Great Talent Great Business

Over 80% of business owners can't find qualified people. But 15–25% are thriving, hiring, retaining, and growing at the same time. The difference isn't luck or budget; it's strategy. Rob Levin breaks down the three fundamental shifts that separate winners from everyone else: designing culture instead of hoping for it, competing for talent with the same intensity you compete for customers, and expanding your talent pool beyond local markets. Episode Highlight "Talent deserves the same strategic attention you give revenue." Actionable Insights Design culture, don't let it happen by default: Most owners still believe that paychecks drive performance, but those days are gone. Great people want to be part of something meaningful. Reinforce your core values through hiring, firing, recognition, and promotion. It's not easy, but it's never too late to shift culture. [03:53] Your employer brand may be the reason why great candidates won't apply: Before applying, candidates check you out online. Check out your Glassdoor rating today. If the reviews are accurate, you have a culture problem to solve. If they're skewed by disgruntled former employees, ask your team to share their real experience, without incentives or scripts. Also, rewrite your job descriptions to sell the company and role, not just list requirements. A thoughtful job posting signals that you care about candidate experience. [06:35] Stop fishing in a shrinking pond, expand your talent pool through remote and nearshore hiring: Most business owners say it's impossible to find good people locally. It's not. They're just fishing in a shrinking pond. Remote hiring expands your access to talent you can't reach locally. Nearshore or offshore hiring takes it a step further: you gain access to qualified people and reduce labor costs at the same time. Use talent partners to handle recruiting, vetting, and payroll. You're not just solving today's hiring crisis, you're building a structural advantage. [09:24]   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit   More Resources: 88% of Small Businesses Can't Find Qualified People. The Other 12% Are Doing This. 7 Culture Practices Worth Stealing   More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Follow Rob Levin on Substack. Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

Alan Pentz, AI investor and operator, cuts through AI hype with a clear framework: we're entering the era of "multiplayer AI," where individual productivity gains transform into company-wide business transformation. AI success isn't about replacing people—it's about shifting from doing work to managing AI agents. This structural change in how businesses operate will separate forward-moving founders from the rest. Episode Highlight "The reality is the opportunities on the table right now, every industry is going to be remixed because of this collapse of services and software into each other. Don't you want to be a part of that?" About the Guest Alan Pentz founded OwnerRx to help business owners adopt AI in practical, real-world ways. As a hands-on investor and operator across government consulting, AI software, and defense manufacturing, he brings frontline credibility. After stepping back from day-to-day CEO duties, he's 10x'd his personal productivity in six months by building AI agent systems and now teaches cohorts of business owners how to replicate this at scale. Key Takeaways Multiplayer AI is the breakthrough: Single-player AI (personal automation) already works. The scalability challenge is deploying to teams—handling authentication, legacy software, and user friction. Claude Cowork is the first real multiplayer solution, sandboxing AI work with permissions and MCP integration. If you're waiting for "maturity," you're already behind. [04:11] Building beats talking: Most owners don't grasp AI's potential until they build something. Conceptual understanding doesn't stick. You must see agents run, complete tasks instantly, and become real. Once that clicks, your mindset shifts to encoding entire workflows into skills and agents. [08:52] Expand, don't just cut costs: Using AI to fire people is the wrong play. The right move: expand what your team can do. A 10x more productive team member becomes invaluable, not expendable. Real competitive advantage comes from serving more customers, going deeper with existing ones, or entering new markets. [15:39] Lead the culture shift: As owner, get hands-on with Claude Cowork this month. Understand how your team must evolve from "doing work" to "managing AI agents." This is a culture shift, not just a tool switch. Model it, then cascade it across your organization. [26:14] Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit More About Alan Pentz Check out OwnerRx Connect with Alan on LinkedIn More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Follow Rob Levin on Substack. Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

Declining employee engagement is a warning signal for every small and mid-size business. Gallup's 2026 State of the Global Workplace report shows engagement dropping across the board, but Rob Levin unpacks three critical takeaways that separate thriving companies from those fighting burnout. Discover why manager stress signals a crisis, why every seat counts more than you think, and concrete, cost-effective moves to strengthen culture, reduce turnover, and position your team to leverage AI competitively. Episode Highlight "If only one out of every three people on your team were engaged in your business, in a smaller mid-size business, you'd probably be out of business, because every seat counts in a smaller, mid-size business." Actionable Insights Core Values as Decision Filters: Define 3-5 core values that reflect who you actually are, document them, and give real examples of what living those values looks like daily. This guides the hundreds of micro-decisions your team makes. [05:11] Manager Burnout as Your Warning Signal: Declining manager engagement signals stress and burnout, usually from covering for disengaged team members. Fix hiring quality immediately, establish a culture where poor performers don't linger, and audit leadership directives for clarity and realism. [07:46] Internal Mobility Drives Retention: Top performers leave when they see no path forward. Create a formal internal mobility program mapping growth pathways and visible ways people can develop, shift roles, or take on bigger challenges inside your company. [06:42]   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit   More Resources: 88% of Small Businesses Can't Find Qualified People. The Other 12% Are Doing This. 7 Culture Practices Worth Stealing Podcast Episode: How WBN Is Becoming an AI-First Company   More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Follow Rob Levin on Substack. Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

Most companies treat AI as an efficiency play, bolt it onto existing workflows and hope for faster output. Rob Levin went deeper. After recognizing AI's potential in early 2023 and spending two years experimenting, he made a pivotal decision: transform WorkBetterNow into an AI-first company. This isn't about doing the same work faster; it's about redesigning workflows from the ground up where AI does the heavy lifting and humans design and oversee the process. Episode Highlight "Any workflow that can be done by AI, any process that can be done by AI will be done by AI. It's not about evolving an existing workflow, it's about building that workflow from the ground up where AI is doing the work and humans are designing and overseeing the process."  Actionable Insights 1. Recognize that AI-first requires a fundamental mindset shift, not incremental tweaking: Rob spent the first two years of AI's emergence running show-and-tell sessions and encouraging experimentation. The breakthrough came after a hands-on AI course where he built an actual business concept and website using AI in two hours. For your team: stop thinking about "how do we do our current work with AI?" Start asking "what workflows would we build from scratch if AI existed?" This distinction unlocks 10x impact rather than 10% efficiency gains. [02:26] 2. Hire or reallocate for AI oversight, not AI replacement: Rob's commitment on day one was clear: no layoffs. What's necessary instead is retraining people to move from "doing work" to "managing AI that does work." WorkBetterNow's IT department showed exactly how this scales: they built an AI chatbot for first-level IT support, which freed the team to focus on automation and integrations—higher-value work. [04:53] 4. Document and share your AI journey so your clients level up too: Rob is doing something rarely seen: instead of hoarding competitive advantage, WorkBetterNow is documenting every AI workflow transformation and publishing it for clients and the broader market. They're also retooling their WBN Academy to include AI enablement. [09:44] Read:  Inside WBN's AI Transformation   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit   More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Follow Rob Levin on Substack. Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

Most business owners are leaving $100,000+ on the table every year doing administrative work that costs $25/hour while their time is worth $200–$1,000+/hour. Rob Levin breaks down why an assistant is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity—and delivers a step-by-step playbook for hiring one, whether full-time, part-time, onshore, nearshore, or offshore. You'll learn to calculate your true hourly rate, identify what to delegate in three days, and avoid the costly mistakes most owners make (like hiring part-time). Within two months of hiring the right assistant, you'll reclaim 16–30 hours per week to spend on growth, customer relationships, and the high-leverage work only you can do. This is Rob's battle-tested framework from 11 years of managing assistants—and having built a company, WorkBetterNow, entirely around helping business owners get great ones. Episode Highlight "If you don't have an assistant, you are one." — Jack Daly   Actionable Insights 1. Calculate your true hourly rate and stop doing $25/hour work: Take your target annual compensation (salary + distributions), divide by 2,000 hours, and face the math. Most business owners are worth $200–$1,000+/hour yet spend 40–65% of their time on low-payoff administrative tasks. That $400,000/year owner is literally wasting $160,000 annually on email, scheduling, and document searching. [05:39] Read: The Hire That Multiplies Results Without Multiplying Payroll 2. Plan what you'll do with 16–30 reclaimed hours before hiring: More time is worthless if you don't know how to spend it. Write down your priorities: More customer time? Focus time to think strategy? Family and rest? This clarity motivates you to actually delegate and hire. Dan Sullivan's principle: spend 80% of your time on your unique ability. Assistants make that possible. [10:53] Read: The 3 Things That Separate Business Owners Who Lead from Those Who Just Keep Up 3. Go full-time, even if you think you don't have 40 hours of work: Part-time assistants create gaps where urgent-but-not-important tasks fall back on your plate. You'll find 40 hours of work quickly as you delegate more. Part-timers often leave for full-time roles elsewhere, forcing you to restart. Full-time is the only model that actually works. [12:52]   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit   More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Follow Rob Levin on Substack. Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

Every headline screams that AI will transform your business overnight. Most SMB leaders find themselves caught between two extremes: either diving recklessly into every new tool, or staying frozen on the sidelines. Ryan Paugh, publisher of Senior Executive and co-founder of Community.co, cuts through the noise with a pragmatic framework that works for small and mid-size businesses. Rather than chasing unicorn-level AI deployment or ignoring the shift entirely, Paugh reveals what the most successful companies are actually doing: staying steady, experimenting in calculated bites, and treating AI adoption as a cultural conversation, not a technology mandate. About the Guest Ryan Paugh is a Publisher, Senior Executive, Co-Founder, President & COO of Community.co, a company that creates vetted communities to help ambitious professionals grow their networks and expand business opportunities. He is also the author of Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships That Matter, and a renowned thought leader on creating strong communities and teams.  Episode Highlight "The truth lies in the middle. Going crazy off the deep end thinking you need to compete with Fortune 500s on AI, or ignoring it entirely—both are tragic missteps. Stay steady, find ways to make adoption work slowly for your company." (00:03:00) Actionable Insights AI Adoption Isn't Speed, It's Steadiness: Most SMB leaders react to headlines by overcommitting to AI or avoiding it entirely. The real playbook is the middle path: experiment slowly, pick one workflow at a time, and avoid the sunk cost of "solutions that may or may not work." [03:41] Work-Life Blend Beats Work-Life Balance, And It's a Retention Engine: One-size-fits-all employment is dead. Matching how people work to how they want to live isn't benevolence—it's a lever for better talent, lower turnover, and faster growth. [13:00] Over-Communication Isn't Over-Communication in a Remote-First Company: Distributed teams across 35 states and four continents require a different cadence. What feels like repetitive messaging to you is actually the baseline people need to feel connected to mission and to each other. [16:41]   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit   More About Ryan Paugh Check out Community Co Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn. Grab your copy of Superconnector   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

Culture isn't a recruitment tactic, it's your competitive advantage. In this solo episode, Rob Levin reveals seven concrete practices that transformed WorkBetterNow into a fast-growing company. You'll walk away with immediately actionable systems: peer-driven recognition that reinforces values and clarity frameworks that eliminate "mutual mystification" (that silent killer of remote teams). Rob draws from hard-won lessons; his first venture failed partly because he deprioritized culture despite knowing better, and shares exactly what changed when he led with core values from day one.    Episode Highlight "Recognizing people is just a really easy way to emphasize when people are doing things that are consistent with the culture that you want to have."    Actionable Insights Build core values intentionally, they're the foundation for everything else: Start with 4–6 core values developed with your A-players, not handed down from leadership. Use them to guide hiring, recognition, and decisions. At Work Better Now, "Put Talent First" is the first value and shapes every system. Read: This Overlooked Factor Will Add or Subtract Millions From Your Business  Install culture practices today: Rob walks through exactly what WorkBetterNow does: recognition (W Awards), humanizing people (My Story presentations), clarity + KPIs, in-person connection, transparency, remote bonding, and continuous education. Pick one and commit to it for 90 days. Read: 7 Culture Practices Worth Stealing Make clarity + accountability your competitive advantage: Avoid "mutual mystification" by using simple frameworks (EOS, KPIs, Rocks). Overcommunicate: video + email. Review progress weekly. This removes friction and builds trust faster than anything else. Read: How to Make Remote Work at Your Company   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit to get started.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

Innovation isn't the exclusive domain of tech startups, it's the competitive edge every small and mid-size business must build into their DNA. But most owners centralize innovation within themselves, missing their biggest advantage: the ability to move faster than corporations. JL Heather reveals why innovation is fundamentally a cultural challenge, not a structural one. You'll learn concrete steps to build psychological safety, shift from assigning work to assigning problems, and avoid sabotage patterns, especially when integrating AI.   About the Guest JL Heather is an innovation coach and co-founder of Centered who has spent 20 years helping teams solve problems faster without enterprise complexity. He specializes in translating agile and design thinking into practical methods for small and mid-size teams where everyone wears multiple hats. His approach cuts through buzzwords to deliver systems that actually work.   Episode Highlight "Innovation is just the ability to continually move beyond your customer's expectations, because if all you're doing is meeting those expectations, someone's gonna catch up, someone's gonna surpass you."   Action items Culture is where innovation lives, not in separate teams: Leadership sets direction, but culture lives in people. Skip skunkworks models; they disempower everyone else by saying "you innovate, the rest do your jobs." That kills distributed thinking. [00:04:00–00:06:00] Switch from assigning work to assigning problems: Work assignments create doers who avoid trouble; problem statements empower teams to engage their brains. Use design sprints to validate with customers, then build prototypes over 3–9 months. [00:10:00–00:12:00] Don't let tools drive your organization: When adopting AI, resist top-down implementation. Align on what "AI first" means, engage teams in defining how it supports their work, and let them experiment. This takes longer upfront but is vastly cheaper than getting it wrong. [00:21:00–00:25:00]   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit   More About JL Heather Check out Centered Connect with Mike on LinkedIn. Grab your copy of Breakthrough Innovation   Other Resources Check out JL's podcast: Breakthrough Innovation    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

Traditional annual reviews fail because they focus on output alone, leaving companies wondering why growth stalls. Rob Levin interviews leadership coach Mike Goldman on a practical alternative: the Talent Density framework—treating people growth as profit growth's true driver. Learn to evaluate performance beyond theater, separate real results from "busy," and implement a quarterly leadership cadence that builds resilience without bottlenecking HR.   About the Guest  Mike Goldman is a leadership team coach with 35+ years of experience helping organizations build high-performing teams, from global brands like Disney and Verizon to small and midsize businesses. He's the USA Today bestselling author of The Strength of Talent and a TEDx speaker who regularly presents to business leadership communities like Vistage and EO. He also hosts the Better Leadership Team Show, where he goes deep on building teams that drive durable growth.   Episode Highlight  "Unclear expectations don't lead to unclear results—they lead to unacceptable results."   Actionable Insights  Stop confusing "performance" with output alone, score productivity and culture fit: Stop rating high-output people who damage team culture. Make trade-offs visible. [06:28] Run a quarterly talent assessment as a leadership team (not as secret HR paperwork): CEO and direct reports calibrate together on "level one down"—eliminates bias and vague labels. [10:00] Move faster on low culture fit than low productivity (because it's rarely coachable): Culture gaps rarely coach out; productivity gaps develop. Test: coachable vs. fakeable. [14:26]   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit    More About Mike Goldman Check out Mike Goldman and The Strenght of Talent Connect with Mike on LinkedIn. Grab your copy of The Strength of Talent.   Other Resources Your next reads: Breakthrough Leadership Team and Performance Breakthrough Listen to the Better Leadership Team Show    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this episode, Rob Levin (Founder of Work Better Now and author of The New Talent Playbook) distills the biggest concepts from the book into one clear framework, and introduces a key reframe: this isn't a temporary "talent crisis," it's a permanent talent shift. Rob breaks down what the top ~15% of companies do differently to attract and retain great people, why culture and core values are the foundation, how to fix retention and hiring for today's reality, why global/remote expands your options dramatically, and how AI makes great talent even more important.   Episode Highlight "Talent deserves the same strategic attention you give revenue."   Actionable Insights Stop waiting for "back to normal", treat this as a permanent talent shift: In your next leadership meeting, make the language change explicit ("temporary crisis" → "structural shift"), then pick 1–2 systems you will redesign this quarter. Read: 88% of Small Businesses Can't Find Qualified People. The Other 12% Are Doing This.   Win candidates before they apply: clean up your employer brand (starting with Glassdoor): Go look at your Glassdoor profile today, read the reviews honestly, decide whether you have a culture problem or a visibility problem (or both), and ask 3–5 current employees for honest reviews if your culture is solid. Read: Before Job Candidates Apply, They Check This. Have You?   Retention that compounds: install a simple recognition + upskilling cadence: Launch one lightweight program this month (values-based recognition like the W Awards, an upskilling stipend + time, or a connection ritual like "story time"). Read: 3 Simple (and Proven) Ways to Turn a Good Team Into a Great One   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free Action Kit to get started.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this episode, Rob Levin sits down with Andrew Schenkel, founder of Double Play Marketing and Sales, to explore what it really takes to scale a marketing agency through intentional team design, systems, and leadership. Andrew shares how his approach to talent has evolved since launching the business in 2020, why EOS and DISC became foundational tools, and how nearshore talent and AI are shaping the future of his company. This conversation is a practical look at how great talent decisions drive great business outcomes.   About the Guest Andrew Schenkel is an entrepreneur with a strong background in marketing and sales. He founded Double Play Marketing and Sales in 2020 as an outsourced marketing department and lead generation partner for growth-oriented companies. His agency takes a data-driven approach to building brand awareness, generating qualified leads, and delivering measurable ROI.   Episode Highlight "In the beginning, it's who can we afford. As you grow, it becomes about having the right people in the right seats."   Actionable Insights Hire for clarity, not convenience: Early-stage teams often wear many hats. As companies mature, clearly defined roles and expectations become critical to sustainable growth. [01:55] Treat nearshore talent as true team members: Integrating nearshore professionals into meetings, PTO policies, and professional development strengthens performance and culture. [11:41]  AI works best as an assistant, not a replacement: From process automation to content support, AI enhances efficiency—but still requires human judgment and creativity. [14:01]   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About Andrew Schenkel Check out Double Play Agency Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn.   Other Resources Check out EOS and DISC Personality Assessment   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Jonathan B. Smith, Expert EOS Implementer® and negotiation strategist with The Black Swan Group, to explore how Tactical Empathy® can transform leadership, communication, and team health. Jonathan breaks down why self-awareness is a leader's greatest advantage, how every conversation is a negotiation, and why great systems (like EOS) reduce emotional fires so teams can focus on meaningful work.   About the Guest Jonathan B. Smith has led more than 1,500 EOS® sessions with 150+ high-growth companies, helping leadership teams improve communication, execution, and results. He's also a negotiation strategist with The Black Swan Group, co-author of Fight Less, Win More, and a longtime collaborator of Chris Voss. Jonathan specializes in helping leaders communicate more effectively, navigate conflict with confidence, and remove themselves as the threat inside conversations that matter.   Episode Highlight "People are dying to feel heard. If you can remove yourself as a threat and make your counterpart feel understood, 93% of the time you'll create a better outcome."    Actionable Insights Treat Every Conversation as a Negotiation: Any time a leader wants or needs something, they're negotiating. Tactical Empathy helps remove fear, create cooperation, and keep employees in a positive state—where they think 31% more clearly. (06:10) Systems Reduce Emotional Fires: EOS gives teams clarity and alignment, allowing leaders to spend less time putting out fires and more time having the conversations that move the business forward. (10:19) Human Skills Matter More in a Remote + AI World: AI can support thinking, but not connection. Tactical Empathy becomes even more essential as teams become more distributed. (12:46)   Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About Jonathan B. Smith Check out Stay Curious JB Your next read: Fight Less, Win More Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn.   Other Resources Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss  Traction and What the Heck is EOS? by Gino Wickman    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this episode, Rob talks with Joe Romano, founder of Romano & Associates, a tax planning and preparation firm with 19 full-time employees and more than 1,500 clients. Joe shares how his team stays sane during tax season, the deliberate choices he's made to reduce burnout, and why offshore talent has become essential to both client satisfaction and employee wellbeing. He also breaks down the ROI of administrative support, the importance of professional development in a rapidly changing tax landscape, and the culture practices that have allowed his firm to maintain less than 1% client attrition and almost zero accountant turnover in nine years.   About the Guest Joe Romano is the founder of Romano & Associates, a fully remote tax planning and preparation firm he launched nine years ago. The firm now serves over 1,500 clients with a blended team of U.S.-based accountants and WorkBetterNow offshore administrative professionals. Joe is known for his intentional leadership, strong firm culture, and commitment to investing in both client experience and team wellbeing.   Episode Highlight "The big ROI is making sure nobody cries. Keeping everybody happy and keeping everybody sane."   Actionable Insights Flexibility beats rigidity during high-pressure seasons: Joe doesn't enforce strict 9–5 schedules during tax season. Instead, he focuses on outcomes and client happiness, allowing people to choose the hours that help them stay productive and sane. [04:10] Administrative offshore talent boosts both capacity and morale: WorkBetterNow assistants help managers and tax preparers stay focused on high-value work. This has reduced turnaround times (from 7 days down to 1–2), improved client satisfaction, and kept the team under 60-hour workweeks, even at peak season. [05:20] Invest heavily in professional development, especially when regulations change: Every employee clocks ~40 hours of CPE annually, even if they're not CPAs. Joe believes education and upskilling are non-negotiable for quality, confidence, and protecting the firm from risk. [15:09]   Download This Episode's Workbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About Joe Romano Check out Romano & Associates Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this powerful conversation, mindset transformation coach Curtis McCullom breaks down the hidden patterns that quietly limit a leader's success—no matter how accomplished they are on paper. Curtis explains why subconscious beliefs formed early in life can sabotage performance, stall growth, and affect how leaders show up at home and at work. He also walks through his LGET Mindset™ framework (Learn, Grow, Expand, Transform) and shares how tools like NLP, Mental Emotional Release®, and Hypnotherapy help business owners release emotional baggage, make better decisions, and lead their teams with clarity and confidence. This is a deep, eye-opening episode about doing the inner work that drives real transformation.   About the Guest Curtis McCullom helps CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs eliminate the blind spots that restrict their income, confidence, and freedom. Through his LGET Mindset™ method and modalities like NLP, MER®, and Hypnotherapy, he guides leaders in reprogramming the subconscious patterns that hold them back. Curtis is also the host of The Curtis McCullom Show, where he interviews top leaders on success, mindset, and personal growth.   Episode Highlight "If you know what you know—and you're still not getting what you want—the block isn't strategy. It's mindset." Actionable Insights  Notice how blind spots show up in your behavior: Blind spots often manifest subtly, in emotional reactions, decision fatigue, or strained relationships. Self-awareness is the first step toward removing them. [01:53] Emotional patterns formed early in life still influence you: Childhood experiences, even small moments like hearing "money doesn't grow on trees," can shape beliefs that limit income, leadership, and confidence decades later. [05:09] Leaders must remove the "baggage" before setting big goals: According to Curtis, most leaders set goals on top of unresolved emotional blocks—leading to plateauing or self-sabotage. Clear the baggage first, then build. [08:23]   Download This Episode's Workbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About Curtis McCullom Check out Bespoke Human Potential Coaching Connect with Curtis on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this episode, Rob sits down with David Goldstein, founder of TeamBonding, North America's leading team building company built around the "power of play." David shares how team building has evolved, why culture and connection matter more than ever, and how consistent, intentional experiences can strengthen collaboration, engagement, and retention. He also breaks down how companies can integrate remote team members, avoid common pitfalls, and design team building around meaningful outcomes—not one-off events.   About the Guest David Goldstein is the founder of TeamBonding, a company that has shaped the team building industry for over three decades. Guided by the belief that meaningful play builds meaningful teams, he has created innovative programs for thousands of organizations—expanding into virtual events, charitable initiatives, and earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list.   Episode Highlight "Team building is an investment in your people. You want them to succeed, to work better together—and that helps the company succeed." Actionable Insights Team building isn't a one-off — it's a strategy: David explains that while a single event can create connection, true impact happens through recurring experiences that build on each other. [04:02] Team building strengthens retention: Companies that prioritize team building tend to value their people—and those people stay. Feeling seen, appreciated, and connected makes top talent stick around. [06:45] Remote team members can integrate seamlessly: David shares practical ways to bring overseas or remote employees into company culture—from virtual events to pairing them with teammates during in-person activities. [11:06]   Download This Episode's Workbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About David Goldstein Check out TeamBonding. Connect with David on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this episode, Rob sits down with LeiLani Quiray, Founder and CEO of be the change HR, to explore what it really means to build workplaces that are both high-performing and deeply human. With over 20 years of HR experience, LeiLani shares how shifting HR from a compliance function to a growth driver can transform a business from the inside out. She also reveals how her company's social mission—donating 1% of topline revenue to nonprofits supporting survivors of human trafficking—has created a culture rooted in purpose, compassion, and accountability.   About the Guest LeiLani Quiray is the Founder & CEO of be the change HR, a certified woman-owned social enterprise that provides HR compliance, strategy, and people-focused solutions for small and mid-sized businesses nationwide. A seasoned HR professional and advocate for social impact, she built her company around her mantra, "Be the change," ensuring that purpose and profit go hand in hand.   Episode Highlight "If you just do the right thing, it will be good for business — taking care of your people is always the best strategy."   Actionable Insights Look beyond compliance: The biggest HR opportunity lies in strategy, addressing root causes like leadership gaps and culture misalignment, not just turnover symptoms.  [03:30] Start with the "people strategy": When planning for growth, ask "how does this align with our people?" Every business goal depends on humans to execute it. [07:02] Live your core values: Core values should drive hiring, feedback, and even fun. Ask regularly: Are we living our values day to day? [08:33] Invest in learning and growth: Supporting your team's development—both professionally and personally—builds loyalty, engagement, and long-term success. [10:47]   Download This Episode's Workbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About LeiLani Quiray Check out be the change HR. Connect with LeiLani on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this episode, Rob Levin sits down with Alex Kunz, CEO of OP2 Labs, a company providing innovative collagen-based nutrition and a five-time Inc. 5000 fastest-growing business. A former U.S. Navy SEAL turned multi-industry leader, Alex shares what he's learned about building high-performing, self-sustaining teams—and why the best companies can function without their founders. He opens up about the importance of adaptability, how to hire for culture before skill, and how to make offshore team members truly feel part of the mission. From SEAL team leadership to scaling through recessions and a pandemic, Alex's story is a masterclass in resilience, trust, and deliberate leadership.   About the Guest Alex Kunz is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning energy, renewables, consumer products, defense, and health & wellness. He's the CEO of OP2 Labs, a company providing innovative collagen-based nutrition and home to brands like Frog Fuel and ProT GOLD. Alex is also Managing Partner at Terraform Holdings, which focuses on investments, M&A, and business turnarounds, and Principal at Nicholas K, a luxury fashion label. A former U.S. Navy SEAL, Alex brings a unique perspective on building resilient, high-performance teams that thrive under pressure.   Episode Highlight "If your company can't function without you, then you don't have a scalable company." — Alex Kunz    Actionable Insights Run your company as if you're not there: The best leaders build systems and teams that can operate independently. Empower your people to lead and make decisions.[03:45] Hire for culture first, skill second: Alex's hiring process starts with cultural alignment, skills and experience come later. The wrong cultural fit always costs more down the line. [06:11] Adaptability drives survival and growth: When COVID hit, OP2 Labs quickly pivoted focus from its medical division to human performance products, resulting in 85% growth that year. [12:51] Foster innovation from within: Alex's team-building exercises and AI "show and tell" meetings give every employee a role in innovation and problem-solving. [17:23]   Download This Episode's Workbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About Alex Kunz Check out OP2 labs Connect with Alex on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Out now! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team 📕 Available on Amazon or visit thenewtalentplaybook.com and get the free scorecard.

In this special LinkedIn Live edition of The New Talent Playbook Podcast, marketing expert John Jantsch sits down with Rob Levin, co-founder of WorkBetterNow and author of The New Talent Playbook. Together, they explore why so many small and mid-sized businesses are quietly facing a talent crisis, and what leaders can do to build their dream teams in today's rapidly changing world. Rob shares the inspiration behind his new book, lessons learned from two decades of entrepreneurship, and why "talent-first" thinking is essential for growth. From hiring for cultural fit to preparing your team for the AI revolution, this conversation offers an actionable roadmap for business owners ready to level up their people strategy.   About the Guest Rob Levin is the co-founder of WorkBetterNow, a leading provider of remote talent from Latin America for U.S.-based companies. With decades of experience helping business owners scale effectively, Rob is passionate about reshaping how leaders think about talent, culture, and performance. His new book, The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team, distills those lessons into a practical guide for building a high-performing team that drives growth and fulfillment.   Get the Book Grab your copy of The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team by Rob Levin. A practical guide for small business leaders ready to build their dream team and lead with purpose. Available on Amazon.   Episode Highlight "You don't have to settle for 'good enough' people. You can build a company full of people who are excited to be there—who say 'TGIM' every Monday." — Rob Levin    Actionable Insights Spot the Signs of a Talent Crisis: If you're holding on to "C players" out of fear of not finding replacements, or you've quietly lowered your business goals because of team limitations, you're already in a talent crisis. [04:00] Treat Recruiting Like Marketing: Hiring isn't just about job postings—it's about storytelling. Sell your company like you'd sell your product: highlight your culture, mission, and impact to attract A-players. Build Culture by Design: Great culture doesn't happen by accident. Define your core values, talk about them in interviews, and make sure they're reflected in daily behavior—not just posters. Hire an Assistant Before You Think You Need One: Your first strategic hire might not be a salesperson—it might be an executive assistant who frees you up to focus on your "unique ability" and strategic growth.   More About John Jansch Check out Duck Tape Marketing  Connect with John on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Grab your copy of The New Talent Playbook + get the scorecard.

In this episode of The New Talent Playbook Podcast, Rob Levin sits down with Ron Karr, speaker, advisor, and creator of the Velocity Mindset®. Ron has spent over three decades helping leaders and sales teams eliminate friction, gain buy-in, and achieve results faster. Rob and Ron unpack how clarity of direction and how leaders can build alignment, accountability, and trust to accelerate growth without burning out their teams.   About the Guest Ron Karr has worked with leaders, sales executives, and entrepreneurs on six continents to eliminate risk, gain buy-in, and achieve better results faster with the Velocity Mindset®. His presentations and advisory services have generated over a billion dollars in incremental revenue for clients. Ron is the author of five books, including Velocity Mindset® and the bestseller Lead, Sell or Get Out of the Way.   Episode Highlight "Velocity isn't about going faster—it's about moving in the right direction with clarity and confidence."    Actionable Insights Start with alignment at the top: True velocity begins when everyone in the C-suite agrees on where the organization is heading and why. [03:10] Think bigger than your history: Don't let past limitations dictate your goals. Bold direction requires new, stronger actions. [05:00] Replace blame with creativity: Shift team conversations from "Why are we behind?" to "What will it take to move from a 2 to a 6?" to unlock problem-solving energy. [08:30] Clarity attracts top talent: High performers are drawn to leaders with a clear vision, strong development paths, and cultures of accountability. [11:00]   Download This Episode's Workbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About Ron Karr Check out ronkarr.com and subscribe to free weekly videos on the Velocity Mindset. Your next read: The Velocity Mindset® by Ron Karr. Connect with Ron on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Substack.  Sign up to get updates on The New Talent Playbook + get the scorecard.

What happens when you build a successful business—but still feel something's missing? In this episode, mindfulness expert and award-winning servant leader Rob Dube shares how mastering your inner game of leadership transforms how you lead, hire, and live. From redefining hustle culture to building a people-first company that thrives without burnout, Rob offers simple, practical ways to lead with more clarity, peace, and purpose.   About the Guest Rob Dube is a mindfulness expert, speaker, and co-founder of imageOne, a company recognized by Forbes and Inc. for its people-first culture. Today, he's the Visionary behind The 10 Disciplines Coaching Program and co-author of Shine, which helps leaders create more freedom, energy, and clarity in their work and life.   Episode Highlight "When you have clarity, you make better decisions—and when you make better decisions, you get where you're going faster." Actionable Insights Lead from love, not fear: Many business decisions—especially hiring and firing—are driven by fear. Rob shares how choosing from love leads to stronger alignment and healthier teams. [05:00] Know yourself first: Self-awareness is a leadership skill. Rob explains why understanding your own inner patterns helps you become a more intentional, grounded leader. [07:05] Build a culture that nurtures—not drains—your people: Leaders who prioritize their own inner peace set the tone for a stronger, happier culture. When leaders recharge, teams follow. [16:29]   Download This Episode's Workbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free workbook to get started.    More About Rob Dube Check out The 10 Disciplines and robdube.com Your next read: Shine, by Rob Dube and Gino Wickman. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn.   Other resources mentioned during this episode Check out the Small Giants Community and the Tugboat Institute.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

Rob speaks with David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, about building a culture by design, evolving from visionary founder to strategy-focused CEO, and why AI is the next transformational lever in CLE and operations. David shares how structure (Scaling Up), personality tools, and an internal academy accelerate execution, plus practical ways to "AI‑enable" teams, automate low‑value work, and create award-winning client education.   About the guest David Schnurman is the CEO of Lawline, the leading provider of online continuing legal education. He's the author of The Fast Forward Mindset and the upcoming The Year We Said Yes, and host of the Lawyers Who Learn podcast. David is the former president of EO New York and serves on his YPO chapter board. He's also a marathoner and speaker focused on helping people be more fearless, focused, and fulfilled.   Highlight "You only grow as fast as your leaders grow."    Actionable insights Use personality profiles to improve collaboration: Share types across the team (e.g., TypeCoach/MBTI) so people tailor communication and balance visionary vs. detail strengths. [05:33] Treat AI as change management, not just tooling: Hire for AI fluency, "AI‑enable" roles, and create forums, training, and expectations to reduce fear and drive adoption. [11:21] Build leaders systematically: Create an internal academy and Emerging Leaders program; coach candid conversations and management fundamentals. [18:17]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About  David Schnurman  Check out Collection 18 Connect with David on LinkedIn.   Other resources David mentions Check out TypeCoach. Follow  Conor Grennan on LinkedIn Your next read: Areté by Brian Johnson.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

What does it take to build a standout team in a creative, fast-paced industry like fashion? In this episode, Rob sits down with Drew Pizzo, who has led Collection 18 for over 30 years, to explore how a commitment to unique ability, clear values, and ongoing development has helped him build one of the most admired cultures in his space. From rigorous hiring to daily team rhythms and executive coaching, Drew shares the behind-the-scenes strategies that keep his team engaged, aligned, and competitive—even as the fashion world continues to evolve.   About the Guest Drew Pizzo is the owner and president of Collection 18, a women's fashion accessories company he has led since 1992. Known for combining innovation with operational discipline, Drew has cultivated a company culture that fuels creativity and results. Outside of his business, he serves as President of the Executive Board of CancerCare and Vice Chairman of the Fashion Accessories Benefit Ball (FABB).   Episode Highlight "If you want exceptional results, hire for exceptional ability—and keep people in their zone of genius." Actionable Insights Start with unique ability: Drew doesn't just hire for talent—he hires for alignment. His first interview with every candidate focuses on uncovering what they do exceptionally well. [02:57] Make culture competitive: He regularly asks: Is our head of sales better than the competitor's? That standard keeps everyone focused on high performance, not just effort. [7:32] Invest in learning—at every level: From $500 education stipends to quarterly strategic retreats, Drew believes retention starts with development. [13:56] Meet daily, think quarterly: A quick 9 AM Zoom keeps communication sharp. But the real magic? Quarterly planning days where the whole team reflects, celebrates wins, and resets goals together. [17:28]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About Drew Pizzo Check out Collection 18 Connect with Drew on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

In a world moving from change to chaos, Lisa Bodell makes the case for subtraction: kill needless rules, cut administrivia, and restore focus to meaningful work. She shares a simple, leader-led process to remove friction, the cultural and retention gains from clarity, and how to use AI as a coach to identify what to stop, simplify, and stress-test. The takeaway: mandate simplification, model it, and reset leadership norms so teams spend time where it counts.   About the guest Lisa Bodell is the founder of FutureThink and the bestselling author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company. Her work on simplification and innovation has influenced teams at Google, SAP, and Citi, and she's a frequent contributor to outlets including Forbes, Fast Company, and The New York Times.   Episode Highlight "We've moved into a world that's not just about change, it's about chaos. And the way to get control is simplification—value, not volume."    Actionable insights Run "Kill a Stupid Rule" regularly: Ask each team member to name two rules or processes in their sphere of control to eliminate—and why. Expect quick wins; many "rules" are just habits or time sucks. [03:53] Lead with permission and structure: Fear blocks simplification. Provide a clear forum, mandate subtraction targets, and pilot removals if needed. Leaders must personally commit to killing at least one rule. [09:53] Use AI as a coach for subtraction and strategy: Prompt for "what to remove" by function, surface wild cards, and stress-test plans. Upload internal playbooks to a private GPT and iterate; avoid sensitive data in public tools. [13:04]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About Lisa Bodell Check out FutureThink and lisabodell.com Your next read: Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company. Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

If you think team performance is too fuzzy to measure, this episode will challenge that mindset. Eddie Geller, a seasoned entrepreneur and performance strategist, talks with Rob Levin about how data, not just gut instinct, can help leaders unlock the full potential of their teams. Eddie shares how SKOR helps companies go beyond culture surveys and engagement scores by identifying what drives (or blocks) team performance. From embracing AI to generational shifts in the workplace, this is a forward-thinking conversation about what leadership looks like when you put people and measurement at the center.   About the Guest Eddie Geller is an entrepreneur and performance strategist who believes technology can unlock the best in people and teams. He's the founder and CEO of SKOR, a platform that measures and improves team performance through clear data and actionable insights. Previously, he co-founded Tinybeans, which went public in 2017. Originally from Australia and now based in New York, Eddie brings decades of experience building high-performing, people-first companies.   Episode Highlight "If it's not written, it's what's lived. Culture isn't what's on the wall—it's how your team shows up every day." Actionable Insights Team performance needs measurement, not guesswork: Eddie explains how SKOR uses a 0–100 scoring system based on cohesion, clarity, and courage to assess team dynamics. [05:00] Culture and performance are more connected than most leaders admit: Eddie shares why "great culture" rarely exists without strong, high-performing teams—and how to bridge that gap. [08:00] Leaders must adapt to generational differences—not resist them: From recognition to feedback styles, understanding what motivates younger employees is key to long-term engagement. [10:00] AI will change how we work—but culture determines how well we adapt: Eddie outlines how teams can become "AI-ready" by strengthening curiosity, adaptability, and a culture of experimentation. [26:00]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About Eddie Geller Check out SKOR. Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.     

In this episode, Rob sits down with Kurt Wilkin—entrepreneur, advisor, and author of Who's Your Mike?—to unpack what it really takes to scale a business with the right team. Kurt shares why so many CEOs stall their own growth by holding onto the wrong people for too long, what "hiring better" actually looks like, and how to level up your leadership by embracing self-awareness. It's a candid, BS-free conversation from someone who's helped hundreds of founders build companies that grow—and last.   About the Guest Kurt Wilkin is the co-founder of HireBetter, a strategic talent partner for growth-minded companies, and managing partner at Bee Cave Capital. With decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, Kurt brings a plainspoken, no-nonsense approach to leadership and scaling. He's also the author of Who's Your Mike?, a guide for founders navigating the messy human side of business growth.   Episode Highlight "Who got you here won't always get you there." Actionable Insights "Hiring better" starts with strategy, not resumes: Before posting a job, ask: Where are we going—and who do we need around the table to get there? [03:35] Next-level talent changes everything: Bringing in one experienced, high-performing leader can shift your company's entire trajectory. [05:57] Founders need self-awareness to scale: If you think you're the smartest person in the room, you're probably limiting your own growth. [08:35] Conflict-avoidant? You'll struggle with legacy hires: Kurt shares how to approach tough conversations with longtime team members who've outgrown their role—with empathy and clarity. [09:14]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About Kurt Wilkin Check out HireBetter. Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

In this episode, Matt Tritt, Founder and President of Greenlight Consulting & Management, shares his journey from burnout to building a purpose-driven owner's rep firm in the high-stakes world of NYC real estate. He talks with Rob about shifting from winging it to leading with intention, the role of core values in hiring and client outcomes, and how connection drives both culture and performance.   About Matt Tritt Matthew Tritt is the Founder and President of Greenlight Consulting & Management, a boutique Owner's Representation firm specializing in mid-market ground-up development and adaptive reuse projects in the New York City area. With over 20 years of experience in real estate development and construction, Matt helps developers navigate complex projects while building long-term partnerships rooted in integrity and results. He leads with values like collaboration, transparency, and tailored solutions to drive outcomes that last.   Episode Highlight "When I started leading with my heart first, everything changed — the energy, the clarity, the buy-in." — Matthew Tritt    Actionable Insights Burnout can be a signal to re-center on purpose: Matt's decision to close his construction company led to years of reflection and a new business built on clarity and values. [05:33] Hiring based on values creates long-term alignment: Every Greenlight candidate completes a values-based questionnaire and assessment before joining. [15:25] Core values aren't fluff, they impact outcomes: "If you care, you listen," Matt says, and that connection makes high-stakes development more sustainable. [16:00] Remote culture requires overcommunication: Weekly updates in Slack and field visits help connect on-site and remote team members. [24:40]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About Matt Tritt Check out Greenlight Consulting & Management. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

What if the biggest barrier to sales growth isn't your product or your pitch — but your people? In this episode, globally recognized sales strategist Morné Smit shares how he helps companies unlock 30% to 130% year-over-year growth by aligning talent, process, and proposition. From diagnosing flatlining pipelines to scaling without bloated sales teams, Morné reveals the sales leadership moves that drive sustainable results.   About Morné Smit Morné Smit is the CEO of Emerse Sales and a globally recognized, award-winning sales expert who's helped hundreds of growth-minded companies transform their sales results — often achieving 30% to 130% year-over-year growth. A trusted advisor to founders and leadership teams across 65+ industries and four continents, Morné brings real-world experience building scalable sales functions, coaching elite performers, and diagnosing the root causes of flatlining pipelines.   Episode Highlight "  Charisma doesn't scale. Rhythm does. Structure does. So what we're looking for is a sales manager, a sales leader who can really encourage repeatable behavior in the business." – Morné Smit.   Actionable Insights Diagnose before investing: Identify whether the real issue is talent, process, or proposition before pouring resources into sales fixes. [01:47] Hire for pattern recognition and self-awareness: Elite salespeople see buying behavior patterns, understand their impact on the sale, and lead with service over hustle. [03:42] Measure inputs, not just outputs: In remote sales teams, track behaviors, engagement, and energy levels to predict long-term success. [11:37] Leverage sales support roles: Free top salespeople from low-payoff activities to unlock massive ROI without adding headcount. [14:59]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About Morné Smit Check out Emerse Sales Connect with Morné on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

In this episode, Shannon Waller, entrepreneurial team strategist at Strategic Coach, shares insights on building high-performing teams through Unique Ability® teamwork. She and Rob discuss delegation, recognizing when to let go of wrong-fit team members, and how to create a culture where everyone thrives in their zone of genius.   About the Guest Shannon Waller is a longtime Strategic Coach® team member and creator of The Entrepreneurial Team® Program. She is the author of The Team Success Handbook and Multiplication by Subtraction, and co-author of Superpowered and Unique Ability® 2.0: Discovery. She hosts the Team Success podcast and co-hosts Inside Strategic Coach with Dan Sullivan.   Episode Highlight "When you can surround yourself with people who are just as passionate and capable in their area of expertise as you are in yours—that's when true teamwork happens."    Actionable Insights Understand and leverage Unique Ability®: Identify what lights you up and surround yourself with people whose strengths complement yours. [02:54] Fix delegation with clarity and communication: Avoid "drive-by delegation" by clearly defining expectations, levels of delegation, and desired outcomes. [20:55] Recognize wrong-fit team members early: Use behavioral cues and core values to decide when subtraction might multiply team performance. [26:39] Close open files to reduce mental clutter: Regular check-ins and tools like a "pending list" prevent miscommunication and free up mental space. [23:01]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About Shannon Waller Check out Strategic Coach. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn.  Read the Team Success Handbook and Multiplication By Subtraction.  Listen to Shannon Waller's Team Success Podcast.  More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

Daniel Todd, CEO of Influence Mobile, joins Rob to discuss how he's scaled a remote-first company across borders while maintaining a culture that consistently earns "Best Places to Work" recognition. He shares actionable strategies for building trust, leading distributed teams, and adopting AI to enhance productivity and future-proof talent.   About the Guest Daniel Todd is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years in tech and digital media. As CEO of Influence Mobile, he's built one of the most recognized rewards platforms in mobile gaming, leading the company to land on the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row while maintaining a people-first culture across a globally distributed team.   Episode Highlight "Culture is as important to our business as the business metrics." - Daniel Todd   Actionable Insights Build trust early, then scale intentionally: Starting with a core team of trusted relationships creates a strong cultural foundation for future hires. [00:00] Deliberate culture beats perks: Hiring for relationship-driven values and reinforcing them through offsites and transparency sustains engagement long-term. [00:00] Evaluate performance with clarity and connection: Defining success metrics upfront and pairing them with regular HR check-ins ensures alignment in a remote environment. [00:00] Upskill your team for AI—don't wait for disruption: Proactively building AI literacy (like internal "AI competitions") prepares teams for productivity gains and future shifts.[00:00]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.    More About Daniel Todd Check out Influence Mobile. Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

What's the difference between working in the business vs. on the business—and why does it matter so much? In this episode, Rob talks with Jamie Munoz, founder of Catalyst Integrators™, about the power of the visionary-integrator partnership, the value of intentional structure, and how fractional leadership is evolving to meet the needs of growing businesses.   About Jamie Munoz Jamie is the founder of Catalyst Integrators™, a firm that provides COO-level leadership for companies running on EOS®. Her team of experienced integrators helps visionary founders get out of the weeds and scale with confidence. Catalyst has earned national recognition—SBA's Best Business Coaches award three years in a row and a spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list. Episode Highlight 🗣️ "You don't just need time to work on the business—you need to be your best self when you're doing it." — Jamie Munoz  Actionable Insights Working on the business requires energy, not just time. Set aside "sacred time" when you're mentally and emotionally ready to strategize, not just checking a box. [01:42] Bringing in a COO isn't about headcount—it's about capacity. If you don't have a trusted thought partner who can elevate to 30,000 feet with you, it's time to look for an integrator. [04:51] Remote teams require intentional culture-building. You can't rely on hallway moments—great culture in virtual settings needs to be designed, not improvised. [08:20]   Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free worksheet to get started.    More About Jamie Munoz  Check out Catalyst Integrators. Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

In this episode, Rob Levin speaks with Laura Crothers, founder and CEO of Crothers Consulting, about how leadership planning and deliberate talent development can dramatically impact company growth—especially for small and mid-sized businesses. Laura shares actionable strategies for building leadership pipelines, navigating succession, and assessing culture fit in acquisitions.   About Laura Crothers Laura Crothers is the founder and CEO of Crothers Consulting, a leadership and HR advisory firm helping high-growth companies scale effectively for the past 15 years. With 25+ years of experience in HR leadership, M&A strategy, and executive coaching, she has worked with organizations like McGraw Hill, ADP, and Merrill Lynch, as well as countless SMBs navigating rapid growth and culture shifts.   Episode Highlight "Leadership is a differentiator—and having really good, effective leaders and a plan around your leadership will differentiate you."
— Laura Crothers, [08:58]   Actionable Insights Build leaders, not just managers: Management is about execution; leadership is about vision. High-growth companies invest deliberately in developing both. [03:56] The #1 leadership gap? Communication: Most leaders fall short on strategic and consistent communication—both internally and externally. [04:50] Plan your succession early: Especially for founders and retiring baby boomers, breaking apart multifunctional roles and planning realistic handovers is essential. [06:37] Download This Episode's Playbook  Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free worksheet to get started.    More About Laura Crothers   Check out Crothers Consulting. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn. 

Episode Summary In this episode, Shawn Busse, Founder and CEO of Kinesis, shares why aligning culture, brand, and strategy isn't just a feel-good exercise — it's a growth strategy. He explains how values-driven leadership can reduce costly turnover, build trust with clients, and create exponential impact across a business. 💡 Plus: Why most businesses get "values" wrong — and how to fix it.   Key Takeaway When culture and marketing are aligned from the inside out, businesses experience stronger retention, greater customer loyalty, and long-term profitability — without pouring more into the top of the funnel.   Questions I Ask Shawn 01:30    What does "Marketing from the Inside Out" mean for small businesses? 02:47    How can business owners align their internal culture with their external brand? 05:02    How does investing in culture actually drive revenue growth? 09:09    What are values-driven companies, and what do most business owners get wrong about values? 14:21    What role should leadership play in shaping strategy, workforce, and culture? 16:22   What should business owners stop doing when it comes to culture? 19:06    How can aligning your people strategy with your business model create a competitive advantage?   More About Shawn Busse:   Check out Kinesis. Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.     📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this episode, leadership coach and consultant Adrienne Duffy shares how business owners can build aligned, high-performing teams by connecting vision, values, and unique abilities. She introduces the Nexus Project framework and explains why sustainable growth depends on both inner and outer development.   Key Takeaway Alignment isn't just about goals—it's about making sure each team member's role connects with their unique strengths and the company's vision. When that happens, performance improves and growth becomes sustainable.   Questions I Ask Adrienne 01:50    Can you tell us a little bit about what The Nexus Project is and how it came to life? 04:27    Where does alignment start?  06:06    How often do you see a business owner who doesn't know where they're going?  08:26    What is a unique ability and why is that so important with alignment? 13:10     How does a business leader go about helping their team members understand their unique abilities? 16:18    Before matching people to roles, how do we figure out what a role needs in terms of strengths or traits, like Print or Kolbe? 18:03    As the company grows and roles evolve, should leaders regularly reassess what each role requires and whether the current person is still the right fit? 19:23    What are some signs that a team is out of alignment, and what are the first things they need to do to correct that? 20:51      What's a step that business owners can take to move to a more aligned and empowered team?   More About Adrienne Duffy:   Check out Big Futures Inc. Connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.     📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this episode, Rob sits down with Dan Donnelly, seasoned energy, real estate, and startup investor, and founder of Donnelly Mechanical. Dan shares how he built one of NYC's top commercial HVAC firms by putting people first—offering sweat equity to key team members, building a culture of accountability, and hiring strategically to scale. He also reveals what really made the company attractive to buyers, and why aligning your team, systems, and personal goals is essential for long-term success.   Key Takeaway You can't grow—or sell—a great company without a strong team. Building a business that runs without you means investing in people, staying ahead of the market, and having a five-year plan that aligns your business strategy with your personal goals.   Questions I ask Dan: 01:33    What were the top drivers that led to the success of Donnelly Mechanical? 12:26    When you made your partners responsible for key parts of the business, did you have to train them up, or were they already prepared for those roles? 17:59    What did you learn from selling Donnelly Mechanical that business owners should know?  27:03    With all the communication tools we have today, what should business owners be doing about it? 29:14    You were already successful when you joined Vistage, why was it still important to seek feedback and keep learning?     More About Dan Donnelly:   Connect with Dan on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.     📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this episode, Rob sits down with Lewis Schiff, entrepreneur, author, and Chairman of Birthing of Giants. Lewis shares his insights on what it takes to scale a business, build the right leadership team, and prepare a company for long-term success—whether or not you plan to sell. They dive into the mindset shifts founders must make, the realities of hiring "A" talent, and why every business owner should be thinking like a capital owner in today's economic landscape. Packed with practical takeaways and sharp commentary, this is a must-listen for growth-minded business owners.   Key Takeaway Every company has a culture—either by design or by default—and business owners must align their talent strategy, leadership, and long-term goals accordingly. Building a team that can run the company without you doesn't just create freedom—it multiplies enterprise value and future-proofs your business against market changes.   Questions I ask Lewis 01:39   What are the most successful founders get right and or wrong about building their teams? 05:25   How do you know if your leadership team is truly strong? One question I heard recently sums it up: Are they pushing you or pulling you? 07:26   What mindset shifts do entrepreneurs typically make after going through the Birthing of Giants program—especially when it comes to talent? 10:15     What's the biggest opportunity and the biggest threat that business owners have in front of them right now?  14:35   What are the best companies you work with doing to attract and retain top talent at all levels? 19:03   What megatrends should founders be paying attention to right now?   More About Lewis Schiff:   Check out Birthing of Giants. Connect with Lewis on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.     📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Don Harkey, CEO and Founder of People Centric Consulting Group, joins Rob to explore how systems—not slogans—create strong cultures. They talk about what it means to balance empowerment with alignment, the hidden cost of poor onboarding, how to adapt during rapid change, and why remote work shouldn't derail culture if you're deliberate about how you lead. Key Takeaway:  Culture isn't about perks—it's about systems. If you want better engagement and performance, build habits and structures that empower people while keeping everyone aligned.   Questions I ask Don: 01:33   What does "culture-centric leadership" mean? 03:51   Where do most companies go wrong when trying to improve culture? 05:36   How do systems and processes play a role in shaping workplace culture? 09:25   How does rapid business change impact the way leaders should think about a people-centric culture? 12:32   How can leaders effectively communicate the need for change so their teams truly understand it and take proactive action? 18:48   What should fast-growing small and mid-sized businesses keep in mind to maintain a people-centric culture as they scale? 20:32   What should be done differently in a remote or hybrid model to maintain a people-centric culture?   More About Don Harkey:   Check out People Centric Consulting Group  Connect with Don on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.     📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this episode, Rob sits down with Jennifer Berkowitz, founder of R&J Advisory Group and Freedom Goal Group, and a seasoned coach to mid-market CEOs and leadership teams. Jennifer shares what it really takes to scale a company—without becoming the bottleneck or burning out. From building alignment across teams to leading remote employees with intention, she offers practical strategies for creating clarity, reducing stress, and empowering teams to drive growth. If you're a business owner stuck in the weeds or unsure how to get your team rowing in the same direction, this conversation is for you.   Key Takeaway Scaling successfully isn't about doing more—it's about doing less yourself. CEOs must stop trying to be the hero and start building teams that are clear, empowered, and aligned. With the right tools, systems, and rhythms in place, business owners can reduce stress, unlock profit, and grow sustainably—even with remote or hybrid teams   Questions I Ask Jennifer What are the most common growing pains you see in mid-market companies? How can business leaders make sure their teams are aligned with company goals? What mindset shift do CEOs need to make to grow more effectively? How can a better dashboard reduce stress and increase clarity? What are the biggest challenges of managing remote and hybrid teams—and how can leaders overcome them? How do you know when someone isn't the right fit for your organization? Why do business owners sometimes need to "slow down to speed up"? Where can people learn more about your work and upcoming trainings?   More About Jennifer Berkowitz:   Check out R&J Advisory Group and Freedom Goal Group. Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.     📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Episode Summary In this episode, Rob sits down with Eddie Solomon, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Net at Work, a leading technology advisor to SMBs. Eddie shares the lessons he's learned from leading over 40 acquisitions, building a 450-person remote workforce, and fostering a strong company culture over nearly three decades. They dive into the strategic importance of talent in acquisitions, the balance between intrapreneurship and structure, and the deliberate efforts required to keep remote teams engaged and growing. Whether you're scaling your company or navigating post-acquisition integration, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Key Takeaway A successful business isn't just built on clients—it's built on people. Companies that prioritize talent integration during acquisitions, invest in leadership development, and take a deliberate approach to culture in remote environments will be best positioned for long-term growth.   Questions I Ask Eddie [03:21] How do you assess talent during the acquisition process? [7:32] How important is cultural alignment in a deal? [10:28] How has your company culture evolved over 30 years? [12:32] What are the biggest trade-offs that come with scaling a business and going remote? [17:13] What do you do to keep remote teams aligned and engaged? [18:37] How do you train leaders to manage effectively in a remote-first company? [20:28] What does career development and internal mobility look like at Net at Work?   More About Eddie Solomon: Check out Net at Work Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow: Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel! Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin. Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.   📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Rob Levin talks with Nick Herinckx, Co-CEO of Oxygen and seasoned executive coach, to explore how a founder's role evolves as a business scales. Drawing from experience coaching over 100 CEOs and leading multiple companies himself, Nick breaks down what leaders often get wrong. From understanding the difference between managers and leaders to knowing when to step in (and out) of "Founder Mode," this episode is packed with practical advice for business owners navigating growth.   Key takeaway Founders and CEOs must adapt at every stage of growth, and that includes building leaders who push you, not the other way around. Creating a scalable business means investing in your managers, clarifying your own role, and making intentional decisions based on what kind of company you truly want to build (or sell).   Questions I Ask Nick 02:11   What's the role of the business owner/CEO?  03:44  What are some of the challenges CEO's usually face? 07:03  How can you tell if your leadership team is pushing you, or if you're still dragging them? 09:05  What is "Founder Mode" and when should a CEO step into it? 13:45  Why is promoting high-performers into management without training such a big risk? 17:46  When a great manager is promoted into a leadership role, should business owners invest in outside training for them, or is it better for the owner to coach them directly? 19:07  How can CEOs develop leadership in a remote or hybrid environment? 23:06 What should business owners consider when preparing for a sale or exit?   More About Nick Herinckx:   Check out Oxygen.  Connect with Nick on LinkedIn.  More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.     📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Rob chats with Peter Morandi, CEO of Eastman Cooke, a company renowned for building award-winning construction projects through innovation and leadership. Peter shares how he's transformed the traditionally manual construction industry by integrating remote professionals into nearly every department, from estimating to project management. He dives into the systems, culture, and mindset that allowed Eastman Cooke to double its annual estimates, improve client satisfaction, and reduce costly errors. Key Takeaway Remote professionals aren't just support—they're strategic assets. With the right tools, systems, and mindset, even traditionally "boots-on-the-ground" industries like construction can benefit from offshore talent and dramatically improve efficiency, accuracy, and client relationships. Questions I ask Peter 2:15   How do you get your team to buy into new systems, automation, and more productive ways of working?  3:37  How did you build buy-in for your ECA Work Smart system across the company? 6:26  What impact has having an assistant made on your personal productivity and leadership? 8:26  How do remote professionals support critical functions like estimating and project management? 11:49  What measurable results have you seen from adding remote assistants across departments? 19:06  How did your team adapt to working with offshore professionals?   More About Peter Morandi:   Check out Eastman Cooke. Connect with Peter on LinkedIn.   More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.  Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.    📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this special episode, host Rob Levin looks back on Season 1 of the Great Talent, Great Business Podcast. He shares the most powerful takeaways from conversations with nine incredible guests. From generational differences in the workplace to building intentional company culture, Rob highlights the insights that left a mark—and how he's applying them in real time at Work Better Now. This episode is the perfect way to catch up on the season's best ideas and get inspired for what's next.   Key Takeaway:Great leadership starts with clarity. Whether you're hiring, managing, or building culture, intentional communication and aligned expectations are the foundation of a high-performing team.   More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:  Watch all video episodes in this Youtube Playlist. Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Visit WorkBetterNow.com 

In this episode, Rob chats with Jack Daly, legendary sales trainer, entrepreneur, author, and endurance athlete. They dive into how business owners can build a culture by design, not by default, no matter if their teams are in-office or remote. Jack shares proven strategies for creating an environment where people want to work, why playbooks are critical across the organization (not just in sales), and the three high-impact changes that help businesses scale effectively. Packed with real-world stories and Jack's signature energy, this is a must-listen for any business owner serious about growth, alignment, and culture.   Key Takeaway:  A thriving company culture doesn't happen by accident. Business owners must proactively design their culture, invest in clear communication, and build systems that scale—like playbooks, recognition programs, and robust financial plans. Whether you're just starting or running a company for 15 years, it's never too late to realign your business for greater impact.    Questions I ask Jack Daly:   03:15     What should leaders focus on to make Culture by Design intentional rather than just letting it happen?  06:32     Where do you start to start to turn around that culture and make it more intentional?  10:11       What are some considerations that you should make to accommodate and to engage your people who are not in the office?   15:48     Company playbooks are very effective. How should business owners be thinking about playbooks throughout their organizations?  18:22     What are your thoughts about having playbooks in other parts of the organization?  22:14    What are the top three things your coaching clients do that make the biggest impact?  26:37   When we talk about a financial plan, are this KPIs, a full budget, or both revenue and expense projections?  27:00     When it comes to the products, is it just revenue that you're looking at or are there some other things to look at from time to time?   More About Jack:   Check out Jack Daly Sales  Looking for a good read? Explore Jack's books here Connect with Jack on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Visit WorkBetterNow.com  📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

In this episode, Rob sits down with Michael Deutsch, Managing Partner of The Deutsch Group and owner of Sapphire Talent. They explore the often-overlooked art (and science) of hiring. Michael shares his insights on why most small and mid-sized businesses struggle with hiring, what needs to change, and how organizations can design better hiring processes—especially in remote and hybrid environments. They also dive into broader business challenges like getting stuck despite having the "right people" and how to break through those barriers.   Key Takeaway:  Hiring is more than just filling a seat—it's about building intentional processes to find and empower the right people. Companies that invest time in preparing structured, curiosity-driven interviews and create culture by design, especially in remote settings, are more likely to scale effectively and sustainably.  Questions I ask Michael Deutsch:   01:46    What are most companies missing out with respect to hiring?  02:48    Where should companies start in terms of improving their hiring process?  03:35    Is it about hiring a good person or hiring the right person for a specific role?  04:38    How do you evaluate whether someone is right for the job during interviews?   06:51    What should the person hiring look for in an answer to a follow up question during an interview?  10:13    How do you assess if someone will thrive in a remote or hybrid environment?  15:47    Other than hiring, what's the biggest challenge business owners face in getting the most out of their teams?  17:45    When a company already has the right people, where do they still get stuck?    More About Michael:   Check out Michael on EOS  Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Visit WorkBetterNow.com  📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

In this episode, Rob Levin is joined by Chason Hecht, CEO and founder of Retensa, a global leader in employee retention strategies. With decades of data and experience behind him, Chason dives into what really drives retention—and spoiler alert—it starts way before someone quits.  From knowing why people join and stay, to the rising impact of remote work, and how culture, hiring, and feedback all play a role, this episode is packed with insights (and a few laughs) that every small and mid-sized business owner needs to hear.  Key Takeaway:  Retention isn't just about keeping people—it's about keeping the right people for your company's culture and stage of growth. As Chason Hecht explains, most small and midsized businesses don't have a retention problem—they have a hiring problem. When you align your hiring process with your company values, understand why employees join, stay, or leave, and create ongoing feedback loops, you build a foundation for long-term success. Especially in remote or hybrid environments, flexibility, recognition, and clear communication can be powerful (and often low-cost) retention tools that help high performers thrive and stay engaged.  Questions I ask Chason Hecht:   01:41    What is the significance and importance of retention in small and mid-sized business?  06:20       What's different on the retention side, and the importance of retention in that business?  08:20    Is all retention good, or is there some retention that's not so good?  10:43      What are some of the more common challenges in small and midsized businesses when it comes to retention?    13:55    How can companies mitigate challenges like hiring mistakes or trying to "act big" before they're ready?  14:24    Retensa is known for taking a data-driven approach to predicting and preventing turnover. What does that look like?  15:37    Give us a couple of examples of the kinds of questions you ask employees to gather meaningful feedback.  16:59 After asking those questions, are you looking at aggregate results or individual responses?  19:16      How does remote work affect retention, and what do businesses need to keep in mind?  20:55    Some companies are going back to five days a week in-office. What are the risks, and what is "coffee badging"?  23:02    What's your message to employers—especially those with remote or hybrid teams—about these shifts in work culture?  27:10     Any final suggestions for retaining top talent?    More About Chason:   Check out Retensa  Connect with Chason on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Visit WorkBetterNow.com    📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

In this episode of Great Talent Great Business, Rob Levin chats with Mark Taylor—CEO coach, entrepreneur, and leadership expert—on what truly separates great leaders from the rest. They dive into why leadership development is often overlooked, the power of CEO peer groups, and how Positive Intelligence helps leaders manage stress, build resilience, and stop self-sabotage.   Key Takeaway:  Great leadership isn't just about strategy—it's about mindset, and that has a critical effect on the success of small and mid-sized businesses. Through CEO peer groups, leaders can gain valuable insights and uncover blind spots that hinder progress.   Positive Intelligence is a powerful tool for managing stress, building resilience, and shifting from self-sabotage to success. By identifying personal saboteurs (like the hyper-achiever mindset) and strengthening mental fitness, leaders can create a more engaged, high-performing team while improving their own decision-making and well-being.  Questions I ask Mark:   [2:04]  What's the best advice you can give small and mid-size business owners to spot and grow strong leaders?  [3:26]  What traits have you seen work really well when it comes to spotting potential leaders?  [4:08]  Why should a business owner consider joining a CEO peer group?  [5:46]  Can you tell us more about Positive Intelligence and why it's important for business owners?  [7:45]  How does Positive Intelligence help business owners shift their mindset and build more resilience?   [12:58]  What percentage of your Positive Intelligence clients that go through the program, roll this out to some of the members of their team?  [15:11]  What are the strongest leadership characteristics you've seen in the most successful businesses?    More About Mark Taylor:   Check out Mark Taylor  Connect with Mark on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Visit WorkBetterNow.com  📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

On this episode of Great Talent Great Business, Rob Levin interviews Bob Borcherdt, Founder and CEO of IN2GREAT and discuss how you can unlock the hidden potential within your organization. Bob delves into the root causes, emphasizing the critical role of leadership development and the creation of cultures of clarity. Learn how fostering better leaders and clearer expectations can drive employee engagement, boost productivity, and ultimately impact your bottom line.   Key Takeaway:  Leadership development isn't the job of HR, consultants, or training programs—it's yours. To unlock your team's full potential, drive engagement, and boost profitability, it must be intentional, ongoing, and embedded in daily work.  It starts with creating a culture of clarity—where expectations are clear and feedback flows both ways. People know exactly what's expected of them and are set up to win. Without that, businesses operate with unused human capacity that directly impacts productivity and retention.  The best way to develop your people? Meaningful one-on-one interactions that focus on their unique strengths. When your people win, your business wins.    Questions I ask Bob Borcherdt:   [02:40] Tell us about this concept of the unused human capacity that exists in every organization, and what does that mean to businesses?  [08:20] Could you provide some examples of what this unused human capacity might look like in a typical small to mid-sized business?  [10:01] Can you elaborate on what culture of clarity means?  [12:27] Is it critical for a company to have clarity on its goals at all levels to avoid this unused human capacity?   [13:46] When working with businesses to tap into their unused human capacity, what is your initial approach?  [15:37] How does the Predictive Index work, and how does it help identify and reduce unused human capacity?  [17:23] How does data from the Predictive Index improve communication and operational clarity?  [20:38] What major workplace culture shifts have you seen, especially with Gen Z and millennials, and how should companies adapt?     More About Bob:   Check out IN2GREAT  Connect with Bob on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Visit WorkBetterNow.com  📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!   

In this episode of Great Talent Great Business, Rob Levin interviews Jade Green, an expert in company culture. Jade emphasizes that company culture is "caught, not taught," and that businesses should focus on modeling the values they want to instill in their employees. Jade explains that businesses have a responsibility to care for their employees to create a positive and productive work environment.   Key Takeaway:  Company culture isn't just about words on a wall—it's shaped by how leaders and employees consistently model the desired behaviors, influencing the culture more than stated values ever could.  Small actions matter. The way a sales manager handles deals or how leaders embody company values directly impacts trust, integrity, and team morale within the organization.  Investing in employee growth, removing roadblocks to happiness, and leading by example ensures that your team truly embodies the company culture.  Questions I ask Jade:   [02:33] - When it comes to company culture, what should small and midsize businesses be doing?  [15:47] - If someone has been doing business a certain way for a while and wants to change their company culture, what's the first thing they need to do?  [08:09] - What are some of the simple ways that businesses can boost employee happiness and then experience the results?  [12:36] - What can businesses do these days to attract top talent when there's just not enough of it to go around?  [13:52] - Give me some examples of what providing learning opportunities might look like.  [16:08] - What should companies be doing when it comes to onboarding?  [18:27] - What are some of the things you need to do to make employees productive?    More About Jade Green:   Check out Väre Effect  Connect with Jade on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  If you are looking to integrate Outstanding Talent from Latin America into your business, Visit WorkBetterNow.com  📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

What does it take to build a company that runs itself? In this episode, Rob Levin and Chris Beer dive into the real challenges behind business growth—hint: it's not just about hiring an integrator. Chris explains how leaders can create clarity, delegate effectively, and build a culture of ownership. They explore the roles of visionaries and integrators, the power of letting go, and how the right compensation and incentives drive engagement. From fostering a strong team culture to navigating transitions with confidence, this episode is packed with insights for leaders looking to scale without micromanaging.     Key Takeaway:  Chris Beer shares valuable insights for business owners facing challenges like role confusion and lack of process documentation. Many think they need an integrator, but the real issue is missing clarity and structure.  She explains how the EOS framework helps define roles, with the Integrator partnering with the Visionary (CEO), and LMA (Leading, Managing, and Holding Accountable) shaping leadership. Delegation is key to success, along with a shared understanding of the company's vision and values.  Financial transparency and performance incentives boost engagement, while clear roles and processes foster ownership. Creating a positive, joyful work environment and taking ownership during tough times empowers teams to succeed.    Questions I ask Chris:    [01:36] – Is the stated problem different from the real problem?  [03:59] – What are the roles of an Integrator and LMA in a company?  [05:58] –  How can owners do a better job in terms of making their dreams come true, making their goals a reality or set another way?  [07:32] – What are people missing when it comes to readiness?  [11:11] – How should companies approach compensation and incentives?  [12:24] – How can leaders foster ownership within their teams?  [13:41] – Does an ownership mentality start at the top, or can it be nurtured at all levels?  [17:19] – What strategies help manage transitions effectively?    More About Chris Beer:   Check out Wizard of Ops®.  Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Visit WorkBetterNow.com  📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

On this episode of Great Talent Great Business, Rob Levin chats with Alyssa Gelbard, founder and CEO of Point Road Group, about the power of employee branding. Alyssa breaks it down, explaining that employee branding is all about how a company's people represent and promote the brand in everything they do—whether they're interacting with clients, networking, or even just posting on LinkedIn.    Key Takeaway:  Employee branding isn't rocket science, but it has a big impact. Alyssa Gelbard breaks it down—how your team represents your brand in emails, meetings, and LinkedIn matters more than you think.  Small details, like response times and online presence, can influence hiring, client deals, and referrals. Employee branding is part of employer branding, and it starts at the top—if leadership doesn't prioritize it, no one else will.  The fix? Awareness, audits, and consistency. Strong LinkedIn profiles, clear communication standards, and a solid brand foundation help ensure your team is representing the company well.  Questions I ask Alyssa:   •[01:47] What does the term employee brand mean? And why is it important?  •[03:41] What are some subtle elements that constitute an employee brand?  •[04:49] What is the difference between employer brand and employee brand?  •[05:58] What actions and considerations should business owners take to enhance their employee brand company-wide?  • [14:15] When a client needs help with their employee brand, where do you start? What steps do they have to go through?  •[16:09] What guidelines should companies provide regarding employee LinkedIn content?  •[18:52] How can people find out more about Alyssa and her company?    More About Alyssa Gelbard:   Check out Point Road Group.  Connect with Alyssa on LinkedIn.    More About Rob Levin  & WorkBetterNow:  Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our YouTube channel!  Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.  Visit WorkBetterNow.com  📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!