Mental Health Crisis: "It's just insane right now. Everybody's fight or flight."

- Rob Swymer

Today on Authentically Successful - After Hours, we'll dissect a revealing Business Insider article, "The Depressing Reality of Quiet Vacationing," and probe the pressures that push all generations—not just millennials or Gen Z—toward this silent struggle. Our discussion will be peppered with personal stories, like my own from the trenches of passive-aggressive workplace dynamics, and Rob's recount of a pivotal piece of advice from a mentor urging much-needed rest.

We'll also shine a light on the impact of remote work, the persistent stigma around mental health breaks, and the crucial role of leadership in fostering a supportive work-life culture. From scheduling fake work emails to coping with the fear of being replaced, we'll explore how today's relentless connectivity has morphed work and leisure into an indistinguishable blur.

Inspired by Tony Robbins' advice to visit the "mental gym," co-host Rob Swymer shares his insight on how personal growth directly transforms professional life, emphasizing a shift towards healthier work cultures. We'll discuss some eye-opening statistics, personal anecdotes from our own careers, and the critical need for employees to truly disconnect.

Join us as we navigate through this timely discussion, offering practical advice and thought-provoking conversation on creating a more balanced and fulfilling work environment. So, get ready to uncover the realities of quiet vacationing and learn how to advocate for your well-being in today's always-on business landscape.

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.

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!

In this episode, host Carol Schultz sits down with Matt Lepkowski, founder of Business Automation Experts (BAE). Matt brings a wealth of knowledge in software development, healthcare policy, and cybersecurity, offering invaluable insights on navigating today's complex technological landscape.

Matt shares his personal journey, from his early days in the automotive industry to founding Business Automation Experts, and the trials of building a business from the ground up.

He breaks down the economics of cyber threats, explaining how attackers often have an edge due to their pay-only-for-success model. The conversation leads to the triple-ransom strategy cybercriminals use—stealing, analyzing, and encrypting data.

Listen to discover how healthcare entities constantly juggle changing regulations and why they often find themselves reacting to cyber threats. In addition, a wealth of applicable information for your business.

Learn more about Matt Lepkowski and Business Automation Experts.

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Want to be our next guest? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com 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!

“AI can't ask follow-up questions. It doesn't ask questions with nuance. It doesn't ask questions from multiple angles." - Darryl C. Clements

In this special edition of Authentically Successful - After Hours, we dive deep into the complex and sometimes controversial world of AI in recruiting. Host Carol Schultz, an experienced recruiter and executive coach, along with co-host Rob Swymer, a veteran sales leader and best-selling author, bring their combined 70 years of expertise to the table. Joining them is Darryl C. Clements, principal of the DCC Group, who offers a wealth of knowledge in HR strategy, recruitment, and operations design.

The episode navigates the potential and pitfalls of AI technology in the hiring process. Rob Swymer cautions against overselling AI's capabilities while exploring its practical applications. Carol Schultz raises significant concerns about AI's biases, particularly in law enforcement, and criticizes AI-generated job descriptions for lacking the nuance and detail required in recruitment. Darryl C. Clements adds depth to the conversation by discussing AI's struggles with grasping complex job requirements and its limitations in HR interactions.

Together, they delve into the strengths and weaknesses of comprehensive HRIS systems like SuccessFactors and PeopleSoft, highlighting their user-friendliness and compliance challenges. They also touch on the high costs and hurdles of hiring talent with specific software expertise.

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.

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!

Welcome back to another episode of Authentically Successful and our first episode post-summer break. This episode includes an exciting conversation with Marc Delbaere, a dynamic data tech founder in Belgium.

Marc's journey is a fascinating tale of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of independence. From his beginnings as a bond trader to impactful roles at IBM and SWIFT, Marc's career has been a testament to his relentless quest for creativity and meaningful impact.

Join us as Marc shares his experiences transitioning from large corporations to spearheading a successful tech startup. He reveals the motivations behind his move, the challenges of navigating a saturated tech market, and the importance of making decisive leadership choices.

We also delve into the essence of building a company culture filled with trust, agility, and humor, the intricacies of real-time data solutions, and Marc's unique approach to business-driven data management. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned leader, or simply curious about the tech industry, this conversation is sure to inspire and enlighten.

Learn more about Marc Delbaere.

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Want to be our next guest? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com 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!

In this episode, your host, Carol Schultz speaks with Splunk's Rob Swymer. Splunk is an international data company. Rob shares his diverse career and the mindset he adapted early on to accomplish what he has so far.

They dive into a rare conversation about love in the workplace. What it looks like to show love to your workers and the benefits it can bring.

Check out Splunk at https://www.splunk.com/.

You can find more information and all episodes at verticalelevation.com/podcast and you can find Carol on Twitter @carolbschultz.

Guiding Employees: Whilst it’s important to give people enough rope to be innovative, what this guy is missing is if you are not checking in with your people, how are they to know if they’re going in the right direction? - Carol Schultz

In this week’s episode, our hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the evolving nature of middle management and the increasing role of technology in the workplace. They explore the impact of cutting middle management roles on mentorship, the changing work preferences of millennials and Gen Zers, and the necessity of maintaining a human connection amidst technological advancements. Join us as we uncover the complexities of business leadership, the significance of purpose, and the pivotal role of disruptive thinking in shaping the future of work. Get ready for a candid and insightful conversation that delves deep into the heart of workplace dynamics and the power of human connection.

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.

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.

We're back with an insightful discussion featuring Bill Mandara, CEO and co-owner of Mancini Duffy – a design firm with a rich history and a tech-driven approach.

In this episode, Bill reflects on early setbacks as a new CEO, moments of success, and the lessons learned along the way. He offers a rare glimpse into the world of architecture and design, notably the transformative TSX Broadway project in Times Square.

Carol also dives into Bill’s talent and business strategy. Bill and his business partner, Christian Giordano, emphasized the need to diversify their firm's work to avoid reliance on specific client types or projects.

Finally, he leaves listeners with the single most important aspect he's learned about business.

Learn more about Bill Mandara and Mancini Duffy.

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Want to be our next guest? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com 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!

Building True Relationships: "To build a true relationship, you have to invest the time." - Carol Schultz

Join hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer as they share their insights and experiences on how to keep employees engaged and thriving in a virtual work environment. From personal anecdotes to practical strategies, they discuss the power of authentic leadership, the importance of empathy, and the impact of consistent communication. Get ready to be inspired and gain valuable knowledge as we explore how to foster human connections in the digital age.

Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer, Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram.

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!