KRA's The Hub

Hosted by KRA Corporation

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

The official podcast of KRA Corporation-Discover workforce topics and trends you need to know on the go!

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60 recent

August 19, 202623 min

E96: Leadership Spotlight: Heather Leach on Empowering People and Leading with Purpose

In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Heather Leach, KRA's Vice President of Operations, about her nearly 30-year journey in workforce development and the experiences that shaped her approach to leadership. Heather shares how an unexpected career transition helped her discover her purpose, why effective leadership begins with humility and empowerment, and why people are the "secret sauce" behind successful workforce programs. She also discusses the importance of supporting local leaders, embracing emerging technologies such as AI, responding to the growing emphasis on apprenticeships, and becoming excellent in your current role before pursuing the next step.

August 4, 202615 min

E95: Beyond Compliance: Strengthening Workforce Outcomes Through Fiscal Stewardship

In this episode, we are joined by Laura Patton Watson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, to explore how strong fiscal management and federal grant compliance contribute to better workforce outcomes. Drawing on decades of experience overseeing billions of dollars in federal grant funding, Laura discusses the importance of understanding grant agreements, building an organization-wide culture of fiscal responsibility, preparing for the growing role of AI in financial oversight, and balancing new technology with sound human judgment. She also previews the 2026 Administrative and Financial Management Conference and the practical guidance it will offer workforce professionals responsible for managing federal grants.

July 31, 202628 min

E94: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Bharani Rajakumar and Maria Posey

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Bharani Rajakumar, founder and CEO of Transfr, and Maria Posey, founder and CEO of Viking Impact Advisors. Together, they discuss virtual reality's role in creating accessible career pathways, how AI and technology are reshaping workforce development, and the partnerships, apprenticeships, and systems-level strategies needed to connect people with meaningful careers and long-term economic mobility.

July 15, 202634 min

E93: Beyond the Open Door: Rethinking Youth Workforce Development

In this episode of KRA's The Hub , host Jonathan Overall speaks with Robert M. Sainz, President and Executive Director of New Ways to Work, about creating stronger pathways to education and employment for young people. Drawing on more than 30 years of public service and youth workforce leadership, Robert explores the challenges facing opportunity youth, the growing interest in entrepreneurship, and the urgent need to protect investments in youth employment and reengagement programs. He also shares three essential ingredients for greater impact—reliable community data, caring and capable staff, and intentional collaboration—and challenges workforce leaders to engage young people in program design, advocate more visibly for their work, and celebrate the lives changed along the way.

June 17, 202620 min

E92: Getting to Know KRA: Nicole Ganier on Leadership, Growth, and Workforce Impact

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we sit down with Nicole Ganier, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at KRA, to learn more about her professional journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of workforce development. Nicole shares insights from her experience in staffing, workforce services, and organizational growth, discussing the importance of authentic leadership, relationship-building, and creating opportunities that transform lives. From the power of meaningful work to the importance of innovation, trust, and excellence, Nicole offers an inspiring perspective on how KRA can continue expanding its impact while helping individuals, families, and communities build stronger futures.

June 15, 202635 min

E91: Getting to Know KRA: Improving Medicaid Quality Through Partnership

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we are joined by Kathy Koontz for a conversation about KRA's long-standing partnership with Qlarant and their work supporting performance reviews for Maryland's Medicaid program. Kathy shares insights from her extensive healthcare background, explains the role of managed care organizations, and discusses how data analysis, monitoring, compliance reviews, and continuous quality improvement help strengthen services for Medicaid recipients. The episode also explores upcoming Medicaid changes, including work requirements and eligibility redeterminations, and highlights the growing need for stronger collaboration among managed care organizations, workforce partners, community-based organizations, and state agencies to help individuals maintain access to care.

June 8, 202628 min

E90: The Future of Healthcare Workforce Development

Tune in to discover how stronger partnerships, innovative workforce strategies, and a commitment to lifelong learning can help create more responsive systems for the future of healthcare and workforce development. In this episode, we are joined by Van Ton-Quinlivan, a nationally recognized leader in workforce education and talent development, for a conversation about expanding access to opportunity, building effective pathways to employment, and fostering collaboration between educators, employers, and communities. Van shares insights from her decades of leadership experience and explores why learning, unlearning, and relearning are essential skills for navigating an ever-changing world of work.

May 8, 202642 min

E89: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Van Freeman, Sharon Bonney and Matt Weis

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Van Freeman of STRIVE, Sharon Bonney, CEO of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), and Matt Weis, workforce and education leader focused on career pathways and talent development. Together, they explore the future of workforce education, adult learning, and innovative approaches to building stronger pathways to opportunity.

May 8, 202623 min

E88: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Darrell Andrews and Karla Coleman

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Darrell Andrews (Coach D), nationally recognized workforce development speaker and founder of Darrell Andrews LLC, and Karla Coleman, workforce development leader and advocate for community impact. Together, they discuss leadership, opportunity, and innovative strategies for empowering individuals and strengthening the future workforce.

May 8, 202636 min

E87: Voices from the Forum: Conversations with Denise Reading, Anthony Murphy and Anthony Gagliano

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Anthony Murphy, CEO of Lead The Way, Anthony Gagliano, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CareerSource Suncoast, and Denise Reading, CEO of Future Plans. Together, they discuss leadership, workforce innovation, and the partnerships helping shape stronger career pathways and communities across the country.