The New Talent Playbook Podcast

In this episode, Rob Levin speaks with Laura Crothers, founder and CEO of Crothers Consulting, about how leadership planning and deliberate talent development can dramatically impact company growth—especially for small and mid-sized businesses. Laura shares actionable strategies for building leadership pipelines, navigating succession, and assessing culture fit in acquisitions.

About Laura Crothers Laura Crothers is the founder and CEO of Crothers Consulting, a leadership and HR advisory firm helping high-growth companies scale effectively for the past 15 years. With 25+ years of experience in HR leadership, M&A strategy, and executive coaching, she has worked with organizations like McGraw Hill, ADP, and Merrill Lynch, as well as countless SMBs navigating rapid growth and culture shifts.

Episode Highlight "Leadership is a differentiator—and having really good, effective leaders and a plan around your leadership will differentiate you." — Laura Crothers, [08:58]

Actionable Insights

• Build leaders, not just managers: Management is about execution; leadership is about vision. High-growth companies invest deliberately in developing both. [03:56]
• The #1 leadership gap? Communication: Most leaders fall short on strategic and consistent communication—both internally and externally. [04:50]
• Plan your succession early: Especially for founders and retiring baby boomers, breaking apart multifunctional roles and planning realistic handovers is essential. [06:37]

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More About Laura Crothers

• Check out Crothers Consulting.
• Connect with Laura on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Shawn Busse, Founder and CEO of Kinesis, shares why aligning culture, brand, and strategy isn't just a feel-good exercise — it's a growth strategy. He explains how values-driven leadership can reduce costly turnover, build trust with clients, and create exponential impact across a business.

💡 Plus: Why most businesses get "values" wrong — and how to fix it.

Key Takeaway When culture and marketing are aligned from the inside out, businesses experience stronger retention, greater customer loyalty, and long-term profitability — without pouring more into the top of the funnel.

Questions I Ask Shawn

01:30 What does "Marketing from the Inside Out" mean for small businesses?

02:47 How can business owners align their internal culture with their external brand?

05:02 How does investing in culture actually drive revenue growth?

09:09 What are values-driven companies, and what do most business owners get wrong about values?

14:21 What role should leadership play in shaping strategy, workforce, and culture?

16:22 What should business owners stop doing when it comes to culture?

19:06 How can aligning your people strategy with your business model create a competitive advantage?

More About Shawn Busse:

• Check out Kinesis.

• Connect with Shawn on LinkedIn.

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Episode Summary

In this episode, leadership coach and consultant Adrienne Duffy shares how business owners can build aligned, high-performing teams by connecting vision, values, and unique abilities. She introduces the Nexus Project framework and explains why sustainable growth depends on both inner and outer development.

Key Takeaway Alignment isn't just about goals—it's about making sure each team member's role connects with their unique strengths and the company's vision. When that happens, performance improves and growth becomes sustainable.

Questions I Ask Adrienne

01:50 Can you tell us a little bit about what The Nexus Project is and how it came to life?

04:27 Where does alignment start?

06:06 How often do you see a business owner who doesn't know where they're going?

08:26 What is a unique ability and why is that so important with alignment?

13:10 How does a business leader go about helping their team members understand their unique abilities?

16:18 Before matching people to roles, how do we figure out what a role needs in terms of strengths or traits, like Print or Kolbe?

18:03 As the company grows and roles evolve, should leaders regularly reassess what each role requires and whether the current person is still the right fit?

19:23 What are some signs that a team is out of alignment, and what are the first things they need to do to correct that?

20:51 What's a step that business owners can take to move to a more aligned and empowered team?

More About Adrienne Duffy:

• Check out Big Futures Inc.

• Connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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Episode Summary In this episode, Rob sits down with Dan Donnelly, seasoned energy, real estate, and startup investor, and founder of Donnelly Mechanical. Dan shares how he built one of NYC's top commercial HVAC firms by putting people first—offering sweat equity to key team members, building a culture of accountability, and hiring strategically to scale. He also reveals what really made the company attractive to buyers, and why aligning your team, systems, and personal goals is essential for long-term success.

Key Takeaway You can't grow—or sell—a great company without a strong team. Building a business that runs without you means investing in people, staying ahead of the market, and having a five-year plan that aligns your business strategy with your personal goals.

Questions I ask Dan:

01:33 What were the top drivers that led to the success of Donnelly Mechanical?

12:26 When you made your partners responsible for key parts of the business, did you have to train them up, or were they already prepared for those roles?

17:59 What did you learn from selling Donnelly Mechanical that business owners should know?

27:03 With all the communication tools we have today, what should business owners be doing about it?

29:14 You were already successful when you joined Vistage, why was it still important to seek feedback and keep learning?

More About Dan Donnelly:

• Connect with Dan on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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Episode Summary In this episode, Rob sits down with Lewis Schiff, entrepreneur, author, and Chairman of Birthing of Giants. Lewis shares his insights on what it takes to scale a business, build the right leadership team, and prepare a company for long-term success—whether or not you plan to sell. They dive into the mindset shifts founders must make, the realities of hiring "A" talent, and why every business owner should be thinking like a capital owner in today's economic landscape. Packed with practical takeaways and sharp commentary, this is a must-listen for growth-minded business owners.

Key Takeaway Every company has a culture—either by design or by default—and business owners must align their talent strategy, leadership, and long-term goals accordingly. Building a team that can run the company without you doesn't just create freedom—it multiplies enterprise value and future-proofs your business against market changes.

Questions I ask Lewis

01:39 What are the most successful founders get right and or wrong about building their teams?

05:25 How do you know if your leadership team is truly strong? One question I heard recently sums it up: Are they pushing you or pulling you?

07:26 What mindset shifts do entrepreneurs typically make after going through the Birthing of Giants program—especially when it comes to talent?

10:15 What's the biggest opportunity and the biggest threat that business owners have in front of them right now?

14:35 What are the best companies you work with doing to attract and retain top talent at all levels?

19:03 What megatrends should founders be paying attention to right now?

More About Lewis Schiff:

• Check out Birthing of Giants.

• Connect with Lewis on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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In this episode, Don Harkey, CEO and Founder of People Centric Consulting Group, joins Rob to explore how systems—not slogans—create strong cultures. They talk about what it means to balance empowerment with alignment, the hidden cost of poor onboarding, how to adapt during rapid change, and why remote work shouldn't derail culture if you're deliberate about how you lead.

Key Takeaway:

Culture isn't about perks—it's about systems. If you want better engagement and performance, build habits and structures that empower people while keeping everyone aligned.

Questions I ask Don:

01:33 What does "culture-centric leadership" mean?

03:51 Where do most companies go wrong when trying to improve culture?

05:36 How do systems and processes play a role in shaping workplace culture?

09:25 How does rapid business change impact the way leaders should think about a people-centric culture?

12:32 How can leaders effectively communicate the need for change so their teams truly understand it and take proactive action?

18:48 What should fast-growing small and mid-sized businesses keep in mind to maintain a people-centric culture as they scale?

20:32 What should be done differently in a remote or hybrid model to maintain a people-centric culture?

More About Don Harkey:

• Check out People Centric Consulting Group

• Connect with Don on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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In this episode, Rob sits down with Jennifer Berkowitz, founder of R&J Advisory Group and Freedom Goal Group, and a seasoned coach to mid-market CEOs and leadership teams. Jennifer shares what it really takes to scale a company—without becoming the bottleneck or burning out. From building alignment across teams to leading remote employees with intention, she offers practical strategies for creating clarity, reducing stress, and empowering teams to drive growth. If you're a business owner stuck in the weeds or unsure how to get your team rowing in the same direction, this conversation is for you.

Scaling successfully isn't about doing more—it's about doing less yourself. CEOs must stop trying to be the hero and start building teams that are clear, empowered, and aligned. With the right tools, systems, and rhythms in place, business owners can reduce stress, unlock profit, and grow sustainably—even with remote or hybrid teams

What are the most common growing pains you see in mid-market companies?

How can business leaders make sure their teams are aligned with company goals?

What mindset shift do CEOs need to make to grow more effectively?

How can a better dashboard reduce stress and increase clarity?

What are the biggest challenges of managing remote and hybrid teams—and how can leaders overcome them?

How do you know when someone isn't the right fit for your organization?

Why do business owners sometimes need to "slow down to speed up"?

Where can people learn more about your work and upcoming trainings?

More About Jennifer Berkowitz:

• Check out R&J Advisory Group and Freedom Goal Group.

• Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.

Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Rob sits down with Eddie Solomon, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Net at Work, a leading technology advisor to SMBs. Eddie shares the lessons he's learned from leading over 40 acquisitions, building a 450-person remote workforce, and fostering a strong company culture over nearly three decades. They dive into the strategic importance of talent in acquisitions, the balance between intrapreneurship and structure, and the deliberate efforts required to keep remote teams engaged and growing. Whether you're scaling your company or navigating post-acquisition integration, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

A successful business isn't just built on clients—it's built on people. Companies that prioritize talent integration during acquisitions, invest in leadership development, and take a deliberate approach to culture in remote environments will be best positioned for long-term growth.

[03:21] How do you assess talent during the acquisition process?

[7:32] How important is cultural alignment in a deal?

[10:28] How has your company culture evolved over 30 years?

[12:32] What are the biggest trade-offs that come with scaling a business and going remote?

[17:13] What do you do to keep remote teams aligned and engaged?

[18:37] How do you train leaders to manage effectively in a remote-first company?

[20:28] What does career development and internal mobility look like at Net at Work?

More About Eddie Solomon:

Check out Net at Work

Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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In this episode, Rob Levin talks with Nick Herinckx, Co-CEO of Oxygen and seasoned executive coach, to explore how a founder's role evolves as a business scales. Drawing from experience coaching over 100 CEOs and leading multiple companies himself, Nick breaks down what leaders often get wrong. From understanding the difference between managers and leaders to knowing when to step in (and out) of "Founder Mode," this episode is packed with practical advice for business owners navigating growth.

Key takeaway

Founders and CEOs must adapt at every stage of growth, and that includes building leaders who push you, not the other way around. Creating a scalable business means investing in your managers, clarifying your own role, and making intentional decisions based on what kind of company you truly want to build (or sell).

Questions I Ask Nick

02:11 What's the role of the business owner/CEO?

03:44 What are some of the challenges CEO's usually face?

07:03 How can you tell if your leadership team is pushing you, or if you're still dragging them?

09:05 What is "Founder Mode" and when should a CEO step into it?

13:45 Why is promoting high-performers into management without training such a big risk?

17:46 When a great manager is promoted into a leadership role, should business owners invest in outside training for them, or is it better for the owner to coach them directly?

19:07 How can CEOs develop leadership in a remote or hybrid environment?

23:06 What should business owners consider when preparing for a sale or exit?

More About Nick Herinckx:

• Check out Oxygen.

• Connect with Nick 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.

📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Rob chats with Peter Morandi, CEO of Eastman Cooke, a company renowned for building award-winning construction projects through innovation and leadership. Peter shares how he's transformed the traditionally manual construction industry by integrating remote professionals into nearly every department, from estimating to project management. He dives into the systems, culture, and mindset that allowed Eastman Cooke to double its annual estimates, improve client satisfaction, and reduce costly errors.

Remote professionals aren't just support—they're strategic assets. With the right tools, systems, and mindset, even traditionally "boots-on-the-ground" industries like construction can benefit from offshore talent and dramatically improve efficiency, accuracy, and client relationships.

2:15 How do you get your team to buy into new systems, automation, and more productive ways of working?

3:37 How did you build buy-in for your ECA Work Smart system across the company?

6:26 What impact has having an assistant made on your personal productivity and leadership?

8:26 How do remote professionals support critical functions like estimating and project management?

11:49 What measurable results have you seen from adding remote assistants across departments?

19:06 How did your team adapt to working with offshore professionals?

More About Peter Morandi:

• Check out Eastman Cooke.

• Connect with Peter on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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

Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.

Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!