This week on the Pathfinders Podcast, Pete Schramm is joined by Vince Console, 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.