Unscripted with Versique
Kathy Robideau & Chris Dardis
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 29, 2025 • 36min
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
Jul 15, 2025 • 54min
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
Jul 1, 2025 • 40min
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
Jun 17, 2025 • 53min
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
Jun 3, 2025 • 46min
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
May 20, 2025 • 49min
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
Apr 22, 2025 • 39min
Bridgewater Bank EVP & CSO Mary Jayne Crocker: Curiosity Is a Key Ingredient in Leadership Success
As 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
Apr 8, 2025 • 46min
The Right Guy at the Right Time: Adam Duininck Brings the Skills and Mindset to Re-Energize Downtown Minneapolis
He 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
6 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 37min
Peanut Butter & Jelly TV CFO Andre Creighton: From Corporate Finance to Startup Leadership, It's More Than Just Numbers
Andre Creighton, CFO and Head of Revenue Ops at PB&J TV, with a rich background at Cargill and SPIRE Credit Union, shares insights from his unique career path. He discusses the jump from corporate finance to startup leadership, highlighting challenges faced while launching his venture, TurnSignal. Andre emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community in shaping values, and reflects on how his sports dreams influenced his entrepreneurial journey. He also explores balancing family life with support for future generations.
Mar 11, 2025 • 50min
Menttium CEO Missy Chicre: "You Have One Life, How Do You Want to Live It?"
Missy Chicre, CEO of Menttium and a leadership veteran from Best Buy and Cargill, shares her inspiring journey from academia to mentoring women in business. She reflects on her ambitious childhood, including founding a girls' lacrosse team, and the profound impact of mentors throughout her educational experiences. Missy also addresses the challenges of balancing career and personal life, particularly for working mothers, while emphasizing the importance of authenticity in leadership and the enriching benefits of mentorship.
