Shows
C-Level Up PodcastLeadership Playbook for Success - guest Joy Baer
What does it take to thrive as a leader in a fast-changing world of tech and media? On this episode of C-Level Up, we sit down with Joy Baer, a trailblazing executive with over 25 years of experience transforming industries and scaling global companies. From founding and selling her own ad-tech startup to leading innovation at Comcast, Joy shares her journey of bold risks, strategic pivots, and the leadership principles that shaped her success.
In this candid conversation, Joy reveals how she turns challenges into opportunities, builds high-performing teams, and navigates the ever-evolving world of AI and technology. Whether you’re...2025-01-2832 minC-Level Up PodcastLeading with Purpose - guest Mike JaffeThis 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.
Mike also addresses the importance of effective change management, highlighting the need for clear communication, empathy, and a focus on both individual and team needs. He emphasizes the importance of building trust within teams...2025-01-0732 minC-Level Up PodcastTransforming Leadership in Cybersecurity - guest Rick HowardWelcome 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.
Rick is the President of the Cybersecurity Canon—think of it as the Hall of Fame for cybersecurity literature, or the "Cyber Pulitzer." With a career spanning decades across military and civilian sectors, Rick’s contributions have shaped how we understand and approach cybersecurity today.
From serving as Chief Security Officer at Palo Alto Networks to advisory roles wi...2024-12-3033 minC-Level Up PodcastFrom Nightclub Visionary to Music Industry Maverick - guest Roger JansenIn this episode of C-Level Up, we were joined by Roger Jansen, whose dynamic career has spanned decades in the music and entertainment industry. From his groundbreaking days as one of Chicago’s youngest nightclub owners at 23 to his success managing major acts like Disturbed and overseeing A&R for Warner Bros. Records and Red Bull Records, Roger shared a journey rich in entrepreneurial spirit and relentless innovation. He gave us a front-row seat to the transformation of the Avalon Nite Club into a national hotspot, the creation of MOBfest as a springboard for emerging talent, and his strategic ex...2024-12-0336 minC-Level Up PodcastRedefining Leadership in Insurance - guest Meg McKeenWe’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 le...2024-11-1935 minC-Level Up PodcastScouting for Success - guest Steve MillerOn 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 tr...2024-11-1242 minC-Level Up PodcastDesigning for Impact & Leading Creative Teams - guest Jason SchwartzWith over 20 years of experience, Jason Schwartz and his team at Bright Bright Great (BBG) are setting the bar high in the interactive agency world, helping brands succeed through smart design, data-driven strategies, and a focus on functionality and usability.
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.
We discuss: Leading creatives and what it takes to inspire a team that thrives on innovation. The essential qualities for success in design leader...2024-11-0746 minC-Level Up PodcastTherapy of Leaders - guest Tim Lambertsen, LMHCOn 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. From imposter syndrome to fears around career stability, he understands the hidden struggles even the most successful leaders endure. We’ll dive into how leaders can navigate today’s high-pressure environments while keeping personal growth, purposeful living, and mental well-being at the forefront. Tim, welcome to the show...2024-10-2934 minC-Level Up PodcastChasing Dreams Around the Globe - guest Tyler SmithIn 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.
2024-10-2341 minC-Level Up PodcastCrafting Careers: from Actor to Coach - guest Stef TovarIn 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. He offers candid insights on mentorship, the transition to coaching, and the most common mistakes he sees young actors make today. Tune in for invaluable advice on building confidence, navigating the evolving industry, and balancing the art and business...2024-10-1547 minC-Level Up PodcastOvercoming Fears to Lead - Guest Sean Barnes, WSS SolutionsIn 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. Sean opens up about overcoming insecurities, staying focused on goals, and how failures can be stepping stones to success. He also shares actionable tips for leveraging LinkedIn for career growth and faces some fun rapid-fire questions from Mike. If you're looking for insights on leadership, personal growth, and a few laughs along the way, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
2024-10-0938 minC-Level Up PodcastC-Level Up (with guest Pete Grimes, Author of C-Level Author)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, th...2024-10-0136 min