Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Tune into The Training Associates (TTA) “Bring Out the Talent” podcast to hear from learning and development talent and partners on their innovative approaches and industry insights. In each episode, TTA’s CEO, Maria Melfa, and Talent Manager, Jocelyn Allen will chat with subject matter experts and bring you casual, yet insightful conversations. Maria and Jocelyn use their unique blend of industry experience and humor to interview the L&D industry’s most influential people, latest topics, and powerful stories. Each episode has important takeaways that will help to create a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Tune in as we Bring Out The Talent!
Bring Out the Talent: A Learning and Development Podcast
Career Mapping: Navigating Today's Dynamic Work Environment
A Gartner study found that less than one-third of employees have a clear plan for their career progression. This gap can lead to issues like high employee turnover, lack of engagement, skill shortages, and disrupted succession plans, impacting an organization's overall performance. In this episode of 'Bring Out the Talent,’ we are joined by Paul MacLoughlin, a seasoned Leadership Development Consultant and Executive Coach with a PhD in Instructional Design and Educational Technology. Together, we discuss career mapping, focusing on fostering career growth, aligning personal goals with company objectives, and identifying key future workplace skills.
Tune in to discover strategies for integrating continuous learning into your career trajectory and effectively navigating career changes with career mapping insights.
Maria: Career mapping season, Jocelyn—ready?
Jocelyn: Always! Gartner says fewer than one‑third of employees know their five‑year path. Let’s fix that.
1. Why Career Mapping Matters—Now
High‑turnover, skills gaps, shaky succession: Paul tees up three forces driving urgency.
- Tech acceleration – rapid innovation reshapes roles weekly.
- Automation & AI – tasks disappear; new hybrid skills emerge.
- Personal fulfillment – people crave purposeful, plan‑driven growth.
Paul: A good map links all three—industry change, org strategy, and individual meaning.
2. Manager’s Role: From Task Boss to Trail Guide
Jocelyn: How do managers start the conversation?
Paul: Build trust first. Ask: Where do you want to be? Then compare today’s skills to tomorrow’s needs. Offer honest feedback and visible pathways. Ongoing check‑ins > annual reviews.
3. Org‑Level Strategy: Agile Workforce Planning
StepActionOutcome
1 | Align maps to business strategy | Shared North Star
2 | Run skills inventory vs. future demand | Reveal gaps & hidden talent
3 | Co‑design with business leaders | Adoption & realism
4 | Blend build‑vs‑buy tactics | Controlled cost & speed
5 | Review quarterly—markets shift fast | Agility over rigidity
Paul: Large enterprises fight complexity; small firms fight resources. Both need collaboration and iteration.
4. Emerging Skill Clusters (2025‑2030)
- Tech Fluency – low/no‑code tools, data storytelling, cybersecurity.
- Human‑Centric Skills – adaptability, resilience, inclusive leadership.
- Creative Problem‑Solving – design thinking, cross‑functional synthesis.
“Keep it current, keep it flexible,” Paul sums up. “Map, then remap.”
5. Build vs. Buy Talent—Finding the Mix
Internal development: boosts loyalty, leverages culture, but needs time & resources.
External hiring: injects speed & fresh ideas, but costs soar and knowledge gaps linger.
Best practice: layered approach—mentoring, micro‑upskilling, partnerships with universities, plus targeted hiring for true gaps.
Rapid‑Fire “TTA 10”
# | Question | Paul’s Answer
1 | Best concert ever | Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Houston
2 | Coffee with any celeb | Anthony Bourdain
3 | Define “tuffet” | “No clue” (honesty FTW)
4 | End‑of‑day unwind | Crossword (formerly a pint)
5 | 6 + 4 | 10
6 | Santa’s substitute | Fred Astaire down the chimney
7 | Life motto | Golden Rule (do unto others…)
8 | Price of that doggie | Free—no returns!
9 | Meal of choice | Breakfast
10 | Always rooting for… | Liverpool FC
David: Time: 1 min 28 sec—Paul nails champion status!
David’s Irish Limerick Salute (excerpt)
“There once was a lad named Paul from Dublin, whose coaching kept leaders from fumblin’… Paul, you’re ‘suckin’ diesel,’ my friend!”
(Full limerick performed live.)
Key Takeaways
- Career mapping is continuous, not one‑and‑done.
- Pair role agility with transparent trust.
- Future‑proof by blending tech fluency and human adaptability.
Maria: Great insights, Paul—cheers to suckin’ diesel together.
Jocelyn: Need a roadmap for your team? Visit trainingassociates.com to connect with Paul.
(Episode ends)