Boosting Psychological Safety for LGBTQ Individuals in the Workplace with Mitchell Kenyon Davis

In this bonus Q&A with ben, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youBen Bergon (he/him) is deeply passionate about helping others. He is currently a Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at Chobani, where he focuses on providing challenging and fulfilling career journeys through an employee driven, robust career growth and development framework. He spent the first chapter of his own career as a Certified Public Accountant working at KPMG and then at Chobani helping them prepare for an Initial Public Offering. His transition into Learning & Development was a product of his relentless pursuit of passion and purpose. He also leads the LGBTQ+ & Allies Employee Resource Group at Chobani and strives to continue to establish Chobani as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ employees.Ben is also the Chairmen of the Board of Compassion Animal Project, a nationwide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for life-saving treatments for pets and helps keep families together. When he's not working Ben can either be found on a hike at a national park, a concert somewhere in NYC, in the kitchen cooking for family and friends, or playing fetch with his 'dog-like' kitten Grover.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Ben Bergon:LinkedIn

Ben Bergon and Andy Storch dive deep into an extraordinary career transition story. Ben shares his journey from accounting to human resources and learning and development at Chobani, emphasizing the importance of advocating for oneself, building trust with leaders, and creating a supportive environment. We explore Chobani's innovative approach to career mobility, fostering an inclusive workplace, and leadership development. You will hear: How Chobani's culture and leadership programs support employee growthThe unique role of Employee Resource Groups in enhancing workplace belongingValuable insights on leading with curiosity, empathy, and creating fulfilling career journeysBen Bergon (he/him) is deeply passionate about helping others. He is currently a Sr. Manager of Learning & Development at Chobani, where he focuses on providing challenging and fulfilling career journeys through an employee driven, robust career growth and development framework. He spent the first chapter of his own career as a Certified Public Accountant working at KPMG and then at Chobani helping them prepare for an Initial Public Offering. His transition into Learning & Development was a product of his relentless pursuit of passion and purpose. He also leads the LGBTQ+ & Allies Employee Resource Group at Chobani and strives to continue to establish Chobani as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ+ employees.Ben is also the Chairmen of the Board of Compassion Animal Project, a nationwide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for life-saving treatments for pets and helps keep families together. When he's not working Ben can either be found on a hike at a national park, a concert somewhere in NYC, in the kitchen cooking for family and friends, or playing fetch with his 'dog-like' kitten Grover.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Ben Bergon:LinkedIn

In this bonus Q&A with Mitchell, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youMitchell Kenyon Davis, M.S. & M.A. is a culture transformation and DEI executive coach & strategic partner. He leads global culture & DEI programs in house at Autodesk and consults with other organizations in the tech, finance, automotive, hospitality and public sectors.His master's degrees focused on International Development & Healthcare, and Emotional Intelligence, Coaching & Leadership Development. He's a certified coach by the International Coaching Federation with over 400 hours of executive coaching experience. He's also certified in the Intercultural Development Index, design thinking, Prosci Change Management, Birkman Coaching, Harvard Management and Mentorship, Situational Leadership, and Speaking with Impact.With 11 years additional experience leading international teams in sales, corporate social responsibility, and entrepreneurial operations, he brings unique business insights to the work he does now. He lives between Barcelona and Berlin and has nationalities from the United States and Spain, although he likes to call himself a citizen of the world. Mitchell is a proud gay man and leverages his own personal journey to empathetically build bridges across differences. His passion and talent for breaking down barriers to new learning opportunities creates conscious human connection.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Mitchell Kenyon Davis:LinkedIn

In this episode, Mitchell shares powerful insights on fostering psychological safety for LGBTQ individuals within organizations, advocating for universal benefits that support the entire LGBTQ community, and the vital role of empathy in DEI efforts. We'll explore Mitchell's personal journey, from growing up in a conservative town in Missouri to becoming a leading DEI voice, and how living authentically in Barcelona has shaped his perspective on equity and inclusion.Join us as Mitchell discusses:The current state of DEIThe importance of a global approach to diversity Challenges of integrating DEI into talent development. The impact of leadership ego on organizational changeThe concept of confident humilityThe significance of creating inclusive learning programs. Mitchell Kenyon Davis, M.S. & M.A. is a culture transformation and DEI executive coach & strategic partner. He leads global culture & DEI programs in house at Autodesk and consults with other organizations in the tech, finance, automotive, hospitality and public sectors.His master's degrees focused on International Development & Healthcare, and Emotional Intelligence, Coaching & Leadership Development. He's a certified coach by the International Coaching Federation with over 400 hours of executive coaching experience. He's also certified in the Intercultural Development Index, design thinking, Prosci Change Management, Birkman Coaching, Harvard Management and Mentorship, Situational Leadership, and Speaking with Impact.With 11 years additional experience leading international teams in sales, corporate social responsibility, and entrepreneurial operations, he brings unique business insights to the work he does now. He lives between Barcelona and Berlin and has nationalities from the United States and Spain, although he likes to call himself a citizen of the world. Mitchell is a proud gay man and leverages his own personal journey to empathetically build bridges across differences. His passion and talent for breaking down barriers to new learning opportunities creates conscious human connection.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Mitchell Kenyon Davis:LinkedIn

In this bonus Q&A with Jennifer, she shares:Her proudest moment and biggest failure in her career so farA trend that she is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge she sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on her lifeOne piece of career advice she has for youJennifer is passionate about helping others be their best. For almost 25 years leaders at all levels have appreciated her candor & humor coupled with practical strategies for the care & feeding of other humans (you know, leadership). Jennifer pulls from a range of leadership concepts to create experiences to help teams deliver on their goals. It’s been said Jennifer is allergic to inauthenticity. Jennifer earned a BS in Apparel Merchandising from Indiana University. That’s right, the very common leadership development educational background of apparel and retail planning.Jennifer started her career with Target Corporation after attending in-person interviews. In January. In Minneapolis. During her tenure with Target she was asked to join the training team in support of the business analyst training program. It was in that role that she realized she is at her best when she is “business adjacent”- meaning enabling the people and teams delivering the profit. In 2012 she returned to Indiana and joined Roche Diagnostics.Over the next 8 years in leadership development and organizational development roles, Jennifer created a new leader program called Jumpstart, built a college grad new hire rotational program from scratch, and dove head first into the roll out of the Leadership Circle Profile 360 from The Full Circle Group. In mid-2020 Jennifer joined the leadership development team at Elevance Health (formerly known as Anthem) to help shape a reimagined leadership development portfolio. Over the last 18 months Jennifer has focused almost solely on the creation of two new high potential development programs, one for manager level leaders and one for those on an executive track.She is also a big believer in the concepts around Strengths Finder from Gallup (Communication, Individualization, Woo, Activator, Significance) and Multipliers from The Wiseman Group (Idea Guy!).She also was named Most Improved Handwriting in 1988 from Klondike Elementary School. Coming to work is a welcome respite for Jennifer who spends her personal time meeting the demands of an opinionated almost 7 year old daughter, Davis, & super needy dog, Holly. Occasionally Jennifer manages to convince herself to jump on her Peloton bike, but usually rewatching The West Wing wins out.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank ConferenceConnect with Jennifer Butler:LinkedIn

Host Andy Storch sits down with Jennifer Butler, the director of leadership development at Elevance Health, to delve into the intricacies of creating comprehensive leadership programs. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Jennifer shares her insights on implementing effective leadership development initiatives, including live events, virtual sessions, and small group coaching.Together, they discuss:The structure of various developmental programs at Elevance Health, from manager-focused projects aimed at understanding the company's value chain to executive programs featuring one-on-one coaching and action learning projects. How these initiatives align with the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion mission, ensuring equal opportunities for leaders from diverse backgrounds.The importance of assessing program impact, leveraging assessment tools, and co-creating with partners to tailor leadership programs to business needs.Jennifer’s unique career journey and valuable advice for those looking to thrive in talent development.Jennifer is passionate about helping others be their best. For almost 25 years leaders at all levels have appreciated her candor & humor coupled with practical strategies for the care & feeding of other humans (you know, leadership). Jennifer pulls from a range of leadership concepts to create experiences to help teams deliver on their goals. It’s been said Jennifer is allergic to inauthenticity. Jennifer earned a BS in Apparel Merchandising from Indiana University. That’s right, the very common leadership development educational background of apparel and retail planning.Jennifer started her career with Target Corporation after attending in-person interviews. In January. In Minneapolis. During her tenure with Target she was asked to join the training team in support of the business analyst training program. It was in that role that she realized she is at her best when she is “business adjacent”- meaning enabling the people and teams delivering the profit. In 2012 she returned to Indiana and joined Roche Diagnostics.Over the next 8 years in leadership development and organizational development roles, Jennifer created a new leader program called Jumpstart, built a college grad new hire rotational program from scratch, and dove head first into the roll out of the Leadership Circle Profile 360 from The Full Circle Group. In mid-2020 Jennifer joined the leadership development team at Elevance Health (formerly known as Anthem) to help shape a reimagined leadership development portfolio. Over the last 18 months Jennifer has focused almost solely on the creation of two new high potential development programs, one for manager level leaders and one for those on an executive track.She is also a big believer in the concepts around Strengths Finder from Gallup (Communication, Individualization, Woo, Activator, Significance) and Multipliers from The Wiseman Group (Idea Guy!).She also was named Most Improved Handwriting in 1988 from Klondike Elementary School. Coming to work is a welcome respite for Jennifer who spends her personal time meeting the demands of an opinionated almost 7 year old daughter, Davis, & super needy dog, Holly. Occasionally Jennifer manages to convince herself to jump on her Peloton bike, but usually rewatching The West Wing wins out.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Join us at the Talent Development Think Tank...

In this special episode, we are sharing an interview that JP Elliott did with Andy Storch for the Future of HR podcast and publishing it here.In their discussion, Andy shares:The essential skills of the futureThe transformative power of curiosityThe impact of owning your career and life. Andy's personal journey, resilience, and the motivation behind his book, Own Your Career, Own Your LifeThe conversation also touches on Andy's inspirational battle with cancer, his recent move to Barcelona, and the significance of human connections in the evolving landscape of talent development. JP Elliott is a forward-thinking global human resources executive with extensive experience implementing human capital initiatives that drive business results, improve organizational performance, and elevate company culture.He is a trusted business partner to C-level and senior management teams who can translate business needs into people strategies aligned with the enterprise priorities and P&L targets.Over his career, JP has been fortunate to work across a broad spectrum of industries and organizations, many under going significant business and culture transformations. These experiences have shaped him into a versatile, pragmatic, and global leader who builds strong teams that deliver results.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with JP Elliott:LinkedInWebsite

In this bonus Q&A with Paul, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youPaul Carney helps leaders harness the power of people as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Carter Bank & Trust, a $4B community bank with locations in Virginia and North Carolina. He is an accomplished author and speaker and has more than 30 years of experience in business, IT, and as a human resources professional and career advocate.Paul often explains that he is a business person who manages HR while being a trusted advisor to his business partners. He wrote and published his first book, "Move Your Æ(ash): Know, Grow, and Show Your Career Value" in 2018. Paul has been designated a Certified Artificial Intelligence (AI) Expert™ and Certified Prompt Engineer™ by the Blockchain Council.Paul and Lisa, his wife, live in Oak Ridge, NC, and have achieved their Level 2 Award in Wine. They enjoy spending time with their two adult children, visiting the beach, and stopping at wineries along the way.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Paul Carney:LinkedInWebsite

Andy Storch sits down with Paul Carney, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Carter Bank & Trust. With over 30 years of experience in business and HR and certifications in AI and blockchain, Paul has an impressive background in leading transformative HR initiatives.Paul shares his journey from tech projects to heading the entire HR operations at Carter Bank, where he built the HR and talent development functions from scratch.We'll explore:How he introduced foundational practices like job descriptions, performance reviews, and leadership development in an environment that previously lacked comprehensive HR structures.The innovative ways he's leveraging AI to revolutionize talent development, offering practical tips and insights for HR professionals eager to embrace new technologies. The successful management development programs and the surprising impact they had on reducing attrition rates and boosting employee engagement.Join us as we navigate the future of HR, discuss the role of AI in learning and development, and get inspired by Paul's actionable strategies to harness innovation, reshape processes, and create high-performing teams.Paul Carney helps leaders harness the power of people as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Carter Bank & Trust, a $4B community bank with locations in Virginia and North Carolina. He is an accomplished author and speaker and has more than 30 years of experience in business, IT, and as a human resources professional and career advocate.Paul often explains that he is a business person who manages HR while being a trusted advisor to his business partners. He wrote and published his first book, "Move Your Æ(ash): Know, Grow, and Show Your Career Value" in 2018. Paul has been designated a Certified Artificial Intelligence (AI) Expert™ and Certified Prompt Engineer™ by the Blockchain Council.Paul and Lisa, his wife, live in Oak Ridge, NC, and have achieved their Level 2 Award in Wine. They enjoy spending time with their two adult children, visiting the beach, and stopping at wineries along the way.Connect with Andy Storch:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Paul Carney:LinkedInWebsite

In this bonus Q&A with JP, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youJP Elliott is a forward-thinking global human resources executive with extensive experience implementing human capital initiatives that drive business results, improve organizational performance, and elevate company culture.He is a trusted business partner to C-level and senior management teams who can translate business needs into people strategies aligned with the enterprise priorities and P&L targets.Over his career, JP has been fortunate to work across a broad spectrum of industries and organizations, many under going significant business and culture transformations. These experiences have shaped him into a versatile, pragmatic, and global leader who builds strong teams that deliver results.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with JP Elliott:LinkedInWebsite