June 16, 202616 min
The Confidence Trap
Experience can be a powerful advantage—but it can also become a liability when professionals stop adapting.
Episodes
501
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN-US
About the show
Straight Talk, an ISSA podcast, presents a curated playlist of the hottest topics facing the cleaning industry today—from health and safety to infection prevention to innovative products to business development and much more. ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association, brings together the top experts and decision makers give our listeners and members the most up-to-date information for their businesses.
Listen to episodes
June 11, 202613 min
Out-Recruiting the Giants: A Cleaning Company’s Edge in the Labor War
The conversation about the labor shortage in cleaning and facility services usually sounds the same: “Nobody wants to work anymore.” Add to that, “Turnover is at an all-time high.” But what if the real issue is that cleaning companies are competing against entirely different industries, POWERFUL industries, for the same people—and losing?
June 10, 202610 min
The CIMS Guidebook: How Ikigai Helps BSCs Earn Certification
What does it take to prepare a cleaning company for long-term success? In this episode, Paul Greenland, CEO of Ikigai Management Consultants and an ISSA Consulting partner, discusses how organizations can strengthen leadership, improve operational performance, prepare for CIMS certification, and build systems that support sustainable growth.
June 10, 20268 min
How to Build Smarter Teams for a Smarter Industry
The future of facility management is becoming increasingly connected, automated, and data-driven. To help cleaning and facility professionals navigate this changing landscape, ISSA has partnered with Smart Building Bootcamp to provide practical education focused on smart buildings, artificial intelligence, robotics, workplace technologies, cybersecurity awareness, and more.
June 8, 202610 min
From Mop Bucket to Industry Advisor: Derek Oliveira’s Mission to Solve Cleaning’s Toughest Challenges
In this conversation, Derek Oliveira, ISSA's Associate Director of Education, Training, and Field Services, shares insights from a career dedicated to professional development, industry advancement, and supporting cleaning professionals at every stage of their journey.
June 5, 20263 min
Submit Your Stories - FIFA World Cup 2026: How We Clean!
As the world prepares for the largest FIFA World Cup in history, the focus extends far beyond the stadium gates. With 48 teams, millions of fans, and thousands of support personnel moving through hotels, airports, training facilities, transportation hubs, and public venues across North America, cleanliness, infection prevention, and operational resilience will be critical to the tournament's success.
June 3, 202632 min
From the Jobsite to Capitol Hill: RIA Gives Restorers a Direct Line to Lawmakers
Grassroots advocacy is no longer just a conversation happening in Washington—it’s happening at the state level, and restoration professionals are being called to participate.
June 1, 202614 min
Why Two Out of Three Sales Hires Fail
Most companies believe they have a hiring problem. In reality, many have a hiring process problem.
June 1, 20267 min
Where Advocacy Meets Sustainability
Steve Ashkin, founder of The Ashkin Group, discusses the key themes from his article about advocacy and sustainability.
May 28, 202630 min
When AI Guesses Wrong, Floors Pay the Price
Just how smart is artificial intelligence these days? It depends on whom you ask. And when it comes to resilient flooring, AI may not be as smart as some people think.
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