Making the courageous choice in hiring means looking beyond the résumé and building the support that leaders need in order to win from day one. In this episode, we’re joined by Amy Sulgrove, CEO of Talent Executives Group, to explore what it really takes to place leaders who can thrive in uncertainty, build trust fast and drive performance without losing the human connection. We also unpack why executive hiring cannot end on a start date and how the right support in the first 90 days can make or break long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:54 Amy launched Talent Executives Group to build real leadership partnership.

04:56 Amplify Executive Search is a collaboration between Talent Executives Group and Gig Talent Collective.

10:16 Jamie reached out and it became an amazing reconnection after many years.

12:35 Cross-functional influence is the leadership capability in highest demand.

15:24 Leaders can handle ambiguity while creating clarity, and Gig Talent helps.

18:04 AI is reshaping hiring and leaders need to validate what is real.

20:51 Zoom interviews get gamed when candidates use earpieces for answers.

23:43 Saying yes to everything hurts precision, so focus on excellence.

Resources Mentioned:

Amy Sulgrove

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amysulgrove/

Talent Executives Group | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentexecutives/

Talent Executives Group | Website

https://talentexecutivesgroup.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

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#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

There comes a moment when success looks right on paper but feels wrong in practice. In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Jacobs, Founder and CEO of Gig Talent, for a candid conversation about ambition, fear, alignment and what it truly means to make a courageous choice. Jamie reflects on her personal and professional evolution, from corporate leadership to building a company rooted in flow, purpose and community. Her story highlights how courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward anyway and create possibilities that didn’t exist, or you couldn’t see, before.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:32 Ambition often follows the next visible step before the bigger picture appears.

05:09 Growth and curiosity, not money, drive ambition beyond perceived personal limitations.

10:15 Resistance signals misalignment despite persistence and fear of failure.

12:27 Jamie values contributing to communities and learning to accept support.

15:39 Gig Talent launched in 2019 with the aim of aligning strengths and creating shared value.

18:09 Leveraging AI strengthens Gig Talent’s expertise while preserving human-led matching.

20:06 Every step has value and fear should never dictate when to move on.

21:20 Courage in two words: do it.

Resources Mentioned:

Jamie Jacobs

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlatianojacobs/

Gig Talent | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/gig-talent/

Gig Talent | Website

https://gigtalentagency.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

As the world of work rapidly evolves, it demands new approaches to talent, performance and career growth. In this episode, we speak with Edie Goldberg, President and Founder of E. L. Goldberg & Associates, to explore how organizations can adapt to evolving employee expectations, leverage AI for talent strategies and create environments that enable people to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:14 The future of work requires disrupting outdated talent practices with AI.

05:44 Disrupting outdated processes is key to attracting, engaging and retaining talent.

10:22 Companies must tap into diverse talent beyond employees.

17:03 Aging populations and shifting demographics demand more flexible work options.

20:06 Tenure boosts productivity through relationships and knowledge.

25:10 Curiosity and continuous learning are essential for thriving today.

30:21 Diverse perspectives fuel innovation and better solutions.

34:01 Turning a layoff into a successful business was a defining act of courage.

Resources Mentioned:

Edie Goldberg

https://www.linkedin.com/in/edie-goldberg-phd/

E. L. Goldberg & Associates | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-l-goldberg-associates/

E. L. Goldberg & Associates | Website

https://www.elgoldberg.com/

"The Inside Gig" by Edie Goldberg

https://theinsidegig.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership

The path to happiness often begins with the courage to make a change. In this episode, we sit down with Ashish Kothari, Founder and CEO of Happiness Squad, to explore how redefining success, shifting workplace mindsets and building human-centric systems can unlock both individual and organizational potential. Ashish shares his deeply personal journey from corporate leadership to founding Happiness Squad, offering transformative insights on wellbeing, leadership and the future of work. He explains why flourishing must become a strategic priority, how organizations can tackle burnout at source and how leaders at every level can create meaningful change.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:09 A battle with anxiety inspired Ashish to pivot his career toward well-being.

05:22 Ashish says his calling, not courage, drove his career transformation.

10:06 Burnout is often worse in nonprofit and frontline roles than in corporate jobs.

15:02 Trust, belonging and deep work fuel human energy.

19:58 One-size-fits-all programs fail; teams need tailored interventions.

25:34 Leaders can drive systemic change without top-level support.

29:59 The Eisenhower Matrix helps reset priorities and reduce overwhelm.

32:36 People want to contribute, but broken systems create changeable helplessness.

Resources Mentioned:

Ashish Kothari

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishkothari1/

Happiness Squad | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/happiness-squad/

Happiness Squad | Website

https://happinesssquad.com/

VIA Character Strengths

https://www.viacharacter.org/

World Economic Forum

https://www.weforum.org/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Success in hospitality, like in life, often comes down to making the courageous choice. In this episode, we sit down with Vikram Sood, Managing Director of NuPala Hospitality Development, to discuss the pivotal choices that defined his journey, the lessons learned in hospitality and the importance of resilience in uncertain times. We explore what it means to take courageous steps in both career and life. From global luxury hotels to independent consulting, Vikram shares how bold decisions shape leadership, culture and long-term growth.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

01:26 Reopening a long-dormant resort reshaped San Diego’s luxury scene.

05:13 Moving to Las Vegas revealed a shift from luxury hospitality to gaming priorities.

10:12 Guiding owners through new builds and strategic transitions became his focus.

14:20 Courageous choices evolve, from early experimentation to confident decisions later in life.

16:23 Rising wage ordinances challenge leaders to do more with less.

18:26 True leadership is measured by impact on people, not prestigious titles.

20:02 Entrepreneurship demands backbone, faith and resisting the easy route.

22:41 Passion, not pedigree, should guide careers through uncertainty and change.

Resources Mentioned:

Vikram Sood

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikram-sood-33462610/

NuPala Hospitality Development

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nupala-hospitality-development/

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

https://www.fourseasons.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

The rapid rise of AI is reshaping how organizations approach hiring, talent management and leadership. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Sackett (Not a Life Coach), General Partner and Co-Founder at HR Tech 100 Fund, to discuss the courageous decisions companies and recruiters must make to stay ahead in a rapidly changing talent landscape. Tim shares candid insights into how technology, human connection and cultural clarity intersect to shape the future of recruiting, and why courage is more vital than ever for leaders, recruiters and employees alike.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:35 AI is doubling applicant volumes and reshaping the recruiting process.

05:14 Recruiters must overcome rejection and have the courage to pick up the phone.

10:20 Making people feel valued and wanted is a powerful part of recruiting.

15:27 Digging into passions and cultural fit is just as important as evaluating skills.

20:56 Driving meaningful change takes courage, even when the risks feel high.

25:03 Knowing recruiting capacity empowers leaders to set realistic expectations.

30:05 Patience is a crucial leadership skill, especially during change.

32:31 Helping others defines success more than titles or identity.

Resources Mentioned:

Tim Sackett

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsackett/

HR Tech 100 Fund | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrtech100/

HR Tech 100 Fund | Website

https://hrtech100fund.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

The future of HR requires bold choices and the willingness to step into uncertainty. In this episode, JP Elliott, Founder of Future of HR Consulting, explores how courage shapes leadership, careers and the evolving workplace. JP shares his journey from corporate HR leadership roles to building a global podcast and launching the NextGen HR Accelerator. Together, we examine how HR leaders can make courageous choices in the face of technological disruption, shifting expectations and the rise of AI.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:24 JP shares how 20+ years in HR led him to launch “The Future of HR Podcast.”

04:54 HR leaders must invest in themselves as expectations rise.

10:48 Insights from 150 interviews shaped a framework for great HR leadership.

14:48 The future path to CHRO remains uncertain as technology reshapes the role.

16:10 HR leaders must share tough perspectives, backed by deep business understanding.

17:54 Courage is giving yourself permission to ask hard questions.

20:18 The most courageous choice ahead is investing in yourself.

22:44 Action beats reflection — courage comes from taking the first step.

Resources Mentioned:

JP Elliott

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpelliottphd/

Future of HR Consulting | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-of-hr-consulting/

Future of HR Consulting | Website

https://www.futureofhr.com/

“The Future of HR Podcast”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/future-of-hr/id1644712611

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth

The role of HR continues to evolve, yet ambiguity still surrounds its true impact at the executive level. In this episode, we sit down with John Boudreau, Author, Speaker, Coach, Consultant and Advisor at Dr. John W Boudreau, to explore how courage and clarity can reshape the CHRO’s position in modern organizations. John reflects on four decades of research and advisory work, offering a framework for how HR leaders can define their role, influence strategy and step into spaces where they’re often overlooked. From bet-the-badge moments to building credibility with boards and senior teams, he highlights why courage is essential to turning ambiguity into opportunity.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

02:27 John reflects on starting at Cornell and discovering his passion for HR.

05:46 Early research focused on linking people’s investments to business value.

09:03 The CHRO role spans five platforms, from running HR to influencing boards and strategy.

15:23 Building credibility with senior teams starts by leading onboarding and evaluation.

22:35 CHROs often inherit roles, but a framework helps reassess and drive change.

24:42 Bet-the-badge moments define courage when CHROs risk their role to do what’s right.

28:55 The real HR bottleneck is not data or models but lacking platforms to be heard.

31:44 Leaders should assess their five platforms, then build influence from existing strengths.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. John W Boudreau | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr-john-w-boudreau/

Dr. John W Boudreau | Website

https://drjohnboudreau.com/

Thanks for listening to “The Courageous Choice.” Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you don’t miss any conversations.

For more information, visit gigtalentagency.com or email us at podcast@gigtalentagency.com if you have any questions.

Want to be featured as a guest? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrwfuBIhL1-eC5V8mUF9GJaKl3U0jI7hIEvake7wAWJF0DaA/viewform.

#StartupCulture #OrganizationalTransformation #StrategicLeadership #BusinessGrowth