In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams is joined by Pete Petrella, President at TalentRise, an executive search and talent management consulting firm serving mid- to large-market employers across professional services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, financial services, and non-profit sectors.

Pete shares how TalentRise is navigating the evolving executive search landscape by integrating AI and automation to streamline processes—while doubling down on the human connection to improve candidate fit, culture alignment, and long-term success. From sourcing and assessments to leadership development and coaching, Pete explains how his team uses predictive analytics and behavioral tools to deliver results without compromising the personalized, high-touch experience that sets them apart.

Rob and Pete also explore how TalentRise supports newly placed executives through their first 90 days with coaching that strengthens relationship-building and cultural alignment—especially critical in high-pressure, private equity environments.

Tune in to hear how executive search firms are adapting to change, and why the future of talent still depends on human insight.

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams is joined by Elizabeth May, Organizational Development Specialist at TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC). Elizabeth shares how TIVC helps organizations move beyond viewing culture as a soft concept and instead treat it as a strategic lever that drives measurable results and retains top talent.

Elizabeth introduces TIVC’s Culture Insights Index (the KEY), a research-backed tool that distills culture into four actionable dimensions: structure, resources, growth, and communication. She explains how this practical framework helps organizations assess behaviors, build trust, and align culture with business outcomes. Together, Rob and Elizabeth explore how leaders can reframe accountability, improve communication, and take intentional steps to activate culture at every level — without overwhelming employees.

Tune in for practical advice and fresh insights leaders can use to start building a culture worth staying for this week.

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams welcomes Jon Levitt, Chief Strategy Officer at BrainWorks, a leading boutique executive search firm with a 30-year track record of sourcing and placing top talent. Jon shares his perspective on how organizations can intentionally activate and sustain culture at every level — even in remote and hybrid environments.

Together, Rob and Jon explore practical tools and frameworks BrainWorks uses to make culture actionable, the critical role communication plays in building culture, and subtle indicators that reveal whether a company’s culture is thriving or struggling. Mr. Levitt also discusses how technology should (and shouldn’t) support culture in distributed teams, and how the definition of culture fit is evolving in executive hiring.

Tune in for fresh insights and actionable takeaways that leaders can apply immediately to strengthen organizational culture and drive performance.

Culture doesn’t exist—at least not in the way we think it does. In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams is joined by John O. Burdett, Founder of Orxestra® Inc. and Leadership Advisor to TRANSEARCH International, to challenge conventional wisdom on organizational culture. With decades of experience as a senior HR executive and consultant to global organizations, John offers a fresh, systems-based perspective on culture—why it’s often misunderstood, how it directly impacts performance, and why only one in five companies effectively manage it.

John explains:

• Why culture is a system—and why failing to manage it holistically leads to failure.
• The proven link between strong, agile cultures and long-term business performance.
• Why most leaders say culture is critical but spend too little time actively shaping it.
• How to hire with tomorrow’s culture in mind and create an adaptable, high-performing organization.
• The role of trust, leadership balance, and storytelling in driving cultural change.

If you're a leader looking to understand how culture truly works—and how to leverage it as a competitive advantage—this episode is for you.

Tune in now to discover how to shape, measure, and manage culture with intention.

As workplaces become more diverse, leaders must move beyond cultural competence and embrace cultural humility—a mindset that fosters inclusion, trust, and stronger teams. In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams speaks with Dr. Sarah Prince, PhD, Curriculum Developer for Training and Development at TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC), about why cultural humility is a critical leadership skill and how it can transform workplace culture.

Dr. Prince explains the key differences between cultural competence and cultural humility, how self-reflection and adaptability help leaders foster inclusive teams, and why the shift to a majority-minority U.S. workforce by 2045 makes this leadership approach more essential than ever.

You'll also learn practical strategies for:

• Building psychological safety to enhance trust and collaboration.
• Improving active listening to engage authentically with diverse perspectives.
• Embedding cultural humility into leadership to drive better business outcomes.

If you're a leader looking to create an inclusive, psychologically safe, and high-performing workplace, this episode is for you.

Tune in now to discover how cultural humility can elevate your leadership and help you build stronger, more inclusive teams.

In this episode of Talent Talks, host Rob Adams is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Hanrahan, Director of Organizational Development at TI Verbatim Consulting (TIVC) and a renowned expert in organizational psychology. Together, they explore the crucial differences between organizational culture and climate, shedding light on how these two elements interact and influence overall performance. Dr. Hanrahan shares his expertise on how leaders can leverage culture and climate to drive success, avoid common misconceptions, and manage change effectively during times of transformation. Tune in to gain practical strategies and leadership insights that can help elevate your organization’s effectiveness.