Carol Schultz

About Carol Schultz

I help CEOs break free from the daily grind of running their business so they can refocus on strategy, growth, and profitability.Here\'s the problem -> Many founders are trapped working IN their business instead of ON it. They’re consumed in meetings, putting out fires, and serving as the air traffic controller to their own company. The result? Stalled growth, executive burnout, and teams that can’t operate without them.Here\'s the crucial mistake that many CEOs make -> They believe they must have control of every aspect of their business. Newsflash: this is impossible if you want to grow. The truth is, CEOs who can let go of the reigns, build the most successful companies. That\'s where my team comes in. After helping many founders in this position, we designed a system that frees the CEO and positions their organization for growth. Rather than doing what most CEOs in this stage do (hire people and expect miracles), we actually assess missing structural foundations, install needed systems, and then hire a force amplifier. Our Chief of Staff Scaffold System gives CEOs immediate leverage. Gap Analysis & Framework Creation – We uncover where time, energy, and money are being lost. Fractional Chief of Staff Support – I step in with my team to implement systems and accountability. Seamless Transition – When the time is right, we recruit and place the right full-time CoS to ensure long-term success.The result?Teams operate with clarity and accountability.Organizations shift from reactive firefighting to proactive scaling.And best of all: the CEO can breathe and focus on strategy and growth.I’ve spent 30+ years coaching, advising, and transforming SMBs across tech, finance, and non-profits. My work has been featured in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, and more. Free Resources for Leaders:Monthly CEO Roundtables – a private forum to solve real-time challenges with peers.Powered by People (Amazon) – a guide to building talent-centric organizations.Evolving Your Workplace Podcast – weekly conversations with experts on trending workplace topics.If you’re a CEO or founder who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready to scale smarter—let’s connect. Click \"Book Appointment\" to schedule a call.

Experience

1. Founder & CEO

   Vertical Elevation

   Jan 2009 — Present

   We transform SMBs from ops-focused orgs to growth-focused ones through our Chief of Staff Scaffold System. Our system leverages three unique steps: organizational wellness assessment, installation of missing structures, hiring of a force multiplier (chief of staff). We also host a chief of staff ecosystem where we train chiefs of staffs.

Education

• Landmark

  Curriculum for Living, ILP, Introduction Leader, Head Coach Self Expression & Leadership Program

  1998 — 2005

• University of Montana

  BS, Health and Physical Education/Athletic Training

  1980 — 1984

• University of Michigan

  MS, Kinesiology and Exercise Science

  1986 — 1987

Skills

• Career Counseling
• Leadership
• Business Strategy
• Sales
• Start-Ups
• Coaching
• Interviewing
• Program Management
• Recruitment/Retention
• Personnel Management
• Executive Development
• Resume Writing
• Crm
• Employee Training
• Team Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Workshop Facilitation
• Executive Coaching
• Return on Investment
• Strategic Advisory
• Interview Preparation
• Organizational Development
• Consulting
• Career Advising
• Interviews
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Sales Roi
• Career Development
• Behavior Based Interviewing
• Executive Management
• Career Transitions
• Business Planning
• Solve Hiring Problems
• Human Resources
• Thought Leadership
• Training
• Time Management
• Strategy
• Conducting Interviews