Episode 25: Breaking Through to Executive Leadership with Caleb Schmidt

What does it really take to break through to the executive level, and lead with influence, not just authority? In this episode, Kristiana Corona sits down with Caleb Schmidt, Senior Vice President of Experience Design at U.S. Bank, to unpack what it really takes to cross that threshold. Caleb shares candid insights on how creative leaders can evolve from managing the work to leading at scale, communicating with clarity, earning executive trust, and thinking like an enterprise leader. Key Insights From This Conversation: The mindset and communication shifts that open doors to the executive level How to earn buy-in and build advocacy across the organization The habits that help you protect time for strategy and vision How to use empathy, feedback, and business fluency to lead with influence What it means to show up with confidence in rooms where you once felt unqualified This isn’t about managing better, it’s about transforming how you lead so you can take your seat at the executive table.   Links and Resources: Outcomes Over Output by Jason Seiden: https://www.amazon.com/Outcomes-Over-Output-customer-behavior/dp/1091173265 Connect with Caleb Schmidt:💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/calebjschmidt Connect with Kristiana Corona:🌐 Website: worthytolead.co💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kristianacorona📷 Instagram: @worthytolead