The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

Scott Willingham, The Fierce Competitor With A Servant Leader's Heart - Living By The Platinum Rule, Level 5 Leadership, and Giving Everyone An Opportunity

Whenever a guest has a story that involves lifting a 400 lb. calf in designer jeans you know it will be a great conversation. Join the discussion with Scott Willingham (see bio below) as we talk about Level 5 leadership (and how Abraham Lincoln was one of the few presidents to reach this level), building cultures where people don't experience the weekly "Dark Sunday Nights", why he uses the Predictive Index assessment, the Platinum Rule (and why it's better than the Golden Rule), and why he believes in giving everyone an opportunity. Also, the story about lifting a 400 lb. calf and riding a horse with no experience was to impress his girlfriend's father (it worked since now he is his father-in-law).
 
Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at jeff.pelaccio@exechq.com.  
 
​Scott Willingham (linkedin.com/in/scott-willingham )  is currently the CEO and Founder of WakeEffect (Website). Before launching WakeEffect in late 2023, he
served as the CRO for bulb Digital Portfolios, an EdTech start-up company based in Lafayette, CO. bulb was recently acquired by a competitor based in the U.K. Before leading the sales function at bulb, Scott was EVP and Partner at MindWire in Scottsdale, AZ – the fastest growing Predictive Index Firm in the world from 2016 to 2020. His clients have included one of the largest Automotive OEMs in the world, the largest Diesel Commercial Truck dealer group in the U.S., and the largest veterans Home Mortgage company in America. 20+ years of Leadership in Sales, B2B Sales, Education Sales, and Organizational Development. Selling something you believe in is a noble calling. There is no greater accomplishment than hiring great talent, playingto their strengths, developing and building high-performing teams, and accomplishingextraordinary results. Winning with and through your people is what leadership is all about. Having earned an M.A. in Organization Leadership at Gonzaga University, Scott has been a disruptor in delivering results with B2B Sales into Fortune 500 companies, re-building sales training for a publicly traded company, and leading education sales efforts in school districts across 14 states.​ Before launching for-profit ventures, Scott served as the Chaplain for the University of Missouri Tiger Football team from 2001 to 2004.Scott and his wife Stephanie live in Las Cruces, NM, and have 2 kids. A son who is a junior at Colorado Christian University in Denver and a 16-year-old daughter.

Rick Kahle, The Trusted Advisor - Investing In Others To Stand Out, Learning Leadership By Observation, and The Importance of Self-Awareness

A fun conversation with Rick Kahle! Join Rick and me as we discuss his impressive career journey from the insurance industry to the Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem back to insurance. Some of the great topics include: how he became a better leader by observing great leaders in action and learning how to ask great questions; how being an entrepreneur is not for the fragile or faint at heart; the importance of not confusing activity with results; investing in others; and the gift of listening.
 
Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at jeff.pelaccio@exechq.com.
 
Rick's bio: Driven by impactful outcomes and passionate about serving people, Rick Kahle (LinkedIn) serves as a trusted advisor adept at helping clients solve their most complex business challenges. Following a 27-year career in employee benefits consulting and brokerage, Rick switched gears and followed his passion for investing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Kansas City. In 2019, he co-founded Crux-Xcelerate, which combines sales and marketing acumen to develop sales performers and leaders, drive value and accountability, and fuel sustainable revenue growth for organizations. As Senior Vice President of Alliant, Rick is leaning into his entrepreneurial experiences to help build and lead the firm’s Kansas City office.Rick is passionate about supporting the greater Kansas City community and has served in numerous leadership positions, both charitably and civically. Most notably, he continues to serve as chair of Phoenix Family, which provides support services to 6,000 residents of affordable housing communities.

Rita Smith, The Domestic Violence Pioneer - Her 16-Year Journey to Help The NFL, How to Share Your Message For People to Hear It, and The Importance of Having A Strong Personal Support System

In this compelling episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Rita Smith, a leading expert in the field of domestic violence. Rita shares her remarkable 16-year journey to work with the National Football League (NFL) knowing the involvement of men to make a difference was crucial to her strategy. From her early advocacy efforts to her current 10-year affiliation with the NFL, Rita recounts the challenges and triumphs she's experienced along the way. She reveals the strategies she's employed to amplify her message and effect meaningful change, including collaborations with Presidents and Congress to enact policy reforms. We delve into Rita's impactful media appearances, including The Oprah Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and many others, where she has tirelessly advocated for survivors and raised awareness about the complexities of domestic violence. 
Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at jeff.pelaccio@exechq.com.
 
Rita ​Smith (LinkedIn ) began working as a crisis line advocate in a shelter for battered women and their children in Colorado in 1981. She is a Senior Adviser for the National Football League on their efforts to end violence against women. Also, she serves as Vice President of External Relations for​ domesticshelters.org and Executive Director of Victim Services for eBodyGuard. Rita was the Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence for nearly 22 years. Hundreds of newspaper reporters have interviewed her and appeared on many local and national radio and television news shows, including the Washington Post, USA Today, People Magazine, NPR, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and the Oprah Winfrey Show.​ Rita has co-authored several articles and chapters for books including a manual for attorneys working with domestic violence victims in Colorado, and an article on child custody and domestic violence published in the fall of 1997 in The Judges Journal (an American Bar Association publication). She believes advocacy and social change are intricately connected and cannot be done separately.

Special Edition - Book Review: Exploring Adam Grant's 'Give And Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success"

Welcome to a Special Edition of The Corporate Couch! Today my co-host is Shawn Kinkade (linkedin.com/in/shawnkinkade) and we do a "deep dive" review of Adam Grant's great book "Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success". Shawn and I have a fun conversation as we discuss how this book can help everyone from college students to CEOs.
Introduction to "Give and Take": We delve into Adam Grant's exploration of reciprocity styles and their impact on success, based on his extensive research and personal experiences.
The Three Reciprocity Styles: Grant categorizes individuals into givers, takers, and matchers, each with distinct approaches to social interactions and success.
Success Patterns: Surprisingly, both the least and most successful individuals in various fields tend to be givers. We explore the correlation between reciprocity styles and success metrics such as productivity, sales revenue, and leadership effectiveness.
Navigating the Challenges of Giving: While giving offers numerous benefits, including increased happiness and productivity, givers face risks such as burnout and exploitation by takers. We discuss strategies to mitigate these challenges.
Key Takeaways and Practical Applications: We summarize actionable insights from Grant's research, including leveraging powerless communication, integrating self-interest with "other-interest", and implementing the five-minute rule of giving.
To receive a free 7-page "Give and Take" book summary, you can email me at jeffpelaccio@gmail.com. Enjoy the episode!

Chuck Moxley, The 1:1 Data Pioneer - Using AI for Marketing, Data Privacy and TikTok, and Why Companies Are Creating A Huge Skill And Knowledge Gap

A fun and insightful conversation with one of the nation's leading experts on the convergence of technology and marketing, Chuck Moxley. Chuck and I chat about using AI in marketing, data privacy concerns (including his thoughts on TikTok), why companies are getting it wrong on handling the multi-generational workforce, getting mentored at Waffle House, and his first job after college (probably the best one out of any of my guests).
You will learn and laugh so please enjoy!
 
Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at jeff.pelaccio@exechq.com.
 
Chuck Moxley (LinkedIn) is a marketing practitioner with more than 25 years of experience on both the brand and agency sides of marketing. Chuck has developed innovative marketing programs for dozens of brands including Chick-fil-A, Lee Jeans, Subway, ATT, Pepsi, Citgo, NFL, and Sears. He is one of the nation's leadingexperts on the convergence of technology and marketing and speaks frequently at corporations, industry trade organizations, and universities on digital marketing, digital identity, and the ethical use of data and its impact on business and society.
He is the co-author of the book on how brands are using one-to-one marketing for greater effectiveness, An Audience of One (Amazon ), published by McGraw Hill and used in marketing and MBA programs at multiple universities. Also, Chuck is co-host of The Frictionless Experience podcast.
 
 

Tony Hofmann, Your Chief Motivation Officer - Embracing Grit, Lessons from Being An Army Ranger, and His Goal of Preventing Military Veteran Suicide

This episode is brought to you by Connect5000 (Website) your outsource lead generation, BDR, and inside sales partner. To download a free copy of the best tactical sales book you will ever read (written by its founder Ray Ruecker), go to https://connect5000.com/resources/book/.  
 
Many leadership and mindset lessons from the self-proclaimed "endurance junkie" (over 50 marathons including 5 Ultra Marathons) Tony Hofmann in this week's podcast. From breaking into his high school gym at night to play basketball to retiring after 26 years in the Army as a colonel you will enjoy Tony talk about why he embraces grit, how he was lucky to get into West Point, how he transitioned from the military to corporate America, and why he is so passionate about preventing veteran suicide in the United States. Please enjoy my conversation with Tony!
 
Tony Hofmann (Tony's Website/) is a proven leader, endurance athlete, West Point graduate, and social entrepreneur focused on stopping military veteran suicide. A rebel at heart fueled by a Midwest spirit, he likes to challenge the status quo--with a sly grin--while seeking physical endeavors that require toughness and grit. As a running “professional enthusiast” entering his fourth decade of competition, he has completed over 50 marathons/ultras, including 14 Boston Marathons and the legendary Leadville 100 Race Across the Sky. A 26-year military veteran, retired US Army colonel, and qualified Ranger, Tony has combined his love of running with a passion to save veteran lives through his high-altitude running team, Team Leadville. He continues to serve as aninnovator and leader within the engineering profession. Husband and father of three, hispurpose is simple: inspire others to self-improvement through action and word.
 
Tony's latest book is "Rim To Rim to Rim On A Whim: An Endurance Junkie's Guide to the Grand Canyon" - Amazon.

Brad Hill, The Heart-Centered Leader - Making People's Souls Smile, Being A Podcast Pioneer, and Why Stories Are Sacred

A fun conversation with Louisana-born Brad Hill. We chat about doing what it takes to make a living (including delivering pizza to people who were your former clients), being a podcast pioneer (he started in 2009 and has had Gary Vaynerchuk on his podcast), overcoming the fear of changing jobs when it is time to move on, the brilliance of the movie "Napolean Dynamite", and doing immersive coaching/counseling weekend seminars (think Brene Brown meets Tony Robbins).
Please enjoy my conversation with Brad!
 
"Live Honestly.  Do the Next Right Thing".That’s Brad Hill's life motto (LinkedIn Profile).  My journey has taken me from Louisiana to KC (through OKC).  Lawnmowing.  Pastoring.  Working at Blockbuster Video (for a day).  Writing.  Podcasting.  Coaching.  Leadership development.  Leading an organization called HeartConnexion Seminars (think Brene Brown with Tony Robbins) over the Midwest and doing incredible work.   Currently, I participate in the Freedom Project (website) and Coaching and Consulting.  Transcendence and transformation.  That’s what resonates with me. Give your time.Give you energy.Give your resources.To stuff you actually believe in.

Ebrima “Abraham” Sisay, The Chief Empathy Officer - Running a Company With "No" Culture, His Goal of Guiding a Billion People To Mental Health Breakthroughs, and Overcoming His PTSD

Ebrima's ("Abraham") life/career journey is unlike anyone on the podcast. We talk about his focus on mental health including his own (as well as the role of responsible AI), getting his "break" from Gary Vaynerchuck on Twitter (now "X"), not having the maturity to lead a company, creating the "Oscars" for mental health professionals, and the power of thinking big.
Please enjoy my conversation with Abraham!
 
Ebrima “Abraham” Sisay is the founder and Chief Empathy Officer at Freedom Project (https://partner.freedomprojectkc.com/)  - A multicultural Impact Creative Agency with the goal of making positive change by guiding a billion people to mental health breakthroughs – All with A unique twist! Previously, Abraham worked as a fractional marketing & distribution executive for software startups and distributed content for local and national brands like Yoobi, Marvel Studios, Humana, University Of Kansas Health System, Shake Shack, etc. Abraham loves to write about mental health breakthroughs, Responsible AI in Mental Health & Health Care, making content experiences, engagement campaigns, & Storytelling.

The Greatest CEO Who Ever Lived

Who is the CEO GOAT?
 
I was shocked this week's guest said "Yes" to be on The Corporate Couch. Richard Dickels as he was named the greatest CEO of the 20th century. He has been the CEO of some of the most iconic companies in our lifetime. Richard had the following criteria I had to honor before he would be interviewed (due to pending lawsuits he is involved in). They were:
We limit the conversation to 15 minutes 
He wanted to see the questions before the interview 
No bio or no headshot would be used.
The conversation was the most unique I have ever had on the podcast and had a major impact on how I view leadership. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
"Here cometh April again, and as far as I can see the world hath more fools in it than ever." ~ Charles Lamb

Justin Ricklefs, The Transparent CEO - Why He Quit The KC Chiefs Front Office, What To Do When You Feel Like An Empty Suit, and Why Experiencing Pain Is When You Learn $h*t

You will enjoy Justin Ricklef's journey from one of the best jobs in Kansas City (working as an executive in the KC Chiefs front office) to starting his digital ad agency. We chat about the struggles of being a founder/CEO of a start-up, how doing "75 Hard" made him a better CEO by prioritizing unplugging every day, and how working for the Chiefs was a "beautiful and intoxicating" environment (while comparing the front office part of the business like a family-run HVAC company - in a good way).
Enjoy this open conversation with Justin!
 
Justin Ricklefs (LinkedIn Profile) is the Founder and CEO of Guild Collective (Website). He launched Guild in 2017 after spending 13 years in various sales and leadership roles at the Kansas City Chiefs, Learfield Sports, and ECCO Select. After stumbling into a passion for writing, Justin wrote personal pieces for large publications like Huffington Post, The TODAY Show, and Yahoo. While he enjoys writing on personal topics, Guild was formed with the awareness that many brands struggle to connect to the souls of their audience, and Justin believed he could help bridge that gap. Justin is responsible for the Visionary role in the agency, which most often looks like charting the company’s strategy, driving new revenue, developing leaders within the business, and hoping one of his many ideas end up being halfway decent.
Justin is married to his high school sweetheart, Brooke (she was slower to the realization). They live in Liberty, MO, and have been married 20 years and have five children: Kamden, 19; Addi, 17; Rowan, 15; Silas, 13; Henley, 11. He and Brooke love traveling when they can. Justin enjoys writing, running, watching his kids’ activities, and sitting in his cabin where it’s quiet.