Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews Matt Kinney, Founder and COO of Reality Smash Episode #11.

Matt and Bob explore the challenges of managing teams of technology professionals who are developing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and 360 degree video. Matt explains his use of agile methodology and of Slack collaboration tools to manage his teams and keep them - as well as Reality Smash's clients - updated in 'real time' on constantly evolving projects.

Matt takes on a tough people management question: Aren't technology companies like Reality Smash who develop VR, AR and other companies who develop artificial inteligence (AI) and robotics creating a future without opportunities for many workers? Considering he's a 'tech guy', Matt's response may not surprise you, but his 'burger truck owner to tech leader' personal story shows that he knows what he's talking about.

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews John McHugh of Versatile Systems, Inc., in Episode #10.

John shares his challenges and successes finding and retaining the right people for his family owned design-build fall protection company. John stresses the importance of engagement to building a 'culture of safety' and explains how he rewards good safety records with annual bonuses tied 'dollar for dollar' to company savings.

John also answers Bob's people management hot seat question: Have Amazon and Tesla, two of 2017's 'dirty dozen' unsafe employers, pushed the limits of productivity too far - to the point that employee safety is now a bigger issue?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews Scott Diener of Scooter's Jungle in Episode #8.

Bob and Scott discuss Scott's experience as founder/franchisor of Scooter's Jungle and the importance of selecting and hiring the best people. Scott shares his tips for good interviews, including the types of questions to ask and visual cues to watch for when interviewing.

Bob also poses a people management hot seat question to Scott: Is McDonald's Corporation to blame? Who should take responsibility for employment issues like gender pay gap, discrimination, and living wage - the franchisor or franchisee?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews Maichael Sawitz of FastStart Studio in Episode #3.

Michael shares his experience as successful entrepreneur, franchisor and startup investor/consultant. He also discusses the importance of developing company culture from day one and how company culture needs to evolve as a startup grows into a successful venture, first taking on angel investors, then private equity investors, then venture capital and beyond.

Bob also challenges Michael with a people management hot seat question: Will Wells Fargo be able to salvage its reputation after going through its customer account scandal?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews Kevin Rhue of WiLogic in Episode #2.

Bob and Kevin discuss ways Kevin has improved his business management since implementing "Traction" management, also known as the Entrepreneurial Operating System. Among his many challenges, Kevin says the most important step was to correctly define the positions of each of his 20 empoyees so that they could make sure they had the right people in the right places.

Kevin also responds to a people management hot seat question: Is Jeff Bezos' practice of sending question mark ("?") emails to his management team a workable management practice?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews Ron Stein, Founder of PTS Staffing Solutions, a leading technical staffing provider to California refineries and health science companies in Episode #9.

Ron explains PTS Staffing strategies for finding and engaging highly trained engineers and other technical talent in a competitive marketplace, detailing both compensation and benefits offerings that lead to long term contractor engagements.

Ron's hot seat question: How is PTS Staffing going to survive the evolving energy sector, with growth shifting from energy production to energy efficiency and alternative energy?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews Scharrell Jackson, COO and CFO of Squar Milner and founder of Leadership in Heels in Episode #6.

Scharrell and Bob dig into the tough issues of gender gap and diversity in the workplace which, despite progress, are still issues - especially at the highest levels.

Can there be any other question for Scharrell? Despite constant headlines, from 'Black Lives Matter' to '#MeToo', little has changed during the past two years. So, what can each of us do to make a difference?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) talks with Roland Canamar, founder and owner of Silver Dream Factory in Episode #5.

Roland gives Bob an overview of the unique challenges and successes of managing artists and production crew at his independent movie studio in Anaheim, California.

Bob's hot seat question for Roland: Will Disney's proposed acquisition of Fox be good or bad for independent producers and studios, as well as for actors, singers, dancers and other talent?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews Alexander Petersen of Wagly Pet Campus in Episode #4.

Bob and Alexander discuss ways to develop and maintain corporate culture through transitions in ownership, from a family owned business to private equity funded and back again.

Bob also poses his people management hot seat question: After the acquisition, how will online mega-retailer Amazon manage its culture clash with brick & mortar retailer Whole Foods?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com

Robert J. Curtis (Bob) interviews Lauren Feehrer of LoyaltyCraft in Episode #6.

Bob and Lauren discuss Lauren's innovative applications of agile methodology - in everything from developing customer experience, to improving employee engagement and even managing a family with young children.

Bob also poses a people management hot seat question: Are there agile applications that Lauren can recommend for Nike to transition through its recent sexual harrassment issues and the replacement of 11 of its senior management team?

Listen here or watch at www.bestcompaniesshow.com