What does it take to transition from managing tasks to leading teams at an executive level?

This week, I am joined by Janet Polach, as we dive into the mindset and strategies needed to level up your leadership and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Here’s what we’re exploring:

Leading the Work vs. Leading the Team: The shift from doing to guiding.

Being Strategic with Retention: Keeping top talent in a competitive landscape.

Peer Advisor Groups: Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters.

The Leap to Executive Leadership: Navigating the move from manager to leader.

Readiness to Manage Change: Leading through uncertainty and transformation.

Setting Up for Success: How onboard coaching can make a world of difference.


Janet is an executive coach helping leaders break free from the details and drive organization-wide success. She is a retired Marine officer, award winning author, and speaker on ‘Just in Time Coaching’.

Whether you’re an emerging executive or a seasoned leader, this episode will provide actionable insights to sharpen your leadership edge.

#IntentionalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveLeadership #StrategicGrowth #LevelUp #Coaching #InterimManagement

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 “The Strategic Leader’s Mindset”: https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Leaders-Mindset-Unlocking-Success/dp/B0DNDFCC1L/

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

As a business owner, the line between personal and business decisions often blurs, creating a constant balancing act of priorities. When it comes to taxes—both personal and business—this overlap becomes even more significant. With the new year just around the corner, any tax strategy now will likely be reactive or unavailable. So, how can you shift gears to be more proactive in the future?

This week we’re joined by CPA Richard Huffman, to explore what it means to align your tax strategy with both your business and personal goals. Richard shares insights that every business owner needs to hear:


Aligning Personal and Business Tax Strategies: Create a plan that works across your entire financial ecosystem.

Triggering Events: Recognize moments that require proactive tax planning.

The Right Strategy for Your Business Cycle and Goals: Tailor your approach to where your business is today—and where it’s heading.

Pitfalls and Opportunities: Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and uncover hidden opportunities.

Advice for Long-Term Success: Step back, look at the big picture, and assemble your strategic advisor team.


Too often, advisors like CPAs, attorneys, and financial experts work in silos, missing opportunities for collaboration. But when they operate as a unified team, they can anticipate challenges, maximize opportunities, and streamline your decision-making process.

Join us as Richard Huffman, explains how building a strategic advisor team can set you up for long-term success, both in your business and personal life.

It’s time to stop reacting and start planning. Tune in and take the first step toward building your dream advisor team.

#IntentionalLeadershipPodcast #StrategicAdvisors #ProactivePlanning #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/
Richard’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-huffman-cpa-mst-918a553/

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

Ever wondered what it takes to go from dreamer to doer?

This week’s episode is packed with insights for any leader on the path to creating something extraordinary as we discuss Morgan Boukather’s entrepreneurial journey.

Here's what we dive into:

Aligning Professional Goals with Personal Values: Because success is sweeter when it matches your purpose.

A Clear Vision Makes Everything Else Clearer: The power of knowing where you’re headed.

Infrastructure Before Scaling: Build the foundation for sustainable growth.

Industry Trends and Impact: Stay ahead of the curve in a fast-changing world.

What the Chief of Staff? Understanding the value of this crucial role.

Find the Champion, Not the Owner: The art of rallying support.

Communication, Communication, Communication: Yes, it really is that important.

Career Transition Advice: Tips for navigating the next step in your journey.


Morgan is a Managing Partner at MBI Equity Partners, a real estate investment firm.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or seeking to refine your path, this episode is for you! Join us as we talk to our guest about the strategies and lessons that every leader should know.

Listen now and get ready to align your dreams with your reality!

#IntentionalLeadership #Leadership #CEOJourney #VisionAndValues #ScalingYourBusiness #InterimManagement #FractionalExecutive #ChiefofStaff

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/
Morgan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-boukather/

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

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/

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

Understanding your financials is more than just reviewing numbers—it's the key to driving growth, improving profitability, and ensuring long-term success.

In this episode, Jeannette Hobson shares the financial insights every business owner needs to know:


Cash is King – Why cash flow is the lifeblood of your business.

The 3 Financial Reports for smarter decision-making.

The Big Question – "What assets am I investing my cash in to grow the business?"

Profitability Strategies – Actionable advice to boost your bottom line.

KPIs vs. Financials – How to measure and monitor what really matters.


Financial Planning & Budgeting – Why you should always begin with the end in mind.
If you've ever asked yourself, "What should I share? What should I measure? Where should I focus my financial efforts?"—this episode is for you!

Jeannette is a CEO peer group chair and facilitator, mentor and coach to business leaders who want growth with sustained value for their company, a balanced lifestyle, and an exit strategy that works as planned.

Tune in and unlock the strategies to make your financials work for you, not the other way around.

#IntetionalLeadership #BusinessFinance #Entrepreneurship #FinancialPlanning #LeadershipInsights

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/
Jeannette’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannettehobson/

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

In this episode, we dive into the heart of leadership with Tullio Siragusa —because great leadership starts from within.

Key Topics We Explore:

Leadership Empathy & Emotional Intelligence: Why EQ matters more than ever and how it shapes your leadership style.

Zero-Force Accountability: Building accountability without the need for constant oversight.

Finding Our Purpose: Leading with clarity and aligning your team with a shared mission.

Self-Managed Teams: Empowering your team to thrive independently while achieving collective success.

Influence, Collaboration, and Support: Mastering the art of leading with people, not over them.


Tullio has developed the EmpathIQ Framework, integrating Design Thinking, Force Field Analysis, OKRs, and Neuroscience-based Coaching to align leaders and teams around a shared purpose.

Whether you're leading a team, a company, or your own career, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your leadership game.

#IntentionalLeadership #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfManagedTeams #OKRs #InterimManagement

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/

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

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/

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

Every day, business owners juggle countless decisions and responsibilities, often with little separation between their business and personal lives. This constant overlap amplifies the volume and complexity of what needs to be managed.

One of the best ways to ease this load is through intentional design and planning, which helps to create predictability and reduce unforeseen surprises that drain time and energy. As owners work toward predictability in their business, they also need to consider their personal lives as part of the equation.

A key area for creating smoother operations and mitigating risk includes coordinating the ecosystem (business and personal) of strategic advisors—legal, insurance, banking, CPA, and financial advisors. Too often, these crucial advisors are only consulted individually, and usually only when the need is urgent or, unfortunately, when it’s already too late.

Now, imagine if these individual advisors working as a coordinated team, collaborating proactively on your behalf. Instead of scattered conversations throughout the year, you’d have planned, strategic discussions with a unified team, all focused on your best interests. Most surprises can become managed expectations when we take an intentional approach to using the resources we already have.

So, this new year, turn your advisors into a strategic advisor team.

Tune into the first of our Strategic Advisor Team series on the Cerius Leadership podcast. You never knew how rewarding a great business attorney relationship could be until you met Keith Allen, Commercial Litigation Attorney at Evans & Dixon LLC.

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/
Keith’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorneykeithallen/

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

This week’s episode we dive into the art and science of innovation with Kevin Popvic, who lives by the mantra: “Inactivity is the enemy of innovation.”

In this episode, we explore:

How to identify the right problem to solve.

The journey from problem to problem statement.

The power of framing: How might we, help who, do what, to achieve which goals?

From problem statement to prototype—bridging ideas and action.

How design thinking drives creativity and collaboration.

Breaking silos: Why cross-functional problem-solving is the key to success.


Kevin helps individuals, teams, and organizations unlock creativity, solve the right problems, and drive innovation.

Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or team innovator, this episode will help you think differently, act decisively, and create solutions that truly matter.

Tune in now and let’s start solving the problems that move the needle!

#IntentionalLeadership #Innovation #DesignThinking #ProblemSolving #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/

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

The landscape of leadership is shifting—fast. In this episode of Cerius Leadership, we sit down with Anika Gakovic, to explore the evolving demands on today’s leaders and the skills that will define success in the digital era.

Drawing from decades of experience helping executives transition into their next big role, Anika shares how leadership expectations have transformed—from the industrial age to the knowledge economy, and now the digital era. As trust, belonging, and purpose take center stage in the workplace, leaders must adapt to create meaningful employee experiences that drive results. We break down the five essential leadership skills for the future:


Intentions & Priorities – Align vision, build discipline, and trust your preparation.

Mindfulness & Self-Awareness – Expand situational awareness and overcome self-limiting beliefs.

Relationships First – Foster trust, master storytelling, and embrace leadership as a responsibility.

Courageous Conversations – Solve the right problems, engage with curiosity, and drive accountability.

Resilience & Wellness – Manage energy, embrace adaptability, and create a sustainable pace.


Anika is a coach and business psychologist. She has taken her decades and education both as an executive to articulate and drive the what, how, and why of business leadership. Anika, thank you for joining us today. This is an exciting time in business as we see a number of shifts going on in the workforce and how they will impact how we lead our businesses and our teams.
Anika shares practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable takeaways to help leaders at all levels navigate the complexities of the modern workplace. #IntentionalLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork

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/

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