What happens when a seasoned software developer turns his talents to nurturing human potential? Join us for an insightful conversation with Brian Walch, who shares his unique journey from the tech world to becoming a leader in talent development. Over his 25-year career at a consulting firm, Brian discovered his passion for people, eventually creating the spiral development matrix—a transformative framework that guides individuals from expert roles into effective management. He shares the importance of understanding management responsibilities before diving into them, along with the mindset shifts necessary for successful leadership transitions, such as moving from sales to management.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/
Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

Ever wondered how to align your professional life with your personal purpose? Join us in this enlightening episode of Talent Forge as we welcome Elona Lopari, CEO of the Life School, to share her inspiring journey from the corporate world to spearheading purpose-driven initiatives. Elona opens her heart about the courage it took to step out of her comfort zone and embrace a life guided by purpose. Her transformative story provides a roadmap for those looking to bridge the gap between everyday responsibilities and deeper, more meaningful goals.

This episode is a treasure trove of actionable advice for anyone striving to lead with purpose in talent development and beyond. Don't miss the chance to transform your leadership approach with insights from this captivating conversation.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/
Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

Steven Falk, CEO and founder of Switchback OS, reveals his transformative journey from a career in marriage and family therapy to a leader in talent development within heavy industry. With the backing of his supportive wife, he took a leap of faith, using his therapeutic expertise to bring about positive changes in various professional environments. In this episode, Steven highlights the significance of transformational relationships over transactional ones, showing the power of genuine care for individuals beyond mere business success. As he shares his passion for training and development, the episode is filled with insights that inspire listeners to create memorable moments that leave lasting impressions, transforming both lives and organizations.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/
Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

Welcome Dr. Barb Thompson, a distinguished clinical psychologist and Army veteran, into our conversation. Dr. Thompson takes us on her remarkable journey from clinical to operational psychology, sharing valuable insights from her experiences working with top military leaders. Her unique perspective sheds light on the delicate balance of personal drives, collaboration, and effective listening skills essential for leadership success. Engage with us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of coaching high-performance leaders, addressing feelings of intimidation and the ever-present imposter syndrome.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/
Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

Can surveys really mask deeper communication issues in the workplace? Join us as we welcome John Larsen from Vellum to shed light on this eye-opening topic. John challenges the status quo of organizational feedback mechanisms with his bold presentation, "Stop the Surveys." Discover how fostering authentic human connections can revolutionize workplace communication, and why building trust is the key to breaking the cycle of reliance on traditional surveys. Through meaningful dialogue, we explore strategies for overcoming the fear of difficult conversations to enhance team dynamics and drive real change.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/
Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of Learning and Development with seasoned expert Jess Almlie, whose nearly 30-year journey reveals the art of crafting impactful learning experiences. From her early days at McDonald's to her pivotal role as VP of Learning at WEX, Jess shares her unique insights into transforming traditional classroom leadership development. Her master's thesis challenged conventional methods, emphasizing the synergy between education and continuous practice. Discover how Jess turns everyday training into opportunities for real behavioral change, offering a fresh perspective on the evolution of L&D.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/
Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

Ready to unlock the secrets of effective leadership? Join us on Talent Forge as we sit down with Hank Wethington, the IT professional turned executive coach, who reveals how a fortuitous opportunity in learning and development ignited his passion for teaching and leadership. Hank shares his personal journey from aspiring high school biology teacher to helping individuals transition into successful leaders. We explore the hurdles of changing mindsets, giving up control, and discovering one's leadership voice, with Hank offering sports analogies and wisdom drawn from Marshall Goldsmith's "What Got You Here Won't Get You There."

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/
Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com

Discover how embracing neurodiversity can transform talent development as we sit down with Rebecca Prejean, an expert in the field who brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the table. From her unexpected journey transitioning from graphic design to a key role in training at a fast-growing startup, Rebecca's story is as intriguing as it is inspiring. We delve into the nuances of neurodiversity and neurodivergency, covering conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, with Rebecca offering profound insights on how these differences play out in professional settings.

Creating an inclusive organizational culture requires more than just one-off accommodations; it must be woven into the very fabric of a company's ethos. Rebecca sheds light on the importance of normalizing conversations around neurodiversity, educating leadership, and reducing the fear of stigmatization. We also share practical strategies for making training tools more inclusive, ensuring that everyone—from leadership to entry-level employees—feels seen and understood. Personal stories, including the host's experience with a neurodivergent brother, punctuate the conversation, providing real-world context to the necessity of supportive resources and adaptive strategies.

For those looking to make their presentations more accessible and inclusive, this episode is a treasure trove of practical advice. From using concise bullet points and appropriate font sizes to providing alternative formats like PDFs, Rebecca walks us through essential design choices that can make a world of difference. We also touch on the broader impact of building a supportive professional community, with Rebecca sharing her exciting plans to launch templates and resources aimed at fostering inclusivity. Join us for an episode rich with actionable insights and heartfelt stories, all geared towards creating a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all.

Meet the Host
Jay Johnson works with people and organizations to empower teams, grow profits, and elevate leadership. He is a Co-Founder of Behavioral Elements®, a two-time TEDx speaker, and a designated Master Trainer by the Association for Talent Development. With a focus on behavioral intelligence, Jay has delivered transformational workshops to accelerate high-performance teams and cultures in more than 30 countries across four continents. For inquiries, contact jay@behavioralelements.com or connect below!

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayjohnsonccg/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jayjohnsonccg/
Speaker Website - https://jayjohnsonspeaks.com