Avsnitt
-
Fighting AI is like trying to fist-fight the ocean — you're going to lose. The professionals who stay relevant in an AI world aren't resisting the technology; they've learned to work WITH it. In this episode of The Capability Edge, Candice Mitchell shows you how to use AI as a tool without becoming someone the tool replaces.
AI is extraordinary at volume — summarizing, drafting, organizing, processing. What it cannot do is judgment, context, relationships, or anything that requires lived experience. That gap is where your professional value lives. Using a real client case study — a three-year capability strategy delivered in 14 weeks instead of six months — Candice shows exactly where AI did the work and where human expertise made the output actually matter. Then she gives you the Three-Layer Human-AI Collaboration Framework: a model you can take into work tomorrow to direct AI, interrogate what it gives you, and apply the judgment that keeps you irreplaceable.
This is Episode 3 of the Stay Relevant in an AI World series — the turn from "here's what AI is changing" to "here's what you actually do about it."
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
✅ Why "AI is going with you, not coming for you" is the only reframe that matters
✅ The difference between processing everything and understanding anything — and why it protects your career
✅ A real case study: how AI delivered speed and human judgment delivered value
✅ The Three-Layer Human-AI Collaboration Framework — Input Intelligence, Output Judgment, and The Human Overlay
✅ Why hiding your AI use signals anxiety, and how showing it signals senior-level confidence
KEEP GOING
📋 Download the free AI-Proof Skills Checklist → http://talentcollective.org/ai-proof-skills
▶️ Watch Episode 4: The Skills AI Can't Replace → https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRPqNNQbaJw8f2cql6DenOQbuZ63PoqRw
🎓 Explore the Talent Development Academy → https://courses.talentcollective.org/memberships/talent-development-academy
📖 Read Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear → https://a.co/d/0b8645qX
💬 Follow Candice on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
-
Is your AI implementation just busy work? Learn to spot the difference between genuine AI transformation and buying empty tools. Many businesses mistake purchasing software for actual progress. This video breaks down why most AI adoption efforts fail to produce measurable results. If you are a leader or manager looking to improve your team's output, you need to understand why spending money on licenses is not the same as changing how your company operates. We examine the primary indicator of failure: when work processes remain identical six months after new software is introduced. If your decisions and daily tasks have not shifted, you are likely stuck in a cycle of activity rather than true AI transformation. Use these insights to audit your current AI strategy and pivot toward meaningful operational changes instead of just checking boxes. Subscribe for weekly business strategy breakdowns, and comment below if you have seen your own workflows change after adopting new tech.
Connect with Markus:
Markus on LinkedIn
Complete the diagnostic
Click here. You will be happy you did
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
What if success was not about building bigger, but building intentionally?
In this episode, Caitlin, founder of Liquid Form Design, talks about building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.
From rebuilding after divorce, to redesigning her business model, to questioning the pressure to constantly scale, this conversation is honest, thoughtful, and packed with practical wisdom for anyone building a career or business they actually want to live inside of.
If you have ever felt stuck in hustle culture, questioned what success should really look like, or wondered if there is a better way to build something meaningful, this episode is for you.
WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM THIS EPISODEWhy success should be defined on your termsThe truth about entrepreneurship no one talks aboutHow to build a business that gives you more freedom, not lessWhy mentorship and community still matter more than everThe mistake many entrepreneurs make with scalingHow to think beyond revenue goals and build a life you actually wantGet to know Caitlin:
Caitlin Lang is a brand strategist, web designer and copywriter who works exclusively with women coaches, consultants, and thought leaders. Through her signature three-day design sprints, she creates premium brands and websites that make it easy for women to attract dream clients and charge what they’re worth. Caitlin’s work is all about helping other women show up like the experts they are, do big things, and have more impact
Connect with Caitlin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-lang-designer
Website: https://www.liquidformdesign.com
Freebie: https://www.liquidformdesign.com/homepage-fix
Meet your host, Candice MitchellCandice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if career growth had less to do with strategy and more to do with who you become along the way?
Let’s hear Candice with Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology, talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, career pivots, and the personal growth most people never expect when building meaningful work.
From losing her job because of a blog, to building a business that reaches over a million people a month, to learning how nervous system regulation changed everything, this conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human.
If you are building a career, growing a business, or trying to create work that actually feels good to wake up to, this episode is for you.
WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM THIS EPISODEWhy career growth often starts with personal growthThe hidden realities of entrepreneurship people rarely talk aboutHow to navigate uncertainty and career pivotsLessons from building an online business before social media really existedHow nervous system regulation impacts leadership and successWhat it really takes to build work you genuinely love
Get to know Jessica:Jessica Miller-Merrell is the Founder of Workology, a workplace resource for HR, recruiting professionals and business leaders. The site was listed twice as a top 75 career resource by Forbes Magazine. Jessica is the president and CEO of Xceptional HR, a human capital strategy and consulting agency, and is listed by Forbes as a top 50 social media power user. Because of her industry expertise and knowledge, Jessica’s opinions and expertise are sought after and sourced by publications and media including: The Economist, Forbes, CIO Magazine, CBS, Entrepreneur Magazine, and SHRM’s HR Magazine. Her new book, Digitizing Talent: Creative Strategies for the Digital Recruiting Age was published in 2023 by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Connect with Jessica:Instagram: @workologyblog
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jmillermerrell
Youtube: youtube.com/workology
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workologyblog/
Website: https://workology.com
https://go.workology.com/nervous-system-reset/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if the problem isn’t your job… but how much of yourself you’ve tied to it
This conversation with Madison Butler felt like saying out loud the things most people only think about Madison Butler to talk about work, identity, burnout, and what it actually means to build a life that feels like yours from people pleasing in early careers to detaching your identity from your job to walking away from corporate entirely, this is an honest conversation about what we’re not saying out loud.
If you’ve ever felt like work is taking more from you than it’s giving this episode will hit close
What you'll hear in this e pisode:why so many people tie their identity to workhow to emotionally detach from your job without quittingthe real impact managers have on your mental healthwhat burnout actually looks like in real lifehow to start choosing yourself without blowing everything upwhy you’re allowed to redefine success at any point
Get to know Madison:Madison Butler is a workplace strategist, author, and professional “call-it-like-it-is” speaker who is on a mission to make work suck less. A former Chief People Officer turned founder, she helps companies fix broken cultures, challenge outdated leadership norms, and actually give a damn about their people. She is the host of Crash Out With Me, where she unpacks burnout, identity shifts, and what happens when high-performing humans hit their limit. She’s worked with brands like Zillow, Amazon, and Mammoth Brands, and is known for blending tough empathy with systems-level change.
Connect with Madison:Instagram: @MadisonAmeliaB
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluehairedunicorn/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
From side hustle at 15 to SaaS founder — Ryan Austin shares the raw entrepreneur story behind personal growth, success mindset, self improvement, and starting a business with nothing but grit.
___________________
JOIN US FOR OUR LIVE EVENT: We run a career-changing live event every month.
🔗 Register here: https://talentcollective.org/live
___________________
In this candid conversation, Ryan — Founder and CEO of Cognota, the world's first Learn Ops platform — tells the full, unfiltered story of what entrepreneurship actually looks like from the inside. The side hustles that became real businesses. The exits. The wrong partnerships. And the moment in Austin, Texas, when he slid down against a wall, went into something like a fetal position, and genuinely thought it was over. This is not a highlight reel. This is the real thing. 🔑 What you'll get from this conversation: → How Ryan turned a teenager's side hustle into real businesses with employees — before he could drive → Why his university campus store shut him down (and what he did next) → The wrong partnership that killed a business that could have been massive → How he became SVP by pitching the board a revenue stream they didn't know they needed → The $100K phone call that came the second he hit rock bottom → Why he says "businesses don't die unless you kill them" → What the SaaS apocalypse looks like from inside a company going fully AI-native → His advice for anyone in L&D or corporate training who is job searching right now → What he'd tell his younger self — including the childhood stuff he rarely shares Whether you're building a business from scratch, navigating a career pivot, working in learning and development, or sharpening your entrepreneur mindset — this one's for you.
MEET RYAN AUSTIN: Ryan Austin is a serial entrepreneur and thought leader in talent development with nearly 20 years of experience. As CEO of Cognota, the leading LearnOps platform, he's building a new software category focused on the operational effectiveness of corporate L&D, Talent, and HR teams. Cognota's patent-pending technology is trusted by global enterprises and recognized by Brandon Hall Group. Ryan is also host of the LearnOps Leadership Series and a contributor to Forbes Business Council, ATD, and Training Journal.
CONNECT WITH RYAN:
IG: @ryanwhyyy
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanaustin3
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if your manager has more impact on your emotional wellbeing than almost anyone else in your life?
Ryan shares the career journey that took him from industrial-organizational psychology into leadership development, talent strategy, people analytics, and executive coaching.
From building HR systems from the ground up to leading talent development strategies across major organizations, Ryan brings both the human and commercial side of leadership into one powerful conversation.
This episode dives into what makes great leaders, why workplace culture starts with management, and how leadership decisions shape not only business outcomes, but people’s lives far beyond work.
A must-listen for leaders, managers, HR professionals, and anyone building teams.
What you’ll get from this episode
Why managers deeply affect emotional wellbeingHow leadership shapes workplace cultureLessons from talent development and people analyticsWhat great leadership looks like in practiceHow to think commercially as a people leaderWhy development starts with self-awarenessGet to know Ryan:
Ryan McCrea is a senior talent and leadership development leader known for building practical, high-impact strategies that help organizations grow stronger leaders, better teams, and healthier cultures. With more than two decades of experience across talent management, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, mentoring, and culture transformation, Ryan brings a science-practitioner approach to helping people and businesses perform at their best. He is also the author of Quick Bites of Insight, a book that offers practical, real-world leadership lessons for managers and professionals looking to grow in the flow of work.
Most recently, Ryan served as Head of Learning and Leadership Development at Ameren, where he led enterprise-wide learning and leadership development strategy and oversaw a team responsible for building scalable solutions that supported leaders and employees across the organization. He currently serves as President of the Saint Louis Organization Development Network (STL-ODN), reflecting his continued commitment to advancing the field of organizational development and leadership practice.
Previously, Ryan served as Vice President, Talent Development at Commerce Bank, where he launched a company-wide professional development program and led strategic initiatives to strengthen leadership capability, employee growth, and organizational effectiveness.
Ryan is certified in Situational Leadership®, The 4 Stages of Psychological Safety™, DiSC®, and MBTI®, and is also a certified Social and Emotional Intelligence Coach. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Southern Indiana and a Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Based in St. Louis, Ryan lives with his wife, Susan, and their two cats, Zooey and Coco. Outside of work, he is passionate about music, movies, fashion, pop culture, and art, and is always up for a lively conversation about any of them.
Connect with Ryan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmccrea/
Website: www.quickbitesofinsight.com
Buy his book here: https://a.co/d/01WVNkb0
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
Adrienne Weimer’s career path did not follow a straight line and that is exactly what makes this conversation so powerful. From nearly becoming a doctor, to building a career in consulting and leadership development, to moving alone across the world to Thailand, to leaving LinkedIn and building a million-dollar business, Adrienne shares the real story behind what it takes to trust yourself through uncertainty.
This episode is a deeply honest conversation about identity shifts, career pivots, resilience, entrepreneurship, and what success really looks like when you define it on your own terms. If you are navigating change, questioning your next step, or building something that asks you to believe in yourself before the proof exists, this conversation will stay with you.
What you’ll get from this episode:
How to know when it’s time to pivotThe courage it takes to trust yourself without proofLessons from corporate leadership and entrepreneurshipWhat building a business really feels like behind the scenesHow moving abroad changed Adrienne’s perspectiveWhy success should be defined by freedom, not titlesGet to know Adrienne:
Adrienne Weimer is a business mentor and former LinkedIn Sales Consultant who helps conscious women entrepreneurs build businesses where visibility feels safe, sales feel aligned, and wealth feels natural. With over four years of experience at LinkedIn and more than 3,000 entrepreneurs, coaches, and sales professionals mentored, Adrienne brings both insider strategy and deep coaching expertise to her work.
Through her signature coaching programs and masterminds, she helps women become visible with confidence, sell through self-trust instead of pressure, and build sustainable financial freedom without burnout or bro tactics. Her mission is to empower women to own their brilliance, lead with presence, and create meaningful impact while working less.
Connect with Adrienne:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachadrienneweimer/ Website: https://www.adrienneweimer.com/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if career growth isn’t about climbing faster — but choosing challenge over comfort?
In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with learning & development leader, community builder, and solopreneur Anamaria Dorgo to unpack what a non-linear, intentional career really looks like.
From starting in retail, to staying with one company for a decade across countries and roles, to experimenting with consulting, community building, and finally finding the right hybrid — this conversation is an honest look at clarity, pivots, and designing a career that actually fits.
No hype. No “follow your passion” clichés. Just real decisions, trade-offs, and growth.
What you’ll get from this episode:Why variety and challenge matter more than titlesHow to think about sideways (and backward) career movesThe role clarity plays when things get hardWhy not every career needs an “all-in” leapHow side projects quietly shape long-term successThis episode is for anyone questioning their next move or wondering if they’re “doing it wrong.”
Get to know AnamariaAnamaria is a Learning & Development Manager and Community Builder, a podcast host, and the founder of Handle with Brain. You'll usually find her tinkering with collaborative projects at the overlap between community + (learning) experience design + facilitation.
She prefer practical approaches over grand theories, and she cares about creating environments where people share what they know, challenge each other, and make progress together.
Connect with AnamariaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anamariadorgo/
Podcast (Mapping Ties) : https://mapping-ties.com/
Newsletter: https://anamariadorgo.substack.com/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if the way we educate people is actively working against how humans actually learn?
In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with learning strategist, leadership expert, and author Nick Shackleton-Jones to unpack why traditional education and corporate learning miss the mark and what actually creates meaning, growth, and capability.
From lecturing psychology, to consulting at global organizations like the BBC, BP, and Deloitte, Nick shares real stories about learning systems, leadership mistakes, and why most development programs fail the people they’re meant to serve.
This is a candid conversation about purpose, experience design, and building learning that actually sticks.
What you’ll get from this episode:Why education feels empty for so many peopleWhat really shapes purpose and career direction
How learning became a ritual instead of an experienceWhy breaking the mold often leads to impactWhat leaders get wrong about learning and developmentIf you work in leadership, L&D, HR, or simply care about how people grow — this one’s for you.
Get to know Nick:
Nick Shackleton-Jones is the author of How People Learn, a book which introduces the first general theory of learning & describes how to apply it. An industry revolutionary, he introduced the ‘courses to resources’ mantra & pioneered human-centred learning design (5Di).
A track record of shaping future learning approaches for public & private organisations, he is winner of several awards for people development, strategy, innovation, & learning content (including the Learning & Performance Institute’s Award for Services to the Learning Industry, 2017). He is the former CLO at Deloitte UK & now CEO at Shackleton Consulting.
Connect with Nick:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shackletonjones/
X: @shackletonjones
Tiktok: @shackletonjones
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
For years, learning and development has focused on content.
More courses.
More platforms.
More information.
But information isn’t the problem anymore.
In this episode, Candice speaks with learning leader Ajay to talk about what actually helps people learn, grow, and change their behavior at work.
Ajay shares his journey from discovering e-learning early in his career to working across the UK and Europe in corporate L&D. Along the way, he began noticing something important: the moments people remember most in learning aren’t slides or modules — they’re stories.
This conversation explores why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in learning and development, why the industry may be focusing on the wrong problem, and what organizations need to rethink if they want learning to actually work.
If you work in L&D, leadership, HR, or anyone responsible for helping people grow at work, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.
What you'll get from this episodeWhy information alone doesn’t drive learningThe role storytelling plays in behavior changeWhat many organizations misunderstand about learning contentWhy human connection still matters in the age of AIHow L&D can move from content delivery to real impactGet to know Ajay:
Ajay Jacob is an L&D professional and Storyteller. After 20 years of L&D roles across multiple countries, he founded Tell More Stories to help individuals and teams use storytelling principles to increase their impact. His work also involves working with L&D teams to integrate Story more deeply into learning design to drive better engagement and results.
Connect with Ajay:
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/ajaytj
Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/storytelling-foundations-unlocking-the-power-of-stories/?referralCode=91BDA7E8C30712E28687
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if the thing holding you back isn’t lack of talent — but lack of permission?
In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with keynote speaker, author, and musician Rachel Druckenmiller for a powerful conversation about courage, burnout, self-trust, and choosing yourself — even when it feels risky.
From studying abroad and finding her voice, to building a career through initiative, to burnout, a life-altering accident, and learning to trust herself again — Rachel shares what it really takes to live an unmuted life.
This is an honest, deeply human episode about agency, resilience, and why your contribution matters more than you think.
What you’ll get from this episode:
Why initiative matters more than titles or permissionHow burnout often comes from proving instead of beingWhat it means to truly “bet on yourself”Why your perspective matters more than perfectionHow to reclaim trust in yourself after life knocks you downThis episode is for anyone who feels called to more but hasn’t fully stepped into it yet.
Get to Know Rachel:
Rachel Druckenmiller is a leadership strategist and keynote speaker who helps people stop holding back and start showing up with clarity, confidence, and courage so they come alive at work.
With nearly 20 years of experience, Rachel works with high-performing professionals who are capable, thoughtful, and committed to doing good work but who often second-guess themselves, downplay their strengths, or hesitate to speak up. Her work helps leaders think more clearly, advocate for themselves more effectively, and lead with greater presence and impact.
Rachel’s approach brings together psychology, leadership insight, and real-world experience, delivered through stories that stick and tools people actually use. She’s known for making complex human dynamics—like self-silencing, burnout, and self-doubt—feel understandable, relatable, and actionable.
A TEDx speaker, Rachel has been recognized by Forbes, Smart Meetings, and Workforce Magazine for her work helping people build confidence and lead from the inside out. She’s worked with a wide range of organizations and in the legal field, she’s spoken at events for the American Bar Association, the Association of Legal Administrators, and Squire Patton Boggs.
Rachel is respected for her ability to challenge assumptions, elevate thinking, and create moments of insight that change how leaders show up long after the session ends.
Connect with Rachel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbdruckenmiller/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/racheldruckenmiller Website: https://www.racheldruckenmiller.com/ Rachel's Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0u42nNEz1pAsJsoEcDkTvA
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers it’s about being willing to ask better questions.
In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Al Dea, founder of Edge of Work, to unpack what leadership really looks like in practice not theory.
From Al’s first leadership role at age 14, to navigating loss early in his consulting career, to building a consulting practice rooted in empathy, curiosity, and context this conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply human.
Together, they explore how leaders are shaped, how trust is built, and why curiosity matters more than authority in today’s workplace.
What you’ll get from this episode
Why curiosity is a leadership skill — not a personality traitHow early leadership mistakes shape better leaders laterThe role empathy plays in high-pressure work environmentsHow to build meaningful professional relationships over timeWhy leadership is more about others than yourselfThis episode is for leaders who care about doing it right, not just doing it fast.
Get to know Al:
Al is a speaker, facilitator, and advisor. He runs The Edge of Work, a talent and leadership consulting firm that helps organizations develop their leaders with the critical skills they need to lead in a changing workplace.
Al’s insights on leadership have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider. He is also recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Voice in Leadership and the Future of Work. Previously, Al worked at Deloitte Consulting LLP and Salesforce. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Connect with Al:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsaldea/
Website: https://theedgeofwork.com/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
In a world obsessed with hacks, shortcuts, and instant success, this conversation slows everything down.
In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Ryan Clark to explore what it actually takes to build a life and career you love without pretending it’s easy.
Ryan shares his journey from building a production company with close friends, navigating betrayal and reinvention, and ultimately choosing freedom, creativity, and values over status or certainty. Together, they talk about content creation, discipline, trusting yourself, and why loving the work matters more than motivation ever will.
This episode is reflective, honest, and deeply human.
What you’ll get from this episode
Why discipline alone won’t carry you long-termThe real reason most people burn out creating contentHow to build a career around values instead of pressureWhat “freedom” actually looks like in day-to-day lifeA grounded reframe of success, struggle, and gratitudeGet to know Ryan:
Ryan Clark is a marketing consultant who helps entrepreneurs turn content into consistent, time-efficient revenue through clear messaging and sustainable systems. His career spans copywriting, video production, and brand strategy, giving him a hands-on perspective on what actually works in real businesses.
Known for helping clients book sales, fill offers, and close high-ticket deals through content alone, Ryan believes growth doesn’t have to feel frantic. His work centers on building peaceful, effective funnels that support both profitability and long-term alignment.
Connect with Ryan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanhamiltonclark/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if the pressure to be “on” every single month is actually holding your business back?
In this episode, I sat down with Abi for a deeply honest conversation about building a business that’s profitable and sustainable.
Abi shares her journey from early entrepreneurship and freelancing to running an agency and coaching course creators — along with the reality of feast-and-famine cycles, mindset traps, and why there’s no single moment where everything suddenly feels “figured out.”
This conversation is calm, practical, and refreshingly real — especially for anyone tired of chasing constant growth.
What you’ll get from this episode:
Why slowing down doesn’t mean you’re failingHow to think long-term instead of chasing constant momentumThe mindset shift from outcomes to transformationWhy courses aren’t “dead” and what actually makes them workHow to build something you still love when things get hardIf you’re building a business and questioning your pace, this episode will feel grounding.
Get to Know Abi:
Abi is an evergreen funnel strategist who helps course creators step off the launch treadmill and build businesses that feel both profitable and peaceful. Her work focuses on long-term strategy, messaging, and optimization guiding clients to become confident decision-makers rather than relying on tactics, trends, or constant urgency. Having built her career through resourcefulness and adaptability, Abi brings a grounded perspective on what it actually takes to grow in an unpredictable market. She helps creators build not just better funnels, but a deeper sense of trust in their work, their skills, and themselves.
Connect with Abi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-prendergast/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abiprendy/
Website: https://www.aptcontent.co.uk/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if the pressure to “have it all figured out” is the very thing holding you back?
In this episode, I sat down with Erin Halper for a refreshingly honest conversation about entrepreneurship, consulting, and what it really looks like to build a sustainable business over time.
Erin shares her journey from early entrepreneurship to private equity, consulting, and eventually building The Upside — a global community for independent consultants and business owners. Along the way, she breaks down some uncomfortable truths we don’t talk about enough: nobody has all the answers, “overnight success” is mostly fiction, and slow, steady work beats flashy metrics every time.
This episode is for anyone who’s tired of pretending, tired of chasing vanity milestones, and ready to build something real.
What you’ll get from this episode
Why even experienced entrepreneurs are still figuring it outThe myth of overnight success — and what actually creates momentumHow to spot bad advice and unhealthy business role modelsWhat sustainable success really looks like behind the scenesWhy curiosity, humility, and patience matter more than hypeIf you’ve been questioning your pace, your progress, or yourself — this conversation will feel grounding.
Get to know Erin:
Erin Halper is a former private equity professional and entrepreneur who founded The Upside, a high-caliber community connecting experienced consultants and senior leaders to meaningful, flexible work. After more than a decade advising businesses, Erin set out to build a better way for top talent to collaborate as colleagues, not competitors. Her journey into entrepreneurship became deeply personal when her first son was born with a heart defect, reinforcing her belief in autonomy, flexibility, and sustainable success. Today, Erin helps seasoned professionals level up their impact, income, and control over how they work without sacrificing excellence.
Connect with Erin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhalper/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erin.halper/
Website: https://betheupside.com/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
Why do so many workplace changes fail, even when the tools are “better” and the systems are “improved”?
In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Katrina Kennedy, facilitator, consultant, and author of Learning That Lasts, to talk about learning, change, and what really happens when organizations roll out new systems without supporting the people expected to use them.
Katrina shares stories from her early career in the district attorney’s office, the moment that shaped her philosophy on training, and how decades of experience taught her that learning isn’t about information, it’s about confidence, safety, and trust.
This is a practical, honest conversation for leaders, trainers, and anyone responsible for helping people adapt to change at work.
What you’ll get from this episode:
Why “just telling people to use the new system” never worksHow poor training creates resistance, frustration, and disengagementThe difference between access to tools and readiness to use themHow trainers and leaders can design learning that actually sticksWhy empathy is a critical leadership skill during changeIf you’re responsible for rolling out change—or expected to adapt to it—this episode will change how you think about learning.
Get to know Katrina:
Katrina, known as the "trainer's trainer,” is a facilitator, speaker, and author with 25+ years in learning and development. Author of the book, Learning That Lasts, she has helped thousands of subject matter experts design and deliver engaging learning experiences in a variety of industries. She shares training insights and ideas at www.katrinakennedy.com
Connect with Katrina:
LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/katrinakennedytraining
Website: https://www.katrinakennedy.com
Grab Katrina's Book Here: https://www.katrinakennedy.com/book
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if the thing holding you back isn’t fear, skill, or timing but waiting for permission that’s never coming?
In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Jenny Wood, former Google executive and author of Wild Courage, for a wide-ranging conversation about career growth, confidence, and taking bold action before you feel ready.
Jenny shares the now-famous subway story that sparked her concept of “wild courage,” along with lessons from her 18-year career at Google, her transition into entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that help people stop waiting and start moving.
This conversation is honest, funny, and deeply practical. It’s about what it really takes to build a career (and life) you’re proud of without waiting for approval from anyone else.
What you’ll get from this episode
Why no one gives you permission—and why that’s actually freeingHow courage shows up in small, everyday decisionsLessons from Google on influence, promotion, and leadershipWhy bold action creates clarity (not the other way around)What it really takes to build a career you love over timeIf you’ve been hesitating on a next step, this episode might be the nudge you didn’t know you needed.
Get to know Jenny:
Jenny Wood a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, former Google executive, and former Harvard Business School researcher who knows that real success isn’t about following the rules or waiting your turn. She is also the founder of Own Your Career, one of Google's largest career programs. In her new book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It , Jenny breaks down 9 bold traits that defy conventional career advice: Obsessed, Weird, Selfish, Shameless, Nosy, Manipulative, Brutal, Reckless, and Bossy.
Her practical, no-nonsense approach empowers ambitious people to break the mold, be better leaders, build influence, and reach their full potential. Jenny has been featured in NBC, Bloomberg, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Business Insider. She lives in Boulder with her husband and two children and is in constant pursuit of the perfect zucchini bread recipe.
Connect with Jenny:
Instagram: @itsjennywood
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jennyilles
Website: http://itsjennywood.com
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
What if the reason your career feels misaligned isn’t your role, your company, or your industry but the way you’ve been taught to separate work from life?
In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Mel Fox Dhar for an honest conversation about career alignment, burnout, and navigating transitions especially in big tech. Mel shares her journey from retail and customer-facing roles to Microsoft, Amazon, and ultimately into career coaching.
Along the way, she explains why alignment doesn’t come from optimizing your resume alone but from understanding who you are as a whole person. This conversation is practical, grounded, and deeply human. No hustle talk. No “just push through it.” Just real insight into how people actually build careers that fit their lives.
What you’ll get from this episode
Why separating “work life” and “real life” creates misalignmentHow career clarity starts with understanding what lights you upWhat to do when you’re burnt out, laid off, or stuck in a transition you didn’t chooseHow early career experiences quietly shape long-term successWhy telling your story clearly matters more than having the perfect resumeIf you’re questioning what’s next or why what you’re doing no longer fits, this episode will help you think differently about alignment and direction.
Get to Know Mel:
Mel Fox Dhar is a career coach and former Big Tech leader who helps experienced professionals make more intentional career moves. After a decade at Amazon and Microsoft, she knows what it’s like to be successful on paper while feeling misaligned underneath. Today, Mel works with senior and mid-career leaders to clarify their personal brand, identify the right next step, and navigate job transitions with confidence—so they can do meaningful work and actually thrive.
Connect with Mel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melfoxdhar/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCdDreU78e0fRAEhp4w8mX-w
Website: https://www.melfoxdhar.com
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
-
In this episode, I sat down with Rosie for a very honest conversation about self-judgment, shame, and the quiet emotional weight many people carry especially when life doesn’t unfold the way they expected. Rosie shares what helped her move through a deeply difficult season, including the jealousy, resentment, and guilt that often stay unspoken. Candice adds context from her coaching work, where she sees these same patterns show up again and again in capable, driven people. This isn’t a conversation about “fixing yourself.” It’s about understanding yourself with more honesty and less cruelty.
What you'll get from this episode:
• Why shame and self-judgment often show up during hard seasons
• How curiosity and compassion create more progress than criticism
• Why jealousy and resentment are usually signals of hurt, not failure
• How worthiness (not time or skill) is often the real thing holding people back If you’ve been telling yourself something is “wrong” with you, this episode offers a different perspective, one that feels a lot more human.
Get to know Rosie:
Rosie Milsom is a Self-Worth & Confidence Coach for purpose-driven women who know they’re meant for more. She helps founders, changemakers, and ambitious doers stop getting in their own way so they can finally build the confidence, clarity, impact and income they’re truly capable of - without burnout, self-doubt, or constant second-guessing. Her mission is simple: when a woman’s self-worth catches up with her potential, everything rises
Connect with Rosie:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rosiemilsomcoaching
Instagram: @rosie_milsom_coaching
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@self-worthschool
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-milsom-36667a5a/
Website: https://www.rosiemilsom.com/
Meet your host, Candice Mitchell
Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.
Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:Website: https://talentcollective.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc
Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy
Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/
Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven
pauldehavenmusic.com
- Visa fler
