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 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.

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 through open communication, active listening, and understanding individual communication styles. Finally, Mike discusses the importance of continuous learning and development for leaders, emphasizing the need for self-reflection, coaching, and focusing on developing others. He concludes by highlighting the importance of less-is-more when it comes to leadership development, emphasizing the need to deeply integrate a few key concepts before moving on to new ones.

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.

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 with Tidal Cyber, Cyware, and the Center for Internet Security, Rick’s leadership has left an indelible mark. He’s also a seasoned educator at Carnegie Mellon University and a U.S. Army veteran with a wealth of strategic insights.

Join us as Rick shares his journey from military cyber operations to championing the best resources in the industry with the Cybersecurity Canon. We’ll discuss his time at Palo Alto Networks, the evolving cybersecurity landscape, and the game-changing impact of AI and automation - and the always funny rapid fire questions from Mike in Kreissl's corner.

Plus, Rick offers invaluable advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, insights into the Canon’s rigorous selection process, and his vision for its future. If you’re passionate about staying ahead in cybersecurity or looking for the ultimate resource guide, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in now to explore how Rick Howard is helping the industry navigate the complexities of cybersecurity while curating its most essential knowledge.

In 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 expansion of KMA Management. His early challenges and triumphs offered invaluable insights into recognizing opportunity, building strong relationships, and adapting to the ever-evolving music landscape.

As we explored Roger’s leadership philosophy, he shared advice for aspiring professionals navigating an industry reshaped by streaming, AI, and changing consumer behaviors. Roger reflected on the importance of mentorship, emphasizing the value of passing on hard-earned lessons and fostering creativity. We also took a deep dive into the future of music, with Roger sharing his thoughts on AI’s impact on everything from production to promotion. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or leader in any field, Roger’s origin story and actionable leadership tips offer plenty of inspiration and strategies to level up your career.

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:

This conversation is packed with actionable insights, heartfelt moments, and strategies to foster growth and healthy workplace cultures. Don’t miss it!

🎧 Tune in on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.

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.

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. 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—let’s get started!

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. 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 of acting to create a sustainable career.