Click here for a full transcript of the episode.

In this episode of The JoyPowered® Workspace Podcast, JoDee Curtis and Susan White dive into the strategic world of talent reviews, a process that helps organizations identify, develop, and retain the right people for the right roles at the right time. Joining them is leadership development expert and author Sara Bovey Covey, known for her Corporate Cheerleader philosophy that blends clarity, compassion, and accountability.

Sara shares why talent reviews are more than a meeting—they’re a mindset. From creating clear talent profiles to leveraging models like the Now/Next framework, this conversation explores how leaders can align on who’s thriving, who needs support, and where potential is emerging. You’ll learn how talent reviews fuel succession planning, strengthen organizational resilience, and foster a culture where employees feel seen and valued.

Key Takeaways

• Talent reviews are strategic, not reactive. They help leaders plan for future needs rather than making knee-jerk decisions.
• Mindset matters. A true talent review mindset means continuously thinking about where your team is today and where they could grow tomorrow.
• Six critical elements of a strong process:
  1. Clear talent profiles
  2. Performance and potential models (e.g., nine-box, Now/Next)
  3. Calibration for fairness
  4. Succession planning
  5. Leadership accountability
  6. Follow-through
• Bias is the biggest challenge. Interrupting bias and ensuring visibility for all talent is essential.
• Assume potential exists. When leaders believe in untapped talent, they ask better questions, open doors, and create JoyPowered® workplaces.

In this episode’s listener question, we’re asked how HR professionals can grow their skills without leading their jobs. In the news, a Money.com article ranked the five best job search sites.

Quote of the Episode

“Joy grows when people feel seen. And the talent review becomes JoyPowered® the moment leaders choose curiosity over assumption.” – Sara Bovey Covey

Mentioned in this episode

• Purple Ink
• Susan Tinder White Consulting
• ”Succession Planning: An HR Leader’s Guide to No-Drama Transitions” – SHRM, May 2023
• Sara on LinkedIn
• The Corporate Cheerleader website
• The Way We Let Them Go: A Corporate Cheerleader’s Guide to Layoffs by Sara Bovey Covey
• SHRM certification
• HRCI certification
• SHRM HR Quarterly Magazine
• HR Bartender
• HR Dive
• HRMorning
• ”5 Best Job Search Sites of October 2025” – Money, October 2025
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• Simplify
• ZipRecruiter
• SHRM credit evaluation – the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on December 15, 2026
• JoyPowered® Patreon page
• JoyPowered® on LinkedIn
• JoyPowered® on Instagram
• Email JoyPowered®