Shows
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Ways Innovators and Leaders Must Adapt to ThriveTara Thurber sat down with innovation leader and connector James Barrood to explore the Top5 Ways Innovators and Leaders Must Adapt to Thrive - from embracing generative AI to building empathetic, flexible teams that can weather disruption and drive change.James Barrood is a nationally recognized leader in the NYC/NJ tech and innovation scene with 20+ years of advising startups and growth company leaders as well as developing university programs. He heads a 10,000+ global community of entrepreneurs, directs AI‑focused executive education, and previously spent five years as CEO of TechUnited an...2025-05-2025 min
The Hope Prose PodcastEpisode 117 - I See You've Called in Dead w/ John KenneySend us a textIn today’s episode, Alex and Tara have a thought-provoking and wisdom-filled discussion with John Kenney, author of three novels and four books of poetry, including LOVE POEMS FOR MARRIED PEOPLE. His first novel, TRUTH IN ADVERTISING, won the Thurber Prize for American humor. He is a long-time contributor to The New Yorker magazine’s Shouts & Murmurs column and currently lives in Larchmont, NY. Listen as they discuss what it’s like writing a darkly humorous book about death, the beauty and healing in confronting grief, the importance of writ...2025-04-1547 min
The Reel RejectsWE'RE THE MILLERS (2013) MOVIE REACTION!! First Time Watching!!TIME FOR A LITTLE FAMILY BONDING!! We're the Millers Full Reaction Watch Along: https://www.patreon.com/thereelrejectsWith Will Poulter in Black Mirror Season 7 & Warfare, Tara Erickson & John Humphrey give their We're the Millers Reaction, Recap, Commentary, Analysis, & Spoiler Review!!Visit https://www.liquidiv.com & use Promo Code: REJECTS to get 20% off your first order.Visit https://huel.com/rejects to get 15% off your orderJoin John Humphrey and Tara Erickson as they buckle up for a wild ride with the 2013 comedy, We're the Millers. Directed by...2025-04-1229 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop 5 Strategies to Lead, Run & Raise a Family Without Losing Your MindTara Thurber and Clark Lagemann of Avidon Health discuss balancing high performance, leadership, and personal life. Clark emphasizes dynamic balance, prioritization, and being present in each moment. He shares his journey from healthcare to founding Avid on Health, focusing on behavior change. Clark highlights strategies like ruthless prioritization, daily physical activity, clear communication, and embracing chaos. He stresses the importance of accountability, both personal and professional, and the need to define personal success. Clark also advises protecting one's calendar, being selective with commitments, and the concept of "pouring from your cup" to achieve long-term success.2025-04-1137 min
A Few Things with Jim Barrood#146 Talent, Performance Coaching, Mental Health with Tara Thurber + Ben KenyonWe discussed a few things including:1. Their career journeys2. Ben's Coaching approach3. Tara's coaching approach; future coach for college students4. Ben's book, CLIMB5. Trends, challenges and opportunities re health and mental health.Tara Thurber is the Founder | Director of Partnerships at DefinedTalent and Head Coach | FUTURE COACH. She is a connector, committed to helping people realize their visions and take action to bring them to life. With over 15 years of experience in recruitment, talent acquisition, HR services and career development, she focuses on empowering businesses and individuals to...2025-04-0938 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Tips to Improve Mental PerformanceTara Thurber interviews Tom Sterner, founder of the Practicing Mind Institute, on mental performance. Sterner emphasizes mental sovereignty, the ability to control one's mind, and shares insights from his 45 years of research. He highlights the importance of thought awareness training, which involves focusing on the breath or a simple phrase to detach from thoughts. Sterner advises setting goals with accurate data, using premeditated procedures for high-pressure situations, and interpreting experiences positively. He stresses the need to balance learning with performance and to embrace challenging situations as opportunities for growth.2025-03-1246 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Ways to Put the Human Back into Human ResourcesTara Thurber and Mark Mears discuss the importance of humanizing HR and leading with love in the workplace. Mark shares his journey from law school to marketing communications, emphasizing the higher power of fours and the "love" model for leadership: Listen, Observe, Value, and Empower. He highlights the need for purposeful growth, engagement, and fostering a sense of belonging. Mark's book, "The Purposeful Growth Revolution," advocates for a transformational leadership style that prioritizes human connection and community. He also introduces the concept of curiosity as a fifth essential element for effective leadership.2025-03-031h 05
TOP5_DefinedTalentMushroom Coffee Talk - Word of the YearIn the Mushroom Coffee Talk podcast, hosts Tara Thurber and Eddie Jimenez discuss their words for the year. Eddie chooses "bold," emphasizing its importance in entrepreneurship and personal growth, countering the superficiality he sees on social media. Tara, who prefers monthly words, shares her journey of setting goals rather than resolutions, with January focused on self-care and February on strategy. Eddie elaborates on "bold" as an acronym for Breakthroughs, Opportunities, Leadership, Legacy, Discipline, and Drive, aligning with the "me versus me" philosophy. Both hosts look forward to a transformative 2025, aiming to make a bold impact.2025-02-1707 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Reasons to Adopt Personal Self Care for Professional SuccessTara Thurber interviews Eddie Jimenez, CEO of Primal Trust Consulting, about his "I in Win" philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of self-care for team success. Eddie shares his unconventional career journey, highlighting his experiences in multifamily leasing, fitness, offshore banking and tech. He outlines five core principles: investing in oneself, owning one's role, setting non-negotiables, leading by example, and balancing self and team. Eddie stresses that personal well-being is crucial for high performance and team success, advocating for routines, meditation and time management to avoid burnout and enhance resilience.2025-01-2744 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop 5 Biggest Impacts of 1HuddleTara Thurber interviews Sam Caucci, CEO of 1Huddle, a technology company that uses gamification to enhance employee onboarding and continuous development. Caucci emphasizes that traditional LMS platforms are outdated and ineffective, leading to high forgetfulness rates. 1Huddle's games improve knowledge retention by 91% after 30 days, compared to 11% for traditional methods. A case study with Tao Hospitality showed a 45% faster onboarding process and $1.17 million in additional revenue from improved service. Caucci highlights the importance of lifelong learning, internal talent identification and empowering employees to own their skills, which can be leveraged for future job opportunities.To...2024-11-1929 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Reasons to Attend Newark Tech WeekTara Thurber, Founder of Defined Talent, hosts Kelly Outing and Angie Albizu from EqualSpace to discuss the company's mission and growth. EqualSpace, founded by Citi Medina and Ralphie Roman, has expanded from a 900 sq ft space to over 19,000 sq ft, including offices, creative spaces and a tech innovation campus. They emphasize fostering innovation through inclusive company culture and AI integration. EqualSpace also hosts Newark Tech Week, a free, five-day conference featuring panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, aimed at educating and connecting the tech community.2024-10-0338 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop 5 Ways to Disrupt the GapWomen earn 84 cents for every dollar a man earns.Want to change this statistic? Listen to our newest podcast episode featuring a conversation between Tara Thurber and Disrupt the Gap Founder, Shell Bobev.Together, they discuss the importance of wage equality and the challenges women face in the workforce.Shell emphasizes the need for transparency and organizational change to address pay gaps.Top5 Tips to Disrupt the Gap1. Connect Stakeholders2. Immediate & Long Term Solutions3. Influencing WIIFM4. Provide Clarity, Possibility & Confidence5. Address Inner Gaps...2024-09-2422 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop 5 Cybersecurity Tips for 2024 & BeyondTara Thurber sits down with Will Shu, CIO and Matthew Buehlmann, Director of Cybersecurity at Riverstrong, a company dedicated to delivering essential managed IT and cybersecurity services for small-mid-sized enterprises.Together, the group discusses the facts behind the global Microsoft shutdown in July and how companies can better manage and maintain their cybersecurity into the future.Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips for 2024 & Beyond Set One - Will ShuGet close to an IT/cybersecurity professionalKnow your risks & exposuresBe willing to invest time & moneyBe prepared if & when disaster strikesNever trust any linksTop 5 Cybersecurity Tips for 2024...2024-09-0533 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Reasons Business Fail Relating to Marketing ROITara Thurber is joined by CEO & Founder of Rubelli Digital, Joseph Rubelli. Together, they discuss Joseph's professional background, his favorite marketing campaigns and his Top5 Reasons why Businesses Fail Relating to marketing ROI. Tune in today for amazing ideas that will shakeup your marketing strategies!Joseph Rubelli Bio: Joseph Rubelli has spent his career building brands, helping businesses grow, and telling stories that resonate with audiences.After years of working in sales, marketing, and business across Europe and EMEA in the beauty & fashion industry for global brands like Lancer, Sephora and LVMH Group, h...2024-06-1040 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Ways to Succeed as a Woman in LeadershipKaren Parisi, CMO at CentralReach, joined Tara Thurber to share her career growth, professional development and insights on women in leadership roles. Together, Karen and Tara delve into the Top5 Ways to Succeed as a Woman in Leadership.Top5 Ways to Succeed as a Woman in Leadership1. Try Everything2. Authenticity3. Don’t Hesitate 4. Hire Smarter5. Team CultureABOUT KAREN: Karen Parisi is the Chief Marketing Officer at CentralReach where she oversees all marketing efforts for the company. In this role, Karen is responsible for developing new growth strategies an...2024-05-2338 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Elements of a Persuasive StoryJosh Tobiessen, founder of Shared Story Consulting and a New York Times "Critics Pick" playwright, sat down with Tara Thurber to share his experience and tips for developing a persuasive story.Together, Tara and Josh explore the importance of character development, overall objective and the details required to produce an effective story that urges readers to take action.Top5 Elements of a Persuasive StoryCharacterObjectiveActionStakesDetailsSpeaker Bio: For two decades Josh Tobiessen been engaging audiences as a playwright and sharing the power of storytelling as workshop leader...2024-04-1920 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentNJCC - Top5 Reasons to Join NJCC Young Professionals GroupAmirah Hussain, N.J. Chamber of Commerce Director of Government Relations & Chris Lowicki, Operations Coordinator join Tara Thurber to share their views on professional networking as a youth in business. Stop by their Young Professionals Networking Event hosted by DefinedTalent and sponsored by Withium on Thursday, May 9 from 6 - 8:30 PM at DefinedLogic's Studio Red Bank (200 Monmouth Street, Suite 325, Red Bank, NJ, 07701).Top5 Reasons to Join NJCC Young Professionals GroupCommunity PracticeOpportunityMentorshipConfidenceRegister for networking event here - https://bit.ly/3JeaOGP2024-04-1924 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Reasons LEGO® Builds Better TeamsOver 80% of employers and employees believe creating a sense of community at work is important. What is an innovative community-building tool that works both virtually and in person?Brandon Wetzstein, Founder & Chief Team Builder at IN8 Create, joins Tara Thurber to share his Top5 Reasons LEGO® Builds Better Teams.IN8 Create leverages LEGO® Serious Play® to engage participants in sharing stories about themselves in a fun and psychologically safe way.Diminished Consciousness of SelfInverted PersuasionEquitable ExpressionCurious ListeningTime CompressionSpeaker Bio - Brandon is driven by a passion to reshape the way we...2024-04-0227 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop 5 Ways to Market Your Business on a BudgetMeet Andy Karuza, Marketing Lead at NachoNacho, a SaaS management and marketplace app helping companies find, vet and hire industry experts.Andy shares his Top 5 Ways to Market Your Business on a Budget with Tara Thurber as they discuss common challenges that businesses face today and how NachoNacho stays up-to-date on industry trends.Top 5 Ways to Market Your Business on a Budget Partner led growthProduct lead growthAutomateBrandingExperimentAbout our speaker: As the Marketing Leader at NachoNacho, Andy Karuza is at the forefront of the B2B SaaS marketplace, powered by cutting-edge f...2024-03-1522 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Ways ReAbility Serves Individuals & Families with DisabilitiesAccording to the CDC, 61 million adults in the United States live with a disability. This week's guest, Christopher Myers, share his personal story with Tara Thurber and illustrates the importance of his platform - ReAbility.ReAbility is a service providing real-time information to individuals with disabilities - parents, caregivers, case managers, etc. – to improve the quality of their lives. This information includes but is not limited to resources, leisure activities and networking opportunities.Christopher currently lives in the greater Memphis area as an adjunct professor of marketing at the University of Mem...2024-01-3031 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Ways to Tap Into Conscious CreativityAlaura Lovelight, R&B Recording Artist and published writer/producer/host of 'The Alaura Show' on New Jersey Television joined Tara Thurber for this week's Top5 podcast. Alaura shares her new e-book The Mindful Creative, her Mindful Creative Coaching Program and her Top5 Ways to Tap into Conscious Creativity.Tune in for a great, mind-opening conversation!Top5 Ways to Tap into Conscious CreativityMeditationAppreciationContemplation/VisualizationCreationCelebration Alaura Lovelight BIOAlaura Lovelight is an RnB Recording Artist, published writer, producer and ho...2024-01-2638 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Reasons to Hire an Executive CoachIn alignment with our 2024 intention-setting and personal growth goals, our Top5 podcast episode features powerhouse guest Bertha Robinson. As president of the NJ Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO), an affiliate of The Trusted Advisors Network and founder of Star One Professional Services, Bertha shares her professional journey with Tara Thurber as they eagerly set attainable intentions for 2024 and beyond. Bertha shares her insights, inspiration from mentors like Tony Agurs and a powerful tool for goal and intention-setting for 202"Foreward"!Listen to the full podcast!Top5 Reasons to Hire an Executive Coach2024-01-0541 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Predictions for 2024 AI RecruitingCurrently, 63% of companies are investing or have plans to invest in AI solutions for talent acquisition problems.* As a response to this, Sean Wood, Founder of Human Pilots AI shares his Top5 Predictions for 2024 AI Recruiting with Tara Thurber. Together, they discuss AI's endless possibilities and inherent biases and the proper way to utilize ChatGPT for resume writing/editing.*Human Pilots AI is a company that assists businesses in adopting AI and uncovering its benefits while avoiding its inherent risks. Learn more: https://humanpilots.ai/Top5 Predictions for 2024 AI Recruiting2023-11-2434 min
Keen On AmericaThe Impact of Small Things: Best-selling writer and Hollywood actress Annabelle Gurwitch on her experience of taking in a homeless couple in Los AngelesEPISODE 1802: In this KEEN ON show, Andrew talks to best-selling writer and Hollywood actress Annabelle Gurwitch on her experience of taking in a homeless couple in Los AngelesANNABELLE GURWITCH is a New York Times Bestselling author, actress and activist whose most recent collection of essays "You're Leaving When? Adventures in Downward Mobility" is a 2021 New York Times Favorite Book for Healthy Living, a Good Morning America Must Read and a finalist for The Thurber Prize for American Humor Writing 2022. Annabelle uses personal stories and humor to illuminate issues in the social zeitgeist including "harnessing resilience and le...2023-10-1942 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Reasons to Join AIRTara Thurber sits down with Michele Daly, Founding Partner/AIR Operations + Community and Solange Collins, Human Resources Consultant, TA Partner at Blue Sky Talent LLC to discuss the Top5 Reasons to Join Allies in Recruiting (AIR). AIR is a collective of advertising, marketing and tech recruiters championing talent and educating the community to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable creative industry.Top5 Reasons to Join Allies in Recruiting (AIR)Action MattersMake an ImpactEducateApply Your LearningsBuild Your CommunitySpeaker Bios:Solange Collins, Human Resources Consultant, TA Partner at Blue Sky Talent LLCSolange...2023-10-1232 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Ways Checkr Makes Background Checks Easy & SeamlessTara Thurber is joined by Checkr's VP of Product and Customer Marketing, Bryan Sise to share the Top5 Ways Checkr Makes Background Checks Easy & Seamless.Checkr platform and solutions make background checks faster, easier and more compliant. Top5 Ways Checkr Makes Background Checks Easy & Seamless1. Speed2. Time Savings3. Compliance4. Fairness5. People of CheckrSpeaker Bio:Bryan Sise, VP of Product and Customer Marketing at Checkr here to share the Top5 Ways Checkr Makes Background Checks Easy & SeamlessAs VP of Product & Customer M...2023-08-2941 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Ways for Using AI to Develop Content StrategyToday, Tara Thurber is joined by Co-founder and President of Alchemy Media, Deana Graffeo Weeks. Amiss the surge of AI updates and apps, Deana reveals her Top5 Ways for Using AI to Develop Content Strategy.Precision & RelevancyCreativity & OriginalityIdeation & Conceptualization Audience Development & SegmentationAutomation - Scheduling & Determining CadenceDeana Graffeo Weeks, Co-founder and President of Alchemy MediaDeana is a seasoned content marketer and communications pro with over two decades in the field. As the lead at Alchemy Media, she blends her skills as a story crafter and marketing strategist, delivering results for diverse clients l...2023-08-2932 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTops 5 Ways to Succeed in Any JobWe are honored to share our latest podcast featuring one of the leading voices in FinTech, Mariquit Corcoran. She joins Tara Thurber to share her Tops 5 Ways to Succeed in Any Job.Mariquit is a powerhouse. This year, she was recognized by FinTech Futures in their Top 10 Women Blazing a Trail in FinTech and listed as FinTech Magazine’s Top 10 Women in FinTech to watch. Her previous experience includes positions at Barclay's, FTV Capital and Goldman Sachs - just to name a few! Tune in now for her tips and delightful insight into th...2023-08-2527 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentPassive Aggressive BehaviorFor our final Summer Session, Tara Thurber, Ellie Bright and Vitoria Wright discuss passive-aggressive behavior in the workplace. In a recent article by CNBC, a psychology expert outlined 7 signs of passive-aggressive co-workers and how to cope noting, "Colleagues who exhibit passive-aggressive tendencies are especially insidious to organizations because they can masquerade as productive."Our team considered all aspects and provided some tips for how to manage and eradicate passive-aggressive behaviors at work.1) Find Different Perspectives2) Nip it in the Bud3) Provide a Safe Communication Space4) Acknowledge & Be Aware2023-06-2109 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Tips for Women in TechAs of 2023, women hold 26.7% of technology jobs. This week, Tara Thurber sits down with three talented professional women as they discuss their Top5 Tips for Women in Tech.Alison Lamano, Senior Product Manager and Competency Lead at DefinedLogic, Brittany Jacobs, Senior Software Engineering Manager at Vydia and Jenna Gaudio, Co-President at Vydia discuss trending technologies, social media platforms, inspiring female leaders and the state of women in the tech industry.Together, Jenna, Alison and Brittany founded Jersey Shore Women in Tech (JSWT), an organization dedicated...2023-06-0547 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Reasons to Develop Recruiter PartnershipsDefinedTalent is proud to showcase a successful working partnership with TechUnited in our newest podcast! Jasmine Ward, Vice President Strategy & Operations at TechUnited sits down with Tara Thurber and Ellie Bright to discuss the benefits of using a recruiter. With extensive professional experience connecting the innovation and business community in meaningful and high-value ways, Jasmine relies on DefinedTalent to grow the team responsible for Propelify, what Forbes calls “the SxSW of the Northeast."Jasmine shares her experience with DefinedTalent and highlights her Top5 Reasons to Develop Recruiting Partnerships. 2023-05-1532 min
TOP5_DefinedTalentTop5 Tips for Workplace Wellness80% of US businesses with more than 50 employees offer corporate wellness programs.*How important are workplace benefits? Does your insurance provider offer employee wellness initiatives?These are the questions Tara Thurber discusses with the owners of Innate Living, a chiropractic care center located in Bradley Beach/Matawan, NJ.Dr. Tom and Brigette McGuire share the history of their practice, the importance of workplace wellness benefits, tips for easy-to-manage wellness tricks in the office and their Top5 Tips for Workplace Wellness.Top5 Tips for Workplace Wellness1) Daily & Hourly Motion2023-05-0241 min