The Pryor Learning Podcast

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 8: What do Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, and the late Dr. Maya Angelou have in common? They've all sat across from this episode's guest, Cathy Holloway Hill.

In this inspiring episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, Cathy joins co-hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell to share her story: high school at 16, college at 19 with a computer science degree, and a career launched at IBM — all before facing down the Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) that nearly kept her silent in the boardroom. Cathy walks Emi and John through the turning point that took her from being talked over in meetings to leading teams, and how that same lesson became the foundation for her life's work.

Today, Cathy is an author of four books, a radio and TV host, corporate trainer, columnist, and founder of C Holloway Hill Enterprises. In this episode, she unpacks her signature M.A.P.P. framework — Mindset, Attitude, Purpose, and Passion — and explains why so many people spend their lives on autopilot instead of living by design. Listeners will hear why "your net worth is your network," why failure is simply feedback, and why she believes the richest place on the planet is the graveyard — full of billion-dollar ideas people were too afraid to pursue.

Whether you're leading a team, coaching others, or just trying to step out of your own comfort zone, this conversation offers a practical, energizing push toward building a more intentional, extraordinary life.

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 7: What motivates employees to stay, perform at their best, and feel genuinely connected to their work? According to leadership expert Dr. Tracey Connolly, the most powerful—and often overlooked—answer is employee recognition.

In this episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindel sit down with Dr. Connolly, founder of Engage Training and a veteran educator, leadership development professional, and workplace engagement specialist. Drawing on decades of experience in government, higher education, and organizational leadership, Tracey shares why meaningful recognition is far more than an occasional "good job" or annual awards ceremony.

The conversation explores how thoughtful recognition programs improve employee retention, increase engagement, strengthen workplace culture, and boost productivity. Tracey explains why recognition should be personalized, how peer-to-peer recognition can be just as impactful as manager recognition, and why low-cost—or even no-cost—recognition efforts often create the strongest emotional connections.

Listeners will hear practical examples of creative recognition programs, learn how leaders can build a business case for employee recognition, and discover why employees who feel valued are more likely to remain loyal, engaged, and committed to organizational success.

Whether you're a manager, HR professional, business owner, or team leader, this episode offers actionable strategies you can begin implementing immediately to create a more positive and productive workplace.

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 6: In this episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell sit down with Jaime Swindell, coach and trainer, to explore the mindset shifts and communication skills that transformed his career—and can transform yours.

Jaime shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Philadelphia and pursuing a career in engineering to becoming one of Pryor’s most successful trainers, coaches, and learning leaders. Along the way, he learned a powerful lesson: technical expertise alone isn't enough. To truly influence, lead, and grow, people must learn how to connect with others.

The conversation explores the psychology of communication, overcoming fears around selling, the role of storytelling in building trust, and why Jaime believes that “to sell means to serve.” He introduces practical frameworks such as “Mess to Success” and the “Three Ts: Tragedy, Turning Point, and Triumph,” demonstrating how personal stories can create stronger connections and inspire action.

Listeners will also gain insights into coaching, continuous learning, feedback, confidence-building, and the importance of staying committed to personal growth even during challenging seasons.

Whether you're a trainer, manager, salesperson, leader, or someone seeking greater influence in your professional life, this episode offers practical strategies and powerful inspiration for helping others while growing yourself.

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 6: In this episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell sit down with Jaime Swindell, coach and trainer, to explore the mindset shifts and communication skills that transformed his career—and can transform yours.

Jaime shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Philadelphia and pursuing a career in engineering to becoming one of Pryor’s most successful trainers, coaches, and learning leaders. Along the way, he learned a powerful lesson: technical expertise alone isn't enough. To truly influence, lead, and grow, people must learn how to connect with others.

The conversation explores the psychology of communication, overcoming fears around selling, the role of storytelling in building trust, and why Jaime believes that “to sell means to serve.” He introduces practical frameworks such as “Mess to Success” and the “Three Ts: Tragedy, Turning Point, and Triumph,” demonstrating how personal stories can create stronger connections and inspire action.

Listeners will also gain insights into coaching, continuous learning, feedback, confidence-building, and the importance of staying committed to personal growth even during challenging seasons.

Whether you're a trainer, manager, salesperson, leader, or someone seeking greater influence in your professional life, this episode offers practical strategies and powerful inspiration for helping others while growing yourself.

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 5:
In this episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell sit down with HR consultant, trainer, entrepreneur, and radio station owner Walter “Rock” Hall to tackle one of today’s most pressing workplace questions: What role should Artificial Intelligence play in Human Resources?

With more than three decades of HR experience, Rock shares practical insights on how organizations can leverage AI to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support better decision-making—without losing the human connection that defines great leadership. The discussion explores common misconceptions about AI, concerns about job displacement, data privacy, employee trust, and the potential for bias within AI systems.

Rock explains why AI should be viewed as a tool that enhances HR professionals’ effectiveness rather than replacing them, and why organizations must take a strategic, thoughtful approach to implementation. He also shares real-world examples of how AI can help identify workforce trends, reduce turnover, and free HR teams to focus on employee engagement and organizational growth.

Whether you're an HR professional, manager, business leader, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating the evolving relationship between technology and people.

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 4:

In this episode of the Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell sit down with HR expert, consultant, author, and podcast host John Thalheimer to discuss the evolving role of human resources and why effective HR leadership is more strategic than ever.

John shares the personal story that launched his HR career—including the management decision that nearly exposed him to legal risk—and explains why so many leaders are underprepared when it comes to employment law and people management.

Throughout the conversation, John breaks down the importance of documentation, leadership consistency, strategic thinking, and building systems that help employees succeed. He also explores how organizations can shift from seeing HR as purely administrative to recognizing its critical role in culture, employee experience, and long-term business growth.

The discussion also covers emerging HR trends, including AI in hiring and scheduling, evolving workplace regulations, and the challenges organizations face in attracting and retaining talent.

Packed with practical insights and real-world examples, this episode is ideal for HR professionals, managers, business owners, and leaders looking to strengthen workplace systems, reduce risk, and build healthier organizations.

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 3
In this episode of the Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell sit down with leadership expert, keynote speaker, author, and podcast host David Suson to explore what separates effective managers from truly inspiring leaders.

Drawing from decades of leadership coaching and performance consulting, David explains why human connection, not authority, is the foundation of high-performing teams. From his early experiences at IBM to lessons learned from transformational leaders throughout his career, David shares practical insights into employee engagement, workplace culture, coaching, and leadership development.

The conversation dives into why employees stay, why they leave, and how leaders can unlock untapped potential by treating people as individuals rather than “robots.” David also discusses the importance of decisiveness, trust, emotional intelligence, and adapting leadership approaches in remote and hybrid work environments.

Packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and memorable analogies—including the idea that “you can’t turn a cat into a dog”—this episode offers valuable guidance for leaders at every level.

Whether you manage a small team or a large organization, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and inspire you to create stronger human connections in the workplace.

In this episode of the Pryor Learning Podcast, hosts Emi Dieleman and John Schindell welcome diversity expert, author, and former opera singer Daryl Dixon for a powerful conversation on inclusion, leadership, and finding purpose in unexpected places.

Daryl shares his unique journey from performing on world-class stages, including singing at the White House, to becoming a nationally recognized voice in diversity training. Drawing from both his musical background and professional experience, he offers a compelling perspective: just as music requires harmony, so do our workplaces.

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 2: Throughout the episode, Daryl explores how his early life experiences shaped his passion for diversity and inclusion, and how leaders can create environments where differences are not just accepted but valued. He also discusses the importance of intentional communication, understanding perspectives, and building workplaces that foster collaboration and respect.

Whether you’re a leader, HR professional, or someone looking to better understand the role of diversity in organizational success, this conversation provides practical insights and meaningful inspiration.

SEASON 1 - EPISODE 1: What does it really mean to be fearless? 

In this episode of The Pryor Learning Podcast, Hollie Stuart shares her journey of resilience, from overcoming early challenges to becoming a successful HR leader and marathon runner across six continents. 

Hollie reframes fear in a powerful way: it’s not about eliminating it but learning how to move forward anyway. In this conversation, she shares insights on mindset, growth, and how life experiences shape leadership and personal success. 

If you’re looking for motivation, perspective, and practical ways to push past fear, this episode is for you.