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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

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:

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.

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:

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 :-)

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:

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.