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Episode 58: How to Create Goals That Actually Motivate Your Team
In this conversation, Kerri Roberts breaks down the critical issue of unclear expectations in leadership and people management. She highlights how lack of clarity leads to employee frustration, decreased productivity, and missed opportunities. Kerri provides actionable strategies for leaders to set clear goals, define roles, communicate effectively, and document progress—ensuring a more engaged and accountable workforce.
Episode 57: The Biggest Hiring Mistakes Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts interviews George Zimny, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Producify X. They discuss the evolution of recruitment, effective strategies for sourcing candidates, common mistakes in hiring, and how small businesses can compete with larger corporations. George shares insights on building scalable recruitment strategies and highlights a success story from his company. The conversation emphasizes the importance of human connection in recruitment and the need for businesses to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Episode 56: Stress, Anxiety & Building Resilience
In this episode, Kerri Roberts and Karen Brooks delve into the critical differences between stress and anxiety, exploring how they manifest in our lives and the impact of societal changes, particularly technology, on mental health. They discuss the importance of resilience, the contagious nature of emotions, and practical tips for managing stress and anxiety within families. Karen emphasizes the need for open communication and modeling healthy coping mechanisms to foster resilience in children and adults alike. In this conversation, Karen and Kerri explore the complexities of anxiety, the importance of addressing it rather than avoiding it, and practical methods for managing anxiety, including the DARE method. They discuss the impact of technology on mental health, particularly the phenomenon of dopamine addiction, and emphasize the need for open communication and modeling healthy coping mechanisms in families and workplaces. The episode concludes with resources for further exploration and support.
Episode 55: 12 Steps to Launch Your Podcast
In this episode, Kerri Roberts celebrates the one-year anniversary of her podcast, 'Don't Waste the Chaos.' She reflects on her journey, sharing insights on why she started the podcast, the lessons learned throughout the year, and practical steps for those considering starting their own podcast. Kerri emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistency, and vulnerability in connecting with an audience, and provides a detailed checklist for launching a successful podcast.
Episode 54: Hiring Your First (Or Fifth) Employee? Watch This First!
In this episode, Kerri Roberts dives into key strategies for small business owners to establish a robust HR foundation. She explores hiring and recruitment best practices, the value of effective onboarding, and the impact of employee recognition on satisfaction and engagement. Kerri also underscores the importance of leadership development, talent management, and offering comprehensive benefits and wellness programs—even for small teams. By focusing on these essential areas, businesses can attract, retain, and motivate top talent, paving the way for sustainable growth and success in the year ahead.
Episode 53: The HR Myths Holding Your Business Back
Tara Parris, Fractional CHRO at Salt & Light Advisors, joins Don’t Waste the Chaos to challenge outdated HR stereotypes and share actionable insights. Discover how HR can be a strategic business partner, balance employee advocacy with business goals, and stay passionate in an emotionally demanding field. Whether you're an HR professional or a business leader, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to transform your perspective on HR.
Episode 52:The 5 Metrics Every Business Owner MUST Track for 2025 Success
In this episode, we dive into the essential metrics every business owner should track to close out 2024 strong and prepare for a thriving 2025. Data-driven decisions are the backbone of successful businesses, and Kerri Roberts breaks down key areas of measurement to drive growth and efficiency. From revenue and profitability insights to customer acquisition and retention strategies, she highlights the importance of understanding financial performance and building lasting relationships. The conversation also explores operational efficiency, marketing and sales performance, and employee engagement, providing practical ways to optimize processes and foster a high-performing team. Tune in to learn how tracking the right metrics can set your business up for success in the year ahead.
Episode 51: What It Takes to Turn a Small Agency into a Major Player
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and scaling insurance agencies. Our guest, Jeff Turner, brings decades of experience in building, growing, and transforming businesses, turning a small startup into one of the top 20 U.S. acquirers in just three years.
We explore the strategies behind successful acquisitions, what business owners need to do to maximize valuation, and how to navigate the challenges of cultural integration. Whether you’re preparing your business for sale, planning to acquire another company, or simply curious about what it takes to scale to $200M+ in revenue, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
Episode 50: Why Sustainability in Business is the Ultimate Business Strategy for 2025
n this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we’re tackling a topic that’s no longer optional: sustainability in business. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, embracing sustainability is not just about saving the planet—it’s about creating lasting value for your customers, cutting unnecessary costs, and preparing your business for long-term success.
Tune in to hear why sustainability is a critical business strategy—not just a trend. Learn practical steps to make your business more sustainable, starting today. Discover real-life examples of small businesses that saw cost savings, increased customer loyalty, and operational efficiency by going green. Understand how to overcome common challenges like upfront costs and resistance to change. Explore why sustainability isn’t just about the planet—it’s about supporting your people and community too. Take your first step toward sustainability and make a meaningful impact.
Episode 49: Mastering Communication, Professionalism, and Business Acumen for the Next Generation
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we tackle a topic on the minds of many employers: how to help young professionals overcome challenges with soft skills, communication, professionalism, and business acumen. Whether you’re a young professional eager to grow or a manager looking to build a stronger, more capable team, this episode is packed with practical advice for unlocking potential and bridging the skills gap in the workplace.
Episode 48: Leveraging EFT for Peak Performance in Business
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kelly Howe explains how Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) helps leaders overcome imposter syndrome, manage stress, and show up authentically in their roles. With her unique blend of modern psychology and ancient healing practices, Kelly offers practical tools to transform emotional roadblocks into stepping stones for success.
Whether you’re preparing for a big pitch or battling burnout, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with purpose and confidence.
Episode 47: Top HR Trends for 2025
As we prepare to enter 2025, organizations face an evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities in Human Resources. This episode dives into the top HR trends poised to shape the future of work, focusing on how businesses can leverage these developments to build resilient and thriving workplaces. From integrating AI tools and automation to fostering employee well-being, promoting DEI, and adopting hybrid work models, we provide actionable insights for HR leaders and business owners alike.
Episode 46: The Science Behind Behavioral Assessments in HR
This episode explores how behavioral and cognitive assessments can transform team dynamics by improving hiring decisions, enhancing employee development, and fostering collaboration. HR expert Kerri shares over 20 years of experience, offering practical advice and real-world success stories. Listeners will learn how aligning their people strategy with business goals can reduce turnover, boost productivity, and deliver measurable results—all while keeping costs manageable. Whether you're a small business owner or leading a growing team, this episode provides essential tools for leveraging people-focused strategies to drive sustainable growth.
Episode 45: Emotional Intelligence & its Role in Transformational Leadership
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, we dive into the unique and powerful life lessons learned from the experiences of veterans and military spouses. These lessons—shaped by resilience, adaptability, and deep community ties—are not just relevant for those who have served but are invaluable for anyone looking to lead a more fulfilled and prepared life. Join us as we uncover these often overlooked insights and discuss how they can transform the way we approach challenges, relationships, and personal growth.
Episode 44: What Veterans and Military Spouses Can Teach Us About Life and Success.
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, we dive into the unique and powerful life lessons learned from the experiences of veterans and military spouses. These lessons—shaped by resilience, adaptability, and deep community ties—are not just relevant for those who have served but are invaluable for anyone looking to lead a more fulfilled and prepared life. Join us as we uncover these often overlooked insights and discuss how they can transform the way we approach challenges, relationships, and personal growth.
Episode 43: Nutrition Tips for Busy Professionals
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri sits down with Hannah Holzum, a registered dietitian, founder of Wholesome Nutrition Co, wife, and mom of three. Hannah specializes in helping busy moms and businesswomen shed the need for dieting by integrating healthy, sustainable habits into their routines. In their conversation, Kerri and Hannah dive into why food is more than just fuel—it’s a tool to help you show up as your most confident, successful self. They explore the impact of nutrition on productivity, common nutritional pitfalls for busy professionals, and how business owners can set an example of wellness in the workplace. Whether you’re a business owner or a busy mom, this episode offers practical, effective ways to prioritize nutrition without compromising your time.
Episode 42: End of Year Payroll Checklist
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we’re diving into one of the most critical tasks for business owners as the year winds down: the year-end payroll wrap-up. From verifying employee data to filing crucial tax forms, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive checklist to ensure your payroll process is smooth, compliant, and ready for the new year. Staying on top of payroll not only helps avoid penalties but also builds trust with your employees and sets your company up for success in 2024.