Why 'We’re Good' Isn’t Good Enough: Rethinking Growth with Pete Reinke

Why 'We’re Good' Isn’t Good Enough: Rethinking Growth with Pete Reinke

In this episode of the Pathfinders podcast, Pete Schramm is joined by fellow leader, connector, and culture builder, Pete Reinkie, for a conversation on how to strengthen engagement, development, and retention with intention and action. The two explore the impact of career mapping and mentorship at scale, highlighting how tools like Lattitude are helping organizations create clarity for employees at every level. From mapping where someone has been, to defining where they want to go, and guiding who can support them along the way, this episode dives into what it means to truly support professional growth. Pete and Pete unpack common leadership roadblocks, like time, budget, and resources, and offer a fresh lens on how organizations can address turnover, accelerate onboarding, and create space for cross-functional connection. Whether it’s identifying functional mentors or building adjacent networks across departments and locations, the conversation centers on how real, measurable progress starts with a willingness to listen, take action, and invest in people. One standout takeaway: the importance of asking (and being able to answer) the question, “What would it take for you to give me a superlative review 12 months from now?” When leaders can’t answer, it signals a gap—one that career maps, mentorship, and intentional development can help close. For leaders looking to reduce attrition, improve productivity, and build a culture of belonging, this episode delivers practical insight and an energizing reminder: growth is not accidental. It’s mapped, mentored, and measured.

Respected, Honored, Heard: What Inclusion Really Looks Like at Work with George Sample

In this episode of Pathfinders, host Pete Schramm is joined by George Sample, Principal Consultant at Blue Streak Consultants and former HR leader at organizations including the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and Lubrizol. From his early love of paintball to his current passion for growing careers, George’s journey is grounded in curiosity, servant leadership, and a drive to create inclusive workplaces. Originally a computer science graduate and applications engineer, George didn’t start in HR—but it was through building relationships across departments and immersing himself in ERGs that he found a deeper calling: helping people grow through systems, structure, and support. George shared how a pivotal shift came when he transitioned into a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion role. Though he lacked formal subject matter expertise at first, his relationship-building skills made him a trusted and effective voice across all levels of the organization. That move opened his eyes to the influence HR has on succession planning, employee opportunity, and long-term culture. Since then, he’s remained committed to helping individuals and organizations align growth with purpose. His unique background gives him a well-rounded view of how systems and people must evolve together. A core part of George’s success has been his personal board of advisors, which includes early mentors like his high school track coach and leaders who championed him during career transitions. He emphasized the role mentors play in demystifying executive paths, holding up a mirror to reveal both strengths and blind spots, and helping people move past mental roadblocks. For organizations, George was clear: when every employee has a career map and a few strong guides, the result is better engagement, stronger internal pipelines, and higher organizational performance. Succession planning becomes sharper, and talent is developed—not just replaced. Now running Blue Streak full time, George focuses on coaching, leadership workshops, DEI facilitation, and fractional HR support. His mission is simple but powerful: to have a positive impact on as many careers as possible. Whether he’s supporting a frontline leader, advising an executive, or helping a team embrace inclusive decision-making, George brings energy and insight to every step. His reminder to “keep learning, every day” and his practical recommendations—from audiobooks to negotiation tactics—make this episode a must-listen for anyone leading people or planning their own next step.

From Operations to Impact: Mapping a Purpose-Driven Career with Stephen Shackelford

On this week’s episode of Pathfinders, Pete sits down with Stephen Shackelford, a financial wellness advocate and community builder with over 40 years of experience helping people grow, both personally and professionally. Stephen’s story begins with a love for cars and a dream of being a designer. But life rerouted him into finance, where he discovered a calling in helping others secure their futures. Over time, his roles evolved from banking to leadership at Capital Group, to now running the 401(k) Division at Invest. In this episode, Stephen reflects on the value of building a Career Map and surrounding yourself with a strong Personal Board of Advisors (PBA). Two mentors were instrumental in his growth: Karen, who helped him see beyond the daily grind, and Steve, who championed his shift into sales leadership. Stephen shares how these mentors evolved with him over time and how great leaders help others grow by asking better questions, not just giving answers. Today, he’s not just helping clients with retirement plans, he’s using benefits to drive business strategy, retention, and engagement. Whether you’re early in your career or leading a team, this conversation is filled with lessons on legacy, leadership, and the impact of intentional mentorship.

Lazy Kid to Leadership Guru: The Importance of Resilience with Dr. Richard Citrin

This episode of Pathfinders features Dr. Richard Citrin, psychologist, author, executive coach, and leadership advisor, sharing insights on resilience, personal growth, and building a purpose-driven career. With decades of experience bridging behavioral health and business, Richard offers a grounded and engaging perspective on navigating transitions and developing leadership at every stage. The conversation explores Richard’s journey from a self-described “lazy kid” to a nationally recognized expert in organizational development. A pivotal encounter with a college career counselor shifted his path toward psychology and sparked a lifelong passion for people-centered work. His career includes founding the largest behavioral health group in the American Southwest, leading corporate health initiatives, and coaching executives through growth and change. Central to the discussion are two powerful tools: the Career Map and the Personal Board of Advisors. Richard breaks down how these frameworks help professionals identify goals, track progress, and surround themselves with trusted mentors across disciplines. His emphasis on skill-building over titles, and on resilience over perfection, resonates deeply in today’s dynamic workplace. The episode also addresses the evolving conversation around mental health in the workplace; acknowledging how far the dialogue has come and where it still needs to go. Richard challenges organizations to take daily ownership of career development and encourages leaders to invest in both empathy and accountability. This episode is packed with perspective, clarity, and actionable insight for HR leaders, managers, and anyone thinking critically about their next move. A standout moment includes a deep dive into the role of art in processing grief and the importance of intentional leadership through adversity. Don’t miss this thoughtful and energizing conversation with one of the most respected voices in modern organizational psychology.

The Steelworker Turned COO: Lessons in HR, Humanity, and Hustle with Vince Consoli

This week on the Pathfinders Podcast, Pete Schramm is joined by Vince Consoli, COO of ProMark and a Pittsburgh native with over 40 years of leadership experience in HR, operations, and organizational development. Known for his big personality, bigger heart, and relentless focus on people, Vince brings a mix of humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom to this conversation about what it takes to build a meaningful career and help others do the same. Vince’s journey didn’t follow a straight line—and that’s exactly what makes it valuable. From aspiring teacher to steel plant supervisor to HR executive and coach, Vince shares how personal loss, well-timed advice, and a willingness to say “yes” opened doors he never expected. Along the way, he found success by developing others, stepping into leadership roles early, and learning just as much from poor managers as he did from great ones. In this episode, Pete and Vince explore what it means to lead people with dignity and intention. They talk about the early days of Vince’s career in union-heavy environments, where “management by intimidation” was the norm and why Vince chose a different path. They unpack the pivotal moment when a leadership opportunity in HR landed in his lap, and how he grew that into a thriving career by putting people at the center of every decision. Listeners will also hear how Vince became a mentor and advisor to many, and why he believes the concept of a Personal Board of Advisors, both formal and informal, is essential to career growth. Whether it was tough feedback from an executive or a heartfelt push from a high school biology teacher, Vince credits key people along the way for helping him stay grounded and keep growing. As COO of ProMark, Vince now helps organizations support their people through leadership development, coaching, and outplacement services. He explains how concepts like career mapping aren’t just helpful—they’re necessary in today’s multigenerational workplace. Employers who invest in showing employees where they can go, and how to get there, build more trust, engagement, and long-term success. For HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone navigating change, this episode is packed with practical insights and powerful reminders: say yes to opportunities, treat people well, surround yourself with good advisors, and don’t underestimate the value of doing the work alongside others. Vince’s story is a testament to leading with authenticity—and building a legacy one relationship at a time.