The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

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

Alejandra "Alex" Villalobos-McAnderson has an amazing journey both in her 30-year quest to obtain US citizenship (still in progress) and walking away from corporate America by following her intuition to start her own business in a new field. We chat about cashing in your 401K to fund her new venture, why being kind is better than being nice, what is "mindful leadership coaching", and the unbelievable process she has endured to be a US citizen. Please enjoy my conversation with Alex!   This episode is brought to you by Connect5000 (Website) your outsource lead generation, BDR, and inside sales partner. To download a free copy of the best tactical sales book you will ever read (written by its founder Ray Ruecker), go to https://connect5000.com/resources/book/.   Alejandra (Alex) Villalobos-McAnderson, the heart and soul behind Villalobos Vitality (https://villalobosvitality.com/ ), believes in nurturing the powerful, beautiful, and purposeful life that resides within each of us. As a licensed Corporate Energy Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, and Stress Management Consultant, Alex's mission is to facilitate the connection of mind, body, and spirit through indigenous practices and ceremonies.   At Villalobos, we specialize in helping individuals reconnect with their soul's purpose, guiding them on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Alex has a unique approach, seamlessly weaving spiritual work into the corporate sector, assisting entrepreneurs, corporations, and executives in leading from a place of oneness and empathy.   Through meditation, breathwork, and stress management techniques, Alex empowers her clients to transcend limiting beliefs and cultivate healthy personal and professional growth. She provides a sacred space where clients can align with their higher purpose and tap into their inner wisdom.   Known for her powerful, healing influence and genuine warmth, Alex walks alongside her clients with compassion and acceptance, guiding them to discover the light within themselves and embrace their truth. With Alex, clients learn to stay rooted while flowing through life's cycles, trusting in their journey, and knowing they are always evolving and growing.          

Chris Jones and I how he was inspired to create his company when he lost his 5-year-old son to inoperable brain cancer. He talks about all the leadership lessons he learned from his son's 11-month journey. Chris is one of the most authentic and caring persons I have ever interviewed. We also had some fun talking about the upcoming KC Chiefs/ San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl game (he almost picked the actual final score). Chris is an inspiring person so please enjoy our conversation.   This episode is brought to you by Connect5000 (Website) your outsource lead generation, BDR, and inside sales partner. To download a free copy of the best tactical sales book you will ever read (written by its founder Ray Ruecker), go to https://connect5000.com/resources/book/.   Chris Jones is the founder of Matchrite Care (Website). He is a seasoned Information Technology professional with a career spanning over two decades, during which he has consistently demonstrated his expertise and dedication to the field. With a strong background in healthcare technology, Chris spent nine years as a Healthcare IT Director, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Chris has been a driving force behind the transformation of healthcare companies, leveraging technology innovation and automation to enhance their operational efficiency and overall performance. His unwavering commitment to improving the healthcare sector's technological landscape has made him a respected figure in the industry. However, Chris' journey in healthcare IT is not solely defined by his professional achievements. It is deeply intertwined with a personal loss that ignited his passion for healthcare technology. This profound experience became the catalyst for his innovative vision. Fueled by his commitment to making a meaningful difference in healthcare, Chris embarked on a transformative mission. In a testament to his dedication, he founded MatchRite Care, a groundbreaking software platform designed to facilitate and encourage accessibility and communication between doctors and patients. This platform represents a visionary step forward in the evolution of healthcare technology, offering unprecedented opportunities for healthcare providers and patients to connect, share information, and improve the quality of care. Chris Jones' remarkable journey through the realm of Information Technology and his commitment to revolutionizing healthcare technology have firmly established him as a visionary leader with a heart dedicated to improving the lives of both healthcare professionals and patients alike. His inspiring work and innovative solutions continue to pave the way for a brighter and more connected future in the world of healthcare.

A fun and insightful conversation with Chelsea Laub. We talk about major career pivots, being a giver in your networking efforts, the Enneagram (Wikipedia) assessment (she shares the same personality type as Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney), and how her "Leisure Studies" major led her to start her own consulting company. Please enjoy my conversation with Chelsea!   This episode is brought to you by Connect5000 (Website) your outsource lead generation, BDR, and inside sales partner. To download a free copy of the best tactical sales book you will ever read (written by its founder Ray Ruecker), go to https://connect5000.com/resources/book/.   Chelsea Laub​ (chelsealaub.com) is dedicated to transforming lives through strategic networking and personal development. As an accredited Enneagram Practitioner, facilitator, and speaker Chelsea brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. With nearly a decade of experience in the financial services industry, including her Series 6, 63, 65, and Life & Health Licenses. She understands the challenges of building authentic professional connections and navigating the complex landscape of personal and professional growth. Chelsea's passion lies in empowering individuals and teams to discover their true potential, communicate their value, and create lasting impact. As the creator of mingle, a proven practical networking methodology Chelsea offers an integrative self-aware approach to networking mastery, providing practical strategies that go beyond traditional methods and foster meaningful connections. Whether in one-on-one coaching sessions, team facilitations, or captivating keynotes, Chelsea is committed to guiding others on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and success.

Angela Kreps shares her inspiring journey from sales manager to CEO after a car accident. Learn about her childhood on a pig farm, career evolution, and navigating Alzheimer's care challenges. Explore workforce dynamics, leadership insights, and the belief that everyone is capable of more.

You will enjoy Cory Scheer's career journey and why not having a career strategy is okay. We talk about the leadership lessons he learned from being a whitewater rafting guide, driving a forklift as his first job out of college, running 29 marathons including a 56-mile ultramarathon, what a "Christmas Money Consultant" is, why most companies have a trust gap, and asking yourself what you want to do career-wise while trusting the answers are in the journey.   Cory Scheer (linkedin.com/in/coryscheer ) is the Founder and CEO of TrustCentric™ Consulting (TrustCentricConsulting.com), an organizational and leadership development firm. In addition to over twenty-five years in leadership roles in multiple sectors, Cory has obtained an Executive MBA (Rockhurst University) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis (University of Missouri). Cory has worked with small businesses, school districts, corporations, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, ministries, the military, and municipalities to provide vital support and clear direction on how to ensure people, practices, and policies become more trustworthy so that key performance indicators improve. He is the author of the seminal work "Closing the Trust Gap: Taking Action on What Matters Most for Leaders, Teams, and Organizations," (Amazon) each a testament to his commitment to fostering trust within organizations. Cory and his wife live in Kansas City, Missouri with their 4 children.

It is so fitting that one day after the Kansas City Chiefs won their fourth Super Bowl, our new episode features one of the best mayors in KC history - Sylvester "Sly" James. I was honored and humbled during our conversation as we discussed how he became mayor of the 37th-largest city having never held any political office, being the Black first associate/partner in one of KC's largest law firms, being the lead singer of a rock band that opened for Jefferson Airplane, why both passion and purpose drive him, and why he does not fall victim to imposter syndrome. Please enjoy the great Sly James' great career journey!   Sly James (linkedin.com/in/sly-james ) was sworn in as the 56th Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri on March 22, 2011. After taking office, he focused on making Kansas City best in four key areas: Education, Employment, Efficiency, and Enforcement. This ‘4 E agenda’ drove all of Mayor James’ major policy decisions. Mayor Sly James was born and raised in Kansas City on the city’s eastside. He graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in Kansas City in 1969. After serving his country as a military police officer in the Marines from 1971-1975 in California, the Philippines, and Japan during the Vietnam War, Mayor James graduated cum laude from Rockhurst College with a B.A. in English. He then went on to earn his law degree, also cum laude, from the University of Minnesota in 1983. Prior to his election, Mayor James enjoyed a successful legal career which spanned almost three decades. Over the years, Mayor James has served on numerous boards and commissions in leadership positions including The Missouri Board of Law Examiners, President of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Economic Development Corporation, Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, Jackson County Ethics Commission, Legal Aid of Kansas City, Jackson County Bar Association, Bishop Hogan High School Board, Genesis School Board, and The United Way. Mayor James also served in leadership positions in several national organizations including US Conference of Mayors, African American Mayors Association, National Democratic Mayors, and Urban Land Institute. He currently is the co-founder and partner at Wickham James Strategy and Solutions (wickhamjames.com ). Sly also has written two books - "A Passion for Purpose: Building Cities for Our Children" and "The Opportunity Agenda: A Bold Democratic Plan To Grow The Middle Class".

David Komar is our third podcast guest who survived 9/11. Born to immigrant parents who lived the American Dream, David wanted to give back to his country by serving in the military for 31 years. We talk about being at the Pentagon on 9/11, his first leadership/culture lesson at 16 years old working for a regional department store, how 90% of CEOs do not have a clear vision of what culture they want their company to have, and how the best companies help their employees be better human beings after their workday is done. Please enjoy my conversation with David!   David Komar (linkedin.com/in/davekomar ) grew up in central New York State and graduated with a BA in Business and Economics from Lafayette College, Easton, Pennsylvania. He was commissioned through the Reserve Officer Training Corps as a Second Lieutenant in the Army. He served over 31 years on active duty in a variety of positions and retired at the end of 2018 as a Brigadier General. Komar’s career enabled him to travel and live all over the US as well as across the world. He is a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan. He led the Army’s capability development enterprise that planned and prioritized the Army’s annual $25 billion modernization program. As the Director of Army Business Operations, he led the Army’s business initiatives program, process improvement program, and organizational performance management programs. These programs provided billions of dollars in savings annually across the Army. Komar was a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI Fellow and a graduate of the Executive Development Program at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. He also earned Master’s Degrees in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, Military Operational Arts and Science from the Air University and in Management from Webster University. .  General Komar is currently the president of EDA Inc. (Company Website ) which is a top-of-the-house executive development service and technology company. He has recently written "Conquer Your Culture" (available late February 2024). It is a “how to” book for CEOs and other senior leaders on how to build an exceptional and enduring company culture.   

My conversation with senior vice president of sales at Salelytics Franny Goolsby will motivate you in so many ways. We discuss her first job as a crane operator, how she decided to do a half Ironman (70.1 miles: 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run) in four months without knowing how to swim, why she loves prospecting, her belief in hard work, why events are neither good nor bad, and balancing being a mom of four daughters. Franny has also done "75 Hard" twice (https://andyfrisella.com/pages/75hard-info).   Franny Goolsby began her career at Salelytics in 2008 on the Executive Sales team. Her expertise spans from Fortune 500 Companies to new startups. As she works intimately with prospects and clients to implement strategic business plans beyond traditional feet-on-the-street sales models - she identifies their go-to-market sales challenges and develops solutions to drive incremental revenue. Franny Goolsby has a degree in Psychology from Creighton University, where she was Captain of the Women's Soccer Team and earned All-Conference Honors in each of four seasons. She continues to stay active and busy with her husband, Aaron, and their children Justice, Gwendolyn, Beatrice, and Estelle.

Marc Shaffer is a gift to the Kansas City community helping everyone from recent college graduates with career advice to CEOs with financial planning. Marc is one of the few guests to sit on The Corporate Couch who knew exactly what career he wanted post-college. We talk about his love for Kansas State University, being a first-generation college graduate, his motocross racing days in high school (his number was 420 :-), why he loves helping people, books that influenced his early career, and his love of travel.   Marc Shaffer (linkedin.com/in/marcshaffer) has built his life to enjoy and promote things he loves – family, travel, adventure, and service. He is a co-owner and serves as the CFO of Searcy Financial Services Inc. (https://www.searcyfinancial.com/) and Allos Investment Advisors LLC (https://allosadvisors.com/).  Marc joined Searcy Financial in 2006 and was promoted to Partner in 2010, the same year he became a co-owner of the firm. As a fee-only financial advisor, Marc specializes in helping clients and their families achieve continuity in their financial planning through generations and achieve their vision of an ideal life by encouraging goal setting and active monitoring of their financial plans. He also mentors students coming up in the industry. Rotary, the Growing Futures Early Education Center Board, and other organizations keep him busy in the community. He has been recognized locally and nationally for his contributions to others and his profession. He and his wife, Bridgette, are parents to Grant and Emily.