Cerius Leadership with Kristen McAlister

In this episode, I get to discuss AI for small to mid-sized businesses with AI strategist and advisor, David Espindola. We cover:  ·  The State of AI Today ·   Human Skills Matter More Than Ever ·   Avoiding “Solution Looking for a Problem” Syndrome ·   The “Maker, Shaper, or Taker” Framework ·   Findings from the SBA Project on AI and SMBs ·   How Successful SMBs Are Adopting AI ·   AI Advice for...

In this episode, Kristen McAlister sits down with Alex Brown of Exit Stage Left Advisors to unpack what it really means to make a business “exit ready.” From reducing owner dependency to empowering teams that carry the company forward, Alex shares practical insights on maximizing enterprise value and protecting your legacy. They discuss common roadblocks owners face, why predictability drives valu...

HR isn’t just about policies anymore. It’s the engine behind your company’s people, progress, and yes — even AI adoption. This week on the Cerius Leadership podcast, we spotlight how HR leaders are becoming strategic powerhouses in driving transformation across the business. We cover: - Why people are still the ultimate differentiator - HR non-negotiables every business needs - Talent readiness as...

AI, data centers, devices, platforms… Our digital footprint is growing fast. But at what cost? This week on the Cerius Leadership podcast, we dive into the intersection of technology and sustainability — and what it really means to build a company that thrives and protects the planet. What we cover:- The hidden carbon cost of today’s tech - How to calculate your company's technology carbon footpri...

Tech go-to-market strategies have gotten... complicated. But what if the real edge is going back to basics?  This week on the Cerius Leadership podcast, we dig into why retail thinking — not wholesale — might be the unlock for your next innovation leap. Here's what we explore: The real meaning behind "Innovation isn’t a noun" When the waves of tech will crash on your shores — and how to be ready W...

We’ve all heard of Quiet Quitting—but have you heard of Quiet Cracking? What happens when employees are disengaged, disillusioned, and distracted? Find out from this week’s guest, Michael LeFort. In this episode of the Cerius Leadership Podcast, we dig into: 🔹What today’s modern learner really needs 🔹How micro-learning is changing the game 🔹The signs of Quiet Cracking you may be missing 🔹Why t...

In leadership, communication isn't just about what you say—it’s about how you move people forward. This week on the Cerius Leadership Podcast, we’re diving into the art of transformational communication with Natalie Fine, and why it’s the fuel behind motivation, momentum, and meaningful change. We cover: 🔹 Why communication = motivation 🔹 How to speak to your audience’s persona, not just their p...

We’ve all been there—endless meetings, half-baked solutions, and a creeping feeling that we’re fixing symptoms, not the root problem. So what’s getting in the way? In this episode, we tackle the three silent killers of effective problem solving and what to do about them. Aligning process improvements with strategy AND culture The first two questions every leader should be asking (but often don’t)...

"People are the Product of Their Experiences"— and that's never been more true than in today's fast-moving business world. In this week’s episode of Cerius Leadership, we flip the script: Product management isn't about the product — it's about the people. I am joined by product leadership coach, Diana Stepner. We dive into: Why product innovation starts with the people behind the product Common th...

Founders, investors, and future-focused leaders — this one’s for you. In the latest episode of the Cerius Leadership Podcast, I get to dig into the founder conundrum with Leah Berend. When you’ve built the business around you, how do you start stepping out of it? We explore: - The shift from working in the business to on the business - What PE investors really look for — starting with your people...

Fight. Flight. Freeze. Or… Fearless? This week on the Cerius Leadership podcast with Dr. Tonya Hampton, we’re getting real about one of the biggest obstacles leaders face — fear. We’re diving into: 🔹The most common fears holding leaders back 🔹Why embracing fear is more powerful than facing it 🔹The Engage. Explore. Execute. mindset 🔹Techniques like the "Lid Lifter" and Positive Intelligence pra...

What do McDonald’s and a hair salon have in common? According to Leila Velez—more than you might think. In this episode, Leila shares how her teenage job at McDonald's laid the foundation for building one of Brazil’s most successful beauty brands. From perfecting the product and process before expansion to creating a culture so strong that customers became employees, Leila’s journey is one of grit...

What makes a great company? It starts with being a great place to work. In our latest episode, we sit down with Tish Hodge, an incredible all-around culture champion. With deep expertise in HR, leadership, and workplace transformation, Tish shares powerful insights on: The evolution of HR—where it's been and where it's going Keeping top talent through stay interviews & culture committees Total rew...

Before you invest time, money, and resources into building the next big thing—stop and ask: What are we really solving for? In this week’s episode, I am joined by @Amy. We dive into how leaders can leverage technology, creativity, and customer insights to move fast without breaking the bank. Whether you're leading a startup or scaling a legacy company, these lessons apply. We cover: How to test a...

The workforce has changed—has your talent strategy kept up? In this game-changing episode of Cerius Leadership, we're challenging everything you thought you knew about HR, leadership, and the evolving world of work. From outdated performance reviews to rigid career ladders, it’s time to rethink it all. Join us as we dive into the shift toward a skills-based economy, where power skills like adaptab...

Is your company structured for success? Getting the right operating structure in place isn’t just about org charts—it’s about setting up your teams to win. In the latest episode of the Cerius Leadership Podcast, Kristina Karcic, joins us to break down how to align your organization’s structure and teams with its direction and destination. What’s inside this episode? How to design an operating stru...

Proactive Leadership is a must-have skill for leaders at any level. It is a treat when I get to have someone I know as well as Mary Sadaat to join me and share her incredible leadership lessons from her well-earned experiences. Key Topics We Cover: CEO Burnout: How to recognize and prevent it before it impacts your team. Proactive vs. Reactive Leadership: Which one are you, and how can you shift?...

In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to lead a sales-driven organization with insights that go far beyond the numbers. Join us as we explore the journey from salesperson to CEO, Trevor Lane, where culture, team alignment, and a clear belief system are essential to thriving growth. Here’s what we’re covering: Building a culture where sales drive success and every team member rallies be...

Tune into this week’s crash course from Bennett Maxell, in what it really takes to scale up a franchise successfully. From operational efficiency to knowing your numbers, we’re tackling the key elements that drive growth without complicating the process. Make it Cookie Cutter: How simplifying first can set you up for scalable success. Operational Efficiencies vs. Revenue Growth: Striking the balan...

Too often, we treat insurance as a checkbox rather than an integral part of their business strategy. And many advisors—whether CPAs, attorneys, or insurance experts—operate in silos, missing opportunities to work together. But when they function as a strategic advisor team, they can help you anticipate risks, maximize protection, and minimize costs. Running a business comes with its fair share of...

What does it take to transition from managing tasks to leading teams at an executive level? This week, I am joined by Janet Polach, as we dive into the mindset and strategies needed to level up your leadership and prepare for the challenges ahead. Here’s what we’re exploring: Leading the Work vs. Leading the Team: The shift from doing to guiding. Being Strategic with Retention: Keeping top talent...

As a business owner, the line between personal and business decisions often blurs, creating a constant balancing act of priorities. When it comes to taxes—both personal and business—this overlap becomes even more significant. With the new year just around the corner, any tax strategy now will likely be reactive or unavailable. So, how can you shift gears to be more proactive in the future? This we...

Ever wondered what it takes to go from dreamer to doer? This week’s episode is packed with insights for any leader on the path to creating something extraordinary as we discuss Morgan Boukather’s entrepreneurial journey. Here's what we dive into: Aligning Professional Goals with Personal Values: Because success is sweeter when it matches your purpose. A Clear Vision Makes Everything Else Clearer:...

Marketing today is more than just content—it's about changing behaviors and making an impact. But are we so focused on probability, predictability, and scalability that we’re losing sight of innovation and creativity? In the latest episode, Robert Rose, guides us through: * Why marketing is (still) all about content * The biggest problem with modern marketing today * Why fast isn’t always good—and...

Understanding your financials is more than just reviewing numbers—it's the key to driving growth, improving profitability, and ensuring long-term success. In this episode, Jeannette Hobson shares the financial insights every business owner needs to know: Cash is King – Why cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. The 3 Financial Reports for smarter decision-making. The Big Question – "What ass...