E20: Second Chance Employment- Hiring 1/3 of the U.S. Population
Release Date: 06/13/2019
E41: Cultivating Inclusion: Empowering Neurodiverse Talent
Talent Magnet
In this episode of Talent Magnet, we Michelle Whitlow, Executive Director of the Lewis County Autism Coalition. Michelle discusses the organization's mission to enhance resources and opportunities for individuals with autism and other disabilities in Lewis County and surrounding areas. She also shares insights on the challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals in employment, including misconceptions about their capabilities, and highlights the coalition's efforts to promote workplace inclusion. Discover the importance of education, training, and open communication in creating an inclusive...
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E40: Revolutionizing HR: Small Business Solutions with Insperity
Talent Magnet
This episode of Talent Magnet features a conversation with Jessica Dunson, Business Performance Advisor at Insperity. Jessica discusses employee benefits and HR challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. She also explains how Insperity, as a Professional Employer Organization, helps businesses compete for talent with benefits packages, HR support, and risk management. This episode provides insights for business owners looking to improve HR practices and create an attractive workplace for employees.
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E39: Flexibility as a Talent Magnet: Lessons from Three Girls Media's CEO
Talent Magnet
In this episode, we are joined by Erika Taylor Montgomery, CEO and President of Three Girls Media, Inc. Erika discusses the crucial topic of work-life balance and how she has made it a cornerstone of her company's culture. She also shares her journey of founding Three Girls Media nearly 19 years ago to achieve better work-life balance, and discusses her implementation of flexible schedules and remote work policies. The conversation delves into the benefits of this approach, including increased employee satisfaction and productivity, as well as how it helps smaller companies compete for talent....
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E38: Making Your Business More Neurodiverse: Practical Tips for Attraction and Retention
Talent Magnet
In this episode of Talent Magnet, host Doug Foresta interviews Katie McMurray, founder and CEO of Sensory Tool House LLC, about the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace. They discuss practical tips for attracting and retaining neurodivergent talent, like crafting inclusive job postings, allowing interview accommodations, using direct communication, and providing sensory-friendly workspaces. Katie explains how neurodiverse employees lead to increased innovation, productivity, and retention if properly supported. She emphasizes that small adjustments to company culture and...
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E37: From "Sick on Sunday" to Excited for Monday: Cultivating a Positive Workplace Culture
Talent Magnet
This episode features a discussion with Brittinay Lenhart, founder of Work Culture Consultant LLC, about the importance of psychological safety, emotional intelligence, and connectedness in building a positive organizational culture. Brittinay provides practical advice for business leaders on fostering morale, productivity, and retention through prioritizing employees' well-being. Tune in to gain actionable strategies for attracting top talent by developing a supportive workplace culture.
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E36: Talent Magnet Learns About Digital Literacy
Talent Magnet
Welcome to Talent Magnet, where we explore the latest trends and insights in talent development. In this episode, we're joined by Marianne Judd, Member Investment Project Coordinator, to discuss an important topic: Digital Literacy. Digital equity and literacy are more critical than ever in today's technology-driven world. So, what exactly do these terms mean? Digital equity refers to the availability of digital tools, resources, and access to technology to all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or location. It's about ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity...
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E35: What is an Employee?
Talent Magnet
On this episode of Talent Magnet, we speak with Holly Smith with L&I’s Workers’ Compensation Determinations Unit. She answers the question “What is an employee?” and explains what that determination can mean for businesses. With questions, reach out to the L&I Small Business Office at [email protected] or 1-800-987-0145.
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E34: Supporting Military Transition: A Conversation with Andrew Garate from the Thurston County Chamber
Talent Magnet
In this episode of Talent Magnet, host Doug introduces the topic of military transition and the challenges that transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses face. Our guest Andrew Garate, Senior Director of Military Transition Programs and Strategic Initiatives at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. In this interview, we'll learn the following *Andrew's role at the Thurston County Chamber and the Chamber's mission to support transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. *Andrew will share some of the programs and initiatives that the Chamber offers to...
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E33: Talent Magnet Speaks with Mike Reid about Olympia Career Hub
Talent Magnet
On this episode of Talent Magnet, we speak with Mike Reid, Economic Development Director for the City of Olympia, about the Olympia Career Hub and the benefit it brings to Olympia residents. You can find out more about the Career Hub at or on the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce website at
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E32: Equal Pay & Opportunities Act and At Will Employment
Talent Magnet
In this episode of Talent Magnet, Christina Evans with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, joins the program to speak about the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, as well as at-will employment and what that means for both employers and employees. Talent Magnet is brought to you by Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council, the podcast where we help businesses become talent magnets by focusing on recruitment, training, and retention best practices. Your host is Michele Winn from the Thurston County Chamber’s Workforce Division. Each episode is filled with a variety...
info_outlineThis episode features an interview with Deanna Rodkey, Community Employment Specialist for Correctional Industries, a division within the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC). Deanna reveals why businesses should tap into the valuable labor pool of returning citizens, and some of the biggest misconceptions that employers have when it comes to this population.
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