Shows
OpenMikeHiring Landscape in 2026Time to go back into the office! What does the hiring landscape look like in 2026? LAK Group President Mike Grubich joins the show to talk about national hiring numbers and the outlook of different industries that look to hire more in the next year. We also look to where Wisconsin ranks in these projections. We also go over interview tips, and as tensions rise in the world – what you post on social can impact your career growth.Support the show
2026-01-3013 minOpenMikeImpact of Non-Compete Agreements“Imagine you land the job you’ve been chasing for months. Great title. Great pay. Great team. Then HR calls and says, ‘One more thing—we received a letter from your previous employer.’That letter? It claims you’re bound by a non-compete agreement.This is more common than people think, and it’s why today’s episode matters. We’re going to demystify non-competes: what they are, why companies use them, what enforcement can look like, and what you can do—before you sign, while you’re employed, and when you’re ready to move on. Let’s...
2026-01-1303 minOpenMikeConscious UnbossingGen Z isn’t “lazy” or “anti-ambition.” They’re calling out something a lot of organizations don’t want to admit: in many companies, the manager job has become high stress, low authority, and not worth the trade. That shift has a name—Conscious Unbossing—the intentional choice to avoid people-management roles in favor of autonomy, balance, and meaningful work. On this episode of Open Mike, Michael Grubich, President of LAK Group, breaks down what’s really behind the trend—and what leaders should do about it. We’ll separate hype from realit...
2026-01-1310 minOpenMikeThe Challenge of Office HotellingToday we’re talking about desk hoteling in the office—sometimes people say it fast and it comes out like ‘deck hotelling’—but the idea is simple: no permanent desks, and you reserve a workspace when you’re coming in, like booking a hotel room. And here’s the real question: does desk hoteling build flexibility and collaboration—or does it quietly create friction, inequality, and a culture where people feel like visitors in their own workplace?Support the show
2026-01-1307 minOpenMikeSocial Media Posting & Job HuggingToday we’re connecting two things that are shaping modern work in real time: what people post online, and why so many people are staying put.First, social media. The workplace doesn’t stop at the office door anymore—and neither does your digital footprint. What you share can impact trust, confidentiality, your professional reputation, and even your employer’s brand—especially when posts blur the line between ‘personal opinion’ and ‘insider information.’ Second, the workplace trend known as job hugging—people clinging to their current roles, not necessarily because they love them, but becaus...
2026-01-1312 minOpenMikeAt The Office with LAK Group: Job Market Updates 2026It’s 2026, and the job market has a very specific feel: not a free-for-all, not a collapse—more like a cautious, tight runway. We’re seeing slow hiring coming out of 2025, with December adding about 50,000 jobs and unemployment around 4.4%—numbers that signal a labor market moving, but in low gear. So why does it still feel heavy at work?Because the other half of the story is morale—and a lot of workplaces are dealing with lower engagement, stressed managers, and teams that are tired of uncertai...
2026-01-1311 minOpenMikeAt The Office with LAK Group: Trends for HR Leaders in 2026 & Return to Office“Welcome to At The Office—the podcast from LAK Group where we cut through the noise and talk about what’s actually changing in work and culture.Today’s episode is a 2026 trends briefing for HR leaders—and it all connects to one big tension: how do you modernize fast without breaking trust?On the HR side, 2026 is being shaped by AI moving from ‘tools’ to real operating-model change—with CHROs being pushed to define HR-specific AI strategy, governance, and how work gets done. At the same time...
2026-01-1314 minOpenMikeAt The Office with LAK Group: Generational Gaps At Work and Yelling At Your Boss“Welcome to At The Office—the podcast from LAK Group where we talk about what’s really happening at work, why it’s happening, and what leaders can do about it.Today we’re tackling two things that are showing up everywhere right now: generational strife—and the growing trend of people snapping, venting, or outright yelling at their boss.If that sounds extreme, it’s because it is. But it’s also a signal. When teams feel unheard, unclear, or constantly pressured, frustration doesn’t stay polite. And when l...
2026-01-1313 minOpenMikeToxicity in the workplaceStuck in a toxic work place? There are ways to solve that problem before just quitting outright.Support the show
2023-05-3105 minOpenMikeBeing Proactive in your Job SearchPresident Michael Grubich was on TMJ4 radio speaking with Vince Vitrano discussing the need for applicants to be proactive and not wait for companies to get back to them. Click here for the full clip:Support the show
2023-05-1204 minOpenMikeFinding Top Talent Other Companies DismissIn this episode, Robin Mottern, General Manager Talexes and Anthony Pantaleone, Vice President Sales Talexes and I discuss how organization can find great talent that other organizations are dismissing during workforce reductions. Support the show
2022-12-2131 minOpenMikeAre Changes in the C-Suite Disrupting Your Talent Pipeline?In this episode, Robin Mottern, General Manager Talexes and Anthony Pantaleone, Vice President Sales Talexes and I discuss the impact changes in the C-Suite can cause disruptions to sustaining a diverse talent pipeline and the impact it can have on your business outcomes.Support the show
2022-11-2833 minOpenMikeIs the Hybrid Workplace Her To Stay?The attraction and retention of talent can weigh heavily on the flexibility of the workplace. In this episode, Mike, Robin and Anthony discuss the continuous evolution of the workplace and the sustainability of the Hybrid model. We discuss research highlight the shift in leverage from the employee to the employer and how this impacts an employment brand. Support the show
2022-11-1123 minOpenMikeCareer Stories: Samara "Sammie" Lancia's career...so far.On our latest Podcast of "OpenMike - Career Stories " we feature the real career journey of Samara "Sammie" Lancia, Senior Project Manager at Amalie Trade Compliance Consulting LLC. Her story is one of resilience, persistence, and networking. Sammie, thank you for your willingness to share your story and talk about how your decisions have shaped the trajectory of your life and career. #careerstories #careerdevelopment #careerguidanceSupport the show
2022-11-0126 minOpenMikeCareer Stories: Mark Arnhoelter career...so far.Meet Mark’s Arnhoelter. In this episode, Mark shares the ups and downs as he has navigated from a long and fruitful engineering career to being thrust into figuring out the purpose of work in his life. His is a story of resilience, determination and introspection. Mark can be found on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-arnhoelter-5386587/ Mark, thanks again for sharing your story!Support the show
2022-11-0126 minOpenMikeCareer Stories: Flavia Ziarnik's career...so far.This is Flavia's story, so far. Flavia shares the ups and downs as she has navigated an international move to follow her dreams here in the United States. Hers is a story of resilience and determination. She may be found on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flavia-ziarnik-mba-cpsm-08a56328/. Thanks again for sharing your story!Support the show
2022-11-0126 minOpenMikeCareer Stories: Andy Wendling's career...so far.Meet Andy Wendling.Listen to the story of how a fierce competitor, turned leader has leveraged his training as an Olympic athlete to drive his own business results. Andy's zest and love for life is second only to his desire to be a passionate leader for a company he could believe in. While visions of an Olympic medal eluded him due to an injury, his competitive spirit has continued to be a driving force for how he continues to grow and develop his own career. Andy, thank you for taking the time to share your story!
2022-11-0121 minOpenMikeTop Talent Challenges Facing C-Suite ExecutivesIn this episode, Robin Mottern, General Manager Talexes and Anthony Pantaleone, Vice President Sales Talexes and I discuss a key topic for organization committed to becoming an employer of choice in the markets they serve. During our conversation we discuss the top challenges that CEOs and their senior teams are facing regarding talent and employee retention. Support the show
2022-10-2438 minOpenMikeBecoming An Employer Of ChoiceIn this episode, Robin Mottern, General Manager Talexes and Anthony Pantaleone, Vice President Sales Talexes and I discuss a key topic for organization committed to becoming an employer of choice in the markets they serve. During our conversation we discuss how organizations can improve their effectiveness in targeting the right talent pools. Support the show
2022-10-1640 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Conversation with Mark Mone, Chancellor at University of Wisconsin MilwaukeeIn this episode of Open Mike - Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with Mark Mone, Chancellor at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee on trends he is seeing in the marketplace and what the university and its leaders are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with the changing demands of the workforce. Support the show
2022-06-1614 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Conversation with David Kriete, President & CEO, Kriete Truck CentersIn this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with David Kriete, President & Chief Executive Officer of Kriete Truck Centers on trends he is seeing in the marketplace and what his company and its leaders are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with the changing demands of the workforce in an industry that is going through rapid change. Support the show
2022-06-0114 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Conversation with Paul Bartelt, President & Chief Executive Officer, The Vollrath CompanyIn this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with Paul Bartelt, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Vollrath Company on trends he is seeing in the marketplace and what his company and its leaders are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with Vollrath's culture, purpose and values. Support the show
2022-05-0209 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Conversation with Karen Hung, Chief Executive Officer, SilverRock ConsultingIn this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with Karen Hung, Chief Executive Officer of SilverRock Consulting on trends she is seeing in the marketplace and what her organization is doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with SilverRock's purpose and values.Support the show
2022-04-2211 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Conversation with Jason Spigner, Chief Human Resources Officer, Sinai ChicagoIn this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with Jason Spigner, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sinai Chicago on what he and his and the executive team are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent in the challenging healthcare industry who align with Sinai Chicago's "Living Our Values" culture, purpose and brand.Support the show
2022-04-0410 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Conversation with Donna Bembenek, President Catholic MemorialIn this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we talk with Donna Bembenek, President, Catholic Memorial on what she and her team are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with Catholic Memorial's purpose and brand.Support the show
2022-03-2914 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Conversation with Laura Kohler, Senior Vice President - HR, Stewardship & Sustainability at Kohler Co.In this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we speak with Laura Kohler, Senior Vice President - HR, Stewardship & Sustainability at Kohler Company on what she and her team are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with Kohler's purpose and brand.Support the show
2022-03-2912 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Conversation with Emery Harlan, Equity Partner at MWH Law Group LLPIn this episode of Talent Strategy Perspectives, we hear from Emery Harlan, Equity Partner at MWH Law Group regarding what he and his team are doing to improve their ability to attract and retain talent who align with MWH Law Group's purpose and brand.Support the show
2022-03-2912 minOpenMikeTalent Strategy Perspectives: Return to Work Trends interview with WTMJ MilwaukeeIn this interview, Mike Grubich, President and Managing Partner discusses some of the trends LAK Group is seeing as more companies re-open their doors for staff to return to the office.Support the show
2022-03-1004 min