
Advertise on podcast: Evolving Your Workplace
This podcast has
189 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Carol SchultzExplicit
No
Date created
2021/10/19
Latest episode
2026/02/05
Average duration
33 min.
Release period
17 days
Description
On this workplace podcast, your host Carol Schultz brings on experts to discuss problems many business owners face in real time. Guest experts provide context for the issue and advise those in leadership positions on best practices. Whether you are starting a company, or you lead an established organization-- the podcast is geared toward getting you helpful answers.
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Check latest episodes from Evolving Your Workplace podcast
Discovering your blindspots as a leader
2026/02/05
“Know what you know, and assume if you don’t know it, you don’t know it—get help, talk to people, and ask them: ‘What do you see my blind spots are?’” — Dean Hendrickson
In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Dr. Dean Hendrickson, co-founder and CEO of SurgiReal Products and a professor at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, to unpack a leadership reality that quietly derails teams: you don’t know what you don’t know—and the cost shows up in decisions, people, and momentum.
Dean shares the founder-side blind spots he ran into while building a company as a career surgeon and educator. He explains why getting pulled into “startup mode” without the right guidance can send leaders down the wrong path fast—and why the smartest move early is to sit with people who’ve actually built startups and ask a simple question: What am I not seeing? What questions am I not asking?
The conversation gets practical on how leaders should evaluate advice. Dean and Carol break down why “successful” doesn’t always mean “relevant,” how to do real due diligence on mentors, and why experience in large organizations doesn’t automatically translate to early-stage chaos. Dean also shares what happens when leaders miss people-related blind spots: needing different players at different stages, hiring someone exceptional who unintentionally triggers insecurity in others, and realizing too late that you can’t “coach” certain structural problems into working.
They close with a clear playbook for leaders who want fewer blind spots and faster learning: know your risk tolerance, seek outside input early, hire people who are better than you in key functions, and build a system to continuously ask customers and stakeholders what they need that they’re not getting. The goal isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to build the habits that reveal the gaps before they become expensive.
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
Think of your Company Culture as a Journey
2026/01/29
“Culture… is a critical part of driving growth for your company.” — Marti Nyman
In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Marti Nyman, President and CEO of New Wave Design, to unpack a practical question most leaders face while scaling: how do you keep culture strong, consistent, and real—without turning it into a slogan?
Marti explains why culture is more than “values on a wall.” It’s a growth engine that affects how teams collaborate, solve problems, and attract top talent. He shares how culture can quietly weaken during expansion if leaders don’t intentionally reinforce it—especially when priorities shift to hiring, delivery, and day-to-day execution.
The conversation gets tactical. Marti breaks down a simple operating rhythm his leadership team uses to keep culture front-and-center, plus an “S-curve” way of thinking about culture initiatives: early momentum, inevitable plateau, then a deliberate reset to keep the culture alive. They also discuss how leadership handles uncertainty, how slow procurement cycles can become a real growth constraint, and what “speed of execution” looks like inside a complex industry.
They close with the CEO-level levers Marti focused on early: building predictability, creating scalable systems, and strengthening data-driven decision-making (including a risk-adjusted scorecard). Marti also shares what employees really want from work—being of value, being valued, and being part of something bigger—and why a real culture of feedback starts at the top.
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
Are you leading or babysitting your company?
2026/01/22
“At some point, founders have to stop babysitting the business — or growth stalls.” — Rohit Kumar
In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace, Carol Schultz sits down with Rohit Kumar, Founder and CEO of Chapter Apps, to explore one of the hardest transitions for founders: knowing when hands-on leadership turns into micromanagement — and how that mindset quietly becomes a bottleneck to growth.
Rohit shares the evolution of Chapter Apps, from its early days as a mobile-first learning platform to its current focus on enterprise AI solutions for sales and employee assistance. He explains why the pivot toward AI was driven not by hype, but by real customer demand — especially the need for instant, accurate answers in high-stakes sales conversations.
The conversation digs into what “babysitting” actually looks like at the CEO level: testing products personally, double-checking team output, and stepping in when managers aren’t driving execution forward. Rohit generously opens up about the deeper reason founders struggle to let go — fear of disappointing customers — and how confidence in the team directly affects a leader’s ability to delegate.
Carol and Rohit also discuss scaling across geographies, co-founding a company with a spouse across time zones, and why relocating to San Francisco has accelerated Chapter Apps’ AI innovation through proximity to partners, platforms, and real-time problem solving.
They close by examining growth constraints, talent challenges, inbound vs outbound sales, and whether roles like Chief of Staff and Customer Success are luxuries — or necessities — for founders who want to stop reacting and start leading.
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
Every Sales Team in 2026 Needs to be Doing This
2026/01/15
“Founder-led selling is still the most powerful kind of selling.” — Dave Gulas
In this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with Dave Gulas, Co-Founder and President of EZDC 3PL, to talk about what sales teams must lean into as 2026 approaches: visibility, authenticity, and relationship-driven selling in a world flooded with AI-generated noise. Dave explains why generic cold pitches on LinkedIn are failing, and how personal branding and real opinions help salespeople differentiate and build trust.
Dave also shares the origin story of EZDC 3PL, built after seeing “big box” logistics providers become complacent during and after the supply chain chaos of COVID. He breaks down why customer service, communication, and accountability are the real advantage in a market where thousands of 3PLs offer similar “space and labor.”
The conversation begins with a timely real-world issue in freight: theft and “burning an MC number,” where bad actors exploit carrier identity loopholes to steal loads fast before anyone can respond. From there, they move into scaling a logistics company, managing a remote warehouse team from a different state, and why hiring the right people (and learning from the wrong hires) is core to building a strong workplace culture.
Finally, Dave talks about launching the Beyond Fulfillment podcast as a learning tool during the hardest early stages of growth — and how consistency turned it into 220+ episodes, a growing YouTube channel, and high-level founders reaching out to be guests.
Takeaways:
Authenticity and visibility are essential for sales in 2026.
Cold pitching without relationships is not real selling.
AI is making generic outreach worse, not better.
Differentiation comes from real opinions and human connection.
Great customer service and over-communication build long-term trust.
Founder-led selling is difficult to replace at high-stakes moments.
Early growth mistakes help define your ideal customer profile.
Remote teams work best with strong leaders and clear systems.
Hiring the right people is a growth multiplier.
Consistency in content can create unexpected opportunities.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome + Why sales teams need this in 2026
00:32 What EZDC 3PL does (warehousing, fulfillment, transportation)
01:04 Real-time supply chain theft and diverted freight
02:27 How freight theft happens + “burning an MC number”
03:22 The #1 sales strategy for 2026: visibility and authenticity
04:33 Why cold pitching on LinkedIn is broken
05:11 The “fake compliment → wild promise → demand a meeting” script
06:01 How AI reinforces bad sales outreach
06:48 Why Dave founded EZDC 3PL
08:17 The meaning behind the name EZDC 3PL
09:23 How COVID changed logistics and created complacency
10:29 Customer service as the real differentiator
12:50 Why Kentucky is a strategic warehouse location
13:15 Managing a remote warehouse team as a founder
14:21 Founder’s “zone of genius” and role clarity
15:40 Why 3PL isn’t just “space and labor”
16:37 Early mistakes: taking the wrong clients
18:06 Bottlenecks to growth: space, timing, inventory transfers
20:34 Will Dave always lead sales?
21:53 Founder presence on sales calls (even at billion-dollar scale)
24:11 Why sales hires often fumble the message
27:56 Building culture through hiring lessons
30:13 Why Dave started the Beyond Fulfillment podcast
31:29 Consistency results: 220+ episodes and 13K YouTube subscribers
32:58 Where to learn more about EZDC 3PL + closing
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at a href="https://verticalelevation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...
What Workplace Sexual Harassment Really Looks Like
2026/01/08
“If something feels wrong, trust your gut.” – Brittany Stevens
In this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with employment attorney Brittany Stevens (Partner at Phillips & Associates) to unpack the realities of sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and power dynamics—and what leaders can do to create workplaces where people feel safe speaking up.
Brittany explains how harassment is defined under the law (and why it often differs from what people assume), why so many cases come down to evidence and “totality of circumstances,” and how fear of retaliation keeps employees silent—especially when the harasser holds power. They discuss what strong workplace policies and training should actually include, why some organizations make it hard to report, and how employees can protect themselves when a company is focused on protecting itself. The episode closes with practical guidance for both leaders and employees on building safer systems, documenting issues, and knowing when to seek confidential legal advice.
TakeawaysSexual harassment isn’t always “obvious”—many cases are subtle and pattern-based.Legal definitions of harassment/discrimination vary across federal, state, and city laws.Power imbalances (boss vs. employee) make reporting feel risky and unsafe.Fear of retaliation is one of the biggest reasons people stay silent.Documentation and internal complaints can significantly strengthen a case.Many companies fail by not having clear reporting policies or trusted processes.Leaders must train managers not only on behavior—but on how to respond to complaints.Discrimination can happen anywhere—industry, company size, and role don’t matter.Some terminations get “hidden” behind restructuring or reductions in force.Consulting a law firm can be a confidential way to understand your options.
Chapters00:00 Intro: The taboo topic—sexual harassment & workplace safety
00:49 What Brittany’s firm does (employee-side discrimination law)
02:19 Why the firm was founded & what motivates this work
02:50 Defining harassment vs. what people think harassment is
04:28 Harassment isn’t always sexual: hostile work environments & protected classes
05:15 Evidence, documentation, and why cases are fact-dependent
06:16 Power dynamics: why “just say no” isn’t realistic
07:43 What victims can do when they fear repercussions
08:25 Why policies and reporting systems often fail (or don’t exist)
10:40 Vetting employers: red flags, lawsuits, and research before accepting jobs
11:13 DEI changes and what may shift over time
12:01 Discrimination happens everywhere (yes—even “good” companies)
13:00 What leaders should do: training, reporting, investigations, real support
15:54 Women vs. men: patterns Brittany sees in harassment and discrimination cases
16:46 Disability/medical termination & “restructuring” as a cover
18:35 How Phillips & Associates evolved and expanded over time
20:05 Growth bottlenecks: why jurisdiction/laws matter
21:21 Why expand into less employee-friendly states like Florida
22:58 Client trust: the importance of fast support and connection
23:54 Internal training: listening, empathy, and handling emotional calls
26:10 Choosing a path: quiet resolution vs. litigation
27:03 How to find the firm & their contingency model
29:24 Final thoughts: protecting yourself when the company protects itself
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, a...
Using Stories to Generate Sales
2025/10/30
"Show up to serve, not to sell." - Maury Rogow
In this week's episode Carol Schultz and Maury Rogow delve into the significance of storytelling in sales and marketing.
Maury shares his journey from the tech industry to Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of differentiation and relatability in business. They discuss the need for effective communication, understanding audience needs, and the role of emotional engagement in sales.
Maury also provides unconventional strategies for generating sales, highlighting the power of personalization and the impact of AI in modern marketing. The discussion culminates with insights from Maury's book, 'Rise of the Entrepreneur', which focuses on leveraging storytelling as a superpower in business.
Takeaways
Businesses struggle to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
Storytelling is essential for effective branding and sales.
Understanding your audience's needs is crucial for success.
Effective communication involves asking the right questions.
Sales should focus on serving the customer, not just selling.
Personalization in marketing can significantly enhance engagement.
Emotional connections drive customer loyalty and sales.
Unconventional sales strategies can set you apart from competitors.
AI is transforming the landscape of sales and marketing.
Your unique story can be a powerful tool for business growth.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Storytelling in Sales
03:08 Maury's Journey: From Tech to Hollywood
05:59 Building Rip Media Group: A New Chapter
08:54 The Art of Relatable Storytelling
11:59 Understanding the Why Behind Your Story
15:00 Overcoming Founderitis in Marketing
17:49 Simplifying Complex Ideas for Sales
20:52 Unconventional Sales Strategies
21:49 The Power of Relatable Storytelling
25:32 Emotional Marketing Techniques
25:59 Innovative Sales Approaches
29:55 Personalization in Outreach
34:53 The Rise of the Entrepreneur
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
How To Rank In AI Search Results
2025/10/23
If you want to learn how AI transformed SEO strategy and how to rank in results, this episode is for you.
"The world is noisier than ever." - Melih Oztalay
In this conversation, Carol Schultz speaks with Melih Oztalay, CEO and internet marketing expert of Smartfinds Internet Marketing. They discuss the significant changes in marketing due to AI, the importance of adapting to these changes, and the four A's of change: anticipate, accept, adapt, and adopt.
Carol and Melih explore the necessity for businesses to invest in marketing to stay competitive. The discussion also touches on the impact of the political climate on business growth and the importance of a strong marketing foundation to navigate these challenges.
Takeaways
AI is transforming the marketing landscape significantly.
Businesses must anticipate and accept changes to thrive.
The four A's of change are crucial for adaptation.
Notable sources are essential for AI recognition.
The competitive landscape is noisier than ever.
Waiting to invest can lead to missed opportunities.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Change in Marketing
08:54 The Impact of AI on SEO
16:37 The Evolution of Smart Finds Marketing
20:52 Building a Resilient Team Culture
23:56 Building a Collaborative Culture
25:25 Navigating Political Climate Challenges
28:20 Investing in Growth Amid Uncertainty
29:11 Understanding Client Investment Decisions
31:38 The Importance of Omni-Channel Marketing
34:49 Impact of Political Climate on Business
37:02 Morale and Investment in the Workplace
38:35 Lessons from Historical Business Failures
40:46 The Interplay of Marketing and Sales
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
Creating a Culture People Don’t Want to Leave
2025/10/16
For leaders seeking guidance on building a winning culture, this one is for you.
In this conversation I speak with Jason Andrews, multiple time founder and expert in space travel.
We discuss the intricacies of building a company that retains talent and the challenges of entrepreneurship. We also explore the importance of company culture, effective marketing strategies, and the financial aspects of running a startup.
Jason shares insights from his journey with Orbite, emphasizing the need for vision, adaptability, and the right team to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.
This is an episode you won't want to miss.
Chapters
00:00 Creating a Company People Don't Want to Leave
01:11 The Vision Behind Orbit and Human Spaceflight
03:18 The Challenges of Building a New Industry
06:21 Employee Retention in Startups
10:14 Qualities of a Successful Entrepreneur
12:47 Funding Strategies for Startups
17:15 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
19:20 Understanding Space Training Costs
22:08 The Adventure of Space Training
24:58 Overcoming Perceptions of Space Travel
28:07 Marketing Challenges in the Space Industry
30:25 Building a Mission-Driven Team
32:43 Navigating Growth and Resource Limitations
35:47 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
40:41 Navigating Space Experiences and Virtual Operations
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
Immigration: What companies must do before ICE
2025/10/09
In this episode, we get into the critical intersection of immigration and workplace dynamics.
Tune in for a fascinating conversation with immigration attorney Matt Meltzer where we explore the implications of ICE policies, compliance challenges, and the importance of understanding employee travel risks.
Matt shares insights on visa strategies for entrepreneurs and the evolution of his firm, Meltzer Hellrung, highlighting lessons learned from founding a business and the challenges of scaling.
The discussion also touches on client acquisition, organizational structure, and the future needs of the firm, culminating in a powerful message about the value of hiring non-US citizens.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Immigration in the Workplace
03:06 Compliance and Investigations
05:35 Travel Considerations for Employees
08:36 Visa Strategies for Entrepreneurs
11:27 The Evolution of Meltzer Hellrung
14:23 Lessons Learned in Leadership
17:17 Client Acquisition and Marketing Strategies
20:49 Navigating Growth Challenges
23:58 Team Structure and Leadership Dynamics
26:50 Sustainability and Unique Market Positioning
30:11 Identifying Organizational Gaps for Growth
32:06 Reflections on Founding and Mentorship
35:14 The Value of Hiring Non-US Citizens
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
A Journey Through Coffee Entrepreneurship
2025/10/02
"I am a lifelong learner" - Sandi Luck
In this conversation, Carol Schultz speaks with Sandi Luck, founder & CEO of Bully Brew Coffee, ND Coffee Roastery, and Board Room Coffee & Taphouse. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by women in male-dominated industries, particularly in the coffee business. Sandi shares her entrepreneurial journey, the importance of mentorship, and the dynamics of co-founder relationships.
They explore customer acquisition strategies, the significance of company culture, and the financial aspects of running a business. Sandy emphasizes the need for independent coffee shops and her vision for growth while addressing the challenges of employee retention and workplace evolution.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gender Dynamics in Business
03:04 Sandy Luck's Entrepreneurial Journey
05:59 Navigating Co-Founder Relationships
08:58 Customer Acquisition Strategies
11:55 Women in the Coffee Industry
14:48 Mentorship and Empowerment
17:49 Future Growth and Business Philosophy
19:22 The Cookie Cutter Model and Licensing Opportunities
20:27 Ambitious Growth Plans for Bully Brew Coffee
21:23 Community Engagement and Ownership in Small Towns
22:42 Empowering Employees and Building Future Owners
23:13 Creating a Welcoming Customer Experience
24:00 Revenue Targets and Financial Challenges
26:13 Bottlenecks to Growth and Risk Management
29:14 The Reality of Entrepreneurship and Work-Life Balance
31:14 Company Culture and Leadership Development
33:37 Evolution of the Workplace and Leadership Skills
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
The Value of In-Person Meetings for Remote Teams
2025/09/25
If you are leading a remote team and navigating AI, this episode is for you.
Carol Schulz sits down with Paul Pacun, founder and CEO of Vablet—a leading sales enablement tool focused on life sciences and medical device sales teams.
Paul dives into his leadership strategy post-COVID and how that has transformed his team’s productivity.
He also walks us through Vablet’s evolution from a simple video tablet concept to a comprehensive platform used by global sales teams.
Tune in to hear how this successful CEO has transformed his workplace to meet ever-changing demands.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Vablet and Its Origins
02:38 Evolution of Workplace Dynamics
05:33 Navigating the Medical Device Market
08:29 The Impact of Remote Work and Team Structure
11:36 Challenges and Opportunities with AI
14:28 Future Innovations and Market Expansion
22:18 Sales Strategy and Market Expansion
25:16 Navigating Government Sales and Compliance
26:17 Sustainability and Financial Strategy
29:32 Growth Trajectory and Funding Options
34:01 Technology Adaptation and Testing Innovations
38:48 Passion in the Workplace and Company Culture
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
Reverse Ageism in the Workplace
2025/09/18
At just 19, Carson launched her business in Reno, Nevada, driven by a passion for special education and a glaring need for 24/7 childcare options in her community.
In this conversation, Carol Schultz interviews Carson about the challenges and experiences of being a young entrepreneur.
Carson shares her journey facing ageism, building a team, and navigating client relationships. She emphasizes the importance of trust, community, and ethical growth in business, while also providing valuable advice for young leaders.
Key Topics:
Carson’s Entrepreneurial Journey Facing Reverse Ageism Leadership as a Young Founder Advice for Young and Emerging Leaders Healthy Client Relationships
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Young Entrepreneurship
02:43 The Journey of Starting a Business
05:50 Experiencing Reverse Ageism
08:52 Building a Team and Leadership Challenges
11:51 Growth and Franchising Strategies
14:43 Customer Acquisition and Marketing Strategies
17:40 Priorities for Future Growth
20:40 Navigating Client Relationships
23:31 Advice for Young Leaders
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
From Avoidance to Accountability: Difficult Workplace Conversations Demystified
2025/07/03
In this conversation, Carol Schultz and Bill Benjamin discuss the challenges of having difficult conversations in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence and creating a culture of feedback.
They explore the concept of the 'last 8%'—the unspoken words in tough discussions—and how to foster an environment where employees feel safe to express themselves. The discussion also touches on the impact of toxic leadership, the necessity of assessing emotional intelligence, and the role of organizational culture in driving performance.
Bill shares insights from his experience at the Institute for Health and Human Potential, highlighting the need for courage and connection in building a high-performing culture.
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
Tariffs: Catastrophe or Hidden Opportunity for Your Workplace?
2025/06/26
If you’re curious about how tariffs are impacting the workplace right now, this one is for you.
In this episode, host Carol Schultz sits down with supply chain expert Matt Spooner to break down what tariffs really mean for businesses—from small bike shops to multinational corporations.
Are tariffs really the catastrophe we’re hearing about, or are there hidden opportunities for innovation and growth? Get insights on how leaders should communicate with their teams, why some industries might actually benefit, and what American consumers might have to change about their buying habits.
Whether you manage a manufacturing company or just want to know how the latest news might affect your daily life, this episode brings clarity—and even a little optimism—to one of today’s most debated workplace issues. Don’t miss it!
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to be our next guest expert? Email [email protected] with your information.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
Self-Learning, Self-Awareness & The Modern Learner
2025/06/19
In this episode of Evolving Your Workplace After Hours, host Carol Schultz is joined by Kevin Legg to explore the topic of self-learning in the workplace. Kevin starts things off by sharing insights from his consulting work, specifically referencing a recent survey where most employees identified as "self learners." However, Kevin believes their actions—such as rarely reading, seeking feedback, or actively pursuing learning opportunities—suggest otherwise. This gets the ball rolling on a rich conversation about the complexities of self-perception, self-awareness, and what truly constitutes being a self learner.
Carol draws parallels between self-assessing learning styles and overestimating workplace communication skills and points out that many people tend to see themselves in a more generous light. Carol and Kevin discuss the critical role of experience in genuine learning, emphasizing that simply claiming to be a self learner isn't enough. They believe it's about actively engaging in reflective practices, seeking coaching or mentorship, and being open to feedback. The conversation highlights that the deepest learning often comes from real-life experience, thoughtful self-examination, and interaction with others.
The conversation pivots to the role of AI in shaping self-learning habits at work. Kevin believes that AI could amplify the growth of those already inclined toward self-improvement while also making less self-directed learners more passive. Both Carol and Kevin close out the episode by encouraging listeners to reflect on their own learning behaviors, challenge their self-perceptions, and consider how they (and their teams) can foster an environment of ongoing, authentic growth and feedback.
Takeaways
Self-perception of being a self-learner can be misleading. Books provide knowledge but lack interactive learning. Experience is crucial for true learning and growth. AI tools can enhance self-learning for some individuals. The quality of learning experiences differs among individuals. Self-awareness is often lacking in individuals' assessments.
Connect With Host Carol Schultz
Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Find more information about our guest Kevin Legg on Linkedin.
And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!
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