Cerius Leadership with Kristen McAlister

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 valuation, and how to future-proof your business through data, documentation, and delegation. Whether you’re thinking about selling someday—or just want to build a stronger, more self-sustaining company—this conversation will change the way you think about readiness and leadership.

Show Notes:

Cerius for Clients: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

Cerius for Executives: https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/

Kristen McAlister LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

Alex Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrown805/

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 Business Leaders

Show Notes:

Cerius for Clients:
https://ceriusexecutives.com/

Cerius for Executives:
https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/

Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidespindola/

/

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 assessments — are your people prepared for what’s next?
– How to reconcile shifting values and culture
– Communication loops that build real trust
– Embedding AI into the organization — and why HR should lead the way

Donna’s global leadership experience spans HR & Tech – from VC backed start-ups to global enterprises which gives me a unique blend of skills & insights to help companies accelerate growth.

If you want to future-proof your workforce and lead with intentionality, this episode is your blueprint.

 #IntentionalLeadership #Podcast #InterimHR #FractionalHR #HRLeadership #FutureOfWork

Show Notes:

Cerius: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/

Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

Donna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacyclarke/

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 footprint
– “Do we use it? Do we need it?” – how to rethink your tech stack
– The power of energy converting and sustainable infrastructure
– Who your Green Champions are — and why you need them

Kacy is a fractional CTO and sustainability advisor, specializing in guiding organizations through strategy and implementation of robust sustainable architectures, green software development, GreenOps and FinOps programs to enable cost and resource optimized innovation. 

Because doing good for the planet and doing well in business shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.

#IntentionalLeadership #Sustainability #TechLeadership #BCorp #CarbonFootprint #Podcast #DoingWellWhileDoingGood

Show Notes:

Cerius: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/

Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

Kacy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacyclarke/

Book Mentioned: The Demand Revolution

Resources: SustainableIT.org, SustainableArchitectures.org

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
• Why the 3 Horizons Framework still matters
• How the best gains come after the hype
• And most importantly, why your customer conversations should be at the center of it all

Tim is an entrepreneurial leader with in-depth experience in technology, venture capital, and private/public sector innovation. 

If your go-to-market motion feels stuck or stale, this episode might be your reset button.

  #IntentionalLeadership #GoToMarket #InnovationStrategy #TechLeadership #Podcast

Show Notes:

Cerius: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/

Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

Tim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothybernardjones/

Book Mentioned: Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: The Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages by Carlota Perez

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 traditional workforce development isn’t working
🔹The role of AI in reshaping how we train, develop, and retain teams

Michael is an award-winning brand developer and marketer with an expertise in building go-to-market strategies for brands in technology, education, packaged goods, spirits, media and social impact.

If you’re tired of throwing training dollars at the wall hoping something sticks, this conversation will give you a clearer way forward.

🎧 Tune in now and start thinking differently about the future of learning and development.

#IntentionalLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #LearningAndDevelopment #FutureOfWork #QuietCracking #Podcast

Cerius for Clients: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

Cerius for Executives: https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/

Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-lefort-4555654b/

Learnie: https://mylearnie.com/

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 position
🔹 The role of intentional pauses in elevating executive presence
🔹 Coaching leaders through growth, change, and reinvention
🔹 Standing out in a noisy world

Natalie is passionate about the vital role of well-crafted communications to cultivate key relationships, support transformational growth, and enhance people engagement.

If you’re a leader navigating what’s next—for your company or your career—this conversation is your playbook.

🎧 Tune in now and start communicating like the leader you’re becoming.

#IntentionalLeadership #ExecutivePresence #TransformationalCommunication

Cerius for Clients: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

Cerius for Executives: https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/

Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

Natalie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliefine/

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)
• Process. Prioritization. Respect. – the trio that can make or break your
  success
• And a fresh take on collaboration: It starts with “I” – Inform, Impact, Input

Whether you’re leading change, reworking a broken process, or just trying to stop the cycle of “fixing things that don’t stay fixed,” this
one’s for you.

🎧 Listen now and unlock better ways to lead through problems — not around them.
#IntentionalLeadership #ProblemSolving #BusinessStrategy #Collaboration #ExecutiveLeadership

Show Notes:

Cerius for Clients: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

Cerius for Executives: https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/

Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

Kim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-sentovich/

“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 themes shaping today’s product management community
• How to build learning environments that fuel creativity
• Why experimentation isn’t just for business — it’s a life skill
• The new role of AI, prioritization, and diversity of thought in innovation

Diana is a Product Leadership Coach with over 20 years of experience inglobal product management and innovation. Her mission is to empower ambitious product leaders and managers to unlock their full potential, navigate career transitions confidently, and create high-performing, innovative teams.

Whether you’re leading a product team, growing a business, or innovating within your career, this conversation is packed with insights you can put into action.

🎧 Listen now and explore how experiences shape everything we create.

#IntentionalLeadership #ProductManagement#LeadershipDevelopment #Innovation

Show Notes:

Cerius for Clients: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

Cerius for Executives: https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives

Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/

Diana’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianas/

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 and culture

– How to develop leadership teams ready for any ownership transition

– The secret to employee development (Hint: You spell L.O.V.E. as T.I.M.E.)

– The 3 questions investors ask first — and how to be ready

– Expectations every Finance & Ops leader should meet

– The guiding principles that drive real company value growth

Whether you’re preparing for a capital raise, exit, or just thinking long-term, this episode brings clarity to what creates sustainable success.

Leah is committed to stewarding investments in the lower-middle market under the banner of Private Equity as a Service™. This unique approach underscores the belief that private equity managers hold a greater responsibility for stewardship, propelling sustainable growth and

prosperity for all stakeholders.

🎧 Listen now and let us know — what does legacy look like in your business?

#IntentionalLeadership #PrivateEquity #FounderLeadership #BusinessGrowth

Other Notes:

Cerius for Clients: https://ceriusexecutives.com/

Cerius for Executives: https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/