Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

In this episode of Life in the Leadership Lane, Bruce Waller talks with Mike Goodwin — professional comedian, keynote speaker, content delivery coach, and “Bowtie Comedian” - about finding purpose through laughter, the discipline behind comedy, and the impact of humor in leadership and life.

From his early days in Camden, South Carolina, to serving in the U.S. Army, to discovering his calling in comedy at a church New Year’s Eve service, Mike shares a journey filled with perseverance, preparation, and purpose. Whether on stage, in the workplace, or at home, Mike’s mission is clear: to unify people through laughter.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Growing up in Camden, SC, and learning to use comedy to cope with stress.
• The spark: wanting to make his mother laugh.
• Four years active duty in the U.S. Army and earning a political science degree.
• How a 7-minute skit at a church service led to two tough years of refining his craft.
• The moment he knew his purpose was to bring joy and laughter to earth. Why he writes material for 100% of the audience — aiming to unify, not divide.
• His disciplined writing process: recording every set, generating 5 ideas a day, reviewing openings, middles, and closings.
• The “chess player” approach to comedy — open strong, close strong.
• How he uses AI tools like ChatGPT for research, insight, and creativity.
• “Killing” on stage vs. “killing” off stage — being just as good a person as a performer.
• Favorite comedians, venues, and becoming a better storyteller.
• How a bow tie became his signature look.
• The advice older Mike would give younger Mike: “Good job.”

Quote of the Day:

“Time either promotes you or exposes you.” – Mike Goodwin

Connect with Mike Goodwin:

Website: www.MikeGoodwin.com

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success to Significance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Connect with Bruce on LinkTree

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “Move to Inspire”

Get relocation support for your next household goods orcommercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane, where I talk with leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are, and what are they doing to stay there? Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I’m talking with Tomi Morriss, Vice President Client Success at Delta Dallas and 2025 DallasHR President about her journey, leadership insights, and impact on the HR community.

• How Tomi got started in her career and what led her to staffing and leadership
• The importance of recognizing when doors are opening
• When she “found her lane” in her career
• Mentorship lessons that shaped her journey
• Insights into the recruiting landscape
• Tomi’s perspectives on leadership and volunteering
• Her experience with The HRSouthwest Conference
• Traits of high-performing teams
• Her best advice for thriving in the workplace
• …and more during “Time to Accelerate”

Favorite Quote

“I try to leave every conversation with ‘How can I help you today?’”

Books by Bruce:

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success to Significance (#1 New Release on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane: Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane: Change Your GPS, Change Your Career (BookAuthority Best Books)
• Milemarkers: A 5 Year Journey – helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track

Need help with your next household goods or commercial office move anywhere in the U.S.? Contact Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I am talking with Bethany Adams, Assistant Professor at Villanova University, and 2025 HRSouthwest Conference Speaker in Fort Worth Texas Oct 12-14, 2025.  

• How did Bethany get started in her career? What ledher to her being a professor and speaker?
• What does Bethany share about speaking?
• When did Bethany “find her lane” in her career?
• What does Bethany share about her topic Job Craftingto Elevate Engagement?
• What 3 things does Bethany share about job crafting?
• What does Bethany share about taking on new tasks?
• What does Bethany share about relationships?
• What does Bethany share about purpose in your work?
• What advice does Bethany share to help others in theworkplace?
• …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions.

Interview resources:

Favorite quote from Bethany:

“Some of the roots that make a good HR professional is we are always looking to learn.”

Connect with Bethany on LinkedIn

Visit and Register for The HRSouthwest Conference

Learn more about Bethany’s session at conference

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “Move to Inspire”

Connect with Bruce on LinkTree

Get relocation support for your next household goods or commercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I am talking with Jeff Palkowski, Wisconsin SHRM (WISHRM) State Council State Director to discuss the 2025 Volunteer Leadership Conference on August 14-15 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

• How did Jeff get started in his volunteer leadershipjourney?
• What does Jeff share about his first volunteermeeting?
• What does Jeff share about the power of networking?
• What does Jeff share about opportunities?
• What does Jeff share about the WISHRM Volunteer Leadership Conference?
• What does Jeff share about conference expectations?
• What does Jeff share about his team coordinating theconference?
• What advice does Jeff share to help others planningto attend the conference?
• …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions.

Interview resources:

Favorite quote from Jeff:

“I saw the opportunity and took it from there.”

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn

Visit Wisconsin SHRM Website

Learn more about WISHRM Volunter Leadership Conference  

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Connect with Bruce on LinkTree

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “Move to Inspire”

Get relocation support for your next household goods orcommercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I am talking with Nathan Magnuson, Founder and CEO Leadership-in-a-Box, Author, and Speaker at The HRSouthwest Conference in Fort Worth Texas Oct 12-14, 2025.  

• How did Nathan get started in his career?
• What does Nathan share about his military experience?
• What does Nathan share about his meeting with TruettCathy?
• What does Nathan share about his employee engagement?
• What does Nathan share about his session coming toThe HRSouthwest Conference?
• What does Nathan share about connecting with peopleand work?
• What does Nathan share about “ridiculously practicalleadership”?
• What advice does Nathan share to help others in theworkplace?
• …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions.

Interview resources:

Favorite quote from Nathan:

“If you see yourself as your own customer, it’s easier to identify wants and needs because that’s who you used to be.”

Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn

Visit Nathan’s Website Leadership-In-A-Box

Register for The HRSouthwest Conference

Learn more about Nathan’s session here  

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Connect with Bruce on LinkTree

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “Move to Inspire”

Get relocation support for your next household goods orcommercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are andwhat are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I am talking with LeAnne Lagasse, Founder of LeAnne Lagasse Coaching and Consulting, and 2025 HRSouthwest Conference Speaker in Fort Worth Texas October 12-14, 2025.  

• How did LeAnne get started in her career? What led herto her being a speaker?
• What does LeAnne share about “pivotal moments”?
• When did LeAnne “find her lane” in her career?
• What does LeAnne share about her topic Mastering Stay Interviews and Focus Groups?
• What does LeAnne share about listening?
• What does LeAnne share about defining success?
• What does LeAnne share about psychological safety?
• What does LeAnne share about employee surveys?
• What advice does LeAnne share to help others in theworkplace?
• …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions.

Interview resources:

Favorite quote from LeAnne:

“Listening plays a key role in engagement. Only 3 in 10 employees believe their opinions count.”

Connect with LeAnne on LinkedIn

Visit LeAnne’s Website

Visit and Register for The HRSouthwest Conference

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Connect with Bruce on LinkTree

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “⁠Move to Inspire⁠”

Get relocation support for your next household goods orcommercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I am talking with Jeff Lupinacci, Founder and CEO Evolve HR Solutions, and Speaker at The HRSouthwest Conference in Fort Worth Texas Oct 12-14, 2025.  

• How did Jeff get started in his career?
• What does Jeff share about talent strategies in thefuture of work?
• What does Jeff share about using AI as a co-worker?
• What does Jeff share about curiosity to go beyond yourjob?
• What does Jeff share about his session coming to TheHRSouthwest Conference?
• What does Jeff share about building your network?
• What does Jeff share about his new book The TalentAdvantage?
• What advice does Jeff share to help others in theworkplace?
• …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions.

Interview resources:

Favorite quote from Jeff:

“Your curiosity will help you move beyond the day-to-daywork.”

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn

Visit Evolve HR Solutions

Order Jeff’s Book The Talent Advantage

Register for The HRSouthwest Conference

Learn more about Jeff’s session here  

Listen to Jeff’s Podcast The Leadership Puzzle

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Connect with Bruce on LinkTree

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “Move to Inspire”

Get relocation support for your next household goods orcommercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I am talking with Shirley Krueger, HR Executive and 2025 President, North Texas SHRM

• How did Shirley get started in her career? What ledher to HR and Leadership?
• What does Shirley share about being curious?
• When did Shirley “find her lane” in her career?
• How does Shirley describe leadership?
• What does Shirley share about listening?
• What does Shirley share about growth attributes?
• What does Shirley share about significance?
• What does Shirley share about volunteer leadership?
• What advice does Shirley share to help others in theworkplace?
• …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions.

Interview resources:

Favorite quote from Shirley:

“Staying stagnant and playing it safe will not getyou into a leadership role.”

“Volunteering is a safe place to try new things.”

Connect with Shirley on LinkedIn

Visit Community Forever Village

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; MovingLeaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “Move to Inspire”

Connect with Bruce on LinkTreeGet relocation support for your next householdgoods or commercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I am talking with KimLaughlin, Cultural Apex Coach and Keynote Speaker

• How did Kim get started in her career? What led herto HR and Leadership?
• What does Kim share about going to work on Monday?
• When did Kim “find her lane” in her career?
• How does Kim describe leadership?
• What does Kim share about culture?
• What does Kim share about performance improvement?
• What does Kim share about defining success?
• What does Kim share about active listening?
• What advice does Kim share to help others in theworkplace?
• …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions.

Interview resources:

Favorite quote from Kim:

“Pay attention to your health or your health is going to make you pay attention.”

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn

Visit Kim’s Website

Learn more about Reach the Apex Leadership Course

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “Move to Inspire”

Connect with Bruce on LinkTreeGet relocation support for your next householdgoods or commercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company

Welcome to Life in the Leadership Lane where I am talking to leaders making a difference in the workplace and in our communities. How did they get to where they are and what are they doing to stay there! Buckle up and get ready to accelerate in the Leadership Lane!

This week, I am talking with Danny Rojas, SHRM-CP, Senior Manager Talent Acquisition at The Container Store and DallasHR 2024 Recruiting Leader of the Year.

• How did Danny get started in his career?
• When did Danny “find his lane” in his career?
• What does Danny share about mentorship?
• What does Danny share about the impact of 9/11?
• What does Danny share about passion?
• What does Danny share about today’s recruiting landscape?
• What does Danny share about differentiating yourself
• What does Danny share about being intentional?
• What advice does Danny share to help others in theworkplace?
• …and more as we spend “Time to Accelerate” with afew more questions.

Interview resources:

Favorite quote from Danny:

“Every hire we make is somebody’s life we can potentiallychange.”

Connect with Danny on LinkedIn

Visit The Container Store

Check out Tailored Vets – A mission to support military in transition

Learn more about the podcast host Bruce Waller

Check out Bruce’s books

• Drive With Purpose: Move Your Career from Success toSignificance (#1 New Released book on Amazon)
• Life in the Leadership Lane; Moving Leaders to Inspire and Change the Workplace
• Find Your Lane; Change your GPS, Change your Career (“Book Authority” Best Books)
• Milemarkers; A 5 Year Journey …helping you record daily highlights to keep you on track.

Connect with Bruce on LinkTree

Subscribe to Bruce’s Blog “Move to Inspire” Get relocation support for your next household goods or commercial office move across the US by reaching out to Bruce at [email protected] or visit The Armstrong Company