About TalentLed

TalentLed: Pioneering the Future of Talent Communities

TalentLed stands as the world's first endeavour singularly dedicated to harnessing the power of talent communities, for both organisations and talent leadership professionals. We believe these communities are not just the future of talent management, but a vital shift in how we cultivate and grow talent.

Our journey began in 2022 as a consultancy, founded by industry-leading community experts Todd Nilson and Ilker Akansel. Driven by a shared passion for community building and a vision for more innovative talent leadership, Todd and Ilker set out to help organisations leverage community approaches for a modern, effective talent strategy.

As conversations around talent, communities, and technology rapidly accelerated in 2024, TalentLed recognised an opportunity to expand its impact. We welcomed co-founder Rachel Petzold, who is now leading our charge into developing innovative, community-based products, platforms, and services designed to tackle contemporary talent challenges. This product development is deeply rooted in academic rigour, supported by Dr. Joseph Narusis, who ensures our methodologies for talent journeys are science-proven and effective.

At TalentLed, we're building more than just solutions; we're building a movement that redefines how organisations connect with, nurture, and retain their most valuable asset: their people.

Todd Nilson

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

Prior to co-founding TalentLed, Todd has worked with brands such as SAP, Humana, Facebook, Activision, Steelcase, SkyTV, Greenpeace and many others, 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.

Ilker Akansel

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

Before co-founding TalentLed, Ilker has led developer communities for Google, innovation projects for Cisco and volunteers for the 2012 London Olympic Games, and has collaborated with leading global organisations such as the United Nations and AstraZeneca towards bringing their communities to success.

Please feel free to connect with Ilker over LinkedIn.

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.

As a co-founder and Chief Product Officer, 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.

Joseph Narusis, Ph.D.

As a Research Analyst and Industrial Organisational Psychologist, and Chief Research Officer at TalentLed, Dr. Narusis looks to understand and address complex organisational challenges. His specialisation encompasses cultural values, research methods, data analysis, survey design and personnel consulting.

Dr. Narusis' previous experience spans large private enterprises, non-profits, and government organisations, including 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.

Page updated

Report abuse