C-Level Up Podcast
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!
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!
Episodes

Oct 15, 2024
Oct 15, 2024
47 min
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.
Oct 15, 2024
47 min

Oct 8, 2024
Oct 8, 2024
38 min
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!
Oct 8, 2024
38 min

Sep 30, 2024
Sep 30, 2024
36 min
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!
Sep 30, 2024
36 min

Who are these guys??
Mike Kreissl is the General Sales Manager and Head of Business Development at Cream Wine and Spirits, where he has spent 14 years helping restaurants build beverage programs and training salespeople to grow million-dollar territories. Before transitioning to sales, Mike studied performance arts at Drake University, The National Theater Institute, and The Second City Chicago, leading to a career as an actor, improviser, and comedy writer.
J.D. Miller is the CEO of James Dwayne Group and a veteran marketer who has led global teams in building strategy across technology, finance, non-profits, and agencies, while guiding companies through mergers and operational transformations. An award-winning television journalist and sports anchor at CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates, he has also served as a global spokesperson and expert analyst on networks like CNBC, Fox Business, and Bloomberg. Along with hosting several podcasts, J.D. has hosted and moderated thousands of events across the globe.







