Episode 15: Building a Meaningful Career on Your Own Terms with Brooke Toomey

Episode 21: Building Better Workplaces Through Community and Leadership with Kris Valerio Shock

This episode is part of a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s bestselling book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (now available on Amazon). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces. This series highlights each co-author’s perspective and how their insights can be applied in real-world situations. In this episode, Susan is joined by Kris Valerio Shock, President and CEO of Leadership Anne Arundel, to explore how presence, community engagement, and volunteerism shape meaningful leadership. Kris shares how her early background in acting continues to influence her leadership style today—especially the importance of being fully present, grounded, and intentional in every interaction. Together, they discuss how leaders can use mindfulness, breathing, and self-awareness to stay focused during high-stakes moments. They also explore the power of community leadership, the joy of volunteerism, and how aligning personal passions with community needs can create deeper fulfillment and greater impact. This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not just about what we do at work—it’s also about how we show up for our communities, relationships, and future leaders. About Kris Valerio Shock: Kris Valerio Shock is the President and CEO of Leadership Anne Arundel in Annapolis, Maryland. A graduate of the Leadership Anne Arundel Flagship program, Kris brings a mix of personal and professional experience to expand the visibility, value, and reach of the LAA program and network. Before joining LAA, Kris held leadership roles with the Maryland Department of Commerce and the Chesapeake Regional Tech Council, where she helped grow membership, revenue, grant funding, and regional impact. A native of Annapolis, Kris is also the Co-founder of Ignite Annapolis and an active community volunteer. She lives in Annapolis with her husband, three stepdaughters, dogs Lucy and Desi, and cat Mimi. Notable Quotes: "Presence is one of the most powerful tools a leader can practice." "Volunteerism becomes joyful when it connects to what you care about." "Community leadership creates connection, learning, and lasting impact." How to get in touch with Kris Valerio Shock: Website – https://www.leadershipaa.org/page/Team [https://www.leadershipaa.org/page/Team] LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisvalerioshock/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisvalerioshock/] Links & Resources: If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work. Apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform] Learn more: https://peoplerisellc.com [https://peoplerisellc.com] Book a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise [https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise] Book updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates [https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates]

Episode 20: Delivering Tough News with Compassion with Sanita Pinchback

This episode is part of a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s bestselling book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (now available on Amazon). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces. This series highlights each co-author’s perspective and how their insights can be applied in real-world situations. In this episode, Susan is joined by Sanita Pinchback, Founder and CEO of Pinch Back Advisory, to discuss one of leadership’s most challenging responsibilities: delivering difficult news with compassion, clarity, and confidence. With more than 25 years of HR and leadership experience, Sanita shares practical strategies for navigating tough conversations while preserving trust and dignity. Together, they explore how leaders can communicate through uncertainty, support their teams during change, and create environments where people feel informed and respected. Sanita introduces her 4CE Framework, a simple but powerful approach to delivering difficult messages. She also discusses the importance of celebrating wins, building community, seeking diverse perspectives, and using proactive planning tools like pre-mortem exercises to prepare for challenges before they arise. This conversation is a reminder that leadership is often tested most during difficult moments—and how we communicate can make all the difference. About Sanita Pinchback: Sanita Pinchback, MHR, SPHR, SCP, is the Founder and CEO of Pinch Back Advisory, where she helps emerging consumer packaged goods businesses grow through intentional leadership and focus. With experience spanning Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurial startups, Sanita has spent more than 25 years helping leaders align people, strategy, and business goals. Her mission is to help leaders develop the clarity and confidence to tell their story in their own voice and translate their vision into actionable steps for their teams. When she’s not helping leaders fuel growth, Sanita enjoys traveling, reading, listening to jazz, and relaxing by the beach. Notable Quotes: "People deserve clarity, especially during difficult moments." "Compassion and honesty can coexist." "Leadership is tested most when the message is hard to deliver." How to get in touch with Sanita Pinchback: Website – https://www.pinchbackadvisory.com/ [https://www.pinchbackadvisory.com/] Email – sanita@pinchbackadvisory.com [sanita@pinchbackadvisory.com] Links & Resources: If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work. Apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform] Learn more: https://peoplerisellc.com [https://peoplerisellc.com] Book a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise [https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise] Book updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates [https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates]

Episode 19: Building Legacy and Protecting Your Future with Maura Dowd Sniegoski

This episode is part of a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s bestselling book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (now available on Amazon). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces. This series highlights each co-author’s perspective and how their insights can be applied in real-world situations. In this episode, Susan is joined by Maura Sniegoski, CEO of Sniegoski Life Group, to discuss the importance of legacy planning for business owners, leaders, and families. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Maura shares why proactive planning is one of the greatest acts of leadership and care. Together, they explore life insurance, business continuity planning, and protecting the people who depend on you—both at home and at work. Maura also introduces her LEGACY framework, offering practical guidance for organizing important documents, preparing for unexpected events, and creating long-term security for loved ones and businesses alike. This conversation is a reminder that protecting your future isn’t just about finances—it’s about creating peace of mind and lasting impact for the people who matter most. About Maura Sniegoski: Maura Sniegoski is the CEO of Sniegoski Life Group, where she helps individuals, families, and business owners build financial security through personalized planning solutions. Passionate about empowering women in leadership and insurance, Maura combines expertise, empathy, and practical guidance to help clients make confident decisions about their future. Outside of work, she enjoys baking with her husband and three children, cheering at sporting events, and dreaming about her next trip back to New York for the food. Notable Quotes: "Leadership means protecting the people who depend on you." "Small actions today can create lasting security tomorrow." "Legacy planning is an act of care, not fear." How to get in touch with Maura Sniegoski: Website – https://www.sniegoskilifegroup.com [https://www.sniegoskilifegroup.com] Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/maura.sniegoski/ [https://www.instagram.com/maura.sniegoski/] LinkedIn – http://www.linkedin.com/in/maura-dowd-sniegoski-6338778 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/maura-dowd-sniegoski-6338778] Company LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/sniegoski-life-group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/sniegoski-life-group] Links & Resources: If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work. Apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform] Learn more: https://peoplerisellc.com [https://peoplerisellc.com] Book a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise [https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise] Book updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates [https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates]

Episode 18: Unlocking HR as a Strategic Business Partner with Jaime Damkroger

This episode is part of a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s bestselling book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (now available on Amazon). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces. This series highlights each co-author’s perspective—focusing on how their insights can be applied in real-world situations. In this episode, Susan is joined by Jaime Damkroger, MBA, PHR—founder of Talent Matters and a trusted advisor to growing businesses navigating people challenges and organizational change. With experience across manufacturing, financial services, and healthcare, Jaime shares how HR can move beyond compliance and reactive tasks to become a true strategic business partner. Together, they explore the importance of bringing HR into conversations early, building trust between leaders and HR teams, and creating practical, human-centered solutions that actually fit the business. Jaime also introduces her MEET framework—a simple but powerful approach for improving collaboration, strengthening workplace relationships, and bridging the gap between business goals and people decisions. This conversation offers actionable insights for leaders and HR professionals looking to create stronger alignment, improve communication, and use HR as a real driver of business success. About Jaime Damkroger: Jaime Damkroger, MBA, PHR, is the founder of Talent Matters, where she helps business owners and leaders turn people challenges into business progress. Drawing from experience in large, complex organizations, Jaime specializes in translating proven people practices into practical, right-sized solutions for small and growing businesses. Her work focuses on leadership effectiveness, organizational design, talent development, and building trust between HR and business leaders. Born and raised in Nebraska, Jaime holds an MBA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Notable Quotes: "HR works best when it’s part of the conversation early." "People decisions are business decisions." "The best solutions are practical, collaborative, and human-centered." How to get in touch with Jaime Damkroger: Website – https://alltalentmatters.com/meet [https://alltalentmatters.com/meet] LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimedamkroger/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimedamkroger/] Links & Resources: If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work. Apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform] Learn more: https://peoplerisellc.com [https://peoplerisellc.com] Book a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise [https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise] Book updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates [https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates]

Episode 17: Reimagining Leadership and Self-Transformation with Laura Reynolds

This episode is part of a special series tied to Susan Mahaffee’s bestselling book, When People Rise: HR Secrets for Small Business Growth, Success, and Legacy (available on Amazon). The book features 21 experts sharing stories and practical tools to help leaders build stronger, people-centered workplaces. This series highlights each co-author’s perspective, focusing on how their insights can be applied in real-world situations. In this episode, Susan is joined by Laura Reynolds: executive coach, endurance athlete, and Founder of Executive Endurance Coaching. With a background in recruiting and leadership consulting for organizations including Meta, ZeroFox, and Johns Hopkins, Laura brings a unique perspective on resilience, mindset, and sustainable performance. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond survival mode and lead with intention. Laura shares how endurance principles from ultramarathons and triathlons apply directly to leadership, personal growth, and navigating change. From overcoming fear and outdated identities to building resilience through small intentional steps, this conversation offers practical insights for leaders navigating transition, burnout, and self-doubt. This episode is a reminder that transformation doesn’t happen overnight—it happens through clarity, consistency, and the courage to evolve. About Laura Reynolds: Laura Reynolds is the Founder and CEO of Executive Endurance Coaching, LLC, where she helps leaders move from survival mode into sustained, intentional performance. With more than 14 years of experience in recruiting, hiring, and talent strategy, Laura has worked with organizations including Meta, ZeroFox, and Johns Hopkins. She is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), host of The Grit Files podcast, and a multi-time ultramarathon and triathlon competitor. Through coaching, writing, and speaking, Laura helps people break free from limiting stories and build lives aligned with who they want to become. Notable Quotes: "Clarity beats chaos." "Consistency beats intensity." "You hold the power to decide who you are becoming." How to get in touch with Laura Reynolds: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-leeb-reynolds/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-leeb-reynolds/] Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/executive_endurance_coaching/ [https://www.instagram.com/executive_endurance_coaching/] The Grit Files – https://www.instagram.com/the.gritfiles/ [https://www.instagram.com/the.gritfiles/] Email – LReynolds2124@outlook.com [LReynolds2124@outlook.com] Links & Resources: If you enjoyed this episode, follow, leave a review, and share it with another leader navigating the people side of work. Apply to be a guest: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdR6kFI-YheR4no1U9bwCXy4S3yVnfZk4kpQCCJT94VTj_XNw/viewform] Learn more: https://peoplerisellc.com [https://peoplerisellc.com] Book a consultation: https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise [https://calendly.com/peoplerise-susan/1-1-with-susan-mahaffee-people-rise] Book updates: https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates [https://peoplerise.myflodesk.com/bookupdates]