Human Capital Lab

Hosted by Bellevue University

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Aug 2025

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The Human Capital Lab podcast will explore the intersection between learning and the lives of the people who make businesses go. Through conversations with select educational and organizational visionaries, we’ll uncover insights about the impact learning can make on employee lives, employee opportunity and corporate outcomes like revenue and profit. The Human Capital Lab podcast is brought to you by Bellevue University and created to bring creative conversation and exploration to the corporate learning field, including the way that education relates to productivity and human fulfillment. We will explore culture and engagement issues impacting the Future of Work that are top-of-mind for Chief Learning Officers as well as Chief Executive Offices across multiple industries. Bellevue University's Human Capital Lab researches these links. Bellevue University is a leader in serving adult learners around the globe. The Human Capital Lab Podcast is a Growth Network Podcasts Production.

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51 recent

August 14, 202538 min

Beyond Lip Service: Why Dialogue Is a Vital Leadership Skill with Nicola Brown

Leadership is more than giving direction; it’s about sparking the conversations that move people forward. In this episode of the Human Capital Lab podcast, host Dr. Rich Douglas speaks with Nicola Brown, a specialist in dialogue and system relationships, about how leaders can “set the weather” for their teams, bring unspoken tensions into the open, and guide change in ways that preserve trust. The conversation moves from big-picture thinking to grounded examples, revealing how dialogue shapes team dynamics and long-term resilience.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast01:00 Meet Nicola Brown and her path from ecology to leadership development03:21 Why dialogue is vital in leadership06:13 Building trust and integrating new ideas into existing knowledge08:36 Naming the “elephant in the room” in leadership conversations10:15 Leading without all the answers and inviting team input13:05 “Setting the weather” and pacing change for your team14:45 Asking questions to build trust and agency18:03 Moving from buy-in to commitment20:50 Understanding motivations and self-leadership23:00 How urgency and self-interest can undermine trust25:00 Radical honesty and curiosity in leadership dialogue26:14 Using dialogue to uncover team motivations29:19 Why asking is more powerful than telling31:00 Linking emotions to outcomes in teams34:23 Empowering others without losing leadership power36:16 Leading at the pace of the relationship37:18 Using questions as a primary leadership tool38:06 Group-based leadership development at Kokoro39:36 Always ask the question40:00 Closing reflections and contact informationConnect with the Guest, Nicola Brown;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kokoro-change/Website: https://www.kokorochange.com/Connect with Rich Douglas;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/Connect with the Human Capital Lab;Website: https://humancapitallab.org/Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/Looking for what’s next?While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership and workforce development.Find the show:Apple PodcastsSpotifytalentintheageofai.comStart listening:Apple PodcastsSpotifytalentintheageofai.comMentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

July 31, 202549 min

Navigating VUCA: Leadership Strategies & AI in Talent Development with Jennifer N Sutherland

Join Executive Director Rich Douglas in this episode of the Human Capital Lab podcast, featuring Jennifer Sutherland, Global Head of Learning Operations at ZS. Dive deep into discussions about leadership in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments, the importance of strategic thinking in talent development, and the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence. Jennifer shares her insights from her extensive experience in the field, including her thoughts on resilience, decision making, and the impact of generative AI on learning and development. This episode is essential listening for professionals looking to elevate their game in human capital management and navigate the future of work.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast01:12 Meet Jennifer Sutherland: A Journey in Talent Development03:01 The Concept of Retirement and Side Gigs06:19 Understanding VUCA: Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity09:02 Preparing for VUCA: Building Resilience and Flexibility19:59 Leadership in VUCA: Strategic Decision Making25:45 Understanding the Impact of Reactions26:34 The Parable of the Two Arrows27:32 Challenges in Leadership Development28:47 Introduction to VUCA and Skillsets29:51 Exploring Artificial Intelligence31:34 Generative AI in Learning and Development33:25 Practical Applications of AI41:11 The Role of AI in Education44:41 Evolving Learning Teams45:41 Final Thoughts and FarewellConnect with the Guest, Jennifer N Sutherland;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernsutherlandConnect with Rich Douglas;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/Connect with the Human Capital Lab;Website: https://humancapitallab.org/Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/Looking for what’s next?While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership and workforce development.Find the show:Apple PodcastsSpotifytalentintheageofai.comStart listening:Apple PodcastsSpotifytalentintheageofai.comMentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

July 17, 202539 min

Transforming Talent Development: Insights from Ken Stockman

In this episode of the Human Capital Lab podcast, hosted by Dr. Rich Douglas, we dive into the world of talent development with guest Ken Stockman. With an extensive background in IBM and a fresh perspective on learning versus performance, Ken shares his journey and expertise. Learn about the transition from traditional learning to performance-first learning, the importance of co-creation in training programs, and the nuances of global talent development. Ken also discusses the significance of adopting a consultative mindset and the future of talent development in aligning business outcomes with learning strategies. Tune in for valuable insights and practical strategies to elevate your talent development initiatives. Don't miss this engaging conversation that could reshape your approach to learning and performance in the workplace.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast00:26 Meet Ken Stockman: A Journey in Talent Development02:49 Ken's Transition from IBM to Retirement05:26 The Shift from Learning to Performance10:59 Becoming a Trusted Advisor in Talent Development16:29 Continuous Development for Talent Developers19:23 Engaging Learners in Program Development20:41 The Importance of Needs Analysis22:53 Commitment and Performance Expectations26:22 Global Perspectives on Talent Development27:14 Cultural Sensitivity in Learning Programs29:54 Leveraging Cultural Differences for Growth34:40 Final Thoughts and NetworkingConnect with the Guest, Ken Stockman ;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-stockman-mba-4185253/Connect with Rich Douglas;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/Connect with the Human Capital Lab;Website: https://humancapitallab.org/Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/The Conversation Continues Elsewhere! 🚀Thank you for listening to this episode of the Human Capital Lab. While this show is no longer producing new episodes, our exploration of workforce strategy, talent development, and the future of work has evolved.We invite you to join us on our new journey at Talent in the Age of AI — Workforce Development, Talent Strategy & the Future of Work.Subscribe to the new show here:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyVisit the New WebsiteDon’t miss out on the latest insights—head over to the new feed and hit subscribe today!Mentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

July 3, 202552 min

Insights into Human Capital Management and Government Workforce with Jeffrey Neal

Join Executive Director Rich Douglas on the Human Capital Lab podcast as he delves into the realms of talent development, education, and innovation. In this episode, Rich welcomes Jeffrey Neal, former Chief Human Capital Officer of the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense. With extensive experience in both federal and private sectors, Jeff shares his perspectives on the federal workforce, the impacts of political decisions, and the vital role of human capital in government operations.This episode provides a comprehensive understanding of the workforce's resilience and adaptability amidst significant challenges brought by administrative actions.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast00:24 Meet Jeffrey Neil: A Career in Human Capital Management01:35 Jeffrey's Unusual Career Path03:28 Current Work and Opinions on Federal Workforce04:07 Challenges Facing the Federal Workforce05:05 Impact of Political Decisions on Federal Workforce06:19 Trump Administration's Approach to Federal Workforce09:07 Consequences of Workforce Reductions14:13 Historical Context and Comparisons21:22 Resilience of the Federal Workforce26:37 The Unsung Heroes of the Federal Workforce28:04 The Pentagon Attack: A Personal Recollection30:24 Leadership and Trust in Government32:13 The Impact of Policy Changes on Federal Agencies33:09 Future of Government Restructuring34:31 Challenges and Legal Battles Ahead35:36 Political Realities and Federal Workforce43:52 The Importance of Career Employees48:55 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsConnect with the Guest, Jeffrey Neal;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefhro/Website: https://chiefhro.com/ Connect with Rich Douglas;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/Connect with the Human Capital Lab;Website: https://humancapitallab.org/Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/The Conversation Continues Elsewhere! 🚀Thank you for listening to this episode of the Human Capital Lab. While this show is no longer producing new episodes, our exploration of workforce strategy, talent development, and the future of work has evolved.We invite you to join us on our new journey at Talent in the Age of AI — Workforce Development, Talent Strategy & the Future of Work.Subscribe to the new show here:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyVisit the New WebsiteDon’t miss out on the latest insights—head over to the new feed and hit subscribe today!Mentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

June 19, 202537 min

Making Learning Stick: Transforming Talent Development with Chris Taylor from Actionable.co

In this episode of the Human Capital Lab podcast, Dr. Rich Douglas welcomes Chris Taylor from Actionable.co, as they delve into the challenges and strategies of making learning stick in talent development programs. Chris shares insights from his 20 years in the field, discussing the importance of translating learning intentions into daily practices and the role of support systems like accountability partners and managerial involvement.They explore how technology and methodology at actionable.co make behavior change visible and reportable, enabling better alignment with business objectives. The discussion also touches on effective communication with senior leaders, the strategic role of training beyond content delivery, and the power of leveraging data to demonstrate ROI in learning and development. Tune in to learn practical steps for creating impactful, sustainable change in organizational training programs.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast00:24 Meet Chris Taylor: Transforming Ideas into Action01:36 The Challenge of Making Learning Stick03:28 Creating Support Systems for Lasting Change10:25 The Role of Coaching in Talent Development12:55 Engaging Senior Leadership for Effective Change22:58 Actionable.co: Turning Learning into Daily Practice32:33 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with the Guest, ;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisjrtaylor/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/actionable.co/Website: Actionable.coConnect with Rich Douglas;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/Connect with the Human Capital Lab;Website: https://humancapitallab.org/Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/The Conversation Continues Elsewhere! 🚀Thank you for listening to this episode of the Human Capital Lab. While this show is no longer producing new episodes, our exploration of workforce strategy, talent development, and the future of work has evolved.We invite you to join us on our new journey at Talent in the Age of AI — Workforce Development, Talent Strategy & the Future of Work.Subscribe to the new show here:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyVisit the New WebsiteDon’t miss out on the latest insights—head over to the new feed and hit subscribe today!Mentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

June 4, 202544 min

Transforming Workforce Development: Insights from Talent Strategist Mike Ohata

Join Executive Director Rich Douglas on the Human Capital Lab Podcast as he welcomes Mike Ohata, a seasoned leader in talent development and current talent strategist at St. Charles Consulting Group. In this engaging conversation, Mike shares his journey and perspectives on leadership coaching, the importance of developing a skills-centric organization, and the evolving needs of today's workforce. Learn how organizations can foster a culture of continuous development and investment in their people to achieve greater success. Tune in for valuable insights, especially for HR, talent, and learning professionals.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast00:23 Meet Mike Ohata: Talent Development Leader01:34 Mike's Journey and Leadership Coaching04:36 The Importance of Structured Organizations07:02 Developing Talent from Within14:40 Addressing Toxic Leadership17:28 Transitioning to a New Role20:54 The Skill-Centric Organization23:24 The Promotion Dilemma24:35 Implementing Basic Supervisory Skills26:43 The Importance of Continuous Development28:41 Developing Executive Leaders32:53 The Changing Workforce40:39 Engaging with the Human Capital LabConnect with the Guest, Mike Ohata;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeohata/Website: https://www.mikeohata.com/Purchase Book, The Talent-Fueled Enterprise – A Powerful Approach to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce :  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6C28329?ref=myi_title_dpConnect with Rich Douglas; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/ Human Capital Lab Links Website: https://humancapitallab.org/ Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/Mentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

May 22, 202541 min

Empowering Leaders and Entrepreneurs with Vicky Brown

Join Dr. Rich Douglas in this enlightening episode of the Human Capital Lab Podcast as he converses with Vicky Brown, CEO of Idomeneo Enterprises and an experienced human capital manager. Vicky shares her journey from corporate HR to entrepreneurship, providing valuable insights into human capital management, leadership development, and overcoming challenges faced by new managers and entrepreneurs. This episode offers practical advice on building high-performing teams, effective leadership, and leveraging relationships for business growth. Don't miss the free HR tips and tricks at the end of the podcast!00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast00:24 Meet Vicky Brown: Entrepreneur and Human Capital Expert02:02 The Challenges of First-Time Leaders03:31 The Importance of Effective Leadership12:13 Building a Development Roadmap17:16 Navigating HR Functions and Leadership Development20:51 Navigating Early Leadership Challenges22:03 Vicky's Unexpected Entrepreneurial Journey25:49 Building a Business Through Relationships32:23 Consulting vs. Sales: Understanding Client Needs38:06 Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsConnect with the Guest, Vicky Brown;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idomeneo-enterprises-inc./Website: https://idomeneoinc.com/Facebook:Connect with Human Capital Lab;Host: Rich DouglasLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/Website: https://humancapitallab.org/Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/The Conversation Continues Elsewhere! 🚀Thank you for listening to this episode of the Human Capital Lab. While this show is no longer producing new episodes, our exploration of workforce strategy, talent development, and the future of work has evolved.We invite you to join us on our new journey at Talent in the Age of AI — Workforce Development, Talent Strategy & the Future of Work.Subscribe to the new show here:Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyVisit the New WebsiteDon’t miss out on the latest insights—head over to the new feed and hit subscribe today!Mentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

May 8, 202544 min

Transforming Organizational Culture with Phillip Meade, Ph.D.

Join Executive Director Rich Douglas on the Human Capital Lab podcast as he delves into the transformative power of organizational culture with Dr. Phillip Meade. Dr. Mead, co-owner and COO at Gallaher Edge, shares his extensive experience, including leading NASA's cultural overhaul following the Columbia shuttle disaster. Discover insights into developing a high-performing company culture based on maturity, diversity, community, and unity. Learn how these elements provide a competitive edge and foster long-term success in any organization. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on driving impactful change in human capital management.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast00:26 Meet Dr. Phillip Meade: A Journey in Organizational Culture00:48 The Columbia Shuttle Disaster: A Defining Moment03:43 Understanding Organizational Culture and Its Challenges10:49 Groupthink and Identity in NASA's Culture15:26 Post-Disaster Changes at NASA18:09 Promoting Open Communication and Psychological Safety20:55 The Missing Links: Documenting Organizational Culture22:29 Exploring Organizational Culture22:51 The Four Traits of Successful Organizations23:10 Fostering Maturity in the Workplace25:19 The Importance of Diversity26:30 Building Community in a Virtual World30:47 Achieving Unity in Organizations31:41 Long-term Cultural Change at NASA34:28 The Role of Gallaher Edge35:04 The Power of Culture in Business41:40 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysConnect with the Guest, Phillip Meade;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philliptmeade/Website: http://gallaheredge.com Purchase The Missing Links: Launching a High Performing Company Culture: https://www.amazon.com/Missing-Links-Launching-Performing-Company/dp/1637350880Connect with Human Capital Lab; Host: Rich Douglas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/ Human Captial Lab Links Website: https://humancapitallab.org/ Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/Mentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

April 24, 202545 min

The Power of Self-Acceptance in Organizational Culture with Dr. Laura Gallaher

Join host Rich Douglas as he welcomes Dr. Laura Gallaher to the Human Capital Lab podcast for an insightful discussion on self-acceptance, psychological safety, and effective organizational culture. Dr. Gallaher shares her journey from being an organizational psychologist at NASA working on culture change post-Columbia disaster to becoming a consultant. Learn how self-acceptance can improve self-awareness, help mitigate self-judgment, and drive high performance in organizations. Don't miss this episode for valuable insights on personal growth and leadership development.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast00:26 Meet Dr. Laura Gallaher: A Journey into Organizational Psychology02:19 NASA's Cultural Challenges and the Columbia Accident13:41 The Importance of Psychological Safety18:06 Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance22:16 Personal Stories of Identity and Growth24:21 The Challenge of Accepting Feedback25:01 Self-Acceptance and Identity26:41 The Essence Exercise27:52 Fluidity in Identity28:24 Self-Acceptance Quiz28:57 Paradox Theory30:24 Impact of Self-Criticism on Leadership32:45 The Joey and Jamal Story34:32 Self-Acceptance in Organizations38:40 The Twilight Zone Analogy41:06 Final Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with the Guest, ;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd/Website: https://www.gallaheredge.com/Book: The Missing Links: Launching a High-Performing Company CultureConnect with Human Capital Lab; Host: Rich Douglas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/ Human Captial Lab Links Website: https://humancapitallab.org/ Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/Mentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com

April 10, 202536 min

AI Innovations in Human Capital Management with Deloitte's Franz Gilbert

Join Executive Director Rich Douglas on the Human Capital Lab podcast, where he is joined by Franz Gilbert from Deloitte to discuss the transformative impact of AI and technological advancements on human capital management. Discover how evolving education and innovation create opportunities for talent development, the implications of AI on job redesign, and how HR professionals can stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing landscape. Tune in for insights on increasing AI fluency, the future of job roles, and leveraging technology to be strategic business partners. Don't miss the discussion on how training and developing people remain crucial to thriving in the future economy.00:00 Introduction to the Human Capital Lab Podcast00:28 Meet Franz Gilbert from Deloitte00:42 The Role of AI in Human Capital Management02:46 Staying Updated with Technological Innovations03:54 The Impact of AI on Job Redesign06:07 HR's Role in Technological Transformation11:47 Embracing AI in HR Practices21:34 The Future of HR and Leadership23:21 Training and Development in the Age of Robotics26:34 The Importance of Agility and Resilience32:17 Closing Thoughts and OpportunitiesConnect with the Guest, Franz Gilbert;LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franzgilbert/Connect with Human Capital Lab; Host: Rich Douglas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-douglas-92b71b52/ Human Captial Lab Links Website: https://humancapitallab.org/ Interested in Being a Guest? https://humancapitallab.org/podcast/Mentioned in this episode:New Show - Talent in the Age of AILooking for what’s next? While the Human Capital Lab is no longer releasing new episodes, we’re continuing this work through Talent in the Age of AI — now with a clear focus on how AI is transforming talent strategy, leadership, and workforce development. Find the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com Start listening: Apple Podcasts Spotify talentintheageofai.com