Ep. 127 - Sports Reporter Taylor Kennedy Shares Courageous Wisdom
The Main Thing Podcast
Taylor Kennedy is a talented, young sports journalist whose career is off to a blazing start, despite some early adversity. He joins us on this episode to share his inspiring journey through the world of sports journalism and mental health. The Journey: From Panic Attacks to Professional Excellence May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Keeping with that theme, Taylor shares openly about his experiences with anxiety and panic attacks. In our conversation, Taylor speaks candidly about facing these challenges head-on and the strength he found in vulnerability. His story is a powerful...
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Ep. 126 - Valerie Hart - From FBI to Intuitive Outdoor Guide
The Main Thing Podcast
Valerie Hart is a coach, guide and company co-founder. She has coached me, hypnotized me, led me on hikes and introduced me to such concepts as QiGong and reframing. In the course of our work together over the past 3 years, she has become my good friend, as well. Valerie’s Wisdom Journey from Science to Serenity Valerie Hart is a former FBI forensic scientist who gave up a coveted, big-city career path in favor of the narrower, wooded paths and moss-lined trails deep in the Monongahela Forest. In this deep, authentic wisdom conversation, you will discover why Valerie made that transition....
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Ep. 125: From Military to Ministry - Dave Schutter's Wisdom Journey
The Main Thing Podcast
What if you could redefine your identity beyond titles and roles? How do you know which path to take when you come upon a fork in the road along life’s journey? Join us, as we explore these profound questions with our remarkably wise guest, Dave Schutter. From Military to Ministry - Dave Schutter’s Wisdom Journey Our special guest Dave Schutter had his sights set on a military career, dreaming of an appointment to West Point. But God had a different plan for his life. From his dreams of West Point to a transformative mission trip to Albania, Dave's journey is a testament to adaptability,...
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Ep. 124 - Anita Stubenrauch: Her Creative Journey After Apple
The Main Thing Podcast
Our special, wise guest, Anita Stubenrauch, is one of the most creative people I’ve ever met. She's a writer, speaker, podcaster and entrepreneur. Our paths crossed when she delivered the keynote speech at a conference I attended last November in Austin, TX. Immediately after her presentation, I knew we had to have her on the show. Anita is a former Apple creative professional who spent a significant chunk of her career at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California. While working at Apple, Anita was tapped to write the Apple Credo. She also created presentations seen by Steve...
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Ep. 123 - A Journalist's Wisdom Journey with Hoppy Kercheval
The Main Thing Podcast
Hoppy Kercheval, the esteemed “dean of broadcasting” in West Virginia, brings his wealth of experience in journalism to this dynamic episode, offering listeners valuable insights into the art of showing up every day and the transformative power of wisdom. A Broadcaster's Path to Lifelong Learning and Legacy Hoppy, renowned for his work in covering public affairs, politics, and sports, shares personal stories that illuminate the importance of being present and recognizing the pivotal moments that define our paths. We explore Hoppy's unexpected start in journalism during high school,...
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Ep. 122 - Tim Haring Shares Wisdom for Transitions
The Main Thing Podcast
Join us on as we embark on a journey of transition and wisdom with our special guest, Tim Haring, founding pastor of Chestnut Ridge Church. With nearly 40 years of leadership and service, Tim recently shifted into retirement, turning over leadership of the organization to his successor. From Northern Lights to Spiritual Insights - Wisdom for Navigating Life’s Transitions Whether you're facing a new leadership role, considering a career change, or moving to a new city, Tim Haring’s reflections provide guidance and encouragement for personal growth and embracing change....
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Ep. 121 - Season 5 Wrap-Up with Special Guest Rachel Bell
The Main Thing Podcast
Join us in a lively celebration of holiday cheer as we gather at Parkwood Studios to wrap gifts with friend of the show, Rachel Bell. “Wrapping Gifts and Unwrapping Wisdom” A festive spirit fills the air as Rachel and Host Skip Lineberg reminisce about memorable moments from past episodes, sharing laughter and witty banter. As the gift-wrapping frenzy unfolds, we explore the profound wisdom shared by our guests this season. These stories underscore the importance of embracing challenges and finding fulfillment through persistence and adaptability, all while highlighting the...
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Ep. 120 - Skip's Quips Two: A Different Perspective
The Main Thing Podcast
This special edition of The Main Thing Podcast isn't just about walking down memory lane; it's about distilling life experiences into actionable wisdom for your personal and professional growth. Join me on this edition of “Skip’s Quips” for a powerful exploration of the importance of perspective on our lives and our work. The Power of Perspective: Insights from a Fast Food Line Ever wonder how a simple job at a fast-food joint can offer profound lessons in leadership and personal growth? Join me, Skip Lineberg, as I take you on a personal journey through my high school years,...
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Ep. 119 - Featuring Airline Pilot Rob Akers
The Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, your wisdom podcast. I'm Skip Lineberg and I'll be your host. Twice each month, we bring you a concise, high impact wisdom lesson. Fresh insights and unique perspectives from the wisest people around. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get a little better at life. From Combat to Creativity - Rob Akers’ Journey In this episode, you hear from my good friend, Rob Akers. Rob is a professional pilot, a father, a husband, creative writer and combat veteran. In this wide-ranging, intimate wisdom conversation,...
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Ep. 118 - Servant Leader Alison Ibarra Shares Wisdom
The Main Thing Podcast
Welcome to the Main Thing Podcast, where every episode brings you a concise, high-impact wisdom lesson from one of the wisest people I know. Studying their wisdom and learning together, we all get a little better at this thing called life. Courage & Community-Building are Par for the Course with Alison Stepping onto a golf course is a serene escape for some, but for Allison Ibarra, it was the beginning of a journey that led her from competitive golf to transforming a near-derelict bowling alley into Pinhead's Family Fun Center—a community gem in Oak Hill, West Virginia. Join me as...
info_outlineWelcome back to The Main Thing Podcast! Our special guest is a gifted leader who has run the HR programs from the C-suite of several of America’s most admired and successful corporations.
Tran Taylor has served as Upbound’s Executive Vice President — Chief Human Resources Officer since July 2021 and as the Chief Diversity Officer since May 2022. From 2008 through 2021, he served on the executive leadership team as the CHRO/CPO for Bumble, Mr. Cooper and Travelocity.
Tran has a track record of leading the Human Resources function, establishing human capital strategy and optimizing culture and people practices. From 2001 to 2008, he led the human resources function for global, retail-focused companies, such as Alliance Data and The Home Depot. He has led human resources integration for multiple merger and acquisition efforts and also served as a key enabler for several transformational change initiatives.
Tran earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from West Virginia University and completed HR executive development certification from University of Michigan Business School. He joins us from Dallas, where he resides with his wife and three children.
Get set! Over the next 9 minutes you will discover why Tran Taylor is one of the wisest people I know.
Resources
Contact Tran Taylor on LinkedIn
Credits
Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss
Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski
PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell
Graphic Design + Social Media Chloe Lineberg
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Episode Chapters
[0:00:01 - 0:04:30] - Intro, Welcome and Guest Bio; the connection between Tran and Skip
[0:04:31 - 0:06:55] - Tran’s career; earning a seat in the C-suite; his mentors along the way
[0:06:56 - 0:08:17] - Leadership style; Tran’s competitive edge; developing others
[0:08:18 - 0:11:55] - Tran shares his Main Thing; applying this wisdom to navigate one’s career
[0:11:55 - 0:14:15] - Applying the finishing touches; seeking inspiration from Maya Angelou