C-Level Up Podcast

After a hiatus, the C-Level Up podcast returns with hosts J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl welcoming film producer Jordan Reinwald for an engaging conversation that bridges Hollywood storytelling and executive leadership. Reinwald, most recently an executive producer of the indie horror film Inhabitants, shares a behind the scenes look at the realities of independent filmmaking, from raising capital and juggling multiple producer roles to managing actors and navigating the relentless pressure of production timelines. With stories from the set and experiences working alongside major talent, he offers a candid perspective on what it takes to bring a film from idea to screen.

The conversation also expands beyond filmmaking into leadership, creativity, and the rapidly changing media landscape. Reinwald reflects on how his leadership style evolved from early acting and production work to leading teams on set, while discussing the shifting balance between theatrical releases and streaming platforms. The episode closes with a lively exploration of AI’s role in the future of film and content creation, where technology may reshape parts of the industry but human storytelling remains at the center. It is a thoughtful and entertaining return for C-Level Up, packed with insights for leaders, creators, and anyone fascinated by the business of bringing stories to life.

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.

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.