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.

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.

Sabina Nawaz (see her bio below) has advised leaders at the very top - Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and executives across Fortune 500 companies. But her journey wasn’t a straight line. Starting as a software developer, nearly getting fired from Microsoft, and then pivoting into leadership development, Sabina has built a career helping thousands of leaders around the world discover what it really means to lead.

In our conversation, she shares:

Why pressure, not power, is the real force that corrupts leaders.

How her sabbatical at Microsoft led to a life-changing career shift.

The story behind her new book, You’re the Boss, and the lessons drawn from 12,000 pages of executive feedback.

The surprising role theater and even stunt fighting played in shaping her leadership skills.

Why integrity matters more than authenticity and how busyness has become one of the biggest traps for managers.

Sabina also introduces practical tools like the “Yes List” and “Micro Habits,” making leadership development actionable instead of theoretical. Her insights are candid, data-driven, and deeply human—a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact.

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 Sabina:

executives and teams at Fortune 500 corporations, government

During her fourteen-year tenure at Microsoft, she went from

She has written for and been featured in Harvard Business

Michael Mackie is back on The Corporate Couch, and this time, he’s here to talk about his brand-new book, You Have 4 Minutes: My Life as an Unlikely Celebrity Interviewer. With more than three decades of encounters with Hollywood’s biggest names, Michael shares the hilarity, awkwardness, and unforgettable moments that shaped his unlikely path into entertainment journalism.

We cover the accidental purple cover photo, why the book has exactly 52 chapters (hint: the B-52s), and what it was like to land a foreword written by Cindy Wilson herself. Michael also opens up about his sobriety journey, giving up sugar for a year, surviving a stroke, and how discipline shaped his writing process (at one point cranking out a chapter a day).

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mackie story without laugh-out-loud moments, like a wrestler’s ill-timed digestive mishap or asking Anna Nicole Smith, “When was the War of 1812?” Michael brings the same mix of humor, humility, and heart to this conversation that he brings to the pages of his book.

Whether you’re fascinated by celebrity culture, curious about resilience, or just in need of a good laugh, this episode is the perfect preview of a book that’s as bite-sized and bingeable as it is heartfelt.

Here is the Amazon Link for Michael's book: https://a.co/d/225B7C7.

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.

Rusty Arnold’s story (see his bio below) begins with a hammer in hand at age 10 and a forklift under his control by 13. Today, as COO and soon-to-be CEO of Frontier Forest Products, Rusty has built his career from the ground up, shaping not just businesses but also the people around him.

In this conversation, Rusty shares:

Lessons learned from growing up on construction sites and how they shaped his work ethic.

Why curiosity and a love of people have been the through-line in his career.

His “Web of Success” philosophy for helping employees grow in their own unique ways.

How human connection is being lost in business and why it’s still the secret to long-term success.

His perspective on leadership in today’s multigenerational, tech-driven workplace.

From high school parties with 400 guests to thoughtful reflections on servant leadership, Rusty brings both humor and wisdom. This is a conversation about grit, growth, and grounding leadership in relationships that last.

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.

For the first time in history, four generations, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z are working side by side. Jeff Utecht (see his bio below) has spent over 20 years helping leaders bridge these divides, and he brings a global perspective shaped by living in three countries, founding multiple businesses, and consulting with Fortune 500 companies.

In our conversation, Jeff and I explore:

How each generation views work, success, and leadership differently

Why skill-based hiring is overtaking degree-based hiring

The long-term effects of the 2008 recession on Millennials and Gen Z

How COVID accelerated the shift toward remote and fractional work

Why embracing generative AI is the next essential leadership skill

Jeff’s insights are both practical and forward-looking, reminding us that thriving in the future of work means embracing diversity of age, thought, and technology. 

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.

The “five types of wealth” and why time wealth may be the most overlooked.

How boredom, stillness, and slowing down fuel creativity and joy.

The wisdom in quotes that stick from Ryan Holiday to Seth Godin to Lao Tzu.

Why it’s okay to stop “optimizing” and just enjoy the moment.

The value of connecting with new people (and how a 10-question icebreaker can spark great conversations).

We also swap stories about golf outings, charity cooking classes, and rediscovering the joy in everyday connections. This one’s about savoring life’s crooked turns, honoring what matters most, and remembering that the best ideas often come when you step away from your to-do list.

Pull up a chair (and maybe a drink), it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Donna Griffit (see her bio below), world-renowned storyteller and pitch alchemist who has helped clients raise over 2 billion dollars through the power of compelling narratives. From starting her first business as a seven-year-old clown to becoming a communications coach at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, Donna shares her fascinating journey through drama therapy, corporate training, and ultimately finding her calling in the startup world during the 2008 recession.

In this episode, Donna reveals the common mistakes entrepreneurs make when pitching, why excitement and fear are essentially the same thing with different branding, and how she created an AI version of herself to analyze investor pitch decks. She discusses her book "Sticking to My Story," shares memorable moments from training sessions around the globe, and explains why the deepest human wish is simply to be seen and acknowledged.

Whether you're preparing for your first job interview, leading a team, or pitching your next big idea, this conversation is packed with practical insights about communication, storytelling, and finding your professional Ikigai (that sweet spot where what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for all intersect).

In this Special Edition (short) episode, I sit down with Jourdan Mercurio Lewis, COO of Blue Ocean Search Firm, to talk about her remarkable journey from business owner to stay-at-home mom to a new career in recruiting. Jourdan shares how she brings authenticity and consulting-style depth to an industry often known for transactional relationships. Her story highlights the courage to pivot, the value of adding humanness to work, and the lessons learned from redefining success.

Along the way, Jourdan answered important questions, including:

What made recruiting attractive to her, given her past career history?

How does she see the recruiting industry today versus the way she and her team operate?

Why does Blue Ocean position itself as recruiting consultants?

What sets them apart from the traditional recruiter reputation?

What trends does she see shaping recruiting in the next 2–3 years?

This 19-minute conversation is both personal and professional, showing how career detours can lead to more meaningful paths forward.

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 partnerships 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, please visit their website: About Us.