The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

Special Edition: It’s 5 O'clock Somewhere - Holidays, Habits, and Slowing Down for What Matters

In this December edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I wrap up the year the only way we know how by catching up like old friends over a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation that blends business, life, laughter, and reflection.
We talk about the blur between November and December, holiday parties, birthdays, book parties (not book launches), and the reality of trying to slow down during the busiest time of the year (including Jeff's Reiki session). Marc shares what he’s learning through his Acumen peer group, why trusted circles matter more than ever, and how seeing behind the curtain as a financial planner reshapes how he thinks about success, wealth, and priorities. Jeff shares
The conversation also touches on:
Creating time wealth and why “slowing down” is a serious goal for 2026
Books that are shaping our thinking, including simple sketches that reframe money and meaning
Giving back through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Growing Futures
The power of small connections, unexpected introductions, and Kansas City’s culture of generosity
Meditation streaks, habits, golf goals, and why being present matters more than being productive
New family traditions, travel dreams, and what unplugging actually looks like.
As always, it’s a mix of thoughtful insights, honest self-reflection, and a few laughs along the way, exactly what a December happy hour conversation should be.
Pull up a chair, take a breath, and enjoy this end-of-year conversation. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!
 
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
Searcy Financial is gearing up to celebrate 50 years of service. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement! To sign up for information on Marc’s book, “One for All,” including where to buy and exclusive website content, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
- Marc's Book "One for All": Keep Me Updated!
- "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!
 
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, promotion, endorsement, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. was not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.

Building Careers, Not Just Filling Seats: Casey Wright on Relationships, Resilience, and Real Recruiting

Casey Wright’s (see his bio below) career has been shaped as much by people and perseverance as by placements and performance. As President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, he brings nearly two decades of recruiting experience and a deeply relational approach to helping companies and professionals find the right fit far beyond what an algorithm or job board can deliver.
The conversation traces Casey’s journey from a football-playing, piano-playing Kansas kid to leading one of the region’s most respected recruiting firms. Along the way, he shares how personal loss, career-ending injury, and early professional pivots reshaped his view of success, leadership, and work. What emerges is a candid look at why culture matters more than credentials, why resumes still matter but never tell the whole story, and why real recruiting is ultimately about trust, timing, and long-term relationships.
Casey also offers grounded insight into hiring trends, age bias, job hopping, the limits of technology in talent decisions, and what both early-career professionals and first-time leaders often get wrong. It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion about building teams the right way and building a career that fits the life you want to live.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About ​Casey: For the past 19 years, Casey ​Wright has specialized in placing finance and accounting professionals in the Kansas City area. Prior to becoming the President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, Casey built his career with accounting and finance recruiting firms that operated on national, regional, and local levels—giving him a broad perspective and deep expertise across diverse markets. He began at a multi-billion-dollar national recruiting firm, where he quickly rose through the ranks and earned numerous awards for performance and leadership at the local, regional, and national levels.
In June of 2019, Casey took over as the President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, an award-winning firm serving the Kansas City community since 2011. Under his leadership, the firm has experienced significant growth. In 2024, Chief of Staff KC expanded to a 20-person internal team, moved into a new office with four times the space, and successfully placed professionals at over 200 companies throughout the metro area.

No Boxes, No Straight Lines: Shannon Nash on Reinvention, Resilience, and Redefining Leadership

Shannon Nash’s (see her bio below) career doesn’t follow a straight line—and that’s exactly the point. Attorney. CPA. CFO. Board director. Podcast host. Film producer. Zumba instructor. Her journey is a masterclass in saying yes to growth, even when it means rewriting the plan entirely.
In this conversation, Shannon shares how growing up between the Midwest and the East Coast, sitting outside law school classrooms as a child, and watching her father blaze a trail into the legal profession shaped her sense of discipline, ambition, and possibility. She opens up about the pivots that changed everything, from leaving traditional professional services to building a global career in corporate leadership, from living as an expat in Switzerland to stepping away from full-time work to support her son during critical developmental years.
We talk about:
Why career “detours” often become the most meaningful chapters
What global living taught her about leadership, culture, and perspective
How improvisation, creativity, and even group fitness classes sharpen leadership skills
The realities of board service and how leaders actually get invited into the boardroom
Her experience as CFO of Wing, Alphabet’s autonomous drone delivery company
Why relationships, not résumés, drive long-term career success
The inspiration behind her podcast, No Boxes: Just Verses, and why music tells leadership stories better than titles ever could
Shannon brings candor, humor, and deep reflection to a conversation that challenges traditional definitions of success. Her story is proof that leadership isn’t about staying in one lane—it’s about knowing when to change course and having the courage to keep moving forward.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About ​S​hannon: Shannon Nash is a global C-suite leader, Qualified Financial Expert, attorney, and CPA with 30+ years of experience at the intersection of technology, finance, and governance. She serves as an independent board director for NetScout Systems, SoFi Bank, and Lazy Dog Restaurants. Formerly CFO of Wing, an Alphabet company, she led global finance and operations for its autonomous drone delivery service. Shannon has also held CFO roles at Reputation.com and Inside Source, and senior finance roles with Amgen and Cumulus Media. She started her career at KPMG and Cooley LLP.
She is a 2025 NACD Directorship 100 honoree and one of Silicon Valley’s 100 Most Influential Women, with cybersecurity certifications from MIT, the AICPA, and NYU Law–Nasdaq. Shannon is also host of a new leadership podcast No Boxes: Just Verses, which ranks in the top 10% of all podcasts globally and top 40 in its category, and an award-winning film producer. She holds both a BS in Accounting and JD from the University of Virginia.
 

The Sweet Side of Leadership: Lori Tauber Marcus on Bias, Breakthroughs, and Building Better Workplaces

Lori Tauber Marcus (see her bio below) has lived a career many only dream about, 24 years rising through the ranks at PepsiCo during the height of the Cola Wars, followed by C-suite roles at The Children’s Place, Keurig Green Mountain, and Peloton. But what makes Lori remarkable isn’t just her résumé. It’s her candor, her humor, and her relentless commitment to helping leaders build workplaces where everyone can thrive.
In our wide-ranging conversation, Lori shares stories from her early days growing up in New Jersey, the lessons she learned navigating high-performance corporate cultures, and why her mornings often start with a Peloton ride and a tube of M&Ms. She opens up about the moment she realized it was time to leave corporate life, the leap into her “portfolio career,” and the joy she found helping others through board work, executive coaching, and keynote speaking.
We also dive into:
Her decade-long board journey, including Fresh Del Monte Produce and 24 Hour Fitness
The origin story of The Band of Sisters, a powerhouse group of former PepsiCo executives dismantling gender bias one story at a time
Why language matters, and how subtle micro-moments shape culture more than we realize
How she built a career on curiosity, grit, and paying attention to “signals from the universe”
The surprising similarities across industries—from CPG to retail to tech
Her belief that leadership is less about perfection and more about awareness, intention, and impact
Lori brings the perfect blend of insight, experience, and straight talk. Whether she’s talking about the corporate tax, the evolution of DEI, or why she will always be a Springsteen fan, this episode is packed with wisdom and personality.
If you’re looking for a masterclass in leadership with heart, humor, and honesty, you’ll love this conversation.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Lori: Lori Tauber Marcus is the kind of leader who’s seen it all from the C-suite to the boardroom, and everywhere in between. She’s currently serving on the boards of Fresh Del Monte Produce and 24 Hour Fitness, and she brings nearly 10 years of experience helping companies navigate major transitions, including CEO changes, mergers, and turnarounds.
Before her board journey, Lori held senior executive roles at powerhouse brands like Peloton, Keurig Green Mountain, The Children’s Place, and PepsiCo (where she spent 24 years). She knows how to build brands, drive innovation, and lead with both head and heart. Lori is also a passionate advocate for women in leadership. She’s a co-founder of The Band of Sisters, a group of powerhouse women executives working to dismantle gender bias in the workplace. Together, they co-authored the book "You Should Smile More", which Lori speaks about on stages around the country.In addition to her board work and speaking, she coaches Fortune 500 executives through Crenshaw Associates and still finds time to stay active in organizations like C200, Women’s Forum of New York, and NACD. Lori is a proud Wharton grad and lifelong learner, always exploring new ways to build better businesses and stronger leaders.
 

From Hog Pens to High Performance: Dr. Lindsay Howerton on Grit, Clarity, and Leading with Purpose

Lindsay Howerton’s (see her bio below) leadership journey begins long before she coached executives, scaled companies, or became a sought-after fractional COO. It starts with a 10-year-old kid in rural Missouri waking up at 2:30 a.m., layering up against the winter cold, and heading out to tend hogs before school.
That grit never left her...it just evolved.
Today, Lindsay is a performance coach, operational strategist, and property investor who has helped more than 70 organizations across 35+ industries find clarity, build accountability, and scale with purpose. But her path to leadership is anything but traditional.
In this conversation, Lindsay shares:
Her farm-to-boardroom journey, including running a 20-sow operation before she could drive.
How early hardship, a tough father, and a special-needs brother shaped her resilience and empathy.
The surprising launchpad of her career - including Farm Aid, Willie Nelson phone calls, and learning to “sell” by watching strangers shop the meat case.
Why Original Juan became her real-world MBA, giving her hands-on experience in sales, operations, and process improvement.
Her signature 10-question assessment - including the now-famous “monkey bars question” and how it helps her decode people in minutes.
Her belief that business is simple when you understand the skeleton beneath every organization.
Honey Hill Property Investment, the company she built with her husband to revitalize workforce housing in rural Missouri and honor the legacy of her grandparents.
And the personal mission that drives everything she does: to positively impact one million lives.
Lindsay’s story is a masterclass in grit, clarity, and purpose, and a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or pedigree. It’s about knowing who you are, doing the hard things, and lifting others along the way.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Lindsay: Lindsay Howerton is a performance coach, fractional COO and property investor with a track record of helping over 70 organizations across more than 35 industries clarify operations, scale sustainably and build resilient teams. With a no-nonsense leadership style and a deep commitment to purpose-driven growth, Lindsay brings operational clarity, team accountability and practical systems to businesses that are ready to level up. 
She is the founder of a property investment company focused on revitalizing uninhabitable properties and increasing access to workforce housing, particularly in rural and underserved areas like Brookfield, Missouri. Through this work, she blends real estate strategy with social impact, transforming forgotten spaces into opportunity. Married for over two decades and a proud mother of two daughters, Lindsay’s personal values are to respect what you have, grow to your greatest potential and love people more than things. She has traveled extensively with her husband, coached hundreds toward self-discovery and is on a mission to change one million lives through her work.

It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere – Goals, Gratitude, and Getting Ready for 2026 with Marc Shaffer

In this November edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I trade year-end reflections, fresh goals, and a few laughs as we wrap up 2025 and look toward the year ahead.
Marc kicks things off with a big reveal of his word for 2026 and shares how health, proactivity, and a soon-to-be scheduled executive physical have moved to the top of his priority list. We talk about the value of choosing a “word of the year,” why intentional planning should start long before December, and the role his long-time life coach has played in shaping his annual reset process.
We also cover:
The art of simplifying goals and actually sticking to them
Why Marc’s assistant Amy might be the MVP of the year
The magic of handwritten cards (and how Marc systemizes kindness with SendOutCards)
Holiday plans, family photos, and the value of slowing down
Books we’re reading from digital assets to leadership
Searcy Financial’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration
And the impact of Giving Tuesday, including Marc’s work with Wabash Cannonball
This episode is equal parts practical and warm, a blend of goal-setting, personal stories, and the reminder that connection, consistency, and gratitude matter more than ever this time of year.
Pull up a chair, pour a glass of whatever feels right… it’s all part of the 5 o’clock philosophy.
 
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
Searcy Financial is gearing up to celebrate 50 years of service. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement! To sign up for information on Marc’s book, “One for All,” including where to buy and exclusive website content, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
- Marc's Book "One for All": Keep Me Updated!
- "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!
 
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, promotion, endorsement, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. was not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.

Faith, Medicine, and the Forgotten: Dr. Nicholas Comninellis on Service, Courage, and Global Health

Dr. Nicholas Comninellis (see his bio below) has lived a life most of us only read about. From treating patients in Shanghai’s charity hospital to serving in war-torn Angola, where soldiers once knocked on his door in the middle of the night, Nicholas has devoted his career to providing care where it’s needed most.
Founder and President of the Institute for International Medicine (INMED), he has trained thousands of healthcare professionals to serve vulnerable populations around the world. But his story begins long before global health leadership shaped by summers spent on a tiny Greek island, a father who survived wartime hunger, and a childhood in Parkville, Missouri.
In this conversation, we explore:
How his multicultural upbringing set the stage for a life of service.
What he learned practicing medicine in poverty-stricken communities in China and Angola.
The moment a commander told him, “We’ve been watching you,” and how it reshaped his understanding of unseen impact.
Why he founded INMED and how it has grown into a graduate-level institution preparing clinicians to serve the forgotten.
His newest book, Five Bags of Gold, explores the deeper meaning behind investing time, talent, and resources in others.
How classical guitar became his unlikely creative outlet.
Dr. Comninellis brings humility, courage, and conviction to every part of his story. This episode is a powerful reminder that compassion in action, not comfort, is what changes the world.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Nicholas:
Nicholas Comninellis, MD, MPH, is President and Professor at INMED, the Institute for International Medicine, and practices emergency medicine. He founded INMED in 2003 to advance global health education and service. Dr. Comninellis previously served for two years at Shanghai Charity Hospital, providing care to inner-city communities, and led a healthcare ministry in war-torn Angola for two years. He also taught family medicine and public health for six years at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine while caring for patients at Kansas City’s public hospital.
He graduated from the UMKC School of Medicine and Saint Louis University School of Public Health and was a family medicine resident at John Peter Smith Hospital. Dr. Comninellis also earned a diploma in tropical medicine from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and became board-certified in both public health and family medicine. Among his authored books is Five Bags of Gold – a Modern Parable of Wealth, Responsibility, and Eternal Investment. Dr. Comninellis is a classical guitarist and faculty co-advisor for UMKC Cru. He was honored as the 2009 United Nations Association of the United States World Citizen and the 2015 University of Missouri-Kansas City Alumni of the Year.

From Pain to Purpose: Chandra Clark on Resilience, Leadership, and the Power of Service

Chandra Clark’s story (see her bio below) is one of courage, compassion, and transformation. From raising her three younger siblings as a child to becoming the inaugural President of the Corey C. Griffin Foundation, Chandra’s life is a testament to turning adversity into impact.
In this conversation, she shares how her unconventional path from a childhood in Louisiana to leading major nonprofits across Kansas City and Boston shaped her purpose-driven approach to leadership.
We talk about:
How early responsibility and hardship fueled her desire to serve others.
Her love for art, fashion, and creativity and how it shows up in her leadership style.
What it means to lead with empathy while navigating rapid organizational growth.
How trauma and healing intersect with career development and confidence.
Why she believes self-worth and service are the foundation of success.
Chandra’s journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact, integrity, and using your story to help others rise.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Chandra: Chandra Clark is a nonprofit executive driven by purpose and mission. For over a decade, she has served in nonprofit leadership by developinginnovative programs, initiatives, and collaborative opportunities in thecommunity to support and advance the lives of underrepresented children,youth and women. She is honored to currently serve as the inauguralPresident of the Corey C. Griffin Foundation. Her previous roles include Executive Director of VHL Alliance, the inaugural Director of Community Outreach for Big Brothers Big Sisters Kansas City, and Founder of Be Loved, a lifestyle brand.
As a celebrated speaker, mentor, and life coach, she has been honored toreceive numerous awards and recognitions, including the Young AthenaLeadership Award from the Kansas City Chamber, Rockhurst Faber YoungAlum of the Year from Rockhurst University, Top Connector in Education andEntrepreneurship from the Kauffman Foundation, and Most InfluentialWomen in Kansas City Business from the Kansas City Business Journal.Chandra holds a Master of Education degree from Rockhurst University, aBachelor of Liberal Arts degree from the University of Missouri-KansasCity and is a graduate of the Central Exchange Emerging Leaders program.She currently serves on the board of The Boston Club, and AdvisoryCouncil for the Women’s Foundation of Boston. Her former board and civicengagement include serving as President of the Missouri CareerDevelopment Association, member of the Executive Women’s LeadershipCouncil, member of the Junior League of Greater, and founding member ofthe Central Exchange Young Professionals Council.

Faith, Family, and Finish Lines: Brett Carey on Leading with Purpose

Brett Carey (see his bio below) has built his life and leadership philosophy around three cornerstones: faith, family, and endurance. As Vice President of Human Resources at The University of Kansas Health System, Brett draws on lessons from his 25+ years at Hallmark Cards, his dedication to triathlon, and his belief that leadership is less about control and more about connection.
In this conversation, Brett shares:
How small-town values and faith laid the foundation for his leadership approach.
What he learned from Hallmark about aligning people, purpose, and performance.
How endurance sports have shaped his mindset for leading through uncertainty and change.
The importance of simplifying complexity, whether managing teams or competing in a triathlon.
Why trust, humility, and follow-through are the hallmarks of great leadership.
We also discuss how he balances family, career, and competition, and why he believes that success on the course or in the boardroom comes down to perseverance and purpose.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Brett: Brett Carey serves as an executive leader in Human Resources, a loving leader in his faith and family, and practices personal leadership in his passion for triathlon. For the past 5 ½ years, he has served as the Vice President of Human Resources for The University of Kansas Health System. As a trusted advocate, Brett is a strategic HR leader with broad expertise simplifying complex situations through holistic thinking, ideation, and execution. Brett works with the Senior Executive Team as well as Physicians and all employees to ensure he is aligning HR strategies with the health system’s vision and mission. Throughout his career, he has been known for developing solutions to align business priorities while leading teams with collaboration and influencing with interpersonal and organizational savvy.
Prior to the health system, Brett enjoyed 25+ years with Hallmark Cards, progressing from sales and customer development into and through operational and human resources leadership positions. Integral to his personal and professional ethos is the integration and intersection of competitive triathlon and testing the limits of physical and mental boundaries.

Mark Mears on Love at Work: Why Listening, Valuing, and Empowering Others Drives Real Growth

Mark Mears is back on The Corporate Couch to talk about his brand-new book, LOVE@WORK: Creating Communities of Purpose and Belonging for Revolutionary Growth in a New World of Work. In his follow-up to The Purposeful Growth Revolution, Mark makes a bold claim: the key to transforming business isn’t strategy or systems, it’s love.
Before you call HR, hear him out. Mark breaks down his new “LOVE” model for leadership:
Listen graciously to build trust.
Observe generously to invest in others.
Value gratefully to show appreciation.
Empower generatively to help people grow.
We discuss why traditional “command and control” management no longer serves modern organizations, the importance of language in shaping community (vs. culture), and how belonging, not hierarchy, creates stronger teams. Mark also shares stories from his hospitality and marketing career, his belief in the “power of four,” and why he’s declared 2025 “The Year of Love.”
This conversation is a reminder that putting the human back in human resources isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a business imperative.
 
Here is the Amazon Link for Mark's book: Love @ Work

Why Minette Norman Believes Real Leadership Starts with Humanity, Not Hierarchy

What does leadership look like when hierarchy takes a back seat to humanity?
That’s the question Minette Norman (see her bio below) has spent her career answering. As the former Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk, she led more than 3,500 engineers across the globe, proving that empathy, trust, and courage can drive performance just as powerfully as process and technology. Today, as a consultant, speaker, and author, Minette helps leaders create environments where people feel safe to speak up, collaborate, and innovate.
In this conversation, Minette and I explore:
Why emotions are data and how leaders can use that insight to make better decisions.
The challenges and rewards of leading large, distributed teams.
How her book, The Psychological Safety Playbook, equips leaders to build trust and openness.
The lessons behind her second book, The Boldly Inclusive Leader.
Why the future of leadership depends on listening, not managing.
Minette’s perspective is candid, insightful, and deeply practical. She reminds us that the strongest leaders don’t rely on hierarchy; they rely on humanity, courage, and connection.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Minette: Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the software industry. She has extensive experience leading internationally distributed teams and believes that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Her most recent position before starting her consultancy was as Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk. Responsible for influencing more than 3,500 engineers around the globe, she focused on state-of-the-art engineering practices while nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture. 
Minette is a keynote speaker on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, collaborative teams, and empathy. Named in 2017 as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the San Francisco Business Times and as “Business Role Model of the Year” in the 2018 Women in IT/Silicon Valley Awards, Minette is a recognized leader with a unique perspective. Minette is the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook.

Special Edition: It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere – Follow-Through, Faith, and Book Launch Lessons with Marc Shaffer

In this eighth Special Edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I raise a glass to reflect on his whirlwind first month after the launch of his debut book, One For All: How to Systemize Kindness, Grow Your Network, and Support Others Like It’s Your Job.
We talk about what he’s learned since releasing the book, from reading his own audiobook (“harder than it sounds”) to connecting with students at KU and Mizzou and maybe even starting a friendly campus competition. Marc also shares how he uses templates, CRMs, and even AI to stay on top of hundreds of introductions and follow-ups, proving that connection and consistency can coexist.
The conversation takes a personal turn as we talk about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the passing of Marc’s mother, and his father’s ongoing health journey. We also dive into the power of one-on-one conversations, why he tracks “friendly coffees,” and how joining peer and faith-based business groups has reignited his sense of purpose.
It’s a conversation about gratitude, growth, and the systems and people that make it all work.
 
Pull up a chair (and maybe a pink shirt), it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!
 
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
Searcy Financial is gearing up to celebrate 50 years of service. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement! To sign up for information on Marc’s book, “One for All,” including where to buy and exclusive website content, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
- Marc's Book "One for All": Keep Me Updated!
- "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!
 
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, promotion, endorsement, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. was not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.

Claude Silver: Leading with Heart - How Empathy, Optimism, and Emotional Bravery Shape the Future of Work

Claude Silver (see her bio below) is rewriting the rules of leadership as the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. Reporting directly to Gary Vaynerchuk, she’s built a culture rooted in empathy, belonging, and emotional intelligence, proving that leading with heart drives both humanity and performance.
In our conversation, Claude shares:
The story behind her unconventional career path, from Outward Bound instructor to Gary Vee’s #2.
The inspiration behind her new book, Be Yourself at Work, and why it’s a roadmap for authentic leadership.
How emotional optimism, bravery, and efficiency can change the way teams perform.
Why she doesn’t hire for “culture fit” and what she looks for instead.
How to lead across generations with grace, not entitlement.
Claude also opens up about her early struggles with self-doubt and dyslexia, how a 93-day wilderness expedition changed her life, and why “being yourself” isn’t a cliché, it’s a competitive advantage.
It’s one of my favorite conversations, which is filled with honesty, humanity, and heart from one of the most influential voices in modern leadership.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Claude: Claude Silver is the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, where she’s redefining leadership with empathy, emotional intelligence, and heart. Her mission: create cultures where people feel safe enough to be themselves and brave enough to grow.
As a speaker, podcaster, and LinkedIn voice on modern leadership, Claude inspires leaders to lead with humanity and proves that belonging fuels performance. During her tenure, Vayner has scaled from 400 to 2,000 people across 11 countries. She also helped lead VaynerMedia to win Adweek’s 2022 “Breakthrough Agency of the Year.”
Claude was once told she “thinks too much with her heart.” Today, she calls that emotional optimism, and it’s her leadership superpower.
Her path hasn’t followed a script. Claude founded an outdoor adventure and surf company in San Francisco, became an Outward Bound instructor, and immersed herself in transpersonal psychology, Buddhist teachings, and the study of human potential. Before joining Vayner, she held executive roles at global advertising agencies, including JWT London, JWT San Francisco, and Publicis.
Claude has been honored with Campaign US’s Female Frontier Award, Adweek’s “Changing the Game” Award, and Adweek’s 2025 Mother of the Year. She’s been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., and The Wall Street Journal, and regularly speaks on stages around the world about culture, emotional leadership, and the future of work.
 
 

Kristina and Matt Loftus of Rhoback: From a Camper, a Dog, and a Dream to a National Lifestyle Brand

Kristina and Matt Loftus two of the three co-founders of Rhoback are partners in life and in business. As the first married couple to appear together on The Corporate Couch, they share how a college friendship, a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Bunker, and a camper full of polo shirts became the foundation for one of the fastest-growing activewear brands in the country.
In this conversation, we cover:
How Rhoback was born during business school brainstorming sessions and inspired by their high-energy dog, Bunker.
The early “Under Armour meets Vineyard Vines” vision that shaped their brand (and using ignorance as a superpower).
How Kristina learned Shopify, coding, and Photoshop to build the business from scratch while selling gear up and down the East Coast in a camper.
The lessons of humility and grit that carried them through tough startup years, including one memorable highway surfboard incident.
How they’re building a family, a company, and a culture rooted in partnership not ego.
From golf stories with Steph Curry to guerrilla marketing stunts on Nantucket, the Loftuses bring humor, authenticity, and hustle to every chapter of Rhoback’s journey. This episode is a masterclass in teamwork, trust, and building something meaningful together.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
To learn more about Rhoback, Kristina, and Matt:
Rhoback: https://rhoback.com/pages/our-story
Kristina: linkedin.com/in/kristina-loftus-638a9222
Matt: linkedin.com/in/matthew-loftus-91b92721

Kelly Byrnes on Culture, Courage, and the Leadership Lessons That Still Matter in the Age of AI

Kelly Byrnes (see her bio below) has built a career helping leaders strengthen organizations from the inside out. As the Founder and CEO of Voyage Consulting Group—and a former Chief Talent Officer, professor, and author—she’s spent decades guiding executives through the intersections of culture, leadership, and change.
In this conversation, Kelly shares:
The surprising lessons she learned from her improv training in Chicago (and how it helps in the boardroom).
Why the best leaders still send handwritten notes and how authentic connection drives business success.
How her early days at Sprint (T-Mobile) shaped her passion for culture and leadership.
Why companies can’t “buy” culture with perks and technology, it has to be built intentionally.
Her take on AI’s role in leadership, teaching, and the future of work.
From stories about making cookies for coworkers at 2 a.m. to helping executives uncover what’s really driving (or derailing) performance, Kelly blends warmth, wisdom, and wit. She reminds us that culture isn’t an initiative; it’s the outcome of how people treat each other every day.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Kelly: Kelly Byrnes is the Founder and CEO of Voyage Consulting Group, helping leaders strengthen their organizations through culture and talent strategy. A former Chief Talent Officer and MBA professor at Rockhurst University, she's advised 75+ organizations and coached 200+ executives. Kelly co-founded Culture Matters, hosts the Leadership Book of the Month broadcast, and recently released The Basics of Gen AI: The Essential Guide for Business Leaders and Professionals. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. She was named one of the region's Most Influential Women and inducted into the Kansas City Business Hall of Fame.

Blockchain meets Wall Street at the Heartland Digital Asset Exchange

In this bonus edition of The Corporate Couch, recorded live at the Heartland Digital Asset Exchange conference, we explore the intersection of blockchain and traditional finance. Join us as we delve into the insights of seven distinguished leaders in digital assets and Web3, including:
- Esther George, former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
- Danny Baer, Director of Wealth and Asset Management at Meanwhile -
- John Squire, General Partner at Blockchange Ventures
- Anthony Bassili, President of Coinbase Asset Management
- Michael Cantu, Managing Director of Stellar Forge Capital
- Gary Cardone, Managing Partner of Card1 Digital Ventures
- Heidi Lehman, Founder of Heartland Digital Asset Exchange.
Discover how these pioneers are shaping the future of finance and what it means for the average investor. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on innovation, regulation, and the evolving landscape of digital assets.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

From Bar Napkin to Breakthrough Logistics: Ben Jackson on Building Bungii and Beating the Odds

Some companies are born in boardrooms. Others, like Bungii, start over beers at a college bar.
Ben Jackson (see his bio below), co-founder and CEO of Bungii, was a college senior at Kansas State when he and a friend came up with a simple idea: “tap a button, get a truck.” Nearly a decade later, that idea has grown into a breakthrough last-mile delivery platform dubbed “DoorDash for big and bulky items.” Under Ben’s leadership, Bungii has expanded into more than 90 major U.S. metros, forged partnerships with Walmart and Best Buy, and earned him recognition on Forbes 30 Under 30 and as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.
In this episode, Ben shares:
How a text from a friend, a beat-up Ford Ranger, and a "Nancy" cocktail in Kansas State's Aggieville started it all.
The painful (and hilarious) early lessons of raising capital and building an app from scratch.
How COVID nearly crushed the company and how quick thinking and grit turned crisis into growth.
Why he believes persistence and curiosity matter more than IQ.
How he balances being a husband, dad of three, and CEO of a fast-growing logistics company.
From the chaos of college start-up life to the discipline of scaling a national brand, Ben’s story is equal parts entrepreneurial rollercoaster and masterclass in resilience.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Ben: Ben Jackson is the co-founder and CEO of Bungii, a last-mile delivery platform known as “DoorDash for big and bulky items.” But instead of a Prius delivering fast food, Bungii sends pickup trucks hauling items like TVs, tires, pallets, and buckets of paint. Under Ben’s leadership, Bungii has secured partnerships with the nation’s largest retailers and logistics providers and expanded into more than 90 major U.S. metros. His entrepreneurial success has earned recognition from Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and, most recently, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

From Hay Bales to Boardrooms: Greg Hamann on Grit, Growth, and Scaling Without Losing Your Soul

Greg Hamann’s (see his bio below) story starts on a Maine farm, stacking hay until 11 p.m. as a 12-year-old, and working in his family’s masonry and concrete business before eventually becoming CEO of a precast company. Along the way, he learned the value of hard work, humility, and the importance of thinking before acting, advice passed down from his father that still guides him today.
In this conversation, Greg and I dive into:
Lessons from leading a company through the 2008–2009 recession and turning it around.
Why scaling a business shouldn’t mean “losing your soul” and how to do it differently.
The role of Predictive Index assessments in leadership, hiring, and even M&A deals.
How generational shifts are reshaping manufacturing and why younger workers value freedom of time as much as money.
His new venture, Bison Biocomposites, and how hemp-based products could change the construction industry.
From leadership lessons to innovation in concrete (and beyond), Greg brings real-world grit and executive-level insight, reminding us that at every stage, whether you’re baling hay, running a plant, or advising private equity groups, it’s still all about people.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Greg: Greg Hamann- entrepreneur, executive advisor, and founder of Truliance Consulting. Greg grew up working on a Maine farm and in his family’s concrete & masonry business, later leading and selling a precast company before launching his own advisory firm. Today, he works with manufacturers and private equity groups on everything from strategy and leadership to M&A and plant modernization. He’s also a board member and co-owner at Bison Biocomposities, a fast-growing green construction materials company pushing carbon-negative innovations into the market. Greg brings real-world grit and executive-level insight to every table he sits at.

Special Edition: It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere – Systemizing Kindness and Building Relationships with Marc Shaffer

In this special edition, the spotlight is on Marc Shaffer and his debut book, One For All: How to Systemize Kindness, Grow Your Network, and Support Others Like It’s Your Job. With the official launch set for September 30, Marc shares the inspiration behind the book, the process of bringing it to life, and the lessons he hopes readers will take away.
We talk about:
Why relationship-building shouldn’t be an afterthought and how to make it a daily habit.
The Irish proverb that captures the spirit of the book: “You hand it out in slices, and it comes back in loaves.”
Why “follow-through” is one of the most underrated (and underused) skills in business.
How mentoring younger professionals, like those on his own team, shaped the writing process.
The role of systems in making generosity and connection sustainable, not sporadic.
From stories of mentorship and community building to practical templates and takeaways, Marc’s book and this conversation offer a blueprint for anyone who wants to build authentic relationships and pay kindness forward in business and in life.
 
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
Searcy Financial is gearing up to celebrate 50 years of service. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement! To sign up for information on Marc’s book, “One for All,” including where to buy and exclusive website content, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
- Marc's Book "One for All": Keep Me Updated!
- "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!

Julie Kratz on Allyship, Generational Shifts, and Building Workplaces Where Everyone Belongs

Julie Kratz’s career (see her bio below) has been defined by one central question: How can leaders create workplaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued? After spending 12 years in Corporate America—and often feeling like she didn’t belong—Julie pivoted to build a career around allyship and inclusion. Today, she’s a leading voice on what it takes to create cultures of belonging, authoring seven books and founding International Allyship Day.
In this conversation, Julie and I explore:
How early career experiences at Caterpillar and in consulting shaped her perspective on leadership and inclusion.
Why COVID both accelerated and complicated conversations around allyship.
The “roller coaster” of DEI work and how organizations can move from good intentions to lasting systems of change.
Her candid take on hiring practices, bias, and what truly creates equitable opportunities.
Insights from her new book, We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power, are a call to action for those in leadership roles to engage fully in creating inclusive cultures.
From her Buckeye roots to becoming a nationally recognized author, speaker, and professor, Julie shares hard-earned lessons, fresh data, and practical tools for leaders who want to navigate today’s multi-generational, diverse workforce with courage and care.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Julie: Julie Kratz has dedicated her career to allyship and inclusion. After spending 12 years in Corporate America, experiencing many career “pivot points,” due to her own lack of belonging, she started her own speaking business with the goal of helping leaders be better allies. Promoting allyship in the workplace, she helps organizations foster more inclusive environments so that everyone can feel seen, heard, and belong. 
Julie is a professor at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, hosts a regular Forbes column on allyship, is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and TEDx speaker. She is also the creator of the Lead Like an Ally training program and the Founder of the annual International Allyship Day program in NYC. She holds an MBA, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias and psychological safety trainer. Julie is the author of 7 books, including We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power, Allyship in Action: 10 Practices for Living Inclusively, The Little Allies children’s book, and more.

Sabina Nawaz on Pressure, Power, and the Real Work of Leadership

Sabina Nawaz (see her bio below) has advised leaders at the very top - Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and executives across Fortune 500 companies. But her journey wasn’t a straight line. Starting as a software developer, nearly getting fired from Microsoft, and then pivoting into leadership development, Sabina has built a career helping thousands of leaders around the world discover what it really means to lead.
In our conversation, she shares:
Why pressure, not power, is the real force that corrupts leaders.
How her sabbatical at Microsoft led to a life-changing career shift.
The story behind her new book, You’re the Boss, and the lessons drawn from 12,000 pages of executive feedback.
The surprising role theater and even stunt fighting played in shaping her leadership skills.
Why integrity matters more than authenticity and how busyness has become one of the biggest traps for managers.
Sabina also introduces practical tools like the “Yes List” and “Micro Habits,” making leadership development actionable instead of theoretical. Her insights are candid, data-driven, and deeply human—a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Sabina:
Sabina Nawaz is an elite executive coach who advises C-level
executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, governmentagencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions around the world.Sabina routinely gives speeches each year and teaches faculty atNortheastern and Drexel Universities.
During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went frommanaging software development teams to leading the company’sexecutive development and succession planning efforts for over11,000 managers and nearly a thousand executives, advising BillGates and Steve Ballmer directly.
She has written for and been featured in Harvard BusinessReview, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, NBC,Nasdaq, and MarketWatch.
 

Special Edition: Michael Mackie on Celebrity Interviews, Sobriety, and His New Book “You Have 4 Minutes”

Michael Mackie is back on The Corporate Couch, and this time, he’s here to talk about his brand-new book, You Have 4 Minutes: My Life as an Unlikely Celebrity Interviewer. With more than three decades of encounters with Hollywood’s biggest names, Michael shares the hilarity, awkwardness, and unforgettable moments that shaped his unlikely path into entertainment journalism.
We cover the accidental purple cover photo, why the book has exactly 52 chapters (hint: the B-52s), and what it was like to land a foreword written by Cindy Wilson herself. Michael also opens up about his sobriety journey, giving up sugar for a year, surviving a stroke, and how discipline shaped his writing process (at one point cranking out a chapter a day).
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mackie story without laugh-out-loud moments, like a wrestler’s ill-timed digestive mishap or asking Anna Nicole Smith, “When was the War of 1812?” Michael brings the same mix of humor, humility, and heart to this conversation that he brings to the pages of his book.
Whether you’re fascinated by celebrity culture, curious about resilience, or just in need of a good laugh, this episode is the perfect preview of a book that’s as bite-sized and bingeable as it is heartfelt.
Here is the Amazon Link for Michael's book: https://a.co/d/225B7C7.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

From Job Sites to the C-Suite: Rusty Arnold on Servant Leadership, Lumber, and Building a Life That Lasts

Rusty Arnold’s story (see his bio below) begins with a hammer in hand at age 10 and a forklift under his control by 13. Today, as COO and soon-to-be CEO of Frontier Forest Products, Rusty has built his career from the ground up, shaping not just businesses but also the people around him.
In this conversation, Rusty shares:
Lessons learned from growing up on construction sites and how they shaped his work ethic.
Why curiosity and a love of people have been the through-line in his career.
His “Web of Success” philosophy for helping employees grow in their own unique ways.
How human connection is being lost in business and why it’s still the secret to long-term success.
His perspective on leadership in today’s multigenerational, tech-driven workplace.
From high school parties with 400 guests to thoughtful reflections on servant leadership, Rusty brings both humor and wisdom. This is a conversation about grit, growth, and grounding leadership in relationships that last.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About ​Rusty: ​Rusty Arnold is the current COO and soon-to-be CEO of Frontier Forest Products, where he’s been helping grow the business from the inside out for nearly a decade. Starting in construction at age 10 and managing job sites by 13, Rusty’s built his career from the ground up literally. He’s done it all, from swinging a hammer to trading commodity lumber and leading teams across the building materials industry.
Since joining Frontier in 2015, he’s become a co-owner (10%) and has been instrumental in expanding the company’s footprint. When his buyout is complete in late 2025, Rusty will officially assume the role of CEO, continuing his mission of servant leadership, strong customer relationships, and steady, strategic growth.Outside of work, Rusty is a creative and adventurous soul; he welds, builds, hikes, mountain bikes, practices yoga, and loves live music. He’s also developing a podcast to help students find their passions and purpose. But at the center of it all is family, his wife Tiffany and their three amazing kids, Vera, Beck, and Olivia.

Leading Across Four Generations: Jeff Utecht on the Future of Work and AI

For the first time in history, four generations, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are working side by side. Jeff Utecht (see his bio below) has spent over 20 years helping leaders bridge these divides, and he brings a global perspective shaped by living in three countries, founding multiple businesses, and consulting with Fortune 500 companies.
In our conversation, Jeff and I explore:
How each generation views work, success, and leadership differently
Why skill-based hiring is overtaking degree-based hiring
The long-term effects of the 2008 recession on Millennials and Gen Z
How COVID accelerated the shift toward remote and fractional work
Why embracing generative AI is the next essential leadership skill
Jeff’s insights are both practical and forward-looking, reminding us that thriving in the future of work means embracing diversity of age, thought, and technology. 
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About ​Jeff: ​Jeff Utecht​ is a global consultant, entrepreneur, and expert in generational leadership and generative AI. With a career spanning over 20 years, Jeff has worked with organizations around the world to bridge generational divides and foster thriving workplaces. A Gen Xer with firsthand experience teaching Millennials and Gen Zers, Jeff brings a unique perspective on how the four generations in today’s workforce can collaborate effectively. His work has supported Fortune 500 companies, helped create onboarding programs, and guided leaders to embrace the evolving definitions of work, success, and engagement. With experience living in three countries, founding multiple businesses, and presenting at global forums like the UN, Jeff is here to inspire us to rethink leadership in a multigenerational workplace that is ever evolving.
 

Special Edition: It’s 5 O'clock Somewhere – Time, Joy, and the Little Things That Matter with Marc Shaffer

Six months, six happy-hour-type conversations and we’re just getting started. In this special edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I pour a couple of beers and dive into what’s been on our minds lately:
The “five types of wealth” and why time wealth may be the most overlooked.
How boredom, stillness, and slowing down fuel creativity and joy.
The wisdom in quotes that stick from Ryan Holiday to Seth Godin to Lao Tzu.
Why it’s okay to stop “optimizing” and just enjoy the moment.
The value of connecting with new people (and how a 10-question icebreaker can spark great conversations).
We also swap stories about golf outings, charity cooking classes, and rediscovering the joy in everyday connections. This one’s about savoring life’s crooked turns, honoring what matters most, and remembering that the best ideas often come when you step away from your to-do list.
Pull up a chair (and maybe a drink), it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere.
 
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
 
If you would like to sign up to be notified of updates on Marc's “One for All” book, including the release date, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
 
​- Marc's Book "One for All": Keep Me Updated!
 
- "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!

The Storytelling Alchemist: How Donna Griffit Turns Data into Billion-Dollar Narratives

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Donna Griffit (see her bio below), world-renowned storyteller and pitch alchemist who has helped clients raise over 2 billion dollars through the power of compelling narratives. From starting her first business as a seven-year-old clown to becoming a communications coach at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, Donna shares her fascinating journey through drama therapy, corporate training, and ultimately finding her calling in the startup world during the 2008 recession.
In this episode, Donna reveals the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching, why excitement and fear are essentially the same thing with different branding, and how she created an AI version of herself to analyze investor pitch decks. She discusses her book "Sticking to My Story," shares memorable moments from training sessions around the globe, and explains why the deepest human wish is simply to be seen and acknowledged.
Whether you're preparing for your first job interview, leading a team, or pitching your next big idea, this conversation is packed with practical insights about communication, storytelling, and finding your professional Ikigai (that sweet spot where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all intersect).
 
 

Special Edition: From Business Owner to Recruiting Consultant - Jourdan Mercurio Lewis on Redefining Success

In this Special Edition (short) episode, I sit down with Jourdan Mercurio Lewis, COO of Blue Ocean Search Firm, to talk about her remarkable journey from business owner to stay-at-home mom to a new career in recruiting. Jourdan shares how she brings authenticity and consulting-style depth to an industry often known for transactional relationships. Her story highlights the courage to pivot, the value of adding humanness to work, and the lessons learned from redefining success.
Along the way, Jourdan answered important questions, including:
What made recruiting attractive to her, given her past career history?
How does she see the recruiting industry today versus the way she and her team operate?
Why does Blue Ocean position itself as recruiting consultants?
What sets them apart from the traditional recruiter reputation?
What trends does she see shaping recruiting in the next 2–3 years?
This 19-minute conversation is both personal and professional, showing how career detours can lead to more meaningful paths forward.
 
This episode brought to you by...
In today’s hiring world, finding top-tier talent can be extremely difficult. How do you want to differentiate your company in a highly competitive search pool? Do you want to fish in a crowded Red Ocean or stand out in a bright blue one? At Blue Ocean Search Firm, we empower visionary leaders with breakthrough hiring strategies, proprietary technology, and trusted partnerships to build transformational teams – all while maintaining the human element. 
As a Corporate Couch listener, you receive 50% savings on Blue Ocean Talent Acquisition fees. Contact Blue Ocean Search Firm Here and mention "The Corporate Couch".
To learn more about Jourdan, please visit their website: About Us.

From $17K to CEO: How John Mercurio Built a Career Without a College Degree and Why Talent Trumps Credentials

Join me as I sit down with John Mercurio (see his bio below), CEO of Blue Ocean Search Firm and a 30-year veteran of the human and animal health industries. In this candid conversation, John shares his remarkable journey from making $17,000 at Deluxe Check Printers to becoming a successful executive, all without finishing college.
John opens up about the pivotal moment when someone took a chance on him despite lacking the "required" degree, launching a career that would span Fortune 500 companies like Alcon and Bausch & Lomb. He discusses his transition from human health to falling in love with the animal health industry, his entrepreneurial ventures, including a barbershop with his daughter, and ultimately founding Blue Ocean Search Firm at age 62.
This episode tackles the outdated hiring practices that still plague many companies, where talented candidates are eliminated in final rounds simply for lacking a diploma. John and Jeff dive deep into why cultural fit and authentic talent should matter more than credentials, and how modern recruiting technology combined with human insight can identify the best candidates, whether they're actively looking or not.
You'll also hear John's passionate take on bringing decency back to the hiring process, his advice for new graduates and first-time leaders, and why the entrepreneurial mindset he showed in fifth grade (selling gum to classmates) has been the real driver of his success.
Whether you're a hiring manager, job seeker, or someone who believes talent comes in many forms, this conversation will challenge how you think about credentials versus capability in today's evolving workplace.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About ​John: John Mercurio is the CEO of Blue Ocean Search Firm and a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience spanning the human and animal health industries. His career began in ophthalmology sales with a Fortune 500 company, where he earned multiple President’s Club and Salesperson of the Year honors. From 2008 to 2024, John held key roles in the animal health sector, including Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, and Director of Business Development, developing high-performing teams across sales, management, and executive leadership. Driven by a passion for talent development and strategic growth, John launched Blue Ocean Search Firm to help organizations optimize their recruiting systems and build exceptional teams.
Outside of work, John is a proud husband, father of four daughters, and grandfather to four. He enjoys time with family, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and playing pickleball.
 
 
 
 

Special Edition: The Get-Real Mindset for Caregivers - Harry Campbell on Optimism, Resilience, and Life’s Crooked Turns

In this 20-minute special edition, I welcome back my very first podcast guest, Harry Campbell (Website), for a candid and heartfelt conversation about his Get-Real Mindset for Caregivers. Harry shares the deeply personal journey of supporting his wife, Kris, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor just 10 months after their wedding. Drawing from his leadership experience and his bestselling book Get Real Mindset, Harry outlines his three-step framework, Absorb, Assess, Adjust, for facing life’s unexpected challenges.
We discuss the traits that make great caregivers, the mental battles of “Why me?” and FOMO, and the importance of optimism grounded in reality. Harry also opens up about his own Parkinson’s diagnosis, how he’s managing it, and the role of compartmentalization in balancing caregiving, parenting, and professional leadership.
Whether you’re a caregiver yourself or simply navigating life’s twists and turns, Harry’s wisdom offers both comfort and practical guidance.
 
To book Harry to speak on caregiving or leadership (100% of his gross speaking fees and book proceeds go to Head for the Cure - see below), go to: https://www.harryscampbell.com/contact
 
Here's the link to register for the August Kansas City event and/or donate to Head for the Cure via Team Kris Campbell:
 
https://impact.headforthecure.org/team/626570/
 
 
 

From Cold Calls to Kale Bowls: How Staci Cross Built Two Businesses by Learning When to Hold On and When to Let Go

Join me as I sit down with Staci Cross (see her bio below), the fearless entrepreneur behind Enjoy Pure Food + Drink. In this captivating conversation, Staci shares her remarkable journey from television advertising executive to restaurant founder, including her incredible ability to land major clients through cold calling, including securing Johnson & Johnson for her Baby Basics company with a cold call to the switchboard.
Discover how Staci built Baby Basics into a $2.5 million business distributing educational DVDs to 95% of hospitals nationwide, only to watch it dissolve when streaming replaced physical media. But perhaps more importantly, learn about the profound lesson that changed everything: how "strangling" her vision with too tight a grip nearly killed her restaurant dream, and how letting it breathe ultimately led to Enjoy's success. From her childhood dreams of running an orphanage complete with detailed business plans at age nine, to speaking fluent Haitian Creole, to the four-year journey of raising $700,000 and partnering with James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael Smith, Staci's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of serving others through business.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a recent college graduate, or a seasoned professional looking for inspiration, this episode offers invaluable insights on cold calling confidence, pivoting after failure, building company culture, and the delicate balance between pursuing your vision and allowing it room to grow.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About ​Staci: ​Staci Cross is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Enjoy Pure Food + Drink, a fast-casual restaurant concept built around whole, organic, and minimally processed foods. With a deep belief that vitality and success begin with what we eat, Staci created Enjoy as an oasis for busy, health-conscious people seeking clean cuisine, cold-pressed juices, and vibrant, on-the-go nourishment. Her mission is rooted in service—helping others feel their best so they can live their fullest lives.​ Before launching Enjoy in 2012, Staci co-founded Baby Basics, where she led national partnerships with powerhouse brands like Johnson & Johnson, Disney, and Procter & Gamble. She also spent over a decade in broadcast media as a senior television account executive.​ A proud graduate of the University of Kansas with a background in journalism and advertising, Staci brings a blend of creative vision, strategic leadership, and heart-centered purpose to everything she does.

Special Edition: The Future of Recruitment - Navigating Challenges with Jourdan Mercurio Lewis and John Mercurio

Join us for the inaugural episode of this bi-monthly Special Edition (short 15-30 minute episodes) of The Corporate Couch, airing on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. We dive into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition with John Mercurio and Jordan Mercurio-Lewis from Blue Ocean Search Firm. Discover how technology and human connection are reshaping recruitment, the importance of looking beyond resumes, and the strategies to find hidden talent in today's fast-paced world. Explore the balance between AI-driven processes and the irreplaceable human touch in building successful teams.
 
This episode brought to you by...
In today’s hiring world, finding Top Tier Talent can be extremely difficult. How do you want to differentiate your company in a highly competitive search pool? Do you want to fish in a crowded Red Ocean or stand out in a bright blue one? At Blue Ocean Search Firm, we empower visionary leaders with breakthrough hiring strategies, proprietary technology, and trusted partnership to build transformational teams – all while maintaining the human element. 
As a Corporate Couch listener, you receive 50% savings on Blue Ocean Talent Acquisition fees. Contact Blue Ocean Search Firm Here and mention "The Corporate Couch".
To learn more about Jourdan and John, please visit their website: About Us.

Curiosity, Questions, and Customer Champions: Donna Weber’s Journey from Scotland to SaaS

Most companies treat customer onboarding like an afterthought. Donna Weber sees it as a growth strategy. With her Orchestrated Onboarding® framework and decades of experience in customer success, Donna helps companies deliver value faster, retain more customers, and scale smarter.
We talk about her concept of “time to first value,” the biggest mistakes companies make after the sale, and how her global journey, starting in Scotland, shaped her approach. She also shares why A More Beautiful Question belongs on every leader’s reading list.
If you care about what happens after the deal closes, this is a mini-master class on how to turn a handshake into a long-term customer relationship.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Donna: ​Donna Weber is a globally recognized customer value expert with a decades-long track record of success as a strategic consultant to high-growth companies. Widely recognized as an early pioneer in customer retention, she was the first to define customer onboarding as a strategic discipline. Her Orchestrated Onboarding® framework is the industry’s go-to model for transforming post-land value delivery into a strategic lever for growth. Her bestselling book, Onboarding Matters, is considered a definitive guide to post-sale customer success.​ Renowned for her approach to turning customers into loyal champions, companies hire Donna when they’re ready to level up by moving fast in the right direction. Her relentless focus on the customer helps them scale smarter by delivering on the lifetime value they promise from day one.

Special Edition: It's 5 O'clock Somewhere - Fireworks, Giftology, and Elevator Pitches with Marc Shaffer

In this fifth edition of our “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” series, Marc Shaffer and I swap stories like you would over a cold drink on a hot summer night. From our 4th of July celebrations (including Joey Chestnut, $20,000 firework shows, and toddler-approved explosions) to the power of legacy and generosity, we cover it all.
Marc shares an emotional story about the late Giftology author John Ruhlin and how he’s honoring his memory by surprising and delighting the author’s daughters. We also talk about the pending release of Marc’s book One For All, and how relationships, thoughtful gifting, and knowing when to let go are all key ingredients in his “pay-it-forward” philosophy.
You’ll hear about new connections, charity events like Band of Angels' rooftop bash, our shared love of meaningful books (including George Raveling’s What You’re Made For), and my recent podcast conversation with Claude Silver, Gary Vaynerchuk’s Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX.
We wrap with a reminder from Seth Godin: “Stop working on your elevator pitch. No one ever bought anything on an elevator.” Even if your toddler insists on riding it… twice.
Pull up a chair, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
 
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
 
If you would like to sign up to be notified of updates on Marc's “One for All” book, including the release date, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
 
​- Marc's Book "One for All": Keep Me Updated!
 
- "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!

Just Say Yes: Dana Bernstein on Brave Careers, Coaching Through Conflict, and the Human Side of Project Management

Dana Bernstein (see her bio below) has built a career and a life by saying yes to unexpected opportunities. From publishing dozens of articles on negotiation to managing a family-run animal hospital to coaching leaders in high-stakes conflict, Dana brings empathy, clarity, and boldness to everything she touches.
In this episode, Dana turns the tables mid-conversation and coaches me through a moment of internal conflict, bringing her interactive book, It’s the Thought That Counts, to life in real time. It’s a powerful demonstration of how reframing can shift not just mindset but action.
We also explore how Dana is redefining project management by focusing on connection, compassion, and what she calls “the art of human-ness.” With over 2,100 coaching hours and experience spanning universities, courts, and corporate boardrooms, she’s on a mission to help people navigate tension with curiosity and courage.
This episode is a crash course in communication, leadership, and saying yes even when the path isn’t fully clear.
 
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About ​Dana: ​Dana Bernstein is a Conflict Resolution author, speaker, consultant, and Principal of Dare to Live Brave. With 2,100 coaching hours and 100 clients, she specializes in de-escalation, negotiations, contracts, project management, and high-stakes situations representing universities, government, banking, and courts. She founded and manages a family-run animal hospital.
Dana published 30 articles on contracts and negotiations (1995-2007). She produced 8 PMI webinars with “Mastering the Art of Human-ness in Project Management: Serving Others Through Powerful Communication,” garnering 52,500 views since March 2020.​ In 2025, Dana published “It’s the Thought That Counts: Mastering the Art of YOU vs. you,” an interactive book helping individuals resolve internal conflict to better navigate external challenges. Dana has a Master’s in Dispute Resolution from Montclair State and is a court-appointed mediator. She is an ICF NJ Board Member, Co-Director of Programs with a PCC Credential. She is a Project Management Professional and Certified Meeting Professional. 
An avid volunteer, Dana has been working with the Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout Service Unit Leadership Team for 15 years. She is a strong supporter of women advocating for informed health choices for those who have breast cancer.

Deals with Heart: Cam Bishop’s Journey from Copywriter to CEO and the Human Side of M&A

Cameron “Cam” Bishop’s (see his bio below) journey from copywriter to CEO is proof that leading with vision, grit, and heart still matters. In this episode, Cam reflects on a career that spans startups, scale-ups, turnarounds, and multimillion-dollar exits, but at the core of it all is his unwavering belief in the power of people.
Now a Managing Director at Raincatcher, Cam helps business owners navigate the emotional and financial complexities of selling their businesses. With more than 70 M&A deals under his belt, he’s seen firsthand how too many founders are undervalued and underserved in the process. His mission? To bring humanness back into M&A and help founders finish well with clarity, dignity, and the value they deserve.
From building a $400M company to launching a private equity-backed startup from his kitchen table, Cam shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, legacy, and what truly matters when the spotlight fades. Whether you're a founder, operator, or just someone who appreciates a story of growth done right, this conversation delivers.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Cam: Cameron Bishop brings more than 40 years of executive-level business experience to his role as one of Raincatcher’s Managing Directors. He has overseen a broad array of business scenarios involving start-ups, product line extensions, organic growth, international business, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), deal integrations, business reorganizations, and digital transformations. 
 
In his early career, Cam began as a copywriter for a $7 million company. With determination and dedication to the bigger picture, he rose through the ranks tobecome its CEO, and he helped grow that company to $400 million in revenue and$100 million in EBITDA profits, expanding it to more than 2,000 employees located in23 U.S. cities and across several countries.  From there, he launched Ascend Media, a startup backed by J.P. Morgan Chase Bank’s $6 billion private equity fund that began on his kitchen table. In just three years, Cam built a management team that developed strategy and installed the systems and processes needed to create a successful infrastructure for a $120MM company with 500 employees based in 7 cities.Cam found himself moving on to another company next, where he served as apartner in a consulting firm specializing in exit and transition planning. He led abusiness turnaround and digital transformation under contract for the board ofdirectors of SkillPath Seminars, a $60 million 501c3 company. SkillPath is one of the nation's largest and most successful management and leadership development training companies. His role as CEO with this company was to introduce a new strategy, brand the company, recruit new talent, reduce costs, improve business processes, introducetechnology from data science to web functionality, and create a compelling socialmedia presence through aggressive thought leadership programs.
Cam’s real passion remains in M&A. Over the years, he has executed 50 buyside and20+ sell-side deals with enterprise value over $500 million. Throughout hisexperience, he came to understand that many business owners are improperlyrepresented by brokers, which resulted in them leaving their businesses with lessvalue than they should have. Cam has a true passion for helping business owners achieve their financial goals with proper support and representation. He is thrilled to have an opportunity to do this each and every day with Raincatcher as a Managing Director.In his spare time, Cam has authored two books, Head Noise...Perspective and Talesfrom the Executive Suite and Onward and Upward...Motivational Advice for CareerSuccess. 
Cameron is a member of the Forbes Magazine Human Resource Council as well as amember of the Kansas City Business Journal Business Council. He is also a volunteermentor for HEMP (Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program) in conjunction with the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Business.

Flow, Fulfillment, and Feeling Seen: Ari DeGrote on Unlocking Human Potential at Work

Ari DeGrote (see her bio below) was born because of a New Year’s resolution literally. And that origin story might explain a lot about her mission to help people make intentional, aligned choices that spark real change.
Ari believes everyone craves two things at work: meaning and mattering. As the founder of Upward & Inward and a human potential coach, Ari helps leaders and teams move beyond burnout and back into purpose by reconnecting with what makes them feel alive, aligned, and in flow. In this episode, she explains how tapping into a flow state, what many call “being in the zone,” can elevate performance, creativity, and connection. She shares how leaders can create cultures where transparency isn’t just encouraged but expected, and how fulfillment often starts by daring to create the job you wish existed.
From tackling complacency to reigniting collaboration, Ari’s work is grounded in the belief that people thrive when they feel truly seen and valued. Whether you're leading a team, redefining your role, or simply trying to get out of autopilot, this conversation is a call to pause, reflect, and take aligned action.
Get ready to rethink leadership, productivity, and what it means to show up at your best on purpose and in flow.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Ari: ​Ari DeGrote, Founder of Upward & Inward. She helps leaders and teams reconnect, align, and thrive by addressing the root causes of disconnection and complacency. Through tailored solutions like the 12-month 4D Impact Leadership Program, Individual Impact Coaching, assessments, workshops, and facilitation, she works as an extension of your leadership, identifying barriers to collaboration, reigniting purpose, and fostering authentic connection. By integrating leadership principles, flow science, and human-centered systems thinking, Ari helps businesses reduce conflict, retain top talent, and drive meaningful impact. Together, we create a future where individuals and organizations flourish through trust, alignment, and shared success.​ Ari’s work reconnects purpose, fuels innovation, & skyrockets purposeful productivity,​transforming leaders into catalysts for change. Through these Impact Leaders, she cultivates a ripple effect of positive transformation that extends beyond individual organizations,​ influencing industries, communities, and societal systems. By empowering leaders to create meaningful change from the inside out, she contributes to shaping a more purposeful,​ connected, & impactful world—one leader, one team, one organization at a time.

From Police Reserves to Practical AI: Dale Thomas on Curiosity, Service, and Smart Tech for Small Business

Dale Thomas (see his bio below) doesn’t wear the typical “tech founder” label lightly. Before launching ActionableOps and becoming a bestselling author, Dale served in the police officer reserves, an experience that shaped his no-nonsense, service-first approach to problem-solving.
In this episode, Dale shares how his path from public service to operations leadership to “AI Explorer” has always centered on one thing: making things work better for real people. He doesn’t call himself an AI expert, and that’s intentional. His focus is on helping small and mid-sized business owners cut through the hype and use AI in ways that are accessible, efficient, and meaningful.
Dale opens up about the career pivot that brought him into tech, why curiosity is his compass, and how he helps companies use tools like AI voice receptionists and automated workflows to solve practical problems with measurable ROI. This is a story of reinvention, leadership, and the power of staying humble while embracing the future.
If you’re tired of AI jargon and just want to understand what works, this is your kind of conversation.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Dale Thomas: Dale Thomas is the founder of ActionableOps and an AI Explorer focusing on leveraging artificial intelligence for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With over 20 years of experience in technology and operations, Dale has developed a practical framework aimed at helping these businesses boost efficiency, cut costs, and enhance customer experiences through intelligent technology solutions.​ His approach emphasizes accessible, ROI-positive AI implementations that can be quickly deployed to show immediate business impact. Dale is also the author of the bestselling guide, "The Ultimate A.I. Guide for Small Business Success." This book is designed to demystify complex AI concepts, offering actionable strategies for small business owners, even those without technical expertise, to implement AI. The guide covers practical AI implementation frameworks, cost-effective automation, real-world case studies, and strategies for selecting, deploying, and optimizing AI investments.
A sought-after voice on AI innovation, Dale has shared his insights on numerous leading podcasts. ActionableOps, under Dale's leadership, provides AI-powered solutions like AI Voice Receptionists and AI Readiness Consulting, focusing on practical setup and clear pathways to return on investment for SMBs.

Born to Sell: Dr. Cindy McGovern on Why Sales Is the Ultimate Life Skill

Dr. Cindy McGovern (see her bio below) doesn’t just teach sales; she redefines it. Known as the “First Lady of Sales,” Dr. Cindy brings her signature energy and insight to The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends with one simple truth: “Sales is not a business or soft skill. Sales is a life skill.”
From classrooms to boardrooms, Dr. Cindy has helped people embrace their inner salesperson to get more of what they want in both life and work. Whether you're asking for a raise, pitching a project, or negotiating with your teenager, the skills of great salespeople are already in your toolbox; you just haven’t been calling it “sales.”
She shares how her five-step formula makes selling feel authentic, actionable, and even fun. You’ll hear why she says “Learning to sell will change your life,” how curiosity beats pushiness (“ABC: Always Be Curious”), and why her mission is to help the world reclaim sales as a human, everyday superpower.
Get ready to shift your mindset, sharpen your communication, and rethink what it really means to “sell” yourself—with purpose, confidence, and clarity.
 
Today’s episode of The Corporate Couch is sponsored by Fluent Consultants - your partner for scaling your growing business. They take a business-first approach to help growing companies eliminate operational bottlenecks, automate manual tasks, and scale without increasing headcount. Fluent isn’t your typical technology firm - they deliver solutions that solve actual business problems and reduce manual tasks. From roadmaps to dashboards and AI, Fluent can help you find a better way. 
 
To learn more about Fluent Consultants, go to https://www.fluent-consultants.com/the-corporate-couch/.
 
About Dr. Cindy McGovern: ​​Top-rated speaker, best-selling author and consultant Dr. Cindy® is on a mission to empower people and companies to get what they want … through sales! Yep, “sales,” that icky word that makes people cringe.​ How did she learn to embrace that dreaded activity? After years of consulting companies and helping them grow their business, she had an epiphany: every job really is a sales job.  And every person is a salesperson.
Throughout her career as a college professor, a salesperson and a consultant, Dr. Cindy realized that people can get more of what they want in work AND in life by using the skills of sales professionals.​ She is in fact, a doctor – although not the medical kind! – with her master’s in Communication and doctorate in Organizational Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational Leadership and Ethics. Today, she focuses on bringing companies and people together to grow their businesses and get what they want in life and in work. Because, believe it or not, you were born with sales skills, and Dr. Cindy wants to help you embrace your inner salesperson to get what you want and deserve.​ And it’s not tough, she uses a simple five-step formula that’s easy to remember, easy to stick to, and easy to achieve. But it’s so revolutionary that once she redefines the concept of sales, the world will need a new word for it!
 
sales, personal branding, consulting, public speaking, leadership, communication, sales process, career advice, entrepreneurship, education

Special Edition: It's 5 O'clock Somewhere - From Hawaiian Shirts to Life Lessons with Marc Shaffer

Marc Shaffer returns for round four of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, the recurring happy hour-style Special Edition of The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends. It’s the kind of conversation that flows between business, family, books, and community, with a splash of margarita-shirt energy.
Marc opens up about how becoming a dad to two young children has transformed the way he works, delegates, and protects his time. He also shares reflections from The Five Regrets of the Dying and how that book is shaping both his life and leadership philosophy.
Jeff talks about Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be, a powerful little book by Steven Pressfield (author of The War of Art, Do the Work, and The Legend of Bagger Vance, and many others). Jeff also shares what it meant to be a guest on Rounding the Bases, the long-running podcast hosted by Kansas City’s own "Podfather," Joel Goldberg.
This episode covers the generational challenges facing today’s leaders, the value of scheduling emails, and the importance of showing up for yourself and your community. Whether you're tuning in from your desk, your deck, or the “water gym,” one thing’s for sure: it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere.
 
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
 
If you would like to sign up to be notified of updates on Marc's “All for One” book, including the release date, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
​Marc's Book "All For One": Keep Me Updated!
 
"Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!

A Voice for the Voiceless: Christal Watson’s Path from Civic Leader to Mayoral Candidate

Christal Watson (see her bio below) has spent her entire career guided by one mission: To be in a position of influence so I can be a voice for those who don't have one. That mission has shaped every role she’s taken on—from championing students in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to revitalizing the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce into a powerhouse for minority-owned businesses.
Now, with more than two decades of impact behind her, Christal is stepping into her boldest chapter yet: running for Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.
This conversation uncovers how her deep roots in education, workforce development, and public service have prepared her to lead with both vision and compassion. Christal shares how her upbringing shaped her purpose, why she never lets fear override faith, and how leadership means lifting others, especially when the system doesn’t see them.
From boardrooms to classrooms to city hall, Christal Watson’s story is one of grit, grace, and unshakable commitment to community.
 
Today’s episode of The Corporate Couch is sponsored by Fluent Consultants - your partner for scaling your growing business. They take a business-first approach to help growing companies eliminate operational bottlenecks, automate manual tasks, and scale without increasing headcount. Fluent isn’t your typical technology firm - they deliver solutions that solve actual business problems and reduce manual tasks. From roadmaps to dashboards and AI, Fluent can help you find a better way. 
 
To learn more about Fluent Consultants, go to https://www.fluent-consultants.com/the-corporate-couch/.
 
About Christal: ​Christal E. Watson is the Executive Director of the Kansas City Kansas School Foundation for Excellence, dedicated to enhancing education and promoting student well-being in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. A proactive leader, Watson envisions a framework of enduring support for students, families, and staff. She is
a proud graduate of Kansas Education Policy and Leadership, Leadership Kansas, and the Kansas City Tomorrow Leaders program, reflecting her commitment to civic engagement. Appointed by Governor Laura Kelly, Watson serves as Commissioner Chair of the Kansas Human Rights Commission, having previously been Deputy Chief of Staff under former Mayor David Alvey. Her leadership in the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce transformed it into the region's fastest-growing minority chamber,advocating for Black-owned and women-owned businesses.​ With over 25 years of experience spanning education, workforce development, and government relations, Watson has received numerous accolades, including Women Who Mean Business, Power 100, Community Champion, and recognition as one of the "50 Kansans You Should Know". Holding both a bachelor's and a master's degree in organizational management, she prioritizes education as a key to progress. Above all, Christal values her faith, family, friends, and enriching life with her husband, their four sons, and two grandchildren.

Special Edition: How AI Can Help You Scale Smarter with Fluent Consultants

In this Special Edition of The Corporate Couch, Greg Deitch (CEO) and Jeremy Stephens (President) of Fluent Consultants demystify how small and mid-sized businesses can harness AI to boost efficiency, cut costs, and stay competitive without needing a tech army or Silicon Valley budget.
Greg and Jeremy break down how AI is moving from trend to tool, and why now is the time for growing companies to experiment with automation, language models, and data-driven insights. From double-checking invoice entries to transforming customer support and HR workflows, they offer real-world examples that are achievable (and affordable).
We also delve into the differences between personal and enterprise AI tools, why the “garbage in, garbage out” principle remains applicable, and what every CEO needs to know about security, data ownership, and scaling responsibly. Whether you're AI-curious or already testing use cases, this conversation will help you find your first step and avoid being left behind.
 
​Today’s episode of The Corporate Couch is sponsored by Fluent Consultants - your partner for scaling your growing business. They take a business-first approach to help growing companies eliminate operational bottlenecks, automate manual tasks, and scale without increasing headcount. Fluent isn’t your typical technology firm - they deliver solutions that solve actual business problems and reduce manual tasks. From roadmaps to dashboards and AI, Fluent can help you find a better way. 
 
To learn more about Fluent's AI solutions, go to https://www.fluent-consultants.com/artificial-intelligence/
 
 

From Ivory Tower to Inclusive Leadership: Dr. Victoria Farris on Bridging Generational Divides at Work

Dr. Victoria Farris (see her bio below) traded a tenured track in academia for the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship. As a transformational leadership strategist, she now helps business leaders foster high-trust, inclusive workplaces where people want to show up and contribute.
Our conversation explores the modern leader’s reality: managing five generations in the workplace, each with their own expectations, communication styles, and values. Victoria breaks down how trust isn’t built through perks or policies, but through presence, accountability, allyship, and the courage to challenge outdated assumptions. We unpack how self-awareness and inclusive supervision go hand in hand, why feedback is a two-way street, and what it means to lead with clarity in a world that is constantly changing.
Whether you lead a startup team or a global enterprise, Victoria’s insights will shift how you think about leadership, culture, and what it truly means to belong.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Victoria: ​Dr. Victoria Farris is a transformational leadership strategist and executive coach who works with high-level business leaders to create inclusive,
high-trust workplaces. A sought-after speaker and consultant, she specializes in trust, inclusive supervision, and leadership development, helping leadersnavigate change and build high-performing teams with purpose.

From Southern China to Strategic Force: Fiona Lin on Leading with Purpose Across Cultures

Fiona Lin (see her bio below) brings a global lens to leadership, starting with her childhood in southern China and leading to her rise as a business transformation expert in the U.S. As the first guest on the podcast born and raised in China, Fiona shares how growing up without toys or pets (and carving fish with friends in the river) shaped her creativity, resilience, and lifelong love of learning.
We explore Fiona’s evolution from English teacher to COO, her passion for aligning strategy and execution, and why she believes every transformation begins with listening to people first. Whether she’s navigating global supply chains, implementing enterprise systems, or helping a founder scale with purpose, Fiona makes the complex feel human and actionable. You'll hear how she connects the dots between operations, technology, and empathy—and how her concept of the “organizational quarterback” helps bridge the gap between vision and results.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Fiona: Fiona Lin is a global business transformation leader with a track record of driving growth across FinTech, consumer goods, and manufacturing. Having scaled businesses in the U.S. and China, she excels at simplifying complexity—from product innovation to margin improvement. Known for connecting strategy, operations, and technology, Fiona helps companies grow intentionally while empowering teams through change. 

From Packaging to Powerhouse: How Mary-Catherine Reinert Built a Brand as Bold as Her Heritage

Mary-Catherine “M-C” Reinert (see her bio below) isn’t just a brand strategist, she’s a force of nature. In this episode of The Corporate Couch, M-C shares her journey from a quiet, science-loving kid from Kansas City to the founder of Fortissima, a bold branding and marketing firm whose name (Italian for “very loud”) reflects both her fierce personality and her Sicilian roots.
M-C opens up about the lessons she learned in the family restaurant, the middle school teacher who helped her find her voice, and why she borrowed a friend’s art portfolio to break into design school. We talk about how she transitioned from designing corrugated boxes to launching a strategy-driven agency that fuses data, design, and authenticity.
You’ll hear how M-C's “DIVA mindset” helps clients stop overcomplicating their marketing and start showing up with clarity and confidence. This conversation is a mix of guts, grit, and the debate of "sauce" vs. gravy", with powerful lessons for anyone looking to make their brand (and their voice) impossible to ignore.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About M-C: Raising the standard of industry norms and practices, Mary-Catherine Reinert (M-C) injects provoking thought leadership, knowledge, and tales from the trenches in all things strategy, branding, business positioning, and marketing alignment. The journey has taken her from a corrugated packaging designer to a luxury bespoke designer to now, a brand strategist and Founder of Fortissima.
With a sole focus on boutique hospitality and luxury lifestyle brands, her well-curated sensorial marketing experiences have elevated hundreds of brands to live louder, strategize more efficient business practices, and deepen their connection with their guests, clients, and customers!
Once you become connected to M-C and the truth of who you are, as a person, founder, brand, business, or marketer — you become Fortissima: confident, proud, and extremely loud!  At the end of the day, if you have a passion and begin to take action in changing the way you do, say, create, and present things — this will begin to change the world around you.
 

Special Edition: It’s 5 O'Clock Somewhere with Marc Shaffer – Deep Work, Cold Beer, and Real Talk

In this third Special Edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I enhance our usual conversation by doing what any good happy hour calls for: sipping a cold beer. From deep work strategies and smart calendar hacks to journaling habits and our favorite recent reads, this episode is packed with personal insights and practical takeaways.
We also swap stories about standout people we’ve recently met, the power of connecting others, and the local causes we’re proud to support. It’s a relaxed and real look at what’s working in our lives—and how sharing ideas over a beer can lead to better thinking, better planning, and better community.
 
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
 
If you would like to sign up to be notified of updates on Marc's “All for One” book, including the release date, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
​Marc's Book "All For One": Keep Me Updated!
 
"Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!

Charting Your Own Path: Massimo Backus on Self-Compassion, Reinvention, and Leading Human-First

This episode of The Corporate Couch features Massimo Backus (see his bio below), executive coach, organizational psychologist, and author of Human First, Leader Second. One of the least traditionally “corporate” guests we’ve had on the show, Massimo brings depth, vulnerability, and candor to a conversation about how to thrive in work and life by embracing our full humanity.
From attending seven different colleges to working in door-to-door sales, film, commercial real estate, and ultimately leadership development at Fortune 200 companies, Massimo’s career has been anything but linear. He shares how his early struggles with dyslexia shaped his confidence, what he learned from an award-winning organ donation documentary he produced, and how getting fired from a dream job became the catalyst for starting his own business.
We dive into:
Why Massimo believes self-compassion outperforms self-criticism for leaders.
How being labeled a “bully” by his team was the wake-up call that led him to the Hoffman Process.
What corporate leaders misunderstand about performance, vulnerability, and burnout.
His framework for internal validation—and why trusting yourself is the real key to resilience.
His thoughts on navigating layoffs and major career pivots with purpose and clarity.
We also discuss how Massimo's exploration-heavy 20s and unorthodox career detours—Gary Vee would be proud—led him to discover his calling. If you're a leader, recent grad, or anyone in transition, this episode is full of hard-won insights and affirming truth.
Find out why “Human First, Leader Second” might just be the future of work.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Massimo: Massimo Backus is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and organizational culture expert who helps senior leaders navigate complexity, resolve conflict, and drive sustainable performance. As Founder and CEO of his consulting firm, Massimo partners with Fortune 200 companies and industry leaders—including Amazon, Salesforce, and Sony—to develop resilient, high-performing teams. Formerly head of global leadership development at Slalom Consulting, he has coached over 3,000 leaders and authored the book Human First, Leader Second. He holds a Master’s in Organizational Behavior Psychology and is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker.

Special Edition: Inside TIGER 21 of Kansas City – Wealth, Wisdom, and the Power of Peer Connection

In this special edition of The Corporate Couch, we explore the elite world of TIGER 21 with Kansas City Chairs Heidi Lehmann and Joe Kessinger (see their bios below). For high-net-worth individuals navigating success, succession, and significance, TIGER 21 is the global peer network that offers more than just financial advice, it provides a trusted community, deep reflection, and powerful perspective.
Heidi, a five-time tech entrepreneur and nationally recognized investor, and Joe, a veteran finance executive and serial founder, explain what makes TIGER 21 so unique—and why Kansas City is not only hosting one, but now two thriving groups.
In this conversation, we cover:
What TIGER 21 is and why it matters more than ever for ultra-successful individuals
How Portfolio Defense® invites radical transparency and life-changing feedback
The reasons behind KC’s rapid growth as a TIGER 21 hub (hint: it’s more than money)
How global connections—from London to Dubai—extend far beyond Kansas City
The trust and vulnerability that power every member’s journey
The ideal time to join TIGER 21 (especially post-exit or after a major life change)
The heartland expansion: why members are coming from Des Moines, Tulsa, Omaha, and beyond
Whether you’re a founder who just had a liquidity event, a second-gen family office leader, or someone quietly seeking deeper community and guidance at the highest level, this episode offers a rare peek into one of the world’s most powerful networks for wealth holders.
To learn more, visit tiger21.com or reach out to Heidi (email: heidi.lehmann@tiger21chair.com) and Joe (email: joe.kessinger@tiger21chair.com) for a personal conversation.
 
About Heidi: Heidi E. Lehmann is the Chair of Kansas City 02. She’s a seasoned investor, board member, and five-time startup founder leading high-impact global tech deals. As Strategic Director of Ligo Partners she collaborates with Family Offices globally to source investments in startups, venture funds, and real estate. Heidi has co-founded and scaled companies like Kenzen (industrial IoT, $30M raised) and Third Screen Media (acquired by AOL for $105M). She advises startup CEOs and holds board and advisory roles. As co-founder of KC Future’s DAO, Heidi drives blockchain innovation in Kansas City. She also serves as Business Advisor to Critical Materials Crossroads, a coalition focused on the energy transition, and co-produced the media franchise "Queen Boss" (acquired by Viacom/CBS). Featured in Forbes, WSJ, NYT, and more, Heidi is a sought-after speaker at top conferences like SXSW and Mobile World Congress. Heidi enjoys travel, art, sports, her Peloton bike, KC BBQ, and spending time with family and friends.
About Joe: Joe Kessinger is the Chair of Kansas City Group 01, which he launched in 2022. A business advisor/financer with 35+ years of experience in business development, accounting/tax, corporate value enhancement, family business transitions, corporate finance, and merger/acquisition advisory services. Joe has experience from start-up companies to a CPA with two Big 4 accounting firms. He is the founding member of several organizations, including Collaborative Capital- a network of high-net-worth individuals and family offices that share investment opportunities. A 4th generation Kansas Citian, he is the father of a son and two daughters and enjoys gardening, golf, pickleball, and cooking.

From KC Chiefs Fan to Media Mogul: Zach Best on Culture, Creativity, and Championship Mindsets

In this fun and insightful episode, Zach Best, co-founder of FanSided and Executive VP at Minute Media, joins to talk about turning fandom into a media empire, building thriving remote teams, and why culture beats everything. Zach’s Kansas City roots and love for the Chiefs sparked a journey that turned a humble sports blog into a major digital media player acquired three times, including by Time/Sports Illustrated and Meredith Corporation.
You’ll hear about:
How Zach built a strong remote culture with team members well before remote work was cool.
Why bad ownership ruins sports franchises (looking at you, NY Jets).
Lessons learned from leading a company through multiple acquisitions—and how each one taught him something new.
The surprising role a Led Zeppelin-inspired blog post played in launching FanSided.
How his passion for inclusion led to a groundbreaking partnership with the Special Olympics.
His hot takes on leadership, AI, emotional intelligence, and creating opportunity for others.
Why staying scrappy and hiring for passion matters more than ever.
Zach also shares how FanSided became one of the top 10 standalone digital sports media brands and what it’s like to work with Special Olympics athletes during Super Bowl week.
Whether you're a startup founder, a remote team leader, or just a fan of great stories, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few good-natured jabs at the NY Jets.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Zach: Zachary Best is the General Manager at FanSided, a Minute Media brand, where he oversees the strategic direction, operations, and growth of the platform. He co-founded FanSided, helping turn it from a small blog into one of the leading fan-driven sports and entertainment media networks.​ Following FanSided’s acquisition, Zachary remained with the company and now serves as an Executive Vice President at Minute Media, where he sits on the executive team and helps guide strategy, innovation, and business development across the company’s portfolio of global media brands.​ In addition to his media work, Zachary is a residential real estate investor and developer, with a focus on building and improving communities through long-term investments.​ He lives in Nixa, Missouri, with his wife, Lauren, and their three children—Calan, Emery, and Graham.
 

Branding the Biggest Games on Earth: Inside Sports Marketing with Mike Goff

In this episode of The Corporate Couch, Kansas City native and sports marketing legend Mike Goff shares stories, lessons, and the occasional war wound from his trailblazing career in brand strategy and sponsorship. From his early days dreaming of sports journalism to leading iconic campaigns with the NFL, World Cup '94, and Rolling Stones tours, Mike’s career is a masterclass in storytelling, strategy, and savvy execution.
Mike, whose resume includes everything from being the force behind Sprint’s groundbreaking NFL headset sponsorship to naming the College Football Playoff (CFP), doesn’t just drop names like Peyton Manning, Marcus Allen, and Richard Petty—he’s worked side-by-side with them. He also gives an insider's look at what it takes to manage legacy brands, build meaningful agency relationships (even when your company had a reputation for being “a tough client”), and transition with purpose from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
Other highlights:
Why naming the CFP was harder—and smarter—than it looked.
The truth about Mad Men-style ad agency days and being a client on both sides of the dinner table.
The business impact of the 2026 World Cup and what it means for Kansas City.
Advice for recent grads and first-time managers that cuts through the corporate noise.
And yes, you’ll find out who was more polished on set: Brett Favre or Peyton Manning.
Mike Goff’s episode is more than a conversation—it’s a mini-MBA in strategic marketing, sponsorship, and leadership from a true icon in the field.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About Mike: Mike Goff is an accomplished leader and marketer with experience across various brands and business assignments. He founded Goff + Marketing, a strategic consultancy that offers C-suite-level service and leadership to brands locally and nationally. He is also a partner in G4—a Kansas City-based consortium of four sponsorship activation, sports, and experiential-focused companies.
His experience includes senior leadership roles at Sprint, United Way of Greater Kansas City, Barkley, and Premier Sports Management. His partnership experience includes working with brands ranging from the NFL to the World Cup to Hershey to American Express to the College Football Playoff…and many more. Mike has managed a top 10 U.S. brand, developed Cannes Gold Lion award-winning campaigns, and achieved significant business results throughout his career. During his tenure at Sprint (now T-Mobile), TheSporting News recognized him as one of the 100 Most Powerful People in Sports. He also received the Arthur E. Lowell Award—the highest honor of the local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, given to those who have combined exemplary career accomplishments with ethical excellence and a commitment to the local community.
Mike has a long history of civic involvement in the Kansas City area. He also focuses on mentoring and developing talent and is a frequent guest lecturer. 

From Cattle Ranch to Conscious Rebellion: Justin Foster on Branding, Justice, and Inner Work

What happens when one of the least corporate minds steps onto The Corporate Couch?
You get a conversation that’s anything but business as usual. In this episode, Justin Foster (see his bio below), poet, agitator, and co-founder of Massive Change, pulls no punches as he unpacks the hidden forces behind branding, leadership, and personal transformation. Raised on a cattle ranch and now based in Austin, Justin’s deep thinking and sharp tongue challenge the traditional playbook with radical honesty and ethical clarity.
We explore everything from dismantling toxic systems to cultivating inner awareness—and how both are essential for meaningful leadership. We also explore Justin’s reflections on identity, including what it means to be a “SWAM” in today’s world, and how self-inquiry can become a powerful tool for empathy, growth, and leadership. Whether you’re a brand builder, changemaker, or just tired of the same old corporate jargon, this conversation will stretch your thinking and stir your spirit.
 
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
 
About ​Justin: Justin Foster is the co-founder of Massive Change, an advisory firm providing executive coaching, leadership development, and brand strategy for non-profit leaders and entrepreneurs who want to make the world a more just and equitable place.​ Justin's journey began on a cattle ranch in eastern Oregon, shaping his no-nonsense approach to leadership and business. Now based in Austin, Texas, he has spent over two decades delivering unfiltered, heretical brand coaching to leaders across all industries and sectors. Known for his sharp wit, deep intuition, and mastery of language, Justin has a gift for distilling complex ideas into potent messaging and crafting ethical, high-impact brand strategies. He is also the author of four books and a prolific creative, expressing his love for language through essays, poetry, and songwriting
At his core, Justin is a poet, agitator, and strategist—a fierce advocate for justice with an unwavering commitment to challenging entrenched power. His work is a relentless interrogation of the systems, narratives, and assumptions that maintain the status quo, always pushing for deeper truth and awareness.