Pain Points

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Oct 2026

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Welcome to StaffBuffalo’s Pain Points Podcast, your go-to source for insightful conversations around the pain points businesses and people face in today's workplace! Our staffing, recruiting, and human resources firm delves deep into the pain points that organizations encounter across various domains. We tackle business pain points head-on, leveraging our knowledge and expertise to talk through potential solutions and explore the intricacies of Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, Marketing, Human Resources, and more! Join us as we engage in real world discussions that not only shed light on the many hurdles businesses encounter, but also on how you can overcome hurdles through the People side of your business. Hear from our team of seasoned professionals, industry experts, thought leaders, and guests! We bring you real stories, practical strategies, and the latest trends in the world of recruiting, staffing, and human resources!

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October 14, 2026Episode 6433 min

A Million Dollars and a Big Move: Pain Points of Growing a Business

In this episode, Kyle Arsenault sits down with Alborz Bozorgi, better known as Al, Co-Founder of Twipes, to discuss entrepreneurship, product development, hiring, and what it really takes to grow a startup! Twipes started in 2015 with an unexpected conversation about clogged toilets. That conversation sparked an idea to create a wet wipe designed to break down properly after flushing. Nearly five years of research and development followed, along with plenty of failed prototypes and a product launch disrupted by the pandemic. Eventually, the company earned a $1 million investment through the 43North startup competition, bringing Al and his team from London to Buffalo. Kyle and Al discuss: The Pain Points of turning an idea into a successful startup Developing a new product and competing with established brands Winning $1 million through 43North and relocating to Buffalo Rebuilding a team and recruiting experienced professionals in WNY Creative strategies for bringing talent back to Buffalo Why startups offer valuable career growth opportunities The challenges of expanding manufacturing operations in the United States How networking and unexpected customer markets create new opportunities AI, automation, and the future of employment One of the biggest surprises for Al was how much work happened after winning the 43North competition. Moving an international business meant rebuilding much of the team, establishing operations, and finding the right people to support the company's growth. Al shares how Twipes approached recruiting in Buffalo, including a creative strategy to attract experienced professionals who had moved away but still had connections to the area. The conversation also highlights the value of Buffalo's business community and why Al believes startups can be great opportunities for young professionals. Smaller companies often give employees the chance to learn new skills, take on different responsibilities, and grow alongside the organization. Al shares how one of Twipes' earliest team members progressed from helping with customer service to taking on a senior leadership role. Of course, growth comes with challenges. From navigating manufacturing regulations and unexpected delays to discovering entirely new customer markets, Al explains why building a company requires flexibility and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Kyle and Al also discuss how artificial intelligence is changing business. While AI creates opportunities to work more efficiently, Al believes companies still need to consider the people behind their products, services, and customers. As technology continues evolving, finding ways for employees to contribute and create value will remain important. Whether you're an entrepreneur, hiring manager, young professional, or someone interested in Buffalo's growing startup community, this episode offers a practical look at the work, decisions, and unexpected challenges behind building a business. 💼 Connect with Al & Twipes Website: twipe.com Careers: twipe.com/careers Twipes is a wet wipe company focused on developing flushable products and expanding its presence in the United States. Explore the company's products, learn more about its growth, and discover career opportunities with its team. 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

October 2, 2026Episode 631 hr 4 min

Different Circumstances, Same Potential: Pain Points of Disability and Employment

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with Chris Anselmo, author of the Hello, Adversity newsletter and rare disease advocate, for a personal conversation about disability, career changes, self-advocacy, workplace accommodations, and learning how to move forward when life looks nothing like you expected. Together, Maggie and Chris discuss: Chris's journey from Northeastern to becoming a rare disease advocate The Pain Points of navigating a career while living with a progressive disability Turning personal adversity into meaningful work Job searching before, during, and after disclosing a disability Why candidates sometimes hesitate to discuss accommodations The importance of advocating for what you need at work How one simple workplace accommodation changed Chris's perspective The additional considerations people with disabilities can face during a job search Common misconceptions about hiring people with disabilities What employers can do to make their workplaces more accessible and welcoming Why inclusion needs to show up in a company's actions, not just its stated values One of the most powerful parts of Chris's story is how his approach to asking for help changed over time. Early in his career, as his physical abilities began changing, Chris needed a lighter laptop. It sounds like a small request, but at the time, asking for it meant explaining something about himself that he had not been comfortable discussing openly. Eventually, he asked. His employer accommodated the request and then went a step further by asking what else they could do to help him succeed. That experience stuck with Chris. It helped him realize that workplace accommodations are not about giving someone an unfair advantage, they are about removing a barrier so that person can focus on doing the job they were hired to do. Chris and Maggie also look at the hiring process from both sides. For job seekers with disabilities, a requirement around travel, relocation, office attendance, or scheduling can create another decision before they even submit an application. Is the requirement actually necessary? Is there flexibility? Will the company be willing to have a conversation? Sometimes a simple yes-or-no application question does not leave room for any of that context. For employers, Chris encourages taking a closer look at job postings, applications, workplace policies, and company culture. Small changes in language can show candidates that a company is willing to have a conversation instead of immediately screening someone out. The episode also tackles some of the misconceptions surrounding disability and employment. People with disabilities work across industries, build businesses, earn advanced degrees, lead teams, and bring valuable perspectives and skills into organizations. Sometimes the way the work gets done looks a little different. That does not change someone's ability to contribute. Chris's message to job seekers is equally important: do not automatically remove yourself from an opportunity because you may need an accommodation. Advocating for yourself can be uncomfortable, especially when you do not know how an employer will respond. But communicating what you need can open the door to solutions and help you determine whether an organization is truly the right place for you. For employers, recruiters, HR professionals, leaders, and job seekers, this episode is a thoughtful conversation about what accessibility can look like when we replace assumptions with communication. 💼 Connect with Chris Anselmo Newsletter: Hello, Adversity Website: helloadversity.substack.com LinkedIn: Chris Anselmo Instagram: @hello_adversity Follow Chris for learn and read more about adversity, resilience, disability, mental health, uncertainty, and navigating major changes in life. 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

September 15, 2026Episode 6232 min

People, Data and AI: Pain Points of Modern HR

In this episode, Lauren Lewis sits down with Laura Azzarella, PHR, MS HRM, an experienced HR professional and leader in the Buffalo HR community, to talk about employee relations, leadership, data, AI, and how the role of Human Resources continues to evolve. Laura's path into HR was not exactly planned. A first-generation college student originally studying media production, Laura found an HR assistant position while looking for a new job. What started as an opportunity to try something different turned into a career focused on people, leadership development, employee relations, and making complicated HR topics easier to understand. As Laura puts it, she likes to make HR make sense. Together, Lauren and Laura discuss: Laura's unexpected journey into Human Resources The Pain Points of navigating difficult employee situations Why HR professionals spend so much time operating in the gray Working in HR across manufacturing, higher education, and professional services Using data to identify problems within an organization The importance of protecting your professional reputation and not burning bridges Why AI-generated information still needs human oversight Laura's involvement with the Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association Creating practical resources for emerging HR professionals A major part of the conversation focuses on AI and its growing role in the workplace. Laura has been experimenting with generative AI since its early days and sees it as another tool HR professionals can use to work more effectively. Instead of replacing the human side of HR, she believes technology can take repetitive and administrative tasks off someone's plate so they have more time for strategic work and real conversations. But using AI also comes with responsibility. Laura and Lauren discuss why professionals still need to understand the fundamentals of their field. AI can provide an answer that sounds completely confident and still be wrong. When you're dealing with employment law, employee relations, investigations, or someone's career, simply accepting an AI-generated answer is not enough. You still have to check the work. They also discuss some of the new challenges AI creates for employers, including generated images, altered information, workplace investigations, and the need to think carefully about what employees and companies upload into these tools. Beyond technology, this episode gets into what HR is really about: people. Sometimes an attendance problem has a bigger story behind it. Sometimes an employee struggling at work needs resources or support. Sometimes HR has to make a difficult decision that an employee is not going to like. The challenge is knowing how to listen, understand the situation, protect the organization, support employees, and make the best decision possible with the information available. Laura also shares her approach to leadership and why she does not believe being a leader means being the best at everything. Instead, great leaders surround themselves with people who bring different strengths, perspectives, and skills to the table, then give those people the opportunity to succeed. Whether you're an HR professional, business owner, manager, emerging leader, or simply curious about how AI is changing the workplace, this episode offers a practical and very human look at where HR is headed. 💼 Connect with Laura Azzarella LinkedIn: Laura Azzarella, PHR, MS HRM Applied Potential Solutions: appliedpotentialsolutions.com Laura is also developing an Employee Relations 101 course designed to make topics like investigations, progressive discipline, ADA, FMLA, and difficult workplace conversations more approachable for HR professionals. 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

September 1, 2026Episode 6138 min

What Actually Makes You Happy? Pain Points of Career and Life Fulfillment

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with Christopher Musialowski, career and life coach and founder of Own Your Path Coaching, to talk about career changes, burnout, work-life balance, and why so many professionals reach a point where they start asking, "Is this really what I want?" Chris knows that feeling firsthand. His own career took him through banking, government, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and executive roles before he recognized a common thread. The part of his work he enjoyed most was helping other people develop, think through their careers, and figure out what they wanted to do next. Eventually, Chris decided to take a risk and turn that passion into his own coaching practice. Maggie and Chris discuss: The Pain Points of leaving a steady career to start your own business Why a career path does not have to be linear Recognizing burnout before making a major career decision Why so many millennials are questioning traditional definitions of success Finding the areas of your life that are leaving you unfulfilled Balancing work, family, relationships, finances, and time for yourself Why getting a promotion does not always mean moving in the right direction Separating your definition of success from what others expect of you Making small, sustainable changes instead of impulsive decisions How career coaching can help turn a big goal into realistic next steps Why your priorities can change throughout different stages of life Finding fulfillment outside of your career through hobbies, volunteering, and relationships Chris also talks about something many professionals can probably relate to. You can have the career, family, paycheck, and life you thought you were supposed to want and still feel like something is missing. Instead of immediately quitting your job or making a drastic change, Chris encourages people to figure out where that feeling is actually coming from. Sometimes the answer is a new career. Sometimes it is a different role within the same company. Other times, work might not be the problem at all. You may simply need to make more room for the parts of life that make you feel like yourself again. For many people, the version of success they grew up expecting no longer matches the reality of their lives. Chris believes that is exactly why it is worth asking a simple question: What does success actually look like for you? Whether you are feeling burned out, considering a career change, chasing a promotion, or simply wondering what comes next, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on slowing down, asking better questions, and finding a path that fits the life you actually want. 💼 Connect with Christopher Musialowski & Own Your Path Coaching Website: ownyourpath.coach LinkedIn: Christopher Musialowski Facebook: Own Your Path Coaching 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

August 18, 2026Episode 601 hr 19 min

Plan Before the Pain: Pain Points of Taxes, Transitions, and Business Ownership

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with Ashley Gerhard, CPA, Partner at Sixt Gerhard & Associates CPAs, for a conversation about accounting, entrepreneurship, leadership, succession planning, and the realities of advising small business owners through some of their biggest decisions. Ashley’s path to leadership was anything but linear. She began as a math major, transitioned into accounting and finance, gained experience in managerial accounting, helped her husband operate a business, and eventually returned to the accounting firm where she had first worked as an intern. After years of learning the business from different perspectives, Ashley was approached about stepping into a leadership role and helping carry the firm into its next chapter. That transition officially took place at the beginning of 2020, bringing an unexpected challenge almost immediately. Ashley found herself navigating new ownership at the same time the pandemic disrupted businesses everywhere. From rapidly implementing remote work to helping small business clients understand PPP, ERC, and constantly changing regulations, the experience reshaped both her leadership and the firm. Maggie and Ashley discuss: The Pain Points of transitioning from employee to firm leadership Growing up around entrepreneurship and how it shaped Ashley’s career Why succession planning should begin long before a business owner is ready to leave Buying and selling a business and why the numbers only tell part of the story Taking emotion out of major financial decisions The importance of involving accountants, attorneys, financial advisors, and other professionals early Leading a firm through the uncertainty and burnout of 2020 Hiring the right people instead of simply filling open seats Training younger accountants to understand where the numbers actually come from Helping employees discover the work that energizes them Knowing when a client has outgrown your firm and helping them make the right transition Retirement planning for business owners Estate planning, trusts, beneficiaries, and preparing for the unexpected Why business owners should communicate with their accountant throughout the year, not just during tax season One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is planning before you are forced to react. 💼 Connect with Ashley Gerhard & Sixt Gerhard & Associates CPAs, PLLC Website: sixtcpa.com Sixt Gerhard & Associates CPAs, PLLC is located in West Falls, New York, between East Aurora and Orchard Park. The firm works closely with small businesses and individuals, with an emphasis on finding the right client fit and providing planning and consulting alongside traditional accounting services. 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

August 4, 2026Episode 5938 min

From the Financial Crisis to Managing Partner: Pain Points of Growing Through Change

In this episode, Maggie Shea sits down with Tina Hassler, Managing Partner at Sandhill Investment Management, for an insightful conversation about career growth, financial planning, leadership, and why relationships will always matter more than market headlines. Tina shares her journey from starting her career in Finance during the 2008 financial crisis to helping lead one of Western New York's premier investment management firms. Along the way, she reflects on the lessons she learned from starting at the ground level, embracing every opportunity, and building a career through hard work, curiosity, and exceptional client service. Together, Maggie and Tina discuss: The Pain Points of starting a Finance career in NYC during the 2008 financial crisis Why every role teaches valuable lessons, even the ones you didn't plan for Building trust with clients during uncertain economic times How emotions influence financial decisions and why having a trusted advisor matters Leadership, mentorship, and growing into new opportunities Why great customer service is still a competitive advantage Navigating market uncertainty without reacting emotionally The importance of finding work that aligns with your strengths and values Preparing the next generation of leaders in today's workplace Tina also shares what it was like stepping into leadership at Sandhill Investment Management and why the firm's success has always been built on long-term relationships, thoughtful planning, and helping clients make confident financial decisions. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that success rarely happens overnight. Whether you're building a career, growing a business, or planning for your financial future, consistency, patience, and surrounding yourself with the right people make all the difference. If you're interested in leadership, investing, career development, or simply hearing the story of someone who worked her way from the ground up, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 💼 Connect with Tina Hassler & Sandhill Investment Management Website: sandhillim.com LinkedIn: Tina Hassler 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

July 21, 2026Episode 5833 min

Helping Buffalo Grow: Pain Points of Workforce Development and Community Impact

In this episode, StaffBuffalo recruiter Sam Spizuoco sits down with Russell Bassarath, Professional Development Manager at the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT), to talk about workforce development, career transitions, and the life-changing impact of education. Russell shares his own journey from teacher to leader at BCAT and explains how the organization helps both youth and adult students build the confidence, skills, and support they need to pursue new opportunities. Together, Sam and Russell discuss: The Pain Points of changing careers and starting over Why confidence is just as important as technical skills Helping students prepare for interviews, resumes, and the workplace The impact of mentorship and community partnerships How BCAT connects education with real career opportunities Why creating a safe and supportive environment matters The importance of adapting to today's workforce and technology How volunteers and local businesses help students succeed Russell also shares how BCAT has expanded its programs in healthcare, technology, and the arts while continuing to build strong partnerships throughout Western New York. From mock interviews to career panels and internships, the organization is focused on preparing students for long-term success. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that everyone's path looks different. Whether someone is changing careers, returning to school, or exploring a new opportunity for the first time, having the right support system can make all the difference. If you're thinking about a career change, looking to build new skills, or simply want to learn more about one of Buffalo's most impactful nonprofits, this episode is well worth the watch. 💼 Connect with Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) Website: Homepage - Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) LinkedIn: Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: StaffBuffalo More Episodes: Pain Points Podcast 🎙 | StaffBuffalo

July 7, 2026Episode 5730 min

Turning Challenges into Purpose: Pain Points of Living Without Limits

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

June 23, 2026Episode 5643 min

153 Years of Impact: Pain Points of Meeting a Community’s Changing Needs

In this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Mary Czopp, Chief Communications and Development Officer at Child and Family Services, for a conversation about the evolving needs of families, the power of storytelling, and the life-changing work happening across Western New York. For more than 150 years, Child and Family Services has been helping children, families, and individuals navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Mary shares how the organization has evolved over time while staying true to its mission of protecting, supporting, and empowering those in need. Together, Lauren and Mary discuss: • The Pain Points of serving a community with constantly changing needs • How Child and Family Services has evolved over its 153-year history • The critical role of foster care, adoption, counseling, and family support services • The growing need for Haven House, Erie County’s only licensed domestic violence shelter • Why storytelling is so important in nonprofit work • Supporting children through some of life’s most challenging circumstances • The importance of employee wellness and supporting those who do difficult work every day • Building awareness around services that many people do not realize are available • How community partnerships help create opportunities for children and families Mary also shares some of the stories that have stayed with her throughout her 16-year career, including the moments that remind her why this work matters and the incredible resilience shown by the families Child and Family Services supports every day. One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that healing and growth rarely happen alone. Whether through counseling, foster care, education, shelter services, or community support, meaningful change happens when people have access to the resources and relationships they need to move forward. If you are passionate about community impact, nonprofit leadership, mental health, family services, or making a difference in the lives of others, this is an episode you will not want to miss. 💼 Connect with Mary Czopp & Child and Family Services Website: cfsbny.org LinkedIn: Mary Czopp 🤝 Connect with StaffBuffalo & Pain Points Podcast Website: staffbuffalo.com More Episodes: staffbuffalo.com/painpoints

June 9, 2026Episode 5544 min

Illuminating Brilliance: Pain Points of Helping Others Reach Their Potential

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