Episoder

  • This week host Carol interviews Rasmus Holst, current CEO of Zensai, and “human success” expert best known for being a part of management teams that have delivered exits just short of $1,000,000,000 and raised over $50,000,000 for various businesses. This episode explores the process of growing companies, becoming a CEO, and balancing the priorities of money versus employees.

     Rasmus has managed teams in 14 different countries, traveled to over 100 countries, and has had customers in all nations, giving him a unique perspective on cultures and businesses. In this episode, he delves into Zensai's unique approach to product design, recruiting strategies, and the ever-important balance of gender diversity in the executive team.

    They also dive into a hiring mistake he’s made more than once. The conversation also touches on the challenges incoming CEOs face at larger established companies.

    Tune in now to gain valuable insights into successful leadership, team dynamics, and the intersection of personal journey and beliefs in human success.

    Learn more about Rasmus and Zensai.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • "Quiet quitting is doing the bare minimum just to get by from your job." - Rob Swymer 

    Today, hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer delve into the timely and provocative topic of "quiet quitting." This episode explores the underlying causes and far-reaching implications of quiet quitting in the workplace. 

    Carol and Rob share personal anecdotes and professional insights to highlight how leadership and company culture significantly influence employee engagement and motivation. They unravel the significance of having a sense of purpose, fostering meaningful relationships, and cultivating emotional investment in one's work. 

    Whether you're an employee seeking more engagement or a leader aiming to inspire your team, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you achieve authentic success in the workplace. 

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. 

    Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. 

    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! 

  • Mangler du episoder?

    Klikk her for å oppdatere manuelt.

  • This week Carol interviews Wendy Greenland, the CEO of Openforce, a tech platform that specializes in managing commercial relationships between contracting companies and their 1099 independent contractors.  

    Wendy's career spans nearly 30 years in technology and leadership, with notable successes in building and selling companies like Infosys and Infinity HR. In this episode, they discuss the complexities and opportunities of managing a business in the 1099 space of the human capital management industry.  

    From navigating the legislative landscape to transitioning to a remote model during covid, Wendy's experiences offer valuable lessons for leaders and entrepreneurs. The episode also touches on the topic of being a woman in tech and how Wendy is helping others.  

    Join us as we explore Wendy's strategies for business and mentorship.  Learn more about Wendy Greenland and Openforce.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • Wellness: "It's up to the individual to be an advocate for themselves" - Rob Swymer  

    Join hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer as they delve into the vital topic of mental health in the workplace. They share personal stories, practical tips, and valuable insights on navigating challenges, prioritizing self-care, and maintaining a positive mindset.

    From the Triple A formula to the significance of self-love and purpose, Carol and Rob provide essential perspectives on achieving balance and well-being in both professional and personal life. Join us as we normalize conversations around mental health and explore how to prioritize self-care for success. 

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. 

    Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. 

    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! 

  • In this episode of "Authentically Successful”, Carol engages in a compelling conversation with Steve Hoffman, the CEO of Founders Space and a seasoned expert in startups, venture investing, and authorship.

    Together, they delve into a wide range of topics, from the potential of AI to the allure of Silicon Valley. Steve walks us through key factors he thinks startups must embody to be funded right now and the flow of VC funding.

    Offering invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, Steve assesses the readiness of startups, bringing to the forefront the importance of being different and attuned to customer needs. They also discuss the dangers of AI when it gets into the wrong hands.

    Join us as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology.

    Learn more about Steve Hoffman and Founders Space.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • The Struggle of Financial Success in the Next Generation: "I mean, look at the people coming up in the next generation of my kids' my kids' ages, and they they don't see a path to success, to own something, to to be in to invest in the stock market or whatever they wanna do. They don't see a path for that." - Rob Swymer  

    Join hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer as they delve into the rising phenomenon of employees juggling multiple remote jobs. From dissecting the driving forces behind this trend to examining its impact on mental well-being, this thought-provoking discussion navigates the intricacies of modern work dynamics. Drawing from their wealth of business and leadership experience, Rob and Carol explore the crucial role of effective communication and talent strategy in navigating this evolving landscape. Join us as we challenge conventional wisdom and invite listeners to participate in the ongoing conversation surrounding ambition, employee expectations, and the changing nature of work.  

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. 

    Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. 

    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! 

  • In today's discussion, host Carol Schultz sits down with Kristen Gale, the founder and CEO of The Ten Spot beauty bars, a franchise of “anti-spa” salons. The now 47 beauty salons across North America aim to break through the traditional concept of salons for a fresh and fun experience.  

    They first delve into her career prior to becoming an entrepreneur, including being fired twice, and how it led her to found The Ten Spot. She also recounts the unique approach she took to brand voice early on and how that helped her company stand out.  

    From the challenges of franchising and navigating the US market to the impact of the pandemic on her business and franchisees, Kristen's candid insights offer invaluable wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. Learn more about Kristen Gale and The Ten Spot.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • Standing Out in Sales: "How do I make my offering so outstanding that they have to get back to me?...I always say be bold, be brave, be memorable."- Rob Swymer 

    Join host Carol Schultz and guest Rob Swymer in another enlightening episode of 'Authentically Successful: After Hours' as they tackle the pervasive problem of email and LinkedIn spam in sales outreach. Drawing on their extensive experience, they explore the evolution of sales strategies, dissecting the influence of automation and technology. From distinguishing red ocean versus blue ocean approaches to navigating a saturated marketplace, they offer invaluable insights into modern sales tactics. Discover the significance of human connection amidst tech-driven dynamics as we delve into the complexities of contemporary sales. 

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. 

    Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. 

    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! 

  • On this week’s episode, Carol sits down with the visionary entrepreneur and bestselling author, Luis Scott. Luis, who founded 8 Figure Firm Consulting, shares his remarkable journey from starting as a receptionist at a law firm to becoming a managing partner and eventually building a multi-seven-figure business.  

    He reveals some of the key strategies that led to the tremendous success of his consulting firm, including a unique marketing approach. He emphasizes the need for lawyers to create social proof and develop authority through social media, in addition to traditional lead generation. 

    They discuss the idea that paying workers isn’t enough to motivate and engage them and how to do so. He also shares tools to create a workplace where even remote workers want to come in.  

    Learn more about Luis Scott and 8 Figure Firm Consulting.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • The Evolution of Workplace Perks: "I have enough gray hair to remember that I would be so grateful to be able to get a cup of coffee in the morning when I went to the office, every day, by the way, with a suit and tie." 

    In this episode of Authentically Successful: After Hours, co-hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer delve into the intriguing dynamics of tech industry perks, job anxiety, and the shifting landscape of job interviews. They explore the influence of tech giants like Google in establishing high expectations through lavish perks and its impact on employee loyalty. The duo also examines the evolving recruiting process and its effects on candidate behavior. Join them as they discuss innovative ways to motivate employees, the necessity of breaks during long work hours, and the growing emphasis on perk-centric work environments. Gain insights into career growth, challenges, and the importance of discussing current events in the ever-changing tech industry landscape. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on the realities of the modern workplace.  

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube. 

    Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. 

    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! 

  • This week Carol speaks to Eric Boggs, the founder and CEO of RevBoss, a lead

    generation company focused on outbound prospecting. The two dive into a

    candid conversation about the importance of honesty in client relationships, the

    evolution of recruitment processes, and the emphasis on happiness,

    accountability, and transparency in RevBoss's culture manifesto.

    Eric shares his story from graduation to eventually founding RevBoss. He gives

    insights into managing a geographically dispersed team, a unique approach to

    client screening, and how RevBoss differs from other lead generation companies.

    He also takes us into his journey from micromanaging to trusting and

    empowering his team, allowing for their growth within the company.

    Listen along to gain valuable perspectives on entrepreneurship, personal wellbeing, and team leading from this engaging discussion.

    Learn more about Eric Boggs and RevBoss.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • "It's so easy to make a human connection, when you ask about somebody and what lights them up, what are they passionate about." - Rob Swymer

    In today's episode, our hosts delve into the world of virtual communication and the impact it has on building relationships and trust. They discuss the preferences for different communication methods, Zoom etiquette, and the challenges of maintaining a strong organizational culture in virtual meetings. The conversation touches on the importance of vulnerability, human connection, and authenticity in virtual interactions and the potential biases and judgments based on visible backgrounds during virtual meetings. They also highlight the significance of CEOs and executives showing relatability and authenticity in virtual meetings, sharing examples of impactful leadership. Join us as we explore the complexities and nuances of remote communication, and stay tuned for a preview of our next episode about big tech companies and job anxiety.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.

    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!

  • On this week's episode, we have remote-work expert Liam Martin. Liam co-founded Time Doctor, a predictive workforce analytics tool for organizations. It predicts actions employees may take (like quitting) so the company can be proactive with solutions.  

    Carol and Liam delve into a fascinating discussion about time tracking in a remote environment, HR tech, and the reasons why employees leave companies. Liam shares his journey from sociology graduate to successful entrepreneur and the evolution of Time Doctor into a 20 million ARR business.  

    We'll explore topics like the future of remote work and the unique approach to cultural alignment that Liam has implemented within his globally diverse team. Tune in to gain a wealth of knowledge about leading organizations like Time Doctor.  

    Learn more about Liam Martin and Time Doctor.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • Join hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer as they discuss career purpose, personal development, and self-advocacy. Discover why finding passion in your profession is key to long-term success, and how to navigate the loyalty dilemma in today's workforce. Don't miss out as we dissect resilience-building, the perception of government jobs, and the influence of media headlines.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.

    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!

  • In today's episode, host Carol Schultz sits down with Randy Wootton, the CEO of Maxio, a financial operations platform for B2B SaaS companies. They explore the challenges and triumphs of competing in the B2B tech world, market contractions, and the importance of understanding company capabilities for future growth.  

    Randy shares invaluable lessons from his past, from transitioning from a military background to corporate leadership, to leading a venture-backed company.  

    The two explore the capital structure, taking on debt, and the importance of having a reliable CFO. They also discuss the company’s unique approach to talent strategy: avoiding Silicon Valley and building a culture of high IQ, high EQ, and low ego. 

    Join us as we unravel the story behind Maxio and delve into the world of B2B.  Learn more about Randy and Maxio.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • "As you transform your personal life, you will transform your business life." - Rob Swymer

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Authentically Successful: After Hours," where hosts Carol Schultz and seasoned hi-tech sales leader Rob Swymer dive into the intricacies of performance reviews in today's business landscape. With over 30 years of experience, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, shedding light on the evolving dynamics post-pandemic and the crucial role of empathy in effective leadership.

    In this insightful discussion, Carol and Rob dismantle the traditional approach to annual reviews, advocating for ongoing feedback and transparent communication. They emphasize the importance of cultivating a culture of trust within organizations, where clarity in expectations and written agreements serve as pillars for success. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, they explore the transformative power of embracing feedback with empathy and highlight the need to address biases in leadership.

    Tune in as they challenge conventional norms and inspire listeners to reimagine their approach to employee performance evaluations. Join us for an engaging conversation that promises to ignite positive change in both personal and professional realms.

    Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.

    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!

  • On this episode of “Authentically Successful,” we hear from Mitali Saxena, the CEO of Fashom, an AI-powered clothing brand based on body shape designed for busy moms. She reflects on the challenges of rapidly changing markets, the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry, and her advocacy for body positivity, especially in women.  

    During the podcast, Mitali candidly shares her diverse journey from engineering, to working at a software startup, to later founding Fashom. She even recounts the exact moment in New York City that caused her to start Fashom and also how the fashion industry has failed to represent the population it’s advertising to.  

    Throughout the episode, she discusses the evolution of her business, her passion for promoting body positivity in the fashion industry, and the challenges and victories of entrepreneurship. She reflects on leadership mistakes, the misconceptions surrounding body image and health, and gives valuable advice for individuals seeking to enter the fashion industry. 

    Tune in as Mitali Saxena shares her compelling story as a founder and offers advice for other entrepreneurs. 

    Learn more about Mitali and Fashom.

    You can find more information on all our episodes at Vertical Elevation, and you can find Carol on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

    Want to be our next guest? Email [email protected] 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!

  • In this episode of "Authentically Successful," previous founder and entrepreneurship expert Joshua Ross shares his candid experience in starting and growing companies to now teaching students how to do it.  

    From his early days at a healthcare startup to founding his own IT consulting business and navigating the challenges of multiple startups, Joshua offers valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship. Topics such as the importance of understanding the target market, the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, and how to pivot are discussed.  

    Joshua also delves into his role as the current director of entrepreneurship at the University of Denver where he teaches students the ins and outs of business. He discusses the program and his commitment to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.  

    Listen for insight into forming a company, working with partners, overcoming failures, and more. 

    Learn more about Joshua Ross and the Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Denver.

    You can find more information on all our episodes at Vertical Elevation, and you can find Carol on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

  • In this insightful episode, host Carol Schultz welcomes Gleb Budman, CEO of Backblaze, a cloud storage and data backup company that competes with industry giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.  

    The two delve into the founding of Backblaze and the decision-making process behind taking the company public. Gleb shares how his company offers an alternative for those seeking to optimize and be more efficient with their spending. 

    They also discuss venture funding and bootstrapping in business, challenging the common belief in Silicon Valley that venture funding is the only path for startups.  

    The conversation then focuses on the journey Gleb and his co-founders took to this point and the way they built their team. He also shares key moments in Backblaze's history, including a crisis in 2011 when a flood in Thailand disrupted the availability of hard drives.  

    Listen for a glimpse into the day-to-day life of an influential leader in tech and the inside scoop on his company.  

    Learn more about Gleb Budman and Backblaze.

    You can find more information on all our episodes at Vertical Elevation, and you can find Carol on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

  • Welcome to another episode of Authentically Successful, where host Carol Schultz has a compelling conversation with the founder of McKie Consultants, Miranda McKie. 

    In this episode, Miranda shares her journey of building her consulting firm, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy, HR analytics, and inclusive product design.  

    The two discuss the ongoing challenges of DEI in business, including varying struggles across different countries, media sensationalization, and the lesser-known aspects of DEI. The need for more control and certification of those hired in the DEI landscape was also mentioned.  

    Miranda also dives into the challenges her clients face, the importance of evidence-based decision-making, and the complexities of selling services in the consulting industry. She also provides valuable insights into scaling a business, engaging with HR professionals, and the need for strategic buy-in from top executives.  

    Tune in and don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave an honest review. 

    Learn more about Miranda McKie and McKie Consultants.

    You can find more information on all our episodes at Vertical Elevation, and you can find Carol on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.