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
Sep 29, 2026 • 38min
Putting Family & Relationships First: Granite Bank CEO Gerald Reiter
Gerald "Jerry" Reiter grew up with nine siblings on his family farm, and when the 80's economic crisis hit, his father encouraged him to find another career path. Gerald went to work in banking and never looked back, rising through the ranks and ultimately buying, saving and transforming Granite Bank into one of Minnesota's most trusted lending partners. In this episode, Gerald retraces his career steps with Kathy & Chris, sharing tips on family business success.Connect with Versique
Sep 8, 2026 • 55min
Eric Mahler: Leadership Lessons - From a Lifeguard to the C-Suite and Everywhere In-Between
With a resume spanning 30 years, from entrepreneurial ventures to all levels of corporate America, Aretos Advisory Founder & CEO, Author and Executive Advisor Eric Mahler has seen and done it all. In this engaging episode, Kathy & Chris invite Eric to share his journey from growing up in Iowa, navigating the corporate and entrepreneurial world, to calling the Twin Cities home. Eric also previews his book, "The Center of the Compass", ahead of its December release.Connect with Versique
Jul 14, 2026 • 1h 3min
Amanda Brinkman - The Purpose Pursuit: Live In Your Purpose, Not "Finding" Your Purpose
You may remember her from the popular TV show "Small Business Revolution", and Amanda Brinkman's on screen persona is exponential in person. In this motivational and inspiring download, Amanda joins Kathy & Dardy in the Versique podcast studio to share her message on purpose, and how kindness goes a long way in business success.Connect with Versique
Jun 10, 2026 • 54min
B. Kyle: Make Sure Other People Feel Heard & Seen, Without Losing Yourself
St. Paul Area Chamber President & CEO B. Kyle brings a unique perspective to her role as a leader for over 1700 Twin Cities companies. A veteran Army officer and mother who worked her way up from an admin to leadership roles in the private sector, her focus is always on servant leadership. In this download, she shares her inspirational life journey with Kathy & Dardy, and also explains why she fired, and subsequently rehired Kathy!Connect with Versique
May 5, 2026 • 44min
Joy King: How to Accomplish Goals Through Others, Without Authority
From a modest upbringing with high standards, to key leadership roles in Twin Cities non-profits, Joy King gets results. In just 15 months as the new CEO of Animal Humane Society, she already has a three-year strategic plan in place after detecting "mission creep" when she took over. In this inspiring episode, Joy sits down with Kathy & Dardy to share her journey from small towns to the big city, and the moment just over a year ago when it all came full circle for her.Connect with Versique
Apr 15, 2026 • 39min
John Hutchinson: "I Think Most People Fall Into This Trap Where They Become Precisely Inaccurate"
A true entrepreneur will admit that you have to be a dreamer and often ignore the status quo in your quest to disrupt an industry and change the world. In this episode, Kathy & Dardy invite John Hutchinson to share his journey from growing up in the family sporting goods business to founding and selling CARE Counseling. John proves that perfectionism can hold you, your teams and your company from achieving your goals.Connect with Versique
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 1min
Great Clips CEO Rob Goggins: "I Like It When People Challenge Me to Think a Little Bit Differently"
Growing up with a struggling single mom had a profound impact on Great Clips President & CEO Rob Goggins. At the outset of his professional career, he vowed that his family would be better off. Thanks to his work ethic and straightforward approach to business leadership, he's now leading one of America's greatest and most successful franchise companies with over 4,400 locations serving 1.7 million customers weekly. In this episode, Goggins sits down with Kathy & Dardy to share his career journey.Connect with Versique
Feb 24, 2026 • 55min
Alexis Walsko: Lola Red PR Founder on "Being in the Weeds, Sometimes I Make the Weeds Even Worse"
The term "entrepreneur" wasn't a cliche when Alexis Walsko founded her PR firm as a 21-year-old, it was just what dreamers did when nobody else was doing it. Her passion has always been connecting people & products, solving problems and the hustle. In this download, she shares her backstory with Kathy & Dardy, and opens up about leadership, strengths, shortcomings and believing in yourself.Connect with Versique
Feb 10, 2026 • 1h 2min
Lisa Brezonik: Do the Work You Love with People You Enjoy and Make An Impact!
If there's one word to describe Lisa it's "growth"- both professional, personal, and non-stop. She's been a key player in the growth and transitions of companies including Twin Cities staffing company Salo, which was acquired by Korn Ferry. In this episode, Lisa joins Kathy & Dardy to share her career journey, key takeaways in leadership and what inspires her.Connect with Versique
Jan 6, 2026 • 41min
Angie Whitcomb: As a Leader, I Don't Need To Be the Smartest One at the Table
As the President & CEO of Hospitality Minnesota, and an advocate for thousands of business owners and workers across the state, Angie Whitcomb can't possibly micromanage her team or those she represents. In this episode, she joins Kathy & Dardy to share how her experience in executive recruiting helped her to step back, trust others, and let everyone grow.Connect with Versique
