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What do a classical pianist, a filmmaker, and a CEO have in common? In this week's episode of Hiring Matters, Ken Schmitt dives into the fascinating mind of Jieho Lee—CEO, Chief People Officer, and…

What do a classical …

What do a classical pianist, a filmmaker, and a CEO have in common? In this week's episode of Hiring Matters, Ken Schmitt dives into the fascinating mind of Jieho Lee—CEO, Chief People Officer, and movie director. From ivory keys to boardrooms, Jieho takes us on a wild ride, showing us how the skills he developed on the movie set translate directly to leading a diverse and dynamic workforce. Cue the drama! Ken and Jieho hash out the great debate: Should company culture be more "work hard, play hard" à la Netflix, or should we strive for something a little more, dare we say, fun? Jieho arg…

Ken is back with another fiery “Recruiter Rant,” this time he's taking on employee retention—and trust us, it's not your typical corporate pep talk. He pulls no punches, breaking down why your …

Ken is back with ano…

Ken is back with another fiery “Recruiter Rant,” this time he's taking on employee retention—and trust us, it's not your typical corporate pep talk. He pulls no punches, breaking down why your employees are fleeing faster than your Wi-Fi during an important Zoom call.  Ken dives into the real reasons behind the great employee escape, and spoiler—it’s not because your office snacks are subpar. He takes aim at outdated engagement programs that haven’t evolved since the fax machine, stale career development boxes that get checked but rarely fulfilled, and the assumption that offeri…

If you think pens, soda, and car wax sound like the most boring things ever—think again. Our guest, marketing powerhouse Jeff Werderman, has spent 30 years leading at brands like Coca-Cola, Boost Mo…

If you think pens, s…

If you think pens, soda, and car wax sound like the most boring things ever—think again. Our guest, marketing powerhouse Jeff Werderman, has spent 30 years leading at brands like Coca-Cola, Boost Mobile, and ArmorAll, and now he’s running the show at Pentel of America (yes, the pen company). But this isn’t about writing instruments—it’s about writing the new rules for leadership.   Jeff’s got some seriously controversial takes on what’s wrong with today’s workforce, and why your leadership style is probably driving your best people straight out the door. From leading teams of …

In this Recruiter Rant Ken takes a sledgehammer to the sacred cow of corporate contracts: non-competes. Are they protecting businesses or just handcuffing employees? Ken dives into the murky waters of…

In this Recruiter Ra…

In this Recruiter Rant Ken takes a sledgehammer to the sacred cow of corporate contracts: non-competes. Are they protecting businesses or just handcuffing employees? Ken dives into the murky waters of non-compete agreements—unpacking their morality, legality, and the head-scratching ways they’re enforced across industries. Using real-world examples, Ken explores how these agreements impact employee freedom, stifle Innovation, and whether businesses might be shooting themselves in the foot. Are non-competes a necessary evil or just plain evil? Tune in to find out! Spoiler alert: Ken’s tak…

Welcome to 2050—where we still don’t have flying cars, but we’re finally getting our hiring practices right. Host Ken is joined by the formidable Lisa Gable, former Presidential appointee, U.S. …

Welcome to 2050—wh…

Welcome to 2050—where we still don’t have flying cars, but we’re finally getting our hiring practices right. Host Ken is joined by the formidable Lisa Gable, former Presidential appointee, U.S. Ambassador, UN Delegate, and advisor to Fortune 500 companies. Lisa is here to shake up your future and maybe your present, too. With her wealth of experience at the highest levels of government and business, Lisa predicts a world where degrees collect dust and skills steal the show, where AI is the superhero women need to get back into the game, and where universities might want to start updating…

Think your succession plan is solid? Think again! In this episode, we’re ripping the lid off a topic companies often avoid talking about—succession planning. If your strategy is simply crossing yo…

Think your successio…

Think your succession plan is solid? Think again! In this episode, we’re ripping the lid off a topic companies often avoid talking about—succession planning. If your strategy is simply crossing your fingers and hoping for the best, prepare for a wake-up call. With just 35% of organizations having a formal plan, most leadership transitions are a high-stakes game of hot potato. Ken’s exposing why your company's future could be hanging by a thread if you haven’t properly prepped your successor. Spoiler alert: That “ready-to-go” leader might turn out to be a disaster in disguise. Get r…

Gen Z’s entry into the workforce is shaking things up with their high expectations and progressive ideals. From flexible schedules and remote work to instant recognition and a strong focus on social…

Gen Z’s entry into…

Gen Z’s entry into the workforce is shaking things up with their high expectations and progressive ideals. From flexible schedules and remote work to instant recognition and a strong focus on social justice, this generation is challenging the status quo. Ken sits down with TurningPoint's own Gen Zers, Cory and Katherine, to explore various topics related to job searching, leadership, and work expectations. Cory and Katherine share their perspectives on the desire for feedback, Growth opportunities, and engaging workplaces while also considering the effects of social media and AI on career pr…

Prepare for a deep dive into the contentious world of compensation. In this episode, Ken challenges conventional Wisdom on pay structures, revealing startling insights from his decades in executive re…

Prepare for a deep d…

Prepare for a deep dive into the contentious world of compensation. In this episode, Ken challenges conventional wisdom on pay structures, revealing startling insights from his decades in executive recruiting. From how companies risk losing top talent by pinching pennies to why many candidates fail to negotiate effectively, Ken exposes the pitfalls of outdated approaches.    Buckle up as he explores why transparency and market alignment could be the keys to unlocking a more equitable and motivated workforce. Whether you're an employer striving to attract top talent or an employee aiming to s…

Renowned for his exceptional ability to inspire and uplift, Venture Builder Capitalist Terrance Orr shares profound insights on the transformative power of humility and the invaluable lessons of mento…

Renowned for his exc…

Renowned for his exceptional ability to inspire and uplift, Venture Builder Capitalist Terrance Orr shares profound insights on the transformative power of humility and the invaluable lessons of mentorship.   In this best-of-episode, we're revisiting one of our favourite guest interviews. Terrance delves into the depths of his personal odyssey — from conquering adversities to emerging as a trailblazer of innovation in the business realm. Explore the transformative landscape sculpted by AI, unravel the art of compelling narrative in fundraising endeavors, and delve into the pivotal significa…

Ever had a job that felt like it sucked the soul right outta you? Struggling to find the right fit or to create a dynamic and engaged team? Let's dive deep into the world of hiring, careers, and leade…

Ever had a job that …

Ever had a job that felt like it sucked the soul right outta you? Struggling to find the right fit or to create a dynamic and engaged team? Let's dive deep into the world of hiring, careers, and leadership to explore how to break free from soul-crushing jobs and build a fulfilling work environment.   In this best-of-episode, we're revisiting one of our favourite guest interviews featuring Adam Weber, the Chief Evangelist of 15Five and Co-Founder of Emplify. Join us as Adam imparts his invaluable insights on discovering fulfillment in your professional journey and cultivating a vibrant, empowe…

Welcome to a world where progress hinges on the courage to engage in tough conversations. In our captivating season finale, join host Ken Schmitt as he delves into the transformative potential of thes…

Welcome to a world w…

Welcome to a world where progress hinges on the courage to engage in tough conversations. In our captivating season finale, join host Ken Schmitt as he delves into the transformative potential of these dialogues with seasoned HR leader Jennifer Pikoos. Embark on Jennifer's journey from Finance to HR, gaining invaluable insights into fostering engagement, navigating challenges, and driving workplace transformation. Throughout the episode, Ken and Jennifer explore the vital role of difficult dialogues in hiring and leadership. They delve into the profound impact of these conversations on shaping…

Are you at the crossroads of traditional hiring methods and the allure of AI Technology? Wondering if embracing Artificial Intelligence could be the magic bullet your recruitment process needs? Join m…

Are you at the cross…

Are you at the crossroads of traditional hiring methods and the allure of AI technology? Wondering if embracing artificial intelligence could be the magic bullet your recruitment process needs? Join me, Ken Schmitt, as we unravel the tangled web of AI in recruitment. From the seamless automation of candidate screening to the intricate analysis of facial expressions, we'll delve deep into the pros, cons, and complexities of integrating AI into your hiring strategy. But beware, for amidst the promises of efficiency lie the pitfalls of relying solely on algorithms. Discover why relying solely on …

Ever wondered how top leaders master the delicate dance between empathy and accountability, seamlessly weaving them into their leadership fabric to inspire, guide, and drive results? Today, we embark …

Ever wondered how to…

Ever wondered how top leaders master the delicate dance between empathy and accountability, seamlessly weaving them into their leadership fabric to inspire, guide, and drive results? Today, we embark on a journey of discovery with our distinguished guest, Chelsea Grayson. With a rich tapestry of experience helming iconic brands like American Apparel, True Religion Jeans, and Spark Networks, while serving on multiple private and public boards, Chelsea has honed her expertise to navigate the intricate balance between empathy and accountability. As we delve into her insights, we'll uncover how sh…

Ever felt the sting of a hiring decision gone awry? What if I told you the culprit might just be lurking in your inner circle? Strap in for a reality check as we uncover the dangerous allure of hiring…

Ever felt the sting …

Ever felt the sting of a hiring decision gone awry? What if I told you the culprit might just be lurking in your inner circle? Strap in for a reality check as we uncover the dangerous allure of hiring friends over qualifications. Prepare to uncover the hidden biases and pitfalls lurking in your hiring process as Ken navigates the treacherous terrain of hiring based on friendships instead of merit. Ken reveals the hard truth that unconscious bias often leads us to hire individuals who resemble ourselves, hindering diversity and innovation within teams. Get ready to revolutionize your approach w…

Are you tired of navigating the murky waters of leadership, constantly extinguishing fires as you strive to build your team and acquire new customers? If these challenges resonate with you, it's time …

Are you tired of nav…

Are you tired of navigating the murky waters of leadership, constantly extinguishing fires as you strive to build your team and acquire new customers? If these challenges resonate with you, it's time to explore a different approach and consider the power of radical transparency. Join host Ken Schmitt and special guest Matt Dusa, VP of Innovative Practices for the Specialty Fire Rescue Division of Global Medical Response as we embark on a journey to revolutionize your leadership style and business strategy. In this episode, we delve into the philosophy of radical transparency, where honesty and…

Fed up with companies asking irrelevant interview questions, Ken is dropping some truth bombs about interviews. He challenges the status quo and reveals that years of experience are about as useful as…

Fed up with companie…

Fed up with companies asking irrelevant interview questions, Ken is dropping some truth bombs about interviews. He challenges the status quo and reveals that years of experience are about as useful as a paper umbrella in a hurricane when it comes to predicting performance. With nearly nine out of 10 new hires crashing and burning due to issues unrelated to their tenure, like motivation and emotional intelligence, Ken pulls no punches in calling out the obsession with irrelevant metrics. He shreds the myth that past experience is a golden ticket to success, emphasizing that it's not about what …

Ever feel like you've hired someone only to watch them vanish into the Bermuda Triangle of new hires? Well, the mystery of successful onboarding is about to be solved! Michelle Byers, a seasoned exper…

Ever feel like you'v…

Ever feel like you've hired someone only to watch them vanish into the Bermuda Triangle of new hires? Well, the mystery of successful onboarding is about to be solved! Michelle Byers, a seasoned expert with 17 years of fine-tuning her craft in human capital management at top-tier organizations like Target and Cencora, is going to show you how to guide your new hire toward a smooth landing with air traffic controller expertise.  Michelle reveals how to use your team as your co-pilot and unveils the single most crucial activity every leader must undertake within the first 30 days of a new emplo…

Are your job descriptions repelling potential rockstar employees faster than you can say "Monday morning meeting"? Do they read like a laundry list of demands or a cryptic puzzle that even Sherlock Ho…

Are your job descrip…

Are your job descriptions repelling potential rockstar employees faster than you can say "Monday morning meeting"? Do they read like a laundry list of demands or a cryptic puzzle that even Sherlock Holmes couldn't solve? In our latest Recruiter Rant, Ken challenges the status quo of job descriptions by diving headfirst into the absurdity of ridiculous requirements and outrageous expectations. (Read: degrees, specific industry experience, arbitrary skills such as "good communication skills" or proficiency in Word and Excel.)  He confronts the gaping chasm between these archaic job specs and th…

From the iconic halls of Nike to the dynamic landscape of Boost, our guest, Tim Mitchell, is sharing the secrets behind building global empires and the transformative power of passion-driven leadershi…

From the iconic hall…

From the iconic halls of Nike to the dynamic landscape of Boost, our guest, Tim Mitchell, is sharing the secrets behind building global empires and the transformative power of passion-driven leadership. Join host Ken as he delves into Tim's incredible journey, spanning from his early days in the Midwest with a journalism degree to leading Nike's matrix organization and overseeing the company's evolution from $5 billion to $40 billion. Tim shares insights on Nike's strategic shifts and the importance of adaptability as Nike transitioned from wholesale to a category-focused approach and later em…

Ever feel like you're stumbling in the dark when it comes to understanding why candidates or hiring managers vanish into thin air? Ken is tackling one of his biggest pet peeves and one of the most irk…

Ever feel like you'r…

Ever feel like you're stumbling in the dark when it comes to understanding why candidates or hiring managers vanish into thin air? Ken is tackling one of his biggest pet peeves and one of the most irksome frustrations in the business world: ghosting. From seasoned executives to top-tier job seekers, ghosting continues to plague the hiring process, leaving professionals scratching their heads. But fear not! Ken is here to shine a bright light on this elusive phenomenon, offering invaluable insights and strategies to tackle it head-on. Join Ken as he delves deep into the heart of the matter, unc…

HIRING MATTERS — DON’T MESS IT UP! Join Ken, a seasoned expert with nearly three decades in executive recruiting, and his executive guests as they unveil the secrets of Recruiting, Retention, and …

HIRING MATTERS — D…

HIRING MATTERS — DON’T MESS IT UP! Join Ken, a seasoned expert with nearly three decades in executive recruiting, and his executive guests as they unveil the secrets of Recruiting, Retention, and Real HR Strategies, sharing their ‘secret sauce’ for building and retaining top-performing teams. They’ll dissect the art and science of building exceptional teams, retaining top talent, and implementing effective HR strategies that work in today’s competitive landscape.  But that’s not all – brace yourself for our “Recruiter Rant” episodes, where Ken unveils the industry’s hidd…

This week, you're invited to venture beyond the boardroom into the wilderness, daring to challenge the very essence of comfort zones. Join Ken and our distinguished guest, the true trailblazer Cris Ho…

This week, you're in…

This week, you're invited to venture beyond the boardroom into the wilderness, daring to challenge the very essence of comfort zones. Join Ken and our distinguished guest, the true trailblazer Cris Howard, as they navigate uncharted territories, embrace discomfort, and uncover the striking parallels between success in leadership and the courage to confront the unknown.  Join us on a captivating exploration of Cris's illustrious three-decade career, where she honed leadership skills in Fortune 500 companies like J&J, GlaxoSmithKline, and Ecolab. Mastering the art of building and managing…

We’re unraveling the essence of leadership with a true pioneer in the field, Rico Nasol. With over 14 years of leadership experience at Netflix and Zappos, Rico has spearheaded creative teams for …

We’re unraveling t…

We’re unraveling the essence of leadership with a true pioneer in the field, Rico Nasol. With over 14 years of leadership experience at Netflix and Zappos, Rico has spearheaded creative teams for groundbreaking organizations and brings a wealth of insights. He unveils the wisdom from his latest book, 'The Seven Figure Leader,' emphasizing that knowledge is free, but implementation is the true challenge for leaders. Join us as Rico delves into the importance of confidence, Clarity, and culture for today's leaders, drawing from his journey of problem-solving and impactful leadership. Rico ex…

The interplay between emotional intelligence (EQ), intellectual prowess (IQ), and the delicate dance with one's ego creates a symphony that either propels or hinders leadership. While a high IQ may op…

The interplay betwee…

The interplay between emotional intelligence (EQ), intellectual prowess (IQ), and the delicate dance with one's ego creates a symphony that either propels or hinders leadership. While a high IQ may open the door to innovative ideas and strategic thinking, it is the often underestimated EQ that holds the key to unlocking genuine connections and navigating the complex landscape of human emotions. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of effective leadership with my captivating guest—Zach White, the visionary founder of Oasis of Courage, a global Coaching firm committed to shaping lea…

We are challenging the notion that leadership is neatly outlined on the organizational chart. This pervasive misconception often limits our understanding of what effective leadership truly entails. Le…

We are challenging t…

We are challenging the notion that leadership is neatly outlined on the organizational chart. This pervasive misconception often limits our understanding of what effective leadership truly entails. Leadership goes beyond titles and positions, permeating every level of an organization. It's not confined to the hierarchy; it's a dynamic quality found in individuals who inspire, collaborate, and guide others toward shared goals. Our guest, Sid Vivek, the accomplished CEO of Junior Achievement San Diego, challenges this notion and unveils the universal truths about leadership, whether in the for-p…

Workplace bullying and toxic cultures pack a powerful punch, leaving individuals and organizations grappling with its repercussions—drained morale, stifled creativity, and a work environment oversha…

Workplace bullying a…

Workplace bullying and toxic cultures pack a powerful punch, leaving individuals and organizations grappling with its repercussions—drained morale, stifled creativity, and a work environment overshadowed by fear. It's not just personal; it's a direct hit on innovation and productivity, challenging the very essence of a thriving workplace. Catherine Mattice is the Founder and CEO of Civility Partners, a renowned expert on workplace dynamics, and the author of three insightful books. Catherine is also a captivating TedX speaker and the mastermind behind a LinkedIn Learning Course that addresse…

Brace yourself for a paradigm shift as we debunk the myth that outstanding employees automatically translate into great leaders. Guest David Newman, a world-renowned speaker, trainer, and author of th…

Brace yourself for a…

Brace yourself for a paradigm shift as we debunk the myth that outstanding employees automatically translate into great leaders. Guest David Newman, a world-renowned speaker, trainer, and author of the empowering "Do It" book series, joins host Ken Schmitt to unravel this and more. This eye-opening discussion challenges common leadership myths and highlights the crucial need for emotional mastery and self-awareness. David and Ken tackle the impact of "short attention span theater" on leadership in our fast-paced world.  They explore dynamic shifts in leadership styles and share actionable str…

Ever had a job that felt like it sucked the soul right outta you? We've got the one and only Adam Weber in the hot seat—Chief Evangelist of 15Five, and Co-Founder of Emplify. We're talking Radical C…

Ever had a job that …

Ever had a job that felt like it sucked the soul right outta you? We've got the one and only Adam Weber in the hot seat—Chief Evangelist of 15Five, and Co-Founder of Emplify. We're talking Radical Clarity, soul-crushing jobs, and how to unlock your team’s full potential.   We dive into the nitty-gritty of those soul-crushing jobs and how to break free from their grip. Adam's experiences bring a unique perspective on finding fulfillment in your work life and fostering a positive, energized team culture. Our conversation about uncovering your team's hidden superpowers will make you rethi…

In this thought-provoking bonus episode, LaSean Smith, dives even deeper into his unique leadership philosophy, including his focus on freedom over status and why leaders will need to adapt to the di…

In this thought-prov…

In this thought-provoking bonus episode, LaSean Smith, dives even deeper into his unique leadership philosophy, including his focus on freedom over status and why leaders will need to adapt to the disappearance of middle management.  LaSean's extraordinary story begins with his exceptional coding skills as a teenager, allowing him to graduate from high school at the tender age of 16 and complete his associate degree by 18. His unconventional path led him to the military and eventually to corporate giants such as Motorola, Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte.  In a groundbreaking move, LaSea…

Ever thought, maybe I shouldn't listen to this advice? Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom. LaSean Smith shares his journey from being a gifted teenage coder, finishing high school at 16, earni…

Ever thought, maybe …

Ever thought, maybe I shouldn't listen to this advice? Get ready to challenge conventional wisdom. LaSean Smith shares his journey from being a gifted teenage coder, finishing high school at 16, earning an associate degree by 18, and working at major corporations like Motorola, Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte.  LaSean emphasizes the importance of encouraging open communication and trust. We challenge the notion of blindly following the advice of so-called "Adults in the Room" and underscore the importance of creating psychological safety in leadership.  LaSean explains why he passionately …

We know great leadership isn't just luck! It's a craft that takes fine-tuning, flexibility, and a whole lot more. The leadership pros I'll be chatting with this season have lived this firsthand and wi…

We know great leader…

We know great leadership isn't just luck! It's a craft that takes fine-tuning, flexibility, and a whole lot more. The leadership pros I'll be chatting with this season have lived this firsthand and will be sharing the good, the bad, and the shi* they experienced along the way. About Your Host: Ken Schmitt, is CEO and founder of TurningPoint Executive Search and the author of The Practical Optimist, An Entrepreneur's Journey through Life's Turning Points. Raised in an entrepreneurial household, Ken comes to the mic with a uniquely authentic voice, blending life, family, and business together. N…

This is a tale of empowerment, intuition, and a whole lot of scrumptious inspiration! From the humble beginnings of her black, female-owned, vegan cookie startup, we explore how Maya Madsen transforme…

This is a tale of em…

This is a tale of empowerment, intuition, and a whole lot of scrumptious inspiration! From the humble beginnings of her black, female-owned, vegan cookie startup, we explore how Maya Madsen transformed her small business into a flourishing cookie empire, all by leading with her gut. Join us as Maya shares her journey, from putting on those big girl pants to trusting her instincts. From recruiting talented student-athletes to embracing the evolution of leadership, this episode unveils the delightful secrets that have shaped her extraordinary path to sweet success.   Here is Today's Takeaway...…

Balance. You know you need it. Jake Kurtz has gained recognition as a leader and champion for the 4-day workweek movement. He joins us to dive into why it's crucial to understand your values, strength…

Balance. You know yo…

Balance. You know you need it. Jake Kurtz has gained recognition as a leader and champion for the 4-day workweek movement. He joins us to dive into why it's crucial to understand your values, strengths, and weaknesses to lead effectively.   Jake reminds us that self-awareness is the secret sauce for effective leadership. He's a big believer that knowing oneself and embracing honesty about it is key to making a difference. Jake is no stranger to the art of taking calculated risks – he's experienced firsthand how these bold moves can yield substantial rewards. Brace yourself for a candid conv…

Delve into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship in Cancer treatment.  In this episode, Ken sits down with the amazing Dr. Zeenia Kaul to dive deep into her entrepreneurial journey. They chat about h…

Delve into the dynam…

Delve into the dynamic world of entrepreneurship in cancer treatment.  In this episode, Ken sits down with the amazing Dr. Zeenia Kaul to dive deep into her entrepreneurial journey. They chat about how she's fearlessly taken risks, pushed boundaries, and played a vital role in advancing the battle against cancer, all with the goal of making a genuine impact on people's lives.   In their conversation, Ken and Zeenia dig into how curiosity fuels innovation. Zeenia spills the beans on her journey, where she's essentially been a bridge between cool discoveries in the lab (we're talking about so…

Is your job like gum on your shoe? Then it's time to scrape that sh*t off and walk away! Jessica Yarbrough left her “dream job” and embraced a non-traditional business model to become a successful…

Is your job like gum…

Is your job like gum on your shoe? Then it's time to scrape that sh*t off and walk away! Jessica Yarbrough left her “dream job” and embraced a non-traditional business model to become a successful growth strategist. It's time to stop focusing on the what and start focusing on the why. Jessica shares her story and how you too can crush your business goals. Ken asks Jessica:  Where did you grow up, and what made you decide to study international business? Your mom was a highly successful executive who blazed a trail in the male-dominated construction industry - what was that like growing u…

Canadian Simon Chou knows how to turn up the heat when it comes to marketing. Host of Marketing on Mars by night and CMO by day, Simon ignored his mother’s advice and lept into marketing instead of …

Canadian Simon Chou …

Canadian Simon Chou knows how to turn up the heat when it comes to marketing. Host of Marketing on Mars by night and CMO by day, Simon ignored his mother’s advice and lept into marketing instead of taking the "secure job" route. Unlock the untold marketing secrets by listening to this week’s episode. Join Ken and Simon on a flavor-packed journey as they discuss how meaningful connections pave the way for opportunities and collaborations.  Get ready to add some heat to your marketing.  

Even giants known for their exceptional branding prowess occasionally stumble in their branding efforts. In this episode, Ken Schmitt is joined by Lisa and James Fratzke. Together we unravel the intr…

Even giants known fo…

Even giants known for their exceptional branding prowess occasionally stumble in their branding efforts. In this episode, Ken Schmitt is joined by Lisa and James Fratzke. Together we unravel the intricacies of effective branding, the courage it takes to embrace calculated risks, and the triumphs and trials of crafting a thriving enterprise from scratch.  Having accumulated over 35 years of experience working with renowned brands such as Walmart, Patagonia, and Dollar Tree, the Fratzke team shares with us how to scale, grow, and outpace the competition.  Get ready to ignite your entrepre…

Are you ready to embrace tech and AI? Want to take your customer's experience to the next level? Ken and Carl Orsbourn, author of Delivering The Digital Restaurant, reveal the recipe for exceptional C…

Are you ready to emb…

Are you ready to embrace tech and AI? Want to take your customer's experience to the next level? Ken and Carl Orsbourn, author of Delivering The Digital Restaurant, reveal the recipe for exceptional CX: on-demand frictionless interactions. There is a lot of negativity surrounding AI, Carl will show you how to optimize AI to benefit your business and preserve consumer loyalty while increasing profitability.  

Being twins and co-leading a successful business isn't always easy, but Katie Rucker and Jenny Dinnen believe their respective strengths provide unique advantages. Even if you are not a twin, listen a…

Being twins and co-l…

Being twins and co-leading a successful business isn't always easy, but Katie Rucker and Jenny Dinnen believe their respective strengths provide unique advantages. Even if you are not a twin, listen and learn how to overcome rivalries and embrace harmonious strategies to enhance your performance in your business and personal life. An effective, balanced leader needs the yin to their yang.   

In a world where AI is increasingly integrated into sales, it is crucial to distinguish yourself as a HUMAN seller. Best-selling author and podcaster, Andy Paul has dedicated his life to teaching oth…

In a world where AI …

In a world where AI is increasingly integrated into sales, it is crucial to distinguish yourself as a HUMAN seller. Best-selling author and podcaster, Andy Paul has dedicated his life to teaching others to master their sales craft. He joins Ken at the mic to demystify the selling process. Learn the four fundamental truths of selling from a sales leader with over 4 decades of experience. 

She is often hailed as the M&A whisperer, while she playfully identifies herself as the next French Ambassador. A survivor of three multibillion-dollar acquisitions, Jennifer Fondrevay sheds light…

She is often hailed …

She is often hailed as the M&A whisperer, while she playfully identifies herself as the next French Ambassador. A survivor of three multibillion-dollar acquisitions, Jennifer Fondrevay sheds light on how transitions don’t just change the business, it also changes the story for the people in it. She will shift your viewpoint on the inner workings of mergers and acquisitions and remind us that things are not always what they appear from the outside. There is always more to the story....... so get ready for some good advice on how to not just survive, but thrive.       

A Buddhist, a Catholic, and a Recruiter walk into a room... sounds like the beginning of a comedy act, but in reality, it's all one person. Jonathan Yung's upbringing in a multicultural household has…

A Buddhist, a Catho…

A Buddhist, a Catholic, and a Recruiter walk into a room... sounds like the beginning of a comedy act, but in reality, it's all one person. Jonathan Yung's upbringing in a multicultural household has deeply influenced his perspective. He actively incorporates the teachings of both the Catholic and Buddhist faiths into his life, forging a unique and blended belief system. For Jonathan, it's about finding harmony between asking for what you need and expressing gratitude for all you possess. With clients spanning the high-flying tech industry, Jonathan offers valuable insights on fostering diver…

Venture Builder Capitalist Terrance Orr has a knack for motivating people, defining products and services, and embracing the unknown. He has dedicated his life to pursuing innovation and disruption by…

Venture Builder Capi…

Venture Builder Capitalist Terrance Orr has a knack for motivating people, defining products and services, and embracing the unknown. He has dedicated his life to pursuing innovation and disruption by using his passion for establishing companies and creating job opportunities. During our conversation, Terrance shares his perspective on the future of AI, the significance of storytelling in fundraising for a startup, and why customer insights are critical for driving innovation. Raised in a small town in South Carolina with only two traffic lights, Terrance was the first person in his family to …

We are shaking things up in this episode; rather than hearing from a business leader, we are turning our attention to the classroom. Surprisingly, there are many similarities between the school and th…

We are shaking thing…

We are shaking things up in this episode; rather than hearing from a business leader, we are turning our attention to the classroom. Surprisingly, there are many similarities between the school and the office. Teachers are often our first mentors, and I bet you can think of a teacher who inspired your personal journey. Nancy Beretz, a first-generation Cuban American, has been teaching middle school Spanish for two decades. She opens the door for a peek into today's American Education system and discusses the value of global learning. Listen to how Nancy navigated the challenges of remote learn…

If you don't like your day job, it might be time to change your wardrobe. Laura Fritz Wilde co-founded Bridging Neighbors, an executive search firm that serves clients in Germany and the Netherlands.…

If you don't like yo…

If you don't like your day job, it might be time to change your wardrobe. Laura Fritz Wilde co-founded Bridging Neighbors, an executive search firm that serves clients in Germany and the Netherlands. This week on The Practical Optimist podcast, Laura and Ken discuss "when and why" to wear and shed one's "Corporate Jacket." Laura candidly shares her personal experiences on managing motherhood and career aspirations. She delves into how this varies across European countries and impacts women's career choices and work-life balance.

Attitude and activity… there are few things you control that can more significantly impact your ability to achieve your goals. Entrepreneurs Dustin and Nicole Sutton join Ken Schmitt to discuss the…

Attitude and activit…

Attitude and activity… there are few things you control that can more significantly impact your ability to achieve your goals. Entrepreneurs Dustin and Nicole Sutton join Ken Schmitt to discuss the importance of communication, balance, and the growth mindset… all crucial for long-term success. Husband and wife from two very different industries, Dustin and Nicole, share life lessons for success. They delve deep into how attitudes toward work, challenges, and opportunities directly affect success.

International man of business Greg Dummer, Managing Director, Strategic Growth at Envoy Global, has traveled to almost 70 countries over the past 30+ years.  This week we are reminded of the importan…

International man of…

International man of business Greg Dummer, Managing Director, Strategic Growth at Envoy Global, has traveled to almost 70 countries over the past 30+ years.  This week we are reminded of the importance of cultural sensitivity when it comes to international business. Greg talks candidly with Ken about channeling his hyper-competitive personality to become a triathlete while rising to the challenge of being a stay-at-home dad. 

This week’s episode we’re getting candid with Katy Temple, former sports anchor and entrepreneur, and the queen of “tell it like it is.” Learn about the day in the life of a woman in the first…

This week’s episod…

This week’s episode we’re getting candid with Katy Temple, former sports anchor and entrepreneur, and the queen of “tell it like it is.” Learn about the day in the life of a woman in the first wave of female sportscasters and the important life and leadership lessons she’s learned from interviewing dozens of professional athletes from Mia Hamm to Junior Seau. Katy’s tenacity drove her to push through the multiple “no’s” she experienced as a pioneer in her field until she finally got the “YES” that launched her successful career.  

As a Regional Director in the fast-paced and hyper-demanding world of staffing, Maggie knows the importance of attitude and character in life and career. Ken and Maggie discuss being open to change an…

As a Regional Direct…

As a Regional Director in the fast-paced and hyper-demanding world of staffing, Maggie knows the importance of attitude and character in life and career. Ken and Maggie discuss being open to change and evolving should your career (or personal life) take a different path than expected. Maggie shares the 5 Values of Living and how our choices come back to us like boomerangs in real and tangible ways. How can you start living your life with professional karma? Listen in to learn.

Ken’s guest this week is one of the pre-eminent relief pitchers in Major League Baseball: Craig Stammen from the San Diego Padres. Craig has much to share about life on and off the baseball diamond.…

Ken’s guest this w…

Ken’s guest this week is one of the pre-eminent relief pitchers in Major League Baseball: Craig Stammen from the San Diego Padres. Craig has much to share about life on and off the baseball diamond. He and Ken will discuss working together as a team and a family, the value of giving back, and what it’s like watching good leaders lead. Craig reveals how he stays grounded, especially during tough times.