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. 2D AGO

    How to be a Servant Leader

    In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, host Carol Schultz sits down with Ed Wolff, CEO of Aerwave, to unpack the reality of servant leadership at the executive level — and why it is far heavier than most people assume. Ed shares how leading with integrity, empathy, and accountability has shaped his career, and why stepping into the CEO role brought a new level of pressure. Responsible for nearly 70 employees, shareholders, lenders, and board members, he explains what it means to serve multiple constituencies while still driving performance and growth. The conversation explores the difference between authentic leadership and performative leadership. Ed breaks down why self-awareness is non-negotiable, why people follow leaders (not companies), and what happens when high performers are promoted into management without the right support systems. He also explains why he refuses to “throw people into the lion’s den” without tools, coaching, and structured checkpoints. Carol and Ed dive into the risks of bringing trusted team members with you to a new organization, the reality of startup probability and failure rates, and the hard truth that leadership cannot rely on blind loyalty. Servant leadership requires radical candor, resilience, and the ability to pace yourself under constant pressure. Ed also reflects candidly on the personal cost of leadership — taking on too much, rarely saying no, and learning the importance of self-care and balance. He shares how Aerwave reduced its sales cycle from 360 days to 270 days through tighter qualification and objection handling, and why building culture remains his core focus as CEO. The message is clear: servant leadership is not soft. It demands strength, accountability, and intentional investment in people. Key topics covered:What servant leadership truly means at the CEO levelWhy self-awareness determines leadership longevityThe risk and responsibility of bringing former team members with youWhy promoting star performers without support often failsBuilding capability instead of dependency in management teamsServing shareholders, boards, employees, and lenders simultaneouslyReducing long enterprise sales cycles through better qualificationThe importance of executive self-care and sustainable pacingInvesting intentionally in professional growth at every stage 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

  2. FEB 26

    Using AI to Train Your Employees

    “AI does not create culture.” — Adam Povlitz In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, host Carol Schultz sits down with Adam Povlitz, CEO and President of Anago Cleaning Systems, to explore what AI actually does inside an organization—and what it absolutely cannot do. While many companies are rushing to automate everything, Adam shares a grounded approach: use AI to remove busywork, identify performance gaps, and strengthen training, while doubling down on human development where it matters most. Adam walks through how Anago built a system that connects operational data, analytics, and AI-powered learning to improve performance across a distributed franchise network. Instead of relying on static training manuals or one-size-fits-all onboarding, the company uses real-time performance signals to trigger targeted retraining and deliver interactive e-learning experiences that help workers correct issues quickly and consistently. The conversation challenges the idea that AI can replace relationship-driven work. Adam explains why fully automated sales and service models repeatedly underperform compared to teams supported by AI tools, and why leaders should focus less on replacing employees and more on teaching them how to use technology effectively. Carol and Adam also discuss why AI adoption must start at the leadership level, how companies can avoid overwhelming employees with new tools, and why investing in structured upskilling programs is becoming a competitive advantage. The message is clear: as AI handles more repetitive tasks, the human experience becomes more—not less—valuable. Key topics covered: How Anago uses AI to streamline training and retraining across locations Why AI should accelerate work, not replace people. Using operational data to trigger targeted learning interventions The role of AI-driven e-learning, avatars, and testing in workforce development Why CEOs must lead AI adoption for it to stick inside organizations Balancing automation with in-person coaching and accountability How removing grunt work allows employees to focus on higher-value human interactions 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

  3. FEB 19

    The Keys to Low Turnover & High Morale

    “Remote staff is remote staff.” — Beth Raboin In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, host Carol Schultz sits down with Beth Raboin, Founder and CEO of Global Medical Virtual Assistants (GMVA), to unpack what actually drives low turnover and high morale—especially when most of your workforce is remote and distributed across the globe. Beth shares how GMVA has maintained roughly a 4% turnover rate while scaling to 1,500+ team members in the Philippines. The core lesson: retention isn’t a perks problem—it’s a culture + management problem. Beth explains why the first three months are the truth-teller for culture fit, why educating candidates upfront reduces early churn, and why “getting someone in the door” isn’t the same as keeping them engaged. The conversation gets practical on the leadership systems GMVA uses to keep morale high: monthly manager-focused surveys, 15 random HR one-on-ones per month, and a feedback culture built on psychological safety. Beth breaks down why people leave managers more than companies, how leaders can spot red flags early, and how stronger empathy and communication in middle management directly reduces attrition. Beth also shares a simple but powerful example of listening in action: employees repeatedly asked for an optical benefit—because they’re on screens all day—and GMVA added it. The takeaway is clear: leaders don’t need to do everything, but they do need to hear patterns, make smart trade-offs, and show people their feedback turns into real change. Key topics covered How GMVA sustains a 4% turnover rate through growthWhy the first 90 days determine culture fit (and retention)The real retention lever: great managers + communicationA simple morale system: surveys + one-on-ones + safe feedbackHow to identify a skill issue vs. will issue (and what’s usually behind it)Turning feedback into action (the optical benefit example)Why leaders must be ready to hear feedback they may not like 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!

    32 min

  4. FEB 12

    Connecting with your Gen Z Workers

    “The stick just doesn’t work on this generation — you can’t give lip service to values. You have to live them, or they won’t engage.” — Jed Meyer In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Jed Meyer, CEO of St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, to break down what actually works — and what fails — when leading and connecting with Gen Z workers. The conversation centers on a core shift many leaders are resisting: Gen Z is not motivated by fear, hierarchy, or delayed recognition. They respond to clarity, authenticity, and lived values — not slogans on a wall. Jed explains how leadership expectations must evolve from command-and-control to clarity-and-support. He outlines a practical coaching framework built around responsibility on the leader’s side first: clear expectations, real resources, and visible support before accountability. Instead of defaulting to performance warnings, his organization uses retention-focused coaching, frequent recognition, and structured feedback systems designed to keep high-potential young employees engaged rather than managed through pressure. The discussion goes deeper into what Gen Z is signaling to the workforce at large: they will not trade life quality for money alone, they question institutional loyalty based on what they watched happen to prior generations, and they expect culture to be measurable in behavior — not branding. Jed shares specific operational strategies including values-based culture teams, gamified engagement, flexible scheduling experiments, and leadership vulnerability as a performance multiplier rather than a weakness. They close with a leadership reality check: every generation brings value, but connection requires adaptation. Leaders who slow down enough to show up for employees — especially on their worst days — build the trust that Gen Z uses to decide whether to stay, contribute, and grow. 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!

    38 min

  5. FEB 5

    Discovering your blindspots as a leader

    “Know what you know, and assume if you don’t know it, you don’t know it—get help, talk to people, and ask them: ‘What do you see my blind spots are?’” — Dean Hendrickson In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Dr. Dean Hendrickson, co-founder of SurgiReal Products, Inc. and a professor at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, to unpack a leadership reality that quietly derails teams: you don’t know what you don’t know—and the cost shows up in decisions, people, and momentum. Dean shares the founder-side blind spots he ran into while building a company as a career surgeon and educator. He explains why getting pulled into “startup mode” without the right guidance can send leaders down the wrong path fast—and why the smartest move early is to sit with people who’ve actually built startups and ask a simple question: What am I not seeing? What questions am I not asking? The conversation gets practical on how leaders should evaluate advice. Dean and Carol break down why “successful” doesn’t always mean “relevant,” how to do real due diligence on mentors, and why experience in large organizations doesn’t automatically translate to early-stage chaos. Dean also shares what happens when leaders miss people-related blind spots: needing different players at different stages, hiring someone exceptional who unintentionally triggers insecurity in others, and realizing too late that you can’t “coach” certain structural problems into working. They close with a clear playbook for leaders who want fewer blind spots and faster learning: know your risk tolerance, seek outside input early, hire people who are better than you in key functions, and build a system to continuously ask customers and stakeholders what they need that they’re not getting. The goal isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to build the habits that reveal the gaps before they become expensive. 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!

    36 min

  6. JAN 29

    Think of your Company Culture as a Journey

    “Culture… is a critical part of driving growth for your company.” — Marti Nyman In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Marti Nyman, President and CEO of New Wave Design, to unpack a practical question most leaders face while scaling: how do you keep culture strong, consistent, and real—without turning it into a slogan? Marti explains why culture is more than “values on a wall.” It’s a growth engine that affects how teams collaborate, solve problems, and attract top talent. He shares how culture can quietly weaken during expansion if leaders don’t intentionally reinforce it—especially when priorities shift to hiring, delivery, and day-to-day execution. The conversation gets tactical. Marti breaks down a simple operating rhythm his leadership team uses to keep culture front-and-center, plus an “S-curve” way of thinking about culture initiatives: early momentum, inevitable plateau, then a deliberate reset to keep the culture alive. They also discuss how leadership handles uncertainty, how slow procurement cycles can become a real growth constraint, and what “speed of execution” looks like inside a complex industry. They close with the CEO-level levers Marti focused on early: building predictability, creating scalable systems, and strengthening data-driven decision-making (including a risk-adjusted scorecard). Marti also shares what employees really want from work—being of value, being valued, and being part of something bigger—and why a real culture of feedback starts at the top. 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!

    40 min

  7. JAN 22

    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

  8. 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 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!

    31 min
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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
    193
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 Vertical Elevation
  • Show Website
    Evolving Your Workplace