A top-rated HR + leadership podcast with 80%+ listener retention.
A top-rated HR + leadership podcast with 80%+ listener retention.
Hosted by Kerri M. Roberts, this is where bold business leadership meets real life.
New episodes weekly. Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Why Leaders Tune In
Our listeners aren’t casual scrollers - they’re CEOs, founders, HR leaders, and entrepreneurs who crave real talk, not fluff.
– 41K+ new views in just 4 months
– 30K+ binge-worthy, engaged views
– 80%+ episode retention (industry-beating)
– 5 STARS on Apple Podcasts
– Recognized as one of the fastest-growing HR + leadership podcasts
It’s the podcast leaders binge on the weekend - and bring up in meetings on Monday.

Kerri’s Most-Streamed Episodes
Tap to watch or listen now:
Scroll down to explore all episodes on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.
Kerri’s Favorite Tools & Resources
“These are the tools that help me live fully and lead confidently — in business and at home.” – Kerri
Discover the curated picks from Kerri’s Boss’s Best and Lifestyle Love List — the exact tools, resources, and favorites she uses every day. Some links are affiliate links, meaning Kerri may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support her work and maybe find something that helps you thrive too. Click on the icons below to check it out.

Want to Be a Guest?
Don’t Waste the Chaos was built on the belief that our hardest seasons can become our greatest teachers.
We feature bold leaders, HR pros, and entrepreneurs who bring raw, real stories of:
Leadership & business growth
Resilience, rebuilding, and clarity
Faith, purpose, and meaning
Think Your Story Can Handle the Chaos?
Stay in the Loop
Get new episodes, tools, and honest reflections delivered to your inbox.
Subscribers also receive:
Early access to new episodes
Exclusive bonus content
First looks at Kerri’s books, retreats, and events
Weekly tips for business + life
Explore the Archive:
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 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 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 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 46: The Science Behind Behavioral Assessments in HR
This episode explores how behavioral and cognitive assessments can transform team dynamics by improving hiring decisions, enhancing employee development, and fostering collaboration. HR expert Kerri shares over 20 years of experience, offering practical advice and real-world success stories. Listeners will learn how aligning their people strategy with business goals can reduce turnover, boost productivity, and deliver measurable results—all while keeping costs manageable. Whether you're a small business owner or leading a growing team, this episode provides essential tools for leveraging people-focused strategies to drive sustainable growth.
Episode 44: What Veterans and Military Spouses Can Teach Us About Life and Success.
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, we dive into the unique and powerful life lessons learned from the experiences of veterans and military spouses. These lessons—shaped by resilience, adaptability, and deep community ties—are not just relevant for those who have served but are invaluable for anyone looking to lead a more fulfilled and prepared life. Join us as we uncover these often overlooked insights and discuss how they can transform the way we approach challenges, relationships, and personal growth.
Episode 42: End of Year Payroll Checklist
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, we’re diving into one of the most critical tasks for business owners as the year winds down: the year-end payroll wrap-up. From verifying employee data to filing crucial tax forms, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive checklist to ensure your payroll process is smooth, compliant, and ready for the new year. Staying on top of payroll not only helps avoid penalties but also builds trust with your employees and sets your company up for success in 2024.
Episode 40: HR Compliance Checklist
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, host Kerri Roberts dives deep into the world of legal compliance in human resources, sharing essential best practices for business owners and HR professionals. Whether you're running a small business without a full-time HR team or overseeing a growing company, staying compliant with employment laws and regulations is crucial. Kerri outlines 7 key strategies, from keeping up with ever-evolving laws to documenting everything thoroughly and conducting employee training. Tune in to learn how to create a culture of fairness and transparency while avoiding costly legal pitfalls.
Episode 38: Why HR Can’t Ignore AI
In this episode of Don't Waste the Chaos, we explore the inevitable rise of AI and automation in human resources. With over 20 years of experience in HR, our host, Kerri M. Roberts discusses why AI can no longer be ignored and why it’s crucial for businesses, regardless of size, to embrace these advancements. From streamlining recruitment processes to enhancing employee engagement and performance management, AI is reshaping how companies operate. Kerri breaks down where HR departments should begin and the strategies they can adopt to ensure a smooth transition into this new technological landscape.
Episode 36: Outdated HR Practices that are Killing your Business.
In this episode of Don’t Waste the Chaos, 20 year HR Pro Kerri Roberts explores how outdated HR practices could be slowing down your business, hurting your ability to attract top talent, and reducing employee engagement. From manual processes to rigid work policies, we’ll discuss why it’s time to leave these old methods behind and adopt modern, efficient HR strategies.
Whether you’re an HR leader or a business owner, this episode will show you how to make the changes that can help your company thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
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 32: The Power of Upskilling
In this episode, we're focusing on a subject that's become increasingly important for Owners, Leaders, and HR professionals—Upskilling. As the economic landscape shifts and recruitment becomes more challenging, it's crucial to turn our focus inward and invest in the growth and development of our existing workforce.
Episode 30: The Secret to Elevating HR
We're exploring the intersection between Human Resources (HR) and Operations. Our host, 20 year HR pro Kerri Roberts, shares her personal journey, from being assessed as a stereotypical COO to proving why HR professionals need operational expertise. Discover why HR should not be viewed as a necessary evil but as a critical component of business operations.
Episode 29: Control Freak or Empowering Leader?
When you micromanage, you’re not just controlling the work; you’re stifling the growth and potential of your team. It's a serious issue that can disrupt teams and hinder growth. On this episode of DWTC, our host Kerri Roberts dives deep into why micromanagement occurs, its negative effects, and practical strategies to transform from a micromanager into an empowering leader.
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 27: How to conduct a SWOT analysis
In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro explains the importance and process of conducting a SWOT analysis to help businesses identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, aiding in strategic planning and decision-making.
Episode 25: Tough Decisions: When and How to Reduce Your Workforce
In this episode, Kerri Roberts, a 20+ year HR Pro, discusses the difficult topic of reductions in force and layoffs. She provides key indicators and steps to help determine if it's time to consider reducing the workforce. Kerri also highlights the legal implications and considerations when navigating this tough process.
Episode 23: Unpacking Burnout: Financial & Human Costs
In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, is joined by Lydia Melton, entrepreneur, efficiency expert and current Chief of Staff at Healium. They tackle the topic of burnout. Whether you are an employee, business owner, or manager, you won't want to miss this.
Episode 20: Thriving Teams: Strategies for Morale Boosting
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.
Episode 18: The Cost of Ineffective Leadership
In this episode, Kerri Roberts, 20+ year HR Pro, discusses the impact and factors contributing to ineffective leadership. And, for many businesses, ineffective leadership remains one of the top challenges they face. From communication breakdowns to lack of vision, the repercussions of poor leadership can be costly and far-reaching. Kerri also explores why ineffective leadership is a prevalent issue and offers practical strategies for business owners to address it today.