Inside the C-Suite

Offboarding isn’t just a goodbye—it’s a strategy. Andy Hamilton dives into why this often-overlooked process can make or break employer branding. We explore how When is redefining offboarding to foster strong alumni networks, improve team dynamics, and boost long-term organizational growth. In this episode, we look at offboarding, employee experience, employer branding, alumni network, career tran...

Jon Shanahan, CEO of Businessolver, shares the intricate journey of transforming employee benefits enrollment through technology. We dive into the challenges of annual enrollment, team building, and the psychology behind decision-making. Jon’s insights cover everything from mentorship to personal sacrifices, offering a roadmap for leadership and innovation. In this episode, we look at Businessolve...

Scott Chou unpacks the ESO Fund's role in addressing the stock options dilemma for employees in venture-backed startups. We explore the hurdles in stock options, vesting schedules, and the big disconnect in employee expectations. Scott emphasizes the power of financial education, sharing insights on tax implications, company valuation, and how recruiters can better guide candidates through these t...

Jason Lee’s entrepreneurial journey has reshaped the on-demand pay industry. After founding and successfully exiting both DailyPay and Salt Labs, he's now leading Chime Enterprise with the same innovative spirit. His insights into scaling businesses, pioneering financial wellness, and transforming employee pay access continue to drive industry change. In this episode we look at entrepreneurship, f...

Mike Morini, CEO of PlanSource, brings powerful insights from his NFL days to the tech industry, highlighting teamwork, resilience, and the art of listening. He shares his thoughts on eliminating outdated processes, prioritizing business strategies, and how emotional intelligence shapes effective sales and communication. In this episode, we look at AI in business, workforce management, leadership,...

Kendra Cato reflects on her transformative career journey, from aspiring designer to strategic leader in the staffing industry. Authenticity, feedback, and community are the pillars of her leadership, and her passion for uplifting women in business is the driving force behind her empowering book project. In this episode, we look at authentic leadership, career journey, feedback, personal growth, w...

Stephen Sokoler, founder and CEO of Journey, shares how proactive mental health practices and daily habit formation can lead to healthier, less stressful lives. From running snow removal businesses to leading Journey Meditation, Stephen dives into the challenges of mental health in the workplace, entrepreneurship, and the value of meditation for personal growth and well-being. In this episode, we...

Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, recounts his entrepreneurial journey from a basement startup to a leading furniture retailer. He dives into the evolution of Lovesac, his mission experience in Taiwan, and crucial lessons on leadership, perseverance, and innovation. Shawn highlights the impact of learning from rejections and the significance of a strong executive team in scaling a business...

Erling Linde, founder and CEO of CV Partner, shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the transition from bootstrapping to venture capital, the importance of a board of advisors, and the role of emotional resilience in startup success. His insights provide valuable lessons for any aspiring entrepreneur. In this episode, we look at Erling Linde, venture capital funding, professional service f...

Kim Sneeder dives into the challenges of transitioning from an exceptional doer to a transformative leader, highlighting the importance of redefining equity and fostering inclusion in the workplace. Kim explores the critical role of resilience, mentorship, and data-driven leadership in shaping a successful and inclusive organizational culture. In this episode, we look at leadership, equity, resili...

John Hansen, CEO of Atana has started 8 different companies, exited some and closed others. He's exited to companies like Oracle and Marconi - We look at this journey of leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. He opens up about how technical challenges, failures, and humility have shaped his path. Connect with John Hansen here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjhansen/ Takeaways John Han...

Matt Martin, founder of Clockwise, discusses his journey from law school to entrepreneurship, emphasizing risk-taking, passion, and the importance of a supportive environment in achieving career success. Key Takeaways Matt Martin's Career Journey: From law school and political blogging to founding Clockwise, a time management software company. Law Degree's Value: How Matt Martin's legal education...

We talk with Craig Goodliffe, founder of Cyberbacker about his journey from working in retail and real estate to starting Cyberbacker, a company that provides staffing solutions primarily from the Philippines. We dig into the motivation behind his work, where he's struggled, and how he's been able to overcome these challenges in his trek through being and entrepreneur. We discuss: How the journey...

In this episode we speak with the Co-Founder and CEO of Multiplier, Sagar Khatri. He talks entrepreneurship, the challenges of global employment, and adversity. Spoiler alert - Empathy is not the only thing that matters. We cover topics including: Entrepreneurship Global employment and the democratization of business The value of customer service and human-centric business approach Chapters 00:00...

In this episode we speak with Steve Cox, the CEO at Employ about his career, his thoughts on the evolution of leadership, effective board management, and how to leverage intentional mentorship. Takeaways 1. Steve Cox's diverse experiences, including his time as a taxi driver, significantly shaped his career. 2. Insights into the complexities of applicant tracking systems and HR technology. 3. The...

In this episode we speak with Terry Baker, CEO of Daxtra Technologies to learn about his journey from Pre-Med to start-up success (and pivots). We talk with him to understand how he thinks and what continues to move him forward after more than 3 decades of scaling good brands to great brands. We discuss: The power of AI in Recruitment automation Start-ups to scale-ups, acquisitions and venture cap...

In this conversation Janet Elkin, CEO of IMN Enterprises, shares her journey from humble beginnings in the Bronx NY, to operating a leading healthcare staffing juggernaut. She helps us understand her experiences in advertising, entrepreneurship, and the challenges she faced. Takeaways Janet Elkin's journey from the Bronx to becoming the CEO of IMN Enterprises is a story of resilience and determina...

In this episode, Jennifer Schielke, co-founder of Summit Group Solutions, discusses her journey in the IT staffing and recruiting industry, the importance of treating talent like family and helping them grow and improve. We look at the state of IT staffing, government assistance and small business, gratitude towards employees and candidates, and mentorship. Takeaways Treating talent like family an...

In this episode we speak with WorkFusion CEO Adam Famularo and dig deep into his personal growth story. We learn about how he's grown to become CEO at one of the most exciting worktech companies in the world. We talk about intent, career pathing, building a personal team of supporters, and how to find what motivated you to move beyond what you are comfortable with. Takeaways Digital workers, such...

Adam Wray is the founder and CEO of AstrumU, an AI data platform startup that translates educational experiences into economic opportunity. We discuss  The Need for Individualized Skills Measurement Tools The Challenge of Information Asymmetry Learning and Growing from Failure Resilience and Ownership as a Leader Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 02:30 The Challenge of Information...

From performing on stage in Annie as a child to leading marketing for the most interesting Work Tech companies we know, Jenn Ravalli takes us through the challenges of navigating to the C-Suite. We learn about her success, her failures and the role her mentors have played in her career. She's a long time friend of ours and we are excited to share this great episode. Takeways: HR technology for fro...

Taylor Liggett shares his journey from working in a call center to becoming the Chief Growth Officer at ID.me, the largest digital wallet and trusted digital identity network in the US. Taylor shares how his early experiences in customer service and account management shaped his career. We talk empathy, listening, and salesmanship.  This is one of those episodes that everyone can find a few nugget...

In today's workforce, the one-size-fits-all model of employer benefits falls short, neglecting the diverse needs of employees and their families. Regulatory changes, like the IHRA, spark innovation, prompting companies such as SureCo to rethink approaches. We talk with SureCo's CEO, Matthew Kim, about his journey from immigrant roots to driving change with his entrepreneurial resilience. Takeaways...

In this episode we spend time with John Bernatovciz, founder of Willory, a leading payroll and HR staffing support firm. We talk with John about his unique journey to the C-Suite, his success and the challenges that he faced and how he was able to overcome them. This is a lesson in entrepreneurship that many of our listeners can relate to.  Key Takeaways: Believe in the HR community and commit to...

Dan Shoemaker, Accurate's Chief Revenue Officer, recounts his trajectory from politics to business success. He reflects on his early years in retail politics and campaign work, followed by his shift to public policy in the governor's office. Transitioning to the private sector, he discovered he excelled at marketing and sales, re-educated himself, and built the confidence to run board rooms. We le...