Podcasts about Wex

Wex and AC react to a busy weekend and Monday morning in Houston. The Rockets introduce Kevin Durant for the first time since the offseason trade, and he makes it well-known that this isn't a rental. Plus, the Astros fail to make the playoffs after a lost season under Joe Espada. Meanwhile, the Texans look dull but a 26-0 win over the NFL's worst team could be enough to secure a victory Monday at NRG Stadium

Wex and AC react to the news of Baltimore Ravens MVP QB Lamar Jackson's potentially missing Week 5's showdown against the Houston Texans. Does this give the 1-3 AFC South champions the edge entering the final week before the bye?

Too often, Learning and Development professionals find themselves reacting to requests, churning out courses, and struggling to prove their value. In this episode, Jess Almlie—L&D leader and author of L&D Order Taker No More—shares how L&D teams can stop spinning their wheels and start stepping into a more strategic, credible role. Drawing from her 20+ years of experience and the insights in her new book, Jess unpacks why L&D gets stuck, how legacy thinking from stakeholders holds us back, and what it takes to shift from service provider to business partner. She introduces tools like the "Order Taker Assessment," the power of building a vision, and the role of strategic playbooks in aligning stakeholders across the business. Jess also explores the reality of organisational politics, the importance of truly understanding your business, and the small, intentional steps that help L&D earn trust and influence over time. For anyone who's tired of being reactive and wants to build a more impactful L&D function—this episode offers both validation and a clear path forward. KEY TAKEAWAYS Moving from being order takers to true business partners means saying no to low-impact requests and focusing on work that drives organisational goals. L&D needs to get off of the content creation hamster wheel. Navigating organizational politics, the “unwritten rules” of how work gets done, is essential, not optional. Operate with integrity and savvy, not naivety or ego. BEST MOMENTS “If you stand in one place on the beach and apply gentle pressure with your foot and slowly massage the sand, eventually you create a deep indent.” "We need to operate as if we are a part of the business, not as separate.” “This is a mindset and cultural shift for the entire organisation about how to work with L&D.” Jess Almlie Bio Jess Almlie is a seasoned Learning and Development leader, consultant, speaker, and author of L&D Order Taker No More. With over two decades of experience across sectors including healthcare, education, and financial services, Jess has led enterprise learning strategies that focus on business alignment, stakeholder engagement, and measurable impact. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Learning Experience at WEX. Drawing on her own journey from instructional designer to senior L&D executive, Jess helps practitioners diagnose the factors keeping them stuck and take deliberate steps toward becoming strategic business partners. Her work blends deep organisational insight with practical tools - like assessments, playbooks, and stakeholder mapping - to help L&D teams earn influence and deliver real value. Jess is helping to reshape what it means to be effective in L&D today - moving beyond reactivity to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalmlie L&D Must Change Podcast: https://www.jessalmlie.com/podcast Book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Order-Taker-No-More-Strategic-ebook/dp/B0F83XBBCV VALUABLE RESOURCES L&D Master Class Series: https://360learning.com/blog/l-and-d-masterclass-home ABOUT DAVID JAMES David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D. https://twitter.com/davidinlearning https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective https://360learning.com/blog This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Wex and AC react to a weekend to remember in Houaton and the arrival Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets on Monday afternoon at Toyta Center 

Astros relifer pitcher NMick Hernandez hops on with Wex and AC to talk about the fight to the fiinsih, his time in the Astros clubhouse and a dominant run with the Houston Cougars in college!

Wex, AC and Cole Thompson give thier LOCKS of the week for college football Week 5 and NFL Week 4. Cole sits atop the standings , but could Wex and AC catch uo beforeSunday evening?

The Athletic's Chandler Rome joins Wex and AC to preview the final series of the regular season!

Join us for a compelling conversation on leading through change with Karen Stroup, Chief Digital Officer at WEX. In this episode of The Data Chief, Karen shares her insights on navigating the complexities of AI adoption. She discusses why focusing on the customer problem is more important than simply applying new technology, how to build trust by accounting for the "human side" of data, and why her team uses a "two-way door decision" to combat the rapid pace of tech change. Discover her "hot take" on the future of analytics, where dashboards become a "backdrop" and an interactive, predictive experience takes center stage.Key Moments:Navigating Ambiguity with People (06:02): Karen argues that leaders' primary role is to build confidence and help people navigate ambiguity. She explains that people fear the unknown more than change and suggests involving employees in the journey to help alleviate that fear.Trust and the Human Side of Data (14:30): She highlights that giving a correct answer is not the same as building confidence that it's the right answer. Karen discusses the importance of accounting for the "human side" of how people feel about the information they receive.Prioritizing AI use cases (22:48). Karen describes WEX's approach, which starts with a top-down cultural shift from the CEO, and then uses filters like value, feasibility, and desirability to prioritize projects.The "Two-Way Door Decision" for Technology (28:13): To combat the disconnect between rapid technology evolution and slow cultural change, Karen discusses using a "two-way door decision". This approach involves architecting solutions to be vendor-agnostic, allowing the company to pivot if a technology proves to be unsuccessful."Hot Take" on the Future of Analytics (35:34): Karen's "hot take" is that the user experience will fundamentally change. She predicts that dashboards will become a "backdrop," while an interactive, predictive experience will move to the foreground.Key Quotes:"Very few customers, whether it be a business or a consumer, say, I want an AI solution. What they're really saying is, I want the problem to be simpler." - Karen Stroup"Answering the question correctly is not the same as building confidence that it's the right answer to the question." - Karen Stroup"Being able to understand data, but in a way that resonates with them, is really important. I do think ThoughtSpot does this well in the sense that you may get one answer, and you say, 'Hey, can you explain that for me?' or 'Where does the data come from?' But that ability to 'peel the onion' is really important." - Karen StroupMentions:WEX's Health and Benefits platformAgentic AI in Financial Services: The future of autonomous finance solutionsTrillion Dollar Coach: The Leadership Playbook of Silicon Valley's Bill CampbellHow Much Data Does a Ring Security Camera Use?Guest Bio: Karen joined WEX in 2022 as Chief Digital Officer, a newly created role. She brings more than 15 years of experience leading product management, digital, and innovation organizations focused on software as a service offerings, primarily in financial services.As Chief Digital Officer, Karen is responsible for expanding digital commerce opportunities by harnessing best-in-class product development, design, and digital transformation capabilities from across the enterprise. In addition to creating a unified strategic vision, she leads a team that executes against digital strategy initiatives and strives to create exceptional customer experiences by delivering new digital tools, platforms, and technologies.Prior to WEX, Karen served as the Chief Digital Officer at Thomson Reuters. Prior to her role at Thomson Reuters, Karen served as SVP, Product and Innovation at Capital One Financial Services and VP, Product Management at Intuit. Hear more from Cindi Howson here. Sponsored by ThoughtSpot.

Wex and AC react to yet another day where the the Texans look dreadful, announcing they've released C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Plus. what do the Astros need to show on Tuesday night that makes them look like a playoff lock in the American League

After a 5-1 loss to the Atheltics on Tuesday night and falling out of the playoff picture, is it time for the Astors to pack it in for 2025? Wex and AC discuss the status of the clubhouse entering what feels like a must-win game on Wednesday to save the series in West Sacramento 

Wex and AC react to the news of C.J. Gardner-Johnson three games into the egular season after being a staple of the offseason. Where do the Texans go from here? What's the biggest thing to take away from the move to say see-ya to Gardner-Johnson?!?!

Wex and AC react to the news of Fred Van Vleet suffering a torn ACL during offseason workouts and his departure for the 2025 season. Where do the Rockets go from here after yet another bad week of Houston Sports!?!?!

Wex and AC react to a series sweep from th Mariners against the Astros, a brutal loss on the road to Jacksonville Jaguars for the Texans and nore drama as Fred VanVlett suffersa torn ACL right befoe the Rockets breakout season with the arrival of Kevin Durant

Mioa O'Brien hops on with Wex to break down all things in Week 3 between the two AFC South rivals!

Wex, AC and Cole give their picks for Week3 of the NFL season and Week 4 of the College Football scene. Can Texas Tech pull off a win in Salt Lake City? What about the Texans on the road against Jacksonville? And what other games do we need to discuss that could shake the weekend!

The Athletic's Chandler Rome hops on with Wex and Cole Thompson to break down perhaps the most important series of the season at Daikin Park, plus the return of Issac Parades. 

Wex and AC return Thursday afternoon to disccus the Astros' sereies sweep and Silver Boot Sweep over the Texas Ragers, Clayton Kershaw's retirement annoumcement, the status of Friday's showdown from Daikin and more

Wex and AC head out on a hump day and are joined by rookie sensation Zach Cole, plus give an update on the state of the Houston Texans entering Week 3. 

Wex and AC are joined by Houston Texans All-Pro returner and wide receiver Braxton Berrios, who has teamed up with Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil, to fuel over 500 Houston students and their families in his very first major community initiative since joining Houston's pro football scene, to dicuss the event and his relationship with the city

SportsTalk790 Texans insder Aaron Wilson joins Wex and AC to talk all things surrounding the issues with the Texans offense and the line woes heading into Week 3. 

Wex and AC react to another, the arrival of a new otufielder and more! Plus Stone Cold Locks and Chandler Rome in Hour 3 of the show

The Athletic's Chandler Rome hops on with Wex and AC to break down a series showdown on the road at Atlanta. 

Wex and AC react on a short show to the loss against Toronto, the Texans' status for Week 2 on Monday Night Football and Home Alone conversations!

Wex and AC react to a stunning blown loss to the Blue Jays in the great white north, the Texans' moves in free agency and more! Plus, Eddie Nunez joins the boys in the 4pm hour after Jayden Murray secures a spot in the seat on Hour 1

University of Houston Athletic Director Eddie Nunez joins Wex and AC to talk all things surrounding Cougars football, renovations to TDECU Stadium, the future of Cougar sports in an NIL World, his relationship with Willie Fritz and more!

Astros star reliver Jayden Murray joins Wex and AC to discuss his journey to the big leauges, relationships in the clubhouse, a push to the postseason and more!

Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone hops on with Wex and AC to discuss the arrival of Kevin Durant, a promising free agency period, expecations for the 2025 season, the departure of Jalen Green and a slew of other highlights heading into the season opener next month? 

Wex, AC and Cole Thompson break down their Stone Cold LOCKS for Week 2 of the college football season and Week 1 of the NFL season. Who to the boys have in the Bayou Cup Battle between Rice and Houston? Which pick sits between the Rams and Texans? Who are the three other random picks? Listen here!!

Sarah Barshop of ESPN joins Wex and AC to break down the Week 1 battle between the Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans, including key elements, betting lines, high profile players and more!

Wex and AC react to the win on Wednesday over the Yankees and the return to the NFL! Nick Suss joins in Hour 3 to break down the Tennessee Titans while the boys give their picks for the NFL season in Hour 2!

Wex, AC and Cole Thompson break down their thoughts on the 2025 NFL season, pick their playoff teams and eventual Super Bowl champions. Who is the WILD CARD of all wild cards? Which division features the most representation? Who ends up underwhelming this fall? Listen here!

Tennessean's Nick Suss hops on with Wex and AC to continue their tour around the AFC South and give insight on what to expect in Nashville with Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans as they break camp with the worst odds to win the division. Could they go from worst to first? Is Brian Callahan out of a job after two seasons? Who is in line to win the AFC South?  

Wex and AC react to the moment between Framber Valdez and Ceasar Salazar. What ACTAULLY was the problem? Can the Astros ignore the giant red flags surrounding the Astros' woes? Sports Illustrated's Jake Arthur joins the program in Hour 2 while Chris Gordy stops by in Hour 3

Wex and AC come back from the weekend to react to the Astros' split with the Los Angeles Angels, the reality of Texas football and the status of the Texans' offensive line entering Week 1. Plus Spencer Arrighetti joins the show in Hour 1 while Jacksonville.com's Demetrius Harvey hits the airwaves in Hour 2

Jacksonville.com's Demetrius Harvey hops on with Wex and AC to discuss and preview perhaps the biggest riser to the AFC South champions as we continue to preview the AFC South division 

Houston Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti joins Wex and AC to talk about his return to the starting lineup, his injury rehab, life in the clubhouse, his relationship with Justin Verlander and more!

The Athletic's Chandler Rome Hops on with Wex and AC to react to the offensive news and update on Lance McCullers joining the bullpen

Wex and AC get you poised for Labor Day weekend with laughs from SNL legend Jay Pharoah, plus discuss the Astros' series against the Los Angeles Angels and the return of College Football! 

Wex, AC and Cole unveil their picks for the 2024 college football Week 1 opener, including the line on Texas vs. Ohio State.

CBS Sports College Football writer Shehan Jeyarajah joins Wex and AC to dicuss Saturday's slew of games, including the showdown in Columbus for Texas against the reigning national champions

Comedian and Saturday Night Live Legend Jay Phaorah joins Wex and AC to discuss life with Denzel Washington, Kevin Hart, Barack Obama and a million other voices living in his head ahead of his three-day stay at The Improv in Houston!

Wex and AC can't beleive that the Astros lost by more than ONE to the Colorado Rockies with Hunter Brown on the mound, but they're even more upset that Joe Mixon is expected to miss time on the NFI list. How much time? Literally no one knows!....or won't report on it. Sam Khan from The Athletic joins to fix college football and Astros pitcher AJ Blubaugh stop by to talk about his 30 second date with Hello Kitty....oh and baseball!

Wex and AC react to the news of Texans' 53-man roster being finalized! Who is the big surprise addition? Which player could be brought backon the practice squad? How does this change the outlook of the upcoming season? 

The Athletic's Sam Khan Jr. hops on with Wex and AC to discuss the current status of College Football, the future of transfer portal, life in Austin for the Longhorns and if Arch Manning can meet the expectations set by the media in Week 1 against Ohio State. Plus more!

Astros starting pitcher AJ Blubaugh joins Wex and AC to discuss his roller coaster season between the Majors and Minors, his knuckleball and playing catch with Hello Kitty at Daikin Park!

Wex and AC react to the new of Yordan Alvarez's return to the lineup, the moves surrounding the Texans' roster and of course a previous engagement that has transended the sports and music world....and runined AC's Tuesday. 

Wex and AC react to the weekend news of Joe Mixon's prolonged injury, roster cutdowns, switches to the personnel and more!

Sam Warren hops on with Wex and AC to dicuss the injury suffered by Joe Mixon and the prolonged time he'll miss for the Houston Texans 

Wex and AC react to the news of Pro Bowler Joe Mixon being placed on the NFI list to begin the regular season with the Houston Texans. What happens long-term at tailback? Can Nick Chubb live up to the expecations as the feature back? How does this change roster cutdown day for certian players on the bubble? 

Send us a textDavos isn't dead. The Manderlys' animosity was all for show. They know the Freys lie. But they're not ready to join Stannis yet. However, if Davos can find and return Rickon Stark, then that would seal the deal. Mackelly and Simon debate who that might be.Chapter Review:Davos Seaworth is kept waiting for his execution. The gaoler refers to him as “The Dead Man,” but he's fed and has more than decent accommodation. After several days Robett Glover comes and takes him through secret and circuitous means to a chamber within earshot of obvious festivities.They're joined by Lord Wyman Manderly. He apologizes for the disrespect that Davos was shown. But while the Lannister, Frey, and Bolton alliance held his remaining son Wylis, he was forced to play along. But the feast that can be heard is to welcome the heir home - and Lord Wyman can let the mask slip a little. A ruse was pulled, a criminal was made to look like Davos and executed - his head and hands were displayed above the walls, heavily tarred and distorted with an onion in the mouth.Davos is ready to seal the alliance between Stannis and the Manderlys. But lord Wyman's not there yet - the Bolton's are cementing their claim to the North by marrying Arya Stark, but courtesy of Theon's former squire Wex, they know where Rickon Stark is. If Davos can return their rightful liege lord to them, then Stannis will have his ally. Cannibal-island is the destination - sounds fun!Characters/Places/Names/Events:Davos Seaworth - Hand of the King to King Stannis Baratheon.Stannis Baratheon - King of the Seven Kingdoms.Wyman Manderly - Lord of White Harbor.Wylis Manderly - Heir to White Harbor, former captive of the Lannisters.Wynafryd Manderly - Elder daughter of Wylis and Leona.Wylla Manderly - Younger daughter of Wylis and Leona.Rhaegar Frey - A Frey.Jared Frey - Another Frey.Robett Glover - Brother of Galbart Glover, Master of Deepwood Motte.Rickon Stark - Youngest son of Ned and Catelyn Stark.Wex - Former squire of Theon Greyjoy, one of the few survivors of the Sack of Winterfell.White Harbor - Only city in the North and its chief port.White Knife - Major river in the North that empties into the Bite at White Harbor. Support the showSupport us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial of Audible Buy or gift Marriott Bonvoy points through our affiliate link Rate and review us at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, podchaser.com, and elsewhere.Find us on social media: Discord Twitter @GhostsHarrenhal Facebook Instagram YouTube All Music credits to Ross Bugden:INSTAGRAM! : https://instagram.com/rossbugden/ (rossbugden) TWITTER! : https://twitter.com/RossBugden (@rossbugden) YOUTUBE! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kthxycmF25M