The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

In this December edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I wrap up the year the only way we know how by catching up like old friends over a wide-ranging, unscripted conversation that blends business, life, laughter, and reflection.

We talk about the blur between November and December, holiday parties, birthdays, book parties (not book launches), and the reality of trying to slow down during the busiest time of the year (including Jeff's Reiki session). Marc shares what he’s learning through his Acumen peer group, why trusted circles matter more than ever, and how seeing behind the curtain as a financial planner reshapes how he thinks about success, wealth, and priorities. Jeff shares

The conversation also touches on:

Creating time wealth and why “slowing down” is a serious goal for 2026

Books that are shaping our thinking, including simple sketches that reframe money and meaning

Giving back through organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Growing Futures

The power of small connections, unexpected introductions, and Kansas City’s culture of generosity

Meditation streaks, habits, golf goals, and why being present matters more than being productive

New family traditions, travel dreams, and what unplugging actually looks like.

As always, it’s a mix of thoughtful insights, honest self-reflection, and a few laughs along the way, exactly what a December happy hour conversation should be.

Pull up a chair, take a breath, and enjoy this end-of-year conversation. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere!

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!

The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, promotion, endorsement, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. was not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.

Casey Wright’s (see his bio below) career has been shaped as much by people and perseverance as by placements and performance. As President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, he brings nearly two decades of recruiting experience and a deeply relational approach to helping companies and professionals find the right fit far beyond what an algorithm or job board can deliver.

The conversation traces Casey’s journey from a football-playing, piano-playing Kansas kid to leading one of the region’s most respected recruiting firms. Along the way, he shares how personal loss, career-ending injury, and early professional pivots reshaped his view of success, leadership, and work. What emerges is a candid look at why culture matters more than credentials, why resumes still matter but never tell the whole story, and why real recruiting is ultimately about trust, timing, and long-term relationships.

Casey also offers grounded insight into hiring trends, age bias, job hopping, the limits of technology in talent decisions, and what both early-career professionals and first-time leaders often get wrong. It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion about building teams the right way and building a career that fits the life you want to live.

About ​Casey: For the past 19 years, Casey ​Wright has specialized in placing finance and accounting professionals in the Kansas City area. Prior to becoming the President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, Casey built his career with accounting and finance recruiting firms that operated on national, regional, and local levels—giving him a broad perspective and deep expertise across diverse markets. He began at a multi-billion-dollar national recruiting firm, where he quickly rose through the ranks and earned numerous awards for performance and leadership at the local, regional, and national levels.

In June of 2019, Casey took over as the President and Owner of Chief of Staff KC, an award-winning firm serving the Kansas City community since 2011. Under his leadership, the firm has experienced significant growth. In 2024, Chief of Staff KC expanded to a 20-person internal team, moved into a new office with four times the space, and successfully placed professionals at over 200 companies throughout the metro area.

Shannon Nash’s (see her bio below) career doesn’t follow a straight line—and that’s exactly the point. Attorney. CPA. CFO. Board director. Podcast host. Film producer. Zumba instructor. Her journey is a masterclass in saying yes to growth, even when it means rewriting the plan entirely.

In this conversation, Shannon shares how growing up between the Midwest and the East Coast, sitting outside law school classrooms as a child, and watching her father blaze a trail into the legal profession shaped her sense of discipline, ambition, and possibility. She opens up about the pivots that changed everything, from leaving traditional professional services to building a global career in corporate leadership, from living as an expat in Switzerland to stepping away from full-time work to support her son during critical developmental years.

We talk about:

Why career “detours” often become the most meaningful chapters

What global living taught her about leadership, culture, and perspective

How improvisation, creativity, and even group fitness classes sharpen leadership skills

The realities of board service and how leaders actually get invited into the boardroom

Her experience as CFO of Wing, Alphabet’s autonomous drone delivery company

Why relationships, not résumés, drive long-term career success

The inspiration behind her podcast, No Boxes: Just Verses, and why music tells leadership stories better than titles ever could

Shannon brings candor, humor, and deep reflection to a conversation that challenges traditional definitions of success. Her story is proof that leadership isn’t about staying in one lane—it’s about knowing when to change course and having the courage to keep moving forward.

About ​S​hannon: Shannon Nash is a global C-suite leader, Qualified Financial Expert, attorney, and CPA with 30+ years of experience at the intersection of technology, finance, and governance. She serves as an independent board director for NetScout Systems, SoFi Bank, and Lazy Dog Restaurants. Formerly CFO of Wing, an Alphabet company, she led global finance and operations for its autonomous drone delivery service. Shannon has also held CFO roles at Reputation.com and Inside Source, and senior finance roles with Amgen and Cumulus Media. She started her career at KPMG and Cooley LLP.

Lori Tauber Marcus (see her bio below) has lived a career many only dream about, 24 years rising through the ranks at PepsiCo during the height of the Cola Wars, followed by C-suite roles at The Children’s Place, Keurig Green Mountain, and Peloton. But what makes Lori remarkable isn’t just her résumé. It’s her candor, her humor, and her relentless commitment to helping leaders build workplaces where everyone can thrive.

In our wide-ranging conversation, Lori shares stories from her early days growing up in New Jersey, the lessons she learned navigating high-performance corporate cultures, and why her mornings often start with a Peloton ride and a tube of M&Ms. She opens up about the moment she realized it was time to leave corporate life, the leap into her “portfolio career,” and the joy she found helping others through board work, executive coaching, and keynote speaking.

We also dive into:

Her decade-long board journey, including Fresh Del Monte Produce and 24 Hour Fitness

The origin story of The Band of Sisters, a powerhouse group of former PepsiCo executives dismantling gender bias one story at a time

Why language matters, and how subtle micro-moments shape culture more than we realize

How she built a career on curiosity, grit, and paying attention to “signals from the universe”

The surprising similarities across industries—from CPG to retail to tech

Her belief that leadership is less about perfection and more about awareness, intention, and impact

Lori brings the perfect blend of insight, experience, and straight talk. Whether she’s talking about the corporate tax, the evolution of DEI, or why she will always be a Springsteen fan, this episode is packed with wisdom and personality.

If you’re looking for a masterclass in leadership with heart, humor, and honesty, you’ll love this conversation.

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 improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

About Lori: Lori Tauber Marcus is the kind of leader who’s seen it all from the C-suite to the boardroom, and everywhere in between. She’s currently serving on the boards of Fresh Del Monte Produce and 24 Hour Fitness, and she brings nearly 10 years of experience helping companies navigate major transitions, including CEO changes, mergers, and turnarounds.

Lindsay Howerton’s (see her bio below) leadership journey begins long before she coached executives, scaled companies, or became a sought-after fractional COO. It starts with a 10-year-old kid in rural Missouri waking up at 2:30 a.m., layering up against the winter cold, and heading out to tend hogs before school.

That grit never left her...it just evolved.

Today, Lindsay is a performance coach, operational strategist, and property investor who has helped more than 70 organizations across 35+ industries find clarity, build accountability, and scale with purpose. But her path to leadership is anything but traditional.

In this conversation, Lindsay shares:

Her farm-to-boardroom journey, including running a 20-sow operation before she could drive.

How early hardship, a tough father, and a special-needs brother shaped her resilience and empathy.

The surprising launchpad of her career - including Farm Aid, Willie Nelson phone calls, and learning to “sell” by watching strangers shop the meat case.

Why Original Juan became her real-world MBA, giving her hands-on experience in sales, operations, and process improvement.

Her signature 10-question assessment - including the now-famous “monkey bars question” and how it helps her decode people in minutes.

Her belief that business is simple when you understand the skeleton beneath every organization.

Honey Hill Property Investment, the company she built with her husband to revitalize workforce housing in rural Missouri and honor the legacy of her grandparents.

And the personal mission that drives everything she does: to positively impact one million lives.

Lindsay’s story is a masterclass in grit, clarity, and purpose, and a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or pedigree. It’s about knowing who you are, doing the hard things, and lifting others along the way.

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 improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

About Lindsay: Lindsay Howerton is a performance coach, fractional COO and property investor with a track record of helping over 70 organizations across more than 35 industries clarify operations, scale sustainably and build resilient teams. With a no-nonsense leadership style and a deep commitment to purpose-driven growth, Lindsay brings operational clarity, team accountability and practical systems to businesses that are ready to level up. 

She is the founder of a property investment company focused on revitalizing uninhabitable properties and increasing access to workforce housing, particularly in rural and underserved areas like Brookfield, Missouri. Through this work, she blends real estate strategy with social impact, transforming forgotten spaces into opportunity. Married for over two decades and a proud mother of two daughters, Lindsay’s personal values are to respect what you have, grow to your greatest potential and love people more than things. She has traveled extensively with her husband, coached hundreds toward self-discovery and is on a mission to change one million lives through her work.

In this November edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I trade year-end reflections, fresh goals, and a few laughs as we wrap up 2025 and look toward the year ahead.

Marc kicks things off with a big reveal of his word for 2026 and shares how health, proactivity, and a soon-to-be scheduled executive physical have moved to the top of his priority list. We talk about the value of choosing a “word of the year,” why intentional planning should start long before December, and the role his long-time life coach has played in shaping his annual reset process.

We also cover:

The art of simplifying goals and actually sticking to them

Why Marc’s assistant Amy might be the MVP of the year

The magic of handwritten cards (and how Marc systemizes kindness with SendOutCards)

Holiday plans, family photos, and the value of slowing down

Books we’re reading from digital assets to leadership

Searcy Financial’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration

And the impact of Giving Tuesday, including Marc’s work with Wabash Cannonball

This episode is equal parts practical and warm, a blend of goal-setting, personal stories, and the reminder that connection, consistency, and gratitude matter more than ever this time of year.

Pull up a chair, pour a glass of whatever feels right… it’s all part of the 5 o’clock philosophy.

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!

The opinions expressed herein are those of certain Searcy Financial Services, Inc. personnel and are subject to change without notice. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to revision due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Any opinions, promotion, endorsement, projections, or forward-looking statements expressed herein are solely those of the author, may differ from the views or opinions expressed by other areas of the firm, and are only for general informational purposes as of the date indicated. Searcy Financial Services, Inc. was not compensated, nor are there material conflicts of interest that would affect the given statement.

Dr. Nicholas Comninellis (see his bio below) has lived a life most of us only read about. From treating patients in Shanghai’s charity hospital to serving in war-torn Angola, where soldiers once knocked on his door in the middle of the night, Nicholas has devoted his career to providing care where it’s needed most.

Founder and President of the Institute for International Medicine (INMED), he has trained thousands of healthcare professionals to serve vulnerable populations around the world. But his story begins long before global health leadership shaped by summers spent on a tiny Greek island, a father who survived wartime hunger, and a childhood in Parkville, Missouri.

In this conversation, we explore:

How his multicultural upbringing set the stage for a life of service.

What he learned practicing medicine in poverty-stricken communities in China and Angola.

The moment a commander told him, “We’ve been watching you,” and how it reshaped his understanding of unseen impact.

Why he founded INMED and how it has grown into a graduate-level institution preparing clinicians to serve the forgotten.

His newest book, Five Bags of Gold, explores the deeper meaning behind investing time, talent, and resources in others.

How classical guitar became his unlikely creative outlet.

Dr. Comninellis brings humility, courage, and conviction to every part of his story. This episode is a powerful reminder that compassion in action, not comfort, is what changes the world.

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 improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

About Nicholas:

He graduated from the UMKC School of Medicine and Saint Louis University School of Public Health and was a family medicine resident at John Peter Smith Hospital. Dr. Comninellis also earned a diploma in tropical medicine from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and became board-certified in both public health and family medicine. Among his authored books is Five Bags of Gold – a Modern Parable of Wealth, Responsibility, and Eternal Investment. Dr. Comninellis is a classical guitarist and faculty co-advisor for UMKC Cru. He was honored as the 2009 United Nations Association of the United States World Citizen and the 2015 University of Missouri-Kansas City Alumni of the Year.

Chandra Clark’s story (see her bio below) is one of courage, compassion, and transformation. From raising her three younger siblings as a child to becoming the inaugural President of the Corey C. Griffin Foundation, Chandra’s life is a testament to turning adversity into impact.

In this conversation, she shares how her unconventional path from a childhood in Louisiana to leading major nonprofits across Kansas City and Boston shaped her purpose-driven approach to leadership.

We talk about:

How early responsibility and hardship fueled her desire to serve others.

Her love for art, fashion, and creativity and how it shows up in her leadership style.

What it means to lead with empathy while navigating rapid organizational growth.

How trauma and healing intersect with career development and confidence.

Why she believes self-worth and service are the foundation of success.

Chandra’s journey reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about impact, integrity, and using your story to help others rise.

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 improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

About Chandra: Chandra Clark is a nonprofit executive driven by purpose and mission. For over a decade, she has served in nonprofit leadership by developing

As a celebrated speaker, mentor, and life coach, she has been honored to

Brett Carey (see his bio below) has built his life and leadership philosophy around three cornerstones: faith, family, and endurance. As Vice President of Human Resources at The University of Kansas Health System, Brett draws on lessons from his 25+ years at Hallmark Cards, his dedication to triathlon, and his belief that leadership is less about control and more about connection.

In this conversation, Brett shares:

How small-town values and faith laid the foundation for his leadership approach.

What he learned from Hallmark about aligning people, purpose, and performance.

How endurance sports have shaped his mindset for leading through uncertainty and change.

The importance of simplifying complexity, whether managing teams or competing in a triathlon.

Why trust, humility, and follow-through are the hallmarks of great leadership.

We also discuss how he balances family, career, and competition, and why he believes that success on the course or in the boardroom comes down to perseverance and purpose.

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 improving your culture, increasing employee engagement, and retention. You can contact him via LinkedIn or schedule a Zoom call via this link - 15-minute call with Jeff.

About Brett: Brett Carey serves as an executive leader in Human Resources, a loving leader in his faith and family, and practices personal leadership in his passion for triathlon. For the past 5 ½ years, he has served as the Vice President of Human Resources for The University of Kansas Health System. As a trusted advocate, Brett is a strategic HR leader with broad expertise simplifying complex situations through holistic thinking, ideation, and execution. Brett works with the Senior Executive Team as well as Physicians and all employees to ensure he is aligning HR strategies with the health system’s vision and mission. Throughout his career, he has been known for developing solutions to align business priorities while leading teams with collaboration and influencing with interpersonal and organizational savvy.

Prior to the health system, Brett enjoyed 25+ years with Hallmark Cards, progressing from sales and customer development into and through operational and human resources leadership positions. Integral to his personal and professional ethos is the integration and intersection of competitive triathlon and testing the limits of physical and mental boundaries.

Mark Mears is back on The Corporate Couch to talk about his brand-new book, LOVE@WORK: Creating Communities of Purpose and Belonging for Revolutionary Growth in a New World of Work. In his follow-up to The Purposeful Growth Revolution, Mark makes a bold claim: the key to transforming business isn’t strategy or systems, it’s love.

Before you call HR, hear him out. Mark breaks down his new “LOVE” model for leadership:

Listen graciously to build trust.

Observe generously to invest in others.

Value gratefully to show appreciation.

Empower generatively to help people grow.

We discuss why traditional “command and control” management no longer serves modern organizations, the importance of language in shaping community (vs. culture), and how belonging, not hierarchy, creates stronger teams. Mark also shares stories from his hospitality and marketing career, his belief in the “power of four,” and why he’s declared 2025 “The Year of Love.”

This conversation is a reminder that putting the human back in human resources isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a business imperative.

Here is the Amazon Link for Mark's book: Love @ Work