Pain Points

StaffBuffalo Team
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Careers
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to StaffBuffalo’s Pain Points Podcast, your go-to source for insightful conversations around the pain points businesses and people face in today's workplace! Our staffing, recruiting, and human resources firm delves deep into the pain points that organizations encounter across various domains. We tackle business pain points head-on, leveraging our knowledge and expertise to talk through potential solutions and explore the intricacies of Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, Marketing, Human Resources, and more! Join us as we engage in real world discussions that not only shed light on the many hurdles businesses encounter, but also on how you can overcome hurdles through the People side of your business. Hear from our team of seasoned professionals, industry experts, thought leaders, and guests! We bring you real stories, practical strategies, and the latest trends in the world of recruiting, staffing, and human resources!

  1. Illuminating Brilliance: Pain Points of Helping Others Reach Their Potential

    5d ago

    Illuminating Brilliance: Pain Points of Helping Others Reach Their Potential

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Patti Stephen, President of Buffalo Prep and CEO & Co-Founder of C3 Community, for a conversation about leadership, educational equity, workplace culture, and what it means to truly help people thrive.  Patti shares her incredible journey from joining Buffalo Prep nearly two decades ago as a part-time special events coordinator to leading one of Western New York's most impactful nonprofit organizations. Along the way, she discovered a passion for creating environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential.  Together, Lauren and Patti discuss:  The Pain Points of stepping into leadership before feeling fully prepared Building a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and connection Why people want to know they matter and that their work has value The role positive psychology plays in leadership and well-being Supporting employees, students, and families as whole people Creating workplaces where people feel cared for, capable, and connected The importance of educational equity and expanding opportunities for students How C3 Community is helping organizations build stronger workplace cultures Patti also shares the story behind Buffalo Prep's incredible growth, from serving a few hundred students to supporting nearly 800 scholars through academic, wellness, leadership, and equity-focused programming.  One of the most powerful themes throughout this conversation is the idea of "illuminating brilliance." Patti believes everyone has unique strengths and potential. Sometimes people simply need the right environment, support system, and encouragement to discover it.  Whether you are leading a team, navigating a career transition, or looking for ways to create a stronger culture within your organization, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiring perspective.  💼 Connect with Patti Stephen, Buffalo Prep & C3 Community  Website: buffaloprep.com Website: c3community.com LinkedIn: Patti Stephen  🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

    45 min
  2. Career Growth, Culture and Community: Pain Points of Building Purposeful Work

    May 26

    Career Growth, Culture and Community: Pain Points of Building Purposeful Work

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis visits Say Yes Buffalo and sits down with Collin Gehl, Chief Human Resources Officer, for a conversation about career growth, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and the importance of helping people see what is possible for themselves.  Collin shares his journey from earning an English degree at UB to finding his way into human resources through nonprofit work, organizational leadership, and a passion for helping people grow. His path was anything but traditional, and that is exactly what makes this conversation so relatable.  Together, Lauren and Collin discuss:  Why career paths are rarely linear The importance of mentorship and professional development Building trust as an HR leader How workplace culture impacts retention and employee satisfaction Why employees need career conversations, not just job descriptions Supporting staff as people first, workers second The importance of leadership development inside organizations How Say Yes Buffalo is helping students from early education through workforce development The impact of apprenticeship programs and career exposure opportunities Collin also talks about how Say Yes Buffalo has grown over the years and the incredible work the organization is doing to support students and families throughout Buffalo and now Niagara Falls.  What really stands out in this episode is the focus on people. Whether it is supporting employees, mentoring emerging leaders, or helping students discover career opportunities, the conversation keeps coming back to the same idea: people thrive when someone believes in them and gives them the tools to succeed.  If you are navigating your own career path, leading a team, or thinking about workplace culture and employee growth, this episode is packed with insight and perspective.  💼 Connect with Say Yes Buffalo & Collin Gehl  Website: sayyesbuffalo.org LinkedIn: Collin Gehl  🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

    40 min
  3. International Business, Risk and Reinvention: Pain Points of Evolving Through Change

    May 12

    International Business, Risk and Reinvention: Pain Points of Evolving Through Change

    In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with David Herer, former CEO of ABC-Amega, for a conversation that spans generations of business, international expansion, family dynamics, and what it really takes to lead through uncertainty.  David shares the incredible story of how his family business started during the Great Depression and eventually evolved into an internationally recognized company serving major organizations around the world.  From building relationships overseas to navigating leadership transitions inside a family business, David gives an honest look at the highs and lows that came with leading a company for decades.  Together, Maggie and David discuss:  The challenges of working in a multi-generation family business  Growing a company internationally before modern technology existed  Building trust and relationships across different countries and cultures  Navigating conflict between family and business decisions  The importance of bringing in outside advisors and leadership support  What happens when major clients suddenly disappear  Managing through difficult economic periods and uncertainty  Knowing when it is time to step away and sell a business  David also shares stories about traveling internationally with his father, building global partnerships, and eventually helping lead ABC-Amega to national recognition, including receiving the President’s “E Star” Award for export service excellence.  What makes this episode so interesting is how honest it is. It is not just about success. It is about pressure, responsibility, family relationships, and learning how to adapt over time.  If you are part of a family business, leading a company through change, or thinking about long-term succession planning, this conversation is full of lessons you can take with you.    💼 Connect with David Herer & ABC-Amega  LinkedIn: David Herer    🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

    1h 2m
  4. Building Thurgood: Pain Points of Creating Opportunity in the Trades

    Apr 24

    Building Thurgood: Pain Points of Creating Opportunity in the Trades

    Lauren Lewis sits down with Darnell Epps, founder of Thurgood, for a conversation that is both inspiring and incredibly real.  Darnell shares his journey from growing up in New York City, facing early challenges, and eventually working his way to Cornell and Yale Law School. But what makes his story stand out is what happened next. Instead of following a traditional legal path, he made a decision most people would never consider. He enrolled in trade school while still in law school.   That experience opened his eyes to a much bigger problem. There is a huge gap between skilled workers and the opportunities available to them, and not enough tools to connect the two.  That is where Thurgood comes in.  Together, Lauren and Darnell talk about:  Why more people are starting to take careers in the trades seriously  The gap between education, training, and real job opportunities  What made him step outside the traditional path and take a risk  The challenges of building a tech platform from scratch  Why exposure and awareness matter for younger students  How Thurgood helps people actually show their skills, not just list them  The importance of community, mentorship, and second chances  What it really looks like to build something while learning on the fly  Darnell also shares how Thurgood is helping students create portfolios, connect with employers, and build real career paths in industries that are in high demand.  This episode is a great reminder that success does not always follow a straight line. Sometimes the best opportunities come from doing something completely different.  Connect with Darnell Epps & Thurgood Website: thurgood.work Email: darnell@thurgood.work LinkedIn: Darnell Epps  Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

    38 min
  5. Why Money Feels So Emotional: Pain Points We Don’t Talk About

    Apr 1

    Why Money Feels So Emotional: Pain Points We Don’t Talk About

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Christine Mathieu, B. Msc., CMC®, Wealth Coach and Certified Money Coach at Note Advisors, for a conversation that goes way beyond numbers and into how we actually think and feel about money.  Christine shares her journey from spending 20 years as a financial advisor to shifting into wealth coaching after realizing something important – logic alone does not drive financial decisions. A lot of the time, fear is what takes over.  Together, Lauren and Christine talk through:  Why our relationship with money starts earlier than we think How fear and past experiences shape financial decisions The difference between financial planning and wealth coaching Why mindset plays such a big role in how we handle money What scarcity vs. abundance really looks like in everyday life How slowing down decisions can lead to better outcomes The connection between money, identity, and self-worth Why money is not just about numbers, but about behavior Christine also explains how she works alongside financial advisors to support clients in a different way. While advisors focus on the numbers, her focus is on the person behind them and what is driving their decisions.  This episode is a reminder that money is not just a financial topic. It is personal, emotional, and often tied to experiences we may not even realize are influencing us.  If you have ever felt stressed, unsure, or stuck when it comes to money, this conversation will give you a different perspective. 💼 Connect with Christine Mathieu  Website: noteadvisor.com LinkedIn: Christine Mathieu  🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

    40 min
  6. Data, Advocacy and Impact: Pain Points of Driving Change for Women

    Mar 17

    Data, Advocacy and Impact: Pain Points of Driving Change for Women

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Sheri Scavone, CEO of the WNY Women’s Foundation, for a conversation that is honest, eye-opening, and incredibly relevant right now.  Sheri shares her journey from healthcare and public health into nonprofit leadership, and how that path led her to focus on advocacy, data, and driving real change for women and families across Western New York.  They get into some big topics, including:  Why childcare is one of the biggest barriers facing working families  How the current system is failing both parents and providers  The reality of women leaving the workforce at higher rates  What the data actually shows about pay gaps and opportunity  How policy, culture, and systems all play a role in equity  The impact of programs like education-to-employment pathways  Why representation and leadership still matter more than ever  Sheri also talks about how the WNY Women’s Foundation uses data to guide everything they do, from advocacy to program development, and why pairing real stories with real numbers is what drives change.  This conversation touches on work, family, leadership, and the everyday decisions people are forced to make just to keep moving forward.  If you are a business leader, a working parent, or just someone trying to understand what is really going on in today’s workforce, this episode is worth your time.  💼 Connect with WNY Women’s Foundation  Website: wnywomensfoundation.org  🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

    49 min
  7. White-Glove Retirement Planning: Pain Points of Compliance & Employee Benefits

    Mar 4

    White-Glove Retirement Planning: Pain Points of Compliance & Employee Benefits

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis visits ACSI and sits down with James Brand, President, and Kristen Huffcut, Senior Relationship Manager, to discuss the complexities of retirement plans and why many employers struggle to manage them.  ACSI is a third-party administrator (TPA) specializing in retirement plan compliance, administration, and support for small and mid-sized businesses. Their team helps companies navigate the legal, operational, and regulatory requirements behind retirement plans so business owners can focus on running their organizations.  Lauren, James, and Kristen discuss:  What a Third-Party Administrator (TPA) actually does  Why retirement plans are becoming more complex  The impact of legislation like Secure 2.0 and New York Secure Choice  Why many companies run into compliance problems  The role of TPAs in fixing plan issues and avoiding costly penalties  Why local expertise and real relationships matter in retirement planning  How retirement benefits help companies attract and retain talent  The importance of proactive guidance instead of reactive problem-solving  James also shares his unique career journey, from working in finance in New York City, to returning to Buffalo and eventually becoming President of ACSI.  Kristen explains how her experience working with retirement plans from the advisor side led her to join the ACSI team and help businesses deliver a true white-glove service experience to their employees.  If you’re a business owner, HR professional, or financial advisor navigating retirement plan compliance and employee benefits, this episode breaks down the pain points behind retirement planning and how to solve them.  💼 Connect with ACSI  Website: https://acsi-ny.com/ Email: jbrand@acsi-ny.com  🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints Socials: @StaffBuffalo

    35 min
  8. Background Checks & Big Responsibility: Pain Points of Protecting Your Business

    Feb 17

    Background Checks & Big Responsibility: Pain Points of Protecting Your Business

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Carmelo Morreale, Owner and Partner of Metrodata Services, a nationally accredited pre-employment screening company based in Buffalo, NY.  Carm shares his journey from starting as an intern in 2009 to eventually purchasing the company with his business partner in 2022. What started as “just a job” turned into a career rooted in accountability, compliance, and community.  Together, Lauren and Carm discuss:  The pain points of buying the business you once worked for What national accreditation really means in the background screening industry Why transparency matters — with clients and with your team  The real cost of a bad hire (and why screening matters more than ever)  Automation, compliance, and how the industry has evolved  The importance of consent, privacy, and doing things the right way  How strong partnerships (in business and with clients) drive growth  Building a team culture rooted in accountability and service They also dive into the nuances of pre-employment screening, from drug testing to international checks to continuous monitoring. They explain why education and customer service are just as important as the report itself. If you’re a business owner, HR leader, or hiring manager, this episode offers a practical and honest look at what happens behind the scenes before someone joins your team, and why it matters. 💼 Connect with Metrodata Services & Carm Morreale  Website: https://www.metrocheck.com  LinkedIn: Carmelo Morreale  Social: Metrodata Services  🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: https://staffbuffalo.com  Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints  Socials: @StaffBuffalo

    30 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to StaffBuffalo’s Pain Points Podcast, your go-to source for insightful conversations around the pain points businesses and people face in today's workplace! Our staffing, recruiting, and human resources firm delves deep into the pain points that organizations encounter across various domains. We tackle business pain points head-on, leveraging our knowledge and expertise to talk through potential solutions and explore the intricacies of Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, Marketing, Human Resources, and more! Join us as we engage in real world discussions that not only shed light on the many hurdles businesses encounter, but also on how you can overcome hurdles through the People side of your business. Hear from our team of seasoned professionals, industry experts, thought leaders, and guests! We bring you real stories, practical strategies, and the latest trends in the world of recruiting, staffing, and human resources!

Information

  • Creator
    StaffBuffalo Team
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © StaffBuffalo Team
  • Show Website
    Pain Points