We explore how to create exceptional employee experiences by centering inclusion, strong team design, and data-informed people practices. We walk through practical moves leaders can make — from intentional onboarding and talent conversations to workforce planning and performance management — that help employees see new possibilities and feel supported through non-linear career paths. We also discuss how empathy, skilled facilitation, and translating the stories behind the data lead to better decisions and sustained results.

We welcome Helena Curtis, a seasoned HR leader who builds values-driven workplaces where inclusion is foundational. Helena shares her playbook for getting the right people in the right roles, designing onboarding that sticks, using talent analytics to surface real employee needs, and creating tailored development paths. She explains why coaching, targeted workforce planning, and clear performance practices convert strategy into measurable outcomes — and offers quick tools listeners can start using this week.

Key takeaways: prioritize human-centered onboarding, listen for the employee story behind the metrics, invest in fair talent practices, and treat inclusion as daily practice rather than a checkbox.

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In this episode we explore ethical leadership—why integrity matters and how values-driven decisions build trust across teams and institutions. Donna-Marie Darlington-Dawes draws on 25+ years at the World Bank Group, IFC and the UN to show how ethical practice underpins coaching, inclusion, and organizational resilience. We discuss concrete actions—modeling behavior, creating safe spaces, speaking truth to power, and advancing DEI through forums like Women of Courage—that help leaders act with courage, restore credibility, and sustain engagement. We also highlight common pitfalls and practical next steps.

Donna-Marie is a DEI and leadership expert with over 25 years across the World Bank Group, IFC and the United Nations. She has led signature programs: the World Bank Group Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Women of Color / Women of Courage forums, IFC’s Global Center of Excellence for Learning, induction redesign, and coaching programs for middle and senior managers. A PhD in Organizational Communication and Counseling Psychology, a certified executive coach and former instructor, she blends scholarship and hands-on program leadership to advance inclusive, values-based leadership globally.

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In this episode we explore foresight—how leaders relate to the future and prepare for many possible outcomes. Ariel explains why predicting one single future is risky and why we must shift from designing around jobs to designing around activities that can be automated, augmented, or remain human-led. We discuss practical mindsets: stay curious, embrace uncertainty, learn to reinvent continuously, and develop what Ariel calls “kinetic intelligence”—the capacity to stay in motion, test options, and recalibrate. Expect concrete examples about AI’s short- and long-term impact, career planning metaphors (GPS → LEGO), and how to keep the leader in the driving seat as technology accelerates change.

We host Ariel Regatky, Managing Director and global HR leader at Citi, with 20+ years guiding transformation across Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. Ariel has led talent strategy for businesses of 100,000+ employees, shaping leadership programs, digital and AI transitions, and culture change. He blends strategic insight with a human-centered vision, helping leaders reinvent themselves, close skills gaps, and prepare organizations for multiple futures.

➤ 📘 Pre-order the book: Lead With a Coaching Mindset: How the Best Leaders Unlock Potential — http://bit.ly/orderLeadwithaCoachingMindset

➤ 🌐 Learn more: goldvargconsulting.com

➤ 🔔 Subscribe & stay tuned: Hit “Subscribe” on your listening platform so you don’t miss future episodes!