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 neurodivers…

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 su…

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 discusse…

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 di…

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 pr…

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…

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 SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.gov or 1-800-987-0145.…

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 le…

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 https://www.facebook.com/OlympiaCaree... or on the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce website at https://thursto…

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…

Ty Reed, Founder of Recovery Career Services, joins the program to share his own recovery story and reveal the business case for why organizations should hire people in recovery. Ty discusses the benefits of second chance employment and why employment is so crucial for individuals in recovery. You'll also hear about how businesses can assess risk w…

Yesenia Sabedra, Risk Management Consultant with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, joins the program to discuss L&I's risk management consultation program, and the benefits to businesses of working with an L&I risk management consultant. Discover the 5 areas of best practice. For questions or to request a risk management cons…

Rick Means, Director of Safety and Education with the Washington Retail Association, joins the program to discuss the launch of the new safety app SAFEME, which provides Washington area businesses with free safety and accident prevention training. Hear success stories and discover how SAFEME can help businesses save money, increase productivity, an…

Erica Minton, L&I Industrial Hygiene Consultant, joins the program to discuss some of the key takeaways that all Washington State businesses should know in relation to COVID-19 requirements. Discover resources to find out the most current information and updates on COVID-19 related requirements, and the biggest challenges that businesses are facing…

In this episode you'll hear from Lou Flores, statewide consultation manager for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) for the state of Washington, as well as Jim Lawrence, Region Four consultation manager, and Lindsey Unruh, Region Four Industrial Hygiene Supervisor, as they discuss the DOSH consultation program. Discover how DOSH c…

Andrew Houghton, founder and president of Disability Inclusion Solutions, joins the program to discuss what businesses need to consider in order to recruit and retain people with disabilities. Andrew reveals his own journey of being a wheelchair user since a 1986 motorcycle accident, and how he has been able to enjoy sports, the outdoors and create…

Jason Van Camp, decorated Green Beret, author of Deliberate Discomfort, and Founder and Chairman of Mission Six Zero, joins the program to discuss his Total Warrior Model, training that helps translate individual performance to team outcomes for business, as well as his NFL team clients. We also discuss the work that his non-profit Warrior Rising i…

Sytease Geib, former co-host of Talent Magnet and VP of Workforce Development at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, joins the program to discuss creative ways to retain talent, and the changing nature of work. Sytease discusses her own journey of moving across the country after the birth of her second child, how she has continued to do some r…

In this episode, you'll hear how Sierra Pacific Industries, the 2nd largest lumber producer in the U.S., is using innovative technology to capture the attention of a new generation of job seekers at hiring events. Jacquelin Earley and Joshua Zepeda from Sierra Pacific Industries join the program to discuss how they are using virtual reality (VR) he…

Tamara Schaffert, Chief Operating Officer of Physicians of Southwest Washington, an independent physician association based in Olympia, WA, (PSW) joins the program to discuss the shortage of primary care providers in America. Discover the scope of the problem, and the efforts that are being made to recruit and retain primary care providers in the r…

With more job openings than people available to fill them, how do we create a pipeline of skilled workers? In this episode, you'll learn about career-connected learning and what Washington State is doing to ensure that the education system puts students on a pathway to careers. Maud Daudon, who is leading the creation of a 10-year vision and strate…

This 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 co…

Teri Pablo, CTE/Communications Director for Yelm Community Schools in Washington State and Susan Larson, Career Technical Education Teacher at Black Hills High School in the Tumwater School District, join the program to discuss the importance of Career and Technical Education for the emerging workforce. To learn more, visit: www.ycs.wednet.edu/cte…

Michele Helfgott-Waters, Military Spouse and Program Manager for Work Ex at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Seth Mattos, former Marine, licensed geologist and partner at GeoResources, LLC join the program to discuss the details and benefits of the Work Ex program. About the guests: Michele Helfgott-Waters, Military Spouse and Program Manager for WorkE…

Cheri Larkins, Director of Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems Global Talent Acquisition, and Melissa Thomas, Senior Proposal Analyst in the Operations Proposals and Planning Group join the program to discuss the Chapter Next program, which provides the opportunity to re-engage returning professionals who have been away from the workforce fo…

This episode features Christina Chesnut, Business Services Coordinator for WorkSource Thurston and Lewis Counties, as she discusses the importance of connecting youth to careers. Discover how Business2Youth Connect helps students find work integrated learning opportunities in the community that fit within their career interests. For more info, visi…

Megan Fiess, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce Workforce Division Project Manager, joins the program to discuss the role that business can play in helping opportunity populations, rural communities and youth to get ahead in their careers, and the benefits that unlocking hidden talent can provide to employers. Megan shares her own story of becomin…

This episode features an interview with Geoff Lawrence, Account Executive at Impact Washington, and Robert Bishop President, SATECH, Inc. as they discuss the importance of upskilling staff through training and share tips and takeaways from their experiences. Discover the Future of Work program and the impact that upskilling staff can have on an org…

Trenton Fluetsch, Service Manager from Sunset Air, joins the program to discuss how his company uses pre-apprenticeship programs as an innovative recruitment strategy in a tight labor market. To learn more about Sunset Air, visit https://www.sunsetair.com/Par Talent Magnet

Nick Curry, Senior Program Manager at Amazon Web Services, joins the program to discuss Amazon's military recruiting intiatives. Discover tips and takeaways for recruiting and retaining transitioning service members and their spouses. To learn more, visit: https://www.amazon.jobs/en/landing_pages/mil-apprentice…

Rozanne Garman, President & CEO of RHD Enterprises, joins the program to discuss tips and insights for maintaining a strong company culture in a growing business. To learn more about RHD Enterprises, visit www.rhdenterprises.comPar Talent Magnet

Reid Bates, Owner of Express Employment Professionals offices in Olympia, Centralia and Aberdeen, Washington, joins the program to discuss the Thurston County Chamber's 9th annual "Boss of The Year" Award. Reid, a co-founder of the award, shares how the initiative got started and why it has continued. He also reveals the role that a great leader pl…

Devin Craig from Craig Consulting Group joins the program to discuss how to build a fantastic workplace culture that supports recruitment and retention. The episode also features one of Devin's clients, Hunter Brooks, co-founder of the healthy salad chain Evergreens. Devin and Hunter discuss takeaways and lessons learned about creating and sustaini…

This episode features an interview with Chad Pearson, Marketing, Outreach, and Communications Manager at Employment Security Department. Discover how labor exchanges work, and the benefits of labor exchanges for job seekers and employers. Chad also gives a rundown of some of the most updated features and benefits of WorksourceWA.com To learn more, …

In this episode, you'll learn about Lakeside Industries and their involvement in career connected learning and recruitment. John Hurd, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Lakeside Industries, joins the program to discuss best practices, lessons learned, as well as their innovative afterschool program.Par Talent Magnet

Carolyn Newsome, Vanpool Manager at Intercity Transit, discusses the benefits of their vanpool service for employees and businesses. About Intercity Transit: In addition to routed buses, Intercity Transit has 180 vanpools traveling up and down the I-5 corridor, the program removes over 1,200 cars from our congested roadways each day which helps kee…

Shellie Willis, Director of Quality Assurance and Certification at WorkForce Central, joins the program to discuss the difference between companies being veteran friendly versus being veteran ready, and how to become veteran ready. About Shellie Willis: Shellie Willis is a U.S. Army Veteran who currently works for WorkForce Central, the workforce d…

Melodie Pazolt, Recovery Support Services Supervisor for the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery at DSHS, joins the program to discuss the work that they do helping people with mental health and behavioral health find and maintain employment. She also discusses their anti-stigma campaign, and the benefits for employers of attracting and reta…

Shelley Ackroyd, outreach specialist at SharedWork Program and Virginia Gonzalez from Smith Gardens, Inc. join the program to discuss the benefits of the shared work and layoff aversion program and the eligibility criteria for the program.Par Talent Magnet

Tim Lew, General Manager at Pepsi Northwest Beverages, LLC, discusses best practices in employee retention. Tim discusses a mentorship program that they created at Pepsi Northwest Beverages and the benefits that they have seen from the program. He also shares how they have used focus groups within the organization to create programs designed to inc…

Darlene Wilczynski,Vice President and Regional Executive of the Seattle Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, joins the program to discuss how her experiences as a veteran and military spouse inform her current work. Darlene shares some of the unique challenges that veterans and military spouses experience when they transition into c…