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Talent needs soul…

You can build high-performing teams and create a workplace people actually want to be part of. Just ask Mike Ohata—Fortune 15 talent leader, author of The Talent-Fueled Enterprise, and the guy talent insiders call a badass. In this episode, Mike shares how to lead with care and results, why psychological safety drives performance, and how to stop treating people like capital.

From the future of AI to why simplicity beats scale, we unpack what soulful leadership looks like in today’s world—and why it’s not just possible, but essential. If you’re ready to fuel your org with both head and heart, this one’s for you.

There are a lot of reasons why you'd want to talk to Mike Ohata about talent. 

First, he's got the chops: Fortune 15 Talent Leader (KPMG, Microsoft), Founding Board Member at Ezra Coaching and the Author of "The Talent Fueled Enterprise". He's knows how to put major points on the board the biggest and most complex orgs. In Talent circles, we like to call him, a badass. 

Another reason why you'd want to listen to Mike about work? About people? 

Because he cares. There is a people-profit win, win. Mike's made a career of it. Plus, he gives that 'big care' energy which we love. 

Mike shares his expert insights on maximizing talent and creating a soulful workplace, balancing the fine line between caring for employees and maintaining profitability. We challenge traditional notions of human capital and delve into the importance of psychological safety and genuine connections between leaders and their teams. 

Next, we explore holistic employee development and the impact of AI on the workforce. Learn why transparency, empathy, and adding 'soul' to corporate practices are more critical than ever. We question the scarcity mentality around talent, emphasize the importance of simplicity and focus in leadership, and reflect on balancing capitalism with people-centric strategies. 

This is a thought-provoking conversation on aligning personal and organizational values, and discover how genuine employee investment can transform your organization.

About Mike Ohata:
Mike Ohata brings a career-long history of transforming Big Four and Fortune 15 organizations through talent frameworks, comprehensive people development, and workforce solutions. During his 26-year executive career, he strategically navigated Microsoft Corporation and KPMG through disruption and challenges, building the operational pillars needed to scale national and international markets. His thought leadership has enhanced the growth, diversity, and capabilities of workforces of up to 200K. In 2023, he was honored with the LearningElite Gold Award for pioneering exemplary learning and development strategies at KPMG. 

Outside his corporate roles, Mike is committed to community service. He serves as Vice Chair of Thrive Counseling Center and Founding Advisory Board Member of EZRA, a virtual coaching and learning provider. He is also an Advisor to startups such as BigSpring and Modal. 

Mike holds a Master of Education from Columbia University, a Master of Arts in Linguistics and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Hawaii. His recent book, The Talent-Fueled Enterprise - A Powerful Approach to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce, released in June 2024.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or the management.

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