75,000+ podcast views across platforms
1,300+ hours of leadership conversations consumed
A growing audience of leaders, operators, and business owners
75,000+ podcast views across platforms 1,300+ hours of leadership conversations consumed A growing audience of leaders, operators, and business owners
Leadership Isn’t Clean. It’s Chaotic.
Don’t Waste the Chaos is where real leaders talk about the moments that tested them—and what it actually takes to lead through them.
Hosted by Kerri Roberts, this podcast blends business, leadership, faith, and real-world experience—without the polished answers or corporate scripts.
Real Conversations. Real Growth.
Each week, I sit down with leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to talk about:
the pressure no one talks about
the decisions that shape teams and businesses
what actually works when things get messy
These aren’t highlight reels. They’re the conversations leaders actually need.
Start Here: Most-Listened Episodes
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EP 132: Culture & Engagement - Why It’s the Most Misunderstood Part of HR
Culture is the most talked-about, least understood part of HR. Here’s what it actually is, the three culture killers, and the five things that really drive engagement.
EP 108: How Does Leadership Indecision Quietly Erode Trust and Authority?
Trust rarely breaks in one loud moment. More often, it fractures in the silence between what everyone can see and what leadership refuses to name. Indecision doesn’t preserve peace—it transfers anxiety, weakens authority, and teaches the organization what it can get away with.
EP 97: The Death of Employee Loyalty (And How HR Can Fix It)
Employee loyalty isn’t dead—we slowly killed it with broken promises, bad policies, and missing conversations. In this episode recap, HR and leadership consultant Kerri M. Roberts breaks down how trust eroded and the simple, low-lift systems any business can use to rebuild loyalty through real relationships, not just policies.
EP 92: The Hidden Secret to Building Trust in Business with John Hall
Bestselling author and strategist John Hall joins Kerri M. Roberts to reveal how trust is built through daily habits, genuine listening, and personal leadership—not corporate strategy. Learn practical ways to stay top of mind and avoid burnout.
EP 91: Tough Year at Work? Rebuild Trust with This 3-Part Leadership Framework
Struggling with low trust after a tough year? Learn a 3-part leadership framework to audit trust, own missteps, and rebuild credibility so your team can finish the year strong.
EP 89: Why I Say No to DEI Programs (and What HR Should Do Instead)
Learn why Kerri Roberts believes formal DEI programs aren’t necessary—and how compliant, consistent, compassionate HR can create truly inclusive workplaces.
Episode 86: Is Your Company Culture Failing You?
Your values are only as strong as your hardest day. Culture isn’t built in easy seasons - it’s revealed in the tough ones. In this episode, I’ll walk you through why authentic culture matters, how to audit your values, and practical steps to align leadership and performance with what you say you believe.
Episode 83: Build the Business, Don’t Break the People
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts sits down with Emily Holdman, Managing Director at Permanent Equity, to unpack what it means to lead through complexity with conviction and care. Emily shares how her “people-first” approach, paired with a long-term investment philosophy, shapes decisions that prioritize clarity over speed. From rethinking “safety” in times of change to applying the principle of “do no harm” in business, she offers a masterclass in steady leadership that builds trust, resilience, and lasting impact.
Episode 82: Why Morale Is Tanking in Your Team (And What to Do About It)
The real test of leadership isn’t how fast you grow - it’s how you show up when growth slows. Most leaders panic. They downsize in a frenzy, hide behind vague language like ‘restructuring,’ and leave their teams in the dark. But right sizing? That’s different. That’s stewardship. That’s intentional. And if you're not planning your workforce like you plan your marketing, you're already behind.
Episode 81: Right Sizing vs Layoffs | Lead with Integrity or Panic Like Everyone Else
The real test of leadership isn’t how fast you grow - it’s how you show up when growth slows. Most leaders panic. They downsize in a frenzy, hide behind vague language like ‘restructuring,’ and leave their teams in the dark. But right sizing? That’s different. That’s stewardship. That’s intentional. And if you're not planning your workforce like you plan your marketing, you're already behind.
Episode 80: From Trailer Park to Millionaire to Walking Away From It All
We had everything people say they want…money, careers, private school, big house, country club. Then we gave it up.
In this episode, we’re sharing what no one tells you about burnout, success, marriage, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away from everything you’ve built… to protect the life you actually want. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just quietly wondering if there's more to life than the grind…this one's for you.
Episode 79: Most CEOs Wouldn't Dare Build A Business Like This
What does it look like when a CEO unapologetically breaks the mold? In this powerful conversation, Kerri Roberts sits down with Kristin Graham Brown of Hoot Design Company to unpack the bold decisions behind building a values-first creative agency. From 12-week paid maternity leave and reversing gender expectations to personal branding in the age of AI, Kristin shares the blueprint for leading with both strength and soul. If you're ready to rethink how business should be done, this episode is your permission slip.
Episode 72: Healing Hustle Culture with Nervous System Work and Intuition
"Leadership doesn’t begin with strategy—it begins with alignment."
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts sits down with intuitive coach Kelly Howe to explore how tuning into your inner frequency can transform the way you lead. From balancing masculine and feminine energy to using EFT (tapping) to shift fear and self-doubt, this conversation blends practical insight with soulful wisdom for purpose-driven leaders.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, misaligned, or simply craving more peace in how you show up—this is your invitation to come back home to what matters most.
Episode 51: What It Takes to Turn a Small Agency into a Major Player
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and scaling insurance agencies. Our guest, Jeff Turner, brings decades of experience in building, growing, and transforming businesses, turning a small startup into one of the top 20 U.S. acquirers in just three years.
We explore the strategies behind successful acquisitions, what business owners need to do to maximize valuation, and how to navigate the challenges of cultural integration. Whether you’re preparing your business for sale, planning to acquire another company, or simply curious about what it takes to scale to $200M+ in revenue, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.
Episode 49: Mastering Communication, Professionalism, and Business Acumen for the Next Generation
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we tackle a topic on the minds of many employers: how to help young professionals overcome challenges with soft skills, communication, professionalism, and business acumen. Whether you’re a young professional eager to grow or a manager looking to build a stronger, more capable team, this episode is packed with practical advice for unlocking potential and bridging the skills gap in the workplace.
Episode 41: Top Branding Tips from a Culture-Driven Agency CEO
In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of branding with Kristen Graham Brown, the innovative Founder and CEO of Hoot Design Company. For over 14 years, Kristen has led her culture-driven branding agency in transforming how businesses present themselves, crafting powerful brand identities that not only stand out but also drive cultural shifts. Kristen walks us through her journey, shares the core principles behind her disruptive branding philosophy, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at her client process—from start to finish. We’ll also discuss the common mistakes companies make when it comes to branding, how to avoid them, and how Hoot’s approach has successfully revamped brands in a big way.
Plus, you’ll hear about the role of AI in shaping the future of branding and her thoughts on how to measure a brand campaign's success. Whether you’re a business owner, a marketing professional, or just curious about the powerful role branding plays in shaping culture, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.
Episode 39: Transform Your Workplace Culture
In this episode, our host Kerri M. Roberts interviews Brandi Spurling, founder of Sage Culture Co. Brandi’s unique approach to leadership and workplace culture stems from her master’s in strategic leadership combined with her background in theatre and stand-up comedy. She’s the perfect blend of insightful and entertaining, making her a dynamic keynote speaker on organizational culture.
In this episode, Brandi shares her journey to founding Sage Culture Co. and her passion for transforming employee culture. We dive deep into the key elements that define a strong workplace environment, the leadership role in shaping culture, and practical strategies to create a thriving team. Whether you’re an HR professional or a business leader, you’ll walk away with actionable advice and a renewed perspective on building empowered teams.
Episode 34: The Cost of Ignoring Conflict
In this episode, our host Kerri Roberts, a 20 year HR Pro, explores conflict, and more specifically, what leaders and HR professionals can do to address and manage conflict in the workplace effectively. And while most of us prefer to turn a different direction and ignore the drama, it's killing your culture and your productivity.
Episode 28: The Science Behind Workplace Stress & Exhaustion.
In this episode, we dive deep into the science behind burnout and workplace stress. Discover how chronic stress affects both mind and body, and learn practical strategies to manage and prevent burnout. Whether you're an employee feeling overwhelmed or a leader looking to support your team, this episode offers valuable insights and solutions.
Episode 20: How to Boost Employee Morale: Practical Strategies for Supervisors & Leaders
In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, tackles the topic of low employee morale including how it happens, strategies to make a positive impact, and specifically what a supervisor or manager can do to improve the employee experience.