OpenMike

Workplace conflict is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be toxic or personal. In this podcast, we break down how to handle disputes in the office with clarity, confidence, and respect. You’ll get practical tools to address tension early, lead tough conversations, de-escalate emotions, and turn conflict into better communication, stronger accountability, and healthier teams.  Support the show

 AI is changing how work gets done—and what it takes to succeed in nearly every role. This show breaks down what AI means for jobs, teams, and leadership, with a clear focus on practical takeaways. We explore how organizations are redesigning work, upskilling employees, and adapting hiring to identify the skills that matter most in an AI-enabled world—so companies can move faster, hire smarter, an...

Time to go back into the office! What does the hiring landscape look like in 2026? LAK Group President Mike Grubich joins the show to talk about national hiring numbers and the outlook of different industries that look to hire more in the next year. We also look to where Wisconsin ranks in these projections. We also go over interview tips, and as tensions rise in the world – what you post on socia...

“Imagine you land the job you’ve been chasing for months. Great title. Great pay. Great team. Then HR calls and says, ‘One more thing—we received a letter from your previous employer.’ That letter? It claims you’re bound by a non-compete agreement . This is more common than people think, and it’s why today’s episode matters. We’re going to demystify non-competes: what they are, why companies use t...

Gen Z isn’t “lazy” or “anti-ambition.” They’re calling out something a lot of organizations don’t want to admit: in many companies, the manager job has become high stress, low authority, and not worth the trade. That shift has a name— Conscious Unbossing —the intentional choice to avoid people-management roles in favor of autonomy, balance, and meaningful work.  On this episode of Open Mike , Mich...

Today we’re talking about desk hoteling in the office —sometimes people say it fast and it comes out like ‘deck hotelling’ —but the idea is simple: no permanent desks, and you reserve a workspace when you’re coming in , like booking a hotel room.  And here’s the real question: does desk hoteling build flexibility and collaboration —or does it quietly create friction, inequality, and a culture wher...

Today we’re connecting two things that are shaping modern work in real time: what people post online, and why so many people are staying put . First, social media . The workplace doesn’t stop at the office door anymore—and neither does your digital footprint. What you share can impact trust, confidentiality, your professional reputation, and even your employer’s brand—especially when posts blur th...

It’s 2026 , and the job market has a very specific feel: not a free-for-all, not a collapse—more like a cautious, tight runway. We’re seeing slow hiring coming out of 2025, with December adding about 50,000 jobs and unemployment around 4.4% —numbers that signal a labor market moving, but in low gear.  So why does it still feel heavy at work? Because the other half of the story is morale —and a lot...

“Welcome to At The Office —the podcast from LAK Group where we cut through the noise and talk about what’s actually changing in work and culture. Today’s episode is a 2026 trends briefing for HR leaders —and it all connects to one big tension: how do you modernize fast without breaking trust? On the HR side, 2026 is being shaped by AI moving from ‘tools’ to real operating-model change —with CHROs...

“Welcome to At The Office —the podcast from LAK Group where we talk about what’s really happening at work, why it’s happening, and what leaders can do about it. Today we’re tackling two things that are showing up everywhere right now: generational strife —and the growing trend of people snapping, venting, or outright yelling at their boss . If that sounds extreme, it’s because it is. But it’s also...

Stuck in a toxic work place? There are ways to solve that problem before just quitting outright. Support the show

President Michael Grubich was on TMJ4 radio speaking with Vince Vitrano discussing the need for applicants to be proactive and not wait for companies to get back to them.  Click here for the full clip: Support the show

In this episode, Robin Mottern, General Manager Talexes and Anthony Pantaleone, Vice President Sales Talexes and I discuss how organization can find great talent that other organizations are dismissing during workforce reductions.   Support the show

In this episode, Robin Mottern, General Manager Talexes and Anthony Pantaleone, Vice President Sales Talexes and I discuss the impact changes in the C-Suite can cause disruptions to sustaining a diverse talent pipeline and the impact it can have on your business outcomes. Support the show

The attraction and retention of talent can weigh heavily on the flexibility of the workplace. In this episode, Mike, Robin and Anthony discuss the continuous evolution of the workplace and the sustainability of the Hybrid model.  We discuss research highlight the shift in leverage from the employee to the employer and how this impacts an employment brand.   Support the show

This is Flavia's story, so far.  Flavia shares the ups and downs as she has navigated an international move to follow her dreams here in the United States.   Hers is a story of resilience and determination.   She may be found on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flavia-ziarnik-mba-cpsm-08a56328/.    Thanks again for sharing your story! Support the show

On our latest Podcast of "OpenMike - Career Stories " we feature the real career journey of Samara "Sammie" Lancia , Senior Project Manager at Amalie Trade Compliance Consulting LLC . Her story is one of resilience, persistence, and networking.   Sammie, thank you for your willingness to share your story and talk about how your decisions have shaped the trajectory of your life...

Meet Mark’s Arnhoelter.    In this episode, Mark shares the ups and downs as he has navigated from a long and fruitful engineering career to being thrust into figuring out the purpose of work in his life.  His is a story of resilience, determination and introspection.  Mark can be found on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-arnhoelter-5386587/   Mark, thanks again for sharing your sto...

Meet Andy Wendling. Listen to the story of how a fierce competitor, turned leader has leveraged his training as an Olympic athlete to drive his own business results. Andy's zest and love for life is second only to his desire to be a passionate leader for a company he could believe in. While visions of an Olympic medal eluded him due to an injury, his competitive spirit has continued to be a d...

In this episode, Robin Mottern, General Manager Talexes and Anthony Pantaleone, Vice President Sales Talexes and I discuss a key topic for organization committed to becoming an employer of choice in the markets they serve.  During our conversation we discuss the top challenges that CEOs and their senior teams are facing regarding talent and employee retention.  Support the show

In this episode, Robin Mottern, General Manager Talexes and Anthony Pantaleone, Vice President Sales Talexes and I discuss a key topic for organization committed to becoming an employer of choice in the markets they serve.  During our conversation we discuss how organizations can improve their effectiveness in targeting the right talent pools.  Support the show

In this episode of Open Mike - Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with Mark Mone,  Chancellor at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee on trends he is seeing in the marketplace and what the university and its leaders are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with the changing demands of the workforce.   Support the show

In this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with David Kriete, President & Chief Executive Officer of Kriete Truck Centers on trends he is seeing in the marketplace and what his company and its leaders are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with the changing demands of the workforce in an industry that is going through rapid change.   Support the...

In this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with Paul Bartelt, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Vollrath Company on trends he is seeing in the marketplace and what his company and its leaders are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with Vollrath's culture, purpose and values.   Support the show

In this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with Karen Hung, Chief Executive Officer of SilverRock Consulting on trends she is seeing in the marketplace and what her organization is doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with SilverRock's purpose and values. Support the show