tune in to hear from organizational researcher and professor, Anna Valiavska, in the introductory episode of "Good at Work: The Career Playbook for Leaders and Teams." Drawing from Anna's expertise as both a corporate innovation researcher and university professor, this comprehensive guide explores the four crucial phases of organizational socialization - from anticipating your next career move to making a graceful exit. Whether you're a leader shaping workplace culture or an employee navigating career transitions, each episode delivers practical strategies and actionable insights to help you thrive in today's dynamic work environment. 

Tune in for the concluding episode of "Advocating for Your Future Self." This wrap-up discussion explores common obstacles in career development, from fear and perfectionism to self-worth, while offering practical insights on embracing imperfection and taking intentional steps toward professional growth. 

In this episode, Cami reflects on her annual tradition of choosing a meaningful word to guide her year instead of making traditional resolutions.. She also reveals how this practice has shaped her leadership approach in workforce development and helped transform organizational challenges into opportunities. Cami shares practical insights on maintaining curiosity and discusses how her chosen word for 2025 represents a shift toward more proactive leadership. Join us to discover her powerful word choice and learn how you too can embrace this intentional approach to personal and professional growth.

In this episode of the "Advocating for Your Future Self" career development series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services) and Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services) explore the transformative power of professional networking. Through personal stories and practical insights, they discuss how building authentic relationships can shape careers, from Lisa's success in leveraging her network during a five-year career break to Cammy's strategies for overcoming networking anxiety. The conversation delves into valuable approaches for both internal and external networking, including maximizing LinkedIn connections, participating in professional events, and maintaining meaningful relationships over time. They share actionable tips for staying organized and following up with connections, emphasizing that successful networking isn't about quantity but about creating genuine relationships that can lead to unexpected opportunities.

In this episode of the "Advocating for Your Future Self" career development series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services) and Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services) explore the strategic concept of "raising your hand" in the workplace. Through personal stories and practical examples, they discuss how to thoughtfully identify and pursue growth opportunities while maintaining authenticity and mastering current roles. The conversation delves into valuable strategies like creating a "10% folder" for tracking achievements, the importance of staying curious, and how to effectively engage with supervisors about professional development.

This episode, part of the "Advocating for Your Future Self" career development series, continues the conversation about sponsorship with Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and special guest Anna Valiavska, PhD (FedEx Dataworks). The conversation explores how sponsorship differs from mentorship, with sponsors actively opening doors and advocating for individuals in spaces where they're not present. The panel discusses practical examples of sponsorship in action, including Lisa's journey from volunteer to keynote speaker, and emphasizes how sponsorship can occur at any organizational level. They delve into the importance of intentional sponsorship in creating diverse, equitable workplaces and provide actionable advice for both potential sponsors and those seeking sponsorship opportunities.

This episode is part of the series  "Advocating for Your Future Self" and explores the importance of sponsorship in career development. Host Doug Foresta and Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services) discuss how sponsors actively create opportunities and advocate for individuals in rooms where they're not present. The episode breaks down how sponsorship emerged as a vital tool for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in organizations, going beyond the common advice that "good work speaks for itself." Discover insights on identifying potential sponsors and how to approach them authentically. 

This episode is part of the series "Advocating for Your Future Self"  and continues the discussion about the importance of coaching in career development. Cami Eakins (CEO of CareerPath Services) and Lisa Grund (Workforce Snohomish Director of Operations) are joined by special guest Eva-Bautista Fung, a seasoned leader, mentor, and coach. Building on their previous conversation, the hosts dive deeper into the nuances of coaching, distinguishing it from mentoring and examining its various applications across different career stages. They explore who can benefit from coaching, the differences between formal and informal coaching approaches, and effective techniques used in coaching relationships

This episode is part of the series  "Advocating for Your Future Self" and explores the importance of coaching in career development. Cami Eakins (CEO of CareerPath Services) and Lisa Grund (Workforce Snohomish Director of Operations) discuss how coaching differs from mentoring and its role in professional growth. Lisa shares her personal experience implementing a coaching program for her team and benefiting from coaching herself. The conversation covers the differences between formal and informal coaching, how to seek out a coach within or outside your organization, and the value of coaching in navigating new career challenges. 

This Summer Snippet episode features a discussion with Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, on the timely topic of self-care during election season stress. Cami shares practical strategies for maintaining well-being and productivity in the workplace even during turbulent times. Tune in to hear valuable tips for finding joy at work, including aligning tasks with personal strengths, taking mindful breaks, and celebrating accomplishments. The practices that are shared in this episode are beneficial not just during elections, but as ongoing strategies to enhance workplace satisfaction and personal well-being.

This Summer Snippet episode features a discussion with Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, as she shares her professional reading list. The conversation focuses on books that address navigating differences, fostering inclusion, and facilitating bold conversations in the workplace. Cami discusses why these books are particularly relevant in today's polarized climate and how they can help leaders create respectful, inclusive environments. She also reveals her plan to start a mini book club with colleagues to explore these ideas further.

This Summer Snippet episode features a discussion with Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, about the importance of leadership adaptability. Cami introduces the "Gumby Principle," a concept she developed early in her career that emphasizes the need for leaders to remain flexible and adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges. She also offers valuable advice for leaders looking to enhance their adaptability skills, emphasizing the importance of having backup plans, involving team members in problem-solving, and maintaining core values while adjusting to changing circumstances.

This Summer Snippet episode features a discussion with Cami Eakins, CEO of CareerPath Services, on the crucial leadership topic of repairing, rebuilding, and restoring trust. Cami presents a three-step framework for leaders to address mistakes and rebuild relationships within their organizations. The conversation covers the importance of acknowledging errors with humility, offering sincere apologies, and collaboratively developing action plans to prevent future issues. Discover the significance of transparency, open communication, and creating a safe environment for feedback. This episode offers valuable strategies for leaders to effectively address mistakes and strengthen trust within their teams.

Summer Snippets is a special podcast series designed for busy workforce professionals who want to stay informed and inspired during the sunny season. Recognizing that our listeners are enjoying their summer breaks, vacations, and outdoor activities, we've crafted bite-sized episodes packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Each snappy snippet focuses on a different aspect of professional and personal development, tailored to the workforce community. From strategies for repairing and restoring workplace relationships to curated summer reading recommendations that will enhance your skills, and discussions on the importance of flexibility in the modern work environment, Summer Snippets offers a diverse range of topics to keep you engaged. These short, easily digestible episodes are perfect for listening during a quick commute, while lounging by the pool, or during a lunch break. Tune in to Summer Snippets and make the most of your summer downtime while still investing in your professional growth. It's the perfect blend of leisure and learning for the conscientious workforce professional. In this Summer Snippet episode of The Dignity of Work, we check in with Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, about her "word of the year" - harmony. Cami reflects on her progress six months into 2024, discussing how she's applied the concept of harmony to her personal and professional life. She also shares insights on inner harmony, outer harmony, and harmony with others, exploring topics such as mindfulness, boundary-setting, and improving relationships. This thought-provoking conversation offers listeners valuable perspectives on balancing work and life, managing stress, and fostering better relationships, all while striving for a more harmonious existence in a chaotic world.

In this episode, we welcome special guest Kisha Wallace-Brown from Procore Technologies, to discuss mentoring relationships, personal growth, and building a circle of influence. Below are the key points and notes from the conversation: Introduction to Mentoring Relationships The importance of recognizing the potential in others and encouraging their growth Characteristics of a Good Mentor Someone who sees your potential and "holds up a mirror" to your strengths Provides guidance, encouragement, and accountability Asks challenging questions and pushes you to grow Key Advice for Personal and Professional Growth "Stand tall" - Take up space, don't shrink yourself to accommodate others Recognize your unique value and don't try to be accessible to everyone Challenge imposter syndrome and step into your professional identity Building Enduring Connections Time and consistency are crucial for developing trust Create a psychologically safe space in relationships Embrace core values: openness, ownership, and optimism Tips for Finding or Becoming a Mentor For mentees: Be clear about your intentions and expectations For mentors: Ensure you have the bandwidth and clarify the level of engagement Establish mutual respect and trust Be prepared to give and receive critical feedback respectfully The Circle of Influence Concept Building a personal board of directors to support professional growth Selecting individuals who champion your success and help uncover your brilliance

In today's episode, Lisa and Cami discussed mentoring, the difference between formal and informal mentors and how to go about selecting a Mentor and building your Circle of Influence. Below are the notes to help you get started: 1. Someone you respect & someone who respects you 2. Someone who will push you 3. Someone who will have critical conversations without hesitation 4. Someone who is invested in your success 5. Someone who is your champion A formal Mentorship has a bit more formality in the way that, they can sometimes be someone you don't know and may not be ‘friends' with but you are seeking specifically for mentorship. These can be paid or unpaid roles through an individual or sometimes a company. A formal mentorship will likely have: Clear Objectives: Formal mentorship programs often have predefined goals and objectives that align with the needs of the mentee, such as career advancement, skill development, or academic success. Structured Process: There is a defined process for matching mentors and mentees based on compatibility, expertise, and goals. The program may include formal training sessions or orientation for both mentors and mentees to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities. Regular Meetings: Mentors and mentees typically meet on a regular basis, either in person or virtually, to discuss progress, set goals, and address challenges. These meetings may follow a predetermined schedule or be arranged ad hoc based on the needs of the participants. Goal Setting and Monitoring: Mentors and mentees work together to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Progress toward these goals is monitored and evaluated regularly to ensure accountability and track success. Feedback and Evaluation: Feedback is an essential component of formal mentorship programs. Mentors provide constructive feedback to help mentees identify areas for improvement and celebrate successes. Likewise, mentees may also provide feedback to mentors about their support and guidance. Support Resources: Formal mentorship programs often provide additional resources and support to participants, such as workshops, seminars, or access to networking events. These resources complement the mentorship relationship and enhance the overall learning experience. Duration and Closure: Formal mentorship programs may have a specified duration, after which the mentorship relationship is formally concluded. However, some programs allow for the continuation of the relationship beyond the initial timeframe if both parties agree.

Welcome to "Advocating for Your Future Self: A Career Development Series," a podcast designed to empower professionals at any stage of their career to take control of their professional growth and make a lasting impact on their future. Hosted by Lisa, Cami, and Doug, this series will explore five crucial areas: Mentoring, Coaching, Sponsorship, Raising your hand, and Networking. Drawing from the concept of the "Circle of Influence" by Stephen Covey, we will explore how these five elements can help you take control of your career and make a positive impact on your professional journey. Each topic will be covered in a two-part episode format, featuring insights from our hosts and special guest experts. Lisa will kick off the series by sharing her personal story of early career challenges and the lack of guidance she faced, highlighting the importance of these topics for professional development. Through candid discussions and actionable advice, we aim to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to build meaningful relationships, seek outgrowth opportunities, and ultimately, thrive in your career. Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned professional looking to make a change, "Advocating for Your Future Self" will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the professional world. Join us as we explore the power of mentoring, the value of coaching, the importance of sponsorship, the benefits of raising your hand, and the art of networking. Together, we'll learn how to expand our own Circle of Influence, advocate for our future selves, and make a lasting impact on our careers and the lives of those around us. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in your professional growth and unlock your full potential.

This episode of the Partners in Progress series features part two of a two-part conversation with Eva Marquette, owner of FreshVue, a strategic design and organizational development company based in Spokane, Washington. Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, and Eva discuss the immense value of executive coaching for leaders. Cami shares her personal experience working with Eva and how it has helped her grow as a leader, navigate challenges, and drive her organization's winning strategy. Eva emphasizes the importance of establishing trust, maintaining confidentiality, and understanding the client's business deeply to provide effective coaching. Cami and Eva also highlight the significance of strategic partnerships in addressing complex societal issues and driving positive change.

This episode of the Partners in Progress series features part one of a two-part conversation with Eva Marquette, owner of FreshVue, a strategic design and organizational development company based in Spokane, Washington. Eva joins Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, to discuss their transformative partnership. They explore how FreshVue helped Career Path Services develop their strategic framework called "Our Winning Strategy," enabling the organization to navigate challenges, foster meaningful partnerships, and work towards its mission of breaking the spirit of poverty through the dignity of work. Eva shares insights into FreshVue's unique approach to building trust, promoting vulnerability, and facilitating long-term organizational change. To learn more visit: FreshVue - Spokane Business Consultants (afreshvue.com)

This episode of the Partners in Progress series features a conversation with John Dorrenbacher from Career Path Services as he discusses the organization's REDI CT team, which focuses on bringing race, equity, diversity and inclusion to the forefront of their work. John shares his passion for advocacy, his vision for expanding the REDI CT team's presence and impact throughout the organization, and practical advice for other organizations looking to start their own equity and inclusion initiatives. He also emphasizes the importance of starting small, changing language and behaviors incrementally, and approaching these complex issues with grace, compassion and a willingness to learn. Discover the crucial role that employees play as partners for change in this important work. 

This episode of the Partners in Progress series explores the ingredients of an enduring, purposeful partnership between workforce development leaders Dawn Karber and Cami Eakins. Tracing their 20+ year alliance, Cami and Dawn reveal the trust, empathy, and shared passion that allowed them to successfully navigate tricky organizational dynamics and drive systems-level change. From coordinating services to managing crises, they model how to put people first while tackling complex performance requirements. Now pursuing innovative projects like SkillsFWD, Dawn exemplifies how genuine relationships outlast any single initiative. Their inspirational dialogue highlights professional generosity and wisdom gained from weathering major transitions shoulder-to-shoulder. Tune in for an uplifting model of partnership that emphasizes empathy, trust-building, and putting people at the center so collaborators can keep progressing together.

Tune in to our next episode of Partners in Progress to learn about an inspiring model of collaboration having a transformative impact on young lives. We'll be spotlighting the Next Careers Consortium (NCC) - a purposeful alliance of Career Path Services, Career TEAM, Partners in Careers, Goodwill, and other regional partners leveraging over 170 collective years of workforce development experience in conjunction with The Workforce Southwest Washington Council to build a robust, integrated NEXT Youth Center. United by a shared vision and passion for expanding what's possible for young people through education and employment, the NCC embodies the spirit of creative coalition-building we explore in this podcast. This is a partnership leveraging diversity of experience and perspectives among collaborators as a strength. With governance frameworks emphasizing transparency, performance evaluation, and quality improvement, each organization has a voice in the collective success of the consortium. While the NCC is in their first year of service delivery early results show - expanded reach, specialized programs for priority populations, and ultimately more youth empowered with the tools, training, and support to achieve their academic and career potential. Discover the possibilities when purpose-driven organizations come together in service of young people's growth and empowerment. We'll be digging into the inspiration fueling this unique collaboration advancing youth success across three counties and beyond.

Welcome to Partners in Progress, an uplifting podcast series dedicated to exploring the power of purposeful collaborations. We'll be spotlighting diverse examples of innovative partnerships across sectors that come together creatively around a shared vision to drive meaningful community impact, from a job training partnership, youth center and workforce agency collaborating to serve young people holistically to a nonprofit investing executive coaching expertise from a consulting partner. By thinking outside the box, leading collaboratively, and working in genuine alliance anchored in trust, such partnerships unlock progress and possibilities that any single organization could not produce alone. Join us as we discover the inspiration and opportunity available when we invest in partnerships with the diversity to generate resilience, possibility, and positive change. In this first episode of the Partners in Progress series, Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services is joined by Ranko Fukuda, Managing Director of Career Work$, to discuss two career training programs offered by Career Work$- BankWork$® and CareerWork$ Medical®. These tuition-free 8-week programs prepare participants for careers in banking and healthcare by teaching job skills, professional etiquette, resume writing and interview practice. The programs also facilitate partnerships with local employers who engage with students and often hire graduates. Cami also shares inspiring stories of program graduates who have launched successful careers, highlighting the over 5,000 job placements CareerWork$ has facilitated to date.  

In this episode of The Dignity of Work, Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, reveals her word of the year for 2024. She also explains the meaning behind the word she chose and what it represents for her in terms of achieving inner peace, seeking balance, and extending goodwill.  Tune in to find out what word Cami has chosen to guide her through the new year! 

This episode features a conversation with Heather Woodruff, Program Operator for WorkSource Columbia Basin and TC Futures, as she explains the historical biases against women's ideas in the workplace. Heather offers practical tips to improve meeting culture and amplify women's voices, stressing that both male allies and personal awareness of communication styles are key to countering these subtle, often unconscious slights. Tune in for a conversation about leveling the playing field for women's ideas and ensuring equitable attribution in the workplace.

This episode features a conversation with Landon Casassa, Commerce Program Manager at Career Path Services, about the importance of supporting minority-owned businesses. Landon shares surprising statistics about the racial disparity between white-owned businesses and minority-owned businesses. Learn innovative ways to be intentional about shifting more of your spending to minority-owned establishments, starting with small, simple choices. Landon also shares helpful suggestions for individuals and organizations wanting to celebrate diversity in their communities. Discover how to use your money to close racial wealth gaps and uplift minority-owned businesses. 

This episode features a conversation with employment specialist Jasmine Sanchez as she discusses the mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities. Jasmine discusses barriers to mental healthcare including lack of providers, language barriers, cultural stigmas, and distrust of systems. She provides insight into how employment specialists can be more aware of and sensitive to the mental health needs of minority clients. To learn more about Open Path (mentioned in the episode) visit: https://openpathcollective.org/

This episode features a conversation with Kendra Davenport, President and CEO of Easterseals, for a timely discussion about disability employment during National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Kendra discusses the strengths that people with disabilities bring to the workforce, the work Easterseals does to prepare people with disabilities for employment, and advice for employers looking to hire inclusively. Discover persisting disparities in disability employment rates, how the pandemic opened opportunities for remote and hybrid work, and resources available to help companies build more accessible and diverse workforces.

This episode is part of the series "Work Well: Bite-Size Tips for Wellness at Work." In this episode, you'll hear from a business consultant and coach about the importance of mindfulness and presence at work. Discover tips for taking brief mental breaks to center yourself, as well as planning and prioritizing tasks to maintain focus. You'll learn how mindfulness and humanity may become even more vital as AI takes over routine tasks. 

This episode is part of the series "Work Well: Bite-Size Tips for Wellness at Work." Tune in to hear from leadership expert Chris Widener, who provides insightful and actionable advice to help you find the right job fit, company culture, develop your skills, and connect to your true motivations. Learn Chris's surprising perspective on the root of motivation and why he advises some workers to quit their jobs. 

This episode is part of the series "Work Well: Bite-Size Tips for Wellness at Work." Tune in as we take a dive into the critical topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with DEI expert Jeri Perkins. Jeri discusses the importance of creating safe spaces through student and employee resource groups, the role of social empathy, and why the responsibility for fostering a culture of DEI should not fall solely on marginalized groups or DEI consultants. Jerry also challenges us to look within ourselves, urging that individual self-work is the cornerstone of creating a truly inclusive and equitable workplace. Whether you're a leader or an employee, tune in for actionable insights on making your workplace a well, inclusive environment.

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Larry Robbin, Executive Director of Robbin and Associates, as Larry discusses how the workforce development system will have to adjust in the emerging economy. Larry dives into the heart of why workforce development organizations often struggle to keep pace with economic shifts, emphasizing the need for proactive alignment with economic development and business realms. He also provides a vision for a more agile, results-driven approach to workforce development that challenges traditional norms and embraces change in the pursuit of thriving amidst chaos.

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Larry Robbin, Executive Director of Robbin and Associates, as Larry discusses how the workforce development system will have to adjust in the emerging economy. In part 2 of the conversation, Larry reflects on his own journey and underscores the importance of acknowledging historical biases and systemic barriers while driving genuine diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Larry Robbin, Executive Director of Robbin and Associates, as Larry discusses how the workforce development system will have to adjust in the emerging economy. Larry reveals what he means by the "chaos economy" and identifies the qualities that workers will need to thrive in the future economy. Make sure to tune in as the conversation continues in part two!        1.  You talk about the chaos economy, but it seems to me that throughout history the economy has always been changing.  What kinds of things lead you to describe this economy as chaos as opposed to just viewing it as another period of change in the economy?   1.  I know that in the past a lot of predictions about the economy have not proven to be accurate.  If you had to identify a few things that you think are the most likely to be true about the future economy, what would they be?   1.  What kinds of people do you think will fare the best in this emerging economy?  I'm not talking about skill sets, when I say types of people I am referring to personalities, attitudes and interpersonal relationships.   1.  How do you think the changes in the economy are going to impact diversity, equity and inclusion?   1.  It seems to me that workforce development organizations are often playing catch up to changes in the economy.  We often lag behind changes in the world of work.  Why do you think this is the case and what do you think we need to do to be able to align ourselves faster with the changes in the labor market?   1.  To what extent do you think our traditional perspectives like the way we do assessment, our focus on career planning, the way we train people, the way we teach job search etc. are or are not valid in this new era? Any thoughts on how AI technology can help/hinder this?

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Crystal Odom-McKinney, National Director, Senior Community Service Employment Program at Easterseals. Crystal provides an overview of the changes she has seen over the past few years in the business environment and how Easterseals serves their customers. She also discusses how automation has impacted her organization and provides an overview of the current state of the workforce. To learn more, visit: https://www.easterseals.com/  To download the discussion guide for this episode, visit https://bit.ly/DOWE117  

This is the first episode of a new series, Work Well: Bite-sized Tips for Wellness at Work. Tune in as Dr. Kristen Allott discusses how to lower your anxiety and increase your performance with "Lizard Brain Treats," snacks that fuel your brain quickly and reduce anxiety, irritation and agitation. To watch the video referenced in the conversation, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ_yLnnxxnE  To learn more about Dr. Allott and for more resources, visit: FuelYourBrain.org and KristenAllott.com      

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Workforce180 CEO Mike Fazio. Mike reveals how he is using AI in his own work and discusses how AI will transform the workforce system and the world of work in general. He also shares advice for workforce professionals who may feel intimidated by this technology, and why it's so important for workforce professionals to embrace AI.   

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce" and features a conversation with Walter Simmons, President & CEO of Employ PG. Walter discusses the changes that have occurred in the workforce system over the past several years and shares how his organization has successfully increased its impact even during times of disruption. He also reveals what workforce professionals need to be thinking about to be prepared for the future and sums up the current workforce landscape.   

This episode is part of the series "What the Heck is Going on in Workforce?" and features a conversation between Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, and Ty Lingo, Director of Ability Employment Services. Ty provides an overview of his organization and reveals how the pandemic has impacted employers' willingness to consider alternative labor pools. Ty shares some of the successes his organization has seen over the past few years and the workforce trends that he is noticing in 2023. He also reveals his thoughts about the impact of AI and automation on his work and sums up current workforce challenges and opportunities.   

This episode features the kick-off of a new series on the Dignity of Work outlining changing trends in the economy and workforce system. Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path services outlines the impetus for the series as well as her reflections from the 2023 NAWB Forum. She also shares her thoughts on what's different about this moment and why we need new solutions to meet the current challenges. 

Tune in for an exciting and informative conversation between Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, and Mike Fazio, CEO of Workforce180. Mike reveals why workforce professionals need to invest in their own training and some of the biggest challenges facing workforce leaders. He also shares advice for workforce leaders about how to stay ahead of the curve and discusses the need for workforce professionals to embrace AI and digital communications.

This episode features a conversation with Tressa Dorsey, President & Founder of TAD Grants, as she discusses the importance of workforce development as a profession, and the need for workforce development professionals to invest in their own continuing education. Discover what supervisors can do to support the professional development of their staff. Tressa also shares her thoughts about how to create a culture of professional development.