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
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 13min
PJ Hill: Winning With Authenticity and Never Sacrificing for Acceptance
PJ Hill has been a winner at all levels and in multiple professions by simply never, ever giving up. No money? No worries... No car? He'll find a way. Every time opportunity has called, he's answered, no matter what it takes to make it happen. In this inspiring episode, Kathy & Dardy let PJ's game do the talking. The NorthRock Partners financial advisor shares how he found success on the court, and in the business world. Plus, why his goal is to make 1,000 women and minorities millionaires.Connect with Versique
Oct 7, 2025 • 54min
James Hereford: Believe in Your People and Teams to Achieve Success
James Hereford grew up in rural Montana, and while helping his father birth a calf realized that wasn't his calling. While he didn't know it at the time, it was the end of his ranching career and the beginning of a successful career in health care. Kathy & Dardy welcome the Fairview Health Services President and CEO open the fall season of Unscripted by VersiqueConnect with Versique
Aug 26, 2025 • 57min
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
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
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
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
