Straight Talk – an ISSA Podcast
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.
Episodes
506 episodes
Michigan State University: The Invisible Workforce Behind an Outstanding Spartan Experience
What does it take to keep one of the nation’s largest university facilities and housing systems running smoothly?
The Startup Window: Where New Cleaning Accounts Are Won or Lost
Most organizations invest significant time and effort into winning new customers, but far fewer focus on what happens after the contract is signed.
What 250 Years of America Can Teach Business Owners About Leadership
America turns 250 years old this year, but according to today’s guest, one thing hasn’t changed: Small businesses still carry the water.
The Confidence Trap
Experience can be a powerful advantage—but it can also become a liability when professionals stop adapting.
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 compe...
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 operatio...
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...
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 ever...
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, tran...
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.
Why Two Out of Three Sales Hires Fail
Most companies believe they have a hiring problem. In reality, many have a hiring process problem.
Where Advocacy Meets Sustainability
Steve Ashkin, founder of The Ashkin Group, discusses the key themes from his article about advocacy and sustainability.
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.
Autonomous Cleaning Needs More Than Autonomous Machines
Autonomous cleaning is everywhere right now—but what actually works in the real world? In this episode, Chris Ford, EVP of Robotics and Innovation with KBS, shares a grounded, provider-side perspective on how robotics and AI are being deployed ...
The Human Side of Artificial Intelligence
Laurie Sewell, president of ISSA, shares insights and strategies for C-Suite professionals.
What to Do When AI Does Not Deliver
Most business owners have experimented with AI—but many walked away frustrated by generic answers, weak output, and complicated prompts. In this conversation, Dean Mercado explains why the problem usually isn’t the AI tool itself. It’s the miss...
Stop the Information Dump: Why Clearer Proposals Win More Cleaning Contracts
A great proposal should build confidence—not confusion. In this conversation, we explore why clarity often outperforms complexity in cleaning and restoration proposals, how overloaded estimates can hurt sales, and what business owners can ...
From the Lab to the Reprocessing Floor: How Enzymatic Detergents Get Tested, Chosen, and Trusted
What does it take to develop effective enzymatic detergents for today’s healthcare environments? In this episode, we explore how detergent manufacturers validate cleaning performance, differentiate their products, and support healthcare facilit...
Where Cleaning Contracts Are Really Won or Lost
Winning a contract is only half the battle—executing a smooth transition is where the real pressure begins. In this episode, Randy Burke and Jason Little at DCS Global break down one of the biggest hidden challenges in the cleaning and facility...
Cleaning in the Age of AI and Automation
What happens when a university engineering project turns into a global technology company helping major facility service organizations digitize operations?
Hantavirus and Beyond: Is the Cleaning Industry Ready for What’s Coming?
Biohazard incidents can happen anywhere—schools, offices, healthcare facilities, public spaces, transportation hubs, and commercial buildings. When cleaning professionals encounter blood, bodily fluids, infectious materials, or other potentiall...
Is Your Website a Pretty Brochure or a Powerful Business Tool?
A great-looking website doesn’t always mean great results. In this episode, we explore why so many cleaning company websites fail to convert—and what you can do about it.
Why New Cleaning Employees Quit Before They Even Settle In
Over 55% of cleaning industry new hires quit within the first 60 days—and many companies are asking the wrong question about why. In today’s program, we explore what separates cleaners who stay from those who leave almost immediately. From onbo...