How We Wrote Our Book: an inside look at coauthoring Own Your Brand with Mike Kim

Today I talk with my friend and coauthor, Mike Kim, personal branding expert, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and co-author of the brand new book Own Your Brand, Own Your Career. In this special episode, we discuss how we wrote our book, the importance of trust and the importance of personal branding for corporate professionals.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.And by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 coaching style utilizing coaches with real world experience to help your people drastically improve performance. Learn more at Mento.coConnect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Mike Kim here: LinkedInKey highlights from this episode include:Andy shares the story behind the new book, “Own Your Brand, Own Your Career,” co-authored with Mike Kim, and why they teamed up to bring personal branding strategies to professionals beyond just the entrepreneur world.Mike describes the value of collaboration over competition and lessons learned from co-writing a book, emphasizing trust, humility, and clarity in working relationships.Discover practical frameworks for personal branding, including Mike’s signature “Personal Brand 3 (PB3)” questions to help you clarify your purpose and stand out.Andy and Mike offer fresh, actionable exercises for defining your identity, leveraging your career experiences, and determining what you want to be known for within your organization or industry.Get a preview of the book’s key chapters, including up-to-date strategies for building your brand in an era shaped by technology and AI, and the seven essential human traits that will matter most in the workplace of the future.Learn the secrets to developing trust, influence, and relationships at work and why these human skills will only increase in value as automation and AI advance.Uncover the shift happening in organizations as more companies recognize the value of personal brands, not just for individuals, but for their teams and enterprise success.Mike and Andy discuss how to approach your career with an entrepreneurial mindset, lead without a title, and build your legacy through intentional action.The episode also features expert-backed job search and interview tips, curated specifically for professionals seeking to leverage their personal brand for career growth.Don’t miss the discussion about LinkedIn, storytelling, and strategies to cultivate an authentic, respected brand both online and...

Today, Andy Storch goes solo on the Talent Development Hot Seat to break down the misunderstood, high-impact topic of personal brand and what it really means, why it matters, and how anyone can start building theirs for career and organizational success.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.This episode is also sponsored by Mento, which offers a unique 80/20 model of coaching with 80% powerful coaching and 20% real-world experience. Check them out at Mento.coConnect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInAndy takes listeners beyond the buzzwords, drawing on his experience as a coach, author, and talent development leader to explain why crafting an intentional, authentic personal brand is quickly becoming a must for professionals at every level, not just executives or influencers.In this episode, Andy explores:What are you known for? Key questions to help you define and evolve your own brand and reputation at work and beyond.The hidden elements: Why your personal brand is shaped by everything from your work style to your hobbies, and how it impacts internal and external opportunities.Real-life exercises: Simple ways to assess your current brand and identify strengths, gaps, and actionable next steps.Lessons from coaching: Stories of professionals who’ve grown their brand both inside and outside the office, including actionable tips anyone can apply.Reputation in action: How micro-judgments in meetings or emails quietly shape how colleagues see you and what to do about it.Opportunities for teams: Why HR, talent, and L&D departments can (and should) build their own reputations to drive greater organizational impact.Humanizing your brand: The value of sharing personal interests, family, or resilience journeys and how this helps people connect and remember you.LinkedIn as a tool: The difference between internal and external personal brands, and why even small steps on social can pay off big.Organizational ripple effects: How developing employee brands can elevate the entire company’s reputation, culture, and recruiting potential.Practical resources: Sneak peek into Andy’s new book, “Own Your Brand, Own Your Career,” with activities and frameworks for teams and individuals.Whether you’re an individual contributor, HR leader, or senior exec, Andy’s practical strategies will help you harness your personal brand as a lever for career growth, visibility, and positive workplace change.Inspired to get started? Find more resources, book info, and connect with Andy directly at ownyourbrandbook.com or andystorch.com, and don’t forget to pre-order or check out his new book for the full...

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, host Andy Storch welcomes back Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning Officer, author, and L&D thought leader, to discuss his new book, "Hidden Value: How to Reveal the Impact of Organizational Learning."Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.This episode is also sponsored by Mento, which offers a unique 80/20 model of coaching with 80% powerful coaching and 20% real-world experience. Check them out at Mento.coConnect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Dr. Keith Keating here: LinkedInKey highlights from this episode include:Dr. Keating explains the shift from a “knowledge economy” to a “value economy” and what it means for talent professionals.He uses the “mycelium network” analogy to describe how L&D is a hidden but vital driver of organizational success.Learn about the three dimensions of L&D impact: economic, personal, and societal.Dr. Keating introduces the “Value Architect” and the Value Creation Compass for aligning L&D with business priorities.The episode explores common challenges facing L&D, including being undervalued and labeled as order-takers.Insights on leveraging AI and technology to uncover and demonstrate hidden value.Dr. Keating shares leadership lessons from BDO Canada and ways to build both personal and organizational brands through thought leadership.Hear practical measurement tips and the importance of tailoring L&D to your organization’s unique context.Tune in for actionable insights on maximizing the impact and visibility of talent development. Connect with Dr. Keith Keating on LinkedIn and check out "Hidden Value" for more strategies.Mentioned in this episode:Check out Learnit! For fantastic on-demand learning, check out learnit.com/hotseatTry Mento for coachingFor coaching with real-world experience, check out Mento.co

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, host Andy Storch interviews Artem Ivanenko, Head of Global Learning at Indrive, about building learning cultures, leveraging technology, and developing future-ready skills in global organizations.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Artem Ivanenko here: LinkedInKey highlights from this episode include:Artem shares how he moved from teaching philosophy at university to leading global talent development in major tech companies.He explains the importance of building a learning culture through experimentation and strong leadership participation.Indrive’s “win or learn” value supports both formal education and experiments with new tools and approaches.Artem discusses lessons learned from piloting AI coaching, emphasizing the need to combine technology with human interaction for best results.He offers practical steps for starting skills-based initiatives by mapping current capabilities and aligning learning with business needs.Artem highlights how human skills like empathy, feedback, and critical thinking are more important than ever in today’s tech-driven workplaces.He describes how AI can help identify skill gaps and support organization-wide skills development efforts.Indrive’s internal career consulting program empowers employees to take charge of their professional growth.Tune in for actionable insights and connect with Artem Ivanenko on LinkedIn to keep the conversation going about the future of talent development.

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, hosts Andy Storch and Jig Ramji dive deep into a critical and timely topic for HR and talent development professionals: how to leverage data analytics and evidence-based practices to drive business impact. Jig Ramji, a seasoned HR and talent executive with leadership roles at organizations like Bloomberg, LSEG, and Aviva, shares his journey and expertise on using people data to transform talent strategies and demonstrate HR’s vital role in organizational success.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Jig Ramji here: LinkedInIn this insightful conversation, Jig reveals how his background in occupational psychology and years spent across both consulting and in-house HR set the stage for his passion for evidence-based HR. He explains the power of moving beyond “soft” or “fluffy” HR approaches by applying the same data-driven discipline used in finance and other business functions—and how this shift brings HR to the heart of strategic decision-making.Key highlights from this episode include:How to get started with evidence-based HR—even without a big data science team—by identifying business pain points and consistently collecting, storing, and analyzing people data.Real-world examples from Jig’s experience leading talent at Bloomberg and the London Stock Exchange Group, including how longitudinal data on leadership success factors led to targeted development programs, improved hiring, and strong succession pipelines.Practical advice on building buy-in for data-driven HR, especially in environments where people may be new to using analytics or hesitant to change established practices.An honest look at the pros and cons of consulting vs. in-house HR roles, and how global experiences in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia shaped Jig’s approach to leadership and cross-cultural talent strategies.How artificial intelligence is accelerating the pace of analysis and decision-making in HR, and why clean, consistent data collection is more important than ever for organizations looking to reap the benefits of AI tools and talent marketplaces.Tips and tools for leveraging data to drive everything from leadership development and succession planning to more dynamic, skills-based career development and internal mobility—helping employees identify new opportunities and organizations close talent gaps more strategically.The mindset shift HR and talent pros need to embrace evidence-based work and why adopting a growth-oriented perspective on data, analytics, and AI is vital for future-ready HR.Whether you’re early in your evidence-based HR journey or looking to deepen your...

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, I’m joined by Sarah Cannistra, longtime L&D leader, coach, and the author of “Land Your Next L&D Role: Creating a Career that Works for You.” With more than 15 years of experience across every facet of learning and development, both as a practitioner and as an entrepreneur. Sarah brings hard-won perspective and actionable advice to help professionals navigate career transitions in today’s talent market.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Sarah Cannistra here: LinkedInIn this lively and practical conversation, Sarah opens up about her journey from internal L&D roles to running her own coaching and consulting business, and why she ultimately chose to return to an in-house corporate role—even while writing her book. She candidly shares what she’s learned about the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of stability, and the value of continual growth (plus, the underrated joy of a regular paycheck).In this episode, Sarah covers:Her “ABCDs of Career Success” framework—Alignment (finding your niche), Branding, Community, and Development—to help L&D professionals land their next role and build a truly rewarding career.Why clarity about your skills, interests, and values is more important than chasing specific job titles or credentials.How intentional job searches yield better, faster results than “spray and pray” applications, plus ways to sidestep the common pitfall of endless rejection cycles.The critical role of mindset and personal branding—how to be seen for your unique value instead of just another applicant in a crowded field.Tips for leveraging community (without getting trapped in negative job-seeker echo chambers), and why surrounding yourself with the right people is vital for growth.Real-life exercises for defining your legacy, honing your career story, and advocating for new opportunities—whether inside your current organization or beyond.If you’re planning your next move in L&D, wrestling with tough market conditions, or simply want more control over your career journey, Sarah’s actionable advice and relatable stories will help you move forward with confidence.Sarah’s book, “Land Your Next L&D Role,” is available now from ATD Press, Amazon, and all major booksellers. Tune in for a wealth of inspiration and strategy!

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, I’m joined by Lizzy Kizer, Director of Learning and Development at Johnson Controls, seasoned educator, and champion of building learning cultures for technical organizations. With a background spanning corporate, government, higher education, and K-12, Lizzy brings a unique blend of expertise in adult learning, instructional design, and science education to her work leading learning initiatives for JCI’s 30,000-strong technical labor force.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Lizzy Kizer here: LinkedInIn this candid and practical conversation, Lizzy and I dive deep into the real-world challenges and solutions for onboarding, upskilling, and fostering continuous growth in large, complex organizations. Drawing on her career journey from zoology major and science teacher to L&D leader, Lizzy shares insights into what it takes to create relevant, impactful learning programs that drive both employee retention and business results.In this episode, Lizzy discusses:Her unconventional path from science education to learning and development and why so many effective L&D professionals have roots in K-12 teaching.The critical importance of making learning immediately applicable and relevant, with adult learners motivated by real job needs and future career goals.How Johnson Controls transformed technical onboarding from a fragmented, manager-driven process to a scalable, centralized program with over 80% coverage and measurable ROI.The structure of their onboarding approach, including phased learning, strong “human touch” welcome, role-specific cohorts, and a blend of virtual and in-person components tailored to regional needs.Eye-popping results: 300% ROI, 5–7x improved retention, 36% increase in role performance, and huge manager time savings.Key strategies for upskilling and reskilling a frontline technical workforce—moving beyond product training to leveled, scaffolded learning pathways for foundational, intermediate, and advanced skills.How to pinpoint future skills needs (and stay agile as technology evolves), create responsive L&D solutions, and benchmark learning impact with real business KPIs.Practical approaches to evaluating learning ROI including measuring performance impact, retention, and even manager and employee Net Promoter Scores.Johnson Controls’ evolving journey in career development, job architecture, and leadership pipelines, making it easier for employees to find new roles, grow their skills, and advance.Why passion for learning (and for your learners) drives innovation and impact in talent development...

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, I’m joined by Nir Hindie—international keynote speaker, founder of The Artian, and passionate advocate for merging business with artistic creativity. With clients like Google, SAP, and TikTok, and a background teaching at institutions such as IE Business School, Harvard, and MIT, Nir is renowned for helping leaders and organizations unlock innovation through a mindset he calls “business artistry.”Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Nir Hindie here: LinkedInIn this insightful and energizing conversation, Nir and I explore why creativity isn’t just for artists. Creativity is an essential leadership and business skill. Nir shares his philosophy that “art is a mindset,” explaining how adopting artistic approaches leads to greater experimentation, innovation, and emotional connection at work.In this episode, Nir discusses:Why art is more about exploration and mindset than the final object—and how this empowers business leaders to approach challenges differently.Real-world examples of artist-driven innovation, such as the MIT project that predated Google Street View.The importance of leaders staying engaged with creative processes, not just delegating them—drawing inspiration from icons like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney.The value of micromanaging the customer experience (not people), modeling a commitment to excellence throughout the organization.How observation and questioning are foundational skills for creativity and innovation—and practical ways to build these in L&D programs.The role of storytelling for leaders selling ideas and driving organizational change.Whether you’re in L&D, lead teams, or want to bring more artistry to your leadership, Nir’s business artistry approach will help you unlock creative potential in yourself and your organization.Thanks for listening! Connect with Nir Hindie on LinkedIn or check out his Business Artistry newsletter for more inspiration. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your team and keep fostering creativity in your workplace.

Today, Andy Storch takes a solo seat behind the mic for a focused, practical deep-dive into one of the most pressing and misunderstood topics in talent development: the power and ROI of personal brand, not just for individuals, but for your organization as a whole.Drawing from years of personal experience, ongoing research, and real-world examples, Andy breaks down why building a personal brand isn't just for entrepreneurs and LinkedIn influencers anymore. In fact, it’s becoming an essential differentiator for leaders and employees at every level—especially in today’s rapidly changing, AI-driven workplace.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInIn this episode, Andy explores:The shifting landscape: How personal branding has moved from something companies feared to an opportunity the best organizations are now embracing.The business case: Surprising stats, including why 82% of people trust companies more when their leaders are active online, and how employee-shared content delivers 8x the engagement of corporate channels.Real-world inspiration: A behind-the-scenes look at Tractor Supply Company and how CEO Hal Lawton’s authentic LinkedIn presence has become a powerful recruitment and culture-building tool.Actionable strategies: Simple, low-cost ways any company can start empowering employees and leaders—from raising awareness to adding personal brand workshops to your leadership programs.Overcoming old-school resistance: The mindset shifts required to move beyond fears of talent “shopping for jobs,” and why stifling employees’ visibility could be costing organizations millions in missed opportunities.The human factor: Why, in an age of faceless technology and AI, people connect so much more deeply with individuals than with company logos—and how you can put this insight to work for retention, recruitment, and reputation.Andy’s own framework: A five-step process for helping leaders and teams build compelling internal and external brands, boosting career growth, engagement, and organizational prestige.Equipping your team: How investing in personal branding delivers ROI for both employer and employee—and key first steps to get started, even in the most traditional workplaces.Whether you’re a talent development professional, business leader, or HR partner, Andy’s practical ideas and thought leadership will challenge you to rethink what it really means to “show up” for your company—and yourself—online.Thanks for listening! If you’re inspired to take action, Andy invites you to connect directly at andystorch.com, and to share this episode with leaders and teams ready to unlock the next level of personal and organizational growth through intentional brand-building.Stay tuned for more great interviews and...

Today, I’m joined by Garry Ridge—beloved leadership coach, former CEO and Chairman of WD-40 Company, bestselling author, and passionate advocate for people-first workplace cultures.In this candid and energizing conversation, Garry and I dig into what it truly means to foster a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and connected—a space where anyone, with the right approach, can build an extraordinary culture. Drawing from his 25 years at the helm of a global brand and his latest book, Any Dumbass Can Do It, Garry shares his hard-earned wisdom, favorite behaviors of great coaches, and the core values that made WD-40 a beacon of trust, belonging, and performance.Subscribe to our weekly updates and monthly talent development newsletter here. Order Own Your Career Own Your Life on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by LearnIt, which is offering a FREE trial of their TeamPass membership for you and up to 20 team members of your team. Check it out here.Also iSpring Suite, an eLearning authoring tool that offers thousands of assets, quizes, and role play simulations. They are offering our listeners a free trial here. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Garry Ridge here: LinkedInIn this episode, Garry shares:His simple yet powerful philosophy: when people feel safe, valued, and connected, they do their best work—and go home happier.The critical distinction between managers and coaches, and why WD-40 replaced “manager” with “coach” in every job title.A breakdown of “soul-sucking” leadership behaviors—from ego and micromanagement to fear-based cultures—and the transformation that comes with self-awareness.Strategies for equipping new leaders, including the necessity of teaching fundamental coaching skills, not just promoting top performers.The power of psychological safety, learning moments, and openly sharing mistakes for creating a culture of innovation and growth.WD-40’s unique “Maniac Pledge” and how it eliminates blame, sparks accountability, and puts people in the driver’s seat of their own learning.Why feedback, authenticity, and vulnerability are non-negotiable for today’s leaders—and how to ask for help as a superpower, not a weakness.Insights on maintaining strong cultures in remote/hybrid work environments, plus the evolving opportunity of AI to free up creativity and connection.Practical lessons from Garry’s own “dumbass” moments, and why leaders must intentionally center themselves to avoid “bringing leftovers” to their teams.Whether you’re...