As the world of work rapidly evolves, it demands new approaches to talent, performance and career growth. In this episode, we speak with Edie Goldberg, President and Founder of E. L. Goldberg & Associates, to explore how organizations can adapt to evolving employee expectations, leverage AI for talent strategies and create environments that enable people to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:14 The future of work requires disrupting outdated talent practices with AI.

05:44 Disrupting outdated processes is key to attracting, engaging and retaining talent.

10:22 Companies must tap into diverse talent beyond employees.

17:03 Aging populations and shifting demographics demand more flexible work options.

20:06 Tenure boosts productivity through relationships and knowledge.

25:10 Curiosity and continuous learning are essential for thriving today.

30:21 Diverse perspectives fuel innovation and better solutions.

34:01 Turning a layoff into a successful business was a defining act of courage.

Resources Mentioned:

Edie Goldberg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edie-goldberg-phd/

E. L. Goldberg & Associates | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-l-goldberg-associates/

E. L. Goldberg & Associates | Website

https://www.elgoldberg.com/

"The Inside Gig" by Edie Goldberg

https://theinsidegig.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

The path to happiness often begins with the courage to make a change. In this episode, we sit down with Ashish Kothari, Founder and CEO of Happiness Squad, to explore how redefining success, shifting workplace mindsets and building human-centric systems can unlock both individual and organizational potential. Ashish shares his deeply personal journey from corporate leadership to founding Happiness Squad, offering transformative insights on wellbeing, leadership and the future of work. He explains why flourishing must become a strategic priority, how organizations can tackle burnout at source and how leaders at every level can create meaningful change.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:09 A battle with anxiety inspired Ashish to pivot his career toward well-being.

05:22 Ashish says his calling, not courage, drove his career transformation.

10:06 Burnout is often worse in nonprofit and frontline roles than in corporate jobs.

15:02 Trust, belonging and deep work fuel human energy.

19:58 One-size-fits-all programs fail; teams need tailored interventions.

25:34 Leaders can drive systemic change without top-level support.

29:59 The Eisenhower Matrix helps reset priorities and reduce overwhelm.

32:36 People want to contribute, but broken systems create changeable helplessness.

Resources Mentioned:

Ashish Kothari

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/

Happiness Squad | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/happiness-squad/

Happiness Squad | Website

https://happinesssquad.com/

VIA Character Strengths

https://www.viacharacter.org/

World Economic Forum

https://www.weforum.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.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Success in hospitality, like in life, often comes down to making the courageous choice. In this episode, we sit down with Vikram Sood, Managing Director of NuPala Hospitality Development, to discuss the pivotal choices that defined his journey, the lessons learned in hospitality and the importance of resilience in uncertain times. We explore what it means to take courageous steps in both career and life. From global luxury hotels to independent consulting, Vikram shares how bold decisions shape leadership, culture and long-term growth.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:26 Reopening a long-dormant resort reshaped San Diego’s luxury scene.

05:13 Moving to Las Vegas revealed a shift from luxury hospitality to gaming priorities.

10:12 Guiding owners through new builds and strategic transitions became his focus.

14:20 Courageous choices evolve, from early experimentation to confident decisions later in life.

16:23 Rising wage ordinances challenge leaders to do more with less.

18:26 True leadership is measured by impact on people, not prestigious titles.

20:02 Entrepreneurship demands backbone, faith and resisting the easy route.

22:41 Passion, not pedigree, should guide careers through uncertainty and change.

Resources Mentioned:

Vikram Sood

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikram-sood-33462610/

NuPala Hospitality Development

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nupala-hospitality-development/

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

https://www.fourseasons.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

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:

Tim Sackett

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.

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 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:

JP Elliott

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/

“The Future of HR Podcast”

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:

Susan Kelliher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-kelliher/

National Safety Council

https://www.nsc.org/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3fkyGWiX4WtszAzeAHJW7LGkW7oid95fjTAMrCrSxmYgOi-ZY

Airvet | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/airvet/

Airvet | Website

https://www.airvet.com/

EJ

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://form.jotform.com/252592349746469.

#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:

Dr. David Blake

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.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here:

https://form.jotform.com/252592349746469.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth