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CWA Today

The 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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Mar 13, 2024

Tune 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 which AI can help job seekers and employers connect more efficiently. Wesley also discusses his work with local workforce boards, providing examples of AI applications that support case managers and job seekers. Finally, the hosts and guest invite listeners to CWA's upcoming three-part training series, "Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence," where attendees will gain practical insights and hands-on experience in leveraging AI for workforce development.

Jan 8, 2024

This 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.

Dec 12, 2023

In 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 when they are making hiring decisions. 

Dec 6, 2023

This 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 greater change and attracting more funding. Bob and Matthew also reveal plans to use these findings to showcase best practices and advocate for increased support so boards can create further community change.

May 8, 2023

Tune 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 game. To register for WORKCON, visit https://calworkforce.org/ 

Feb 13, 2023

Tressa 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 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaworkforceassociation/822569

Feb 13, 2023

Tressa 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 https://www.tickettailor.com/events/californiaworkforceassociation/822569 

Jan 19, 2023

Training 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 partnership between K-Rahn and CWA. 

Jan 9, 2023

In 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: zcu.io/TctZ

 
Nov 14, 2022

This 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. 

Aug 26, 2022

This 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/ 

Jun 24, 2022

Bob 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 amazing it is to work with Jessica and the purpose behind the phenomenal work that she does!

May 18, 2022

This 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, and Rebecca Evans, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Ventura County. 

 

 

 

 

Apr 6, 2022

This 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. 

Jan 5, 2022

Bob 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/ 

Dec 15, 2021

In 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 to address the needs of the early care and education workforce by integrating on-the-job training, coaching, no-cost college coursework, cohort learning, and increased compensation.

Dec 15, 2021

In 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 to address the needs of the early care and education workforce by integrating on-the-job training, coaching, no-cost college coursework, cohort learning, and increased compensation.

Aug 24, 2021

Tune 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. 

Jul 1, 2021

Tune 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! 

Apr 8, 2021

Tune 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! 

Feb 25, 2021

Bob 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.

 

Jan 4, 2021

Chris 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. 

Nov 11, 2020

Matt 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. 

Oct 19, 2020

Bob 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, Executive Director, Fresno Workforce Development Board 

Lazandra Dial, Interim Executive Director,  City of Oakland Workforce Development Board

Heather Henry, President/Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County 

Aug 17, 2020

This 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. 

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