Shifting the Power Balance is a workplace law and HR strategy podcast hosted by Dwayne Smith, a leading legal authority and experienced workplace attorney focused on navigating workplace conflict, reducing risk, and strengthening employee-employer relationships.
Created for business owners, C-suite executives, entrepreneurs, HR directors, and organizational thought leaders, this podcast addresses workplace harassment, HR violations, power dynamics, employee handbooks, and the real-world decisions that trigger legal exposure.
Each episode delivers practical guidance on:
Navigating workplace investigations and harassment claims
Managing employee relations before they escalate
Creating legally sound employee handbooks
Understanding power imbalances that lead to conflict
Reducing liability, insurance claims, and compliance risk
Creating productive and successful organizations by making each employee feel valuable
Clear insight. Real examples. Actionable leadership strategies for modern workplaces.
Dwayne Smith and Rudy Davis talk with brand voice and brand messaging strategist Sheral DeVaughn, whose career spans radio, wine and spirits, and brand coaching. Sheral shares how her path shaped a practical framework for helping people find a voice that feels human, credible, and distinct. This episode centers on leadership, personal branding, and why the best communicators do not talk at people - they talk with them. Sheral also reflects on radio history, Prince’s creative genius, and the w...
31 Aug 2026
The Vision Ignitor - A Conversation with Dr. Alisa J. Henley, Ph.D
EPISODE SUMMARYIn this episode of Shifting the Power Balance, host Dr. Dwayne Smith sits down with Dr. Alisa J. Henley — PhD in Industrial Psychology, founder of Destiny Consulting, and the creator of the Vision Ignitor® coaching brand. Dr. Henley takes us from her childhood as the youngest of five girls raised by a single mother in St. Louis, through the mentors who shaped every turn of her journey, to her launch of Destiny Consulting in 2004 and the building of three distinct organizations ...
17 Aug 2026
Advocating For Dads Part II - David Pisarra
Episode Overview In Part II of this conversation, family law attorney David Pisarra delves deeper into the power dynamics that fathers face in and out of the courtroom. David breaks down why the power imbalance often starts before a dad says a single word to a judge, how cultural narratives about "deadbeat dads" shape court outcomes, and what internal tools men need to stay grounded when everything is falling apart. He introduces the concept of the "accusation audit," explains how langu...
9 Aug 2026
Advocating For Dads - David Pisarra
The following episode description has been created with the assistance of AI. Episode Overview What happens when a father walks into family court feeling invisible, outmatched, and terrified of losing his children? In this episode of Shifting the Power Balance, host Dwayne Smith sits down with David Pisarra — family law attorney, fathers' rights advocate, and founder of Dad's Law School — for a candid conversation about the power dynamics inside the family court system. This is Part 1 o...
26 Jul 2026
More Than A Coach Part II - Vonn Webb
This Episode Description was completed with the support of AI. EPISODE 13 More Than a Coach — Part II Host: Dwayne Smith | Co-Host: Rudy Davis | Guest: Vonn Webb Runtime: 34:10 EPISODE OVERVIEW Part II of the conversation with Coach Vonn Webb goes to the places Part I only hinted at. Dwayne Smith and Rudy Davis pick up with Vonn's memories of playing alongside Michael Jordan, then turn the conversation to NIL, player branding, and the real economics of coll...
12 Jul 2026
More Than A Coach Part I - Vonn Webb
EPISODE OVERVIEW This is the first of a two-part episode. Dwayne Smith and co-host Rudy Davis sit down with Rudy's friend — Vonn Webb, a 1981 Junction City High School graduate who went on to become one of the most decorated high school basketball coaches in the state of California: two CIF state championships, an 85% winning percentage, and a hand in developing NBA players like Chris Jeffries and Deshaun Stevenson. Vonn also served as an assistant coach in Division I programs, includin...
6 Jul 2026
Advocating with Compassion - Kim Benjamin - Attorney/Entrepreneur
Episode OverviewIn Episode 11 of Shifting the Power Balance, host Dwayne Smith and co-host Rudy Davis sit down with Kimberly J. Benjamin — founder and managing attorney of Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, one of Missouri's most respected criminal defense and DUI attorneys. Kim brings more than two decades of trial experience, a faculty role at the Trial Lawyers College (TLC), and a reputation for fiercely compassionate advocacy. This conversation explores her path from government service to founding h...
18 Jun 2026
The Power of Connection - A Conversation with Kim McGownd
Episode 10 — The Power of Connection Guest: Kim McGownd | Consultant & Connector, KDM Partner Solutions LLC Runtime: 26 minutes 49 seconds EPISODE DESCRIPTION What does it really mean to be a connector — and how can the right introduction at the right moment change everything? In this episode of Shifting the Power Balance, host Dwayne Smith sits down with Kim McGownd, Founding Partner of KDM Partner Solutions LLC and one of Kansas City's most strategically...
9 Jun 2026
Building a Business from the Ground Up - Anoop Goyal
Summary In this episode, Dwayne Smith and Rudy Davis speak with Anoop Goyal. Goyal shares his journey from an engineer with patents to an entrepreneur, highlighting the creation of Network Counts, a digital business card app. Discover how his experiences in Kansas City shaped his approach to innovation, networking, and building a startup from the ground up. Chapters 00:00 From Engineer to Entrepreneur: An Unconventional Journey 07:12 The Birth of Network Counts: Identifyin...
14 May 2026
KSU - Jerome Tang Update
In this follow-up episode, co-host Rudy Davis and attorney/host Dwayne Smith break down the legal landscape since Jerome Tang's for-cause firing from Kansas State. Topics include Tang's return to Baylor and how it affects his damages claim, the duty-to-mitigate argument, the comparator coaches, K-State's strongest and weakest arguments, the settlement dynamics, and key takeaways for HR professionals and high-profile employees. Timestamps: 0:30 – Introduction & episode overview 1:33 – Je...
10 May 2026
Fractional HR Services - A Conversation with Scott Chase
Overview In this episode, Scott Chase, a seasoned HR expert with 25 years of experience, discusses the importance of fractional HR for small and medium-sized businesses. He shares insights on HR strategies, common pitfalls, and practical steps to build a compliant and supportive workplace. Keywords HR, fractional HR, small business, HR policies, employee handbook, workplace culture, HR strategy, compliance, talent acquisition, employee relations Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HR and Scott Cha...
26 Apr 2026
Choosing To Live
Summary In this heartfelt interview, Amy Sharpe shares her journey through her husband's (Greg Sharpe) cancer diagnosis, their life in Nebraska, and the importance of living fully despite life's challenges. Discover insights on faith, resilience, and the power of living in the moment. Keywords Amy Sharpe, Greg Sharpe, cancer journey, faith, resilience, Nebraska, broadcasting, family, living fully Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy Sharp's Journey 04:12 Transitioning to Nebraska: New Beg...
13 Apr 2026
The Woman Behind The Voice
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Amy Sharpe 02:16 Amy's Journey in Journalism 11:51 Navigating the Challenges of Being a Female Anchor 16:00 Memorable Stories from Amy's Career 18:35 Meeting Greg Sharpe: A Personal Connection 21:34 The Evolution of Their Relationship 24:38 Transition to Nebraska and Supporting Greg 27:07 Foundation of Their Relationship Before Challenges 29:36 Shifting the Power Balance Outro.mp3
1 Apr 2026
When Workplace Culture Becomes a Liability
Workplace culture can look polished on the outside while hiding toxic behavior and serious legal risk underneath. In my follow-up conversation with Fractional General Counsel and Attorney Tim Papuga, we discuss: • Defining workplace culture as lived values • Reading culture quickly through respect, trust, and accountability • Separating a single bad actor from a leadership and culture failure • Understanding why policies and handbooks fail without real enforcement&nbs...
24 Mar 2026
The Role of General Counsel
In this episode, Tim Papuga, a seasoned legal expert and founder of VersaGC, shares insights on the intersection of legal counsel and business strategy, emphasizing the importance of culture, legal foundations, and the innovative Fractional General Counsel model for small and medium-sized businesses. Keywords Legal counsel, business strategy, workplace culture, fractional GC, labor law, HR, organizational development Key topics Legal and business strategy intersection Fractiona...
16 Mar 2026
Building Bridges to Power - A Conversation with Scott D. Hamilton
Shifting the Power Balance: Building Bridges to Power A Conversation with Scott D. Hamilton What does power really look like—and who gets to use it? In this episode of Shifting the Power Balance, I sit down with Scott D. Hamilton to talk about leadership, service, and the long game of creating opportunity. Scott’s journey is anything but linear: from law school to the energy sector, and ultimately to leading the Urban League of Arkansas. Along the way, he’s learned how institutions work, why...
2 Mar 2026
What is Reasonable - Where Sports, HR, & Law Collide - KSU Firing of Jerome Tang
Summary In this episode of Shifting the Power Balance, guest host Rudy Davis and show creator and host Dwayne Smith delve into the controversial firing of Kansas State basketball coach Jerome Tang. They explore the legal and procedural aspects of the termination, emphasizing the importance of due process in employment law, especially for public institutions. The discussion highlights the changing landscape of college athletics, the implications of NIL agreements, and the potential repu...
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