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Unpacking Chrysalis: The Art of Being Human

Unpacking Chrysalis: The Art of Being Human

by Clayton Caswell & Ryan Benoit

Management Self-Improvement

Season 2

With a Dash, Darling

Inspired by Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers, Ryan grabs the wheel while Clayton rides shotgun as Dash Darling comes along for the ride. From Dodge Caravan chaos and Yosemite memories to cross-country moves, ferry rides, and the beautiful tension that lives inside every family vacation, Dash shares the trips that shaped him. We also trace the road ahead—from childhood backseats to solo European adventures planned just loosely enough to let the unexpected happen. Funny, warm, and packed with mileage, this episode proves that every family trip leaves you with something to carry home.

The invisible work with Tara Bartlett

This week, we’re joined by Tara for a conversation about the unseen responsibilities that shape so much of modern life. The planning, coordinating, remembering, adapting, and caring that often happens quietly in the background. Tara reflects on how those hidden demands can reshape our priorities, identity, and definition of success. We talk about balance, perspective, and what it means to carry a full life well, through the lens of career growth, becoming a parent, and navigating major life changes. Thoughtful, honest, and deeply relatable, this episode explores how becoming a parent can change the way we live, lead, and define success.

Perspective: Now on Sale (with Trish Sale)

This week, we’re joined by Trish Sale for a conversation about something many people resist and almost everyone needs: stepping away.Trish reflects on her sabbatical, what time away can reveal about leadership, trust, and identity, and why great teams often grow when someone steps back. We also talk about a memorable summer trip where she expected adventure and found something even better: human connection.Thoughtful, warm, and full of wisdom, this episode is a reminder that sometimes the best way forward starts by stepping away.

Ken Konkel is Coaching with Kenergy

Ken Konkel brings the Kenergy in this episode of Chrysalis: The Art of Being Human, as he joins Clayton and Ryan to talk about coaching youth sports as a form of community, parenting, and personal growth. From chaotic five-year-old soccer to national-level flag football, Ken shares how being “Coach Ken” has shaped how he shows up as a dad and a leader at work and why the real wins are the quiet, lasting impacts on kids’ lives.

Getting In Where You Fit In with Sasha Sibirmovskaya

In this episode of Unpacking Chrysalis, we sit down with Sasha to talk about the journey of joining Cova—what the interview process was like, how to find your fit in a new role, and what it really means to “get in where you fit in.” Along the way, we dive into a side quest on video games, exploring the overlap between work, play, and community.

Breaking the Mega Corp Mold with Meridith Barnes

In this episode, Meridith Barnes shares her bold decision to pivot from big business to iQmetrix—and what it reveals about the future of telecom. From leadership lessons to the evolving needs of retailers, Meridith brings candid insights into what it means to truly innovate in an industry known for tradition. Whether you're navigating your own career crossroads or just curious about the shifting telecom landscape, this conversation offers inspiration, strategy, and real talk.

Let Kip Cook: Recipes for Career Growth and Culture Change

What happens when a CO-OP student, just looking for experience, stumbles into something more? In this episode, we follow the unexpected journey from résumé-building to a career rooted in community, contribution, and personal growth. In this flavorful episode of Unpacking Chrysalis, Clayton and Benny sit down with Kip—a long-time iQ’er whose journey from curious co-op student to compassionate dev lead is anything but ordinary. Through stories of spontaneous burger challenges, emotional milestones, and serendipitous career pivots, Kip reveals how psychological safety, community, and a dash of weirdness can turn a workplace into a movement. Pull up a chair, let Kip cook, and discover the secret sauce to meaningful work and a people-first culture.

Ben Parkinson The Intentional 'Professional Idiot'

In this episode, Clayton and Ryan chat with their pal Ben. They dive into the power of setting intentional goals, the freedom of knowing when to walk away, and Ben’s unique philosophy of life as a “professional idiot.”.

Season 1

Dave Emmett on Shifting Opportunities

In this episode, Dave Emmett, the director of product at Cova, shares his outlook on the ever-emerging challenges of working at start-ups and the potential personal growth opportunities they bring.

Cev Smyth on having good leadership in your corner

In this episode, Clayton Caswell and Cev Smyth explore the connections between combat sports and effective leadership. They discuss the power of collective decision-making, finding strength in community, and how great leadership can come from anyone.

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