Gosh, that year went by FAST! Let's recap 2025 — Season 8 of The Simplifiers Podcast. The greatest things I've learned. What stood out the most. And where we're headed next.

• To our incredible guests — for sharing real, honest insights.

• To our clients — for trusting us with meaningful work.

• And to you, our listeners — for believing that work can be better.

Because the truth is…
Work is broken for a lot of people.

And here at The Simplifiers, we're on a mission to fix it.
By simplifying the complex.
Equipping HR professionals.

And helping people fall back in love with their work again.

As always friends, keep things simple.
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Show notes available with all links mentioned here:
https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/b163-what-i-learned-this-year-whats-next-in-2026

Uncertainty has become the norm at work. Markets shift. Culture is shaky. Roles change mid-stride. And yet, many organizations are still trying to plan for the future using old assumptions that no longer hold. In today's environment, the question isn't how to create stability — it's how to build a talent strategy that can adapt when the ground keeps moving.

My special guest today is Steve Cadigan, and he's simplifying how to build a talent strategy that thrives in uncertainty. Steve is known for challenging traditional workforce planning and helping leaders rethink how they attract, develop, and retain talent in a world where adaptability matters more than predictability.

Here's how.

• What a resilient talent strategy actually looks like today — and why agile, scenario-based thinking is replacing traditional workforce planning.

• Why stability is no longer the goal, and how leaders can build cultures where uncertainty becomes an advantage instead of a threat.

• Which "old world" recruiting and retention practices organizations should stop using immediately — and what should replace them.

• How leaders can help their people grow when roles and skill needs are changing faster than ever.

• …and ultimately, one piece of advice for HR and business leaders navigating the volatile talent market ahead.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all links mentioned here:
https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/406-how-to-build-a-talent-strategy-that-thrives-in-uncertainty---with-steve-cadigan

In a world where deadlines move fast and business pressures run high, it's easy for leaders to default to strategy, metrics, and sheer efficiency. But the leaders who create real impact — the ones people trust, follow, and remember — are the ones who lead from the heart. Heart-centered leadership isn't soft. It's intentional. It's courageous. And it's one of the most powerful ways to build connection, accountability, and belonging on your team.

My special guest today is Claude Silver, and she's simplifying how to lead from the heart. Claude is known for championing emotional optimism, bringing humanity back into leadership, and helping companies thrive by focusing on people first. If you want to lead with more courage, clarity, and compassion — while still driving results — this conversation is for you.

Here's how.

• What leading from the heart really looks like day-to-day, especially when business pressures are high.

• How leaders can apply the three emotional pillars — optimism, bravery, and efficiency — when giving tough feedback or leading change.

• How to balance empathy and vulnerability without losing authority.

• A few simple ways leaders can build belonging and trust on their teams this week.

• …and ultimately, how to keep humanity at the center as AI and automation reshape the way we work.

It's time to #DoTheThing!

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Show notes available with all links mentioned here:
https://www.thesimplifiers.com/posts/405-how-to-lead-from-the-heart---with-claude-silver