Talent optimization isn’t HR’s job — it’s yours with Mike Zani
Mike Zani is the Wall Street Journal best selling author of The Science of Dream Teams and is CEO of The Predictive Index, the leader in talent optimization. He has a remarkably varied background. After graduating from Brown University, Mike coached the 1996 U.S. Olympic Sailing Team, where he was named Coach of the Year for the sport of sailing. After his career as a sailing coach, he attended Harvard Business School.
HOST
Matt Poepsel, PhD
Vice President & Godfather of Talent Optimization
GUEST
Mike Zani
CEO, The Predictive Index & Author, The Science of Dream Teams
In this episode, Mike Zani, CEO of The Predictive Index and author of The Science of Dream Teams, joins the show to break down how behavioral science can transform hiring, culture, and leadership.
From his Olympic sailing background to leading a talent optimization platform used by over 10,000 companies, Mike shares practical insights on what makes teams click and what causes them to fall apart. He explains why most hiring failures aren’t about skills, but about fit, and how leaders can use data to build trust, increase engagement, and lead more effectively.
Key Takeaways:
- Most hiring mistakes are due to poor behavioral fit, not a lack of skill or experience.
- Behavioral science gives leaders a data-driven edge in building and managing high-performing teams.
- Understanding natural drives helps reduce friction, improve communication, and boost engagement.
- Leadership development is most effective when it’s personalized and grounded in behavioral awareness.
- Talent optimization is not an HR function, it’s a leadership imperative for any growth-focused organization.
Additional Resources:
Mike Zani | CEO, The Predictive Index & Author of The Science of Dream Teams: https://www.predictiveindex.com/blog/author/mike-zani/ https://dreamteams.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikezani/
Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/
Follow PeopleForward Network on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peopleforward-network/posts/?feedView=all
Learn more about PeopleForward Network: http://www.peopleforwardnetwork.com/
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