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Up to date, high-level business information that is relevant to our clients and contacts, helping keep up to date on the ver-changing business world of today.

Cal Wilson / June 24, 2025

What is cognitive bias and how might it be holding you back in business?

While each and every person is unique, with our own views of the world shaped by our individual lived experiences, we also all function similarly, to a degree. Our brains experience similar patterns of thoughts and behaviors. Meaning, most of us are susceptible to the same quirks, from time to time. One of those is cognitive bias. A cognitive bias is a predictable pattern of error in our perception of reality. It can lead to altered or irrational decision-making and even subjective interpretation of objective fact.

What does any of this mean in business? In this issue of The Pulse, we take a look.

How do cognitive biases work?

Our brains have allowed us to create mental shortcuts – officially known as heuristics –during the decision-making process of our everyday lives. Of course, we don’t use them all the time. Some decisions require a lot of focus and consideration. But for most things, our brains take these shortcuts to avoid the mental overload of having to really process all of the choices we make every day. Which, by the way, can be an estimated 35,000. If you had to think about 35,000 different choices a day, you might not get anything done.

In order to form these shortcuts, our brains rely on our pre-existing experiences and beliefs to help form judgments and predictions. This happens subconsciously, without you intending to do it.

Our brains are more likely to default to taking these shortcuts under certain circumstances, including:

  • When we are reaching limited information-processing capacity, such as when we are tired, burnt out, hungry, etc.
  • When we are forced to make emotional decisions
  • When the decision can help us confirm a conclusion we wish to see confirmed, even subconsciously
  • When our decisions might be impacted by social influence or lead to social consequences

That list is non-exhaustive, but does give an idea of how easily our rational side can be overpowered by the need for these mental shortcuts.

Examples of biases.

Cognitive biases fit into such common patterns that behavioural scientists have actually classified them. Here is a list of some examples that may impact your business decisions, specifically:

  • Action Bias – in which we prefer any action to no action at all
  • Affect Heuristic – in which we rely on current emotions to make a quick decision
  • Ambiguity Effect – in which we prefer options we already know
  • Anchoring Bias – in which we compare all new information to the first piece of information we received
  • Availability Heuristic – in which we think things that happened recently are more likely to happen again
  • Choice Overload – in which we have a harder time choosing when we have more options
  • Commitment Bias – in which we have trouble changing our mind from past ideas, even when presented with evidence that they’re wrong
  • Hyperbolic Discounting – in which we value immediate rewards more than long-term rewards

Once again, this is by no means an exhaustive list – it just provides some examples of how these mental shortcuts could lead us into making an incorrect and ultimately costly choice.

What is the impact of cognitive bias in business?

While the risk of cognitive bias in most of our daily decisions – such as what to eat for breakfast, whether to skip a song on our playlist, or what to wear – isn’t huge, letting it determine your business decision-making isn’t always wise. These mental shortcuts can lead us to misunderstand events, facts, or other people. Meaning, we might make the wrong choices or struggle to think critically.

This could lead to missed opportunities, mistakes with clients or colleagues, and – given the brain’s likelihood to seek the familiar – stagnation in your career path.

How can you steer your brain away from these shortcuts?

We all are impacted by cognitive bias to some degree – it’s quite literally human nature. However, practicing being in the right mindset to make important decisions on the job is important. Some strategies to combat cognitive bias include:

  • Being aware of potential biases that might impact a situation, and that you may be more susceptible to
  • Consider all possible factors that might influence your decision
  • Highlight things that make you uncomfortable and might lead to a snap decision
  • Reflect on patterns in past decision-making
  • Ask questions and seek out new information; don’t rely on just the initial information given
  • Seek multiple perspectives when evaluating a choice
  • Look for evidence that may disconfirm your preconceived biases

In conclusion


Everyone experiences cognitive bias. It’s part of the human experience and protects our brains from becoming overwhelmed. However, it’s important to know when and how to challenge it to thrive in your career.

Cal Wilson / May 23, 2025

Should you be screening your applicants’ social media?

It’s hard to learn everything you need to know about a potential hire from a resume, cover letter, or even an interview. People tend to put their best foot forward in this situation, and that can make it tricky to get a full picture of who you’d be inviting into your business or organization. Since the advent of social media, employers have had, essentially, a free tool to help them screen employees and learn more about that full picture. But is this practice helping your hiring efforts or wasting your time? In this issue of the Pulse, we take a look.

 What kind of screening are employers doing?

According to a survey conducted by The Harris Poll, the majority – 60% – of U.S. hiring managers believe “employers should screen all applicants’ social media profiles.” The survey also found that:

  • 41% feel social media sites are among the best places to source candidates
  • 70% utilize social media to research potential job candidates
  • 17% research every single candidate on social media
  • 69% find looking at candidates’ social media profiles is effective
  • 51% have never found content on a social media site that caused them not to hire a candidate
  • 86% report being likely to consider a candidate who does not have an online presence

When employers are screening candidates, it’s typically because they’re looking for disqualifying content on their online profiles. There are many examples of what that could mean, including:

  • Illegal activities
  • Offensive comments/posts
  • Violent or aggressive behavior
  • Explicit material
  • Posts regarding former employment

To find these, employers can look at any publicly available social media they can access through a search. If it’s out there on the internet, it’s fair game. According to Matt Erhard, managing partner of Summit Search Group, the most common sites used to screen applicants are LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter). Though, many employers won’t go beyond LinkedIn, citing its particular relevance to their interests.

Candidates are savvy to this practice.

Whether or not you believe screening potential employees is effective, candidates may not allow themselves to be caught with any publicly visible compromising posts. The Harris Poll also found that 66% of job seekers don’t feel that social media profiles should influence their likelihood of being hired. Many of these candidates are likely to be cautious about which profiles are going to be seen, using aliases or private profiles on pages where they can be a bit more relaxed about what they post.

If this is the case, using social media screenings may be less effective or authentic than you would hope. Many people treat LinkedIn, for example, as a resume, and you may not be able to glean any additional insight from their profiles.

Some warn against this practice.

It’s not just social media savvy candidates who may prevent you from seeing anything you’re not meant to see. Some experts warn against screening employee social media for more practical reasons. If employers aren’t careful about the information they choose to collect and consider about an applicant, they may inadvertently find themselves treading a gray area legally, especially if it leads to a rejection. This could be interpreted as biased or discriminatory, based on what is visible on a person’s profile. Likewise, many profiles can include outdated or incorrect information, which doesn’t help an employer make an informed decision.

In conclusion


Using social media as a screening tool for employers come with both drawbacks and advantages. In any case, employers should be careful and think critically when using it to judge an applicant.

 

Cal Wilson / May 20, 2025

AI is changing the SaaS landscape

Whether or not you’re a fan of AI, the undeniable truth is that it’s making waves in a lot of different areas that may impact your business or organization. If you use any Software as a Solution (SaaS) services, and rely on them for operations, you may find AI making an impact on your future.

In this article, we take a look at AI and the future of SaaS.

Many SaaS providers are adding AI functions to their suite of products.

Many SaaS providers have already begun adding AI-powered tools to their services. Microsoft Copilot, for example, might come to mind. But it’s not just search AI assistants. CRM providers have started adding tools like AI-generated sales emails, chatbots, and predictive analytics. There are many possibilities for the ways in which SaaS companies can expand their offerings with AI.

As the Software Equity Group says, “AI’s ability to process and learn from vast data enhances SaaS applications, making them smarter and more adaptable. This integration means SaaS products can offer personalized experiences, automate mundane tasks, and unearth insights that were previously out of reach.”

Is AI as a Service replacing SaaS?

Artificial Intelligence as a Service – or AIaaS – is a new trend making waves in the SaaS landscape.

As best put by Forbes, “AIaaS does more than just store data or perform tasks—it actually thinks, learns, and improves over time. It is designed to make decisions, automate work, and adapt based on user behavior.”

Meaning, instead of just providing the user with the tools to complete a task – whether that be storage, word processing, etc. – AIaaS products can analyze data, generate insights, and automate some of said tasks.

With companies like Microsoft, Zoom, Salesforce, Google, and others holding such a big space in the SaaS market, it seems unlikely that SaaS is going anywhere soon. However, AIaaS offers a new and exciting opportunity for developers to make a footprint in an emerging market, and for companies to hop on a trend that will keep them current and competitive. Likewise, as expectations for AI integrations increase, SaaS platforms that can best utilize these tools will find themselves at a distinct advantage.

In conclusion


Regardless of how you feel about the technology, it’s impossible to separate AI from the future of the software your organization relies on. In the coming years, you can expect to see it change the way these programs operate, making them smarter and more automated.

Cal Wilson / May 20, 2025

AI is changing the SaaS landscape

Whether or not you’re a fan of AI, the undeniable truth is that it’s making waves in a lot of different areas that may impact your business or organization. If you use any Software as a Solution (SaaS) services, and rely on them for operations, you may find AI making an impact on your future.

In this article, we take a look at AI and the future of SaaS.

Many SaaS providers are adding AI functions to their suite of products.

Many SaaS providers have already begun adding AI-powered tools to their services. Microsoft Copilot, for example, might come to mind. But it’s not just search AI assistants. CRM providers have started adding tools like AI-generated sales emails, chatbots, and predictive analytics. There are many possibilities for the ways in which SaaS companies can expand their offerings with AI.

As the Software Equity Group says, “AI’s ability to process and learn from vast data enhances SaaS applications, making them smarter and more adaptable. This integration means SaaS products can offer personalized experiences, automate mundane tasks, and unearth insights that were previously out of reach.”

Is AI as a Service replacing SaaS?

Artificial Intelligence as a Service – or AIaaS – is a new trend making waves in the SaaS landscape.

As best put by Forbes, “AIaaS does more than just store data or perform tasks—it actually thinks, learns, and improves over time. It is designed to make decisions, automate work, and adapt based on user behavior.”

Meaning, instead of just providing the user with the tools to complete a task – whether that be storage, word processing, etc. – AIaaS products can analyze data, generate insights, and automate some of said tasks.

With companies like Microsoft, Zoom, Salesforce, Google, and others holding such a big space in the SaaS market, it seems unlikely that SaaS is going anywhere soon. However, AIaaS offers a new and exciting opportunity for developers to make a footprint in an emerging market, and for companies to hop on a trend that will keep them current and competitive. Likewise, as expectations for AI integrations increase, SaaS platforms that can best utilize these tools will find themselves at a distinct advantage.

In conclusion


Regardless of how you feel about the technology, it’s impossible to separate AI from the future of the software your organization relies on. In the coming years, you can expect to see it change the way these programs operate, making them smarter and more automated.

Cal Wilson / April 30, 2025

Four Moments. One Common Thread. The Power of Image and Pride

There are moments in life when a simple suit meant more than just clothing. Let me show you four of them:

Three years old. Thrift-store suit. Mom said we still had to look our best for church.

My senior photo. Suit from Goodwill. Tie borrowed from Grandpa. Confidence from Mom.

U.S. Air Force Commissioning day. Top graduate. Also, a second-hand suit.

Rookie of the Year at Schooley Mitchell. This suit wasn’t about appearance—it was about perseverance.

Each of these moments was shaped by more than the suit I was wearing. They were shaped by pride, confidence, and the belief that I was worth something. That’s what image does. It changes the way we see ourselves—and the way the world sees us.

For someone struggling—whether it’s a teenager preparing for their first job interview or a single parent rebuilding after hardship—having access to affordable, professional clothing is about more than appearance. It’s about dignity.

Goodwill stores make that possible. They don’t just generate revenue for job training programs—they provide people with the ability to present themselves with confidence. To feel like they belong. To walk into the world with their head held high. But keeping those stores open is getting harder. Rising costs in waste, telecom, fuel, supplies, and credit card processing are putting pressure on budgets and forcing tough decisions.

That’s where we can help.

At Schooley Mitchell, we support Goodwill organizations across North America by reducing operational costs—without disrupting operations or asking your team to do more with less.

That means:

  • More stores staying open
  • More people stepping into opportunity with confidence
  • More lives changed by the simple power of showing up and being seen

 

Cal Wilson / April 21, 2025

Don’t dismiss the importance of tires in your fleet’s fuel spend

Gas prices can fluctuate and make it hard to budget for your annual fuel expenditure. However, there are other factors that might be impacting your fleet’s fuel expenses. One of them is tires. It may not sound like a crucial part of the fuel mileage equation, but poor tire condition can severely deplete your vehicles’ fuel efficiency.  

In this article we look at the connection between tires and fuel, and how you can ensure you’re not missing an opportunity to become more fuel efficient.  

How do tires impact fuel efficiency? 

Many aspects of your vehicles’ tires impact their fuel efficiency. These include: 

  • Pressure 
  • Quality 
  • Alignment  
  • Rotation frequency  
  • Tire size and weight 
  • Maintenance 

All these elements, if properly kept up with, will save you money on fuel in the long run.  

Tire pressure is crucial, because underinflated tires lead to increased rolling resistance, making your engine work harder to move the vehicle. Keeping your tires properly inflated can save your vehicles approximately $0.02/gallon. That may not seem like too much at a glance, but when you consider every vehicle in your fleet, and every mile driven over the course of a year, that adds up.  

Tire quality can also save you money on your refuelling bills. Some higher-end tires will come labelled as low rolling resistance (LRR) tires and are specifically designed to improve fuel efficiency by an estimated 3-4%. 

Proper tire alignment with your wheel “ensures that your tires meet the road at the correct angle, preventing uneven tire wear and reducing rolling resistance. Misaligned tires can drag slightly, causing your vehicle to use more fuel to maintain speed.” 

Regular tire maintenance makes sure all these elements are being routinely monitored, and catching any issues or damage that might detract from your fleet’s fuel efficiency.   

Best tire practices to keep in mind. 

To make the most of your fuel budget, and not waste any money because of improper tire practices, make sure to keep up these habits: 

  • Conduct monthly tire pressure checks to ensure you aren’t losing fuel efficiency to underinflation.  
  • Invest in LRR tires, when possible, for long-term fuel savings.  
  • Conduct regular checks for wear patterns on the tire that may be indicative of the need for realignment. 
  • If your drivers complain of excessive steering wheel vibration, check to see if the tires need realigning.  
  • Ensure your fleets’ tires are rotated, usually every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, to maintain consistent rolling resistance.  
  • Ensure you’re only using the right tire size recommended by your vehicles’ manufacturer. 

In conclusion
 

Tire maintenance and upkeep goes a long way in protecting your fleet’s fuel budget. If you’re ignoring this aspect of your vehicles’ fuel economy, it could be costly in the long run.  

Cal Wilson / April 21, 2025

Don’t dismiss the importance of tires in your fleet’s fuel spend

Gas prices can fluctuate and make it hard to budget for your annual fuel expenditure. However, there are other factors that might be impacting your fleet’s fuel expenses. One of them is tires. It may not sound like a crucial part of the fuel mileage equation, but poor tire condition can severely deplete your vehicles’ fuel efficiency.  

In this article we look at the connection between tires and fuel, and how you can ensure you’re not missing an opportunity to become more fuel efficient.  

How do tires impact fuel efficiency? 

Many aspects of your vehicles’ tires impact their fuel efficiency. These include: 

  • Pressure 
  • Quality 
  • Alignment  
  • Rotation frequency  
  • Tire size and weight 
  • Maintenance 

All these elements, if properly kept up with, will save you money on fuel in the long run.  

Tire pressure is crucial, because underinflated tires lead to increased rolling resistance, making your engine work harder to move the vehicle. Keeping your tires properly inflated can save your vehicles approximately $0.02/gallon. That may not seem like too much at a glance, but when you consider every vehicle in your fleet, and every mile driven over the course of a year, that adds up.  

Tire quality can also save you money on your refuelling bills. Some higher-end tires will come labelled as low rolling resistance (LRR) tires and are specifically designed to improve fuel efficiency by an estimated 3-4%. 

Proper tire alignment with your wheel “ensures that your tires meet the road at the correct angle, preventing uneven tire wear and reducing rolling resistance. Misaligned tires can drag slightly, causing your vehicle to use more fuel to maintain speed.” 

Regular tire maintenance makes sure all these elements are being routinely monitored, and catching any issues or damage that might detract from your fleet’s fuel efficiency.   

Best tire practices to keep in mind. 

To make the most of your fuel budget, and not waste any money because of improper tire practices, make sure to keep up these habits: 

  • Conduct monthly tire pressure checks to ensure you aren’t losing fuel efficiency to underinflation.  
  • Invest in LRR tires, when possible, for long-term fuel savings.  
  • Conduct regular checks for wear patterns on the tire that may be indicative of the need for realignment. 
  • If your drivers complain of excessive steering wheel vibration, check to see if the tires need realigning.  
  • Ensure your fleets’ tires are rotated, usually every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, to maintain consistent rolling resistance.  
  • Ensure you’re only using the right tire size recommended by your vehicles’ manufacturer. 

In conclusion
 

Tire maintenance and upkeep goes a long way in protecting your fleet’s fuel budget. If you’re ignoring this aspect of your vehicles’ fuel economy, it could be costly in the long run. Â