The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

In this second installment of our It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere series, Marc Shaffer and I kick back for another happy hour-style conversation—no scripts, no slides—just two friends swapping stories, ideas, and what’s working for us in business and life. We cover everything from the value of connecting people and respecting your time to why your calendar system might be secretly ruining your productivity. We discuss the benefits of using ChatGPT compared to Claude AI. Also, Marc shares how he’s automating meeting notes with AI and how it’s changed how he shows up for clients, board meetings, and his 1:1 coffees (Hint: It's either at Pilgrim Coffee or McLain's :-). We also talk: The power of saying “yes” (without burning out) How connecting the right people can open the biggest doors National Infertility Week and Marc’s personal journey with IVF Whether a downtown Royals stadium might actually get us to more games The HEMP (https://www.hempkc.org/) Super Connector Lunch – What we learned, who we met, and why KC's entrepreneurial scene is on fire. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin but still want to make a meaningful impact, this episode is for you. It’s part insight, part therapy, and part “why didn’t I think of that?”, all in the spirit of helping others while enjoying the journey. Grab a drink, hit play, and eavesdrop on a conversation that might change how you approach time, tech, and your next connection.   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!

Samantha Shepherd (see her bio below) joins The Corporate Couch to discuss making career choices based on personal reasons, going to law school with Mel Robbins, why she decided to focus on Elder care law (and launch three organizations to support her mission), and being born to help people. She is a powerhouse attorney, a law firm and trust company CEO, and an advocate for some of the most vulnerable members of the Kansas City community. With a legal career built on compassion and expertise, Samantha has helped over 8,000 families in Kansas City navigate aging, disability, and estate planning challenges. We dive into Samantha’s journey—from her early days at Tulane University to attending law school alongside none other than Mel Robbins (yes, that Mel Robbins), all while developing the laser focus and commitment that define her work today. And, of course, her lovely British accent adds an extra layer of charm to the conversation. In this episode, we explore: Why Samantha says she was "born to help people," and how that mission drives everything she does Her experience founding Shepherd Elder Law Group and later Assured Trust Company How she built two thriving businesses dedicated to protecting the aging and special needs communities Lessons learned from nearly three decades of leadership, advocacy, and building trusted relationships The founding of the Heartland Special Needs Foundation and her ongoing mission to fill critical gaps in care and support Whether you are leading a business, advocating for others, or simply looking to make a greater impact, Samantha’s story is a masterclass in what it means to lead with both head and heart. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Kansas City’s most respected and purpose-driven leaders.   This episode is brought to you by... Ever wish your company updates could be less "quarterly earnings report" and more "late-night talk show"? At Pelaccio & Partners, we're revolutionizing internal communications with podcasts that employees actually want to listen to. Imagine podcast episodes that make your employees laugh while staying informed. Our founder, Jeff Pelaccio, doesn't just create podcasts; he creates conversations that break through the noise. Whether you're a growing startup or a massive corporation, we turn your company's story into audio gold. Leadership becomes human. Remote teams feel connected. Your message cuts through the clutter. Jeff is happy to share his insights on podcasting with you. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.   About Samantha: Samantha Shepherd (https://shepherdelderlaw.com/) is the founder and Managing Attorney of Shepherd Elder Law Group, LLC, where her practice concentrates on Medicaid planning, asset/income protection, special needs trusts, and estate planning. Utilizing her legal expertise and compassionate heart, Samantha has successfully helped over 8,000 individuals and families in Kansas City, as aging and disability, have left them vulnerable to ensuring self-care.​ Samantha is also the founder and CEO of Assured Trust Company (ATC). As an expert in the field of Special Needs Planning, ATC, under the guidance of Ms. Shepherd, provides trust administration and care management services to the most vulnerable. Samantha received her B.A. from Tulane University and her J.D. from Boston College School of Law. She has also earned an LL.M. from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She has been admitted to practice in Massachusetts, Maine, Kansas, ​a​nd Missouri.​ She is the Founder of the charity, Heartland Special Needs Foundation, formerly known as Special Needs Assured, whose mission is to support, education, funding, and advocacy for those with special needs and other developmental disabilities.

In this episode, I’m joined by Scott Schaper (see his bio below), the President of RSM Marketing, serial entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed “empathy-driven business builder.” If you’ve ever dreamed of buying, selling, or merging a business—or are just curious how the sausage is made—this episode is your behind-the-scenes mini-course in small business acquisitions. Scott takes us on a candid journey from his early days managing First Watch restaurants to launching multiple startups, building IFTA Plus (now owned by an industry giant), and eventually leading two back-to-back mergers that culminated in a full buyout of RSM Marketing in 2024. Along the way, he opens up about the messy, fascinating, and often painful realities of deal-making. In this episode, we cover: What it’s really like to merge two small companies—and why financial discipline is non-negotiable Why the right business culture matters more than the math in a merger The emotional rollercoaster of buying out your partners The importance of mentorship and why he eventually did bring in outside advisors How niching down to serve construction and contractor clients has unlocked growth Tips for first-time managers and founders who want to lead with purpose Whether you're building your first business or eyeing an exit, Scott shares the real talk on what it takes to navigate growth, acquisition, and leadership the smart (and human) way.   This episode is brought to you by... Ever wished 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 ​Scott: Scott Schaper currently serves as President of RSM Marketing, a full-service marketing agency based in Lenexa, Kansas. Assuming this role, post-merger, in January 2019, Scott has been instrumental in steering the company's strategic direction and fostering its growth. RSM serves 100s of customers in the Midwest with customers in 40 states, delivering on a deep specialty serving the Construction, Contractor, and Sub-contractor industry.​ Prior to RSM, Scott founded Unravel Digital in Kansas City, providing web design and web app development to his Kansas City clientele. Pre-Unravel, Scott founded AgilCor, the makers of IFTAPlus. Early career development was during the dot-com boom of the 2000s, when Scott held project management roles at KC tech companies Freightquote.com and GeoAccess.​ Scott holds dual degrees in Psychology and Business Administration from The University of Kansas and hails from St. Louis. Through his leadership roles and dedication to the digital marketing field, Scott Schaper continues to make significant contributions to the industry, driving innovation and mentorship, and strives to foster the next generation of marketing and technological leadership.

Please join me as I chat with Joni Wickham (see her bio below), one of Kansas City’s most influential voices in government and strategic leadership. From her roots in rural North Carolina to serving as Chief of Staff to Kansas City, MO, Mayor Sly James, Joni shares her journey through public service, political strategy, and entrepreneurship. We explore: The pivotal moment in a city council meeting that led her to a career in public service Her experience leading transformative city initiatives like the new airport terminal, the streetcar, and the Women’s Empowerment Blueprint Why she wrote the bestselling book The Thin Line Between Cupcake and Btch*—and what it says about women in leadership How she navigated high-pressure leadership roles while balancing motherhood What inspired her to co-found Wickham James Strategy & Solutions Her philosophy on communication, influence, and solving “big, messy problems” The mindset that helped her transition from politics to purpose-driven consulting Joni brings a mix of authenticity, clarity, and strategic insight to everything she does. Whether you’re in public policy, organizational leadership, or just trying to move the needle in your corner of the world, this conversation offers a masterclass in how to lead with intention—and impact. Tune in to hear how Joni Wickham built a career out of purpose, influence, and making things happen.   This episode is brought to you by... Ever wished 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 Joni: Joni, hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, arrived in Kansas City almost 15 years ago, bringing her distinctive southern accent and extensive experience from diverse governmental and advocacy roles. Joni served as Chief of Staff to former Kansas City Mayor Sly James, contributing to major development projects and elevating Kansas City's reputation nationally and internationally. Among Joni’s honors: 2019 University of Missouri Truman School of Public Affairs Mel Carnahan Public Service Award; and recognition as one of the 50 most influential people in Kansas City. Joni was also honored as a Woman Who Means Business by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2023. In addition to public speaking engagements, Joni leads workshops on a variety of leadership and communications topics and assists clients with their public policy, strategic communications, crisis communications, government relations, and political consulting needs. Additionally, she is celebrated as the author of the best-selling book, "The Thin Line Between Cupcake and B*tch: Taking Action, Driving Change, and Getting Results".

In this wild and wisdom-packed episode, Jeff sits down with Frankie Russo (see his bio below) - serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and the man behind the “Love Your Weird” movement - to explore how authenticity, imagination, and generosity fuel extraordinary growth. Frankie shares the deeply personal story of overcoming drug and alcohol addiction in his 20s and how that journey shaped the visionary leader he is today. From building a tech company that grew 60X in just three years (and was later acquired by a Fortune 500 firm) to his viral TEDx Talk on AI and the Future of Work (over 1.1 million views), Frankie’s insights are raw, real, and radically useful. We talk about what it means to create a workplace where everyone’s genius comes out, why most organizations stifle innovation, and how a little weirdness might be the missing link to your next breakthrough. Oh—and yes, you’ll finally find out what the hell a “Donkey Barbeque” is. If you’re tired of the same old corporate playbook, this conversation will shake things up in the best way possible. Watch Frankie’s TEDx Talk: AI and the Future of Work   This episode is brought to you by... Ever wished 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 Frankie: ​Frankie Russo​ (Website) is a visionary in authenticity, imagination, and growth. An entrepreneur with a proven track record for using innovative methods to unlock rapid growth. Russo has led multiple companies to remarkable growth, landing on the Inc. 500/5000 list 8 years in a row, including 60X growth in three years of his tech company 360ia, leading to an acquisition by a Fortune 500 company.​ Organizations that Russo has collaborated with who have embraced his “Love Your Weird” movement were able to adapt, innovate, and grow through massive uncertainty and change. In his latest work, Russo shares the critical unlocks for driving unprecedented and continuous growth by leading with authenticity, imagination, and generosity.​ He is the author of two best-selling books and a sought-after speaker known for transforming organizational cultures and inspiring individual and corporate growth. His keynote experiences are tailored, experiential, and full of actionable insights for fostering a culture of authenticity, imagination, and collaboration to unlock breakthrough results and extraordinary transformation and growth. Frankie’s highest calling is his family, and he happily lives with his wife and six children in Louisiana.

In Part III of our special series with Rick Mathes (see his bio below), co-founder of Align Pain Solutions, we shift the conversation to athletes and high performers who may not be in chronic pain, but want to stay that way. Rick discusses the often-overlooked role posture plays in maximizing performance and preventing injuries, even for those in peak physical condition. He shares insights from his work with an NBA player and explains how his postural therapy approach can help athletes maintain symmetry, improve movement efficiency, and extend their careers. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a seasoned pro, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to keep their edge.   Special Offers for our Listeners: A free 30-minute consultation with Align Pain Solutions $25 off a single visit $100 off an 8- or 16-visit package. Learn more and book a free session at Align Pain Solutions​ (you can also visit their YouTube Channel for examples of their therapy -YouTube).   About Rick: Rick Mathes is the co-founder and owner of Align Pain Solutions, a postural therapy clinic based in Austin, Texas. Together with his former wife Teresa, Rick practices the ​Egoscue method, pioneered by Peter ​Egoscue in the 1970s.​ Rick's journey into postural therapy began after a life-changing car accident in 1992. At age 31, he suffered a severe collision on Interstate 10 outside Tucson, breaking his back in five places. After two years of intensive physical therapy, doctors told him he would never return to activities like tennis or hiking (and most likely be in a wheelchair in several years). Unwilling to accept this prognosis, Rick spent six years searching for alternatives as his pain worsened to debilitating levels.​ When a neurosurgeon recommended spinal fusion surgery, Rick discovered the​ Egoscue Method and began treatment at ​Egoscue's clinic in San Diego. Within three to four months, Rick experienced remarkable improvement, returning to playing tennis at a 4.5 level without pain.​ This transformative experience inspired Rick and Teresa to change careers and open Align Pain Solutions. Their practice focuses on correcting posture through gentle exercises rather than treating symptoms, helping clients with chronic or acute pain issues who haven't found relief through conventional therapies. Rick's approach emphasizes repositioning the body to achieve postural balance, enabling muscles to function properly without manipulation, drugs, or surgery.

In this Special Edition episode, Leslie Anderson (see her bio below) returns to The Corporate Couch to explore the transformative power of coaching in leadership. Drawing from her extensive experience as an executive coach and insights from Coaching Skills for Leaders, Leslie breaks down what it takes to cultivate a coaching culture within organizations. We discuss why modern leadership demands more than just authority—it requires empathy, active listening, and the ability to empower teams. Leslie shares practical strategies for integrating coaching into everyday leadership, the difference between managing and coaching, and how leaders can foster environments where employees thrive. If you’re looking to refine your leadership style, enhance team performance, or navigate workplace complexities with confidence, this conversation is for you. Tune in for an insightful discussion on leadership that inspires real change.   This episode is brought to you by... Ever wished 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 Leslie: Leslie Anderson is a C-Suite coach with 2500+ hours of coaching experience. She believes in the transformative power of coaching to impact not only the leaders she works with but everyone they interact with, too. Leslie works with senior leadership and their teams to quickly get to the heart of the issues and guide leaders towards decisions that create cultures where both the organization and its people thrive. To learn more about Leslie and Coaching Skills for Leaders, visit the Essential Wisdom website - Here.

In this episode, I learn and laugh with the powerhouse Erica Rooney (see her bio below)—Chief People Officer, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors. From dreaming of becoming the University of Florida’s head football coach to becoming a trailblazer in HR and leadership, Erica’s journey is anything but conventional. We tackle a range of topics, including: Why sticky floors—the limiting beliefs and behaviors we hold—can be just as career-stifling as the proverbial glass ceiling. Why not knowing what's "next" is okay. The real impact of return-to-work (RTW) policies and why companies need to rethink their approach to flexibility. How organizations can foster inclusive cultures that drive performance and employee satisfaction. Practical strategies to overcome self-doubt, advocate for yourself, and unlock new career opportunities. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply looking for inspiration to break free from barriers—both external and internal—this conversation is packed with insights, humor, and actionable takeaways. This episode is brought to you by... Ever wished 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 ​Erica: ​Erica Rooney ​(Website) is a powerhouse in leadership, gender equality, and workplace culture, with over 15 years of HR experience, including her role as Chief People Officer in the tech industry. She’s the bestselling author of Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors and the host of the Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors podcast, where she inspires thousands to break free from limiting beliefs and step into infinite possibilities.​Erica has graced iconic stages like SXSW and CHIEF, and her work has been featured in Forbes, SUCCESS Magazine, and CBS News. Whether she’s partnering with top organizations or challenging the status quo, Erica is on a mission to help people and companies shatter barriers, unlock their potential, and achieve success without limits.

Welcome to the first-ever The Corporate Couch Special Edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere—a monthly happy hour-style conversation where Marc Shaffer and I talk about random stuff that actually matters. Think of it as eavesdropping on our usual drinks-and-deep-thoughts sessions, now with a microphone involved :-) In this episode, we tackle: The frustrating state of job searching and hiring today—why candidates are getting ghosted, the impact of AI-driven hiring, and how companies can do better. Marc’s insights as a hiring manager—what he looks for, why personality tests can be misleading, and how he’s approaching an unconventional executive assistant hire. Networking vs. the black hole of online applications—why 70-80% of jobs are found through relationships, not job boards. Marc’s first book, One for All—why he wrote it, what “systematizing kindness” actually means, and how it can help leaders and sales professionals build real relationships that pay off in unexpected ways. Giving back and getting behind the bar—Marc’s experience bartending at the Newhouse Worthy Pop-Up Bar, which raised over $280,000 to support survivors of domestic violence. Jeff’s struggle with being ghosted… by friends—how do you handle people who say they want to work with you but then disappear? Marc offers a foolproof process for letting people go gracefully. Whether you’re job searching, hiring, growing a business, or just looking for some entertaining banter with real takeaways, this episode is for you. Grab a drink (or coffee—no judgment), kick back, and join us for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and irreverent.  Tune in now, and don’t forget—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!

Do you ignore your intuition? In this episode, I chat with Kody Bateman, founder of Promptings, author, entrepreneur, and thought leader in the modern-day gratitude movement. Kody has built a career helping people recognize and act on their inner promptings to create deeper connections, both personally and professionally. But his journey wasn’t always clear. In this conversation, Kody shares how ignoring a life-changing prompting—one that involved his older brother just before his passing—shaped his mission and led him to create a global platform that has helped millions foster meaningful relationships. We discuss: The power of acting on your inner promptings and why so many people ignore them. How a tragic loss transformed Kody’s perspective and fueled his life’s work. The importance of gratitude as more than just a feeling, but a way of being. The origins of SendOutCards and how it pioneered digital-to-physical relationship marketing. Why handwritten notes and tangible connection still matter in an increasingly digital world. Kody’s take on network marketing done right—why most people have a negative perception of MLMs, and how true relationship-based marketing creates genuine value and trust. Lessons from his book, Promptings: Your Inner Guide to Making a Difference. Kody’s insights on intuition, personal development, and authentic connection are both inspiring and practical. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or someone looking for more meaningful relationships, this episode will challenge you to pause, listen, and act on the small nudges that can lead to life-changing results. Tune in for a powerful conversation about purpose, loss, and the impact of following your intuition.   This episode is brought to you by... Ever wished 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 ​K​ody: Kody Bateman​ (Website) is the founder of Promptings, a globally recognized company that inspires people to act on their promptings and create real human connection.  As he leads the modern—day gratitude movement he is helping people transform their lives by simply being in gratitude, sharing gratitude, and showing others how to do the same.​ With a background in entrepreneurship and personal development, Kody has authored several books, including Promptings: Your Inner Guide to Making a Difference and The Power of Human Connection. His revolutionary relationship-building platform, SendOutCards has delivered over 200 million promptings all around the world. Known for his motivational speaking and leadership, Kody continues to empower individuals and organizations to strengthen relationships and foster meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings. He is on a mission to reconnect people to others, their purpose, and prosperity.