In this eye-opening episode of Getting to Work, we delve into the complex realities behind the seemingly simple advice to "just get a job." We explore the numerous barriers to employment that often go unseen, including transportation challenges in rural areas, the high cost and limited availability of childcare, hidden disabilities like anxiety and…

In this episode of Getting to Work, host John Spencer sits down with Inez Reyes, a consultant with over 30 years of experience in corporate America. Inez shares her powerful story of advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, starting from her early days in a large New York publishing company in the late 1980s. She disc…

In this episode, you'll hear from Ross Szabo, Wellness Director at Geffen Academy at UCLA and author of books on anxiety and mental health. Ross shares his powerful personal story of struggling with mental health issues from a young age, including bipolar disorder, depression, and substance abuse. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's…

In this episode, we explore the landscape of rural healthcare and the challenges and opportunities faced by healthcare providers and communities in non-urban areas. We engage in a discussion with two healthcare leaders who share their perspectives on the current state of rural healthcare, the impact of technology, and the importance of collaboratio…

This impactful episode of Getting to Work features a conversation with Dianna Schuler, Business Relations Manager for BEST, Inc., as Dianna shares a personal story about living with ADHD and facing misunderstandings in educational and workplace settings. Discover practical ways employers can create more welcoming, inclusive environments for neurodi…

This episode explores the topic of neurodiversity, specifically as it applies to the workplace. Discover key terms like neurodivergence and neurodiversity and what it means to be neurodivergent. You'll also hear about practical implications for employers, recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and supporting neurodivergent employees. Tune in to gain a bet…

This episode features an interview with Tory Davis and Jane Verplaetse from the Illinois Department of Employment Security as they discuss the WorkShare program. They explain how the program allows employers to reduce employee hours by 20-60% while retaining staff and providing partial unemployment benefits, enabling businesses to navigate economic…

Tune in for a conversation with workforce consultant Dawn Karber as she discusses developing a culture of innovation within organizations. Dawn reveals why innovation matters for both employees and the company, common obstacles like risk aversion and resistance to change, and practical tips for fostering innovation. She also shares an inspiring sto…

This episode features a conversation with entrepreneur coach Kim Ades as she provides insights on identifying limiting blind spots, taking responsibility for thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and pivoting focus to move in the right direction. Kim shares practical tips on overcoming common struggles like isolation and self-criticism. Discover how t…

This episode features a conversation with Tory Davis and Chris Burton from the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Chris shares his personal transition from military service to his role guiding fellow veterans toward fulfilling civilian careers. Discover services available to connect active duty military personnel to civilian employment and…

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Kristen Allott as she discusses some important but often overlooked aspects of self-care that can significantly impact our well-being. Discover how maintaining a balanced approach to nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management can lead to improved mental and physical health. Whether you're dealing…

Leading speaker and New York Times bestselling author, Chris Widener, joins the program to discuss the importance of personal accountability. Chris shares his own success story and takeaways for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional situation. He also shares actionable tips for how to motivate others to take responsibility and c…

Josh Davies, CEO of The Center for Work Ethic Development, joins the program to discuss the importance of developing your work ethic. He discusses how employers can help employees develop their work ethic and whether there are generational differences in work ethic. Discover what leaders can do to help develop a strong work ethic in their workforce…

Dr. Brian Hite, Founder and CEO of Begin Again Performance Psychology, returns to the program to discuss workplace culture and how to create a culture that helps employees to do their best work. Dr. Hite reveals how to get employee buy-in for organizational values and how leaders can reinforce those values at every level. Discover the connection be…

Susan Mason Co-founder and Executive Director of What’s Next Washington, joins the program to share her own story of the employment challenges she has faced after being incarcerated and the work that her organization does to improve the ability of people with conviction histories to reintegrate into society and achieve long-term economic stability.…

Shane Foss, Founder and CEO of Hooray Health, joins the program to discuss the challenges that organizations and individuals are facing when it comes to getting affordable healthcare. Shane provides an overview of his organization and the work that they do providing limited essential accident and sickness coverage. Discover innovative solutions to …

This episode features the return of coach, consultant, and author Oreste J. D’Aversa as he discusses the importance of mindfulness at work and the need to reevaluate how we conduct business in the workplace. Oreste shares tips for helping employees who have been working from home to acclimate to returning to the office and the impact that the pande…

This episode features an interview with Patricia Schou, Executive Director of the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network. Patricia reveals the healthcare challenges facing rural communities and the efforts that are underway to increase healthcare capacity in underserved areas. Discover the importance of a robust healthcare system for the overall…

Jennifer Brown, author, speaker, and founder of Jennifer Brown Consulting, joins the program to reveal how businesses can create a culture of inclusion. Jennifer discusses the phenomenon of "microaggressions" in the workplace and how our interactions at work can inadvertently create conditions that drive employees out of the workplace. Discover how…

Dr. Brian Hite, Founder and CEO of Begin Again Performance Psychology, joins the program to discuss how leaders and employees can perform at their best. Dr. Hite reveals a different way to think about motivation and the limitations of a reward and punishment approach to motivation. Dr. Hite also discusses his work as a stuntman and some of the proj…

In this episode, you'll learn about The Illinois Department of Human Services and the variety of services that they provide to individuals and families in need of support. Discover how to access services from IDHS including medical benefits, cash assistance, and more.

Author and speaker Judy Balloff joins the program to share tips about how to retain and grow employees. You won't want to miss Judy's amazing story of overcoming serious health issues and starting a new career in her 60's!

From Getting to Work Podcast: This episode features an interview with coach, consultant, and author Oreste J. D’Aversa as he discusses the phenomenon of "quiet quitting" and "quiet firing." Discover what these terms mean, the problems that they create in the workplace, and how to address them. Oreste also shares advice for employers and employees a…

In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts underway to close the digital divide in rural areas. Discover the growing importance of reliable connectivity for all areas of life, including education, telemedicine and flexible work. You'll also learn about digital equity and how people who live in rural areas can access financial assistance to help…

In this episode, you'll discover dependable and affordable transportation options for those living in rural areas. Discover the difference between rural and urban models of public transportation, and some of the most common challenges facing transportation providers. You'll also hear about some of the biggest misconceptions that potential riders of…

In this episode, you'll learn about the Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living (IVCIL) and how they advocate for the dignity and rights of people with disabilities and their families. Discover the number of individuals served by IVCIL, and how to become a paid caregiver.

In this episode, you'll learn about the field of commercial truck driving and how to obtain your CDL (Commercial Driver's License). Discover why truck driving is in great demand and hear details about The Truck Driver Training Program at IVCC, which combines classroom presentation and hands-on experience that leads to a Class A commercial driver's …

In this episode, you'll learn about the Veterans Assistance Commission and the services that they offer to support veterans. Discover some of the most common needs that veterans have, including getting connected to VA healthcare and determining a compensation percentage.

In this episode, you'll discover the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for any organization, and how creating a strong, inclusive work culture can help with recruitment and retention. Discover the range of diversity traits and how many elements of diversity can be "below the waterline" and not necessarily visible to others.…

In this episode, you'll discover how The Illinois National Guard can be a supplement to college or trade school, and the variety of careers available within the Illinois National Guard. You'll hear details about the enlistment process and how joining the Illinois National Guard can help you with virtually any career goals.…

Chris Connors, Regional Economic Development Manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, returns to the program to discuss various economic development incentives available for businesses in the region. Discover a variety of programs, from training grants to financing for small businesses.…

This episode features an interview with Chris Connors, Regional Economic Development Manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Discover resources available to help businesses impacted by COVID to recover and efforts dedicated to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.…

This episode features an interview with Dr. Daniel Farrell, from Ottawa Chiropractic, as he discusses the details of his career journey and provides an overview of how people can benefit from chiropractic services. Dr. Farrell also reveals the pathway to become a chiropractor and advice for anyone considering a career in chiropractic.…

In this episode, you'll learn about Streator Unlimited, Inc and the services that they provide to assist individuals with disabilities in finding employment. You'll also discover details about an epilepsy support group as well as some of the misconceptions that employers often have about people with disabilities.…

Dr. Matt Seaton, VP of Business Services and Finance at Valley Community College, returns to the program to discuss career pathways in education. Discover a variety of opportunities to make a good living in the education field, both working within a school system and also supporting the education system. Discover some of the most in-demand jobs in …

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Matt Seaton, VP of Business Services and Finance at Valley Community College as he discusses his career journey and how he came to his current job. Discover how Valley Community College is preparing learners for in-demand careers and some of the unique benefits of a community college education.…

In this episode you'll learn about how F.N. Smith is using apprenticeships to build their talent pipeline, which has allowed them to meet their labor needs, even during the "Great Resignation."

Casey Harmon, Technical Support Lead at Computer Spa, LLC, joins the program to discuss the importance of cybersecurity for businesses and organizations and reveals tips for protecting your network against cyber threats. Discover some of the most common forms of cyberattacks and how to protect against them.…

In this episode you'll hear about Ace Hardware Retail Support Centers, the challenges that they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they've met those challenges. Discover the efforts that Ace Hardware is making to onboard new staff and their talent acquisition strategy.

What do we need to consider as businesses reopen and employees begin to head back to the workplace? In this episode, you'll hear about the importance of managing realistic expectations for work, why employers and job seekers need to come together for the good of the regional economy, and why in-person contact is essential for certain jobs.…

In this episode, you'll hear about some of the challenges and opportunities that job seekers and businesses are facing at this time, and hear details about two upcoming drive-thru job fairs. Discover how to attend the job fairs and how businesses can get involved.

If you are currently out of the labor market, you'll discover in this episode why now is the perfect time to get back to work. You'll hear tips for creating a winning resume, what to include in a cover letter, and how to access additional support for your job search.

In this episode, you’ll hear from Joel Torbeck, program manager for BEST and Sara Escatel, Director of Adult Education at Illinois Valley Community College, as they discuss how business owners can find talent and how job seekers can get the training they need to find better paying jobs. Discover scholarships and grants available for training and an…

Lissa Olson, Outreach Coordinator/Veterans Service Officer at LaSalle County Veterans Assistance Commission, joins the program to discuss the various services that are available to help veterans, and how they partner with other organizations to ensure that veterans get the help that they need. Discover the variety of challenges that veterans face, …

In this episode, you'll hear from an apprenticeship navigator as she discusses some of the biggest misconceptions that people have about apprenticeships, and the various industries that are using apprenticeships to develop their talent pipeline. Discover the structure of an apprenticeship program and how employers can use apprenticeships to upskill…

Tune in for a conversation between Dianna Schuler, Business Relations Manager for BEST, Inc., and John Spencer, President & General Manager of Starved Rock Media and NCI Works Board Member. Discover how NCI Works functions as an ambassador for area businesses and provides oversight for local agencies that fall under the umbrella of the publicly-fun…

In this episode, you’ll hear from 2 COVID-19 response specialists, Cole Horner and Elisabeth Benham, as they discuss the resources that are available to help businesses and municipalities that were impacted by the pandemic. Cole and Elisabeth share some of the promising signs that they are seeing in terms of potential future funding, and how busine…

Luke Tomsha, Founder and Executive Director of the Perfectly Flawed Foundation, joins the program to discuss his own journey of recovery from addiction and how he came to found his organization. Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem of addiction, and what employers need to keep in mind if they have suspect that an employee …

This episode features an interview with Patrick Basler, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Credit Union League. Patrick reveals how he became involved in the credit union movement, and the difference between a credit union and a traditional bank. You'll hear stories about how credit unions have helped businesses an…

In this episode you'll hear about how essential businesses are coping and thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover tips for ensuring employee health and safety, and the mindset that it takes to succeed in challenging times.