6 Degrees or Less

Am I talking to myself? Why, yes. Yes, I am. A year ago today, I launched this podcast and published my very first episode. I thought it would be good to take a few moments and reflect on the lessons learned, where I've come from, how my podcast has evolved and where I want to take it next. I have loved every moment of this journey and I'm excited to see where it will take me and the new people that I'll meet along the way. Creating content like this has stretched me in ways that I was unfamiliar with and I feel like I've tapped into a part of me that I've never known. I'm blessed to have some amazing people in my life that I've been able to introduce to listeners and share their stories and the great work they're doing through my podcast. I'm excited about what's to come in 2020 and hope that you'll tune in and join me! www.6degreesorless.com www.sethmccolley.com

Sal is a relatively new connection of mine, but we have developed a solid relationship based on the shared understanding of networking, sound HR principles and practices, trying to give more than we take and doing what we can to elevate ourselves and those around us. I'm thankful for the opportunities that Sal's given me, to share the story of my transformation and personal branding with his in-transformation groups. I'm excited about the great work he's doing in the Dallas HR community and proud to call him a friend.  With more than 25 years of consultative business development and relationship management experience, Sal has helped dozens of clients across the globe achieve and surpass performance and revenue growth results. Today, Sal is responsible for the overarching market expansion and development of hrQ in the DFW metroplex. He’s also the founder of the Dallas hrQ In-Transformation Network which focuses on helping senior-level HR executives optimize their job/career search and prepares them to navigate that journey more effectively. Prior to hrQ, he focused on delivering an all-inclusive talent acquisition solution as Director of Global Sales for one of the premier recruiting software firms in Silicon Valley. Sal’s passion to develop long-lasting, trusted partnerships is evident in his success and in his relationships. Sal’s strength in assessing a business situation and partnering with key stakeholders to identify client needs, translates into his ability to customize an integrated talent solution to simplify & humanize the people eQuation. #hrQ #hroptimization  #hrQintransformation  #payitforward  #elevatedHR  #optimizedHR

I hired Lesha back in June of 2005 to join my HR team at Cingular/AT&T Wireless. To this day, she is still the best HR pro that I've ever hired. I think the world of her as a professional and as a friend. Her infectious energy, quick wit, positive attitude and straight-shooting style make her fun to work with and a pleasure to be around. I'm glad that we were finally able to make this conversation happen. Sit, back, relax and enjoy some fun conversation as I interview Lesha Reese! Lesha is a veteran Human Resources leader, Master Executive Coach and Certified Life Coach and spends her days guiding professionals at all levels in business who are feeling uninspired and burnt out, transform their corporate reality from the inside out, creating more purpose in their work, experiencing more fulfillment and making a significant impact.  Lesha also hosts "The Corporate Life Coach Show" podcast where she provides a new spin on your corporate reality and professional potential. www.leshareese.com www.6degreesorless.com

When I first met Morag Barrett several years ago I felt an instant connection with her. She has a passion for people that is infectious and inspiring. She truly understands the power of our relationships, how they work for us (and against us) in our work lives, and the importance of cultivating our relationships. I always walk away from our conversations encouraged and better off. I know you’ll enjoy this conversation!  Morag Barrett is the author of Cultivate. The Power of Winning Relationships and The Future-Proof Workplace. As a sought out keynote speaker and leadership development expert Morag's message that business is personal and relationships matter resonates with everyone. As the founder and CEO of SkyeTeam, an international executive development company, Morag has supported the development of more than 6,000 leaders, in 20 countries and on 4 continents. She’s been featured by Entrepreneur.com, Forbes and CIO.com among others. Morag understands the challenges of running a business as well as the complexities of leading and managing the people that are part of that business. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Dirk is a new relationship of mine, but a kindred spirit. His passion for people, for innovation and for change are infectious and explains why I felt so connected to him when we recently met through some work that he's doing for Kirby-Smith Machinery. Dirk will be speaking at our annual sales meeting in January and I'm excited to see how he is going to stretch our salespeople and push Kirby-Smith to do more, be more and ultimately sell more. I hope you're enjoy the conversation as much as we enjoyed having it! Dirk Beveridge is the founder of UnleashWD providing a platform of services that leads growth-oriented organizations to critically think, innovate, and strategically commit to a relevant and profitable future. Beveridge’s keynote presentations inspire and educate forward-thinking businesses to think differently and innovate for the future. His Unleash Innovation Summit, is held annually and is setting a bold agenda for change, transformation, and innovation for the 300,000 distributors in the United States. And his new My Life’s Work program is the world's only program for distribution executives preparing their business for a successful transition to the next generation. Learn more at www.dirkbeveridge.com.

Jim Priest is a great example of why I created this podcast and why I have such a passion for networking (i.e. relationshiping). I first met Jim about two months ago, as he was the guest speaker at the Oklahoma City Human Resources Society (OCHRS) chapter meeting in late August. I felt an immediate connection to Jim as he talked about culture and the C suite's (not just HR) role in defining corporate culture. I introduced myself after the meeting and suggested we get together soon for coffee. Shortly after that breakfast meeting, we sat down and had this conversation here in a busy McDonald's to talk about his deep and diverse background, how he's managed to impact and lead culture change, and how the HR profession has evolved over the years. Jim Priest is a husband, dad, columnist, author, community activist and President of Sage counsel, a consulting practice which imparts wisdom and impacts lives through executive coaching, training, strategic advising and legal advice.  https://sage-counsel.com Jim was previously the CEO of one of Oklahoma’s largest nonprofits and was a trial lawyer for 34 years, focusing on employment and civil rights. Jim is the husband of one wife, Diane; the father of two children, Amanda and Spencer, and is owned by one dog named Jeter (yes, she’s named after Derek Jeter!). He is also an Olympic-level grandfather to his namesake grandson, James. www.6degreesorless.com www.sethmccolley.com

I met Jackie Chabot years ago and we've stayed connected across time, different roles (for both of us) and space. Tune in as we talk about hot topics like ageism, VSCO girls, college football and staying relevant as a job-seeker. This is a fun conversation that took some twists and turns that I never saw coming! About Jackie Chabot Having spent over 25 years in Human Resources, Talent Acquisition & Development, and Executive Search, Jackie brings a unique perspective and keen eye for talent - believing that having the 'right person in the right place at the right time' will add immediate value to the business.  Jackie has worked across all industries (including professional services, healthcare, financial services, business process outsourcing, and defense) and has worked with Executives and Managers at all levels within an organization (from Fortune 50 companies to small privately held firms) to fill key roles. During the past few years, Jackie has successfully managed searches to fill senior management-level positions in Accounting & Finance, Compensation, Compliance, Human Resources, Legal, Sales & Marketing, and Security. Jackie has a B.S. degree in Health from SUNY, Cortland, and earned her M.S. degree in Organizational Development from Chapman University in Irvine, California. www.chabottalentsolutions.com www.sethmccolley.com www.6degreesorless.com

I recently connected with Kristen on LinkedIn and we both share the same passion for people, for learning and for empowering others. A virtual "coffee meeting" led to an invitation to be on my podcast, which in turn, led to this conversation here. I'm excited to introduce others to Kristen and hope that you'll enjoy the conversation as much as we had having it! For the last 12 years Kristen has consulted with hundreds of organizations in various industries helping them create more positive and productive workplaces. Her specialties have been talent management, leadership development, organizational wellness, team effectiveness and performance management. She started her coaching practice so that she could work with more individuals on a one-on-one basis and have a deeper impact. Her mission in the workplace is to help leaders develop greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence, lead with courage, reach their full potential and bring out the best in their teams. She also supports people in finding more balance, meaning, clarity and fulfillment in their careers and lives. She’s dedicated to empowering individuals to become more aware of their strengths, blind spots, values and purpose. Kristen is a graduate of McMaster University, having attained her Honors Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology. She is accredited through the International Coach Federation and completed her coach training and certification through The Coaches Training Institute (CTI) where she achieved her CPCC designation. On a personal note, Kristen is a big believer in kindness and intentional living. She’s passionate about humanizing the workplace and creating empowering work environments where people thrive. www.kristenharcourt.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenharcourt/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/@kristenharcourt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenharcourt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristenharcourt/

Satyen Pathak (aka Salt) is my oldest and dearest friend, as we grew up together in Sugar Land, Texas and lived through many of life’s highs and lows together. When we both found ourselves living in Dallas and going through the job search process together several years ago, we actually talked about memorializing our interviewing/networking experiences somehow and sharing with others...but it never happened. I never forgot that and those thoughts were a big part of how and why I created this podcast. I hope you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as we enjoyed having it! Satyen Pathak has been in the material handling industry for 20 years and has held several roles from Product Management, Technical Support, to Business Development. He has traveled the globe to speak at conferences, panel discussions, trade shows, and to support industry educational organizations. Satyen holds industry patents and has won product innovation awards. He holds an MBA from Ashford University in Organizational Leadership. He has a passion for road cycling, golfing, travelling, and most of all spending time with his family. Twitter: @tasteoftech FB: https://www.facebook.com/satyen.pathak.9 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satyen-pathak-b3789b13 Email: [email protected] Phone: 513-496-9639

I sat down recently with Timothy Wheeler, President and CEO of Wheeler Staffing Partners, a staffing firm based in Allen, Texas. We talked about how we got connected, shared stories about networking, and the importance of leveraging tools like LinkedIn as a job seeker and working professional. Timothy's easy demeanor and years of experience in the business made this a great conversation! For Timothy, recruiting started at an early age as he was a sought after football recruit coming out of his high school near Oklahoma City. Early on, he saw the good, the bad, and the ugly side of recruiting of high-level athletes. After finishing his football career and college degree at Texas A&M University - Commerce, he decided to start a recruiting career with one of the nation's largest staffing firms, Aerotek. The rest, as they say, is history. Over the last 24 years, he's worked several recruiting jobs eventually becoming President/COO of HLP Solutions, an IT, Telecommunications, Engineering staffing firm based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. In 2012, he became CEO and Partner of WheelHouse Resource Partners, another staffing firm based in Plano, Texas. In June 2014, he founded Wheeler Staffing Partners, a staffing firm focused on contract, contract-to-hire, direct hire, contingency, and executive positions. Wheeler Staffing Partners started in his house and has grown to nearly 90 employees. The firm just celebrated their five-year anniversary.  When he's not working requisitions and landing people jobs, he spends his time on the football field...as a coach. Timothy's got a passion for youth sports and gives back by coaching young boys who are getting ready to play junior high football in Rockwall, Texas.  www.6degreesorless.com www.wheelersp.com