Evolving Your Workplace

“If you're not willing to invest in people, you probably shouldn't be an entrepreneur.” — Chris Carter

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, host Carol Schultz sits down with Chris Carter, Founder and CEO of Approyo, to discuss the hard realities founders face when building and scaling a company — particularly inside the highly complex SAP ecosystem. From hiring mistakes to enterprise technology transformations, Chris shares candid insights drawn from decades of experience working with SAP systems and leading a global technology company. Pasted text

Chris explains how he came out of retirement in 2011 to start Approyo...

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, host Carol Schultz sits down with Ed Wolff, CEO of Aerwave, to unpack the reality of servant leadership at the executive level — and why it is far heavier than most people assume.

Ed shares how leading with integrity, empathy, and accountability has shaped his career, and why stepping into the CEO role brought a new level of pressure. Responsible for nearly 70 employees, shareholders, lenders, and board members, he explains what it means to serve multiple constituencies while still driving performance and growth.

The conversation explores the difference between au...

“AI does not create culture.” — Adam Povlitz

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, host Carol Schultz sits down with Adam Povlitz, CEO and President of Anago Cleaning Systems, to explore what AI actually does inside an organization—and what it absolutely cannot do. While many companies are rushing to automate everything, Adam shares a grounded approach: use AI to remove busywork, identify performance gaps, and strengthen training, while doubling down on human development where it matters most.

Adam walks through how Anago built a system that connects operational data, analytics, and AI-powered learning to improve...

“Remote staff is remote staff.” — Beth Raboin

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, host Carol Schultz sits down with Beth Raboin, Founder and CEO of Global Medical Virtual Assistants (GMVA), to unpack what actually drives low turnover and high morale—especially when most of your workforce is remote and distributed across the globe.

Beth shares how GMVA has maintained roughly a 4% turnover rate while scaling to 1,500+ team members in the Philippines. The core lesson: retention isn’t a perks problem—it’s a culture + management problem. Beth explains why the first three months are the truth-tell...

“The stick just doesn’t work on this generation — you can’t give lip service to values. You have to live them, or they won’t engage.” — Jed Meyer

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Jed Meyer, CEO of St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, to break down what actually works — and what fails — when leading and connecting with Gen Z workers. The conversation centers on a core shift many leaders are resisting: Gen Z is not motivated by fear, hierarchy, or delayed recognition. They respond to clarity, authenticity, and lived values — not slogans on a wal...

“Know what you know, and assume if you don’t know it, you don’t know it—get help, talk to people, and ask them: ‘What do you see my blind spots are?’” — Dean Hendrickson

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Dr. Dean Hendrickson, co-founder of SurgiReal Products, Inc. and a professor at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, to unpack a leadership reality that quietly derails teams: you don’t know what you don’t know—and the cost shows up in decisions, people, and momentum.

Dean shares the founder...

“Culture… is a critical part of driving growth for your company.” — Marti Nyman

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Marti Nyman, President and CEO of New Wave Design, to unpack a practical question most leaders face while scaling: how do you keep culture strong, consistent, and real—without turning it into a slogan?

Marti explains why culture is more than “values on a wall.” It’s a growth engine that affects how teams collaborate, solve problems, and attract top talent. He shares how culture can quietly weaken during expansion if leaders don’t...

“At some point, founders have to stop babysitting the business — or growth stalls.” — Rohit Kumar

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Rohit Kumar, Founder and CEO of Chapter Apps, to explore one of the hardest transitions for founders: knowing when hands-on leadership turns into micromanagement — and how that mindset quietly becomes a bottleneck to growth.

Rohit shares the evolution of Chapter Apps, from its early days as a mobile-first learning platform to its current focus on enterprise AI solutions for sales and employee assistance. He explains why the pivot toward AI...

“Founder-led selling is still the most powerful kind of selling.” — Dave Gulas

In this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with Dave Gulas, Co-Founder and President of EZDC 3PL, to talk about what sales teams must lean into as 2026 approaches: visibility, authenticity, and relationship-driven selling in a world flooded with AI-generated noise. Dave explains why generic cold pitches on LinkedIn are failing, and how personal branding and real opinions help salespeople differentiate and build trust.

Dave also shares the origin story of EZDC 3PL, built after seeing “big box” logistics providers become complacent during and after th...

“If something feels wrong, trust your gut.” – Brittany Stevens

In this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with employment attorney Brittany Stevens (Partner at Phillips & Associates) to unpack the realities of sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and power dynamics—and what leaders can do to create workplaces where people feel safe speaking up.

Brittany explains how harassment is defined under the law (and why it often differs from what people assume), why so many cases come down to evidence and “totality of circumstances,” and how fear of retaliation keeps employees silent—especially when the harasser holds power. The...

"Show up to serve, not to sell." - Maury Rogow

In this week's episode Carol Schultz and Maury Rogow delve into the significance of storytelling in sales and marketing.

Maury shares his journey from the tech industry to Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of differentiation and relatability in business. They discuss the need for effective communication, understanding audience needs, and the role of emotional engagement in sales.

Maury also provides unconventional strategies for generating sales, highlighting the power of personalization and the impact of AI in modern marketing. The discussion culminates with insights from...

If you want to learn how AI transformed SEO strategy and how to rank in results, this episode is for you.

"The world is noisier than ever." - Melih Oztalay

In this conversation, Carol Schultz speaks with Melih Oztalay, CEO and internet marketing expert of Smartfinds Internet Marketing. They discuss the significant changes in marketing due to AI, the importance of adapting to these changes, and the four A's of change: anticipate, accept, adapt, and adopt.

Carol and Melih explore the necessity for businesses to invest in marketing to stay competitive. The discussion...

For leaders seeking guidance on building a winning culture, this one is for you.

In this conversation I speak with Jason Andrews, multiple time founder and expert in space travel.

We discuss the intricacies of building a company that retains talent and the challenges of entrepreneurship. We also explore the importance of company culture, effective marketing strategies, and the financial aspects of running a startup.

Jason shares insights from his journey with Orbite, emphasizing the need for vision, adaptability, and the right team to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.

This...

In this episode, we get into the critical intersection of immigration and workplace dynamics.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation with immigration attorney Matt Meltzer where we explore the implications of ICE policies, compliance challenges, and the importance of understanding employee travel risks.

Matt shares insights on visa strategies for entrepreneurs and the evolution of his firm, Meltzer Hellrung, highlighting lessons learned from founding a business and the challenges of scaling.

The discussion also touches on client acquisition, organizational structure, and the future needs of the firm, culminating in a powerful message about...

"I am a lifelong learner" - Sandi Luck

In this conversation, Carol Schultz speaks with Sandi Luck, founder & CEO of Bully Brew Coffee, ND Coffee Roastery, and Board Room Coffee & Taphouse. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by women in male-dominated industries, particularly in the coffee business. Sandi shares her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of mentorship, and the dynamics of co-founder relationships.

They explore customer acquisition strategies, the significance of company culture, and the financial aspects of running a business. Sandy emphasizes the need for independent coffee shops and her vision for growth while...

If you are leading a remote team and navigating AI, this episode is for you.

Carol Schulz sits down with Paul Pacun, founder and CEO of Vablet—a leading sales enablement tool focused on life sciences and medical device sales teams. 

Paul dives into his leadership strategy post-COVID and how that has transformed his team’s productivity.

He also walks us through Vablet’s evolution from a simple video tablet concept to a comprehensive platform used by global sales teams.

Tune in to hear how this successful CEO has transformed his workpla...

At just 19, Carson launched her business in Reno, Nevada, driven by a passion for special education and a glaring need for 24/7 childcare options in her community.

In this conversation, Carol Schultz interviews Carson about the challenges and experiences of being a young entrepreneur.

Carson shares her journey facing ageism, building a team, and navigating client relationships. She emphasizes the importance of trust, community, and ethical growth in business, while also providing valuable advice for young leaders.

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In this conversation, Carol Schultz and Bill Benjamin discuss the challenges of having difficult conversations in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and creating a culture of feedback.

They explore the concept of the 'last 8%'—the unspoken words in tough discussions—and how to foster an environment where employees feel safe to express themselves. The discussion also touches on the impact of toxic leadership, the necessity of assessing emotional intelligence, and the role of organizational culture in driving performance.

Bill shares insights from his experience at the Institute for Health and Human Pote...

If you’re curious about how tariffs are impacting the workplace right now, this one is for you. 

In this episode, host Carol Schultz sits down with supply chain expert Matt Spooner to break down what tariffs really mean for businesses—from small bike shops to multinational corporations.  

Are tariffs really the catastrophe we’re hearing about, or are there hidden opportunities for innovation and growth? Get insights on how leaders should communicate with their teams, why some industries might actually benefit, and what American consumers might have to change about their buying habits.  

Whether...

In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace After Hours, host Carol Schultz is joined by Kevin Legg to explore the topic of self-learning in the workplace. Kevin starts things off by sharing insights from his consulting work, specifically referencing a recent survey where most employees identified as "self learners." However, Kevin believes their actions—such as rarely reading, seeking feedback, or actively pursuing learning opportunities—suggest otherwise. This gets the ball rolling on a rich conversation about the complexities of self-perception, self-awareness, and what truly constitutes being a self learner.  

Carol draws parallels between self-assessing learning styles and ov...

Curious to learn more about Founder’s syndrome, or working for someone who may have it? This episode is for you. 

Host Carol Schultz teams up with social impact entrepreneur Sophia Shaw to dive deep into the tricky dynamics of founder syndrome. From understanding why founders struggle to let go, to practical strategies for succession planning and building a culture that supports new leadership, the conversation is packed with real-world stories and actionable advice for both founders and their teams. 

Whether you’re just starting your business or looking for ways to future-proof your organization, you wo...

In this brand new episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours," Carol Schultz introduces her new cohost, Kevin Legg, who brings a global perspective and a focus on workplace learning to the show. Kevin highlights his experience building organizations in various international markets and discusses his current work at Sage, which focuses on how people teach and learn at work. Together, the two hosts prepare for a candid discussion about the evolving nature of the workplace as companies continue to navigate the return-to-office debate. 

The conversation highlights controversial employer tactics like imposing stricter in-office requirements. Kevin and C...

Wondering how the Internet of Things (IoT) is quietly revolutionizing office spaces and boosting employee productivity? This one is for you. 

In this episode, host Carol Schultz sits down with IoT expert Fabio Zaniboni to unpack how smart technology is transforming everything from lighting and air quality to sound environments in the workplace. He explains the basics of IoT—embedding intelligence into everyday devices to collect data and enhance building performance. 

The conversation digs into concerns about electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) and how Fabio’s technology addresses these with extremely low power usage, much less than standa...

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours," features hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer taking on the pressing topic of why top performers quit. Not only that, the two discuss what is often left unsaid in exit interviews.

The two reflect on their own experiences and break down how common it is for high performers to leave without ever opening up about the real reasons. This especially happens if a company lacks a true culture of feedback. The longtime hosts emphasize that truly honest feedback cultures are hard to find. But without them, leaders don’t fu...

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...