Best Bianca Lager Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 51: Dynamic Leadership and Strategic Growth – A Conversation with Bianca Lager 1:00:38

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17d ago1:00:38

1:00:38

Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Bianca Lager, a respected strategic growth consultant, former CEO, and longtime thought leader in social media screening. Bianca takes us through her fascinating career—from building one of the first social media background screening companies to becoming a LinkedIn Learning inst…

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Episode 52: The Path to Purpose: Carl Cogdill on Leadership, Legacy, and the Power of Public Records 36:05

3d ago36:05

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Send us a text In this engaging episode of Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros, I sit down with Carl Cogdill—longtime industry veteran, founder of Astute Public Records, and one of the sharpest minds in the business. From his beginnings with dreams of becoming a Maryland State Trooper to his unexpected journey into the …

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Episode 50: Inside PBSA: Melissa Sorenson on Leading the Global Background Screening Movement 39:27

24d ago39:27

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Send us a text In this milestone 50th episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Melissa Sorenson, Executive Director of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), for a candid conversation about the past, present, and future of our industry. Melissa opens up about her journey from law school to leading PBSA through some of its b…

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Episode 49: Behind the First Background Check: A Conversation with Industry Pioneer Steve Brownstein 41:19

1M ago41:19

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Send us a text Before databases were a click away, Steve Brownstein was already connecting the dots. In this episode of Behind the Screens, I’m joined by Steve Brownstein—a true pioneer whose work helped shape the background screening industry as we know it. From manual county searches to international screening strategies, Steve’s story is one of …

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Episode 48: Alice Quinones's Global Journey Through Law, Purpose, and Background Screening 38:40

1M ago38:40

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Send us a text In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Alice Quinones, a dual-qualified attorney in France and the U.S., who’s helping shape the future of privacy and compliance in the background screening world. We discuss Alice’s cross-continental legal education, her journey from Deloitte to building her own firm, and how she view…

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Episode 47: Transforming Background Screening in India with Chetan Desai 36:17

2M ago36:17

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Send us a text What do background screening, the Indian Army, and vinyl records have in common? On the surface, nothing—until you meet Chetan Desai. From serving in the military and as a mountaineer to founding one of India’s first background screening firms, Chetan’s story is proof that discipline, curiosity, and just a little obsession (with both…

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Episode 46: Behind the Screens with PBSA Chairs: What Really Happens Behind PBSA’s Gavel 55:08

2M ago55:08

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Send us a text Think carrying the PBSA gavel is all formality and boardrooms? Think again. When three Chairs sit down together, you get a mix of wisdom, war stories, and a few moments that prove even industry leaders don’t take themselves too seriously. In this episode, I bring together Tim Gordon, Chad Ascar, and Scott Maloney—the current chair, t…

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Episode 45: How Catherine Aldrich Brame Shaped Accreditation & Industry Standards in Background Screening 42:52

2M ago42:52

42:52

Send us a text What if the very foundations of background screening—the databases, the processes, the standards—were shaped by someone who once started out answering phones as a young mom just trying to make it work? That’s the story of Catherine Aldrich Brame. From building the first national criminal databases at CDB Infotech, to scaling Accurate…

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Episode 44: She Said ‘Short-Term Stop’, Background Screening Said ‘Lifetime Contract’ – Susie Thomson’s Journey 48:35

2M ago48:35

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Send us a text What does leadership look like when it’s built on resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in people? For Susie Thomson, it looks like a career that has taken her from the ground floor of her family business to the top ranks of global background screening. She helped create Security Watchdog, guided its growth through acquisit…

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Episode 43: Dare to Disrupt: Four Innovators Share Bold Visions for the Future of Screening 52:29

2M ago52:29

52:29

Send us a text What happens when you take four professionals from different corners of the background screening industry—each with unique expertise, bold ideas, and a willingness to shake things up—and put them together on one stage? You get disruption. In this special episode, I sit down with Andrew Cashman, Tressa Fullard, Kevin Horval, and Oakle…

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Episode 42: From “Temporary Job” to Lifelong Calling: Bobby Shank’s Journey in Background Screening 41:36

3M ago41:36

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Send us a text What if the path you thought would be temporary turned out to be the foundation of a lifelong calling? That’s the story of Bobby Shank. With a degree in finance and even a chapter of life spent in Costa Rica, Bobby never expected that joining his family’s business, Roundstone, would anchor him in the background screening industry for…

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Episode 41: Michelle Leblond: The Strategic Mind Behind Background Screening Excellence 55:17

3M ago55:17

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Send us a text Imagine a professional who lives and breathes accuracy, thrives under the weight of compliance, and leads teams through constant industry evolution—then drop her into the challenging arena of public records and high-stakes client expectations. That’s Michelle Leblond, a master at turning complexity into clarity. In this episode, Mich…

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Episode 40: The Screening Industry Through Les Rosen’s Eyes 1:02:15

3M ago1:02:15

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Send us a text How does a criminal defense attorney end up transforming the background screening industry? In this special 40th episode, I take a turn in the guest seat to share my unexpected journey—from representing clients in the courtroom to founding Employment Screening Resources and writing one of the earliest FCRA compliance manuals. Along t…

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Episode 39: Summa McCosker: Building a Global Background Screening Empire from the Ground Up 40:43

3M ago40:43

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Send us a text What kind of person can turn a local startup into a global standard-setter—navigating legal landscapes, scaling teams, and staying human through it all? That’s the kind of trailblazing journey we explore in this episode. In this episode of Behind the Screens, I had the privilege of sitting down with Summa McCosker, a dynamic force in…

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Episode 38: The Man Behind the Screening Curtain: Curt Schwall’s Legacy on Education and Compliance 44:05

4M ago44:05

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Send us a text Can one person transform background screening by mastering compliance, reshaping operations, championing public access, and still give back through mentorship and public service? Meet the man doing exactly that, and discover how leadership is built one deliberate choice at a time. In this episode, I sit down with someone I’ve known s…

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Episode 37: Nancy Alt Explains Why Compliance Begins with People, Not Paper 48:08

4M ago48:08

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Send us a text What does it take to shape an entire industry from the inside out—while mastering compliance, leading operations, and serving the public good? It takes vision, grit, and a whole lot of hats—and this episode is proof of exactly that. In this episode, I sit down with Nancy Alt, founder of Tweak the Core, who’s spent decades navigating …

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Episode 36: Dawn Standerwick: The Powerhouse Who Knows Every Corner of Background Screening 31:57

4M ago31:57

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Send us a text What do you get when you combine relentless curiosity, unmatched versatility, and a passion for people? You get Dawn Standerwick—a powerhouse in the background screening industry whose career defies simple titles. From onboarding and marketing to compliance and criminal records, she’s worn every hat and rocked them all. In this episo…

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Episode 35: The Background Screening Puzzle: How Kathleen Nottingham Turns Complexity into Career Growth 41:40

4M ago41:40

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Send us a text How do you transform operations, compliance, and public records into a career you love—and lead others to love it too? Kathleen Nottingham didn’t just find her path in background screening; she built it brick by brick, puzzle by puzzle, from public record researcher to SVP at ScoutLogic and a seat on the PBSA Board of Directors. In t…

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Episode 34: Just Get It Done — Larry White on Leadership, Legacy & the Future of Screening 34:55

5M ago34:55

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Send us a text From rural Oklahoma to boardroom strategy sessions—how does one man turn old-school values into modern industry influence? In this episode, I sit down with Larry White—a man whose title should come with the initials GSD (Gets Stuff Done). Larry is the current COO at JDP and has been a leader at some of the most influential names in t…

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Episode 33: Behind the Fine Print: Rebecca Kuehn on the Legal Heart of Background Screening 49:21

5M ago49:21

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Send us a text Ever wonder how the perspective of a former FTC insider could reshape your understanding of compliance in background screening? In this episode, I talk with Rebecca Kuehn, who’s journeyed from enforcing federal consumer protection laws at the FTC to guiding companies through the ever-evolving maze of FCRA compliance. With a sharp leg…

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Episode 32: The Original Screening Attorney: Lessons from 40+ Years in the Legal Trenches with Larry Henry 48:46

5M ago48:46

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Send us a text What if the unsung architect of your industry was never after the spotlight—just the truth? In this episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Larry Henry—the very first lawyer dedicated to background screening compliance under the FCRA, dating back to 1981. Who was defending FCRA compliance before most of us knew what that even …

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Episode 31: Born Into Background Screening, Built for Leadership: Conversation with Brittany Bollinger - Boyle 27:04

5M ago27:04

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Send us a text Have you ever met someone who knew what they wanted to do with their life at age 12—and then actually did it? Almost every guest on this podcast has shared how they stumbled into background screening by accident. But not Brittany Bollinger Boyle. While most kids were dreaming about being astronauts or rock stars, Brittany was dreamin…

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Episode 30: Learn, Grow, Expand: How Laura Randazzo Turned Curiosity into a Successful Career in Background Screening 28:17

6M ago28:17

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Send us a text Meet Laura Randazzo—a powerhouse professional whose journey from entry-level verification specialist to Chief Operating Officer and national voice in background screening is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, we trace her path through the rapidly changing landscape of screening technology, regulatory hurdles, and leadership…

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Episode 29: The Man Behind CRA Zoom: Derek Hinton on Accreditation, Innovation, and the Evolution of Screening 46:02

6M ago46:02

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Send us a text I sat with Derek Hinton for this week’s episode—a pioneer who’s been shaping the screening industry since 1984. From helping launch the first digital driving records to building CRA Zoom and co-authoring the Criminal Records Manual, Derek has played a pivotal role in how compliance, accreditation, and innovation collide. This episode…

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Episode 28: Sachin Aggarwal on Building a Global Background Screening Powerhouse—One Country (and Mango) at a Time 35:01

6M ago35:01

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Send us a text What happens when a tech-savvy engineer with a passion for mangoes, a background in global consulting, and an MBA from New York turns his attention to building one of the most respected background screening companies in the world? In this episode, I sit down with Sachin Aggarwal, Director at AMS Inform, to explore how a career that s…

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Episode 27: Andy Hellman’s Global Journey Through Background Screening & Data Privacy 38:47

6M ago38:47

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Send us a text How does a guy go from managing concrete budgets in Virginia to shaping international privacy frameworks from Milan to Singapore? The answer lies in one of the most unexpected—and inspiring—career journeys in the background screening industry. In this episode, I talk with the elusive “third amigo” himself—Andy Hellman—a man whose car…

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Episode 26: How Marc Linchuck Navigated Chaos, Change, and Innovation 35:44

6M ago35:44

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Send us a text Have you ever stopped to think about what grit, perseverance, and a little bit of luck it takes to build a background screening business from scratch? Imagine navigating a world of fax machines, colored file folders, and constant tech disruption—all while trying to stay ahead of the curve. In this episode, I sit down with Marc Linchu…

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Episode 25: How Krisy Bucher Is Humanizing Background Screening with Purpose 37:28

7M ago37:28

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Send us a text What do you get when someone with a passion for art, a mind for science, and a heart for community winds up leading innovation in public safety and background screening? You get someone like Krisy Bucher. In this episode, I sit down with Krisy—Vice President of Portfolio Marketing at Equifax Workforce Solutions—whose journey proves t…

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How to Keep Your Cool When Leadership Gets Messy 5:38

7M ago5:38

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What do you do when you feel disrespected, undermined, or just emotionally done at work—but still have to lead the room? In this episode, B shares a real-world story of a startup director struggling with emotional regulation in high-stress leadership environments—and breaks down a simple 3-step framework to help you reclaim your calm, your credibil…

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Episode 24: General Counsel on Day One: How Vince Pascarella Picked His Title and Ran With It 46:49

7M ago46:49

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Send us a text What does it take to lead in one of the most complex, fast-evolving, and compliance-heavy industries around—while wearing multiple hats and still managing to stay grounded? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and background screening veteran, Vince Pascarella. Vince isn’t just a compliance guru—he’s worn every hat in …

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Episode 23: How AI & Compliance Are Changing Background Checks – Insights from Kelly D. Uebel 38:31

7M ago38:31

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Send us a text How do you build a background screening program that’s both legally compliant and business-friendly? How do you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of employment law, global screening regulations, and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance—without slowing down hiring? In this episode, I sit down with Kelly D. (Kubacki) Uebel, G…

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Episode 22: Is Your Drug Screening Process Outdated? Todd Shoulberg on Compliance & Change 32:53

7M ago32:53

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Send us a text What if the way you’ve always done things is no longer the right way? In a world where compliance, technology, and industry needs are rapidly evolving, drug and occupational health screening is no exception. In this episode, I sit down with Todd Shoulberg, a seasoned expert in the field, to explore the major shifts impacting drug tes…

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Episode 21: Inside the Mind of Background Screening’s Newsman: Barry Nixon’s Journey from HR to Industry Icon 48:10

8M ago48:10

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Send us a text How did an HR expert turn into one of the most influential voices in background screening? W. Barry Nixon has seen it all—from corporate HR to pioneering workplace violence prevention and shaping the global background screening industry. In this episode, I sit down with Barry to discuss his unexpected career path, the evolution of ba…

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Episode 20: How Jason Morris Built a Background Screening Empire and Found Adventure Along the Way 42:13

8M ago42:13

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Send us a text What does it take to stay ahead in the background screening industry while juggling a passion for music, fly fishing, and skiing? Jason Morris has done it all. From shadowing private investigation cases as a kid to launching one of the most recognized background screening companies, he’s built a career on curiosity, adaptability, and…

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Episode 19: The Power of Saying Yes: Judy Gootkin on Career Growth, PBSA & Mentorship 41:03

8M ago41:03

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Send us a text What happens when you say “yes” to unexpected opportunities? For Judy Gootkind, it meant building a remarkable career in background screening, co-founding a successful business, and becoming a respected industry leader. In this episode, I sit down with Judy to talk about her unexpected journey from accounting to background screening,…

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Episode 18: AI, Compliance & Privacy: How Background Screening is Evolving – with Alonzo Martinez 37:42

8M ago37:42

37:42

Send us a text Is navigating the world of background screening getting more complex by the day? With ever-changing compliance laws, privacy concerns, and evolving technology, businesses need to stay ahead—or risk falling behind. In this episode, I sit down with Alonzo Martinez, Associate General Counsel at HireRight, to unpack the biggest legal and…

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Episode 17: Kevin Coy on Privacy Law, FCRA Compliance, and Navigating Legal Risks in Background Screening 28:36

9M ago28:36

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Send us a text How do you stay ahead in a world where privacy laws are constantly shifting? How can businesses manage legal risks without slowing down growth? In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Coy, co-chair of the Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice at Arnall Golden Gregory LLP, to break down the legal challenges shaping background screening to…

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Episode 16: How Risk, Regulation, and Litigation Shape Background Screening With Pam Devata 32:06

9M ago32:06

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Send us a text How do you navigate an industry where lawsuits aren’t a matter of "if" but "when"? How do you balance legal compliance with running a successful business? And what’s it like being one of the most recognized legal minds in background screening? In this episode, I sit down with Pam Devata, an equity partner at Seyfarth Shaw and a leadi…

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Episode 15: Fred Giles on Background Screening, Second Chances, and Leading an Industry 29:49

9M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a text How do you take a failing business unit and turn it into a multimillion-dollar success? What’s it like to be at the forefront of an industry before it even exists? And why is giving people a second chance so important? In this episode, I sit down with industry pioneer Fred Giles, whose career spans law enforcement, polygraph examinat…

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Episode 14: Seizing Every Opportunity: How Katie Hartley Balanced Background Screening, Live Music, and Growing Up in a Huge Family 33:06

9M ago33:06

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Send us a text How Do You Become a Leader in Background Screening? Katie Hartley Shares the Secret to Success What does it take to stand out in the fast-moving world of background screening? According to Katie Hartley, it’s all about embracing change, becoming a "regulatory geek," and seizing every opportunity that comes your way. In this episode, …

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Episode 13: Fashion, Kindness, and Big Legal Ideas: Angela Preston’s Unique Path in Screening 27:59

10M ago27:59

27:59

Send us a text In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Angela, a leading legal mind in the background screening industry. From her early days in the fast-evolving world of background checks to becoming the chair of PBSA, Angela shares a career full of change, growth, and learning. We also talk about why treating people with respect ma…

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Episode 12: From Hollywood Lights to Investigation Nights: Noelle Harling's Journey to Background Screening 34:02

10M ago34:02

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Send us a text What do Johnny Depp, private investigations, and pre-employment background checks have in common? The incredible Noelle Harling! In this episode, I sit down with Noelle to uncover her fascinating journey from Hollywood actress to leading background screening pro. We dive into her undercover adventures, her pivotal role in shaping ind…

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HELP! Is It Time To Let Go of My Business? 22:17

10M ago22:17

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Summary In this episode of Inbox Zero, Bianca Lager addresses the challenging question of when to give up on a business. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and defining personal success, analyzing both emotional and data-driven aspects of business performance. Bianca discusses the significance of identifying what drains energy and the …

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Episode 11: Leadership, Legacy, and Muscle Cars: A Pro Conversation with Dean Carras 25:16

10M ago25:16

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Send us a text A full-time career man, a hobby farm, a muscle car museum, and, oh yeah, raising grandkids with the enthusiasm of a sugar-rushed Santa? Enter Dean Carras, a man who’s worn more hats in the screening industry than a milliner’s showcase. From his early days wrangling fax machines to his new role as VP of Background Verification Solutio…

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Episode 10: From Paper Trails to Lean Machines – A Screening Pro’s Evolution With Mallory Opperman 30:15

10M ago30:15

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Send us a text Imagine juggling a high-powered background screening career, chauffeuring kids to sports meets, and still finding time to perfect your golf swing—all without breaking a sweat. If that sounds like a superhero origin story, it’s probably because you haven’t met Mallory Opperman yet. In this episode, Mallory takes us on a joyride throug…

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Episode 9: How Scott Paler Juggles Law, Family, and Packers Fandom 29:15

11M ago29:15

29:15

Send us a text Let me introduce you to my guest for this episode, the brilliant and humble Scott Paler, Esq. Scott isn’t just a partner at the DeWitt law firm—he’s also a soccer dad, Packers fan, and a man who once had a very memorable lunch chat with Dr. Ruth. Join me as we explore Scott’s unique path from law school to the forefront of compliance…

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HELP! I Wasn't Invited To Play Fantasy Football 11:06

11M ago11:06

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SUMMARY In this episode of Inbox Zero, Bianca Lager addresses a listener's concern about feeling excluded from a workplace fantasy football league. She explores themes of workplace dynamics, inclusion, and strategies for participation, emphasizing the importance of communication and maintaining a balance between personal interests and professional …

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Episode 8: Jennifer Mora – The Legal Eagle Who Knits and Advocates 24:07

11M ago24:07

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Send us a text What do background screening, knitting elaborate shawls, and navigating cannabis laws have in common? They’re all part of Jennifer Mora’s incredibly dynamic world! In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer—one of the sharpest legal minds in the industry—to talk about her journey from criminal justice to labor law and why you should n…

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HELP! I Need to Scale Our Company Culture 40:13

11M ago40:13

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GUEST: Aaron Boggs This week, I sat down with Aaron Boggs, the dynamic CEO and founder of Infinite CXO. Aaron is not just a visionary leader but someone who believes deeply in fostering collaborative, people-first workplaces. His company connects businesses with fractional C-suite executives, offering game-changing leadership without the long-term …

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Episode 7: International Screening Guru, Privacy Law, and Underwater Vows with Kerstin Bagus 29:49

11M ago29:49

29:49

Send us a text Ever wondered how a nursing degree can lead to becoming the go-to expert in international background screening? In this episode, I chat with Kerstin Bagus—my friend, industry trailblazer, and privacy law wizard. From her days mastering patient care to untangling the complexities of global screening laws, Kerstin’s career is a masterc…