The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”John Woodenformer UCLA Basketball Coach
Talent attraction is like the weather...everyone is talking about it but no one can do anything about it...or can they? All over the upper Midwest, employers and human resources professionals are grappling with attracting, developing, and retaining talent. Jim has been working on that issue for 30 years. He helps employers understand that demographics are driving their troubles and provides solutions for talent acquisition based on best practices.
Expertise
Jim has facilitated strategic planning sessions for businesses, chambers of commerce, and economic development groups, primarily around developing a talent pipeline for employers. He has provided keynote presentations for groups from 50 to over 1000. CEOs, policymakers, educators, and students have enjoyed his mix of data, experiences, research, stories, and humor.
Key Accomplishments
- Coordinated a statewide initiative to address Wisconsin’s talent shortage.
- Facilitated local business and education partnerships designed to attract and maintain talent.
- Conducted focus groups and surveys designed to identify Wisconsin’s strengths and weaknesses as a place to live, work, and play.
Education
Jim holds a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.
Publications and Presentations
- Driving the Talent Pipeline–Demographics!, National Governor’s Association Workforce Summit ‘16, Chicago, IL
- Workforce Skills Shortage, WI Council on Workforce Development, Madison, WI
- Generational Differences in the Workplace, Wisconsin Business World, Madison, WI
Professional and Community Activities
- Wisconsin Technical Education Association Board Member
- Business/Education Advisory Council Member
- Named "Business Friend of Education" by the Department of Public Instruction
- Verona Area High School JV Volleyball Coach