In this compelling episode of Career Club Live, Bob Goodwin sits down with global pharmaceutical executive Ashish Pal to explore the essence of impactful leadership. Drawing from a rich international career across specialty and large-scale pharma organizations, Ashish introduces his personal leadership model—the Leadership Triangle, built on People, Strategy, and Operations. Ashish reflects on the early experiences that shaped his leadership style, including a bold product launch that redefined a category and expanded a stagnant market. His story is a masterclass in thoughtful risk-taking, team empowerment, and cultivating a culture where it's safe to fail—and essential to dream big. Together, Bob and Ashish dive into what makes great teams tick, how to navigate ambiguity with confidence, and why humility, learning agility, and fun are just as important as technical proficiency. Ashish’s insights are deeply human, refreshingly practical, and globally resonant. Key Themes: Building teams like a tapestry—diverse, intentional, and aligned Moving from fear-based decision-making to bold, confident execution The critical difference between strategy and operationalization What leaders can do to foster psychological safety, curiosity, and grit Whether you're a rising professional or a seasoned executive, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you lead—and who you bring with you.  Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

In this high-energy and deeply insightful episode of Career Club Live, Bob Goodwin, President of Career Club, is joined by keynote speaker, improvisational humorist, and author Joel Zeff, to explore the surprising power of fun at work—and why it's anything but frivolous. Joel, author of Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work, shares how his journey from newspaper journalist to corporate PR pro to full-time speaker began with a spontaneous invitation to play improv games at a Texas Instruments executive retreat. Since then, Joel has turned his passion for humor and performance into a thriving career helping teams and leaders inject more energy, ownership, and joy into the workplace. This episode is packed with light-hearted moments and powerful takeaways, including:  What improv comedy teaches us about teamwork, communication, and leadership  Why choice and attitude are at the heart of professional success  How celebrating small “ta-da” wins can boost confidence and team morale  The difference between skeptics and cynics—and why you shouldn't waste energy on the latter  Why pursuing what’s fun for you leads to fulfilling work Whether you're navigating change, dealing with stress, or just looking for a more human way to lead, Joel’s message is a timely reminder that fun is not a luxury—it’s fuel. Key Timestamps: 3:42 – Joel’s career origin story: improv meets corporate life 10:01 – Why fun is essential, not optional 16:48 – The power of small “ta-da” moments and everyday wins 23:30 – Leadership, ownership, and creating a passionate team culture 31:05 – Why improv lessons make better leaders 41:22 – Choice vs. perfection: navigating your path with clarity 53:17 – How to stay energized and resilient during challenging times  Listen to the full episode on: Apple Podcasts Spotify  Learn more about Joel Zeff and his book at joelzeff.com

In this episode of Career Club Live, host Bob Goodwin reconnects with two powerhouse leaders from The Band of Sisters, Lori Tauber Marcus and Cie Nicholson, both former PepsiCo executives and co-authors of You Should Smile More. This follow-up conversation explores the real-world impact their book has had since its release and dives deeper into how subtle workplace microaggressions affect women—and what everyone can do to create more inclusive environments. Lori and Cie reflect on: How the idea for the book emerged (hint: it wasn’t planned!) Why "You Should Smile More" hits women in the gut and leaves men puzzled The power of small “micro-corrections” and how they can shift culture Why allyship—especially from men—is essential, not optional What’s surprised them most since launching the book This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a playbook for action. Whether you're a leader, a peer, or early in your career, you'll walk away with practical tips to make your workplace more equitable.  Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Intro & Guest Updates: Travel, anniversaries, and handstands in Portugal 03:30 – How the Book Was Born: From dinner with Indra Nooyi to microaggressions 10:50 – Microaggressions Explained: “Smile more,” “office housework,” and being called a “girl” 18:10 – Audience Reaction: Why the stories resonate across industries 24:25 – Practical Corrections: Note-taking, swag bags, and behavior patterns 30:05 – Meeting Dynamics: "Meeting before the meeting" & the role of informal norms 35:45 – Good Idea, Greg: How to support colleagues whose ideas get ignored 42:10 – What’s Changed Since Publishing: Surprising feedback from every industry 47:20 – Current DEI Landscape: Adjusting language without losing impact 51:40 – What Allyship Looks Like: Conscious action and humble curiosity 1:00:30 – What’s Next: Speaking tours and deep dives on mentorship and feedback  Listen now on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-club-linkedin-live-with-bob-goodwin/id1609808305 ...or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cIoFUM1yDsf6Iy1tTCuw5

What does it take to go from working the electronics aisle at Toys R Us to leading HR for 20,000+ employees across North and Latin America? In this powerful episode of Career Club Live, host Bob Goodwin sits down with Chris Mikulski, Chief Human Resources Officer for The Americas at H&M, to talk about career growth, leadership, and the future of HR. Chris shares the lessons he’s learned on his journey—from starting out as a seasonal retail employee to becoming a strategic HR executive at one of the world’s most recognizable fashion brands. This conversation is full of practical wisdom for job seekers, HR professionals, and anyone striving to lead with purpose. Topics include: How curiosity and stretch assignments accelerated Chris’s career Why resilience isn’t just about survival—it's about growth The traits Chris looks for when hiring at H&M Why business acumen is non-negotiable for modern HR leaders The power of self-reflection, vulnerability, and forgiveness in leadership How HR can earn (and keep) a seat at the executive table The future of HR as a data-powered, people-first function  Listen to gain real-world advice on how to build a career that aligns with your passion—and make a real impact while doing it.  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-club-linkedin-live-with-bob-goodwin/id1609808305 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1cIoFUM1yDsf6Iy1tTCuw5

In this forward-looking conversation, Bob Goodwin sits down with Dr. Anna Tavis to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of coaching and leadership development. As the author of The Digital Coaching Revolution and a leading voice in human capital transformation, Dr. Tavis offers deep insights into how organizations can leverage AI not to replace human coaches, but to dramatically scale, personalize, and democratize coaching throughout the enterprise. Key Themes Covered: Why traditional executive coaching is not scalable—and how AI changes that The rise of AI-native platforms and their impact on performance management, onboarding, and career development How AI acts as a “practice field” for developing power skills—especially in high-stakes scenarios Why middle managers are the first—and best—place to implement AI-based coaching How tools like ChatGPT and custom-built AI coaches are enhancing, not replacing, human insight The ethical, privacy, and bias considerations organizations must address The role of digital twins and organizational simulations in strategic workforce planning Dr. Tavis also shares real-world examples from companies like Microsoft, Delta Airlines, and Mayo Clinic—demonstrating how AI coaching tools are already transforming both corporate and healthcare settings. Special Invitation: Dr. Tavis will be hosting the Coaching and Technology Summit at NYU in New York City on July 7–8, focused on the convergence of AI and executive coaching. The summit features top innovators, case studies, and cutting-edge tools redefining leadership development. Register here: https://www.sps.nyu.edu/homepage/academics/divisions-and-departments/division-of-programs-in-business/human-capital-management/coaching-and-technology-summit.html

If talent is your greatest asset, why do your financials treat it like a liability? In this powerful episode of Career Club Live, Bob Goodwin sits down with Peter Cappelli—Wharton professor, HR legend, and truth-teller—to unpack the broken incentives driving modern talent decisions. They dig into: Why U.S. accounting rules *discourage* investment in people How layoffs and "rank-and-yank" tactics backfire more than they help The real cost of turnover (hint: it’s not $4,000) Why internal promotions beat external hires—on both performance *and* cost And how HR leaders can finally speak the CEO’s language to get buy-in Cappelli doesn’t just diagnose what’s broken—he offers a roadmap to fix it. From talent marketplaces to rethinking attrition, this episode will change how you think about people strategy in 2025 and beyond. If you’re tired of the hamster wheel of hiring, losing, and rehiring—this conversation is for you.

In this inspiring and wide-ranging conversation, Emily M. Dickens, Chief of Staff and Head of Government Affairs at SHRM, joins Bob Goodwin to talk about resilience, leadership, and creating a more inclusive future of work. Emily shares her deeply personal journey—from a childhood marked by economic challenges to leading national workforce policy initiatives impacting millions. With warmth, wisdom, and wit, she discusses the power of intentional choice, the difference between management and leadership, and the importance of empathy in building strong teams. You’ll also hear how SHRM is leading the charge on issues like workforce participation, AI readiness, and the broken education-to-employment pipeline. Whether you’re an HR professional, a leader navigating change, or someone in need of motivation, this episode delivers real talk, real strategy, and real heart. Topics Include: Leading with “honey and lemon” Overcoming adversity through action Building teams with cultural alignment SHRM’s “Policy, Not Politics” approach Future-focused solutions for a broken workforce pipeline

In this episode of *Career Club Live*, host Bob Goodwin sits down with Matt Burns, co-founder of Atlas Copilot, to cut through the noise and get real about AI in HR. While many talk about AI’s potential, Matt and his team have actually built a tool that’s reshaping how HR professionals work—streamlining processes, enhancing employee engagement, and empowering leaders to focus on what matters most: people. Matt shares his journey from HR executive to AI innovator, why context is the missing piece in AI-driven workplaces, and how tools like Atlas Copilot help HR leaders reduce administrivia, improve decision-making, and even impact mental health in the workplace. He also dives into the biggest misconceptions about AI, what HR leaders need to know before AI changes the game, and why AI isn’t taking jobs—it’s making HR a more strategic force in business. Key Takeaways: • AI’s role in shifting HR from transactional to transformational • The surprising ways AI enhances cognitive engagement instead of replacing it • How HR leaders can use AI to become true business partners • What most companies are getting wrong about AI adoption Tune in to hear Matt’s insights, get practical AI strategies, and find out why AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about freeing them to do their best work.

In this episode of Career Club Live, host Bob Goodwin sits down with Betty Larson, EVP & CHRO at Merck, to discuss the evolving role of HR as a strategic business driver. Betty shares her career journey, insights on balancing business priorities with people development, and how HR leaders can build credibility by delivering real business impact. She also dives into the power of purpose, agility, and trust in shaping a world-class organizational culture. Tune in for a candid conversation on leadership, talent strategy, and the future of HR — plus some great takeaways for professionals looking to elevate their careers.

In this compelling episode of Career Club Live, host Bob Goodwin welcomes Coco Brown, founder and CEO of The Athena Alliance, for an insightful discussion on leadership, career evolution, and empowering women in executive roles. Coco shares her journey from Silicon Valley executive to leading a network of 20,000+ women, helping them gain boardroom seats and shape the future of leadership. From navigating imposter syndrome to thinking like a CEO, she delivers invaluable advice for professionals aiming to elevate their careers. Tune in to learn how to build your own path to success and why career growth is more about meandering than climbing a straight ladder.

Get ready to uncover the secrets of emotionally intelligent leadership with our esteemed guest, Dina Denham-Smith. With a career that spans over 25 years and includes contributions to Forbes and Harvard Business Review, Dina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation. From her unique upbringing on a Connecticut boarding school campus to her academic accomplishments and influential work as an executive coach, Dina's journey is a tapestry of personal and professional growth. She shares how pivotal life events, such as the loss of her father and the premature birth of her daughter, have shaped her perspective on leadership and the crucial role of empathy in today's business environment. Emotionally charged leadership takes center stage as we explore the consequences of emotional suppression in the workplace. Dina shares practical strategies from her upcoming book, "Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work," including the transformative "three N's" framework: Notice, Name, and Need. These insights are particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world, where the demand for emotional intelligence has never been higher. Leaders are challenged to embrace emotions as valuable data and cultivate environments where team members feel seen and heard, driving better decision-making and fostering healthier workplace dynamics. Navigating the complexities of a diverse workforce requires a nuanced understanding of leadership styles and challenges, including gender bias. Through our conversation, Dina highlights the additional emotional labor often shouldered by women and people of color, and the importance of aligning personal values with company policies. As traditional leadership models face scrutiny, the discussion emphasizes the need for flexibility, such as hybrid work arrangements, and the creation of positive team environments. This episode is a must-listen for those grappling with the evolving expectations of leaders in a world that values authenticity and emotional resilience.

Discover the future of hiring as we welcome Dr. Deborah Kerr, co-founder and president of Affintus, whose revolutionary approach to job matching promises to transform the way organizations identify top talent. Dr. Kerr, with her rich academic background and experience in public policy and organizational performance, sheds light on how predictive data can outshine traditional resumes and interviews, providing a more reliable method of finding the perfect candidate. Her diverse journey, from upstate New York to the beaches of South Delaware, is a testament to her commitment to innovation and excellence. Join us as Dr. Kerr shares her insights into the complexities of talent acquisition, emphasizing the crucial role of accurate data and structured processes over outdated hiring practices. With a career spanning academia, the Texas legislature, and the nonprofit sector, she reveals the common pitfalls organizations face and the importance of evidence-based management in overcoming them. Her personal passions, from weightlifting to sourdough baking, offer a glimpse into the life of a woman dedicated to both professional and personal growth. Our conversation takes a deeper look at the significance of mutual due diligence, cultural fit, and effective interviewing techniques. We explore the challenges of change management within HR departments and the necessity of using scientific data to support hiring decisions. The episode concludes with a nod to the origins of Affintus and the critical balance between intuition and analysis in achieving hiring success. Whether you're an employer or a job seeker, Dr. Kerr’s insights provide a roadmap for navigating the modern landscape of job matching.

Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for AFLAC, Jeri Hawthorne, joins us to share her incredible journey from Southeast Ohio to Georgia and beyond. Jeri opens up about the serendipitous twists and turns that took her from studying in West Virginia and England to enriching experiences in Denmark with Nova Nordisk. Her passion for cross-cultural training and international HR is infectious, and her stories reveal how embracing the unexpected can lead to a fulfilling career path. Whether it's her educational pursuits or professional triumphs, Jeri's journey is full of lessons on leadership and personal growth.As we savor the rich flavors of France and Tokyo, we also tackle a sobering issue—stress and burnout in today's fast-paced world. With constant negative media, economic hardships, and the pressure to maintain a picture-perfect life on social media, maintaining mental wellness has become a Herculean task for many. We delve into how these pressures impact not just personal well-being but also financial stability, making it crucial to find balance in both work and personal life. Through this discussion, we aim to shed light on the complexities of modern-day stressors and their pervasive effects.Our focus on wellness and resilience extends to the workplace as well. By spotlighting employee wellness initiatives, we share how our company, in collaboration with Corporate Chaplains of America, fosters a supportive environment for emotional, physical, and financial health. From executive coaching to resilience training, we emphasize creating a culture where authenticity and vulnerability in leadership are valued. This is not just a conversation—it's a call to action for embracing challenges, fostering a caring atmosphere, and leveraging resources that can enhance your professional journey. Whether you're a leader or just starting your career, these insights are sure to resonate and inspire.

Dr. Julie Cooper, president of Trauma-Free World, joins us for a transformative conversation that promises to reshape how you view leadership and organizational success. Dr. Cooper's unique trajectory from biochemistry to trauma-informed care offers a profound understanding of how trauma influences behaviors and emotions. She shares personal anecdotes from her journey in child welfare and fostering, illustrating how trauma-based leadership can equip individuals and leaders with the tools to navigate tough times with empathy and effectiveness.Our discussion highlights the often-overlooked impact of trauma in the workplace and the crucial role of leadership in cultivating healthier environments. Drawing from Dr. Cooper's experiences in Back-to-Back Ministries, we explore how trauma affects employee focus and productivity. Leaders can learn compelling strategies to foster psychological safety, turning mistakes into learning opportunities and encouraging open communication. With practical illustrations from international settings, we delve into power dynamics and cultural considerations for implementing these principles globally.Empowering voices within an organization means addressing power distance and promoting engagement, and Dr. Cooper provides actionable insights into achieving this. We examine how Trauma-Free World strives to build trauma-informed cultures through resources like the "Trauma-Informed Leadership" course, offering consulting and coaching to support tailored organizational needs. Dr. Cooper's insights are a valuable guide for leaders eager to support vulnerable populations and foster inclusive, resilient communities. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on creating lasting change in your leadership approach.

Step into the world of leadership and personal development with Ellen Taaffe, celebrated author and clinical professor at the Kellogg School of Management. Ellen pulls back the curtain on her journey from sales at Quaker Oats to her influential roles at PepsiCo and Whirlpool, sharing the wisdom she’s gathered along the way. Her latest book, "The Mirrored Door," serves as a guide for women seeking to shatter career barriers and embrace their full potential. Ellen's insights into brand strategy and leadership development are anchored in her rich experiences, making for a compelling conversation that is as enlightening as it is inspiring. Ellen takes us on a candid exploration of the internal roadblocks that often hinder career progression. From battling negative self-talk to confronting imposter syndrome and perfectionism, she shares strategies to overcome these challenges. Her personal anecdotes shine a light on the impact of early life messages and the common pitfalls of self-doubt. By fostering a protagonist mindset, Ellen encourages us to take risks and seize new opportunities, reminding us that the road to success is paved with courage and confidence. Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of career success and avoiding its hidden perils. Ellen discusses the importance of setting boundaries, embracing personal growth, and leveraging one's strengths without succumbing to their downsides. Through her experiences, we learn about the delicate balance between being a supportive team member and ensuring personal development. Ellen’s message of empowerment and readiness resonates throughout the episode, urging listeners to trust in their capabilities and take bold steps toward their career aspirations. Tune in to discover how conviction, curiosity, and courage can transform your professional journey.

How do you cultivate leadership that lasts? Join us as Nathan Tanner, an executive coach with a rich career spanning Lehman Brothers, LinkedIn, and DoorDash, reveals his secrets to becoming "The Unconquerable Leader." You'll learn about the vital dynamics between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and walk away with practical strategies to keep your drive intact for the long haul. Nathan also shares his journey, from his roots in Anaheim, California, to his passion for triathlons, blending personal anecdotes with professional wisdom. Ever faced job rejection and struggled to keep a positive mindset? Nathan's got you covered. In this episode, he unveils how to reframe your mental approach with daily goal reminders and the powerful concept of Misogi—taking on one hard challenge every year to build resilience. He recounts his experience completing an Ironman triathlon and how it reshaped his perspective on everyday challenges. Additionally, Nathan discusses the importance of feedback, leveraging frameworks like Radical Candor and SBI to provide constructive criticism effectively. But that's not all. Nathan delves into creating a Leadership Operating Manual, a tool that can fundamentally transform how you lead and communicate within your team. From breathing exercises to the benefits of walking, discover simple yet profound methods to enhance your mental well-being. As we wrap up, you'll get actionable tips on documenting your progress and maintaining consistency, all aimed at helping you achieve long-term success. Connect with Nathan Tanner and uncover the invaluable lessons from his book, "The Unconquerable Leader," by visiting NathanTanner.net or reaching out to him on LinkedIn.

Can mastering job interviews really be the key to unlocking your dream career? Join us on Career Club Live as we welcome Sam Owens, founder of Sam's Career Talk and the current CMO of Freezing Point, the makers of Frazzle. Sam takes us through his remarkable career journey from ConAgra Foods to White Wave Foods and Danone, and onto smaller companies like Cali'flour Foods. Along the way, Sam shares invaluable lessons learned, shedding light on the strategic decisions that shaped his path. We also discuss his latest book, "I Hate Job Interviews," a must-read for anyone looking to conquer the often intimidating interview process.Want to know the secrets behind acing job interviews? Sam Owens reveals them all, drawing from his experience of writing and publishing his book, which eventually caught the attention of HarperCollins. From obtaining inside information about companies to crafting powerful stories, Sam breaks down the essential principles of excelling in interviews. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and practice, explaining how these skills can be learned and perfected just like any other. With practical advice and insights, Sam's narrative promises to transform how you approach job interviews.Ever wondered how to handle those curveball questions in interviews? Sam Owens has got you covered. He walks us through crafting "power stories" using the SPAR method (Situation, Problem, Action, Result) and shares strategies for tackling unconventional and potentially illegal questions with poise and diplomacy. We also explore techniques for soliciting feedback during interviews to uncover potential objections and refine your pitch. This episode is packed with actionable advice and encouragement for job seekers facing today's challenging market, making it an essential listen for anyone looking to boost their interview game.

How do you conquer the corporate world while staying true to your emotional and empathetic self? Visionary leader Wagner Denuzzo, who transitioned from social work in Brazil to influential roles in major U.S. companies like IBM and Prudential Financial, shares his remarkable journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. Discover how Wagner's personal evolution shaped his unique approach to leadership development and emotional intelligence, and gain invaluable insights from his latest book, "Leading to Succeed: Essential Skills for the New Workplace."Our conversation uncovers the often-overlooked facets of leadership—empathy, self-acceptance, and the balance between personal involvement and professional detachment. Wagner shares his strategies for overcoming societal challenges and conditioned beliefs, shedding light on the importance of clarity and understanding one's values. Learn how fostering a non-judgmental and authentic environment can elevate your team's performance and create a high-performing, empowered workforce. Wagner emphasizes the need for senior leaders to engage without emotional attachment, advocating for continuous learning and self-confidence as keys to effective leadership.We also dissect the evolving dynamics of the modern workforce, highlighting the significance of building future talent strategies amidst technological advancements and shifting workplace demands. Wagner provides actionable advice on developing managerial capabilities, fostering self-managed teams, and promoting transparency in financial operations to drive accountability and innovation. If you're looking to understand how to create a sustainable talent management blueprint while navigating the complexities of distributed workforces and generational expectations, this episode is a must-listen. Join us and transform the way you think about leadership and the future of work.

What if your career path didn't have to be linear to be successful? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Tracy Layney, EVP and Chief HR Officer at Levi Strauss Company. Tracy shares her inspiring journey from humble beginnings in Houston, Texas, to becoming a prominent advocate for mental health and employee well-being. Learn how her personal experiences, like the emotional milestone of sending her son off to college, shape her professional perspective on fostering empathetic workplace cultures and supporting employees through various life stages.Discover the critical importance of evaluating potential and fit in today’s evolving job market. Tracy delves into the value of embracing diverse experiences and saying yes to new opportunities, which can enhance skill sets in unexpected ways. Balancing hiring managers' needs for specific experience with the fresh perspectives that newcomers bring, she advocates for recognizing transferable skills and growth potential—even among interns. Tracy’s insights are a must-listen for anyone involved in hiring or career development.Burnout is real, and Tracy gets candid about its impacts and the necessity of self-care. She highlights Levi Strauss' holistic approach to mental health and wellness, including partnerships with Thrive Global and Lyra, and the importance of expanded leave policies. Through personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, Tracy underscores the significance of fostering empathy in business culture, managing job transitions, and nurturing genuine passion in one's career. Tune in for a treasure trove of advice on maintaining resilience and compassion in both personal and professional lives.

When life throws you curveballs, how do you find the strength to keep going? Meet Luis Velasquez, who transformed his journey from a small village in Guatemala to an executive coach in the U.S., despite facing a brain tumor and the loss of a spouse. His story isn't just about survival—it's about thriving through resilience and understanding the power of personal storytelling. You’ll hear how Luis’s background in science and leadership education shaped his approach to coaching, making his insights both deeply personal and universally applicable.Luis introduces us to the concept of "ordinary resilience"—a term that demystifies the idea that resilience is reserved for exceptional individuals. Through heartfelt recounts, such as his father's life-changing accident, Luis shows how writing down personal stories can uncover hidden strengths. This episode breaks down practical strategies to harness your own resilience, like using childhood experiences and feedback to recognize inherent strengths. Get ready to adopt the "embrace the suck" mindset, turning life's toughest moments into stepping stones for growth.Relationships play a crucial role in building resilience, and Luis emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with resilient people. We touch on how to foster resilience within organizations, especially amid today's workplace pressures like burnout and disengagement. Luis shares intentional practices for both personal and professional life, including resilience-building activities with children and employees. Don't miss the insights from Luis's book "Ordinary Resilience," which underscore the transformative power of confronting reality with courage and the positive impact of resilience on our communities.