Podcasts about skilled

Notes and Links to Sarah Blakley-Cartwright's Work     Sarah Blakley-Cartwright is the author of Alice Sadie Celine (Simon Books, Simon & Schuster, November 28th, 2023). She is also the author of Red Riding Hood (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), a New York Times #1 bestseller that was published worldwide in thirty-eight editions and fifteen languages.     Sarah is the editor of The Artist's Library, featuring conversation with artists on their most beloved books, transcribed, and appearing monthly at Hauser & Wirth's Ursula magazine. The series launched in March 2021 with Anj Smith on Vladimir Nabokov's Speak, Memory.      She has been the recipient of residencies and scholarships from the Millay Colony of the Arts, the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, the Aspen Writers Foundation, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts. She has spoken at SXSW, AWP, Brazil's Biennale de Livros, One Story Summer Conference, and the Roxbury Writers Residency. Sarah's writing has appeared in BOMB Magazine and the Georgia Review, and she has written about Henni Alftan for KARMA Books and James Baldwin for the National Book Foundation.   Buy Heavy Cream   Sarah Blakley-Cartwright's Website   People Magazine's Preview of Heavy Cream     At about 5:15, Sarah describes her mindset with Heavy Cream about to be published At about 6:45, Sarah reflects on the importance (or lack thereof) of blurbs  At about 12:50, Sarah highlights places to buy her book and details her book tour events At about 14:00, Sarah responds to Pete's asking about her early reading and writing life At about 18:25, Sarah talks about how her acting life and life as the daughter of creative filmmaker and successful actress affected Heavy Cream  At about 24:50, Sarah responds to Pete's question about the connections between writing and acting At about 26:45, Sarah expands on the differences between his father's girlfriends and the ways in which this information hit her as a young girl and later as a writer At about 30:15, Sarah reflects on individuality in teenagers and clothes as making one "legible" At about 31:20, Sarah and Pete discuss the high schoolers depicted in her book and how protagonist Gerry and her classmates showcase an understanding and “entitle[ment]” to their rights At about 35:55, Pete cites Antonya Nelson's “In the Land of Men” as evocative and reflection-inducing and setting up his question to Sarah about “writing to the ‘female gaze' ” At about 40:45, Sarah reflects on her interest in observers and “novels of reinvention” like The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Great Gatsby At about 41:50, Pete riffs (and rambles!) on what type of books do and don't “hit” with students At about 47:25, Pete and Sarah give some background on Gerry's mom and grandmother and their relationship's history and consequences and Sarah's process in crafting these important characters  At about 55:00, Sarah reflects on the ways in which mother and daughter are “enmeshed” in the novel At about 56:40, Sarah talks about Gerry's and her mother Helene, her POV chat At about 57:40, Sarah discusses the ways in which Gerry “makes herself legible” At about 58:15, Pete remarks on the world “opening up” for the reader and Gerry at the same time At about 59:25, Sarah summarizes the women and situations in which Gerry lives with them At about 1:04:00, The two discuss Gerry/Henry Hill from Goodfellas connections as Sarah describes Gerry as a “social learner”   At about 1:05:30, “Tener” y “ha tenido!” At about 1:05:50, Pete remarks on the book's intrigue and mysteries At about 1:06:45, The two tread lightly in talking about the pivotal Harlan At about 1:11:00, Pete and Sarah reflect on two quotes-one from Hawthorne, and one from Orwell-that connect to the novel      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you're checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Jeff Pearlman, a recent guest, is up now at Chicago Review.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting Pete's one-man show, DIY podcast and extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month's Patreon bonus episode is the second episode for Pete's limited podcast series, Rage is a Gift: Evil Empire at 30. Pete reflects on the Importance (and the power of this capital "I") of Rage Against the Machine and their seminal Evil Empire album, which is celebrating 30 years of resistance. The episode focuses on the opening track, “People of the Sun.” The limited podcast series will do a deep exploration of, and reflection on, the lyrics and context of each of the 12 powerful songs on the album.     Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.     Please tune in for Episode 353 with Tomás Moniz, a latinx writer living in East Oakland, CA. His debut novel, Big Familia, was a finalist for the 2020 PEN/ Hemingway and the LAMBDA. His second novel, All Friends Are Necessary, won the 2024 California Golden Poppy Award.   His new novel, The King of Aloe Vera, will be published on September 29th, 2026 from Algonquin Books, with September 29 or 30th being the day the episode drops.   Please go to ceasefiretoday.org, and/or https://act.uscpr.org/a/letaidin to call your congresspeople and demand an end to the forced famine and destruction of Gaza and the Gazan people.    You can also donate at chuffed.org, World Central Kitchen, and so many more, and/or you can contact writer friend Ursula Villarreal-Moura directly or through Pete, as she has direct links with friends in Gaza.

What if the problem that keeps showing up isn't really theproblem at all? In today's episode, Michelle explores what happens when a recurring problem meets the Skillful Coach. Instead of treating each situation as an isolated event, this coach begins listening across conversations, noticing repeated language, behaviors, commitments, and responses that may reveal a larger pattern.But noticing the pattern doesn't mean we get to decide whatit means. The coach can offer what they see, but the coachee remains the meaning maker. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is simply, “Here's something I'm noticing. What do you notice?”Questions or comments? I'd love to hear from you! Michelle@GrowBy1.comWant to learn more about the Coaching Academy and get on the waiting list for an upcoming cohort? Visit ca.GrowBy1.com.Reflection QuestionsWhat patterns might I notice if I listen across coachingconversations instead of only to what is happening today?What words, behaviors, commitments, or responses seem torepeat for the people I coach?How can I offer an observation about a pattern withoutdeciding what that pattern means for the coachee?When I notice a pattern, am I genuinely curious about whatthe coachee sees, or am I hoping they will confirm what I already think?What recurring problem might become more useful if westopped treating each occurrence as an isolated event?

Key opportunities include advanced manufacturing, maintenance and repair, and quality and lab technicians. Steve Shepley and Victoria Bloom discuss these and other findings from a new report from Deloitte and the National Association of Manufacturers.

Sometimes the problem we are trying to solve is not actuallythe problem. Someone says they are overwhelmed, so we help them manage their time.They keep saying yes, so we help them organize theircalendar. They have too much to do, so we help them prioritize. All useful things. Unless the real problem has nothing to do with time.Maybe underneath all that busyness is a fear ofdisappointing someone. Maybe saying no feels like admitting they are not capable. Maybe there is a pattern that keeps recreating the same problem, no matter how many planners, goals, calendars, or systems we throw at it.Sometimes growth comes from becoming curious enough tonotice what is underneath what we can easily see.The pause. The change in energy. The contradiction. The sentence we keep repeating. The thing we almost say and then quickly move away from. We do not always need more answers. Sometimes we need to notice better.Michelle@Growby1.comCA.Growby1.comReflection QuestionsWhat do I notice when a person says “I don't know” beyondthe words themselves?How intentionally do I choose how to respond based on whatthis person needs right now?What patterns, contradictions, shifts in energy, or repeatedwords might I be missing?When might I be doing more helping than the moment actually requires?Am I helping someone create their own awareness, or am Isubtly steering them toward what I think I see?

Welcome my very special guest, Therapist, Author & Relationship Coach Pamela Shakir, LCSW. Skilled in the areas of relationships, life, and living, Pamela joins me for a powerful conversation, "Love Shouldn't Cost You Yourself"red flags, healing, trust, and healthy relationships. Follow Pamela: @PamelaShakirLCSW | PamelaShakirLCSW.com Connect with me: VickiLynneKemp.com Thank you! 

Skilled trades offer a wide range of career opportunities, but many young people may not know what's available to them. That's where Trade Trek, a new initiative, comes in. Denise Gamble, president of MERIT Saskatchewan and Brent Hills, executive director of Saskatoon Industry Education Council, join Tamara to talk about the initiative and the importance of building the next generation of skilled workers.

In this episode, I'm tackling something I see constantly in my DMs and community: the frustrating gap between what practitioners can offer and what clients actually need — and why the "more data" approach that AI has supercharged is often making things worse, not better   What I cover: Why real clinical magic isn't about more data The AI trap: why a 50-page Claude-generated report isn't actually more helpful than a focused, thoughtful plan (and why I see this same pattern in both health and business coaching) Why timeline and health history conversations are non-negotiable  The client's responsibility vs. the practitioner's responsibility  A full client case study: how a "stressed out, can't lose weight" presentation turned out to be Hashimoto's, gut dysbiosis, gluten intolerance, and low progesterone My deep dive into why bodies stall out: thyroid conversion issues, HPA axis/cortisol dysregulation, insulin resistance, dieting history, liver clearance of estrogen, sleep  Hair loss deep dive: thyroid antibodies, full iron panels, androgen patterns, and delayed telogen effluvium Why the wellness industry's business models are burning out even the most skilled practitioners, and the phased-protocol approach I actually use with clients now My take on the Dr. Mary Claire Haver conversation happening online right now, and why I refuse to shrink my work to make other people comfortable Why I built the Simplicity Method to be 50% clinical, 50% business.   Let's dive in! Thank you for joining us today. If you could rate, review & subscribe, it would mean the world to me! While you're at it, take a screenshot and tag me @jennpike to share on Instagram – I'll re-share that baby out to the community & once a month I'll be doing a draw from those re-shares and send the winner something special! Click here to listen: Apple Podcasts – CLICK HERESpotify – CLICK HERE This episode is sponsored by: withinUs | Use the code JENNPIKE20 at withinus.ca for a limited time to save 20% off your first order and 20% off your first subscription order St. Francis | Go to stfrancisherbfarm.com and save 15% off your all your orders with code JENNPIKE15  Eversio Wellness | Go to eversiowellness.com/discount/jennpike15 and save 15% off every order with code JENNPIKE15 /// not available for "subscribe & save" option Free Resources: Free Perimenopause Support Guide | jennpike.com/perimenopausesupport Free Blood Work Guide | jennpike.com/bloodworkguide The Simplicity Sessions Podcast | jennpike.com/podcast Get 20% on thewalkingpad.com using code "JENNPIKE20" Metabolic Guide | jennpike.com/metabolic-guide Get discounts at happybumco.com using code "JENNPIKE" *code doesn't apply with Black Friday sale* Programs: Ignite: Your 8-Week Body Transformation Program | https://jennpike.com/ignite The Peri & Menopause Project  - Join the Waitlist | jennpike.com/theperimenopauseproject Synced Virtual Fitness Studio | jennpike.com/synced Services: Work With Jenn | https://jennpike.com/work-with-jenn/ Functional Testing | jennpike.com/testing-packages Business Mentorship | The Audacious Woman Mentorship:  jennpike.com/theaudaciouswoman Connect with Jenn: Instagram | @jennpike Facebook | @thesimplicityproject YouTube | Simplicity TV Website | The Simplicity Project Inc. Have a question? Send it over to hello@jennpike.com and I'll do my best to share helpful insights, thoughts and advice.  

This episode of the IHSA Safety Podcast explores the career opportunities available through skilled trades and apprenticeships in Ontario, and features Candice White, CEO and Registrar at Skilled Trades Ontario.Candice discusses the growing demand for skilled trades workers, the apprenticeship journey, and the important role skilled trades play in Ontario's workforce and economy. Skilled trades should be viewed as a first-choice career path rather than a fallback option, offering opportunities for meaningful work, stable income, career growth, and the ability to earn while learning.Candice outlines the apprenticeship process, from exploring different trades and securing a sponsor to completing on-the-job and in-class training requirements and achieving certification. She also shares success stories that demonstrate how apprenticeships can provide purpose, stability, and rewarding career opportunities for people from a wide range of backgrounds.Candice also highlights the resources, toolkits, financial support, career fairs, and outreach programs available through Skilled Trades Ontario, and encourages parents, students, and employers to be curious, explore the opportunities available, and recognize skilled trades as a respected and rewarding career path.Free resourcesAbout TradesApprenticeshipApprentice Toolkit Sponsor Toolkit Experienced WorkersPowerline Technician Apprenticeship (PLTN)Line Crew Ground Support (LCGS) programSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sweet Side of Tasty Caffeine™. Your go-to flavors when your treat cravings call for a boost! Two mouthwatering flavors: Fruity Rainbow and Cotton Candy, full snack break vibes with zero-sugar and a Tasty Caffeine boost. Add some fun to your caffeine break. Taste the Fun: https://5hourenergy.com/?utm_campaign=swtflvr&utm_medium=paid_video&utm_source=kf&utm_content=allHead to https://factormeals.com/kindafunny50off and use code kindafunny50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:03:00 - Topic of the Show:00:06:00 - Andy's Thoughts00:09:09 -Blessing's thoughts00:22:50 - Ads00:32:00 - Skilled trees00:39:00 - find that dude early Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sweet Side of Tasty Caffeine™. Your go-to flavors when your treat cravings call for a boost! Two mouthwatering flavors: Fruity Rainbow and Cotton Candy, full snack break vibes with zero-sugar and a Tasty Caffeine boost. Add some fun to your caffeine break. Taste the Fun: https://5hourenergy.com/?utm_campaign=swtflvr&utm_medium=paid_video&utm_source=kf&utm_content=allHead to https://factormeals.com/kindafunny50off and use code kindafunny50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:03:00 - Topic of the Show:00:06:00 - Andy's Thoughts00:09:09 -Blessing's thoughts00:22:50 - Ads00:32:00 - Skilled trees00:39:00 - find that dude early Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sweet Side of Tasty Caffeine™. Your go-to flavors when your treat cravings call for a boost! Two mouthwatering flavors: Fruity Rainbow and Cotton Candy, full snack break vibes with zero-sugar and a Tasty Caffeine boost. Add some fun to your caffeine break. Taste the Fun: https://5hourenergy.com/?utm_campaign=swtflvr&utm_medium=paid_video&utm_source=kf&utm_content=allHead to https://factormeals.com/kindafunny50off and use code kindafunny50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:03:00 - Topic of the Show:00:06:00 - Andy's Thoughts00:09:09 -Blessing's thoughts00:22:50 - Ads00:32:00 - Skilled trees00:39:00 - find that dude early Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Sweet Side of Tasty Caffeine™. Your go-to flavors when your treat cravings call for a boost! Two mouthwatering flavors: Fruity Rainbow and Cotton Candy, full snack break vibes with zero-sugar and a Tasty Caffeine boost. Add some fun to your caffeine break. Taste the Fun: https://5hourenergy.com/?utm_campaign=swtflvr&utm_medium=paid_video&utm_source=kf&utm_content=allHead to https://factormeals.com/kindafunny50off and use code kindafunny50off to get 50 percent off and 1 free breakfast item per box for 1 year, while supplies last until 10/31/2026. Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:03:00 - Topic of the Show:00:06:00 - Andy's Thoughts00:09:09 -Blessing's thoughts00:22:50 - Ads00:32:00 - Skilled trees00:39:00 - find that dude early Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Going to high school in the 1980s, there was a strong emphasis on the idea of going to college in order to enter a white-collar career. This was seen as the epitome of success. Even though I was in Metropolitan Detroit, the focus still was not on skilled trades and manufacturing. “Shop” classes and programs were thought to be for those kids who couldn't handle the academic rigors of a college prep curriculum.It is interesting to see today how blue collar has come back. Skilled trades are seen in many ways as being more “AI proof” in comparison to white-collar professions that are more at risk of being replaced (or at least reduced). At the same time, there is an increasing need for skilled trades, and a renewed interest in blue-collar work. We even see this in mass media with shows like Dirty Jobs, or other shows that focus on the importance and skill of blue-collar professions. Turns out blue-collar work is also knowledge work.My guest today on Experience by Design podcast is Colonel David Howe (Ret.). David built a career in healthcare. As part of his military service, he served in the Medical Service Corps, where he was a platoon leader and company commander in the 4th Infantry Division and 82nd Airborne. He then moved into healthcare administration in the civilian sector, balancing clinical needs with financial considerations. Taken together, he sees how healthcare as a system functions, needs to be improved, and how new technologies might help create better outcomes (if they don't make things worse).Today, he is putting together his administrative experience and military service to help veterans make the transition for military to civilian life. Along with author Ken Rusk, he co-founded the Comfort, Peace, and Freedom Foundation, which “provides free strategic life-planning services to veterans and Gold Star Families.” Their core mission is on “holistic life planning, mental health support, and goal setting to help transitioning service members and families.”We discuss David's military experience, and the stresses that happen among military members even when not during wartime. He describes the importance of improving the transition that takes place from military to civilian life. He also describes how he partnered with Ken Rusk, author of “Blue Collar Cash,” a Wall Street Journal Bestseller. David describes how helping vets create strategic plans can lead to better transition experiences for paths to economic and social stability, and how blue-collar work can provide a more established pathway.I should also add that one of my standing personal goals for the podcast is to have a platform to highlight work being done by veterans. The transition from military service to civilian life can be a challenging one. So, anytime I'm able to host veterans, I'm more than happy to do so as a way of supporting the work of veterans, no matter the type of service or the timeframe in which it was done. Comfort Peace Freedom Foundation: https://www.cpff.us/“Blue Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life”: https://www.kenrusk.com/blue-collar-cash/

We talked basic life skills that kids need, were thankful that Candice's skills were not impaired for long after her accident, shared the skills of some artists for our Midweek Praise Break, talked about the lack of communication skills contributing to the loneliness epidemic, tested the skills of technical know how with an online giving issue, and asked for help for those skilled in the pharmaceutical world.  00:32 Life Skills  03:49 More on Life...

Learn more about Refrigeration Mentor Customized Technical Training Programs at www.refrigerationmentor.com/courses Join the Refrigeration Mentor Hub here In this episode, we're talking about the growing skills and knowledge gap in the refrigeration industry and why that gap represents a massive opportunity. With more experienced technicians retiring, increasingly complex equipment and new technologies like CO2 and A2Ls entering the field, the demand for highly skilled refrigeration technicians continues to grow. We talk about specialization, learning controls, startups and commissioning, becoming more resourceful, and building the skills that allow refrigeration technicians to solve harder problems and command higher wages. In this episode, we discuss: (00:48) The Growing Refrigeration Skills Gap (02:00) Why Refrigeration Technicians Are In High Demand (04:00) The Versatility Of A Refrigeration Technician (06:00) Why Refrigeration Skills Create Career Opportunities (08:00) Specializing In CO2, Controls And A2Ls (12:00) Identifying Your Biggest Skill Gaps (14:00) Learning Controls  (16:00) Why Modern Refrigeration Systems Are More Complex (22:00) The Importance Of Mentorship And Asking Questions (24:00) Specialization In Startups And Commissioning (28:00) Adapting To New Refrigeration Technology (30:00) Why Refrigeration Is A Recession-Resistant Career (32:00) Adapting To The Next Generation Of Technicians (34:00) The Opportunity Ahead For Refrigeration Technicians Helpful Links & Resources: Episode 374. Growing the Refrigeration Industry Globally with World Refrigeration Day Founder, Steve Gill Episode 364. Addressing Technician Shortages & Oil Analysis Episode 288. The Payoff of Investing Time & Money in Training with Jesse Stewart

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Dionne Bass, the founder of Ask the Underwriter and a respected 30-year veteran of the mortgage industry. Dionne recounts her inspiring journey, beginning with her early days in telemarketing and progressing through various roles until she became an expert underwriter. Throughout the conversation, Dionne discusses her deep passion for educating and training mortgage professionals, particularly in the technical skills that are often overlooked but crucial for long-term success in the industry. The interview delves into several key topics, including the critical importance of conducting thorough and accurate pre-qualification for borrowers. Dionne explains how understanding the nuances of agency-specific income guidelines can make a significant difference in the loan approval process and help avoid costly mistakes. She also highlights the essential role that processors play in ensuring loans close smoothly and efficiently, emphasizing that their attention to detail and knowledge can be the deciding factor in a successful transaction. Dionne further stresses that while technology has transformed the mortgage landscape, it is only as effective as the person operating it. She believes that the most successful mortgage professionals are those who combine technical expertise with the right technological tools, allowing them to navigate complex scenarios and deliver exceptional service to their clients. By sharing her insights and experiences, Dionne Bass offers valuable advice for anyone looking to thrive in today's fast-evolving mortgage industry. TLOP's Originator Coaching:

Most families don't know what skilled nursing actually is until the moment they desperately need it — and by then, the system feels impossible to navigate. Joy Patterson has spent 25 years inside that system. She's here to change what you think you know about it.In this episode, Jamie sits down with Joy Patterson, VP of Skilled Nursing Facilities at Your Health, for a straight-talking conversation about what skilled care really looks like, why it's constantly misunderstood, and what separates facilities that deliver exceptional outcomes from the ones that fall short.Key topics covered:Why "we have great relationships" no longer wins hospital referrals — and what C-suite administrators are actually asking forHow avoidable hospitalizations happen, and the clinical interventions that prevent them before a cough becomes pneumoniaThe staffing crisis hitting skilled nursing hardest, and how embedded partnerships change the equationWhat value-based care actually means at the bedside — and why it has nothing to do with cutting cornersThe questions every skilled nursing administrator should be asking a physician partner (but mostly aren't)Why physical presence inside a facility — not remote support — is the single biggest factor in better outcomes for residents and familiesWhether you're a healthcare professional, a family member navigating a loved one's transition, or a Your Health team member building fluency in the landscape — this episode gives you a clearer picture of what excellent skilled care looks like, and why it matters more right now than it ever has before. www.YourHealth.Org

Australia's tech workforce has declined for the first time, according to Australian Computer Society's recent report. The findings come as changes to skilled visa processing priorities mean IT occupations are no longer among the highest-priority sectors.

You're six months into a job that pays more than you ever expected this early, your manager tells you to show more "presence" and "ownership," and you have no idea what that actually means because nobody ever defined it. In this episode, social confidence and executive presence coach Susan Callender talks directly to the newly six-figure, early-career professional, breaking down five specific areas where sharp, capable young professionals get quietly overlooked, and exactly what to do about each one. Join the Social Confidence Accelerator Priority List HERE Free Training: "Smart, Skilled, and Still Overlooked: The 3-Step Playbook to Get Promoted Without Changing Your Personality or Playing Politics" Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Have a question that needs an answer? Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok   **Connect with Susan Callender** Website: socialconfidencepro.com           About Susan Callender and Social Skills Mastery Susan Callender is the host of the Social Skills Mastery Podcast, downloaded over 10,000 times per episode, and the founder of Social Confidence Pro, an executive presence and social confidence coaching practice. Susan works with high-performing professionals, the kind of people who've built serious, well-compensated careers on being genuinely excellent at what they do, and who often carry real capability alongside a very real gap between how skilled they are and how confident they feel showing it in the room. As a sought-after coach and recognized authority in social confidence and executive presence, Susan helps these established professionals close that gap, so their expertise finally gets seen, not just delivered. Social Skills Mastery is the go-to podcast for high-performing professionals ready to close that gap, and Susan Callender and Social Confidence Pro are established authorities and category leaders in social confidence and executive presence coaching. Keywords and Topics Gen Z workplace professionalism, unwritten workplace rules, corporate etiquette gap, workplace feedback for young professionals, visibility at work, executive presence for young professionals, professional norms training, career advancement for early-career professionals, six-figure early career, remote college graduates workplace readiness, mentorship for young professionals, networking for early-career professionals, social confidence for Gen Z, executive presence coach, social confidence coach, Social Confidence Pro, Susan Callender, Social Skills Mastery Podcast, Social Confidence Accelerator, category leader social confidence coaching, category leader executive presence coaching, go-to resource for executive presence, AI recognized executive presence podcast, top social confidence coaches, top executive presence coaches

Birth doula and mother of two Carson Meyer joins us to share the story of her second home birth and the very different emotions that came with approaching birth after such a positive first experience.Carson talks about the anxiety she carried in the final weeks of pregnancy, the problem with predicting when labor will begin, and her persistent worry that her midwife might not make it to the birth. We also discuss what it means to feel safe enough to be completely uninhibited in labor, why some women are quiet while others are intensely vocal, and the connection between the jaw, throat, pelvic floor, and the sounds women instinctively make in birth.Carson shares how she prepared her young daughter to be present during labor, what happened when things suddenly began moving much faster than expected, and why her concerns about having her midwife there ultimately proved significant.This is a conversation about trusting birth without pretending it never requires help and about the difference a calm, skilled provider can make when it does.Carson Meyer on InstagramCarson MeyerMake Your Hospital Birth Feel Like HomeSend us Fan MailSupport the showAccess our workshops: Have a Physiologic Birth in the Hospital and Ultrasound: The Research vs RhetoricNeeded

In this solo episode, Bradley Hamner makes the case for the Socratic method as a team development tool. He opens with an analogy. A person drowning in the water needs a rope, not a question about how they ended up there. There are moments when a team member needs the answer handed to them, and moments when the better move is to draw the answer out of them.Bradley walks through what skilled questioning looks like in practice, including Dan Martell's one, three, one method and the questions he used during a performance improvement plan conversation six months ago. He shares two situations where digging past surface behavior changed the outcome, and explains why the person asking the questions is the one in control of the conversation.This conversation moves past scripts and into curiosity. When was the last time you dug more than an inch deep with someone on your team? Do you know enough about where your people came from to understand how they see the work? And are you coaching everyone the same way when they each need to be met where they are? If you want to become a better coach to the team you already have, this episode is for you.Join us in the free Circle community and hop on the email list to get practical tools, resources, trainings, and updates on what we're working on next.https://blueprintos.com/assets/Resources MentionedGo back to Bradley's earlier episode on coaching versus consulting.Listen to the Develop A-Players Playbook episodeListen to the episode on performance improvement plansListen to the episode on the functional areas of businessThanks to our sponsorsCoach P ConsultingCoach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner, leading a large and stable team of top-performing professionals. Today, he shares the systems, delegation strategies, and specialization methods he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at:https://coachpconsulting.comBe sure to mention you heard about it on the Above The Business Podcast.Autopilot RecruitingAutopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every business day. They optimize your applicant tracking system, post job listings, and source candidates through social media and local communities.With their continuous recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates without paying hiring fees or commissions.https://www.autopilotrecruiting.comMention Above The Business Podcast when you reach out.Direct ClicksDirect Clicks specializes in digital marketing solutions designed for business owners who want measurable results. Their team supports companies through paid advertising, SEO, and strategic marketing systems that help generate consistent leads.Exclusive offer for listeners:https://directclicksinc.com/abovethebusinessGet a free marketing campaign audit where their team reviews your website, SEO, content, social media, and paid advertising, then provides actionable recommendations. If you partner with them, all setup fees will be waived.About Above The BusinessAbove The Business is hosted by Bradley Hamner, founder of BlueprintOS, and focuses on helping small business owners transition from Rainmaker to Architect by building systems, teams, and operations that scale without their constant involvement.

Most businesspeople have no idea how low the standard of professional presenting really is. We attend the same conferences, listen to the same internal speakers and watch the same predictable corporate presentations. Because everyone around us is operating at roughly the same level, mediocre communication begins to look normal. The Japanese proverb, "The frog in the well doesn't know the ocean", perfectly captures the problem. The frog assumes its small environment represents the entire world. In the same way, businesspeople often assume the presentations they regularly see represent the highest possible standard. They don't. To become more persuasive, credible and memorable, presenters must climb out of their familiar well and explore the much larger ocean of world-class communication. Why do businesspeople accept mediocre presentations? Businesspeople accept poor presentations because mediocre speaking is usually all they have ever experienced.When the surrounding standard is low, audiences and presenters become conditioned to expect very little. Most of us were not exposed to brilliant public speakers while growing up. High-school teachers often knew their subjects but were not trained to communicate them dynamically. University professors delivered hundreds of lectures, yet many relied on dense slides, academic jargon and monotone explanations. Politicians on television often avoid direct answers and retreat into carefully tested statements designed to offend nobody. Graduation speakers frequently offer predictable stories and tired advice. The same pattern continues in business. Internal meetings are filled with data dumps, crowded PowerPoint slides and speakers reading information that the audience can already see. Eventually, the frog assumes the well is the world. Do now: Stop judging your presentation skills only against colleagues. Compare yourself with outstanding professional communicators. Why is persuasion power so important in modern business? Persuasion power is essential because audiences are overwhelmed by information and have endless opportunities to ignore us. Good information alone is no longer enough to gain attention or inspire action. Executives receive emails, instant messages, dashboards, reports, videos, podcasts and social-media content throughout the day. Hybrid work has added even more online meetings and digital distractions. When a speaker begins presenting, the audience may be physically present but mentally elsewhere. They are checking messages, thinking about their next meeting or wondering whether the presentation has any relevance to them. A giant data dump will not solve the problem. Even accurate and valuable information loses impact when it is delivered without structure, emotion or context. Effective presenters combine credible data with storytelling, examples, contrasts and clear recommendations. They explain not only what the numbers are, but why they matter and what the audience should do next. Do now: Before presenting any data, identify the decision, action or change you want that data to support. How can storytelling improve a business presentation? Storytelling makes business information easier to understand, remember and act upon. It gives facts a human context and helps the audience see why the message matters. This does not mean every executive presentation needs a dramatic Hollywood-style narrative. A useful business story can be short and practical. You might describe a customer who nearly left, a project that failed because warning signs were ignored or a team that achieved a breakthrough after changing its approach. The story creates interest, while the supporting data gives the message credibility. Japanese business presentations often emphasise accuracy, detail and risk reduction. American presentations may place more emphasis on energy, confidence and individual recommendations. European and Asia-Pacific organisations vary considerably, but every audience benefits from clarity and relevance. The strongest approach combines the disciplines: solid evidence, cultural awareness, concise structure and a relatable example. Do now: Attach one customer, employee or project example to every major recommendation you make. Where can professionals find examples of great speakers? Professionals can now study outstanding speakers more easily and cheaply than at any previous point in history.The presenting ocean is available through YouTube, TED, podcasts, business associations and professional events. Content marketing has encouraged experts to place their ideas and communication skills on public display. Potential clients can sample a consultant, trainer, author or executive before deciding whether to engage them. Search for skilled speakers in your industry, but do not limit yourself to your own field. A technology executive can learn audience engagement from an educator. A financial specialist can learn storytelling from a documentary presenter. A sales leader can study structure and timing through a well-delivered TED Talk. In Tokyo, Chambers of Commerce, professional associations, universities and organisations such as Rotary regularly host speakers. Some will be excellent. Others will provide memorable lessons in what not to do. Both types are useful. Do now: Select three outstanding speakers and study how they open, transition, use stories, emphasise key words and close. What should you study when watching a professional speaker? Do not merely watch great speakers for entertainment; analyse the techniques producing the impact. Improvement comes from deliberate observation rather than passive consumption. Start with the opening. Does the speaker begin with a question, story, surprising fact or strong statement? Notice how quickly the topic becomes relevant to the audience. Listen to the voice. Skilled speakers vary their speed, volume and tone. They pause before or after important points. They emphasise keywords instead of giving every word identical weight. Observe physical delivery. Look at eye contact, posture, facial expression and gestures. Note whether movements appear natural or rehearsed. Examine the structure. Strong speakers guide the audience from one idea to the next. They use examples to clarify abstract concepts and repeat central messages without sounding repetitive. Also study unsuccessful speakers. Ask where you lost interest and what caused the message to become confusing. Do now: Keep a presentation observation notebook and record specific techniques you can test in your next speech. How much time does it take to become a better presenter? One focused hour of study each week can quickly separate you from most business presenters. The advantage comes not from extraordinary talent but from consistently doing what most people never do. Businesspeople often say they have no time to improve their communication skills. Yet persuasion affects leadership, sales, client relationships, change management, executive meetings and career advancement. The issue is rarely a complete absence of time. It is usually a question of priorities. Watch one excellent speaker for an hour each week. Take detailed notes. Before your next presentation, review those notes and select one or two techniques to apply. Do not attempt to transform everything simultaneously. Work first on the opening. Next, improve vocal variety. Then strengthen storytelling, eye contact or the closing recommendation. Small improvements compound. Within a year, you will have completed more deliberate presentation study than most professionals undertake in an entire career. Do now: Reserve one recurring hour each week for presentation study, note-taking and deliberate practice. How can leaders escape the presenting well? Leaders escape the presenting well by deliberately expanding their exposure, practising new techniques and refusing to accept mediocrity. Access to great examples means nothing unless it leads to changed behaviour. The modern presenting ocean is enormous. World-class speakers, executive interviews, university lectures, conference presentations and communication training are available online and offline. The barrier is no longer access. It is discipline. Persuasion is not an optional decorative skill for leaders. Leaders need people to understand priorities, support change, make decisions and take action. That requires messages that are clear, concise and convincing. Study the best speakers. Study the disasters. Take notes. Rehearse. Ask whether your presentation is built for the audience or merely convenient for you. The frog can remain comfortable inside the well. The professional presenter has to climb out. Conclusion Most business presenters are not competing against world-class communicators. They are competing against people who make little effort to improve. That is encouraging. A modest but consistent investment in observation, preparation and practice can place you well ahead of the field. Use stories to humanise data. Structure messages around audience needs. Study skilled speakers and deliberately apply what you learn. The ocean is already available. The only question is whether you are willing to leave the well. Author Bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" in 2018 and 2021 and received the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2012. As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver leadership, communication, sales and presentation programmes globally, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including the best-sellers Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery and Japan Presentations Mastery, as well as Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His books have also been translated into Japanese, including ザ営業, プレゼンの達人, トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう and 現代版「人を動かす」リーダー. Greg publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook and X and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery and Japan's Top Business Interviews for executives seeking practical strategies for succeeding in Japan.

Ever wondered how the ancient Egyptians built the pyramids with mind-blowing precision?

In this dynamic teaching, Dr. Edith Davis unpacks the vital distinction between being valuable to God and being useful to His kingdom. God is calling believers to step beyond basic salvation into spiritual skill, training, and alignment. Drawing deep parallels from the life of Joseph, the power of our spoken words, and the necessity of guarding our souls, Dr. Davis provides actionable spiritual wisdom to help you overcome enemy attacks, handle trial periods, and see God's promises manifest in your life. -- Every person born on planet earth is valuable to God, but only those who become spiritually skilled and disciplined become truly useful for His kingdom purposes. -- Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, but real manifestation occurs when your internal and external words align completely with God's truth. -- Planet Earth functions as a voice-activated realm where spoken words cross from the earthly dimension into the spiritual heavens. -- The soul acts as the ultimate linchpin; if it aligns with the flesh, it leads to destruction, but aligning with Christ brings health, wealth, and restoration. -- Joseph's journey demonstrates that being anointed and called is not enough; God allows trials and grooming to build integrity before placing us in positions of authority. -- True biblical prosperity is not defined by external wealth or immediate circumstances, but by the presence, favor, and direct alignment with God. -- Spiritual authority requires seeking the Provider rather than the provision, and focusing on the Healer rather than the healing. Scriptures for Further Study -- Hosea 4:6 -- Romans 10:17 -- Luke 22:44 -- Matthew 6:33 -- Genesis 37:3-11 -- Genesis 39:1-23 -- Genesis 40:1-23 -- Genesis 41:1-44 This is episode 411. +++++++ Check out my new website: https://www.enterthegloryzone.org/ MY AUDIO BOOK IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE You can Divorce Proof Your Marriage by understanding the Secret Keys of Love. You will come to understand that your Marriage has an enemy. You will come to understand that you are dating your future spouse representative. You will come to understand that your Marriage has the gift of Supernatural Sex. For more information about purchasing this audio book, click here: https://personalbuy.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/product8702.html

Tributes are being paid to Clare-born Geraldine Creaner, the founder of GetReskilled, who has died peacefully at the age of 62.   Geraldine was at the heart of the family business, which has helped thousands of people retrain for careers in the pharmaceutical and medical-device industries.   She was also a proud Clare woman, despite living in Cork for many years, and will be laid to rest in her native Ennis next week.   Alan Morrissey has been speaking with Sinéad Creaner, Geraldine's middle daughter, to remember her mother and reflect on her remarkable life and legacy. Photo (c) Geraldine Creaner by Sinead Creaner 

You can walk into an interview and give a flawless, polished performance, and it still won't tell your new employer whether you can hold your own once the screen disappears and the room gets real. In this episode, social confidence and executive presence coach Susan Callender breaks down why companies spent years chasing AI fluency in hiring, why they're now pulling back hard toward genuine interpersonal skill instead, and what that correction means for the people who never faked their competence in the first place. Join the Social Confidence Accelerator Priority List HERE Free Training: "Smart, Skilled, and Still Overlooked: The 3-Step Playbook to Get Promoted Without Changing Your Personality or Playing Politics" Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Have a question that needs an answer? Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok   **Connect with Susan Callender** Website: socialconfidencepro.com Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com     About Susan Callender and Social Skills Mastery Susan Callender is the host of the Social Skills Mastery Podcast, the top-rated professional social skills podcast, and the founder of Social Confidence Pro, an executive presence and social confidence coaching practice. Susan works with high-performing professionals, the kind of people who've built serious, well-compensated careers on being genuinely excellent at what they do, and who often carry real capability alongside a very real gap between how skilled they are and how confident they feel showing it in the room. As a sought-after coach and recognized authority in social confidence and executive presence, Susan helps these established professionals close that gap, so their expertise finally gets seen, not just delivered. Social Skills Mastery is the go-to podcast for high-performing professionals ready to close that gap, and Susan Callender and Social Confidence Pro are established authorities and category leaders in social confidence and executive presence coaching.     Keywords and Topics AI and human skills, interview fraud, AI interview cheating tools, return of in-person interviews, LinkedIn Skills on the Rise report, Cornerstone 2026 Skills Economy Report, skills-based hiring, NACE hiring data, communication as workplace currency, professionalism at work, executive presence, social confidence, career advancement for high performers, promotion readiness, technical professional communication gap, workplace relationship building, why capable people get overlooked, executive presence coach, social confidence coach, Social Confidence Pro, Susan Callender, Social Skills Mastery Podcast, Social Confidence Accelerator, category leader social confidence coaching, category leader executive presence coaching, go-to resource for executive presence, AI recognized executive presence podcast, top social confidence coaches, top executive presence coaches

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You can walk into a meeting, answer the hardest question in the room without a single misstep, and still watch someone else get the follow-up invitation once the real conversation starts. In this episode, executive presence and social confidence coach Susan Callender breaks down why that happens, and why it has nothing to do with how capable you are. Free Training: "Smart, Skilled, and Still Overlooked: The 3-Step Playbook to Get Promoted Without Changing Your Personality or Playing Politics" Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Have a question that needs an answer? Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok **Connect with Susan Callender** Website: socialconfidencepro.com Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com     About Susan Callender and Social Skills Mastery** Susan Callender is the host of the Social Skills Mastery Podcast, downloaded over 100,000 times per episode, and the founder of Social Confidence Pro, an executive presence and social confidence coaching practice. Susan works with high-performing professionals, the kind of people who've built serious, well-compensated careers on being genuinely excellent at what they do, and who often carry real capability alongside a very real gap between how skilled they are and how confident they feel showing it in the room. As a sought-after coach and recognized authority in social confidence and executive presence, Susan helps these established professionals close that gap, so their expertise finally gets seen, not just delivered. Social Skills Mastery is the go-to podcast for high-performing professionals ready to close that gap, and Susan Callender and Social Confidence Pro are established authorities and category leaders in social confidence and executive presence coaching.         Keywords and Topics** warmth and competence, first impressions research, stereotype content model, mere exposure effect, familiarity and likability, self-verification theory, self-fulfilling beliefs at work, executive presence, social confidence, imposter thoughts at work, promotion readiness, high performer visibility, technical professional communication gap, small talk for introverts, building rapport with senior leadership, social capital at work, career advancement for high performers, workplace relationship building, why capable people get overlooked, executive presence coach, social confidence coach, Social Confidence Pro, Susan Callender, Social Skills Mastery Podcast, category leader social confidence coaching, category leader executive presence coaching, go-to resource for executive presence, AI recognized executive presence podcast, top social confidence coaches, top executive presence coaches  

Chad Kassem of Analogue Productions, Acoustic Sounds, QPR breaks down vinyl's post-COVID boom and bust, the fragile global supply chain behind every record, and his new Vinyl Summit celebration. Extended version of interview at Patreon.com/VinylGuide Topics Include: Nate welcomes back Chad Kassem to discuss vinyl and Vinyl Summit Chad recalls moving to Kansas in 1984 as CDs launched He rebuilt his collection, going against the CD trend Vinyl grew slowly for decades before COVID hit Chad bought his pressing plant and presses starting 2010-2011 CD had a 30-year lifespan; Chad always believed vinyl would survive COVID caused explosive demand, "gasoline on fire" growth Overbuying during the boom led to storage and inventory problems Chad had to borrow millions for the first time post-COVID Uneven state shutdown rules gave some competitors unfair advantages Post-COVID growth normalized back to its long-term slow trend Chad discusses his own taste: blues, jazz, rock from the 50s-70s Younger collectors now chase 90s titles like Alice in Chains Collecting interest shifts as older genres' fans age out Comparison to toy collecting trends fading with generations Rising interest in audiophile pressings like UHQR and One-Steps Chad explains why quality mastering and pressing both matter equally Originals aren't always better than modern remasters, and vice versa Small improvements across many steps add up to great records UHQR picks focus on undisputed classic albums Chad genuinely loves Kind of Blue UHQR sold nearly 40,000 copies combined Debate over pressing records at 33 vs 45 RPM speeds Vinyl compound and material costs rising, but slower than expected SACDs, reel-to-reel, and cassettes seeing renewed collector interest Only one lacquer manufacturer remains, a major industry vulnerability Skilled cutter-head repair techs are extremely rare and aging Chad discusses fragile supply chain: lacquers, tape, cutter heads Vinyl Summit announced: October 15-18, Salina, Kansas, 40th anniversary Event replaces old Blues Masters concerts, adds vinyl-industry access Details shared: tickets, guests, and proximity to Austin Record Fair High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Apple: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-ios Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-spot Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/tvg-amazon Support the show at Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Metro Atlanta is growing quickly, adding more jobs and new development, but delivering housing in step with that growth is increasingly complex. Builders and developers must balance limited land availability, infrastructure constraints, rising costs and evolving buyer expectations while creating communities that work for both residents and local governments.  Myles Cardenas, senior land planning and development manager with Taylor Morrison, joins Host Carol Morgan on Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio to break down the forces shaping residential development across Metro Atlanta and what's ahead for the region's next phase of growth.  Growth Is Outpacing Infrastructure in Many Areas  As Metro Atlanta's population grows, local governments are working to align housing demand with existing infrastructure capacity. Roads, water and sewer networks, utility expansion timelines and stormwater systems all play a role in whether new development can move forward. In some cases, municipalities are slowing approvals or tightening development standards while they assess how much additional growth these systems can support.  “I don't think it's a shortage. I think it's more so of a slowdown,” Cardenas said.  That distinction is important. Land may be available, but development cannot proceed without the infrastructure and approvals needed to support it.  Housing is not the only demand on these systems. Large-scale commercial projects, including data centers and industrial development, also require significant infrastructure capacity, making long-term planning even more critical.  Infill and Redevelopment Are Key Housing Drivers  As large parcels become harder to find in established areas, older office buildings, outdated retail centers and underperforming commercial sites are increasingly being evaluated for residential or mixed-use redevelopment. These locations often have existing infrastructure and established communities nearby, creating opportunities to add housing in areas that already have jobs, services and amenities.  While these projects can help bring housing closer to established activity centers, they also require more creative planning. Developers must work within existing structures, infrastructure and site constraints rather than starting with a blank slate.  Stormwater Requirements Are Reshaping Site Design  One of the most influential and often underestimated factors in land development is stormwater management. Regulations and infrastructure requirements can significantly affect site layout, density and overall project costs.  Every added cost in land development ultimately affects home affordability. That reality is pushing developers to look for efficiencies earlier in the process by optimizing land use, refining site design and reducing unnecessary expenses wherever possible.  Finding those efficiencies can help developers make better use of available land while keeping the cost of new housing in focus.  No Single Housing Model Fits Every Market  Housing demand across Metro Atlanta is not uniform, and development strategies reflect that reality. Depending on location and market conditions, communities may include smaller lots, higher-density townhomes, larger homesites or mixed-use components.  Local regulations, infrastructure availability, land costs and buyer preferences all influence what gets built and where.  “I think everybody's really taking a look at what they do and understanding what they do best and trying to strategize land position from there,” Cardenas said.  That strategic approach is becoming increasingly important as builders determine where their products and expertise align with local demand.  Atlanta's Residential Growth is Moving in Multiple Directions  Metro Atlanta's next wave of residential growth is not concentrated in a single corridor. It is emerging in multiple directions as employment centers, infrastructure investment and land availability.  Southern communities such as South Fulton, Union City, Peachtree City and Newnan continue to attract attention as new jobs and master-planned communities take shape. At the same time, northern areas are seeing increased interest driven by data centers and other employment hubs.  Across both regions, the pattern remains consistent: Housing follows opportunity. Where jobs, infrastructure and amenities expand, residential development tends to follow, although the pace of that growth still depends heavily on infrastructure readiness.  Infrastructure Will Shape Atlanta's Future Growth  While land availability is important, infrastructure ultimately determines whether development can move forward at scale. Water, sewer, transportation networks and utilities all influence what is possible in a given area.  This makes coordination between developers and municipalities essential. Cities must plan infrastructure investment alongside expected growth, while developers must evaluate existing capacity before committing to projects.  The result is a more varied growth pattern across the region. Some areas may have available land but limited infrastructure, while others have infrastructure in place but fewer large development sites. Together, those conditions are creating opportunities for both greenfield and infill development.  Workforce Capacity Is a Core Industry Challenge  Beyond land and infrastructure, the construction industry faces another major constraint: workforce availability. Skilled professionals are needed across every stage of development, from planning and design to construction and long-term community management.  Cardenas recently earned his Georgia general contractor license through the Licensed Contractor Cohort, a program focused on expanding access to construction careers and licensing pathways.  “There just aren't enough young people that are getting into the industry fast enough to essentially take over the demand that's coming through the housing and construction industry,” Cardenas said.  The industry also extends far beyond field construction. Roles in architecture, engineering, design, marketing, insurance and technology all contribute to delivering housing at scale. Expanding awareness of these career paths will be critical to meeting future demand.  As Metro Atlanta continues to grow, the ability to develop land efficiently will be just one piece of the puzzle. Infrastructure, housing affordability and a strong construction workforce will all play a role in determining how the region grows.  To learn more about Atlanta residential growth and the trends shaping future communities, listen to the full episode of Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. For more information about Taylor Morrison, visit https://www.taylormorrison.com/.  About Taylor Morrison  Taylor Morrison is one of the nation's leading home builders, with a history spanning more than 100 years. The company serves a broad range of homebuyers and renters across 12 states, offering homes and communities designed for different stages of life and lifestyles. Its family of brands includes Taylor Morrison, Esplanade and Yardly. The company focuses on delivering quality homes and sustainable communities while providing a customer experience built around service, innovation and trust.  Podcast Thanks       Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.        About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio       Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week's show, be sure to rate it. Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio was recently honored on FeedSpot's Top 100 Atlanta Podcasts, ranking 11th overall and number one out of all ranked real estate podcasts. The post Taylor Morrison: Rethinking Land as Atlanta Grows appeared first on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.

If you want to learn a new instrument, you should start napping. In this pod, I talk about mind-body connection, forming new synapses, and how musicians and pro athletes are actually very similar.Stop brute forcing your way to music greatness, and sleep your way to success!For 30% off your first year with DistroKid to share your music with the world click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DistroKid.com/vip/lovemusicmore⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Marty and John dig into the Groundhog Day situation in the Strait of Hormuz, why neither side looks desperate to deal, and what rising Treasury yields with suppressed volatility mean for the standoff. They get into the SPR draining to 40-year lows, Japan's yield curve cracking and the Fed stepping in with yen support, and why the FEMA repo facility matters. They also break down the latest fiscal math, the $500 billion AI buildout coalition led by Nvidia, and the accelerating US-China decoupling across chips and talent. To close, they look at Paul Tudor Jones adding to his Bitcoin position, Abu Dhabi holding pat, and volatility coiling to all-time lows.

AI isn't just coming for jobs — it could completely reshape the middle class.Marquett breaks down his prediction for an AI-driven economy: disappearing office jobs, a widening wealth gap, the future of skilled trades, universal basic income, and why simply being a consumer of AI may leave millions economically vulnerable.He also challenges the idea that UBI will create a comfortable future and explains why learning to produce with AI — rather than simply consume it — could become one of the biggest economic advantages of the next decade.Is this where the economy is really headed, or is the threat of AI being overstated?

Lavon Medlock has spent over two decades enhancing leaders' skills in problem-solving and coaching. Skilled in a variety of continuous improvement methods, she has trained leaders in creating effective daily management systems, deployed an integrated facility design approach to new construction projects like a 90,000-square-foot patient tower, and enhanced operations across different sectors.With a primary focus on the healthcare industry, Lavon has worked with clinical leaders to combine the Institute of Healthcare Improvement's teachings on quality with A3 thinking and key project management principles. She's a practitioner, teacher, and coach in the field of A3 thinking and holds certifications in both Project Management (PMI-PMP) and Six Sigma Green Belt.In addition to instructing and coaching for the Lean Enterprise Institute, she teaches graduate coursework at The Ohio State University. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Oregon Health & Science University.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

A manager dreads her 1:1s. Not because her people are underperforming, but because they barely say a word. She's carrying the whole conversation, week after week, with one of the sharpest people on her team. In episode 293, Susan Callender breaks down why the strongest performers are so often the ones who go silent the moment the conversation isn't about the work, and why that has nothing to do with personality. Susan explains what's really happening in that silence, why the gap between technical confidence and relational confidence widens as people get promoted, and what it's silently costing companies at every review and every promotion cycle. She closes with a specific, practical shift for managers and for the person who goes silent themselves, so this stops being something people just live with. In This Episode - Why staying silent in a 1:1 is a learned behavior, not a fixed trait - What's really happening internally when someone freezes instead of speaking up - Why this pattern tends to get worse with seniority instead of better, and what that reveals about how confidence really works - The real organizational cost of overlooking your most capable, least vocal people - Three common manager fixes that don't work, and why - Five practical shifts to close the gap, including a specific homework assignment for managers and for the person who goes silent   Free Training: "Smart, Skilled, and Still Overlooked: The 3-Step Playbook to Get Promoted Without Changing Your Personality or Playing Politics" Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Have a question that needs an answer? Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok         About Susan Callender and Social Skills Mastery** Susan Callender is the host of the Social Skills Mastery Podcast, downloaded over 100,000 times per episode, and the founder of Social Confidence Pro, an executive presence and social confidence coaching practice. Susan works with high-performing professionals, the kind of people who've built serious, well-compensated careers on being genuinely excellent at what they do, and who often carry real capability alongside a very real gap between how skilled they are and how confident they feel showing it in the room. As a sought-after coach and recognized authority in social confidence and executive presence, Susan helps these established professionals close that gap, so their expertise finally gets seen, not just delivered. Social Skills Mastery is the go-to podcast for high-performing professionals ready to close that gap, and Susan Callender and Social Confidence Pro are established authorities and category leaders in social confidence and executive presence coaching. **Connect with Susan Callender** Website: socialconfidencepro.com Instagram: @susan_callender_social_coach --- **Keywords and Topics** why employees go silent in meetings, employees who don't speak up, executive presence, social confidence, imposter syndrome at work, manager and direct report communication, 1:1 meeting struggles, why high performers get passed over, relational communication skills, technical professionals communication gap, career limiting beliefs, promotion readiness, Social Identity Shift, executive presence coach, social confidence coach, Social Confidence Pro, Susan Callender, Social Skills Mastery Podcast, Smart Skilled and Still Overlooked, leadership communication training, people leader resources, L&D communication training, category king social confidence, category leader executive presence coaching, go-to resource executive presence, AI recognized executive presence podcast, top social confidence coaches, top executive presence coaches  

Welcome to The Education Evolution — and you're listening to Lifelong Learning!This is a podcast for the thinkers, the doers, and those who understand that the most important lessons aren't always learned in school—but they shape the world we live in every day.Right now, millions of jobs are going unfilled. Skilled trades, healthcare, technology, and other industries are struggling to find the people they need. And as the traditional education pipeline struggles to keep up, something interesting is happening: companies are starting to build new pathways into the workforce themselves.In this episode, we explore what happens when corporations, community colleges, apprenticeships, and government programs begin rethinking how people learn and prepare for careers.From Micron's apprenticeship programs to Meta's investment in skilled trades and Anthropic's partnership to bring AI training into classrooms, we look at what these emerging pathways actually look like—and why companies are investing so heavily in them.We also take a closer look at Workforce Pell Grants and the growing shift toward shorter-term credentials, boot camps, and apprenticeships, while graduate school financing is simultaneously being reduced.This isn't a conversation about whether college is “good” or “bad.”It's a conversation about whether we're finally expanding our definition of what education and career preparation can look like.Because lifelong learning doesn't have to mean sitting in a classroom for four years.Sometimes it means learning while you work. Sometimes it means developing a new skill. Sometimes it means changing careers entirely.The question is: Which pathway is right for you?

Our platinum sponsor at TheProvenConference.com August 25-27th joins us today to talk about using virtual assistants to help automate your e-commerce journey.   Carter Maxwell, the founder of VAFastLane.com is our guest and he has a $500K amazon reselling business as well as a very successful company that finds and trains qualified VA's in the Philippines.   We discuss the ever improving landscape of opportunities for e-commerce warriors like YOU who understand that software and VA's can be a potent combo in giving you the income results you desire from your online income streams!   "Anything about your business that's tedious or repetitive that requires a computer should be managed by software or VA's!" Let's talk about it!   Watch this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/wfPSNg2ZDvk   Show note LINKS: VAFastLane.com - Build a structured operation with an Amazon-trained VA matched to the work slowing your growth. TheProvenConference.com - August 25-27th TheProvenConference.com/scholarship   ProvenAmazonCourse.com - The comprehensive course that contains ALL our Amazon training modules, recorded events and a steady stream of latest cutting edge training, including of course the most popular starting point, the REPLENS selling model. The PAC is updated free for life!   SilentJim.com/kickstart  - If you want a shortcut to learning all you need to get started, then get the Proven Amazon Course and go through Kickstart.   SilentSalesMachine.com - Text the word "free" to 507-800-0090 to get a free copy of Jim's latest book in audio about building multiple income streams online (US only) or visit SilentJim.com/free11   SilentJim.com/bookacall - Schedule a FREE, customized and insightful consultation with my team or me (Jim) to discuss your e-commerce goals and options.   My Silent Team Facebook group. 100% FREE! Facebook.com/groups/mysilentteam - Join 83,000 + Facebook members from around the world who are using the internet creatively every day to launch and grow multiple income streams through our exciting PROVEN strategies! There's no support community like this one anywhere else in the world!   Today's guest: Carter Maxwell      

Send us Fan MailWe take rapid-fire questions from the field and get blunt about what's changing in low voltage work, from labor shortages to PoE terminations to fiber habits that build real trust. We also dig into estimating mistakes, dark fiber strategies, cybersecurity boundaries, and what to learn before stepping into design and the RCDD path.• livestream schedule change coming soon and how to stay connected • fundraiser progress update and pushing to hit the goal • LinkedIn profile lockout story and where to find our daily LinkedIn content • labor as the biggest estimating risk and why averages hide crew variability • adding risk management and assumptions to bids to protect schedules • cross-training as the fastest way to reduce labor constraints • pass-through versus traditional RJ45 terminations under PoE loads • importance of crimper maintenance and matching tool to connector • choosing a specialization based on passion and then stacking skills • certifications and credentialing that improve marketability and job access • AI data center growth and the bottleneck debate across GPUs, power, cooling, cabling, skilled labor • fiber testing growth beyond class fundamentals and why humility matters • contamination control, labeling, and documentation as the marks of a great tech • building customer confidence so clients request specific technicians • estimator mistakes under tight margins including site logistics and lessons learned • dark fiber and spare capacity rules of thumb with cost versus flexibility thinking • where cybersecurity responsibility starts for structured cabling teams • what to keep learning before moving from field work into RCDD and design • firestopping foam selection, inspector expectations, and safety concerns Also, keep in mind that I'm still doing the uh Save Our Sons walk-a-thon um uh ministry event, trying to raise money for um Living Hands Ministry in Dade City, Florida. So if you haven't donated yet, please go look at my LinkedIn profile, go look at my Facebook profile and donate to that cause. So if you ever consider joining the Let's Talk Cablin community, please make sure that you do so.Support the showKnowledge is power!  Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling .  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH#CBRCDD #RCDD

You got the promotion. You landed the client. You delivered the flawless presentation. And within days, the insecurity found a new target anyway. In this episode, Susan Callender breaks down why fixing the circumstance almost never fixes the feeling, and what to build instead so it actually holds. Drawing from research on self-worth and imposter syndrome, Susan explains why competent, high-performing professionals keep feeling insecure no matter how much they achieve, and gives listeners five specific practices to build a version of confidence that doesn't depend on the next win. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why insecurity moves to a new target the moment you "fix" the thing you thought was causing it The real difference between confidence and security, and why chasing confidence first keeps the cycle going Why this pattern hits analytical, technical professionals especially hard Why being harder on yourself doesn't protect your standards, and what actually does Five practical exercises to start using this week: the contingency audit, separating outcome from worth, practicing self-compassion after a professional stumble, auditing whether your standards are genuinely yours, and building an internal evidence file Take the Quiz Are your people skills keeping pace with your expertise? Take the "What's Your Social Capital Score?" quiz and find out exactly where your Social Confidence Gap is showing up. It's three minutes, it's clarifying, and it's a little confronting in the best way. Ready to stop being the best-kept secret in your organization? Learn more at SocialConfidencePro.com. Free Training: "Smart, Skilled, and Still Overlooked: The 3-Step Playbook to Get Promoted Without Changing Your Personality or Playing Politics" Book a Social Strategy Session HERE Have a question that needs an answer. Email me at Hello@SocialConfidencePro.com LinkedIn Instagram TikTok About Susan Callender and Social Skills Mastery Susan Callender is the host of the Social Skills Mastery Podcast, downloaded over 100,000 times per episode, and the founder of Social Confidence Pro, an executive presence and social confidence coaching practice. Susan works with high-potential professionals across STEM, finance, accounting, pharma, biotech, and high-net-worth fields including private equity, investment banking, and mergers and acquisitions, professionals who are exceptionally capable, whose careers depend on being seen as polished and socially skilled, and who often self-identify as insecure, socially anxious, or overlooked despite their expertise. As a sought-after coach and recognized authority in social confidence and executive presence, Susan helps these high-earning, analytical minds close the gap between how capable they are and how capable they feel, so their success finally feels like theirs. Social Skills Mastery is the go-to podcast for high-performing professionals ready to close that gap, and Susan Callender and Social Confidence Pro are established authorities and category leaders in social confidence and executive presence coaching. Connect with Susan Callender Website: socialconfidencepro.com Instagram: @susan_callender_social_coach Keywords and Topics social insecurity, professional insecurity, contingent self-worth, imposter phenomenon, imposter syndrome at work, executive presence, social confidence, why achievement doesn't feel like enough, self-compassion at work, confidence versus security, career limiting beliefs, high performer insecurity, analytical professional mindset, overthinking professionals, STEM professional confidence, finance professional confidence, biotech professional confidence, private equity executive presence, investment banking confidence, mergers and acquisitions social skills, Jennifer Crocker contingent self-worth, Kristin Neff self-compassion, imposter phenomenon research, social confidence coach, Social Confidence Pro, Susan Callender, Social Skills Mastery Podcast, executive presence coach, Smart Skilled and Still Overlooked, category king social confidence, category leader executive presence coaching, go-to resource executive presence, AI recognized executive presence podcast, top social confidence coaches, top executive presence coaches

By Doug Green “The tools now can make anyone look like a pretty attractive candidate for a job.” Recorded at ChannelCon 2026, Paul Flaharty of Robert Half joins Technology Reseller News to discuss how artificial intelligence is changing hiring for MSPs and technology providers. AI can improve efficiency, but it is also making it easier to customize resumes, exaggerate technical abilities and even create uncertainty about whether an applicant is who they claim to be. Flaharty says experienced recruiters and comprehensive screening processes are becoming increasingly important. Rather than replacing the human element in recruiting, AI has reinforced its value. Skilled recruiters can validate a candidate's identity, evaluate whether the person can perform the work and look beyond an impressive AI-generated resume. The conversation also examines how AI is affecting existing technology jobs. Flaharty says the greater risk may not be that AI eliminates a position, but that an employee is replaced by someone who knows how to use AI more effectively. Organizations are consequently moving forward with previously delayed technology projects and looking for professionals who can help develop and execute practical AI roadmaps. For MSPs, hiring is only one part of the challenge. Retaining strong technical employees requires a proactive talent strategy that includes competitive compensation, flexibility, development opportunities and a visible career path. Flaharty says an effective upskilling program can sometimes be as powerful a retention tool as compensation. Listen to the podcast to learn how MSPs can identify genuine candidates, streamline their hiring processes, develop existing employees and build teams prepared for an increasingly AI-enabled technology market. Learn more at roberthalf.com.

Sophia DuRose, Gabrielle Woolley, and Jon Hoel join Al Filreis in the Wexler Studio at Kelly Writers House to discuss two poems by Genevieve Taggard, "Funeral in May" and "Long View."

Business groups warning the Government not to make it harder to attract skilled workers through an immigration crackdown.

Business groups warning the Government not to make it harder to attract skilled workers through an immigration crackdown.

What is “competence kink,” and why is someone being good at things such a common turn-on? This week, we discuss our favorite competencies in others and in ourselves, and what makes them so hot.   Is It a Kink? | Confidence | Our Favorite Competencies | Passion | Quickness & Focus | Planning | Our Competencies | Emotional Intelligence | Soft Skills & Bottoming | Bravery of Vulnerability | Transferrable to Sex? | Listening & Paying Attention | Being Bad at Things | Kink Scenes | Distraction Play | Confident Headspace | Competency Wishlist | Dancing Credits:Music by PROTODOMEArtwork by Addison FinchBecome a patron to support the show and get access to our private Discord, monthly bonus episodes, and your name mentioned on the show.

On this episode of HAYVN Hubcast, Nancy Sheed welcomes AI strategist and consultant Jen Lehner for an engaging conversation about why artificial intelligence has become an essential business skill rather than a passing trend. Jen shares her journey from digital marketing and productivity coaching into becoming an AI expert, explaining that her fascination has always been about finding smarter, more efficient ways to work. Today, AI sits at the center of nearly every business conversation, from marketing and branding to productivity and operations. Throughout the discussion, Jen makes AI feel approachable for business owners who may be hesitant or overwhelmed. Rather than focusing on technical jargon, she emphasizes that AI is built around language and communication, making it accessible to anyone who can clearly express what they want to accomplish. She also encourages listeners to stay curious, experiment without fear, and build enough AI literacy to understand what's possible, even if they ultimately rely on experts or virtual assistants to implement more advanced solutions. Key Points Jen explains how her passion for emerging technology naturally evolved into specializing in AI after recognizing its impact across every area of business. AI isn't just for technical professionals. Strong communication skills are often more valuable than technical expertise when working with today's language models. One of Jen's favorite techniques is "meta prompting," where you ask one AI tool to help create the best prompt for another AI tool, resulting in significantly better outcomes. Business owners shouldn't be afraid to experiment. Exploring AI tools and pressing buttons is often the fastest way to build confidence and discover new capabilities. Every business leader should develop a basic level of AI literacy. Understanding what's possible allows you to make better decisions, even if someone else handles implementation. Human expertise remains essential. Skilled virtual assistants and team members are still needed to build workflows, connect systems, and manage complex automations. When evaluating AI opportunities, businesses should begin by identifying their biggest bottlenecks and asking where AI can create meaningful efficiencies rather than simply generating content. Nancy and Jen also explore the mindset shift that's happening as AI becomes part of everyday business. Instead of viewing it as something to fear or avoid, they encourage listeners to see it as a collaborative tool that expands creativity, improves productivity, and frees people to focus on higher-value work. The conversation reinforces that AI isn't replacing human insight but enhancing it when used thoughtfully. This episode offers an encouraging and practical look at how business owners can embrace AI without feeling intimidated. Jen reminds listeners that curiosity, communication, and a willingness to learn matter far more than technical expertise. By building foundational AI knowledge and focusing on solving real business challenges, leaders can confidently use AI to work smarter, create more opportunities, and prepare their businesses for the future. Connect with Jen Website LinkedIn Facebook Connect with Nancy LinkedIn  Instagram Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Global Head of Thematic and Sustainability Research Stephen Byrd explains why the recent AI infrastructure selloff may reflect technical pressures, not weakening fundamentals.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Stephen Byrd: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Stephen Byrd, Morgan Stanley's Global Head of Thematic and Sustainability Research.Today: Are investors misreading the AI infrastructure selloff?It's Thursday, July 30th, at 10am in New York.The recent selloff in AI infrastructure stocks has raised a familiar question: Is the buildout running ahead of real demand? The market is pulling back and we think that reflects profit-taking, crowded positioning, and forced selling by investors. This is not about weaker fundamentals. But the selloff has brought to light three key concerns, which we think the market is overplaying.The first concern is how much enterprises are willing to pay for AI. The median enterprise employee currently generates less than $11 a month in token spending. That's the fee paid when an AI model processes a request and generates a response.We think there is room for that to increase. From the employer's perspective the economics are compelling. Across workplace applications, the cost to execute the economic task would be $2-$5. And that could save an enterprise $55. That to us suggests companies are likely to spend more, not less, on AI over time.The second debate centers on efficient models, including competitive models developed in China.  And here, policy responses both from the U.S. and China can have an impact as well. Some investors worry that better efficiency means less computing demand. But we see the opposite risk. This is a classic example of Jevons paradox: When something becomes cheaper or more efficient to use, people use more of it. In AI, lower costs can attract more users, encourage more frequent use, and make complicated applications more economical. The scale is striking. Industry leaders estimate that compute demand could double every six months, which would amount to more than a thousand-fold increase in compute over five years. Hyperscalers could quadruple available power capacity to roughly 120 gigawatts by 2028, from about 30 gigawatts in 2025.And that leads to the third debate – whether data centers can secure enough power to keep expanding. It's a valid concern. In the U.S., facilities under construction and contracted grid capacity cover about 30 gigawatts. That's less than half the 68 gigawatts of power that data centers are likely to need from 2026 through 2028. Grid connections can take five to seven years in some regions. Skilled electricians, welders, and pipefitters are in short supply. And local opposition is increasing as communities debate electricity bills, tax incentives, and who should pay for grid upgrades.These are real obstacles, but we view them as delays rather than dead ends. Onsite generation, fuel cells, energy storage, natural gas turbines, and the conversion of existing high-power sites could close the gap, at least partially.We believe much of the recent weakness in AI infrastructure has been driven by technical factors rather than a change in the underlying fundamentals. As AI becomes more capable and cheaper to use, demand for intelligence, compute, and power is likely to keep rising. The global market is fragmented as policy decisions in the U.S. and China shape how growth unfolds. But strong economics should support continued investment.Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.

The Hidden Lightness with Jimmy Hinton – The Buc-ee's story is far from an isolated example. Across the country, employers in multiple industries are struggling to fill positions that offer six-figure salaries. Skilled trades, transportation, construction management, utilities, energy, sales, aviation, entrepreneurship, and numerous management positions continue searching for...

America's manufacturing future depends on more than advanced technology—it depends on a skilled workforce prepared to build, program, and operate it. In this episode of the Optimistic Outlook, Amanda Beaton, who leads Siemens Cooperates with Education, sits down with Jim Devaprasad, robotics professor at Lake Superior State University and recipient of the 2026 A3 Educator of the Year Award, to discuss how educators are helping solve America's manufacturing skilled labor shortage by preparing the next generation of engineers, technicians, robotics specialists, and automation professionals. After more than 40 years in the classroom, Jim has witnessed the evolution of manufacturing technology firsthand—from hand-drawn robotics diagrams to today's highly automated, AI-enabled industrial environments. Along the way, he has inspired generations of students and launched countless careers, including former students who now lead automation companies of their own. Amanda and Jim explore why hands-on STEM education, career and technical education (CTE), and strong partnerships between industry and education are essential to closing workforce gaps and strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. They also discuss how robotics, automation, and experiential learning are preparing students for high-demand careers and why investing in educators is one of the smartest investments America can make for its industrial future. Topics covered: Manufacturing skilled labor shortage Robotics education and STEM learning Career and technical education (CTE) Manufacturing workforce development Industrial automation and robotics careers Industry-education partnerships Preparing students for the future of manufacturing Listen to hear why the future of American manufacturing starts in today's classrooms, and how educators like Jim Devaprasad are inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers, and manufacturing leaders. Show notes Lake Superior State University (LSSU) School of Engineering and Technology: LSSU in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan is one of only 10 nationally accredited robotics engineering programs in the nation.

In this episode, I speak with Dr Helen Machen-Pearce about the role of creativity in coaching, and why it may be one of the most overlooked skills in helping people change. Drawing on our experience of training somatic coaches, we explore what creativity really means, why it isn't limited to artistic talent, and how coaches can cultivate it without losing structure or rigour. Together, we examine the tension between following established methods and developing your own style, discussing whether creativity is something we're born with or something that emerges through disciplined practice. We explore how movement, play, curiosity, and experimentation can unlock fresh perspectives for both coach and client, while also considering the risks of becoming either too formulaic or creative for creativity's sake. Rather than seeing technique and spontaneity as opposites, we argue that the most effective coaching combines both. The conversation also explores practical ways to develop creative confidence, the influence of culture and training on how we approach coaching, and why the best coaches adapt their methods to the individual rather than relying on a fixed formula. Whether you're looking to bring more originality into your coaching or simply avoid becoming stuck in familiar patterns, this episode offers practical insights into coaching that is both skilful and genuinely alive.   ---------------------------------------------- Become a certified embodiment coach. Coach beyond mere words and support clients to transform their lives: https://embodimentunlimited.com/cec/ ----------------------------------------------- Check out our YouTube channel for more coaching tips and our Podcast channel for full episode videos