Evolving Your Workplace

If you’re curious about the process of venture capital (VC) funding or looking to get funding, this episode is for you. 

Host Carol Schultz sits down with Seth Levine of the prestigious VC firm Foundry. Whether you're an eager founder, a startup dreamer, or just VC-curious, Seth cuts through the noise, sharing hard-won insights on when to actually seek funding, why VC money might not be as glamorous as you think, how to successfully pitch investors, and what sets standout founders apart. 

Carol and Seth also dig into the toughest founder challenges, from when to b...

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace: After Hours" features hosts Rob Swymer and Carol Schultz discussing best practices and challenges involved with leading through organizational changes. The conversation gets rolling with a discussion on how constant transformation is a usual part of life in the modern business world, such as when you must adjust to new leadership. Rob emphasizes that consistent communication is needed from leaders as he opens up about his personal experience merging vastly different company cultures. 

As the conversation continues, Carol highlights the importance of teaching adaptability and resilience to employees, especially if uncertainty i...

If you’re planning to integrate AI into your company’s workflow or have done so already, this one is for you. 

In this episode, AI expert Aydin Mirzaee sits down with Carol to share a candid look at how AI is reshaping workplace productivity—and why leaders need to rethink their entire approach to technology. 

From the security risks hiding in everyday tools, to how teams resist (or embrace) AI, Aydin offers real stories and actionable strategies for every organization navigating the new AI frontier.  

Tune in to hear the surprising ways companies...

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours" features co-hosts Rob Swymer and Carol Schultz looking at the challenges leaders face in the business world along with the complexities of performance management. The conversation starts with a discussion on the importance of human connection before shifting to the convoluted performance ranking systems at major tech companies like Microsoft and Meta. In the conversation, Rob reflects on his own experiences with layoffs and performance reviews while emphasizing the intellectual and emotional toll it takes on leaders. 

The show’s co-hosts also cover the controversial management practices at companies lik...

If you want to learn more about public benefit corporations (PBCs) and the benefits of becoming one, this episode is for you! 

Host Carol Schultz dives into the intriguing world of PBCs with expert Marion Siboni, founder and CEO of La Creme de la Stem. Marion tells listeners why she chose to structure her company as PBC and how it integrates social goals into a traditional business model.  

Learn about the distinct advantages of this corporate structure over the typical C Corp and LLC, and why it might be the perfect choice for organizations with a m...

This episode of “Evolving Your Workplace After Hours” features hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer analyzing the complexities of workplace models and leadership. They discuss a recent report that highlights how there's no perfect working model be it fully in-office, remote, or hybrid setups. The conversation emphasizes organizational health and the fact that leaders must focus on a purpose-driven work environment while providing mentorship and skills development. 

Rob puts his focus on the human aspect of business and brings up how the pandemic has ingrained a sense of comfort in remote working which has possibly affected human conne...

For those seeking tools to establish a culture of trust and security in your workplace— this one is for you! 

In this episode, host Carol Schultz dives into the topic with expert David Alsup, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ultradent Products.  

David shares his approach to fostering a trusting environment. He emphasizes the importance of hiring the right personnel, managing performance, and ensuring transparent communication. Carol stresses the importance of measuring competencies to avoid bad hires.  

Tune in to explore how safety and performance can drive innovation and long-term success in your organiz...

In this episode of After Hours, Carol Schultz and her co-host Rob Swymer focus on the importance of intentional communication and consistent meetings.

Carol brings up an interesting article she came across about a manager implementing three essential weekly meetings after transitioning to a remote workplace. Meanwhile, Rob echoes the importance of intentionality, feedback, and consistency in ensuring a thriving remote work environment. 

Drawing from his own personal experience during the pandemic, Rob highlights the importance of staying connected with teams through regular meetings, even in a virtual environment. The discussion highlights the need to e...

For those wanting to master the art of email marketing, this one is for you. 

Host Carol Schultz calls on expert Jovan Shojlevski to answer your most common questions when it comes to sending cold emails.   

They dive into common mistakes companies make, such as sending bulk emails from a single domain. He shares how to make messages feel more personalized and relevant, highlighting the importance of targeting the right audience.  

Through their discussion, they explore best practices in crafting effective subject lines and how to approach finding a legitimate lead generation service.  

T...

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours" features host Carol Schultz and her cohost Rob Swymer discussing workplace etiquette as employees return to the office post-COVID. The conversation focuses on the importance of understanding office behavior, from maintaining professional interactions to dressing appropriately and managing personal calls. 

Throughout the podcast, Rob and Carol emphasize the role of leadership in facilitating a smooth transition back to the office. Both hosts encourage leaders to engage in conversations about expectations and office etiquette and work on additional guidance and training. The two believe that empathy and understanding are vital i...

Who is the most important person in your company? The CEO, CFO, CTO...? That’s what we are discussing today. Whether you're a new founder or seasoned executive, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead effectively. 

Host Carol Schultz dives into a conversation with leadership expert and CEO, Matt DeWolf, exploring the crucial question: “Who is the most important person in a company?” Matt shares his philosophy on market focus and customer-centricity. 

Together, they tackle shifting workplace dynamics, balancing leadership and management cultures, and why aligning your organization from top to bottom is the k...

Hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer take a look at a new Gallup study in this episode of Evolving Your Workplace: After Hours. The two look at some troubling statistics, such as the approximately 51% of Americans currently looking for new jobs. Challenges with hybrid and remote work, ineffective management strategies, and changing expectations from customers are just a few of the issues brought up.  

The discussion features some perspective from Rob’s time leading a remote team during the pandemic. He believes that simple strategies such as virtual coffee meetings and consistent gratitude exercises can make all the...

Is your company considering cutting your DEI programs? If so, this one is for you.

In this powerful episode, DEI expert Stacey Gordon breaks down what's really driving the current attacks on diversity initiatives and why it matters for the future of business...and how politics skew the conversation.

Tune in to hear host Carol Schultz and Stacey discuss common myths about DEI, why not to abandon

these programs, and practical advice for leaders who want to build truly inclusive workplaces.

This timely conversation tackles hard truths while offering hope and...

In this after hours episode, hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer  discuss Meta's plans to cut 5% of its workforce. In addition to pointing out parallels to Jack Welch's strategy at GE, the two analyze the broader implications of this approach. 

The hosts debate the root of the issue behind these cuts. Is it insufficient training, poor hiring practices, or inadequate leadership? It’s important to get your hiring strategy right the first time around. This way you avoid cost-inefficient methods of hiring, firing, and rehiring. Both hosts give their unique perspectives throughout, with Rob questioning if a perf...

If you lead a company and notice a lack of engagement or productivity in workers, this one is for you.

One in every four adults reported feeling lonely in the world, yet very few are talking about it. In and out of the workplace, it is something greatly affecting businesses.

In this eye-opening episode, Chief Scientist at the Academy to Innovate HR Dr. Dieter Veldsman joins Carol to give insight and tips for leaders.

They dive deep into why simply returning to the office isn't the solution, debunk common myths about workplace loneliness...

If you’re a part of the RTO trend, this one’s for you.  

In this episode of "Evolving Your Workplace," hosts Rob Swymer and Carol Schultz explore a recent employee exodus around return-to-office (RTO) policies. Rob expresses strong concerns about the use of terms like "revenge quitting" and "resentment" as both speakers point to fundamental problems with company culture and leadership for employees leaving. 

Plus, the experts discuss how technology has shifted modern workplace dynamics significantly since their early careers. While in-person interaction can be important for building culture, the two advocate for a balance...

If you’re receiving what seems to be AI applications from prospects, this one is for you.

Why should someone want to work for your company? — This is the question you should answer before you start your search for talent.

Experts Carol Schultz and Steve Cadigan discuss the underlying factor to pay attention to as a leader when recruiting. Forget the magic of AI, no tool will help if companies don’t do this first.

They also walk through areas AI can improve the recruiting process rather than the applications currently in place. Carol...

In this episode, Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer dissect the public feud over employee compensation between tech billionaires Sam Altman of OpenAI and Elon Musk of xAI, with Musk suing OpenAI while accusing Altman of compensating employees with “lavish” salaries in an attempt to starve out the competition. 

Carol and Rob unpack the deeper issues behind the feud. Does it come down to dollars and cents or leadership styles? As two longtime corporate leaders themselves, Carol and Rob draw upon their decades of experience to share insights on motivating and engaging employees. We’ll give you a hint: i...

If you’re struggling to retain your employees or you want to understand the job-hopping issue more in depth—this one is for you. 

Job hopping is on the rise in younger generations as we enter a shift from staying at one company for 30 years to focusing on personal growth and the benefits in diverse roles. Once looked down upon, job hopping has now become something to be proud of (or some believe). 

Host Carol Schultz brings on expert recruiter Rich Deakmann to explore what leaders can do to keep these workers. The two dive into t...

Transfer Portal Comparison: "It's now tough for coaches to build cultures because, hey, if the quarterback doesn't like the system, he's out. He puts his name in the transfer portal, and he goes to another system next year." - Rob Swymer 

Welcome to "Evolving Your Workplace," the podcast where we unpack the core drivers of a thriving, engaged work culture. In this episode, hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer draw on Gallup's research to reveal how an engaged workforce can boost profitability by 22%. Yet, with less than half of U.S. employees clear on their job expectations, m...

In this episode, Carol Schultz speaks with Farfalla founder Paul Didwall about the evolving landscape of digital marketing and AI’s significant impact. The conversation highlights the shift in marketing strategies over the past decade, emphasizing the role of social media and artificial intelligence.

Throughout the conversation, Didwall stresses the balance between using AI for efficiency and the necessity of human oversight to maintain brand integrity and voice. The discussion addresses content effectiveness across different media and different generations, focusing on video, static images, and written content.

The two also explore the evolving role of SE...

The Pitfalls of a 'Me First' Culture: "If it's left unchecked, it becomes sort of a me first culture... And then performance just degradates eventually." - Rob Swymer 

In today’s episode, Entitlement Mindset, we’re tackling how a culture of entitlement at the top can derail company growth and undermine collaboration. Host Carol Schultz, joined by co-host Rob Swymer, breaks down a powerful article by Bart Fanelli, CEO of Skillibrium, to explore the difference between managing and true leadership. 

Discover why culture starts at the top, how entitlement impacts long-term success, and how consistent coachi...

On this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, host Carol Schultz brings on her podcast producer and Gen Z representative, Michael Cunningham, to discuss communication dynamics within the workplace. This one is for leaders who struggle to understand the new generations and how to collaborate with them.

The discussion highlights the importance of flexibility, noting preferences for voice interaction to avoid misinterpretation and the challenges posed by remote work and communication technologies.

They also touch on societal issues like generational divides and respect for older generations, with Michael sharing concerns about younger generations' attitudes toward older...

Job Hunting and Mental Health: ‘72 Percent of Applicants Say Job Hunting Harm Their Mental Health.’ - Carol Schultz 

Co-hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer dive into the pressing issues of the modern workplace. In this episode, they tackle the alarming statistics surrounding Gen Z and job hunting's impact on mental health. As they explore a recent article revealing that 72% of job seekers report mental health struggles during the job search, Carol and Rob discuss the pressures of today's recruitment processes, the role of technology like AI, and the challenges faced by different generations.

Tune in as th...

In this episode of "Authentically Successful," host Carol Schultz converses with Dr. Robert Brooks, founder of RBAC, Inc., and renowned energy expert.  

Sharing insights from his experience, Bob highlights his journey through several degrees to government work and beyond. He makes a bold suggestion to switch your mindset when it comes to selling assets versus selling time and how it helped him.  

They also delve into the evolving energy industry, focusing on the shift towards more reliable electricity sources like nuclear power to support data centers and AI applications. Bob discusses the env...

Corporate America: "When you go to work for a publicly traded company, keep your eyes wide open" - Carol Schultz

In this episode, your co-hosts, Carol Schultz & Rob Swymer dive into the recent headlines surrounding Walmart's relocation mandate. With the deadline fast approaching, Walmart employees are faced with the controversial decision to relocate to one of their hubs or face potential layoffs.

Join Carol and Rob as they dissect the situation, highlighting the implications on company culture, the possible financial motivations behind such corporate moves, and what this means for employees of publicly traded companies...

In this episode, guest Phoebe Tan shares her journey as the founder of Taelor, a menswear rental subscription service with AI styling. She details her time from a small village in Malaysia to Chicago to getting her MBA and later starting a company.  

Taelor’s service, aimed at busy men, offers fashion convenience with AI-driven efficiency. Phoebe and her co-founder shifted to men's fashion as an underserved market, cleverly partnering with dating apps. Despite its geographic distribution, the company maintains a collaborative culture focused on feedback and continuous improvement.  

Phoebe shares the importance of authentic commun...

The Human Connection: "Where's my connection with my team, my mission, my vision, my value for the customers that I want to serve and the people that I love?" - Rob Swymer

In this episode of the Authentically Successful - After Hours, hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer discuss the misconceptions that employers have about Gen Z workers. They dive into topics like Gen Z's perceived over-dependence on technology, their aversion to corporate jargon, and the importance of human connection in the workplace.

With 70 years of combined experience, Carol and Rob offer insightful perspectives on...

In this week’s episode, host Carol sits down with multitalented founder John Cousins. John founded MBA ASAP, an MBA affordable alternative for students.  

John details his diverse journey from finessing a test to secure a job to working at ABC to eventually diving into entrepreneurship. To date, John’s educational tools have been used  worldwide by tens of thousands students interested in business. He walks us through what brought him to the realization to start the company in the first place.  

Later in the discussion, he candidly shares about a nightmare situation with an old busin...

Mental Health Crisis: "It's just insane right now. Everybody's fight or flight."

- Rob Swymer

Today on Authentically Successful - After Hours, we'll dissect a revealing Business Insider article, "The Depressing Reality of Quiet Vacationing," and probe the pressures that push all generations—not just millennials or Gen Z—toward this silent struggle. Our discussion will be peppered with personal stories, like my own from the trenches of passive-aggressive workplace dynamics, and Rob's recount of a pivotal piece of advice from a mentor urging much-needed rest.

We'll also shine a light on the impa...

In this episode, host Carol Schultz sits down with Matt Lepkowski, founder of Business Automation Experts (BAE). Matt brings a wealth of knowledge in software development, healthcare policy, and cybersecurity, offering invaluable insights on navigating today's complex technological landscape.

Matt shares his personal journey, from his early days in the automotive industry to founding Business Automation Experts, and the trials of building a business from the ground up.

He breaks down the economics of cyber threats, explaining how attackers often have an edge due to their pay-only-for-success model. The conversation leads to...

“AI can't ask follow-up questions. It doesn't ask questions with nuance. It doesn't ask questions from multiple angles." - Darryl C. Clements 

In this special edition of Authentically Successful - After Hours, we dive deep into the complex and sometimes controversial world of AI in recruiting. Host Carol Schultz, an experienced recruiter and executive coach, along with co-host Rob Swymer, a veteran sales leader and best-selling author, bring their combined 70 years of expertise to the table. Joining them is Darryl C. Clements, principal of the DCC Group, who offers a wealth of knowledge in HR strategy, recruitment, and...

Welcome back to another episode of Authentically Successful and our first episode post-summer break. This episode includes an exciting conversation with Marc Delbaere, a dynamic data tech founder in Belgium.

Marc's journey is a fascinating tale of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of independence. From his beginnings as a bond trader to impactful roles at IBM and SWIFT, Marc's career has been a testament to his relentless quest for creativity and meaningful impact.

Join us as Marc shares his experiences transitioning from large corporations to spearheading a successful tech startup. He reveals the motivations behind...

In this episode, your host, Carol Schultz speaks with Splunk's Rob Swymer. Splunk is an international data company. Rob shares his diverse career and the mindset he adapted early on to accomplish what he has so far.

They dive into a rare conversation about love in the workplace. What it looks like to show love to your workers and the benefits it can bring.

Check out Splunk at https://www.splunk.com/.

You can find more information and all episodes at verticalelevation.com/podcast and you can find Carol on Twitter @carolbschultz.

Guiding Employees: Whilst it’s important to give people enough rope to be innovative, what this guy is missing is if you are not checking in with your people, how are they to know if they’re going in the right direction? - Carol Schultz 

In this week’s episode, our hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the evolving nature of middle management and the increasing role of technology in the workplace. They explore the impact of cutting middle management roles on mentorship, the changing work preferences of millennials and Gen Zers, a...

We're back with an insightful discussion featuring Bill Mandara, CEO and co-owner of Mancini Duffy – a design firm with a rich history and a tech-driven approach. 

In this episode, Bill reflects on early setbacks as a new CEO, moments of success, and the lessons learned along the way. He offers a rare glimpse into the world of architecture and design, notably the transformative TSX Broadway project in Times Square. 

Carol also dives into Bill’s talent and business strategy. Bill and his business partner, Christian Giordano, emphasized the need to diversify their firm's w...

Building True Relationships: "To build a true relationship, you have to invest the time." - Carol Schultz 

Join hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer as they share their insights and experiences on how to keep employees engaged and thriving in a virtual work environment. From personal anecdotes to practical strategies, they discuss the power of authentic leadership, the importance of empathy, and the impact of consistent communication. Get ready to be inspired and gain valuable knowledge as we explore how to foster human connections in the digital age. 

Find more information about our host Carol Sc...

This week host Carol interviews Rasmus Holst, current CEO of Zensai, and “human success” expert best known for being a part of management teams that have delivered exits just short of $1,000,000,000 and raised over $50,000,000 for various businesses. This episode explores the process of growing companies, becoming a CEO, and balancing the priorities of money versus employees.

 Rasmus has managed teams in 14 different countries, traveled to over 100 countries, and has had customers in all nations, giving him a unique perspective on cultures and businesses. In this episode, he delves into Zensai's unique approach to product design, recruiting strategies, and t...

"Quiet quitting is doing the bare minimum just to get by from your job." - Rob Swymer 

Today, hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer delve into the timely and provocative topic of "quiet quitting." This episode explores the underlying causes and far-reaching implications of quiet quitting in the workplace. 

Carol and Rob share personal anecdotes and professional insights to highlight how leadership and company culture significantly influence employee engagement and motivation. They unravel the significance of having a sense of purpose, fostering meaningful relationships, and cultivating emotional investment in one's work. 

Whether you're an...

This week Carol interviews Wendy Greenland, the CEO of Openforce, a tech platform that specializes in managing commercial relationships between contracting companies and their 1099 independent contractors.  

Wendy's career spans nearly 30 years in technology and leadership, with notable successes in building and selling companies like Infosys and Infinity HR. In this episode, they discuss the complexities and opportunities of managing a business in the 1099 space of the human capital management industry.  

From navigating the legislative landscape to transitioning to a remote model during covid, Wendy's experiences offer valuable lessons for leaders and entrepreneurs. The episode also tou...