The Leadership and Learning Podcast

This episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast offers a practical and inspiring roadmap for leaders seeking to make a greater impact in 2026 and beyond.

Host Randy Goruk explores three core challenges facing today's leaders while sharing actionable strategies that drive real results.

Listeners will discover how intentional leadership development, consistent engagement, and value-driven safety practices can transform organizations and teams.

The episode also introduces coaching programs, interactive courses, and resources designed to support leaders at every stage.

Listeners will learn:

• The three biggest pain points currently facing leaders and organizations.
• Why promoting technical experts without leadership training is risky.
• Practical ways leaders can improve retention and engagement in their teams.
• The role of consistent, present, and invested leadership in building positive work environments.
• How to shift safety messaging from rules-based to value-driven leadership.
• Solutions and actionable strategies for developing leaders at all levels through training and feedback.
• Resources available for leadership growth.
• The importance of small, consistent improvements in achieving effective leadership.

Join host Randy Goruk in this engaging episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, featuring industry innovator Kevin Hubschmann. Kevin shares lessons from his comedy and business career.

Discover how humor, storytelling, and improv can transform the way leaders connect, inspire creativity, and handle tough conversations.

Whether you're a seasoned executive or new to leadership, this episode delivers actionable insights, memorable stories, and practical strategies for thriving in today's dynamic workplace.

Listeners will learn:

• How humor, storytelling, and comedy skills boost leadership effectiveness.
• The impact of active listening and empathetic communication on team dynamics.
• Why preparation is essential for both leaders and comedians, and how to improvise when plans change.
• How to handle mistakes and failures constructively and use them as learning opportunities.
• Methods to create a culture that embraces change, innovation, and learning from failure.
• Techniques for building trust and engagement within teams.
• Strategies for adapting to unexpected situations.
• Managing cynicism ("hecklers") in the workplace.
• Practical ways to apply improvisational skills to day-to-day leadership challenges.

Kevin's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hubschmann/

Website: https://www.laugh.events/

Newsletter: https://laughrx.laugh.events/

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes award-winning media executive and author Andy Regal for a candid exploration of workplace bullying and toxic leadership.

Drawing from Andy's extensive experience at top media organizations and his personal journey both as a target and leader, the conversation uncovers the realities of bullying across industries, the toll it takes on individuals and businesses, and the often-taboo nature of these issues.

You will learn:

• How to recognize the signs of workplace bullying and toxic work environments
• The difference between bullying and harassment (and why legal protections differ)
• The impact of toxic leadership on productivity, employee well-being, and business performance
• How "bully bosses" operate and why they often target loyal, productive employees
• Real-life anecdotes illustrating the effects of workplace bullying
• Strategies for employees to protect their psychological safety and self-worth
• Practical steps victims can take to cope, find support, and heal from bullying
• The importance of open communication, listening, and accountability in leadership
• How leaders and organizations can repair trust and foster healthier work cultures
• Insights from Andy Riegel's personal journey and his book on thriving after workplace abuse

With compelling stories, expert wisdom, and heartfelt guidance, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to build a workplace where people and organizations can truly thrive.

Andy Regal's Website: https://andyregal.com/

Andy's Book is Surviving Bully Culture

In this inspiring episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Dennis Bott, North American Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Element 5.

Dennis shares his remarkable journey from working in a family-owned lumber yard to becoming a leader in the mass timber industry. He discusses how "raising your hand" and how stepping up for new opportunities while embracing lifelong learning has propelled his career forward.

With actionable advice for both emerging and seasoned professionals, this episode offers valuable insights into advancing your career, building strong teams, and making a meaningful impact in your organization.

You will also learn:

· The value of "raising your hand" by volunteering for new challenges and opportunities, even when they're outside your comfort zone.

· How a willingness to learn and adapt creates personal and professional growth.

· How to navigate difficult career transitions.

· How to leverage setbacks as learning opportunities.

· The importance of continuous learning, seeking feedback, and embracing mentorship.

· Approaches for supporting, motivating, and coaching team members with varying aspirations and comfort levels.

· Why cultivating a diverse, supportive team culture helps everyone thrive.

· How storytelling and open feedback can inspire, teach, and drive results in leadership.

· The necessity of learning from mistakes and adapting quickly to changing circumstances.

· Practical tips for team communication and staying organized in a fast-paced environment.

· Advice for younger professionals.

Website: https://elementfive.co/

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisbott/

Join host Randy Goruk as he sits down with accomplished entrepreneur Mark Scambray for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and business growth in the construction industry.

Discover how Mark transitioned from sales to launching and building his own successful companies.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or interested in actionable advice on thriving through change, this episode delivers practical wisdom, firsthand stories, and actionable insights to help you achieve your goals.

Learn valuable lessons about managing teams, mastering business finances, adapting in times of crisis, and taking smart risks.

Listeners will also learn:

• How to transition from a technical or sales role into entrepreneurship.
• The importance of strong work ethic, courage, and adaptability in business.
• Leadership lessons for managing teams and business finances, including budgeting and cost control.
• The story behind founding and growing Hardy Fall Protection Systems.
• How to build strong client relationships and develop effective sales/marketing strategies in the construction industry.
• The value of being nimble and pivoting business models in response to challenges like recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Why a family support system is crucial for entrepreneurial success.
• Insights into measuring marketing impact and managing client expectations.
• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: persistence, confidence, and the willingness to reach out for guidance.

Website: https://srgspec.com/

Phone: 949-636-1255

Host Randy Goruk welcomes Dr. Gretchen Gagle, a trailblazer in the construction industry, to discuss her journey, leadership insights, and efforts to empower women in male-populated fields. This episode offers practical advice for both male and female leaders.

You will learn how companies can attract and support female talent, overcome bias, and build inclusive, high-performing teams.

Listeners will also learn:

• How Dr. Gretchen Gagle overcame barriers and built a successful leadership career in the construction industry.
• Common challenges and misconceptions women face in male-dominated fields, especially construction.
• The importance of mentorship, male allies, and supportive workplace culture.
• Strategies companies and leaders can use to attract, develop, and retain female talent.
• The role of empathy, emotional intelligence, and addressing unconscious bias in leadership.
• Ways to make construction careers more accessible and appealing to women and underrepresented groups.
• Insightful stories and practical advice from Dr. Gagle's book, "Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction."

Dr. Gagel's Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12-plyTMBrs

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Steve Harms, General Manager at Builders FirstSource, who draws on over 40 years of experience in the building materials industry.

Steve shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading successful improvement initiatives, including the implementation of Kata teams, fostering a culture of ownership, and achieving outstanding results in safety, quality, and productivity.

Packed with practical stories, expert insights, and leadership advice, this episode offers inspiration and tools for leaders eager to build a thriving, continuously improving organization.

Listeners will gain actionable insights and real examples to help implement or enhance continuous improvement in their own organizations.

You will learn:

• The importance and mindset of continuous improvement as a daily commitment.
• The concept of employee engagement and practical ways to give employees ownership and responsibility for their work.
• Results of the Kata continuous improvement methodology in manufacturing.
• Key metrics for success: safety, quality, and productivity and how to measure and improve them.
• Recognizing early warning signs of employee disengagement and strategies to address them.
• Effective leadership practices, including the value of humility ("free yourself from ego") and building trust.
• Training and empowering leaders and teams to take initiative and drive sustained improvements.
• Adapting operations to environmental challenges, while maintaining engagement and efficiency.
• Step-by-step methods for starting small with improvement teams and scaling success within an organization.
• The value of mentorship, leadership consistency, and enjoying the journey of improvement.

Host Randy Goruk on the Leadership and Learning Podcast as he welcomes Bryan DeBois, Director of Industrial AI at RoviSys, for an insightful discussion on the transformative power of artificial intelligence in manufacturing.

Bryan shares his 25-year journey in the industry, explains how AI is revolutionizing operations—from capturing expert knowledge to enhancing safety and productivity—and addresses common misconceptions about AI's impact on the workforce.

This episode is packed with real-world examples, practical advice, and inspiration for leaders looking to empower teams and drive innovation with AI.

You will learn:

• How artificial intelligence is transforming manufacturing processes and operations.
• Ways AI captures expert knowledge and accelerates skill development for operators.
• Real-world examples of AI improving safety, productivity, and efficiency in manufacturing.
• Strategies for balancing productivity gains with enhanced workplace safety.
• How AI solutions can be implemented while managing common fears and misconceptions.
• Insights on building ROI-driven business cases for AI initiatives.
• The evolving role and value of human workers alongside AI-driven automation.
• Practical steps companies can take to get AI-ready.
• What the future may hold for smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Bryan DeBois on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-debois

Company website: https://www.rovisys.com

In this episode of the Leadership in Learning podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes Daniel McCauley, Director of Engineering and Business Development for Ultimus Engineering. They dive into the critical role of effective communication in high-performing construction and engineering teams, exploring how miscommunication can lead to costly mistakes, project delays, and safety issues.

Daniel shares insights from his diverse career; from his early passion for sports and competition to his leadership roles in large corporations and eventually founding his own engineering firm.

The conversation covers adapting communication styles for different stakeholders, the value and limitations of personality assessments, building and nurturing professional relationships, and practical strategies for improving communication within teams and across industries.

Listeners will learn:

· Actionable tips for young professionals, leaders, engineers, and anyone looking to foster stronger collaboration and more successful project outcomes.

· The critical role of effective communication in preventing costly mistakes and delays in engineering and construction projects.

· How communication styles differ among engineers, architects, contractors, and project stakeholders and why adaptability is essential.

· The value and appropriate use of personality assessments to improve team understanding and communication.

· The importance of clarifying assumptions and questions to avoid misunderstandings and errors.

· How joining organizations like Toastmasters can enhance public speaking and leadership skills.

· Practical advice for non-engineers (e.g., contractors, subcontractors) on how to communicate more effectively with technical teams.

· Common mistakes leaders make in sharing too much or too little information, and how to find the right balance.

· Why building and nurturing professional relationships is vital for career growth and project success.

· Actionable networking tactics, such as using reminders and keeping in touch intentionally, to maintain connections.

· The mindset of continuous learning and being open to feedback to improve communication outcomes.

Daniel McCaulley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielmccaulley/

Website: www.UltimusEngineering.com

Phone: 972-825-7741

In this episode of the Leadership and Learning Podcast, host Randy Goruk welcomes guest Dennis Schleder to discuss the realities of job searching in today's competitive market.

Whether you're actively seeking a new role or supporting someone who is, this episode offers actionable strategies and encouragement to help you succeed in your career journey.

You will learn:

• Practical advice on navigating the ups and downs of today's job search.
• The importance of resilience and self-reflection during the job search process.
• How to leverage networking and personal connections to uncover job opportunities.
• Strategies for handling rejection and maintaining your motivation.
• Tips for successful video interviews.
• Lessons learned from taking roles that don't align with personal passions or skills.
• How to balance financial needs with career fulfillment.
• Approaches for dealing with being "ghosted" by employers or recruiters.
• The impact of technology and AI on job roles.
• Advice on writing resumes.
• The value of having a trusted mentor and being open to guidance.
• Encouragement to stay positive and proactive throughout the job search journey.

Contact Dennis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-schleder/