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Talent Development Tuesday - Building success in talent development one thought at a time. (Photo of "Imagine" tiles by Michael Aleo on Unsplash)

Talent Development Tuesday
Building success in talent development – one thought at a time.

Talent Development Tuesday - Celebrating 33 years (birthday cake)

Celebrating 33 years

“It’s always good to remember where you come from and celebrate it. To remember where you come from is part of where you’re going.”
– Anthony Burgess

On May 1, 1990, we officially opened our doors and began our work helping organizations develop great people through best-in-class experiential learning that’s both fun and unforgettable. We are honored and grateful to have a wonderful group of customers, colleagues, thought leader partners, and friends that we call family.

It’s also a bittersweet time for us as we celebrate with grateful hearts the well-earned departure of 3 longtime Advantage partners: Francine SmilenJoe Beilein, and Jim LaVictoire.

After 21 years as an Advantage partner in New York, Francine announced that as of May 1, she will spend the immediate future writing, traveling, taking some classes, and enjoying a new chapter in her life. We wish her well and look forward to any possible future collaborations she might enjoy with us. Meanwhile, her longtime friend and colleague Kristina DiStasio will be embracing Francine’s relationships and clients as part of her growing business.

Earlier this year, Saint Louis partners Joe and Jim announced a career transition after decades together, and we celebrated with them at our National Sales Meeting in March in New Orleans. Advantage Partner Susan Sheehy, based in Milwaukee, has already begun to work with Joe and Jim’s valued clients in the Saint Louis area.

While it’s hard to say goodbye, we’ve also welcomed a new Advantage partner, Beth Boone, to our team this year, and we are hoping to add more people in the near future. Do you know someone who is thinking about a career transition? Please let them know about us.

The ideal potential partner is someone who is ready to build a business,” says our CEO Jon Hodge. “We’re looking for entrepreneurs, not employees, with the right mix of experience, drive, creativity, and cultural fit. In return, we provide training and development, mentoring, tools, and resources to help our partners reach new heights of success.”

Whether you are a client, friend, visitor, or a new acquaintance, thank you for your part in embarking on this journey with us and for entrusting us with your most valuable assets: Your people.

Here’s to the next 33 years!

Ask your Advantage partner or contact us to learn more about the different and valuable experiences we are implementing worldwide that are helping leaders lead, sellers sell, and businesspeople do the best work of their lives. Tell us your challenges, and we’ll be glad to suggest some valuable resources and solutions.


One great thing for 03.02.23 – Advantage Partner Kristina DiStasio co-authored a great article that’s recirculating on Forbes about why sometimes NOT knowing is better. Find out 4 dangers for all-knowing leaders and 7 ways to not know best. It’s good advice that Kristina says aligns closely with building a Multiplier mindset.

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Talent Development Tuesday is a weekly publication from Advantage Performance Group.
Julie Wolpers, Writer/Editor

We help organizations develop great people.

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