Evolving Your Workplace

Carol Schultz
  • 4.8 (17)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Biweekly

On this workplace podcast, your host Carol Schultz brings on CEO's to discuss problems many business owners face in real time. Guests provide context for the issue and advise leaders on best practices. Whether you are starting a company or leading an established organization, the podcast is geared toward getting you helpful answers.

  1. 1d ago

    Shamed for Choosing Work

    What does it really take to build a successful business while raising a family? And how do you keep pursuing your ambitions without losing sight of your own well-being? In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Nicole Centeno, founder of Splendid Spoon, to discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and leading a growing company while navigating the demands of family life. Nicole founded Splendid Spoon around two things she loves: the science of food and the pleasure of eating. Inspired by her own experience of becoming a mother while working full-time, she saw an opportunity to make nourishing, enjoyable food more convenient for busy people. But building a business is about much more than having a great idea. Nicole opens up about the challenges of growing a company alongside raising children, making difficult personal decisions, taking risks, and learning to become comfortable with uncertainty. She also shares practical lessons on prioritization, protecting focused work time, and recognizing that not every business challenge is an emergency. The conversation explores the additional pressures women often face as founders and leaders, including cultural expectations around motherhood, the fear of taking risks, and the importance of trusting yourself—even when the path forward is uncomfortable. In this episode, you'll discover: The inspiration behind Splendid Spoon: How Nicole combined food science, culinary passion, and a personal need for convenient nourishment to build her business.Motherhood and entrepreneurship: What it's like to grow a company while raising children and managing competing priorities.Why self-care matters: How taking care of yourself can help you show up more effectively for your family and your business.Making better decisions under pressure: Why stepping back from a perceived crisis can help founders think more clearly.The power of focused work: Nicole's approach to mandatory deep work and protecting at least three uninterrupted hours for important tasks.Getting comfortable with discomfort: Why risk tolerance, learning from mistakes, and embracing uncertainty are essential parts of entrepreneurship.The challenges women face in leadership: How cultural expectations and unequal support can affect women's ambitions and entrepreneurial journeys.Trusting yourself: Why staying true to your values can help you navigate difficult personal and professional decisions. Whether you're a founder, business leader, working parent, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers an honest look at the personal side of building a business—and a reminder that success doesn't require you to ignore your own needs. About Nicole Centeno Nicole Centeno is the founder of Splendid Spoon, a food company built around making nourishing and enjoyable meals more convenient for busy people. Her entrepreneurial journey brings together her interests in food science, culinary creativity, and helping people make more thoughtful choices about what they eat. Connect with Guest Nicole Centeno: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolecenteno/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niccentCompany: Splendid Spoon — https://www.splendidspoon.com/ Connect With Host Carol Schultz: Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Subscribe to Evolving Your Workplace for more conversations with business leaders and entrepreneurs about building stronger companies and creating healthier workplaces. #NicoleCenteno #SplendidSpoon #EvolvingYourWorkplace

  2. Oct 15

    How to use behavioral science to best target your buyer and market to them

    Most brands are trying to persuade people instead of understanding what actually makes them care. Kevin Perlmutter shows why the real competitive advantage is emotional insight—and how the brands that win are designed around how people want to feel. Carol Schultz sits down with Kevin, founder and chief brand strategist at Limbic Brand Evolution and author of Brand Desire, to unpack why traditional brand strategy often misses the mark. Kevin explains how his work in neuroscience and behavioral science reshaped the way he thinks about customer motivation, loyalty, and messaging—and why survey-based research and old-school “proof points” can keep companies stuck in their own assumptions. You’ll discover: Why emotion, not logic, is the biggest driver of brand loyaltyHow implicit association testing reveals subconscious responses that traditional surveys missThe difference between smart emotional marketing and manipulationWhy brand strategy must be built from customer insight, not internal opinionHow to create a brand idea that acts as a benefit and invitation, not an “about us” statement Kevin shares the story of helping the ATT Performing Arts Center shift from “staging the amazing” to “yours to discover,” a simple change that opened the door to a broader audience and still guides the organization today. He also breaks down how B2B brands can shorten the sales cycle by speaking to human motivations, not just business features. This conversation also tackles the bigger picture: why brand strategy and business strategy need to work together, why product quality still matters, and why the best positioning comes from what your customers already feel, say, and return for. If you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or leader trying to attract the right customers without sounding generic, manipulative, or forgettable, this episode gives you a sharper way to think about brand strategy—and a better way to build something people actually want. Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Connect With Guest Kevin Perlmutter Find out more about Kevin at Limbic Brand Evolution and LinkedIn, and find his book Brand Desire Want to be our next guest? 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 to let us know what you thought!

  3. Oct 8

    Build It for Yourself First — Growth Will Follow

    What if the fastest way to grow your business was to build tools for your own team first? Carol Schultz sits down with Socrates Bueno, founder and CEO of CVG Construction Management, to reveal how he turned an internal operational need into a lean, scalable business model that serves clients across the U.S. and Latin America. Socrates shares how CVG evolved from a traditional construction management firm into a company that also develops industry-specific software and AI tools, including IPM and MediaLounge. Those tools were born inside the business to solve real problems, then refined over years of live projects until they became a differentiator for other firms and developers. You'll discover:Why CVG pre-qualifies contractors before bidding, and how that protects quality as well as costThe real reason 95% of their business comes from referralsHow his team uses transparency, accountability, and real-time communication to build client trustWhy he believes companies should create leaders, not just manage employeesHow a remote-first, results-based culture survived COVID and became a competitive advantage Carol and Socrates also unpack the difference between wanting growth and being committed to it, the risks of finger-pointing in complex projects, and why the best client relationships are built when the owner feels like a true partner, not just a customer. This conversation is especially valuable if you're leading a service business, managing complex projects, or trying to scale without losing trust, culture, or control. If you want a practical look at how operational discipline, honest communication, and leadership development drive long-term growth, this one is worth your time. Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Connect with Guest Socrates Bueno Find out more about our guest Socrates Bueno and his company at CVG Construction Management and LinkedIn Want to be our next guest? 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!

  4. Oct 1

    How NOT to lead your workplace: the AI adjustment every leader needs to make

    "AI isn't replacing human connection — it's making it more valuable than ever.", Morana Mizrahi In this episode, Morana Mizrahi, co-founder and COO of Rebillia Platform, shares insights on how AI is transforming business operations, strengthening leadership authenticity, and fostering better client relationships. This conversation explores why the most successful leaders in the AI era won't be the ones who automate everything, but the ones who lead with authenticity, build real relationships, and use AI to create more time for what matters most. Discover practical tips for leveraging AI to boost productivity and maintain genuine connections. We discussed: ◼ Why AI should free people to build stronger relationships — not replace them ◼ How authentic leadership is becoming the biggest competitive advantage in business ◼ Why the future belongs to leaders who manage AI instead of letting AI manage them ◼ How automation helped a startup grow without laying off a single employee ◼ Why being more human—not more corporate—is the key to thriving in the AI era 🎧 Find us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/72jbAC9Hk4P0EH9wxW1vy4?si=b0eab40cecc343e3 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolving-your-workplace/id1562180951 Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, YouTube, 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! Connect with Morana Mizrahi Find out more information about Morana and her company on LinkedIn and Rebillia Platform

  5. Sep 10

    Getting personal at work: use this tried and true technique to connect with employees

    In this week's episode of Throwback Thursday we revisit my conversations with Jimmy Rayford. The episode got so much great feedback that we thought it was necessary to revisit it. "People don't check their personal lives at the door—and pretending they do just makes it show up somewhere else." – Jimmy Rayford In this week's episode, Carol Schultz sits down with Jimmy Rayford, CEO of Dealers Wholesale, to challenge the old-school belief that "work is work, personal is personal"—and to share the tried-and-true technique leaders can use to build real connection with their teams. Jimmy explains why suppressing what's happening in people's lives doesn't make it disappear—it just resurfaces in the work—and why the single most powerful move a leader can make is to model the openness they want to see. They dig into how simple rituals like "share something good" check-ins and Personal Growth Mondays turn ordinary meetings into genuine connection, why Jimmy embraced the role of "Chief Reassurance Officer" during COVID, and how a leader can build a culture of care without forcing anyone to overshare. The episode closes with candid talk on empowering your team, avoiding the founder-CEO bottleneck, and knowing when to give someone "enough rope"—plus Jimmy's parting advice on finding the environment that brings out your best work. Takeaways 1. "Work is work, personal is personal" is outdated—people bring their whole selves to work whether leaders acknowledge it or not. 2. You can't ask employees to be open and transparent while everything about you stays closed—modeling comes first. 3. The most effective connection technique is simple: model the behavior you want to drive. 4. Small, consistent rituals (like weekly "good news" shares) build deep familiarity over time. 5. Personal Growth Mondays and deep-question prompts create space for real vulnerability—voluntarily. 6. Timing matters: expect early adopters, late adopters, and never-adopters, and focus on whoever shows up. 7. Vulnerability from a leader creates a "permission structure" for the whole organization. 8. Smaller companies offer outsized impact—your decisions actually matter and you can see the results. 9. Founder and CEO leaders risk becoming the bottleneck by involving themselves where they're not needed. 10. Give people "enough rope"—but calibrate how much based on their track record and the stakes of the decision. Chapters 00:00 Intro: Why "work is work, personal is personal" couldn't be further from the truth 00:51 What Dealers Wholesale does & Jimmy's role as CEO 02:38 Why the smallest company he's worked for became the best chapter of his career 04:11 The hidden cost of bureaucracy and office politics in large organizations 05:30 The former CEO who stayed on—and a 38-year lesson in humility and loyalty 07:48 The death of the "company guy" and why companies aren't loyal anymore 09:58 How getting older changed Jimmy's view on bringing your whole self to work 11:24 Becoming "Chief Reassurance Officer" during COVID 13:53 The tried-and-true technique: model the behavior you want to see 14:53 Vulnerability in action: why leading through emotion builds trust 21:19 "Share something good": how small check-ins build connection over time 21:47 Personal Growth Mondays & the 365-question ritual 22:46 Timing, adopters, and focusing on who shows up 24:40 Why shared vulnerability makes leaders more open and sensitive 30:58 Building a leadership team empowered to call you out 31:27 Avoiding the founder-CEO bottleneck 32:47 Giving people "enough rope" and situational leadership 33:56 The one thing Jimmy would solve to unlock business growth 35:58 Final thoughts: take a true inventory of what really matters to you Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, YouTube, 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!

  6. Aug 20

    Getting Funded With Foundry Partner Seth Levine

    Summer break just won't quit, so here's another edition of Throwback Thursday with one of Carol's favorite Venture Capitalists and a hell of a good guy. If you’re curious about the process of venture capital (VC) funding or looking to get funding, this episode is for you. Host Carol Schultz sits down with Seth Levine of the prestigious VC firm Foundry. Whether you're an eager founder, a startup dreamer, or just VC-curious, Seth cuts through the noise, sharing hard-won insights on when to actually seek funding, why VC money might not be as glamorous as you think, how to successfully pitch investors, and what sets standout founders apart. Carol and Seth also dig into the toughest founder challenges, from when to bootstrap versus raise capital, to smart hiring as you grow. Packed with practical advice, stories from the trenches, and candid wisdom about navigating the funding world, this episode will help you avoid the common pitfalls and make smarter choices for your company’s future. Tune in for a straight-talking look inside the journey to funding a business. 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!

  7. Aug 13

    Creating a Culture People Don’t Want to Leave

    It's vacation time for us, so here's another Throwback Thursday. For leaders seeking guidance on building a winning culture, this one is for you. In this conversation Carol Schultz speaks with Jason Andrews, multiple time founder, expert in space travel, and the current Cofounder & CEO of Orbite. Carol and Jason discuss the intricacies of building a company that retains talent and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They 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. Takeaways Creating a company that people don't want to leave is essential for success.Building a strong team and company culture is crucial for retention.Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and adaptability is key.Funding strategies can vary; organic growth is often beneficial.The future of space travel is becoming more accessible to the public.Effective marketing and customer engagement are vital for growth.Understanding your ideal customer profile is essential for targeting.Vision and mission drive the company forward and inspire the team.Entrepreneurship requires a unique mindset and resilience.Learning from failures is part of the entrepreneurial journey. 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. Find out more about our guest, Jason Andrews, and his company at Orbite Space, 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!

  8. Aug 7

    What is Founder’s Syndrome?

    We're on a much needed vacation as we typically are in August, so it's time for Throwback Thursday. Curious to learn more about Founder’s syndrome, or working for someone who may have it? This episode is for you. Host Carol Schultz teams up with social impact entrepreneur Sophia Shaw to dive deep into the tricky dynamics of founder syndrome. From understanding why founders struggle to let go, to practical strategies for succession planning and building a culture that supports new leadership, the conversation is packed with real-world stories and actionable advice for both founders and their teams. Whether you’re just starting your business or looking for ways to future-proof your organization, you won’t want to miss these insights on evolving—without losing what makes your company unique. Hit play and start evolving your workplace today. 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!

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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

On this workplace podcast, your host Carol Schultz brings on CEO's to discuss problems many business owners face in real time. Guests provide context for the issue and advise leaders on best practices. Whether you are starting a company or leading an established organization, the podcast is geared toward getting you helpful answers.

Information

  • Creator
    Carol Schultz
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Vertical Elevation
  • Show Website
    Evolving Your Workplace