TalentWise

In this episode of TalentWise, we sit down with Greg Reed, Alabama’s first secretary of the Department of Workforce, to explore the future of workforce transformation and what it means for employers, educators and job seekers across the state. Drawing on his extensive experience as a former majority leader of the Alabama Senate and now as Gov. Kay Ivey’s senior advisor on workforce transformation,...

In this episode of TalentWise, we sit down with Lindsay Cline, director of strategic partnerships for the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base Program, to explore how innovative partnerships are helping shape the future of America’s maritime workforce. From connecting colleges and universities with career opportunities through the BuildGiants initiative to strengthening collaboration between the pub...

In this episode of TalentWise, Major General Lee Price shares her remarkable journey from joining the U.S. Army as a Private First Class clerk typist in 1975 to becoming a trailblazing Major General after 38 years of service. Entering the military at a time when women made up less than 2% of the workforce and many leadership pathways were still closed to them, Lee broke barriers at every stage of...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Don Barden, a classically trained behavioral economist and globally recognized authority on leadership and decision-making, whose career spans more than three decades of shaping organizations across the U.S. and around the world. From transforming global firms to redefining how leaders think, decide, and drive impact, Don brings a depth of experience that goes...

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Colson, president and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association , a longtime partner and champion of one of the state’s most essential industries. With more than 32,000 trucking companies and 130,000 Alabamians moving goods across the state, Mark offers a look at the people who keep communities running every day and the stories behind the wheel. His enthusiasm...

Today’s episode features a conversation with Ani Huang, a leading voice at the intersection of executive leadership, compensation strategy and the future of work. As president of policy and practice for the CHRO Association and CEO of the Center on Executive Compensation, Ani is shaping how top organizations navigate complex workforce challenges, from executive pay and governance to the growing in...

In this episode, we sit down with a dynamic leader whose impact on economic development speaks for itself. With more than two decades of experience shaping urban growth, fostering business expansion, and building powerful public-private partnerships, Cornell Wesley, executive director of Prosper Portland, brings both insight and real-world results to the conversation. During his time leading econo...

In this episode, we sit down with two of our own colleagues from Markstein. Chief Creative Officer Chris Hoke and Brand Director Angela Thomas give a behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful storytelling and bold creative strategies can help organizations tackle one of today’s biggest challenges: attracting and retaining talent. As a creative communications agency focused on transforming the workf...

Across past episodes of TalentWise, we’ve explored the workforce challenge from every angle: demographers breaking down the data, HR leaders sharing proactive strategies, mental health experts strengthening critical infrastructure, and national apprenticeship advocates building new pathways to opportunity. Now, we’re shifting gears to a part of the economy that keeps everything moving but rarely g...

Today’s episode brings the conversation to life with Rashida Reese, president & CEO and Jillian Darling, social media specialist for ReBirth Marketing and Consulting. Rashida and Jillian share how ReBirth cuts through marketing noise by starting where it matters most: deeply understanding clients, honoring their stories, and delivering results that actually move the needle. Drawing on real-wor...

In this episode, we’re joined by two true change makers: Dr. Olivia Cook Howell, founder of OVA Consulting Firm and project manager for Good Jobs Birmingham, and Sarah Wilson, former Deputy Director of the City of Birmingham’s Department of Innovation & Economic Opportunity. Together, they take us inside the Birmingham Region Health Partnership, a bold healthcare workforce training initiative...

In Season 2, Episode 1 of TalentWise, we dig into the very real workforce crisis that’s been building for decades and what it actually takes to lead through it when the stakes are high. We’re joined by Laura Kavanagh, whose journey from a shy, small-town kid to the first woman commissioner of the FDNY offers a rare, unfiltered view of leadership under constant pressure. Having led 17,000 people an...

The workforce crisis isn't coming. It's here. The smartest leaders are moving fast to adapt. In this bonus episode of TalentWise, we’re wrapping up Season 1 with a powerful recap that brings together insights and highlights from every guest who joined us this season. From tackling the realities of the talent shortage to rethinking workforce strategies amid remote work, skills gaps, and wage pressu...

In this episode of TalentWise, we’re joined by Lieutenant General (Ret.) A.C. Roper, former Deputy Commander of U.S. Northern Command, former Birmingham Chief of Police, bestselling author, and now CEO of A.C. Roper & Associates, for a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience and the future of the workforce. Drawing on decades of experience across both military and civilian sectors,...

On this episode of TalentWise, we’re diving into one of the most important conversations shaping our future: building a stronger, more inclusive workforce. Joining us is J.W. Carpenter, president of Prosper, whose career journey from math teacher to lawyer to leading education and workforce initiatives has uniquely positioned him to drive change in Alabama and beyond. As the first president of Pro...

What if we could reimagine the way young people enter the workforce and create a more sustainable pipeline for employers in the process? In this episode of TalentWise, we’re joined by Brent Parton, president of CareerWise, a groundbreaking youth apprenticeship program based in New York City. Brent brings deep expertise from both national policy and grassroots implementation and shares how CareerWi...

On this episode of TalentWise, we’re joined by April Benetollo, CEO of Momentum and a leader with three decades of experience driving business growth, building high-performing teams and transforming organizations from the inside out. April has spent her career at the intersection of strategy, innovation and people—and she’s passionate about helping teams thrive and creating more inclusive cultures...

In this episode of TalentWise, we’re diving into a side of workforce development that often gets overlooked—mental health. We've learned from top demographers, researchers and industry leaders about today’s complex workforce challenges, and one thing is clear: mental health and access to care are at the heart. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Kim Boswell, commissioner of the Alabama Department...

We’ve explored the workforce crisis from every angle—demographics, research, strategy and HR—and this week we’re diving even deeper. On this episode of TalentWise, we’re joined by Frank Trigueros, talent acquisition group leader at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, who brings a unique perspective from one of the most advanced science and technology institutions in the country. Frank shares v...

On this week’s episode of TalentWise, we’re diving deep into the heart of today’s workforce challenges with a special guest, Ryan Faught, senior vice president of people at Milo’s Tea. From shifting demographics to evolving employee expectations, the workforce crisis we’ve long seen coming is here...and most organizations are scrambling to keep up. Ryan brings a wealth of experience and insight fr...

On this week’s episode of TalentWise, we’re diving into the workforce challenges affecting every corner of every industry and why real solutions are needed. Our guest is Janet May, chief human resources officer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who brings decades of experience from institutions across the country. Janet’s seen it all and is here to share what’s really going on behind the...

In this episode of TalentWise, we’re diving even deeper into the workforce conversation with nationally recognized researcher and generational expert Kim Lear, founder of Inlay Insights. Following eye-opening discussions with Nyesha Black and Jeff Lenard about the scope of our labor challenges and how industries are responding, Kim brings a fresh perspective on the trends shaping the future of wor...

In this episode, we welcome Jeff Lenard, vice president of media & strategic communications at the National Association of Convenience Stores, to discuss how the industry is innovating to attract and retain talent amid flat economic growth and a shrinking labor pool. From creative training programs to community-driven recruiting tactics—and even the sector’s vital role in combating human traff...

Ever wondered why everyone's talking about a looming workforce crisis? Well, we asked ourselves (and the experts) this same question! In our premiere episode, Dr. Nyesha Black from the University of Alabama provides eye-opening insights about what's happening right here in Alabama, where deaths have outpaced births since 2020. Is this just a local issue, or a sign of things to come for the rest of...