The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

In this Special Edition of The Corporate Couch, Greg Deitch (CEO) and Jeremy Stephens (President) of Fluent Consultants demystify how small and mid-sized businesses can harness AI to boost efficiency, cut costs, and stay competitive without needing a tech army or Silicon Valley budget.

Greg and Jeremy break down how AI is moving from trend to tool, and why now is the time for growing companies to experiment with automation, language models, and data-driven insights. From double-checking invoice entries to transforming customer support and HR workflows, they offer real-world examples that are achievable (and affordable).

We also delve into the differences between personal and enterprise AI tools, why the “garbage in, garbage out” principle remains applicable, and what every CEO needs to know about security, data ownership, and scaling responsibly. Whether you're AI-curious or already testing use cases, this conversation will help you find your first step and avoid being left behind.

Dr. Victoria Farris (see her bio below) traded a tenured track in academia for the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship. As a transformational leadership strategist, she now helps business leaders foster high-trust, inclusive workplaces where people want to show up and contribute.

Our conversation explores the modern leader’s reality: managing five generations in the workplace, each with their own expectations, communication styles, and values. Victoria breaks down how trust isn’t built through perks or policies, but through presence, accountability, allyship, and the courage to challenge outdated assumptions. We unpack how self-awareness and inclusive supervision go hand in hand, why feedback is a two-way street, and what it means to lead with clarity in a world that is constantly changing.

Whether you lead a startup team or a global enterprise, Victoria’s insights will shift how you think about leadership, culture, and what it truly means to belong.

Fiona Lin (see her bio below) brings a global lens to leadership, starting with her childhood in southern China and leading to her rise as a business transformation expert in the U.S. As the first guest on the podcast born and raised in China, Fiona shares how growing up without toys or pets (and carving fish with friends in the river) shaped her creativity, resilience, and lifelong love of learning.

We explore Fiona’s evolution from English teacher to COO, her passion for aligning strategy and execution, and why she believes every transformation begins with listening to people first. Whether she’s navigating global supply chains, implementing enterprise systems, or helping a founder scale with purpose, Fiona makes the complex feel human and actionable. You'll hear how she connects the dots between operations, technology, and empathy—and how her concept of the “organizational quarterback” helps bridge the gap between vision and results.

Mary-Catherine “M-C” Reinert (see her bio below) isn’t just a brand strategist, she’s a force of nature. In this episode of The Corporate Couch, M-C shares her journey from a quiet, science-loving kid from Kansas City to the founder of Fortissima, a bold branding and marketing firm whose name (Italian for “very loud”) reflects both her fierce personality and her Sicilian roots.

M-C opens up about the lessons she learned in the family restaurant, the middle school teacher who helped her find her voice, and why she borrowed a friend’s art portfolio to break into design school. We talk about how she transitioned from designing corrugated boxes to launching a strategy-driven agency that fuses data, design, and authenticity.

You’ll hear how M-C's “DIVA mindset” helps clients stop overcomplicating their marketing and start showing up with clarity and confidence. This conversation is a mix of guts, grit, and the debate of "sauce" vs. gravy", with powerful lessons for anyone looking to make their brand (and their voice) impossible to ignore.

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 M-C: Raising the standard of industry norms and practices, Mary-Catherine Reinert (M-C) injects provoking thought leadership, knowledge, and tales from the trenches in all things strategy, branding, business positioning, and marketing alignment. The journey has taken her from a corrugated packaging designer to a luxury bespoke designer to now, a brand strategist and Founder of Fortissima.

With a sole focus on boutique hospitality and luxury lifestyle brands, her well-curated sensorial marketing experiences have elevated hundreds of brands to live louder, strategize more efficient business practices, and deepen their connection with their guests, clients, and customers!

Once you become connected to M-C and the truth of who you are, as a person, founder, brand, business, or marketer — you become Fortissima: confident, proud, and extremely loud!  At the end of the day, if you have a passion and begin to take action in changing the way you do, say, create, and present things — this will begin to change the world around you.

In this third Special Edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I enhance our usual conversation by doing what any good happy hour calls for: sipping a cold beer. From deep work strategies and smart calendar hacks to journaling habits and our favorite recent reads, this episode is packed with personal insights and practical takeaways.

We also swap stories about standout people we’ve recently met, the power of connecting others, and the local causes we’re proud to support. It’s a relaxed and real look at what’s working in our lives—and how sharing ideas over a beer can lead to better thinking, better planning, and better community.

This episode of The Corporate Couch features Massimo Backus (see his bio below), executive coach, organizational psychologist, and author of Human First, Leader Second. One of the least traditionally “corporate” guests we’ve had on the show, Massimo brings depth, vulnerability, and candor to a conversation about how to thrive in work and life by embracing our full humanity.

From attending seven different colleges to working in door-to-door sales, film, commercial real estate, and ultimately leadership development at Fortune 200 companies, Massimo’s career has been anything but linear. He shares how his early struggles with dyslexia shaped his confidence, what he learned from an award-winning organ donation documentary he produced, and how getting fired from a dream job became the catalyst for starting his own business.

We dive into:

Why Massimo believes self-compassion outperforms self-criticism for leaders.

How being labeled a “bully” by his team was the wake-up call that led him to the Hoffman Process.

What corporate leaders misunderstand about performance, vulnerability, and burnout.

His framework for internal validation—and why trusting yourself is the real key to resilience.

His thoughts on navigating layoffs and major career pivots with purpose and clarity.

We also discuss how Massimo's exploration-heavy 20s and unorthodox career detours—Gary Vee would be proud—led him to discover his calling. If you're a leader, recent grad, or anyone in transition, this episode is full of hard-won insights and affirming truth.

Find out why “Human First, Leader Second” might just be the future of work.

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 Massimo: Massimo Backus is an executive coach, leadership strategist, and organizational culture expert who helps senior leaders navigate complexity, resolve conflict, and drive sustainable performance. As Founder and CEO of his consulting firm, Massimo partners with Fortune 200 companies and industry leaders—including Amazon, Salesforce, and Sony—to develop resilient, high-performing teams. Formerly head of global leadership development at Slalom Consulting, he has coached over 3,000 leaders and authored the book Human First, Leader Second. He holds a Master’s in Organizational Behavior Psychology and is also an award-winning documentary filmmaker.

In this special edition of The Corporate Couch, we explore the elite world of TIGER 21 with Kansas City Chairs Heidi Lehmann and Joe Kessinger (see their bios below). For high-net-worth individuals navigating success, succession, and significance, TIGER 21 is the global peer network that offers more than just financial advice, it provides a trusted community, deep reflection, and powerful perspective.

Heidi, a five-time tech entrepreneur and nationally recognized investor, and Joe, a veteran finance executive and serial founder, explain what makes TIGER 21 so unique—and why Kansas City is not only hosting one, but now two thriving groups.

In this conversation, we cover:

What TIGER 21 is and why it matters more than ever for ultra-successful individuals

How Portfolio Defense® invites radical transparency and life-changing feedback

The reasons behind KC’s rapid growth as a TIGER 21 hub (hint: it’s more than money)

How global connections—from London to Dubai—extend far beyond Kansas City

The trust and vulnerability that power every member’s journey

The ideal time to join TIGER 21 (especially post-exit or after a major life change)

The heartland expansion: why members are coming from Des Moines, Tulsa, Omaha, and beyond

Whether you’re a founder who just had a liquidity event, a second-gen family office leader, or someone quietly seeking deeper community and guidance at the highest level, this episode offers a rare peek into one of the world’s most powerful networks for wealth holders.

To learn more, visit tiger21.com or reach out to Heidi (email: [email protected]) and Joe (email: [email protected]) for a personal conversation.

About Heidi: Heidi E. Lehmann is the Chair of Kansas City 02. She’s a seasoned investor, board member, and five-time startup founder leading high-impact global tech deals. As Strategic Director of Ligo Partners she collaborates with Family Offices globally to source investments in startups, venture funds, and real estate. Heidi has co-founded and scaled companies like Kenzen (industrial IoT, $30M raised) and Third Screen Media (acquired by AOL for $105M). She advises startup CEOs and holds board and advisory roles. As co-founder of KC Future’s DAO, Heidi drives blockchain innovation in Kansas City. She also serves as Business Advisor to Critical Materials Crossroads, a coalition focused on the energy transition, and co-produced the media franchise "Queen Boss" (acquired by Viacom/CBS). Featured in Forbes, WSJ, NYT, and more, Heidi is a sought-after speaker at top conferences like SXSW and Mobile World Congress. Heidi enjoys travel, art, sports, her Peloton bike, KC BBQ, and spending time with family and friends.

About Joe: Joe Kessinger is the Chair of Kansas City Group 01, which he launched in 2022. A business advisor/financer with 35+ years of experience in business development, accounting/tax, corporate value enhancement, family business transitions, corporate finance, and merger/acquisition advisory services. Joe has experience from start-up companies to a CPA with two Big 4 accounting firms. He is the founding member of several organizations, including Collaborative Capital- a network of high-net-worth individuals and family offices that share investment opportunities. A 4th generation Kansas Citian, he is the father of a son and two daughters and enjoys gardening, golf, pickleball, and cooking.

In this fun and insightful episode, Zach Best, co-founder of FanSided and Executive VP at Minute Media, joins to talk about turning fandom into a media empire, building thriving remote teams, and why culture beats everything. Zach’s Kansas City roots and love for the Chiefs sparked a journey that turned a humble sports blog into a major digital media player acquired three times, including by Time/Sports Illustrated and Meredith Corporation.

You’ll hear about:

How Zach built a strong remote culture with team members well before remote work was cool.

Why bad ownership ruins sports franchises (looking at you, NY Jets).

Lessons learned from leading a company through multiple acquisitions—and how each one taught him something new.

The surprising role a Led Zeppelin-inspired blog post played in launching FanSided.

How his passion for inclusion led to a groundbreaking partnership with the Special Olympics.

His hot takes on leadership, AI, emotional intelligence, and creating opportunity for others.

Why staying scrappy and hiring for passion matters more than ever.

Zach also shares how FanSided became one of the top 10 standalone digital sports media brands and what it’s like to work with Special Olympics athletes during Super Bowl week.

Whether you're a startup founder, a remote team leader, or just a fan of great stories, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a few good-natured jabs at the NY Jets.

In this episode of The Corporate Couch, Kansas City native and sports marketing legend Mike Goff shares stories, lessons, and the occasional war wound from his trailblazing career in brand strategy and sponsorship. From his early days dreaming of sports journalism to leading iconic campaigns with the NFL, World Cup '94, and Rolling Stones tours, Mike’s career is a masterclass in storytelling, strategy, and savvy execution.

Mike, whose resume includes everything from being the force behind Sprint’s groundbreaking NFL headset sponsorship to naming the College Football Playoff (CFP), doesn’t just drop names like Peyton Manning, Marcus Allen, and Richard Petty—he’s worked side-by-side with them. He also gives an insider's look at what it takes to manage legacy brands, build meaningful agency relationships (even when your company had a reputation for being “a tough client”), and transition with purpose from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

Other highlights:

Why naming the CFP was harder—and smarter—than it looked.

The truth about Mad Men-style ad agency days and being a client on both sides of the dinner table.

The business impact of the 2026 World Cup and what it means for Kansas City.

Advice for recent grads and first-time managers that cuts through the corporate noise.

And yes, you’ll find out who was more polished on set: Brett Favre or Peyton Manning.

Mike Goff’s episode is more than a conversation—it’s a mini-MBA in strategic marketing, sponsorship, and leadership from a true icon in the field.

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 Mike: Mike Goff is an accomplished leader and marketer with experience across various brands and business assignments. He founded Goff + Marketing, a strategic consultancy that offers C-suite-level service and leadership to brands locally and nationally. He is also a partner in G4—a Kansas City-based consortium of four sponsorship activation, sports, and experiential-focused companies.

His experience includes senior leadership roles at Sprint, United Way of Greater Kansas City, Barkley, and Premier Sports Management. His partnership experience includes working with brands ranging from the NFL to the World Cup to Hershey to American Express to the College Football Playoff…and many more. Mike has managed a top 10 U.S. brand, developed Cannes Gold Lion award-winning campaigns, and achieved significant business results throughout his career. During his tenure at Sprint (now T-Mobile), The

Mike has a long history of civic involvement in the Kansas City area. He also focuses on mentoring and developing talent and is a frequent guest lecturer. 

What happens when one of the least corporate minds steps onto The Corporate Couch?

You get a conversation that’s anything but business as usual. In this episode, Justin Foster (see his bio below), poet, agitator, and co-founder of Massive Change, pulls no punches as he unpacks the hidden forces behind branding, leadership, and personal transformation. Raised on a cattle ranch and now based in Austin, Justin’s deep thinking and sharp tongue challenge the traditional playbook with radical honesty and ethical clarity.

We explore everything from dismantling toxic systems to cultivating inner awareness—and how both are essential for meaningful leadership. We also explore Justin’s reflections on identity, including what it means to be a “SWAM” in today’s world, and how self-inquiry can become a powerful tool for empathy, growth, and leadership. Whether you’re a brand builder, changemaker, or just tired of the same old corporate jargon, this conversation will stretch your thinking and stir your spirit.