KRA's The Hub
The official podcast of KRA Corporation. Discover workforce topics and trends you need to know on the go!
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E35: Voices of Workforce Development: Live from the 2024 Raising the Bar Conference- Part 1
10/15/2024
E35: Voices of Workforce Development: Live from the 2024 Raising the Bar Conference- Part 1
In this special series, hosts Jonathan Overall and Derrick Colbert take you to the heart of the Raising the Bar conference in Maryland, where they conducted live interviews with influential leaders in workforce development. This episode features insightful conversations with Alexis Franks, Director of Membership with NAWDP, Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director of WorkSource Montgomery, and Kirkland Murray, President of the Maryland Workforce Association. Join us as these experts share their experiences, discuss current challenges, and offer valuable perspectives on the future of workforce development, all recorded live from the bustling conference floor.
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E34: The DEI Advantage: Implementing Successful DEI Strategies
08/01/2024
E34: The DEI Advantage: Implementing Successful DEI Strategies
In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Dr. Lee, Vice President for Education and Training at the Institute for Diversity Certification, to explore the critical realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the business world. Dr. Lee shares his expertise on the practical applications of DEI, its tangible benefits for companies, and strategies for attracting diverse talent. Drawing from his extensive experience, he discusses how diverse teams enhance decision-making, offers insights into effective DEI implementation, and provides a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this evolving field.
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E33: Cultivating Culture: DeVone Holt on the Trinity of Workforce Success
07/23/2024
E33: Cultivating Culture: DeVone Holt on the Trinity of Workforce Success
This episode features a conversation with DeVone Holt, a prominent figure in workforce development and organizational culture. DeVone shares his unique career journey, detailing his path from journalism to various roles in public relations, economic development, and education. The discussion focuses on DeVone's experiences at Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, where he worked with hard-to-serve job seekers and his perspectives on workforce culture. He also introduces his concept of the "Trinity of workforce culture" and offers valuable advice for leaders on building positive workplace environments. The conversation concludes with DeVone's tips for emerging workforce leaders, emphasizing the importance of connecting with employees and understanding their motivations and challenges.
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E32: Fostering a Culture of Well-being at Work: Insights from Mental Health Expert Rochele Burnette
05/23/2024
E32: Fostering a Culture of Well-being at Work: Insights from Mental Health Expert Rochele Burnette
Joining us for this episode is Rochele Burnette, Chief Consultant for Be Wellness Consulting, as she discusses the critical topic of mental health in the workplace. Rochele shares her extensive background in criminal justice and community mental health, and how she became involved in mental health first aid training. The conversation delves into the definition of mental health, the financial costs to businesses when employee mental health issues go untreated, and strategies for reducing the stigma surrounding mental health discussions at work. Rochele also offers practical tips for managers to support employees facing mental health challenges, coping with work-related stress, and promoting work-life harmony.
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E31: Workforce Strategies That Work: Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities
04/25/2024
E31: Workforce Strategies That Work: Empowering Individuals, Strengthening Communities
Tune in for another episode of KRA's The Hub as Derrick Colbert, Director of Strategic Partnerships at KRA, joins us. Derrick shares his background and journey into workforce development, stemming from a family dedicated to service. He discusses his role at KRA, focusing on growth strategies, client acquisition, and partnership development. Derrick emphasizes KRA's unique approach to workforce development, which involves understanding the specific needs of the communities they serve and helping individuals gain stackable credentials and occupational skills training. He also highlights some of his most impactful initiatives, including a comprehensive fatherhood program and KRA's work with TANF recipients in Louisiana. Finally, Derrick shares his excitement for the future of workforce development and offers advice for those interested in pursuing a career in the field.
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E30: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Leadership Perspectives from the 2024 NAWB Forum- Part Two
04/12/2024
E30: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Leadership Perspectives from the 2024 NAWB Forum- Part Two
Welcome back for part 2 of KRA's The Hub special series recorded live at the 2024 NAWB Forum in Washington, D.C. In this episode, host Jonathan Overall continues the engaging discussions started in part 1, sitting down with influential workforce development leaders. Guests include Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director at WorkSource Montgomery, Jaime Cruz, Executive Director for Workforce Connections in Southern Nevada, Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, and Melissa Robbins, CEO of NAWDP. Building on insights from the previous episode, they dive deeper into key takeaways from the conference around this year's theme of "Forging Tomorrow's Workforce Today", share strategies for proactively preparing for the future of work, and emphasize the crucial role of continuous innovation and professional development in the evolving workforce development landscape. Be sure to listen to part 1 if you missed it!
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E29: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Leadership Perspectives from the 2024 NAWB Forum- Part One
04/10/2024
E29: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Leadership Perspectives from the 2024 NAWB Forum- Part One
In this special two-part series from KRA's The Hub podcast, host Jonathan Overall sits down with influential leaders in the workforce development space at the 2024 NAWB Forum conference in Washington, D.C. Hear insightful conversations with George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook County Workforce Development Board, Drew Hubbard, Executive Director of the D.C. Workforce Investment Council, and Deb Giordano, NAWB Board Member. They discuss the conference theme of "Forging Tomorrow's Workforce Today", sharing their perspectives on embracing generational change, breaking down barriers through partnerships, and the importance of intentional skilling, credentialing, and inclusion initiatives. Tune in for thoughtful reflections on the challenges, innovative solutions, and future of workforce development.
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E28: Women in Leadership: Kyla Guyette's Journey in Workforce Development
03/21/2024
E28: Women in Leadership: Kyla Guyette's Journey in Workforce Development
Our special guest for this episode of KRA's The Hub is Kyla Guyette, Director of Strategic Partnerships at KRA. Kyla shares her journey in the workforce development field, from her early experiences helping Hurricane Katrina victims, to her current role at KRA and on the board of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). She discusses the challenges facing the workforce development sector, the importance of aligning ecosystems, and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing landscape. As a woman in leadership, Kyla reflects on the challenges she has faced throughout her career, and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in workforce development.
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E27: Trust and Transformation: Lessons from CareerRise's Workforce Development Strategies
03/12/2024
E27: Trust and Transformation: Lessons from CareerRise's Workforce Development Strategies
This episode features a conversation with John Helton, President and CEO of CareerRise, as John discusses the critical role of workforce intermediaries in driving economic mobility and equity. He also shares insights on how CareerRise serves as both a funder collaborative and convener to support workforce development in the Metro Atlanta region. Discover CareerRise's initiatives, including industry partnerships, capacity building, and racial equity priorities. John also offers advice for leaders looking to expand their focus and partnerships to drive greater impact in workforce development.
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E26: Boosting Access to Jobs and Training: A Customer-Centered Approach
02/21/2024
E26: Boosting Access to Jobs and Training: A Customer-Centered Approach
This episode features an interview with Terrance Bowens, Program Manager for KRA, as he discusses workforce development and customer-centered design. Terrence provides background on his experience in workforce development and what drew him to the field, as well as details on the Northern Nevada region where he currently works. He outlines KRA's role as a one-stop operator facilitating connections between job seekers and employment programs and services and reveals principles of customer-centered design that shape their approach. Terrence also touches on some future goals, like enhancing systems and focusing on the aesthetic experience for customers.
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E25: Driving Innovation in Workforce Development
01/23/2024
E25: Driving Innovation in Workforce Development
Tune in for a conversation with Dawn Karber, Director of SkillsFWD and Owner of Talent Growth Group, about driving innovation in workforce development. Dawn shares tips for embracing innovation, building strong partnerships, and overcoming common barriers like fear of failure, and skills-based hiring. She also offers insights from her extensive experience in equipping leaders to be proactive change agents to prepare their organizations for the future of work.
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E24: The Origin and Evolution of KRA: A Conversation with the Founder and President & CEO Knowlton Atterbeary
01/09/2024
E24: The Origin and Evolution of KRA: A Conversation with the Founder and President & CEO Knowlton Atterbeary
This episode of The Hub features a discussion with Knowlton Atterbeary, the Founder and President & CEO of KRA Corporation. Mr. Atterbeary traces the origin of the company, and reveals KRA's commitment to leadership development, both within the firm and more broadly in the workforce industry, highlighting prominent professionals who began their careers at KRA. He also shares insights on employment policies gained through serving on economic advisory boards, as well as his perspective on key workforce development trends, challenges, and preparation needed for the future of work over the next 5-10 years.
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E23: Growing Leaders from Within: A Chat with KRA's Jonathan Overall
12/19/2023
E23: Growing Leaders from Within: A Chat with KRA's Jonathan Overall
In this episode, Jonathan Overall, Senior Director, Workforce Operations, provides an inside look at his own career journey and the experiences that led him to his current role overseeing workforce-services programs across the country. Discover KRA's 40+ years’ culture of developing leaders from within the organization, and the value that KRA places on innovation and people. Jonathan also shares about his favorite parts of hosting the podcast and reveals what you can expect from KRA's The Hub in 2024!
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E22: Navigating the Legal Landscape: Ensuring Ethical and Effective Hiring Practices
11/28/2023
E22: Navigating the Legal Landscape: Ensuring Ethical and Effective Hiring Practices
This episode features a conversation with Merry Campbell, Chair of Employment and Labor at Shulman Rogers law firm, as she discusses current and upcoming legal considerations in recruiting and hiring. Touching on issues around AI, demographic data, diversity, equity and inclusion goals, and more, Merry provides perspective on ensuring hiring practices align with emerging regulations while still moving towards creating an ethical and effective recruitment process. Tune in for practical insights about successfully navigating today’s shifting landscape of hiring technologies and requirements.
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E21: Beyond WIOA: Innovations in Funding, Training, and Workforce Development in Spokane
11/15/2023
E21: Beyond WIOA: Innovations in Funding, Training, and Workforce Development in Spokane
This episode features a conversation with Kevin Williams from the Spokane Workforce Council about the opportunities and challenges facing workforce development today. Topics covered include adopting a customer-centered approach, the need to diversify funding sources, childcare as a workforce issue, and advice for navigating turbulent times. Tune in for an insightful discussion about workforce trends and innovative solutions being implemented in the Spokane region and beyond.
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E20: From "School Place to Workplace": Building Career Readiness Through K-12 Partnerships
10/24/2023
E20: From "School Place to Workplace": Building Career Readiness Through K-12 Partnerships
This episode features a conversation with Ed Hidalgo, founder of Ed Hidalgo Consulting, as he discusses integrating career development and advising into K-12 education. Ed provides an inside look at how schools can foster career readiness and exploration starting at an early age by helping students understand their strengths, interests, and values. He also offers tangible tips for how workforce boards can engage with superintendents, CTE program directors, and other K-12 stakeholders to reinforce career awareness across the entire student lifecycle.
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E19: Communication, Convening, Telling Your Story: Advice from a Workforce Leader
10/10/2023
E19: Communication, Convening, Telling Your Story: Advice from a Workforce Leader
This episode features a conversation with Stephanie Deese, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards (NCAWDB), as Stephanie provides an overview of her career journey and reveals the most pressing workforce issues facing her region today. Discover how the pandemic accelerated innovation like virtual services in local career centers, and key strategies for building partnerships between workforce boards, economic developers, and education providers. Stephanie also shares advice to developing leaders on making boards more strategic, ensuring inclusive approaches, and being part of critical conversations.
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E18: Disability Employment: Trends and Innovations from Maryland
09/26/2023
E18: Disability Employment: Trends and Innovations from Maryland
This episode features a conversation with Jade Gingerich, Director of Employment Policy at the Maryland Department of Disabilities, for an insightful discussion on disability employment. Jade provides background on her agency's mission to improve coordination of services and promote equal opportunity for people with disabilities. She outlines key state initiatives including eliminating subminimum wages. Jade stresses the importance of changing expectations around disability and work, customized employment approaches, and improved systems coordination. She also shares valuable perspectives on trends like work incentives counseling and inclusive, integrated employment.
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E17: Beyond Borders: How Cross-State Partnerships Enhance Talent and Business Engagement
09/12/2023
E17: Beyond Borders: How Cross-State Partnerships Enhance Talent and Business Engagement
This episode of The Hub features a conversation with Jim McShane, executive director of CareerSource Capital Region, discussing the Workforce Alliance, a collaboration of workforce boards across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Jim explains how the alliance allows for coordination across state lines to share best practices, partner with businesses regionally, and leverage training providers approved in neighboring states. Discover the importance of partnerships between workforce boards and economic development to provide talent that attracts businesses.
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E16: Meeting Current and Future Workforce Challenges: Lessons from Employ Prince George's
08/29/2023
E16: Meeting Current and Future Workforce Challenges: Lessons from Employ Prince George's
Walter Simmons, founding President & CEO of Employ Prince George’s and Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Workforce Development Board, joins the program to share his insights about how the workforce system can innovate to meet current and future challenges. Walter reveals the most significant changes needed in the public workforce system that will increase its relevancy over the next decade, particularly to the benefit of the nation's employers and marginalized communities. He also discusses how he has used unrestricted funds to modernize service delivery in Prince George's County.
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E15: Empowering Underserved Communities: With Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services
08/15/2023
E15: Empowering Underserved Communities: With Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services
This episode features a conversation with Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, as she provides an overview of her organization and discusses how Career Path Services is committed to serving underserved communities, including refugees, immigrants, underemployed individuals, and unhoused populations. Cami emphasizes the importance of recognizing who's already serving these communities and partnering with them to provide resources and support, as well as hiring from the communities they serve. She also shares takeaways for any organization looking for innovative ways to engage underserved communities.
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E14: Reflections on the DOL ETA 2030 Vision Convening
07/10/2023
E14: Reflections on the DOL ETA 2030 Vision Convening
Jane Oates, President of WorkingNation, and former U.S. Department of Labor official, joins the program to share her reflections on the recent U.S. DOL Employment and Training Administration Vision 2030 Workforce Convening. Jane covers topics including the need to focus on equity, career pathways to quality jobs, and building a strong care economy. She also reveals a shift in how workforce boards are approaching their work and the importance of sector partnerships.
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E13: Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
06/28/2023
E13: Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
This episode features a conversation with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) expert Jeri Perkins as she talks about the importance of DEI efforts for organizations. Jeri talks about how workforce organizations can keep a focus on DEI year-round and how to move beyond "check the box" inclusion. Discover how to create a work environment where all employees feel valued.
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E12: How to Develop a Strong Work Ethic
06/06/2023
E12: How to Develop a Strong Work Ethic
Josh Davies, CEO of The Center for Work Ethic Development, joins the program to discuss and define work ethic and why it matters both for employees and employers. Discover whether there are generational differences in work ethic and the impact of the pandemic and remote work. Josh also shares advice for employers who want to ensure that their employees have a strong work ethic.
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E11: Bridging the Labor Force Gap: With Dr. Chris Laney
05/22/2023
E11: Bridging the Labor Force Gap: With Dr. Chris Laney
Dr. Chris Laney, Director of Government Affairs & Workforce Strategy at Lightcast, joins the program to provide an update on the labor market and why we need to "expect the unexpected." Chris provides his reflections on current trends in the labor market and the implication of those trends on the workforce system. He also shares his thoughts on the possibility of a cooling of the job market and what workforce professionals need to keep in mind given the current labor market and economic trends.
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E10: The Evolution of Training and Upskilling
05/09/2023
E10: The Evolution of Training and Upskilling
Sandy Mead, VP of Workforce Development at Metrix Learning, joins the program to discuss the changing nature and delivery of training programs for job seekers and to provide an overview of the Metrix Learning online platform. Sandy shares advice for workforce organizations who are trying to provide training and upskilling opportunities in an impactful way. Discover what workforce leaders and organization need to think about when it comes to the future of training.
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E09: Current and Future Workforce Trends: With Joseph Seymour, Managing Director, Operational Excellence for KRA
04/25/2023
E09: Current and Future Workforce Trends: With Joseph Seymour, Managing Director, Operational Excellence for KRA
Joseph Seymour, Managing Director, Operational Excellence for KRA, joins the program to discuss his career journey and talk about current workforce trends. Discover what workforce organizations need to keep in mind in order to be prepared for current and future workforce challenges. Joseph also discusses his vision and goals for his new role as the incoming president of SETA (The Southeastern Employment & Training Association).
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E08: Creating a Sustainable and Responsive Workforce System
04/11/2023
E08: Creating a Sustainable and Responsive Workforce System
Tune in for a conversation between Jonathan Overall, Director of Workforce Operations, Program Performance for KRA, and Andy Hall, President & CEO of Trailhead Strategies Inc. Andy reveals why workforce organizations should seek to diversify their funding sources beyond traditional WIOA funds, and how diversification of funds can allow organizations to be more flexible and creative. Andy shares tips for workforce leaders about how they can start diversifying their funding and how to create sustainable alternate funding streams. To learn more about Andy and Trailhead Strategies Inc, visit https://www.trailheadstrat.com/
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E07: Empowering Women at Work
03/30/2023
E07: Empowering Women at Work
Tune in for a conversation with Zaskia Ruiz, Executive Vice President, Administration & Finance at KRA, and Jonathan Overall, Director of Workforce Operations, Program Performance at KRA. Zaskia discusses her career journey and the experiences that led her to become the leader that she is today. She also reveals how KRA empowers its employees and shares thoughts about how to uplift women in the workplace.
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E06: Opening Doors of Opportunity and Expanding the Workforce: Lessons from Pennsylvania
03/06/2023
E06: Opening Doors of Opportunity and Expanding the Workforce: Lessons from Pennsylvania
Ron Painter, President & CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) joins the program to share his reflections on a recent executive order in Pennsylvania that allows most state jobs to be skills-based and not require a 4-year degree. Discover what this order means for other states, and how workforce boards can advocate for similar orders. Ron also shares details about the upcoming NAWB Forum and provides an overview of the speakers joining this year's Forum and some of the topics that will be covered. To learn more about the Forum, visit
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