In this episode, Don Harkey, CEO and Founder of People Centric Consulting Group, joins Rob to explore how systems—not slogans—create strong cultures. They talk about what it means to balance empowerment with alignment, the hidden cost of poor onboarding, how to adapt during rapid change, and why remote work shouldn’t derail culture if you’re deliberate about how you lead.

Key Takeaway:

Culture isn’t about perks—it’s about systems. If you want better engagement and performance, build habits and structures that empower people while keeping everyone aligned.

Questions I ask Don:

01:33 What does “culture-centric leadership” mean?

03:51 Where do most companies go wrong when trying to improve culture?

05:36 How do systems and processes play a role in shaping workplace culture?

09:25 How does rapid business change impact the way leaders should think about a people-centric culture?

12:32 How can leaders effectively communicate the need for change so their teams truly understand it and take proactive action?

18:48 What should fast-growing small and mid-sized businesses keep in mind to maintain a people-centric culture as they scale?

20:32 What should be done differently in a remote or hybrid model to maintain a people-centric culture?

More About Don Harkey:

• Check out People Centric Consulting Group

• Connect with Don on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

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Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.

Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Rob sits down with Jennifer Berkowitz, founder of R&J Advisory Group and Freedom Goal Group, and a seasoned coach to mid-market CEOs and leadership teams. Jennifer shares what it really takes to scale a company—without becoming the bottleneck or burning out. From building alignment across teams to leading remote employees with intention, she offers practical strategies for creating clarity, reducing stress, and empowering teams to drive growth. If you're a business owner stuck in the weeds or unsure how to get your team rowing in the same direction, this conversation is for you.

Scaling successfully isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less yourself. CEOs must stop trying to be the hero and start building teams that are clear, empowered, and aligned. With the right tools, systems, and rhythms in place, business owners can reduce stress, unlock profit, and grow sustainably—even with remote or hybrid teams

What are the most common growing pains you see in mid-market companies?

How can business leaders make sure their teams are aligned with company goals?

What mindset shift do CEOs need to make to grow more effectively?

How can a better dashboard reduce stress and increase clarity?

What are the biggest challenges of managing remote and hybrid teams—and how can leaders overcome them?

How do you know when someone isn’t the right fit for your organization?

Why do business owners sometimes need to “slow down to speed up”?

Where can people learn more about your work and upcoming trainings?

More About Jennifer Berkowitz:

• Check out R&J Advisory Group and Freedom Goal Group.

• Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn.

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!

Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.

Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In this episode, Rob sits down with Eddie Solomon, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Net at Work, a leading technology advisor to SMBs. Eddie shares the lessons he’s learned from leading over 40 acquisitions, building a 450-person remote workforce, and fostering a strong company culture over nearly three decades. They dive into the strategic importance of talent in acquisitions, the balance between intrapreneurship and structure, and the deliberate efforts required to keep remote teams engaged and growing. Whether you're scaling your company or navigating post-acquisition integration, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

A successful business isn’t just built on clients—it’s built on people. Companies that prioritize talent integration during acquisitions, invest in leadership development, and take a deliberate approach to culture in remote environments will be best positioned for long-term growth.

[03:21] How do you assess talent during the acquisition process?

[7:32] How important is cultural alignment in a deal?

[10:28] How has your company culture evolved over 30 years?

[12:32] What are the biggest trade-offs that come with scaling a business and going remote?

[17:13] What do you do to keep remote teams aligned and engaged?

[18:37] How do you train leaders to manage effectively in a remote-first company?

[20:28] What does career development and internal mobility look like at Net at Work?

More About Eddie Solomon:

Check out Net at Work

Connect with Eddie on LinkedIn

More About Rob Levin & WorkBetterNow:

Like this show? Click on over and subscribe to our channel!

Follow Rob Levin on Linkedin.

Follow WorkBetterNow on LinkedIn.

📥 Download the free worksheet for this episode HERE and subscribe so you never miss an episode!