In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Stephanie Van Meter about talent enhancing development and employee engagement within your team. As Chief Operating Officer at Ammunition, Stephanie is a distinguished leader known for fostering teamwork, strengthening communication, and driving organizational growth. Joining Ammunition in 2022, she advanced from Chief of Staff to Chief Operating Officer in 2024, a testament to her leadership and impact across the agency. Her strategic guidance has been instrumental in Ammunition’s recognition by Adweek’s Fastest Growing Agencies, Inc. 5000, The Financial Times, and the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Previously, as Director of Operations, Process, and Development for Barry’s, an international boutique fitness brand, she launched the company’s first learning management system and optimized operational best practices. Stephanie’s passion for people development, operational excellence, and clear communication continues to drive her success and the success of the organizations she leads.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with performance management, workplace dynamics, and employer liabilities. Mark F. Kluger practices exclusively in the area of labor and employment law on behalf of employers. For ten years, before founding Kluger Healey, LLC, he was Chairman of the Labor and Employment Department of one of New Jersey’s oldest law firms. Mark is a frequent speaker and writer on sexual harassment and discrimination avoidance, workplace diversity, performance management, union avoidance, and a myriad of other employment-related subjects and regularly conducts training sessions for employers on these critical topics. In addition, Mark has extensive experience in counseling employers on issues involving discipline and discharge, reductions in force, mergers and acquisitions, compliance with wage and hour, disability, COBRA, and family and medical leave laws. He regularly drafts all forms of employment policies and handbooks, severance agreements, employment contracts, non-competition and confidentiality agreements, and affirmative action plans. Mark also represents employers in collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, NLRB proceedings, and picket line issues. Mark graduated from Vassar College in 1984 and Cornell University Law School in 1987. He was an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall Law School from 1991-1996 and served as a member and President of the Board of Education in North Caldwell, New Jersey from 2002-2008. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with performance management, workplace dynamics, and employer liabilities. Mark F. Kluger practices exclusively in the area of labor and employment law on behalf of employers. For ten years, before founding Kluger Healey, LLC, he was Chairman of the Labor and Employment Department of one of New Jersey’s oldest law firms. Mark is a frequent speaker and writer on sexual harassment and discrimination avoidance, workplace diversity, performance management, union avoidance, and a myriad of other employment-related subjects and regularly conducts training sessions for employers on these critical topics. In addition, Mark has extensive experience in counseling employers on issues involving discipline and discharge, reductions in force, mergers and acquisitions, compliance with wage and hour, disability, COBRA, and family and medical leave laws. He regularly drafts all forms of employment policies and handbooks, severance agreements, employment contracts, non-competition and confidentiality agreements, and affirmative action plans. Mark also represents employers in collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, NLRB proceedings, and picket line issues. Mark graduated from Vassar College in 1984 and Cornell University Law School in 1987. He was an Adjunct Professor at Seton Hall Law School from 1991-1996 and served as a member and President of the Board of Education in North Caldwell, New Jersey from 2002-2008. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Sacha Thompson about psychological safety and why is it essential for an inclusive workplace. Sacha Thompson is the visionary founder behind The Equity Equation, a prestigious consultancy dedicated to fostering inclusive cultures. Based in the vibrant Washington, DC area, Sacha brings over two decades of diverse experience spanning the education, non-profit, and tech sectors to empower her clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Chris Wong about how nonprofit leaders can engage and develop employees , despite a lack of resources. Chris Wong is a licensed therapist, executive coach, and co-host of The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations—a podcast for people who want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and courage... by leaning into the hard conversations.  With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit and healthcare sectors, Chris specializes in helping purpose-driven leaders navigate messy transitions, fix dysfunctional teams, and lead culture change that actually sticks. He’s worked as a therapist, built leadership programs from scratch, and coached hundreds of leaders who were brought in to “turn things around” under pressure. Chris lives outside Boston with his wife and two kids, serves on multiple nonprofit boards, and runs Leadership Potential, where he coaches new nonprofit executives to lead through chaos and build high-performing, values-aligned teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Simon T. Bailey about his recent book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. Simon T. Bailey is the world’s leading expert in Brilliance. His groundbreaking research, State of Working America Report Thriving in Resilience and Brilliance, solidifies his insights in his 11th book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. With Disney Institute as his launchpad, he’s left an indelible mark on 2,400 plus organizations in 54 countries, including American Express, Deloitte, Visa, Signet Jewelers, and Taco Bell. He has made a remarkable impact on 120,000 professionals who’ve experienced his pioneering courses on the LinkedIn Learning platform. He’s also been recognized as Success Magazine’s Top 25, alongside Brené Brown, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey, as well as being on leadersHum Top 200 Power List. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Simon T. Bailey about his recent book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. Simon T. Bailey is the world’s leading expert in Brilliance. His groundbreaking research, State of Working America Report Thriving in Resilience and Brilliance, solidifies his insights in his 11th book, Resilience@Work: How to Coach Yourself Into a Thriving Future. With Disney Institute as his launchpad, he’s left an indelible mark on 2,400 plus organizations in 54 countries, including American Express, Deloitte, Visa, Signet Jewelers, and Taco Bell. He has made a remarkable impact on 120,000 professionals who’ve experienced his pioneering courses on the LinkedIn Learning platform. He’s also been recognized as Success Magazine’s Top 25, alongside Brené Brown, Tony Robbins, and Oprah Winfrey, as well as being on leadersHum Top 200 Power List. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Jen Recla about leading with curiosity. As a leadership coach, trainer, and outdoor enthusiast, Jen Recla is on a mission to awaken passion, joy, and the spirit of adventure in every professional endeavor. With over 15 years of organizational development experience in leadership, coaching, and mentoring, she specializes in creating growth experiences that inspire and equip individuals and teams to maximize their value and impact. She leverages her top Gallup strengths of woo, maximizer, communication, futuristic, and arranger to make learning fun, bring knowledge to others, and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Jen Recla about leading with curiosity. As a leadership coach, trainer, and outdoor enthusiast, Jen Recla is on a mission to awaken passion, joy, and the spirit of adventure in every professional endeavor. With over 15 years of organizational development experience in leadership, coaching, and mentoring, she specializes in creating growth experiences that inspire and equip individuals and teams to maximize their value and impact. She leverages her top Gallup strengths of woo, maximizer, communication, futuristic, and arranger to make learning fun, bring knowledge to others, and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Jan Yuhas and Jillian Yuhas about navigating team conflict and balancing resolution and productivity in the modern workplace. Jan Yuhas, M.A., MFT, and Jillian Yuhas, M.A., MFT, are Conflict and Communication Strategists and International Best-Selling Authors of Boundary Badass. They specialize in helping business leaders and teams master communication that transforms conflict into growth opportunities, cultivates psychological safety, and develops resilient organizations rooted in collaboration and trust. Learn more at www.twentyeightconsultancy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Donny Phillips about HR's expanding role in the protection of employee data. Donny Phillips is a nearly 30-year industry expert who has served in leadership for multiple human resource and payroll service providers, including some of the largest third-party administrators and employment and income verification vendors. During his career, Donny has consulted with and provided services to employers of all sizes from the largest of the Fortune 100 to local small businesses as well as local governments and federal governmental agencies. Donny is passionate about helping clients optimize programs while focusing on doing the right thing for all stakeholders.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Namit Jindal about AI, organizational leadership, and scaling your business. Namit Jindal runs a software company called Aerosend.io. They help B2B companies send cold emails that land in the inbox. They specialize in facilitating highly personalized emails that are relevant to the audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Lisa M. Sanchez about how leaders can positively impact employee experience. Lisa M. Sanchez is an author, life coach, and the vice president for Employee Experience and Engagement (HR) at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, CA. She leads a team dedicated to enriching the experiences and engagement for faculty and staff. Critical to this work is Sanchez’s direct work in ABIDE (or access, belonging, inclusion, diversity, and equity) and organizational culture. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, Sanchez received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge, a master’s degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and is a Certified Professional Life Coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abstract: This article examines how leading organizations are reimagining the human resources (HR) function as a strategic driver of business performance rather than a traditional support function. Using Netflix as a primary case study, the analysis explores how the company's HR team has grown 47% faster than the rest of the organization since 2012, demonstrating a fundamental shift in HR's organizational positioning. The research synthesizes evidence on the organizational and performance benefits of investing proactively in HR capabilities, especially in knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven environments. The article presents evidence-based approaches to HR transformation, including strategic workforce planning, performance-oriented talent systems, and data-driven people analytics. Practical implications focus on how organizations can reposition HR functions to create competitive advantage through human capital optimization in rapidly changing business environments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abstract: This article examines how leading organizations are reimagining the human resources (HR) function as a strategic driver of business performance rather than a traditional support function. Using Netflix as a primary case study, the analysis explores how the company's HR team has grown 47% faster than the rest of the organization since 2012, demonstrating a fundamental shift in HR's organizational positioning. The research synthesizes evidence on the organizational and performance benefits of investing proactively in HR capabilities, especially in knowledge-intensive and innovation-driven environments. The article presents evidence-based approaches to HR transformation, including strategic workforce planning, performance-oriented talent systems, and data-driven people analytics. Practical implications focus on how organizations can reposition HR functions to create competitive advantage through human capital optimization in rapidly changing business environments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Jim Frawley about how executives and HR leaders can adapt to change. Jim Frawley is an expert in change management and organizational development, and the founder of the Bellwether Method. Jim is a renowned keynote speaker, the host of Jim's Take the podcast, a big-time reader, small-time triathlete, and full-time father and husband. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Christian Muntean about his new book, "Train to Lead."  Christian Muntean has helped hundreds of businesses rapidly grow, increase profitability, and expand impact. He primarily works with entrepreneurial business leaders who are scaling their businesses or preparing for exit or succession. He partners with owners, boards, and executive teams as they make game-changing decisions. Christian is the author of three popular books, with the most recent being Train to Lead. He is a frequent guest on podcasts and has been a contributor to Forbes.com. Christian lives in Anchorage, Alaska with his wife and three active children. He enjoys woodworking and practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianmuntean/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Stella Ioannidou about the new report, AI-First Hiring Is the New TA Reality. Stella Loannidou is the Senior Director of Research and Global Workforce Intelligence Project leader at The Josh Bersin Company. In this role, she conducts empirical research on a variety of topics related to the skills economy, talent intelligence, and HCM solutions. Stella has almost 20 years of experience across several industries, including banking. Prior to joining The Josh Bersin Company, Stella was the HR transformation leader for Deloitte, where she led large-scale HCM implementations and designed frameworks for talent acquisition and performance management for the public sector. Stella holds master’s degrees in engineering, information systems management, business administration, and lifelong learning. She is a certified project manager, change management practitioner, lean six sigma green belt, and ICAgile HR professional.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Rich Braden and Dr. Tessa Forshaw about their new book, Be Innovation-ish. Rich Braden is the founder of People Rocket LLC, a strategic innovation firm based in San Francisco. With over 15 years of academic experience, Rich is a recognized thought leader in design thinking, leadership, and innovation. He is a design educator teaching at renowned institutions including Harvard University, Stanford University, Aalto University, and London Business School, helping shape future leaders. As CEO of People Rocket, he works with clients such as Airbnb, Google, the United Nations, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and the Red Cross to drive strategic innovation and responsible AI solutions. Rich holds degrees in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area. As a co-founder of the Next Level Lab at Harvard University, Tessa specializes in using cognitive science to explore how people best work, learn, and innovate. She draws upon her academic research as a cognitive scientist and extensive background as a former designer at IDEO CoLAb and Accenture to turn the cognitive processes involved in design, creativity, and innovation into practical insights that can be applied in the flow of work. These insights are also the foundations of what she teaches as a design educator at Stanford University and now Harvard University. Recognized for her impactful design projects, Tessa is the recipient of multiple design awards: a Fast Company Design Award for General Excellence, two Core77 Industrial Design Magazine Design Awards, and the Australian American Chamber of Commerce Innovation Awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Kyle Samuels about diversifying your talent pipeline. Kyle Samuels is the founder and CEO of Creative Talent Endeavors (CTE), a retained executive search firm known for helping organizations identify and hire the leadership talent that drives growth, transformation, and long-term value. Under Kyle’s leadership, CTE has been recognized twice on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and was named the #4 fastest-growing company in Charlotte. What sets Kyle apart is a deep commitment to authenticity, candor, and alignment. Whether he’s partnering with a founder making their first executive hire or a global enterprise reshaping its leadership bench, Kyle brings a direct, empathetic, and values-driven approach to every search. His work is grounded in the belief that hiring the right leader isn’t just about a resume — it’s about long-term fit, trust, and shared purpose. Kyle is also the creator of Fairantee™, a value-based pricing search algorithm that uses data to determine the price of a search, not an arbitrary percentage like most search firms use. This makes using executive search more transparent and equitable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices