Riderflex

Tom Verboven Senior Director, Mercer Tom Verboven is an accomplished Human Capital Leader with extensive experience advising global organizations on people and organizational strategies. He has held key leadership roles at Talogy, Mercer, and PwC's Advisory Services, working across diverse regions such as Belgium, the UAE, Lebanon, France, the UK, and the US. Tom's expertise spans executive assessment, team dynamics, change leadership, and cultural transformation, with a particular focus on sustainable and collective leadership practices. Fluent in Dutch, English, and French, and with a background in sociology, management, and change leadership, Tom is an ICF-certified coach dedicated to driving positive change through leadership. Outside of work, he enjoys sports, travel, and exploring human behavior and leadership dynamics. Mercer, a global leader in professional services for over 75 years, focuses on building healthier, more sustainable futures for clients, colleagues, and communities. Part of Marsh Mc

Thomas Powner, founder and CEO of Career Thinker, established the company in 2011 after decades of driving growth across various industries, aiming to help others achieve career success through his expertise in coaching and leadership. Starting in New York City and expanding nationwide, Career Thinker now serves major cities like Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco. A thought leader in the career services industry, Tom holds several certifications, including Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE), and was awarded LinkedIn Profinder’s "Best of 2017" for resume writing. He is a strong advocate for utilizing LinkedIn to connect talent with opportunities, offering career services and valuable insights to help job seekers succeed. Career Thinker is a career services company dedicated to partnering with individuals serious about advancing their careers and taking ownership of their success. With expertise in resume writing, personal branding, and a deep u

Steve Urban, CEO of Riderflex, discusses the impact of AI and robotics on the workforce, career shifts, and future job prospects. He mentions receiving frequent calls from individuals concerned about AI's role in job disruption. Steve outlines seven stages of AI and robotics adoption, from the current "Gold Rush" phase where AI is rapidly advancing, to a future "world of abundance" where costs are low and fewer people need to work. Steve offers advice for adapting to these changes, emphasizing continuous learning, seeking jobs less likely to be immediately replaced by AI, and making strategic career pivots early. He also shares personal insights, including his diversification into skilled trade businesses as a way to prepare for the disruption. His message is both optimistic and cautionary, advising people to remain alert, embrace change, and prepare for a potentially challenging transition period before things stabilize. He encourages listeners to reach out with questions and assures them that he stays up

Nick Hegeman, an engineer and family man, is the visionary leader of PaintJet, a company transforming the industrial painting industry through innovative technology. From his beginnings in a labor-intensive painting business to pioneering a tech-driven solution, Nick has addressed the acute labor shortage in industrial markets by streamlining operations with AI-powered efficiency. With a focus on industries like oil and gas, PaintJet's solutions meet both regulatory and operational demands. Nick's contrarian approach—owning the service, not just the tech—sets the company apart as it looks to expand globally and explore adjacent opportunities. PaintJet is revolutionizing the painting industry with cutting-edge robotic technology that guarantees precision, efficiency, and speed. Powered by predictive imaging, PaintJet ensures flawless finishes with zero redos, making precision the standard. Their robotic painting system minimizes waste by optimizing every drop of paint, reducing overspray and maximizing resour

Lisa Griffiths is the Owner and Clinical Director of the Center for Valued Living (C4VL), where she leads a thriving Colorado-based mental health practice with a focus on clinical excellence and cultural competence. While no longer accepting new clients, she dedicates her time to expanding the practice and developing innovative programs alongside her exceptional team. With a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver and a wealth of experience in various clinical and educational settings, Dr. Griffiths is passionate about mentoring her staff, fostering ethical practices, and ensuring top-notch care for clients. Before discovering her true calling in mental health, she explored careers in investment banking, event planning, and teaching, all of which have contributed to her well-rounded approach to running her practice. At the Center for Valued Living (C4VL), we are dedicated to providing accessible, insurance-based mental health care for individuals, couples, families, and groups across C

Sam Michelson is the founder and CEO of Five Blocks, a digital reputation management firm that helps leading brands and high-profile individuals shape their online presence. With over 20 years of experience in online marketing, technology, and SEO, Sam has become a recognized expert in digital reputation management, offering ethical and innovative solutions that allow clients to tell their best story online. Under his leadership, Five Blocks employs a team of over 50 professionals who use proprietary technology and big data analysis to provide customized strategies to more than 100 premium clients worldwide. Sam collaborates closely with PR and communications teams, ensuring a holistic and data-driven approach to online reputation management. A frequent speaker and writer in the field, Sam has published multiple articles and patents, demonstrating his commitment to staying ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Five Blocks is a premier digital reputation management firm specializing in helping high-pr

Cher Fox is the President of Fox Consulting, bringing over 35 years of expertise in solving complex data challenges with a personal touch. Passionate about helping organizations optimize processes and enhance data quality, Cher crafts strategic analytics roadmaps for global companies, particularly those handling complex financial data. Her hands-on experience spans roles such as CDO, COO, CEO, CFO, IT Manager, and Customer Services Manager across various industries. She also serves as VP of Marketing for the Data Management Association - Rocky Mountain Chapter and contributes to multiple industry groups. Certified as a Data Management Professional (CDMP) by DAMA International, Cher has shared her knowledge at over 30 international events. Beyond her professional life, Cher is a dedicated fitness enthusiast, competing as an amateur bodybuilder and enjoying Spartan races, drawing from her background as a professional dancer and lifestyle brand spokesmodel. Fox Consulting designs and implements complex data sol

Artug Acar is the Chief Operating Officer at Mercury, overseeing sales, marketing, operations, product development, people operations, and IT to drive the company’s growth and success. Originally from Izmir, Turkey, Artug began his career as a mechanical design engineer before transitioning into software engineering after earning a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University. He has held roles at leading tech companies in the Boston area, including MathWorks, Amazon Robotics, and Symbotic. Artug also holds an MBA from UMass Amherst, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Bogazici University, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Ege University. Mercury is a global logistics company specializing in time- and temperature-sensitive shipping for the biotech, life sciences, clinical trials, diagnostics, and medical device industries. With over 40 years of experience since its founding in 1984, Mercury has built a reputation for reliability and personalized service. Our portal provides c

Scott Kegerreis Co-Owner and CEO of Kura Home Colorado | The Riderflex Podcast Scott Kegerreis is the Co-Owner and CEO of Kura Home Colorado, where he has been leading the company since 2023. Under his leadership, Kura Home provides expert home care services, including air duct and dryer vent cleaning, as well as routine quarterly maintenance, helping homeowners maintain and protect their properties with ease. In addition to his role at Kura Home, Scott is also the Co-Founder and President of Riderflex, a global Business Advisory and Recruiting Firm, where he has been instrumental in matching company cultures with the right candidates since 2016. With a solid background in sales and management across the horticulture and home services industries, Scott brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his work. At Kura Home Maintenance Colorado, we are committed to providing top-tier home maintenance services across Colorado, ensuring your home remains in optimal condition. Our comprehensive services include

Steve Urban, CEO of Riderflex, shares his top tip for job seekers: using AI tools to tailor resumes to specific job descriptions before applying. He emphasizes the importance of customizing resumes with AI, such as ChatGPT, to match job requirements, even if the candidate lacks direct experience in that field. Steve highlights that many candidates are already doing this, giving them a competitive edge. He advises job seekers to create multiple versions of their resumes and leverage AI to ensure each resume is closely aligned with the job description. Steve concludes by stressing that using AI for resume customization is crucial for standing out and increasing the chances of landing a job. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/iwxE0SdPn60 Unlock career success with "Riderflex Guide 2.0: Mastering Job Interviews." Over 30 years of Unlocking your potential with our two essential books: "Riderflex Guide: Inspiring & Hiring" and "Riderflex Guide 2.0: Mastering Job Interviews."

Adam Schroder is a top-tier executive technology and innovation consultant specializing in luxury hospitality and vacation rentals within the hospitality and travel industry. With a career marked by strong leadership, hands-on MIS experience, and advanced problem-solving skills, Adam excels in implementing cutting-edge technology solutions. Known for his excellent communication and public speaking abilities, he effectively bridges gaps in technology-driven environments. Adam has overseen numerous global hospitality projects, building strong relationships with upper-level decision-makers while maintaining a team-centric approach. His commitment to continuous personal and professional development, along with his adaptability and exceptional management skills, positions him as a leader in the field. Innovasis Hotels is a hospitality startup that is changing the hotel industry with a new category of fun, energy independent hotels based on cryptocurrency. From the sustainable shipping container architecture to th

Doug Winston, hailing from Elmsford, NY, is the dynamic President and CEO of D&M Electrical Contracting, Inc., which he co-founded in 1992. With a rich background from previous leadership roles at D&M Utility Construction, Inc., Northeast Utility Equipment Repair (NUEQUIP), and D&M Motorsports, Inc., Doug has been instrumental in propelling D&M to new heights. His tenure is marked by significant achievements such as becoming a Con Edison Certified Lighting Contractor, leading major projects in the transportation and nuclear power sectors, and pioneering storm restoration services nationally. Doug's extensive expertise in process scheduling, team building, project estimation, and green building has been pivotal in expanding the company’s capabilities and market presence. His innovative approach and commitment to excellence have firmly established D&M Electrical Contracting, Inc. as a leader in the industry. D&M Electrical Contracting, Inc. is a full-service, union electrical contra

Tyler Watson joined LinkedIn 11 years ago as a 21-year-old shoe store manager seeking a "real" career. Initially using the platform for research, he connected with executives and learned from their paths. Three years ago, he began sharing his personal story—dropping out of high school, becoming a father at 16, battling addiction, and overcoming jail and job losses. This transparency transformed his professional interactions, leading to richer conversations and new opportunities. Tyler's experience spans roles such as SVP of Sales at Dan-O's Seasoning, where he transitioned the company from a DTC startup to a disruptive challenger brand, Vice President of Sales at The UPS Store, and City Commissioner for Moorland, Kentucky. His journey from washing dishes to thriving in retail management and eventually becoming a sales leader highlights his resilience and dedication to continuous self-improvement. Tyler is now focused on building disruptive brands and inspiring others with his story. Dan-O&#

Jacqueline and Alexa Child, Dateability | The Riderflex Podcast Alexa and Jacqueline Child are the dynamic duo behind Dateability, a dating app born from personal experiences and a shared vision for inclusivity. Alexa, a graduate of College of the Holy Cross and Georgetown University Law Center, has dedicated her career to public service as a public interest attorney. Her love for hiking, skiing, cooking, and binge-watching TV reflects her vibrant Colorado lifestyle. Jacqueline, whose life was profoundly impacted by chronic illnesses during her teenage years, navigated the challenges of dating with a disability, which fueled her passion for creating a supportive platform. She holds a degree in Psychology from Colorado College and a master's in Family and Human Development. Jacqueline enjoys playing music, volunteering at an animal shelter, and spending time with her family and dog, Luna. Together, they leveraged their unique backgrounds and personal experiences to co-found Dateability, aiming to foster u

In this episode of the Riderflex Podcast, Steve Urban discusses several non-qualification reasons candidates can be quickly rejected during the hiring process. He emphasizes that being late to interviews, failing to manage technology, having a bad attitude, lacking people skills, slow communication, and dishonesty are all red flags that can lead to immediate disqualification. Steve highlights the importance of punctuality, technological competence, positive demeanor, likability, prompt communication, and honesty. He advises candidates to avoid excuses, exhibit good energy, and be authentic to avoid being dismissed during the recruitment process. Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/LP2Qree1VPc Unlock career success with "Riderflex Guide 2.0: Mastering Job Interviews." Over 30 years of Unlocking your potential with our two essential books: "Riderflex Guide: Inspiring & Hiring" and "Riderflex Guide 2.0: Mastering Job Interviews." With over 30 years of expertise, these guid

Brandy Burch is not just a seasoned professional in finance, HR, and operations management, but also the dedicated CEO of Benefitbay. She began her educational journey at Emporia State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting before advancing to the University of Saint Mary for a Bachelor's in Business Administration, focusing on Management and Operations. She furthered her expertise by obtaining an MBA in Finance from the same institution. Alongside her educational achievements, Burch has also secured two notable certifications, the SHRM-SCP and SHRM-CP from SHRM in February 2018, underscoring her dedication to professional growth and excellence in human resources. This blend of academic and professional education underscores Burch's holistic approach to leadership and organizational management. Benefitbay has been a leader in the ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) technology space since 2021. Their platform, developed ahead of ICHRA regulations introduced

Steve Urban champions the use of direct voice communication as opposed to relying on emails and texts, highlighting the effectiveness of engaging with people through face-to-face interactions or phone calls. He discusses how voice communication can quickly resolve issues and convey emotions more effectively than written messages. He notes a societal shift where people increasingly avoid phone calls, viewing them as intrusive, and argues against this trend. Steve also shares personal experiences, including frustrations within his own organization and family about the inefficiencies of relying on text-based communication. He concludes by encouraging his audience to try more direct communication to experience its benefits, making it the 'Riderflex tip of the day.' Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/mjjgxV6zWSI Unlock your potential with our two essential books: "Riderflex Guide: Inspiring & Hiring" and "Riderflex Guide 2.0: Mastering Job Interviews." With over 30 years

Maximilian Knight grew up in Brooklyn, NY in a multicultural family and speaks German, English and Spanish. He previously worked in the renewable energy industry in Germany and studied Engineering at CU Boulder. Max has worked as an engineer and startup founder in agriculture automation since 2018 and is self taught in robotics, programming and mechanical design. Max’s purpose at Urban Farms and in life is to build technology that can radically transform humanity’s relationship with food and build agricultural systems that reduce environmental impacts while democratizing access to healthy food. Rooted Robotics is revolutionizing the indoor farming industry by bridging the gap between traditional hand tools and costly automation equipment. Their innovative solutions cater to small and medium farm operators, offering machines that significantly enhance productivity and operational efficiency without the hefty price tag of large-scale automation. Their flagship products include the Tabletop Microgreen Seeder, w

In this video, Steve Urban, CEO of Riderflex, shared insights from the GPT model developed through Riderflex's extensive podcast episodes and guidebook series. The GPT was asked for advice on handling moments when an interview feels challenging and the interviewee is losing focus and attention. The generated response offered several strategies: acknowledge the difficulty if stumped, focus on strengths, use the STAR method to structure answers, ask clarifying questions, express enthusiasm, stay positive, and, if appropriate, request feedback. These tips aim to help candidates regain control, demonstrate their value, and leave a positive impression during the interview. Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/5rSeo8CReLE Unlock your potential with our two essential books: "Riderflex Guide: Inspiring & Hiring" and "Riderflex Guide 2.0: Mastering Job Interviews." With over 30 years of expertise, these guides are perfect for both graduates and professionals.