Shows
Unscripted with VersiqueMarisa Williams: Bringing Business Leadership to the World of Non-ProfitHer title reads CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys, but in reality, she's a coach, cheerleader and accountability partner for her team and corporate partners. In this episode, Marisa Williams shares how she's channeled her strengths and transformed from a leader in the corporate world, to transforming the Girl Scouts across the Twin Cities and beyond.Connect with Versique 2025-05-2048 min
Unscripted with VersiqueBridgewater Bank EVP & CSO Mary Jayne Crocker: Curiosity Is a Key Ingredient in Leadership SuccessAs many of us have experienced throughout our careers, the best way to learn is by doing- whether you have experience with the task at hand or not. Never led a private company into an IPO? No worries, you'll figure it out! In this episode MJ shares what inspired her career trajectory, and the unique challenges she's overcome thanks to her natural curiosity.Connect with Versique 2025-04-2239 min
Unscripted with VersiqueThe Right Guy at the Right Time: Adam Duininck Brings the Skills and Mindset to Re-Energize Downtown MinneapolisHe grew up near the farming community of Willmar in Western Minnesota, and despite deep family ties to a rural lifestyle Adam Duininck always aspired to live, work and move the needle in a big city. So how did a kid from the country become such a force in the city as President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council? In this episode, Adam explains how he navigates today's challenging political divide to build relationships and trust, to work toward common goals and civic projects that everyone can enjoy. Connect with Versique 2025-04-0846 min
Unscripted with VersiquePeanut Butter & Jelly TV CFO Andre Creighton: From Corporate Finance to Startup Leadership, It's More Than Just NumbersThere's comfort in a C-Suite corporate role, but it can also trigger the question of "what if?" Andre Creighton has successfully played on both sides of the ball. He's a visionary finance leader, with high profile past roles at Cargill and SPIRE Credit Union. He's also launched a startup and now is charged with the CFO and revenue role at PB&J TV. In this download, Kathy & Chris explore Andre's unique career journey, and his commitment to the MSP community.Connect with Versique 2025-03-2537 min
Unscripted with VersiqueMenttium CEO Missy Chicre: "You Have One Life, How Do You Want to Live It?"Her unique background, experience, and curiosity led from academia to consulting, then leadership roles at Best Buy and Cargill. And then, in that "what's next?" moment, the opportunity to devote her experience to advancing women's leadership led her to Menttium. In this episode Missy Chicre joins Kathy & Dardy to retrace her path to professional success, while foregoing work-life balance to create one fulfilling journey.Connect with Versique 2025-03-1150 min
Unscripted with VersiqueAncoats Construction Founder & President David Wood: Leave Your Comfort Zone and Chase Your DreamsHe followed in his father's footsteps, and during a decade at Mortenson rose from an intern to a market sector leader at the Minneapolis construction giant. David Wood could've settled in for a long and lucrative career with few career risks. Instead, he chose to start from scratch, founding his own construction company, Ancoats. In this revealing episode, Coats shares key events from his local upbringing that could've derailed his life, and his career. Instead, he leveraged setbacks into comebacks, and is now growing his own company.Connect with Versique 2025-02-2549 min
Unscripted with VersiqueScott Burns: Veteran Entrepreneur's Advice - Forget About "Failing Fast" and Focus on SuccessThe word "entrepreneur" has become a cliche in a world where almost everyone has a side hustle. But Scott Burns in truly an entrepreneur in every sense of the definition: an individual who's created and built successful businesses from scratch, while assuming all risks of the enterprise. In this episode, the general partner at Mairs & Power VC shares insight from a lifetime of innovation at the intersection of the public and private sectors, including his most successful ventures, GovDelivery and Structural.Connect with Versique 2025-01-2154 min
Unscripted with VersiqueWashburn Center for Children CEO Craig Warren: A Military Mindset and Passion for Helping ChildrenWhile he wasn't a military brat, he moved like one in his formative years. That exposure to different people and cultures, his service to our country, and his career journey into the private sector have all shaped the inspirational leader that Craig Warren is today. In this engaging conversation with Kathy & Chis, Craig shares his life and career journey which has led him to a critical role in the future of children across the Twin Cities.Connect with Versique 2024-12-1058 min
Unscripted with VersiqueAmy Ronneberg: Tell Her "No" and Then Look Out! How a Small Town Kid Rewrote the Rules to Reach the C-SuiteSuccessful executives who grew up in small towns, didn't attend the Ivy League schools, or were told they weren't qualified for leadership roles all have one thing in common: A burning desire to prove people wrong. Amy Ronneberg has done just that, every step of the way on her career path. Amy boldly states that "being authentic is my superpower", and her passion to break personal and professional boundaries is why she's now the CEO of NMDP, saving lives worldwide.Connect with Versique 2024-11-2641 min
Unscripted with VersiqueNo Looking Back: Gillette Children's Leader Barbara Joers Focuses on the Future and Grows Leaders from the Bottom UpAs the President and CEO of Gillette Children's Hospital, Barbara Joers not only navigates the complicated world of healthcare, but the emotional aspect of the providers she leads and the patients and families they all care for. In this inspiring episode, Barbara reveals key moments on her own leadership journey, and how she empowers everyone to contribute by learning from the past, but focusing on the future to find solutions and improve care.Connect with Versique 2024-11-1256 min
Unscripted with VersiqueBell Bank President Erin Procko Shares How Old Fashioned Customer Service and Servant Leadership Drive SuccessGrowing up in Duluth, Erin Procko's parents were her biggest influence as she considered a career in the legal profession. But she worked at a bank while in college and fell in love with that career path. In this episode, Erin shares her perspective on leadership- why it's all about your team, and serving others.Connect with Versique 2024-10-2931 min
Unscripted with VersiqueWelcome Kathy! Versique Makes a Statement Hire, Adding a Respected Business LeaderYou know her as the Publisher and Market President of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal—make that former. While you were away over the summer, Kathy Robideau stepped into the role of Chief Growth Officer at Versique. It's a full-circle moment, as Versique CEO Tony Sorensen placed Kathy at MSPBJ 14 years ago and watched her rise from an advertising executive to one of the highest-profile business leadership roles in the Twin Cities. In this episode, Versique's President of Interim Solutions, Chris Dardis, welcomes Kathy to the team as she shares her passion for business—and, more importantly, for the...2024-10-1531 min
Unscripted with VersiqueLeadership Traits That Drive Success | John Mack (Medtronic)John Mack was the Divisional President for the Cardiac Surgery division at one of the largest medical device companies in the world—Medtronic. John knows that great leadership skills are formed through following the path of great leaders; and through his mentors he picked up a slew of tips for success. It was these learned skills that brought him through long nights during mergers and acquisitions, leading new projects, and ultimately paving the path to his successful career today. In this podcast episode, John and Chris cover:Why you should get an Executive CoachSteven Covey’s “7 Habits...2023-12-2033 min
Unscripted with VersiqueCreating Pull Within Your Organization | with Bob Creviston (Agiliti)"The sole measures of success for an HR team, as far as I'm concerned , is, how good are you at knowing where the push and where the pull is?" Bob Creviston is an avid storyteller who recounts his progression from football player at Cornell to Chief of HR at Agiliti Health, a world leader in Medical Equipment Management. His employee-focused leadership style and diligence in addressing challenges has made a lasting impact on his employees, business, and even countries’ labor laws. In this episode we cover: Breaking down what the push and pulls are in HR...2023-09-2839 min
Unscripted with VersiqueRoadmap to Transforming Culture“Leadership is about lighting a fire within others, not under them” ~ Jaime TaetsWith over 20 years of experience within corporate business culture of which 13 were at Cargill, one of the largest privately held corporations in the world, Jaime Taets has honed the skill of conscious leadership. This ability led her to pave her own entrepreneurial path of starting her own business, Keystone Group International. Today, Jaime uses different platforms to extend her practice of helping leaders on a global scale. She is the host of the Superpower Success Podcast and the accomplished author of two noteworthy books — "You Ar...2023-08-1641 minUnscripted with VersiqueHR Lab 2023 | Reimagining the Impact of Leadership CollaborationThis episode is the recording of Versique’s 12th Annual HR Lab where we dove into the topic of Reimagining the Impact of Leadership Collaboration with top leaders from the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx and The Minneapolis Foundation. This thought-provoking event brought together top HR professionals and executive leaders from various industries to explore innovative ways of working together to drive organizational success.In this session, Jenna Estlick, Vice President of HR Interim Solutions at Versique, moderated an expert panel of Twin Cities Leaders in Human Resources and Executive Leadership. In this recap, you'll learn about th...2023-07-121h 07
Unscripted with VersiqueSimplifying How You Work | with Alissa Partee (Restaurant Technologies)Food brings people together – for thousands of years humans have come together over food to celebrate and to grieve. Working with some of the biggest food brand industries locally, Alissa Partee brings two core beliefs to her leadership role as Chief People Officer at Restaurant Technologies: lead with love and clarity. In this episode, host Chris Dardis explores with Alissa:The number one mistake business leaders make in employee and system development How to build a high-performing team that achieves the business’ strategic goalsWhat an HR team needs to know about being in a workplace that drives business“I...2023-06-1439 min
Unscripted with VersiqueModeling Servant Leadership | with Heidi Grange (Northmarq)“Know your role. Just like in sports, you may be the starter, sometimes you might be the leader, and sometimes you’re a contributing, supporting player. But put the time and effort into it and know that you still add value to your team. You can’t always be the lead, but you do add value.” ~Heidi GrangeEarly in Heidi Grange’s career, she remembers leaders taking the time to guide her, coach her, and provide feedback. This investment was incredibly valuable in forming even the small aspects in her career and personal life. Now as Senior VP...2023-05-1735 min
Unscripted with VersiqueNo Fear Mentality | with Kristin Dean (Arctic Wolf)“Live with being kind and working hard. Everything works out when you do that, take risks, and work without fear.” -Kristin Dean Kristin Dean left her full-time role in HR to pursue her dream of being a stay-at-home mom. After a many valuable years, Kristin desired to return to work, but she internalized the fear of not being able to have both a successful career and a strong present role as a mother. Eventually, Kristin made the choice to dive back into her career at a few fast-paced tech companies such as Code42, Delegate, and Revel, eventually landing...2023-04-2631 min
Unscripted with VersiqueEp. 9 - How to Invest in Your Growth | with Anne Sample (Navigate Forward)When Anne Sample entered Ohio State University, she was set on becoming a Biochemical Engineer. However, her path took a different direction as she gained various experiences that shaped her career. As an AV expert at a homeroom in high school, she developed a strong interest and confidence in technology. Then, her first job in communications administration for Whirlpool in a small town taught her the importance of prioritizing the business in any task she undertakes and ensuring that her contributions positively impacted the company's success. These experiences helped shape Anne's career aspirations and goals as she entered the...2023-03-1535 min
Unscripted with VersiqueSupernaturally Curious | with Sarah Waite (Second Harvest Heartland)“We all get to choose how we spend our time. And we either do it with intention, or by accident. So what do you want to be focused on? Where do you want to spend your time? How are you going to make room for those things in your life? And it’s going to mean saying no to some things that you don’t want to, or need to, or choose to.” -Sarah Waite Sarah Waite is “supernaturally curious.” As the Chief People Officer at Second Harvest Heartland, she is always asking how leaders can think about things...2023-02-1629 min
Unscripted with VersiqueLeading With Trust in 2023 | with Chris Dardis (Versique)“Every leader should aspire for the people within their team to be able to say, ‘I am a valuable member of a winning team doing meaningful work in an environment of trust.’ And if your team can say that, then they will be engaged within the role.” -Chris Dardis In this first episode of 2023, we’re taking a look back at our top episodes from 2022, featuring inspiring stories from incredible leaders in business. In addition, Chris Dardis, the host of “People make it possible” and the President of Interim Solutions at Versique, will be behind the mic sharing his own...2023-01-1839 min
Unscripted with VersiqueHow to Ascend in Your Career | with Erin Feigal (Prime Therapeutics)“I always think that the best way to be noticed and considered to ascend into the next role is to be the best you can be at your current role.” -Erin FeigalAs the CHRO of Prime Therapeutics, Erin and her team have been pioneers of a new “Way of Work” even before the pandemic began, setting up the future of flexible work for employees. Erin herself was surprised to be on a successor track at a turning point in her career, but embraced the ambiguity by holding fast to a simple principal: “Don’t be hesitant to accept a...2022-12-2139 minUnscripted with VersiqueRedefining Work Culture | with Kristin Gaarder (Calabrio)Kristin Gaarder was the very first CHRO of Calabrio, a customer experience intelligence company. As a leader, Kristin’s philosophy lies in providing accountability for her team to take a vision they have, break down barriers, and deliver it with excellence. Kristin has navigated the variances in HR while practicing business in over 40 countries around the world. Kristin is a member of Chief, a network dedicated to supporting women executive leaders. She uses her unique experiences to encourage a path of growth through building and strengthening human connection. “If you consider what’s happening...2022-11-1629 min
Unscripted with VersiqueHaving Faith in Your Journey (with Molly Weiss)People grow exponentially when they’re given an opportunity that stretches them to just the right amount. And they just fly. – Molly WeissNot everyone takes as unique of a path to HR leadership as Molly Weiss. She studied theater history and sang in a band before pursuing post-grad HR and Business from the University of Minnesota. Molly is now a leading industry veteran with 20 years of experience, serving as CHRO of Adolfson & Peterson Construction. From a young age, Molly learned that work should contribute to the world in a way that is tangible. Years later...2022-10-1930 min