The Great Retention: With Kamber Parker

Hosted by Kamber Parker Bowden

Business EntrepreneurshipInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Find out what it takes to bring out the best in your people and turn your multigenerational workplace into your greatest asset. Join Generational Expert and GPS Founder, Kamber Parker Bowden, as she speaks with business leaders across every industry, gaining insights into how they attract, retain, and motivate top talent in a rapidly changing workplace.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 1, 202644 min

Ep. 59: Become a People Whisperer: Why Great Leaders Learn to Speak Different "Voices"

How do you lead people you don't understand? In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber sits down with Jeremie Kubicek—Author, Speaker, and Co-Founder of GiANT Worldwide—to explore the leadership principles behind his Five Voices Assessment and why it was designed to help leaders become what he calls “people whisperers.” Jeremie shares how many leaders unknowingly operate from fear and scarcity, especially when navigating differences in communication styles, personalities, and perspectives. But when leaders learn how to speak to the different “voices” on their teams, they can move beyond reactive leadership and step into a more abundant, empowering approach. Kamber and Jeremie also discuss the role AI tools are playing in today’s workplace, with Jeremie emphasizing that technology should be leveraged to make leaders more effective—not less human. Jeremie challenges listeners to go deeper with their teams, build stronger relationships, and lead with greater intentionality and understanding. If you’ve ever felt mystified by the people you lead—or wondered how to create healthier, more connected teams—you're in for a treat. Learn more about the Five Voices Assessment and the GiANT Community here: https://www.giantworldwide.com/.

March 30, 202631 min

Ep. 58: Liberating Leaders: Bringing Freedom to Those You Lead

Leadership should feel freeing—not constraining. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Wendy Adams, Owner, Speaker, and Strategic Leadership Coach at Cultivate for Good, about what it means to become a “liberating leader” by freeing your team up to do their best work. Wendy shares the essential qualities of intentional leadership—humility, curiosity, and investing in people—while challenging leaders to move from being reactive to proactive in how they show up. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where all voices and generations can come to the table, and why hybrid work can’t be treated as a one-size-fits-all solution. Kamber and Wendy also explore the power of shifting from a mindset of “working for” someone to “working with” them, redefining how leaders and teams partner for impact. This episode invites you to rethink leadership as a practice of empowerment and trust—one that unlocks potential on every level. Don't miss it! To learn more about Wendy's work at Cultivate for Good, visit her website: https://cultivateforgood.com/ To learn more about our work at GPS, visit our website: https://genperformance.com/

March 16, 202647 min

Ep. 57: From Empathy to Engagement: Designing Work Differently

The future of work isn’t a distant concept—it’s happening right now. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Sophie Wade, Founder of Flexcel Network, about the shifts leaders need to embrace as technology, talent, and culture evolve together. Sophie explains why flexibility is the *true* path forward, whether hybrid, remote, or reimagined altogether. She also challenges leaders to move past clickbait narratives about generations, instead asking better questions, listening with empathy, and designing work in ways that spark genuine engagement. Kamber and Sophie also discuss how AI is accelerating a multi-year transformation, and why balancing automation with human authenticity is the leadership challenge of our time. This episode is packed with perspective on how to navigate change with agility and empathy—tune in to see what’s next for the workplace. To learn more about Sophie's work at Flexcel Network, visit their website: https://www.sophiewade.com/consulting/. To learn more about Generational Performance Solutions, visit our site: https://genperformance.com/.

March 2, 202639 min

Ep. 56: Tourism as Talent: Why Greenville’s Visitor Economy Matters for Every Generation

How does tourism impact a city's professional talent? In too many ways to count. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber sits down with Heath Dillard, President and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, to explore how tourism and talent intersect in one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast. Heath shares why appealing across generations—from Boomers to Gen Z—requires more than infrastructure; it’s about creating authentic experiences that foster connection. He highlights what makes Greenville stand out: a clear mission, a strong sense of place, and a community that prioritizes quality over quantity. Kamber and Heath also chat about defining Greenville’s “North Star” for future growth and how visitors often return as residents, fueling both the economy and community culture. The keys to success for a city aren't so different from the success of a business—and this episode is an essential listen for anyone curious about how tourism, talent, and vision come together to define a city’s future. To learn more about Heath's work with VisitGreenvilleSC, take a "tour" of their website: https://www.visitgreenvillesc.com/ To learn more about our work at GPS, visit our website: https://genperformance.com/

February 16, 202637 min

Ep. 55: Catalytic Leadership: Chambers, Change, and the Future of Work

What does it take to lead in a moment of massive change for communities and businesses alike? Chambers of commerce sit at that intersection. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber is joined by Sheree Anne Kelly, President and CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, to talk about how today’s leaders can navigate the challenges reshaping local economies. Sheree Anne highlights the biggest hurdles facing chambers and their members—from talent and skills gaps to re-skilled hiring and the K–12 pipeline. She shares why entrepreneurial, purpose-driven leaders are finding success, especially when they leverage flexibility and benefits as competitive tools. She also discusses generational shifts in leadership, with younger professionals stepping into chamber roles under the watchful eye of stakeholders, making structure and policies more important than ever. And when it comes to change management, Sheree Anne advises leaders to over-communicate, meet people where they are, and address fears directly. What comes next? She envisions a future defined by catalytic leadership and co-creation—where chambers play a critical role in shaping the regions they serve. This episode delivers fresh perspective on leadership, talent, and the future of communities—make sure to listen. To learn more about Sheree Anne's work at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, visit their website: https://secure.acce.org/. To learn more about our work creating workplaces where all generations thrive, visit our website: https://genperformance.com/.

February 2, 202645 min

Ep. 54: The $600B Care Economy: Why Change Starts at the Top

What if we told you that there's a workforce issue with a $600 billion—with a B—impact on our economy? Spoiler alert: there is. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Jesse Matton, Director of Corporate Social Impact Policies at the National Partnership for Women & Families, about why the care economy may be the most important workplace issue leaders can’t afford to ignore. Jesse explains how *real* change starts at the top, and why companies need to take themselves to the policy table instead of waiting on someone else to lead. She makes the case for caregiving policies as some of the most equitable and powerful investments organizations can make, while showing how employee pulse surveys reveal the real needs of today’s workforce. Kamber and Jesse also tackle the brokenness of care in this country, the growing demand from women for structural support and flexibility, and why “caregiver” has become one of the most common ways employees define themselves. And for companies afraid of getting it wrong? Jesse urges them to start anyway—policies can and should evolve over time. This is a powerful discussion that reframes caregiving as central to equity, retention, and the future of work—don't miss out on this conversation. Learn more about Jesse's impactful work with NPWF: https://nationalpartnership.org/. Explore how Generational Performance Solutions is bridging generational differences: https://genperformance.com/.

January 19, 202634 min

Ep. 53: From Remote Work to Work Ethic: Leaders’ Toughest Questions in 2025

This week’s episode flips the script—our own team is in the hot seat. In this special Q&A edition of The Great Retention, Kamber is joined by GPS’s own Director of Operations, Jade Fountain, to answer the real questions we’ve received from business leaders and team members in 2025. Together, they tackle why hybrid work remains the top choice across generations and why return-to-office mandates are often misused as fixes for deeper cultural issues. They also explore how leaders can embrace employees as whole people, play to their strengths, and build cultures that stick. The conversation digs into succession planning and reverse mentorship, offering a fresh take on how knowledge can flow both ways across generations. This episode brings you straight into the questions shaping today’s workplace—it's a conversation you don't want to miss. To learn more about how Generational Performance Solutions brings out the best in your people, visit our website: https://genperformance.com/

January 5, 202634 min

Ep. 52: Belonging That Pays Off: How Inclusion Drives Real Results

Want to build inclusion in your organization that truly lasts? In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber is joined by Ken Peterson, Vice President of People Development and Inclusion at ScanSource, to talk about what drives belonging at work. Ken explains why policies, engagement, and even the right content creation are essential for creating inclusive environments. He shares how HR leaders can navigate the rise of AI—shifting from fear to building thoughtful task forces that prepare their people. Ken also highlights why meeting employees where they are matters, and how leaders can tie inclusion directly to business outcomes. When leaders invest in belonging, the payoff is clear: stronger engagement, better retention, and cultures that last. This conversation will change the way you think about inclusion and its impact on business—make sure you add this one to your podcast queue. To learn more about Ken Peterson’s work at ScanSource, visit their website: https://www.scansource.com/. To start your multigenerational workforce transformation, visit our website: https://genperformance.com/.

December 15, 202543 min

Ep. 51: The Value Proposition of Higher Education in a Data-Driven Age

Higher education is evolving—and the next generation is driving the change. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber sits down with Dr. Larry Miller, President of Greenville Technical College, to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping both the classroom and the workplace. Dr. Miller highlights the strengths younger generations bring to the table, from social media fluency to a mission-focused, values-driven mindset. He also shares why higher education is facing an identity crisis, and why it’s important to remember that not all paths through college look the same. The conversation explores how today's students are investing in themselves, the role of AI in mastering critical skills, and the *real* value proposition of higher education today. This episode sheds light on the future of learning, leadership, and work. If you're someone who cares about education, professional development, or career growth (AKA, just about everyone!), then this is one you can't afford to skip. To learn more about the work happening at Greenville Technical College, visit their website: https://www.gvltec.edu/. To learn more about Generational Performance Solutions, visit us at genperformance.com.

December 1, 202543 min

Ep. 50: From “Selling Hours” to Selling Value: Growth Moves for AEC

The work we do today has the power to shape the world around us—and Greg Hart believes that matters more than ever. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Greg, President at PSMJ Resources, about the urgent challenges and opportunities facing AEC organizations right now. Greg shares why hiring aggressively at the entry level and investing in apprenticeships is critical for building the next generation of talent, how important group buy-in is to sustain growth, and why companies must be more strategic than ever about how they scale. Kamber and Greg also talk about succession: the legacy and financial considerations, the transfer of knowledge from the trades to leadership, and the need for mentorship-driven leadership development tracks. For Greg, this work isn’t just business—it’s about preparing leaders to take on challenges like climate change and leaving a meaningful impact. This episode is packed with lessons on legacy, growth, and purpose—you’ll want to hear every minute, no matter what industry you're in. To learn more about Greg's work at PSMJ Resources, visit there website at https://www.psmj.com/.