June 15, 2026Episode 254 min
I Don't Look Good in Orange...
Send us Fan MailJoin me as I walk through some ways I think we allow ourselves to manipulate and be manipulated in workforce. This is a long one!
Episodes
19
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN-US
About the show
This podcast is for people looking for a free resource as they tackle the profession of workforce development. We will 'scratch the surface' of many topics with the hope of stirring better conversation in this profession, leading to better professionals to ensure better outcomes for our human capital. We will laugh and have fun, while tackling tough topics.
Listen to episodes
May 16, 2026Episode 152 min
You Better Know If You're a Workforce Developer or an Employee...
Send us Fan MailJoin me as I talk about what I think the difference is between an employee and a workforce developer; what it means to do workforce in 2026; and what I hope for you!
November 2, 2025Episode 31 hr 5 min
Let's get into it...Contract Training
Send us Fan MailIn this episode I discuss realities of contract training in public workforce development from my perspective.
September 28, 2025Episode 21 hr 11 min
Myths and Real Partnerships Within Workforce Development
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'Scratching the Surface of Workforce Development,' I addresses the importance of moving past 'false professionalism' to foster genuine communication. I delve into various myths and truths about workforce development, including misconceptions about the role of the federal government, the necessity of both technical and soft skills, and the cultural reliance on four-year degrees as the primary path to success. I emphasize the critical role of community development and local initiatives in workforce development, the importance of integrating soft skills into education, and the potential of apprenticeships when properly implemented. I also highlight the need for meaningful partnerships between employers and educators and the importance of continuous learning. We continue to advocate for a more honest discussion about the varied paths to success, particularly for women and minorities in the trades.
August 31, 2025Episode 11 hr 10 min
Resilience, America's Talent Strategy, and ACTION.
Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 3 of 'Scratching the Surface of Workforce Development.' Season 1 we learned how to do this, season 2 we survived life so it's definitely not my best work. But season 3? Season 3 is going to bring some real examples of things that are working. Stay tuned. This episode reflects on personal and professional challenges as I discuss the ups and downs of my life over the past few months, including significant family events while the world continued to move. I continue to emphasize resilience, honesty, and a relentless focus on making a difference in people's lives. I also spend some time highlighting the importance of collaboration between workforce development professionals, economic developers, and industry leaders.I spend some time discussing the need to streamline systems, challenge bureaucratic inefficiencies, and ensure that training aligns with real job demands. The episode also touches on the 'American Talent Strategy' and its potential impact on workforce training and coordination between federal, state, and local entities.Thanks for sticking with me!
June 11, 2025Episode 334 min
Fluffing the numbers?
Send us Fan MailIn this episode I describe how I wish we treated data and requests as workforce developers. How I wish funders could be realistic and not encourage the habit. And, in general, some of my pollyanna views of where I wish my industry could go...
February 9, 2025Episode 256 min
Nothing Changes If Nothing Changes
Send us Fan MailJoin me as I chat about all things current in workforce and the need to determine what needs to change. I discuss federal and state policy here and my viewpoints on where we are as a policy and a profession. Glad to be back after a long, unscheduled break!
September 29, 2024Episode 155 min
What I want for my profession.
Send us Fan MailAs I experience more and more, I continue to come back to some simple realities of things I hope for my profession, the one we rarely name-Workforce Development. Here I share some of these thoughts.
August 4, 2024Episode 1138 min
Episode 11 Networking and Business Development in Workforce
Send us Fan MailWorkforce developers typically pride themselves on how much 'work' they do in a day. Their jobs require it. But, when do we network? When do we take the time to build relationships outside of those we are directly responsible to? Rarely in some cases. These relationships are critical for so many reasons. They're also vital to the business development process that's often overlooked for our obsession with checking boxes. In this episode I talk a little about networking specifically with economic developers and developing business with industry partners in uncertain times...again, just scratching the surface! Join me for the final episode for season 1, I'll take a short break through August (this was recorded in July) and see you all again in late September.
June 30, 2024Episode 1052 min
Episode 10 - Constructing the Workforce
Send us Fan MailThere are critical occupations required to support most export industries. Where do they stand in your community?
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