Guest:

Jaclyn "Jax" Scott
Army Cyber & Electronic Warfare Warrant Officer | Cybersecurity Educator | Co-host of 2 Cyber Chicks
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Episode Overview:

On this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jaclyn “Jax” Scott, a decorated Army Warrant Officer and cybersecurity expert, to break down what it really means to manage up. Jax brings hard-earned wisdom from years in the military and private sector, and she’s not afraid to talk about radical candor, feedback culture, and Gen Z in the workplace. This episode is packed with straightforward communication strategies, stories from the front lines (literally), and practical tips that’ll help you become a more effective communicator—whether you’re managing your team, your boss, or both.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introductions and Overview
02:30 – Understanding the Importance of Effective Communication in Managing Up
07:42 – Improving Ability to Manage Up
13:00 – Addressing and Sharing Feelings in Professional Communication
18:50 – Engaging Generation Z in the Workplace
24:15 – Bridging Communication Gaps Across Generations

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
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Guest:

Susan Stoklosa
Vice President of Merchandise Planning & Allocation at GIII Retail Group
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug is joined by Susan Stoklosa, VP of Planning & Allocation at GIII Retail Group, to unpack the real power of networking—and no, it’s not just about collecting business cards. Susan breaks down what it means to build meaningful professional relationships, how to set smart networking goals, and the value of consistency and authenticity when making connections. If you’ve ever felt awkward at a networking event or wondered how to use LinkedIn without sounding like a robot, this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction and overview
02:18 – Show Genuine Interest
06:45 – Define Networking Goals
10:32 – Utilize Online Platforms
14:10 – Attend Networking Events
18:50 – Follow Up Consistently
23:20 – Personal stories on the power of connection

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

Guest:

Cecile Mengue
Cybersecurity Professional & Hacker at IBM X-Force Red
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Cecile Mengue, a cybersecurity professional and hacker at IBM X-Force Red. Cecile shares her powerful personal story of being targeted by a cyber-attack—and how that experience launched her into a career on the front lines of digital defense. What started as a crisis turned into a mission. Cecile discusses the road from criminal justice to cybersecurity, the struggle with imposter syndrome, and the determination it took to become an ethical hacker. The episode is packed with practical insights on entering the cybersecurity field, protecting personal data, and why it's time we all start taking digital security seriously.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and introduction
02:10 – Cecile’s turning point: From victim to hacker
05:45 – Transitioning from criminal justice to cybersecurity
09:30 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding mentorship
13:00 – Tips for switching careers into cybersecurity
17:40 – Understanding the real value of personal data
21:00 – Final thoughts and actionable takeaways

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

Guest:

Nadine Hall
Former Executive Lead at HanesBrands
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug speaks with Nadine Hall, a seasoned executive and former leader at HanesBrands. Nadine offers a wealth of insights on leadership, corporate resilience, and career evolution in the world of global retail and consumer goods. From product innovation to building your own professional brand, Nadine shares the key traits that helped her rise through the ranks, navigate change, and lead with intention. She also opens up about the lessons she’s learned through mentorship, feedback, and collaboration with cross-functional teams—and what future leaders need to thrive in today’s corporate world.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Nadine Hall
02:30 – Consumer-driven differentiation and standing out in a crowded market
06:00 – Crafting your personal brand and defining your “superpower”
10:15 – Leadership 101: Continuous learning and active listening
14:00 – Managing change and aligning your team’s purpose
17:45 – Building successful partnerships across departments
21:20 – Why feedback is a gift and how to use it for growth
25:00 – Nadine’s final advice for rising leaders

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

Guest:

Avni Trivedi
Leadership Executive & Former VP at Ellucian
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Avni Trivedi, a leadership expert with over 17 years of experience in tech sales and operations. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead with transparency and authenticity—especially in today’s evolving workplace. Avni brings clarity to some of the toughest parts of leadership, from building trust and handling conflict to making data-driven decisions and empowering others. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode is packed with honest, practical strategies for leading well—and humanely.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to Avni and her leadership background
02:15 – Cultivating trust as a new leader
06:00 – Using data to drive smarter decision-making
10:45 – Conflict resolution through proactive communication
14:30 – Creating stability and balance in fast-paced teams
18:10 – Recognizing talent and fostering psychological safety
22:00 – Transparent leadership as a long-term game

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

Guest:

Spencer Horn
President of Altium Leadership & Coaching
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug welcomes behavioral analyst Spencer Horn for a deep dive into the concept of flexible authenticity—especially in the context of executive women navigating leadership. Spencer unpacks what it really means to lead with authenticity, how to stay adaptive in tough environments, and why having a growth mindset is non-negotiable. If you’ve ever struggled to reconcile “being yourself” with “being strategic,” this one’s for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to Spencer and his leadership journey
02:10 – Debunking the myth that authenticity derails careers
05:45 – Challenges and strategies for assertiveness in women leaders
09:30 – Cross-cultural leadership and adaptability in action
13:20 – The six leadership styles and when to use each
17:00 – Unity over individualism: a leadership mindset shift
21:15 – Why flexible authenticity is a competitive advantage

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

Guest:

Christian Napier
Founder & CEO, Rakonto Inc. | Knowledge Management Advisor, International Olympic Committee
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Christian Napier, a knowledge management expert whose storytelling work has spanned the Olympic Games and Fortune 500 boardrooms. Christian shares how storytelling can go beyond inspiration—it can transform how organizations learn, grow, and retain vital knowledge. He takes us behind the scenes of the Olympics, unpacks how to “scalably harvest contextual knowledge,” and explains why even a short story can influence hiring, culture, and leadership.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to Christian and his Olympic journey
03:15 – Why stories of behind-the-scenes heroes matter
07:40 – Storytelling as a business tool: changing minds and building bridges
12:05 – What is “contextual knowledge,” and why should you care?
16:30 – How leaders can mine insights from employees at every level
21:10 – LinkedIn and micro-stories: small actions, big ripples
25:00 – Capturing personal stories before they’re lost

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

Guest:

Jennifer Clark
Fractional CXO | Startup & Growth Strategist
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jennifer Clark, a seasoned fractional CXO with over 25 years of cross-industry experience. Together, they explore the growing influence of fractional leadership in today’s business world—and why more companies are turning to flexible models for top-tier executive support. Jennifer breaks down the difference between fractional and full-time roles, shares how these models benefit both companies and executives, and explains what it really takes to make the shift from corporate to fractional.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Jennifer Clark and her fractional journey
03:20 – What is a fractional CXO anyway?
07:00 – The pandemic’s role in reshaping leadership structures
10:45 – Why companies are embracing part-time executive expertise
14:00 – The pitfalls: internal resistance and communication gaps
18:30 – How to make fractional roles work: clarity is everything
23:50 – Future trends: the rise of flexible leadership
27:00 – Jennifer’s career pivot and lessons learned along the way

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug welcomes Becca Yanniello, a public health leader with over 15 years of experience in population health management. Together, they dive into the evolving role of public health in today’s digital world—and why it matters more than ever. Becca breaks down the difference between public health and traditional healthcare, highlights the lessons we’ve learned from COVID-19, and shares actionable tips for how individuals and communities can play a part in promoting wellness. She also introduces her new book, A Kid’s Book About Public Health, and talks about the importance of starting these conversations early—especially with kids.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Becca Yanniello and her journey in public health
03:10 – Public health vs. traditional healthcare: what’s the difference?
07:25 – Areas of focus: from disease prevention to mental health and nutrition
11:15 – Why public health matters now more than ever
15:30 – Real-life wellness hacks for you and your community
20:00 – How to teach public health to children
24:45 – A sneak peek into Becca’s book: A Kid’s Book About Public Health

Guest

Becca Yanniello
Vice President of Population Health | Public Health Advocate
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug

Welcome to the very first episode of the Executive Connect Podcast—a show for the next generation of business leaders. I’m your host, Melissa Aarskaug, and in this debut episode, I’m joined by Michèle Kline, bestselling author and founder of Kline Hospitality. Michèle shares how she walked away from toxic leadership environments to create something of her own—and how she now helps others do the same. From emotional intelligence to asking the right questions, we talk about what it really takes to lead from the front—not from behind a desk. We spoke about:
• When to walk away from toxic workplaces and step into leadership on your terms
• Why emotional intelligence is essential—and how you can actually develop it
• The power of asking the right questions to bridge gaps in your team
• How to lead meaningful change that starts at the top
• And more strategies to unlock leadership potential in yourself and others

Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Michèle Kline and her origin story in hospitality
04:12 – Recognizing when it’s time to move on from toxic leadership
08:30 – What emotional intelligence really looks like in the workplace
13:00 – Asking better questions to lead better teams
17:50 – Building change from the top: how to be the example
21:35 – Michèle’s coaching insights for new and emerging leaders

Guest:

Michèle Kline
Founder of Kline Hospitality | Certified Coach | Co-creator of WTF! Walk The Floors
LinkedIn

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect

Connect With Us:

Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect

Social:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug