The Great Retention: With Kamber Parker

Ep. 58: Liberating Leaders: Bringing Freedom to Those You Lead

Leadership should feel freeing—not constraining. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Wendy Adams, Owner, Speaker, and Strategic Leadership Coach at Cultivate for Good, about what it means to become a “liberating leader” by freeing your team up to do their best work. Wendy shares the essential qualities of intentional leadership—humility, curiosity, and investing in people—while challenging leaders to move from being reactive to proactive in how they show up. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces where all voices and generations can come to the table, and why hybrid work can’t be treated as a one-size-fits-all solution. Kamber and Wendy also explore the power of shifting from a mindset of “working for” someone to “working with” them, redefining how leaders and teams partner for impact. This episode invites you to rethink leadership as a practice of empowerment and trust—one that unlocks potential on every level. Don't miss it! To learn more about Wendy's work at Cultivate for Good, visit her website: https://cultivateforgood.com/ To learn more about our work at GPS, visit our website: https://genperformance.com/

Ep. 57: From Empathy to Engagement: Designing Work Differently

The future of work isn’t a distant concept—it’s happening right now. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Sophie Wade, Founder of Flexcel Network, about the shifts leaders need to embrace as technology, talent, and culture evolve together. Sophie explains why flexibility is the *true* path forward, whether hybrid, remote, or reimagined altogether. She also challenges leaders to move past clickbait narratives about generations, instead asking better questions, listening with empathy, and designing work in ways that spark genuine engagement. Kamber and Sophie also discuss how AI is accelerating a multi-year transformation, and why balancing automation with human authenticity is the leadership challenge of our time. This episode is packed with perspective on how to navigate change with agility and empathy—tune in to see what’s next for the workplace. To learn more about Sophie's work at Flexcel Network, visit their website: https://www.sophiewade.com/consulting/. To learn more about Generational Performance Solutions, visit our site: https://genperformance.com/.

Ep. 56: Tourism as Talent: Why Greenville’s Visitor Economy Matters for Every Generation

How does tourism impact a city's professional talent? In too many ways to count. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber sits down with Heath Dillard, President and CEO of VisitGreenvilleSC, to explore how tourism and talent intersect in one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast. Heath shares why appealing across generations—from Boomers to Gen Z—requires more than infrastructure; it’s about creating authentic experiences that foster connection. He highlights what makes Greenville stand out: a clear mission, a strong sense of place, and a community that prioritizes quality over quantity. Kamber and Heath also chat about defining Greenville’s “North Star” for future growth and how visitors often return as residents, fueling both the economy and community culture. The keys to success for a city aren't so different from the success of a business—and this episode is an essential listen for anyone curious about how tourism, talent, and vision come together to define a city’s future. To learn more about Heath's work with VisitGreenvilleSC, take a "tour" of their website: https://www.visitgreenvillesc.com/ To learn more about our work at GPS, visit our website: https://genperformance.com/

Ep. 55: Catalytic Leadership: Chambers, Change, and the Future of Work

What does it take to lead in a moment of massive change for communities and businesses alike? Chambers of commerce sit at that intersection. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber is joined by Sheree Anne Kelly, President and CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, to talk about how today’s leaders can navigate the challenges reshaping local economies. Sheree Anne highlights the biggest hurdles facing chambers and their members—from talent and skills gaps to re-skilled hiring and the K–12 pipeline. She shares why entrepreneurial, purpose-driven leaders are finding success, especially when they leverage flexibility and benefits as competitive tools. She also discusses generational shifts in leadership, with younger professionals stepping into chamber roles under the watchful eye of stakeholders, making structure and policies more important than ever. And when it comes to change management, Sheree Anne advises leaders to over-communicate, meet people where they are, and address fears directly. What comes next? She envisions a future defined by catalytic leadership and co-creation—where chambers play a critical role in shaping the regions they serve. This episode delivers fresh perspective on leadership, talent, and the future of communities—make sure to listen. To learn more about Sheree Anne's work at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, visit their website: https://secure.acce.org/. To learn more about our work creating workplaces where all generations thrive, visit our website: https://genperformance.com/.

Ep. 54: The $600B Care Economy: Why Change Starts at the Top

What if we told you that there's a workforce issue with a $600 billion—with a B—impact on our economy? Spoiler alert: there is. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Jesse Matton, Director of Corporate Social Impact Policies at the National Partnership for Women & Families, about why the care economy may be the most important workplace issue leaders can’t afford to ignore. Jesse explains how *real* change starts at the top, and why companies need to take themselves to the policy table instead of waiting on someone else to lead. She makes the case for caregiving policies as some of the most equitable and powerful investments organizations can make, while showing how employee pulse surveys reveal the real needs of today’s workforce. Kamber and Jesse also tackle the brokenness of care in this country, the growing demand from women for structural support and flexibility, and why “caregiver” has become one of the most common ways employees define themselves. And for companies afraid of getting it wrong? Jesse urges them to start anyway—policies can and should evolve over time. This is a powerful discussion that reframes caregiving as central to equity, retention, and the future of work—don't miss out on this conversation. Learn more about Jesse's impactful work with NPWF: https://nationalpartnership.org/. Explore how Generational Performance Solutions is bridging generational differences: https://genperformance.com/.