Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen

Les Rosen
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"Behind the Screens" is a podcast that brings you up close and personal with the people in the background screening industry. Hosted by Les Rosen, each episode features in-depth, human-interest interviews with a diverse range of guests—including business executives, employees with extensive screening experience, vendors who serve the industry, and legal and compliance experts. These conversations dive into the personal stories and insights of those who know the industry best, offering a fresh perspective on the people driving background screening. Whether you are part of the industry or just curious, "Behind the Screens" delivers authentic, non-marketing-focused stories from the world of background checks.Your host:  Les Rosen is an Attorney, former owner of a screening firm, the chair of the steering committee that founded PBSA and the first co-chair of PBSA, as well as author of the "Safe Hiring Manual," and frequent presenter nationwide. According to attorney and industry veteran  Vince Pascarella, "For those of you who don't know, Les Rosen was the chief architect of the PBSA predecessor NAPBS, and its first Chair and unofficial Executive Director. Simply put, no Les Rosen then, no PBSA today."For more information, see:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ CONTACT US!Send comments, feedback,  suggestions for future guests or sponsorship information to:screeningpros200@gmail.comPlatinum Sponsor:  https://preemploymentdirectory.com/ , publisher of the Background Buzz!  

  1. Episode 55: Mike Coffey on Building a Purpose-Driven Business, Podcasting, and Finding Joy in the Hard Way

    1D AGO

    Episode 55: Mike Coffey on Building a Purpose-Driven Business, Podcasting, and Finding Joy in the Hard Way

    Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Mike Coffey, founder of Imperative, host of the Good Morning HR podcast, and a familiar force in the background screening world. If you think you know Mike—think again. From his early days managing chinchillas and tearing up carpet with P90X, to founding one of the industry’s most meticulous and high-touch screening firms, Mike’s story is as entertaining as it is inspiring. We cover his HR roots, the philosophy behind his screening approach, and why investing in relationships—whether with clients, employees, or regulators—has always been at the core of his business. Mike also opens up about his yoga journey, family, and the story behind Concerned CRAs—a movement that challenged the industry to raise its standards. Whether you’re new to background screening or a seasoned professional, Mike’s mix of humor, honesty, and hard-earned insight makes this one of our most engaging conversations yet. 🔹 Key Takeaways: Do It the Hard Way—Because It’s Worth It: Mike shares why being thorough, detailed, and client-first isn’t the easy path—but it’s the right one.From HR to Screening Pioneer: His deep HR roots shaped how he built Imperative—and why he still thinks like a practitioner first.Podcasting with Purpose: Good Morning HR became a post-COVID passion project that’s now helped over 275,000 listeners—and counting.Values Drive Everything: From quoting Seneca to prioritizing “earned appreciation,” Mike shows how values shape decisions at every level.Invest in Your Industry: Whether it’s PBSA, Concerned CRAs, or mentoring the next generation, Mike shows that advocacy, standards, and service matter. 🎧 Episode 55 is now streaming. If you enjoyed this conversation, share it with a colleague, leave a review, and subscribe for more stories from behind the scenes of background screening. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200 This podcast is sponsored by: The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

    56 min
  2. Episode 54: Lessons in Leadership, Legacy, and Listening – A Conversation with Mary Poquette

    NOV 17

    Episode 54: Lessons in Leadership, Legacy, and Listening – A Conversation with Mary Poquette

    Send us a text "If you're going to call yourself an expert, make sure you are one." In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Mary Poquette, a pioneer in the background screening industry, co-chair of PBSA in its earliest years, and recipient of the Mike Sankey Lifetime Achievement Award. What follows is a rich, funny, and deeply insightful conversation that traces Mary’s journey from a high school teacher and word processor trainer to one of the most respected compliance leaders in screening. We talk about her early days with Verifications Inc., building a team from 10 to over 300 employees, and how she turned compliance into her calling. Mary opens up about the lessons that shaped her—from shredders and streakers to strategy and mentorship—and shares the powerful, practical advice she gives to newcomers today. From her volunteer work post-retirement to her memories of South Africa and Minnesota winters, this episode captures what it truly means to lead with integrity, humility, and humor. Key Takeaways: Start Small, Think Big: Mary joined a screening firm as its 10th employee and helped scale it to 300—proving the power of good people, strong systems, and a little bit of risk.Don’t Pretend to Know—Learn It: A misstep with the FCRA taught Mary a lifelong lesson about preparation and owning your expertise.Leadership Means Letting Go: As the company grew, Mary handed off departments but held onto compliance—her passion and strength.PBSA Built Her Up—and She Gave Back: From helping craft the first accreditation standards to mentoring future leaders, Mary’s PBSA journey is a model of service and growth.Listen, Prepare, and Keep Your Promises: These three principles guided her through every challenge and remain her lasting advice for industry newcomers. 🎧 Episode 54 is live now. If Mary’s story inspired you, please share it with a colleague or friend in the industry—and don’t forget to subscribe, review, and repost to keep these conversations going. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200 This podcast is sponsored by: The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

    53 min
  3. Episode 53: From Pager Sales to Legal Powerhouse in Screening with Kellie O’Shea

    NOV 10

    Episode 53: From Pager Sales to Legal Powerhouse in Screening with Kellie O’Shea

    Send us a text She sold beepers from a car trunk—and now she shapes the future of background screening law. This is Kellie O’Shea’s journey. In this unforgettable episode, I sit down with Kellie O’Shea, General Counsel at Creative Services, Inc. (CSI) and PBSA Board Member, to talk about hustle, heart, and the “it depends” moments that make up life as a background screening pro. We talk grit, growth, and the unique path Kellie carved—balancing law school, a full-time job, and an unwavering belief in the mission of background screening. This one’s full of personal anecdotes, real-life advice, and yes… a healthy dose of humor (and a meat raffle or two). Whether you’re a veteran in the field or someone just stepping into the screening space, Kellie’s story reminds us why what we do matters—deeply. 🔑 Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Purpose Behind the Process  Kellie shares why background screening is more than a job—it’s a mission to help companies make better, safer decisions for society.From Beepers to Legal Briefs  Her unconventional career path, including selling pagers and returning to the industry as a “boomerang,” offers inspiration for anyone finding their way.“It Depends” Isn’t a Cop-Out—It’s a Legal Lens  Hear how Kellie embraced the complexity of compliance and now leads with a blend of risk analysis and practical empathy.What It Means to Serve on the PBSA Board  From shaping legislation on Capitol Hill to learning from industry giants like Judy Gootkind, Kellie’s journey is a masterclass in leadership through service.Life Beyond the Screens Whether it’s boating on Lake Massapoag or conquering a fear of flying to visit Dubai, Kellie reminds us that balance, humor, and community matter just as much as policy and process.Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200 This podcast is sponsored by: The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

    52 min
  4. Episode 52: The Path to Purpose: Carl Cogdill on Leadership, Legacy, and the Power of Public Records

    NOV 3

    Episode 52: The Path to Purpose: Carl Cogdill on Leadership, Legacy, and the Power of Public Records

    Send us a text In this engaging episode of Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros, I sit down with Carl Cogdill—longtime industry veteran, founder of Astute Public Records, and one of the sharpest minds in the business. From his beginnings with dreams of becoming a Maryland State Trooper to his unexpected journey into the background screening world, Carl shares how every twist and turn led to building a company focused on accuracy, efficiency, and trust. We dive into his leadership philosophy, his personal evolution from introvert to public speaker (thank you, Toastmasters!), and why “you are the product” is the best career advice he’s ever received. Carl also discusses the value of PBSA, his passion for mentoring, and what it means to build something lasting—alongside his son, Chance. Plus, you won’t want to miss the story of how Carl once stood up to the Secret Service to protect the Star-Spangled Banner. Yes, really. This is an episode filled with humility, wisdom, and heart. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, Carl's insights are not to be missed. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch the episode on YouTube.  🔁 If you liked this episode, share it on LinkedIn, tag a colleague, and leave us a rating—it helps others discover the show! Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200 This podcast is sponsored by: The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

    36 min
  5. Episode 51: Dynamic Leadership and Strategic Growth – A Conversation with Bianca Lager

    OCT 20

    Episode 51: Dynamic Leadership and Strategic Growth – A Conversation with Bianca Lager

    Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Bianca Lager, a respected strategic growth consultant, former CEO, and longtime thought leader in social media screening. Bianca takes us through her fascinating career—from building one of the first social media background screening companies to becoming a LinkedIn Learning instructor and trusted advisor for companies navigating change. We dig into the real-world challenges of executive leadership, strategic planning, and team development—especially when stakes are high and time is short. Bianca shares actionable insights on how to approach growth with clarity, structure, and empathy. She also opens up about her personal journey, including raising two boys as an “autism mom,” finding joy at Comic-Con, and cultivating psychological safety in both business and life. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just finding your voice in the industry, this episode is packed with thoughtful guidance, warm stories, and a reminder that strategy is as much about people as it is about planning. Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss! Start with Structure: Bianca explains why a clear strategic framework helps companies scale smarter—and leaders sleep better.Psychological Safety Matters: High-performing teams thrive where people feel safe to speak honestly and grow without fear.Learn to Listen: Active listening isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership essential.From Social Intelligence to Strategic Insight: Bianca reflects on leading the first social media screening firm and how those lessons apply today.Balance is Real (and Hard): Juggling business, mentorship, parenting, and personal passions requires boundaries, grace, and humor.Be sure to follow or subscribe to Behind the Screens for more conversations with the people shaping the background screening industry. If Bianca’s story resonated with you, share this episode with a colleague or leader who values growth, authenticity, and strategy with heart. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200 This podcast is sponsored by: The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

    1h 1m
  6. Episode 50: Inside PBSA: Melissa Sorenson on Leading the Global Background Screening Movement

    OCT 13

    Episode 50: Inside PBSA: Melissa Sorenson on Leading the Global Background Screening Movement

    Send us a text In this milestone 50th episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Melissa Sorenson, Executive Director of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), for a candid conversation about the past, present, and future of our industry. Melissa opens up about her journey from law school to leading PBSA through some of its biggest transformations—like going from a U.S.-focused group (NAPBS) to a truly global organization. We talk about what it takes to grow an international association, how volunteers shape the community, and why people—not just technology—remain the heartbeat of background screening. She also shares what it’s like running a global operation from her home office in Minnesota, her most influential mentors, and the proudest risk she’s ever taken. Key Takeaways: Melissa’s path from in-house compliance to Executive Director of PBSA.Why PBSA’s shift to a global focus was a defining moment—and how it happened.The importance of mentorship, leadership, and taking calculated risks.What it’s really like to plan international conferences and support a global community.How anyone in the industry—at any level—can get involved and grow their career through PBSA.Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200 This podcast is sponsored by: The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

    39 min
  7. Episode 49: Behind the First Background Check: A Conversation with Industry Pioneer Steve Brownstein

    OCT 6

    Episode 49: Behind the First Background Check: A Conversation with Industry Pioneer Steve Brownstein

    Send us a text Before databases were a click away, Steve Brownstein was already connecting the dots. In this episode of Behind the Screens, I’m joined by Steve Brownstein—a true pioneer whose work helped shape the background screening industry as we know it. From manual county searches to international screening strategies, Steve’s story is one of relentless innovation, curiosity, and community-building. We talk about how he launched county search networks, expanded background checks globally, and created The Background Investigator, one of the first publications dedicated to our field. Steve also opens up about his adventures beyond the industry—promoting concerts in the South Pacific, boxing with Chicago Golden Gloves, and the deep family values that drive his work. This episode isn’t just about the past—it’s a masterclass in how passion, problem-solving, and a bit of entrepreneurial courage can transform an entire industry. Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss! Manual to Global: Steve began with on-the-ground county searches and went on to create international background check networks.Industry Infrastructure Builder: He founded some of the first industry conferences and publications, creating critical platforms for education and connection.A Life Beyond Screening: From concert promotion in Saipan to boxing rings in Chicago, Steve shares the experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.Mentorship Matters: He credits industry mentors and candid advice as essential fuel for his long-standing career.Legacy of Passion: Through decades of change, Steve’s excitement for background screening hasn’t wavered—it's what still gets him up in the morning.Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200 This podcast is sponsored by: The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

    41 min
  8. Episode 48: Alice Quinones's Global Journey Through Law, Purpose, and Background Screening

    SEP 29

    Episode 48: Alice Quinones's Global Journey Through Law, Purpose, and Background Screening

    Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Alice Quinones, a dual-qualified attorney in France and the U.S., who’s helping shape the future of privacy and compliance in the background screening world. We discuss Alice’s cross-continental legal education, her journey from Deloitte to building her own firm, and how she views the screening industry as both a legal playground and a space to protect people. From leading PBSA Europe to building practical compliance frameworks, Alice brings both depth and clarity to a complex space. If you’re in HR, compliance, or just curious about how background checks intersect with global law, this episode is a must-listen. Pro Conversation You don’t want to miss! Compliance should be proactive, not reactive.The EU’s screening laws require creative legal problem-solving.Purpose-driven work sustains long-term careers.PBSA involvement accelerates professional growth.Even small changes in mindset can shift entire industry practices.If you enjoyed this conversation with Alice, don’t forget to follow or subscribe to "Behind the Screens" for more stories from the people shaping the background screening industry. Share this episode with a colleague who cares about doing screening the right way. Connect with US: Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200 This podcast is sponsored by: The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/

    39 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

"Behind the Screens" is a podcast that brings you up close and personal with the people in the background screening industry. Hosted by Les Rosen, each episode features in-depth, human-interest interviews with a diverse range of guests—including business executives, employees with extensive screening experience, vendors who serve the industry, and legal and compliance experts. These conversations dive into the personal stories and insights of those who know the industry best, offering a fresh perspective on the people driving background screening. Whether you are part of the industry or just curious, "Behind the Screens" delivers authentic, non-marketing-focused stories from the world of background checks.Your host:  Les Rosen is an Attorney, former owner of a screening firm, the chair of the steering committee that founded PBSA and the first co-chair of PBSA, as well as author of the "Safe Hiring Manual," and frequent presenter nationwide. According to attorney and industry veteran  Vince Pascarella, "For those of you who don't know, Les Rosen was the chief architect of the PBSA predecessor NAPBS, and its first Chair and unofficial Executive Director. Simply put, no Les Rosen then, no PBSA today."For more information, see:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/ CONTACT US!Send comments, feedback,  suggestions for future guests or sponsorship information to:screeningpros200@gmail.comPlatinum Sponsor:  https://preemploymentdirectory.com/ , publisher of the Background Buzz!  

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