Rho Lind is the CFO & COO at Mood.com, an online retailer specializing in federally legal hemp-derived cannabis products. He is a finance and operations executive specializing in leading both startups and established companies through transformative growth. Prior to joining Mood, Rho served as Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations at ONE Jeanswear Group and as Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analytics at Polo Ralph Lauren. Throughout his career, he has led capital raises, streamlined global operations, and fostered strong cultures that support organizations during periods of rapid change.

Some leaders rise by pushing harder, but others rise by letting go. It is surprising how often real influence comes from being open rather than being in control. What happens when a finance leader decides that vulnerability is not a weakness but the starting point for genuine impact?

Rho Lind believes the first move is changing your mental framework. Drawing from his experience as a seasoned strategic leader, he explains that leadership starts with the courage to stop pretending you have all the answers. From there, he builds a team of people who are smarter than he is, encourages them to challenge him, and keeps his focus on thinking ahead rather than getting lost in the day-to-day. He views leadership as a blend of learning and teaching, rooted in humility and a willingness to acknowledge mistakes. For Rho, authenticity is what inspires people to grow and face uncertainty with confidence.

In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Rho Lind, CFO and COO at Mood.com, to discuss how authenticity transforms modern finance leadership. They explore why leaders must surround themselves with smarter people, how to operate with foresight instead of reactivity, and what it takes to lead through volatility with clarity. Rho also shares advice on balancing data with intuition to make stronger decisions.

Tracie Williams is the President & CEO of SONGWON International Americas, Inc., part of SONGWON Industrial Group, where she oversees operations across North and South America. SONGWON is the world's second-largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers and a global leader in specialty chemicals. She specializes in global strategy, planning, risk management, and financial control to drive revenue and profitability. Tracie began her career as an art teacher before transitioning into finance, a journey that shaped her people-focused leadership style and commitment to empowering teams and transforming culture.

In times of rapid change and relentless uncertainty, even the most seasoned leaders can struggle to stay centered. As organizations grow and the pace of innovation accelerates, how do leaders maintain their authenticity, remain people-focused, and continue to lead with heart instead of reaction?

Tracie Williams, a former art teacher and now a finance executive, believes the essential factor is remaining true to both your team and your mission. She emphasizes that growth and transformation begin not with technology or automation but with trust, connection, and clarity. By leading with intention, Tracie believes leaders can transform chaos into clarity and empower their teams to adapt with confidence. Her approach, rooted in empathy and presence, reveals how authentic leadership creates alignment and lasting impact even amid disruption.

In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Tracie Williams, President & CEO of SONGWON International Americas, Inc., to discuss staying grounded and authentic while navigating uncertainty. They discuss how to lead with intention in times of change, why people (not technology) drive real transformation, and how to build clarity from chaos. Tracie also shares how her creative roots continue to shape her leadership philosophy today.

Sam Levy is Senior Vice President at Oracle NetSuite, the world's leading provider of AI-powered cloud ERP solutions for growing and finance-led companies. Under his leadership, NetSuite has grown to serve thousands of organizations globally and is recognized as the #1 AI Cloud ERP, with a vibrant community including over 1,500 CFO Alliance member enterprises. With over 25 years of experience in enterprise software, he has also held leadership roles at Epicor, Infor, and other technology firms.

The finance world is undergoing a massive shift. Once defined by reporting and control, today's finance leaders must steer organizations through constant disruption, volatile markets, and rapid technological change. The question is: how can modern CFOs evolve from financial stewards into true growth partners who drive strategy, innovation, and performance?

According to Sam Levy, a veteran finance and technology leader, the key lies in operational fluency and connected decision-making. He explains that today's most effective CFOs don't just interpret the numbers; they shape what happens next by linking financial metrics to operational drivers and business outcomes. Sam highlights how leading finance teams are using real-time data and targeted AI tools to streamline forecasting, optimize cash flow, and strengthen cross-functional planning. The result is faster, smarter decisions and a new era of finance leadership grounded in clarity, confidence, and capital efficiency.

In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco speaks with Sam Levy, Senior Vice President at Oracle NetSuite, to discuss how CFOs can thrive in a disrupted, tech-driven world. Sam discusses the evolution of the CFO from reporter to strategist, practical applications of AI and automation that deliver measurable ROI, and how to balance growth with discipline in today's capital-constrained environment. Sam also shares why mastering operational fluency is the defining skill for the next generation of finance leaders.

Sumeet Agrawal is the Founder & Managing Partner at SmartScale Finance, a firm providing fractional CFO and operations consulting services to life sciences, deep tech, and AI startups. He brings over 15 years of experience in finance, strategy, and operations across the biotech and technology sectors. At SmartScale, he helps early-stage companies scale without the cost of a full-time CFO. Before founding the company, Sumeet held executive and financial leadership roles overseeing strategy, accounting, HR, IT, and business planning.

Modern CFOs are no longer just number crunchers — they're storytellers, strategists, and relationship architects. As AI transforms the business landscape, finance leaders face mounting pressure to connect insights with action and influence stakeholders across the organization. So, what separates the CFOs who lead from those who merely report?

According to Sumeet Agrawal, a seasoned finance leader and strategic advisor, mastering storytelling and relationships is what elevates today's CFOs. He highlights that financial strategy is no longer about perfect spreadsheets but about translating data into compelling narratives that align teams and drive decisions. By combining empathy with analytics, CFOs can bridge gaps between investors, executives, and employees. Sumeet believes that in the age of AI, the most effective finance leaders will strike a balance between human insight and technological power to shape the future of business.

In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Sumeet Agrawal, Founder & Managing Partner at SmartScale Finance, to discuss why modern CFOs must master relationships, storytelling, and AI. They explore how finance leaders can navigate misaligned expectations, build trust across departments, and use AI to communicate complex ideas with clarity. Sumeet also shares lessons in leadership, resilience, and strategic decision-making from his career journey.

Aaron Wilkins is the Senior Vice President of Accounting, Legal, and Compliance at Human-I-T, a nonprofit social enterprise that bridges the digital divide by providing low-cost technology, internet access, and digital literacy training to underserved communities. He has been with the organization since 2012, first serving as Chief Financial Officer before stepping into his current role in 2021. Under his leadership, Human-I-T has distributed over 523,000 devices and diverted more than 15 million pounds of e-waste from landfills, empowering individuals and nonprofits nationwide.

Scaling a mission-driven organization can be a delicate balance between staying true to your cause while ensuring financial sustainability and growth. How do you manage this equilibrium, especially when scaling operations and measuring impact? Is it possible to maintain your mission without sacrificing financial discipline?

According to Aaron Wilkins, a leader with extensive experience in nonprofit finance, mission-driven work requires a clear focus on both measurable outcomes and sustainable growth. He highlights that successfully scaling a nonprofit involves translating the mission into actionable strategies while ensuring sound financial systems. By maintaining a dual focus on both mission and metrics, an organization can achieve significant impact without compromising its core values.

In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Aaron Wilkins, Senior Vice President of Accounting, Legal, and Compliance at Human-I-T, to discuss scaling mission-driven work through financial discipline and innovation. Aaron shares how curiosity, creativity, and collaboration drive the culture at his organization. He also discusses the challenges of letting go of responsibilities for growth and why compliance and AI will be crucial for future CFOs.

Ilana Esterrich is the Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a nonprofit that provides sexual and reproductive health care and education nationwide. Ilana previously served as CFO at the American Coatings Association and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. A recognized voice in national CFO networks and advisory councils, she actively advances innovation and best practices in financial leadership. Ilana holds degrees from the Wharton School and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

In today's complex business environment, technical skills alone aren't enough for CFOs who want to drive long-term success. The real differentiator comes down to leadership, specifically, how you lead people.

According to Ilana Esterrich, a seasoned finance executive and leadership voice, people-first leadership is what defines modern CFO success. She explains that numbers can be corrected quickly, but mishandling people creates lasting scars on trust and morale. Ilana highlights the importance of building resilient teams, nurturing networks, and understanding individual motivations rather than projecting one-size-fits-all career paths. By combining strategic vision with human insight, leaders can create an environment where people thrive and organizations adapt more effectively.

In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Ilana Esterrich, Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, to discuss how people-first leadership defines CFO success. They explore why trust and team morale matter more than flawless spreadsheets, how bold career moves can reset your leadership trajectory, and why narrative intelligence is becoming a must-have skill for finance leaders. Ilana also shares advice on building resilient teams and leading with both head and heart.

In March 2020, brothers Kaleb and Kolby Rush lost their internships with the onset of the pandemic. They decided to put their skills and knowledge to good use. Alongside their dad, they spent months perfecting their five-ingredient, human-grade, meat-based dog treat recipes. With a passion for entrepreneurship, a love for dogs, and their unique knowledge of dog treat craftsmanship, Kaleb and Kolby got down to business and co-founded Saint Rocco's Treats. They're focused on opening 15 Saint Rocco's kitchens by 2030.

Kaleb Rush is also the Production Manager at Prime Packaging Partners LLC. Kaleb graduated from the Fox School of Business at Temple University with a major in supply chain management and a minor in entrepreneurship, selling skills, and sales operations. He is also the Recruitment Chairman for Delta Chi, where he developed a recruitment strategy and successfully onboarded 20 new members to help grow its colony and build Delta Chi's brand on campus.

Kolby Rush sharpened his practical understanding of the business world as an Associate Consultant for Chess Consulting LLC, an Intern at Primerica, and by working for his dad at American Butcher Brand. Kolby received a bachelor's degree from Penn State University with a major in finance and a minor in economics. He also studied abroad in Germany at Pforzheim University, learning business and economics.

Your four-legged friend has always been there with a gentle nose and a warm heart, so how can you make sure you're catering to your pet's dietary needs? What steps can you take to ensure an authentic consumer experience across various touch points?

When Kaleb and Kobly Rush began their dog treat brand, they were certain about one thing — dogs deserve better. By bootstrapping their brand, they control the ingredients that go into each treat, so man's best friend will only get top ingredients. Kaleb and Kolby enhanced their marketing recipe by using a genuine approach to reach their target audience and make a positive impact in their community by donating $1 to local dog rescues for every pound of treats sold. Bring tail wags to your home with this episode.

In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Kaleb and Kolby Rush, Founders of Saint Rocco's Treats, to discuss the commitment and passion behind creating a pet food brand. Together, they talk about launching a human-grade dog food brand, why authenticity has a greater impact on consumers, and why remaining committed to your values is essential.

May Thao-Schuck, EdD, is the Vice President of Career and Professional Development at St. Catherine University. With a strong background in leading and advancing teams and organizations, May successfully propels growth through innovative strategic organization and business design. She was previously the Divisional Director of Workforce Development Employment and Training Programs at the Minnesota Department of Employment and the Director of Organizational Development for Training and Development at ActivStyle.

She earned her doctorate in organization development and change from the University of St. Thomas, an MBA from Argosy University, and her bachelor's in therapeutic recreation and recreational therapy from the University of Minnesota. May is an active board member at the Minnesota State High School League and CommonBond Communities.

Making difficult decisions and recognizing when it's time to pivot can be challenging for leaders. How can you embrace a diverse talent pool to create a stronger team and work environment?

When statistics show that within the first 18 months, 40% of internal promotions and 55% of outside hires leave, how can you equip your organization with the right systems and processes to assemble lasting leadership? For May Thao-Schuck, EdD, the answer may be surprising: holistic positioning. Positioning leaders based on foundational career competencies and adaptability can set up organizations for success. If you want your organization to become successful, begin with your leadership.

In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with May Thao-Schuck, EdD, Vice President of Career and Professional Development at St. Catherine University, to discuss cultivating a workplace with equity and opportunity. May talks about the impact employees make on the workforce environment, challenges organizations face while handling human capital, and how to empower leaders for generations to come.

Ginny Clarke is the CEO of Ginny Clarke, LLC. She is a talent strategist and organizational builder who provides insights to some of the world's leading executive search firms and technology companies. She recently started her consultancy, where she speaks, writes, and hosts the Fifth Dimensional Leadership podcast.

She was the Director of Leadership Staffing and led diversity and internal mobility and non-tech recruiting teams at Google for nearly five years. As a seasoned executive recruiter, Ginny possesses a singular approach to leadership assessment, diversity, recruiting, and talent management that is sought after by her peers.

An overlooked aspect of leadership is found in recruitment. More than merely focusing on the hiring process, great leaders can enable, nurture, and welcome new people into their teams. This slight shift into conscious leadership starts from the very beginning and runs through the entire relationship. However, this is easier said than done.

Ginny Clarke is aware of the difficulties of conscious leadership and has positioned her career towards helping others develop that mindset. She has worked with powerful brands like Google and Spencer Stuart, growing a thorough approach to recruiting and diversity. Now she explains her ideas to you.

In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco talks with Ginny Clarke, CEO of Ginny Clarke, LLC, about recruiting, growing, and conscious leading. They begin with Ginny's career path and the story that made her the leader she is today. She then dives into greater detail on executive recruiting, developing an internal mobility and diversity team at Google, and knowing the difference between managing and leading. Check out the full episode for all of this and more!

Reyn Holden is the Head of Finance and Accounting at Truebill, a finance company that manages subscriptions, improves credit scores, tracks spending, and builds budgets for consumers. He is a Global Advisory Board Member at AchieveNEXT and the Owner of Quintessence Properties I.

Reyn led a team of internal and external staff supporting the technology acquired by Rocket Companies and helped Truebill become a member of the Rocket team. He is experienced in the finance sector and was previously the Lead Data Financial Analyst for the Virginia Regional Transit, a Consultant at LMI, Head of FP&A for Great Minds, and a Consultant for Clarendon Partners, LLC.

How can you communicate financial information that satisfies the appetite? What can you do to align objectives with financial goals for a product-driven company?

Reyn Holden says the simplest way is not to overwhelm your clients with too much information. Effective communication requires tailoring and altering your message to a given audience. If your audience doesn't have the same level of understanding, you must express your message by directing it to the information that they want and need to know. Not everyone is a financial expert, so you must voice what's necessary to validate the next steps a business wants to take. Strategic business initiatives are built on the backs of financial information and assessing the risks and rewards of those decisions. Reyn helps translate the company's financial needs and the desires of its product and brand-building goals, so the two form a cohesive strategy and set the company up to become an enduring enterprise.

On this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Reyn Holden, Head of Finance and Accounting at Truebill, to discuss authenticating and improving your business results. Reyn talks about examining the long-term success of your product, how to communicate financial needs effectively, and the steps you can take to balance a company's financial and operational needs.