The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

What 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 are data and how leaders can use that insight to make better decisions. The challenges and rewards of leading large, distributed teams. How her book, The Psychological Safety Playbook, equips leaders to build trust and openness. The lessons behind her second book, The Boldly Inclusive Leader. Why the future of leadership depends on listening, not managing. Minette’s perspective is candid, insightful, and deeply practical. She reminds us that the strongest leaders don’t rely on hierarchy; they rely on humanity, courage, and connection.   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 Minette: Minette Norman is an author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the software industry. She has extensive experience leading internationally distributed teams and believes that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, breakthroughs emerge, and innovation accelerates. Her most recent position before starting her consultancy was as Vice President of Engineering Practice at Autodesk. Responsible for influencing more than 3,500 engineers around the globe, she focused on state-of-the-art engineering practices while nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture.  Minette is a keynote speaker on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, collaborative teams, and empathy. Named in 2017 as one of the “Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business” by the San Francisco Business Times and as “Business Role Model of the Year” in the 2018 Women in IT/Silicon Valley Awards, Minette is a recognized leader with a unique perspective. Minette is the author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and the co-author of The Psychological Safety Playbook.

In this eighth Special Edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I raise a glass to reflect on his whirlwind first month after the launch of his debut book, One For All: How to Systemize Kindness, Grow Your Network, and Support Others Like It’s Your Job. We talk about what he’s learned since releasing the book, from reading his own audiobook (“harder than it sounds”) to connecting with students at KU and Mizzou and maybe even starting a friendly campus competition. Marc also shares how he uses templates, CRMs, and even AI to stay on top of hundreds of introductions and follow-ups, proving that connection and consistency can coexist. The conversation takes a personal turn as we talk about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the passing of Marc’s mother, and his father’s ongoing health journey. We also dive into the power of one-on-one conversations, why he tracks “friendly coffees,” and how joining peer and faith-based business groups has reignited his sense of purpose. It’s a conversation about gratitude, growth, and the systems and people that make it all work.   Pull up a chair (and maybe a pink shirt), 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.

Claude 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, and efficiency can change the way teams perform. Why she doesn’t hire for “culture fit” and what she looks for instead. How to lead across generations with grace, not entitlement. Claude also opens up about her early struggles with self-doubt and dyslexia, how a 93-day wilderness expedition changed her life, and why “being yourself” isn’t a cliché, it’s a competitive advantage. It’s one of my favorite conversations, which is filled with honesty, humanity, and heart from one of the most influential voices in modern leadership.   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 Claude: Claude Silver is the world’s first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, where she’s redefining leadership with empathy, emotional intelligence, and heart. Her mission: create cultures where people feel safe enough to be themselves and brave enough to grow. As a speaker, podcaster, and LinkedIn voice on modern leadership, Claude inspires leaders to lead with humanity and proves that belonging fuels performance. During her tenure, Vayner has scaled from 400 to 2,000 people across 11 countries. She also helped lead VaynerMedia to win Adweek’s 2022 “Breakthrough Agency of the Year.” Claude was once told she “thinks too much with her heart.” Today, she calls that emotional optimism, and it’s her leadership superpower. Her path hasn’t followed a script. Claude founded an outdoor adventure and surf company in San Francisco, became an Outward Bound instructor, and immersed herself in transpersonal psychology, Buddhist teachings, and the study of human potential. Before joining Vayner, she held executive roles at global advertising agencies, including JWT London, JWT San Francisco, and Publicis. Claude has been honored with Campaign US’s Female Frontier Award, Adweek’s “Changing the Game” Award, and Adweek’s 2025 Mother of the Year. She’s been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., and The Wall Street Journal, and regularly speaks on stages around the world about culture, emotional leadership, and the future of work.    

Kristina 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 brand (and using ignorance as a superpower). How Kristina learned Shopify, coding, and Photoshop to build the business from scratch while selling gear up and down the East Coast in a camper. The lessons of humility and grit that carried them through tough startup years, including one memorable highway surfboard incident. How they’re building a family, a company, and a culture rooted in partnership not ego. From golf stories with Steph Curry to guerrilla marketing stunts on Nantucket, the Loftuses bring humor, authenticity, and hustle to every chapter of Rhoback’s journey. This episode is a masterclass in teamwork, trust, and building something meaningful together.   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.   To learn more about Rhoback, Kristina, and Matt: Rhoback: https://rhoback.com/pages/our-story Kristina: linkedin.com/in/kristina-loftus-638a9222 Matt: linkedin.com/in/matthew-loftus-91b92721

Kelly 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 at Sprint (T-Mobile) shaped her passion for culture and leadership. Why companies can’t “buy” culture with perks and technology, it has to be built intentionally. Her take on AI’s role in leadership, teaching, and the future of work. From stories about making cookies for coworkers at 2 a.m. to helping executives uncover what’s really driving (or derailing) performance, Kelly blends warmth, wisdom, and wit. She reminds us that culture isn’t an initiative; it’s the outcome of how people treat each other every day.   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 Kelly: Kelly Byrnes is the Founder and CEO of Voyage Consulting Group, helping leaders strengthen their organizations through culture and talent strategy. A former Chief Talent Officer and MBA professor at Rockhurst University, she's advised 75+ organizations and coached 200+ executives. Kelly co-founded Culture Matters, hosts the Leadership Book of the Month broadcast, and recently released The Basics of Gen AI: The Essential Guide for Business Leaders and Professionals. Her work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. She was named one of the region's Most Influential Women and inducted into the Kansas City Business Hall of Fame.

In 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 Director of Stellar Forge Capital - Gary Cardone, Managing Partner of Card1 Digital Ventures - Heidi Lehman, Founder of Heartland Digital Asset Exchange. Discover how these pioneers are shaping the future of finance and what it means for the average investor. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on innovation, regulation, and the evolving landscape of digital assets.   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 with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

Some 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 30 Under 30 and as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. In this episode, Ben shares: How a text from a friend, a beat-up Ford Ranger, and a "Nancy" cocktail in Kansas State's Aggieville started it all. The painful (and hilarious) early lessons of raising capital and building an app from scratch. How COVID nearly crushed the company and how quick thinking and grit turned crisis into growth. Why he believes persistence and curiosity matter more than IQ. How he balances being a husband, dad of three, and CEO of a fast-growing logistics company. From the chaos of college start-up life to the discipline of scaling a national brand, Ben’s story is equal parts entrepreneurial rollercoaster and masterclass in resilience.   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 Ben: Ben Jackson is the co-founder and CEO of Bungii, a last-mile delivery platform known as “DoorDash for big and bulky items.” But instead of a Prius delivering fast food, Bungii sends pickup trucks hauling items like TVs, tires, pallets, and buckets of paint. Under Ben’s leadership, Bungii has secured partnerships with the nation’s largest retailers and logistics providers and expanded into more than 90 major U.S. metros. His entrepreneurial success has earned recognition from Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and, most recently, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Greg 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 “losing your soul” and how to do it differently. The role of Predictive Index assessments in leadership, hiring, and even M&A deals. How generational shifts are reshaping manufacturing and why younger workers value freedom of time as much as money. His new venture, Bison Biocomposites, and how hemp-based products could change the construction industry. From leadership lessons to innovation in concrete (and beyond), Greg brings real-world grit and executive-level insight, reminding us that at every stage, whether you’re baling hay, running a plant, or advising private equity groups, it’s still all about people.   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 Greg: Greg Hamann- entrepreneur, executive advisor, and founder of Truliance Consulting. Greg grew up working on a Maine farm and in his family’s concrete & masonry business, later leading and selling a precast company before launching his own advisory firm. Today, he works with manufacturers and private equity groups on everything from strategy and leadership to M&A and plant modernization. He’s also a board member and co-owner at Bison Biocomposities, a fast-growing green construction materials company pushing carbon-negative innovations into the market. Greg brings real-world grit and executive-level insight to every table he sits at.

In this special edition, the spotlight is on Marc Shaffer and his debut book, One For All: How to Systemize Kindness, Grow Your Network, and Support Others Like It’s Your Job. With the official launch set for September 30, Marc shares the inspiration behind the book, the process of bringing it to life, and the lessons he hopes readers will take away. We talk about: Why relationship-building shouldn’t be an afterthought and how to make it a daily habit. The Irish proverb that captures the spirit of the book: “You hand it out in slices, and it comes back in loaves.” Why “follow-through” is one of the most underrated (and underused) skills in business. How mentoring younger professionals, like those on his own team, shaped the writing process. The role of systems in making generosity and connection sustainable, not sporadic. From stories of mentorship and community building to practical templates and takeaways, Marc’s book and this conversation offer a blueprint for anyone who wants to build authentic relationships and pay kindness forward in business and in life.   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!

Julie 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 inclusion. Why COVID both accelerated and complicated conversations around allyship. The “roller coaster” of DEI work and how organizations can move from good intentions to lasting systems of change. Her candid take on hiring practices, bias, and what truly creates equitable opportunities. Insights from her new book, We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power, are a call to action for those in leadership roles to engage fully in creating inclusive cultures. From her Buckeye roots to becoming a nationally recognized author, speaker, and professor, Julie shares hard-earned lessons, fresh data, and practical tools for leaders who want to navigate today’s multi-generational, diverse workforce with courage and care.   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 Julie: Julie Kratz has dedicated her career to allyship and inclusion. After spending 12 years in Corporate America, experiencing many career “pivot points,” due to her own lack of belonging, she started her own speaking business with the goal of helping leaders be better allies. Promoting allyship in the workplace, she helps organizations foster more inclusive environments so that everyone can feel seen, heard, and belong.  Julie is a professor at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, hosts a regular Forbes column on allyship, is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host, and TEDx speaker. She is also the creator of the Lead Like an Ally training program and the Founder of the annual International Allyship Day program in NYC.  She holds an MBA, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias and psychological safety trainer. Julie is the author of 7 books, including We Want You: An Allyship Guide for People with Power, Allyship in Action: 10 Practices for Living Inclusively, The Little Allies children’s book, and more.