Cerius Leadership with Kristen McAlister

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 taught university courses, written extensively on the subject, and today, he’s here to break down the foundation of customer-centric innovation in just 30 minutes. What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Defining Customer Centricity – Why businesses must listen rather than assume, and how to build an ecosystem that truly understands customer needs.
• Speed of Innovation – The pace of change is accelerating—how can companies keep up while integrating customer insights into decision-making?
• Developing Fore-Vision – How to spot trends before they disrupt your business and use trend radars to stay ahead of the curve.
• Reflective Products & Services – The power of journey mapping to uncover customer emotions and design products that feel intuitive rather than forced.

If you’re ready to future-proof your business and embrace a new era of innovation, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

#IntentionalLeadership #Innovation #CustomerExperience

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/

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 a breaking point where the CEO is still managing HR—often alongside an office manager or accountant. But without a solid HR foundation, legal risks, compliance issues, and people challenges can derail growth fast.

In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we are joined by Patty Mullarky and dive into the critical role of HR in scaling a company, when to bring in expertise, and how to structure your people function before issues arise. Whether you’re a startup founder, a CEO leading a high-growth business, or an investor looking at organizational health, this discussion will help you build a scalable HR strategy that protects your company and accelerates growth. What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why HR is More Than Just Administration
• The Smart Way to Set Up HR Early
• When to Bring in HR Expertise
• HR as a CEO’s Secret Weapon
• HR & Growth Phases
• HR’s Role in Business Strategy

Patty is an Executive HR Business Partner & People Leader who specializes in private equity, start-ups, and M&A.

HR isn’t just an operational function—it’s the offensive line protecting your business and driving sustainable growth. Tune in now to learn how to scale smarter and set up your people function for long-term success. #IntentionalLeadership #ScalingBusiness #HRStrategy #PeopleFirst

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/

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 workplace cultures ranking as the #1 reason for the Great Resignation (50M+ resignations in the U.S. alone from 2021-2022), businesses can’t afford to overlook this critical leadership approach. What you’ll learn in this episode.

• Why Managers Are the Key to Culture & Retention
• Culture Renovation & the “Game Changer” Approach.
• Turning Managers Into “Card-Carrying” Core Value Leaders
• The Trojan Horse of Purpose-Driven Missions
• Real-World Success Stories
• Key Takeaways for Leaders

Ray’s expertise is building transformational teams that bring out the best in people.

Empowered managers don’t just manage—they lead, inspire, and transform organizations. Tune in now to learn how to turn your company values into action and unlock the full potential of your workforce. #IntentionalLeadership #CultureLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #Productivity

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/

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 insights will help you stay competitive in a fast-changing job market. What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Digitalizing HR Early – Why SMBs should invest in Human Capital Management (HCM) software early, and how it shifts HR from a cost center to a strategic driver.
• Recruiting the Right Talent – Beyond job descriptions—how to assess culture fit and ensure new hires integrate seamlessly.
• Attracting Talent Without Big-Budget Perks – Creative ways SMBs can compete with larger companies, from referral programs to employer branding and LinkedIn presence.
• The Power of Transparency – Why open leadership and clear communication can boost employee trust, engagement, and accountability.
• Retaining & Developing Employees – SMBs have an advantage over big corporations—agility. Learn how to turn it into a retention strategy that keeps top talent engaged.
• Succession Planning – Why planning for future leadership now will keep your company thriving long after you’re gone.

Marine Hamou, is a global talent expert currently located in Switzerland focusing on Small to Mid-Sized Businesses and startups to help them connect the dots between exceptional people, ambitious ideas, and business growth.

Your employees are your greatest asset—but only if you create the right environment for them to succeed. Join us for this must-listen conversation and learn how SMBs are building stronger, more resilient teams for the future.

#IntentionalLeadership #SMB #TalentStrategy #HRTrends

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/

Marine’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamoumarine/

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 leaders define their marketing goals, align strategy with business growth, and craft messaging that resonates with the right audience. What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What’s Your Goal for Marketing? – Understanding how your business stage defines your marketing approach.
• Common Marketing Pitfalls – Avoid the firehose effect and the Frankenstein approach.
• How to Build a Strong Messaging Framework – A simple 1-2 page document that serves as the foundation for all your marketing.
• Customer-Centric Communication – Learn how to talk about your product from the customer’s perspective, not the boardroom’s.
• The Buyer’s Journey – How to guide customers from awareness to purchase and beyond with the right storytelling and proof points.
• Leveraging AI in Messaging – Train AI tools to align with your brand’s voice and messaging strategy.
• The Power of Storytelling – Using a hero’s journey approach to position your customer as the hero and your product as the guide.

Real-world examples from Fiona’s experience, including how a $100M ARR software company refined its brand, and how an industrial lighting company streamlined its messaging and opened new revenue streams.

Fiona Pietruski is a marketing maven who is often a marketing coach for entrepreneurs and CEOs helping them figure out what they want marketing to accomplish and how to manage to that.

Marketing isn’t about throwing content at the wall and hoping it sticks—it’s about strategy, storytelling, and alignment. Ready to fine-tune your marketing for real impact? Tune in now!

#IntentionalLeadership #MarketingStrategy #Messaging #Storytelling

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/

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 complexity, and set the foundation for sustainable growth. What you’ll learn in this episode:

Why Your Processes Aren’t as Unique as You Think

The Power of a Playbook

Turning Optimization Into a Strategic Advantage

Building an Initiative Portfolio

How to Fund Operational Improvements

Using KPIs to Drive Impact

The Role of Leadership in Optimization

Pieter has scaled operations so many times that he has a playbook on how to do it. Stop overcomplicating your business. Start scaling with confidence.

#IntentionalLeadership #OperationsOptimization #ScalingBusiness #ProcessImprovement

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/

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 Williams. Drawing on insights from Starbucks’ culture transformation, we break down actionable strategies for integrating culture into daily business operations. What you’ll learn in this episode:

• What Is Culture? Learn how to turn core values into real behaviors that drive business results.
• Why Culture Matters for Business Growth – Here’s why investing in it pays off.
• Making Culture Visible & Relatable – Lessons from Starbucks on integrating culture into everyday business operations to create longevity and brand strength.
• Training Leaders to Drive Culture – The critical shift from individual contributor to manager, and how leaders can empower teams to make their own decisions.
• How Culture Shows Up for Customers – Does yours enhance the customer experience or hold it back?
• Practical Ways to Embed Culture in Leadership – How small, intentional actions create a sense of belonging and purpose.
• Systems Thinking for Culture Development – How every department plays a role in building and sustaining company culture.
• The Power of Storytelling

Your company already has a culture—make sure it’s working for you, not against you. Tune in now to learn how to build a workplace culture that attracts top talent, enhances customer experience, and fuels business growth.

Rossann Williams is an accomplished senior global retail operations executive, a board director, and a passionate, engaged business leader with nearly 30 years of experience leading international businesses. As a former EVP and President of NA Retail for Starbucks Coffee Company, I don’t think there is a better person than Rossann to speak to the lessons any company can learn from your experience and having culture as a strategic differentiator.

Join the conversation on LinkedIn! How are you shaping culture in your organization?

#IntentionalLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #BusinessGrowth

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/

Rossann’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossann-williams-a7a9221/

Marketing today is more than just content—it’s about changing behaviors and making an impact. But are we so focused on probability, predictability, and scalability that we’re losing sight of innovation and creativity?

In the latest episode, Robert Rose, guides us through:

* Why marketing is (still) all about content

* The biggest problem with modern marketing today

* Why fast isn’t always good—and how to balance speed with strategy

* The power of storytelling, engagement, and curiosity in cutting through the noise

* How to blend creativity and collaboration with measurable results

If you’re a leader, marketer, or business owner, this episode is packed with insights to help you rethink your marketing approach.

#IntentionalLeadership #MarketingStrategy #CeriusLeadership #ModernMarketing #Creativity #Storytelling

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/

Book, ”Harness the Power of Your Brand’s Voice”: https://www.amazon.com/Content-Marketing-Strategy-Harness-Brands/dp/1398611506/

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
• How to maintain a competitive edge in a commoditized market
• Thinking like an investor—balancing technology, growth, and strategy
• The real impact of AI on your strategic decisions
• Spotting blind spots with Product 360 Reviews

Sean helps executives and boards focus on productizing AI and optimizing customer experiences to drive growth, streamline operations, and create competitive advantages.

Whether you’re gearing up for your next acquisition, refining your product roadmap, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss.

Listen now and future-proof your strategy.

#IntentionalLeadership #AI #ProductStrategy #Growth #MergersAndAcquisitions #Leadership #BusinessStrategy

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/

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 partnership can do more than process transactions—it can help you mitigate risk, improve cash flow, and unlock growth opportunities. But how do you build and maintain a banking relationship that works for your business?

Joanne Stockdale, an experienced commercial banking advisor covers:

• The foundation of a great banking relationship – what it looks like and why it matters
• Risk management – fraud prevention (internal & external) and critical controls
• Triggers & best practices – what to watch for and how to stay ahead
• Getting creative & staying proactive – leveraging banking for more than just loans
• From customer service to strategy – turning your banker into a trusted business partner

Your business advisor team isn’t complete without a strong banking relationship. Learn how to make it work for you.

#IntentionalLeadership #StrategicAdvisors #BusinessGrowth

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/

Joanne’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-stockdale-52853015/