“Hire people who attract more incredible people.”

What happens when you mix emotional intelligence with strategic hiring, sprinkle in a dash of Hot Topic eyeliner, and top it off with a leadership team that actually walks the talk? You get Trainual. In this episode of Inside the Process, Sasha Robinson, our Head of People Ops (aka Goth Sasha), pulls back the curtain on how culture isn't just preserved — it's intentionally built, scaled, and celebrated. From recruiting the top 2% of talent to turning performance reviews into power moves, Sasha shares the magic behind Trainual’s thriving workplace. Buckle up — this isn’t your average HR playbook.

Key Takeaways:

• Values-driven hiring is the first filter. Hiring at Trainual isn’t just about credentials — it’s about values. Every candidate is vetted not only for skills but for emotional intelligence, communication ability, and cultural alignment. Because one bad hire can throw off the whole vibe — and that’s a no-go.
• Culture is led from the top — and reinforced at every level. From Chris responding to every DM to Sasha dressing full goth for a company kickoff, leadership at Trainual models authenticity and fun. That energy cascades throughout the org, making joy and performance a team sport.
• Systems keep the culture scalable. Career ladders, principle-based decision-making, and competency-based interviews aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the systems that make a strong culture repeatable. And review cycles? Not just checkboxes. They're tools for real growth.
• Feedback isn’t just welcome — it’s actionable. Twice-yearly engagement surveys are read in full by execs, themes are extracted, and changes are made. Transparency and follow-through turn feedback from noise into trust.
• Referral networks and personal advocacy fuel talent acquisition. The best hires often come through existing team networks — because great people attract great people. Candidates who go the extra mile with personalized outreach and show genuine interest in Trainual’s mission stand out.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] Sasha’s origin story

[9:30] How to build an award-winning culture

[17:30] Hiring at Trainual and leadership

[26:00] Hiring in the early stages

[30:30] The power of referrals

[33:30] What companies get wrong about hiring

[38:00] Preserving our culture

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader.

Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

“If the content’s falling flat, I tell my team — push it further. Make it more interesting.”

"Follow your gut" takes on a whole new meaning when you're marketing kombucha. On this episode of Inside the Process, Charlotte Mostaed, CMO at Health-Ade, breaks down how she turned a kombucha cult-favorite into a category-leading powerhouse without losing its apothecary-style soul. From redesigning the label to launching stadium partnerships with teams like the Dodgers and letting her team get weird on TikTok, Charlotte shares what it really takes to build a brand that’s fun, functional, and fiercely intentional. We talk about pushing bold ideas through the boardroom, knowing when not to listen to feedback, and why the best insights come from knowing what people don’t like about you. If you're trying to balance big creative swings with brand integrity — this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Values-first marketing works – Charlotte didn’t chase a title—she chased alignment. Building from a place of shared values leads to long-term success and team culture.
• Don’t touch the anchor – Not every brand refresh needs a full identity change. Protect the assets that are already iconic.
• Let your team get weird – Creativity thrives when marketers can play. Charlotte’s team leans into TikTok mukbangs and frozen-veggie cocktails—and it works.
• Ask “What would make this possible?” – Big ideas often get shut down too early. Reframing the question helps ideas move forward.
• Know why people don’t buy – Great marketers don’t just focus on fans—they obsess over the barriers that keep people from converting.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] How Charlotte landed a job (even after being rejected)

[7:00] Evolving a brand without losing its soul

[18:00] Balancing fun with function

[31:00] Letting creators get weird (and why it works)

[37:00] What makes big ideas possible?

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader.

Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Actionable Steps:

• Audit your brand assets – What’s sacred and what’s flexible? Protect the brand equity you've already built while finding places to evolve.
• Center campaigns on consumer truth – Don’t just market what you are—market what people need to hear to believe in you.
• Let your social team take risks – Organic is the playground. Empower the team to try weird, meme-y, or even controversial ideas.
• Redefine stakeholder buy-in – When someone says no, ask: “What would need to be true to make this idea possible?”
• Measure in layers – Don’t rely on ROI alone. Consider media value, brand lift, and earned press as signs of campaign success.

“Own your own URL. Everything else is borrowed land.”

Personal branding isn't about going viral — it's about showing up, standing out, and staying real. On this episode of Inside the Process, digital strategist, writer, and LinkedIn video pioneer Goldie Chan joins us backstage at Playbook 2024 to share how she built a globally recognized personal brand—starting with daily videos and lime green hair. We talk about gimmicks vs. substance, how to show up authentically without oversharing, and what it really takes to gain traction on LinkedIn (spoiler: it's not pods). Goldie also dishes on staying consistent, playing the long game, and why owning your own platform might be the smartest branding move you make.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] Accidentally starting a personal brand

[5:04] Telling better stories

[11:40] Being consistent on LinkedIn

[16:00] How to stand out as a creator

[19:30] How personal should people get on LinkedIn?

[22:00] Visual identities for your brand

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader.

Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

“Influencer marketing is a channel, but you are working with a human being and a creator who spent a lot of time investing in their audience.”

Influencer marketing might look flashy, but behind every great campaign is a whole lot of strategy and intention. On this episode of Inside the Process, LinkedIn legend and Verbatim founder Brianna Doe gets real about what it takes to run influencer programs that actually work — especially in the wild world of B2B. She spills the tea on sketchy engagement pods, oversharing creators, and why follower count is kind of a scam (okay, not totally, but still). From sending the right briefs to making sure your content doesn’t sound like a bad infomercial, Brianna breaks it all down with honesty, humor, and some seriously helpful tips. If you’ve ever thought, “Wait, are we doing this right?” — this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

- Engagement pods ≠ real influence – If the comments feel fake, they probably are. Authenticity wins every time.

- Follower count is just a number – It’s not about how many people follow a creator, but who they are and if they care.

- Creative briefs are your BFF – Want content that doesn’t feel like a commercial? Give influencers the tools to make it their own.

- Consistency is queen – The algorithm loves a rhythm. Help creators stay on their schedule, not yours.

- B2B can be bold – LinkedIn (and even YouTube!) are primed for fresh, creator-led campaigns—don't sleep on them.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] From creator to agency owner

[9:07] How to vet influencers

[18:10] Red flags in the influencer world

[23:14] POD vs friendly support

[31:20] How to be a good parter for an influencer

[35:50] Set the partnership up for success

[40:10] Timing your posts

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader.

Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

"Our rule is simple: 'No playbook, no hire.' We won’t bring anyone on board unless we have a clear plan to set them up for success.”

Building a business is hard — but building one that lasts? That takes a whole different mindset. On this episode of Inside the Process, Ryan Deiss, CEO of The Scalable Company, breaks down what it really means to scale sustainably, why ditching the 10-year plan might be the smartest move you make, and how systems (not superhero founders) are the real secret to growth. He shares honest insights about learning to prioritize, create clarity, and make decisions that don’t just feel good today, but still make sense three years from now. If you’re tired of winging it and ready to build with intention, this episode’s got you covered.

Key Takeaways:

• Ditch the 10-year plan – Long-term visions are great, but staying adaptable wins the game.
• Clarity beats chaos – Clear priorities and communication make everything else easier.
• Systems scale, not hustle – You can’t outwork broken processes. Build smart, not frantic.
• Build from activities that make money first – Don’t worry about culture so early on. Your bottom line keeps your company afloat, master that before anything!
• Plan for impact, not just activity – Measuring what matters keeps your business moving forward.

Chapter Markers:

[0:00] The first process to put in place

[5:40] Figuring out which processes to document

[8:15] Connecting why we deserve to win

[10:40] When does culture come in?

[13:11] Is leadership enough?

[15:15] How far ahead do you look into the future?

[18:00] The one thing new entrepreneurs should keep in mind

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader.

Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

“When you're just building your team and hiring people, it's super important as a leader that you have done it, and you know what it is, and it's documented."

Letting go is one of the hardest things for any entrepreneur — but it’s also the key to real growth. Russ Perry, CEO of Design Pickle, joins Mallory Glessner on Inside the Process to talk about the fine art of delegation, building a business that doesn’t rely on you for every decision, and why creating space for personal time is a game-changer (literally). From scaling a team to refining processes, Russ shares hard-earned lessons on stepping back without losing control. If you’re ready to free yourself from the day-to-day grind and focus on the big picture, this episode is packed with insights to help you make it happen.

Key Takeaways:

• Letting go is tough – Entrepreneurs cling to what they love, even when delegating would help.
• Personal time = success – Reaching a point where you can enjoy hobbies guilt-free is a milestone.
• No process, no delegation – Without clear systems, hiring won’t fix your workload.
• Vision needs action – Big ideas mean nothing without a roadmap to execute them.
• Culture-first onboarding wins – Engaging, creative onboarding strengthens team buy-in.

Chapter Markers:

[00:00] Russ’s backstory

[2:11] What process was hardest to let go of?

[4:47] Delegation story

[7:02] What’s the first thing you would delegate?

[9:35] Design Pickle's unique process

[11:10] Closing

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual:

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader.

Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

"The performance capacity of any company is determined by the quality of its people."

Running a business is one thing — leading it to sustainable success is another. Michael Caito, CEO of MAP Consulting and a seasoned entrepreneur, joins Mallory Glessner on Inside The Process to share next-level strategies for scaling with clarity and confidence. We’re breaking down the six key leadership functions that separate thriving CEOs from overwhelmed entrepreneurs—building strong teams, creating accountability, and mastering strategic execution. Get ready for actionable insights on systemizing your business, making smarter decisions, and stepping into the leadership role your company needs to grow. If you’re feeling stuck or ready to level up, this episode is your roadmap to leading with confidence and clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership is a system. It’s not about working harder – it’s about leading smarter with clear functions that drive success.
• Clarity is power. No clarity, no growth. Define your vision and align your team to get things moving fast.
• Execution wins. Strategy is nothing without execution. Build systems to ensure your team delivers consistently.
• Accountability is key. High-performance teams thrive on clear expectations and ownership. Hold people accountable to results.
• CEO’s evolve. Shift from doer to visionary. The bigger the business, the bigger your role in leading strategy and empowering others.

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual:

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader.

Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

"Leadership is being able to tell people where you're going and why we're doing it."

If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck in hustle mode but not seeing real results, this episode is your wake-up call. Daymond John, the mastermind behind FUBU and a Shark Tank legend, teams up with the brilliant Mallory Glessner on the Inside The Process Podcast to drop pure gold on what it really takes to build a thriving business. From mindset shifts to money moves, he keeps it brutally honest—no fluff, no filler. You’ll learn why excuses are your biggest enemy, why knowing your numbers is non-negotiable, and how your network can make or break your success. Plus, he dishes out hard-earned lessons from his own journey, proving that grit, strategy, and the right people in your corner are the ultimate game-changers. Ready to level up? Let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways:

• Visualize and set goals. Clearly define your goals to manifest your vision and make them actionable.
• Lead by example. Demonstrate hard work and vulnerability; it motivates your team to do the same.
• Value every partner. Treat customers, employees, and suppliers as vital allies in your success.
• Be self-honest. Regularly evaluate your choices and relationships to ensure alignment with your goals.‍
• Eliminate toxic connections. Surround yourself with positive influences and cut out draining relationships.

Chapter Markers:

[00:00] Introduction & Setting the Stage

[01:30] Daymond’s No-Excuses Mindset

[03:45] Preserving Creative Energy While Systemizing

[06:00] Making Something of Yourself No Matter What

[08:50] The Power of Visualizing and Goal Setting

[11:07] How to Engage all your senses during visualization

[13:10] Routines that avoid burnout

[17:00] Creating An Intentional Life

[18:18] Protecting Your Environment

[21:47] Closing

Resources:

Want more resources from this episode? We’ve got an episode recap, replay, and every template, process, and resource we covered right here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess

Trainual

Inside The Process provides solutions for every aspect of the business — from process headaches and system improvement to self-management and leveling up as a leader. Mallory Glessner sits down with some of the brightest business minds and unpack their specialized insights to help you improve and level up the work you’re doing.

This is one of a few podcasts from Trainual, a software platform that helps businesses build playbooks to train and grow their team. You can check out the rest of our shows here: https://trainual.com/insidetheprocess