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
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.
Feb 25, 2025 • 49min
Ancoats Construction Founder & President David Wood: Leave Your Comfort Zone and Chase Your Dreams
He followed in his father's footsteps, and during a decade at Mortenson rose from an intern to a market sector leader at the Minneapolis construction giant. David Wood could've settled in for a long and lucrative career with few career risks. Instead, he chose to start from scratch, founding his own construction company, Ancoats. In this revealing episode, Coats shares key events from his local upbringing that could've derailed his life, and his career. Instead, he leveraged setbacks into comebacks, and is now growing his own company.Connect with Versique
Jan 21, 2025 • 54min
Scott Burns: Veteran Entrepreneur's Advice - Forget About "Failing Fast" and Focus on Success
Scott Burns, a seasoned entrepreneur and general partner at Mairs & Power VC, shares his journey from creating successful companies like GovDelivery to launching Structural. He discusses how his skiing background and family dynamics shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Scott emphasizes the importance of resilience and community in overcoming setbacks while exploring innovative recruitment strategies. He also offers reflections on personal experiences and encourages listeners to pursue their passions with dedication, blending humor and insightful advice.
Dec 10, 2024 • 59min
Washburn Center for Children CEO Craig Warren: A Military Mindset and Passion for Helping Children
While he wasn't a military brat, he moved like one in his formative years. That exposure to different people and cultures, his service to our country, and his career journey into the private sector have all shaped the inspirational leader that Craig Warren is today. In this engaging conversation with Kathy & Chis, Craig shares his life and career journey which has led him to a critical role in the future of children across the Twin Cities.Connect with Versique
Nov 26, 2024 • 42min
Amy Ronneberg: Tell Her "No" and Then Look Out! How a Small Town Kid Rewrote the Rules to Reach the C-Suite
Successful executives who grew up in small towns, didn't attend the Ivy League schools, or were told they weren't qualified for leadership roles all have one thing in common: A burning desire to prove people wrong. Amy Ronneberg has done just that, every step of the way on her career path. Amy boldly states that "being authentic is my superpower", and her passion to break personal and professional boundaries is why she's now the CEO of NMDP, saving lives worldwide.Connect with Versique
