The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

Join us for the inaugural episode of this bi-monthly Special Edition (short 15-30 minute episodes) of The Corporate Couch, airing on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. We dive into the evolving landscape of talent acquisition with John Mercurio and Jordan Mercurio-Lewis from Blue Ocean Search Firm. Discover how technology and human connection are reshaping recruitment, the importance of looking beyond resumes, and the strategies to find hidden talent in today's fast-paced world. Explore the balance between AI-driven processes and the irreplaceable human touch in building successful teams.   This episode brought to you by... In today’s hiring world, finding Top Tier Talent can be extremely difficult. How do you want to differentiate your company in a highly competitive search pool? Do you want to fish in a crowded Red Ocean or stand out in a bright blue one? At Blue Ocean Search Firm, we empower visionary leaders with breakthrough hiring strategies, proprietary technology, and trusted partnership to build transformational teams – all while maintaining the human element.  As a Corporate Couch listener, you receive 50% savings on Blue Ocean Talent Acquisition fees. Contact Blue Ocean Search Firm Here and mention "The Corporate Couch". To learn more about Jourdan and John, please visit their website: About Us.

Most 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 mini-master class on how to turn a handshake into a long-term customer relationship.   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 Donna: ​Donna Weber is a globally recognized customer value expert with a decades-long track record of success as a strategic consultant to high-growth companies. Widely recognized as an early pioneer in customer retention, she was the first to define customer onboarding as a strategic discipline. Her Orchestrated Onboarding® framework is the industry’s go-to model for transforming post-land value delivery into a strategic lever for growth. Her bestselling book, Onboarding Matters, is considered a definitive guide to post-sale customer success.​ Renowned for her approach to turning customers into loyal champions, companies hire Donna when they’re ready to level up by moving fast in the right direction. Her relentless focus on the customer helps them scale smarter by delivering on the lifetime value they promise from day one.

In this fifth edition of our “It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere” series, Marc Shaffer and I swap stories like you would over a cold drink on a hot summer night. From our 4th of July celebrations (including Joey Chestnut, $20,000 firework shows, and toddler-approved explosions) to the power of legacy and generosity, we cover it all. Marc shares an emotional story about the late Giftology author John Ruhlin and how he’s honoring his memory by surprising and delighting the author’s daughters. We also talk about the pending release of Marc’s book One For All, and how relationships, thoughtful gifting, and knowing when to let go are all key ingredients in his “pay-it-forward” philosophy. You’ll hear about new connections, charity events like Band of Angels' rooftop bash, our shared love of meaningful books (including George Raveling’s What You’re Made For), and my recent podcast conversation with Claude Silver, Gary Vaynerchuk’s Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX. We wrap with a reminder from Seth Godin: “Stop working on your elevator pitch. No one ever bought anything on an elevator.” Even if your toddler insists on riding it… twice. Pull up a chair, it’s 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.   If you would like to sign up to be notified of updates on Marc's “One for All” book, including the release date, 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!

Dana 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 also explore how Dana is redefining project management by focusing on connection, compassion, and what she calls “the art of human-ness.” With over 2,100 coaching hours and experience spanning universities, courts, and corporate boardrooms, she’s on a mission to help people navigate tension with curiosity and courage. This episode is a crash course in communication, leadership, and saying yes even when the path isn’t fully clear.     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 ​Dana: ​Dana Bernstein is a Conflict Resolution author, speaker, consultant, and Principal of Dare to Live Brave. With 2,100 coaching hours and 100 clients, she specializes in de-escalation, negotiations, contracts, project management, and high-stakes situations representing universities, government, banking, and courts. She founded and manages a family-run animal hospital. Dana published 30 articles on contracts and negotiations (1995-2007). She produced 8 PMI webinars with “Mastering the Art of Human-ness in Project Management: Serving Others Through Powerful Communication,” garnering 52,500 views since March 2020.​ In 2025, Dana published “It’s the Thought That Counts: Mastering the Art of YOU vs. you,” an interactive book helping individuals resolve internal conflict to better navigate external challenges. Dana has a Master’s in Dispute Resolution from Montclair State and is a court-appointed mediator. She is an ICF NJ Board Member, Co-Director of Programs with a PCC Credential. She is a Project Management Professional and Certified Meeting Professional.  An avid volunteer, Dana has been working with the Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout Service Unit Leadership Team for 15 years. She is a strong supporter of women advocating for informed health choices for those who have breast cancer.

Cameron “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 process. His mission? To bring humanness back into M&A and help founders finish well with clarity, dignity, and the value they deserve. From building a $400M company to launching a private equity-backed startup from his kitchen table, Cam shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, legacy, and what truly matters when the spotlight fades. Whether you're a founder, operator, or just someone who appreciates a story of growth done right, this conversation delivers.   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 Cam: Cameron Bishop brings more than 40 years of executive-level business experience to his role as one of Raincatcher’s Managing Directors. He has overseen a broad array of business scenarios involving start-ups, product line extensions, organic growth, international business, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), deal integrations, business reorganizations, and digital transformations.    In his early career, Cam began as a copywriter for a $7 million company. With  determination and dedication to the bigger picture, he rose through the ranks to become its CEO, and he helped grow that company to $400 million in revenue and $100 million in EBITDA profits, expanding it to more than 2,000 employees located in 23 U.S. cities and across several countries.  From there, he launched Ascend Media, a startup backed by J.P. Morgan Chase Bank’s $6 billion private equity fund that began on his kitchen table. In just three years, Cam built a management team that developed strategy and installed the systems and processes needed to create a successful infrastructure for a $120MM company with 500 employees based in 7 cities. Cam found himself moving on to another company next, where he served as a partner in a consulting firm specializing in exit and transition planning. He led a business turnaround and digital transformation under contract for the board of directors of SkillPath Seminars, a $60 million 501c3 company. SkillPath is one of the nation's largest and most successful management and leadership development training companies. His role as CEO with this company was to introduce a new strategy, brand the company, recruit new talent, reduce costs, improve business processes, introduce technology from data science to web functionality, and create a compelling social media presence through aggressive thought leadership programs. Cam’s real passion remains in M&A. Over the years, he has executed 50 buyside and 20+ sell-side deals with enterprise value over $500 million. Throughout his experience, he came to understand that many business owners are improperly represented by brokers, which resulted in them leaving their businesses with less value than they should have. Cam has a true passion for helping business owners achieve their financial goals with proper support and representation. He is thrilled to have an opportunity to do this each and every day with Raincatcher as a Managing Director. In his spare time, Cam has authored two books, Head Noise...Perspective and Tales from the Executive Suite and Onward and Upward...Motivational Advice for Career Success.  Cameron is a member of the Forbes Magazine Human Resource Council as well as a member of the Kansas City Business Journal Business Council. He is also a volunteer mentor for HEMP (Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program) in conjunction  with the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Business.

Ari 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 call “being in the zone,” can elevate performance, creativity, and connection. She shares how leaders can create cultures where transparency isn’t just encouraged but expected, and how fulfillment often starts by daring to create the job you wish existed. From tackling complacency to reigniting collaboration, Ari’s work is grounded in the belief that people thrive when they feel truly seen and valued. Whether you're leading a team, redefining your role, or simply trying to get out of autopilot, this conversation is a call to pause, reflect, and take aligned action. Get ready to rethink leadership, productivity, and what it means to show up at your best on purpose and in flow.   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 Ari: ​Ari DeGrote, Founder of Upward & Inward. She helps leaders and teams reconnect, align, and thrive by addressing the root causes of disconnection and complacency. Through tailored solutions like the 12-month 4D Impact Leadership Program, Individual Impact Coaching, assessments, workshops, and facilitation, she works as an extension of your leadership, identifying barriers to collaboration, reigniting purpose, and fostering authentic connection. By integrating leadership principles, flow science, and human-centered systems thinking, Ari helps businesses reduce conflict, retain top talent, and drive meaningful impact. Together, we create a future where individuals and organizations flourish through trust, alignment, and shared success.​ Ari’s work reconnects purpose, fuels innovation, & skyrockets purposeful productivity,​transforming leaders into catalysts for change. Through these Impact Leaders, she cultivates a ripple effect of positive transformation that extends beyond individual organizations,​ influencing industries, communities, and societal systems. By empowering leaders to create meaningful change from the inside out, she contributes to shaping a more purposeful,​ connected, & impactful world—one leader, one team, one organization at a time.

Dale 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 that are accessible, efficient, and meaningful. Dale opens up about the career pivot that brought him into tech, why curiosity is his compass, and how he helps companies use tools like AI voice receptionists and automated workflows to solve practical problems with measurable ROI. This is a story of reinvention, leadership, and the power of staying humble while embracing the future. If you’re tired of AI jargon and just want to understand what works, this is your kind of conversation.   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 Dale Thomas: Dale Thomas is the founder of ActionableOps and an AI Explorer focusing on leveraging artificial intelligence for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With over 20 years of experience in technology and operations, Dale has developed a practical framework aimed at helping these businesses boost efficiency, cut costs, and enhance customer experiences through intelligent technology solutions.​ His approach emphasizes accessible, ROI-positive AI implementations that can be quickly deployed to show immediate business impact. Dale is also the author of the bestselling guide, "The Ultimate A.I. Guide for Small Business Success." This book is designed to demystify complex AI concepts, offering actionable strategies for small business owners, even those without technical expertise, to implement AI. The guide covers practical AI implementation frameworks, cost-effective automation, real-world case studies, and strategies for selecting, deploying, and optimizing AI investments. A sought-after voice on AI innovation, Dale has shared his insights on numerous leading podcasts. ActionableOps, under Dale's leadership, provides AI-powered solutions like AI Voice Receptionists and AI Readiness Consulting, focusing on practical setup and clear pathways to return on investment for SMBs.

Dr. Cindy McGovern (see her bio below) doesn’t just teach sales; she redefines it. Known as the “First Lady of Sales,” Dr. Cindy brings her signature energy and insight to The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends with one simple truth: “Sales is not a business or soft skill. Sales is a life skill.” From classrooms to boardrooms, Dr. Cindy has helped people embrace their inner salesperson to get more of what they want in both life and work. Whether you're asking for a raise, pitching a project, or negotiating with your teenager, the skills of great salespeople are already in your toolbox; you just haven’t been calling it “sales.” She shares how her five-step formula makes selling feel authentic, actionable, and even fun. You’ll hear why she says “Learning to sell will change your life,” how curiosity beats pushiness (“ABC: Always Be Curious”), and why her mission is to help the world reclaim sales as a human, everyday superpower. Get ready to shift your mindset, sharpen your communication, and rethink what it really means to “sell” yourself—with purpose, confidence, and clarity.   Today’s episode of The Corporate Couch is sponsored by Fluent Consultants - your partner for scaling your growing business. They take a business-first approach to help growing companies eliminate operational bottlenecks, automate manual tasks, and scale without increasing headcount. Fluent isn’t your typical technology firm - they deliver solutions that solve actual business problems and reduce manual tasks. From roadmaps to dashboards and AI, Fluent can help you find a better way.    To learn more about Fluent Consultants, go to https://www.fluent-consultants.com/the-corporate-couch/.   About Dr. Cindy McGovern: ​​Top-rated speaker, best-selling author and consultant Dr. Cindy® is on a mission to empower people and companies to get what they want … through sales! Yep, “sales,” that icky word that makes people cringe.​ How did she learn to embrace that dreaded activity? After years of consulting companies and helping them grow their business, she had an epiphany: every job really is a sales job.  And every person is a salesperson. Throughout her career as a college professor, a salesperson and a consultant, Dr. Cindy realized that people can get more of what they want in work AND in life by using the skills of sales professionals.​ She is in fact, a doctor – although not the medical kind! – with her master’s in Communication and doctorate in Organizational Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational Leadership and Ethics. Today, she focuses on bringing companies and people together to grow their businesses and get what they want in life and in work. Because, believe it or not, you were born with sales skills, and Dr. Cindy wants to help you embrace your inner salesperson to get what you want and deserve.​ And it’s not tough, she uses a simple five-step formula that’s easy to remember, easy to stick to, and easy to achieve. But it’s so revolutionary that once she redefines the concept of sales, the world will need a new word for it!   sales, personal branding, consulting, public speaking, leadership, communication, sales process, career advice, entrepreneurship, education

Marc Shaffer returns for round four of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, the recurring happy hour-style Special Edition of The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends. It’s the kind of conversation that flows between business, family, books, and community, with a splash of margarita-shirt energy. Marc opens up about how becoming a dad to two young children has transformed the way he works, delegates, and protects his time. He also shares reflections from The Five Regrets of the Dying and how that book is shaping both his life and leadership philosophy. Jeff talks about Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be, a powerful little book by Steven Pressfield (author of The War of Art, Do the Work, and The Legend of Bagger Vance, and many others). Jeff also shares what it meant to be a guest on Rounding the Bases, the long-running podcast hosted by Kansas City’s own "Podfather," Joel Goldberg. This episode covers the generational challenges facing today’s leaders, the value of scheduling emails, and the importance of showing up for yourself and your community. Whether you're tuning in from your desk, your deck, or the “water gym,” one thing’s for sure: 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.   If you would like to sign up to be notified of updates on Marc's “All for One” book, including the release date, or to sign up for the Searcy Financial Wealth Matters email newsletter, use the links below: ​Marc's Book "All For One": Keep Me Updated!   "Wealth Matters" newsletter: Sign Me Up!

Christal Watson (see her bio below) has spent her entire career guided by one mission: To be in a position of influence so I can be a voice for those who don't have one. That mission has shaped every role she’s taken on—from championing students in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to revitalizing the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce into a powerhouse for minority-owned businesses. Now, with more than two decades of impact behind her, Christal is stepping into her boldest chapter yet: running for Mayor/CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. This conversation uncovers how her deep roots in education, workforce development, and public service have prepared her to lead with both vision and compassion. Christal shares how her upbringing shaped her purpose, why she never lets fear override faith, and how leadership means lifting others, especially when the system doesn’t see them. From boardrooms to classrooms to city hall, Christal Watson’s story is one of grit, grace, and unshakable commitment to community.   Today’s episode of The Corporate Couch is sponsored by Fluent Consultants - your partner for scaling your growing business. They take a business-first approach to help growing companies eliminate operational bottlenecks, automate manual tasks, and scale without increasing headcount. Fluent isn’t your typical technology firm - they deliver solutions that solve actual business problems and reduce manual tasks. From roadmaps to dashboards and AI, Fluent can help you find a better way.    To learn more about Fluent Consultants, go to https://www.fluent-consultants.com/the-corporate-couch/.   About Christal: ​Christal E. Watson is the Executive Director of the Kansas City Kansas School Foundation for Excellence, dedicated to enhancing education and promoting student well-being in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools. A proactive leader, Watson envisions a framework of enduring support for students, families, and staff. She is a proud graduate of Kansas Education Policy and Leadership, Leadership Kansas, and the Kansas City Tomorrow Leaders program, reflecting her commitment to civic engagement. Appointed by Governor Laura Kelly, Watson serves as Commissioner Chair of the Kansas Human Rights Commission, having previously been Deputy Chief of Staff under former Mayor David Alvey. Her leadership in the Heartland Black Chamber of Commerce transformed it into the region's fastest-growing minority chamber, advocating for Black-owned and women-owned businesses.​  With over 25 years of experience spanning education, workforce development, and government relations, Watson has received numerous accolades, including Women Who Mean Business, Power 100, Community Champion, and recognition as one of the "50 Kansans You Should Know". Holding both a bachelor's and a master's degree in organizational management, she prioritizes education as a key to progress. Above all, Christal values her faith, family, friends, and enriching life with her husband, their four sons, and two grandchildren.