Shows
The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsPaul Sullivan: From the New York Times to the Carpool Line - Redefining Success, Fatherhood, and WorkWhat happens when a dream career collides with real life and real priorities?
In this episode, I sit down with Paul Sullivan (see bio below), a longtime New York Times columnist, author, and founder of The Company of Dads, to explore a career journey that spans elite journalism, bestselling books, keynote stages, and ultimately, a bold reinvention.
Paul shares how growing up in a working-class Massachusetts town shaped his ambition, how mentorship and failure sharpened his voice as a writer, and what it was really like covering wealth, pressure, and power during the Great Recession...
2026-02-081h 10The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsMeetings Are Broken: Rebecca Hinds on Fixing How We Work, Lead, and CollaborateDo you hate work meetings? Meetings consume more time than any other business process, and yet they’re often the most frustrating part of the workday. According to Rebecca Hinds (see her bio below), that’s not a coincidence. It’s a design problem.
Rebecca is a leading expert on organizational behavior and the future of work, with deep experience at the intersection of research, technology, and real-world execution. In this conversation, she shares insights from her new book, Your Best Meeting Ever: 7 Principles for Designing Meetings That Get Things Done. You will learn to rethink your meetin...
2026-02-021h 08The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsThe Likeable Leader: Why People Follow (and Why They Don’t) with Jason YoungWhat if being a great leader isn’t about having all the answers, but about how people feel when they’re around you?
In this episode, Jason Young (see bio below) joins me on The Corporate Couch for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about leadership, emotional intelligence, burnout, and why “likability” may be one of the most underrated leadership skills in business today.
Jason shares stories from his early life, formative mentors, and unexpected career pivots that shaped his approach to leadership. We dive into the moments that changed his trajectory, including an unforgettable job interview that exp...
2026-01-261h 16The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Basketball Courts to Boardrooms: Seth Deutsch on Building a $2 Billion Business and Finding Your PathIn this powerful episode, Jeff Pelaccio sits down with Seth Deutsch (see his bio below), founder of Samson Partners Group and former President and CEO of multi-billion-dollar divisions at AECOM. Seth shares his unconventional journey from Division I basketball player at Rice University to leading global teams across 80 countries and executing over 70 acquisitions.
Seth opens up about growing up in a small Ohio town, choosing basketball as his path forward, and dealing with career-ending injuries that forced him to pivot from his dream of coaching college basketball. He discusses how he accidentally fell into business, starting with...
2026-01-191h 06The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrank Keck: Embracing Your Freakness, Being Seen, and Why Laughter Might Be Leadership’s Secret WeaponFrank Keck (see his bio below) believes leadership starts with being fully yourself and laughing a little more along the way.
With over 25 years of experience helping leaders and teams communicate better, Frank blends humor, neuroscience, and real-world insight to show why people thrive when they feel seen, heard, and empowered. In this conversation, he shares how his journey from teaching Dale Carnegie courses to building a speaking career around “Embrace Your Freakness” shaped his approach to leadership and culture.
We talk about why humor builds trust faster than titles, the danger of putting people into...
2026-01-1256 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsRich Chungong: From Professional Athlete to Web3 Builder - Designing the Future in the Dash In BetweenRich Chungong’s (see his bio below) story is anything but linear, and that’s exactly the point. A former professional football player, lifelong gamer, and naturally curious builder, Rich has reinvented himself at the intersection of Web3, AI, gaming, and community-driven innovation.
In this conversation, Rich shares how the abrupt pause of the 2020 pandemic forced him to confront a question many athletes and high performers eventually face: What’s next when the identity you’ve always known comes to a stop? That moment of uncertainty became the spark for a deep dive into money, technology, and value cr...
2026-01-051h 09The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsTodd Ziegler: From Filet Mignon Heists to Blockchain Rails and Fixing Trucking’s Biggest Payments ProblemTodd Ziegler (see his bio below) has seen the trucking industry from angles most people never do, from stolen loads of six-figure filet mignon to the quiet financial mechanics that determine whether carriers survive or fail. And according to Todd, the biggest issue in trucking isn’t drivers, trucks, or capacity. It’s how long it takes people to get paid and how much it costs them to wait.
Todd is a seasoned C-suite transportation veteran and the CEO of TCS, a company using blockchain technology to solve the most expensive and broken part of the supply chai...
2025-12-291h 10The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsBuilding Careers, Not Just Filling Seats: Casey Wright on Relationships, Resilience, and Real RecruitingCasey 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...
2025-12-221h 18The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsNo Boxes, No Straight Lines: Shannon Nash on Reinvention, Resilience, and Redefining LeadershipShannon 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 cha...
2025-12-151h 06The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsThe Sweet Side of Leadership: Lori Tauber Marcus on Bias, Breakthroughs, and Building Better WorkplacesLori 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...
2025-12-081h 17The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Hog Pens to High Performance: Dr. Lindsay Howerton on Grit, Clarity, and Leading with PurposeLindsay 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....
2025-12-011h 12The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFaith, Medicine, and the Forgotten: Dr. Nicholas Comninellis on Service, Courage, and Global HealthDr. 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 isla...
2025-11-2346 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Pain to Purpose: Chandra Clark on Resilience, Leadership, and the Power of ServiceChandra 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...
2025-11-1756 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFaith, Family, and Finish Lines: Brett Carey on Leading with PurposeBrett 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...
2025-11-1051 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsWhy Minette Norman Believes Real Leadership Starts with Humanity, Not HierarchyWhat 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 ar...
2025-11-031h 15The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsClaude Silver: Leading with Heart - How Empathy, Optimism, and Emotional Bravery Shape the Future of WorkClaude 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...
2025-10-261h 04The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsKristina and Matt Loftus of Rhoback: From a Camper, a Dog, and a Dream to a National Lifestyle BrandKristina 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 bran...
2025-10-201h 03The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsKelly Byrnes on Culture, Courage, and the Leadership Lessons That Still Matter in the Age of AIKelly 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 a...
2025-10-131h 03The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsBlockchain meets Wall Street at the Heartland Digital Asset ExchangeIn 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...
2025-10-081h 26The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Bar Napkin to Breakthrough Logistics: Ben Jackson on Building Bungii and Beating the OddsSome 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...
2025-10-0658 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Hay Bales to Boardrooms: Greg Hamann on Grit, Growth, and Scaling Without Losing Your SoulGreg 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 “...
2025-09-291h 02The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsJulie Kratz on Allyship, Generational Shifts, and Building Workplaces Where Everyone BelongsJulie 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 inclus...
2025-09-221h 08The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsSabina Nawaz on Pressure, Power, and the Real Work of LeadershipSabina 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....
2025-09-1556 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsSpecial 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, givi...
2025-09-1125 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Job Sites to the C-Suite: Rusty Arnold on Servant Leadership, Lumber, and Building a Life That LastsRusty 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 he...
2025-09-081h 02The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsLeading Across Four Generations: Jeff Utecht on the Future of Work and AIFor 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
2025-09-011h 12The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom $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...
2025-08-181h 01The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Cold Calls to Kale Bowls: How Staci Cross Built Two Businesses by Learning When to Hold On and When to Let GoJoin 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...
2025-08-111h 09The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsCuriosity, Questions, and Customer Champions: Donna Weber’s Journey from Scotland to SaaSMost 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 mi...
2025-08-031h 00The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsJust Say Yes: Dana Bernstein on Brave Careers, Coaching Through Conflict, and the Human Side of Project ManagementDana 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 a...
2025-07-2753 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsDeals with Heart: Cam Bishop’s Journey from Copywriter to CEO and the Human Side of M&ACameron “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 p...
2025-07-211h 11The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFlow, Fulfillment, and Feeling Seen: Ari DeGrote on Unlocking Human Potential at WorkAri 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 ca...
2025-07-131h 08The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Police Reserves to Practical AI: Dale Thomas on Curiosity, Service, and Smart Tech for Small BusinessDale 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...
2025-07-071h 05The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom 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 ha...
2025-06-161h 14The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Southern China to Strategic Force: Fiona Lin on Leading with Purpose Across CulturesFiona 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...
2025-06-0857 min
Rounding The Bases With Joel GoldbergEp. 1021 Jeff Pelaccio | Building Connection through ConversationToday’s guest is an executive super-connector who has spent more than 40 years adding value in more ways than quarterly earnings. His name is Jeff Pelaccio, an accomplished speaker, podcast creator and mastermind behind Pelaccio & Partners. A firm that focuses on helping organizations enhance their internal messaging by creating content that fosters connection, clarity, and culture. By laying a foundation of real-life strategies, Jeff Pelaccio drives extraordinary outcomes for all he meets.Website: https://thecorporatecouch.podbean.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffpelaccioCheck out our conversation with Jeff on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lpp98Xs3...
2025-06-0344 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom 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 sc...
2025-06-021h 05The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsCharting Your Own Path: Massimo Backus on Self-Compassion, Reinvention, and Leading Human-FirstThis 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 conf...
2025-05-271h 05The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom KC Chiefs Fan to Media Mogul: Zach Best on Culture, Creativity, and Championship MindsetsIn 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...
2025-05-191h 13The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsBranding the Biggest Games on Earth: Inside Sports Marketing with Mike GoffIn 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 Mannin...
2025-05-121h 05The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Cattle Ranch to Conscious Rebellion: Justin Foster on Branding, Justice, and Inner WorkWhat 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 bo...
2025-05-051h 13The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsBorn to Help: Samantha Shepherd on Law, Legacy, and Leading with HeartSamantha Shepherd (see her bio below) joins The Corporate Couch to discuss making career choices based on personal reasons, going to law school with Mel Robbins, why she decided to focus on Elder care law (and launch three organizations to support her mission), and being born to help people. She is a powerhouse attorney, a law firm and trust company CEO, and an advocate for some of the most vulnerable members of the Kansas City community. With a legal career built on compassion and expertise, Samantha has helped over 8,000 families in Kansas City navigate aging, disability, and estate planning c...
2025-04-291h 14The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsBootstraps, Buyouts, and the Business Lessons No One Teaches You with Scott SchaperIn this episode, I’m joined by Scott Schaper (see his bio below), the President of RSM Marketing, serial entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed “empathy-driven business builder.” If you’ve ever dreamed of buying, selling, or merging a business—or are just curious how the sausage is made—this episode is your behind-the-scenes mini-course in small business acquisitions.
Scott takes us on a candid journey from his early days managing First Watch restaurants to launching multiple startups, building IFTA Plus (now owned by an industry giant), and eventually leading two back-to-back mergers that culminated in a full buyout of RSM Marketin...
2025-04-211h 03The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Politics to Purpose: Joni Wickham on Strategic Leadership and InfluencePlease join me as I chat with Joni Wickham (see her bio below), one of Kansas City’s most influential voices in government and strategic leadership. From her roots in rural North Carolina to serving as Chief of Staff to Kansas City, MO, Mayor Sly James, Joni shares her journey through public service, political strategy, and entrepreneurship.
We explore:
The pivotal moment in a city council meeting that led her to a career in public service
Her experience leading transformative city initiatives like the new airport terminal, the streetcar, and the Women’s Empo...
2025-04-1256 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsLove Your Weird: Frankie Russo on Genius Cultures, Radical Growth, and the Donkey Barbeque
In this wild and wisdom-packed episode, Jeff sits down with Frankie Russo (see his bio below) - serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and the man behind the “Love Your Weird” movement - to explore how authenticity, imagination, and generosity fuel extraordinary growth.
Frankie shares the deeply personal story of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction in his 20s and how that journey shaped the visionary leader he is today. From building a tech company that grew 60X in just three years (and was later acquired by a Fortune 500 firm) to his viral TEDx Talk on AI and the Future of Wo...
2025-04-071h 18The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsSpecial Edition: Reimaging Leadership By Creating A Coaching Culture with Leslie AndersonIn this Special Edition episode, Leslie Anderson (see her bio below) returns to The Corporate Couch to explore the transformative power of coaching in leadership. Drawing from her extensive experience as an executive coach and insights from Coaching Skills for Leaders, Leslie breaks down what it takes to cultivate a coaching culture within organizations.
We discuss why modern leadership demands more than just authority—it requires empathy, active listening, and the ability to empower teams. Leslie shares practical strategies for integrating coaching into everyday leadership, the difference between managing and coaching, and how leaders can foster environments wh...
2025-04-0222 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsBreaking Barriers: Shattering Glass Ceilings, Sticky Floors, and Workplace Norms with Erica Rooney
In this episode, I learn and laugh with the powerhouse Erica Rooney (see her bio below)—Chief People Officer, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors. From dreaming of becoming the University of Florida’s head football coach to becoming a trailblazer in HR and leadership, Erica’s journey is anything but conventional.
We tackle a range of topics, including:
Why sticky floors—the limiting beliefs and behaviors we hold—can be just as career-stifling as the proverbial glass ceiling.
Why not knowing what's "next" is okay.
The real impact of return-to-work (RTW) policies...
2025-03-311h 03The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsKody Bateman, From Grunt to Founder - His Passion to Spread the Gratitude Movement, Why Your Most Powerful Mentor is You, and The True Essence of Network Marketing
Do you ignore your intuition? In this episode, I chat with Kody Bateman, founder of Promptings, author, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the modern-day gratitude movement. Kody has built a career helping people recognize and act on their inner promptings to create deeper connections, both personally and professionally.
But his journey wasn’t always clear. In this conversation, Kody shares how ignoring a life-changing prompting—one that involved his older brother just before his passing—shaped his mission and led him to create a global platform that has helped millions foster meaningful relationships.
We discuss:
The...
2025-03-241h 03The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsAligning Your Mind: Britt Frank on Getting Unstuck, Leading Yourself, and Rethinking Change
This is the first episode where I felt at times it was one of my therapy sessions and I should have been lying on The Corporate Couch:-) I chat with the fantastic Britt Frank, licensed neuropsychotherapist, trauma expert, and author of The Science of Stuck. As the first interview of 2025—and our first licensed neuropsychotherapist—Britt brings a fresh and no-nonsense perspective on how our brains work, why we stay stuck, and what it actually takes to create meaningful change.
We dive into:
The myth that our brains are wired for happiness (spoiler: they aren’t—they...
2025-03-171h 07The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsRich Cogswell, The People-First Sales Leader - How To Build Winning Sales Cultures, His Take On FinTech, and Why Leaders Should Make Themselves Redundant
In this episode, I welcome Rich Cogswell (see his bio below), a people-first sales leader, FinTech expert, and the first international guest on the podcast. Broadcasting all the way from Singapore, Rich brings a global perspective on what truly makes a high-performing sales culture—and spoiler alert, it’s not just about hitting numbers.
We dive into:
The evolution of sales from the "Boiler Room" and "Glengarry Glen Ross" days to a more people-first leadership approach.
Why culture—not just quotas—determines sales success.
The challenges of moving from top-performing rep to sales leader (and why so many f...
2025-03-101h 24The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsNick McLean, From Engineer to Deal Junkie - His Four Pillars of Success, Being The Most Boring Guy in Private Equity, and Learning Entrepreneurship Through Company Acquisitions
In this episode, I sit down with Nick McLean, co-founder of Four Pillars Investors, a Kansas City-based private equity firm focused on founder and family-owned businesses. Nick’s journey from industrial engineering to private equity wasn’t a straight path—he meandered through consulting, corporate roles, and entrepreneurship before finding his true passion: buying and growing businesses.
At Four Pillars Investors, Nick and his team operate with a values-driven approach:
Relationships as a Cornerstone for Success – Building trust with business owners and partners.
Challenge the Status Quo – Pushing businesses to think bigger and grow strategically...
2025-03-031h 05The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsTurning Tragedy into Purpose: Mindy Corporon on Healing, Resilience, and Workplace TransformationI was honored to chat with Mindy Corporon (see her bio below), a leader, author, and advocate for empathy in the workplace. Mindy’s journey is one of profound loss (losing both her father and oldest son when a white supremacist killed them), resilience, and transformation—from her successful career in wealth management to her mission-driven work with SevenDays® and Workplace Healing.
In our conversation, we discuss:
- Her powerful story of loss and how it reshaped her life’s purpose.
- The importance of empathetic leadership and how corporate leaders can better support employees thr...
2025-02-241h 14The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsThriving in Tech, Overcoming Bad Bosses, and Championing Women Leaders with Marci Weisler
Join me as I chat with Marci Weisler (see her bio below), a tech strategist and fierce advocate for female founders, about navigating career challenges, overcoming bad bosses, and staying ahead of the curve in emerging technology. Marci shares her incredible journey—from navigating toxic leadership and making bold career moves to helping businesses leverage emerging technologies before they hit the mainstream. We discuss:
- The "bad boss" experience that pushed Marci to take a leap of faith in her career.
- Why she’s passionate about empowering women founders and leaders.
- The power of embr...
2025-02-171h 03The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsKicked Out of the Nest: Deb Coviello on Reinvention, Leadership, and Owning Your Path
Resilience, Reinvention, and the Power of Taking Control with Deb Coviello
In this episode I chat with Deb Coviello (see her bio below), also known as The Drop In CEO™, to discuss leadership, resilience, and her journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur, speaker, and author. Deb and I share remarkably similar career paths—both coming from corporate backgrounds, navigating unexpected exits, and ultimately finding fulfillment by forging our own way.
We dive into:
- The challenges of corporate life and what it feels like to get "kicked out of the nest"
- How Deb...
2025-02-091h 08The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsGrant Gooding, The Curious CEO - Why Following Your Passion is Shitty Advice, How Emotional Data is Transforming Business Strategy, and Finding Your A+Join me as I sit down with Grant Gooding (see his bio below), founder and CEO of Proof Positioning, to discuss how emotional data is transforming market research and business strategy. With a background in mergers and acquisitions, Grant saw firsthand why so many deals fail—leading him to pioneer a groundbreaking way to measure what truly drives customer decisions.
We cover:
- The surprising reason 70% of business acquisitions fail.
- Why traditional market research methods don’t work—and how to fix them.
- The neuroscience behind how people really make decisions.
...
2025-02-0354 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsSaying Yes to Life: Michael Mackie’s Journey Through TV, Travel, and StorytellingIn this episode, I chat with the inimitable Michael Mackie (see his bio below), a multi-talented storyteller, Emmy-award-winning host, entertainment journalist, and travel writer. With his signature wit and humor, Michael takes us through his fascinating career, from his early days in Des Moines TV to interviewing A-list celebrities and even hosting his own PBS travel show, "Get Lost!".
We dive into:
Michael’s hilarious and sometimes disastrous celebrity interviews, including Sarah McLachlan and Jennifer Lopez.
His pivot from TV journalism to storytelling in advertising and travel writing.
The art of personal branding, creating genuine connections on...
2025-01-2758 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsA Lifetime of Leadership, Legacy, and Service with Linda EndecottFrom Mucking Stables to Shaping Leaders: Linda Endecott’s Path of Purpose - In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Linda Endecott (see her bio below), Managing Director of the Executive MBA program at Rockhurst University’s Helzberg School of Management. With an extraordinary career spanning education, nonprofit/corporate leadership, and executive development, Linda shares the lessons, laughter, and life experiences that have shaped her journey.
We explore Linda’s unique path—from mucking stables at age three to marrying into a family that built a multi-generational legacy of wealth through their business endeavors. Linda reflects on how this experience...
2025-01-201h 06The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom Baseball Cards to Blockchain: Randy Wasinger’s Journey with CryptoSlam
What the hell is Web3? In this episode (the first in my collaboration with Startland News - Website), I chat with Randy Wasinger—entrepreneur, NFT pioneer, and founder/CEO of CryptoSlam (see his bio below). With over 20 years of experience in high-growth businesses and a track record as an innovator in SEO, affiliate marketing, and big data, Randy shares how his early passion for baseball cards evolved into a groundbreaking career in Web3 and NFTs.
We dive into Randy’s entrepreneurial journey—from running a baseball card shop as a teenager in small-town Kansas to building CryptoSlam, the lea...
2025-01-131h 00
How to Get What You WantUnlocking Career Success with Jeff PelaccioAre you standing in your own way when it comes to negotiating for what you deserve? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Pelaccio to uncover his tips for overcoming self-doubt, preparing for negotiations, and asking for more with confidence. Jeff shares his insights from his career transitions, advice for job seekers, and the importance of valuing yourself in every professional conversation. This is your guide to negotiating smarter, not harder.In this episode, we talk about the following:1. Why preparation and research are key to successful negotiations.2. How to overcome fear...
2025-01-0724 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrom the NFL to Mindset Mastery: A Conversation with Jon McGraw
In this episode, I sit down with Jon McGraw (see his bio below)—former NFL safety, co-founder of Vision Pursue, and performance mindset expert. From walking on at Kansas State to playing 10 seasons in the NFL, Jon shares his incredible journey, the leadership lessons he learned from legendary coaches (including the legendary Kansas State University coach Bill Snyder), and the physical, emotional, and mental toll of professional football. We delve into Jon’s transition from the NFL to entrepreneurship and how his passion for personal growth led to co-founding Vision Pursue, a company that trains corporate and sports teams in p...
2025-01-0656 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsUnleashing Fun At Work - Leadership and Laughter With Joel ZeffIn this episode of The Corporate Couch, I chat with Joel Zeff (see his bio below), a nationally renowned speaker, work culture expert, author, and humorist who has captivated audiences for over 25 years. Known for his hilarious improvisational comedy and insightful messages on leadership, collaboration, and change, Joel brings his unique energy to the podcast.
We explore Joel’s fascinating career journey—from his days as a newspaper journalist to becoming a sought-after keynote speaker. Joel shares how improv has shaped his perspectives on teamwork, communication, and embracing the unexpected. He also talks about the power of cele...
2024-12-301h 17The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsSusie Tomenchok, The Master Negotiator With A Big Heart - Unlocking The Magic Of Others, How To Have Tough Conversations, and Why Negotiating Skills Make Us Better Humans
In this episode, I sit down with the vibrant and insightful Susie Tomenchok, author, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and negotiation expert (see her bio below). From being a telecom pioneer at Comcast to leading an international company of over 1000 employees to becoming a mentor and coach, Susie shares her inspiring journey and practical advice for professionals at every stage of their careers (including being an early adopter of having a side hustle). We dive into her unique approach to negotiation as a daily practice, not just a high-stakes event, and explore how mastering this skill can transform careers, leadership, an...
2024-12-231h 03The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsPaige Pelaccio Meyer, From Nurse To Business Owner- Embracing The Suck For The Long Game, The Loneliness Of Leadership, and Buying A Business At 27After over 100 episodes, Paige Pelaccio Meyer (see her bio below) is my favorite guest so far (I am biased since she is my daughter :-). While she knew she wanted to be a nurse, Paige had a unique career strategy that deviated from the typical nurse's first job. She bought the business she worked at for 5 years when she was 27. Two and half months after taking ownership, Paige was forced to shut down her business for 8 weeks due to COVID regulations. She talks about "embracing the suck" to achieve your long-term goals, her failures of leading people who were on...
2024-12-1655 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsAnna Murray, From English Teacher to Tech Entrepreneur - Why Plans Are Overrated, Re-Thinking Your Return to Work Policy, and Her Mission To Change CybersecurityAnna Murray (see her bio below) is the CEO and founder of emedia the longest-running woman-owned web and digital transformation agency in the US. In this fascinating conversation, we talk about how she found her company by accident, her journey from English teacher to TV journalist, to tech founder, her stories of misogyny in broadcast news, why journalists make great hires, her thoughts on why planning is a fool's errand, three metaphors to diagnose any situation, being a remote work pioneer (and her thoughts on "forcing" people back in the office), the early days of integrating the internet into...
2024-12-091h 09
The Path To LeadershipCrafting a New Path: Jeff Pelaccio's Evolution from Tech Enthusiast to EntrepreneurSend a textWhat if the path to leadership starts with a passion for technology and a high school computer course? Jeff, the founder of Pelaccio and Partners and mastermind behind The Corporate Couch podcast, joins us to reveal how his early interests paved the way for a diverse and fulfilling career. From AT&T to solopreneurship, Jeff has navigated the ups and downs of the corporate world, ultimately embracing the freedom and creativity of launching new ventures. Tune in to learn how his journey, filled with surprising twists and collaborations with top-notch companies like Terra Crunch...
2024-12-0346 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsPaul Hatch, The Go-Giver Executive - His Mission To Fight Ageism In The Workplace, Lessons From 40 Years On Wall Street, and How Moving Over 60 Times Made Him A Better LeaderIn this episode, I have the privilege of interviewing Paul Hatch (see his bio below), a distinguished leader with an extraordinary career spanning the US Navy, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and beyond. From his early days as a Naval officer (and advising two US presidents on Middle East policy) to becoming Vice Chairman of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Paul’s journey is marked by innovation, leadership, and resilience. We focus on Paul’s inspiring work with Stage3 Tribe, a groundbreaking initiative to combat ageism in the workplace and empower professionals in the later stages of their careers. Paul shares how Stag...
2024-12-021h 13The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsBill Brandmeyer, The Purpose-Driven Transformative Leader - Being Part of A Family That Created Multigenerational Wealth, Transforming Kids' Lives Through Sport, and Being in AA at 21
In this compelling episode," Jeff sits down with Bill Brandmeyer (see his bio below), a visionary leader who has transformed organizational development, marketing, and social impact over four decades. Bill shares insights from his remarkable journey, from working with Fortune 500 companies to founding ShareWaves, a nonprofit revolutionizing youth sports access.
Listeners will discover how Bill's passion for breaking down barriers in sports has created tangible opportunities for underprivileged children, and how his professional experiences have shaped his mission-driven approach to community development. You will learn from his struggles with alcohol from being in AA at 21 to now...
2024-11-251h 10
Give A DamnStory 98: Jeff Pelaccio on Keeping the End in Mind, Abundance, and The Corporate CouchJustin chats with Jeff Pelaccio, host of The Corporate Couch and President of Pelaccio & Partners, about leading with integrity by helping others grow in their careers. Jeff shares insights from his transition out of IT and lessons from interviewing over 100 guests, including Seth Godin.
2024-11-1956 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsSandra Wiley, The Relationship Builder - From Only Wanting Babies To Company President, Why Relationships Will Make Your Career Amazing, and Starting Life Over at 30This episode is a beautiful example of how a person's life/career journey evolves. Sandra Wiley (see her bio below) grew up in a small rural town in Kansas and got married at 19 with aspirations of being a housewife and a mother. She is now a company president and one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting (10 years running and she does not have an accounting degree :-). Sandra and I discuss:
- Her belief that everyone has a gift and that everything in life happens for a reason
- Taking a career gamble a...
2024-11-181h 11The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsMark Hamberlin, The Global CHRO- The Evolution of HR, Gen Z Career Advice, and His Process for Learning A New IndustryIn this insightful episode, we sit down with Mark Hamberlin (see his bio below), the first Chief People Officer to appear on "The Corporate Couch" podcast. As the executive responsible for human resources strategy and operations at Clark Construction Group, Mark shares his expertise in attracting, retaining, and engaging top talent to drive business success. With decades of experience spanning roles at Danaher, Cisco Systems, Coach Leather, and Hallmark Cards, Mark offers a unique perspective on the evolving role of the Chief People Officer in the modern workforce. We dive into how he aligns talent management, company culture, and b...
2024-11-111h 09The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFr. Justin Mathews, The Serial Social Entrepreneur - Transforming Communities Through Social Innovation, Why Social Entrepreneurship Is The Future Of Philanthropy, and Practicing Of Cultural HumilityIn this inspiring episode, we sit down with Fr. Justin Mathews, a Kansas City native whose journey from musician/audio engineer to Orthodox priest and social entrepreneur exemplifies the intersection of faith, innovation, and community transformation. Fr. Justin shares his remarkable story of leading Reconciliation Services (RS) at Kansas City's historic racial and economic divide, growing it from a modest $650,000 organization to a $4.5-million force for change with 30 employees. We explore the launch of Thelma's Kitchen, Kansas City's first "donate-what-you-can" café, and discuss how his unique approach to social leadership has earned him recognition as a NextGen Leader and the Gre...
2024-11-041h 10The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsKen Bramble, The Mental Health Champion - Dealing With Imposter Syndrome, The Battle Between His Faith and His Material Desires, and Letting Go Of Being In The "Cool Kids" ClubIn this powerful episode, I sit down with Ken Bramble (see his bio below), an employee benefits consultant turned mental health advocate whose raw honesty about his personal struggles has resonated with audiences nationwide. Ken opens up about his journey wrestling with imposter syndrome while building a successful 25-year career in the employee benefits space. He candidly shares how anxiety crept into his life as he balanced the mounting pressures of career advancement, family responsibilities, and community service. Drawing from his book "Reflections at the Crossroads: A Journey from Ambition to Authenticity," Ken explores the tension between his faith...
2024-10-281h 00The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsThe Fascinating Mind Of Seth GodinIn this illuminating episode, Jeff sits down with marketing legend and bestselling author Seth Godin to discuss his new book "This is Strategy" and explore the evolving landscape of college, work, and decision-making.
Episode Highlights:
Seth reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from his college days to founding successful ventures
The genesis of "This is Strategy" and why strategy is crucial in today's rapidly changing work environment
His thoughts on college (it's not pretty)
Insights into the four pillars of strategy: time, games, empathy, and systems
How job seekers can approach their career strategically in an AI-driven world
The...
2024-10-2140 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsAndrew Marquardt, The Gritty General Counsel, and CEO - The Emotional Labor of Leadership, The "Oh Shit" Moments When He Started His Company", and The Dignity of WorkYou will enjoy this conversation with Andrew Marquardt (see his bio below) the general counsel, co-founder, and CEO of Advantage Tech. Andrew and I discuss the life-changing events in his early teen years that changed his life, how his legal career led him to start an IT company (it also included a legal decision that went against Microsoft), how he never thought he could become an attorney (and his grit to make it happen), the "Oh Sh**" moments he had when he started his company, his advice to people who want to create their own company, the power of emotion...
2024-10-141h 13The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsJenna Washnieski, The Born Leader - Why Self-Awareness Is The #1 Leadership Trait, Creating New Roles For Yourself, and The Beauty Of Listening To Your IntuitionPlease enjoy this conversation with Jenna Washnieski (see her bio below). Jenna has great energy and we discussed how she was born to be a leader, how a letter she wrote to herself at seventeen predicted her career, why she journals (she has a closet full of them representing the last 20 years), what it's like to be the youngest executive at your company, the beauty of trying different things in your career, why self-awareness is the number one leadership trait, how listening to your intuition helps your career, the importance of having a positive affective presence as a leader...
2024-10-071h 00The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsHeidi Lehmann, The Renaissance Woman - Her Journey From Art Major to Tech Start-Up FounderYou will learn and laugh while listening to my conversation with Heidi Lehmann (see her bio below). We talk about how she compares art to creating a startup company ("Making the Strange Familiar and the Familiar Strange), selling her first company to AOL for $105 million, why she uses the "3 Es" (Entrepreneurship, Energy, and Enthusiasm) to make career decisions, her goal to make Kansas City an innovation destination via blockchain (she co-founded the KC Futures DAO), co-producing the BET (later acquired by Viacom/CBS) series "Queen Boss" (8-episode series that strives to find the best and brightest African-American female entrepreneurs...
2024-09-301h 16The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsBob Burg, The Go-Giver - Misconceptions of "Always" Giving, Learning from Drive-By Mentors, and Why Your Focus Should Be On Adding ValueHonored to have the co-author of one of my favorite books "The Go-Giver" Bob Burg (see his bio below) as our guest on this episode. We chat about his early career, how he became a public speaker, how a "drive-by" mentor changed his sales philosophy and became a key part of the book, a summary of the five laws of stratospheric success, why no one cares about your quota or product, how focusing on adding value to others leads to success, why givers attract, learning systems to be successful, and why your first question for a business endeavor should...
2024-09-2349 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsMichel Koopman, The Business Athlete CEO - The Art And Science Of Building A Company, The Key To Transparent Communication, and How He Helps Experienced Leaders SucceedIn our first conversation with someone born in the Netherlands, you will learn and laugh listening to Michel Koopman (see his bio below). We chat about his great career and discuss why senior leaders (especially C-Suite executives) should approach their careers like athletes, how being process-driven accelerates start-up business growth, how being transparent while being mindful is a great communication approach, why top performers are hesitant to pursue their development, his first paid internship in Hong Kong (it involves waking up the next morning in a taxi after a business dinner :-), how a major surgery at 34-years old change...
2024-09-161h 02The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsJamie Crosbie, The Born Leader - Destined To Create Her Own Company, Changing Your Mindset For Peak Performance, and Embracing FailureA fun and insightful conversation with Jamie Crosbie (see her bio below)! Jamie and I talk about the life/leadership lessons from her legendary mom, knowing that she wanted to start a company at an early age, her first public speech at 15 years old in front of 500 people, her first professional job leading a group of accounting clerks (and her story of regularly falling asleep at her desk :-), how to interview salespeople, why a positive mindset is so important, why failure is the path to growth, her preparation process for her upcoming Ted Talk, how having a career...
2024-09-091h 00The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsMelea McRae, The Fearless Leader - Born To Launch Her Own Ad Agency, Being The Only Female In The Executive Suite, and The Importance Of Being A Positive Role ModelYou will enjoy the conversation with the bold and fearless Melea McRae(see her bio below). Melea and I discussed the following: how she navigated being the only female executive at a company, knowing she wanted to be an entrepreneur at an early age (when she was 10 years old she dressed as a "business owner" for Halloween), her advice to female entrepreneurs, finding career success as an intrapreneur, the impact of her mom dying when she was very young, how a palm reader in NYC predicted her future, her roles models (including Murphy Brown), working for Nordstrom's after the...
2024-09-021h 11The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsSonya Jury, The Mental Fitness Coach - From Architect to EOS, Riding The Dementia Train With Her Mom, and Lessons From Getting FiredThis conversation with Sonya Jury (see her bio below) tugged at my heartstrings as one of our topics was her journey during her mom's Alzheimer's illness (my dad had early onset Alzheimer's when I was about 10 years old). Sonya wrote a book to help others through their parents' journey (or other loved ones) called - "Mom Forget My Birthday: A Daughter's Journey Through Alzheimer's". We chat about many things including her career pivot from architect to business consultant/author, how getting fired led to her current career, her advice for picking a college major, the importance of having a c...
2024-08-261h 06The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsWayne Simien, The Faith-Based Servant Leader - Leadership Lessons from Hall of Fame Players and Coaches, Why You Should Expect Life To Be Hard, and Wanting To Be Like His FatherHere's an interview with someone I "knew" as a teenager the humble, servant leader Wayne Simien (see his bio below) from his early athletic success as a McDonald's All-American (recognizes the top 25 high school basketball players in the United States) and winning the 2006 NBA Championship to his current role as the associate athlete director of engagement and leadership at the University of Kansas. His leadership lessons from Hall of Famers like Pat Riley, Shaquille O'Neal, Alonzo Mourning, Roy Williams, and Bill Self, his journey to becoming a Christian at 20 years old when he was feeling broken and empty, why...
2024-08-191h 15The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsRobert "Abe" Abrams, The 4-Star Muddy Boots Leader - Lessons from 39 Years of Army Leadership, How a "Raging Introvert" Can Lead An Organization of 1 Million People, and What It Is Like to Be In A WarNot only does Robert "Abe" Abrams (see his bio below) have an extensive Wikipedia page but so does his father (who also has a US Army tank named after him). I was honored to have Abe as a guest. We talk about his love for being a tactical leader (leading combat troops in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan during multiple combat tours spanning Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom), what it is like being in combat, how the death of his father at 14 years old impacted him, how he successfully retired as a 4...
2024-08-121h 08The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsMichael Sommers, The Leadership Junkie - Creating A Company Based on Love, Vulnerability, and Transparency, Being Driven By Greatness, and The Three Signs of A Miserable JobYou will not find many executives talking about leading with love, vulnerability, and transparency but you will in this episode with Michael Sommers (see his bio below). We talk about his drive at an early age to be a servant leader and strive for greatness, the three signs of a miserable job, how his parents' divorce impacted his leadership journey, the "formula" that justifies his leading with love, and how he operationalized transparency at his company. You will love this episode with Michael!
Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional fi...
2024-08-051h 08The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsZach Arend, The Teddy Roosevelt of Leadership Coaches - Overcoming "Boreout" At Work, The Gift of Getting A Major Demotion, and The Beauty of Letting GoGet ready to saddle up your horse in this episode with Zach Arend (see his bio below). His life and career journey is one you will not want to miss. Zach and I discuss: How he was demoted from the vice president of sales of a $300 million company to an account executive (and the major impact it had on his life); his journey from 11 to 18 years old to become a bronc riding champion, his early leadership lessons while still in college working for UPS and leading a team of 16 (when he knew "everything"), his unique approach to making leaders...
2024-07-291h 09The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFred Stipkovits, From Steel Mill Town to Company President - Revolutionizing American Manufacturing’s Culture, His Remarkable Company Turnaround, and How His First Job During 9/11 Changed His LifeThere are so many leadership lessons from Fred Stipkovits in this episode (see his bio below) from his first job leading a Coast Guard Homeland Security unit (with colleagues who had been in the Coast Guard longer than he had been alive) pre and post-9/11 (including ramming a boat head-on at 50 MPH to track down a suspected terrorist), his struggles transitioning from his military career (including working a job at Home Depot), being selected as president of a company where two years earlier he was not hired as the business development manager, leading an incredible company turnaround (e.g...
2024-07-221h 10The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsFrumi Barr, The Female C-Suite Pioneer - Her Journey From A Physical Therapist to Leading Fourteen Companies, How She Became A CEO's Secret Weapon, and The Benefits of A Portfolio CareerYou will learn many things by listening to Dr. Frumi Barr's (see her bio below) professional journey. Frumi talks about starting her career as a physical therapist and then pivoting into the business world where she led/founded fourteen different companies, her experience being a female C-Suite executive starting in 1980, how her persistence led her to meet Simon Sinek (he wrote the forward for her book), why growth companies need to understand the "Valley of Death", the benefits of a portfolio career, and why every entrepreneur will fail at some point. You will enjoy Frumi's great career and the...
2024-07-1655 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsMaria Flynn, From Farm Girl to Founder - Making Opportunity Happen As An Entrepreneur, Overcoming Overwhelm, and Rallying Yourself First In Times Of StressMaria Flynn (see her bio below) is just such a fascinating person from her roots growing up on a Kansas wheat farm to her journey as a CEO/founder to helping entrepreneurs in the early stages of their journey to succeed. Maria and I discuss the lessons she learned from her parents (e.g., if you can see it, you can be it), being an intrapreneur, why mindset is so important, why in times of stress you need to rally yourself first and then your team, why sh*t is always going to happen and what to do about it, and...
2024-07-0857 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsGlenn Fisher, The Lifelong Entrepreneur - Helping People Get What They Want, His Rule of Three, and Questioning If College Is Worth ItA fun and insightful conversation with the lifelong entrepreneur Glenn Fisher (see his bio below). Glenn and I chat about how he started a business for a business owner after a conversation at a bar, his rule of 3 in times of stress, having lunch with Zig Ziglar and Lee Iacocca as a customer (as well as David Spade sleeping on his couch), graduating #1 in his Marine Basic training boot camp, and his entrepreneur lessons from launching over a dozen companies. You will enjoy my conversation with Glenn!
Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm pr...
2024-07-0156 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsJohn Hall, A Walking Billboard For Achieving Anything in Life - From Sports Executive To Being A Better Dad, His Mission To Make People’s Lives Better, and Using Commonality to Build ConnectionIf you grew up wanting to be a professional athlete, but never achieved your dream my conversation with John Hall will inspire you (see bio below). We discuss how a devasting knee injury shaped his career journey, his first professional job which was in the fashion industry (including revealing if he dated any models), being the youngest boxing promoter in the world, working for the NFL, Sacramento Kings, and NY Rangers (including his insights on working with Wayne Gretzky), and his decision to walk away from a glamourous sports executive position to focus on being a better dad. John...
2024-06-2456 minThe Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsJohn Minnis, The Relationship-Focused CEO - Lessons He Learned From His Hall of Fame Dad, Quitting a Successful Job to Be a Better Spouse and Father, and The Book That Changed His CareerMy conversation with John Minnis (see bio below) should be published the day after Father's Day. We talk about the lessons he learns from his dad (he is in 6 Hall of Fames), quitting a successful job to be a better spouse and father, how your career is a series of chapters that you do not realize until the chapter is completed, his job interview with a CEO that happened in a bar wearing shorts, a tank top, and a baseball cap, why he wrote in "Journey to Leadership" book, how reading "Never Eat Alone" changed his career, and his workout ro...
2024-06-171h 12The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsRisa Stein, The Psychologist Turned CEO - How A Mid-Life Crisis Led Her To Create A Company, Going Back to School In Your 50s, and Her Journey From Invulnerability to VulnerabilityThis week's guest is the fantastic Dr. Risa Stein the founder/CEO of SeeInMe and author of "Best Damn Life Workbook" (see her bio below). Risa and I discussed her desire at age 7 to become a psychologist, going from a college psychology professor to a CEO. the changes she has seen in students in the last 26+ years teaching undergraduate psychology at Rockhurst University, how a near-death experience changed her life, going back to school in her 50s for her masters in organizational leadership, being in a motorcycle "gang" in high school, and her thoughts on how to lead Generation...
2024-06-101h 07The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsTucker Graves, The Serial Entrepreneur and Learner - Long Game Thinking, His Great Advice For Start-Ups, and Why Caring Is The Key To A Great CultureJoin me for this mini-masterclass in start-ups, leadership, the importance of lifelong learning, and long-term strategy with the serial entrepreneur Tucker Graves (bio below). We talk about "long game" thinking, creating a business idea at 22 years old with friends (it involved a hot tub and some alcohol :-), interviewing for his first job with the CEO of a major restaurant chain, business lessons from his dad, creating a business at a bar with a cocktail napkin, and his start-up advice including why dollars are votes, the importance of having an attorney, and how to budget/forecast your revenue/expenses.
2024-06-031h 11The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsKevin McGinnis, The Innovative Community Champion - Lessons From Silicon Valley Companies, Leveraging the Gen Z Workforce, and How To Be A Successful IntrapreneurThere are many great insights from my conversation with Kevin McGinnis (see his bio below). We discuss what he learned from working with Silicon Valley companies in the "boom" years (2007-2013), how to leverage AI, working with Gen Zers, how he became a successful intrapreneur, his lessons from Peter Diamandis' Singularity University, not being afraid to fail, what he learned from being an inside sales rep right after college, why culture matters (especially in a start-up), and the importance of having a lifelong learner mindset. Please enjoy my conversation with Kevin!
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2024-05-281h 10The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsDr. Katie Ervin, The Culture Doctor - Why CEOs Stop Learning, How to Have A Side Hustle, and How Listening to The Universe Can Guide Your CareerYou will enjoy my conversation with Dr. Katie Ervin on so many levels. We talk about great topics like how you can change a toxic culture focusing on two things, how to distinguish great leaders from bad leaders, leading the GenZ workforce, why career journeys are not a straight path, how to have a successful side hustle, tips on pursuing a PhD, and how she started a company without have a business degree. She has written a fantastic business book with a great title - "You Might Be An Asshole" and is on a mission to revolutionize workplace culture.
Today's epis...
2024-05-201h 09The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsScott Willingham, The Fierce Competitor With A Servant Leader's Heart - Living By The Platinum Rule, Level 5 Leadership, and Giving Everyone An OpportunityWhenever 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...
2024-05-131h 08The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My FriendsRick Kahle, The Trusted Advisor - Investing In Others To Stand Out, Learning Leadership By Observation, and The Importance of Self-AwarenessA 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 f...
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