https://simplecast.com What's Up At Work? Welcome to What's Up At Work?, the podcast that's all about real talk with the company leaders shaping Northeast Ohio's top workplaces. We're diving into the stories, strategies, and sometimes hilarious moments that come with creating the thriving teams that drive the region's most successful businesses forward. Whether it's a CEO sharing their leadership philosophy or an HR exec spilling their best people-first strategies, we're here to give you insights you can actually use to build a better workplace. Hit play, and let's talk about what's really up at work. 2025 ERC en Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:51:50 +0000 https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com What's Up At Work? https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/1cfec949-7f7b-4b1d-879a-60a92973b4af/93937609-e2cc-41a0-94ec-35b1a439381d/3000x3000/erc-20podcast-20cover-203-20all-20square-20-2.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com episodic Welcome to What's Up At Work?, the podcast that's all about real talk with the company leaders shaping Northeast Ohio's top workplaces. We're diving into the stories, strategies, and sometimes hilarious moments that come with creating the thriving teams that drive the region's most successful businesses forward. Whether it's a CEO sharing their leadership philosophy or an HR exec spilling their best people-first strategies, we're here to give you insights you can actually use to build a better workplace. Hit play, and let's talk about what's really up at work. Sam Clyde Schroeder false https://feeds.simplecast.com/1JjW4k9i human resources, leadership, management ERC erc-team@vividfront.com 3f04d5c6-e6a9-44c3-bc1c-4ad6c7146add Lauren Reed (CEO, MHEDA): Member Engagement, Measuring Success & the Love of Forklifts Timestamps & Topics

  • 00:30 Introduction
  • 01:30 What is Material Handling?
  • 05:00 Moving in to the CEO role
  • 07:15 Adapting to a changing landscape
  • 10:00 Shifting member expectations
  • 12:10 Building community and MHEDA Net Groups
  • 17:00 Growing up in a revenue-driven environment
  • 19:30 Being transparent through transitions
  • 24:00 HR Hot Seat
  • 27:40 Important leadership habits


 

]]> Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/lauren-reed-ceo-mheda-member-engagement-measuring-success-the-love-of-forklifts-KQSUrq8J Timestamps & Topics

  • 00:30 Introduction
  • 01:30 What is Material Handling?
  • 05:00 Moving in to the CEO role
  • 07:15 Adapting to a changing landscape
  • 10:00 Shifting member expectations
  • 12:10 Building community and MHEDA Net Groups
  • 17:00 Growing up in a revenue-driven environment
  • 19:30 Being transparent through transitions
  • 24:00 HR Hot Seat
  • 27:40 Important leadership habits


 

]]> Lauren Reed (CEO, MHEDA): Member Engagement, Measuring Success & the Love of Forklifts ERC 00:32:25 Meet Lauren Reed, CEO of MHEDA, an international trade association serving the material handling industry and hundreds of member companies across the country. Lauren stepped into the top leadership role in 2025 at a moment when both the industry and the expectations of MHEDA’s member companies were evolving quickly. As CEO, she’s now responsible for helping the organization adapt to those changes while continuing to deliver the practical value that members rely on. Before becoming CEO, Lauren spent much of her career in a highly revenue-driven, for-profit environment. Moving into the top role at a member-based organization requires a different approach to leadership, one that focuses less on traditional business metrics and more on engagement, relevance, and long-term value for the companies MHEDA serves. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, Lauren joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to talk about that transition, how associations measure success differently than traditional businesses, and what leaders often underestimate about stepping into the top job. Tune in to hear Lauren’s perspective on keeping teams aligned during times of change, making thoughtful decisions about the future, and why the material handling industry (and yes, even forklifts) has captured her attention for the long haul. Meet Lauren Reed, CEO of MHEDA, an international trade association serving the material handling industry and hundreds of member companies across the country. Lauren stepped into the top leadership role in 2025 at a moment when both the industry and the expectations of MHEDA’s member companies were evolving quickly. As CEO, she’s now responsible for helping the organization adapt to those changes while continuing to deliver the practical value that members rely on. Before becoming CEO, Lauren spent much of her career in a highly revenue-driven, for-profit environment. Moving into the top role at a member-based organization requires a different approach to leadership, one that focuses less on traditional business metrics and more on engagement, relevance, and long-term value for the companies MHEDA serves. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, Lauren joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to talk about that transition, how associations measure success differently than traditional businesses, and what leaders often underestimate about stepping into the top job. Tune in to hear Lauren’s perspective on keeping teams aligned during times of change, making thoughtful decisions about the future, and why the material handling industry (and yes, even forklifts) has captured her attention for the long haul. false full 16 7d760c85-a345-452f-80f5-7e4d056cb19b Cindy Torres Essell (Chief People Officer, Heinen’s): Frontline Flexibility, Feedback & Cheese Dip Is building a truly great workplace about perks and policies? Or about showing up and listening to the people who make the work happen?

Meet Cindy Torres Essell, Chief People Officer at Heinen’s, the family-owned grocery company serving communities across Northeast Ohio. Cindy’s path to leadership didn’t follow a straight line, but each chapter shaped how she leads today: with curiosity, empathy, and a deep respect for her frontline teams.

In this episode, Cindy shares how she works to connect corporate offices and stores under one associate-first culture. From spending days in the warehouse and production facilities to rethinking schedules so parents can be there when their kids get off the bus, she shows that culture doesn’t happen in a conference room, it happens by meeting people where they are.

She and host Sam Clyde Schroeder talk about what it means to learn the business from the inside out, why flexibility matters more than ever, and how stepping into a new challenge at Heinen’s became the most meaningful experience of her career.

Tune in to hear how Cindy is helping Heinen’s strengthen community, empower associates, and continue a tradition of care from store floor to leadership table.

 

01:00 Introductions

02:00 Cindy’s background and path to HR

04:00 The Heinen’s offer

08:00 The First 90 Days

09:00 Creating unity across departments

12:00 Improving flexibility for associates

15:00 Avoiding burnout  

21:00 Performance management and providing feedback  

27:00 Becoming the Board Chair of Jumpstart

30:00 HR Hot Seat; Staying true to yourself, Heinen’s must-haves, diving in

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:00:00 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/cindy-torres-essell-chief-people-officer-heinens-frontline-flexibility-feedback-cheese-dip-uoIm7L3P Is building a truly great workplace about perks and policies? Or about showing up and listening to the people who make the work happen?

Meet Cindy Torres Essell, Chief People Officer at Heinen’s, the family-owned grocery company serving communities across Northeast Ohio. Cindy’s path to leadership didn’t follow a straight line, but each chapter shaped how she leads today: with curiosity, empathy, and a deep respect for her frontline teams.

In this episode, Cindy shares how she works to connect corporate offices and stores under one associate-first culture. From spending days in the warehouse and production facilities to rethinking schedules so parents can be there when their kids get off the bus, she shows that culture doesn’t happen in a conference room, it happens by meeting people where they are.

She and host Sam Clyde Schroeder talk about what it means to learn the business from the inside out, why flexibility matters more than ever, and how stepping into a new challenge at Heinen’s became the most meaningful experience of her career.

Tune in to hear how Cindy is helping Heinen’s strengthen community, empower associates, and continue a tradition of care from store floor to leadership table.

 

01:00 Introductions

02:00 Cindy’s background and path to HR

04:00 The Heinen’s offer

08:00 The First 90 Days

09:00 Creating unity across departments

12:00 Improving flexibility for associates

15:00 Avoiding burnout  

21:00 Performance management and providing feedback  

27:00 Becoming the Board Chair of Jumpstart

30:00 HR Hot Seat; Staying true to yourself, Heinen’s must-haves, diving in

]]> Cindy Torres Essell (Chief People Officer, Heinen’s): Frontline Flexibility, Feedback & Cheese Dip ERC 00:35:50 false full 15 18828b74-c342-4050-bc47-48b1edc3c4fe Austin Merk (President, Universal Oil): Taking Big Swings, Defining Culture & Chili Cookoffs Meet Austin Merk, President of Universal Oil, a nearly 150-year-old, 100% employee-owned organization. Universal Oil is a distributor of fuels and industrial lubricants serving customers across construction, manufacturing, and transportation, right here in Cleveland.

In this episode, Austin shares what it looks like when a new leader takes the helm of a long-standing company and starts shaping its culture for the future. His story shows that building a great workplace doesn’t have to be complicated; small, intentional steps that bring people together and make work enjoyable can spark real lasting change.

He joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to talk about how an ownership mindset drives employee engagement, why food is the great equalizer (yes, that includes company cook-offs!), and how bold moves, from tattoos to grand proposals, reflect a culture of trust and taking risks.

Tune in to hear how Austin is helping Universal Oil keep its roots strong while fueling a new era of leadership and culture.

Timestamps

  • 01:00 Introductions
  • 01:30 Austin’s background and original life path
  • 03:00 Proposing at a Cleveland Guardians game
  • 05:00 The benefits and consequences of risk-taking
  • 06:00 Advocating for yourself, “Closed mouths don’t get fed”
  • 07:00 Leading a 150-year-old company, and ‘We’ve always done it this way”
  • 09:30 People-first culture and ESOP definition and benefits
  • 12:30 Bringing people together and creating culture
  • 13:40 Using food as a culture builder and equalizer, company cookoffs and employee engagement
  • 16:30 Making small, intentional changes and listening to employees
  • 19:20 Growing in confidence as a young leader, being patient
  • 21:00 The ability to ask dumb questions, wear it on your sleeve
  • 23:00 I didn’t come this far to only come this far, the job is never done
  • 24:30 Being a first-time NorthCoast 99 Top Workplace winner 
  • 27:30 Building out HR and engaging within the company 
  • 30:00 HR Hot Seat: Big Blue Nation, tattoos, bread pudding

ERC: yourerc.com

Universal Oil: universaloil.com

]]> Mon, 20 Oct 2025 21:45:00 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/austin-merk-president-universal-oil-taking-big-swings-defining-culture-chili-cookoffs-Dr9fHAS_ Meet Austin Merk, President of Universal Oil, a nearly 150-year-old, 100% employee-owned organization. Universal Oil is a distributor of fuels and industrial lubricants serving customers across construction, manufacturing, and transportation, right here in Cleveland.

In this episode, Austin shares what it looks like when a new leader takes the helm of a long-standing company and starts shaping its culture for the future. His story shows that building a great workplace doesn’t have to be complicated; small, intentional steps that bring people together and make work enjoyable can spark real lasting change.

He joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to talk about how an ownership mindset drives employee engagement, why food is the great equalizer (yes, that includes company cook-offs!), and how bold moves, from tattoos to grand proposals, reflect a culture of trust and taking risks.

Tune in to hear how Austin is helping Universal Oil keep its roots strong while fueling a new era of leadership and culture.

Timestamps

  • 01:00 Introductions
  • 01:30 Austin’s background and original life path
  • 03:00 Proposing at a Cleveland Guardians game
  • 05:00 The benefits and consequences of risk-taking
  • 06:00 Advocating for yourself, “Closed mouths don’t get fed”
  • 07:00 Leading a 150-year-old company, and ‘We’ve always done it this way”
  • 09:30 People-first culture and ESOP definition and benefits
  • 12:30 Bringing people together and creating culture
  • 13:40 Using food as a culture builder and equalizer, company cookoffs and employee engagement
  • 16:30 Making small, intentional changes and listening to employees
  • 19:20 Growing in confidence as a young leader, being patient
  • 21:00 The ability to ask dumb questions, wear it on your sleeve
  • 23:00 I didn’t come this far to only come this far, the job is never done
  • 24:30 Being a first-time NorthCoast 99 Top Workplace winner 
  • 27:30 Building out HR and engaging within the company 
  • 30:00 HR Hot Seat: Big Blue Nation, tattoos, bread pudding

ERC: yourerc.com

Universal Oil: universaloil.com

]]> Austin Merk (President, Universal Oil): Taking Big Swings, Defining Culture & Chili Cookoffs ERC 00:35:24 false full 14 50c793ec-90c6-4cad-a46c-fd86f7d99804 Kevin Clayton (Chief Impact & Equity Officer, Cleveland Cavaliers): Diversity, Drive & Donovan Mitchell What if your DEI work came with a revenue target, developed your next leaders, and grew the business at the same time?

Kevin Clayton, Executive Vice President & Chief Impact and Equity Officer at the Cleveland Cavaliers, joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to show how DEI has become a core business strategy. Kevin breaks down equity as fixing systems like feedback, hiring, promotions, and compensation so people can do their best work. He shares how the Cavs tie impact to revenue scorecards, develop a leadership bench through the IDEAL Team, and steady culture after a tough playoff exit.

We also dig into player-led community impact (including a scholarship partnership with Donovan Mitchell’s foundation and Huntington Bank), supplier diversity that gives back, the data behind theme nights, and why the right retail strategy moves real merchandise and fan engagement.

Timestamps
00:00 Intros & why “diversity as a lens” beats “diversity as a program”
01:00 Kevin’s path from P&G sales to people & culture
03:05 Defining terms: diversity, inclusion → belonging; equity as system-leveling
05:10 The systems view: feedback, hiring, promotions, pay, and why people aren’t the “problem”
06:20 “Leverage diversity as a business strategy”: tying impact to growth and KPIs
08:05 Examples: supplier diversity, demographic retail strategy, authentic theme nights
10:00 What the data showed (and why Pride/Women’s/Heritage nights lift merch & engagement)
12:00 Culture during losing seasons: the 90-day assessment and launching the IDEAL Team
16:10 Retention gaps for women/POC → EmpowHer TMRG and external leadership opportunities
18:20 Renaming HR to People & Culture: signals, scope, and shared ownership of culture
20:00 Leading through a playoff exit: grief, recovery rituals, and end-of-season recognition
24:00 Player voice to impact: passion mapping, foundations, and a SPIDACARES x Huntington x Cavs scholarship
26:00 HR Hot Seat highlights: leading from the front and the rear; everyday acts of courage

Links:

]]> Wed, 8 Oct 2025 15:02:28 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/kevin-clayton-chief-impact-equity-officer-cleveland-cavaliers-diversity-drive-donovan-mitchell-z_zFlNiP What if your DEI work came with a revenue target, developed your next leaders, and grew the business at the same time?

Kevin Clayton, Executive Vice President & Chief Impact and Equity Officer at the Cleveland Cavaliers, joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to show how DEI has become a core business strategy. Kevin breaks down equity as fixing systems like feedback, hiring, promotions, and compensation so people can do their best work. He shares how the Cavs tie impact to revenue scorecards, develop a leadership bench through the IDEAL Team, and steady culture after a tough playoff exit.

We also dig into player-led community impact (including a scholarship partnership with Donovan Mitchell’s foundation and Huntington Bank), supplier diversity that gives back, the data behind theme nights, and why the right retail strategy moves real merchandise and fan engagement.

Timestamps
00:00 Intros & why “diversity as a lens” beats “diversity as a program”
01:00 Kevin’s path from P&G sales to people & culture
03:05 Defining terms: diversity, inclusion → belonging; equity as system-leveling
05:10 The systems view: feedback, hiring, promotions, pay, and why people aren’t the “problem”
06:20 “Leverage diversity as a business strategy”: tying impact to growth and KPIs
08:05 Examples: supplier diversity, demographic retail strategy, authentic theme nights
10:00 What the data showed (and why Pride/Women’s/Heritage nights lift merch & engagement)
12:00 Culture during losing seasons: the 90-day assessment and launching the IDEAL Team
16:10 Retention gaps for women/POC → EmpowHer TMRG and external leadership opportunities
18:20 Renaming HR to People & Culture: signals, scope, and shared ownership of culture
20:00 Leading through a playoff exit: grief, recovery rituals, and end-of-season recognition
24:00 Player voice to impact: passion mapping, foundations, and a SPIDACARES x Huntington x Cavs scholarship
26:00 HR Hot Seat highlights: leading from the front and the rear; everyday acts of courage

Links:

]]> Kevin Clayton (Chief Impact & Equity Officer, Cleveland Cavaliers): Diversity, Drive & Donovan Mitchell ERC 00:34:35 false full 13 2b475c3c-7920-4352-93f3-f7142bd6f89b Lisa Damour, PhD (Psychologist & Author): Defining Mental Health, Embracing Good Stress & Lessons from _Inside Out_ She talks with host Sam Clyde Schroeder about simple ways to tell when work is merely uncomfortable versus truly unmanageable, how to design wellness efforts that actually help, what Gen Z needs to thrive, and how to better support working parents.

Timestamps

  • 00:00 Welcome and why mental health shows up in performance, retention, and leadership
  • 01:00 Meet Dr. Lisa Damour and her focus on turning emotion into action
  • 03:00 What science says about stress and anxiety, and why that matters for managers
  • 05:00 A clear definition of mental health, feelings that fit the moment and healthy coping
  • 07:00 Generational differences, setting expectations without dismissing concerns
  • 10:00 What good wellness programs look like, real tools that aid recovery
  • 11:30 The strength training idea, growth requires stress and planned recovery
  • 14:30 Gen Z at work, culture, mentorship, and why in-person time still matters
  • 17:00 Helpful stress versus harmful stress, preventing chronic overload and burnout
  • 27:00 Working parents, the role of sleep, technology’s upsides and downsides, peer groups

If this conversation helps you build a healthier workplace, please follow or subscribe to What’s Up at Work? Your feedback helps other leaders find the show.

Links

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:40:17 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/lisa-damour-phd-defining-mental-health-embracing-good-stress-lessons-from-inside-out-U5VEjzF7 She talks with host Sam Clyde Schroeder about simple ways to tell when work is merely uncomfortable versus truly unmanageable, how to design wellness efforts that actually help, what Gen Z needs to thrive, and how to better support working parents.

Timestamps

  • 00:00 Welcome and why mental health shows up in performance, retention, and leadership
  • 01:00 Meet Dr. Lisa Damour and her focus on turning emotion into action
  • 03:00 What science says about stress and anxiety, and why that matters for managers
  • 05:00 A clear definition of mental health, feelings that fit the moment and healthy coping
  • 07:00 Generational differences, setting expectations without dismissing concerns
  • 10:00 What good wellness programs look like, real tools that aid recovery
  • 11:30 The strength training idea, growth requires stress and planned recovery
  • 14:30 Gen Z at work, culture, mentorship, and why in-person time still matters
  • 17:00 Helpful stress versus harmful stress, preventing chronic overload and burnout
  • 27:00 Working parents, the role of sleep, technology’s upsides and downsides, peer groups

If this conversation helps you build a healthier workplace, please follow or subscribe to What’s Up at Work? Your feedback helps other leaders find the show.

Links

]]> Lisa Damour, PhD (Psychologist & Author): Defining Mental Health, Embracing Good Stress & Lessons from _Inside Out_ ERC 00:34:47 In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist, bestselling author, and co-host of the Ask Lisa podcast, explains why stress is natural, why recovery matters more than trying to remove stress, and how leaders can spot problems early and respond well. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Damour, psychologist, bestselling author, and co-host of the Ask Lisa podcast, explains why stress is natural, why recovery matters more than trying to remove stress, and how leaders can spot problems early and respond well. false full 12 03ae67a9-6b18-4759-a70c-f646c2959e70 Jess Jung (President, Oswald Companies): Magnetic Culture, Game-Changing Insurance & Superpowers Tue, 12 Aug 2025 01:33:48 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/jess-jung-president-oswald-companies-magnetic-culture-game-changing-insurance-superpowers-__rqfTOn Jess Jung (President, Oswald Companies): Magnetic Culture, Game-Changing Insurance & Superpowers ERC 00:39:28 In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Jessica Jung, President of Oswald Companies, to talk about her path to leading one of the country’s top insurance firms. Jessica shares how rolling up your sleeves can model the kind of leadership people want to follow, how to find anyone’s “superpower,” and how leaders can create safe environments where people feel comfortable challenging the process. And don’t miss how she realized that outworking everyone isn’t sustainable (sound familiar?). This episode is part leadership masterclass, part reality check, and all about building a workplace people are drawn to. Timestamps & Topics 00:54 Jessica’s nontraditional career path to business 03:00 Managing people right out of college 05:45 The moment that changed her career trajectory (and her confidence) 10:58 Why “rolling up your sleeves” still matters in leadership 13:25 Advice for those stuck between wanting to grow and needing to keep learning 14:40 The importance of inviting doers and diverse voices into decision-making 16:40 How Oswald helps employees discover and apply their “superpowers” 19:10 What it takes to create a culture where people feel safe speaking up 22:00 Behind Oswald’s big move to a new HQ 25:00 What it means to be an employee-owner 27:30 How to make a less-than-glamorous industry feel magnetic 32:00 Supporting women and underrepresented voices 33:10 HR Hot Seat: Mel Robbins, staying grounded, and how to stop working your life away If you liked this episode, be sure to follow What’s Up at Work? wherever you get your podcasts. And if you’re enjoying the show, leave us a review or share it with a colleague, it helps more listeners discover the conversations we're having with real leaders building better workplaces. 🔗 Learn more about ERC: https://www.yourerc.com 🔗 Visit Oswald Companies: https://www.oswaldcompanies.com In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Jessica Jung, President of Oswald Companies, to talk about her path to leading one of the country’s top insurance firms. Jessica shares how rolling up your sleeves can model the kind of leadership people want to follow, how to find anyone’s “superpower,” and how leaders can create safe environments where people feel comfortable challenging the process. And don’t miss how she realized that outworking everyone isn’t sustainable (sound familiar?). This episode is part leadership masterclass, part reality check, and all about building a workplace people are drawn to. Timestamps & Topics 00:54 Jessica’s nontraditional career path to business 03:00 Managing people right out of college 05:45 The moment that changed her career trajectory (and her confidence) 10:58 Why “rolling up your sleeves” still matters in leadership 13:25 Advice for those stuck between wanting to grow and needing to keep learning 14:40 The importance of inviting doers and diverse voices into decision-making 16:40 How Oswald helps employees discover and apply their “superpowers” 19:10 What it takes to create a culture where people feel safe speaking up 22:00 Behind Oswald’s big move to a new HQ 25:00 What it means to be an employee-owner 27:30 How to make a less-than-glamorous industry feel magnetic 32:00 Supporting women and underrepresented voices 33:10 HR Hot Seat: Mel Robbins, staying grounded, and how to stop working your life away If you liked this episode, be sure to follow What’s Up at Work? wherever you get your podcasts. And if you’re enjoying the show, leave us a review or share it with a colleague, it helps more listeners discover the conversations we're having with real leaders building better workplaces. 🔗 Learn more about ERC: https://www.yourerc.com 🔗 Visit Oswald Companies: https://www.oswaldcompanies.com false full 11 a7af49c9-3e53-43a3-97dd-1df20822a68e Dave Banyard (CEO, MasterBrand, Inc.): Fighter Jets, Bold Leadership & Lessons from Winston Churchill Wed, 23 Jul 2025 12:59:47 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/dave-banyard-ceo-masterbrand-inc-fighter-jets-bold-leadership-lessons-from-winston-churchill-LBvK0rR8 Dave Banyard (CEO, MasterBrand, Inc.): Fighter Jets, Bold Leadership & Lessons from Winston Churchill ERC 00:40:19 There’s a side of military leadership most people never see—one built on trust, delegation, and learning through failure. Dave Banyard brings those lessons straight into his position as CEO. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Dave Banyard, President and CEO of MasterBrand, the largest residential cabinet manufacturer in North America. Before running a multi-billion-dollar company, Dave flew F/A-18 fighter jets for the U.S. Navy, and he brings a refreshingly candid take on leadership, decision-making, and culture from the cockpit to the factory floor. Hear how Dave translates military lessons into business leadership, builds trust across thousands of employees, and empowers his employees to make bold decisions. You’ll get his thoughts on delegation, transparency, coaching, and why being a CEO is a lot like building a jigsaw puzzle while finding all of the pieces. Timestamps 00:50 Dave’s path from fighter pilot to CEO 03:00 Motivating 18-year-olds to clean toilets and why presence matters in leadership 07:50 “No ranks in the air”: Decentralized decision-making and trust under pressure 09:30 Translating military purpose into company culture at MasterBrand 11:00 Why every process can be examined and designed for a better outcome 13:40 How manufacturing and military environments are more similar than you’d think 15:30 Breaking the habit of “delegating up” and teaching decision ownership 20:00 Transparency, failure, and why dancing around problems kills progress 22:30 Why every CEO needs a coach (and how Dave uses his) 25:00 The Churchill-inspired communication strategy Dave uses with his team 29:30 Becoming a public company: Dave’s take on leadership through transition 33:00 Redefining career paths with experiences over titles If you liked what you heard, be sure to subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a quick review, it helps others find us and keeps these conversations going. New episodes come out regularly with insights from real leaders making an impact in their workplaces. 🔗 Learn more about ERC: www.yourerc.com 🔗 Visit MasterBrand: www.masterbrand.com There’s a side of military leadership most people never see—one built on trust, delegation, and learning through failure. Dave Banyard brings those lessons straight into his position as CEO. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Dave Banyard, President and CEO of MasterBrand, the largest residential cabinet manufacturer in North America. Before running a multi-billion-dollar company, Dave flew F/A-18 fighter jets for the U.S. Navy, and he brings a refreshingly candid take on leadership, decision-making, and culture from the cockpit to the factory floor. Hear how Dave translates military lessons into business leadership, builds trust across thousands of employees, and empowers his employees to make bold decisions. You’ll get his thoughts on delegation, transparency, coaching, and why being a CEO is a lot like building a jigsaw puzzle while finding all of the pieces. Timestamps 00:50 Dave’s path from fighter pilot to CEO 03:00 Motivating 18-year-olds to clean toilets and why presence matters in leadership 07:50 “No ranks in the air”: Decentralized decision-making and trust under pressure 09:30 Translating military purpose into company culture at MasterBrand 11:00 Why every process can be examined and designed for a better outcome 13:40 How manufacturing and military environments are more similar than you’d think 15:30 Breaking the habit of “delegating up” and teaching decision ownership 20:00 Transparency, failure, and why dancing around problems kills progress 22:30 Why every CEO needs a coach (and how Dave uses his) 25:00 The Churchill-inspired communication strategy Dave uses with his team 29:30 Becoming a public company: Dave’s take on leadership through transition 33:00 Redefining career paths with experiences over titles If you liked what you heard, be sure to subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a quick review, it helps others find us and keeps these conversations going. New episodes come out regularly with insights from real leaders making an impact in their workplaces. 🔗 Learn more about ERC: www.yourerc.com 🔗 Visit MasterBrand: www.masterbrand.com false full 10 bd239906-d2de-491e-b0e3-68ea5a44cc2b Micki Byrnes (CCO, Adcom & Former President, WKYC) - Forest Rangers, ‘Good Cop’ & The Garage Test Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:45:45 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/micki-byrnes-cco-adcom-former-president-wkyc-forest-rangers-good-cop-the-garage-test-VmhyAWjT Micki Byrnes (CCO, Adcom & Former President, WKYC) - Forest Rangers, ‘Good Cop’ & The Garage Test ERC 00:42:14 In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Micki Byrnes, Chief Communications Officer and Senior Advisor at Adcom, and former President and General Manager of WKYC, to talk leadership, reinvention, and the surprising career lessons learned from decades in the media. From her early dreams of being a forest ranger to leading one of Cleveland’s most visible organizations, Micki shares how she navigated career pivots, built a resilient workplace culture, and found new purpose after retirement (for exactly two weeks). You’ll hear her take on self-advocacy, the transition from creative to executive leadership, and why she still brings her lunch every day. Timestamps: 00:55 Micki’s surprising original career path and how she found her way into broadcasting 04:15 A winding road to Cleveland (and why it grew on her)07:00 How creative instincts translated to company leadership 10:10 The moment she was named President of WKYC and what she wishes she’d done differently 12:00 What the “Garage Test” says about your company’s culture 14:30 Supporting employees who are struggling with burnout or misalignment 15:50 How WKYC approached its responsibility as a public service 19:00 Untangling identity from work and navigating post-retirement transitions 23:15 What to ask yourself during any major career shift 25:00 The challenges (and urgency) of legacy media reinventing itself 27:15 Transferable skills and why companies need “an adult in the room” 30:00 Staying relevant when the world (and your feed) is changing fast 31:30 Why Micki joined Adcom and what she hopes to bring to the agency 35:00 Encouragement for anyone who feels stuck but isn’t sure what’s next Enjoying What’s Up at Work? Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and if you found this conversation helpful or inspiring, leave us a quick review. It helps more leaders like you find the show. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Micki Byrnes, Chief Communications Officer and Senior Advisor at Adcom, and former President and General Manager of WKYC, to talk leadership, reinvention, and the surprising career lessons learned from decades in the media. From her early dreams of being a forest ranger to leading one of Cleveland’s most visible organizations, Micki shares how she navigated career pivots, built a resilient workplace culture, and found new purpose after retirement (for exactly two weeks). You’ll hear her take on self-advocacy, the transition from creative to executive leadership, and why she still brings her lunch every day. Timestamps: 00:55 Micki’s surprising original career path and how she found her way into broadcasting 04:15 A winding road to Cleveland (and why it grew on her)07:00 How creative instincts translated to company leadership 10:10 The moment she was named President of WKYC and what she wishes she’d done differently 12:00 What the “Garage Test” says about your company’s culture 14:30 Supporting employees who are struggling with burnout or misalignment 15:50 How WKYC approached its responsibility as a public service 19:00 Untangling identity from work and navigating post-retirement transitions 23:15 What to ask yourself during any major career shift 25:00 The challenges (and urgency) of legacy media reinventing itself 27:15 Transferable skills and why companies need “an adult in the room” 30:00 Staying relevant when the world (and your feed) is changing fast 31:30 Why Micki joined Adcom and what she hopes to bring to the agency 35:00 Encouragement for anyone who feels stuck but isn’t sure what’s next Enjoying What’s Up at Work? Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and if you found this conversation helpful or inspiring, leave us a quick review. It helps more leaders like you find the show. false full 9 ceedbe15-0028-4a6b-823f-6945ffb354c7 Kelly Keefe (President & CEO, ERC): Networking Hacks, Leading with Curiosity & Strangers on the Ski Lift Wed, 4 Jun 2025 12:36:14 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/kelly-keefe-president-ceo-erc-networking-hacks-leading-with-curiosity-strangers-on-the-ski-lift-IIOYOHKZ Kelly Keefe (President & CEO, ERC): Networking Hacks, Leading with Curiosity & Strangers on the Ski Lift ERC 00:33:05 Kelly Keefe, President and CEO of ERC, shares the highs and lows of stepping into a new leadership role 30 days before the world shut down. She also shares strategies she’s used to connect more deeply, lead more intentionally, and tap into the power of her peers. You’ll hear about her non-traditional career path from Deloitte consultant to part-time HR volunteer to leading ERC, and how she navigated the organization through the worst of the pandemic. Kelly also shares why she believes data-driven decision-making is the secret sauce behind building better workplaces. During the conversation, she dives into lessons learned from her kids, explains how she structures her week to stay confident walking into any room, and gives insight into creating safe spaces for CEOs to swap stories (even tough ones like handling layoffs with dignity). Timestamps: 1:00 Career path and non-traditional entry into HR: Kelly’s journey from Deloitte to eight hours a week at ERC, eventually growing into a full-time leadership role. 3:00 Taking the CEO role just before COVID: stepping into a new leadership role in January 2020 and managing ERC’s shifting business model. 6:00 Shifting from reactive to proactive leadership: what “recovering” looked like by 2022 and why moving past return-to-office debates was important. 8:00 Building a professional network as a business strategy: why Kelly dedicates roughly 30 percent of her role to networking, and how she balances travel-heavy relationship-building with a leadership team she trusts. 11:00 Walking into any room with confidence: Kelly’s Sunday calendar prep ritual, scouting attire, looking up LinkedIn profiles, and her “look people in the eye” mantra her dad instilled. 13:00 Creating CEO peer groups and tackling layoffs: why it’s lonely at the top, how peer conversations help shape messaging for employees impacted by cuts, and why it’s important for leaders to have sounding boards. 17:00 Data-driven decision-making at ERC: how Kelly uses NorthCoast 99 survey data, compensation benchmarks, and ERC engagement scores to guide everything from mental health days to compensation philosophy. 20:00 Learning from the next generation: how Kelly’s son Connor runs a $2.7 million student-led venture at the University of Dayton, and why CEOs should listen to what young people are doing in business. 22:00 Trusted advisors outside the workplace: the value of gut checks with fellow CEOs, how to keep feedback confidential, and why “control what you can control” is important. 24:00 HR Hot Seat rapid-fire: pick-up-the-phone lessons; mom’s advice to “be stubborn enough to make it work”; core value of “facts over noise”; what drives Kelly crazy (left-lane slowpokes); and the wisest thing her kids have said. If Kelly’s perspective on leading through uncertainty, creating intentional peer spaces, or using data to build better cultures resonated, please subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a review. It helps us reach more HR and business leaders who are looking for real-world strategies to improve their workplaces. Kelly Keefe, President and CEO of ERC, shares the highs and lows of stepping into a new leadership role 30 days before the world shut down. She also shares strategies she’s used to connect more deeply, lead more intentionally, and tap into the power of her peers. You’ll hear about her non-traditional career path from Deloitte consultant to part-time HR volunteer to leading ERC, and how she navigated the organization through the worst of the pandemic. Kelly also shares why she believes data-driven decision-making is the secret sauce behind building better workplaces. During the conversation, she dives into lessons learned from her kids, explains how she structures her week to stay confident walking into any room, and gives insight into creating safe spaces for CEOs to swap stories (even tough ones like handling layoffs with dignity). Timestamps: 1:00 Career path and non-traditional entry into HR: Kelly’s journey from Deloitte to eight hours a week at ERC, eventually growing into a full-time leadership role. 3:00 Taking the CEO role just before COVID: stepping into a new leadership role in January 2020 and managing ERC’s shifting business model. 6:00 Shifting from reactive to proactive leadership: what “recovering” looked like by 2022 and why moving past return-to-office debates was important. 8:00 Building a professional network as a business strategy: why Kelly dedicates roughly 30 percent of her role to networking, and how she balances travel-heavy relationship-building with a leadership team she trusts. 11:00 Walking into any room with confidence: Kelly’s Sunday calendar prep ritual, scouting attire, looking up LinkedIn profiles, and her “look people in the eye” mantra her dad instilled. 13:00 Creating CEO peer groups and tackling layoffs: why it’s lonely at the top, how peer conversations help shape messaging for employees impacted by cuts, and why it’s important for leaders to have sounding boards. 17:00 Data-driven decision-making at ERC: how Kelly uses NorthCoast 99 survey data, compensation benchmarks, and ERC engagement scores to guide everything from mental health days to compensation philosophy. 20:00 Learning from the next generation: how Kelly’s son Connor runs a $2.7 million student-led venture at the University of Dayton, and why CEOs should listen to what young people are doing in business. 22:00 Trusted advisors outside the workplace: the value of gut checks with fellow CEOs, how to keep feedback confidential, and why “control what you can control” is important. 24:00 HR Hot Seat rapid-fire: pick-up-the-phone lessons; mom’s advice to “be stubborn enough to make it work”; core value of “facts over noise”; what drives Kelly crazy (left-lane slowpokes); and the wisest thing her kids have said. If Kelly’s perspective on leading through uncertainty, creating intentional peer spaces, or using data to build better cultures resonated, please subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a review. It helps us reach more HR and business leaders who are looking for real-world strategies to improve their workplaces. false full 8 6b8fe714-8e82-4a29-aea7-6aa832aede35 Matt Dailey (CEO, Royal Chemical): Due Diligence, Discipline & the Magic of a Midday Stretch Tue, 13 May 2025 11:40:26 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/matt-dailey-ceo-royal-chemical-due-diligence-discipline-the-magic-of-a-midday-stretch-syD5Op_G Matt Dailey (CEO, Royal Chemical): Due Diligence, Discipline & the Magic of a Midday Stretch ERC 00:36:56 What convinced Matt Dailey to leave private equity and buy a chemical company on a handshake deal—would you take that leap? In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Matt Dailey, President and CEO of Royal Chemical, to talk about his bold transition from investment banker to manufacturing executive. You’ll hear how Matt targeted acquisition opportunities with disciplined daily outreach, won over a team through humility and trust, and then introduced a data-driven mindset into a 85-year-old chemical business—complete with digital scheduling, real-time dashboards, and an engagement reboot. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Matt’s winding path from PE advisor to CEO 01:00 Why stepping into manufacturing “transcends industry” fundamentals 02:00 The six-month “dating process”: 10 outreaches a day until Royal Chemical 04:00 Winning employee trust on day one (and why that matters) 12:00 Resetting engagement post-COVID with engagement surveys 14:00 Moving from paper-based to digital workflows on the plant floor 19:00 Tangible wins: shortening setup times and reducing rework 22:00 Advice for owners eyeing automation—expect friction, recruit the right champion 29:00 HR Hot Seat rapid-fire: caffeine, curveballs, and “I trust you” moments If you enjoyed Matt’s story and actionable leadership tips, be sure to subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more conversations with the people shaping Northeast Ohio’s top workplaces. Learn more about ERC’s HR tools and resources at https://www.yourerc.com and explore Royal Chemical’s custom manufacturing solutions at https://www.royalchemical.com. What convinced Matt Dailey to leave private equity and buy a chemical company on a handshake deal—would you take that leap? In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Matt Dailey, President and CEO of Royal Chemical, to talk about his bold transition from investment banker to manufacturing executive. You’ll hear how Matt targeted acquisition opportunities with disciplined daily outreach, won over a team through humility and trust, and then introduced a data-driven mindset into a 85-year-old chemical business—complete with digital scheduling, real-time dashboards, and an engagement reboot. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Matt’s winding path from PE advisor to CEO 01:00 Why stepping into manufacturing “transcends industry” fundamentals 02:00 The six-month “dating process”: 10 outreaches a day until Royal Chemical 04:00 Winning employee trust on day one (and why that matters) 12:00 Resetting engagement post-COVID with engagement surveys 14:00 Moving from paper-based to digital workflows on the plant floor 19:00 Tangible wins: shortening setup times and reducing rework 22:00 Advice for owners eyeing automation—expect friction, recruit the right champion 29:00 HR Hot Seat rapid-fire: caffeine, curveballs, and “I trust you” moments If you enjoyed Matt’s story and actionable leadership tips, be sure to subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps us bring you more conversations with the people shaping Northeast Ohio’s top workplaces. Learn more about ERC’s HR tools and resources at https://www.yourerc.com and explore Royal Chemical’s custom manufacturing solutions at https://www.royalchemical.com. false full 7 1bcdcc23-1085-4555-9fd7-06b07c0d963c Kristin Warzocha (CEO, Greater Cleveland Food Bank): Community Impact, Employee Love & Roller Skates Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:40:22 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/kristin-warzocha-ceo-greater-cleveland-food-bank-community-impact-employee-love-rollerskates-Qvs_YtNU Kristin Warzocha (CEO, Greater Cleveland Food Bank): Community Impact, Employee Love & Roller Skates ERC 00:41:38 Is it possible for a nonprofit to pay above-market wages and still thrive? Kristin Warzocha, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, says yes—and she’s got the results to prove it. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, Kristin joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to talk about building an award-winning culture in one of Northeast Ohio’s largest nonprofits. She shares how the Food Bank prioritizes competitive pay, builds connections across warehouse and office teams, and brings frontline staff into major strategic decisions. You’ll also hear about creative benefits, honest leadership habits, and how her team is responding to funding cuts with grit and heart. Timestamps 01:45 Kristin’s 24-year journey from volunteer to CEO 05:00 How the Food Bank distributes 54 million pounds of food a year 08:00 What makes the Greater Cleveland Food Bank a NorthCoast 99 winner 10:00 Why they raised their wage floor to $20/hour—and how they did it 12:45 Keeping culture strong across 180 staff and 16,000 volunteers 14:30 How quarterly shutdowns became a communication superpower 17:00 Supporting wellbeing with Calm app access, First Friday happy hours, and more 21:00 A fund for employees facing personal crises—modeled after Progressive 24:00 Leading through food program funding cuts and rising demand 27:30 Behind the scenes of their new Community Resource Center 32:00 Kristin’s advice for any leader: “Just love on your people.” If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to What’s Up at Work? on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review—your support helps other leaders find the show and build better workplaces. Learn more about today’s guests: ERC: https://www.yourerc.com Greater Cleveland Food Bank: https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org Is it possible for a nonprofit to pay above-market wages and still thrive? Kristin Warzocha, President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, says yes—and she’s got the results to prove it. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, Kristin joins host Sam Clyde Schroeder to talk about building an award-winning culture in one of Northeast Ohio’s largest nonprofits. She shares how the Food Bank prioritizes competitive pay, builds connections across warehouse and office teams, and brings frontline staff into major strategic decisions. You’ll also hear about creative benefits, honest leadership habits, and how her team is responding to funding cuts with grit and heart. Timestamps 01:45 Kristin’s 24-year journey from volunteer to CEO 05:00 How the Food Bank distributes 54 million pounds of food a year 08:00 What makes the Greater Cleveland Food Bank a NorthCoast 99 winner 10:00 Why they raised their wage floor to $20/hour—and how they did it 12:45 Keeping culture strong across 180 staff and 16,000 volunteers 14:30 How quarterly shutdowns became a communication superpower 17:00 Supporting wellbeing with Calm app access, First Friday happy hours, and more 21:00 A fund for employees facing personal crises—modeled after Progressive 24:00 Leading through food program funding cuts and rising demand 27:30 Behind the scenes of their new Community Resource Center 32:00 Kristin’s advice for any leader: “Just love on your people.” If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to What’s Up at Work? on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review—your support helps other leaders find the show and build better workplaces. Learn more about today’s guests: ERC: https://www.yourerc.com Greater Cleveland Food Bank: https://www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org false full 6 b200a4b5-da9e-49b5-b455-580b9120a663 Scott Allen, PhD (Leadership Consultant): Career Jumps, Setting the Weather & the Two-Email Rule Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:51:46 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/scott-allen-phd-leadership-consultant-career-jumps-setting-the-weather-the-two-email-rule-Q6ZEtXUV Scott Allen, PhD (Leadership Consultant): Career Jumps, Setting the Weather & the Two-Email Rule ERC 00:27:16 "Leaders create the weather." That simple mindset, along with setting clear leadership expectations, continuous development, and defining the ideal leader can help you bridge the gap between training and real performance. Join host Sam Clyde Schroeder as she sits down with Scott Allen, PhD—a leadership consultant, educator, keynote speaker, and podcast host. In this episode, Scott shares his journey from academia to executive training and coaching, and dives into building effective leadership pipelines, aligning HR strategies, and creating a sustainable leadership development system that delivers measurable ROI. Listeners will hear everything from the challenges with one-off training sessions to real-world projects that drive organizational change, along with candid insights on turning small wins into bigger cultural shifts. Timestamps: 01:00 Scott’s background and his shift from teaching to working with leaders and professionals. 02:00 How Scott’s evolving career shapes his approach to leadership education. 06:00 Discussing conflict resolution, team building, and designing engaging workplace cultures. 07:00 Why sporadic training might not be enough and the need for a continuous leadership development system. 09:00 Aligning recruitment, onboarding, and performance management to boost ROI. 15:00 Measuring leadership growth with 360 feedback and hands-on projects. 19:00 The "leaders create the weather" mantra and its impact on workplace dynamics. 23:00 A rapid-fire HR Hot Seat session covering email habits, corporate buzzwords, and more. 26:00 Unexpected lessons from working with passionate leaders and the power of small wins. If you enjoyed these insights, be sure to subscribe to our channel and leave a review—it helps us continue delivering valuable conversations for HR and business leaders. Learn more about ERC at https://www.yourerc.com and learn more about Scott at https://www.scottjallen.net. "Leaders create the weather." That simple mindset, along with setting clear leadership expectations, continuous development, and defining the ideal leader can help you bridge the gap between training and real performance. Join host Sam Clyde Schroeder as she sits down with Scott Allen, PhD—a leadership consultant, educator, keynote speaker, and podcast host. In this episode, Scott shares his journey from academia to executive training and coaching, and dives into building effective leadership pipelines, aligning HR strategies, and creating a sustainable leadership development system that delivers measurable ROI. Listeners will hear everything from the challenges with one-off training sessions to real-world projects that drive organizational change, along with candid insights on turning small wins into bigger cultural shifts. Timestamps: 01:00 Scott’s background and his shift from teaching to working with leaders and professionals. 02:00 How Scott’s evolving career shapes his approach to leadership education. 06:00 Discussing conflict resolution, team building, and designing engaging workplace cultures. 07:00 Why sporadic training might not be enough and the need for a continuous leadership development system. 09:00 Aligning recruitment, onboarding, and performance management to boost ROI. 15:00 Measuring leadership growth with 360 feedback and hands-on projects. 19:00 The "leaders create the weather" mantra and its impact on workplace dynamics. 23:00 A rapid-fire HR Hot Seat session covering email habits, corporate buzzwords, and more. 26:00 Unexpected lessons from working with passionate leaders and the power of small wins. If you enjoyed these insights, be sure to subscribe to our channel and leave a review—it helps us continue delivering valuable conversations for HR and business leaders. Learn more about ERC at https://www.yourerc.com and learn more about Scott at https://www.scottjallen.net. false full 5 12ac3eef-6265-4f58-b1a8-27ea55120ab9 Chris Adams (CEO, Park Place Technologies): Scaling Culture, Construction & 'Why Cleveland?' In our latest episode of “What’s Up at Work?” we talked with Chris Adams, President and CEO of Park Place Technologies. Host Sam Clyde Schroeder dives into Chris’s journey from CFO to CEO and how his data-driven approach is fueling the company’s exponential growth.

You’ll hear firsthand insights on scaling culture during rapid expansion, integrating acquisitions, and creating a workplace that attracts and retains top talent—all while balancing remote work and in-office culture.

Timestamps & Topics:

  • 00:00 – Introduction: Tackling leadership challenges and the importance of people in business growth
  • 01:00 – Chris’s evolution from CFO to CEO and the value of financial acumen
  • 02:00 – Transitioning operational roles: CFO to COO insights
  • 04:00 – Merging sales and operations 
  • 06:00 – Scaling a company without losing the unique culture
  • 00:08 – Strategies for smooth M&A integration and employee onboarding
  • 14:00 – The role of employee recognition and the impact of a well-executed incentive program
  • 20:00 – Balancing remote work and in-office collaboration for innovation
  • 25:00 – Investing in state-of-the-art headquarters and employee amenities
  • 31:00 – HR Hot Seat: Rapid-fire Q&A on leadership, feedback, and work-life balance

If you enjoyed this episode of What's Up at Work?, be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help more leaders discover these valuable insights.

Learn more about ERC at https://www.yourerc.com and Park Place Technologies at https://www.parkplacetechnologies.com.

]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:18:50 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/chris-adams-ceo-park-place-technologies-scaling-culture-construction-why-cleveland-FB3eapto In our latest episode of “What’s Up at Work?” we talked with Chris Adams, President and CEO of Park Place Technologies. Host Sam Clyde Schroeder dives into Chris’s journey from CFO to CEO and how his data-driven approach is fueling the company’s exponential growth.

You’ll hear firsthand insights on scaling culture during rapid expansion, integrating acquisitions, and creating a workplace that attracts and retains top talent—all while balancing remote work and in-office culture.

Timestamps & Topics:

  • 00:00 – Introduction: Tackling leadership challenges and the importance of people in business growth
  • 01:00 – Chris’s evolution from CFO to CEO and the value of financial acumen
  • 02:00 – Transitioning operational roles: CFO to COO insights
  • 04:00 – Merging sales and operations 
  • 06:00 – Scaling a company without losing the unique culture
  • 00:08 – Strategies for smooth M&A integration and employee onboarding
  • 14:00 – The role of employee recognition and the impact of a well-executed incentive program
  • 20:00 – Balancing remote work and in-office collaboration for innovation
  • 25:00 – Investing in state-of-the-art headquarters and employee amenities
  • 31:00 – HR Hot Seat: Rapid-fire Q&A on leadership, feedback, and work-life balance

If you enjoyed this episode of What's Up at Work?, be sure to subscribe and leave a review to help more leaders discover these valuable insights.

Learn more about ERC at https://www.yourerc.com and Park Place Technologies at https://www.parkplacetechnologies.com.

]]> Chris Adams (CEO, Park Place Technologies): Scaling Culture, Construction & 'Why Cleveland?' ERC 00:39:20 Can you grow a business without losing what makes it great? Scaling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing culture. The key is prioritizing people, connections, and the values that got you there in the first place. Can you grow a business without losing what makes it great? Scaling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing culture. The key is prioritizing people, connections, and the values that got you there in the first place. false full 4 7769ab78-3603-426a-8471-8ea675a23fea Blake Babcock (VP, Client Engagement, Staffing Solutions): The Cost of Hiring, Proactive Recruiting & 'Clarity’ as a Superpower Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:54:46 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/blake-babcock-vp-client-engagement-staffing-solutions-the-cost-of-hiring-proactive-recruiting-clarity-as-a-superpower-ZWN9wJAE Blake Babcock (VP, Client Engagement, Staffing Solutions): The Cost of Hiring, Proactive Recruiting & 'Clarity’ as a Superpower ERC 00:26:23 Is your hiring process losing you top talent before you even make an offer? If you’re still waiting to “see just one more candidate,” you might already be too late. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde-Schroeder sits down with Blake Babcock, Vice President of Client Engagement at Staffing Solutions Enterprises, to unpack the realities of today’s hiring landscape. They discuss the biggest hiring mistakes that slow employers down—like waiting too long to make an offer—and how to fix them before losing great candidates. Blake shares tactical advice on how to stand out in a crowded job market, why defining what makes your workplace special is critical, and how to craft job offers that don’t get ignored. Plus, he breaks down the biggest missteps employers make when evaluating candidates and why the best hire might not check every box on your list. Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Blake Babcock and his accidental entry into the recruiting industry 02:30 – Are we in a candidate’s or employer’s market? Blake’s take on why hiring remains competitive 04:15 – The #1 mistake employers make when trying to attract talent 05:50 – Why hiring decisions mirror the sales funnel—and what to do about it 07:10 – The toughest roles to fill (and why it’s not about job titles) 09:00 – Compensation, benefits, and what really makes an offer competitive 12:45 – When to use a staffing firm vs. internal hiring teams 16:00 – How to ensure new hires don’t leave within their first 90 days 19:00 – Is AI coming for your job? The reality of automation in recruiting 23:30 – HR Hot Seat: Hired or Fired? Blake weighs in on Zoom cameras, unlimited PTO, and Gen Z lingo Hiring the right people starts with the right strategies. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a review to help more leaders create thriving workplaces. 🔗 Learn more about ERC: https://www.yourerc.com 🔗 Learn more about Staffing Solutions Enterprises: https://www.staffingsolutionsenterprises.com Is your hiring process losing you top talent before you even make an offer? If you’re still waiting to “see just one more candidate,” you might already be too late. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde-Schroeder sits down with Blake Babcock, Vice President of Client Engagement at Staffing Solutions Enterprises, to unpack the realities of today’s hiring landscape. They discuss the biggest hiring mistakes that slow employers down—like waiting too long to make an offer—and how to fix them before losing great candidates. Blake shares tactical advice on how to stand out in a crowded job market, why defining what makes your workplace special is critical, and how to craft job offers that don’t get ignored. Plus, he breaks down the biggest missteps employers make when evaluating candidates and why the best hire might not check every box on your list. Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Blake Babcock and his accidental entry into the recruiting industry 02:30 – Are we in a candidate’s or employer’s market? Blake’s take on why hiring remains competitive 04:15 – The #1 mistake employers make when trying to attract talent 05:50 – Why hiring decisions mirror the sales funnel—and what to do about it 07:10 – The toughest roles to fill (and why it’s not about job titles) 09:00 – Compensation, benefits, and what really makes an offer competitive 12:45 – When to use a staffing firm vs. internal hiring teams 16:00 – How to ensure new hires don’t leave within their first 90 days 19:00 – Is AI coming for your job? The reality of automation in recruiting 23:30 – HR Hot Seat: Hired or Fired? Blake weighs in on Zoom cameras, unlimited PTO, and Gen Z lingo Hiring the right people starts with the right strategies. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a review to help more leaders create thriving workplaces. 🔗 Learn more about ERC: https://www.yourerc.com 🔗 Learn more about Staffing Solutions Enterprises: https://www.staffingsolutionsenterprises.com false full 3 d1b7470a-fd5f-4d45-a34b-9d59e9bf3529 Josh Marx (CEO, Medical Service Company): People-First Growth, 'You Days' & Transformative HR Culture Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

  • 06:30 - Shaping a culture with core values: why guardrails matter more than lengthy mission statements
  • 12:15 - Retention, recruitment, and the power of investing in HR
  • 18:45 - Rapid growth: going from 300 to 600 employees in six months—what Josh learned
  • 21:25 - NorthCoast 99 recognition: how wellness benefits and employee groups pay off
  • 28:15 - Working with an executive coach: Josh’s “metronome” approach to consistent, clear strategy
  • 33:40 - Why it’s lonely at the top—and how to stay balanced, curious, and open to feedback
  • 36:30 - Rapid-fire “HR Hot Seat”: from Josh’s “cooler” to mandatory returns to the office

Like what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave us a review. Your support helps us reach more HR and business leaders looking to create workplaces where people and profits thrive.

]]> Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:42:02 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/josh-marx-ceo-medical-service-company-people-first-growth-you-days-transformative-hr-culture-qWuJMPZp Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

  • 06:30 - Shaping a culture with core values: why guardrails matter more than lengthy mission statements
  • 12:15 - Retention, recruitment, and the power of investing in HR
  • 18:45 - Rapid growth: going from 300 to 600 employees in six months—what Josh learned
  • 21:25 - NorthCoast 99 recognition: how wellness benefits and employee groups pay off
  • 28:15 - Working with an executive coach: Josh’s “metronome” approach to consistent, clear strategy
  • 33:40 - Why it’s lonely at the top—and how to stay balanced, curious, and open to feedback
  • 36:30 - Rapid-fire “HR Hot Seat”: from Josh’s “cooler” to mandatory returns to the office

Like what you heard? Don’t forget to subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave us a review. Your support helps us reach more HR and business leaders looking to create workplaces where people and profits thrive.

]]> Josh Marx (CEO, Medical Service Company): People-First Growth, 'You Days' & Transformative HR Culture ERC 00:44:12 Meet Josh Marx, CEO of Medical Service Company, a 70+ “years young” family business specializing in home medical equipment and patient care. In this episode, Josh shares how bringing an “employee-first” mindset to his organization has fueled major expansions, from doubling the workforce in six months to landing on the Inc. 5000 list—and why it’s always worth investing in your people. He and host Sam Clyde Schroeder discuss fresh perspectives on HR, building core values that stick, and how even a sales-driven leader can become HR’s biggest champion. Meet Josh Marx, CEO of Medical Service Company, a 70+ “years young” family business specializing in home medical equipment and patient care. In this episode, Josh shares how bringing an “employee-first” mindset to his organization has fueled major expansions, from doubling the workforce in six months to landing on the Inc. 5000 list—and why it’s always worth investing in your people. He and host Sam Clyde Schroeder discuss fresh perspectives on HR, building core values that stick, and how even a sales-driven leader can become HR’s biggest champion. false full 2 d163a501-905e-4e40-89ab-c909630f9395 Brian Macias (CEO, Embrace Pet Insurance): The Power of Engagement & Human Connection at Work Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

  • 02:00 - Brian’s journey to CEO at Embrace and how embracing curiosity shaped his career
  • 08:30 - Happiness vs. fulfillment: why they’re not the same—and why it matters for leaders
  • 20:10 - The remote vs. in-office debate: Brian’s unique take on what really works for people
  • 25:20 - One hilariously messy “Bring Your Pet to Work” moment (spoiler: it involves a giant dog and Halloween costumes)
  • 32:45 - Key insights from Embrace’s engagement surveys and what they reveal about true culture
  • 42:10 - Practical advice for leaders: making time to connect, building trust, and showing genuine care

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure you subscribe so you never miss real talk with top leaders on What’s Up at Work?. If you found value in Brian’s insights, please leave a review—it helps other leaders discover the podcast and join us on the journey to creating better workplaces.

]]> Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:55:53 +0000 erc-team@vividfront.com (ERC ) https://whats-up-at-work.simplecast.com/episodes/happiness-at-work-a-strategic-goal-2eIaRacz Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

  • 02:00 - Brian’s journey to CEO at Embrace and how embracing curiosity shaped his career
  • 08:30 - Happiness vs. fulfillment: why they’re not the same—and why it matters for leaders
  • 20:10 - The remote vs. in-office debate: Brian’s unique take on what really works for people
  • 25:20 - One hilariously messy “Bring Your Pet to Work” moment (spoiler: it involves a giant dog and Halloween costumes)
  • 32:45 - Key insights from Embrace’s engagement surveys and what they reveal about true culture
  • 42:10 - Practical advice for leaders: making time to connect, building trust, and showing genuine care

Enjoyed this episode? Make sure you subscribe so you never miss real talk with top leaders on What’s Up at Work?. If you found value in Brian’s insights, please leave a review—it helps other leaders discover the podcast and join us on the journey to creating better workplaces.

]]> Brian Macias (CEO, Embrace Pet Insurance): The Power of Engagement & Human Connection at Work ERC 00:47:46 Is the secret to better business outcomes tied to employee satisfaction? Can you build a better business by creating a happy and fulfilling work environment for your people? In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Brian Macias, CEO of Embrace Pet Insurance—recognized 12 times as a top workplace—to discuss how prioritizing workplace culture can lead to extraordinary business results. Brian has led Embrace through 300% growth in just four years—and in this conversation, he shares the real strategies behind that success: fostering deep human connections, encouraging a healthy return to the office, and cultivating a culture that inspires everyone to perform at their best. He also spills how his team uses monthly “All Paws” meetings (yes, they really do call them that!) to keep everyone aligned on the company’s mission and values. He also offers a fresh perspective on hiring by looking for genuine grit and passion—rather than just experience on a résumé. Is the secret to better business outcomes tied to employee satisfaction? Can you build a better business by creating a happy and fulfilling work environment for your people? In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde Schroeder sits down with Brian Macias, CEO of Embrace Pet Insurance—recognized 12 times as a top workplace—to discuss how prioritizing workplace culture can lead to extraordinary business results. Brian has led Embrace through 300% growth in just four years—and in this conversation, he shares the real strategies behind that success: fostering deep human connections, encouraging a healthy return to the office, and cultivating a culture that inspires everyone to perform at their best. He also spills how his team uses monthly “All Paws” meetings (yes, they really do call them that!) to keep everyone aligned on the company’s mission and values. He also offers a fresh perspective on hiring by looking for genuine grit and passion—rather than just experience on a résumé. false full 1