5 Minutes with Andy

What sets great leaders and organizations apart? It’s not just results—it’s how they achieve them. In this episode of 5 Minutes with Andy, CEO Andy Freed shares insights from Virtual’s journey to show how leading with values drives success and inspires greatness. Andy discusses: Why corporate values are more than words on paper. How values guide a company’s decisions and long-term success. The role of generosity, innovation, and teamwork in shaping Virtual’s culture and impact.   Tune in to discover why values are at the heart of great leadership and great companies.

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Andy, Virtual, Inc. CEO Andy Freed reflects on the power of gratitude in leadership and how making people feel seen and appreciated is essential to helping teams thrive.   Andy discusses: How simple - and profound - it is to say “thank you.” The importance of positive communication for fostering employee engagement and growth. Why showing appreciation should be a daily practice for every leader.   Tune in to discover how practicing gratitude can build stronger teams and help you lead with purpose.

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Andy, Virtual, Inc. CEO Andy Freed provides practical insights for leaders on navigating communication in today’s hybrid workplace and building trust across in-office and remote teams. Andy discusses: Why regular face-to-face interactions still matter. How leaders can adapt communication styles to overcome technology’s limitations. The importance of empathy and “over-communicating” in a hybrid setting. Tune in for tips on how to make meaningful connections with your team and communicate with impact, no matter where your employees are located.

In this episode of 5 Minutes with Andy, Andy Freed, CEO of Virtual, Inc., shares leadership and communication insights inspired by none other than "The Boss" himself—Bruce Springsteen. Drawing from his experiences as a dedicated Springsteen fan, Andy highlights valuable lessons that leaders can learn from the legendary performer’s ability to connect with his audience.

"The mark of effective communication isn’t just that you’ve presented information to your audience. As a leader, you know you’ve succeeded when people remember and tell your story to others." -Andy Freed, CEO, Virtual, Inc. In this episode of 5 Minutes with Andy, Andy Freed, CEO of Virtual, Inc., delves into one of his favorite topics—the power of storytelling in leadership and business communication.  Andy discusses: The key differences between storytelling and presenting. Why our brains are wired to connect with stories, not statistics. How leaders can use storytelling to create memorable and impactful messages. With practical examples and tips, Andy reveals how storytelling can transform your communication and help your message endure. Tune in to learn why great leaders are storytellers, not just presenters.

"Not every company makes it to 25 years. It's an extraordinary achievement against a ton of odds." -JayVogt, Founder, Peoplesworth In this milestone episode of "5 Minutes with Andy," host Andy Freed, CEO of Virtual Inc., is joined by Jay Vogt, organizational development expert and founder of Peoplesworth. As Virtual Inc. celebrates its 25th anniversary, Andy and Jay reflect on the journey, sharing insights into the challenges faced and the strategies that led to success. Tune in for expert perspectives on: Why some companies thrive while others falter. The critical role of vision, culture and adaptability in long-term success. Essential strategies for building a resilient organization that stands the test of time. Whether you're an early-stage entrepreneur or a seasoned business leader, this episode provides essential insights for building an organization that not only survives but thrives for years to come.

"No, you're not going to lose your job to AI. You're going to lose your job to somebody who knows how to use AI." -Andy Freed, CEO, Virtual, Inc In this episode of "5 Minutes with Andy," join host Andy Freed, CEO of Virtual Inc., as he delves into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its game-changing impact on the workplace. Andy discusses: Why embracing AI is essential for staying competitive in your career. How AI compares to past technological revolutions. Practical tips for integrating AI into your daily routine, with just 10 minutes a day (including a bonus assignment). Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or are already well-versed, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI can boost your productivity and sharpen your decision-making. Tune in to discover why AI isn't just an option for today’s business professionals—it's a necessity.

After a brief hiatus, "5 Minutes with Andy," is back! Host Andy Freed, CEO of Virtual, Inc. reintroduces the podcast and invites you on a journey with him to become better leaders and communicators, in just five minutes at a time.