Capability Edge – Details, episodes & analysis

What if success was not about building bigger, but building intentionally?

In this episode, Caitlin, founder of Liquid Form Design, talks about building a business that supports your life instead of consuming it.

From rebuilding after divorce, to redesigning her business model, to questioning the pressure to constantly scale, this conversation is honest, thoughtful, and packed with practical wisdom for anyone building a career or business they actually want to live inside of.

If you have ever felt stuck in hustle culture, questioned what success should really look like, or wondered if there is a better way to build something meaningful, this episode is for you.

• Why success should be defined on your terms
• The truth about entrepreneurship no one talks about
• How to build a business that gives you more freedom, not less
• Why mentorship and community still matter more than ever
• The mistake many entrepreneurs make with scaling
• How to think beyond revenue goals and build a life you actually want

Get to know Caitlin:

Caitlin Lang is a brand strategist, web designer and copywriter who works exclusively with women coaches, consultants, and thought leaders. Through her signature three-day design sprints, she creates premium brands and websites that make it easy for women to attract dream clients and charge what they’re worth. Caitlin’s work is all about helping other women show up like the experts they are, do big things, and have more impact

Connect with Caitlin:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-lang-designer

Website: https://www.liquidformdesign.com

Freebie: https://www.liquidformdesign.com/homepage-fix

Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.

Website: https://talentcollective.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc

Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy

Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

What if career growth had less to do with strategy and more to do with who you become along the way?

Let’s hear Candice with Jessica Miller-Merrell, founder of Workology, talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, career pivots, and the personal growth most people never expect when building meaningful work.

From losing her job because of a blog, to building a business that reaches over a million people a month, to learning how nervous system regulation changed everything, this conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human.

If you are building a career, growing a business, or trying to create work that actually feels good to wake up to, this episode is for you.

• Why career growth often starts with personal growth
• The hidden realities of entrepreneurship people rarely talk about
• How to navigate uncertainty and career pivots
• Lessons from building an online business before social media really existed
• How nervous system regulation impacts leadership and success
• What it really takes to build work you genuinely love

Jessica Miller-Merrell is the Founder of Workology, a workplace resource for HR, recruiting professionals and business leaders. The site was listed twice as a top 75 career resource by Forbes Magazine. Jessica is the president and CEO of Xceptional HR, a human capital strategy and consulting agency, and is listed by Forbes as a top 50 social media power user. Because of her industry expertise and knowledge, Jessica’s opinions and expertise are sought after and sourced by publications and media including: The Economist, Forbes, CIO Magazine, CBS, Entrepreneur Magazine, and SHRM’s HR Magazine. Her new book, Digitizing Talent: Creative Strategies for the Digital Recruiting Age was published in 2023 by the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Instagram: @workologyblog

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jmillermerrell

Youtube: youtube.com/workology

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workologyblog/

Website: https://workology.com

https://go.workology.com/nervous-system-reset/

Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.

Website: https://talentcollective.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc

Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy

Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers it’s about being willing to ask better questions.

In this episode, Candice Mitchell sits down with Al Dea, founder of Edge of Work, to unpack what leadership really looks like in practice not theory.

From Al’s first leadership role at age 14, to navigating loss early in his consulting career, to building a consulting practice rooted in empathy, curiosity, and context this conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply human.

Together, they explore how leaders are shaped, how trust is built, and why curiosity matters more than authority in today’s workplace.

What you’ll get from this episode

1. Why curiosity is a leadership skill — not a personality trait
2. How early leadership mistakes shape better leaders later
3. The role empathy plays in high-pressure work environments
4. How to build meaningful professional relationships over time
5. Why leadership is more about others than yourself

This episode is for leaders who care about doing it right, not just doing it fast.

Get to know Al:

Al is a speaker, facilitator, and advisor. He runs The Edge of Work, a talent and leadership consulting firm that helps organizations develop their leaders with the critical skills they need to lead in a changing workplace.

Al’s insights on leadership have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and Business Insider. He is also recognized by LinkedIn as a Top Voice in Leadership and the Future of Work. Previously, Al worked at Deloitte Consulting LLP and Salesforce. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Connect with Al:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsaldea/

Website: https://theedgeofwork.com/

Candice Mitchell is a Talent Development Strategist, CEO of Talent Collective, and USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly two decades of experience building and leading capability functions inside global and Fortune 500 organizations, she founded Talent Collective, a premium capability-building firm for L&D, HR, Change, and People leaders in high-growth companies.

Website: https://talentcollective.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candice_mitchell_msc

Talent Development Academy: https://courses.talentcollective.org/bundles/talent-development-academy

Choose You book: https://chooseyoubook.com/

Original music composed by: Paul DeHaven

pauldehavenmusic.com

Signup for Jennifer's webinar: "Navigating your Workload: Prioritization & Resilience" happening January 14th, 2025.

Ever wondered how joy and leadership intertwine, or how mishaps like spilling a tray of drinks can shape your career? Join Candice Mitchell and Jen Recla as they dive into joy at work, career-defining moments, and the long game of professional growth—plus, some candid anecdotes from their early work days that'll have you laughing and reflecting.

Jen Recla is a passionate leader in Learning and Organizational Development, dedicated to helping leaders build effective, joyful teams. With a background in theater and a journey that spans from babysitting in her early years to navigating the challenges of running her own consulting business, Jen brings a unique blend of empathy, curiosity, and resilience to her work. Based in Maryland, Jen focuses on long-term leadership development, inspired by Simon Sinek’s "The Infinite Game," and actively fosters community support for solopreneurs. Her impactful work and dedication to creating positive workplace environments make her a standout guest on Development Nerds.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• The Importance of Joy in the Workplace: Joy is contagious and can significantly impact both professional environments and personal relationships. Creating a joyful work atmosphere can combat negative experiences like poor leadership and the "Sunday blues."
• Playing the Long Game: Inspired by Simon Sinek's "The Infinite Game," Jen Recla advocates for focusing on long-term goals rather than quick wins, emphasizing the importance of persistence and long-term vision in career development.
• Navigating Career Changes: Jen’s journey from facing a leadership change to carving out a path in Learning and Organizational Development highlights the importance of adaptability and finding one's passion, like coaching and mentoring.
• Community and Support: Both Jen and Candice stress the importance of community, supportive networks, and mentorship in professional and entrepreneurial success, noting that solopreneurs especially benefit from these connections.
• Embracing Experimentation and Curiosity: Viewing life and career as experiments, as stated by Jen, encourages action, feedback, and adaptation. This mindset helps overcome rejection and fuels personal and professional growth.

About Jennifer:

As a leadership coach, trainer, and outdoor enthusiast; Jen Recla is on a mission to awaken passion, joy, and the spirit of adventure in every professional endeavor.

With over 15 years of organizational development experience in leadership, coaching, and mentoring, she specializes in creating growth experiences that inspire and equip leaders to build engaged, collaborative, and resilient teams. She leverages her top Gallup strengths of woo, maximizer, communication, futuristic, and arranger to make learning fun, bring knowledge to others, and inspire individuals to reach their full potential.

Learn more about Jen's work at www.jenrecla.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Todays guest, Jen Recla, can be found online at:

Website: https://www.jenrecla.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferrecla/

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

In this episode of Development Nerds, host Candice Mitchell explores the evolving role of L&D as it transitions from a support function to a strategic enabler. Learn how to uncover root business problems, create tailored solutions, and measure tangible business impact. Tune in for insights on transforming L&D into an indispensable force driving revenue, innovation, and a culture of continuous learning, especially as we approach the pivotal year 2025.

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Strategic Positioning: L&D should be seen as a strategic enabler by focusing on understanding and solving business problems rather than just creating training content.
• Performance Consulting: Define clear goals and expectations tied to business outcomes like revenue growth and customer satisfaction, ensuring solutions are tailored and impactful.
• Measuring Impact: Focus on measuring business impact through tangible metrics such as sales increases and customer complaint reductions, rather than merely tracking attendance or completion rates.
• Evolving Role: L&D is evolving from a support function to a strategic business partner, emphasizing problem-solving, enabling leaders, and contributing to business goals and company culture.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourage a continuous learning culture and develop mindsets alongside skills to navigate challenges from AI, hybrid work, and leading diverse teams, ensuring L&D remains essential during economic shifts.

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

In this episode of Development Nerds, host Candice Mitchell takes you on a journey into the future of work, where AI and human capabilities intersect. Imagine a world where your AI assistant handles the mundane, freeing you up for the creative, strategic, and truly human tasks that make your career fulfilling. Candice reveals why core human traits like creativity, connection, and emotional intelligence are essential in this tech-driven era, and provides actionable insights on how to stay irreplaceable. Don't miss this essential guide to navigating and thriving in the rapidly evolving workplace!

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• AI and Human Skills Must Coexist: AI is not here to replace us but to work alongside us, amplifying our strengths and handling repetitive tasks, allowing us to focus on strategic, creative, and meaningful work.
• Prioritize Core Capabilities: Core capabilities—connection, optimization, resilience, emotional intelligence—are fundamental for thriving in the modern workplace and should not be regarded as merely "soft skills."
• Future-Ready Skills: Critical thinking, effective communication, and collaboration are essential skills that make us irreplaceable, emphasizing the human element in an increasingly automated world.
• AI and EQ as a Dream Team: Combining AI's efficiency in handling data and processes with emotional intelligence’s ability to foster connection and empathy can lead to a more productive and meaningful work environment.
• Proactive Adaptation is Crucial: To thrive in today's evolving landscape, individuals and organizations must embrace continuous learning, leverage AI tools responsibly, and integrate human and technological capabilities effectively.

Resources & References Mentioned:

L&D mega trends for 2025: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/l-d-mega-trends-for-2025/id1781114824?i=1000679223851

Welcome to Development Nerds! In this episode, we’re diving into the 6 mega trends shaping Learning and Development (L&D) in 2025. These aren’t just trends—they’re opportunities for L&D leaders to step up, align with business goals, and create workplaces where people thrive.

From embedding whole-person development to leveraging AI and navigating the hybrid world, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you prepare for what’s next. Whether you’re an L&D pro or someone passionate about driving meaningful change, this episode is your roadmap to success.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Whole-Person Development with CORE Capabilities

• How emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy are redefining “essential” skills.
• The CORE Framework: Connect, Optimize, Resilience, and Empathy.

Total Employee Experience in a Hybrid World

• Why connection is the missing ingredient in hybrid teams—and how L&D can lead the charge.
• The role of L&D in onboarding, continuous development, and even offboarding.

The Global Mindset

• What it takes to foster cultural competence and inclusion across global teams.
• Practical tips for making training accessible and meaningful worldwide.

Strategic Partnerships in L&D

• How to align with HR, IT, and business leaders for greater impact.
• Why external partnerships (think universities and gig workers) are a competitive advantage.

Technology in L&D

• AI as your new co-pilot for personalized learning and proactive skill development.
• Practical tech strategies that amplify—not complicate—your L&D initiatives.

The Capability to Adapt

• Why adaptability is the ultimate skill for 2025 and beyond.
• A 4-phase framework to build change capability within your organization.

Key Takeaways:

• L&D isn’t just about training anymore—it’s about driving culture, connection, and capability.
• The trends shaping 2025 aren’t challenges to fear; they’re opportunities to lead.
• Practical frameworks like CORE and Change Capability can transform how your organization thrives in the face of change.

Resources & References Mentioned:

• World Economic Forum: Future of Jobs Report
• Gartner: Playbook for Increasing HR’s Strategic Impact
• SHRM: Hybrid Work Statistics and Trends
• Microsoft’s Global Skills Initiative
• Link to the full blog post on L&D Mega Trends for 2025

Let’s Connect:

Loved this episode? Share your thoughts!

• Which trend resonates most with you?
• What are you planning to implement in 2025?

Find me on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

And if you haven’t already, subscribe to Development Nerds so you never miss an episode.

Rate, Review, and Follow:

If this episode gave you fresh ideas, I’d love it if you could leave a review—it helps more people discover the show!

Thanks for listening, and here’s to making 2025 a standout year for L&D!

In today's episode of Development Nerds, host Candice Mitchell tackles the provocative question: Why does Learning and Development feel like it's stuck in 1975? She uncovers the deep-rooted issues, from outdated tools to perceived limitations, that have kept L&D professionals playing catch-up rather than leading the charge. Join us as we explore actionable strategies to shift from being order takers to becoming strategic partners, equipped with the acumen, relationships, and innovative thinking needed to drive real change. Whether you're an L&D veteran or just starting out, this episode offers the practical insights and tough love you need to rejuvenate your career. Don't miss it!

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Shift from Reactive to Proactive: Learning and Development (L&D) professionals need to move beyond being order takers and strive to be strategic partners within their organizations. This involves being proactive in aligning training and development initiatives with business goals.
• Develop Business Acumen: Understanding financial metrics, strategic goals, and key performance indicators is crucial. L&D professionals must be able to demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to the bottom line effectively.
• Build Strategic Relationships: Partnering with leaders across departments can help L&D professionals understand real business challenges and deliver targeted, effective solutions. Engage deeply with leadership to become trusted advisors rather than mere service providers.
• Leverage Data and Innovation: Utilize data to inform decisions and track the effectiveness of training programs. Adopt innovative technologies and methods to make learning more engaging and applicable to real-world scenarios.
• Advocate for L&D: Clearly communicate the impact and value of L&D initiatives to the organization. Frame the narrative around achieved outcomes rather than completed tasks to secure support and resources from leadership.

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Join The Talent Development Nerds Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/377193705135533/

In this episode of Development Nerds, Candice Mitchell peels back the layers of the Talent Development Academy (TDA) to reveal why it's a game-changer for learning and development professionals. From exclusive frameworks and expert guidance to a supportive community that truly understands your challenges, TDA offers more than just another training course—it's your secret weapon for proactive leadership. Plus, stay tuned for a special bonus that promises to give your career a significant boost. If you're ready to rediscover your passion and lead with confidence, this episode is a must-listen!

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Shift from Reactive to Proactive Leadership: The Talent Development Academy (TDA) aims to transform learning and development (L&D) professionals into strategic leaders who are always one step ahead, leading with purpose and confidence.
• Comprehensive Toolkits and Real-World Frameworks: TDA provides plug-and-play frameworks and templates, derived from years of real-world experience, to ensure that members have a trusted roadmap for every project without starting from scratch.
• Community Support: One of the core features of TDA is its vibrant community of like-minded L&D professionals. This supportive network allows members to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate wins with peers who understand their unique struggles and aspirations.
• Expert Guidance: Members get access to a team of handpicked experts who provide actionable insights and strategies. These experts cover critical areas like measuring impact, facilitating engagement, and leveraging AI to optimize work, even with limited resources.
• Continuous Development: The journey within TDA begins with a 6-week intensive program followed by monthly coaching sessions. This structure ensures ongoing development with real-life case studies and practical coaching, helping members build confidence and internalize advanced L&D skills.

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Join The Talent Development Nerds Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/377193705135533/

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd

Curious about what it takes to build a thriving career in learning and development? Join Candice Mitchell as she shares her top five transformative tips from 17 years of experience. From getting your hands dirty to cultivating a growth mindset, these actionable insights will propel you to the next level. Tune in to discover how you can start loving your work and making a real impact today!

Below are the key takeaways from this episode:

• Get Your Hands Dirty: Actively engage and immerse yourself in projects, regardless of your current role, to develop impactful solutions through thorough research, brainstorming, and analysis.
• Build Relationships Up and Down: Establish credibility with stakeholders by understanding their pain points and delivering exceptional solutions to build trust and strong working relationships.
• Know the People: Spend time in the field to understand the work and build genuine relationships, showing that you have the people's best interests at heart and setting yourself apart.
• Align with Business Needs: Integrate your learning and development strategies with business goals and use data-driven decisions to continually improve. Avoid jargon and focus on practical, business-centric language.
• Cultivate Your Own Growth Mindset: Continuously invest in your own development and learning to stay ahead in the field, embodying the principle of lifelong learning to enrich both your career and the impact you have on others.

Join The Talent Development Nerds Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/377193705135533/

Talent Development Academy: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/tda

Your host, Candice Mitchell, can be found online at:

Website: https://talentdevelopmentnerds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltdnerd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talent_development_nerd/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@candicemitchell.TDNerd