CWA Today
58 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsThe official podcast of the California Workforce Association. CWA's mission is to enhance and inspire California’s local workforce development boards and their partners through strategic advocacy, partnership convening, and capacity building.
Your host is Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA. To learn more about CWA, visit http://calworkforce.org/
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Episodes
E58: Harnessing AI for Workforce Development: A Conversation with Wesley Brach
March 13, 2024 19:57 - 44 minutes - 36 MBTune into another episode of CWA Today, as hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes are joined by entrepreneur and AI expert Wesley Brach to discuss the exciting world of artificial intelligence and its impact on workforce development. Wesley shares his journey into AI and explains the buzz surrounding generative AI, which is creating new content and revolutionizing industries. The conversation delves into the potential fears and optimism surrounding AI's influence on jobs, as well as the ways in ...
E57: Life Skills and Leadership: 2024 CWA Youth Conference Preview
January 08, 2024 21:47 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBThis episode of CWA Today podcast previews the upcoming 2024 CWA Youth Summit conference happening February 7-8th in Long Beach, California. Host Bob Lanter interviews CWA's Matt Hidalgo about the event's "Expanding Horizons" theme focusing on providing youth career counseling, life skills training, and leadership development. The episode highlights dynamic workshops, opportunities to engage with state political leaders, and details on registration.
E56: Turning Interviews into Offers: Creative Job Interview Strategies
December 12, 2023 21:00 - 54 minutes - 61.1 MBIn this episode, hosts Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes interview workforce development expert Larry Robbin about best practices for job interviews and the hidden agenda employers have when hiring. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed hiring practices, making flexibility and profitability key employee traits. Larry explains common mistakes job seekers make with canned responses and insufficient research, and the power that bringing innovative ideas demonstrates to an employer w...
E55: Beyond Federal Funds: How Workforce Boards Diversify Resources and Maximize Impact
December 06, 2023 20:19 - 44 minutes - 56.4 MBThis special episode marks the refresh of CWA Today, and features CWA Executive Director Bob Lanter and Program Director Matthew Hayes discussing an overview of research they have conducted into the impactful work being done by the state’s 45 local workforce development boards. Discover the positive impact of boards moving beyond just operating federal WIOA programs and focusing on addressing economic opportunities and socioeconomic challenges in their communities, and how this can lead to g...
E54: WORKCON 2023: Clarity through Action
May 08, 2023 22:23 - 40 minutes - 32.2 MBTune in as CWA's Matt Hidalgo and professional speaker, entrepreneur, and consultant Aaron Golub join the program to discuss WORKCON 2023, CWA's annual spring conference. Discover the meaning behind this year's theme, "Clarity through Action" and some of the organizations that are participating in this year's conference. Aaron shares how he became an expert on the topic of overcoming adversity and reveals his own story of becoming the first legally blind division one athlete to play in a gam...
E53: Creating Collective Community Solutions- Part Two
February 13, 2023 21:27 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MBTressa Dorsey, TAD Grants President & Founder, joins the program for a 2-part conversation about a board development training, being offered in partnership with CWA, about creating collective community solutions. Tressa shares her thoughts about how boards can best position themselves to access federal dollars and create innovative solutions for their communities. She also shares the leadership practices and principles of highly effective workforce boards. To sign up for the training, visit ...
E52: Creating Collective Community Solutions- Part One
February 13, 2023 20:59 - 34 minutes - 46.8 MBTressa Dorsey, TAD Grants President & Founder, joins the program for a 2-part conversation about a board development training, being offered in partnership with CWA, about creating collective community solutions. Tressa shares her thoughts about how boards can best position themselves to access federal dollars and create innovative solutions for their communities. She also shares the leadership practices and principles of highly effective workforce boards. To sign up for the training, visit ...
E51: Helping Youth Develop a Success Mindset
January 19, 2023 01:46 - 49 minutes - 30.9 MBTraining consultant K-Rahn Vallatine joins the program to discuss the work that he does with teachers, psychologists, and other youth service professionals to strengthen their insight and skillset in trauma informed youth engagement. He also discusses his "Live Above the Hype" life skills curriculum, which builds critical thinking skills, encourages reflection, and ultimately supports positive shifts in value systems. You'll hear details about the Live Above the Hype Success Academy and the ...
E50: CWA Youth Symposium 2023
January 09, 2023 20:41 - 38 minutes - 30.3 MBIn this episode, you'll hear details about the CWA Youth Symposium 2023. The virtual symposium will bring together youth workforce service providers, youth job coaches, community-based organizations, educational entities, adult schools, youth workforce allies, and youth participants from across the State of California and the US to discuss, network, and ponder what it takes to remain relevant to participate and thrive in the workforce. To register for the event, visit: https://zcu.io/TctZ
E49: Making Brave Decisions in Business and Life
November 14, 2022 21:02 - 38 minutes - 26.9 MBThis episode features a conversation with author, speaker, and founder, Kris McGuigan as Kris discusses her personal and professional journey and how to overcome fear, take more risks and get results. Discover the importance of being clear about your values and the difference between being courageous in business and courageous in life. Kris also discusses her new book, The Requisite Courage: How to Make Brave Decisions in Business & Life.
E48: Improving Employment Outcomes with the Hard-to-Employ
August 26, 2022 14:50 - 1 hour - 39.4 MBThis episode features an interview with Larry Robbins, as Larry reveals details about a series of webinars that he will be presenting, about how to improve employment outcomes with the hard-to-employ. Larry discusses the importance of focusing on the hard-to-employ population and how to define "hard-to-employ." To learn more and to sign up for the training, visit https://calworkforce.org/cwa-resources/training/i-got-the-job/
E47: Look Up and Beyond - Move Your Mountains Retreat
June 24, 2022 16:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBBob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, is joined by guests Jessica Janniere, a national adversity expert and founder of Look Up and Beyond Inc, and Jocelyn Ford, Senior Scientist Product Development and Innovation at COTY, as they have a conversation about their experiences participating in the Look Up and Beyond Leadership Experience, Move Your Mountains curriculum, and how important this work is not only to our professional growth but to our personal and spiritual growth as well. Also, how...
E46: Reimagining Workforce Development and the World of Work
May 18, 2022 19:06 - 52 minutes - 34.4 MBThis episode features a conversation with several workforce leaders to discuss how their workforce development boards are innovating and evolving to meet current and future workforce challenges. The guests featured in this episode are Heather Henry, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, Adam Peck, Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, Gregg Irish, Executive Director of the City of Los Angeles Workforce Development Board, a...
E45: Transforming Lives by Supporting Equity and Job Quality
April 06, 2022 20:58 - 37 minutes - 21.9 MBThis episode features an interview with Barrie Hathaway, CEO of JobTrain as he discusses the mission and vision of his organization and the importance of equity and job quality in the work that they do. Discover how to holistically serve individuals and help them overcome generational and systemic barriers. Barrie also shares insights about various considerations to take into account when defining quality jobs.
E44: Move Your Mountains: Overcoming Adversity in Your Profession and Life
January 05, 2022 16:21 - 33 minutes - 21.9 MBBob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA are joined by national adversity expert Jessica Janniere, as Jessica discusses how to overcome what's keeping you stuck in your life or career. Bob, Matthew and Jessica reveal their own "mountains" and discuss Jessica's upcoming training on this topic. For more information about the training, visit https://calworkforce.org/cwa-resources/training/move-your-mountains/
E43: Advancing the Early Care and Education Workforce- Part Two
December 15, 2021 20:22 - 26 minutes - 24.5 MBIn this two-part episode, Randi Wolfe, Ph.D., Executive Director of Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), joins the program to discuss the need for quality early care and education, and the work that her organization is doing to advance the rigorous professional development and economic well-being of the Early Care and Education workforce so that all children can reap the full benefits of their early learning and care experiences. Discover how ECEPTS is using apprenticeships t...
E42: Advancing the Early Care and Education Workforce- Part One
December 15, 2021 20:20 - 21 minutes - 20 MBIn this two-part episode, Randi Wolfe, Ph.D., Executive Director of Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), joins the program to discuss the need for quality early care and education, and the work that her organization is doing to advance the rigorous professional development and economic well-being of the Early Care and Education workforce so that all children can reap the full benefits of their early learning and care experiences. Discover how ECEPTS is using apprenticeships t...
E41: Advancing Job Quality
August 24, 2021 20:53 - 36 minutes - 33.4 MBTune in for a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA as they discuss job quality and the definition of a quality job. Discover the variety of factors that go into assessing job quality and the role of workforce boards in connecting job seekers to quality jobs.
E40: Reflections From WORKCON 2021- An Equitable Recovery
July 01, 2021 18:33 - 40 minutes - 37 MBTune in to hear reflections from WORKCON 2021: An Equitable Recovery, which was held in May of 2021. Discover highlights from the event, and how to access the recordings if you weren't able to attend!
E39: Reflections on Q1 of 2021
April 08, 2021 02:17 - 37 minutes - 24.2 MBTune in for a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA as they reflect on the many events that have already transpired in the first quarter of 2021. Discover what needs to happen in order to ensure that we have an equitable economic recovery, what boards can do to secure funding and the "three pandemics" that California has been faced with. You'll also hear about some exciting upcoming training opportunities!
E38: Youth@Work 2021- Reflections on the Conference
February 25, 2021 18:02 - 40 minutes - 26.4 MBBob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, are joined by CWA Conference Coordinator, Matt Hidalgo, as they discuss the 2021 Youth Conference, Keynote Speakers, Youth Track, and the 2021 Presidential Inauguration.
E37: A Post-Election Analysis of Workforce and the Economy
January 04, 2021 20:33 - 37 minutes - 24.6 MBChris Andresen, Vice President at Grayling, and Senior Vice President at Dutko Government Relations, returns to the program to share his perspective on the impact of the 2020 Presidential election on the workforce system and the economy.
E36: Good Jobs in a Bad Economy: A Conversation with Matt Sigelman, CEO of Burning Glass Technologies
November 11, 2020 01:19 - 38 minutes - 25.3 MBMatt Sigelman, CEO of Burning Glass, joins the program to discuss labor market trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether it is possible to find good jobs in a bad economy. Discover the various dimensions of what constitutes a “good” job and the sectors that have been growing even during the pandemic. Matt also reveals the forces that will shape the labor market and how to prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow.
E35: A Statewide View of the California Workforce System
October 19, 2020 19:47 - 41 minutes - 33.5 MBBob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, are joined by a panel of workforce development professionals, as they discuss the current state of the workforce system in CA, as well as the various ways in which workforce development boards are uniquely positioned to serve their community during challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires. Episode Guests: Deborah Sanchez, Director- Santa Ana Workforce Development Board Blake Konczal, Executiv...
E34: Bob Lanter and Matthew Hayes on COVID-19 and Equity
August 17, 2020 03:25 - 41 minutes - 32.7 MBThis episode features a conversation between Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, and Matthew Hayes, Program Analyst for CWA, as they discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has effected the economy and the labor market. They also discuss the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd and what can be done to ensure greater equity in the workforce system.
E33: Strategies for Increasing Your Resilience
March 24, 2020 14:58 - 33 minutes - 33.7 MBJessica Janniere, advocate and author of Look Up and Beyond: Effective Strategies to Become Resilient, Overcome Adversity and Create a Powerful Future, joins the program to discuss how to overcome trauma and thrive. Jessica shares her personal story about how she came to the work that she does, shares tips for resilience, and discusses her partnership with CWA. Jessica Janniere
E32: Youth@Work 2020 Conference Recap
February 09, 2020 19:32 - 30 minutes - 34.3 MBCWA Executive Director Bob Lanter shares reflections and takeaways from The Youth@Work 2020 Conference. Discover some of the biggest challenges and opportunities that youth are facing, and the skills that are needed to find success in today's workplace.
E31: Youth@Work Conference 2020 – Architects of the Future
December 18, 2019 17:45 - 32 minutes - 23.8 MBIn this episode, you'll get an sneak preview of what you can expect at the Youth@Work Conference 2020. Discover some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing youth today, and how to help youth create viable economic futures and meaningful careers.
E30: CWA Executive Bootcamp- Helping Workforce Leaders Thrive
November 07, 2019 23:17 - 30 minutes - 30.6 MBIn this episode, you'll learn about CWA's Executive Bootcamp and hear from previous Bootcamp participants about their experiences. Discover the history of CWA's Bootcamp, who can benefit, and how to register.
E29: National Disability Employment Awareness Month- Honoring Work For All People
October 22, 2019 00:13 - 35 minutes - 28.8 MBThis episode features an interview with Alia Kuraishi from the California Department of Rehabilitation, and Brandon Anderson, Operations Director at CWA, as they discuss the history behind National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM. Discover the employment challenges and opportunities that exist for persons with disabilities and the resources that are available to help.
E28: Helping People in Reentry Start and Succeed in Career Pathways
October 16, 2019 02:34 - 36 minutes - 29.4 MBLarry Robbin joins the program to discuss the employment challenges and opportunities for the reentry population, and also talks about his upcoming training: A Better Way To Reduce Recidivism Than Jobs! Help People in Reentry Start and Succeed in Career Pathways! Discover the importance of focusing on career pathways vs. jobs, and the need to take a holistic approach when it comes to working with this population.
E27: The Meeting of the Minds in Monterey 2019- Harnessing Our Collective Genius to Create Breakthroughs and Better Outcomes
August 20, 2019 18:21 - 22 minutes - 17.9 MBThe Meeting of the Minds in Monterey conference is a yearly gathering of workforce thought leaders and decision makers from all around California and beyond. In this episode, Bob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA gives an overview of what participants can expect and why you should attend the conference.
E26: Business Engagement- Tips and Strategies for Success
August 01, 2019 01:41 - 42 minutes - 34.1 MBThis episode features an interview with Tressa Dorsey, President of Tad Grants, as she dicusses the "Best Coast" Business Engagement Tour. Discover how TAD Grants & The California Workforce Association are partnering on a three city tour up and down California to facilitate a full day of training focused entirely on Business Engagement. Workforce and Economic Development Professionals will learn national best practices and strategies for engaging the business community.
E25: Living Above The Hype- Encouraging At-Risk Youth To Make Healthy Life Decisions
June 14, 2019 14:26 - 29 minutes - 24 MBEducational consultant and author K-Rahn Vallatine joins the program to discuss the work that he does with at-risk youth to help them make healthier life choices. He shares his own journey of what led him to this work, and the importance of having a trauma-informed perspective when it comes to working with this population. K-Rhan also has an upcoming Workforce Youth Engagement Training, to learn more, visit: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaworkforceassociation/261278
E24: The Camp Fire Response: The Role of Workforce Development Boards in Community Emergencies
May 14, 2019 01:29 - 37 minutes - 17.1 MBThe Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. In this episode, you'll discover the role that workforce development boards play in community emergencies, and specifically how the local workforce board and their partners are helping those affected by Camp Fire. Your host Bob Lanter is joined by Michael Cross, Executive Director of The Northern Rural Training and Employment Consortium (NoRTEC), as well as Traci Holt, Executive Director of The Allia...
E23: National Workforce Update with Chris Andresen
April 02, 2019 02:39 - 28 minutes - 23 MBRecorded live at the NAWB Forum 2019, Bob Lanter catches up with Chris Andresen, Vice President at Grayling, as they discuss current trends in workforce, tips for effective lobbying, the future of WIOA and more!
E22: Elevating Irregular Employment
February 08, 2019 19:01 - 39 minutes - 32 MBNick Schultz, Director of Pacific Gateway and Andrew Muñoz, Director of Staffing Services for Pacific Gateway, join the program to discuss the irregular workforce, how it is tied to the future of work, and how we can help individuals and businesses to navigate this marketplace. Discover the efforts that are underway to help elevate irregular employment and the impact that the rise of the gig economy has had on employees and the labor market.
E21: Workforce Boards and Regional Economic Development- Part Two
January 29, 2019 04:37 - 28 minutes - 22.8 MBStephen Baiter, Executive Director of the Oakland Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss the value proposition of workforce boards for regional economic development. In this part two of a two-part conversation, you'll discover the importance of regional and cross-regional strategies, and how the state can work with local communities to ensure success.
E20: Workforce Boards and Regional Economic Development- Part One
January 29, 2019 04:26 - 34 minutes - 27.7 MBStephen Baiter, Executive Director of the Oakland Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss the value proposition of workforce boards for regional economic development. In this part one of a two-part conversation, you'll discover the challenges and opportunities that come from local and regional partnerships, and how to leverage relationships and resources.
E19: Youth Apprenticeships- Challenges and Opportunities
January 22, 2019 16:37 - 45 minutes - 36.6 MBThis episode features Eric Seleznow, Senior Advisor at Jobs for the Future, and Vinz Koller, Senior Strategist for Capacity Building at Social Policy Research Associates, as they discuss challenges and opportunities for youth apprenticeship in California and beyond.
E18: Capacity Building In The Workforce Development System
December 18, 2018 02:53 - 23 minutes - 19.2 MBIn this episode, you'll discover the efforts that are underway to help develop new leaders in the workforce development system. You'll learn about the California Workforce Association's Executive Bootcamp- what it entails, and how to get involved.
E17: Youth@Work Conference 2019- Planet Shakers
November 09, 2018 20:40 - 17 minutes - 13.8 MBThere are many youth in California and across the U.S. who are struggling to join the workforce. Hear from Bob Lanter as he explains the theme of the 2019 Youth@Work Conference, and how the conference will address the formidable challenges facing youth.
E16: Youth Apprenticeships- Lessons From Switzerland
September 27, 2018 02:03 - 17 minutes - 14.2 MBBob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, discusses the work that is being done in Switzerland to develop their youth apprenticeship program and some of the lessons and best practices from that country. Discover the takeaways for California, and how to create a youth apprenticeship program that creates meaningful opportunites for young people.
E15: Current Workforce Initiatives in California
April 24, 2018 13:07 - 23 minutes - 21.2 MBTim Rainey, Executive Director of the California Workforce Development Board, joins the program to discuss current workforce initiatives in California.
E14: Systems Design For Workforce
April 24, 2018 12:12 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBWalter Di Mantova from Powerminds Inc, and John Baker from Core Factors, join the program to discuss the application of systems design for workforce development.
E13: Career Tech Education in California- Trends and Opportunities
January 05, 2018 17:00 - 23 minutes - 19.2 MBDonna Wyatt, Director of the Career and College Transitions at California State Department of Education, joins the program to discuss what career tech education is, how it is currently being delivered through the California education system, and some of the biggest misconceptions that parents and students often have about career tech education. Donna also provides examples of Career Tech Education programs and delivery systems.
E12: Disability Employment Awareness- Part 2
November 20, 2017 21:04 - 24 minutes - 22 MBJoe Xavier, director at the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), returns to the program to discuss employment of youth with disabilities. To learn more visit www.calworkforce.org
E11: Disability Employment Awareness- Part 1
November 20, 2017 17:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBJoe Xavier director at the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), joins the program to discuss National Disability Employment Awareness Month and the importance of inclusion in the workplace. To learn more, visit www.calworkforce.org
E10: The Power of Apprenticeship Programs
September 04, 2017 18:34 - 34 minutes - 27.9 MBBob Lanter, Executive Director of the California Workforce Association, discusses the benefits of apprenticeship programs in general, and more specifically about the Workforce Development Professional Apprenticeship Program in California. Featured guests on this episode include: Babette Jimenez, Senior Program Manager and Developer, Sacramento State - College of Continuing Education Matt Hidalgo, Program Director | Journeyman Workforce Development Professional, CWA Brandon Anderson...
E09: Keys To WIOA Implementation
August 02, 2017 01:40 - 25 minutes - 20.6 MBBob Lanter, Executive Director of CWA, shares his thoughts on the current state of the workforce system, and shares takeaways for workforce boards, workforce professionals and business owners. To learn more, visit http://calworkforce.org/