TalentWise

Episode 5: Getting the Workforce Tea from Ryan Faught

On this week’s episode of TalentWise, we’re diving deep into the heart of today’s workforce challenges with a special guest, Ryan Faught, senior vice president of people at Milo’s Tea.
From shifting demographics to evolving employee expectations, the workforce crisis we’ve long seen coming is here...and most organizations are scrambling to keep up. Ryan brings a wealth of experience and insight from his time at the University of Alabama, Harvard’s Young American Leaders Program and Wharton’s Executive Education in HR. Whether you're an industry leader, HR professional, or just trying to make sense of the talent landscape, this episode offers practical wisdom and fresh perspectives you won’t want to miss.
Tune in and find out what it really takes to stay ahead in this new world of work.

Episode 4: Managing a University Workforce with Janet May

On this week’s episode of TalentWise, we’re diving into the workforce challenges affecting every corner of every industry and why real solutions are needed. Our guest is Janet May, chief human resources officer at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, who brings decades of experience from institutions across the country. Janet’s seen it all and is here to share what’s really going on behind the scenes when it comes to recruiting, retaining and supporting talent in today’s shifting landscape. If you’ve been wondering why the workforce crisis feels bigger than ever, and what leaders are doing about it, don't miss this conversation!

Episode 3: Changing Workforce, Changing Marketplace with Kim Lear

In this episode of TalentWise, we’re diving even deeper into the workforce conversation with nationally recognized researcher and generational expert Kim Lear, founder of Inlay Insights. Following eye-opening discussions with Nyesha Black and Jeff Lenard about the scope of our labor challenges and how industries are responding, Kim brings a fresh perspective on the trends shaping the future of work. With her unique blend of data, storytelling and humor, Kim helps us make sense of what’s happening now and what’s coming next. Tune in to learn how these insights can shape your organization’s strategy moving forward.

Episode 2: Inside the C-Store with Jeff Lenard

In this episode, we welcome Jeff Lenard, vice president of media & strategic communications at the National Association of Convenience Stores, to discuss how the industry is innovating to attract and retain talent amid flat economic growth and a shrinking labor pool. From creative training programs to community-driven recruiting tactics—and even the sector’s vital role in combating human trafficking—Jeff outlines bold strategies that will separate the winners from the rest. Tune in to learn what convenience stores are doing today to keep America moving tomorrow, and pick up practical insights you can apply to your own organization.

Episode 1: Behind the Numbers featuring Nyesha C. Black, Ph.D.

Ever wondered why everyone's talking about a looming workforce crisis? Well, we asked ourselves (and the experts) this same question! In our premiere episode, Dr. Nyesha Black from the University of Alabama provides eye-opening insights about what's happening right here in Alabama, where deaths have outpaced births since 2020. Is this just a local issue, or a sign of things to come for the rest of the nation and even the world, as global birth rates continue to decline? We also tackle why fewer people are participating in the workforce, exploring the surprising role COVID-19 played in accelerating these demographic shifts. If you're curious about the future of work and where we'll find people to fill tomorrow's jobs, tune in to hear Dr. Black break down critical trends.

Introducing Talentwise

Welcome to TalentWise – a podcast dedicated to identifying and unpacking challenges and solutions related to the workforce. Every other week, we will hear from experts in their field or industry who are fighting to better understand and tackle shifting dynamics in the world of work.