Elevating Performance (HD)

By College of CoachesBusiness Entrepreneurship

Elevating Performance (HD) episodes

August 14, 2025EP 04, Racing Legends and Marketing Magic with Mark A. Dronen
In this episode, Mark Dronen shares his journey from technology entrepreneurship to the world of auto racing and tailgating. He discusses the creation of his innovation agency and the launch of the Grill N Chill product, which gained significant media attention and led to collaborations with racing legends. Mark reflects on the importance of effective promotion, supply chain management, and the lessons learned from engaging with customers during his NASCAR experience.
Key Topics
Collaboration with Indy 500 champions opened new marketing avenues
Cost effective promotion can significantly enhance brand visibility
Engaging customers directly can lead to memorable experiences
Supply chain management is crucial for product availability
Innovative marketing strategies can disrupt traditional industries
Sometimes, smaller investments yield greater returns in marketing
Listening to outside counsel can provide valuable insights
Guest
Mark Dronen, Founder of Elevator 321
Chapters
00:00 From Technology to Tailgating: A Journey Begins
01:09 Innovating the Grill and Chill, the Ultimate Tailgating Experience
02:43 Racing Legends and Market Strategies
03:33 Aligning Sales Strategy With Supply Chain
04:18 Creative Marketing and The Velocity Girls
05:26 Disrupting Markets on a Budget
06:37 Race Day: A Memorable Experience
08:24 Lessons Learned: Supply Chain and Sales Strategy
09:53 Future Guests or Just Curious, Join Us!
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
11 min
August 13, 2025EP 03, The College of Coaches Launches: A New Era in Leadership Development
Join Mark A. Dronen as he explores the shift from traditional leadership training to a dynamic, real-time coaching model. Discover how the College of Coaches is enhancing leadership and sales effectiveness in tech-driven businesses.
Key Highlights
Transition from traditional boot camps to real-time leadership development.
Introduction to the College of Coaches, a community of executive coaches and industry leaders.
The critical connection between leadership and sales in tech-driven businesses.
Roles within the College: Fellows, Executive Coaches, and Adjunct Coaches.
The digital marketplace and network of the College of Coaches.
Opportunities for collaboration and thought leadership.
Chapters
00:00 Leadership Development as a Service (LDaaS)
00:35 The College of Coaches: A New Approach to Leadership
01:09 The Ecosystem of the College of Coaches
01:47 Membership Roles Within the College of Coaches
02:40 The College of Coaches Ecosystem
03:11 The College of Coaches Network and Collaboration
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
5 min
August 13, 2025EP 02, The Genesis of the College of Coaches with Mark A. Dronen
In this episode, Mark Dronen shares the amusing and insightful journey that led to the creation of the College of Coaches. Inspired by a classic Steve Martin comedy, Mark explores the growing need for experienced technology executives and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs today. Discover the five key insights that shaped this innovative coaching network.
Key Points
Inspiration from Steve Martin's "My Blue Heaven"
The demand for experienced tech executives in today's market
Fragmented $14 billion executive coaching market
The power of collaboration in executive coaching
Maintaining professional networks post-retirement
Guest
Mark Dronen, Founder of Elevator 321 and its College of Coaches
Chapters
00:00 The Birth of the College of Coaches
01:00 The Need for Experienced Technology Executives
02:15 LDaaS Market Drivers and Executive Expectations
04:10 Join the College of Coaches
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We’re headquartered in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
5 min
August 13, 2025 EP 01, Unveiling Elevator 321: A New Era for Tech Growth with Mark A. Dronen
Join Mark Dronen as he introduces Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches. Discover how they help tech-driven businesses scale by bridging the gap between leadership and sales. Learn about Leadership Development as a Service (LDAS) and Sales Effectiveness Services, and how AI is used to enhance selling outcomes.
Key Topics:
Leadership Development as a Service (LDAS) Sales Effectiveness Services, AI in sales strategy and technology Insights from the College of Coaches
Guest
Mark Dronen, Founder of Elevator 321
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Elevator 321 and College of Coaches
00:52 Bridging Leadership and Sales Performance
01:48 Focus on Leadership, Sales, and Technology Innovation
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We’re headquartered in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
3 min
August 11, 2025EP 12, Ch 5 – Building Stronger Communities and Future Leaders Through Coaching with Kevin Piket
Kevin Piket discusses the significance of community involvement, coaching youth, and the impact of mentorship. He shares personal experiences and insights on how giving back shapes individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of teaching values and skills that extend beyond sports.
Key Topics
The importance of giving back to the community.
Coaching is not just about sports; it's about life lessons.
Youth development requires a focus on discipline and accountability.
Building relationships is key in both coaching and business.
Community involvement leads to personal fulfillment and growth.
Teaching young athletes the right way to play is crucial.
Mentorship can have a lasting impact on young people's lives.
Engaging in local activities strengthens community bonds.
Success in life often stems from the values learned in youth sports.
Guest
Kevin Piket, Director Business Development, Ascend Technologies
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Community Involvement
01:28 Coaching and Mentorship in Youth Sports
03:32 Building Character Through Sports
06:11 The Impact of Giving Back
07:54 Reflections on Influence and Leadership
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
10 min
August 11, 2025EP 12, Ch 4 – The Impact of Mentorship on Career Growth with Kevin Piket
Kevin Piket explores the significance of mentorship, the value of generational learning, and the importance of feedback in personal and professional growth. The discussion turns to how mentorship shapes careers, the reciprocal nature of learning between mentors and mentees, and the principles that guide effective personal development.
Key Topics
The importance of having good mentors throughout a career.
The value of listening and learning from others in the workplace.
Learning from younger mentees.
The importance of being open to feedback and learning from mistakes.
Feedback is a gift that should be embraced.
The importance of understanding the right and wrong ways to do things
Guest
Kevin Piket, Director Business Development, Ascend Technologies
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Mentorship and Giving Back
01:51 Learning Through Collaboration and Reverse Mentorship
04:10 The Importance of Feedback and Continuous Improvement
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
7 min
August 11, 2025EP 12, Ch 3 – AI First: Transforming Selling Mindsets with Kevin Piket
Kevin Piket discusses the transformative impact of adopting an AI First mindset in business, particularly in sales. He highlights efficiency gained in the Sales and Customer Success journey through AI tools like Copilot, the importance of accountability in sales processes, and the critical role of CRM systems in managing customer relationships and sales pipelines.
The discussion emphasizes a proactive approach to utilizing technology for better business outcomes and the necessity of maintaining accurate records for effective sales management.
Key Topics
AI First is a mindset that organizations must adopt.
Copilot has significantly improved email management.
AI tools can enhance the quality of communication.
Accountability in sales is crucial for success.
CRM hygiene is essential for effective business management.
Sales strategies should be based on data, not gut feelings.
Understanding the buying process is key to closing deals.
Using AI tools requires a mindset shift towards technology.
Passion for helping clients leads to better sales outcomes.
Guest
Kevin Piket, Director Business Development, Ascend Technologies
Chapters
00:00 Adopting an AI-First Mindset in Sales
01:57 Utilizing AI Tools for Sales Efficiency
02:42 The Importance of CRM and Accountability
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
7 min
August 11, 2025EP 12, Ch 2 – Building Sales Success Through Relationships with Kevin Piket
Kevin Piket, a sales leader in managed tech services, shares his insights on relationship-driven success. Discover how Kevin's go-giver mindset and strategic networking have propelled his career in the financial and manufacturing sectors.
Key Topics
The importance of relationship selling
The Go-Giver mindset has significantly influenced Kevin's approach to business.
Building a strong network is crucial for sales success.
Kevin attributes much of his success to the mentorship he received early in his career.
Team dynamics and collaboration are essential in modern sales processes.
Understanding client needs is more important than traditional sales tactics.
Sales conversations should focus on helping clients solve their challenges.
Guest
Kevin Piket, Director Business Development, Ascend Technologies
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ascend Technologies
01:55 Sales Success and Metrics
04:16 The Power of Relationship Selling
06:29 The Go-Giver Mindset
08:45 Team Dynamics and Collaboration
10:24 Innovation and Market Positioning
About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.
12 min
August 01, 2025EP 14, Ch 5 – Embracing Risks and Authenticity with Marc Rosenstock
Marc Rosenstock offers invaluable advice on navigating your career: don’t be afraid to take risks! He highlights the importance of authenticity and how learning from mistakes is crucial for growth.”

Elevating Performance
Chapter Notes
Description:
In this episode, we explore the importance of taking risks and being authentic in your professional journey. Learn how embracing mistakes and learning from them can lead to success, and why authenticity is crucial in navigating the ever-evolving technology landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Taking risks and learning from mistakes are essential for growth and success. Authenticity in your professional persona fosters genuine connections and adaptability. The fast-paced technology landscape requires a willingness to learn and adapt quickly.
Quotes:
“It’s okay to be wrong; it’s not okay to be wrong about the same thing repeatedly.” “Authenticity is key to navigating your professional journey.”
#AI #Marketing #Innovation #ProfessionalGrowth #Authenticity #RiskTaking #CollegeOfCoaches
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About Elevator 321 LLC
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We’re headquartered in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. We should talk.
Contact Us
Contact
[email protected]
630.225.9585
www.Elevator321.com
Affiliations
Illinois Small Business Center (SBDC) in Glen Ellyn
Innovation DuPage in Glen Ellyn
4 min
August 01, 2025EP 14, Ch 4 – AI-First Partner Ecosystems & Marketing Strategies with Marc Rosenstock
Marc Rosenstock emphasizes understanding how partners are embedding AI into their tools and services. He and host Mark Dronen discuss the crucial need to recognize AI’s strengths and weaknesses within systems like CRM to avoid blind spots.”

Elevating Performance
Chapter Notes
Description: In this episode, we delve into how AI is reshaping marketing strategies, making them more efficient and effective. Discover the importance of understanding AI’s role in partner ecosystems, and learn how businesses can leverage AI to optimize CRM systems, content creation, and media planning.
Key Takeaways:
AI integration in CRM systems enhances customer targeting and lifecycle management. Understanding AI’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial to avoid blind spots in marketing strategies. AI empowers small and medium-sized businesses by leveling the playing field with larger enterprises.
Quotes:
“AI is not just about keeping up; it’s about thriving.” “The future of marketing is AI-driven.”
#AI #Marketing #Innovation #BusinessGrowth #CollegeOfCoaches
linkedin
Subscribe
Subscribe wherever you listen to your favorite Podcasts.
Subscribe
About Elevator 321 LLC
We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We’re headquartered in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. We should talk.
Contact Us
Contact
[email protected]
630.225.9585
www.Elevator321.com
Affiliations
Illinois Small Business Center (SBDC) in Glen Ellyn
Innovation DuPage in Glen Ellyn
9 min

About Elevating Performance (HD)

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Elevating Performance is for leaders and sales pros seeking an edge. Hosted by Mark A. Dronen with expert guests, each episode delivers sharp insights on leadership, sales ecosystems, and emerging…

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Elevating Performance (HD)

Elevating Performance (HD) episodes

About Elevating Performance (HD)