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  • A Decade of Impact: Reflecting on 10 Years of FutureMakers

    A Decade of Impact: Reflecting on 10 Years of FutureMakers
    Aug 5 2025
    In this special episode of Talent Talk, we celebrate 10 years of FutureMakers Coalition—a regional movement dedicated to transforming education and workforce outcomes in Southwest Florida. Join us as we reflect on a decade of progress, partnerships, and lessons learned in the pursuit of a more skilled and resilient talent pipeline. In a fun twist, this episode turns the mic on our usual host! Dakota Pawlicki from CivicLab steps in to interview Tessa LeSage, offering a fresh perspective on the Coalition’s journey and the stories behind the scenes. From boosting postsecondary attainment to breaking down barriers for learners of all ages, hear from the voices who helped shape the Coalition’s journey. We’ll explore how the work has evolved, what it means to be a FutureMaker today, and where the movement is headed in the next ten years. Whether you’ve been a FutureMaker from the start or are just learning about the coalition, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a renewed sense of purpose.
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    51 Min.
  • Rethinking Recruitment: Building Smarter Talent Pipelines in Southwest Florida

    Rethinking Recruitment: Building Smarter Talent Pipelines in Southwest Florida
    Aug 5 2025
    In this episode of Talent Talk, we sit down with Blanca Beauchamp, Human Resources leader at Conditioned Air, to explore how one of Southwest Florida’s top employers is transforming its approach to hiring and retention. Blanca shares how their partnership with FutureMakers Coalition helped Conditioned Air break down traditional hiring barriers, tap into nontraditional talent pools, and pilot innovative earn-and-learn models that are reshaping workforce development in the skilled trades. Tune in to hear how rethinking recruitment has improved both candidate quality and employee retention—and what other employers in the region can learn from their journey. Whether you're facing staffing shortages or looking to build a stronger talent pipeline, Blanca offers real-world insights and actionable steps you can take today.
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    24 Min.
  • Unlocking Talent with Unique Abilities — Expanding Opportunities and Building Stronger Career Pathways

    Unlocking Talent with Unique Abilities — Expanding Opportunities and Building Stronger Career Pathways
    Jul 10 2025
    In this episode, we speak with Christian Zimmerman, a national leader in education and workforce development, about how individuals with unique abilities are redefining talent in today’s job market. Drawing on his experience at the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities and his work on national postsecondary transition programs, Christian shares real stories and actionable strategies for educators, employers, and training providers. Discover why hiring people with diverse abilities is not only meaningful but also a smart move for any organization. Learn what sets Florida’s FPCTPs apart, how career and technical education programs are creating hands-on learning opportunities, and how every employer can help build a broader, more capable workforce. Whether you're just beginning to explore these ideas or are already supporting a more accessible workplace, Christian’s insights will offer practical guidance and fresh perspective.
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    41 Min.
  • The Future of Work: Resilience in Design, Construction, and Community

    The Future of Work: Resilience in Design, Construction, and Community
    Jun 16 2025
    In this episode of Talent Talk, we sit down with Jeff Carney, Director of the Florida Institute for Built Environment Resilience (FIBER) at the University of Florida, to explore how the concepts of resilience are reshaping careers in design, construction, and planning. From shifting skill sets and cross-disciplinary collaboration to the growing importance of community-engaged learning, Jeff shares insights on what the workforce of the future needs to thrive in an era of increasing environmental and social challenges. Whether you're a student, educator, or industry professional, this conversation offers a thought-provoking look at how we can build both stronger communities—and stronger career pathways—for the long term.
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    49 Min.
  • Second Chances and New Foundations: Paul’s Story

    Second Chances and New Foundations: Paul’s Story
    May 27 2025
    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul, a resilient entrepreneur and tradesman whose journey from addiction and incarceration to owning a growing plumbing and contracting business is nothing short of inspiring. Paul opens up about the struggles he faced, the turning point that changed everything, and how support from the Navigator program helped him rebuild—not just his career, but his life. From navigating reentry and family responsibilities to chasing big dreams and staying grounded, Paul shares what keeps him motivated and how he hopes his story inspires others who are searching for a second chance. If you’ve ever felt stuck or hopeless, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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    25 Min.
  • Weathering the Storm: Building Workforce Resilience and Community Empathy

    Weathering the Storm: Building Workforce Resilience and Community Empathy
    May 5 2025

    When disaster strikes, it doesn’t just impact buildings — it shakes the very foundation of our communities and workplaces. In this episode, we sit down with Chapman Insurance Group to explore how organizations can foster employee resilience and strengthen community empathy in the face of storms and crises. We’ll discuss practical strategies to prepare teams ahead of disasters, ways to support employees and employers through business disruptions and job losses, and how collaboration can rebuild a stronger, more connected workforce after the storm has passed. Whether you're a leader, HR professional, or simply passionate about community recovery, this conversation offers critical insights on turning trials into transformative growth.
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    45 Min.
  • Workforce Development: Barriers to training don't have to prevent you from starting a great career

    Workforce Development: Barriers to training don't have to prevent you from starting a great career
    Oct 25 2024
    April Mesa and Africa Newby are Navigators within the FutureMakers Coalition. As Navigators, Mesa and Newby work with adults who want to gain new job skills and expand their career possibilities, assisting with everything from exploring options to completing degrees. On today’s episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the work of Navigators, the most common barriers they find people struggling with, and how they help individuals to overcome. We also share testimonies of the impactful work happening within this program.
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    Weniger als 1 Minute
  • Workforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry County

    Workforce Development: Building rural learning systems in Hendry County
    Oct 25 2024
    Michael Swindle is the Superintendent of Hendry County Schools, a rural school district serving over 13,000 students. On this episode of Talent Talk, we discuss the areas Swindell is working to grow in Hendry County, namely early learning, graduation rates, transportation and housing. We discuss HCSD’s workforce development initiatives and ways the district helps students make informed decisions about their future careers by incorporating career exploration and guidance into the K-12 curriculum.
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    43 Min.