Creating Collaboration in the Workplace

In this week’s episode, Carol Schultz sits down with Ryan Teicher (CEO of REDCOM Design and Construction) to unpack what it actually takes to create real collaboration in today’s workplace—especially in an era where technology is increasing isolation and younger employees struggle with in-person communication.Ryan explains how REDCOM has built collaboration into its operating model by bringing all departments under one roof—eliminating silos, increasing accountability, and forcing teams to work together from start to finish. He shares the company’s “top-level talks” initiative, where employees from different departments meet offsite without managers or agendas, creating authentic conversations that later translate into stronger working relationships back in the office.They also discuss why collaboration isn’t just about people—it’s about systems, trust, and culture. From breaking down communication barriers to designing workspaces and training programs that encourage interaction, the episode highlights how organizations can move beyond surface-level teamwork and build environments where collaboration happens naturally. The conversation closes with practical insights on feedback culture, work-life balance, and why investing in people is critical for long-term success.🔑 TakeawaysCollaboration doesn’t happen by accident—it must be intentionally designedPhysical proximity (working under one roof) improves accountability and teamworkDepartments working in silos are one of the biggest barriers to collaborationInformal, offsite conversations can break down communication barriersShared personal connections make professional collaboration easierYounger employees often struggle with in-person communication post-COVIDLeaders must actively create opportunities for employees to interactTrust is the foundation of any collaborative cultureOpen feedback systems cannot exist without transparencyCollaboration reveals both people issues and process inefficienciesCross-department interaction helps identify operational bottlenecksWorkspace design can directly impact how teams collaborateLeadership must model collaboration, not just talk about itWork-life balance plays a key role in employee engagementFlexibility increases trust and productivityCulture is built through consistent actions, not just stated valuesCore values must be reinforced regularly to stay meaningfulPersonalized training is more effective than generic programsInvesting in employee development strengthens retentionCollaboration is both a cultural mindset and a structural system⏱️ Chapters00:03:15 Intro: The challenge of collaboration in an increasingly isolated world00:04:06 REDCOM’s integrated model: all teams under one roof00:05:17 Accountability and eliminating blame between departments00:06:00 Communication challenges in younger employees00:06:28 “Top-level talks”: creating offsite collaboration00:06:53 No managers, no agenda—just conversation00:07:14 Building relationships beyond work topics00:07:54 How shared experiences improve teamwork00:08:27 Creating a culture of feedback00:09:15 Encouraging openness in conversations00:09:47 Why feedback cannot be fully confidential00:10:24 Trust as the foundation of collaboration00:11:29 Challenges with management-level communication00:13:00 Personal issues affecting workplace behavior00:13:59 Breaking silos between departments00:14:39 Collaboration revealing process improvements00:15:03 Building a culture of collaboration and accountability00:15:28 Work-life balance and the “fifth day flex”00:16:33 Flexibility vs traditional corporate structures00:18:35 Collaboration as a competitive advantage00:24:52 Core values: collaboration, trust, accountability00:26:25 Reinforcing values in daily operations00:27:11 Workspace design for collaboration00:30:18 Investing in employee training and development00:31:16 Personalized training across departments00:32:15 Final thoughts on building a collaborative workplaceConnect With Host Carol SchultzFind more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram.Want to be our next guest expert? Email [e-mail] with your information.And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!