Team Dependent, Not Owner Dependent

AI Roadmap for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses

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/ [https://ceriusexecutives.com/] Cerius for Executives: https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives [https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/] Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/] David’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidespindola/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidespindola/] / This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kmcalister.substack.com [https://kmcalister.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Team Dependent, Not Owner Dependent

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/ [https://ceriusexecutives.com/] Cerius for Executives: https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives [https://ceriusexecutives.com/executives] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/] Kristen McAlister LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/] Alex Brown LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrown805/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbrown805/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kmcalister.substack.com [https://kmcalister.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

More Than Policies: HR as the Powerhouse for People, Progress, and AI

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/ [https://ceriusexecutives.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/] Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/] Donna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacyclarke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacyclarke/] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kmcalister.substack.com [https://kmcalister.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Sustainability - Doing Well While Doing Good

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/ [https://ceriusexecutives.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/] Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/] Kacy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacyclarke/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kacyclarke/] Book Mentioned: The Demand Revolution Resources: SustainableIT.org [http://sustainableit.org], SustainableArchitectures.org [http://sustainablearchitectures.org] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kmcalister.substack.com [https://kmcalister.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Retail Thinking in a Wholesale Tech World

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/ [https://ceriusexecutives.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cerius-interim-executive-solutions/] Kristen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenmcalister/] Tim’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothybernardjones/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothybernardjones/] Book Mentioned: Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: The Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages by Carlota Perez This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kmcalister.substack.com [https://kmcalister.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]