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 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.
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Leading with Purpose - guest Mike Jaffe
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.
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Transforming Leadership in Cybersecurity - guest Rick Howard
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.
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From Nightclub Visionary to Music Industry Maverick - guest Roger Jansen
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.
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Redefining Leadership in Insurance - guest Meg McKeen
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:
✨ 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 lessons she’s learned and how they’ve shaped her as a leader.
✨ Opportunities for women in insurance: How to navigate challenges and seize the moment.
✨ Creating customized learning experiences: The secret sauce to effective sales and leadership training.
✨ Career advice: The one thing Meg tells every professional looking to level up.
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.
Welcome to C-Level Up, where J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl bring humor and expertise as they dig into the minds of top leaders from every corner of business, technology, sports, music, entertainment, and more! J.D. and Mike go beyond the boardroom, exploring the untold stories of how today’s top leaders got their start, the inspirations that drove them, and the pivotal moments that shaped their journeys. Whether you’re dreaming of running a Fortune 500 or just looking for that extra spark, this podcast has you covered. Tune and and level up your leadership game!
Brasil