Unscripted with Versique

Kathy Robideau & Chris Dardis
  • 5.0 (31)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Unscripted with Versique is a podcast brought to you by Versique Executive, Professional, and Interim Recruiting. This series offers a personal look into the inspiring stories of successful Minnesota business leaders and the pivotal experiences that shaped who they are today. Hosted by Kathy Robideau, Chief Growth Officer, and Chris Dardis, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast goes beyond the surface to explore the backgrounds of these accomplished executives, challenging conventional assumptions about climbing the ‘traditional’ corporate ladder. Whether seeking insights into leadership, career growth, or the human stories behind business success, Unscripted delivers thought-provoking conversations that showcase how people truly make a difference.

  1. Project for Pride in Living President & CEO Karla Henderson: Making Non-Profits Sexy Again!

    AUG 26

    Project for Pride in Living President & CEO Karla Henderson: Making Non-Profits Sexy Again!

    Karla started college at age 24, taking her little boy with her to Michigan State University where she earned her degree in Public Resource Management in just four years. She gained significant experience serving under Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, who led the revitalization of the Motor City. In this impactful episode, PPL President & CEO Karla Henderson sits down with Kathy & Dardy to share her career and life journey. Connect with Versique

    57 min
  2. Navigate Forward CEO Anne Sample: Why a Lifequake Shouldn't Shake Your Career Foundation

    AUG 12

    Navigate Forward CEO Anne Sample: Why a Lifequake Shouldn't Shake Your Career Foundation

    She's held high level HR roles at Whirlpool, Pepsi (twice), Citibank, and in tech, financial services and food & beverage. So "lifequakes" come with the territory when you're navigating the world of big business. In this download, Anne Sample joins Kathy & Dardy to share her journey through corporate America to small business owner, and why communication is the key to success at every level. Connect with Versique

    1h 1m
  3. Dan Schwarz: A Neighborhood Poker Party Leads to a Brewery, Then Full-Circle Back to His Family Business

    JUL 29

    Dan Schwarz: A Neighborhood Poker Party Leads to a Brewery, Then Full-Circle Back to His Family Business

    Dan Schwarz can thank his wife Katie for at least pointing him in the right direction for success. She was the one involved in the neighborhood book and wine clubs, so Dan decided to start a poker party. That's where he met Brad Glynn, who shared his dream of owning a brewery. The two teamed up to found the popular Lift Bridge Brewing Company. Then, just over a year ago, Dan decided to return to the family business he grew up in, Jonti-Craft, maker of children's furniture. In this fascinating download, Dan shares his entrepreneurial journey with Kathy & Dardy. Connect with Versique

    36 min
  4. Steve Grove: How I Found Myself in the Midwest - A Memoir of Reinvention

    JUL 15

    Steve Grove: How I Found Myself in the Midwest - A Memoir of Reinvention

    He's not only climbed the corporate career ladder, he's explored exotic and faraway places on his journey to become CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Stops in Tanzania, Japan, Thailand and India, then back in the US, hired as employee #85 at Google. Ultimately, like most Minnesotans who leave their home state, he found his way back and wrote a fascinating book about it. In this intriguing episode, Steve joins Kathy & Dardy to share his travels, experience and what makes the Midwest, and Minnesota in particular, so special. Connect with Versique

    54 min
  5. Luke Gaalswyk: Lessons From Military Service Apply to Executive Leadership Growth

    JUL 1

    Luke Gaalswyk: Lessons From Military Service Apply to Executive Leadership Growth

    Integrity, collaboration and listening: Those three key words describe how District Energy St. Paul CEO Luke Gaalswyk motivates and inspires his team. The U.S. Air Force veteran has made the most of his engineering experience and teamwork in the military, ascending to the C-Suite at Ever-Green Energy in September 2022. Luke shares his life and career journey with Kathy & Chris in this inspiring episode. Connect with Versique

    40 min
  6. Chris Heim: How a People First Approach and Endurance Sports Play a Role in C-Suite Success

    JUN 17

    Chris Heim: How a People First Approach and Endurance Sports Play a Role in C-Suite Success

    He grew up in a small Iowa town and wasn't even sure he'd go to college. But that changed one day after stocking shelves at Hy-Vee, and led Chris on an amazing career journey that combined his curiosity and tech savvy with his endless appetite for learning and growth. The Fortra Executive Chairman sits down with Kathy & Dardy to offer why being a vulnerable and transparent leader resonates, and he shares why he took on the role of Mayor of Medicine Lake. Connect with Versique

    53 min
  7. Tia Newcomer: The Ability to Adapt and Empower Your Leadership in Different Organizations

    JUN 3

    Tia Newcomer: The Ability to Adapt and Empower Your Leadership in Different Organizations

    Her journalism and mass communications degree (with three minors) at Nebraska led to a role in... sales. That pivot at the outset of her career put Tia Newcomer on an ascending path through with the titans of industry- Revlon, Clorox, Frito Lay, HP, and later venture capital. Ultimately, a "life quake" led her to join Caringbridge as CEO. In this episode, she sits down with Kathy & Dardy to share how she's adapted, and excelled, in very different roles. Connect with Versique

    46 min
  8. Marisa Williams: Bringing Business Leadership to the World of Non-Profit

    MAY 20

    Marisa Williams: Bringing Business Leadership to the World of Non-Profit

    Her 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

    49 min
See All (35)

5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Unscripted with Versique is a podcast brought to you by Versique Executive, Professional, and Interim Recruiting. This series offers a personal look into the inspiring stories of successful Minnesota business leaders and the pivotal experiences that shaped who they are today. Hosted by Kathy Robideau, Chief Growth Officer, and Chris Dardis, Chief Experience Officer, the podcast goes beyond the surface to explore the backgrounds of these accomplished executives, challenging conventional assumptions about climbing the ‘traditional’ corporate ladder. Whether seeking insights into leadership, career growth, or the human stories behind business success, Unscripted delivers thought-provoking conversations that showcase how people truly make a difference.

Information

  • Creator
    Kathy Robideau & Chris Dardis
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Unscripted with Versique
  • Show Website
    Unscripted with Versique

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