Pain Points

StaffBuffalo Team

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. Teaching Confidence with Money: Pain Points of Financial Planning

    2D AGO

    Teaching Confidence with Money: Pain Points of Financial Planning

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Angela Hall, PhD, CFP, Senior Advisor at Note Advisors, for a refreshing and honest conversation about financial literacy, career pivots, and making money conversations less scary, and a lot more human.  Angela shares her nontraditional path into finance, starting her career in biology and education before finding her calling as a financial advisor. With more than 15 years of experience, a PhD in Leadership and Policy, and a passion for teaching, Angela has built a career around helping individuals, families, and business owners truly understand their finances, not just manage them.  Together, Lauren and Angela discuss:  The pain points of switching careers and trusting the processWhy financial literacy is missing and desperately needed How intimidation keeps people from asking financial questions  Making finance approachable through education, humor, and real-life examples  Helping women feel confident in financial decision-making  Supporting business owners with employee retention and benefits  Why financial wellness matters just as much as compensation  Navigating TikTok advice, AI, and misinformation around money  The importance of trust, accessibility, and long-term relationships  Angela also shares how she works closely with HR leaders and business owners to support employees through education, retirement planning, and real-world financial challenges, meeting people where they are, without judgment.  This episode is packed with insight, warmth, and practical wisdom for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by money conversations or wondered if they were “behind.”  💼 Connect with Note Advisors & Angela Hall  Website: https://www.noteadvisor.com  LinkedIn: Angela Hall  Email: angela@noteadvisor.com  🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: https://staffbuffalo.com  Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints  Socials: @StaffBuffalo

    36 min
  2. Purpose, People & Mental Health: Pain Points of Building Community Impact

    JAN 7

    Purpose, People & Mental Health: Pain Points of Building Community Impact

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Christina Pearl, Corporate Director of Communications at Horizon Health Services, for an inspiring conversation about purpose-driven work, mental health advocacy, and the power of connection.  Christina shares her journey of returning to Buffalo after college, finding her way through nonprofit board service, and ultimately building Horizon’s communications and marketing function from the ground up. Over her 15+ years with the organization, she’s helped Horizon grow from a few hundred employees to nearly 1,000, all while keeping people, culture, and care at the center of the mission.  Together, Lauren and Christina discuss:  The pain points of not knowing your career path, and leaning into learning  Why joining boards and committees can open unexpected doors  How Horizon supports mental health and substance use care across Western New York  The importance of internal culture and employees as brand ambassadors  Normalizing conversations around mental health and addiction  How storytelling builds trust, reduces stigma, and saves lives  Collaborating with community partners to expand access to care  Why connection, not perfection, is the foundation of leadership  Christina also shares powerful stories about community partnerships, family-led advocacy, and Horizon’s 50-year legacy of meeting people where they are. This episode is a reminder that meaningful careers are built through curiosity, compassion, and showing up for others.  💼 Connect with Horizon Health Services & Christina Pearl  Website: https://horizon-health.org/  LinkedIn: Christina Pearl  Email: cpearl@horizon-health.org  🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast  Website: https://staffbuffalo.com  Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints  Socials: @StaffBuffalo

    42 min
  3. From Corporate America to Tech Founder: Pain Points of Reinvention

    12/18/2025

    From Corporate America to Tech Founder: Pain Points of Reinvention

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Amy Gurske, Founder of sayhii, for a powerful and deeply human conversation about burnout, fear, self-worth, and what happens when you finally choose your health over expectations. Amy shares her journey from spending 17 years in corporate America, to hitting a breaking point that led to a life-changing decision she calls a “midlife resign.” From glass ceilings and unmanaged stress to a health scare that forced her to stop and reset, Amy opens up about the moments that ultimately led her to build sayhii, a tech platform designed to help organizations truly listen to and support their people. Together, Lauren and Amy discuss: The pain points of burnout and unmanaged workplace stressWhat it means to choose yourself, even when it’s terrifyingHow fear drives so many workplace behaviorsWhy autonomy, trust, and honest communication matter more than controlThe importance of work-life balance (and how easily it disappears)How sayhii checks in with employees daily, and why that mattersUsing technology to reconnect humans, not replace themLeadership accountability, real-time data, and supporting employees before they leaveWhy awareness, ownership, and boundaries are essential to wellbeingThis episode is raw, reflective, and incredibly relatable for anyone who has ever felt stuck, unseen, or overwhelmed at work, and wondered if there might be another way. 💼 Connect with sayhii & Amy Gurske Website: ⁠https://sayhii.io/⁠Email: amy@sayhii.ioLinkedIn: Amy Gurske🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: ⁠https://staffbuffalo.com⁠Episodes: ⁠https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints⁠Socials: @StaffBuffalo

    54 min
  4. Brothers in Business: Pain Points of Scaling a Travel Nurse Staffing Company

    12/04/2025

    Brothers in Business: Pain Points of Scaling a Travel Nurse Staffing Company

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Justin Cuviello and Kyle Cuviello, brothers and co-owners of Care Team Solutions, a national healthcare staffing agency based in Buffalo, NY. Their story is packed with grit: from taking a leap of faith after careers in pharmaceutical and software sales, to launching a staffing firm from scratch, to growing through COVID, and surviving the steepest downturn their industry has ever faced. Together, we dive into: How Care Team Solutions grew from a small start-up into a national brandThe pain points of starting a staffing agency with no roadmapWhy recruiting is truly a sales jobRiding the COVID rollercoaster: explosive growth followed by a massive correctionTheir “hire for character, train for skill” philosophyThe importance of culture, purpose, and keeping the right people in the right seatsTheir expansion into physician recruiting, locums, and clinical researchHow they use AI as a tool, not as a replacement for human connectionWhy travel nurses stay loyal when recruiters actually listen and support themThe mental health, financial, and career resources they now provide travelersJustin and Kyle are honest, thoughtful, and refreshingly transparent about the lessons they’ve learned over 11 years of building a business. If you’re in staffing, healthcare, sales, orentrepreneurship — this is a must-listen. Connect with Care Team Solutions Website: ⁠https://careteamsolutions.com⁠Job Board: via their websiteEmail: justin@careteamsolutions.com | kyle@careteamsolutions.com Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: ⁠https://staffbuffalo.com⁠Episodes: ⁠https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints⁠Socials: @StaffBuffalo

    48 min
  5. Saying "No", Starting Over & Standing Strong: Pain Points of Entrepreneurship

    11/20/2025

    Saying "No", Starting Over & Standing Strong: Pain Points of Entrepreneurship

    This week, Lauren Lewis sits down with Brittany Frey, Co-Founder of Hays Frey PR, for an honest, funny, and powerful conversation about crisis communications, entrepreneurship, and navigating life when everything feels upside down. Brittany shares her full story — from agency grind, to in-house roles, to losing her job during COVID, to launching a PR firm in the middle of a lawsuit, raising young kids, and still finding time to give back in a huge way through Girls on the Run. Together, Lauren and Brittany dive into: The pain points of starting a PR firm under pressureWhat crisis communications really looks like behind the curtainWhy transparency matters more than ever in PRHow the Baldoni–Lively case changed the communications landscapeThe importance of having the right people around you — legally, professionally, personallyHow Brittany balances motherhood, leadership, and community workThe power of Girls on the Run, mentorship, and confidence building for young girlsWhy sometimes you just need to “put your shoes on and run” — literally and figuratively This episode is raw, inspiring, and full of truth about entrepreneurship, resilience, and finding your footing again when life knocks you sideways. Connect with Brittany Frey & Hays Frey PR Website: https://www.haysfreypr.com/LinkedIn: Brittany Frey Napierala | LinkedInEmail: brittany@haysfreypr.com Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: https://staffbuffalo.comEpisodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpointsSocial: @StaffBuffalo on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube

    49 min
  6. From Banking to Business Strategy: Pain Points of Building a Consulting Practice

    11/06/2025

    From Banking to Business Strategy: Pain Points of Building a Consulting Practice

    In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Candice Miller, Founder and Principal of Miller Advisory Group, to unpack her journey from finance and law firm operations to building a thriving business development consultancy for legal professionals. Candice shares how she found her niche helping law firms modernize their operations, use data more strategically, and adapt to emerging technologies like AI — all while keeping people at the center. From learning to say “no” to defining your value, her story is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone navigating growth in a changing industry. Together, Lauren and Candice discuss: The pain points of defining your services and learning where not to spend your timeHow collaboration and trusted partnerships fuel growthWhy AI is shaking up the legal world — and how to embrace it responsiblyThe power of data hygiene, business intelligence, and smarter systemsWhy business development starts with self-awareness and behavior changeHow mentorship and community involvement can reshape lives Candice also opens up about her passion for giving back through Big Brothers Big Sisters, sharing how mentorship is transforming lives and building stronger communities. From law firms to leadership lessons, this episode is all about finding clarity, focusing your energy, and leading with heart. 💼 Connect with Miller Advisory Group & Candice Miller • Website: https://milleradvisory.group • LinkedIn: Candice A. Miller • Email: candice@milleradvisory.group 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast • Website: https://staffbuffalo.com • Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints • LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube: @StaffBuffalo

    39 min
  7. Teaching Entrepreneurship: Pain Points of Guiding the Next Generation

    10/23/2025

    Teaching Entrepreneurship: Pain Points of Guiding the Next Generation

    In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with Tom Murdock, Clinical Professor at the University at Buffalo School of Management, to unpack his nontraditional career journey — from corporate consulting to higher education — and how he’s helping shape the next generation of entrepreneurs in Western New York. Tom shares how his early passion for economic development led him from Deloitte Consulting in New York City to Buffalo Niagara Partnership, and ultimately back to UB, where he now teaches entrepreneurship and innovation. Through his experience in consulting, business incubation, and education, Tom reveals the real “pain points” of building a meaningful career and a thriving startup ecosystem. Together, Maggie and Tom discuss: The Pain Points of pivoting careers and returning to your hometownLessons from corporate consulting and what they don’t teach in business schoolHow UB’s incubator programs have helped create 500+ local jobsThe most common mistakes new founders make when chasing funding or market fitThe evolving role of Gen Z in the workforce — and what employers are really looking forWhy successful entrepreneurs don’t quit their day jobs — they build smart side hustles From startup growth to student mentorship, this episode highlights how purpose-driven leadership andpractical problem-solving are transforming Buffalo’s business landscape. Connect with UB School of Management & Tom Murdock    Website: https://mgt.buffalo.edu LinkedIn: University at Buffalo School of Management Email: murdock2@buffalo.edu Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: https://staffbuffalo.com Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube: @StaffBuffalo This episode is all about finding purpose, building resilience, and making an impact right where you are.

    59 min
  8. Numbers, Nerves, and Networking: Pain Points of Starting as a Fractional CFO

    10/09/2025

    Numbers, Nerves, and Networking: Pain Points of Starting as a Fractional CFO

    In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with HeatherJackson - Fassari, Owner of Interlink CFO, to discuss the realities of leaving corporate America to launch a business from scratch — and the Pain Points that come with entrepreneurship, growth, and trust. Heather shares her story of stepping out of a 20+ year career in corporate finance and operations to build a fractional CFO firm from the ground up. From her “day one” moment of realizing there would be no paycheck coming in, to learning how to market herself, network, and rebrand her business, Heather’s journey highlights the many Pain Points of leadership and independence. Together, Maggie and Heather dive into: The Pain Points of starting over and building a business from scratchFinding confidence and balance when leaving corporate stabilityEarning trust from long-established business owners and stepping into strategic partnershipsHow fractional CFO work bridges the gap between finance, operations, and growthNavigating growth Pain Points — from hiring and scaling to finding the “mini version” of yourself Preparing small businesses financially for sale, valuation, or expansionThe importance of networking, mentorship, and learning from every client From managing manufacturing and nonprofit clients to helping owners clean up financials, streamline processes, and prepare for the next stage, Heather reveals the behind the-scenes realities of being a trusted financial and operational partner. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn experience into independence, this episode is for you. Connect with Interlink CFO & Heather Jackson - Fassari Website: https://interlinkcfo.com Email: heather@interlinkcfo.com LinkedIn:  Heather Jackson-Fassari, MBA, CMA, CSCA | LinkedIn Connect with StaffBuffalo & the Pain Points Podcast Website: https://staffbuffalo.com Pain Points Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staffbuffalo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staffbuffalo/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Staff716 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@staffbuffalo Every entrepreneur faces Pain Points — from the fear of leaving a steady paycheck to the growing pains of scaling smart. Tune in to hear how Heather turned those moments into milestones.

    25 min
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!