Best Chris Dardis Podcasts (2025)

1
Behind the CXO Title: Chris Dardi on Building Something Bigger Than Himself - Bigger. Stronger. Faster. 29:39

11h ago29:39

29:39

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Dardi, an alumnus of the CXO Fellows Program who was CFO of Behavioral Innovations at the time of recording and now serves as COO. Chris shares why he left financial due diligence to build something bigger, how he navigated the leap into healthcare, and the mindset shifts that helped him succeed. He reflects …

1
Behind the CXO Title: Chris Dardi on Building Something Bigger Than Himself 29:39

11h ago29:39

29:39

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Dardi, an alumnus of the CXO Fellows Program who was CFO of Behavioral Innovations at the time of recording and now serves as COO. Chris shares why he left financial due diligence to build something bigger, how he navigated the leap into healthcare, and the mindset shifts that helped him succeed. He reflects …

1
Dan Schwarz: A Neighborhood Poker Party Leads to a Brewery, Then Full-Circle Back to His Family Business 35:48

11h ago35:48

35:48

Dan Schwarz can thank his wife Katie for at least pointing him in the right direction for success. She was the one involved in the neighborhood book and wine clubs, so Dan decided to start a poker party. That's where he met Brad Glynn, who shared his dream of owning a brewery. The two teamed up to found the popular Lift Bridge Brewing Company. Then…

1
The Tidal Wave Effect: Cameron Perkins on Entrepreneurial Momentum 28:57

9d ago28:57

28:57

In this episode, Cameron Perkins shares how a family legacy of both entrepreneurial success and failure shaped his approach to leadership, risk, and resilience. He reflects on co-founding FastMed and leading Anutra Medical, a venture-backed startup, and what those experiences taught him about scaling with intention. Now a Partner at Shore Search Pa…

1
Steve Grove: How I Found Myself in the Midwest - A Memoir of Reinvention 53:55

16d ago53:55

53:55

He's not only climbed the corporate career ladder, he's explored exotic and faraway places on his journey to become CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune. Stops in Tanzania, Japan, Thailand and India, then back in the US, hired as employee #85 at Google. Ultimately, like most Minnesotans who leave their home state, he found his way back a…

1
Shore University: How We Customize Talent Development 29:04

20d ago29:04

29:04

In this episode, Anderson Williams, Principal of Talent Development, is joined by Jackson Sprayberry, Director of Talent Development, and Ben Gilbert, Associate of Talent Development, to share how Shore University customizes talent development to meet the unique needs of each portfolio company. They explore how surface-level requests like conflict …

1
Luke Gaalswyk: Lessons From Military Service Apply to Executive Leadership Growth 39:30

28d ago39:30

39:30

Integrity, collaboration and listening: Those three key words describe how District Energy St. Paul CEO Luke Gaalswyk motivates and inspires his team. The U.S. Air Force veteran has made the most of his engineering experience and teamwork in the military, ascending to the C-Suite at Ever-Green Energy in September 2022. Luke shares his life and care…

1
The Operator’s Edge: Charlie Talbot’s Path to CFO and Ongoing Impact 24:14

1M ago24:14

24:14

In this episode, Charlie Talbot shares how two decades in brand leadership and operations paved the way for his success as a multi-time CFO and now Executive Partner at Shore Capital. He reflects on scaling companies like Potbelly, Athletico, and Tend, building strong CEO partnerships, and learning to lead with both numbers and empathy. Charlie dis…

1
Shore University: Building a Scalable Learning Platform 24:58

1M ago24:58

24:58

In this episode, Michael Burcham, Chief of Strategy, Research, and Talent Development, joins Anderson Williams, Principal of Talent Development, along with Ben Gilbert, Associate of Talent Development, and Jackson Sprayberry, Director of Talent Development, to share how Shore University has grown into a platform that supports learning at every leve…

1
Chris Heim: How a People First Approach and Endurance Sports Play a Role in C-Suite Success 53:22

1M ago53:22

53:22

He grew up in a small Iowa town and wasn't even sure he'd go to college. But that changed one day after stocking shelves at Hy-Vee, and led Chris on an amazing career journey that combined his curiosity and tech savvy with his endless appetite for learning and growth. The Fortra Executive Chairman sits down with Kathy & Dardy to offer why being a v…

1
Shore University: Why Talent Development Matters 26:36

2M ago26:36

26:36

In this episode, Michael Burcham, Chief of Strategy, Research, and Talent Development, joins Anderson Williams, Principal of Talent Development at Shore Capital, to explore why investing in people has been core to Shore since the beginning. Michael shares how the firm’s founders valued learning as a strategic advantage and how that mindset led to t…

1
Tia Newcomer: The Ability to Adapt and Empower Your Leadership in Different Organizations 46:11

2M ago46:11

46:11

Her journalism and mass communications degree (with three minors) at Nebraska led to a role in... sales. That pivot at the outset of her career put Tia Newcomer on an ascending path through with the titans of industry- Revlon, Clorox, Frito Lay, HP, and later venture capital. Ultimately, a "life quake" led her to join Caringbridge as CEO. In this e…

1
Reclaiming Joy: Dr. Kevin Cassidy on Orthodontics, Leadership and Growth 25:31

2M ago25:31

25:31

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Cassidy shares his journey from mowing the lawn at his father's orthodontic practice to joining the team, eventually buying the business, and scaling it over the next two decades. He discusses the decision to partner with Southern Orthodontic Partners, the mindset shift that came with stepping back from daily operations, …

1
Marisa Williams: Bringing Business Leadership to the World of Non-Profit 48:31

2M ago48:31

48:31

Her title reads CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys, but in reality, she's a coach, cheerleader and accountability partner for her team and corporate partners. In this episode, Marisa Williams shares how she's channeled her strengths and transformed from a leader in the corporate world, to transforming the Girl Scouts across the Twin Cities and beyond…

1
Accelerating Growth with a Commercial Center of Excellence | Zachary Nippert 21:02

3M ago21:02

21:02

In this episode, Zachary Nippert, Chief Commercial Officer at Shore Capital, discusses building out the Commercial Center of Excellence (COE) to accelerate organic growth across the firm’s portfolio. Drawing from his experience in global advertising, tech entrepreneurship, and revenue leadership, Zack shares how he is creating a structured approach…

1
Bridgewater Bank EVP & CSO Mary Jayne Crocker: Curiosity Is a Key Ingredient in Leadership Success 39:22

3M ago39:22

39:22

As many of us have experienced throughout our careers, the best way to learn is by doing- whether you have experience with the task at hand or not. Never led a private company into an IPO? No worries, you'll figure it out! In this episode MJ shares what inspired her career trajectory, and the unique challenges she's overcome thanks to her natural c…

1
The Right Guy at the Right Time: Adam Duininck Brings the Skills and Mindset to Re-Energize Downtown Minneapolis 46:16

4M ago46:16

46:16

He grew up near the farming community of Willmar in Western Minnesota, and despite deep family ties to a rural lifestyle Adam Duininck always aspired to live, work and move the needle in a big city. So how did a kid from the country become such a force in the city as President & CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council? In this episode, Adam explain…

1
Earned, Not Given: Jim Forrest on Leadership, Grit, and Building Great Companies 31:46

4M ago31:46

31:46

In this episode, Jim Forrest shares his journey from bagging groceries at age six to becoming Chairman of multiple high-performing companies. He reflects on formative lessons from his father, early career missteps, and the customer-first mindset that shaped his leadership style. Jim discusses building great teams, the importance of process and stra…

1
Peanut Butter & Jelly TV CFO Andre Creighton: From Corporate Finance to Startup Leadership, It's More Than Just Numbers 37:21

4M ago37:21

37:21

There's comfort in a C-Suite corporate role, but it can also trigger the question of "what if?" Andre Creighton has successfully played on both sides of the ball. He's a visionary finance leader, with high profile past roles at Cargill and SPIRE Credit Union. He's also launched a startup and now is charged with the CFO and revenue role at PB&J TV. …

1
The Search for Opportunity: Michael Aubrey’s Story of Entrepreneurship and Growth 31:46

4M ago31:46

31:46

In this episode, Michael Aubrey shares his unconventional path—from investment banking to his family’s parking business—before using a search fund to acquire StatLab Medical Products. He discusses the challenges of entrepreneurship, including nearly running out of capital, and lessons from scaling businesses. Mike also reflects on leading Mission V…

1
Menttium CEO Missy Chicre: "You Have One Life, How Do You Want to Live It?" 50:03

5M ago50:03

50:03

Her unique background, experience, and curiosity led from academia to consulting, then leadership roles at Best Buy and Cargill. And then, in that "what's next?" moment, the opportunity to devote her experience to advancing women's leadership led her to Menttium. In this episode Missy Chicre joins Kathy & Dardy to retrace her path to professional s…

1
Events: Building Meaningful Connections 20:16

5M ago20:16

20:16

In this episode, Head of Events at Shore Capital, Julia Dilday, shares insights into how thoughtful event design and relationship-building strengthen the firm’s brand and fuel growth. She discusses her path from TV production to private equity, the importance of small details in creating memorable experiences, and how collaboration across teams sha…

1
Building a Legacy Together: The Dynamic Connections Story 20:30

5M ago20:30

20:30

In this episode, we dive into the entrepreneurial journeys and strategic partnerships that drive Dynamic Connections, with insights from CEO Steve Frenkiel and partners Jonas Beallor and Lynden Hennessy. Steve discusses his transition from a naive entrepreneur to the leader of a rapidly growing logistics company, and the pivotal decision to partner…

1
Ancoats Construction Founder & President David Wood: Leave Your Comfort Zone and Chase Your Dreams 49:29

5M ago49:29

49:29

He followed in his father's footsteps, and during a decade at Mortenson rose from an intern to a market sector leader at the Minneapolis construction giant. David Wood could've settled in for a long and lucrative career with few career risks. Instead, he chose to start from scratch, founding his own construction company, Ancoats. In this revealing …

1
Strategy: Developing the Strategic Plan 21:05

5M ago21:05

21:05

In this episode, the Shore Capital Strategic Planning team explores how they partner with portfolio companies to build and execute strategic plans. They discuss bridging the gap between the investment thesis and real-world execution, helping teams prioritize key initiatives, align stakeholders, and make data-driven decisions. Their structured yet a…

1
Through the SRT Lens: The Evolution of SRT with David Korb 22:38

6M ago22:38

22:38

In this episode, David Korb, Director on the Shore Resource Team, shares insights into how the SRT supports portfolio growth and enables faster execution. He discusses key projects, his career journey from consulting to private equity, and how mentorship plays a role in developing future leaders and CFOs. David also reflects on the evolution of the…

1
Through the SRT Lens: Laying the Foundation for Success with Ellie Hupp 15:59

6M ago15:59

15:59

In this episode, Ellie Hupp, a manager on the Shore Resource Team, shares her journey from financial due diligence to hands-on operational support. She discusses the importance of diversifying skills early in a career, the value of pattern recognition in private equity, and how SRT fosters collaboration across teams. Ellie also reflects on the grow…

1
Strategy: Understanding the Strategic Plan 19:39

6M ago19:39

19:39

In this episode, the Shore Capital Strategic Planning team describes their proven approach to creating, managing, and iterating strategic plans with portfolio companies. They highlight timed breakouts, facilitation, and clear documentation to ensure alignment, accelerate idea-sharing, and deliver tangible outcomes. By evolving management processes …

1
Scott Burns: Veteran Entrepreneur's Advice - Forget About "Failing Fast" and Focus on Success 54:08

6M ago54:08

54:08

The word "entrepreneur" has become a cliche in a world where almost everyone has a side hustle. But Scott Burns in truly an entrepreneur in every sense of the definition: an individual who's created and built successful businesses from scratch, while assuming all risks of the enterprise. In this episode, the general partner at Mairs & Power VC shar…

1
Through the SRT Lens: Bob Pollard on Growing as a Leader and Mentor 22:43

7M ago22:43

22:43

In this episode, Bob Pollard, Senior Director on the Shore Resource Team, shares how the SRT prepared him for a longer-term interim CFO role. He discusses stepping into leadership, driving change, and mentoring team members. Bob also reflects on projects that transformed companies by taking on tasks that the founders did not have the capacity or re…

1
Through the SRT Lens: Adapting to the Modern CFO Role with Joe Pizetoski 18:16

7M ago18:16

18:16

In this episode, Joe Pizetoski reflects on his career and the transition from the Shore Resource Team to the CFO role. He discusses the value of diverse experiences, including his time as interim CFO, and how they prepared him for strategic leadership. Joe highlights the challenges of scaling operations and fostering strong company culture. He emph…

1
Through the SRT Lens: How Hannah Credille Pivoted from Accounting to Operations 22:46

8M ago22:46

22:46

In this episode, Hannah Credille shares her journey from an early career in technical accounting to becoming a strategic leader on the Shore Resource Team. She discusses the impact of transitioning to an operationally focused role, her experiences supporting portfolio companies, and her first year, including serving as an interim CFO. Hannah emphas…

1
Point C: Continuing the Journey with the Advantage Fund | Ryan Kelley and John Hennegan 31:38

8M ago31:38

31:38

In this episode, Michael Burcham joins Ryan Kelley and John Hennegan to explore the stories behind Point C’s remarkable growth. From Ryan’s discovery of a transformative opportunity to a pivotal hotel lobby phone call that unlocked new revenue, they recount the moments—including the story behind the company’s name—that defined Point C’s journey. No…

1
Washburn Center for Children CEO Craig Warren: A Military Mindset and Passion for Helping Children 58:31

8M ago58:31

58:31

While he wasn't a military brat, he moved like one in his formative years. That exposure to different people and cultures, his service to our country, and his career journey into the private sector have all shaped the inspirational leader that Craig Warren is today. In this engaging conversation with Kathy & Chis, Craig shares his life and career j…

1
Amy Ronneberg: Tell Her "No" and Then Look Out! How a Small Town Kid Rewrote the Rules to Reach the C-Suite 41:47

8M ago41:47

41:47

Successful executives who grew up in small towns, didn't attend the Ivy League schools, or were told they weren't qualified for leadership roles all have one thing in common: A burning desire to prove people wrong. Amy Ronneberg has done just that, every step of the way on her career path. Amy boldly states that "being authentic is my superpower", …

1
Through the SRT Lens: How Brandon Coan Forged His Path to CFO 23:02

8M ago23:02

23:02

In this episode, Brandon Coan, CFO of Hueman People Solutions, reflects on how his experience with the Shore Resource Team prepared him for his first CFO role. He shares stories from his work on 100-day Plans, the challenges of stepping into interim roles, and his transition into full-time leadership at Hueman. Brandon also discusses the lasting im…

1
Research: Supporting the Shore Investment Lifecycle 17:48

9M ago17:48

17:48

In this episode, Caitlin Zager dives into how Shore Capital utilizes research to guide investments from initial analysis to exit. She discusses the importance of using data to identify market trends, validate strategies, and adapt to industry changes. Caitlin also provides practical examples of how research drives decision-making and enhances portf…

1
No Looking Back: Gillette Children's Leader Barbara Joers Focuses on the Future and Grows Leaders from the Bottom Up 56:49

9M ago56:49

56:49

As the President and CEO of Gillette Children's Hospital, Barbara Joers not only navigates the complicated world of healthcare, but the emotional aspect of the providers she leads and the patients and families they all care for. In this inspiring episode, Barbara reveals key moments on her own leadership journey, and how she empowers everyone to co…

1
Bell Bank President Erin Procko Shares How Old Fashioned Customer Service and Servant Leadership Drive Success 31:17

9M ago31:17

31:17

Growing up in Duluth, Erin Procko's parents were her biggest influence as she considered a career in the legal profession. But she worked at a bank while in college and fell in love with that career path. In this episode, Erin shares her perspective on leadership- why it's all about your team, and serving others. Connect with Versique…

1
What Makes a Great CEO: Part V | Executives Bill Clendenen & Michael Burcham on What Gets a CEO Fired 13:50

9M ago13:50

13:50

In this episode, Bill Clendenen and Michael Burcham discuss what can get a CEO fired. They outline the CEO’s core responsibilities: setting a clear vision, building the right team, holding people accountable, and fostering a culture of success. Failing to deliver results, lacking transparency with the board, or not hiring quickly enough are key rea…

1
What Makes a Great CEO: Part IV | Executives Bill Clendenen & Michael Burcham on Strategy 19:07

9M ago19:07

19:07

In this episode, Bill Clendenen and Michael Burcham explore the essence of strategy for CEOs, explaining how it defines a company's plan to win, while the strategic plan outlines the steps to achieve that goal. Failing to align the organization around the strategy risks confusion and missed opportunities, making it crucial for everyone, from frontl…

1
What Makes a Great CEO: Part III | Executives Bill Clendenen & Michael Burcham on Building a Winning Team 23:43

9M ago23:43

23:43

In this episode, Bill Clendenen and Michael Burcham discuss the vital role of team building for CEOs, particularly in scaling businesses. They highlight the importance of hiring a CFO early and stress the need for self-awareness in leadership. CEOs must recognize their strengths and weaknesses to assemble teams that complement their abilities. They…

1
Unlocking Longevity: Redefining Health and Wellness | Jimmy St. Louis 26:15

10M ago26:15

26:15

In this episode, Jimmy St. Louis, CEO of Agentis Longevity, talks about how his passion for sports sparked his interest in health and wellness, ultimately motivating him to launch a platform for optimizing men’s health. Jimmy shares his perspective on longevity, where quality and length of life intersect, and explains how the discipline honed throu…

1
Welcome Kathy! Versique Makes a Statement Hire, Adding a Respected Business Leader 31:28

10M ago31:28

31:28

You know her as the Publisher and Market President of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal—make that former. While you were away over the summer, Kathy Robideau stepped into the role of Chief Growth Officer at Versique. It's a full-circle moment, as Versique CEO Tony Sorensen placed Kathy at MSPBJ 14 years ago and watched her rise from an adve…

1
Behind the CXO Title: How Ryan McNally Went a Mile Deep in His Niche 24:13

10M ago24:13

24:13

In this episode, Ryan McNally, COO of Courser, reflects on his journey from investment banking and private equity to operations. The CXO Fellows Program was the catalyst for his transition, enabling him to take a deep dive into the IT services industry and move from advising businesses to actively leading them. As Courser has grown, he has focused …

1
Becoming a CEO: Lessons in Patience, Grit, and Leadership | Peter Roehmholdt 26:10

10M ago26:10

26:10

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Roehmholdt to discuss his journey from KPMG audit to CEO of Great Lakes Dental Partners. Peter shares how his experience in finance and strategic roles prepared him to become the CFO at GLDP, but mentorship was crucial in helping him adapt to the operational challenges of transitioning to CEO. He also highlig…

1
Behind the CXO Title: Recognizing Your Potential with Beth LaBossiere 27:51

11M ago27:51

27:51

In this episode, Beth LaBossiere, Chief of Staff at Whetstone Distribution, shares how the CXO Fellows Program helped her transition from consulting to operations. It was a transition that not only introduced her to a new career path but also to an entirely new industry. This required her to develop a new set of skills, which she accomplished with …

1
Behind the CXO Title: Shaping Mark Larsen’s Path to CEO 25:06

12M ago25:06

25:06

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Larsen, a CXO alumnus who now serves as the CEO of Connexure, to discuss his remarkable career growth. Mark reflects on his early days as a CXO, explaining why he chose this career path, how failure contributed to his professional development, and the importance of building relationships in the microcap space.…

1
Behind the CXO Title: Emily Kahn Reflects on a Year of Growth and Change 26:11

12M ago26:11

26:11

In this episode, Emily Kahn reflects on her first year with Shore Capital's CXO Fellows Program. She shares her transition from being a consultant to a private equity-backed executive, explaining the reasons behind her career shift. Emily emphasizes the importance of building relationships and the support she received from the CXO alumni network. S…

1
Behind the CXO Title: Rising to the Challenge with Rob Collins 20:16

1y ago20:16

20:16

In this episode, Rob Collins of SENTA Partners discusses his experience with Shore Capital's CXO Fellows program. He details joining SENTA unconventionally, taking on leadership roles, and contributing to the company's growth. Rob highlights the importance of facing challenging tasks, the benefits of the CXO network, and key lessons learned, emphas…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Chris Dardis Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide