Coffey Talk

This episode sits down with two women who didn’t wait for permission. Molly Fuchsel and Liz Hallen left comfortable careers to build something the Microsoft ecosystem didn’t have yet. They trusted instinct more than certainty and created PartnerIn, a home for peer learning, vulnerability, and growth. We talk about the moment they knew they had to act, how community works when it’s intentional, and what it takes to leap before you know exactly what the landing looks like.

Key Takeaways

• You don’t need the full plan to begin — you just need the cue inside you that says “this matters.”
• Community isn’t a side task. It’s a strategy built on trust, shared learning, and vulnerability.
• Partnerships thrive when both people respect each other’s strengths and move at different rhythms but with shared purpose.
• Peer learning will shape the future of the Microsoft ecosystem because no one organization can do it all.

👉🏻Contact information for

Molly Fuchsel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyfuchsel/

Liz Hallen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizhallen/

Partnerin: https://partnerin.io/vibe

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
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🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this heartfelt episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Brittany Burke, a Microsoft MVP and leader in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community, to talk about building balance across work, family, and purpose. From an unexpected start in accounting to becoming a respected voice in tech, Brittany shares how authenticity, empowerment, and community have shaped her career. Together, they explore what real balance looks like through the rhythm of building a career you love without losing sight of who you are.

Takeaways

1. Career and personal growth strengthen each other.
2. Empowerment multiplies when it’s shared.
3. Balance is a rhythm not a finish line.
4. You can have it all, just not all at once.

👉🏻Contact information for Brittany Burke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d365withbrittany/

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
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🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

This short version of my conversation with Brad Prendergast gets right to the heart of it. We talk about time in a way that has nothing to do with productivity and everything to do with being alive. We break down the moments that actually shape a life, what we lose when we rush, and why attention is the real currency we’re spending every day.

You’ll hear the parts of “4,000 Weeks” that hit us the hardest, the mindset shifts we’re still working through, and the reminders we both needed about living like time actually matters.

This preview is just a slice of the full conversation, and the full episode goes even deeper into presence, choices, and what it actually means to build a life you recognize.

If this 12-minute cut resonates with you at all, I promise the full conversation will land even harder. Make time for the full episode — it’s worth it.

👉🏻Contact information for Brad Prendergast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-prendergast/

Books we referred to: 

4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals - By Oliver Burkeman

Stolen Focus; Why You Can’t Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again

By Johann Hari

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

By Matthew Walker

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

This conversation with Brad Prendergast is an honest look at how we spend our days, what we give our attention to, and why time is the currency none of us can refill. Inspired by the book “4,000 Weeks Time Management for Mortals,” by Oliver Burkman, we talk about presence, choices, attention, and learning to live now instead of waiting for “when things slow down.”

Bullet Points (searchable):

• Time as the currency of life
• Why attention shapes who we become
• Letting go of the “when I finally” mindset
• Making choices that align with what you value
  What it means to be present on purpose

👉🏻Contact information for Brad Prendergast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-prendergast/

Books we referred to: 

4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals - By Oliver Burkeman

Stolen Focus; Why You Can’t Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again

By Johann Hari

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

By Matthew Walker

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Stephanie Clark opens up about the real work of leading from the inside. She shares how she stepped into broken teams, rebuilt systems that needed more than surface fixes, and faced resistance from people who weren’t ready for change. Stephanie talks about being labeled “loud” and “bossy” and how those same qualities helped her lead with clarity, honesty, and heart. This episode is for anyone who has ever led in a space where no one is cheering yet, but you keep going anyway.

Highlights:
 • What it feels like when no one is cheering yet
 • Why trust matters more than popularity
 • How women support each other inside tough spaces
 • The importance of listening before leading

👉🏻Contact information for Stephanie Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephclark/

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this conversation, Bobby Small sits down with Kate Coffey-Bacon to talk about community, diversity, and what it looks like to give people space to be heard. Bobby shares the real moments that shaped his work in advocating for inclusive communities, including stories from his career, parenthood, and lived experience. Kate opens up about her own background and how it shaped her commitment to creating spaces where people can show up fully as themselves. Together, they talk about how curiosity, listening, and simple daily actions can change how a community feels. The episode ends with a fun lightning round that shows off Bobby’s humor, heart, and energy.

We discussed:

• Bobby’s journey into diversity advocacy and the moments that shifted his perspective.
• Why listening matters more than trying to change someone’s mind.
• How small actions shape community culture.
• Why male allies matter for women in tech.
• Ways to get involved with DUG and Diverse Minds.
  
  

👉Bobby’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbysmall/

👉Diverse Minds: https://www.meetup.com/dug-diverse-minds/

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, host Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with Melissa Maikos, teacher, fitness instructor, and former sports broadcaster, to talk about the real side of wellness. Together, they explore how movement builds confidence, how community keeps us grounded, and why it’s time to normalize conversations about perimenopause and aging.

Melissa shares how her athletic background shaped her approach to fitness, body image, and mental health, and how she’s using social media to build a positive space for women navigating midlife. This honest conversation reminds us that wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress and learning to embrace the body you’re in.

Key Takeaways:
 • Podcasting is a powerful way to share purpose and build community
 • Wellness means caring for both your body and your mindset
 • Community support turns fitness into friendship
 • Body image struggles don’t disappear, they evolve
 • It’s never too late to lift heavy or live fully
 • Talking about perimenopause breaks stigma and builds strength
 • Social media can be a tool for real, empowering connection
 • Movement fuels confidence at every stage of life

👉🏻Connect with Melissa Maikos: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamaikos/

Instagram and TikTok @MMaikos21

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, host Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with voting advocate Jessica Kraisinger to discuss why every vote counts—especially in local and state elections. They explore Jessica’s journey into voter education, the impact of down-ballot races, and the importance of staying engaged beyond election day. The conversation also tackles common voting myths, highlights the power of individual action, and reminds listeners that civic participation is both a responsibility and a celebration.

Takeaways:

Voting is the most impactful action an individual can take.

Local elections significantly shape daily life.

Every vote counts—especially in close races.

Voting is essentially “hiring representatives for your community.”

Engagement begins with one conversation.

Myths about voting discourage participation; truth encourages it.

Educating yourself about candidates is key to informed choices.

Civic engagement continues year-round.

Kindness and empathy strengthen communities.

Celebrate the act of voting; it’s worth honoring.

https://www.rockthevote.org/

https://justfacts.votesmart.org/

https://www.vote.org/

https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page

https://whenweallvote.org/

👉🏻Connect with Jessica Kraisinger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kraisinger-1918293/

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, host Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with Pam Misialek, VP of Community at Dynamic Communities, and Cam Sessinger, Senior Online Editor, to talk about the Women in Tech initiative and this year’s She Builds luncheon at Community Summit. Together they explore the power of storytelling, community, and mentorship in shaping a more inclusive future for women in technology.

Highlights:

• The Women in Tech initiative aims to create community beyond a single event.
• She Builds celebrates women who are actively shaping the future of tech.
• Visibility and storytelling empower women to step into leadership roles.
• Networking and mentorship are essential to growth and confidence.
• The vision for continuous engagement through year-round programming.

👉Connect with Pam Misialek:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-misialek-985b6413/

👉Connect with Cameron Sessinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-sessinger-b2916b14b/

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this powerful Coffey Talk episode, Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with tech veteran and Marketing CoPilot founder Marie Wiese to explore what it really means to start again, at any age. After more than 30 years in tech, Marie shares how personal loss, courage, and curiosity led her to redefine success and discover a new kind of confidence.
Together, Kate and Marie discuss:
Why success in tech, and in life, has no age limit
The myths and mindset shifts behind true reinvention
How women often hit their stride later in life
Why mentorship is a two-way street
The power of visualization and letting go of old identities

A conversation about courage, clarity, and the freedom to rebuild yourself, one bold step at a time.

👉Connect with Marie Wiese: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariewiese/

Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!
Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul.
☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community.
💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories.
🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.

👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com