The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups with Colin Fisher

Welcome back to the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast! In today’s episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Dr. Colin Fisher, Associate Professor of Organizations and Innovation at University College London’s School of Management, to dive deep into the hidden processes that make teams—and organizations—thrive. From his unique journey as a professional jazz musician to becoming a renowned researcher on group dynamics and creativity, Colin shares insights from his latest book, The Collective: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups.Together, Andy and Colin explore why we’re so attached to the myth of the lone genius, what most team-building exercises are getting wrong, and how the structure of a team—right from its inception—can make or break its success. Drawing from science, real-world examples, and personal experience, they break down the essential elements for building high-performing, synergistic teams, and discuss practical strategies for leadership, rewards, and navigating the post-Covid world of remote and hybrid teamwork.Whether you’re a talent development professional, team leader, or just passionate about helping people and organizations achieve more together, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking research you won’t want to miss!Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. This episode is also 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 Colin: LinkedIn: LinkedInKeynotes:1. Colin’s Professional Journey and Origins in Collective Intelligence2. Studying Teams: Gaps and Structural Issues3. The Structural Foundations of Team Performance4. The Myth of the Lone Genius and Value of Teams5. Balancing Individual Recognition with Team Success6. The Science of Team Building: What Works and What Doesn't7. Creating Synergistic Teams8. Practical Guidance for Talent Development Professionals9. Harnessing Competition within Teams10. Managing Remote and Hybrid Teams11. Leadership and Coaching Impact on Group SuccessMentioned 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

In this episode, host Andy Storch sits down with Jamie Albers, co-founder of Mento—a company at the forefront of transforming professional development with performance-based coaching solutions. Jamie shares her journey from Middle Eastern Studies to leading innovative teams at Google and eventually launching Mento, which is redefining coaching by skillfully blending mentorship from real-world operators with data-driven methodologies.Jaime’s journey may look intentional in hindsight, but it unfolded through a series of unexpected choices. Originally pursuing Middle Eastern studies in college, Jaime set out in a different direction than most would expect. After graduation, they took a role as an advertising associate at Google during the 2010s—a time when such jobs were often a mix of customer service and ad review, but proved to be a valuable training ground. Grateful for the opportunities at Google, Jaime also seized the chance to participate in a classic “20% project,” further shaping their path. Looking back, every step seems to have fit together as if by destiny, even if it wasn’t the plan from the start.Order Own Your Brand, Own Your Career on AmazonApply to Join us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!This episode is sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. This episode is also 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 Jamie: LinkedIn: LinkedInKey Topics:1. The Importance of Intentional Career Development2. Transition into Talent Development3. Current and Emerging Trends in Talent Development4. Bridging the Skills Gap and Skills-Based Hiring5. Fostering Collaboration, Knowledge Sharing, and Internal Upskilling6. The Role of Mindset in Adopting New Skills and Technologies7. Coaching and Mentoring: The Mento Model8. Measuring Impact and Return on Investment (ROI) in Coaching & L&D9. The Rise of AI Coaching and Where It’s Headed10. Evaluating and Selecting Coaching and L&D SolutionsMentioned 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

In this candid and insightful conversation, host Andy Storch welcomes back Mita Mallick to explore what effective leaders can learn from the worst bosses they've encountered. Drawing from her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses, Mita shares her personal journey, the archetypes of bad bosses, and practical strategies for both surviving toxic leadership and breaking negative cycles as a leader.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.This episode is also sponsored by Mento which offers a unique 80/20 mix of coaching and mentorship so that your people can increase performance and success. Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Mita: LinkedIn: Mita MallickTop 5 Key Notes:1.Bad Bosses Aren’t Born, They’re MadeMita emphasizes that most bad bosses don't set out to be that way—often they're shaped by their own experiences, circumstances, or lack of self-awareness. Many toxic behaviors are responses to external or personal stress, not innate malice.2.Recognizing Archetypes of Bad LeadershipMita's book introduces 13 archetypes of bad bosses, including Medusa (the bully), the Chopper (micromanager), the Napper (disengaged boss), and Tony Soprano (talent hoarder). These archetypes help us recognize and address negative behaviors in leadership.3.Impact of Exclusion and Toxic WorkplacesDrawing from her personal journey, Mita highlights the profound impact that exclusion and toxic bosses can have on employee wellbeing, engagement, and confidence. Her own experiences with bullies followed her from childhood schoolyards into the workplace, fueling her passion for building inclusive cultures.4.Advice for Employees Facing Toxic LeadershipMita suggests practical steps for employees: document toxic behavior, develop an exit strategy (even if it’s internal), network discreetly, and focus on activities outside work that rebuild confidence. She stresses that individuals alone cannot fix toxic workplaces or change others’ behavior—they have to prioritize their own well-being.5.Role of HR and Talent Professionals in Addressing ToxicityThe conversation offers guidance for HR and talent leaders: document issues, influence decision-makers with facts, and recognize when to recommend coaching—or, when necessary, help leaders move on. Using curiosity, vulnerability, and honest feedback can guide leaders toward positive change, but some situations may require more decisive...

Today on the Talent Development Hot Seat Podcast, host Andy Storch welcomes Cory Sanford, VP of Culture and Talent at Guidant Financial, HR consultant, speaker, and author of “hr. Are you kidding me? Surprisingly Simple Steps to Unlock the Power of People.” In this energizing conversation, Cory shares his unique philosophy on creating an award-winning remote culture and how intentional talent development practices can transform the employee experience.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.Connect with Andy here: Website | LinkedInConnect with Cory Sanford here: LinkedInKey highlights from this episode include:Cory recounts his journey into HR and talent development, plus the personal mantra that guides his work: the workplace should empower people to be, do, and feel their best.Discover how Guidant Financial has thrived as a fully remote organization—winning “Best Place to Work” awards and attracting top talent by leaning into flexibility and connection.Cory explains the secret to overcoming hybrid and remote work challenges, focusing on building deliberate connections—to purpose, leaders, and each other through required and optional cultural activities.Take a behind-the-scenes look at Guidant’s innovative use of Microsoft Teams, including fun “Break Room” and “Cheers” channels to promote organic interaction and real-time peer recognition.Learn about Guidant’s bold goal to promote or advance 25% of its team annually, and how Cory’s approach to career development includes step promotions, subject matter expert tracks, and creating new roles where talent and organizational needs align.Hear practical strategies for supporting managers to develop, not hoard, talentincluding regular, effective one-on-ones and celebrating leaders who help their people move up or across the organization.Cory shares his philosophy for meaningful onboarding (cohort hiring, “partners in crime” buddies, and personal welcome messages) and offboarding (company-wide celebration of departures and active alumni engagement).Dive into the design and impact of Guidant’s all-virtual Development Day, featuring Andy as keynote, personal vision boarding, actionable next steps, and hands-on AI training to foster an ownership mindset.Insights on building a culture that encourages side hustles and celebrates employees who pursue their dreams; whether inside or outside the company.Cory’s take on why he wrote “hr. Are you kidding me?”: to offer simple, story-driven frameworks anyone can use to unlock the power of culture and people.Tune in for actionable inspiration and ideas to create, sustain, and measure a...

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!