Morales Group

In the season finale of the Skill Up Build Up podcast, Kofi continues with the Indiana Latino Institute. In this episode, we bring on ILI Leadership Circle participants Anabel Menifee and Juan Guzman.

Get an inside peek into why, even when in modern day “diversity” is a household word, Latinos are mysteriously absent from the movers and shakers of this country. But, ILI is doing something about it.

Episode 50: The Reason Latinos are Missing from Leadership — Indiana Latino Institute, Part II

In this first-part episode featuring the Indiana Latino Institute, Kofi mixes it up with CEO Marlene Dotson and education program coordinator Rachel Santos. 

The grand design of ILI has its fingers in many pots: health, education, and leadership cultivation for the Latino community. It’s systematic and well-connected. 

Learn how things have changed for the newer Latino generations, and how this community is quietly (and powerfully) effecting change at the national level.

Episode 49: 21st Century Challenges for the New Latino Voice — Indiana Latino Institute, Part I

Sarah K. Robinson returns to the Skill Up Build Up podcast to dish science on Strengths Finder, the necessity to challenge yourself, and to warn against limiting beliefs. Kofi calls Sarah’s brand of coaching “a secret sauce” for companies trying to grow.

Tune in for what's basically a free coaching session on Strengths Finder. Businesses — employees using their strengths every day at work are 10 times more productive! Help them develop their superpowers.

Episode 48: "In the Game of Business, You Either Grow or You Die" - Sarah K. Robinson, Part II

Kofi snags Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder coach and bestselling author Sarah K. Robinson to illuminate the magic of working with an engaged team. The difference is tangible for your bottom line!  This part-one-of-two episode breaks down Sarah’s workplace “golden nuggets,” including her acronym F.R.E.S.H. — which stands for five skills to transform your team.

Episode 47: "Who Are You Getting FRESH With?" - Sarah K. Robinson, Part I

Did you know that nearly half of Marion County’s justice-involved return to prison? Did you also know that the majority is due to a probation technicality or unaffordable fees -- instead of a new offense?
 
In this episode of the Skill Up Build Up  podcast, Kofi cracks into the realism of a broken criminal justice system with Chris Purnell, executive director of the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic. The conversation centers on the necessity of hope for the justice-involved, and the role recidivism and expungement play in that process. Spoiler alert: there is hope, and there are resources to help.

Episode 46: Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic - Chris Purnell

This episode of the Skill Up Build Up podcast digs deep into the justice-involved community, how the cash-bail model is criminalizing poverty, and the profound talent pool available in this population. Kofi speaks with David Gaspar, regional operations manager of The Bail Project, about his own justice-involved past and the success story open to employers who value the person who workers can be in the present moment.

Episode 45: The Bail Project - David Gaspar

In this episode of the Skill Up Build Up podcast, Adam and Kofi dig deep into realistic inclusivity solutions for disability and LGBTQ communities. Guest Tiffany Hanson, with leadership roles at both Luna Language Services and Indy Pride, reveals the effect of intentional inclusivity – as opposed to merely antidiscrimination. She offers best practices for tapping into this diverse, and underutilized, talent pool. It’s much simpler than you might expect.

Episode 44: Diverse Talent Pools - Tiffany Hanson

Part Two of our two-part series on Indy Reads brings us student navigator Chris Simmons. Chris tells Adam and Kofi about his nontraditional career path, how his people-person mentality prepared him to solve problems for Indy Reads students, and the extraordinary impact of Google Translate and a smile. We also hear about the exciting future of Indy Reads and where our ELL workforce is headed.

Episode 43: When Skillset Exceeds Education - Chris Simmons

Welcome to Part One of our two-part series on Indy Reads and the complex role it holds for the workforce of Indianapolis. Adam and Kofi invite Vice President Jennifer Malins to this episode of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast, where she shares the striking reality of literacy needs for immigrants and why Indiana business needs to care.

Episode 42: Connecting Over Language - Jennifer Malins

On this episode of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast, hear the story powerful story Garland Shockley, a 47 year-old who has totally changed his life because of his current employer, Merchandise Warehouse. Merchandise Warehouse has provided Garland the opportunity to overcome his hardships and become a role model, illuminating why second chance employees are so important to job creation in our state.

Episode 41: Triple A Certified - Garland Shockley

Did you miss our last breakfast series? No worries we got you covered with this recap episode of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast. Learn how the emergence of digital platforms in the HR suite has changed the way organizations have to recruit, how they manage and retain talent, and what talent expects today.

Episode 40: How Technology is Shaping the Future of Recruitment and Retention

Episode 39: Navigating a New Life by Morales Group

Episode 39: Navigating a New Life

Episode 38: The International Center by Morales Group

Episode 38: The International Center

On this episode of the Skill Up Build Up podcast, we talk with Michael Huber, president and CEO of the Indy Chamber, about how effecting change and talent attraction in Indianapolis is becoming more and more important for our city’s future. Tune in to learn about the plan to cultivate Indianapolis’ cultural identity in the national eye, as well as our surprisingly up-and-coming local music scene.

Episode 37: Cultural Identity in Indianapolis

Kofi and Adam invite Luisa Lopez, executive producer of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast to discuss whether or not college is a scam. They dive into different opportunities available from having a degree and what students should know when making a decision to go towards a 4 year college track.

Episode 36: Is College a Scam?

On this episode of the Skill Up Build Up podcast, learn about Morales Group new initiative, the GROW Network. Hear from the Director of Workforce Development, Kofi Darku and the GROW Network Success coach, Maria Baca  and learnhow you can take advantage of the of this program for your current workforce.

Episode 35: GROW Network

On Epsidoe 34 of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast, we feature Lessonly’s Co-founder and CEO, Max Yoder. Max shares three themes that drive Lessonly forward and what creates the foundation for their culture: vulnerability, clarity, and camaraderie. His new book, ‘Do Better Work’, empowers and helps people become more self-aware and shares his insights as to why the world needs to have a laser focus on personal development. It has people asking themselves: How am I becoming a better human? Subscribe and listen to the Skill Up Build Up Podcast today!

Episode 34: How Am I Becoming a Better Human?

Why aren’t more companies building trust to engage with their employees?
 
On this episode of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast, find out what made Kyle DeFur transition from a 25 year career in the healthcare industry to become President of TrueU. You will also learn about TrueU’s programs such as Leader in Training (LIT) and other professional development workshops to help grow successful leaders, currently offered exclusively to their 70+ current members.   Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast app.

Episode 33: Heart of a Leader

Want to learn how to ignite a fire within your organization? Regardless of what role or industry you find yourself in, Jason Barnaby shares how you can learn to lead and how fear can be the driving force behind implementing changes. You can find this and much more in Jason’s new book “Igniting the Fire Starter Within”, now available on Amazon. Subscribe and listen to the latest episode of the Skill Up Build Up wherever you find your podcasts.

Episode 32: Igniting a Fire

On episode 31 of the Skill Up Build Up podcast, hear about our recent mission trip to Mazatlán, Mexico and and Adam and Kofi’s takeaways.  They share how being a light and serving with a humble heart helps us create a lasting impact in the communities we serve. Listen and subscribe to the Skill Up Build Up podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Episode 31: Unlocking Through Servant Leadership

Kofi and Adam sit down with Co-Founder and CEO of Emplify, Santiago Jaramillo, to learn how he’s making more strategic, data driven decisions when it comes to employee engagement. Employees can be satisfied with their job but not truly engaged in their company’s overall mission. Learn how your organization can utilize Emplify’s tools to improve your company culture and increase your team’s engagement on this episode of the Skill Up Build Up podcast.

Episode 30:  Improve Your Culture. Engage Your Team.

Hear more from Kelli Knecht, Regional HR Manager at Interstate Warehousing on episode 29 of the #skillupbuildup podcast. Adam and Kofi get insight into Interstate’s M.I.T. Program (Manager In Training Program) and how it has built a better sense of understanding and respect amongst departments. Their promising practices on engagement has allowed for employees to understand the “why” of their role and ensure people do not feel like they are just a number on the warehouse floor. Listen and subscribe to the Skill Up Build Up Podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Episode 29: Breaking Barriers with Engagement

Check out John Goo, President of MavPak on Episode 27 of the Skill Up Build Up podcast. Hear how he started MavPak and how he uses his faith to service his clients and energize his internal team. John gives insight to how you can adapt your team’s strengths to engage with your workforce and operate your business with excellence. Subscribe to the Skill Up Build Up podcast on your favorite podcast app.

Episode 28: Operating Out of Faith

Did you miss our Breakfast Series event last week? We have you covered on today’s podcast episode. Hear from our featured panelists on how work-based learning can be a tool for your organization to attract future talent, how to tap into resources to start a program, and what the state is doing to fuel work-based learning programs

Episode 27: How's your people pipeline?

In Episode 26 of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast, Adam and Kofi discuss how Earn and Learn programs can benefit both employees and employers in the state of Indiana. Employees are learning valuable skills to grow their careers and employers are retaining their workforce and promoting from within, filling open positions quickly.

Episode 26: Earn and Learn

Our special guest for Episode 25 of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast is Jim Suber, Regional Director at Geodis. Geodis is a third party logistics company located in the Plainfield area. Adam and Kofi learn how Geodis is engaging with their employees and building their team. 60% of Jim’s hourly workforce are immigrants and more than 10 languages are spoken in their facilities. Jim’s mission is to ensure he speaks everyone’s language to create an inclusive environment and messages are understood by all.

Episode 25: It's Not Always About The Wage

On episode 24 of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast, we feature Aslyne Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of EmpowerBus. Aslyne discusses with Adam and Kofi how they are providing upward mobility for everyone using their transportation services. EmpowerBus is addressing the transportation barriers that residents in Ohio are facing and helping people, providing them with opportunities in employment, education and healthcare.

Episode 24: Giving a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out

Episode 23 of the Skill Up Build Podcast features Bridget Boyle, Vice President of Human Resources at Roche Diagnostics. How does Roche stay on top of securing talent in the current tight labor market? With over 5,000 employees across the country and 3,000 in their Indianapolis campus, Boyle explains how Roche is leveraging technology and relationships with universities to continuously attract passive candidates. Adam and Kofi gain insight on Roche’s competitive internship program and the steps students can take to earn one of the 80 spots available every summer.

Episode 23: Building the Funnel for the Future

On Episode 22 of the Skill Up Build Up podcast, Adam and Kofi sit down with the Commissioner for the Department of Workforce Development, Fred Payne. Under the Next Level Agenda, DWD is focusing their resources to provide training for individuals who want to gain new skills and go after high-demand jobs that provide better wages.  One of the many functions of DWD is managing the trust fund

Episode 22: Good Workforce Hygiene

Kofi and Adam chat with partner and president of California Closets, Marcus Hall about his company's "why" and reasons it's important to pour into your current workforce. Sometimes the perfect candidates for your open positions are already on your team. See how setting your employees up for wins can impact your business.

Episode 20: Build Up the Players On Your Bench

On episode 21, Kofi and Adam have a conversation with Marina Waters, President of Luna Language Services. The goal of Luna is to provide equal access to language through consultations, translating documents, and supporting the diversification of the community. With Indianapolis being the 8th largest growing immigrant population, it has become vital to make businesses knowledgeable on the impact of a diverse workforce. Luna Language Services will stop at nothing to serve nonnative speakers in our community.

Episode 21: Supporting a Diverse Workforce Through Language

Season two of the #skillupbuildup podcast kicks off with Danny Lopez, Chairman of Governor Holcomb’s Workforce Cabinet. Adam, Kofi, and Danny discuss the need to change how we think about workforce development and post-secondary readiness.  Every year, 25,000 students graduate high school with no secondary education plans and Indiana is committed to combat this issue by teaching the various career paths available to our students.

Episode 19: Promising Practices

The first season of the Skill Up Build Up Podcast has flown by. We’ve had some amazing guests on our show this year and we’ve covered a lot of topics. In this episode, Kofi and Adam sit down with our Executive Producer, Luisa Lopez, and recap the highlights from our 2018 episodes, covering the current climate in workforce development and the powerful conversations that took place in the studio. You will also get some behind the scenes moments that didn’t make the official episodes and a sneak peek at what lies ahead in 2019

Episode 18: 2018 Recap

On this episode of the Skill Up Build Up podcast, Kofi and Adam sit down with Terri Morris Downs, Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Center. The discussion centers around their Natural Helpers Program and it provides the immigrant community with the skills needed to thrive in the work world and how this pocket of talent can be a key resource for helping employers find talent.

Episode 17: Immigrant Welcome Center

In this episode, Adam and Kofi sit down with Lupe Martinez, Local Veterans’ Employment Representative at the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Lupe shares tips on how to successfully work with our veteran population and how employers can better help veterans articulate their skills and experience.

Episode 16: Engaging with our Veterans

In this episode, Adam Scholtes and Kofi Darku sit down with Sally Reasoner, Vice President of Talent Identification at Ascend Indiana .
They discuss how Ascend Indiana bridges, divides, and fills talent gaps with network and services they provide to students in Indiana. Ascend Indiana helps translate and advocate for students to learn what jobs they qualify for and have confidence as they search and apply for jobs or internships.

Episode 15: Tech Enabled Recruitment Platform

In today’s episode, Kofi and Adam discuss an article from SHL titled: “Talent Acquisition: The Changing Nature of Work”.

Episode 14: The Changing Nature of Work

In this episode, Adam sits down with Jeremy York, State Director for HR Indiana SHRM and President and Lead Consultant for Invigorate HR to discuss easy wins for organizations to engage their current workforce and how Indiana SHRM is leading talent to thrive.

Episode 13: Best Practices to Engage with your Workforce

Closing the gap between the worlds of learning and work, featuring Angela Carr Klitzsch, John Ruckelshaus, and Daniel Elsener.

Episode 12: Closing the gap between the worlds of learning and work

In today’s episode, Kofi and Adam discuss an article from the Harvard Business Review by Whitney Johnson titled: “What to do When a Good Employee Stops Trying to Grow”.

Episode 11: What to do When a Good Employee Stops Trying to Grow

Continuing on the topic of the immigrant and refugee population, Kofi and Adam sit down with Tom Butera, Plant Manager at a container manufacturer and recycling company in Plainfield, Indiana, where he discusses how they’ve diversified their workforce and are learning and adapting to new cultures and habits.

Episode 10: Adapting to the Culture of Your Workforce

In this episode Kofi and Adam sit down with Cole Varga, Executive Director at Exodus Refugee Immigration and discuss the processes our immigrant and refugee populations endure on their journeys to the US and how and why employers should tap into this underserved population to fill their open positions.

Episode 9: Home For the First Time

How is your organization currently seeking out new talent? In this tight labor market, speed matters. Aman Brar, CEO of Canvas, sits down with Kofi and Adam to discuss the needed shift in talent acquisition and how text recruiting makes a perfect entry point for you to communicate with candidates.

Episode 8: Connect with your candidates

Kofi and Adam sit down with Angela Carr Klitzsch, the President and CEO of Employ Indy to talk about how they’re skilling up the underemployed residents of Marion County and preparing them for the workforce.

Episode 7: Dismantling the Silos

In this episode, Adam and Kofi sit down with Dave Neff, President & CEO of EDGE Mentoring, to talk about the mentor/mentee relationship, mentor programs in the workplace, and developing the next generation at a young age to prep for the work force.
 
Edge Mentoring is a program designed to mentor young professionals in their personal and professional lives in small, strategically chosen groups. Learn more about Edge Mentoring at edgementoring.org

Episode 6: Mentorship

In today's episode, Kofi and Adam touch on an article from the Harvard Business Review by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Josh Bersin titled "4 Ways to Create a Learning Culture on Your Team".

Episode 5: Creating a Learning Culture

In this episode, Adam and Kofi sit down with Don Dumoulin, CEO and Owner of Precise Tooling Solutions, to talk about the culture he’s built over the last six years and his insights on cultivating a new management ecosystem and environment in which your workforce can blossom.

Episode 4: Defining Your Culture

Episode 3: Cultivating Opportunities: Blair Milo by Morales Group

Episode 3: Cultivating Opportunities: Blair Milo

Kofi and Adam get into the nitty gritty of skilling and reskilling your talent, ways to find talent faster by changing your hiring requirements, and alternative education with Jennifer McNelly, President of 180 Skills

Episode 2: Skilling Up Your Workforce: Jennifer McNelly

Welcome to the Skill up build up podcast, powered by Morales Group, where we’re leading talent to thrive. In this first episode you’ll meet our hosts, Kofi Darku, and Adam Scholtes, as they speak with Morales Group’s CEO and Co-founder, Tom Morales, and President and COO, Seth Morales, about a new type of growth for your business by tapping into an underserved workforce.

Episode 1: Introduction to Skill Up Build Up

Learn how to increase productivity, improve employee retention, and develop effective workforce development initiatives. Join host Kofi Darku for engaging conversations with business and community leaders who share real-world insights about how smart employee education strategies can help you bridge the skills gap and compete more effectively in a 21st Century market.

Episodes