About TalentLed

TalentLed is the World's first organization that is entirely focused on talent communities, and the business value that they can provide to organizations and talent leadership professionals.

TalentLed started as a venture between two industry-leading community consultants, Todd Nilson and Ilker Akansel. Passionate about community building and innovative, better ways of treating, growing and leading talent across an organization, Todd and Ilker have founded TalentLed in 2022 to assist organizations to utilize community building approaches towards a better and contemporary talent leadership.

As conversations around talent, communities and technology gained unprecedented speed as of early 2024, TalentLed decided to add a product layer, and to that end joined forces with renowned product leader Rachel Petzold towards creating innovative community-based products, platforms and services to tackle the contemporary talent leadership challenges, and Dr. Joseph Narusis in designing and developing science-proven methodologies for talent journeys. 

Todd Nilson

Todd is a digital workplace and community strategist with over 15 years of executive recruitment and employer branding experience.

Todd has previously worked with SAP, Humana, Facebook, Activision, Steelcase, SkyTV, Greenpeace and many other organizations, ranging from startups through Fortune 1000s based in many countries across the World, and has directed community strategy for the renowned community consultancy FeverBee.

Please feel free to connect with Todd over LinkedIn or email at todd [at] talentled [dot] co

Ilker Akansel

Ilker is a community strategist specializing in entrepreneurial ecosystems, technical communities, startups, innovation, future of work, digital nomadism and remote work.

Ilker has previously led developer communities for Google, innovation projects for Cisco and volunteers for the 2012 London Olympic Games, and with many years of experience in Europe he is very well versed with the cultural, professional and community-related challenges and opportunities across the EMEA region.

Please feel free to connect with Ilker over LinkedIn or email at ilker [at] talentled [dot] co

Rachel Petzold

Rachel is a seasoned product leader and storyteller who has built innovative physical and digital products for iconic brands like Nike, Starbucks, and Amazon. Her experience spans startups to Fortune 500s, with a laser focus on crafting exceptional user experiences that delight consumers and drive revenue growth.

In her fractional Chief Product Officer role, Rachel guides TalentLed in developing game-changing products that solve real talent problems using the power and impact of communities. Her vision for rapid innovation and putting the user first aligns perfectly with TalentLed's mission.

Please feel free to connect with Rachel over LinkedIn or email at rachel [at] talentled [dot] co

Joseph Narusis, Ph.D.

As a Research Analyst and Industrial Organizational Psychologist, Dr. Joseph Narusis' academic and professional focus is to understand and address complex organizational challenges. His specialization encompasses cultural values, research methods, data analysis, survey design and personnel consulting, and he uses his expertise to support TalentLed in the role of Chief Research Officer in designing and developing its methodologies.

Dr. Narusis' experience spans large private enterprises, non-profits, and government organizations, including notable names such as Facebook, the World Wildlife Fund, Truth Initiative, the World Bank, Wisconsin Physician Services, Southern Illinois University, and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Please feel free to connect with Dr Narusis over LinkedIn.