We recently connected with Paul Rosenberg and have shared our conversation below.

Paul , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Talk to us about building your team? What was it like? What were some of the key challenges and what was your process like?

I have always been a rebel hiring wise. While a good resume/cv is a starting point, I have always felt that a person who can show value trumps any lack of experience. That ability to connect with me has been proven over and over again. There are hundreds of “wow on paper” resumes that translated into not much else. Secondly, I have had some fab young hires, because the commitment and energy were there. The longer in the work force, the harder it is to overcome the ego. When I became a coach, after the first hour of my interview, my future boss said ” I like you but you are too white collar. Why should I put you in an industrial or blue-collar setting?” I then went on to talk about my work in India, and sleeping on the floor, no running water, etc. I always remembered that. My first hires were about energy, different personalities, and diverse skill sets as I wanted a core foundation that was balanced. I made sure I paid as much attention to on boarding as I did to interviewing, The key, as I could flush out any nonstarters early. I took alot of risks, and it paid off in a fab work culture. And high performing teams.

Paul , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a business and performance coach, as well as keynote speaker and trainer. My experience has shown me working on six continents that no matter what the language, culture, software, or hardware, the key to growth and performance is in human capital I have worked with global giants like Honeywell and Bristish Petroleum, to small startups. You may be world class, but there is always significant gains to be made when you build a better culture and leadership at all levels. The results: Impact in the 100;s of millions of dollars. Transformational, and the bottom line gains as well. My unique position as a keynote speaker and trainer comes from this extensive multi-industry and global track record, combined with a parallel career as an improvisational actor and standup comic. My passion is engaging companies and teams, with a fun and creative approach. Entertaining. And sustainable learning.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I had worked in LA NY Spain Sweden NZ and Australia for a large conference company as a GM, opening up new offices globally, training the local team, and moving on. We had layoffs, and a former Swedish business partner of mine and I decided open up a training company in Sweden. When I got there, she had fallen in love, and had left the business focus as a priority. As the non Swede, it all had to go through here. While the business was failing, I had to survive. The previous year I had done an open mike night in Sweden and a mini tour of clubs there, as comedy was in a boom time. I began working the clubs, and soon was working every weekend around the country with my standup act, based on a gringo living in Sweden. I heard there was a tv show based on a similar story years later. I had to pivot to comedy to pay the bills. Not exactly a comfort zone move, but it was one of the richest experiences of my life with so many fond memories> I still miss the stage, which is why I love training and keynoting!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the lessons I used to follow is to always be the good partner or corporate citizen. When my bosses crossed ethical lines, I thought being a “team player” was the way to go. I didnt have the courage at the time to be authentic, and to challenge the status quo, even though inside I was ignoring my gut. I was too afraid to speak my mind. Now, I cut to the chase early, and don’t worry about what people may think.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prosenbergbiz/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rogueleader4181
• Other: https://www.rosenbergpaul.com

Image Credits

Javier Adalpe ,Texas A&M MS Analytics Orientation