The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

In this episode, I chat with the inimitable Michael Mackie (see his bio below), a multi-talented storyteller, Emmy-award-winning host, entertainment journalist, and travel writer. With his signature wit and humor, Michael takes us through his fascinating career, from his early days in Des Moines TV to interviewing A-list celebrities and even hosting his own PBS travel show, "Get Lost!".

We dive into:

Michael’s advice for life and career? “Just say yes.” Whether it’s showing up for opportunities or embracing the unexpected, his philosophy will inspire you to stay open to life’s twists and turns.

Don’t miss Michael’s insights on storytelling, building a personal brand, and his unfiltered anecdotes from a career filled with laughs, lessons, and a few surprises!

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at [email protected].   

We explore Linda’s unique path—from mucking stables at age three to marrying into a family that built a multi-generational legacy of wealth through their business endeavors. Linda reflects on how this experience deepened her understanding of leadership, respect, and the importance of fostering relationships across all levels of an organization.

With her trademark warmth and wit, Linda discusses:

Linda also offers invaluable advice for recent graduates entering the workforce and seasoned professionals stepping into leadership roles, reminding us that success is about purpose, relationships, and lifelong learning.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Kansas City’s most cherished leaders, and leave with practical insights on how to lead with purpose, build meaningful relationships, and embrace every new day as an opportunity to grow.

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at [email protected].   

Welcome to a short-form Special Edition of The Corporate Couch! Today, my co-host is Shawn Kinkade (linkedin.com/in/shawnkinkade). We break down James Clear’s Atomic Habits. Spoiler alert: this book is life-changing—but also responsible for Shawn flossing regularly and me questioning my peanut M&M consumption.

We dive into Clear’s genius strategies, like:

It’s not rocket science, but it might just change your life—or at least your morning routine. We also explore how setting up systems over goals can help you crush them at work and at home.

📚 Bonus: Email me at [email protected] for a free 7-page summary of Atomic Habits!

🎧 Tune in for laughs, insights, and actionable tips—and maybe walk away ready to ditch those M&Ms (or at least hide them better).

What the hell is Web3? In this episode (the first in my collaboration with Startland News - Website), I chat with Randy Wasinger—entrepreneur, NFT pioneer, and founder/CEO of CryptoSlam (see his bio below). With over 20 years of experience in high-growth businesses and a track record as an innovator in SEO, affiliate marketing, and big data, Randy shares how his early passion for baseball cards evolved into a groundbreaking career in Web3 and NFTs.

We dive into Randy’s entrepreneurial journey—from running a baseball card shop as a teenager in small-town Kansas to building CryptoSlam, the leading NFT data platform trusted by industry giants. Randy reflects on his transition from accounting for a major firm to tech, the lessons he learned from his mentors, and the incredible story of attracting investors like Mark Cuban, Reid Hoffman, and Ashton Kutcher. It's a remarkable journey from Russell, Kansas to being a leader in the newest technology (that most people do not understand) for Randy and his Kansas City-based company.

Whether you’re curious about Web3, NFTs, or the future of blockchain technology, this episode offers an insider’s perspective on innovation, resilience, and the power of seizing opportunities.

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at [email protected].   

In this episode, I sit down with Jon McGraw (see his bio below)—former NFL safety, co-founder of Vision Pursue, and performance mindset expert. From walking on at Kansas State to playing 10 seasons in the NFL, Jon shares his incredible journey, the leadership lessons he learned from legendary coaches (including the legendary Kansas State University coach Bill Snyder), and the physical, emotional, and mental toll of professional football. We delve into Jon’s transition from the NFL to entrepreneurship and how his passion for personal growth led to co-founding Vision Pursue, a company that trains corporate and sports teams in performance psychology. Jon opens up about the importance of mindset, navigating change, and how he turned his experiences with injury and uncertainty into a mission to help others thrive. We also discuss how most NFL players are not happy, the challenge of being present in an occupation where your job can end at any time (and how the NFL stands for "Not For Long"), his transitions from high school football to Division I college to the NFL, how the NFL is not a team sport, and importance of mindset to improve your life experiences. He also answers the all-important question: Can he still bench press 225 pounds 13 times? :-)

Whether you’re a corporate leader, athlete, sports fan, or someone striving for personal growth, Jon’s insights will leave you inspired to elevate your performance and embrace a healthier, more balanced mindset.

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at [email protected].   

In this episode of The Corporate Couch, I chat with Joel Zeff (see his bio below), a nationally renowned speaker, work culture expert, author, and humorist who has captivated audiences for over 25 years. Known for his hilarious improvisational comedy and insightful messages on leadership, collaboration, and change, Joel brings his unique energy to the podcast.

We explore Joel’s fascinating career journey—from his days as a newspaper journalist to becoming a sought-after keynote speaker. Joel shares how improv has shaped his perspectives on teamwork, communication, and embracing the unexpected. He also talks about the power of celebrating small victories (or "Ta-da!" moments) to fuel passion and creativity in the workplace, letting the Universe point the way, and the one question you should ask as a leader. Joel is also the creator of one of the most iconic traditions at the University of Kansas' historic Allen Fieldhouse during men's basketball games.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting out, Joel’s stories, humor, and actionable insights will leave you inspired and energized. Plus, don’t miss his behind-the-scenes tales from over 2,500 events and the origin of his iconic "Ta-da!" philosophy! Warning: Be prepared to laugh your ass off during this conversation.

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at [email protected].   

In this episode, I sit down with the vibrant and insightful Susie Tomenchok, author, executive coach, TEDx speaker, and negotiation expert (see her bio below). From being a telecom pioneer at Comcast to leading an international company of over 1000 employees to becoming a mentor and coach, Susie shares her inspiring journey and practical advice for professionals at every stage of their careers (including being an early adopter of having a side hustle). We dive into her unique approach to negotiation as a daily practice, not just a high-stakes event, and explore how mastering this skill can transform careers, leadership, and personal relationships. Susie’s passion for helping others unlock their potential shines as she discusses the art of framing conversations, embracing creativity in solutions, and empowering individuals to confidently advocate for themselves.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced leader looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable insights and energizing stories.

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at [email protected].   

After over 100 episodes, Paige Pelaccio Meyer (see her bio below) is my favorite guest so far (I am biased since she is my daughter :-). While she knew she wanted to be a nurse, Paige had a unique career strategy that deviated from the typical nurse's first job. She bought the business she worked at for 5 years when she was 27. Two and half months after taking ownership, Paige was forced to shut down her business for 8 weeks due to COVID regulations. She talks about "embracing the suck" to achieve your long-term goals, her failures of leading people who were once her peers, how being a leader can be lonely, how she wants to help people radiate beauty and happiness (both inside and out), and how knowing what you do not want to do can guide your career.

As a listener of The Corporate Couch, new clients of Refresh Med Spa will receive $50 off (minimum purchase $150). See their website in the bio below and mention The Corporate Couch.

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at [email protected].   

Paige's bio: ​Paige Pelaccio Meyer​ (LinkedIn) is a nurse turned med spa owner who started working at Refresh Medical Spa ​(Website) in 2014 as a nurse injector. After 5 years of simultaneously working other jobs to keep afloat, she decided to purchase the business to grow and expand. After navigating a worldwide pandemic as a new business owner, almost 5 years later, the business has grown more than 5x. In late 2024, Refresh is opening its new location, triple its size, to become the first luxury medical spa in Overland Park, KS. Paige started her college career at the University of Kansas and graduated from the University of St. Mary's with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

 To learn more, ​about the topics above, please visit the Wickham James website.

​J​oni's bio:​ Joni Wickham (LinkedIn) hails from Raleigh, North Carolina, and arrived in Kansas City almost 15 years ago, bringing her distinctive southern accent and extensive experience from diverse governmental and advocacy roles. Joni served as Chief of Staff to former Kansas City Mayor Sly James, contributing to major development projects and elevating Kansas City's reputation nationally and internationally. ​Joni’s honors​ include the 2019 University of Missouri Truman School of Public Affairs Mel Carnahan Public Service Award; and recognition as one of the 50 most influential people in Kansas City. Joni was also honored as a Woman Who Means Business by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2023. In addition to public speaking engagements, Joni leads workshops on a variety of leadership and communications topics and assists clients with their public policy, strategic communications, crisis communications, government relations, and political consulting needs. Additionally, she is celebrated as the author of the best-selling book,​ "The Thin Line Between Cupcake and B*tch: Taking Action, Driving Change, and Getting​ Results".

Anna Murray (see her bio below) is the CEO and founder of emedia the longest-running woman-owned web and digital transformation agency in the US. In this fascinating conversation, we talk about how she found her company by accident, her journey from English teacher to TV journalist, to tech founder, her stories of misogyny in broadcast news, why journalists make great hires, her thoughts on why planning is a fool's errand, three metaphors to diagnose any situation, being a remote work pioneer (and her thoughts on "forcing" people back in the office), the early days of integrating the internet into the fabrics of corporate America, and her mission to evolve cybersecurity to the next level.

You will also enjoy how Anna's grandfather was called "the inventor who powered New York City and how she once gave a tech conference keynote while knitting!

Today's episode is brought to you by ExecHQ (Website), a C-suite fractional firm providing elite executives for your business. If you’re having challenges taking your business to the next level, want to augment your leadership team, or prepare your company for increased growth, profitability, and an eventual successful exit, ExecHQ has seasoned executives from every C-suite position, ensuring a perfect fit for your needs and industry dynamics. To learn more about ExecHQ, email Jeff Pelaccio at [email protected].   

Anna's bio: Anna Murray ​(LinkedIn) is a tech entrepreneur and founder of ​emedia ​            (​Website) LLC, a provider of software development, high-level technology consulting, and project and program management. She has consulted with brands worldwide on their digital strategies, served as interim CIO for Time Out NY, head of interactive at Harvard Business Publishing, and led the digital transformation at the American Association of Advertising Agencies. Anna is well known for her ability to bridge business and tech and is the author of several books, including The Complete Software Project Manager (John Wiley & Sons).