Michael VanDervort
The Left of Boom Show
Welcome to the Left of Boom Show, your go-to space for transforming businesses into exceptional workplaces! We're here to empower leaders and HR professionals with actionable insights, advice, and stories from top leadership, labor relations, and labor law experts.
Author
Michael VanDervort
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jun 10, 2026
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Episodes
Bargaining Planning and Preparation 02.01.2025 54:43
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, we dive into the critical groundwork for bargaining preparation with Phil McMann and Dave Sapenoff , two experienced consultants who have negotiated hundreds of labor agreements. This is the first of two episodes focusing on the bargaining process. This installment highlights the essential steps for planning and preparation. Phil and Dave share actionable...
Strike Response Planning and Preparation 16.12.2024 48:16
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, host Phil Wilson is joined by Gail Wolfe , LRI Consulting Services, Inc ., to tackle one of the most challenging scenarios for employers: preparing for a potential strike. Together, they break down the critical steps managers must take to safeguard their operations, communicate effectively, and navigate legal complexities. What You’ll Learn: ✅ The legal g...
Crafting a Winning Bargaining Plan: Strategies for Success 16.12.2024 49:59
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, host Phil Wilson is joined by Gail Wolfe from LRI Consulting Services Inc . to explore the art of developing and implementing a comprehensive project plan for collective bargaining. Whether preparing for your first negotiation or refining your approach, this episode provides practical strategies to cover every aspect of the bargaining process and meet dead...
Managing in a Unionized Environment: First Steps After a Union Election 12.12.2024 1:00:54
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, host Phil Wilson teams up with LRI Consultant Dave Sapenoff to provide managers with a roadmap for navigating the critical first two weeks after a union election. Whether you've won or lost, maintaining the status quo and preparing for negotiations is essential to managing effectively in a unionized environment. What You’ll Learn: ✅ Defining the status qu...
Effective Communications During Collective Bargaining 12.12.2024 52:21
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, part of our Managing in a Unionized Environment series, host Phil Wilson sits down with Nick Kalm , founder of Reputation Partners , to explore the art and science of effective communication during collective bargaining. Effective communication is crucial at all times, but never more so than during the negotiation of a first collective bargaining agreement...
The Left of Boom Show: Phil Wilson Guests On Labor Relations Radio, E152 - The NLRB's Decision Reversing Tricast' Doctrine 12.11.2024 45:52
We’re excited to share a special episode of Labor Relations Radio ! In this episode, Phil Wilson, President of LRI Consulting Services, joins host Peter List to discuss the recent shift in labor law stemming from the National Labor Relations Board’s decision in the Siren Retail Corp. case, which overruled the longstanding Tri-Cast ruling from 1985. Phil and Peter break down what this new decision...
Navigating Labor Law with Amy Moor Gaylord | The Left of Boom Show 22.10.2024 43:30
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, we are joined by Amy Moor Gaylord , a seasoned attorney with over 25 years of experience in traditional labor and employment litigation. As a partner at Akerman LLP , Amy’s extensive knowledge spans industries like healthcare, higher education, not-for-profit organizations, public safety, and hospitality. From handling complex National Labor Relations Boar...
Transforming Team Collaboration with Technology with Megan Cook 30.09.2024 51:04
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, we sit down with Megan Cook , co-founder and Chief Administrative Officer of Happy Companies . Join hosts Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort as they explore a range of topics, including the challenges of bringing together diverse work styles, the role of AI in scaling leadership coaching, and how Happy Companies uses technology to foster better...
Workplace Wars: Mastering Polarization in the Modern Office 20.09.2024 41:50
🎙️ New Episode Alert! 🎙️ Workplace Wars: Mastering Polarization in the Modern Office Check out the latest Left the Boom episode with Seyfarth Shaw attorney Dawn Reddy Solowey ! 🌟 🔍 What we discuss: 👉Cultural Flashpoints: Practical legal tips to maintain civility and collaboration amidst workplace conflicts. 👉DEI Debates: Tackle diversity, equity, and inclusion challenges in today’s polarized e...
California Labor Lab: Legal Trends and Tips with David Wimmer 22.08.2024 52:08
In this episode of Left of Boom, hosts Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort interview David Wimmer , a seasoned labor and employment attorney from Swerdlow Florence Sanchez Swerdlow & Wimmer. Known for his deep expertise in California's complex labor laws, David shares his insights on the latest legal challenges employers face in the Golden State. From navigating new wage-and-hour laws to the on...
AI, Analytics, and Engagement with Fiona Jamison 01.08.2024 54:08
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort chat with Fiona Jamison , the CEO of Spring International. Fiona brings her vast experience in improving employee experience, engagement, and organizational change. We'll kick off by learning about Fiona’s role at Spring International and her career journey. Fiona discusses leaders as mentors who made a big impact on her...
The Left of Boom Show: Fractional HR and Leadership Insights 17.07.2024 47:37
Wondering how fractional HR services are revolutionizing the workplace? Interested in how leaders can operate more effectively? Tune in to this episode of the Left of Boom Show, where Michael VanDervort and Phil Wilson chat with Dana Wood and Tim Fatum of Envision Strategic Services to discuss the benefits and challenges of HR on demand. We will also hear how they built a successful consulting pra...
Left Of Boom Origin, NLRB Moves, Organizing Petitions Surge: What's Next? 03.07.2024 32:41
In this episode of the Left of Boom Show, Phil shares the intriguing story behind the show's name, offering listeners an inside look at its origin and significance. Following this, Phil and Michael discuss the labor law landscape, exploring the far-reaching implications of the recent Chevron decision. The discussion then shifts to the current state of the NLRB, addressing the stalled nominations a...
The Left of Boom Show - Modern Labor Challenges with Jon Hyman 15.06.2024 47:22
In this episode of the Left of Boom Show, we welcome Jon Hyman , a seasoned employment and labor attorney with over 25 years of experience, to the Left of Boom Show. As the leader of the Employment & Labor Practice Group at Wickens Herzer Panza, Jon brings a wealth of knowledge on a range of employment and labor law issues. We dive into the hot topics of the day, starting with the Supreme Cour...
The Left Of Boom Show - Responding To OSHA's New Walkaround Standard 31.05.2024 45:42
In this episode of The Left Of Boom Show, we sit down with Marc Freedman, Vice President of Workplace Policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to better understand how employers can prepare for the new OSHA Walkaround Standard, set to take effect on May 31st. This regulation allows employees to designate a non-employee representative to accompany OSHA inspectors during walkaround inspections, a ch...
The Left Of Boom Show - Unleashing Leadership Potential With Brant Menswar 26.05.2024 49:26
In this episode of The Left of Boom Show, Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort welcome Brant Menswar , an inspirational keynote speaker and best-selling author. Known for his work with major brands, Brant discusses his book " Black Sheep ," which focuses on integrating core values into leadership and decision-making. The episode explores the power of personal stories in leadership and the intersecti...
The Left of Boom Show: Navigating The Cannabis Industry’s Unique Concerns 24.05.2024 32:44
On this episode of The Left Of Boom Show , we invited some in-house guests – LRI chief-of-staff Danine Clay and labor consultant Amber Glesener – to candidly discuss their experiences with workers in the cannabis industry. They will address labor-specific wrinkles within an industry that faces many challenging issues: Federally, this industry is not legal but must follow federal labor law. Rapidly...
The Left of Boom Show - Employer Free Speech Restrictions with Phil Wilson and Peter List 17.05.2024 55:19
In this special episode of Labor Relations Radio and Labor Relations Institute’s The Left of Boom Show , Phil Wilson and Peter List team up to tackle a big topic: a recent ruling that could change the way employers talk during union-organizing campaigns. An administrative law judge (ALJ) decided that Amazon CEO Andy Jassey’s comments in 2022 interviews broke the National Labor Relations Act. This...
Work Blues And Broadway Tunes with Mary Faulkner 11.04.2024 43:06
Strap in for a unique spin on The Left of Boom Show today. We’re mixing the serious world of work with the sparkle of Broadway. Think of it as your guide to thriving at work and unwinding at the theater. Mary Faulkner , the talent wizard with a knack for transforming workplaces, joins us. She’s been around the block, turning companies into places where people actually want to work, and she’s here...
Building A Great Culture Through Effective Communication with Nick Kalm 10.04.2024 48:07
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Left of Boom Show. In today’s conversation, hosts Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort explore the transformative power of corporate communications and reputation management and how these critical elements can be leveraged to cultivate an extraordinary workplace culture. Joining us is Nick Kalm , a seasoned expert with over three decades of experience w...
Nurturing Teams Through Front-Line Leadership with Greg Hawks 09.04.2024 47:30
Welcome back to The Left of Boom Show! This time, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of what makes or breaks the workplace vibe: front-line leadership. It’s the tough but rewarding job of those who manage the teams on the ground, serving customers and keeping the wheels turning. Joining Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort is the awesome Greg Hawks , founder of Hawks Agency and guru of crafting ama...
Laugh, Learn, Play: Transforming Leadership with Erin Diehl 19.03.2024 51:27
Laugh,Learn, Play: Transforming Leadership with Erin Diehl In this invigorating episode of The Left of Boom Show , prepare to be entertained and educated as we explore the unconventional intersection of improv comedy and leadership. Hosts Phil Wilson and Michael VanDervort are thrilled to welcome Erin Diehl, a dynamo of creativity and innovation in the professional development world. Erin, known f...
What's Going on in HR Today? w/ John Baldino and Robin Schooling 28.02.2024 45:50
Phil and Michael interview John Baldino and Robin Schooling of Humareso.
Breaking Down The UAW Strike Against the Detroit Big Three 14.02.2024 40:27
Michael VanDervort and Phil Wilson discuss the UAW strike tactics against the Detroit Big 3 with Peter List of Labor Union News .
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