Podcasts about own your career

Andy Storch sits down with Sanjit Kaur to discuss how modern HR leaders can drive business transformation through culture, leadership development, and intentional employee experience. Sanjit shares her journey from frontline contact center roles into executive HR leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding the business, speaking the language of leadership, and aligning people strategy with organizational growth.Throughout the conversation, Sanjit explores how Cox Automotive is transforming its HR function through technology modernization, inclusive people practices, leadership development programs, and investment in future workforce skills. She highlights the importance of creating safe spaces, empowering middle managers, building a strong learning culture, and preparing employees for the evolving impact of AI and digital transformation. The discussion ultimately centers on one key message: intentional cultures and continuous learning are essential for building engaged teams and future-ready organizations.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Sanjit Kaur: LinkedIn

It's Wednesday, May 13, 2026. I'm coming to you from a sun-drenched plaza in Barcelona after a morning of journaling, coffee, and a serendipitous run-in with a friend. Today, we're talking about "Social Surface Area." Why does living in a walking city feel so different from living in a driving city? We explore the biological spark of the "unplanned encounter" and how to manufacture that feeling even if you're stuck in suburban traffic.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Wednesday, May 13, 2026. I'm coming to you from a sun-drenched plaza in Barcelona after a morning of journaling, coffee, and a serendipitous run-in with a friend. Today, we're talking about "Social Surface Area." Why does living in a walking city feel so different from living in a driving city? We explore the biological spark of the "unplanned encounter" and how to manufacture that feeling even if you're stuck in suburban traffic.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, May 13, 2026. Let's get real for a second: life doesn't always go according to the business plan. I've been feeling some frustrations lately—business isn't exactly where I want it to be. But today's reminder is for me as much as it is for you: There are no "good" or "bad" events, only the perspectives we choose to wrap around them. We're diving into the Stoic discipline of controlling the one thing that can't be imprisoned: your mindset.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, May 13, 2026. Let's get real for a second: life doesn't always go according to the business plan. I've been feeling some frustrations lately—business isn't exactly where I want it to be. But today's reminder is for me as much as it is for you: There are no "good" or "bad" events, only the perspectives we choose to wrap around them. We're diving into the Stoic discipline of controlling the one thing that can't be imprisoned: your mindset.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Friday in Barcelona, and what started as a social game of paddle (padel) on a rooftop court turned into a masterclass in how the ego can sabotage our own happiness. Today, I'm breaking down a heated altercation that happened between courts and why "standing your ground" often costs you far more than you realize. We're looking at the literal "math of an argument" and how to recognize when your ego is about to overcharge you.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Friday in Barcelona, and what started as a social game of paddle (padel) on a rooftop court turned into a masterclass in how the ego can sabotage our own happiness. Today, I'm breaking down a heated altercation that happened between courts and why "standing your ground" often costs you far more than you realize. We're looking at the literal "math of an argument" and how to recognize when your ego is about to overcharge you.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Today, I'm revisiting a topic that struck a chord with many of you: the razor-thin line between confidence and arrogance. Inspired by a recent entry in The Daily Stoic (April 7th), we explore why the most dangerous thing you can do for your career—and your happiness—is to stop being a student. We discuss Epictetus's warning against "arrogant opinion" and why changing your mind is actually a sign of elite leadership, not weakness.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Today, I'm revisiting a topic that struck a chord with many of you: the razor-thin line between confidence and arrogance. Inspired by a recent entry in The Daily Stoic (April 7th), we explore why the most dangerous thing you can do for your career—and your happiness—is to stop being a student. We discuss Epictetus's warning against "arrogant opinion" and why changing your mind is actually a sign of elite leadership, not weakness.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Yesterday, we talked about the practical, high-efficiency side of AI—how it saved me five hours of research in a single morning. Today, we're zooming out. We are currently living through what many call the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While past technological leaps (like the steam engine and the automobile) destroyed old jobs only to create millions of unimaginable new ones, there is a growing debate: Is AI different? We're exploring the "Horse Poop" analogy, the rise of AGI, and what it means for the future of human work.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Thursday, May 7, 2026. If you started the year with a list of big, audacious goals and now, in early May, you're looking at that list wondering what happened—welcome to the club. I'm getting honest today about my own "slippage" over the last few weeks. Between training for the Traka bike race, falling down the AI rabbit hole, and restarting Spanish lessons, my podcast and book progress took a backseat. Today, we talk about how to stop the guilt spiral and perform a "Priority Audit" to decide what stays, what goes, and what gets postponed.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Yesterday, we talked about the practical, high-efficiency side of AI—how it saved me five hours of research in a single morning. Today, we're zooming out. We are currently living through what many call the Fourth Industrial Revolution. While past technological leaps (like the steam engine and the automobile) destroyed old jobs only to create millions of unimaginable new ones, there is a growing debate: Is AI different? We're exploring the "Horse Poop" analogy, the rise of AGI, and what it means for the future of human work.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Thursday, May 7, 2026. If you started the year with a list of big, audacious goals and now, in early May, you're looking at that list wondering what happened—welcome to the club. I'm getting honest today about my own "slippage" over the last few weeks. Between training for the Traka bike race, falling down the AI rabbit hole, and restarting Spanish lessons, my podcast and book progress took a backseat. Today, we talk about how to stop the guilt spiral and perform a "Priority Audit" to decide what stays, what goes, and what gets postponed.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, May 12, 2026. If you've been listening lately, you know I'm falling deep into the AI rabbit hole—and for good reason. Yesterday, I tackled a project that usually takes me five hours of manual grinding (or $70+ in VA fees) and knocked it out in 15 minutes using Claude. I'm sharing the exact workflow I used to organize a VIP dinner for an upcoming HR conference in Portugal, and why I'm seriously considering shifting my business toward AI consulting.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, May 12, 2026. If you've been listening lately, you know I'm falling deep into the AI rabbit hole—and for good reason. Yesterday, I tackled a project that usually takes me five hours of manual grinding (or $70+ in VA fees) and knocked it out in 15 minutes using Claude. I'm sharing the exact workflow I used to organize a VIP dinner for an upcoming HR conference in Portugal, and why I'm seriously considering shifting my business toward AI consulting.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, May 5, 2026. I just got back from Girona after finishing the Traka 100, the biggest gravel bike race in Europe. When I signed up months ago, 100 kilometers (60 miles) felt like an impossible stretch for a "sprinter" like me. Today, I'm breaking down the raw experience of the race, how I shaved nearly an hour off my practice time in just one week, and why you should sign up for that "scary" challenge—even if you aren't sure you can finish.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Andy Storch speaks with Angus Nelson about why many high-performing leaders feel stuck in today's fast-changing environment, despite having the experience and capability to succeed. They explore how traditional approaches like pushing harder and doing more are no longer effective as pressure, complexity, and expectations continue to rise. Angus explains that the real challenge is not effort, but internal capacity, and how an outdated “operating system” shaped by past experiences can limit how leaders think, respond, and perform.The conversation also dives into the role of identity and mindset in leadership growth, emphasizing that success at the next level requires becoming a different version of yourself. In addition, they highlight the importance of nervous system regulation, showing how stress and reactivity can impact decision-making and communication. Together, these insights offer a practical perspective on how leaders can stay clear, adapt to change, and perform more effectively under sustained pressure.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Angus Nelson: LinkedIn

It's Tuesday, May 5, 2026. I just got back from Girona after finishing the Traka 100, the biggest gravel bike race in Europe. When I signed up months ago, 100 kilometers (60 miles) felt like an impossible stretch for a "sprinter" like me. Today, I'm breaking down the raw experience of the race, how I shaved nearly an hour off my practice time in just one week, and why you should sign up for that "scary" challenge—even if you aren't sure you can finish.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Today, we dive into Part 2 of my conversation with Angus Nelson, author of The Neuro-Resilient Leader. We tackle a paradox: why do some of the most "successful" people on the planet—entrepreneurs and high-performing leaders—live in a state of constant scarcity? Angus breaks down why this isn't about your bank account, but about the three internal enemies of your identity. We also share a personal moment about how Angus inspired my family's move to Spain.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Today, we dive into Part 2 of my conversation with Angus Nelson, author of The Neuro-Resilient Leader. We tackle a paradox: why do some of the most "successful" people on the planet—entrepreneurs and high-performing leaders—live in a state of constant scarcity? Angus breaks down why this isn't about your bank account, but about the three internal enemies of your identity. We also share a personal moment about how Angus inspired my family's move to Spain.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Monday, April 13, 2026, and we are breaking format! Today marks the first-ever interview on this podcast. My good friend Angus Nelson joins me to discuss his brand-new book, The Neuro-Resilient Leader: The Internal Operating System for Leading at the Speed of Change. We dive into why so many leaders are "faking it" while feeling terrified inside, and why your only competitive advantage in an AI-driven world isn't your strategy—it's your humanity.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Monday, April 13, 2026, and we are breaking format! Today marks the first-ever interview on this podcast. My good friend Angus Nelson joins me to discuss his brand-new book, The Neuro-Resilient Leader: The Internal Operating System for Leading at the Speed of Change. We dive into why so many leaders are "faking it" while feeling terrified inside, and why your only competitive advantage in an AI-driven world isn't your strategy—it's your humanity.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Andy Storch speaks with Johanna Hummer, VP of Global People Success at Opella, about building a new company culture after its spin-off from Sanofi.They explore the challenges and opportunities of transformation, the importance of leadership and well-being, and how Opella is evolving its talent and learning strategies. Johanna also shares her passion for developing young and female leaders in today's workplace.You'll gain practical insights on navigating large-scale change, fostering an inclusive culture, and preparing teams for the future of work. Whether you're a leader or an individual contributor, this conversation offers valuable takeaways to support your growth.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Johanna Hummer: LinkedIn

It is Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Yesterday, I hosted a free virtual session on the 5 Steps to Owning Your Career, and a recurring question caught me off guard: "What if I'm actually happy where I am? Do I still need a vision?" Today, I'm digging into why "chilling" in a role you love is actually a high-risk strategy in 2026. Whether you want a promotion or not, the world is moving too fast for you to stand still.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It is Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Yesterday, I hosted a free virtual session on the 5 Steps to Owning Your Career, and a recurring question caught me off guard: "What if I'm actually happy where I am? Do I still need a vision?" Today, I'm digging into why "chilling" in a role you love is actually a high-risk strategy in 2026. Whether you want a promotion or not, the world is moving too fast for you to stand still.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's April 21, 2026. Yesterday, I was on the other side of the mic being interviewed for a podcast, and a killer question came up: "How do you shift your brand when people have already put you in a box?" Whether you're known as the "data person" but want to be the "strategy person," or you're trying to move from rom-coms to Academy Awards, shifting your brand requires more than just a new LinkedIn headline—it requires a tactical "No," a change in vocabulary, and the receipts to back it up.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's April 21, 2026. Yesterday, I was on the other side of the mic being interviewed for a podcast, and a killer question came up: "How do you shift your brand when people have already put you in a box?" Whether you're known as the "data person" but want to be the "strategy person," or you're trying to move from rom-coms to Academy Awards, shifting your brand requires more than just a new LinkedIn headline—it requires a tactical "No," a change in vocabulary, and the receipts to back it up.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Yesterday, I gave a virtual keynote to a group of ambitious young professionals in a management training program. Their biggest question: Should you stick to one goal until it's finished, or is it okay to juggle multiple at once? Today, I'm breaking down why "Follow One Course Until Success" is a great acronym but a hard reality for variety-seekers like me. We'll look at the trade-offs of single-focus vs. variety and how to prioritize when your goals start to compete for your time.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Yesterday, I gave a virtual keynote to a group of ambitious young professionals in a management training program. Their biggest question: Should you stick to one goal until it's finished, or is it okay to juggle multiple at once? Today, I'm breaking down why "Follow One Course Until Success" is a great acronym but a hard reality for variety-seekers like me. We'll look at the trade-offs of single-focus vs. variety and how to prioritize when your goals start to compete for your time.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Today's reflection was inspired by the April 5th entry of The Daily Stoic: "Trust but Verify." We often pride ourselves on our "gut instincts," but as Epictetus warned nearly 2,000 years ago, our first impressions can often carry us away into unnecessary anger, anxiety, or judgment. I'm diving into why taking a "beat" to interrogate your own emotions—especially in the face of a frustrating email or a missed expectation—is the ultimate tool for owning your life.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Today's reflection was inspired by the April 5th entry of The Daily Stoic: "Trust but Verify." We often pride ourselves on our "gut instincts," but as Epictetus warned nearly 2,000 years ago, our first impressions can often carry us away into unnecessary anger, anxiety, or judgment. I'm diving into why taking a "beat" to interrogate your own emotions—especially in the face of a frustrating email or a missed expectation—is the ultimate tool for owning your life.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Friday, April 10, 2026. Following up on yesterday's talk about expectations, today I'm diving into another major source of friction: Judgment. Inspired by Ryan Holiday's The Daily Dad, I've been reflecting on how our natural instinct to categorize and "approve" or "disapprove" of everything—from our kids' screen time to global politics—is actually a survival mechanism gone rogue. I share why I'm trying to trade my "judge's gavel" for a "magnifying glass" of curiosity.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Friday, April 10, 2026. Following up on yesterday's talk about expectations, today I'm diving into another major source of friction: Judgment. Inspired by Ryan Holiday's The Daily Dad, I've been reflecting on how our natural instinct to categorize and "approve" or "disapprove" of everything—from our kids' screen time to global politics—is actually a survival mechanism gone rogue. I share why I'm trying to trade my "judge's gavel" for a "magnifying glass" of curiosity.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Thursday, April 9, 2026. Today's episode was sparked by my morning reading of The Daily Stoic and The Daily Dad. I've come to realize that one of the single biggest drivers of unhappiness isn't "bad luck"—it's missed expectations. Specifically, the ones we never actually bothered to say out loud. I'm sharing how shifting from "assumed" to "explicit" communication saved my marriage from unnecessary arguments and why I stopped "keeping score" in my friendships years ago.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Thursday, April 9, 2026. Today's episode was sparked by my morning reading of The Daily Stoic and The Daily Dad. I've come to realize that one of the single biggest drivers of unhappiness isn't "bad luck"—it's missed expectations. Specifically, the ones we never actually bothered to say out loud. I'm sharing how shifting from "assumed" to "explicit" communication saved my marriage from unnecessary arguments and why I stopped "keeping score" in my friendships years ago.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's easy to talk about "owning your life" when everything is going perfectly. It's a lot harder when business is stalling, family friction is high, and your morning coffee is missing the oat milk you like. Today, I'm getting vulnerable about my own current challenges and the delicate dance between being "never satisfied" (shoutout to Alexander Hamilton) and practicing the stoic art of focusing only on what you can control.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It is Wednesday, April 8, 2026, and today I'm sharing something that truly touched me. My friend Dmitri, a polyglot and educator originally from Ukraine, has been using my book, Own Your Career, Own Your Life, in his English classes in Greece. His students sent in three of the most profound questions I've heard in a long time: How do we find our true desires? How do we stay disciplined? And how do we survive rejection? I'm sharing my answers here because whether you're a student in Athens or a CEO in Atlanta, these are the hurdles we all face.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

I just got back from an Easter break in the French Alps, and while the skiing was legendary (the best spring snow in five years, according to the locals), the drive there was a masterclass in "perspective." Coming from a Florida background where road trips are cheap and the land is flat, paying nearly $10 a gallon for gas in France was a massive wake-up call. Today, I'm breaking down the math of a European road trip in 2026 and why, despite the tolls and the fuel costs, "owning the experience" was still worth every Euro.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

In this episode, Andy Storch sits down with Mamie Kanfer Stewart—founder of Meteor and The Modern Manager, executive coach, and author of Momentum. With nearly two decades of experience, she shares practical insights on improving management, meetings, and workplace dynamics.They dive into one of the biggest workplace challenges: meetings—what makes them effective versus time-wasting, and how to set clear outcomes while involving the right people. Mamie also explores what it means to be a modern manager, from leading remote teams and navigating cultural differences to building essential skills like feedback, delegation, and conflict management.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect With Mamie Kanfer Stewart: LinkedIn

It's April 7, 2026, and the "AI honeymoon" phase is officially over. Today, I'm reacting to the news that the CEO of PWC has essentially issued a mandate: get on board with AI, or you may no longer have a place in the firm. While layoffs continue to ripple through the economy, the subtext is becoming text—AI isn't just a "bonus" skill anymore; it's the new baseline for professional survival. I share why I'm a fan (mostly) and why owning your career today means becoming an AI-augmented worker before the choice is made for you.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Friday, March 27, 2026. I'm walking back from a solo ski session in the French Alps, reflecting on a trap we all fall into: The Highlight Reel. When you scroll through LinkedIn or Instagram, it's easy to feel like everyone is winning while you're just working. But today, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own "perfect" vacation to show you why comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else's curated highlights is a recipe for misery.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

If you've ever tried to coordinate a "perfect" day with a spouse, kids, or even just a travel partner, you know that the dream rarely matches the reality. This week in the French Alps, I was reminded (probably for the thousandth time) that as soon as you add another human being into your plans, life becomes an exercise in compromise. Today, I'm sharing why I chose gratitude over frustration when my "perfect" town tour was cut short by hungry ten-year-olds.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

I'm recording this while walking through a quiet, snow-covered village in the French Alps. Yesterday, while visiting a stunning lakeside town with canals, my son gave me a classic 10-year-old reality check. While I was in awe of the beauty, he shrugged and said, "It's just a town." It got me thinking about how easily we slip into seeing the world as "mundane" versus "miraculous." Whether it's a snowy mountain or a spreadsheet at work, your perspective is the only thing you truly own.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

After nine years and thousands of inbound pitches, I've developed a pretty thick skin when it comes to people wanting a piece of my platform. But this week, two very different requests hit my inbox that perfectly illustrate the difference between "transactional networking" and "genuine community." Today, I'm sharing why I turned down a well-known speaker with a laugh and why I didn't hesitate to say "yes" to my friend Angus Nelson—and what it means for your own career karma in 2026.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

Before I was a speaker, author, and coach, I was a data analyst at a large insurance company, staring at Excel spreadsheets all day. I was an extrovert trapped in a cubicle, and I finally gathered the courage to ask my boss for a change. His answer? A blunt, "No, get back to work." In this episode, I share why that rejection was the best thing that ever happened to me, and the two critical lessons it holds for both individual contributors and leaders in 2026.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's Thursday, March 26, 2026, and I have a confession: If I tell myself I'm going to write 500 words, there's a 50/50 chance I'll end up scrolling LinkedIn instead. But if I tell my friend Leanne? Those words are getting written. In this episode, I break down the psychological "hack" of accountability—from my outreach group for speakers to a recent 45-minute "writing sprint" that helped me finally knock out my newsletter.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's easy to treat AI like a glorified search engine, but after a meetup in Barcelona last night, my eyes are wide open to what's actually possible in 2026. From "Claude Cowork" managing LinkedIn prospects to "Claude Code" helping me build my very own app (yes, really!), I'm diving deep into how these tools are shifting from "thought partners" to "action partners." If you feel overwhelmed by AI, this episode is your permission to just play, fail, and build something anyway.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

It's something we've done for thousands of years, but in 2026, with social media at our fingertips 24/7, it's become an epidemic. Today, I'm diving into the concept of comparison. I share a personal realization I had on the Padel court about my cycling "status" and why we are almost always looking the wrong way when we measure our progress. If you've ever felt like an "amateur" despite years of hard work, this episode is a reality check on your own success.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.

In this episode of Talent Development Hot Seat, host Andy Storch speaks with Maura Lemon, known as the “Talent Whisperer,” who leads Learning and Development at FDH Aero and serves as president of ATD Los Angeles. With a background that includes Disney and executive recruiting, Maura shares her unique journey into talent development and how she built her personal brand.She introduces her RAD Talent framework—Resilient, Adaptable, and Driven—and explains how organizations can recruit, develop, and retain strong talent. Maura also discusses the importance of creating a supportive learning culture, empowering employees to take ownership of their careers, leveraging internal talent, and preparing for the growing influence of AI. She highlights why psychological safety and effective leadership are key to helping both people and organizations succeed.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.Connect with Maura Lemon: LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Thanks for listeningThanks again for listening. You can find more information about me and everything I do on my website: andystorch.com

It's Monday, March 23, 2026. Usually, I'm someone who likes to live in the moment, but I've realized that if you don't own your schedule, your schedule will own you. This morning, I sat down with my new "Chief of Staff"—Claude—to map out the week. Since switching from ChatGPT a few weeks ago, I've been leaning heavily into using AI not just as a search engine, but as a high-level personal assistant that knows my business, my goals, and my quirks.I hope you enjoy it! As always you can learn more and connect with me on my website (andystorch.com) or LinkedIn. And you can find my books - Own Your Career Own Your Life and Own Your Brand, Own Your Career - on Amazon.