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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Episode 76: From Burnout To Calling
I was staring at a calendar packed with meetings…meetings that once excited me but now felt like noise. Somewhere between the metrics and the deadlines, I lost sight of the why.
In this episode, I share the moment I knew I had to walk away from corporate, the internal war between safety and purpose, and how tools like Human Design, Gene Keys, and Six Sigma helped me find clarity in the chaos. If you’re stuck in success that doesn’t feel like yours anymore… this is for you.
Episode 75: The Real Reason Women Struggle to Sell (and How To Fix It)
What if selling didn’t feel heavy, fake, or forced? In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts sits down with Andee Hart, former corporate sales leader and founder of She Sells Differently for a conversation every woman in business needs to hear.
Together, they unpack the hidden fears that keep women playing small, how to rebuild confidence when stepping out on your own, and why showing up consistently matters more than having it all figured out.
Whether you're wrestling with imposter syndrome, navigating a pivot, or learning to lead with faith, this episode will encourage you to sell with soul and lead with clarity.
Episode 74: Why Entrepreneurial Spirit Can Ruin Your Team
In this solo episode, Kerri dives into the hiring phrase “entrepreneurial spirit” and why it may be doing more harm than good. Drawing from her personal experiences and lessons as a founder, she explains how this phrase can attract the wrong candidates, disrupt culture, and lead to expensive hiring missteps. Hear what Airbnb’s Brian Chesky says about culture, discover surprising data on entrepreneur mental health, and get phrases you should be using in your job descriptions to foster alignment and creativity.
Episode 71: Strategy Is The Power Move
In this powerful episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts redefines what business strategy truly means. Far from a static plan gathering dust on a shelf, Kerri presents strategy as a living, breathing series of choices that steer how a business grows, adapts, and leads.
With her signature clarity and sharp insight, Kerri unpacks how leaders can simplify execution, clarify their ideal customer, and create lasting alignment using real-time data and cultural clarity. This episode is a must-listen for founders, executives, and team leaders ready to ditch complexity and lead with intention.
Episode 69: Top 20 Ways Small Businesses Can Use AI Today
AI isn’t just for big tech. In this episode, Kerri Roberts shares how entrepreneurs and small business leaders are using artificial intelligence to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and drive growth. If you're wondering how to start using AI in your business, this episode delivers practical, real-world insights to get you moving.
Episode 68: When to Pivot: Signs Your Business Needs Change
In this solo episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts shares her personal journey of pivoting in business and the clarity that came from embracing change. She breaks down how business complexity often signals it’s time to evolve—and offers frameworks to simplify your services, strengthen your team, and better serve your ideal clients. Whether you're in a season of uncertainty or proactively reimagining your business model, this episode gives you the tools to pivot with purpose.
Episode 67: Real Talk for Moms Reentering the Workforce
In this episode, Kerri Roberts discusses the challenges and triumphs of women transitioning back into the workforce after being stay-at-home moms. Joined by Britne O’Brien and Paige Mulligan, they share their personal experiences, the emotional rollercoaster of re-entering the job market, and the importance of finding balance between work and family life. They emphasize the need for self-confidence, grace, and the understanding that it's okay to ask for help and not please everyone. The conversation highlights the realities of remote work and the necessity of setting boundaries to maintain mental health and well-being. In this conversation, Kerri Roberts and her guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of women navigating their careers while balancing motherhood. They explore themes of confidence in the workplace, the importance of self-discovery during career transitions, and the strategies they employ to manage the chaos of work and family life. The discussion also touches on the humorous moments that arise from working remotely and the evolving perceptions of work-life balance among younger generations.
Episode 64: How Writing a Book Can Grow Your Business and Establish You as an Expert
In this special episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, Kerri is pulling back the curtain on her journey of writing a book—why she did it, what it’s about, and what she learned along the way. If you’ve ever had the quiet dream of writing a book but talked yourself out of it, this episode is for you. Kerri walks you through the mindset shifts, challenges, and wins that come with turning your expertise into something tangible. Plus, she gives you a sneak peek into her upcoming book, a must-read for business leaders and HR professionals looking to build strong, people-centered organizations.
Episode 60: Is a PEO the Right Choice for Your Business
In this episode, Kerri Roberts discusses the critical decision small to mid-sized businesses face regarding their HR strategy: whether to outsource HR functions through a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) or to manage them in-house. She outlines the pros and cons of each approach, focusing on key considerations such as cost, compliance, and control. Kerri also provides insights into the types of businesses that typically benefit from PEOs and offers guidance on how to make the best choice for your organization based on its specific goals and needs.
Episode 58: How to Create Goals That Actually Motivate Your Team
In this conversation, Kerri Roberts breaks down the critical issue of unclear expectations in leadership and people management. She highlights how lack of clarity leads to employee frustration, decreased productivity, and missed opportunities. Kerri provides actionable strategies for leaders to set clear goals, define roles, communicate effectively, and document progress—ensuring a more engaged and accountable workforce.
Episode 57: The Biggest Hiring Mistakes Businesses Make (And How to Avoid Them)
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, Kerri Roberts interviews George Zimny, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Producify X. They discuss the evolution of recruitment, effective strategies for sourcing candidates, common mistakes in hiring, and how small businesses can compete with larger corporations. George shares insights on building scalable recruitment strategies and highlights a success story from his company. The conversation emphasizes the importance of human connection in recruitment and the need for businesses to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Episode 55: 12 Steps to Launch Your Podcast
In this episode, Kerri Roberts celebrates the one-year anniversary of her podcast, 'Don't Waste the Chaos.' She reflects on her journey, sharing insights on why she started the podcast, the lessons learned throughout the year, and practical steps for those considering starting their own podcast. Kerri emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistency, and vulnerability in connecting with an audience, and provides a detailed checklist for launching a successful podcast.
Episode 54: Hiring Your First (Or Fifth) Employee? Watch This First!
In this episode, Kerri Roberts dives into key strategies for small business owners to establish a robust HR foundation. She explores hiring and recruitment best practices, the value of effective onboarding, and the impact of employee recognition on satisfaction and engagement. Kerri also underscores the importance of leadership development, talent management, and offering comprehensive benefits and wellness programs—even for small teams. By focusing on these essential areas, businesses can attract, retain, and motivate top talent, paving the way for sustainable growth and success in the year ahead.
Episode 53: The HR Myths Holding Your Business Back
Tara Parris, Fractional CHRO at Salt & Light Advisors, joins Don’t Waste the Chaos to challenge outdated HR stereotypes and share actionable insights. Discover how HR can be a strategic business partner, balance employee advocacy with business goals, and stay passionate in an emotionally demanding field. Whether you're an HR professional or a business leader, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice to transform your perspective on HR.
Episode 52: The 5 Metrics Every Business Owner MUST Track for 2025 Success
In this episode, we dive into the essential metrics every business owner should track to close out 2024 strong and prepare for a thriving 2025. Data-driven decisions are the backbone of successful businesses, and Kerri Roberts breaks down key areas of measurement to drive growth and efficiency. From revenue and profitability insights to customer acquisition and retention strategies, she highlights the importance of understanding financial performance and building lasting relationships. The conversation also explores operational efficiency, marketing and sales performance, and employee engagement, providing practical ways to optimize processes and foster a high-performing team. Tune in to learn how tracking the right metrics can set your business up for success in the year ahead.
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 50: Why Sustainability in Business is the Ultimate Business Strategy for 2025
n this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we’re tackling a topic that’s no longer optional: sustainability in business. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, embracing sustainability is not just about saving the planet—it’s about creating lasting value for your customers, cutting unnecessary costs, and preparing your business for long-term success.
Tune in to hear why sustainability is a critical business strategy—not just a trend. Learn practical steps to make your business more sustainable, starting today. Discover real-life examples of small businesses that saw cost savings, increased customer loyalty, and operational efficiency by going green. Understand how to overcome common challenges like upfront costs and resistance to change. Explore why sustainability isn’t just about the planet—it’s about supporting your people and community too. Take your first step toward sustainability and make a meaningful impact.
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 47: Top HR Trends for 2025
As we prepare to enter 2025, organizations face an evolving landscape of challenges and opportunities in Human Resources. This episode dives into the top HR trends poised to shape the future of work, focusing on how businesses can leverage these developments to build resilient and thriving workplaces. From integrating AI tools and automation to fostering employee well-being, promoting DEI, and adopting hybrid work models, we provide actionable insights for HR leaders and business owners alike.
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.