The Corporate Couch: Work Stories I Only Tell My Friends

jeffpelaccio
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Interviews with successful leaders and company founders sharing stories of their career journey, great leadership, and not-so-great. It will help you become a better leader while poking fun at all the crazy shit that happens in corporate America. Hosted by Jeff Pelaccio who has over 40 years of leadership experience for every t-shirt size company - Small (4 employees) to XL (over 1 million employees). Listen, learn, and laugh each week to learn from great leaders from all walks of life.

  1. 14H AGO

    From Seminary to Small Business: Rebuilding Community with Keith Davenport

    What happens when a pastor, a public servant, and a nonprofit leader decides to buy a coffee shop? You get Keith Davenport (see bio below), founder of 030 Holding Company, on a mission to bring more and better jobs to Gardner, Kansas, zip code 66030. Keith’s journey is anything but linear, from a small-town Illinois upbringing with a graduating class of 49… to pastoral ministry… to higher education… to Johnson County, KS government crisis communications during COVID… to launching a holding company that acquires small businesses through seller financing. In this episode, we talk about: The emotional reality of leading a church while working 50 hours a week Experiencing poverty early in marriage and how that shaped his worldview Why making payroll is the most sobering moment for any entrepreneur How private equity is reshaping small-town America The power of building an internal ecosystem across portfolio companies Why seller financing requires one thing above all else: trust Keith shares how 030 Holding Company is creating a locally rooted alternative to outside buyers by acquiring small businesses and strengthening them from within—centralizing services, connecting companies, and keeping opportunity in the community. We also explore his perspective on leadership, reinvention, and the freedom that comes from realizing you are not locked into one career path for life. If you care about entrepreneurship, small business acquisition, leadership growth, or strengthening local economies, this episode delivers practical insight and a compelling personal story.   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 Keith: ​Keith ​Davenport is the Founder & Managing Director of 030 Holding Company - named for the Gardner, Kansas community with the zip code of 66030. He's on a mission to bring more and better jobs to his community through acquiring small businesses and developing an internal ecosystem within his portfolio of businesses. He came to the world of entrepreneurship in 2023 after a long career in local government, higher education, and nonprofits. He holds an MPA from the University of Missouri and a Master of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary. He lives in Gardner with his wife, four children, three dogs, and a turtle.

    1h 6m

  2. 6D AGO

    Special Edition: It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere – Walking Meetings, Bold Moves, and Building Community with Marc Shaffer

    In this February edition of It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere, Marc Shaffer and I pull up a couple of barstools and let you eavesdrop on a conversation that ranges from Kansas City networking rooms to Florida marinas, from Super Bowl parties to superhero costumes. We kick things off with our new Kansas City business community, “The Table,” a curated group of leaders focused not just on swapping business cards, but actually helping each other make money and grow. It’s intentional. It’s selective. And it’s already expanding our circles in ways that matter.  From there, the stories start flowing: A college senior who read Marc’s book flew himself to Kansas City and offered to volunteer before even interviewing. A February walking meeting through I-Lan Park because “why sit inside?” The ripple effect of writing, speaking, and putting your ideas into the world. Super Bowl parties where no one really watches the game. X-Men marathons, Comic-Con possibilities, and why Wolverine might be the real MVP. We also talk about growth on multiple fronts. Marc’s firm is hiring ahead of demand to protect culture and service. He’s diving deeper into KPIs and strategic finance. I share what I’m reading, including lessons from entrepreneurs who built big, gave generously, and kept things simple. On the community front, we spotlight: The upcoming rebrand and Kentucky Derby fundraiser for Growing Futures. The Wabash Cannonball event. Worthy’s pop-up bar. And the ongoing power of connecting good people to good people. As always, this episode is less “corporate speak” and more happy hour honesty. What’s working. Who we’re meeting. What we’re reading. What we’re building. And how a little boldness, generosity, and consistency can compound in surprising ways. Grab your favorite beverage. It’s five 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.

    25 min

  3. FEB 22

    Laid Off, Locked Down, and Leveling Up: Reinventing Talent with Gentry Ferguson

    What do competitive tug-of-war, executive search, career transition, and Kansas City networking have in common? Gentry Ferguson (see his bio below). In this episode, Gentry shares a career journey that spans lawn-care entrepreneurship, leadership roles at Garmin and AMC Theatres, a layoff just months before COVID shut down the world, and the bold decision to build what is now Talent Solutions Partners. We talk about: What he learned working inside two iconic Kansas City companies The emotional reality of being walked out during a corporate layoff Why most hiring processes are broken and how companies can do better The rise of AI in job search and what job seekers are getting wrong How career transition coaching changes outcomes for professionals in crisis The gap in leadership readiness between generations And how Kansas City B2B Networking grew from a handful of pandemic coffee conversations into a thriving give-to-get community Gentry’s story is equal parts resilience, reinvention, and relationship-building. He’s built a career around helping organizations hire smarter, develop better leaders, and treat people with dignity during moments of transition. And yes, he might be the only executive strategist in town who can also explain optimal weight-to-pull ratios in competitive tug-of-war. If you care about talent, leadership, hiring, culture, or simply navigating career pivots with intention, this conversation delivers both practical insight and hard-earned wisdom.   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 Gentry: ​Gentry Ferguson is the Managing Partner of Talent Solutions Partners, a Kansas City-based full-cycle talent management firm helping organizations navigate today’s evolving workforce. With over 15 years of experience in business development and strategic partnerships, Gentry is a trusted advisor to leaders on executive search, leadership development, and career transition solutions.​ Beyond his day-to-day role, Gentry is a co-founder of Kansas City B2B Networking (KCB2B), a monthly group of business leaders focused on genuine relationships and ‘give to get’ collaboration. He also serves on the board of the Missouri & Kansas Search & Staffing Association (MKSSA), advancing talent-acquisition professionalism and ethics in the region. These roles reflect his passion for building strong business networks and nurturing future-focused talent strategies.

    1h 20m

  4. FEB 16

    Dr. Russ Barnes: From B-52s to Business Strategy - Leadership, Resilience, and Building Profitable Small Businesses

    What do you get when you combine Division I basketball, 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, a PhD in Organization Development, and a passion for helping small businesses become profitable? You get Dr. Russ Barnes (see his bio below). In this episode, I reconnect with my former Manhattan College dorm mate, now retired Air Force Colonel, strategist, author, and founder of Systro Solutions, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, preparation, resilience, and what it really takes to build a profitable business. Russ shares: What it was like flying B-52 missions and graduating from the Air Force’s elite Weapons School How being an introvert shaped his leadership style and ultimately became a strength The lesson a senior officer gave him that transformed his career: “Do your homework.” Why most small business owners struggle before profitability, and how strategy, not hustle, changes the game We also talk about his unlikely first post-military venture, repairing leather and vinyl, the evolution into organization design, and why helping small businesses succeed is really about strengthening communities. If you care about leadership, lifelong learning, economic impact, or simply doing meaningful work at a high level, this conversation delivers.   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 ​Russ: ​Colonel (retired) Dr. Russ Barnes is Chief Strategist at​ Systro Solutions, an organization design firm specializing in small businesses. His 30+ years of experience in organization development are drawn from military service, franchise ownership, academic programs, and strategy consulting, specifically with small businesses. Russ is a best-selling author, speaker, podcaster, strategist, and lifelong learner. He is passionate about serving the community of military veterans and currently contributes as a Director of Education on the​ Action Zone Board of Directors and a course facilitator supporting the mission to help veterans, military spouses, and dependents build profitable companies.​ Russ earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Manhattan ​College (NY), his​ MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, his Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies from Air University, and his PhD in​ Organization Development from Benedictine University.

    1h 19m

  5. FEB 8

    Paul Sullivan: From the New York Times to the Carpool Line - Redefining Success, Fatherhood, and Work

    What happens when a dream career collides with real life and real priorities? In this episode, I sit down with Paul Sullivan (see bio below), a longtime New York Times columnist, author, and founder of The Company of Dads, to explore a career journey that spans elite journalism, bestselling books, keynote stages, and ultimately, a bold reinvention. Paul shares how growing up in a working-class Massachusetts town shaped his ambition, how mentorship and failure sharpened his voice as a writer, and what it was really like covering wealth, pressure, and power during the Great Recession. We talk Tiger Woods, golf under pressure, and the behind-the-scenes reality of writing 600+ columns for the New York Times. But the heart of this conversation centers on Paul’s evolution into what he calls a “Lead Dad” and why millions of fathers are quietly redefining work, parenting, and leadership. From being an “undercover” caregiver while building a high-profile career to launching The Company of Dads, Paul unpacks how outdated workplace norms are colliding with modern family realities and what leaders are still getting wrong. This is a candid, thoughtful conversation about ambition, identity, masculinity, work culture, and the courage it takes to rewrite the script when the old version no longer fits.   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 ​Paul: Paul Sullivan is the founder of The Company of Dads, the first platform dedicated to creating community for Lead Dads—men who are the go-to parents at home and allies to working caregivers. A former New York Times columnist for 13 years, Paul became a Lead Dad in 2013 when his wife launched her own asset management firm. After years of navigating this role while balancing a demanding career, he founded The Company of Dads in 2022 to support the roughly one-third of fathers in similar positions. Paul is also the author of Clutch and The Thin Green Line, co-hosts Bright Horizons' Work-Life Equation podcast, and lives in Connecticut with his wife, three daughters, and three dogs.

    1h 10m

  6. FEB 2

    Meetings Are Broken: Rebecca Hinds on Fixing How We Work, Lead, and Collaborate

    Do you hate work meetings? Meetings consume more time than any other business process, and yet they’re often the most frustrating part of the workday. According to Rebecca Hinds (see her bio below), that’s not a coincidence. It’s a design problem. Rebecca is a leading expert on organizational behavior and the future of work, with deep experience at the intersection of research, technology, and real-world execution. In this conversation, she shares insights from her new book, Your Best Meeting Ever: 7 Principles for Designing Meetings That Get Things Done. You will learn to rethink your meetings radically. We talk about how her background as a Division I swimmer at Stanford shaped her views on team dynamics, why meetings should be treated like a product, and how organizations unintentionally sabotage themselves with outdated collaboration habits. Rebecca also unpacks the human side of AI adoption, the challenges of hybrid work, and why most AI initiatives fail not because of technology, but because of people. You’ll hear about: Why inefficient meetings resemble a World War II sabotage tactic The “4D + CEO” test to decide whether a meeting should exist at all Why Return on Time Invested (ROTI) is a better metric than meeting satisfaction How hybrid and remote teams build culture intentionally Why empathy and systems thinking mattered during COVID Where AI is actually helping people work better and where it’s falling short How first-time managers can instantly raise their leadership impact This is a thoughtful, practical, and surprisingly fun conversation about how work really happens—and how leaders can redesign it to be more human, effective, and intentional.   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 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 ​Rebecca: Rebecca Hinds is a leading expert on organizational behavior and the future of work. She holds a BS, MS, and PhD from Stanford University. Rebecca founded the Work Innovation Lab at Asana and the Work AI Institute at​ Glean, first-of-their-kind corporate think tanks dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research on the future of work. Her research is consistently featured in top-tier publications and has appeared in places like Harvard​ Business Review, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fast​ Company, Wired, TIME, CNBC, Bloomberg, Axios, the Washington Post, and more. Rebecca has been invited to speak on major stages all across the world, including Dreamforce,​ SXSW, INBOUND, Ai4, Cloudfest, and the Gartner Digital Workplace Summit. She regularly appears on​ podcasts, webinars, and online education programs, including appearances on Adam Grant’s Worklife​ podcast, Deloitte’s Capital H podcast, and as an instructor for CNBC’s Make It Masterclass, “How to Use​ AI to be More Productive and Successful at Work.” She is a trusted advisor to companies navigating the challenges of modern work—from meeting overload and hybrid dysfunction to the messy realities of AI​ adoption and organizational change.

    1h 8m

  7. JAN 28

    Special Edition: It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere – New Year Energy, Old Friends, and Rethinking the Grind with Marc Shaffer

    The first It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere of the new year felt less like goal setting and more like catching up with a friend who knows you well enough to keep it real. In this January conversation, Marc Shaffer and I ease into 2026 by talking about what actually matters when the calendar flips: health, energy, relationships, and letting go of the pressure to start the year at full throttle. We swap stories about holiday parties that got a little bigger than expected, birthdays for four-year-olds, bourbon tastings, Guinness on tap, and the quiet week between Christmas and New Year’s that never quite goes according to plan. We also dive into: Reframing health goals beyond the gym and focusing on how you feel The difference between being busy and being in flow Mid-career shifts from building to maintaining without burning out New experiences with meditation and energy work, and what surprised us most Speaking goals, books coming to life in audio form, and unexpected feedback from listeners Why slowing down, creating space, and being present might be the smartest way to start the year As always, the conversation wanders in the best way, touching on family, work, giving back, creativity, and the power of staying connected. It’s a relaxed, honest start to the year and a reminder that progress doesn’t always come from pushing harder. Pull up a chair. 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.

    22 min

  8. JAN 26

    The Likeable Leader: Why People Follow (and Why They Don’t) with Jason Young

    What if being a great leader isn’t about having all the answers, but about how people feel when they’re around you? In this episode, Jason Young (see bio below) joins me on The Corporate Couch for a wide-ranging, candid conversation about leadership, emotional intelligence, burnout, and why “likability” may be one of the most underrated leadership skills in business today. Jason shares stories from his early life, formative mentors, and unexpected career pivots that shaped his approach to leadership. We dive into the moments that changed his trajectory, including an unforgettable job interview that exposed a blind spot around emotional intelligence and ultimately became the catalyst for his work as a leadership consultant, speaker, and author. We also unpack ideas from his book The Likeable Leader, explore why burnout is not a badge of honor, and discuss how leaders can create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to follow. Along the way, Jason offers practical insights on mentoring, self-awareness, emotional regulation, and what it really means to lead in a people-first way. This episode is thoughtful, honest, and surprisingly fun, especially if you care about building teams people actually want to be part of.   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 ​Jason: Jason Young, PhD, is a leadership consultant, speaker, and author with more than 25 years of experience helping organizations and churches build thriving, people-first cultures. With doctoral degrees in hospitality and leadership, Jason is known for his practical, story-driven, and research-based approach to leadership, emotional intelligence, and team health.​ He has partnered with a wide range of clients, including Chick-fil-A, Delta Air Lines, Google, Procter & Gamble, Global Leadership Summit, North Point Ministries, and many other respected organizations, to design strategies that improve guest experience, build healthy leaders, enhance team engagement, and reduce burnout. His work includes keynotes, workshops, coaching, and consulting, all centered on creating psychologically safe, high-performing environments.

    1h 17m
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About

Interviews with successful leaders and company founders sharing stories of their career journey, great leadership, and not-so-great. It will help you become a better leader while poking fun at all the crazy shit that happens in corporate America. Hosted by Jeff Pelaccio who has over 40 years of leadership experience for every t-shirt size company - Small (4 employees) to XL (over 1 million employees). Listen, learn, and laugh each week to learn from great leaders from all walks of life.

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