Evolving Your Workplace

“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 [email protected] with your information.

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“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 [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!

“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 [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!

“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 [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!

“If something feels wrong, trust your gut.” – Brittany Stevens

In this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with employment attorney Brittany Stevens (Partner at Phillips & Associates) to unpack the realities of sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and power dynamics—and what leaders can do to create workplaces where people feel safe speaking up.

Brittany explains how harassment is defined under the law (and why it often differs from what people assume), why so many cases come down to evidence and “totality of circumstances,” and how fear of retaliation keeps employees silent—especially when the harasser holds power. They discuss what strong workplace policies and training should actually include, why some organizations make it hard to report, and how employees can protect themselves when a company is focused on protecting itself. The episode closes with practical guidance for both leaders and employees on building safer systems, documenting issues, and knowing when to seek confidential legal advice.

1. Sexual harassment isn’t always “obvious”—many cases are subtle and pattern-based.
2. Legal definitions of harassment/discrimination vary across federal, state, and city laws.
3. Power imbalances (boss vs. employee) make reporting feel risky and unsafe.
4. Fear of retaliation is one of the biggest reasons people stay silent.
5. Documentation and internal complaints can significantly strengthen a case.
6. Many companies fail by not having clear reporting policies or trusted processes.
7. Leaders must train managers not only on behavior—but on how to respond to complaints.
8. Discrimination can happen anywhere—industry, company size, and role don’t matter.
9. Some terminations get “hidden” behind restructuring or reductions in force.
10. Consulting a law firm can be a confidential way to understand your options.

00:00 Intro: The taboo topic—sexual harassment & workplace safety

00:49 What Brittany’s firm does (employee-side discrimination law)

02:19 Why the firm was founded & what motivates this work

02:50 Defining harassment vs. what people think harassment is

04:28 Harassment isn’t always sexual: hostile work environments & protected classes

05:15 Evidence, documentation, and why cases are fact-dependent

06:16 Power dynamics: why “just say no” isn’t realistic

07:43 What victims can do when they fear repercussions

08:25 Why policies and reporting systems often fail (or don’t exist)

10:40 Vetting employers: red flags, lawsuits, and research before accepting jobs

11:13 DEI changes and what may shift over time

12:01 Discrimination happens everywhere (yes—even “good” companies)

13:00 What leaders should do: training, reporting, investigations, real support

15:54 Women vs. men: patterns Brittany sees in harassment and discrimination cases

16:46 Disability/medical termination & “restructuring” as a cover

18:35 How Phillips & Associates evolved and expanded over time

20:05 Growth bottlenecks: why jurisdiction/laws matter

21:21 Why expand into less employee-friendly states like Florida

22:58 Client trust: the importance of fast support and connection

23:54 Internal training: listening, empathy, and handling emotional calls

26:10 Choosing a path: quiet resolution vs. litigation

27:03 How to find the firm & their contingency model

29:24 Final thoughts: protecting yourself when the company protects itself

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 [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!

"Show up to serve, not to sell." - Maury Rogow

In this week's episode Carol Schultz and Maury Rogow delve into the significance of storytelling in sales and marketing.

Maury shares his journey from the tech industry to Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of differentiation and relatability in business. They discuss the need for effective communication, understanding audience needs, and the role of emotional engagement in sales.

Maury also provides unconventional strategies for generating sales, highlighting the power of personalization and the impact of AI in modern marketing. The discussion culminates with insights from Maury's book, 'Rise of the Entrepreneur', which focuses on leveraging storytelling as a superpower in business.

Takeaways

Businesses struggle to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.

Storytelling is essential for effective branding and sales.

Understanding your audience's needs is crucial for success.

Effective communication involves asking the right questions.

Sales should focus on serving the customer, not just selling.

Personalization in marketing can significantly enhance engagement.

Emotional connections drive customer loyalty and sales.

Unconventional sales strategies can set you apart from competitors.

AI is transforming the landscape of sales and marketing.

Your unique story can be a powerful tool for business growth.

Chapters

00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Sales

03:08 Maury's Journey: From Tech to Hollywood

05:59 Building Rip Media Group: A New Chapter

08:54 The Art of Relatable Storytelling

11:59 Understanding the Why Behind Your Story

15:00 Overcoming Founderitis in Marketing

17:49 Simplifying Complex Ideas for Sales

20:52 Unconventional Sales Strategies

21:49 The Power of Relatable Storytelling

25:32 Emotional Marketing Techniques

25:59 Innovative Sales Approaches

29:55 Personalization in Outreach

34:53 The Rise of the Entrepreneur

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 [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!

If you want to learn how AI transformed SEO strategy and how to rank in results, this episode is for you.

"The world is noisier than ever." - Melih Oztalay

In this conversation, Carol Schultz speaks with Melih Oztalay, CEO and internet marketing expert of Smartfinds Internet Marketing. They discuss the significant changes in marketing due to AI, the importance of adapting to these changes, and the four A's of change: anticipate, accept, adapt, and adopt.

Carol and Melih explore the necessity for businesses to invest in marketing to stay competitive. The discussion also touches on the impact of the political climate on business growth and the importance of a strong marketing foundation to navigate these challenges.

Takeaways

AI is transforming the marketing landscape significantly.

Businesses must anticipate and accept changes to thrive.

The four A's of change are crucial for adaptation.

Notable sources are essential for AI recognition.

The competitive landscape is noisier than ever.

Waiting to invest can lead to missed opportunities.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Change in Marketing

08:54 The Impact of AI on SEO

16:37 The Evolution of Smart Finds Marketing

20:52 Building a Resilient Team Culture

23:56 Building a Collaborative Culture

25:25 Navigating Political Climate Challenges

28:20 Investing in Growth Amid Uncertainty

29:11 Understanding Client Investment Decisions

31:38 The Importance of Omni-Channel Marketing

34:49 Impact of Political Climate on Business

37:02 Morale and Investment in the Workplace

38:35 Lessons from Historical Business Failures

40:46 The Interplay of Marketing and Sales

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 [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, we get into the critical intersection of immigration and workplace dynamics.

Tune in for a fascinating conversation with immigration attorney Matt Meltzer where we explore the implications of ICE policies, compliance challenges, and the importance of understanding employee travel risks.

Matt shares insights on visa strategies for entrepreneurs and the evolution of his firm, Meltzer Hellrung, highlighting lessons learned from founding a business and the challenges of scaling.

The discussion also touches on client acquisition, organizational structure, and the future needs of the firm, culminating in a powerful message about the value of hiring non-US citizens. 

Chapters 

00:00 Navigating Immigration in the Workplace 

03:06 Compliance and Investigations 

05:35 Travel Considerations for Employees 

08:36 Visa Strategies for Entrepreneurs 

11:27 The Evolution of Meltzer Hellrung 

14:23 Lessons Learned in Leadership 

17:17 Client Acquisition and Marketing Strategies 

20:49 Navigating Growth Challenges 

23:58 Team Structure and Leadership Dynamics 

26:50 Sustainability and Unique Market Positioning 

30:11 Identifying Organizational Gaps for Growth 

32:06 Reflections on Founding and Mentorship 

35:14 The Value of Hiring Non-US Citizens 

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 [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!

"I am a lifelong learner" - Sandi Luck

In this conversation, Carol Schultz speaks with Sandi Luck, founder & CEO of Bully Brew Coffee, ND Coffee Roastery, and Board Room Coffee & Taphouse. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by women in male-dominated industries, particularly in the coffee business. Sandi shares her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of mentorship, and the dynamics of co-founder relationships.

They explore customer acquisition strategies, the significance of company culture, and the financial aspects of running a business. Sandy emphasizes the need for independent coffee shops and her vision for growth while addressing the challenges of employee retention and workplace evolution. 

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction to Gender Dynamics in Business 

03:04 Sandy Luck's Entrepreneurial Journey 

05:59 Navigating Co-Founder Relationships 

08:58 Customer Acquisition Strategies 

11:55 Women in the Coffee Industry 

14:48 Mentorship and Empowerment 

17:49 Future Growth and Business Philosophy 

19:22 The Cookie Cutter Model and Licensing Opportunities 

20:27 Ambitious Growth Plans for Bully Brew Coffee 

21:23 Community Engagement and Ownership in Small Towns 

22:42 Empowering Employees and Building Future Owners 

23:13 Creating a Welcoming Customer Experience 

24:00 Revenue Targets and Financial Challenges 

26:13 Bottlenecks to Growth and Risk Management 

29:14 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance 

31:14 Company Culture and Leadership Development 

33:37 Evolution of the Workplace and Leadership Skills 

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 [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!

If you are leading a remote team and navigating AI, this episode is for you.

Carol Schulz sits down with Paul Pacun, founder and CEO of Vablet—a leading sales enablement tool focused on life sciences and medical device sales teams. 

Paul dives into his leadership strategy post-COVID and how that has transformed his team’s productivity.

He also walks us through Vablet’s evolution from a simple video tablet concept to a comprehensive platform used by global sales teams.

Tune in to hear how this successful CEO has transformed his workplace to meet ever-changing demands.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Vablet and Its Origins

02:38 Evolution of Workplace Dynamics

05:33 Navigating the Medical Device Market

08:29 The Impact of Remote Work and Team Structure

11:36 Challenges and Opportunities with AI

14:28 Future Innovations and Market Expansion

22:18 Sales Strategy and Market Expansion

25:16 Navigating Government Sales and Compliance

26:17 Sustainability and Financial Strategy

29:32 Growth Trajectory and Funding Options

34:01 Technology Adaptation and Testing Innovations

38:48 Passion in the Workplace and Company Culture

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 [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!