Evolving Your Workplace

Carol Schultz
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On this workplace podcast, your host Carol Schultz brings on experts to discuss problems many business owners face in real time. Guest experts provide context for the issue and advise those in leadership positions on best practices. Whether you are starting a company, or you lead an established organization-- the podcast is geared toward getting you helpful answers.

  1. 14H AGO

    Are you leading or babysitting your company?

    “At some point, founders have to stop babysitting the business — or growth stalls.” — Rohit Kumar In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Rohit Kumar, Founder and CEO of Chapter Apps, to explore one of the hardest transitions for founders: knowing when hands-on leadership turns into micromanagement — and how that mindset quietly becomes a bottleneck to growth. Rohit shares the evolution of Chapter Apps, from its early days as a mobile-first learning platform to its current focus on enterprise AI solutions for sales and employee assistance. He explains why the pivot toward AI was driven not by hype, but by real customer demand — especially the need for instant, accurate answers in high-stakes sales conversations. The conversation digs into what “babysitting” actually looks like at the CEO level: testing products personally, double-checking team output, and stepping in when managers aren’t driving execution forward. Rohit generously opens up about the deeper reason founders struggle to let go — fear of disappointing customers — and how confidence in the team directly affects a leader’s ability to delegate. Carol and Rohit also discuss scaling across geographies, co-founding a company with a spouse across time zones, and why relocating to San Francisco has accelerated Chapter Apps’ AI innovation through proximity to partners, platforms, and real-time problem solving. They close by examining growth constraints, talent challenges, inbound vs outbound sales, and whether roles like Chief of Staff and Customer Success are luxuries — or necessities — for founders who want to stop reacting and start leading. Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!

    35 min

  2. JAN 15

    Every Sales Team in 2026 Needs to be Doing This

    “Founder-led selling is still the most powerful kind of selling.” — Dave Gulas In this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with Dave Gulas, Co-Founder and President of EZDC 3PL, to talk about what sales teams must lean into as 2026 approaches: visibility, authenticity, and relationship-driven selling in a world flooded with AI-generated noise. Dave explains why generic cold pitches on LinkedIn are failing, and how personal branding and real opinions help salespeople differentiate and build trust. Dave also shares the origin story of EZDC 3PL, built after seeing “big box” logistics providers become complacent during and after the supply chain chaos of COVID. He breaks down why customer service, communication, and accountability are the real advantage in a market where thousands of 3PLs offer similar “space and labor.” The conversation begins with a timely real-world issue in freight: theft and “burning an MC number,” where bad actors exploit carrier identity loopholes to steal loads fast before anyone can respond. From there, they move into scaling a logistics company, managing a remote warehouse team from a different state, and why hiring the right people (and learning from the wrong hires) is core to building a strong workplace culture. Finally, Dave talks about launching the Beyond Fulfillment podcast as a learning tool during the hardest early stages of growth — and how consistency turned it into 220+ episodes, a growing YouTube channel, and high-level founders reaching out to be guests. Takeaways: Authenticity and visibility are essential for sales in 2026. Cold pitching without relationships is not real selling. AI is making generic outreach worse, not better. Differentiation comes from real opinions and human connection. Great customer service and over-communication build long-term trust. Founder-led selling is difficult to replace at high-stakes moments. Early growth mistakes help define your ideal customer profile. Remote teams work best with strong leaders and clear systems. Hiring the right people is a growth multiplier. Consistency in content can create unexpected opportunities. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome + Why sales teams need this in 2026 00:32 What EZDC 3PL does (warehousing, fulfillment, transportation) 01:04 Real-time supply chain theft and diverted freight 02:27 How freight theft happens + “burning an MC number” 03:22 The #1 sales strategy for 2026: visibility and authenticity 04:33 Why cold pitching on LinkedIn is broken 05:11 The “fake compliment → wild promise → demand a meeting” script 06:01 How AI reinforces bad sales outreach 06:48 Why Dave founded EZDC 3PL 08:17 The meaning behind the name EZDC 3PL 09:23 How COVID changed logistics and created complacency 10:29 Customer service as the real differentiator 12:50 Why Kentucky is a strategic warehouse location 13:15 Managing a remote warehouse team as a founder 14:21 Founder’s “zone of genius” and role clarity 15:40 Why 3PL isn’t just “space and labor” 16:37 Early mistakes: taking the wrong clients 18:06 Bottlenecks to growth: space, timing, inventory transfers 20:34 Will Dave always lead sales? 21:53 Founder presence on sales calls (even at billion-dollar scale) 24:11 Why sales hires often fumble the message 27:56 Building culture through hiring lessons 30:13 Why Dave started the Beyond Fulfillment podcast 31:29 Consistency results: 220+ episodes and 13K YouTube subscribers 32:58 Where to learn more about EZDC 3PL + closing Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at a href="https://verticalelevation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    31 min

  3. JAN 8

    What Workplace Sexual Harassment Really Looks Like

    “If something feels wrong, trust your gut.” – Brittany Stevens In this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with employment attorney Brittany Stevens (Partner at Phillips & Associates) to unpack the realities of sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and power dynamics—and what leaders can do to create workplaces where people feel safe speaking up. Brittany explains how harassment is defined under the law (and why it often differs from what people assume), why so many cases come down to evidence and “totality of circumstances,” and how fear of retaliation keeps employees silent—especially when the harasser holds power. They discuss what strong workplace policies and training should actually include, why some organizations make it hard to report, and how employees can protect themselves when a company is focused on protecting itself. The episode closes with practical guidance for both leaders and employees on building safer systems, documenting issues, and knowing when to seek confidential legal advice. TakeawaysSexual harassment isn’t always “obvious”—many cases are subtle and pattern-based.Legal definitions of harassment/discrimination vary across federal, state, and city laws.Power imbalances (boss vs. employee) make reporting feel risky and unsafe.Fear of retaliation is one of the biggest reasons people stay silent.Documentation and internal complaints can significantly strengthen a case.Many companies fail by not having clear reporting policies or trusted processes.Leaders must train managers not only on behavior—but on how to respond to complaints.Discrimination can happen anywhere—industry, company size, and role don’t matter.Some terminations get “hidden” behind restructuring or reductions in force.Consulting a law firm can be a confidential way to understand your options. Chapters00:00 Intro: The taboo topic—sexual harassment & workplace safety 00:49 What Brittany’s firm does (employee-side discrimination law) 02:19 Why the firm was founded & what motivates this work 02:50 Defining harassment vs. what people think harassment is 04:28 Harassment isn’t always sexual: hostile work environments & protected classes 05:15 Evidence, documentation, and why cases are fact-dependent 06:16 Power dynamics: why “just say no” isn’t realistic 07:43 What victims can do when they fear repercussions 08:25 Why policies and reporting systems often fail (or don’t exist) 10:40 Vetting employers: red flags, lawsuits, and research before accepting jobs 11:13 DEI changes and what may shift over time 12:01 Discrimination happens everywhere (yes—even “good” companies) 13:00 What leaders should do: training, reporting, investigations, real support 15:54 Women vs. men: patterns Brittany sees in harassment and discrimination cases 16:46 Disability/medical termination & “restructuring” as a cover 18:35 How Phillips & Associates evolved and expanded over time 20:05 Growth bottlenecks: why jurisdiction/laws matter 21:21 Why expand into less employee-friendly states like Florida 22:58 Client trust: the importance of fast support and connection 23:54 Internal training: listening, empathy, and handling emotional calls 26:10 Choosing a path: quiet resolution vs. litigation 27:03 How to find the firm & their contingency model 29:24 Final thoughts: protecting yourself when the company protects itself Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, a...

    28 min

  4. 10/30/2025

    Using Stories to Generate Sales

    "Show up to serve, not to sell." - Maury Rogow In this week's episode Carol Schultz and Maury Rogow delve into the significance of storytelling in sales and marketing. Maury shares his journey from the tech industry to Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of differentiation and relatability in business. They discuss the need for effective communication, understanding audience needs, and the role of emotional engagement in sales. Maury also provides unconventional strategies for generating sales, highlighting the power of personalization and the impact of AI in modern marketing. The discussion culminates with insights from Maury's book, 'Rise of the Entrepreneur', which focuses on leveraging storytelling as a superpower in business. Takeaways Businesses struggle to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Storytelling is essential for effective branding and sales. Understanding your audience's needs is crucial for success. Effective communication involves asking the right questions. Sales should focus on serving the customer, not just selling. Personalization in marketing can significantly enhance engagement. Emotional connections drive customer loyalty and sales. Unconventional sales strategies can set you apart from competitors. AI is transforming the landscape of sales and marketing. Your unique story can be a powerful tool for business growth. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Sales 03:08 Maury's Journey: From Tech to Hollywood 05:59 Building Rip Media Group: A New Chapter 08:54 The Art of Relatable Storytelling 11:59 Understanding the Why Behind Your Story 15:00 Overcoming Founderitis in Marketing 17:49 Simplifying Complex Ideas for Sales 20:52 Unconventional Sales Strategies 21:49 The Power of Relatable Storytelling 25:32 Emotional Marketing Techniques 25:59 Innovative Sales Approaches 29:55 Personalization in Outreach 34:53 The Rise of the Entrepreneur Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!

    37 min

  5. 10/23/2025

    How To Rank In AI Search Results

    If you want to learn how AI transformed SEO strategy and how to rank in results, this episode is for you. "The world is noisier than ever." - Melih Oztalay In this conversation, Carol Schultz speaks with Melih Oztalay, CEO and internet marketing expert of Smartfinds Internet Marketing. They discuss the significant changes in marketing due to AI, the importance of adapting to these changes, and the four A's of change: anticipate, accept, adapt, and adopt. Carol and Melih explore the necessity for businesses to invest in marketing to stay competitive. The discussion also touches on the impact of the political climate on business growth and the importance of a strong marketing foundation to navigate these challenges. Takeaways AI is transforming the marketing landscape significantly. Businesses must anticipate and accept changes to thrive. The four A's of change are crucial for adaptation. Notable sources are essential for AI recognition. The competitive landscape is noisier than ever. Waiting to invest can lead to missed opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Change in Marketing 08:54 The Impact of AI on SEO 16:37 The Evolution of Smart Finds Marketing 20:52 Building a Resilient Team Culture 23:56 Building a Collaborative Culture 25:25 Navigating Political Climate Challenges 28:20 Investing in Growth Amid Uncertainty 29:11 Understanding Client Investment Decisions 31:38 The Importance of Omni-Channel Marketing 34:49 Impact of Political Climate on Business 37:02 Morale and Investment in the Workplace 38:35 Lessons from Historical Business Failures 40:46 The Interplay of Marketing and Sales Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!

    43 min

  6. 10/16/2025

    Creating a Culture People Don’t Want to Leave

    For leaders seeking guidance on building a winning culture, this one is for you. In this conversation I speak with Jason Andrews, multiple time founder and expert in space travel. We discuss the intricacies of building a company that retains talent and the challenges of entrepreneurship. We also explore the importance of company culture, effective marketing strategies, and the financial aspects of running a startup. Jason shares insights from his journey with Orbite, emphasizing the need for vision, adaptability, and the right team to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry. This is an episode you won't want to miss. Chapters 00:00 Creating a Company People Don't Want to Leave 01:11 The Vision Behind Orbit and Human Spaceflight 03:18 The Challenges of Building a New Industry 06:21 Employee Retention in Startups 10:14 Qualities of a Successful Entrepreneur 12:47 Funding Strategies for Startups 17:15 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 19:20 Understanding Space Training Costs 22:08 The Adventure of Space Training 24:58 Overcoming Perceptions of Space Travel 28:07 Marketing Challenges in the Space Industry 30:25 Building a Mission-Driven Team 32:43 Navigating Growth and Resource Limitations 35:47 The Journey of Entrepreneurship 40:41 Navigating Space Experiences and Virtual Operations Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!

    39 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Immigration: What companies must do before ICE

    In this episode, we get into the critical intersection of immigration and workplace dynamics. Tune in for a fascinating conversation with immigration attorney Matt Meltzer where we explore the implications of ICE policies, compliance challenges, and the importance of understanding employee travel risks. Matt shares insights on visa strategies for entrepreneurs and the evolution of his firm, Meltzer Hellrung, highlighting lessons learned from founding a business and the challenges of scaling. The discussion also touches on client acquisition, organizational structure, and the future needs of the firm, culminating in a powerful message about the value of hiring non-US citizens.  Chapters  00:00 Navigating Immigration in the Workplace  03:06 Compliance and Investigations  05:35 Travel Considerations for Employees  08:36 Visa Strategies for Entrepreneurs  11:27 The Evolution of Meltzer Hellrung  14:23 Lessons Learned in Leadership  17:17 Client Acquisition and Marketing Strategies  20:49 Navigating Growth Challenges  23:58 Team Structure and Leadership Dynamics  26:50 Sustainability and Unique Market Positioning  30:11 Identifying Organizational Gaps for Growth  32:06 Reflections on Founding and Mentorship  35:14 The Value of Hiring Non-US Citizens  Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!

    35 min

  8. 10/02/2025

    A Journey Through Coffee Entrepreneurship

    "I am a lifelong learner" - Sandi Luck In this conversation, Carol Schultz speaks with Sandi Luck, founder & CEO of Bully Brew Coffee, ND Coffee Roastery, and Board Room Coffee & Taphouse. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by women in male-dominated industries, particularly in the coffee business. Sandi shares her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of mentorship, and the dynamics of co-founder relationships. They explore customer acquisition strategies, the significance of company culture, and the financial aspects of running a business. Sandy emphasizes the need for independent coffee shops and her vision for growth while addressing the challenges of employee retention and workplace evolution.  Chapters  00:00 Introduction to Gender Dynamics in Business  03:04 Sandy Luck's Entrepreneurial Journey  05:59 Navigating Co-Founder Relationships  08:58 Customer Acquisition Strategies  11:55 Women in the Coffee Industry  14:48 Mentorship and Empowerment  17:49 Future Growth and Business Philosophy  19:22 The Cookie Cutter Model and Licensing Opportunities  20:27 Ambitious Growth Plans for Bully Brew Coffee  21:23 Community Engagement and Ownership in Small Towns  22:42 Empowering Employees and Building Future Owners  23:13 Creating a Welcoming Customer Experience  24:00 Revenue Targets and Financial Challenges  26:13 Bottlenecks to Growth and Risk Management  29:14 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance  31:14 Company Culture and Leadership Development  33:37 Evolution of the Workplace and Leadership Skills  Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!

    34 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

On this workplace podcast, your host Carol Schultz brings on experts to discuss problems many business owners face in real time. Guest experts provide context for the issue and advise those in leadership positions on best practices. Whether you are starting a company, or you lead an established organization-- the podcast is geared toward getting you helpful answers.

Information

  • Creator
    Carol Schultz
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    187
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Vertical Elevation
  • Show Website
    Evolving Your Workplace