Double Take with Mike and Max

Mike & Max explore how emotional intelligence shows up in real team dynamics—and why it matters more than ever when navigating performance, communication, and change today.

You hit the goal. You earned the promotion. But purpose? That’s something only you can define. In this episode, Mike and Max talk candidly about ambition, growth and the pressure people feel to “find their why.” They share lessons from their own journeys and what working alongside global teams has taught them about balance, leadership and fulfillment.Because purpose is personal. And it’s yours to discover.

To wrap up Season One of Double Take, we’re revisiting the conversations that stayed with us most—the moments that shaped how we think about leadership, growth, and showing up at work and in life. In this episode, each clip is paired with a song that captures the feeling behind it...like chapter titles that help frame the ideas you’ll hear. Check out our full Spotify playlists links below, offering a deeper look at the music that inspired us all season long.The CEO Soundtrack (Max's Version): https://bit.ly/4qkmICVThe CEO Soundtrack (Mike's Version): https://bit.ly/49iP9v4

Alorica transformed corporate giving by creating MLBA—an employee-led nonprofit where teams decide how to support their communities. Joyce Lee joins Co-CEOs Mike Clifton and Max Schwendner to share how grassroots leadership, local decision-making, and employee empowerment strengthened culture and impact across the globe. Join learn more about MLBA visit livesbetter.org

Growth takes effort, but it shouldn't be all-consuming. In this episode, Mike and Max reveal how prioritization and a balanced approach to challenges are essential to avoid the burnout that often accompanies overachieving on the path to success.

Even CEOs fail. In this episode, Mike and Max share how setbacks shaped their success, and why failure isn’t the end of the story, it’s part of the process.

What does it take to build strong relationships—at work and beyond? In this episode, Mike & Max open up about the role of trust, empathy, humor, and consistency in leadership. From navigating tough decisions to staying grounded and authentic, hear how they keep showing up for the people who matter most.

Through shifting markets, rising tariffs, and economic uncertainty, one thing is clear—standing still isn’t an option. In this episode, Mike & Max share how Alorica is helping clients stay ahead with smart, proactive strategies. From rethinking operating models to strengthening trust and driving innovation across geos, hear how our teams are delivering real value when it matters most—and why the time to act is now.

Alorica Co-CEOs Max Schwendner and Mike Clifton explore the rising importance of mentorship, particularly in meeting Gen Z's unique expectations, inspired by Fast Company’s article, “The Most Diverse Generation in the Workplace Agrees on This One Career Builder.” Max and Mike share personal career stories and offer actionable advice on finding mentorship and cultivating it within organizations to foster growth and connection. Tune in for valuable insights on empowering both your career and your team through mentorship.

Inspired by a Business Insider article, To speak to a representative, press $$, Alorica Co-CEOs Max Schwendner and Mike Clifton discuss why voice customer experience (CX) is becoming a premium service. They explore the value of human interactions in an AI-driven world, how to achieve the right balance, predictions for the future of CX, and actionable insights on leveraging voice CX to build stronger customer relationships and gain a competitive edge.