Coffey Talk

Jenn Rinfret has lived a lot of lives. She was a runway model in Milan at 17, a single mom rebuilding from scratch, a survivor of a serious car accident, and the founder of a business that helped seniors navigate technology with dignity. Today she is the Commercial Lead for Americas at Seer 365 in the Microsoft channel — and through every chapter, empathy has been her north star.In this episode, Jenn and Kate dig into what it really means to lead with empathy in leadership and in life, the difference between a gamble and a calculated risk, and why the seniors Jenn worked with taught her more about showing up for people than any leadership course ever could. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what keeps you going when life just keeps coming.Key Takeaways:Stepping outside your comfort zone is where the best things begin — the discomfort is the point, not the problem.Empathy is not a soft skill. It is a leadership strategy, and it shows up in how you take the time to understand the why behind someone's behavior before reacting.There is a difference between a gamble and a calculated risk. Knowing the difference changes how you make decisions and how you move forward.The seniors Jenn worked with — spies, war survivors, people carrying extraordinary stories — are a reminder that wisdom is everywhere if you slow down enough to notice it.Reinvention is not a one-time event. It is something you choose over and over again, and it gets a little easier every time you do it.👉🏻Contact information for Jenn Renfrethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennrinfret/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Kevin Armstrong has spent decades at the intersection of technology and growth, and in this episode of Coffey Talk, he pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to win in today's marketplace. From his early days at Xerox to scaling companies, leading transformations, and now driving AI strategy at FinListics, Kevin shares the principles that have kept him in the room through every market shift the last 30 years has thrown at him.This is a conversation about curiosity, preparation, perspective, and what it means to show up as both a competitor and a good human. If you're navigating change, building your career, or just trying to figure out your next move, this one's for you.Key TakeawaysCuriosity is a strategy, not a personality trait. The people who keep asking questions are the ones who stay relevant.Preparation is the differentiator nobody talks about enough. The practice-to-performance ratio in sales is broken, and it's costing people deals.Know thyself. Your value equation is unique to you, and the sooner you understand what you bring to the table, the sooner you can own it.Tell them something they don't already know. That's how you build a perspective worth having in the room.Time kills all deals, and that goes well beyond sales. Responsiveness is a discipline that compounds over a career.👉🏻Contact information for Kevin ArmstrongLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armstrongkevin/Episode Referenced: The Currency of Life: Understanding Time ~ with Brad Prendergast and Kate Coffey-Baconhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-currency-of-life-understanding-time-with/id1835167771?i=1000738109865Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Kim Dallefeld has spent nearly three decades in the Microsoft Dynamics NAV and Business Central ecosystem, and her story is anything but a straight line. From accidentally triggering a debugging message at Ford Motor Company to leading a ten-country ERP implementation, building Dallefeld Consulting from the ground up, and eventually selling it to Centre Technologies, Kim has lived through just about every chapter this industry has to offer. In this conversation, Kim and Kate dig into what it really takes to build a career worth remembering: listening before solving, showing up honestly, leaning into community, and never being afraid to ask for help. Kim is an MVP, MCT, NAVUG All-Star, and NAVUG Legend, and she still believes the best credential you can carry is your reputation.Key Takeaways:Listening is the most underrated consulting skill. Kim learned early that the best thing you can do before offering a solution is to actually hear what someone needs.Community gives you what certification never can. The relationships formed in the NAVUG community shaped Kim's career in ways no credential ever could.You get back as much as you put in, and sometimes way more. Showing up to serve, not to grab, is what builds lasting trust and opens unexpected doors.Knowing when to let go is its own kind of leadership. Kim's decision to sell Dallefeld Consulting came from self-awareness, not defeat, and that distinction matters.Be yourself and do what you say you're going to do. Simple advice that still holds up after 30 years in the field.👉🏻Contact information for Kim DallefeldLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-dallefeld/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

SummaryPurpose doesn’t usually arrive as a clear plan. It reveals itself over time through mentors, misalignment, and the moments that quietly energize us.In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Sam Bush to talk about how purpose actually shows up in a career. From early mentorship to seasons that didn’t feel right, Sam shares how teaching, speaking, and guiding others became the throughline of her work.This conversation explores what it looks like to recognize purpose, trust it, and begin living it even before you have it fully figured out.Key TakeawaysPurpose often reveals itself through patterns, not plansMisalignment can be one of the clearest signals that something needs to changeMentorship plays a critical role in helping us see what we can’t yet see in ourselvesThe work that energizes you is often pointing toward your purposeYou don’t have to have it all figured out to start moving toward it👉🏻Contact information for Sam BushLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthabushoh/Ambush on Air: https://www.ambushonair.com/Ambush on Air on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/40sb0D8YRlj6q7nHyHm02wThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with Shannon Mullins of A BC Consulting Group and Pierre Lemyre of Gestisoft to talk about the human side of an acquisition in the Microsoft Business Central ecosystem.Rather than focusing on the press release, the conversation explores how relationships, cultural alignment, and shared strategy led two organizations to realize they could build something stronger together. Shannon shares the journey of building A BC Consulting Group and the leadership choices that shaped its culture, while Pierre reflects on Gestisoft’s thirty-year evolution in the Microsoft ecosystem and the decision to expand into North America.Together, they discuss what made the partnership feel right, the role culture plays in long-term growth, and why the future of Business Central is accelerating faster than many expected.The conversation also looks ahead to what partners should be preparing for next, including the impact of AI, evolving ERP delivery models, and the growing opportunity in the Business Central market.This episode is a candid look at leadership, trust, and what it takes to build companies that are meant to last.Key Takeaways• Cultural alignment matters as much as strategy in partnerships• The Business Central market in North America is growing rapidly• Trust and transparency are essential in acquisition processes• AI will reshape how ERP implementations and consulting are delivered• Strategic growth often starts with strong relationships👉🏻Contact information forShannon Mullins LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mullinsmacc/Pierre Lemyre LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierlemyre/ABC Consulting: https://www.abccgroup.com/Gestisoft: https://www.gestisoft.com/enThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Molly Fuchsel, Founder of PartnerIn, and Peter Fidler, President of IAMCP, to talk about unity in the Microsoft Dynamics ecosystem. They explore the overwhelm partners are feeling in the face of AI and rapid change, why education is no longer optional, and what collaboration over competition actually looks like in practice. The conversation touches on specialization, mentorship, trust, and the importance of building real partnerships in a complex, evolving channel.TakeawaysOverwhelm is real, especially with AI and Copilot entering the ecosystem without a clear roadmapEducation is foundational, but peer-to-peer learning is increasingly criticalTrust is the currency that enables collaboration and long-term partnershipSpecialization and automation will define the next five years in DynamicsMentorship and in-person engagement remain essential in a remote-first world 👉🏻Contact information for Molly FuchselLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyfuchsel/PartnerIn: https://partnerin.io/vibeLinkedIn PartnerIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/partnerinllc/posts/?feedView=allPeter FiddlerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-fidler/IAMCP: https://www.iamcp.org/default.aspxIAMCP Amerias LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iamcpgroup/posts/?feedView=allThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Coffey Talk, I sit down with Michelle Serna, SVP of Revenue at TruNorth and Microsoft MVP, to talk about what it actually means to build something that does not yet exist.Michelle has created four roles inside her organization by identifying operational gaps, proving value, and earning the political trust to formalize the function. From recovering millions in operational losses in her early twenties to leading revenue strategy across sales and marketing, her story is not about chasing titles. It is about building what the business needs before anyone asks for it.We talk about leadership before recognition, cross-functional friction, burnout in high-achieving seasons, navigating motherhood during growth, and why community is essential if you plan to sustain momentum.This conversation is about initiative, perspective, and the discipline required to lead without waiting for permission.Key TakeawaysLeadership often begins before formal authorityPolitical trust determines whether new ideas get tractionCross-functional alignment requires shared language and empathyBurnout needs perspective and strong support systemsCommunity makes sustainable leadership possible👉🏻Contact information for Michelle SernaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleserna1/True North: https://trunorthdynamics.com/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Summary:This Coffey Talk episode explores how innovation begins with intention, not features. Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with Projo founder Charbel Mawad to unpack the personal frustration that sparked the product and the discipline it took to know when to stop adding more. The conversation centers on listening closely, designing for real life, and defining success beyond sales numbers. This is a story about restraint, patience, and the courage to build something better by paying attention.Key Takeaways:The best ideas often come from personal frustration.Intention matters more than adding features.Listening to customers shapes better products and better leaders.Ease and habit-building drive adoption.Success can be defined beyond revenue and growth metrics.👉🏻Contact information for Charbel MawadLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charbel-mawad-8a3373173/Instagram: drinkprojoWebsite: https://idrinkprojo.comThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

☕️🎙️Summary:In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with leadership coach and former fintech executive Maggie Coulter to talk about what happens when life interrupts the plan. Maggie shares how a cancer diagnosis and years in high-stakes tech leadership reshaped how she thinks about courage, identity, and career change. Together, they explore possibility-oriented realism, the quiet weight of imposter feelings, and why small, honest shifts matter more than dramatic reinvention. This conversation is grounded, reflective, and deeply human.Key Takeaways:Major change often begins with an internal shift long before anything changes externally.Hope is strongest when it is paired with honesty and realistic expectations.Many high-performing leaders struggle with imposter feelings, even when they appear confident.Small, intentional changes can dramatically improve quality of life and leadership effectiveness.Slowing down creates space for clarity, self-trust, and better decision-making.👉🏻Contact information for Maggie Coulter: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/magcoulter/People Dynamics Learning Group: https://pdlgcoaching.com/Maggie Coulter Coaching: https://www.maggiecoultercoaching.com/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Summary:In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Erica Hakonson, CEO and founder of Maven Collective Marketing, to talk about what happens when purpose is not a side project, but the operating system of a business. Erica shares her journey from aspiring academic to entrepreneur, the two-year push to become a certified B Corp, and why giving is not a nice-to-have for her team, it is a responsibility. They walk through Maven’s Pay It Forward initiative, how employee goals now include impact, and why purpose-driven companies can still be wildly profitable.Takeaways:B Corp certification is a rigorous, ongoing commitment, not a one-time badge.Purpose-driven practices can live right inside day-to-day operations, not just in marketing copy.Giving back can look like money, skills, time, and simple presence in your local community.Employees stay longer when they feel like true stakeholders in the mission, not just the work.You can grow a profitable business that also funds real-world change, year after year.👉🏻Contact information for Erica Honkonson: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericahakonson/B Corp - Maven Collective: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/maven-collective-marketing/B Corp Mission: https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/Officially B Corp Certified: https://mavencollectivemarketing.com/insights/maven-collectives-journey-to-b-corp-certification/2026 Microsoft Partnership Survey: https://bit.ly/FY26-MSPartner-Survey2025 Microsoft Partner Global Benchmarking & Insights Report: https://bit.ly/ms-partner-reportMaven Collective Learn With Us: https://www.youtube.com/@MavenCollectiveMarketingMaven Collective Sneak Peak into Our Culture: https://www.instagram.com/mavencollectivemarketing/Partner Marketing Bytes Newsletter: https://bit.ly/partner-marketing-bytesPay It Forward Initiative: https://mavencollectivemarketing.com/insights/b-corp-pay-it-forward-2025/Additionally, Maven Collective's Global Survey on AI-Driven Growth: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/866976365/inside-the-1-2t-microsoft-partner-economy-maven-collective-marketing-unveils-2026-global-survey-on-ai-driven-growthThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Steven Chinsky to talk about how consulting has evolved and what the next generation of consultants truly needs to grow into the role with confidence and impact. They explore how mentorship and community shape not just technical skill, but presence, communication, and trust. Steve shares why functional literacy matters as much as technical knowledge, how remote work has changed rapport with customers, and why experienced professionals have a responsibility to look around and pour into those coming up behind them. At its core, this conversation is about growth, learning, and building a future that is stronger because we invested in people.Key TakeawaysMentorship plays a critical role in developing confident, capable consultantsFunctional literacy and business understanding matter as much as technical skillConsulting today requires adaptability and continuous learningRemote work changes how rapport and trust are built with customersStrong communities help individuals grow faster and more sustainably👉🏻Contact information for Steve Chinsky:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-chinsky-321a20/BC 3 Amigos: https://www.youtube.com/@BC3AmigosEmail: [email protected] for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Not every year comes with trophies, promotions, or a neat list of accomplishments. Some years are quieter. Harder to explain. Still deeply formative.In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with Shannon Mullins, Microsoft MVP, founder, community leader, and longtime friend, to talk honestly about seasons of change. The years where you show up, keep going, and stay grounded even when there’s no highlight reel to share.This is a conversation about trusting the process, finding steadiness in uncertainty, and recognizing growth that doesn’t announce itself right away.Key Takeaways Not all growth is visible in real timeQuiet years often prepare you for what’s nextStaying grounded matters more than staying busyYou’re not behind just because your year wasn’t loud👉🏻Contact information for Shannon Mullins, MVP:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-mullinsmacc/A BC Consulting Group: https://www.abccgroup.com/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Leanne Paul to talk about what it really looks like to step away from a career, come back, and keep moving forward without waiting for permission. From social work to IT, from staying home with kids to rebuilding momentum in tech, Leanne shares how asking for opportunities, staying curious, and valuing soft skills shaped her path. This conversation is a reminder that time away doesn’t erase your experience and that growth often starts when you speak up.Key Takeaways Asking opens doors faster than waiting quietly.Time away from work builds skills that matter more than we realize.Soft skills carry across industries and roles.Growth doesn’t require a linear career path.In this episode, Leanne mentions Mothers and More. Mothers & More is a support and advocacy network for mothers navigating career shifts, pauses, and returns while raising families. Through local chapters and online communities, it connects women who want honest conversation, shared resources, and reassurance that their choices and experience still matter.https://www.mothersandmore.org/about-us/Connect with Leanne Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-paul-9108a740/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Resilience shows up when things do not go as planned. When the business you built gets shut down. When life forces a pivot you never asked for. When grief, disappointment, or uncertainty refuse to move on quietly.In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with David Fullwood to talk about resilience as a lived practice, not a motivational slogan. They explore how setbacks shape identity, how small wins rebuild trust in yourself, and why learning from the past matters more than staying loyal to it.This conversation is about movement, belief, and continuing forward even when clarity comes later.Key TakeawaysResilience begins with choice, not circumstanceSmall wins rebuild self-trust over timeSurrounding yourself with the right people changes perspectiveSetbacks can realign you rather than stop youContact David: Instagram: @dmarciano2023Instagram: @alloysandyspringsLinkedIn: david-fullwoodThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

This episode sits down with two women who didn’t wait for permission. Molly Fuchsel and Liz Hallen left comfortable careers to build something the Microsoft ecosystem didn’t have yet. They trusted instinct more than certainty and created PartnerIn, a home for peer learning, vulnerability, and growth. We talk about the moment they knew they had to act, how community works when it’s intentional, and what it takes to leap before you know exactly what the landing looks like.Key TakeawaysYou don’t need the full plan to begin — you just need the cue inside you that says “this matters.”Community isn’t a side task. It’s a strategy built on trust, shared learning, and vulnerability.Partnerships thrive when both people respect each other’s strengths and move at different rhythms but with shared purpose.Peer learning will shape the future of the Microsoft ecosystem because no one organization can do it all.👉🏻Contact information forMolly Fuchsel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyfuchsel/Liz Hallen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizhallen/Partnerin: https://partnerin.io/vibeThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this heartfelt episode of Coffey Talk, Kate sits down with Brittany Burke, a Microsoft MVP and leader in the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform community, to talk about building balance across work, family, and purpose. From an unexpected start in accounting to becoming a respected voice in tech, Brittany shares how authenticity, empowerment, and community have shaped her career. Together, they explore what real balance looks like through the rhythm of building a career you love without losing sight of who you are.TakeawaysCareer and personal growth strengthen each other.Empowerment multiplies when it’s shared.Balance is a rhythm not a finish line.You can have it all, just not all at once.👉🏻Contact information for Brittany Burke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d365withbrittany/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

This short version of my conversation with Brad Prendergast gets right to the heart of it. We talk about time in a way that has nothing to do with productivity and everything to do with being alive. We break down the moments that actually shape a life, what we lose when we rush, and why attention is the real currency we’re spending every day.You’ll hear the parts of “4,000 Weeks” that hit us the hardest, the mindset shifts we’re still working through, and the reminders we both needed about living like time actually matters.This preview is just a slice of the full conversation, and the full episode goes even deeper into presence, choices, and what it actually means to build a life you recognize.If this 12-minute cut resonates with you at all, I promise the full conversation will land even harder. Make time for the full episode — it’s worth it.👉🏻Contact information for Brad Prendergast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-prendergast/Books we referred to: 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals - By Oliver BurkemanStolen Focus; Why You Can’t Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply AgainBy Johann HariWhy We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and DreamsBy Matthew WalkerThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

This conversation with Brad Prendergast is an honest look at how we spend our days, what we give our attention to, and why time is the currency none of us can refill. Inspired by the book “4,000 Weeks Time Management for Mortals,” by Oliver Burkman, we talk about presence, choices, attention, and learning to live now instead of waiting for “when things slow down.”Bullet Points (searchable):Time as the currency of lifeWhy attention shapes who we becomeLetting go of the “when I finally” mindsetMaking choices that align with what you valueWhat it means to be present on purpose👉🏻Contact information for Brad Prendergast: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-prendergast/Books we referred to: 4000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals - By Oliver BurkemanStolen Focus; Why You Can’t Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply AgainBy Johann HariWhy We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and DreamsBy Matthew WalkerThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Stephanie Clark opens up about the real work of leading from the inside. She shares how she stepped into broken teams, rebuilt systems that needed more than surface fixes, and faced resistance from people who weren’t ready for change. Stephanie talks about being labeled “loud” and “bossy” and how those same qualities helped her lead with clarity, honesty, and heart. This episode is for anyone who has ever led in a space where no one is cheering yet, but you keep going anyway.Highlights: • What it feels like when no one is cheering yet • Why trust matters more than popularity • How women support each other inside tough spaces • The importance of listening before leading👉🏻Contact information for Stephanie Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephclark/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this conversation, Bobby Small sits down with Kate Coffey-Bacon to talk about community, diversity, and what it looks like to give people space to be heard. Bobby shares the real moments that shaped his work in advocating for inclusive communities, including stories from his career, parenthood, and lived experience. Kate opens up about her own background and how it shaped her commitment to creating spaces where people can show up fully as themselves. Together, they talk about how curiosity, listening, and simple daily actions can change how a community feels. The episode ends with a fun lightning round that shows off Bobby’s humor, heart, and energy.We discussed:Bobby’s journey into diversity advocacy and the moments that shifted his perspective.Why listening matters more than trying to change someone’s mind.How small actions shape community culture.Why male allies matter for women in tech.Ways to get involved with DUG and Diverse Minds.👉Bobby’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbysmall/👉Diverse Minds: https://www.meetup.com/dug-diverse-minds/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, host Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with Melissa Maikos, teacher, fitness instructor, and former sports broadcaster, to talk about the real side of wellness. Together, they explore how movement builds confidence, how community keeps us grounded, and why it’s time to normalize conversations about perimenopause and aging.Melissa shares how her athletic background shaped her approach to fitness, body image, and mental health, and how she’s using social media to build a positive space for women navigating midlife. This honest conversation reminds us that wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress and learning to embrace the body you’re in.Key Takeaways: • Podcasting is a powerful way to share purpose and build community • Wellness means caring for both your body and your mindset • Community support turns fitness into friendship • Body image struggles don’t disappear, they evolve • It’s never too late to lift heavy or live fully • Talking about perimenopause breaks stigma and builds strength • Social media can be a tool for real, empowering connection • Movement fuels confidence at every stage of life👉🏻Connect with Melissa Maikos: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamaikos/Instagram and TikTok @MMaikos21Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, host Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with voting advocate Jessica Kraisinger to discuss why every vote counts—especially in local and state elections. They explore Jessica’s journey into voter education, the impact of down-ballot races, and the importance of staying engaged beyond election day. The conversation also tackles common voting myths, highlights the power of individual action, and reminds listeners that civic participation is both a responsibility and a celebration.Takeaways:Voting is the most impactful action an individual can take.Local elections significantly shape daily life.Every vote counts—especially in close races.Voting is essentially “hiring representatives for your community.”Engagement begins with one conversation.Myths about voting discourage participation; truth encourages it.Educating yourself about candidates is key to informed choices.Civic engagement continues year-round.Kindness and empathy strengthen communities.Celebrate the act of voting; it’s worth honoring.https://www.rockthevote.org/https://justfacts.votesmart.org/https://www.vote.org/https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Pagehttps://whenweallvote.org/👉🏻Connect with Jessica Kraisinger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kraisinger-1918293/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, host Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with Pam Misialek, VP of Community at Dynamic Communities, and Cam Sessinger, Senior Online Editor, to talk about the Women in Tech initiative and this year’s She Builds luncheon at Community Summit. Together they explore the power of storytelling, community, and mentorship in shaping a more inclusive future for women in technology.Highlights:The Women in Tech initiative aims to create community beyond a single event.She Builds celebrates women who are actively shaping the future of tech.Visibility and storytelling empower women to step into leadership roles.Networking and mentorship are essential to growth and confidence.The vision for continuous engagement through year-round programming.👉Connect with Pam Misialek:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-misialek-985b6413/👉Connect with Cameron Sessinger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-sessinger-b2916b14b/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this powerful Coffey Talk episode, Kate Coffey-Bacon sits down with tech veteran and Marketing CoPilot founder Marie Wiese to explore what it really means to start again, at any age. After more than 30 years in tech, Marie shares how personal loss, courage, and curiosity led her to redefine success and discover a new kind of confidence.Together, Kate and Marie discuss:Why success in tech, and in life, has no age limitThe myths and mindset shifts behind true reinventionHow women often hit their stride later in lifeWhy mentorship is a two-way streetThe power of visualization and letting go of old identitiesA conversation about courage, clarity, and the freedom to rebuild yourself, one bold step at a time.👉Connect with Marie Wiese: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariewiese/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, host Kate Coffey-Bacon welcomes Amiee Keenan, Founder of The ISV Society, for a conversation about connection, collaboration, and community in the Microsoft channel and beyond.Together, they explore how one spark can fuel a lifetime of connections, why collaboration creates competitive advantage, and the importance of celebrating progress along the way.Key Takeaways:A single conversation can lead to unexpected opportunities.Collaboration builds stronger visibility and engagement.Community is essential for long-term business success.Celebrating milestones helps you recognize and honor progress.✨ Subscribe to Coffey Talk for more real conversations with leaders and innovators who are shaping the future.Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk! This episode is part of the She Builds series, highlighting women who are making bold moves, breaking barriers, and building communities.👉 Connect with Amiee Keenan on LinkedIn and learn more about The ISV Society: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amieekeenan/👉 Amiee's YoutTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theisvsociety👉 Amiee's Podcast on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5NFG5Tsr7mm7SHp9DefZ0a?si=06d84b67a19e4d7c👉 If you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share Coffey Talk to keep the conversation brewing.Follow along for more conversations on leadership, connection, and community.Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Jennifer Bonenfant shares how knowledge and constant learning create lasting success. She takes us from her early accounting days to leading Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central projects for nonprofits and global organizations. Jennifer explains how curiosity, hands-on experience, and trusting your own expertise can transform a career and inspire others.Listen in for practical advice on investing in yourself, surrounding yourself with people who challenge you, and embracing the power of what you know. Perfect for anyone looking to grow in tech, leadership, or life.What you'll hear:Her career journey from accountant to technology leaderThe old belief that women should downplay intelligence and how she broke        through itHow constant learning keeps her skills sharp and her teams moving forwardAdvice for women in tech on claiming expertise and showing valueThe importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge youSmall daily habits that help you trust your experience and invest in yourselfConnect with Jennifer Bonenfant: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbonenfant/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Anya Ciecierski never set out to become an entrepreneur, yet her curiosity and strong relationships grew a simple idea into the powerhouse ERP Software Blog,  and Channel Marketing Academy.In this episode of Coffey Talk, Anya shares how starting before you feel ready can lead to unexpected success, why collaboration beats competition, and how kindness and consistency create long-term growth. From her early days launching a group blog to the moment she left her “real job,” Anya proves you don’t need a formal business plan or funding to build something meaningful.☕️🎙️What you’ll hear:Turning a side project into a thriving businessBuilding community and momentum through collaborationThe power of relationships and service-first thinkingPractical advice for anyone ready to start before they feel “ready”Listen in and get inspired to create your own path....no perfect plan required.Connect with Anya Ciecierski: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacc/Channel Marketing Academy:  https://www.channelmktgacademy.com/ERP Software Blog: https://erpsoftwareblog.com/ERP Cloud Blog: https://erpsoftwareblog.com/cloud/For more information:https://www.groupbloggers.com/pricinghttps://www.groupbloggers.com/choose-the-right-siteFollow Coffey Talk for more real stories of business and community every Monday at 8 a.m.Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Kate Coffey-Bacon talks with Kim Congleton, a respected leader in the Microsoft Dynamics community, about how trusting your instincts can transform the way you lead and grow in your career. Kim shares how an early mentor encouraged her to ask for forgiveness rather than permission, a lesson that shaped her confidence and leadership style. Together they explore how to build teams that can act boldly, learn from mistakes, stay accountable, and thrive in a culture of empathy and trust.To connect with Kim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kcongleton/Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, Tiffany Allen shares her inspiring journey of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of legacy as a ripple effect rather than a destination. The conversation explores themes of authenticity, mentorship, and the integration of work and life, highlighting how these elements contribute to building a meaningful legacy. Tiffany discusses her experiences as a single mother, the challenges of balancing career and family, and the significance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community. The episode concludes with practical advice for women looking to build their own legacies through connection and authenticity.In this episode, Kate and Tiffany dive into:Legacy is defined by the ripples we create, not titles.Authenticity is key to personal and professional success.Integration of work and life leads to fulfillment.Surround yourself with positive influences during challenges.Mentorship can come from unexpected places.Being true to yourself fosters confidence and growth.Every small action contributes to a larger legacy.Embrace the changes that come with different life stages.Positivity can transform environments and relationships.Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.Connect with Tiffany on LinkedIn (Tiffany Allen) and TikTok (@tiffty.tiffis50)Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

In this episode of Coffey Talk, host Kate Coffey-Bacon sits with fitness and wellness coach Kelsey Coffey, founder of Kasanova Fitness. Kelsey shares her journey from New York City’s fine dining nightlife to building a business rooted in empowerment and mind-body connection.She opens up about the wake-up call of COVID, the transformation of becoming a mother, and how fitness became more than physical movement ~ it became a path to forgiveness, consistency, and healing. Kelsey’s philosophy that consistency matters more than intensity and that we can always “begin again” is the heartbeat of her approach to health and wellness.You’ll hear candid reflections on:Hitting rock bottom when FOMO ruled her lifeHow pregnancy shifted her priorities and mindsetThe power of small daily habits and “anchors” to rebuild trust in yourselfWhy anyone, at any age, can become a version of themselves they’ve never been before☕ Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or beyond, Kelsey’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to start again ~ and that your best version might be the one you haven’t met yet.New episodes of Coffey Talk drop every Monday at 8 a.m. ET.You can find Kelsey on Instagram @kasanovafitnessThanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com

Welcome to the very first episode of Coffey Talk ~ a podcast brewed for connection. I’m your host, Kate Coffey-Bacon, and I am so excited to share this new space with you.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own career journey and the inspiration behind creating Coffey Talk. Over the past 22 years, I’ve worked in marketing, photography, fitness, and strategy. I’ve launched businesses, shut them down, pivoted into new opportunities, and learned what it means to balance ambition with life’s bigger priorities. Some chapters have been filled with incredible successes, while others have come with failures that taught me lessons I’ll never forget.I’ll take you back to my early days of staying home with my kids after college, working part-time at a local gym, and discovering my love of yoga. From there, I share how photography unexpectedly became my next significant chapter, leading to the launch of Blackbird Photography, my wedding photography business that grew nationally and gave me a front row seat to both the beauty and the burnout of entrepreneurship.I also open up about one pivotal moment that changed everything: watching my son compete in the Junior Olympics on my phone while shooting a wedding reception. It was then that I realized that even though my business was thriving, my family needed me more. Closing my business was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. Still, it also opened doors to new opportunities, including working with angel investors, building go-to-market strategies, producing live podcasts, and diving deep into content and digital strategy.Through it all, one theme has remained constant: the people I’ve met along the way and their stories. Stories of resilience, creativity, hard choices, and big dreams. These conversations are what inspired me to launch Coffey Talk ~ a place where we can share openly, learn from each other, and be reminded that we’re not alone in our journey.You’ll also hear the advice that has shaped me most: if you don’t have one of the three resources: time, money, or knowledge — use the other two to get it. And from my dad, wisdom that has always guided me: be the hardest working person in the room, be kind, and always add value. These lessons, and the stories that shaped them, are the foundation for every episode to come.So what can you expect every Monday morning at 8 a.m.? Relaxed, coffee-table style conversations with guests from all walks of life. Real people sharing their real stories ~ the wins, the losses, and the lessons. Some guests will be people I’ve known for years, others I’ve just met, and some I haven’t even crossed paths with yet. That’s the most exciting part: the stories waiting to be discovered.Grab your coffee, settle in, and join me for this first episode of Coffey Talk. Whether you’re a gulp-and-go or a weekend slow pour, these 20-minute episodes are designed to fit right into your morning ritual — giving you inspiration, encouragement, and connection to start your week.☕ Coffey Talk — real people, real stories, every Monday at 8 a.m. ET.Thanks for tuning in to Coffey Talk with Kate Coffey-Bacon!Real people. Real stories. Conversations that stir something in your soul. ☕ Subscribe and join the Coffey Talk community. 💬 Follow @_CoffeyTalk on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories. 🎧 New episodes every Monday at 8 AM ET.👉 Visit us at CoffeyTalkPodcast.com