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How We Think
Join us for authentic conversations at the intersection of people, technology, and workplace dynamics in today's ever-evolving professional landscape.
Want to share your expertise and insights on our podcast?
Each episode features insights from our team's experience, candid discussions with industry leaders, and practical strategies that shape how we work, hire, and grow together. From building high-performing teams to leveraging cutting-edge technology, we explore the real stories and strategies behind successful workplace relationships.
Listen in and discover how to build, cultivate, and sustain the connections that power tomorrow's workplace.


S3E29: Built with Grit: The Hustle and Heart of Building a Business and a Family
In this episode, Raul speaks with Alyssa, an entrepreneur and community leader, about the grit required to build a business and a family. They discuss Alyssa's journey from working in local government to starting her own marketing agency, the importance of family as a motivator, the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, and the need to embrace imperfection in the entrepreneurial journey. Alyssa shares her insights on resilience, success, and the importance of taking action
Dec 19, 20251 min read


S3E28: Opening Doors: Building the Next Generation of Innovators in STEM
In this episode, host Raul interviews Lisa Laws, a visionary leader in the construction and design space. Lisa shares her journey from aspiring artist to a prominent engineer and vice president at Jacobs, emphasizing the importance of purpose, inclusion, and mentorship in her work. She discusses her leadership approach, the significance of opening doors for the next generation, and how to make STEM fields more accessible to underrepresented groups. Lisa's passion for innovati
Dec 19, 20251 min read


S3E27: Stronger Together: Decoding the DNA of Great Leaders and Great Teams
In this engaging conversation, Angel Douglas, a business operations manager at Ryan Companies, shares her insights on leadership, team dynamics, and the importance of mentorship. She emphasizes the value of building diverse teams, fostering engagement, and the critical role of negotiation skills in both personal and professional settings. Angel reflects on her own experiences with mentorship, both good and bad, and how they shaped her approach to leading others. The discussio
Dec 18, 20251 min read


S3E26: People First, Profits Follow: The Power of Healthy Leadership
In this episode, Chynise Cunningham, a seasoned HR leader, discusses the critical importance of prioritizing people in the workplace. She emphasizes that healthy leadership and a supportive culture are essential for business performance and profitability. The discussion covers various aspects of leadership, including understanding employee needs, the role of leaders in fostering well-being, and the future of leadership in the context of technology and AI. Chynise shares perso
Dec 11, 20251 min read


S3E25: Built on Values: Leading with Integrity, Humility, & Fearlessness
In this episode, Raul speaks with Matthew Richardson, Chief Human Resource Officer at Lamar Johnson Collaborative. They discuss the core values of integrity, humility, and fearlessness that shape leadership and organizational culture. Matthew shares insights from his experience in building a company from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of these values in decision-making, community engagement, and effective communication. The conversation highlights the role of story
Nov 26, 20251 min read


S3E24: The Power of Mentorship: Building the Next Generation of Women Leaders in BIM
In this episode, Raul talks with Olivia Morgan, a Lead BIM and VDC designer at Tri-City Electric Company. They discuss Olivia's journey into the male-dominated field of digital construction, the importance of mentorship, and how she is working to inspire the next generation of women leaders in BIM. Olivia shares her insights on overcoming challenges, the role of research in the industry, and the necessity of maintaining a human element in digital construction. The conversatio
Nov 21, 20251 min read


S3E23: The Trust Factor: Building Long-Term Success Through Creative Deal-Making
In this episode, Raul speaks with Joaquin Manriquez who shares his journey in commercial real estate, emphasizing the importance of creative deal making and building long-term relationships with clients. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic and how trust and humility play crucial roles in successful business transactions. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding client needs and the value of maintaining rapport throughout lengthy deal cyc
Nov 20, 20251 min read


S3E22: Breaking Barriers, Reaching New Altitudes: Leading with Intention
In this episode, Raul speaks with Nicole Morris, known as the CEO Whisperer, about breaking barriers and leading with intention. Nik shares her unique approach to coaching CEOs, emphasizing the importance of communication, vulnerability, and extraordinary leadership. Through personal anecdotes, including a pivotal moment during a train derailment, she illustrates the significance of clarity, community, and intentionality in leadership. The conversation explores how leaders ca
Nov 14, 20251 min read


S3E21: Humanizing Leadership: Vulnerability and Voice in Today’s Workplace
In this episode, Raul interviews Mike Thorne, an executive coach and leadership expert. They discuss the importance of humanizing leadership, transparency, and vulnerability in the workplace. Mike shares his personal journey, including a significant turning point in his career that reshaped his understanding of leadership. The conversation explores how leaders can connect with their teams, the role of curiosity in leadership, and the concept of culture carriers within organiz
Nov 7, 20251 min read


S2E20: Bridging Generations: Knowledge Transfer and Emotional Intelligence in Construction
In this episode, Raul speaks with Audra Stevenson, a senior talent acquisition leader in the construction industry. They discuss the critical need for generational knowledge transfer as experienced professionals retire and younger talent enters the workforce. Audra shares her journey into HR within construction, the unique challenges the industry faces, and effective strategies for bridging the generational gap. The conversation emphasizes the importance of communication, emo
Oct 24, 20251 min read


S2E19: Fueling Performance: Why Motivation is the Antidote to Turnover
In this episode, Raul speaks with Ahmet Tamtekin, an expert in motivation and leadership. They explore the importance of understanding intrinsic motivation in both personal and professional contexts. Ahmet shares his journey into the field of motivation, including a pivotal experience that shaped his understanding of its significance. The conversation delves into how leaders can identify motivation within their teams, the impact of cultural and generational differences, and t
Oct 21, 20251 min read


S2E18: From Reactive to Proactive: Winning with a Lean Recruiting Model
In this episode, Ryan Vecitis shares his extensive experience in recruitment and talent acquisition, emphasizing the importance of leadership buy-in, proactive recruiting, and the balance between technology and personal relationships. He discusses how empowering recruiters through autonomy and building strong relationships with hiring managers can lead to more effective recruitment strategies. Ryan also highlights the role of technology in streamlining processes while maintai
Oct 20, 20251 min read


S2E17: Bend, Don’t Break: The Power of Adaptability in Leadership
In this episode, Raul speaks with John Collins, a seasoned business leader and Vistage Chair, about the importance of adaptability in leadership. They explore John's leadership journey, the role of adaptability in technology, and the challenges CEOs face in a rapidly changing business environment. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience, the dangers of complacency, and the essential skills leaders must develop to navigate future disruptions. Takeaways -Change is
Oct 20, 20251 min read


S2E16: Nice Business or No Business: Why Trust and Culture Drive Growth
In this episode, Raul speaks with Richard Train, a seasoned consultant with over 30 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. Richard shares his journey from a family-owned business to consulting, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, building trust, and understanding the dynamics of leadership. He discusses the interconnectedness of drama and math problems in business, the role of Vistage in supporting CEOs, and the essential qualities of h
Oct 16, 20251 min read


S2E15: Sales, Strategy, and Sustainable Success: A CEO’s Playbook
In this episode, Raul interviews Walter Paulsen, a Vistage Chair and CEO Coach. Walter shares his extensive background in business, including his experience in Silicon Valley and his work with CEOs to enhance sales growth and company culture. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by CEOs, the importance of health and wellness, and the need for a positive company culture. Walter emphasizes the significance of taking calculated risks, maintaining work-life balance,
Oct 16, 20251 min read


S2E14: Operationalizing Recruiting To Elevate & Deepen Relationships
In this episode, Raul talks with Johnny Sanchez discussing his journey into recruiting, the importance of blending systems and relationships in the recruiting process, and the essential communication skills needed for success. Johnny also shares valuable advice for aspiring recruiters, emphasizing the need for mentorship and the willingness to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of recruiting in the face of technological
Oct 16, 20251 min read


S2E13: Negotiating Successfully In Life & Business
In this episode Raul speaks with Rick Czaplewski, a negotiation expert and cancer survivor. Rick shares his personal journey, highlighting how his experiences with cancer shaped his understanding of negotiation in both personal and professional contexts. The conversation delves into negotiation frameworks, the importance of relationships, and practical techniques for effective negotiation, especially in recruitment and HR. Rick emphasizes the significance of trust and transpa
Oct 16, 20251 min read


S2E12: Thinking In Centuries When Building Thriving Company Culture
In this episode Raul speaks with Matthew Powell, a fourth-generation leader of Century Companies, about the importance of generational...
Aug 22, 20251 min read


S2E11: HR & TA Working Together To Make a Difference
In this episode, Raul speaks with Chynise Cunningham, a Senior Vice President of Human Resources, about the critical collaboration...
Aug 22, 20251 min read


S1E10: Reflecting On 2024 Looking Forward To 2025
Raul reflected on 2024 as a phenomenal year of growth for Rapido Talent, highlighting significant achievements including bringing Matt...
Dec 30, 20241 min read
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