What if the very challenges dividing our society could become the force that brings us together? In a thought-provoking episode of Success Beneath the Surface, Brett Howroyd, President of ActOne Group, shares a counterintuitive perspective on how economic pressures are creating unexpected unity across generations in the workplace.

As the leader of a 65-year family-run staffing organization, Brett has a unique vantage point on workforce dynamics. His observation? When different generations face common struggles with affordability - not for luxuries, but for basic necessities like housing and education - traditional divides begin to dissolve.

"A common enemy unites you," Brett explains. "In this case, the enemy is not a person. It's the economic situation people find themselves in." This shared challenge, he argues, is fostering collaboration and understanding that transcend typical generational differences in technology, communication styles, or work preferences.

About Brett Howroyd:

Brett Howroyd is President of the ActOne Group. As a leader of a multi-billion-dollar (USA$), award-winning international workforce management and technology enterprise, Brett serves as a solutions strategist and technology innovator for the organization. His international business knowledge, understanding of global markets, experience in diverse communities, and capacity to solve complex workforce challenges have added a dynamic perspective to the ActOne Group’s mission.

Brett joined the ActOne Group in 2007 and worked in both Los Angeles and Canada, learning the business from the inside out. Later, by working closely with global leaders, he gained a unique perspective on how the industry is evolving. This wide range of experience has shaped Brett’s mission for the company that balances the future’s needs with the core values that define its history.

What happens when personal tragedy becomes professional purpose? In this powerful episode, Christine Verini, CEO of CancerCare, shares her extraordinary 30-year journey from mixing chemotherapy as a pharmacist to leading one of the nation's most impactful cancer support organizations. Sparked by her sister's inflammatory breast cancer diagnosis at 28, Christine has dedicated her entire career to helping cancer patients and their families navigate one of life's most challenging experiences.

From launching life-saving drugs in 40 countries to developing innovative meal delivery programs, Christine's path wasn't linear—but it was always purposeful. Now as CEO, she's tackling healthcare's "red tape crisis" while building compassionate, people-first leadership that transforms both organizations and lives. Her insights on leading through uncertainty, making tough decisions with empathy, and staying true to your mission will resonate with any leader facing today's complex challenges.

Key Points in this episode:

Purpose Drives Success Living your passion and purpose creates unexpected opportunities and sustained career satisfaction.

People Make Organizations Compassionate leadership that prioritizes people first leads to stronger, more resilient teams.

Infrastructure Enables Impact Investing in foundational systems and capabilities is essential for organizational effectiveness and growth.

Decisive Yet Inclusive Great leaders make tough decisions while finding meaningful ways to include their teams in the process.

Growth Happens Outside The biggest breakthroughs come from embracing uncertainty and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Healthcare Needs Reform The "red tape crisis" in healthcare is costing organizations productivity while adding stress to already vulnerable patients.

Christine Verini brings over 25 years of oncology experience to her role as Chief Executive Officer at CancerCare, a national nonprofit providing support services to cancer patients and families. Her career spans progressive leadership roles from medical science liaison to executive positions in global marketing and corporate communications. Notable achievements include developing the Magnolia Meals at Home program for cancer patients, launching metastatic breast cancer treatments in nearly 40 countries, and receiving national recognition through the Eisai Human Healthcare Award (2012) and PharmaVOICE 100 Most Inspiring Award (2019). At CancerCare since 2015, she leads the organization's strategic vision and daily operations across key departments including social services, finance, and communications. She also serves as Chair of HealthyWomen and previously served on the Board of Directors of CancerCare New Jersey. Her advocacy work is driven by personal experience with cancer's impact on families.

This conversation will challenge everything you think you know about leadership identity. Deborah Fell sits down with powerhouse CEO Ticki Favaroth, a faith-driven leader who has mastered the art of showing up authentically while building multiple successful enterprises.

Ticki doesn't mince words: "People don't get to choose my life" - and in this raw, transformative conversation, she explains exactly what that means for leaders who want to build a lasting legacy rather than just temporary success.

From her journey through 20 years in corporate America to founding HR&Co and leading The BOW Enterprises, Ticki shares the hard-won wisdom about identity, boundaries, and the courage to let things burn when they're meant to transform.

This isn't your typical business strategy episode - it's a masterclass in becoming the leader you're meant to be, complete with practical frameworks for navigating change, building authentic relationships, and focusing on what you can actually control.

Perfect for CEOs, founders, and leaders ready to move from pleasing everyone to leading with purpose.

About Ticki Favaroth

Ticki Favaroth is a faith-driven CEO, founder, and strategic advisor known for empowering leaders and building legacy-focused ecosystems. As Senior Partner & Managing Director at HR&Co., she delivers people-first solutions that drive sustainable growth. She also serves as President of The BOW Enterprises, Vice President & COO of The BOW Collective, and founder of The ADISA Institute. With an MBA from Texas Woman’s University and a BBA from Texas Tech, Ticki’s impact spans Fortune 500s, government, and nonprofits. Rooted in faith and authenticity, she equips others to confront hard truths, redefine success, and lead with purpose

Ticki's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ticki/