C-Level Up Podcast

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.

Scouting for Success - guest Steve Miller

On C-Level Up, hosts J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl welcome Steve Miller, Director of International Scouting for the Tampa Bay Rays, to explore the wild world of international baseball scouting. Steve shares stories from his early days as a college coach to clocking 200+ days a year on the road hunting for top talent in places like the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and beyond. Listeners get a peek behind the scenes into what it’s like scouting the next big league stars and the surprising lessons learned along the way.
Steve brings humor and grit to tales of tracking down players and what it takes to build trust with young talent from diverse backgrounds. He opens up about the “one that got away,” his strategies for mentoring rookie scouts, and the critical mix of instinct and empathy needed to thrive in scouting. It's a fun, insightful dive into the realities and rewards of scouting on a global stage.

Designing for Impact & Leading Creative Teams - guest Jason Schwartz

With over 20 years of experience, Jason Schwartz and his team at Bright Bright Great (BBG) are setting the bar high in the interactive agency world, helping brands succeed through smart design, data-driven strategies, and a focus on functionality and usability. 
 
In this episode of C-Level Up, Jason shares his journey into running a full-service design and web agency, along with insights on leading creative teams—a unique and competitive space that requires a distinct approach to leadership.
 
We discuss: Leading creatives and what it takes to inspire a team that thrives on innovation.  The essential qualities for success in design leadership and how Jason embodies them daily. How to stay adaptable in the fast-paced world of UX and client expectations. BBG's innovative culture and commitment to continuous learning.  Lessons from tough decisions and tips for building a resilient business in the design industry... plus some fun around comics and a new restaurant brand Mike Kreissl wants called Mike's Meatloaf!
 
Tune in to gain valuable insights on what it takes to lead in this competitive field and where BBG is headed with new innovations and creative endeavors.
 
Don't miss out—stream the episode on C-Level Up now and be inspired by one of the best in the business!

Therapy of Leaders - guest Tim Lambertsen, LMHC

On this episode of C-Level Up, we’re thrilled to welcome Tim Lambertsen, a seasoned psychotherapist and founder of Lambertsen Therapeutic Services. With over two decades of experience supporting people through some of life’s toughest challenges, Tim brings a unique perspective to the mental health and leadership issues many executives face today. From imposter syndrome to fears around career stability, he understands the hidden struggles even the most successful leaders endure. We’ll dive into how leaders can navigate today’s high-pressure environments while keeping personal growth, purposeful living, and mental well-being at the forefront. Tim, welcome to the show—let’s get started!

Chasing Dreams Around the Globe - guest Tyler Smith

In this episode of C-Level Up, hosts J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl sit down with journeyman pro basketball player and author, Tyler Smith, to talk about his extraordinary career playing ball around the world. From navigating the unique challenges of living abroad to sharing hilarious stories from his time on the court, Tyler gives listeners a glimpse into the life of a global athlete. He also discusses  the valuable lessons he's carried into his post-basketball career. Tune in for an entertaining and insightful conversation that transcends sports and speaks to resilience, adaptability, and humor.

Crafting Careers: from Actor to Coach - guest Stef Tovar

In this episode of C-Level Up, our leadership journey takes us to a seasoned actor turned on-camera acting coach. Chicago acting legend, Stef Tovar, shares the defining moments that ignited his passion for acting, his first big break in Chicago, obstacles he overcame in the early stages of his career, and how to lead on stage and in the boardroom. He offers candid insights on mentorship, the transition to coaching, and the most common mistakes he sees young actors make today. Tune in for invaluable advice on building confidence, navigating the evolving industry, and balancing the art and business of acting to create a sustainable career.

Overcoming Fears to Lead - Guest Sean Barnes, WSS Solutions

In this episode of C-Level Up, hosts J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl chat with Sean Barnes, President of WSS Solutions, about the journey to becoming a successful business leader. Sean opens up about overcoming insecurities, staying focused on goals, and how failures can be stepping stones to success. He also shares actionable tips for leveraging LinkedIn for career growth and faces some fun rapid-fire questions from Mike. If you're looking for insights on leadership, personal growth, and a few laughs along the way, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

C-Level Up (with guest Pete Grimes, Author of C-Level Author)

In the exciting first episode of C-Level Up, J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl welcome Pete Grimes, best-selling author of C-Level Author, to kick off the show with a bang! Pete shares his journey from business leader to successful author, revealing what it really takes to make the leap from boardroom to bestseller. This fun and insightful interview dives into the strategies leaders need to turn their experiences into a compelling book, while Pete dishes on his own inspirations and the process of writing to inspire others. If you’ve ever thought about sharing your story with the world, this episode is packed with tips to get you started!