Strategic Shift

Fractional Work and the Rise of Global Talent with David Barnette

Thu, 28 May 2026 16:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt speaks with David Barnette, Co-Founder and President of Avant Executive Search, about the rise of fractional work and global talent. David shares how companies are rethinking traditional full-time roles, when fractional leadership makes sense, and how borderless work is expanding access to talent and opportunity around the world.

Timestamps:

00:50 Meet David Barnette
02:13 Career Journey Highlights
04:48 Why Private Equity Appeals
06:17 Who Thrives in PE
08:08 Coaching for PE Success
10:43 Fractional Work Rising
13:10 Fractional vs Full Time Planning
17:13 Hybrid Remote Expectations
19:36 Trust and Performance Management
26:54 Borderless Work and Global Talent

Connect with David Barnette:
Avant Executive Search & Talent Advisory

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Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.

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Moving Beyond the Grind Culture with Carrie Fabris

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Strategic Shift, executive coach Carrie Fabris discusses the critical shift toward human-centered leadership as organizations navigate the complexities of AI, hybrid work, and shifting employee expectations. The conversation provides actionable insights for HR leaders on bridging the gap between C-suite ROI demands and the human needs of the workforce

Timestamps:

01:34 Carrie’s Background and CareerFrame

02:32 Future of Work Culture Trends

04:04 Leadership Buy In and ROI

08:16 Retention and Strengths Engagement

10:14 Job Hugging Tough Love

13:46 Hybrid Work and AI Policies

17:46 Staying Human With AI

21:45 Top Skills for the Next Decade

24:00 Finding the Right Coach

27:30 Books and Final Takeaways

Connect with Carrie Fabris:
CareerFrame

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:

Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.

Is your organization prepared for the Future of Work? Learn more: https://www.pepelwerk.com/build-my-future-workforce/

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Hiring for Skills or Potential? The Answer Isn’t Simple

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Join us as Matt Baxter, CEO of WedgeHR, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in HR tech. Discover how storytelling, authenticity, and human connection are transforming the future of hiring and why hope and trust are more vital than ever in workforce innovation.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing Matt Baxter and his journey from lawn care entrepreneur to HR innovator

00:25 - The impact of technology on remote work and hiring practices

01:17 - The importance of storytelling and human connection in recruitment

02:44 - How Wedge HR helps organizations recruit high-volume, customer-facing roles

04:42 - Hiring for potential vs. skills: what stage is your company in?

05:49 - Practical tips for job seekers: identifying what makes you irreplaceable

08:16 - The challenge of fake applications, AI bots, and sourcing quality talent

11:30 - Creating cultures of transparency and hope in organizations

16:06 - The power of networking and proactive outreach during job searches

28:04 - The role of hope and trust in the future of work

Connect with Matt Baxter:
Wedge HR

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:

Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.

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Embracing the Future of Work with Stephanie Manzelli

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of workforce strategies, AI integration, and talent mobility with Stephanie Manzelli, Chief People Officer of EMPLOY. Stephanie shares her insights on how HR can lead change, foster a human-centric approach amidst technological advancements, and adapt career evolution models to modern organizational needs.

Timestamps:

1:24 - Stephanie's Role and Company Overview

2:11 - Workforce Trends and AI

3:31 - Change Management and Culture

4:25 - Recruitment and Candidate Personas

6:13 - Unique Recruitment Processes

8:07 - Addressing Skill Gaps

10:50 - Guidance for Candidates

13:02 - Caution and Boldness with AI

18:49 - DEI Evolution

Connect with Stephanie Manzelli:

EMPLOY

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:

Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.

Is your organization prepared for the Future of Work?
Learn more: https://www.pepelwerk.com/build-my-future-workforce/

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Huw Newton-Hill: Using Data to Build Better Skills

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt sits down with Huw Newton-Hill, Managing Director of Attensi, to explore why confidence and behavior change matter more than information in workforce training. The conversation also looks ahead to the future of work, including digital twins, human-centered AI, and the growing importance of communication and problem-solving skills.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Hugh Newton-Hill and ATTENSI’s AI-driven game-based solutions

02:54 - Building sustainable learning with behavioral analytics

04:44 - The value of game mechanics versus gamification in corporate training

06:02 - Case study: Circle K’s scalable store manager simulations

07:24 - Confidence as a cornerstone of effective workforce training

08:21 - Keeping technology human-centric and accessible across environments

11:31 - Addressing frontline skills gaps and onboarding overwhelm

13:52 - Designing onboarding to foster psychological safety and confidence

15:11 - The science of behavior change: capability, practice, and motivation

17:24 - The impact of behavioral data on future workforce analytics

21:07 - Innovations in skills verification and digital twins of work environments

28:22 - The potential of creating digital twins for organizations and workforces

29:44 - Final thoughts: movies predicting future tech and workforce modeling

Connect with Huw Newton-Hill:

ATTENSI

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:

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From Invisible to In-Demand: Owning Your Personal Brand

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600

In this episode, discover actionable strategies to stand out in today's competitive job market, harness the power of personal branding, and leverage digital and social platforms to amplify your professional presence. Stacey Ross Cohen, CEO of Co-communications and author of Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success in the Digital World, shares her insights on self-awareness, networking, and online reputation management.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Stacey Ross Cohen and today’s focus

00:26 - Stacey’s background and professional journey

01:54 - The inspiration behind Brand Up and its target audience

02:41 - How personal branding helps stand out in a competitive job market

03:06 - Stacey’s personal twin story and its lessons on identity and differentiation

06:29 - The three-part framework for personal branding success

09:13 - Networking as a necessity, not a luxury, with early skill development

12:30 - Overcoming blinders by recognizing your true talents

16:30 - How to make your LinkedIn profile magnetic and authentic

31:23 - Stacey’s closing thoughts: personal branding as life-long career insurance

Connect with Stacey Cohen:

Brand Up: The Ultimate Playbook for College & Career Success in the Digital World

Brand Up 2.0: Propel Your Early Career Success

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:

Remember, personal branding is not a luxury—it's a career insurance policy and a future of work essential. Start early, stay consistent, and be authentically you.

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The Hidden Risk in Today’s Hiring Stack

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

Discover how Jason Putnam, CEO of Vetty, is transforming talent verification, onboarding, and leadership with a focus on trust, human experience, and innovative tech. This episode explores the evolving landscape of HR, AI, candidate trust, and community building in the workforce. Whether you’re a leader, recruiter, or job seeker, the insights shared by Jason Putnam provide a roadmap for navigating change with trust and innovation.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Jason Putnam and Vetty
02:52 - Leadership Philosophy
03:21 – Vetty's Unique Approach
05:13 - Impact of AI and Technology
06:08 - Fraud and Deep Fakes in Hiring
12:18 - Future of Work and AI
16:28 - Human Connection and Community
18:09 - Marketing and Branding Strategies
25:38 - Navigating Economic Shifts
29:52 - Networking and Trust

Connect with Jason Putnam:

Vetty.co

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Mental Health Is a Workplace Issue with Angela Sycz

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Angela Sycz, VP of People Operations at Counslr, discusses the critical importance of mental health in the workplace. She emphasizes the need for self-care, work-life harmony and the generational shifts in attitudes towards work. The conversation explores how organizations can better listen to employee sentiment, the role of AI in mental health and practical advice for job seekers navigating the modern workforce.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Angela Sycz and Counselor’s Mission

01:53 - Emerging Workplace Trends Impacting Mental Health

04:16 - Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Effects

07:04 - Gen Z's Demand for Mental Health Benefits

11:54 - Recognizing Burnout and Stress Indicators

15:11 - Building Psychological Safety and Trust

19:28 - AI's Role in Mental Health Trends

22:22 - Ethical Considerations of AI in Mental Health

29:07 - Evaluating Organizational Well-being

35:21 - Workplace Mental Health's Ripple Effect

Connect with Angela Sycz:

Counslr

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:

Join us next time as we continue exploring innovation at the intersection of work, technology, and well-being. Keep shifting!

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L-EAF LAB: Hiring The Next Workforce

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0600

We keep calling Gen Z “unprepared” … while giving them work that isn’t worth doing. L-EAF LAB co-founders Pinny Sutkin (20+ years in talent acquisition) and Simon Holzapfel (former head of school) join Strategic Shift to explain why early talent is misunderstood and how companies can stop losing great people before they even start. From “you can’t schedule innovation” to “it’s time for resumes to go bye-bye,” they break down what a purpose-driven, collaborative workplace requires and how their lab model produces graduates who can show real outcomes.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to L-EAF LAB

02:28 - Backgrounds of Pinny and Simon

03:19 - New Generation Workplace Perceptions

04:36 - Gen Z's Automation Mindset

05:47 - Performance Orientation in Workers

06:30 - Viewing Young Talent Holistically

07:07 - Purpose-Driven Work Engagement

07:56 - Digital Literacy's Employment Impact

08:26 - Collaboration Culture Building

09:00 - Future of Creator Economy

09:41 - Real Project Work Support by L-EAF LAB

Connect with the Guests:

Pinny Sutkin

Simon Holzapfel

L-EAF LAB

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Tori Begg: Leading Through the AI Shift

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt speaks with AI strategist Tori Begg on navigating the AI shift inside modern organizations. They explore human-first AI adoption, enablement in real workflows and where leaders are seeing tangible value today. The discussion offers practical perspective for executives shaping strategy, teams and culture in an AI-driven workplace.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

00:58 - Tori’s AI Background

01:49 - AI as a Co-Pilot for Kids

04:09 - ChatGPT for Learning

05:24 - Discovering AI at a Party

07:12 - AI in Sales Workflows

09:28 - AI as an Equalizer

12:15 - Effective Prompt Engineering

17:22 - Change Management in AI

28:30 - Mind and Machine Networking

Connect with Tori Begg:

Mind and Machine DFW

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Mindy Honcoop: The Missing Layer of AI Transformation

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

Change doesn’t fail because of technology — it fails because of how people experience it.

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Christy Honeycutt sits down with HR advisor and change strategist Mindy Honcoop to unpack what really sits beneath AI resistance at work. They explore curiosity as a leadership skill, the emotional layers of change and why readiness starts long before new tools are introduced. It’s an honest conversation about people, uncertainty and what is needed to move forward.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Mindy Honcoop

02:45 - Human-Centered HR Approach

04:56 - Overcoming Organizational Fear

06:16 - Agility in Workplace Redesign

07:42 - Emotional Pillars of Resistance

09:06 - Normalizing Workplace Emotions

10:54 - Diagnosing Emotional Climate

12:46 - Self-Awareness in AI Adoption

14:10 - Rethinking Workplace Processes

16:56 - Job Shadowing for Improvement

Connect with Mindy Honcoop:

Agile in HR

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Anna Morgan: The Power of Presence

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

This episode explores how clarity, confidence, and community can change your career trajectory. Anna Morgan, Career BFF and founder of EVOLVE, joins Christy Honeycutt to share how to truly stand out in a crowded job market, network with intention and rebuild the in-person connection so many of us are craving. It’s a refreshing, human-centered take on navigating work in a chaotic world.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Anna Morgan and Evolve Conference

02:15 - Evolve's Unique Approach to HR Events

04:13 - Importance of Self-Care in HR

09:22 - Job Seekers: Stand Out on LinkedIn

12:51 - Building Authentic Online Engagement

15:02 - Personal Branding Tips

19:00 - Generating Opportunities Through Content

22:15 - Relationship-Building in Competitive Landscapes

27:07 - Emotional Intelligence in Organizations

32:19 - Networking Tips for Conferences

Connect with Anna Morgan:

Your Career BFF

EVOLVE

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Katrina Kibben: Rebuilding The Hiring Experience

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0600

This episode features author and Three Ears Media founder Katrina Kibben, who breaks down why hiring feels harder than ever and what it really takes to create a candidate experience people can trust. They explore the failures of traditional job postings, the rise of fraud and why frontline workers hold the key to the future of work—along with insights from The Bounce Back Factor on navigating uncertainty, staying findable and leading change by starting with yourself.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing Katrina Kibben

02:23 - Evolution of Job Platforms

03:44 - Trust in Recruitment

06:01 - Challenges of AI in Hiring

09:17 - Importance of Frontline Workers

10:15 - The Bounce Back Factor

13:29 - Enhancing Human Experience with AI

15:24 - Auditing Candidate Experience

18:34 - Pitfalls of Accelerated Hiring

23:13 - Boosting LinkedIn Visibility

Connect with Katrina Kibben:
LinkedIn

Three Ears Media

The Bounce Back Factor

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:

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Dr. Marnie Stockman & Nick Coniglio: Building A High Value You

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0600

This episode dives into the story of two leaders who turned a bold idea into an eight-figure company and are now helping people unlock the next chapter of their lives. Dr. Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, co-authors of The Business of You, share how understanding your values, shaping your personal brand and telling your story with confidence can change your trajectory. They explore the rise of character-driven success, the power of intentional habits and what it really means to run your life like a business built to grow.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Nick and Marnie

01:23 - Leadership Philosophy Inspired by Ted Lasso

04:15 - Marrying Sitcom Lessons with Leadership

05:40 - Launch of "The Business of You"

07:58 - Importance of Soft Skills for Success

09:24 - Gamification in Teaching Values

11:11 - Self-Investment and the CFO Mindset

15:28 - Storytelling for Job Market Differentiation

17:18 - Evolution of Personal Branding

19:12 - Alternative Pathways to Success

Connect with Guests:

Dr. Marnie Stockman
Nick Coniglio

Book: Lead It Like Lasso

Book: The Business of You: Ask the Right Questions, Tell Your Story, and Lead Your Life

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Scott Birkhead: The Art of the Right Hire

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0600

In this conversation, Scott Birkhead shares insights from his extensive experience in recruitment and talent acquisition, particularly in the context of his current role at Geostabilization. He discusses the importance of hiring veterans, the need for upskilling in a changing workforce, and the metrics that matter in measuring recruitment effectiveness. Scott emphasizes the role of technology in enhancing human connections in recruitment and the importance of adapting to new tools while maintaining a focus on core human values. He also addresses the evolving perception of college degrees in the job market and offers advice for job seekers navigating potential fraud.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Scott’s Career Overview

01:10 - The Fun of Small, Synergistic Teams

02:28 - Geostabilization's Niche Importance

03:42 - Military Veterans in the Workforce

04:57 - Upskilling Through On-the-Job Training

06:29 - Measuring Recruitment Success

08:00 - Setting Ambitious Goals

10:23 - Improving Deployment Times

13:10 - Data-Driven Hiring

15:01 - Exploring 'What's Possible'

Connect with Scott Birkhead:

Geostabilization Inc.

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Kevin Fleming: Designing Education For The Future

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0600

This episode dives into the future of work by reimagining how we prepare people for it. Dr. Kevin Fleming, founder and CEO of Catapult Masterclass, challenges the “graduate and figure it out later” mindset and shows how aligning purpose, talent and opportunity creates strong career momentum.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Kevin Fleming

00:29 - Mission of Catapult Masterclass

01:51 - Life-Readiness Over Graduation

02:41 - Education System Gaps

04:29 - Viral Animation Videos

06:49 - Aligning Education with Strengths

08:37 - Impact of Social Capital

10:24 - Real-World Skills vs. Curricula

14:42 - Redefining Success Metrics

19:21 - Supporting Alternative Pathways

Connect with Dr. Kevin Fleming:

Catapult Masterclass

(Re)Defining the Goal: The True Path to Career Readiness in the 21st Century

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:

Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.

Want clarity about your own career path? Explore tools, mentors and real-world opportunities at pepelwerk.com.

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Hart Brown: The Frankenstein Effect

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0600

In this episode, Hart Brown, CEO of Future Point of View and certified futurist, joins Christy Honeycutt to break down the truth about AI, the future of work, and why this moment matters more than any other in modern business. From rethinking education to transforming workforce culture, Hart shares bold insights and a surprisingly optimistic vision, one where AI gives us back time, strengthens human connection and redefines what’s possible for work and life.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introducing Hart Brown

02:19 - The Frankenstein Effect

03:41 - AI Implementation Challenges

05:28 - Building Digital Humans

07:25 - Becoming a Certified Futurist

09:17 - Communicating Technology

10:14 - Guidance for CEOs

12:31 - Educational Strategies

14:14 - Cultivating a Curious Mindset

15:43 - Global AI Mastery Strategies

Connect with Hart Brown:
LinkedIn
Future Point of View

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:
LinkedIn

Tune in for real conversations, fresh insights, and strategies that actually help you stay ahead. Follow now and start making your own strategic shift.

Go to pepelwerk.com to future-proof your workforce and stay ahead of the AI revolution.

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Karim Abouelnaga: Reimagining Education with AI

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0500

This episode explores the future of work through the lens of public education and equity. Karim Abouelnaga, CEO of Practice, explains why potential is universal but opportunity is not and how Title I schools can raise proficiency through thoughtful design, transparent tools and the practical use of AI. He unpacks “possibility versus probability,” the importance of modeling new technology and the tradeoffs of phone and AI adoption.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introducing the Future of Work

02:15 - Kareem’s Journey from NYC Public Schools

04:00 - Supporting 1 Million Low-Income Children

06:00 - Impact of COVID-19 on Education

08:00 - AI's Role in Closing Achievement Gaps

10:00 - Global Access to Quality Education

12:00 - Rethinking Education Pathways

14:00 - Micro-Schools and Personalized Learning

16:00 - Future-Proofing Careers with Skills

18:00 - AI-Human Collaboration and Ethics

Connect with Kareem Abouelnaga
LinkedIn

Connect with Christy Honeycutt:
LinkedIn

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Mark Beal: Living to Work or Working to Live?

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0500

Season 2 of Strategic Shift kicks off with a conversation about thriving in today’s multi-generational workforce. Mark Beal, professor and Gen Z thought leader, explains how younger professionals are working smarter with AI, while also showing why human interaction and cultural fit remain essential. He offers practical guidance for candidates, leaders and anyone navigating the evolving workplace.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Mark Beal

02:00 - Mark Beal's Career Insights

04:00 - Multi-Generational Communication

06:00 - AI's Impact on Marketing

08:00 - Importance of AI Immersion

10:00 - Job Interview Preparation

12:00 - Standing Out with Referrals

14:00 - Balancing Tech and EQ

16:00 - Generational Work Myths

18:00 - Building Networks Beyond Academics

Connect with Mark Beal:

Books

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Jude Reser: Building Mission-Driven Workplaces

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:00:00 -0500

🎙️ In this episode of Strategic Shift, Dion McIntosh sits down with Jude Reser — former VP of HR for a top hospitality company turned Head of HR at Thomas More University.

They dive deep into:
-Why she left corporate HR for a purpose-driven university role
-Creative ways to retain talent when budgets are tight
-How to compete for great hires without sky-high salaries
-Why she’s removing performance ratings altogether
-Her perspective on AI’s role in HR and education

💡 Whether you're in HR, leadership or early in your career, this conversation is packed with transformative insights about hiring, retention and building culture.

👉 Learn more about Thomas More University: https://www.thomasmore.edu

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Silas Ellis: Why Misalignment is Failing Our Future

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What if the biggest challenge facing education, work, and technology isn't innovation — but misalignment?

In this episode, Silas Ellis dives deep into the cracks forming between generations, tech, and workforce expectations. From his work with tribal nations in Oklahoma to solving real-time gaps in economic development, Silas offers a front-line view of what’s working, what’s broken, and how to bridge the gap before it’s too late.

🎙 We unpack:

✅ What peak high school means for your future (and your kids)
✅ The talent cliff coming in 2030
✅ How tribal nations are filling critical gaps in healthcare and employment
✅ Why Gen Z's "job hopping" is actually strategic
✅ How to use tech as a liberator, not a replacer
✅ Real-world uses of AI that save hours without losing human touch

This episode is a must-watch for educators, policymakers, employers, and Gen Z leaders ready to shape the future. Come for the data, stay for the heart.

🔗 Follow Silas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silas-ellis/

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Rob Holmes: Trades - America's First Responders

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500

🔧 America’s skilled trade crisis is real—and it’s your opportunity to thrive.

In this episode of Strategic Shift, Rob Holmes, co-founder of Forge Now, breaks down why 9 million trade jobs are going unfilled while college grads struggle with debt and unemployment. This powerful, eye-opening interview reveals:

✅ How you can earn $28/hour in just 7 weeks
✅ Why 80% of tradespeople are retiring in the next 10 years
✅ How Forge Now’s military-style training is changing lives
✅ Why trades are the “first responder” jobs of our economy
✅ The path to a 6-figure career—no degree required

Whether you're a parent, veteran, or someone looking to escape the college debt trap, this conversation will change how you think about career paths. As Rob says: "You don't need permission to get your life back. You just need a path."

Connect with Forge Now: ForgeNow.com
Instagram: / forgenow
YouTube: / @forgenow3692

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Kim Kelley: Work is the New Classroom

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0500

🚨 The education system is BROKEN — and this CEO has the data to prove it.

In this episode of Strategic Shift , Kim Kelly, CEO of pepelwerk, explains why college is missing the mark for 85% of people, and how she’s revolutionizing hiring by ditching resumes altogether.

If you’re a parent, student, employer, or anyone questioning the value of traditional education, this episode will shift your perspective.

🔥 In This Episode, You'll Learn:

- Why traditional hiring is setting businesses (and people) up to fail
- The REAL cost of college — financially and mentally
- How other countries are outperforming the U.S. in education
- The truth about where your tax dollars are going
- A simple hiring strategy that works better than resumes

This isn't just another business podcast - this is a blueprint for the future of work and education that could change everything for you and your family.

💡 Ready to strategically shift your approach to career and education? Watch until the end for Kim's simple solution that could revolutionize the entire system.

To learn more about pepelwerk follow:
X: https://x.com/pepelwerk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pepelwerk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepelwerk

To learn more about Kim Kelley:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the1kimkelley/
X: https://x.com/the1kimkelley/

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Dr. JJ Ayers: Rethinking Education

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 14:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Strategic Shift, a podcast by pēpelwerk exploring bold decisions and workforce innovations shaping the future of work.

In this inaugural episode, we sit down with Dr. Ayers, Coordinator for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming at Little Elm ISD in North Texas, for a candid and eye-opening conversation about the hidden challenges within the education system and how we can better prepare students for real-world success.

As graduation rates rise above 90%, only a third of students complete college. So what happens to the other 60%?

Together, with host Dion McIntosh they explore:

- The real data behind graduation rates and the political narratives that obscure them

- How CTE programs bridge the gap between classroom learning and career readiness

- Practical AI tools every educator and student should know

- The urgent need for K–12 career development programs

- Why adaptability—not degrees—is the future of employability

Dr. Ayers shares his vision for transforming education from a narrow college-prep track to a career-focused ecosystem that values skills, purpose, and partnerships between educators and employers.

Whether you're an educator, policymaker, business leader, or parent, this episode will reframe how you think about education's role in the workforce of tomorrow.

Connect with Dr. Ayers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayersjj/

Facing a strategic shift? Send us fan mail, we’d love to hear from you.