We’re joined by Sam Worobec, Co-Founder at Training Simplified, a company revolutionizing corporate training by blending education with entertainment.

With over 20 years of experience, Sam has played pivotal roles in scaling global development platforms for companies like Chipotle and Red Ventures, hiring and developing tens of thousands of leaders annually. Known for his innovative approach to fostering workplace culture, Sam shares how engaging and creative training methods can drive better results, improve retention and transform employee development.



Key Takeaways:

(03:05) Edutainment, a blend of education and entertainment, ensures training content is engaging, memorable and effective for learners.

(07:07) Incorporating real-life perspectives, such as using a child actor to teach kids' meal preparation, humanizes training and enhances customer-focused service.

(10:37) Transforming abstract concepts using visual representations, such as animated dots symbolizing guest flow, simplifies complex ideas and improves implementation.

(16:50) Measuring training success through operational metrics provides actionable insights that go beyond completion rates and quizzes.

(21:14) Sharing real employee stories in training resonates more with staff than top-down corporate messaging, creating a stronger connection and relevance.

(22:53) Focus on operational metrics, such as 90-day turnover, rather than completion rates, to assess training success and align programs with measurable business outcomes.

(26:17) Use tools like Google reviews, Yelp and receipt-based surveys to identify customer feedback trends. Start with one-star ratings and align training to address areas for improvement.

(27:38) Create a culture that rewards improvement rather than penalizing mistakes to help address negative feedback and drive better customer experiences.

Resources Mentioned:

Sam Worobec -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/samworobec/

Training Simplified -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/training-simplified/

Wisetail | Website -

https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast

Medallia -

https://www.medallia.com/

Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

#LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

Leadership, culture and systems are the cornerstones of scaling successful multi-unit operations while empowering teams to thrive.

We welcome Daniel Acuña, Managing Partner at JM Valley Group, which operates 24 Jersey Mike’s locations across Southern California and South Florida. Daniel shares how his company maintains a culture-first approach while scaling operations across two states. He discusses the critical role of leadership development in empowering teams, highlights the systems that support consistency and growth and explains how a people-first philosophy fosters retention. With a foundation in entertainment marketing and a passion for personal and professional development, Daniel offers valuable insights on achieving operational excellence, adapting to generational shifts and building strong teams capable of driving long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

(03:35) Gen Z employees value feeling wanted and appreciated. They thrive in environments where they know their contributions matter and feel desired as part of the team.

(05:01) Leadership development involves nurturing the individual, not just their work skills. Personal growth leads to professional excellence and long-term loyalty.

(12:01) Leadership development is critical in multi-unit management to ensure every leader embodies the company’s values and implements consistent practices.

(13:19) Systems and culture work hand in hand to drive effective management. Strong systems provide structure, while culture ensures teams remain aligned with the vision.

(16:08) Consistency in tools like digital checklists and training systems ensures employees perform effectively and helps streamline operations across locations.

(20:34) Tools like the book “Atomic Habits” and DISC empower employees to better understand themselves, communicate effectively and achieve personal and professional goals.

(23:14) Collecting mentors and collaborating with successful peers is a key strategy for growth. Learning from others’ experiences accelerates success.

(26:03) Proven franchise systems allow owners to focus on scaling and strategy instead of operational minutiae, ensuring sustained growth.

(30:37) Maintaining a slight overstaffing cushion ensures operational stability, prevents disruptions and allows for seamless handling of unexpected challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

Daniel Acuña -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-acu%C3%B1a-14571542/

Wisetail website -

https://wisetail.com/?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast

"Atomic Habits" by James Clear -

https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

"The Power of Positive Leadership" by Jon Gordon -

https://powerofpositiveleadership.com/

"The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John C. Maxwell -

https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376

Homebase -

https://www.joinhomebase.com/

Vantage Circle -

https://www.vantagecircle.com/vantage-points/

Thanks for listening to the Wise Tales podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

#LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation

For this episode, we’re joined by Carol Britt, Training and Development Manager, and Dunadel Daryoush, Regional Operations and Training Director, both at Georgetown Events Hospitality Group.

Carol and Dunadel discuss the unique dynamics of training and development in a seasonal hospitality environment, focusing on cultivating respect, buy-in and tailored approaches to staff training.

Key Takeaways:

(02:53) Seasonal resets allow for fresh training approaches, addressing both new team dynamics and operational consistency in each reopening cycle.

(05:10) Digital tracking tools streamline training for rotating teams, enabling managers to monitor staff progress and manage schedules across shifts seamlessly.

(08:41) Addressing knowledge gaps in real-time, such as essential safety protocols, is crucial for building a reliable and effective team, especially in high-turnover environments.

(15:49) Integrating digital modules with hands-on training provides a balanced foundation, allowing team members to retain knowledge while practicing skills on-site.

(19:33) Building respect within teams creates stronger buy-in; Carol and Dunadel emphasize that respectful environments outperform fear-based management in retaining staff long-term.

(23:47) Emphasizing individual and collective roles fosters team cohesion, encouraging staff to look out for one another and take responsibility for their workspace.

(28:33) Open-ended and theory-based questions in training sessions challenge team members to think critically, helping managers assess their responses and approach to complex situations.

(29:38) Understanding that each employee learns and operates differently is essential; Carol and Dunadel highlight adapting training to accommodate different learning styles.

(32:16) Focusing on details, from table settings to customer greetings, elevates the guest experience and reflects Georgetown Events’ commitment to quality in every interaction.

Resources Mentioned:

Carol Britt -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-britt-85218956/

Dunadel Daryoush -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dunadeldaryoush/

Georgetown Events Hospitality Group | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgetown-events/

Wisetail | Website -

https://wisetail.com?utm_source=podcastplatforms&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wise-tales-podcast

Georgetown Events Hospitality Group | Website -

https://www.georgetownevents.com/

Information Overload: Why Frontline Workers are Quitting & How to Fix It -

https://wisetail.com/information-overload-why-frontline-workers-are-quitting-and-how-to-fix-it/

Thanks for listening to the “Wise Tales” podcast. Be sure to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

#LearningAndDevelopment #OrganizationalCulture #AIInnovation #DisruptiveInnovation #DigitalTransformation #DigitalInnovation