The workforce is evolving—and so must the way we lead, hire, and build inclusive cultures.

In this episode of People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Jesse Guenther, Vice President of Client Delivery at Allegis Global Solutions, to explore the evolving world of talent acquisition and leadership in 2025. Jesse shares his personal leadership journey and the lessons he's learned along the way—from embracing discomfort to viewing failure as a powerful learning tool.

Mike and Jesse discuss the volatility of today’s employment market, the shifting priorities of HR leaders, and the rising importance of cost efficiency. Jesse also emphasizes how organizations can create more inclusive workplaces by aligning diversity initiatives with the real needs of the communities they serve.

The conversation also touches on the gig economy, the growing synergy between HR and finance, and the power of building strong relationships to drive business outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned HR professional or just beginning your leadership journey, this episode offers timely advice and deep insights into the future of work.

Key Points:

• Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Jesse emphasizes that stepping outside your comfort zone—and even failing—is essential for personal and professional growth.

• The Employment Market Is in Flux: With a rapidly evolving workforce and the rise of the gig economy, HR leaders must stay agile and rethink traditional talent strategies.

• Diversity Must Reflect the Community: Inclusion efforts are most effective when they’re grounded in the real needs and experiences of the communities organizations serve.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Jessi Guenther:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiguenther/

https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/

“We do not resist change. We resist the loss of something. We resist the idea of something that we might lose if the change actually happens.” - Martin Lesperance

In this episode of the People Dividend Podcast, Mike Horne and Martin Lesperance discuss the critical concept of momentum in the context of organizational change. They explore the challenges of maintaining momentum amidst rapid changes, the psychological aspects of resistance to change, and the importance of communication and identity in navigating transitions. Martin emphasizes the need for leaders to provide hope and connection to their teams, encouraging small, incremental steps towards change while celebrating progress along the way.

Key Points:
Why momentum is essential for success in organizations.
Why resistance to change often stems from fear of loss.
How leaders can foster hope and connection within their teams.

Links:
Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin
Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com
Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,
LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,
Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Martin Lesperance
martinlesperance.ca
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-lesperance-0355263/

What does it take to lead in today’s ever-evolving world, and how much of that is shaped by who you are versus where you are?

In this episode of The People Dividend, host Mike Horne sits down with Ross Blankenship, consulting psychologist and leadership coach, to explore the deeper layers of leadership, identity, and career evolution. Drawing from his books Everyday Leadership and Assessing CEOs and Senior Leaders, Ross unpacks why a humanistic approach is essential for effective leadership—and how context can be just as influential as character. They also delve into the growing role of AI in executive assessment and what that means for the future of coaching and development at the top.

Key Points:

• Career transitions are deeply tied to identity shifts and successful leaders must navigate both.

• AI is transforming executive assessment, offering new insights but also raising ethical considerations.

• Personal growth in leadership begins with self-reflection and confronting our own assumptions.

Links:

Learn more about Mike Horne on Linkedin

Email Mike at mike@mike-horne.com

Learn More About Executive and Organization Development with Mike Horne

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mikehorneauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehorneauthor/,

LinkedIn Mike’s Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6867258581922799617/,

Schedule a Discovery Call with Mike: https://calendly.com/mikehorne/15-minute-discovery-call-with-mike

Learn More about Ross Blankenship

https://www.tuesdayadvisors.com/, https://www.rossblankenship.io/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonrossblankenship/