Make the Adjustment Podcast

In this episode of the Make the Adjustment podcast, Chris Mader interviews Matt Dixon, founder and CEO of Front Range Systems.

Matt shares his journey from a police dispatcher to a fractional CTO, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology strategy with business goals. The conversation explores the concept of revenue leaks, hidden inefficiencies that drain profits, and how fractional leadership can help companies scale without the burden of full-time hires.

Matt also discusses the growing role of AI in business efficiency and the common mistakes companies make when choosing technology solutions.

The episode concludes with insights on integrating technology into business operations to reduce friction and enhance productivity. In this conversation, Matt Dixon discusses the process of engaging with clients, focusing on the first 90 days and the importance of understanding their current situation.

He emphasizes the need for effective change management, navigating resistance within organizations, and the significance of building a healthy tech stack for growth.

The discussion also covers the role of AI as a tool for solving business problems, identifying wasteful tech investments, and personal adjustments made in Matt's career to focus on marketing and helping others.

Takeaways

• Matt emphasizes the importance of aligning technology with business goals.
• Revenue leaks are hidden inefficiencies that can drain profits.
• Fractional leadership allows companies to scale without full-time hires.
• AI is becoming increasingly important in enhancing business efficiency.
• Many companies pay for software features they never use.
• Technology should reduce friction in business operations.
• Identifying the right technology is crucial for scaling a business.
• Common mistakes include choosing shiny software without understanding its utility.
• Integrating technology into daily operations is essential for growth. The first step in client engagement is a deep assessment.
• Change is often resisted, but progress can be embraced.
• A healthy tech stack is crucial for scaling businesses.
• AI should be viewed as a tool to solve specific problems.
• Companies should eliminate tech that doesn't provide value.
• Personal adjustments in career focus can lead to greater impact.
• Experience allows consultants to see patterns in business challenges.
• Effective communication is key to navigating organizational change.

Summary

In this episode of the 2026 podcast, Chris Mader interviews Brock Bauer, president of TotalTek, discussing his journey in implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and the importance of trust and psychological safety in leadership.

They explore the significance of informal connections, employee growth, overcoming adversity, and making difficult decisions in leadership.

Brock shares insights on building a people-centric culture and Total Tech's commitment to community engagement through charitable initiatives.

Takeaways

• Brock Bauer emphasizes the importance of trust in resolving issues within a team.
• The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) provides a structured approach to business management.
• Building psychological safety is crucial for open communication and issue resolution.
• Informal connections with team members enhance relationships and trust.
• Leadership involves making difficult decisions for the betterment of the organization.
• Promoting from within fosters growth and loyalty among employees.
• Understanding employees' personal goals helps leaders support their development.
• Caring for employees is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership.
• Adversity can lead to personal growth and resilience.
• Community engagement is a core value at Total Tech, demonstrated through charitable initiatives.

In this episode of the Make the Adjustment podcast, Chris Mader interviews Mike Louer, a seasoned business leader with extensive experience in driving growth and building high-performing teams.

They discuss the evolution of leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, navigating workplace conflict, and the significance of hiring the right people.

Mike shares insights on managing underperformers, building a winning team culture, and leading through change.

The conversation emphasizes the need for personal accountability and the role of effective communication in leadership.

Takeaways

• Leadership is fundamentally about the people you lead.
• It's essential to pick your battles wisely in workplace conflicts.
• Emotional intelligence is a critical skill for effective leadership.
• Understanding team members' goals helps in providing relevant feedback.
• The interview process should focus on finding candidates you truly love to work with.
• Grit and resilience are key attributes to look for in candidates.
• Managing underperformers requires a clear understanding of team dynamics.
• Building high-performing teams involves having the right people and fostering a fun culture.
• Quarterly business reviews are vital for assessing team performance and dynamics.
• Leading through change requires meeting team members where they are emotionally.

Join Chris Mader as he sits down with Justin Priest, COO of ConsultNet, to explore the art of balancing accountability and fun in leadership.

With over two decades of experience, Justin shares his journey from a high-performing sales leader to a strategic executive, emphasizing the importance of evolving leadership styles and embracing change.

Discover how to foster a winning culture, navigate market challenges, and leverage AI for business growth, all while having fun while executing.

Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring stories from a leader who believes in making work both productive and enjoyable.

In this engaging episode of the "Make the Adjustment" podcast, host Chris Mader sits down with Chris Martin, Vice President of Global Strategic Resourcing at World Wide Technology.

With over two decades of experience in the professional staffing & services sector, Chris Martin shares his journey from early career challenges to becoming a leader known for his people-first approach and exemplary results.

Listeners will gain insights into the importance of building trust within teams and the role of psychological safety in fostering open communication and innovation.

Chris Martin delves into the evolution of leadership styles, emphasizing the need to adapt and grow with changing times. He shares personal anecdotes and lessons learned from mentors, highlighting the significance of staying connected and nurturing relationships in both professional and personal spheres.

The conversation touches on the impact of technology and AI on the staffing industry, offering a glimpse into the future of work and the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

Tune in to discover how Chris Martin's commitment to discipline, self-improvement, and team empowerment has shaped his career and personal life.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, this episode offers valuable takeaways on leadership, resilience, and the power of human connection.

In this episode of the Make the Adjustment podcast, Chris Mader interviews Kathryn Krueger, president of the DeWinter Technology Division.

They discuss leadership, building high-performing teams, the impact of AI on business, and the importance of personal development.

Kathryn shares her insights on creating a strong company culture, balancing relationships with results, and the significance of giving team members space to grow. The conversation also touches on the future of work, hiring practices, and the necessity of adapting to technological advancements.

Key Takeaways

• Strong company culture is built from both top-down and bottom-up.
• High expectations drive team performance and growth.
• AI can enhance efficiency and should be embraced in business.
• Leaders must give their teams space to learn and grow.
• Personal development is crucial for effective leadership.
• Team dynamics are essential for achieving business goals.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are key in a changing environment.
• Building relationships is fundamental to business success.

Angie Keller is the Managing Director, North America and Head of Canada and U.S. Major Accounts at Randstad Digital, and is the global leader in talent and HR services.

With over more than a decade of experience at Randstad, she has progressed from managing a single local branch to leading international businesses across their engineering and digital solutions practices.

Her work and impact earned her recognition on Staffing Industry Analysts’ “40 Under 40” list, which honors rising leaders driving innovation, team mentorship, and business growth in the staffing industry.

In this episode, she discusses the importance of being "in the trenches" when it comes to team projects as well as the role of providing constructive feedback to improve workplace outcomes.

Chris Mader worked with Angie previously over a decade ago and can personally attest to Angie fostering a psychologically safe work environment, consistent open and honest communications, and role modeling positive leadership behaviors which inspires others. She's led transformative change since beginning her career at Randstad and are honored to share her insights in this episode.

Casey Jacox is a keynote speaker, author, executive coach, and podcaster who built his career on relationships-first selling.

After a standout run as a college quarterback, Casey spent more than two decades in professional staffing and consulting, rising to record‑breaking sales success at Kforce before launching his own firm, Win the Relationship, LLC, where he coaches leaders and sales teams to sustainable performance.

He’s the author of Win the Relationship, Not the Deal and hosts The Quarterback DadCast, blending lessons from sports, leadership, and life to help people grow with humility and intention.

In this conversation, Casey discusses the realities of sales, emphasizing that hitting targets consistently is rare. He shares personal experiences of facing challenges and the importance of leadership in navigating these difficulties.

Casey’s work centers on humility, vulnerability, and curiosity as superpowers for life, sales, and leadership—perfect for leaders and sales professionals in staffing, or any industry, who want to grow the right way!

In this episode of the Make the Adjustment podcast, Chris Mader interviews Traci Fiatte Thomas, CEO of SI Systems and founder of TFT Advisory. She is also a 9x recipient of the Top 150 Women in Staffing Award by Staffing Industry Analysts.

Traci shares her insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, and the importance of an abundance mindset in achieving success. She discusses her experiences in the Canadian and U.S. business landscape, the significance of psychological safety in the workplace, and the balance between traditional and modern business practices.

Traci emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and the value of teamwork in driving organizational success.

As a former boss of Chris', he can promise you that Traci walks the walk and lives up to all of the incredible insights she shared in this segment.

In this engaging episode of the Make the Adjustment podcast, Chris Mader sits down with John Stuart, founder and CEO of ZeekTek to explore the essence of having an owner's mentality in business.

John shares his journey from starting as a recruiter to leading a multi-million dollar company, emphasizing the importance of taking ownership and thinking like an entrepreneur, even if you're not the owner. He discusses how this mindset has been pivotal in navigating challenges and driving growth.

John also delves into the critical role of relationships in the staffing industry, highlighting that despite technological advancements, the human connection remains irreplaceable. He shares insights on balancing technology with personal interactions, ensuring that tools enhance rather than replace the human element in business. This conversation is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to foster a strong company culture and achieve sustainable success.

Tune in to discover how John Stuart's leadership principles can inspire you to make meaningful adjustments in your professional journey. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting out, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and the power of a people-first approach.