Cerius Leadership with Kristen McAlister

In this episode, we dive into the heart of leadership with Tullio Siragusa —because great leadership starts from within. Key Topics We Explore: Leadership Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: Why EQ matters more than ever and how it shapes your leadership style. Zero-Force Accountability: Building accountability without the need for constant oversight. Finding Our Purpose: Leading with clarity and al...

When was the last time you thought about your banking relationship as a strategic asset rather than just a necessity? Too often our key 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. A strong banking partn...

Every day, business owners juggle countless decisions and responsibilities, often with little separation between their business and personal lives. This constant overlap amplifies the volume and complexity of what needs to be managed. One of the best ways to ease this load is through intentional design and planning, which helps to create predictability and reduce unforeseen surprises that drain ti...

This week’s episode we dive into the art and science of innovation with Kevin Popvic, who lives by the mantra: “Inactivity is the enemy of innovation.” In this episode, we explore: How to identify the right problem to solve. The journey from problem to problem statement. The power of framing: How might we, help who, do what, to achieve which goals? From problem statement to prototype—bridging idea...

The landscape of leadership is shifting—fast. In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we sit down with Anika Gakovic, to explore the evolving demands on today’s leaders and the skills that will define success in the digital era. Drawing from decades of experience helping executives transition into their next big role, Anika shares how leadership expectations have transformed—from the industrial age...

Risk Mitigation in Business—Aligning HR & Legal for Success Nothing derails business growth faster than lawsuits and employee relations issues. Small and mid-sized companies often face unexpected legal and HR challenges that can slow progress—or worse, put the business at risk. In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we sit down with Darren Chiappetta, to break down how leaders can align HR and lega...

What do the most successful leaders and organizations—both in the military and business—have in common? A balance between three essential pillars: Vision, Strategy, and People. In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we sit down with Joe Polanin, a leader with over three decades of experience in and out of the military, to break down the fundamentals of lasting success. These three pillars are not j...

What if your business could control its narrative, gain brand exposure, and connect deeply with your audience—just like a top PR firm? In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we sit down with Caroline McBride, a PR expert with extensive experience in hospitality, tech, education, and beauty. Whether you’re leading a $100 million company or running a business of one, Caroline breaks down the essentia...

Managers are the heartbeat of any organization. When they are empowered, engaged, and aligned with company values, they become the ultimate influencers—fueling productivity, retention, and revenue growth. In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we sit down with Ray Morgan, a passionate advocate for empowering managers to operationalize company values and create cultures that thrive. With toxic workp...

What’s top of mind for small and mid-sized businesses this year? For many, it’s about people—how to attract top talent, create a great workplace culture, and build a team that fuels long-term success. In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we dive into the top human capital trends shaping SMBs today globally with Marine Hamou. Whether you’re growing your team or refining your talent strategy, these...

In today’s fast-moving digital world, how do companies truly innovate? Not just by creating new products but by deeply understanding what customers feel—their desires, unmet needs, and evolving expectations. Our guest today, Andrew Jordan, is a product officer, strategist, and disruptor who has been at the forefront of market shifts long before most of us figured out how to turn on an iPhone. He’s...

Passionate and results-oriented Executive HR Business Partner and People Leader with over 25 years of HR experience, including 18 years of strategic leadership within private equity and venture capital backed companies. Trusted collaborator skilled at building and leveraging relationships to develop and influence people strategies rooted in company mission and values. Growing businesses often hit...

Marketing is more than just campaigns and content—it’s about clarity, messaging, and knowing exactly what you want marketing to accomplish. Whether you’re leading a startup or a $100M company, the way you frame your marketing can determine its success. In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we sit down with Fiona Pietruski, a marketing expert and coach for entrepreneurs and CEOs. Fiona helps leader...

Culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the invisible force that shapes how we work, interact, and ultimately, how we perform as a business. But how do you make it a true differentiator that fuels growth and profitability? In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we dive deep into what culture really is, why it matters, and how leaders can intentionally shape it to drive long-term success with Rossann Wil...

Is your business stuck in a cycle of over-customization, inefficiency, and constant process reinvention? You're not alone! Many companies struggle with operational complexity, making it harder to scale efficiently. In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we sit down with Pieter Theron, an expert in scaling operations, to uncover proven frameworks that help businesses optimize their processes, reduce...

In today's hyper-competitive market, your product strategy could be the difference between growth and stagnation—especially when AI is in the mix. In our latest episode, Sean Everett walks us through how forward-thinking leaders are turning strategy into serious growth. Here’s what we cover: Growth levers that are reshaping the M&A market Why product management is the hidden predictor of success H...

Are you ready to embrace a mindset shift and take your leadership journey to the next level? This week’s episode, we discuss the principles that drive success, clarity, and impact with expert, Andy Christiansen. Here’s what we explore: Mindset Shift as the New Status Quo – Adaptability and growth in action. Purpose – Why knowing your “why” fuels your journey. People – The foundation of every succe...

This week we dive into invaluable insights beyond the law books with our guest Jason Weiss. Our guest, a seasoned attorney, author, and coach, Jason shares his journey of transforming hard-earned experiences into powerful lessons, including: How his book came to be—shaping wisdom from practice. The power of saying, “I don’t know” Forming your own board and surrounding yourself with the right voice...

Ready to turn your team into a well-oiled machine? In the latest, we dive into a powerful truth:, with Yoav Ziv. Tune in as we unpack the keys to building successful teams through better synchronization and organization. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll learn: It’s not the people, it’s the work: How structuring work effectively transforms team performance. 3 Common Challenges: Discover the mecha...

Are you struggling with getting forward movement in your team or organization? This week I get to have a lively discussion with Matthew Wilhelmi about the biggest success factor most leaders struggle with. This episode unpacks what's really holding back progress and how to fix it by: ?? Getting everyone on the same page using effective dashboards & metrics ?? Tackling taboo business questions that...

Making decisions as a leader isn’t just about what’s convenient—it’s about what’s right. In this episode, I get to explore how leadership and team building has been instrumental in Darby Vannier’s ability to transform operational strategies and driving business growth. With a track record of inspiring high-performing teams, developing and implementing effective strategies, and ensuring measurable...

Transitioning from the military to entrepreneurship requires grit, leadership, and vision. In our latest episode, I sit down with a veteran US Marine turned entrepreneur, Brian von Kraus to discuss how military experience lays a strong foundation for business success. Tune in as we explore: The journey from US Marine to successful entrepreneur Navigating growth curves and the challenges of buildin...

In our latest episode, we dive deep into the complexities of leadership during turbulent times with experts Kristina Hill and Katie Burke. They share invaluable insights on navigating emotionally charged situations, fostering psychological safety, and managing conflict within the workplace. Here’s a sneak peek at our discussion: Common scenarios that spark conflict and how to stay calm. The power...

Are you a business owner looking to push past common revenue hurdles and refine your sales strategy? This episode with Darrin Guttman is a goldmine for actionable insights and strategies to elevate your business to the next level. Creating a Sales Plan: Strategies for transitioning from warm to cold business leads. Breaking the Revenue Ceiling: Strategic messaging to propel growth. Niching Strateg...

Are you struggling to find the right candidate or grappling with succession planning? This week, we get to hear from a leading executive search expert, Ed Blum. In this episode, we cover: Why finding the right candidate can feel like such a challenge How companies can assess their needs before starting the search Attracting top candidates and ensuring alignment with company goals Succession planni...