E265: Ventura County Works: Upskilling for Success: How SkillUp Ventura County is Changing Lives
Release Date: 02/27/2025
E275: Workforce in Action: Leveling Up: Level All & Equus Partner to Change Lives
WORKFORCEPODS
In celebration of ‘Learning at Work Week,’ Host Wayne Williams is joined by Kevin Kenny, Founder and Co-CEO of , to share news regarding our exciting new partnership, how Level All is leveling up the workforce, and how their approach of “knowledge – decision – action” is changing the way learners plan for college and careers.
info_outline
E274: Work Talk: From Data to Action: Building Smarter Workforce Systems
WORKFORCEPODS
What happens when a university research center and a workforce board team up for over a decade? This episode shares lessons from a long-standing partnership that has turned labor market data into strategic advantage. You’ll learn how collaboration led to skills gap studies, sector-based lattices, and region-specific tools that have supported economic development at every level.
info_outline
E273: KRA's the Hub: Hiring Reimagined: Voice Technology and the Fight Against Turnover
WORKFORCEPODS
In this episode, host Jonathan Overall sits down with Rich Simmerman, co-founder of Cantaloupe AI, at the JFF Horizons Summit in New Orleans to tackle a pressing challenge in the hospitality industry: outdated, resume-driven hiring that fails both employers and job seekers. Drawing from Rich’s own journey—from managing a coffee shop in Carrollton to pioneering voice interview technology—Cantaloupe AI is replacing traditional job applications with conversational voice interviews. This hands-on, candidate-first approach helps employers screen every applicant, reduce early quits by...
info_outline
E272: Career Crossroads: Financial Planning While Unemployed
WORKFORCEPODS
In this episode, you’ll learn how to take control of your finances after a job loss with practical tools and a grounded mindset. Discover how to assess your current income and expenses, create an essentials-only budget, and identify areas to cut back without losing your stability. You'll hear about helpful budgeting apps, local support resources, and how to make smart decisions around emergency savings or retirement funds. Most importantly, you'll gain reassurance that financial setbacks are temporary—and that with the right plan, you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
info_outline
E271: Will Works Podcast: Building a Stronger Workforce: Lessons from Kraig Kistinger at National Tube Supply
WORKFORCEPODS
In this episode we sit down with Kraig Kistinger, Director of Human Resources at National Tube Supply Co., to explore what it takes to build and sustain a thriving workforce in today’s competitive market. Kraig shares how National Tube Supply invests in people through robust training, innovative tools like VR, and a culture that values authenticity and growth. We discuss practical strategies for recruiting and retaining talent, the power of community partnerships, and Kraig’s “three Bs of success” that guide both new hires and seasoned professionals. Whether you’re an employer, job...
info_outline
E270: Y.O.U.T.H. Power Podcast: Polishing Pebbles: Empowering Girls for Leadership and Success
WORKFORCEPODS
Kelly Fair, Founder and Executive Director of Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, joins the program to discuss her organization's mission to help girls become effective communicators at home, school, and in the workplace. She shares the origins of Polished Pebbles, which began with monthly Saturday sessions and has grown to serve over 50 communities in schools each year. The conversation explores their four core programs, including the Every Girl's A CEO initiative that provides career readiness skills and paid work experience, the Pink Hard Hats program introducing girls to...
info_outline
E269: Boldline: Epic Opportunities: Universal's New Theme Park and Job Market Impact
WORKFORCEPODS
Tune in for a conversation with Brinkley Ruffin, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Universal Parks & Resorts. Brinkley discusses his 20-year career in human resources, his transition from political science to HR, and his decade at Universal. He also shares insights on diverse career opportunities within the theme park industry and highlights the upcoming Epic Universe theme park, set to open in 2025. Discover Universal's approach to creating immersive guest experiences and meaningful employee careers. Brinkley also offers advice for job seekers and information on exploring...
info_outline
E268: Dignity of Work: Good at Work: The Career Playbook for Leaders and Teams- Intro Episode
WORKFORCEPODS
Tune in to hear from organizational researcher and professor, Anna Valiavska, in the introductory episode of "Good at Work: The Career Playbook for Leaders and Teams." Drawing from Anna's expertise as both a corporate innovation researcher and university professor, this comprehensive guide explores the four crucial phases of organizational socialization - from anticipating your next career move to making a graceful exit. Whether you're a leader shaping workplace culture or an employee navigating career transitions, each episode delivers practical strategies and actionable insights to help you...
info_outline
E267: Getting to Work: Leading with Flexibility: A Conversation with Erika Montgomery of Three Girls Media
WORKFORCEPODS
Ready for a fresh take on workplace culture? Join host John Spencer as he sits down with Erika Montgomery, CEO-President of Three Girls Media, Inc., for an enlightening conversation about transforming traditional work environments. From her fascinating journey as a San Francisco morning show host to becoming an award-winning CEO, Erika shares practical insights on creating a thriving virtual workplace. Learn how she implements flexible schedules, builds team connectivity through virtual celebrations, and maintains productivity while prioritizing work-life balance.
info_outline
E266: Inside Will County's Interactive Career Exposition
WORKFORCEPODS
In this episode, host Patrick Hall speaks with Will County Workforce Services staff including John Hall (Business Services and Special Projects Supervisor), Andrew Pajak (Career Planner), Michelle Stiff (Director), and Pam Rodriguez (Special Projects Manager) about Pathways to Professions (P2P), an innovative career exposition now in its third year. Taking place on March 11, 2025, at the Romeoville Athletic and Event Center, P2P connects high school students with local employers through interactive, hands-on activities that showcase diverse career pathways. The event will feature over 119...
info_outlineTune in as we explore SkillUp Ventura County, an innovative program offering residents free online skills training and certification opportunities. In this episode, Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, leads a discussion with key partners. Joining her are the team from Managed Career Solutions (MCS) and special guest Kerry Twomey from Metrix Learning. Discover how this two-year-old program has already helped nearly 1,800 residents complete over 13,000 courses, representing more than 4,000 hours of training. Learn about success stories of participants who've secured better employment opportunities, sometimes being hired on the spot thanks to their new skills. Whether you're looking to change careers, advance in your current field, or simply expand your skillset, this episode reveals how SkillUp Ventura County provides accessible, flexible, and completely free online training that aligns with local industry needs.