Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen
"Behind the Screens" is a podcast that brings you up close and personal with the people in the background screening industry. Hosted by Les Rosen, each episode features in-depth, human-interest interviews with a diverse range of guests—including business executives, employees with extensive screening experience, vendors who serve the industry, and legal and compliance experts.
These conversations dive into the personal stories and insights of those who know the industry best, offering a fresh perspective on the people driving background screening. Whether you are part of the industry or just curious, "Behind the Screens" delivers authentic, non-marketing-focused stories from the world of background checks.
Your host: Les Rosen is an Attorney, former owner of a screening firm, the chair of the steering committee that founded PBSA and the first co-chair of PBSA, as well as author of the "Safe Hiring Manual," and frequent presenter nationwide.
According to attorney and industry veteran Vince Pascarella, "For those of you who don't know, Les Rosen was the chief architect of the PBSA predecessor NAPBS, and its first Chair and unofficial Executive Director. Simply put, no Les Rosen then, no PBSA today."
For more information, see: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/
CONTACT US!
Send comments, feedback, suggestions for future guests or sponsorship information to:
screeningpros200@gmail.com
Platinum Sponsor: https://preemploymentdirectory.com/ , publisher of the Background Buzz!
Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen
Episode 50: Inside PBSA: Melissa Sorenson on Leading the Global Background Screening Movement
In this milestone 50th episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Melissa Sorenson, Executive Director of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), for a candid conversation about the past, present, and future of our industry.
Melissa opens up about her journey from law school to leading PBSA through some of its biggest transformations—like going from a U.S.-focused group (NAPBS) to a truly global organization. We talk about what it takes to grow an international association, how volunteers shape the community, and why people—not just technology—remain the heartbeat of background screening.
She also shares what it’s like running a global operation from her home office in Minnesota, her most influential mentors, and the proudest risk she’s ever taken.
Key Takeaways:
- Melissa’s path from in-house compliance to Executive Director of PBSA.
- Why PBSA’s shift to a global focus was a defining moment—and how it happened.
- The importance of mentorship, leadership, and taking calculated risks.
- What it’s really like to plan international conferences and support a global community.
- How anyone in the industry—at any level—can get involved and grow their career through PBSA.
Connect with US:
- Les Rosen- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesterrosen/
- Subscribe to our podcast- https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2400707.rss
- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheSCreens200
This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/
