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 hometown
• Lessons from corporate consulting and what they don’t teach in business school
• How UB’s incubator programs have helped create 500+ local jobs
• The most common mistakes new founders make when chasing funding or market fit
• The evolving role of Gen Z in the workforce — and what employers are really looking for
• Why 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.

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 scratch
• Finding confidence and balance when leaving corporate stability
• Earning trust from long-established business owners and stepping into strategic partnerships
• How fractional CFO work bridges the gap between finance, operations, and growth
• Navigating growth Pain Points — from hiring and scaling to finding the “mini version” of yourself
• Preparing small businesses financially for sale, valuation, or expansion
• The 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.

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Allison Raffaele, CEO of Medical Health Associates of Western New York (MHA), to explore the realities of leading a healthcare organization that balances independence, compliance, and community connection. Allison shares her winding career path — from surgical technology to animal hospital administration — and the pivotal Pain Points that shaped her leadership journey.

Together, Lauren and Allison dive into:

• The Pain Points of transitioning into a CEO role with “big shoes to fill”
• Leading multiple independent offices while balancing autonomy and compliance
• Overcoming communication challenges across teams and locations
• Building trust during leadership transitions and encouraging authentic feedback
• The financial and operational Pain Points of running private practices in a corporate-heavy healthcare landscape
• The power of storytelling through Allison’s Chronicles of a CEO series on LinkedIn

From reimagining billing operations to navigating compliance in pediatric care, Allison reveals how Medical Health Associates has preserved a “private practice feel” while growing into one of the region’s most unique healthcare models.

Connect with Medical Health Associates & Allison Raffaele

Website: WNY's Pediatric Care, Pediatricians | Medical Health Associates of WNY

LinkedIn: Medical Health Associates of WNY

Follow Allison Raffaele on LinkedIn

Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast

Website: https://staffbuffalo.com

Pain Points Episodes: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

LinkedIn: StaffBuffalo

Instagram: @StaffBuffalo

Facebook: StaffBuffalo

YouTube: StaffBuffalo

This episode highlights the reality that every leader has Pain Points, whether it’s filling big shoes, managing communication gaps, or balancing tradition with innovation. Tune in for insights into leadership, healthcare, and building trust in times of transition.

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with MarioRodriguez, President of Forseti Protection Group, a full-service security company that’s redefining what it means to keep people, property, and organizations safe.

Founded in 2012, Forseti Protection Group was born from the belief that clients deserve more than box-checking and basic protection—they deserve peace of mind. With a team built on military and law enforcement experience, Forseti approaches every challenge with the mindset that security is ultimately built on trust.

In this conversation, Lauren and Mario dive into:

• The Pain Points of reactive vs. proactive security - and why most businesses call after something bad happens
• Innovation over intimidation: how new technology like ballistic doors and biometric access is changing the landscape
• Navigating compliance-heavy industries like cannabis and nonprofits while keeping people safe
• Cybersecurity Pain Points: phishing, scams, AI-driven threats, and human errors that put businesses at risk
• The entrepreneurial journey: payroll panic, proposal turnaround times, SOPs, and scaling across state lines
• Why networking, community, and authentic relationships are just as critical to success as any business strategy

From handling multi-million-dollar security grants to training over 1,000 employees in a week, Mario shares how Forseti has grown into a trusted partner for schools, nonprofits, manufacturers, and national brands. He also gets real about the Pain Points of running a business - wearing too many hats, building the right team, and staying organized under pressure.

Connect with Forseti Protection Group & Mario Rodriguez:

• Website: https://forsetiprotection.com

• LinkedIn: Forseti Protection Group

This episode highlights the reality that everybusiness has security Pain Points and ignoring them can be costly. Tune in for insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, and keeping your organization secure in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Beth Clark, third-generation owner of Bridal Chateau, a beloved local bridal shop that’s been serving brides for nearly 50 years.

Beth shares the evolution of the business her grandmother started—from a small in-home operation to a leading bridal destination that’s focused on experience, inclusion, and authenticity.

Together, they explore the Pain Points of keeping a legacy business relevant, creating space for every bride, and adapting to the ever-changing bridal industry.

This episode covers:      

• The Pain Points of shifting business models after COVID
• Why true size inclusivity means carrying 500+ dresses in sizes 0–40 
• What really goes into customizing a dress for a perfect fit
• The challenges of sourcing quality over quantity in a fast-fashion world
• How Bridal Chateau supports neurodivergent and disabled brides     
• Strategies for standing out in a saturated and highly emotional industry
• Building trust through transparency, education, and hands-on care

Beth gets honest about evolving expectations, pressure from mass-market retailers, and how she balances tradition with progress.

Whether you're a bride, in retail, hospitality, or just love a good family business story, this conversation is full of insight, heart, and real behind-the scenes perspective.

Connect with Bridal Chateau:

Williamsville, NY

https://bridalchateauinc.com

Instagram: @bridalchateau

Appointments preferred – book online or call the shop!

Connect with StaffBuffalo:https://staffbuffalo.com

Career Chats: https://staffbuffalo.com/career-chats

Open Jobs: https://staffbuffalo.com/jobs

Don't miss this episode on how a local bridal shop is redefining confidence, connection, and what it really means to say “yes to the dress.”

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with Steve McMorrow, Founder of the Buffalo Cannabis Network (BCN) and longtime advocate for cannabis normalization and education. 

Steve shares his cross-country journey from LA film schoolto launching a cleaning company for grow facilities in Colorado, to ultimately returning to Buffalo to build an inclusive and informed cannabis ecosystem. Together, Maggie and Steve dive into the real Pain Points of trying to grow something meaningful in a space that’s still misunderstood: 

• How outdated stigma and public confusion keep people from engaging 
• The hidden hurdles of shadow banning and restricted cannabis marketing 
• Why so many businesses don’t realize they can - and should - serve this industry 
• The challenge of building trust and consistency throughevents 
• How to connect the dots between policy, access, andopportunity 
• Turning small meetups into a real movement of support and visibility 
• Why Buffalo’s cannabis scene needs community more than ever 

Steve also shares real feedback from growers andentrepreneurs whose pain points were solved by just showing up - and why that’s the whole point.

If you're trying to enter the cannabis space, support it, orsimply understand it better, this episode is your invitation in. 

Connect with Steve McMorrow & Buffalo CannabisNetwork: 

Website: https://buffalocannabisnetwork.com 

Instagram: @buffalocannabisnetwork 

Email: steve@buffalocannabisnetwork.com 

Connect with StaffBuffalo & CannaWorkforce Solutions: 

StaffBuffalo: https://staffbuffalo.com 

CannaWorkforce Solutions: https://cannaworkforcesolutions.com 

Career Chats: https://staffbuffalo.com/career-chats 

Open Jobs: https://staffbuffalo.com/jobs 

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with creative strategist and community leader Lindsay Taylor (Director of Advancement & Development, Buffalo PAL; Founder, Beau Fleuve Music & Arts). 

Lindsay shares his journey from organizing school trips andparties to launching multi-city festivals, community programs, and one of Buffalo’s most dynamic “third spaces.” Together, Maggie and Lindsay dig into the Pain Points of scaling big ideas, sustaining energy, and buildingorganizations that last: 

• The pain points of communicating your mission so everyone “gets it” 
• Fundraising and partnership hurdles in tough economic times 
• Balancing a demanding “day job” with creative pursuits and nonprofit leadership 
• Building authentic relationships that go beyond networking—and why they’re crucial to success 
• Why creatives need both vision and execution to move forward 
• Learning to “marinate” on ideas and focus on what matters most 
• Creating new opportunities for connection and culture in Buffalo’s post-pandemic landscape

Lindsay shares practical advice on navigating setbacks,staying persistent and making real impact through collaboration. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, growing a business, or dreaming up your next project, this episode brings actionable insight from someone who’s been in thetrenches. 

Connect with Lindsay Taylor, His Work, and His Projects: 

• Lindsay Taylor (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyltaylor/
• Buffalo PAL: https://buffalopal.com
• Beau Fleuve Music & Arts:@beaufleuvemusicarts 

Don’t miss this real look at the Pain Points—and thepayoffs—of building community, connection, and creative endeavors in Buffalo! 

In this episode, Lauren Lewis of StaffBuffalo sits down with fellow woman-owned business leader Danielle Bickel, founder of Strokes Painting & Contracting.  

Danielle shares her journey launching Strokes during the height of the pandemic, from working around the kitchen table to managing 14 crews and opening a dedicated shop. With a commitment to integrity, transparency, and culture, Danielle is redefining what it means to lead in the trades.  

You’ll hear:  

• What it really takes to launch and grow a trades business as a woman  
• The pain points of building trust in an industry full of “Dan in a Van” stories  
• Why culture fit beats experience—and how to hire accordingly  
• How offering PTO, 401(k), and options for career growth change employee retention  
• The benefit of building a business with your values—and your family—at the center  
• This is a powerful conversation between two women-owned businesses working to build inclusive, forward-thinking teams that lead with impact.  

🔗 Connect with Danielle Bickel and Strokes Painting & Contracting  

Website: https://paintwithstrokes.com  

Phone: 1-833-GET-STROKES  

Instagram: @strokespaintingwny  

🔗 Connect with StaffBuffalo (Women-Owned Staffing & HR)  

Website: https://staffbuffalo.com  

Jobs: https://staffbuffalo.com/jobs  

Podcast: https://staffbuffalo.com/painpoints  

Instagram: @staffbuffalo  

LinkedIn: StaffBuffalo  

YouTube: @StaffBuffalo  

Don’t miss this inspiring look at how women-owned businesses are changing the game—one Pain Point at a time.

In this transparent and compelling episode, host Maggie Shea visits East Leaf Dispensary, a woman- and family owned, New York State licensed adult-use cannabis retailer in Cheektowaga, NY. Maggie sits down with co-owner, Gina Miller, and team member, Taylor Smith, to dive deep into the real Pain Points of navigating a brand-new cannabis dispensary from scratch. 

From opening a thriving liquor store to opening one of Buffalo’s first fully legal dispensaries, Gina and Taylor share the ups and downs of launching a cannabis business — all while combatting stigma, building customer trust, educating first-time buyers, and managing shifting state regulations. 

We cover: 

• The legacy-to-legal journey and what it really took to launch 
• Pain Points of misinformation, compliance chaos, and stigma 
• How East Leaf educates customers overwhelmed by 500+ brands 
• Creating community connections in a misunderstood environment 
• The reality of vendor selection, inventory decisions, and product variety 
• Competing with the illicit market while staying compliant and transparent 
• Supporting small NYS cultivators and staying rooted in WNY values 
• Building a team that represents the brand — and the community 

Whether you're cannabis-curious, an industry insider, or simply love a great small business story, this episode highlights resilience, grit, and purpose in action. 

📍 Visit East Leaf Dispensary: 

2442 Clinton Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14225 

Shop Online + Order Delivery: 

https://www.eastleafdispensary.com 

Download the East Leaf App on iOS & Android 

COMING SOON: New location opening in East Aurora, NY – Fall 2025! 

Watch the classic 1936 film Reefer Madness: Reefer Madness (1936) Cult Classic | Full Movie | Subtitled 

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposesonly and is not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. 

In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, host LaurenLewis sits down with Tom Akers — founder of Renew Bath + Body and Junk Free Skin — for a raw and insightful discussion on the real Pain Points behind sustainability, innovation, and scaling a purpose-driven business. 

After leaving the fast-food world (yes, he once ownedmultiple Taco Bell and KFC locations), Tom found himself at a crossroads. With a passion for clean skincare and a desire to do something meaningful, he opened Renew Bath + Body in Buffalo, NY. What started as a storefront soon evolvedinto a full-blown manufacturing operation creating water soluble, zero-waste personal care pods designed to eliminate plastic waste. 

We cover: 

• The personal Pain Points that sparked a skincare revolution 
• The staggering truth: by 2050, there may be more plastic in the ocean than sea life 
• How Renew Bath + Body’s pod-based hand soap and body wash is disrupting outdated models 
• Innovating through failure — and how persistence (and donuts) won over international partners 
• The challenge of educating consumers and creating behavior change 
• Landing top-shelf placement at Wegmans and scaling manufacturing operations in Buffalo 
• Why compostable packaging and refillable dispensers matter more than ever 
• The future of sustainable production and how manufacturing consultants and strategy Shift are helping them scale effectively 

If you care about clean products, plastic-free living, andgame-changing innovation from passionate founders, this episode is a must-watch. 

Explore Products: https://www.renewbathandbody.com 

Learn More: https://www.jfskin.com 

Follow Renew Bath + Body’s journey:

 https://www.instagram.com/renewbathandbody 

Connect with Tom Akers:  Tom Akers | LinkedIn 

📍 Based in WNY? Find Renew Bath + Body's products in 100+ Wegmans locations! 

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe soyou never miss a new Pain Points Podcast episode. 

In this episode, Lauren Lewis and Maggie Shea dive deep with Dustin Snyder, founder of Wayforward Associates, to uncover the most common Pain Points that keep companies stuck in cycles of disengagement, turnover, and missed opportunities. 

Dustin shares his journey from labor relations to consultingand reveals the game-changing strategies he uses to help companies identify and resolve the root causes of their biggest Pain Points. You’ll learn how to spot warning signs before they spiral out of control, build a culture whereemployees thrive, and leverage feedback as a powerful tool for growth. 

Ready to stop bleeding talent and start building a winningteam? 

Tune in now for actionable insights and fresh perspectivesthat could transform how you do business. 

🔗 Connect with Dustin Snyder 

🔗 Discover StaffBuffalo’s Recruiting andHR Services 

In this deep and engaging conversation, Maggie sits down with Elle Musialowski, CFO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to talk about the real Pain Points that arise along a high-powered finance and accounting career — and how to move through them with intention, reflection, and authenticity. 

From early beginnings in public accounting to traveling the globe with Praxair/Linde, Elle shares her journey through corporate growth, imposter syndrome, burnout, boundary-setting, and ultimately rediscovering purpose in mission-driven nonprofit work. 

Topics covered include: 

• Finding your career path through internships and networking 
• Navigating Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance and global mergers 
• Identifying the moment when your Pain Points signal a needed change 
• Transitioning from Public Accounting to private sector to nonprofit sectors 
• Setting healthy workplace boundaries (hello, Desk Day Fridays!) 
• Aligning your career with your Life Vision 
• The unique financial and philanthropic operations of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo 

This episode is for every professional who's ever questioned their trajectory, battled burnout, or tried to balance passion and practicality. Don’t miss Elle’s wisdom about becoming your best advocate, recognizing the signs of change, and embracing your own unique “green zone”!

Connect with Elle: 

Learn more about the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo 

Follow Ellen Musialowski on LinkedIn 

In this episode, Maggie sits down with Melissa Moore, Horticulture Program Co-Coordinator and Cannabis Instructor at SUNY Niagara, to explore the Pain Points of transitioning from the legacy cannabis market to the legal landscape — and what it means for cultivators, educators, and aspiring professionals in the space. 

From Monkeys to Marijuana – Melissa takes us on her unique career path from biological research in Panama to farming in Northern California, where her hands-on work with organic crops and cannabis ignited a passion that brought her back to New York to educate the next generation. 

The Legalization Learning Curve – Discover the real-life struggles of cannabis farmers navigating the harsh realities of compliance, taxation, and limited financial resources in the post-legalization world. 

Building a Cannabis Curriculum – Learn how SUNY Niagara’s cannabis program is providing hands-on experience in cultivation, processing, and culinary applications, setting students up for success in this growing industry. 

Key Pain Points Discussed: 

• The emotional and financial toll of legalization on legacy growers 
• The differences between California and New York cannabis regulations 
• Why small cannabis businesses face steeper barriers than other startups 
• How educational institutions are stepping in to bridge the gap 

Whether you're in cannabis, education, agriculture, orpolicy, this episode is packed with personal insight, professional growth, and thought-provoking conversation around the real Pain Points of the cannabis industry. 

🎓 Learn More About SUNY Niagara’s Cannabis Program: https://niagaracc.suny.edu/academics/cannabis/ 

In this episode, we sit down with Janna Willoughby-Lohr, the creative mastermind behind Papercraft Miracles, an eco-friendly, handmade paper art company that brings magic and joy to people's lives through unique creations. 

Janna takes us on a journey from her unexpected start in the art world, beginning with navigating her college major, to discovering her passion for paper art, and finally building a thriving art business in Buffalo, NY. 

We discuss: 

• The challenges of becoming an artist and the journey of self-discovery 
• The pain points of starting and managing a sustainable art business 
• The importance of community connection and social work in art 
• How Papercraft Miracles differentiates itself by creating unique, handmade paper art 
• The behind-the-scenes reality of running a business and balancing work-life demands 
• Tips for aspiring artists on turning their passion into a sustainable business 

Want to bring some magic into your life?

Explore Papercraft Miracles for custom handmade paper art, unique gifts, and more! 

Find Janna and Papercraft Miracles: 

Visit the Studio: 1888 Niagara St. Buffalo, NY 14207 

Website & Custom Orders: papercraftmiracles.com 

Follow on Instagram: @papercraftmiracles 

Book a Custom Art Piece: papercraftmiracles.com/custom-orders 

Subscribe & Follow Pain Points Podcast for more expert insights into entrepreneurship, business challenges, and industry deep dives! 

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Winkler, a certified Level 2 Sommelier and owner of Winkler & Samuels, a boutique wine and spirits shop offering curated wine classes, a premium wine storage facility, and a passion-driven approach to wine education.  

Melissa takes us on a journey from her unexpected start in the wine industry—beginning as a nanny, to discovering her passion at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and finally building a thriving wine business in Buffalo, NY.  

Episode Highlights:  

• The challenges of becoming a sommelier and the rigorous certification process  
• The pain points of starting and managing a niche winebusiness  
• The importance of terroir, how to truly taste wine, and why there’s no wrong way to enjoy it  
• How Winkler & Samuels differentiates itself by curating unique, small-batch wines  
• The behind-the-scenes reality of running a business with a spouse and balancing work-life demands 
• Tips for choosing better quality wines, avoiding headaches, and understanding the difference between Champagne & Prosecco  

Want to take your wine knowledge to the next level?  

Join Winkler & Samuels’ Wine Club for hand-selected bottles, expert pairing recommendations, and a one-of-a-kind experience delivered to your door!  

Find Melissa and Winkler & Samuels:  

Visit the Store:  500 Seneca St, Buffalo, NY  

Website & Wine Club Info: https://winklerandsamuels.com/  

Follow on Instagram:

 https://www.instagram.com/winklerandsamuelswine/  

Book a Wine Class: 

https://winklerandsamuels.com/collections/wine-class  

Visit StaffBuffalo Website: https://staffbuffalo.com/  

 Subscribe & Follow Pain Points Podcast for more expert insights into entrepreneurship, business challenges, and industry deep dives! 

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Larry Mietus ('Leadership Larry') — author, business consultant, and founder of Speaking of Strategy. Larry has spent decades helping businesses obliterate excuses, build strong cultures, and lead with strategy. 

Pain Points We Tackle in This Episode: 

• Why businesses get stuck – and how to break free 
• The #1 excuse that kills growth (and how to overcome it) 
• Culture vs. Strategy – which one really matters more? 
• The truth about employee engagement and workplace morale 
• How to be a better leader and make real business impact 

Guest Information:

Check out Larry’s book: We Tried That Once: https://a.co/d/ckbfQ22 

Follow Larry Mietus:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrymietusspeakingofstrategy/

Website: https://speakingofstrategy.com/

🎧 Hit LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into real business struggles and solutions! 

Tune in to another episode of The Pain Points Podcast, where we explore how Impressia Bank is changing the game for women entrepreneurs and the financial struggles that they face! 

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Schellinger, VP/Regional Relationship Manager at Impressia Bank to discuss the financial roadblocks women-owned businesses encounter, the funding gap in traditional banking, and how relationship-based banking can be a game changer. Women are underfunded, underserved, and underestimated—but they’re also powerful economic drivers when given equal opportunities. 

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Pain Points Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Saverio “Sam” Marrazzo, Chief Innovation Officer at the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), as he shares his incredible story from his early days in the Navy, how he found his love for technology, and to his transformative role in the non-profit sector. Hosted by Maggie Shea, this episode uncovers the Pain Points and challenges faced by Sam throughout his career and how he overcame them to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life!

Join us as we explore the highs and lows of Sam's career, the lessons learned, and the strategies he used to navigate through various Pain Points. You’ll learn how the lessons from his past roles are informing his current work and discover the strategies he uses to turn challenges into opportunities.

Welcome to another episode of the Pain Points Podcast, where we dive deep into the critical challenges that businesses face in scaling and sustaining growth. Today, we’re excited to feature Mike Belin, Executive Growth Strategist at Nacre Consulting, a firm renowned for helping businesses grow their top-line revenue, optimize sales processes, and build sustainable growth strategies.

With over 5 years at Nacre Consulting, Mike has worked with diverse companies—from startups to enterprises exceeding $100M in revenue—spanning industries like SaaS, Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Telecommunications. He brings decades of hands-on experience in sales management, customer experience design, and leadership coaching.

Join us as Mike unpacks real-world solutions to business challenges, including how to build sales playbooks, design effective growth strategies, and create a company culture that fosters continuous development. His actionable insights will provide you with the tools you need to overcome your company’s growth obstacles and unlock its full potential.

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Pain Points Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with a dynamic leader in B2B sales and corporate innovation—Sondra Vidal—to explore the challenges and successes that have shaped her remarkable career. From driving growth at Favordrop to leading multiple ventures, including RelPro and Luc and Lyla LLC, Sondra brings a wealth of experience in turning Pain Points into powerful sales opportunities. 

Sondra shares her journey through the highs and lows of B2B sales, digital gifting, and entrepreneurship. We dive deep into the Pain Points that have defined her path, from balancing multiple roles to driving innovation in a competitive market. Discover how she overcame these challenges to deliver exceptional results across industries. 

Whether you're a seasoned professional in B2B sales, a budding entrepreneur, or someone looking to understand how to navigate the complexities of modern marketing, this episode is for you. Sondra offers actionable insights on how to turn Pain Points into avenues for growth and innovation. Learn from her experience in building successful teams, driving sales, and fostering collaboration across various industries.