

The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends
jeffpelaccio
Interviews with successful leaders and company founders sharing stories of their career journey, great leadership, and not-so-great. It will help you become a better leader while poking fun at all the crazy shit that happens in corporate America. Hosted by Jeff Pelaccio who has over 40 years of leadership experience for every t-shirt size company - Small (4 employees) to XL (over 1 million employees). Listen, learn, and laugh each week to learn from great leaders from all walks of life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 8, 2026 • 1h 10min
Paul Sullivan: From the New York Times to the Carpool Line - Redefining Success, Fatherhood, and Work
What 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. We talk Tiger Woods, golf under pressure, and the behind-the-scenes reality of writing 600+ columns for the New York Times.
But the heart of this conversation centers on Paul’s evolution into what he calls a “Lead Dad” and why millions of fathers are quietly redefining work, parenting, and leadership. From being an “undercover” caregiver while building a high-profile career to launching The Company of Dads, Paul unpacks how outdated workplace norms are colliding with modern family realities and what leaders are still getting wrong.
This is a candid, thoughtful conversation about ambition, identity, masculinity, work culture, and the courage it takes to rewrite the script when the old version no longer fits.
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Paul: Paul Sullivan is the founder of The Company of Dads, the first platform dedicated to creating community for Lead Dads—men who are the go-to parents at home and allies to working caregivers. A former New York Times columnist for 13 years, Paul became a Lead Dad in 2013 when his wife launched her own asset management firm. After years of navigating this role while balancing a demanding career, he founded The Company of Dads in 2022 to support the roughly one-third of fathers in similar positions. Paul is also the author of Clutch and The Thin Green Line, co-hosts Bright Horizons' Work-Life Equation podcast, and lives in Connecticut with his wife, three daughters, and three dogs.

Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 8min
Meetings Are Broken: Rebecca Hinds on Fixing How We Work, Lead, and Collaborate
Do 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 meetings radically.
We talk about how her background as a Division I swimmer at Stanford shaped her views on team dynamics, why meetings should be treated like a product, and how organizations unintentionally sabotage themselves with outdated collaboration habits. Rebecca also unpacks the human side of AI adoption, the challenges of hybrid work, and why most AI initiatives fail not because of technology, but because of people.
You’ll hear about:
Why inefficient meetings resemble a World War II sabotage tactic
The “4D + CEO” test to decide whether a meeting should exist at all
Why Return on Time Invested (ROTI) is a better metric than meeting satisfaction
How hybrid and remote teams build culture intentionally
Why empathy and systems thinking mattered during COVID
Where AI is actually helping people work better and where it’s falling short
How first-time managers can instantly raise their leadership impact
This is a thoughtful, practical, and surprisingly fun conversation about how work really happens—and how leaders can redesign it to be more human, effective, and intentional.
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 want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Rebecca: Rebecca Hinds is a leading expert on organizational behavior and the future of work. She holds a BS, MS, and PhD from Stanford University. Rebecca founded the Work Innovation Lab at Asana and the Work AI Institute at Glean, first-of-their-kind corporate think tanks dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research on the future of work. Her research is consistently featured in top-tier publications and has appeared in places like Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fast Company, Wired, TIME, CNBC, Bloomberg, Axios, the Washington Post, and more. Rebecca has been invited to speak on major stages all across the world, including Dreamforce, SXSW, INBOUND, Ai4, Cloudfest, and the Gartner Digital Workplace Summit. She regularly appears on podcasts, webinars, and online education programs, including appearances on Adam Grant’s Worklife podcast, Deloitte’s Capital H podcast, and as an instructor for CNBC’s Make It Masterclass, “How to Use AI to be More Productive and Successful at Work.” She is a trusted advisor to companies navigating the challenges of modern work—from meeting overload and hybrid dysfunction to the messy realities of AI adoption and organizational change.

Jan 28, 2026 • 22min
Special Edition: It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere – New Year Energy, Old Friends, and Rethinking the Grind with Marc Shaffer
The first It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere of the new year felt less like goal setting and more like catching up with a friend who knows you well enough to keep it real.
In this January conversation, Marc Shaffer and I ease into 2026 by talking about what actually matters when the calendar flips: health, energy, relationships, and letting go of the pressure to start the year at full throttle. We swap stories about holiday parties that got a little bigger than expected, birthdays for four-year-olds, bourbon tastings, Guinness on tap, and the quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s that never quite goes according to plan.
We also dive into:
Reframing health goals beyond the gym and focusing on how you feel
The difference between being busy and being in flow
Mid-career shifts from building to maintaining without burning out
New experiences with meditation and energy work, and what surprised us most
Speaking goals, books coming to life in audio form, and unexpected feedback from listeners
Why slowing down, creating space, and being present might be the smartest way to start the year
As always, the conversation wanders in the best way, touching on family, work, giving back, creativity, and the power of staying connected. It’s a relaxed, honest start to the year and a reminder that progress doesn’t always come from pushing harder.
Pull up a chair. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere :-)
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
Searcy Financial is gearing up to celebrate 50 years of service. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement! To sign up for information on Marc’s book, “One for All,” including where to buy and exclusive website content, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
- Marc's Book "One for All": Keep Me Updated!
- "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, promotion, endorsement, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. was not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.

Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 17min
The Likeable Leader: Why People Follow (and Why They Don’t) with Jason Young
What 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 exposed a blind spot around emotional intelligence and ultimately became the catalyst for his work as a leadership consultant, speaker, and author.
We also unpack ideas from his book The Likeable Leader, explore why burnout is not a badge of honor, and discuss how leaders can create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to follow. Along the way, Jason offers practical insights on mentoring, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and what it really means to lead in a people-first way.
This episode is thoughtful, honest, and surprisingly fun, especially if you care about building teams people actually want to be part of.
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Jason: Jason Young, PhD, is a leadership consultant, speaker, and author with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations and churches build thriving, people-first cultures. With doctoral degrees in hospitality and leadership, Jason is known for his practical, story-driven, and research-based approach to leadership, emotional intelligence, and team health. He has partnered with a wide range of clients, including Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, Google, Procter & Gamble, Global Leadership Summit, North Point Ministries, and many other respected organizations, to design strategies that improve guest experience, build healthy leaders, enhance team engagement, and reduce burnout. His work includes keynotes, workshops, coaching, and consulting, all centered on creating psychologically safe, high-performing environments.

Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 7min
From Basketball Courts to Boardrooms: Seth Deutsch on Building a $2 Billion Business and Finding Your Path
In 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 an oil and gas company in Houston and eventually finding his way into technology, industrial manufacturing, and service businesses.
The conversation explores Seth's unique leadership philosophy, shaped by his background as a coach and teacher. He shares insights on building high-performing teams, often comprised of first-generation immigrants, trauma survivors, military veterans, and former college athletes who understand sacrifice and teamwork. Seth explains how he grew a business from $25 million to $2 billion in revenue, managed international teams across vastly different time zones, and why he believes constraints bring out the best ideas.
Seth discusses his decision to step away from traditional corporate roles to found Samson Partners Group, where he helps founders prepare their businesses for exit through an investor lens. He introduces the concept behind his new book, "The Owner's Manual," which teaches business owners how to think about their companies as investors would—comparing it to preparing a rental property for sale by understanding what drives valuation gaps.
Throughout the episode, Seth emphasizes the importance of work ethic, developing marketable skills, and finding what you're truly good at early in your career. He shares his "USA" framework for new managers: Understand first, Simplify operations, then take Action. Seth also candidly discusses his journey with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, the importance of mental health, and how he spent the last few years focused on healing while building Samson Partners.
This conversation offers invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone navigating career transitions while dealing with personal challenges.
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Seth: Seth Deutsch is the founder of Samson Partners Group, where he advises founders and CEOs on achieving their business goals. He serves on the boards of multiple family-led and private equity-backed companies across restoration, roofing, industrial construction, and flooring platforms, and acts as an operating partner at several mid-market PE firms.
Throughout his career, Seth has architected nine buy-and-build platforms and executed over 70 acquisitions. He previously served as President and CEO of two multi-billion-dollar divisions at AECOM and led a national PE-backed HVAC services company. His diverse experience spans the blue-collar trades, built environment, software (with two exits), and legal services. Notable achievements include scaling a finance and accounting services firm from 50 to over 400 employees in two years, achieving a 6.5X MOIC upon exit.

Jan 12, 2026 • 57min
Frank Keck: Embracing Your Freakness, Being Seen, and Why Laughter Might Be Leadership’s Secret Weapon
Frank 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 personality or generational boxes, and how leaders can better read the room and connect in real time. Frank also reflects on failure, authenticity, and why amplifying what makes people remarkable matters more than fixing what’s broken.
This episode is thoughtful, funny, and practical, a reminder that great leadership doesn’t require perfection, just presence.
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Frank: Frank Keck is a dynamic speaker, facilitator, and leadership expert who helps people and organizations unlock their full potential by being boldly and authentically themselves. With over 25 years of experience working with leaders, teams, and associations, Frank blends humor, neuroscience, and real-world strategy to create lasting impact. Whether he's teaching communication, collaboration, or confidence, Frank’s message is simple: when people feel seen and empowered, they thrive and so do the organizations they are part of.

Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 9min
Rich Chungong: From Professional Athlete to Web3 Builder - Designing the Future in the Dash In Between
Rich 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 creation, ultimately leading him to found Dash In Between, a creative agency helping organizations apply emerging technology in practical, human-centered ways.
We talk about:
Growing up in Lee’s Summit, MO and chasing the dream of playing professional football
Competing and winning championships across Europe, and what life looks like when the game ends
How curiosity, not hype, pulled him into Bitcoin, Web3, and digital ownership
Why Dash In Between is named after the “dash” on a gravestone, and what that says about purpose and creativity
Using Web3 and AI to solve real problems in food access, agriculture, healthcare, and local economies
The rise (and fall) of NFTs, and what real utility actually looks like
Building platforms like Produce Matrix and KC SMB to support farmers, small businesses, and the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City
Why following curiosity beats following passion, and how leaders can better listen, stay patient, and empower teams
This episode blends personal reinvention, practical innovation, and big-picture thinking about where technology is headed and how it can be used to create abundance rather than confusion. It’s a wide-ranging, honest conversation about building what matters in the time we’re given.
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Rich: As a former professional athlete and lifelong gamer, Rich Chungong has always thrived in high-stakes environments where strategy, creativity, and execution are everything. Now, he has brought that same mindset to the world of emerging tech—building a cutting-edge creative agency specializing in Web3, AI, and game development.
At Dash In Between, we fuse innovation, storytelling, and next-gen technology to help our clients craft truly innovative solutions. From immersive gaming worlds with AI integration in the metaverse, digital farmers' markets for easier food access, to using cutting-edge technology for patented medical device creation, our work pushes boundaries and redefines what’s possible.

Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 10min
Todd Ziegler: From Filet Mignon Heists to Blockchain Rails and Fixing Trucking’s Biggest Payments Problem
Todd 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 chain: freight payments. In this conversation, he walks through his unlikely path from law school and commercial real estate to freight brokerage, trucking, and ultimately building a Web3 solution that settles invoices same day or next business day at a fraction of the cost of traditional factoring.
Along the way, we cover:
Why trucking is a nearly $3 trillion industry that most people don’t fully understand
The infamous disappearing truckload of $100,000 worth of filet mignon
How factoring really works and why many carriers are trapped in 30–60% annualized interest rates
Why the cost of capital, not capacity, is the biggest threat to the supply chain
How blockchain creates faster, cheaper, and more transparent settlement rails
What it was like being invited to the White House twice and attending the signing of the GENIUS Act
Why Todd believes most B2B payments will be on-chain within the next 3–5 years
And why truck drivers might be the most underestimated business minds in America
This episode blends real-world trucking stories, hard economic truths, and a practical look at how new technology actually solves old problems. Whether you’re curious about blockchain, supply chains, or how innovation really happens on Main Street, this conversation pulls back the curtain.
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Todd: Todd Ziegler is a decade-long C-suite transportation veteran. As CEO of TCS, Ziegler is leading a revolution of innovation, making B2B blockchain settlement industry standard in transportation trade finance. TCS settles freight invoices on-chain same day, or next business day, up to 90% cheaper than invoice "factoring." TCS is a main street use case for digital assets that has solved the largest payments problem in North American supply chains - an Industry valued at nearly $3T.

Dec 23, 2025 • 28min
Special Edition: It’s 5 O'clock Somewhere - Holidays, Habits, and Slowing Down for What Matters
In this December edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I wrap up the year the only way we know how by catching up like old friends over a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation that blends business, life, laughter, and reflection.
We talk about the blur between November and December, holiday parties, birthdays, book parties (not book launches), and the reality of trying to slow down during the busiest time of the year (including Jeff's Reiki session). Marc shares what he’s learning through his Acumen peer group, why trusted circles matter more than ever, and how seeing behind the curtain as a financial planner reshapes how he thinks about success, wealth, and priorities. Jeff shares
The conversation also touches on:
Creating time wealth and why “slowing down” is a serious goal for 2026
Books that are shaping our thinking, including simple sketches that reframe money and meaning
Giving back through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Growing Futures
The power of small connections, unexpected introductions, and Kansas City’s culture of generosity
Meditation streaks, habits, golf goals, and why being present matters more than being productive
New family traditions, travel dreams, and what unplugging actually looks like.
As always, it’s a mix of thoughtful insights, honest self-reflection, and a few laughs along the way, exactly what a December happy hour conversation should be.
Pull up a chair, take a breath, and enjoy this end-of-year conversation. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!
This episode is brought to you by Searcy Financial. Your financial future begins with a simple question: Where do you want to be? At Searcy Financial, we help successful individuals and families through our mission to simplify your financial journey, empowering you to enjoy life and wealth on your terms. The question sparks a conversation that goes beyond numbers, helping us understand what truly matters to you and the kind of financial plan that aligns with your life goals. It also allows us to identify potential challenges and opportunities so we can proactively address them. The outcome is a plan that empowers you to acquire, grow, and preserve your wealth.
Searcy Financial is gearing up to celebrate 50 years of service. Don’t miss out on any of the excitement! To sign up for information on Marc’s book, “One for All,” including where to buy and exclusive website content, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below:
- Marc's Book "One for All": Keep Me Updated!
- "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!
The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, promotion, endorsement, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. was not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.

Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 18min
Building Careers, Not Just Filling Seats: Casey Wright on Relationships, Resilience, and Real Recruiting
Casey Wright’s (see his bio below) career has been shaped as much by people and perseverance as by placements and performance. As President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, he brings nearly two decades of recruiting experience and a deeply relational approach to helping companies and professionals find the right fit far beyond what an algorithm or job board can deliver.
The conversation traces Casey’s journey from a football-playing, piano-playing Kansas kid to leading one of the region’s most respected recruiting firms. Along the way, he shares how personal loss, career-ending injury, and early professional pivots reshaped his view of success, leadership, and work. What emerges is a candid look at why culture matters more than credentials, why resumes still matter but never tell the whole story, and why real recruiting is ultimately about trust, timing, and long-term relationships.
Casey also offers grounded insight into hiring trends, age bias, job hopping, the limits of technology in talent decisions, and what both early-career professionals and first-time leaders often get wrong. It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion about building teams the right way and building a career that fits the life you want to live.
This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.
About Casey: For the past 19 years, Casey Wright has specialized in placing finance and accounting professionals in the Kansas City area. Prior to becoming the President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, Casey built his career with accounting and finance recruiting firms that operated on national, regional, and local levels—giving him a broad perspective and deep expertise across diverse markets. He began at a multi-billion-dollar national recruiting firm, where he quickly rose through the ranks and earned numerous awards for performance and leadership at the local, regional, and national levels.
In June of 2019, Casey took over as the President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, an award-winning firm serving the Kansas City community since 2011. Under his leadership, the firm has experienced significant growth. In 2024, Chief of Staff KC expanded to a 20-person internal team, moved into a new office with four times the space, and successfully placed professionals at over 200 companies throughout the metro area.


