Evolving Your Workplace

Carol Schultz

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. 6月19日

    Self-Learning, Self-Awareness & The Modern Learner

    In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace After Hours, host Carol Schultz is joined by Kevin Legg to explore the topic of self-learning in the workplace. Kevin starts things off by sharing insights from his consulting work, specifically referencing a recent survey where most employees identified as "self learners." However, Kevin believes their actions—such as rarely reading, seeking feedback, or actively pursuing learning opportunities—suggest otherwise. This gets the ball rolling on a rich conversation about the complexities of self-perception, self-awareness, and what truly constitutes being a self learner.   Carol draws parallels between self-assessing learning styles and overestimating workplace communication skills and points out that many people tend to see themselves in a more generous light. Carol and Kevin discuss the critical role of experience in genuine learning, emphasizing that simply claiming to be a self learner isn't enough. They believe it's about actively engaging in reflective practices, seeking coaching or mentorship, and being open to feedback. The conversation highlights that the deepest learning often comes from real-life experience, thoughtful self-examination, and interaction with others.  The conversation pivots to the role of AI in shaping self-learning habits at work. Kevin believes that AI could amplify the growth of those already inclined toward self-improvement while also making less self-directed learners more passive. Both Carol and Kevin close out the episode by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own learning behaviors, challenge their self-perceptions, and consider how they (and their teams) can foster an environment of ongoing, authentic growth and feedback.  Takeaways  Self-perception of being a self-learner can be misleading. Books provide knowledge but lack interactive learning. Experience is crucial for true learning and growth. AI tools can enhance self-learning for some individuals. The quality of learning experiences differs among individuals. Self-awareness is often lacking in individuals' assessments.  Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and YouTube.   Find more information about our guest Kevin Legg on Linkedin.   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!

    20 分钟
  2. 6月5日

    RTO Mandates: Trust, Tactics, and the Bait-and-Switch Backlash

    In this brand new episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours," Carol Schultz introduces her new cohost, Kevin Legg, who brings a global perspective and a focus on workplace learning to the show. Kevin highlights his experience building organizations in various international markets and discusses his current work at Sage, which focuses on how people teach and learn at work. Together, the two hosts prepare for a candid discussion about the evolving nature of the workplace as companies continue to navigate the return-to-office debate.  The conversation highlights controversial employer tactics like imposing stricter in-office requirements. Kevin and Carol discuss whether remote work is truly a perk or an integral part of modern workplace expectations. The hosts cite examples from companies such as Meta and Amazon, raising important questions about how performance management and compensation strategies are being utilized. A major theme of this conversation is the role of proper communication and maintaining trust with employees, especially avoiding "bait and switch" tactics.   Towards the end of the conversation, the duo reflects on the tension between short-term market pressures and the long-term importance of people-centered, strategic leadership. Carol and Kevin challenge listeners to ponder if some of the changes being rolled out by today’s largest tech companies are driven by necessity, cowardice, or simply pressure from shareholders. The hosts close out the episode by inviting the audience to weigh in on these issues, setting the tone for more thought-provoking conversations ahead.  Connect With Us Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and YouTube.   Find more information about our co-host Kevin Legg on Linkedin.   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!

    24 分钟
  3. Why Top Performers Quit & What They’ll Never Tell You

    5月15日

    Why Top Performers Quit & What They’ll Never Tell You

    This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours," features hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer taking on the pressing topic of why top performers quit. Not only that, the two discuss what is often left unsaid in exit interviews. The two reflect on their own experiences and break down how common it is for high performers to leave without ever opening up about the real reasons. This especially happens if a company lacks a true culture of feedback. The longtime hosts emphasize that truly honest feedback cultures are hard to find. But without them, leaders don’t fully understand what makes their best performers leave.  The conversation dives into many of the major reasons that drive high performers away, such as declining product or lack of product innovation, poor management,  lack of attention to customer needs, frequent changes to compensation or quotas, and limited career growth opportunities. Carol and Rob reflect on their time in the sales world to illustrate the significant cost (both financial and cultural) when top talent leaves an organization. The two conclude that many of these problems could be avoided if companies truly aligned incentives and roles to individuals' ambitions, listened to their employees and customers, and encouraged open lines of communication.  Rob and Carol also point out the distinction between  "high potentials" and "high performers," highlighting that excelling in a current role doesn’t mean someone is immediately ready for more responsibility. The hosts wrap up Rob’s final episode with the show by reminding the audience that fostering feedback, alignment, and challenge is key to keeping the best people engaged. The longtime friends end on a reflective note, expressing gratitude for their partnership and urging listeners to build workplaces where honesty drives employee retention and overall success.  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!

    22 分钟
4.8
共 5 分
17 个评分

关于

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.