The Guardrails Podcast™

EPISODE 1
In the first episode of the Guard Rails podcast, hosts Michael B. Stevens and Blaise Schroeder introduce the show’s purpose: sharing workplace and managerial lessons - especially soft skills they believe aren’t being taught - through a cross-generational lens. Blaise, a Vermont-based insurance manager with decades of experience, and Michael, a millennial lawyer and law firm leader, describe their backgrounds and how they met through a business outreach that led to a memorable Applebee’s lunch and a discussion about communication. The episode’s main topic is when “the email should have been a phone call,” emphasizing how written communication can lose tone, create misunderstandings, prolong conflict, and increase anxiety, while real-time calls can build rapport, speed clarity, resolve sensitive or nuanced issues, and build trust. They discuss coaching and onboarding practices to proactively teach these skills and invite feedback and topic ideas for future episodes.

When the Email Should Have Been a Phone Call

Michael Stevens and Blaise Schroeder introduce a The Guardrails Podcast with the idea that many emails should instead be handled with a phone call. They argue that real speed in communication comes not from typing faster, but from choosing a medium that forces immediate clarity. Sending an email can feel like the easy option, but it may create ongoing anxiety and trigger long back-and-forth threads, additional discussions, and involvement from managers. Their recommendation is to pick up the phone so the other person can hear your voice and resolve the issue more directly.