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
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
Nov 25, 2025 • 44min
Caring, Challenging and Fun! Pulte Homes' Jamie Tharp Leads with 1% Improvement Each Day
It's not always the big decisions or key moments that make a difference. In fact, those moments are often set up by a series of incremental events. That's why Pulte Homes Minnesota Division President Jamie Tharp encourages her team to improve by 1% per day. In this download, Jamie shares her path to leadership with Kathy & Dardy, a journey that required grit, determination and strong belief in herself.Connect with Versique
Nov 11, 2025 • 31min
Peter Stenehjem: Fourth Generation Family Banker Brings His Personal Touch to MSP
Founded as Farmer's State Bank in the small town of Arnegard, North Dakota, First International Bank & Trust has grown to serve rural and urban communities across Arizona, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. In this episode, it's all about family as Kathy & Dardy welcome fourth generation family CEO Peter Stenehjem to share how his family has kept banking in their bloodline for over 115 years.Connect with Versique
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
