

Skilled
Growthspace
Welcome to Skilled, the podcast where we sit down with remarkable L&D and HR leaders to uncover the stories, strategies, and skills behind their success.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2025 • 25min
How Quentin Misenheimer transformed leadership development and HR strategy at Rollins and beyond
Quentin Misenheimer, Chief People Officer at Garlock Flexible, shares his journey from HR leadership at Newell Rubbermaid to transforming talent development at Rollins. In this episode, he dives into the power of succession planning, how he built a leadership pipeline that still thrives today, and the lessons learned from an HR initiative that didn’t go as planned. He also reflects on what makes an HR leader truly impactful—understanding the business, building strong relationships, and treating HR as a customer service function. With over 25 years of experience, including a military background that shaped his leadership style, Quentin offers invaluable insights for HR leaders looking to drive meaningful change.

May 7, 2025 • 47min
How Charlie Ackerman built a high-impact talent strategy at Bosch
Charlie Ackerman, former Senior Vice President of HR at Bosch North America, shares how he led a large-scale HR transformation that supported the company’s rapid growth. With over 35 years of experience, Charlie discusses the challenges of driving organizational change, building a strong talent pipeline, and ensuring HR functions align with business strategy. He also reflects on key lessons in communication, leadership, and the role of HR as a business driver. Tune in for insights on how HR leaders can create a lasting impact by fostering trust, clarity, and a shared sense of purpose.

Apr 16, 2025 • 31min
How Sheryl Raphael Whitaker transformed claims training into digital learning at AIG
Meet Sheryl Raphael Whitaker, learning and talent executive, as she recounts her journey in creating Claims University at AIG. From the challenges of shifting in-person training to digital to lessons learned about stakeholder engagement, Sheryl shares her journey in driving impactful digital transformations.

Apr 2, 2025 • 28min
How Eric Wohl built award-winning L&D programs at Dish Network
Join Eric Wohl, former CHRO at Dish Network, as he reflects on building a nationally recognized L&D team and shares pivotal lessons from career challenges. Discover how Eric’s innovative approach transformed talent development and helped him navigate complex HR hurdles with resilience and impact.

Mar 21, 2025 • 32min
How Larry Ott built a talent engine that fuels business growth at Cooper Standard
Larry Ott, Senior Vice President and CHRO at Cooper Standard, shares how he transformed the company’s talent strategy from the ground up. With over 40 years of HR leadership experience in the automotive industry, Larry discusses the evolution of Cooper Standard University, his approach to performance management, and why business acumen is a non-negotiable skill for HR leaders. He also reflects on lessons learned, the power of mentorship, and the role of storytelling in leadership development.

Mar 4, 2025 • 32min
How Robert Rigby-Hall turned engagement into business impact at NXP Semiconductors, Orveon, and Keplr Vision
Robert Rigby-Hall, Chief People Officer at Keplr Vision, draws on over 25 years of HR and leadership experience across industries and continents to share invaluable insights. From cultural missteps and successful engagement strategies at NXP Semiconductors to the importance of communication and executive buy-in, Robert offers a candid look at the triumphs, challenges, and lessons that have defined his career.

Feb 18, 2025 • 48min
How Fabio Sacoman translates feedback and learning into leadership success at Expedia Group
Fabio Sacoman, VP of Learning & Development at Expedia Group, shares his corporate journey, emphasizing the power of feedback, personal growth, and authenticity. From pivotal lessons at GE to his leadership role at Expedia, Fabio discusses translating feedback into actionable skills, fostering a learning environment, and navigating cultural differences in global organizations.

Feb 5, 2025 • 34min
How Ann Lazarus-Barnes bridges global cultural nuances to build leadership skills at Lionbridge
Ann Lazarus-Barnes, Chief People Officer at Lionbridge, has dedicated over 35 years to creating more inclusive, effective workplaces. From pioneering diversity programs to managing global teams, Ann’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace both triumphs and setbacks as opportunities for growth.

Jan 22, 2025 • 30min
How Phil Rhodes is transforming Phillips 66 through people-first leadership and rapid results
In this episode, Phil Rhodes, Chief Learning Officer at Phillips 66, reveals how he’s championing a people-centered transformation. From high-impact onboarding to his 30-day wins, Phil’s approach shows the power of speed, focus, and executive alignment in building a resilient learning culture.

Jan 7, 2025 • 31min
How bungee jumping helped John Lucas build future CHROs at Stanley Black & Decker, Lockheed Martin, Goodyear, and beyond
John Lucas, is a legendary HR leader. Over his career, 22 of his direct reports have gone on to become CHROs at top companies like Northrop Grumman, Goodyear, and Royal Caribbean. In this candid conversation, John reveals the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership style, including tough feedback that became a turning point, the power of stretch assignments, and his proven strategies for developing future leaders.


