Born to Help: Samantha Shepherd on Law, Legacy, and Leading with Heart

Samantha 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 challenges.

We dive into Samantha’s journey—from her early days at Tulane University to attending law school alongside none other than Mel Robbins (yes, that Mel Robbins), all while developing the laser focus and commitment that define her work today. And, of course, her lovely British accent adds an extra layer of charm to the conversation.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why Samantha says she was "born to help people," and how that mission drives everything she does

• Her experience founding Shepherd Elder Law Group and later Assured Trust Company

• How she built two thriving businesses dedicated to protecting the aging and special needs communities

• Lessons learned from nearly three decades of leadership, advocacy, and building trusted relationships

• The founding of the Heartland Special Needs Foundation and her ongoing mission to fill critical gaps in care and support

Whether you are leading a business, advocating for others, or simply looking to make a greater impact, Samantha’s story is a masterclass in what it means to lead with both head and heart.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Kansas City’s most respected and purpose-driven leaders.

 

This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.   About Samantha: Samantha Shepherd (https://shepherdelderlaw.com/) is the founder and Managing Attorney of Shepherd Elder Law Group, LLC, where her practice concentrates on Medicaid planning, asset/income protection, special needs trusts, and estate planning. Utilizing her legal expertise and compassionate heart, Samantha has successfully helped over 8,000 individuals and families in Kansas City, as aging and disability, have left them vulnerable to ensuring self-care.​ Samantha is also the founder and CEO of Assured Trust Company (ATC). As an expert in the field of
Special Needs Planning, ATC, under the guidance of Ms. Shepherd, provides trust administration and care management services to the most vulnerable.

Samantha received her B.A. from Tulane University and her J.D. from Boston College School of Law. She has also earned an LL.M. from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Maine, Kansas, ​a​nd Missouri.​ She is the Founder of the charity, Heartland Special Needs Foundation, formerly known as Special Needs Assured, whose mission is to support, education, funding, and advocacy for those with special needs and other developmental disabilities.