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EP 59: From the Financial Crisis to Managing Partner: Pain Points of Growing Through Change
Tina Hassler shares her journey from the 2008 financial crisis to becoming a partner at Sandhill Investment Management. She discusses leadership, wealth management, market volatility, and how building lasting client relationships has shaped both her career and the firm's continued success.
EP 58: Helping Buffalo Grow: Pain Points of Workforce Development and Community Impact
Sam Spizuoco interviews Russell Basarath of BCAT about workforce development, career transitions, and how education and community partnerships are creating brighter futures across Western New York.
EP 57: Turning Barriers into Breakthroughs: How Kay Devealt Is Redefining Inclusion Through the Power of Conversation
Kay Devealt joins Maggie Shea on the Pain Points Podcast to share her journey from navigating life with cerebral palsy to becoming a keynote speaker and the founder of Palsy Power Chick Innovations. Together, they discuss workplace accommodations, disability inclusion, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the importance of having better conversations around accessibility.
EP 56: 153 Years of Impact: Pain Points of Meeting a Community’s Changing Needs
In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Mary Czopp shares how Child and Family Services has evolved over more than 150 years while staying committed to supporting children, families, and vulnerable individuals throughout Western New York. From foster care and education to Haven House and counseling services, Mary highlights the impact of compassionate care and community connection.
EP 55: Leading With Purpose: Patti Stephen’s Mission To Build Belonging, Well-Being, And Opportunity
Lauren Lewis sits down with Patti Stephen to discuss leadership, positive psychology, educational equity, and how creating cultures of belonging can transform both organizations and lives.
EP 54: Building People-First Leadership: Collin Gehl’s Journey Through HR, Purpose, And Community Impact
Lauren Lewis interviews Collin Gehl of Say Yes Buffalo about his unconventional journey into HR, leadership development, and building people-first workplace cultures.
EP 53: Leading Through Change: David Herer’s Journey Building ABC-Amega Across Generations
Maggie Shea interviews David Herer about leading ABC-Amega through decades of growth, international expansion, and family business challenges.
EP 52 From Law School to the Trades: How Darnell Epps is Redefining Career Pathways
In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis speaks with Darnell Epps about his journey from Yale Law School to founding Thurgood, a platform helping trade students connect with meaningful careers and opportunities.
Beyond the Numbers: Finding Clarity and Confidence with Christine Mathieu
In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis speaks with Christine Mathieu, B. Msc., CMC - Wealth Coach and Certified Money Coach about the emotional side of money, how fear influences financial decisions, and how wealth coaching helps individuals align their finances with what truly matters.
Pain Points Podcast: Driving Equity and Opportunity with Sheri Scavone of the WNY Women’s Foundation
In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis speaks with James Brand and Kristen Huffcut of ACSI about the complexities of retirement plan management. They explore how third-party administrators help businesses stay compliant, the impact of Secure 2.0 and New York’s Secure Choice program, and why personalized service still matters in today’s retirement planning landscape.
Pain Points Podcast: Simplifying Retirement Plans with James Brand and Kristen Huffcut of ACSI
In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis speaks with James Brand and Kristen Huffcut of ACSI about the complexities of retirement plan management. They explore how third-party administrators help businesses stay compliant, the impact of Secure 2.0 and New York’s Secure Choice program, and why personalized service still matters in today’s retirement planning landscape.
Compliance, Culture, and Community: Carmelo Morreale on Building Metrodata Services the Right Way
In this episode, Lauren Lewis interviews Carmelo Morreale of Metrodata Services about national accreditation, compliance, and building a trusted background screening company rooted in transparency and community.
Making Finance Human: Angela Hall on Education, Trust, and Empowering Confident Financial Decisions
Angela Hall, Senior Advisor at Note Advisors, joins Lauren Lewis to discuss how financial education builds confidence, strengthens employee retention, and empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions. Drawing on her background in education, Angela shares how trust and clarity are transforming the way people experience financial planning.
Connection, Compassion, and Community Impact: Christina Pearl’s Journey at Horizon Health Services
In this meaningful episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Christina Pearl, Corporate Director of Communications at Horizon Health Services, to explore her 15+ year journey with one of Western New York’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. Christina’s story is one of curiosity, courage, and deep commitment to community, showing how connection, advocacy, and thoughtful leadership can change lives.
Listening First: How Amy Gurske Turned Burnout into a Human-Centered Tech Company
In this deeply human episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Amy Gurske, Founder of sayhii, to talk about burnout, fear, self-worth, and the moment she chose her health over her job, and unknowingly built a tech company in the process. Amy’s story is raw, reflective, and a powerful reminder that some of the biggest breakthroughs come from listening to the pain we try hardest to ignore.
Building a People-First Healthcare Staffing Company: The Story of Justin Cuviello & Kyle Cuviello of Care Team Solutions
In this episode, Lauren Lewis interviews Justin and Kyle Cuviello of Care Team Solutions to explore how they built a national healthcare staffing company rooted in sales grit, strong culture, and genuine care for clinicians. Their story highlights resilience, diversification, and a people-first approach to growth.
Crisis Communications, Courage, and Doing the Right Thing: The Story of Brittany Frey & Hayes Frey PR
In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with PR powerhouse Brittany Frey to unpack her journey from agency burnout to launching Hayes Frey PR during an 18-month lawsuit. She shares honest insights on crisis communications, ethical leadership, and building a people-first firm that does what’s right—even when it’s hard.
Strategic Growth, Data Clarity, and Saying “No”: The Business Development Journey of Candice Miller
In this episode, consultant Candice Miller breaks down the operational and BD pain points inside law firms and how strategic focus can drive real, measurable growth.
