Catch the Full Episode:
Overview
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, John Jantsch interviews Rob Levin, series
entrepreneur, chairman and founder of Work Better Now, and author of
The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team.
More than 30 years of experience helping small and medium-sized businesses solve problems
Talent challenges, Rob shares why the traditional “playbook” for recruiting no longer works. He
explains the pandemic, manufacturing shifts, remote work, and artificial intelligence
have fundamentally changed the landscape of talent.
The interview examines the hidden talent problem facing SMBs, why culture is so important
than ever before, how to rethink KPIs in a distant land, and what it means to be one
the first AI organization. If you’re still managing talent like it’s 2016, this episode delivers
a guide to building a future-proof team.
Guest Bio: Rob Levin
Rob Levin is an entrepreneur and business growth expert with over three decades of experience
information that helps small and medium enterprises to develop. He is the chairman and co-founder
of Work Better Now, a company that empowers US-based SMBs to remotely access top talent
professionals, especially from Latin America, to overcome the hiring of bottles and construction
the teams are playing well.
Rob is the author of The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team,
when he describes the modern approach to talent planning in an era defined by remote work,
rapid technological change, and AI disruption.
Key Takeaways
1. The Talent Crisis Is Really a Shift in Skills
Despite headlines about layoffs, many small and medium-sized businesses are still struggling to make ends meet
important roles. The skills needed to succeed in big business often don’t translate
owner-minded, flexible talent needed by SMBs.
2. Old Rent Book No Longer Valid
Many business owners are still operating as if it’s 2016. Voltage has changed, up
gamers have a lot of power, and younger generations prioritize culture and meaning in work
more than previous generations.
3. Culture is a Strategic Advantage
A clearly defined set of core values is the foundation of a strong culture—especially in remote areas
and mixed areas. Companies should hire and fire based on core values and purpose
build a culture that embraces change.
4. Remote Teams Need More Structure and Communication
In a remote environment, clarity and communication must be intentional. Weekly meetings,
consistent updates, and well-defined KPIs are essential for maintaining alignment and accountability.
5. KPIs Benefit Employees Because Employers
Well-designed KPIs aren’t just management tools—they give employees clarity about their expectations, too
What does it mean to “win” in their role. A lack of KPIs often points to unclear leadership rather than
poor employee performance.
6. Skill Development is a Competitive Imperative
As technology and AI roles are reshaped, companies must identify the new skills they need as well
invest heavily in training. Affordable and quality education is widely available, too
businesses should use it.
7. Business Owners Must Lead the AI Shift
Before expecting teams to use AI successfully, business owners must acquire practical knowledge
themselves. Understanding AI capabilities firsthand enables leaders to redesign workflows,
not just automating existing tasks.
8. Move from Doing Work to Managing AI
The future of many roles will involve managing, refining, and validating AI outputs instead
to perform routine tasks. Organizations must help employees move from automation to AI
monitoring and doing well.
9. Be AI-First, Not AI-Enhanced
Instead of using AI to improve existing workflows, companies should rethink processes from
The AI does most of the heavy lifting. This shift in mindset can be incredibly progressive
production and measurement.
10. Global Talent Expands Your Competitive Edge
Expanding your recruiting reach beyond local markets—across the US, Latin America, and beyond—opens up
access to skilled professionals and helps solve ongoing recruitment issues.
Best Moments From The Episode
- 00:03 – Introduction by Rob Levin and The Playbook for Youth Skills
- 01:14 – Why the talent market has fundamentally changed since the pandemic
- 02:15 – From “They are lucky to have a job” to employee development
- 04:11 – Why layoffs won’t solve the SMB talent shortage
- 06:02 – Understanding the problem of hidden talent
- 08:27 – Identifying new skills and developing your team
- 10:53 – Why business owners should hold AI training
- 11:56 – Being the first AI organization
- 13:20 – Why culture is more important than ever
- 14:23 – Managing culture in remote groups and fractions
- 16:41 – Why are there more KPIs for employees than employers
- 18:26 – Using AI as a thought partner to measure performance
- 19:45 – What Rob will review in the AI chapter today
- 21:28 – Addressing employee fears about AI changing jobs
- 22:42 – Where you can find it The Playbook for Youth Skills and contact Rob
Quotes
“There’s a long list of changes, but the biggest one is that the old talent playbook doesn’t work anymore.”
“KPIs are actually more for the employee than the employer. They define what winning looks like.”
“Don’t use AI to improve workflow. Redesign workflow so AI does the heavy lifting.”
“You’re only looking at what AI can do for your company if you don’t use it as a thinking partner.”
Specified services
- The New Talent Playbook: The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Team by Rob Levin
- Work Better Now – Nearshore talent solutions for SMBs
- National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) hiring trend survey
