Coffey Talk

Episode Summary In 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...

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...

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 conversat...

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 i...

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...

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 ex...

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...

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...

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....

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 crea...

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 shape...

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 i...

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 technolog...

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 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 Takeawa...

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...

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...

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 experie...

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 t...

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 ph...

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 busines...