The New Talent Playbook Podcast

Rob speaks with David Schnurman, CEO of Lawline, about building a culture by design, evolving from visionary founder to strategy-focused CEO, and why AI is the next transformational lever in CLE and operations. David shares how structure (Scaling Up), personality tools, and an internal academy accelerate execution, plus practical ways to "AI‑enable" teams, automate low‑value work, and create award-winning client education.

About the guest David Schnurman is the CEO of Lawline, the leading provider of online continuing legal education. He's the author of The Fast Forward Mindset and the upcoming The Year We Said Yes, and host of the Lawyers Who Learn podcast. David is the former president of EO New York and serves on his YPO chapter board. He's also a marathoner and speaker focused on helping people be more fearless, focused, and fulfilled.

Highlight "You only grow as fast as your leaders grow."

Actionable insights

• Use personality profiles to improve collaboration: Share types across the team (e.g., TypeCoach/MBTI) so people tailor communication and balance visionary vs. detail strengths. [05:33]
• Treat AI as change management, not just tooling: Hire for AI fluency, "AI‑enable" roles, and create forums, training, and expectations to reduce fear and drive adoption. [11:21]
• Build leaders systematically: Create an internal academy and Emerging Leaders program; coach candid conversations and management fundamentals. [18:17]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About David Schnurman

Check out Collection 18 Connect with David on LinkedIn.

Other resources David mentions

Check out TypeCoach.

Follow Conor Grennan on LinkedIn

Your next read: Areté by Brian Johnson.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel! Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn. Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

What does it take to build a standout team in a creative, fast-paced industry like fashion? In this episode, Rob sits down with Drew Pizzo, who has led Collection 18 for over 30 years, to explore how a commitment to unique ability, clear values, and ongoing development has helped him build one of the most admired cultures in his space. From rigorous hiring to daily team rhythms and executive coaching, Drew shares the behind-the-scenes strategies that keep his team engaged, aligned, and competitive—even as the fashion world continues to evolve.

About the Guest

Drew Pizzo is the owner and president of Collection 18, a women's fashion accessories company he has led since 1992. Known for combining innovation with operational discipline, Drew has cultivated a company culture that fuels creativity and results. Outside of his business, he serves as President of the Executive Board of CancerCare and Vice Chairman of the Fashion Accessories Benefit Ball (FABB).

Episode Highlight

"If you want exceptional results, hire for exceptional ability—and keep people in their zone of genius."

Actionable Insights

• Start with unique ability: Drew doesn't just hire for talent—he hires for alignment. His first interview with every candidate focuses on uncovering what they do exceptionally well. [02:57]
• Make culture competitive: He regularly asks: Is our head of sales better than the competitor's? That standard keeps everyone focused on high performance, not just effort. [7:32]
• Invest in learning—at every level: From $500 education stipends to quarterly strategic retreats, Drew believes retention starts with development. [13:56]
• Meet daily, think quarterly: A quick 9 AM Zoom keeps communication sharp. But the real magic? Quarterly planning days where the whole team reflects, celebrates wins, and resets goals together. [17:28]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About Drew Pizzo

Check out Collection 18 Connect with Drew on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel! Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn. Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

In a world moving from change to chaos, Lisa Bodell makes the case for subtraction: kill needless rules, cut administrivia, and restore focus to meaningful work. She shares a simple, leader-led process to remove friction, the cultural and retention gains from clarity, and how to use AI as a coach to identify what to stop, simplify, and stress-test. The takeaway: mandate simplification, model it, and reset leadership norms so teams spend time where it counts.

About the guest Lisa Bodell is the founder of FutureThink and the bestselling author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company. Her work on simplification and innovation has influenced teams at Google, SAP, and Citi, and she's a frequent contributor to outlets including Forbes, Fast Company, and The New York Times.

Episode Highlight "We've moved into a world that's not just about change, it's about chaos. And the way to get control is simplification—value, not volume."

Actionable insights

• Run "Kill a Stupid Rule" regularly: Ask each team member to name two rules or processes in their sphere of control to eliminate—and why. Expect quick wins; many "rules" are just habits or time sucks. [03:53]
• Lead with permission and structure: Fear blocks simplification. Provide a clear forum, mandate subtraction targets, and pilot removals if needed. Leaders must personally commit to killing at least one rule. [09:53]
• Use AI as a coach for subtraction and strategy: Prompt for "what to remove" by function, surface wild cards, and stress-test plans. Upload internal playbooks to a private GPT and iterate; avoid sensitive data in public tools. [13:04]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About Lisa Bodell

Check out FutureThink and lisabodell.com Your next read: Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company. Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel! Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn. Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

If you think team performance is too fuzzy to measure, this episode will challenge that mindset. Eddie Geller, a seasoned entrepreneur and performance strategist, talks with Rob Levin about how data, not just gut instinct, can help leaders unlock the full potential of their teams. Eddie shares how SKOR helps companies go beyond culture surveys and engagement scores by identifying what drives (or blocks) team performance.

From embracing AI to generational shifts in the workplace, this is a forward-thinking conversation about what leadership looks like when you put people and measurement at the center.

About the Guest

Eddie Geller is an entrepreneur and performance strategist who believes technology can unlock the best in people and teams. He's the founder and CEO of SKOR, a platform that measures and improves team performance through clear data and actionable insights. Previously, he co-founded Tinybeans, which went public in 2017. Originally from Australia and now based in New York, Eddie brings decades of experience building high-performing, people-first companies.

Episode Highlight

"If it's not written, it's what's lived. Culture isn't what's on the wall—it's how your team shows up every day."

Actionable Insights

• Team performance needs measurement, not guesswork: Eddie explains how SKOR uses a 0–100 scoring system based on cohesion, clarity, and courage to assess team dynamics. [05:00]
• Culture and performance are more connected than most leaders admit: Eddie shares why "great culture" rarely exists without strong, high-performing teams—and how to bridge that gap. [08:00]
• Leaders must adapt to generational differences—not resist them: From recognition to feedback styles, understanding what motivates younger employees is key to long-term engagement. [10:00]
• AI will change how we work—but culture determines how well we adapt: Eddie outlines how teams can become "AI-ready" by strengthening curiosity, adaptability, and a culture of experimentation. [26:00]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About Eddie Geller

Check out SKOR. Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel! Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn. Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Rob sits down with Kurt Wilkin—entrepreneur, advisor, and author of Who's Your Mike?—to unpack what it really takes to scale a business with the right team. Kurt shares why so many CEOs stall their own growth by holding onto the wrong people for too long, what "hiring better" actually looks like, and how to level up your leadership by embracing self-awareness. It's a candid, BS-free conversation from someone who's helped hundreds of founders build companies that grow—and last.

About the Guest

Kurt Wilkin is the co-founder of HireBetter, a strategic talent partner for growth-minded companies, and managing partner at Bee Cave Capital. With decades of experience advising entrepreneurs, Kurt brings a plainspoken, no-nonsense approach to leadership and scaling. He's also the author of Who's Your Mike?, a guide for founders navigating the messy human side of business growth.

Episode Highlight

"Who got you here won't always get you there."

Actionable Insights

• "Hiring better" starts with strategy, not resumes: Before posting a job, ask: Where are we going—and who do we need around the table to get there? [03:35]
• Next-level talent changes everything: Bringing in one experienced, high-performing leader can shift your company's entire trajectory. [05:57]
• Founders need self-awareness to scale: If you think you're the smartest person in the room, you're probably limiting your own growth. [08:35]
• Conflict-avoidant? You'll struggle with legacy hires: Kurt shares how to approach tough conversations with longtime team members who've outgrown their role—with empathy and clarity. [09:14]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About Kurt Wilkin

Check out HireBetter. Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel! Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn. Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Matt Tritt, Founder and President of Greenlight Consulting & Management, shares his journey from burnout to building a purpose-driven owner's rep firm in the high-stakes world of NYC real estate. He talks with Rob about shifting from winging it to leading with intention, the role of core values in hiring and client outcomes, and how connection drives both culture and performance.

About Matt Tritt

Matthew Tritt is the Founder and President of Greenlight Consulting & Management, a boutique Owner's Representation firm specializing in mid-market ground-up development and adaptive reuse projects in the New York City area. With over 20 years of experience in real estate development and construction, Matt helps developers navigate complex projects while building long-term partnerships rooted in integrity and results. He leads with values like collaboration, transparency, and tailored solutions to drive outcomes that last.

Episode Highlight

"When I started leading with my heart first, everything changed — the energy, the clarity, the buy-in." — Matthew Tritt

Actionable Insights

• Burnout can be a signal to re-center on purpose: Matt's decision to close his construction company led to years of reflection and a new business built on clarity and values. [05:33]
• Hiring based on values creates long-term alignment: Every Greenlight candidate completes a values-based questionnaire and assessment before joining. [15:25]
• Core values aren't fluff, they impact outcomes: "If you care, you listen," Matt says, and that connection makes high-stakes development more sustainable. [16:00]
• Remote culture requires overcommunication: Weekly updates in Slack and field visits help connect on-site and remote team members. [24:40]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About Matt Tritt

Check out Greenlight Consulting & Management. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel! Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn. Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

What if the biggest barrier to sales growth isn't your product or your pitch — but your people? In this episode, globally recognized sales strategist Morné Smit shares how he helps companies unlock 30% to 130% year-over-year growth by aligning talent, process, and proposition. From diagnosing flatlining pipelines to scaling without bloated sales teams, Morné reveals the sales leadership moves that drive sustainable results.

About Morné Smit Morné Smit is the CEO of Emerse Sales and a globally recognized, award-winning sales expert who's helped hundreds of growth-minded companies transform their sales results — often achieving 30% to 130% year-over-year growth. A trusted advisor to founders and leadership teams across 65+ industries and four continents, Morné brings real-world experience building scalable sales functions, coaching elite performers, and diagnosing the root causes of flatlining pipelines.

Episode Highlight " Charisma doesn't scale. Rhythm does. Structure does. So what we're looking for is a sales manager, a sales leader who can really encourage repeatable behavior in the business." – Morné Smit.

Actionable Insights

• Diagnose before investing: Identify whether the real issue is talent, process, or proposition before pouring resources into sales fixes. [01:47]
• Hire for pattern recognition and self-awareness: Elite salespeople see buying behavior patterns, understand their impact on the sale, and lead with service over hustle. [03:42]
• Measure inputs, not just outputs: In remote sales teams, track behaviors, engagement, and energy levels to predict long-term success. [11:37]
• Leverage sales support roles: Free top salespeople from low-payoff activities to unlock massive ROI without adding headcount. [14:59]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About Morné Smit

Check out Emerse Sales Connect with Morné on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel! Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn. Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Shannon Waller, entrepreneurial team strategist at Strategic Coach, shares insights on building high-performing teams through Unique Ability® teamwork. She and Rob discuss delegation, recognizing when to let go of wrong-fit team members, and how to create a culture where everyone thrives in their zone of genius.

About the Guest

Shannon Waller is a longtime Strategic Coach® team member and creator of The Entrepreneurial Team® Program. She is the author of The Team Success Handbook and Multiplication by Subtraction, and co-author of Superpowered and Unique Ability® 2.0: Discovery. She hosts the Team Success podcast and co-hosts Inside Strategic Coach with Dan Sullivan.

Episode Highlight

"When you can surround yourself with people who are just as passionate and capable in their area of expertise as you are in yours—that's when true teamwork happens."

Actionable Insights

• Understand and leverage Unique Ability®: Identify what lights you up and surround yourself with people whose strengths complement yours. [02:54]
• Fix delegation with clarity and communication: Avoid "drive-by delegation" by clearly defining expectations, levels of delegation, and desired outcomes. [20:55]
• Recognize wrong-fit team members early: Use behavioral cues and core values to decide when subtraction might multiply team performance. [26:39]
• Close open files to reduce mental clutter: Regular check-ins and tools like a "pending list" prevent miscommunication and free up mental space. [23:01]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About Shannon Waller

Check out Strategic Coach. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn. Read the Team Success Handbook and Multiplication By Subtraction. Listen to Shannon Waller's Team Success Podcast.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!

Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.

Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

Daniel Todd, CEO of Influence Mobile, joins Rob to discuss how he's scaled a remote-first company across borders while maintaining a culture that consistently earns "Best Places to Work" recognition. He shares actionable strategies for building trust, leading distributed teams, and adopting AI to enhance productivity and future-proof talent.

About the Guest Daniel Todd is a serial entrepreneur with over 20 years in tech and digital media. As CEO of Influence Mobile, he's built one of the most recognized rewards platforms in mobile gaming, leading the company to land on the Inc. 5000 list three years in a row while maintaining a people-first culture across a globally distributed team.

Episode Highlight "Culture is as important to our business as the business metrics." - Daniel Todd

Actionable Insights

• Build trust early, then scale intentionally: Starting with a core team of trusted relationships creates a strong cultural foundation for future hires. [00:00]
• Deliberate culture beats perks: Hiring for relationship-driven values and reinforcing them through offsites and transparency sustains engagement long-term. [00:00]
• Evaluate performance with clarity and connection: Defining success metrics upfront and pairing them with regular HR check-ins ensures alignment in a remote environment. [00:00]
• Upskill your team for AI—don't wait for disruption: Proactively building AI literacy (like internal "AI competitions") prepares teams for productivity gains and future shifts.[00:00]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free playbook to get started.

More About Daniel Todd

Check out Influence Mobile. Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!

Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.

Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

What's the difference between working in the business vs. on the business—and why does it matter so much? In this episode, Rob talks with Jamie Munoz, founder of Catalyst Integrators™, about the power of the visionary-integrator partnership, the value of intentional structure, and how fractional leadership is evolving to meet the needs of growing businesses.

About Jamie Munoz

Jamie is the founder of Catalyst Integrators™, a firm that provides COO-level leadership for companies running on EOS®. Her team of experienced integrators helps visionary founders get out of the weeds and scale with confidence. Catalyst has earned national recognition—SBA's Best Business Coaches award three years in a row and a spot on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list.

Episode Highlight

🗣️ "You don't just need time to work on the business—you need to be your best self when you're doing it." — Jamie Munoz

Actionable Insights

• Working on the business requires energy, not just time. Set aside "sacred time" when you're mentally and emotionally ready to strategize, not just checking a box. [01:42]
• Bringing in a COO isn't about headcount—it's about capacity. If you don't have a trusted thought partner who can elevate to 30,000 feet with you, it's time to look for an integrator. [04:51]
• Remote teams require intentional culture-building. You can't rely on hallway moments—great culture in virtual settings needs to be designed, not improvised. [08:20]

Download This Episode's Playbook Ready to apply these insights to your own business? Download the free worksheet to get started.

More About Jamie Munoz

Check out Catalyst Integrators. Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!

Follow Rob Levin on LinkedIn.

Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.