Highly Adaptive

Jeff Pelliccio

Real conversations. Real leaders. Insights you can use. Highly Adaptive is where executives and change makers come to hear what's actually working—not what's being sold. Hosts Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie bring together operators, advisors, and industry leaders for candid 30-minute conversations that deliver actionable takeaways, not theoretical fluff. Every episode tackles what matters to leaders navigating change: AI strategy, digital transformation, growth tactics, team development, and the decisions that shape organizations. The approach is agnostic—no platform pushing, no vendor allegiance—just multi-perspective truth that helps you cut through noise and lead with confidence. Whether you're running an organization, advising one, or driving change from within, this podcast exists to help you adapt and stay ahead. --- Our Sponsors: Allied Insight & All Things Staffing

  1. Power of the Pause

    FEB 18

    Power of the Pause

    Summary You've felt it — that moment when a competitor launches something new and your whole team shifts into chase mode. Meetings get called. Tools get purchased. Playbooks get copied. And three months later, nothing sticks. In this episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie unpack why the most powerful move a leader can make right now might be to stop moving — at least for a moment. They dig into the real cost of reactive decision-making: wasted tech investments, team burnout, and strategies that were never built for your organization in the first place. But this isn't just a case for slowing down. Jeff shares the quarterly intake framework he uses to replace impulse with insight — built around five pillars that turn scattered information into a central nervous system for smarter decisions. Erin opens up about building her own "pause muscle," from calendar blocking to using AI as a strategic thinking partner. Together, they make the case that clarity isn't hesitation — it's leadership. If you've ever caught yourself saying "just tell me what works," this episode is your wake-up call. Key Takeaways Reaction Begets Chase — When competitors move, the instinct is to match speed. But chasing someone else's strategy without understanding your own environment leads to misaligned tools, burned-out teams, and wasted resources. The Pause Isn't Slowing Down — It's Preventing the Wrong Momentum — Strategic pausing means understanding the problem before building the solution. Skip the clarity, and you skip the alignment your team needs to execute. Clarity Creates Alignment, Alignment Creates Confidence, Confidence Creates Better Outcomes — This chain is the episode's core framework. When leaders take time to define the "why," everything downstream gets sharper. Define Why Before You Define How — Jeff uses a personal trigger: if he can't clearly articulate why he's doing something and who it impacts, that's his signal to pause. The questions — why does my team care, why do my clients care, why does the community care — become the foundation for better decisions. Build a Central Nervous System for Strategic Decisions — Jeff's quarterly intake framework examines five pillars: best-fit clients, areas of industry focus, frontline pulse, most valuable resources, and areas of friction. The output feeds the entire organization from the same data points. Be the Ball, Don't Chase It — Instead of copying what's working for someone else, ask how you can improve on the concept. Use inspiration as a starting point, not a blueprint. The copy is never as good as the original. Block 90 Minutes — Not to Solution, But to Ask Questions — Erin's tactical advice: block calendar time specifically for strategic thinking. Don't solve anything. Just ask — what problem are we actually solving? What does success look like? What happens if we don't move right now? Sponsors 🐼 Allied Insight — Helping staffing and consulting leaders replace reactive marketing with strategic clarity. The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting businesses. 🐙 All Things Staffing — Your go-to resource for the insights, tools, and community that keep staffing leaders ahead. Expert Resources for the Staffing Community.

    38 min
  2. Resilience without Certainty with Travis McGrew

    FEB 11

    Resilience without Certainty with Travis McGrew

    Summary In this episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie are joined by Travis McGrew at Tracker, to break down a leadership reality most people experience but rarely name: clarity often comes after responsibility—not before it.    Travis reframes resilience as something far more practical than “toughness.” It’s the ability to decide without certainty, stay curious instead of performative, and communicate truth early—before ambiguity turns into fear and teams start protecting themselves instead of aligning. The conversation moves from individual leadership habits (self-talk, internal benchmarks, discomfort patterns) to organizational consequences (trust, transparency, misalignment), giving leaders a clean framework for navigating uncertainty without hardening. Key Takeaways Uncertainty isn’t incompetence — real leadership shows up as curiosity, not fake certainty. Clarity can be created through action — waiting to “feel ready” often means waiting too long. Truth prevents fear — avoiding reality creates ambiguity, and ambiguity fuels misalignment. Manage individuals, not “people” — personal realities always show up at work. Compete with yourself — internal benchmarks are more honest and sustainable. Protect your self-talk — self-doubt compounds faster than you think. Sponsors Allied Insight - The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting BusinessesAllied Insight helps staffing and consulting leaders turn strategy into clear positioning and consistent execution—so your message holds up when the market gets noisy.   All Things Staffing - Expert Resources for the Staffing CommunityYour hub for practical insights, frameworks, and real-world examples to help staffing leaders outpace change.

    42 min
  3. Showing Up With Intent with Keith Weightman

    FEB 4

    Showing Up With Intent with Keith Weightman

    Summary In this episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie are joined by Keith Weightman from Bullhorn to unpack what personal branding actually looks like when it’s done with intent—not gimmicks. Keith breaks down why most leaders struggle to show up consistently: they overthink the algorithm, chase what worked for someone else, or fall into polarizing “rage bait” because it performs. His argument is simple (and refreshing): you can’t time what hits—but you can build trust by showing up consistently with a message your audience can actually use. The conversation gets practical fast: how to review your analytics, remix what already worked, repurpose ideas across formats (including carousels), and keep your voice human—even when you use AI. The result is a repeatable system leaders can run without turning LinkedIn into a full-time job. Key Takeaways Consistency beats the algorithm — you can’t time virality; you can build trust through repetition. Repurpose what already works — use analytics to remix proven ideas into new formats. Avoid polarizing “rage bait” — it may spike engagement, but it taxes credibility. Bring solutions, not complaints — don’t surface problems without proposing 1–3 options. AI can support your process — use it for ideation and clarity, but don’t copy/paste a voice that isn’t yours. Preparation is the advantage — the downside is limited, and the upside is exponential. Sponsors Allied Insight - The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting Businesses Allied Insight helps staffing and consulting leaders turn strategy into clear positioning and consistent execution—so your message holds up when the market gets noisy. All Things Staffing - Expert Resources for the Staffing Community Your hub for industry insights, frameworks, and real-world examples to help staffing leaders outpace change.

    36 min
  4. Digital Dust to Gold with Mark Hummel

    JAN 14

    Digital Dust to Gold with Mark Hummel

    Summary In this episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie are joined by Mark Hummel, founder of Toro Insights, to tackle a problem most staffing leaders feel every day—but rarely name: you’re collecting a mountain of data…and still making decisions like you don’t have any. Mark breaks down why “if it’s not in the ATS, it didn’t happen” became an industry mantra—and why it backfires when the data you’re collecting turns into digital dust: hard to access, hard to segment, and slow to use. The hidden cost isn’t storage. It’s time, missed opportunities, underused automation investments, and teams rebuilding lists from scratch because the system can’t surface what they need. The episode gets extremely practical: where the real competitive intelligence actually lives (emails, texts, and conversations), how to run a DIY “external search” audit to find your missing data fields, and how to think about AI as a coach that gives your team superpowers—not a shortcut that replaces the fundamentals. The core message lands clean: digital dust becomes digital gold when you know where to “swing the hammer.” Key Takeaways Your differentiator is hidden – Competitive advantage lives in what you know, not how many resumes you store. Digital dust is expensive – The biggest cost is time: tear sheets, list rebuilding, and analysis paralysis. Automation fails without segmentation – If data isn’t structured, your automation tools can’t deliver ROI. Mine conversations for stories – Emails/texts/LinkedIn messages hold the proof points that win deals. Start with the external search test – If teams go to LinkedIn first, identify what they’re looking for and where your system is missing it. Use AI as a coach – Train and empower recruiters with institutional knowledge, not generic outreach “slop.” Sponsors Allied Insight - The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting Businesses Turn your operational story into a market story. Allied Insight helps staffing and consulting leaders align strategy, message, and execution—so your brand and your systems work together to drive growth. All Things Staffing - Expert Resources for the Staffing Community Your hub for staffing insights, case studies, and operator-grade frameworks. All Things Staffing helps leaders turn ideas like “data strategy” into practical next steps that improve outcomes.

    39 min
  5. The Sales Leader Survival Kit with Mark Winter

    JAN 7

    The Sales Leader Survival Kit with Mark Winter

    Summary In this episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie are joined by Mark Winter of WinSource Group to deliver a reset sales leaders need heading into 2026: clarity comes before decisions. Because when a year has been rough, leaders tend to reach for the same three levers—new markets, new tech, new hires—without first getting brutally honest about where the business actually is. Mark breaks the “survival kit” down with real operator math: start with retention, understand what revenue you’re truly at risk of losing, and work backward into what it will actually take to grow. He also makes a bold case for the most important lever in modern sales execution: the middle manager. If your sales managers can coach, reinforce, and create guardrails, you can outperform teams with bigger “rockstar” reps but no leadership system. The conversation closes with a definition that reframes consultative selling for staffing and professional services: it’s not asking one extra question—it’s proving impact in the customer’s metrics, not your own. And the banner takeaway lands clean: you’re not entitled to much at work, but you are entitled to clarity—because without it, nobody behind you can win. Key Takeaways Clarity before decisions – Don’t choose a path until you can accurately name where you are right now. Retention math comes first – Start with what you’ll keep, then calculate what you must replace and grow. Middle managers are the multiplier – Strong sales leadership beats great reps with no coaching layer. Be careful with “magic” investments – Tech and data tools can be great—at the wrong time, they’re expensive distractions. Consultative selling = customer metrics – You’re consultative when you can measure your impact in their world, not yours. Do the work (in the field) – Presence, conversations, and consistent effort still produce returns—fast. Sponsors Allied Insight - The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting Businesses Build a go-to-market strategy that matches reality. Allied Insight helps staffing and consulting leaders clarify positioning, align teams, and execute marketing that supports revenue—not noise. All Things Staffing - Expert Resources for the Staffing Community Your hub for staffing insights, operator frameworks, and practical resources. All Things Staffing helps leaders turn sales and leadership lessons into actions that improve performance.

    1h 3m
  6. End of Year 2025 in Review

    12/31/2025

    End of Year 2025 in Review

    Summary In this season one retrospective episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie go behind the scenes on what they learned from launching the show—fourteen episodes, seven guests, and a surprising number of moments that turned into repeatable leadership frameworks. It’s part highlight reel, part synthesis, and part preview of what’s coming next. They revisit the analogies that helped complex ideas land (from change bridges to “candy cane traps”), the leadership lessons that stuck, and the simplest “Monday actions” listeners can actually take—like tightening account penetration through org charts, strengthening onboarding touchpoints, and using curiosity as a competitive advantage. The episode closes with a forward-looking reset: the industry isn’t just reacting to change—it’s leading it. And season two kicks off with a strong run of topics designed to help staffing and professional services leaders make clearer decisions and move faster with confidence. Key Takeaways Synthesis beats noise – A season’s worth of episodes reveals the patterns leaders can actually use. One completed initiative wins – One finished priority beats five half-done ones every time. “Monday actions” matter – The best insights turn into simple next steps (org charts, follow-ups, onboarding checks). Curiosity is a strategy – Give teams time to test, play, and learn—then operationalize the wins. Your community is the advantage – The best ideas spread when leaders share what’s working (and what isn’t). Momentum into 2026 – The season two preview keeps the thread: practical frameworks, real operators, no fluff. Sponsors Allied Insight - The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting Businesses Transform your firm’s go-to-market readiness the way you transform your marketing. Allied Insight helps staffing and consulting leaders clarify their message, align teams, and execute strategies that drive real results. All Things Staffing - Expert Resources for the Staffing Community Your hub for industry insights, practical frameworks, and real-world guidance. All Things Staffing helps leaders turn big ideas—AI, sales, culture, and operations—into action.

    44 min
  7. Building a Culture of Gratitude

    12/24/2025

    Building a Culture of Gratitude

    Summary In this episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie get practical about something most leaders treat as seasonal—but the best companies treat as strategic: recognition. They unpack why gratitude isn’t a random thank-you note, a pizza party, or a gift basket on autopilot. It’s a deliberate, repeatable leadership behavior that drives engagement, improves retention, and strengthens culture in a way your competitors can’t easily copy. The conversation breaks down what a real culture of gratitude looks like: tying recognition to values, making appreciation specific (the why matters), and building simple systems that make recognition visible without turning it into a checkbox. They also explore the nuance leaders often miss—how to scale recognition without losing authenticity, and why “systems” only work when they preserve the human element. If you want culture to be more than a poster on the wall, this episode gives you a clear starting point: begin small, make it consistent, and lead from the top—because gratitude might be the fastest path to culture transformation you’ll find. Key Takeaways Specific beats generic – Recognition lands when it’s tied to a real moment and a clear “why.” Tie gratitude to values – Culture shifts faster when appreciation reinforces the behaviors you want repeated. Make it visible – Public recognition builds community and reinforces standards across teams. Top-down starts it – Leaders set the tone; consistency from leadership creates momentum everywhere else. Systems help—human touch wins – Tools can amplify recognition, but they can’t replace authenticity. Start small, scale intentionally – Build a phased approach you can sustain, then expand. Sponsors Allied Insight - The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting Businesses Build a culture and brand people want to be part of. Allied Insight helps staffing and consulting leaders align message, leadership, and execution—so your internal culture matches the story you tell the market. All Things Staffing - Expert Resources for the Staffing Community Your hub for frameworks, insights, and operator-grade guidance. All Things Staffing helps leaders turn culture initiatives and leadership ideas into practical actions that stick.

    43 min
  8. Stop, Adapt, then Adopt with Leanne Courtney

    12/17/2025

    Stop, Adapt, then Adopt with Leanne Courtney

    Summary How many staffing leaders are actually satisfied with their tech stack—not just tolerating it, but genuinely getting what they were promised? In this episode of Highly Adaptive, Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie welcome Leanne Courtney of Achieve With Tech to diagnose why that demo excitement so often turns to regret within six months. Leanne brings a refreshingly direct perspective shaped by years helping organizations untangle duplicative tools and misaligned expectations. The conversation opens with an unexpected detour through Australian wildlife facts (including why 97% of koalas have chlamydia and the tragic origin of Leanne's Segway fears), before diving into the real problem: most organizations let vendors tell their story instead of building their own first. The trio unpacks why ROI has become a meaningless buzzword without baseline metrics, how one client discovered they had four different tools doing the same thing, and why "change management" should really be called "user enablement management." Leanne introduces her Stop, Adapt, Adopt framework—a practical methodology for breaking the cycle of tech disappointment that treats technology decisions like building Tetris blocks rather than eating an entire cake. Whether you're drowning in analysis paralysis or wondering why your team won't use the expensive software you just implemented, this episode provides the mirror-holding questions and concrete steps to make your next technology decision stick. Key Takeaways Build Your Story Before the Demo — Define your complete workflow and success metrics before letting vendors tell you what you need; organizations that wait for someone else to tell their story end up with tech that doesn't match their internal processes ROI Means Nothing Without Your Definition — Software companies can't tell you what success looks like for your business; establish your baseline metrics first, then partner with vendors to measure against your specific outcomes Stop, Adapt, Adopt Framework — Pause to analyze what problems you actually have, adapt your expectations and processes to reality, then adopt technology that fits your current state rather than an idealized future User Enablement Over Change Management — Don't force technology down people's throats; identify naturally curious team members as evangelists and seek to understand their daily reality before expecting adoption Start Small, Build Tetris Blocks — Resist the urge to solve everything at once; pick one process, one problem, one building block and stack incrementally rather than buying the whole cake Ask About Roadmaps Both Ways — When evaluating vendors or consultants, ask what specific outcomes they'll achieve in six months; authentic partners will also ask about yours to ensure alignment Sponsors Allied Insight — The Preferred Marketing Partner of Staffing and Consulting Businesses Before your next tech investment, make sure your story is clear. Allied Insight helps staffing leaders build the strategic foundation that makes technology decisions stick—because the best demo in the world can't fix misaligned expectations. All Things Staffing — Expert Resources for the Staffing Community Your hub for frameworks that cut through the noise. All Things Staffing delivers the practical insights that help leaders stop reacting and start building technology strategies with intention.

    48 min
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About

Real conversations. Real leaders. Insights you can use. Highly Adaptive is where executives and change makers come to hear what's actually working—not what's being sold. Hosts Jeff Pelliccio and Erin MacKenzie bring together operators, advisors, and industry leaders for candid 30-minute conversations that deliver actionable takeaways, not theoretical fluff. Every episode tackles what matters to leaders navigating change: AI strategy, digital transformation, growth tactics, team development, and the decisions that shape organizations. The approach is agnostic—no platform pushing, no vendor allegiance—just multi-perspective truth that helps you cut through noise and lead with confidence. Whether you're running an organization, advising one, or driving change from within, this podcast exists to help you adapt and stay ahead. --- Our Sponsors: Allied Insight & All Things Staffing

Information

  • Creator
    Jeff Pelliccio
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Highly Adaptive