Nick Belardo - Director of Operations, Compass | Christopher Luna, California Leaders

Send us Fan MailWe wanted to capture the kind of leadership talk that usually disappears the moment the check comes. So we tried a new After Hours format, poured a Negroni, and got honest about how careers actually get built: through small roles done well, relationships that last, and the daily choice to make people feel seen.Nick takes us from showing up in Los Angeles with $100 to learning the real meaning of an elevator pitch while working the “secret elevator” for major talent. From there, the story moves through live events, the Greek Theatre, Disney confidence, The Grove, the Santa House, experiential marketing, and eventually leadership in real estate tech at Compass. The through line is hospitality as a professional advantage: being intentional, reading the room, raising your hand for the overlooked work, and creating exceptional experiences that people remember.We also talk marathon mindset, work-life integration, and why emerging leaders face a tougher challenge in a 30-second content world. Then we bridge into marketing strategy, brand consistency, and why print media still matters when it’s part of a true omnichannel ecosystem that matches the lived experience. If you care about leadership, networking, mentorship, customer service, and authentic human connection, this conversation is for you.Subscribe, follow, and share California Leaders After Hours with someone building their next chapter, and if something hits home, leave a review and tell us what “small moment” changed your career.📌 ABOUT Nick Belardo🔹 Title: Director of Operations, Compass🔹 Guests Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-belardo-69264666/🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickybelardo/Support the show🎧 New episodes every Month. (Dark in July & December)🎓 Powered by California Leaders Workshops – advancing leadership through immersive learning experiences.🌐 Learn more at: https://www.californialeaders.com/workshopsLet’s build a city of leaders — one story at a time.🌟 SUPPORT THE PODCAST  Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests?  👉 Email [email protected]🔗 CONNECT WITH CALIFORNIA LEADERS 🎙️ Host: Christopher Luna 🌐 Website: https://www.californialeaders.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleadersofficial/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/californialeaders/🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/caleadersx📧 Email: [email protected]🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping California and beyond.#CaliforniaLeaders #CaliforniaLeadersPodcast #Networking #CaliforniaBusiness #PodcastInterview #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BeyondNetworking #ChristopherLunaLeading California Leaders - Real stories. Real leaders. Real impact.