The New Talent Playbook Podcast

Rob Levin
  • 5.0 (8)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Strategies that drive business success through the power of exceptional talent. Hosted by serial entrepreneur Rob Levin, The New Talent Playbook podcast explores practical strategies to help leaders build stronger, more resilient businesses. With over 30 years of experience and a reputation as a top speaker on business and entrepreneurship, Rob shares impactful insights alongside industry experts to help you navigate challenges and optimize your talent strategy. Whether you're a business owner, manager, or talent professional, this show delivers actionable advice to unlock growth through exceptional talent.

  1. From Scrappy to Scalable: Designing a Team Built for Growth

    12/23/2025

    From Scrappy to Scalable: Designing a Team Built for Growth

    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.

    18 min
  2. Lead Like a Negotiator – Because You Already Are One

    12/16/2025

    Lead Like a Negotiator – Because You Already Are One

    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.

    19 min
  3. "No Crying Allowed": How One Firm Eliminated 80-Hour Weeks and Improved Client Satisfaction

    12/09/2025

    "No Crying Allowed": How One Firm Eliminated 80-Hour Weeks and Improved Client Satisfaction

    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.

    19 min
  4. Why Leaders Plateau – and the Mindset Shift That Gets You Unstuck

    12/02/2025

    Why Leaders Plateau – and the Mindset Shift That Gets You Unstuck

    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.

    19 min

  5. 11/25/2025

    Beyond Trust Falls: Team Building with the Power of Play

    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.

    13 min
  6. Why "Just Do Your Job" Fails – and the People Strategy That Works Instead

    11/18/2025

    Why "Just Do Your Job" Fails – and the People Strategy That Works Instead

    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.

    17 min
  7. From Navy SEAL to CEO: Lessons on Leadership & Trusting Your Team to Win

    11/11/2025

    From Navy SEAL to CEO: Lessons on Leadership & Trusting Your Team to Win

    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.

    22 min
  8. It's Here! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide for Building Your Dream Team with Rob Levin

    11/04/2025

    It's Here! The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide for Building Your Dream Team with Rob Levin

    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.

    25 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Strategies that drive business success through the power of exceptional talent. Hosted by serial entrepreneur Rob Levin, The New Talent Playbook podcast explores practical strategies to help leaders build stronger, more resilient businesses. With over 30 years of experience and a reputation as a top speaker on business and entrepreneurship, Rob shares impactful insights alongside industry experts to help you navigate challenges and optimize your talent strategy. Whether you're a business owner, manager, or talent professional, this show delivers actionable advice to unlock growth through exceptional talent.

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