Pain Points

In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Maggie Shea sits down with Kay Devealt, better known as the Palsy Power Chick, keynote speaker, disability advocate, and founder of Palsy Power Chick Innovations. Kay shares her incredible journey from growing up with cerebral palsy to becoming a nationally recognized advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and workplace equity. She opens up about the barriers she faced entering the workforce, starting her own business, and learning that sometimes the biggest changes begin with one simple conversation. Together, Maggie and Kay discuss: Why inclusion starts with communication, not assumptions The importance of workplace accommodations and open conversations How employers can create more accessible and inclusive environments Building confidence through mentorship and advocacy Turning personal challenges into a mission that helps others Why networking looks different for everyone The value of relationships over transactions Kay also shares how a high school mentor helped her discover the power of her voice, inspiring her to become the Palsy Power Chick and dedicate her career to helping organizations create workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. From speaking on stages to competing in powerlifting events, Kay continues to challenge expectations while encouraging others to embrace possibility instead of limitation. This episode is filled with practical advice, inspiring stories, and an important reminder that creating inclusive workplaces starts with listening, learning, and being willing to have honest conversations. 💼 Connect with Kay Devealt & Palsy Power Chick Innovations Website: palsypowerchick.com LinkedIn: Kay Devealt Instagram: @PalsyPowerChick🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Patti Stephen, President of Buffalo Prep and CEO & Co-Founder of C3 Community, for a conversation about leadership, educational equity, workplace culture, and what it means to truly help people thrive. Patti shares her incredible journey from joining Buffalo Prep nearly two decades ago as a part-time special events coordinator to leading one of Western New York's most impactful nonprofit organizations. Along the way, she discovered a passion for creating environments where people feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Together, Lauren and Patti discuss: The Pain Points of stepping into leadership before feeling fully prepared Building a culture rooted in kindness, trust, and connection Why people want to know they matter and that their work has value The role positive psychology plays in leadership and well-being Supporting employees, students, and families as whole people Creating workplaces where people feel cared for, capable, and connected The importance of educational equity and expanding opportunities for students How C3 Community is helping organizations build stronger workplace cultures Patti also shares the story behind Buffalo Prep's incredible growth, from serving a few hundred students to supporting nearly 800 scholars through academic, wellness, leadership, and equity-focused programming. One of the most powerful themes throughout this conversation is the idea of "illuminating brilliance." Patti believes everyone has unique strengths and potential. Sometimes people simply need the right environment, support system, and encouragement to discover it. Whether you are leading a team, navigating a career transition, or looking for ways to create a stronger culture within your organization, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiring perspective. 💼 Connect with Patti Stephen, Buffalo Prep & C3 Community Website: buffaloprep.com Website: c3community.com LinkedIn: Patti Stephen 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

In this episode, Lauren Lewis visits Say Yes Buffalo and sits down with Collin Gehl, Chief Human Resources Officer, for a conversation about career growth, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and the importance of helping people see what is possible for themselves. Collin shares his journey from earning an English degree at UB to finding his way into human resources through nonprofit work, organizational leadership, and a passion for helping people grow. His path was anything but traditional, and that is exactly what makes this conversation so relatable. Together, Lauren and Collin discuss: Why career paths are rarely linear The importance of mentorship and professional development Building trust as an HR leader How workplace culture impacts retention and employee satisfaction Why employees need career conversations, not just job descriptions Supporting staff as people first, workers second The importance of leadership development inside organizations How Say Yes Buffalo is helping students from early education through workforce development The impact of apprenticeship programs and career exposure opportunities Collin also talks about how Say Yes Buffalo has grown over the years and the incredible work the organization is doing to support students and families throughout Buffalo and now Niagara Falls. What really stands out in this episode is the focus on people. Whether it is supporting employees, mentoring emerging leaders, or helping students discover career opportunities, the conversation keeps coming back to the same idea: people thrive when someone believes in them and gives them the tools to succeed. If you are navigating your own career path, leading a team, or thinking about workplace culture and employee growth, this episode is packed with insight and perspective. 💼 Connect with Say Yes Buffalo & Collin Gehl Website: sayyesbuffalo.org LinkedIn: Collin Gehl 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints