Straight Talk – an ISSA Podcast

Learning to lead is a lot like learning to swim. You can stand at the pool's edge, listen to an instructor explain the strokes, understand the mechanics in your head, and then jump in and flounder anyway. The knowledge is one thing. The daily practice is another. This same issue is often seen in business and operations today.

What does it mean to leave a meaningful impact on the next generation? In this episode, we explore leadership through the lens of legacy—focusing on integrity, mentorship, and the quiet influence of leading by example. 

For decades, outside salespeople were the backbone of B2B selling—driving from customer to customer, building relationships face-to-face, and growing business through personal connections. But in today's changing sales environment, many leaders are asking a difficult question: Is the traditional outside salesperson still necessary?

Artificial intelligence is changing how business gets done—but success in the age of AI isn't just about adopting new tools.

In healthcare, the conversation around cleanliness often focuses on protocols, products, and compliance—but what about the people on the front lines making critical decisions every day? It's time for the cleaning industry and healthcare to make this a team sport.

When technicians walk into an IICRC-approved class, they see a manual, a schedule, and an instructor at the front of the room. What they don't see is the years of industry experience, the hours of preparation, the careful classroom choreography, and the deep personal investment that go into delivering training at the highest level. This is the story of how three educators give their all.

Thomas Brennan wasn't planning a career in cleaning and restoration. He was just a high school kid looking for a way out of class early. Like most high school kids. But he had an escape plan. Here is his story that launched 30 years in business.

In this President's Message, Laurie Sewell, the CEO of Servicon and the president of ISSA shares her take on the words and phrases she's ready to retire.