The Pryor Learning Podcast
Every month, we dive into the business skills everyone’s talking about—from must-have training to the learning gaps holding teams back. Tune in to hear top industry trainers break it all down, share real-world insights and give you practical takeaways you can use right away. Hit play and stay ahead of the curve.
Podcast Episodes
October 06, 2026
From Fear to Purpose: Designing the Life You Were Meant to Live
What do Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and the late Dr. Maya Angelou have in common? They've all sat across from this episode's guest, Cathy Holloway Hill.
In this inspiring episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, Cathy joins co-hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell to share her story: high school at 16, college at 19 with a computer science degree, and a career launched at IBM — all before facing down the Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) that nearly kept her silent in the boardroom. Cathy walks Emi and John through the turning point that took her from being talked over in meetings to leading teams, and how that same lesson became the foundation for her life's work.
Today, Cathy is an author of four books, a radio and TV host, corporate trainer, columnist, and founder of C Holloway Hill Enterprises. In this episode, she unpacks her signature M.A.P.P. framework — Mindset, Attitude, Purpose, and Passion — and explains why so many people spend their lives on autopilot instead of living by design. Listeners will hear why "your net worth is your network," why failure is simply feedback, and why she believes the richest place on the planet is the graveyard — full of billion-dollar ideas people were too afraid to pursue.
Whether you're leading a team, coaching others, or just trying to step out of your own comfort zone, this conversation offers a practical, energizing push toward building a more intentional, extraordinary life.
September 22, 2026
The Warm Fuzzy Effect: Why Recognition Matters More Than You Think
Employee recognition is often viewed as a nice-to-have initiative, but research—and experience—suggest it may be one of the most important tools organizations have for building engaged, productive, and loyal teams.
In this episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindel sit down with Dr. Tracey Connolly, founder of Engage Training and a respected leadership development professional with experience spanning government agencies, higher education, and private-sector organizations.
Tracey shares why meaningful recognition extends far beyond annual awards programs or occasional praise. When done thoughtfully, recognition can improve employee engagement, strengthen workplace culture, increase retention, and create stronger connections between employees and organizational goals.
Throughout the conversation, Tracey offers practical guidance for leaders looking to establish or improve recognition efforts. She discusses the importance of understanding how individual employees prefer to be recognized, the value of peer-to-peer recognition, and why some of the most effective recognition programs require little or no financial investment.
The discussion also explores the psychological drivers of engagement, including employees’ needs for purpose, belonging, and autonomy. Tracey explains how leaders can create environments where employees feel appreciated, valued, and connected to the organization's mission.
Filled with real-world examples, actionable ideas, and leadership insights, this episode provides a roadmap for organizations seeking to improve morale, reduce turnover, and foster a more positive workplace culture.
Whether you're leading a team of five or an organization of thousands, you'll discover practical ways to make recognition a meaningful part of everyday leadership.
41 min
September 8, 2026
From Engineer to Influencer: Jaime Swindell on Communication, Coaching, and Growth
In this episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell welcome Jaime Swindell, successful trainer and coach, for an engaging discussion about communication, coaching, influence and personal transformation.
Jaime’s story begins far from the training room. Growing up in Philadelphia and pursuing a career in electrical engineering, he initially believed technical competence was all that mattered professionally. However, a candid conversation with a manager revealed that success required more than expertise—it required connection.
That insight launched Jaime into the world of personal development, communication, coaching and leadership training. Today, he helps trainers, leaders and organizations create learning experiences that inspire growth and encourage lifelong learning.
Throughout the episode, Jaime shares practical frameworks for building trust and influencing others, including his “Mess to Success” storytelling model and the “Three Ts”—Tragedy, Turning Point and Triumph. These tools help professionals communicate more authentically and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
The conversation also explores common misconceptions about sales, with Jaime offering a refreshing perspective: “To sell means to serve.” Rather than viewing sales as persuasion or pressure, he encourages professionals to focus on helping people solve problems and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on storytelling, feedback, coaching, personal growth and developing the confidence to communicate effectively in any environment.
This episode is especially valuable for trainers, managers, leaders, sales professionals and anyone interested in expanding their influence while remaining authentic and purpose driven.
49 min
August 25, 2026
Smarter, Not Smaller: How AI Can Transform HR Without Replacing People
Artificial Intelligence is one of the most talked-about workplace topics today—but how can organizations use it responsibly while preserving the human side of work?
In this episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell welcome Walter “Rock” Hall, founder and CEO of Hall HR Consulting Group, for an insightful conversation about AI’s growing influence on Human Resources.
Drawing on more than 35 years of HR leadership experience, Rock discusses how organizations can leverage AI to improve efficiency, uncover workforce trends, reduce turnover, and strengthen decision-making processes. He also addresses common concerns surrounding AI, including employee trust, data privacy, algorithmic bias, and fears that technology may replace HR professionals.
Throughout the discussion, Rock emphasizes that AI is most valuable when used as a strategic support tool rather than a replacement for human judgment. While AI can process information, identify patterns, and generate recommendations, it cannot replicate empathy, relationship-building, coaching, or the personal support employees often need during critical moments in their careers.
The episode also explores practical steps organizations should take before implementing AI, including assessing business needs, cleaning existing data, creating governance processes, and involving stakeholders across departments.
For HR professionals, managers, and business leaders, this conversation offers a balanced perspective on one of the most important workplace trends of our time—demonstrating how organizations can embrace innovation while continuing to put people first.
42 min
August 11, 2026
The $6 Million HR Mistake: Lessons Every Leader Should Know
In this episode of the Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell sit down with HR consultant, trainer, author, and podcast host John Thalheimer to discuss the evolving role of human resources and the growing importance of strategic HR leadership.
John shares the management experience that unexpectedly introduced him to employment law and ultimately shaped his career in HR. Through that experience, he recognized a common organizational challenge: many managers are promoted based on technical expertise without receiving adequate leadership or compliance training.
The conversation explores how organizations can move beyond viewing HR as a purely administrative function and instead leverage HR as a strategic partner that supports culture, employee experience, risk management, and long-term business success.
John also highlights the importance of documentation, consistency, employee expectations, and leadership systems that help teams perform more effectively. The discussion extends into emerging trends, including artificial intelligence in hiring and workforce management, as well as the ongoing challenges organizations face in recruiting and retaining talent.
Throughout the episode, John offers practical, actionable advice for HR professionals, managers, and business leaders looking to strengthen workplace systems while creating healthier, more productive environments for employees.
This episode is especially valuable for leaders navigating growth, compliance, and workforce development in today’s rapidly evolving workplace landscape.
30 min
July 21, 2026
Why Employees Quit Their Bosses: Leadership Lessons with David Suson
In this episode of the Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell sit down with leadership expert, keynote speaker, author, and podcast host David Suson to explore what separates effective managers from truly inspiring leaders.
Drawing from decades of leadership coaching and performance consulting, David explains why human connection, not authority, is the foundation of high-performing teams. From his early experiences at IBM to lessons learned from transformational leaders throughout his career, David shares practical insights into employee engagement, workplace culture, coaching, and leadership development.
The conversation dives into why employees stay, why they leave, and how leaders can unlock untapped potential by treating people as individuals rather than “robots.” David also discusses the importance of decisiveness, trust, emotional intelligence, and adapting leadership approaches in remote and hybrid work environments.
Packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and memorable analogies—including the idea that “you can’t turn a cat into a dog”—this episode offers valuable guidance for leaders at every level.
Whether you manage a small team or a large organization, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and inspire you to create stronger human connections in the workplace.
43 min
June 23, 2026
From Opera to Inclusion: Daryl Dixon on Bringing Harmony to the Workplace
In this episode of the Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell welcome diversity expert, author, and former opera singer Daryl Dixon for a powerful conversation on inclusion, leadership, and finding purpose in unexpected places.
Daryl shares his unique journey from performing on world-class stages, including singing at the White House, to becoming a nationally recognized voice in diversity training. Drawing from both his musical background and professional experience, he offers a compelling perspective: just as music requires harmony, so do our workplaces.
Throughout the episode, Daryl explores how his early life experiences shaped his passion for diversity and inclusion, and how leaders can create environments where differences are not just accepted but valued. He also discusses the importance of intentional communication, understanding perspectives, and building workplaces that foster collaboration and respect.
Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or someone looking to better understand the role of diversity in organizational success, this conversation provides practical insights and meaningful inspiration.
26 min
May 29, 2026
Fearless Isn’t Fear-Free: Lessons in Courage, Career and Personal Growth with Hollie Stuart
In this episode of the Pryor Learning Podcast, we welcome HR executive, keynote speaker, and endurance athlete Hollie Stuart for a conversation on resilience, growth, and the true meaning of fearlessness.
Hollie’s story is one of determination and transformation. From navigating early life adversity to building a successful career in human resources and completing marathons on six continents, she brings a unique perspective on what it takes to grow both personally and professionally.
At the heart of the discussion is a powerful idea: fearlessness isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to move forward despite it. Hollie shares how this mindset has influenced her leadership approach, her career decisions, and her commitment to empowering others in the workplace.
This episode explores how challenges can shape stronger leaders, how mindset drives performance, and why embracing discomfort is often the key to meaningful growth.
Whether you're developing your leadership skills, navigating change, or seeking inspiration to take your next step, this conversation offers valuable insights you can apply immediately.
20 min
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