Can family and business really mix? And is it actually possible to take a vacation without your company falling apart? Chris, Jonathan, and Sasha share their firsthand experiences working with family, navigating trust and boundaries, and building a culture where people can truly unplug. From PTO policies and sabbaticals to succession planning and healthy team dynamics, this episode explores how the strongest businesses are built to thrive—with or without you.

Presented by Trainual.com

What does strategic planning actually look like inside a growing company? Chris, Jonathan, and Sasha take you behind the scenes of Trainual's planning process, sharing how they set priorities, align teams, make tough tradeoffs, and turn big ideas into execution. From annual planning rhythms to quarterly goals, positioning discussions, and the role of "Quiet Week," this is a candid look at how growing businesses create focus instead of chaos.

Performance management shouldn't feel like paperwork or awkward annual conversations. This discussion explores how great leaders set expectations, measure success, coach consistently, recognize wins, and help employees grow throughout the year. You'll hear practical ideas for building accountability, improving communication, making feedback more effective, and creating a culture where people know exactly what's expected—and how to succeed.

Chris Ronzio, Jonathan Ronzio, and Sasha Robinson trade hot takes on the workforce headlines everyone's arguing about. Are companies really cutting jobs because of AI, or just using it as cover for bad decisions and overhiring? Is the war on middle management (à la GitLab's three-layer flattening) a smart move or a morale killer? And with engagement at an 11-year low and "quiet stayers" replacing quiet quitters, how much turnover is actually healthy?

Then things get personal: Chris and Jonathan go head-to-head on remote vs. hybrid work—data, digital-nomad nostalgia, and all—while Sasha referees and lays out where Trainual actually lands today. Plus, why your manager shouldn't be your "guidance counselor," the case for an employee "aspiration index," and how AI is letting great managers handle 15 reports instead of 5.

(The performance management deep-dive? Bumped to next week—this one ran away from us.)

The return of Organize Chaos!

This time, Chris has co-hosts... Trainual Co-Founder and CMO/CRO, Jonathan Ronzio, plus Trainual's VP of People Operations, Sasha Robinson take the mic for the indefinite future of the show.

Expect Chris, Jonathan, and Sasha, plus guests, to bring you all things business and tech, marketing and sales, people and culture, with behind the scenes real-time insights around how they're building at Trainual.

We've formatted our epic Playbook 2022 sessions for the podcast so you can take them on the go wherever you are. This episode features Alli Webb of Drybar hosted by myself and Jonathan Ronzio.

How did Alli Webb scale Drybar to 150+ locations and a product line that she sold for $255M? We'll dig into this and more during a fireside chat.

Want more? For a full breakdown on this session check out The Manual!

Find episode show notes, podcast blog recaps, and the best SMB news & tips on The Manual!

Watch video highlights on Youtube here.

Follow Chris Ronzio for more business insight.

Learn more about Trainual, the world's top Business Playbook™ software.

We've formatted our epic Playbook 2022 sessions for the podcast so you can take them on the go wherever you are. This episode features Candy Valentino and Connie S. Falls, hosted by Trainual's Partner Manager, Joe Corcione.

We unpack top tips from one of our favorite business consultants, Candy Valentino! If you ever wanted to learn how to experience more profitability, productivity, and freedom inside your business, this is the session for you. We unpack top tips from one of our favorite business consultants Connie S. Falls! If you ever wanted to learn how to experience more profitability, productivity, and freedom inside your business, this session is for you.

Want more? For a full breakdown on this session check out The Manual!

Find episode show notes, podcast blog recaps, and the best SMB news & tips on The Manual!

Watch video highlights on Youtube here.

Follow Chris Ronzio for more business insight.

Learn more about Trainual, the world's top Business Playbook™ software.

The owners word weighs a ton. Or the weight of internal intros. Have you ever heard that phrase before? I first heard it from Basecamp Co-founder, Jason Fried. It's an important lesson for owners and leaders to understand that your comments and opinions carry a certain level of urgency for your employees if context is not handled properly. Share this episode with anyone on your leadership team or in a managerial position!

Find episode show notes, podcast blog recaps, and the best SMB news & tips on The Manual!

Watch video highlights on Youtube here.

Follow Chris Ronzio for more business insight.

Learn more about Trainual, the world's top Business Playbook™ software.