"Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions and being willing to grow." In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, host Kerri Roberts sits down with Dr. Sue Thomas, the 17th president of Truman State University, to discuss leadership, risk-taking, and the evolving role of higher education. They dive into the challenges women face in leadership, the power of self-reflection, and why authenticity is key to success. Plus, they explore how AI and lifelong learning are shaping the future of work and education.

In this episode, Kerri Roberts discusses the critical decision small to mid-sized businesses face regarding their HR strategy: whether to outsource HR functions through a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) or to manage them in-house. She outlines the pros and cons of each approach, focusing on key considerations such as cost, compliance, and control. Kerri also provides insights into the types of businesses that typically benefit from PEOs and offers guidance on how to make the best choice for your organization based on its specific goals and needs.

Kerri Roberts and Stevie Aylsworth break down modern recruitment strategies by exploring how to balance speed with intentionality. Their conversation highlights the importance of aligning candidate goals with company needs, leveraging behavioral assessments, and timing hiring decisions to foster growth in a post-COVID landscape.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of branding with Kristen Graham Brown, the innovative Founder and CEO of Hoot Design Company. For over 14 years, Kristen has led her culture-driven branding agency in transforming how businesses present themselves, crafting powerful brand identities that not only stand out but also drive cultural shifts. Kristen walks us through her journey, shares the core principles behind her disruptive branding philosophy, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at her client process—from start to finish. We’ll also discuss the common mistakes companies make when it comes to branding, how to avoid them, and how Hoot’s approach has successfully revamped brands in a big way.

Plus, you’ll hear about the role of AI in shaping the future of branding and her thoughts on how to measure a brand campaign's success.   Whether you’re a business owner, a marketing professional, or just curious about the powerful role branding plays in shaping culture, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.

In this episode, our host Kerri M. Roberts interviews Brandi Spurling, founder of Sage Culture Co. Brandi’s unique approach to leadership and workplace culture stems from her master’s in strategic leadership combined with her background in theatre and stand-up comedy. She’s the perfect blend of insightful and entertaining, making her a dynamic keynote speaker on organizational culture.

In this episode, Brandi shares her journey to founding Sage Culture Co. and her passion for transforming employee culture. We dive deep into the key elements that define a strong workplace environment, the leadership role in shaping culture, and practical strategies to create a thriving team. Whether you’re an HR professional or a business leader, you’ll walk away with actionable advice and a renewed perspective on building empowered teams.

In this emotionally impactful episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we dive into the deep, often hidden struggles that working parents face: guilt and shame. Our guest, Karen Brooks, brings over 20 years of experience working with at-risk youth, survivors of sexual assault, and now, as a life coach for adolescent girls. We unpack the origins of working parent guilt, how it affects relationships with children, and what strategies can help parents reclaim peace and balance. If you’re a working parent or want to better understand the emotional toll it can take, this episode is filled with insight, compassion, and actionable advice to help you move forward with self-compassion.

In this episode, host Kerri Roberts interviews David Clithero, a VP at a leading bank, about his career journey and his personal philosophy on networking. They discuss the importance of building and sustaining meaningful relationships, the balance of giving and receiving, and the impact of networking on both professional and personal life. David shares strategies for networking, such as being involved in the community, showing up consistently, and being a good listener. He also emphasizes the value of being present and helpful, and the importance of long-term relationships in achieving significant goals.

On this episode, Kerri dives deep into employee benefits with a focus on healthcare expenses. Our guest is Brian Whorley, the founder and CEO of Paytient, a company that’s transforming the way employees manage medical expenses.

In this episode, Brian shares the story behind his journey from working in a non-profit hospital to founding Paytient. He discusses what inspired him to create an alternative model for managing healthcare costs, a model that is now making waves across various industries. We explore how Paytient's approach is impacting the landscape of employee benefits, integrating with traditional insurance plans, and providing significant advantages for both employees and employers.

Brian also delves into the challenges and market hesitations he's faced and how his team has successfully navigated them. You'll hear real-life success stories that showcase the difference Paytient has made for companies and their employees.

Welcome back to another episode of DWTC. On this episode, our host, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro interviews guest Flint Walton, an expert with a fascinating background in safety and loss prevention. They tackle the world of workers' compensation, insurance costs and how to win at both.  

In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, is joined by Paul Krewson, Founder + CEO of Peak Ergonomics. They dive into the critical topic of health and safety for professionals, both on the worksite and at home. Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for ergonomics and early intervention, holding several certifications in the field. We discuss the inspiration behind Peak Ergonomics, the impact of early intervention programs, and the growing importance of ergonomic setups in remote work environments.

In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro talks CHANGE. Why are employees resistant to it? What's the science behind the resistance? And what can a leader do about it? If you're a leader and you need a kick in the pants on how to manage change in your organization, you've come to the right place.

In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, is joined by George Zimny, co-founder of Producifyx. They tackle the topics of entrepreneurship, recruitment strategy, intentional networking, ironman competitions, and much more.