The rapid rise of AI is reshaping how organizations approach hiring, talent management and leadership. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Sackett (Not a Life Coach), General Partner and Co-Founder at HR Tech 100 Fund, to discuss the courageous decisions companies and recruiters must make to stay ahead in a rapidly changing talent landscape. Tim shares candid insights into how technology, human connection and cultural clarity intersect to shape the future of recruiting, and why courage is more vital than ever for leaders, recruiters and employees alike.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:35 AI is doubling applicant volumes and reshaping the recruiting process.
05:14 Recruiters must overcome rejection and have the courage to pick up the phone.
10:20 Making people feel valued and wanted is a powerful part of recruiting.
15:27 Digging into passions and cultural fit is just as important as evaluating skills.
20:56 Driving meaningful change takes courage, even when the risks feel high.
25:03 Knowing recruiting capacity empowers leaders to set realistic expectations.
30:05 Patience is a crucial leadership skill, especially during change.
32:31 Helping others defines success more than titles or identity.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsackett/
HR Tech 100 Fund | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrtech100/
HR Tech 100 Fund | Website
https://hrtech100fund.com/
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
The future of HR requires bold choices and the willingness to step into uncertainty. In this episode, JP Elliott, Founder of Future of HR Consulting, explores how courage shapes leadership, careers and the evolving workplace. JP shares his journey from corporate HR leadership roles to building a global podcast and launching the NextGen HR Accelerator. Together, we examine how HR leaders can make courageous choices in the face of technological disruption, shifting expectations and the rise of AI.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:24 JP shares how 20+ years in HR led him to launch “The Future of HR Podcast.”
04:54 HR leaders must invest in themselves as expectations rise.
10:48 Insights from 150 interviews shaped a framework for great HR leadership.
14:48 The future path to CHRO remains uncertain as technology reshapes the role.
16:10 HR leaders must share tough perspectives, backed by deep business understanding.
17:54 Courage is giving yourself permission to ask hard questions.
20:18 The most courageous choice ahead is investing in yourself.
22:44 Action beats reflection — courage comes from taking the first step.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpelliottphd/
Future of HR Consulting | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-of-hr-consulting/
Future of HR Consulting | Website
https://www.futureofhr.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-of-hr/id1644712611
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
The role of HR continues to evolve, yet ambiguity still surrounds its true impact at the executive level. In this episode, we sit down with John Boudreau, Author, Speaker, Coach, Consultant and Advisor at Dr. John W Boudreau, to explore how courage and clarity can reshape the CHRO’s position in modern organizations. John reflects on four decades of research and advisory work, offering a framework for how HR leaders can define their role, influence strategy and step into spaces where they’re often overlooked. From bet-the-badge moments to building credibility with boards and senior teams, he highlights why courage is essential to turning ambiguity into opportunity.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:27 John reflects on starting at Cornell and discovering his passion for HR.
05:46 Early research focused on linking people’s investments to business value.
09:03 The CHRO role spans five platforms, from running HR to influencing boards and strategy.
15:23 Building credibility with senior teams starts by leading onboarding and evaluation.
22:35 CHROs often inherit roles, but a framework helps reassess and drive change.
24:42 Bet-the-badge moments define courage when CHROs risk their role to do what’s right.
28:55 The real HR bottleneck is not data or models but lacking platforms to be heard.
31:44 Leaders should assess their five platforms, then build influence from existing strengths.
Resources Mentioned:
Dr. John W Boudreau | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr-john-w-boudreau/
Dr. John W Boudreau | Website
https://drjohnboudreau.com/
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Courage doesn’t always show up with noise. Sometimes it’s quiet, intentional and rooted in knowing where we stand. In this episode, Susan Kelliher, Founder/Principal of Sentima Advisors LLC and Board Member of the National Safety Council, Airvet and EJ, explores how courage shows up in the workplace — whether in the boardroom, during sensitive conversations or in moments of personal growth. With a career shaped by high-stakes decisions, Susan shares the powerful impact of standing firm in one’s values, fostering inclusive leadership and creating space for others to find their voice.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:39 Stepping into board roles means guiding organizations with a broader perspective.
05:30 Courage shows up in both quiet moments and visible decisions.
10:00 Great leaders listen fully, even when it challenges what they think they know.
13:30 Courage can emerge in quiet leadership moments that shape how teams grow.
16:30 Shaping culture means sharing responsibility instead of placing it all on HR.
18:45 Facing discomfort means focusing on the good that can come from taking action.
21:04 Susan’s first HR job meant supporting senior leaders before she felt ready.
24:47 Making an impact means knowing what matters and pushing past comfort.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kelliher/
https://www.nsc.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3fkyGWiX4WtszAzeAHJW7LGkW7oid95fjTAMrCrSxmYgOi-ZY
Airvet | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/airvet/
Airvet | Website
https://www.airvet.com/
https://www.ejco.com/global
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Leadership today requires more than just strategy — it demands grace, courage and a willingness to let go of outdated norms. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Blake, Chief Executive Officer of Building Forward Now, and author of "Leading With Grace," to explore how leaders can liberate others, lead authentically and make bold, meaningful transitions in their careers. David reflects on lessons from the military, the service industry and his own second act, offering a timely perspective on human-centered leadership in today’s landscape.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
00:51 A 20-year military career sparked a lifelong fascination with leadership.
04:59 Nelson Mandela showed how courage and grace can outlast imprisonment.
11:02 Different generations bring different values; leaders must adapt and understand.
13:39 Retirement felt daunting but became a courageous leap into something new.
16:25 Embracing a passion for steam trains brought unexpected joy and challenge.
17:38 Joy is lasting — don’t chase happiness or doubt your value with age.
20:19 Great leaders empower others to think, decide and create freely.
21:41 Leaders must set the tone by prioritizing rest and encouraging balance.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachingwithdave/
Building Forward Now, LLC | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/building-forward-now-llc/
Building Forward Now, LLC | Website
https://www.buildingforwardnow.com/
“Leading with Grace: The Quiet Strength of Exceptional Leaders” by David M Blake, Ph.D.
https://www.amazon.com/Leading-Grace-Strength-Exceptional-Leaders/dp/B0FF58N2W8
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Courage isn't always loud — it often shows up in quiet moments of truth-telling, tough decisions and choosing impact over approval. In this episode, we speak with Ian Ziskin, President of EXec EXcel Group LLC, to reflect on decades of HR leadership, executive coaching, and organizational transformation. Ian shares insights on leadership, building trust and how courageous choices define a legacy. We also explore the fine balance between doing your job and keeping your job, and what it really takes to lead with courage. From navigating tough conversations to empowering others to speak up, this episode is packed with stories and strategies that challenge the status quo.
Key Takeaways:
(02:36) Courage means facing hard truths instead of denying inconvenient facts.
(06:22) Courageous leaders welcome diverse views that challenge their own.
(11:45) Speaking the truth, even at risk, can strengthen leadership and drive impact.
(17:00) Growth happens when we stop avoiding tough conversations.
(21:18) The best teams win when everyone plays their role and lets go of needing credit.
(25:21) Pride comes from helping others fulfill their potential and creating freedom for family.
(30:23) HR is becoming the orchestra conductor — aligning diverse talents to solve big problems.
(32:05) The best leaders spot a gap and step up, finding a void and filling it.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-ziskin-bb1504/
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Leaders often face pivotal moments that call for courage, resilience and reinvention. In this episode, we speak with Kip Knight, Founder of CMO Coaches. He shares hard-won leadership lessons from his career across iconic companies and how he knows taking leaps of faith can be transformative. Kip reflects on what it means to lead with integrity, how to navigate change, and the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and risk-taking — especially during uncertain times.
Key Takeaways:
(02:07) Kip shares how switching industries helped him become an innovative leader.
(06:09) Leaders should ask what’s blocking engagement and keep the dialogue open.
(10:03) Authentic leaders welcome disagreement and speak up with candor and respect.
(12:09) Standing up to workplace bullies takes courage and sets a powerful example.
(16:34) The best jobs come through networking, so build real connections and stay resilient.
(19:12) Taking smart risks at 70% certainty led to successful global market launches.
(22:46) With today’s tools and speed, there’s never been a better time to be a marketer.
(27:41) Find role models, and when the odds are decent, take the leap.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipknight/
CMO Coaches | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmo-coaches/
CMO Coaches | Website
https://www.cmocoaches.com
“Learn to Leap: How Leaders Turn Risk Into Opportunity” by Kip Knight
https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Leap-Leaders-Turn-Opportunity/dp/1737796406
"Crafting Persuasion" by Kip Knight, Ed Tazzia and Bob Pearson
https://www.amazon.com/Crafting-Persuasion-Handbook-Influence-Behavior-ebook/dp/B07S52F7YQ
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Making a bold leap from corporate success to personal fulfillment takes more than ambition — it takes courage. In this episode, Joan Clark of JM Clark & Company joins us to explore what it means to listen to your inner voice, take calculated risks and reshape your professional life on your own terms. Joan shares her journey from leading HR teams at a Fortune 500 company to launching her business. We also hear how her leadership philosophy led her to write “Common Sense Leadership,” a practical guide for emerging leaders.
Key Takeaways:
(02:04) Leadership courage means moving forward despite fear.
(03:17) Leaving corporate life to start a business was Joan’s most courageous choice.
(05:46) External success clashed with an inner calling for greater impact.
(10:29) Joan started JM Clark & Company to help others live true to themselves.
(14:52) Leading with listening ensures every solution meets the client’s needs.
(18:57) A simple question from her nephew sparked Joan's idea for her leadership book.
(23:30) Leadership is constant and silence often speaks louder than words.
(25:53) Know your who, why, what and how to lead with clarity and purpose.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanmclark/
JM Clark & Company | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmclark/
JM Clark & Company | Website
https://jmclark.com/
"Common Sense Leadership" by JM Clark
https://www.commonsenseleadership.com/
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
As the workplace continues to evolve, so must our approach to leadership, culture and personal growth. In this episode, we sit down with Devin C. Hughes, Award Winning Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author and Leadership Coach, to explore the courageous choices that have defined his journey and the practical insights he shares with organizations around the world. We discuss the intersection of belonging and accountability, how culture is shaped by intention, not perks, and why showing up authentically can change lives.
Key Takeaways:
(01:27) Going from the corporate playbook to building a boutique business.
(04:47) Credentials aside, today’s leaders must stay open, agile and always learning.
(10:47) Leadership, like parenting, means guiding, not doing the work for others.
(14:53) Growth comes from leaning in and bringing hidden truths to light.
(19:06) Returning to the Boys & Girls Club reminded Devin of its pivotal role in his childhood.
(21:45) Well-being isn’t optional — it must be built into the strategy.
(24:21) Don’t ignore the data. Leaders must act on burnout, loneliness and disengagement.
(26:26) Celebrating progress boosts motivation and builds momentum.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinchughes/
Devin C. Hughes Enterprises | Website
https://devinchughes.com
https://www.bgca.org/
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Starting your own business takes courage, but sustaining it requires vision, resilience and a deep commitment to your values. In this episode, we sit down with Ilona Brunner and Takaya Brunner, Partners at Brunner Accounting Group, to discuss the journey from big accounting firms to building their own successful practice. They share their experiences of entrepreneurship, the challenges of balancing family and business and the importance of identifying ideal clients and sticking to core values.
Key Takeaways:
(01:21) Early careers at PricewaterhouseCoopers and KPMG shaped IIona and Takaya’s approach to client service.
(05:39) Starting a family pushed them to create a business on their own terms.
(07:10) Family support and a fearless mindset fueled their entrepreneurial journey.
(10:38) Defining their “why” and ideal client shaped their business for long-term success.
(15:01) Understanding your ideal client and their needs is the foundation of lasting success.
(20:37) Building a business around your values allows you to thrive personally and professionally.
(22:10) Courage is pushing through fear and finding strength in past successes.
(26:39) Nurturing relationships can open unexpected doors and opportunities.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilona-brunner-2993b93a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/takayabrunner/
Brunner Accounting Group | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brunner-accounting-group/
Brunner Accounting Group | Website
https://brunneraccounting.com/
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
Stepping away from corporate success to build something of your own takes more than strategy, it takes courage. We sit down with Jennifer Smith, Career + HR Consultant of Flourish Careers LLC and Gig Talent, to unpack what it takes to leave a successful corporate career and build a fulfilling independent practice. With a background in HR across Fortune 50 companies, Jennifer shares how she traded predictability for purpose and leaned into her intuition to build a values-driven business. From graveyard shifts to consulting, she reflects on what it means to take courageous steps, trust your gut and redefine success on your own terms.
Key Takeaways:
(01:21) Career success doesn’t have to come at the expense of well-being.
(03:41) HR wasn’t an obvious path. Jennifer carved her own by volunteering and showing up.
(06:50) “Five minutes to flourish” helped her build momentum while still in her day job.
(13:37) The pandemic shifted her focus fully to coaching.
(16:26) A “portfolio career” allows Jennifer to flex different muscles and manage risk.
(19:06) Prioritizing three things per week keeps her focused and energized.
(20:51) Redefining success based on alignment and fulfillment, not promotions.
(25:40) Trust the glimpse — it may lead to more than you imagine.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlsmith9200/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gig-talent/
Flourish Careers LLC | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-careers/
Flourish Careers LLC | Website
https://www.flourish.careers/
https://www.themuse.com/
https://www.fritolay.com/
https://www.pepsico.com/
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
We’re kicking off our new podcast, “The Courageous Choice,” talking to Lynn Herrick, Chief Operating Officer at Blucrest. Lynn shares how she navigated one of the most defining leadership moments of her career — taking over a high-turnover call center in the middle of a private equity transition. She walks us through her courageous decision to reimagine operations through the lens of empathy, stability and purpose. Lynn’s story offers practical inspiration for leaders transforming culture, scaling teams and placing people at the center of business strategy.
Key Takeaways:
(02:31) Why Lynn left a safe legal path to join a risky startup.
(05:01) What made her initially say no to the COO role, and why she changed her mind.
(07:48) Replacing fear-based systems with a culture of trust and stability.
(13:29) Tactical changes that led to a drop in employee turnover from 20% to under 2%.
(15:55) How to unify engineers and customer service teams through shared purpose.
(19:44) The moment Best Buy cited “meaningful work” as the reason for their $800M acquisition.
(22:52) Advice for young professionals: resilience, self-awareness and knowing when to walk away.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnkantorherrick/
Blucrest | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/blucrest/
Blucrest | Website
https://blucrest.com/
Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.
For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.
#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth
