In this episode of Within, Nicky Wallace and Heidi Buttoph tackle a challenge many organizations face as they grow: balancing process with people.

As systems, structure, and technology evolve, it’s easy for organizations to become overly reliant on processes—sometimes at the expense of common sense, communication, and human connection. Nicky and Heidi share their experiences working in both high-growth and large corporate environments, where well-intentioned systems can quickly become overwhelming, rigid, or even counterproductive.

The conversation explores how too much process can lead to confusion, lack of ownership, and even paralysis, especially when employees feel constrained instead of empowered. At the same time, they acknowledge that structure is necessary—when done right, it creates clarity and supports performance.

This episode is a reminder that processes should support people, not replace them—and that strong leadership starts with trust, communication, and empowering individuals to think beyond the script.

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Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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In this episode of Within, Ali Payne and Heidi Buttoph sit down with pelvic floor physical therapist Courtney Buhrow to uncover a topic that many women experience—but few truly understand.

From pregnancy and postpartum recovery to back pain, incontinence, and overall body function, Courtney shares how the pelvic floor plays a critical role in women’s health across every stage of life. What many assume are isolated issues are often deeply connected, and without addressing the full picture, true healing can be difficult to achieve.

Courtney also shares her personal journey into pelvic floor therapy, sparked by her own birth experiences and the gaps she saw in traditional care. That journey led her to build a more holistic, functional approach—one that considers not just the physical body, but the mental and emotional components as well.

This conversation breaks down common misconceptions, highlights the importance of education, and reminds us that it’s never too late to better understand and support your body.

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Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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What if changing your mind… isn’t failure?

In this “I Wish I Would Have Known” episode, Nicky sits down with Nola to talk about the pressure to stick with one career path—and the freedom that comes from realizing you don’t have to.

From pursuing law to stepping away and coming back with a new perspective, this conversation is a reminder that different seasons of life require different versions of you—and that pivoting might be exactly what you need.

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Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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How do you know when it’s time for something different?

In this episode, Nicky and Heidi unpack Heidi’s career journey—from starting in accounting to spending 30 years in corporate HR, and eventually pivoting into a new season focused on health, wellbeing, and purpose.

Through a series of roles across large organizations, startups, and consulting, Heidi shares how relationships—not job applications—shaped much of her career. But beyond the professional side, this conversation dives into something deeper: how personal health challenges and life experiences can shift your priorities entirely.

They discuss:

Why relationships matter more than job applications in building a career

This episode is a reminder that your path doesn’t have to be linear—and that sometimes the most meaningful pivots come from the most unexpected places.|

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Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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What does it really take to build a life that feels good—financially, physically, and mentally?

In this episode, Nicky and Ali are joined by Vicki Davis, who shares her journey from growing up with limited resources to building a 40+ year career in mortgage lending, while also becoming a fitness coach and community leader.

Vicki brings a powerful perspective on how financial wellbeing, physical health, and mindset are deeply connected—and how consistency matters more than perfection.

They discuss:

How financial stress impacts your overall wellbeing

From early mornings at the gym to decades of helping people navigate finances, Vicki’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to start.

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Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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In this special “I Wish I Would Have Known” episode, we sit down with Vicki Davis to talk about one of the most freeing realizations in life and leadership: letting people be who they are.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that:

Not everyone is meant to stay in your life

Vicki also shares her passion for inclusion, connection, and making sure no one feels alone in a room—something that deeply aligns with how we show up in both life and leadership.

Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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What does leadership really look like behind the scenes?

In this episode, Nicky and Heidi sit down with Nola to unpack her experience as both outside counsel and in-house leader—and how that shift gave her a completely different perspective on people, communication, and decision-making.

From documenting performance conversations to navigating difficult employee situations, Nola shares what most organizations get wrong—and what leaders need to do differently.

But beyond the tactical side, this conversation dives into something deeper:

They discuss:

Why documentation matters more than you think (good and bad)

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people, communication, and carrying responsibility that most never see.

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Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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We’re all different—so why are we treated the same when it comes to our health?

In this episode, Nicky and Ali dive into their experiences navigating pregnancy in their late 30s and early 40s, and what it really feels like to be labeled “geriatric” in a healthcare system built on generalizations.

From unexpected conversations during routine appointments to the increase in testing and assumptions based solely on age, this episode highlights the gap between standardized care and individualized health.

They discuss:

The reality of being labeled “geriatric” during pregnancy

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt overlooked, dismissed, or boxed into a one-size-fits-all approach to their health.

Because your body—and your journey—deserve more than a standard answer.

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Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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In this special I Wish I Would Have Known episode, Nicky sits down with her sister Ali Sartain to talk about a lesson many people learn later in life — the importance of listening to your body and paying attention to the signals it gives you.

Allie Sartain is an Integrative Trichologist and women’s health advocate. She helps women stop guessing and start understanding their bodies. By blending scalp science, nervous system regulation, and conscious living, Allie teaches that beauty is a reflection of internal balance — and that hair is often just the beginning of the conversation.

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Hiring a fractional partner can give your business the expertise it needs—without the full-time commitment. But not all fractional support is created equal.

In this episode, Nicky and Ali dive into the questions every business owner should be asking before hiring a fractional HR partner (or any fractional role). They unpack the importance of aligning business strategy with people strategy, understanding your true growth goals, and getting clear on what you actually need support with—not just what you want off your plate.

They also discuss:

Why business strategy and people strategy must work together

Whether you’re overwhelmed, scaling fast, or just trying to build smarter—this episode will help you make more intentional decisions when bringing in outside support.

Potential Within website: thepeopleco-com/potentialwithin

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For more information on The People Co., check out our Webiste: thepeople-co.com