Whether you’re an executive looking to sharpen your skills or an aspiring leader seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights on embracing failure, breaking barriers, and staying ahead in today’s competitive landscape. Don’t miss Joy’s invaluable lessons on leadership, mentorship, and what’s next for AI in the boardroom.

This C-Level Up Podcast features Mike Jaffe, a leadership expert and 9/11 survivor who founded SAVIA Leadership. Mike shares his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of small, consistent changes and the impact of self-awareness. He discusses the challenges of building a strong company culture, emphasizing the need for clear communication, shared agreements, and focusing on calling people ”in” rather than ”out” when issues arise.

Welcome to C-Level Up, where we delve into the minds of industry leaders to uncover their strategies, insights, and stories. In today’s episode, we’re honored to host Rick Howard, a true visionary in the cybersecurity world.

In this episode of C-Level Up, Roger Jansen shares his journey from nightclub owner to renowned music manager, detailing how he built a thriving career by fostering emerging talent and adapting to an ever-changing industry. He also explores the future of music, offering insights into how AI is transforming artist development, production, and promotion.

We’re thrilled to welcome Meg McKeen, Founder and Consultant at Adjunct Advisors, to the C-Level Up podcast! 🌟 Meg’s impressive career spans years in the insurance industry, where she’s made a name for herself as a project-based consultant partnering with values-driven organizations. She’s also the host of the Bound and Determined podcast, championing women in insurance. In this episode, we dive deep into: ✨ Her origin story: What inspired her to start Adjunct Advisors? ✨ Challenges in the insurance industry: What’s missing, and how can we lead better? ✨ Her journey to sobriety: The lessons she’s learned and how they’ve shaped her as a leader. ✨ Opportunities for women in insurance: How to navigate challenges and seize the moment. ✨ Creating customized learning experiences: The secret sauce to effective sales and leadership training. ✨ Career advice: The one thing Meg tells every professional looking to level up.

On C-Level Up, hosts J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl welcome Steve Miller, Director of International Scouting for the Tampa Bay Rays, to explore the wild world of international baseball scouting. Steve shares stories from his early days as a college coach to clocking 200+ days a year on the road hunting for top talent in places like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and beyond. Listeners get a peek behind the scenes into what it’s like scouting the next big league stars and the surprising lessons learned along the way. Steve brings humor and grit to tales of tracking down players and what it takes to build trust with young talent from diverse backgrounds. He opens up about the “one that got away,” his strategies for mentoring rookie scouts, and the critical mix of instinct and empathy needed to thrive in scouting. It's a fun, insightful dive into the realities and rewards of scouting on a global stage.

In this episode of C-Level Up, Jason shares his journey into running a full-service design and web agency, along with insights on leading creative teams—a unique and competitive space that requires a distinct approach to leadership.

On this episode of C-Level Up, we’re thrilled to welcome Tim Lambertsen, a seasoned psychotherapist and founder of Lambertsen Therapeutic Services. With over two decades of experience supporting people through some of life’s toughest challenges, Tim brings a unique perspective to the mental health and leadership issues many executives face today.

In this episode of C-Level Up, hosts J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl sit down with journeyman pro basketball player and author, Tyler Smith, to talk about his extraordinary career playing ball around the world. From navigating the unique challenges of living abroad to sharing hilarious stories from his time on the court, Tyler gives listeners a glimpse into the life of a global athlete. He also discusses  the valuable lessons he’s carried into his post-basketball career. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful conversation that transcends sports and speaks to resilience, adaptability, and humor.

In this episode of C-Level Up, our leadership journey takes us to a seasoned actor turned on-camera acting coach. Chicago acting legend, Stef Tovar, shares the defining moments that ignited his passion for acting, his first big break in Chicago, obstacles he overcame in the early stages of his career, and how to lead on stage and in the boardroom.

In this episode of C-Level Up, hosts J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl chat with Sean Barnes, President of WSS Solutions, about the journey to becoming a successful business leader.

In the exciting first episode of C-Level Up, J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl welcome Pete Grimes, best-selling author of C-Level Author, to kick off the show with a bang! Pete shares his journey from business leader to successful author, revealing what it really takes to make the leap from boardroom to bestseller. This fun and insightful interview dives into the strategies leaders need to turn their experiences into a compelling book, while Pete dishes on his own inspirations and the process of writing to inspire others. If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story with the world, this episode is packed with tips to get you started!