Next In Line

Corey Krueger joins Cesar Jimenez to share his journey from early career roles in marketing and customer service to becoming Vice President at WCL Group. He reflects on joining the family business, navigating the pressure that comes with earning your place, and helping grow the company through one of the most uncertain periods in recent memory.Corey shares how a business development plan he built on his own became a key part of WCL’s growth story, and why patience, consistency, and authentic relationships still matter more than shortcuts. He also breaks down what makes staffing so challenging, how trust is built with both clients and contractors, and why long term persistence often creates the biggest wins.The conversation also explores the future of energy staffing, including oil and gas, renewables, data centers, and semiconductor construction. Corey explains why relationship driven leadership, strong networks, and genuine care for people continue to be the foundation for success, especially in a fast changing market.

In Episode 58 of Next In Line, Karina shares key takeaways from her conversation with global CTO Kevin Norris. From why leaders don’t need to know everything, to focusing on problems before technology, to mastering communication over technical skills—this episode highlights the mindset shifts that define great leadership in IT and beyond.

In Episode 57 of Next in Line, Cesar Jimenez sits down with Matt Mehlbrech, CIO and leader within the Inspire community, to unpack his journey from starting as an intern at Eaton to becoming a multi-time CIO leading major organizational turnarounds.Matt’s career is a masterclass in growth through discomfort, raising your hand for hard opportunities, and building real business acumen—not just technical expertise. Now operating in the biotech space, he shares how AI is transforming healthcare, while also cutting through the hype to explain what actually matters.This episode dives into: Overcoming early career uncertainty and growing into leadership Why business acumen is the most important skill in IT Lessons learned from failure, accountability, and speaking up Leading IT turnarounds and building high-performing teams AI in healthcare: real impact vs hype Why strong data foundations matter more than AI tools The importance of being present and building real relationships Balancing leadership pressure, family, and personal growthMatt also shares powerful insights on discipline, ownership, and why true growth only happens when you step outside your comfort zone.If you're looking to grow in your career, break into leadership, or understand where AI is really headed—this episode delivers.

In Episode 56 of Next in Line, Karina Jimenez sits down with Amy Ingram, Co-Founder of Query, an AI data analytics platform built to make data accessible for everyone.Amy’s journey is anything but traditional. From growing up in a nonprofit-focused family and building communities to becoming a co-founder in the AI space, she shares how curiosity, resilience, and authenticity helped her break into tech with no formal background.This episode dives into:Overcoming imposter syndrome in a fast-moving tech worldWhy “fake it till you make it” doesn’t work and what to do insteadUsing AI as a tool without losing the human connectionBuilding a company with your spouse and navigating risk as a familyHow to stay adaptable when everything in AI is changing dailyTurning past experiences into unexpected strengthsAmy also shares practical advice on learning fast, staying grounded, and why being confidently authentic is the key to long-term growth.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong in a room, are pivoting careers, or trying to keep up with AI, this episode will hit home.

In Episode 55 of Next in Line, Cesar Jimenez sits down with Mark Moch, Chief Information Officer at American Oncology Network, to unpack one of the most powerful journeys we’ve had on the show.From arriving in the U.S. without speaking English to working maintenance jobs, Mark shares how he climbed from the service desk to CIO—now helping lead a $3B healthcare organization across 100+ locations.This episode dives deep into:Building a career from nothing through grit and consistencyWhy the service desk is the most underrated path into ITHow AI and data are transforming oncology and patient careScaling a healthcare network from 0 to $3B in just 7 yearsThe real role of a CIO: business leader, not just technologistLeadership lessons on trust, mentorship, and building elite teamsWhy “bold, humble, and hungry” is the formula for breaking inMark also shares how his wife played a pivotal role in his journey and why having the right support system can change everything.If you’re early in your career, stepping into leadership, or trying to build something meaningful, this one is for you.

In Episode 54 of Next in Line, Karina Jimenez sits down with Carrie McDowell, a contingent workforce leader at Lyft, to break down what it really takes to build and run successful workforce programs in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.Carrie shares her unconventional journey from retail and recruiting into leading workforce strategy, and dives into the disconnect between staffing partners, MSPs, and buyers that many organizations still struggle with today.The conversation explores how AI is beginning to reshape the industry, why continuous learning is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage, and how leaders can better support the “middle layer” of professionals who are doing the day-to-day work but often lack access to key insights and development opportunities.Carrie also emphasizes the importance of curiosity, relationship-building, and understanding the full team behind any partnership not just the person who sells you in the first place.This episode is packed with real, practical insights for anyone working in staffing, recruiting, or workforce strategy and especially for those looking to grow into more strategic and advisory roles.

In Episode 54 of Next in Line, Cesar Jimenez sits down with Andrew Abrams, Vice President and Executive Producer of Entertainment and Production for the Vegas Golden Knights, to talk about career growth, networking, and what it really takes to break into professional sports.Andrew shares his journey from growing up in Western New York experimenting with a VHS camera to leading the full in arena entertainment experience for one of the NHL’s most innovative franchises.He walks through the real path behind the role, including:Starting in minor league hockey and working his way upTaking a leap into WWE and learning elite production at a global levelBuilding relationships that opened doors at critical momentsReturning to help build the Vegas Golden Knights from the ground upThe conversation also dives into what fans never see — the lights, music, video, and production that happen between the whistles — and how Andrew’s team creates a world class experience by pulling inspiration from Las Vegas shows, concerts, and emerging technology.This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to break into sports, media, or a competitive industry, with a strong focus on networking, timing, and being ready when opportunity shows up.

In this episode of Next In Line, Cesar sits down with Robert Sullivan, CIO and CISO at Agero and the 2025 National CISO of the Year recipient from the Orbie Awards.Robert shares his unconventional path into technology leadership, starting in banking and operations before transitioning into telecom, software, and ultimately executive cybersecurity leadership. His journey highlights how many technology leaders discover their path through curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to step into new challenges.Throughout the conversation, Robert breaks down what modern cybersecurity leadership actually looks like today. He explains how security leaders must think like business leaders first — balancing innovation, risk management, and operational strategy while protecting critical data and infrastructure.They discuss how organizations can build strong security cultures across fast-moving teams, why visibility and proactive threat management are essential in today’s cloud environments, and how emerging technologies like AI are changing both cyber defense and cyber threats.Robert also shares insights on leadership development, working across teams to enable innovation safely, and why collaboration between engineering, security, and business leaders is more important than ever.This episode offers valuable insights for technology leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and anyone interested in how modern organizations are navigating security, innovation, and leadership in an AI-driven world.

In this episode of the Next In Line Podcast, Karina sits down with Lars Silberbauer, global marketing leader, former CMO at HMD, and current advisor at Goldman Sachs. Lars shares lessons from a career that has taken him across the world working with iconic brands like LEGO, MTV, and the Olympic Committee, while also building companies of his own.Lars dives into how marketing leaders must adapt to a world defined by constant disruption, rapid technological change, and the rise of AI. From translating marketing value into financial language that CEOs understand to treating your career like your own company, Lars explains the mindset required to stay ahead in today’s business environment.The conversation also explores the growing importance of human authenticity in an AI driven world, why execution matters more than ideas, and how young professionals can position themselves for opportunity in industries that are evolving faster than ever.If you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or leader navigating change, this episode offers a powerful perspective on how to build a meaningful career while embracing disruption instead of fearing it.

In this episode of Next In Line, Cesar sits down with Maria O’Neill, a longtime technology executive and 20-year CIO, to talk about the mindset, resilience, and leadership principles that shaped her journey from computer programmer to global technology leader.Maria shares how growing up as the youngest of seven in a Mexican immigrant family helped fuel her drive, why she has always been drawn to challenging project-based work, and how she navigated career pivots, higher education, motherhood, consulting, and executive leadership on her path to becoming CIO.They also dive into what digital transformation really means, why AI is different from past tech waves, how leaders should think about security and adoption, and what it takes to build teams that embrace change instead of resisting it.This conversation is packed with wisdom on ambition, adaptability, leadership, career growth, and what it really takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing technology landscape.

In this episode of Next In Line, Karina sits down with Hannah Nichol, founder of Mane Impact, to discuss the journey from freelancing to building a purpose-driven marketing agency focused on ethical strategy, human-centered design, and sustainable business growth.Hannah shares how a pivotal moment during a mission trip in San Francisco led her to rethink her career path and ultimately step into entrepreneurship. What started as freelance work in branding, design, and website development eventually grew into Mane Impact — an agency helping organizations align their messaging, brand identity, and marketing strategy.They explore the core principles that remain constant across industries when it comes to marketing, why clarity and positioning matter more than tactics, and how businesses can build authentic relationships with their audiences.The conversation also dives into topics like ethical marketing, burnout in entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and the hidden environmental impact of digital marketing, offering a unique perspective on how leaders can build organizations that grow responsibly while still making an impact.This episode is filled with insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and future leaders who want to build businesses rooted in purpose, clarity, and long-term sustainability.

In Episode 48 of Next in Line, Cesar Jimenez sits down with Michael Bush, Senior Director of IT and Head of Technology for the Colorado Rockies, to talk about career pivots, leadership, and what it really takes to build trust in IT.Michael shares his unconventional path into technology, starting in accounting before making the leap into software, leadership, and eventually professional sports. He reflects on the importance of humility, authenticity, community, and learning to embrace risk early in your career.The conversation also dives into the unique demands of running technology inside a Major League Baseball organization, from game-day operations and fan experience to analytics, infrastructure, and the growing role of AI in the business.This episode is full of practical advice for aspiring IT professionals, emerging leaders, and anyone navigating growth, imposter syndrome, or a major career transition.

Sarah Icely Hill joins Karina Jimenez to share her 15 year journey across human resources, organizational strategy, and growth leadership at BrandActive. What began with a history degree and uncertainty about her career path evolved into a dynamic leadership role overseeing business development and marketing.Sarah reflects on how curiosity, transferable skills, and a willingness to start as a beginner helped shape her career across multiple disciplines. From early roles at PwC, KPMG, and Canadian Tire to helping scale operations and strategy at BrandActive, she explains how focusing on problems instead of job titles opened doors to unexpected opportunities.Throughout the conversation, Sarah shares why designing a life around values and experiences can be more powerful than rigid five or ten year career plans. She also discusses how principles from yoga and non attachment have shaped her leadership style, helping her stay open minded, curious, and resilient when facing new challenges.The conversation also explores how younger professionals can build meaningful careers by leaning into discomfort, experimenting with new ideas, and believing in their ability to grow into roles they may not feel ready for yet. Sarah also shares practical advice on using LinkedIn intentionally to build authentic connections, grow a professional network, and create opportunities through thoughtful engagement.

Shivani joins Cesar Jimenez to share her journey from arriving in the United States in 1985 to becoming a CIO at a multibillion dollar organization. From mainframe developer to enterprise leader, she explains why the biggest risk in your career is staying in your comfort zone and how curiosity, data, and bold career moves shaped her path through Dell, PayPal, Schwab, and beyond.She breaks down her transformation playbook, start with pain points, build with stakeholders not for them, leverage internal influencers, and make communication two way. Shivani also shares lessons from scaling enterprise systems, driving adoption, and building a single source of truth that created real business impact.The conversation dives into AI in the enterprise, balancing speed with governance, building AI literacy internally, and why experimentation matters even when ROI is unclear. Shivani closes with powerful advice for leaders, build strong networks, practice allyship, shed perfectionism, and remember you do not have to be the smartest person in the room to lead.

Natalia Daies, Vice President of Executive Communications at Ada Marie, joins Karina Jimenez to share her 15-year journey across nonprofit communications, social impact storytelling, and executive brand strategy. Originally planning to become a nurse, Natalia pivoted early into public relations after discovering a passion for communications, going on to work across fundraising, special events, climate finance, environmental justice, and tech equity.In this episode, Natalia explains why the first eight years of a career are especially critical for women and gender diverse professionals in STEM, and why sponsorship — not just skill building — plays a major role in long-term career growth. She shares how Ada Marie helps early career professionals navigate workplace culture, build confidence, and grow into leadership.Natalia and Karina also discuss authenticity in the digital age, particularly for introverts building personal brands. She explains why consistency builds trust, how strong systems create powerful brands, and why understanding who you are is essential before showing up publicly.Finally, Natalia reflects on lessons from working as both a team of one and leading larger teams, emphasizing grit, mission-driven work, and the importance of trusting your own voice rather than waiting for someone else to define your path.

 Lou Senko, Chief Experience Officer at Q2, joins Cesar Jimenez to break down a career built on change, trust, and customer impact. From growing up poor on a Canadian farm to serving in Canadian Special Operations, Lou shares how early life pressure shaped his work ethic and leadership style.Lou walks through his journey at Q2, starting as an engineer when the company was still small, then stepping into CIO and Chief Availability roles before moving into Chief Experience Officer. He explains why modern leadership is evolving from “systems and services” to what the customer actually experiences, especially in a highly regulated environment supporting banks and credit unions.They dive into Q2’s approach to reliability, cloud security, and change management, including why Lou’s teams don’t allow direct logins to cloud infrastructure and how treating infrastructure as software changes everything. Lou also shares how Q2 is using multiple AI agents to accelerate support, enrich cases with decades of internal knowledge, analyze logs, recommend next actions, and move toward a future where support becomes higher value by reducing customer effort and reducing demand.Finally, Lou delivers practical advice for both emerging technologists and first time CIOs, covering mentorship, continuous learning, hiring for blind spots, and building high trust teams where healthy disagreement makes the organization stronger.

Nasir Mahmood, technology executive and AI founder, joins Karina Jimenez to share his journey from being recruited through a hackathon into defense, to leading large-scale cloud transformation initiatives across Big Four firms, and ultimately launching his own ventures in the AI space.Born in Pakistan and raised in New York, Nasir reflects on his early programming roots in C++ and JavaScript, his 15 years in defense, and his leadership roles at Accenture, Deloitte, and  PwC. He shares how working on billion-dollar transformation initiatives shaped his philosophy around value creation, operating models, and building true win-win outcomes for clients.Nasir dives deep into the evolution of AI — breaking down the difference between traditional AI and generative AI, explaining why Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could redefine innovation, and how infer learning may become the next breakthrough moment in technology.They also discuss the realities of entrepreneurship, calculated risk-taking, sleepless startup nights, and the importance of follow-through. Nasir emphasizes that your name is your brand, your word is your identity, and that dreams without goals are simply disappointments. For emerging leaders navigating technology, transformation, or entrepreneurship, this episode delivers both strategic insight and grounded executive advice.

Sophia Washington, VP of IT at ENGIE North America, joins Cesar Jimenez to share her journey from Valdosta, Georgia to leading large scale IT transformation in the energy industry. She reflects on the professor who encouraged her to pursue computer science, the legacy of her grandfather Eddie Hall who helped fund her education, and how family support shaped her fearless approach to opportunity.Sophia shares how wearing multiple hats early in her career prepared her for executive IT leadership, why translating between business and technical teams is a critical leadership skill, and how delivering honest performance feedback can transform both individuals and entire organizations.They also dive into AI adoption in the enterprise, why it is moving faster than any prior technology wave, why strong data foundations matter, and how leaders can balance innovation with security and operational stability.

Kip Knight, Managing Director at Mavka Growth, joins Karina Jimenez to share a career-spanning playbook from P&G and PepsiCo to eBay and executive coaching.They break down what rising marketers often miss: building a real development plan, defining your personal brand and “superpower,” earning trust with finance and IT, and leading teams without drama. Kip also shares a practical approach to GenAI adoption in marketing, plus the mindset he’s seen work best when decisions get made, and execution has to move fast.

Aaron Wang, Co-Founder & CEO of Alex AI, joins Cesar Jimenez to unpack what an “AI recruiter” actually does for staffing firms and employers: screening, phone/video interviews, scheduling, sourcing, and matching inside the ATS.Aaron shares how his immigrant upbringing shaped his risk tolerance, why he left quant trading to build in the job market, and what it takes to scale a startup at speed. They also cover how recruiters evolve into more strategic talent advisors, how to drive adoption without pushback, and why “make the bet” matters in a fast-moving market.

Anna Bell, Senior VP Marketing at Central Garden & Pet, joins Karina Jimenez to share how a finance foundation shaped her approach to marketing, leadership, and business impact.They cover stepping into leadership early, building trust-driven teams, and the pillars Anna looks for in modern marketing orgs: functional expertise, creativity, curiosity, and agility. Anna also explains how she thinks about AI as a tool, how to balance innovation with operational stability, and why strong communication matters more than ever in a multi-generational workplace.

Vedette Pires, Chief Information Officer at HairClub, joins Cesar Jimenez to share her journey from tech support to executive leadership and why career paths are rarely linear.Vedette reflects on the mentor who pushed her outside her comfort zone, what she wishes she had known earlier about leadership, and why you do not need a title to lead. She explains how the role of the CIO has evolved from centralized IT to business-wide alignment, and why judgment matters more than being the smartest technical voice in the room.They also discuss AI as a tool for acceleration, the growing pressure of cybersecurity, how strong leaders attract strong teams, and why young professionals should focus on growth and experience, not just compensation.

Jeff Lupinacci, Founder and CEO of Evolve HR Solutions, joins Karina Jimenez to share his career journey from manufacturing to corporate HR and ultimately entrepreneurship. Jeff explains how walking through open doors shaped his path and why varied experiences early on can compound over time.They discuss Jeff’s concept of AI as a third workforce alongside full-time and contract talent, how leaders should think about mapping work across people and technology, and where AI adds value without replacing human judgment. Jeff also shares practical advice for the next generation on AI fluency, job hopping versus building depth, and why in-person relationships still matter for long term career growth.

Toni Baruti, CIO & CTO at AllHealth Network, joins Cesar Jimenez to share how curiosity shaped her path from finance into IT leadership, business intelligence, and the C suite.They discuss mentorship and building pathways for others, what a strong culture looks like in practice, and how Toni hires and leads with clarity and accountability. Toni also explains how her team is approaching AI in behavioral health with clear governance, real-world use cases, and a strong focus on keeping humans in the loop.

Kathy Fore, Director of Community Relations and Marketing at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida, joins Karina Jimenez to share how she built a 25+ year marketing career without taking a traditional college path.Kathy reflects on moving from agency to corporate to nonprofit work, what truly stays the same in marketing, and how mentorship and curiosity shaped her leadership style. They discuss navigating ageism in the marketing industry, learning from tough leaders, and why understanding the mission is essential in nonprofit marketing.The conversation closes with what’s ahead for RMHC of Central Florida in 2026, including its 30th anniversary and global rebrand, as well as advice for anyone carving their own lane and leading with purpose.

Sharon Milz, Chief Information Officer at TIME, joins host Cesar Jimenez to share her journey from early infrastructure roles to leading technology at one of the world’s most recognized media brands. Sharon reflects on how working across industries shaped her leadership approach and why understanding the business context matters as much as technical expertise.They discuss building trust within teams, creating environments where people feel safe raising issues early, and the importance of continuous learning as technology and AI continue to reshape the role of today’s CIO. Sharon also shares her commitment to mentorship, supporting women in tech, and paying it forward to the next generation of leaders.

Fred Van Essen, Chief Strategy Officer, joins co-host Karina Jimenez to share leadership lessons from airlines, satellite communications, and high-growth teams bringing new products to market. He explains why strong leaders speak less, listen more, and create space for others to contribute.They talk about building teams that thrive with freedom and accountability, how to protect innovation early on, and why transparency and trust matter when organizations are under pressure to change.

Neil Morris, Head of Information Technology at Redaptive, shares his leadership journey from becoming a father in high school to leading complex IT organizations across aerospace, energy, and enterprise environments. He reflects on how resilience, family support, and community shaped his career and leadership mindset.Neil explains how he attracts and develops strong teams by hiring for learning ability, humility, and adaptability rather than narrow technical experience. He discusses managing high performers who struggle with team dynamics, the importance of cultural awareness in leadership, and how executives should view AI as a business value driver rather than a shortcut. The conversation closes with practical guidance for new executives stepping into the C-suite and for graduates navigating early technology careers.

Liz Crisafi, Senior VP of Global Marketing at Hornblower Group, joins co-host Karina Jimenez to share how a career built without a rigid master plan can still lead to meaningful leadership. Drawing on her journey from iconic brands like Kodak and Discovery to leading global marketing teams today, Liz explains why curiosity, adaptability, and human connection have guided every step.She discusses how definitions of success evolve, why failure is often the fastest teacher, and how confidence grows by leaning into discomfort. Liz also offers a grounded perspective on using AI as a thought partner, translating ideas across audiences, and why great marketing still starts with emotion, creativity, and understanding people.

Albert Evans joins host Cesar Jimenez on Next in Line to share his path from the 82nd Airborne and 12 years in law enforcement to leading cybersecurity as a Chief Information Security Officer. Albert breaks down why compliance does not equal security, how to think like a threat actor, and what “proactive” really means in a world of offensive AI and faster attacks.He also shares hard-earned leadership lessons on resilience, gratitude, and building teams where strategy is clear and people feel supported. To close, Albert offers practical advice for first-time C-suite leaders and early-career job seekers on standing out, learning continuously, and focusing on opportunity and mission.

Olga Noha joins Karina Jimenez to discuss how moving to the U.S. became the ultimate leadership boot camp, shaping her approach to resilience, reinvention, and global brand leadership. As Global VP of Integrated Marketing and Brand Strategy at Creatio, Olga explains how engineering discipline and human-centered storytelling converge to drive transformation at scale.She breaks down how leaders can zoom out during moments of change, align global teams through shared narrative and cadence, and use AI to augment people rather than replace them. Olga also offers practical advice on building trust across cultures, hiring for mindset over resume, and leading with clarity in fast-moving environments.

Doug Saunders, CIO at Arctic Glacier, joins host Cesar Jimenez to break down what IT leadership looks like inside a private equity-backed business and why strong CIOs stay fluent in the P&L, not just the tech stack. Doug shares how a nontraditional background shaped his approach to hiring, why he prioritizes communication and learning over perfect credentials, and how leaders build high-trust teams through transparency, accountability, and collaboration.He also connects lessons from sports and coaching to business execution, from staying calm under pressure to focusing on the process instead of the outcome. Doug closes with a forward-looking take on AI, how it will reshape workflows and even challenge the traditional SaaS licensing model, and what early-career technologists can do to stand out in a crowded market.

Pablo Carrillo, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at honei, joins co-host Karina Jimenez to share lessons from a career built across startups, entrepreneurship, and corporate marketing. Pablo reflects on moving between startup speed and corporate scale, and why aligning marketing and sales starts with shared numbers, trust, and daily habits rather than process alone.He also discusses building and leading teams by understanding individual career goals, finding your voice as the youngest person at the table, and why confidence follows action, not the other way around. Pablo closes with a grounded perspective on personal branding, responsibility, and what it really means to lead in today’s market.

Jeff Green, CIO at Strike, joins Cesar Jimenez to talk about the overlooked skills that shape strong technology leaders. Jeff explains how starting on the help desk sharpened his emotional intelligence, communication style, and ability to handle high-pressure situations. He shares why listening closely, reading tone, and responding with empathy often matter more than technical expertise.The conversation also covers how Jeff identifies and develops talent, why feedback should never come as a surprise, and how IT leaders can align technology decisions to real business outcomes. Jeff closes with his perspective on AI literacy, critical thinking, and the skills leaders must continue to develop as technology evolves.

Cesar Jimenez and Karina Jimenez share the story behind Next In Line and what it’s like building the podcast together as a father daughter duo. They talk about how the idea started, why paying it forward has always been the core mission, and how the show creates space for leaders to share real career lessons. The conversation covers entrepreneurship, mentorship, marketing strategy, generational perspectives, and why some of the most valuable learning happens outside the classroom.

An Boon, VP of Marketing and CMO at Graphic Packaging International, joins Karina Jimenez to share how a global career across Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Graphic Packaging shaped her leadership style and marketing approach. They talk about leading across cultures, why the jump from B2C to B2B is more transferable than most think, and how storytelling and emotion still matter even when the buyer is a committee. An also breaks down what drives high engagement on teams, trust, clear communication, and celebrating progress, plus how marketing leaders should stay curious as AI changes how people discover content.

Kevin Gray, Chief Technology Officer at Metrolink, joins host Cesar Jimenez to talk about the lessons that shaped his path from an early job as a janitor to executive leadership. Kevin shares how he overcame imposter syndrome, why growth requires staying uncomfortable, and what distinguishes technical strength from leading with empathy. He also breaks down why continuous learning, networking, mentors, and an executive coach are key to long-term career success, plus a grounded take on AI hype versus real impact in the workplace.

Stuart Matthewman joins co-host Karina Jimenez to share how he went from studying HR to building a global marketing career, stepping into the CMO seat, and now advising growing companies as a fractional CMO. He talks candidly about getting “punched in the face” by the realities of executive leadership, why marketers need to understand finance, and how to think about career seasons, ambition, and whether the CMO path is really right for you.

Jim Bailey, SVP and CIO at UPS Industrial Services, joins host Cesar Jimenez to share his journey from IBM intern to global technology leader. Jim explains why great CIOs start with people, not tools, how to connect technology to real business outcomes, and why failure, resilience, and clear communication are essential in any transformation. This episode is for emerging leaders who want to lead through change, earn trust, and build teams that are ready for what comes next.

Natasha Walstra joins co-host Karina Jimenez to share her journey from an introverted SDR making 100 cold calls a day to founding NearPoint Strategies. She breaks down how LinkedIn became her path out of burnout, how personal branding built trust long before she launched her business, and why human-first sales still win even with AI everywhere.Natasha reflects on bridging the gap between sales and marketing, helping clients overcome the fear of posting, and what makes content actually convert. She also opens up about building a company while navigating new motherhood, NICU challenges, and rebuilding her confidence.Her advice to the next generation is clear, believe in yourself, trust your path, and start before you feel ready.

Jared Koesten joins co-host Karina Jimenez to share his path from working in an HR call center at a tech company to becoming a global CHRO, and now a fractional CHRO and executive and leadership coach at TEN Coaching & Advisory. He breaks down why authentic leadership is not about power or control, but about taking responsibility for the team’s output and creating an environment where people want to do their best work.Jared talks through how emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and clear expectations shape high-performing teams, and how HR can show up as a human, empathetic partner instead of a department to avoid.His message for emerging leaders is to stay coachable, start where you are, and develop your own point of view so you are ready when the opportunity to lead arrives.

Vincent Shorter joins host Cesar Jimenez to share how lessons from his 22-year military career shaped his success as a corporate technology leader. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, Vincent transitioned into corporate America, rising from Director of Infrastructure to CIO across several global organizations. He discusses how military decision-making, accountability, and leadership principles apply in business and why understanding the business is just as important as understanding the technology.Vincent also breaks down one of the most overlooked truths about career growth: performance alone is not enough. Success, he says, depends on your PIE, which stands for Performance, Image, and Exposure.

Emily Burroughs joins co-host Karina Jimenez to share how empathy, curiosity, and communication shaped her journey from managing C-level executives at 21 to launching EB Connection. She reflects on building a marketing department from the ground up, aligning six brands under a single vision, and demonstrating that culture and brand must move in tandem.Emily explains why communication drives culture, how recognizing every contributor builds stronger teams, and what it means to lead with empathy and clarity. She also shares how a creative idea during COVID called “brain breaks” brought joy to working parents and strengthened connections across teams.

Brian Benn’s story spans from building software for NASA shuttle missions to leading technology transformation at Clark Atlanta University. In this episode, Cesar and Brian discuss the lessons learned from a career that’s equal parts innovation, leadership, and people-first philosophy.Brian breaks down how working at NASA, Accenture, and Cisco shaped his approach to servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and risk-taking. He shares what it means to create environments where teams are unafraid to fail, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and why communication and empathy separate good leaders from great ones.

Gretchen Freemyer joins co-host Karina Jimenez to discuss how psychology and storytelling have shaped her path in marketing, why curiosity and humility often surpass titles, and how to utilize AI as a thought partner without losing the human touch. She shares how storytelling turns complex ideas into clear value for buyers, why failure is a better teacher than success when you reflect and adjust, and how codifying your voice and pillars makes personal branding easier with custom GPTs. Gretchen also explains why leaders who pitch in set the culture their teams will follow, and why your career will rarely be linear; therefore, you should look for the common thread and keep moving forward.

Dave Upton joins host Cesar Jimenez to discuss the path from accidental technologist to CIO, the importance of mentorship and curiosity, and how to lead with trust and accountability. He shares the lesson that changed his career: protect your credibility and do what you say you will do, and explains why taking on opportunities that scare you is the fastest way to grow. Dave discusses the distinction between building and presiding as a CIO, how to model the desired culture, and what it takes to empower strong teams. He also breaks down AI in practical terms, making the case for data governance as the foundation for real results. The episode concludes with clear advice for new graduates and first-time CIOs: build your network, continue learning, and focus on getting it right, not being right.

Sam McDade, VP of Marketing at Accushield, joins Co-Host Karina Jimenez to share his journey from film and design to leading marketing in high-growth startups. He explains how to translate a founder’s vision into execution, why AI now works as a partner across the team, and how to build brand momentum with empathy and consistency. Sam also breaks down the balance between specialists and generalists, explains how to improve sales and marketing alignment, and explains why discomfort is often the right signal for growth.

Rizwan Jan joins host Cesar Jimenez to share his journey from help desk beginnings to leading technology and cybersecurity at CNA Corporation. He opens up about the lessons learned from failure, the importance of patience in a fast-moving industry, and why communication and empathy define outstanding leadership. Rizwan breaks down complex topics like quantum computing, AI regulation, and cybersecurity in plain terms, showing that, at its core, technology is still about people.He explains why recruiting for heart matters more than résumés, how CIOs can create trust and alignment across every business function, and what the future holds for autonomous systems and AI-driven innovation. Rizwan leaves listeners with a straightforward principle: keep it real, keep it human, and never stop learning.

Steven Nghe, Head of Marketing and Communications at Kloeckner Metals, joins Co-Host Karina Jimenez to share how he built a modern B2B marketing function inside a legacy, commodity-driven business. He explains why marketing keeps splintering into specialist roles, how to align with sales as one commercial team, and what it really takes to build a brand where price often dominates. Steven also breaks down his remote team model, contract-to-full-time hiring approach, and straight-talk advice for young marketers.

Kennie Rotunda, VP of IT and Business Change Management at Loenbro, joins Cesar Jimenez to share his 30-year journey from art major to technology executive. He explains how taking risks, staying curious, and learning the business behind the systems shaped his path to leadership. Kennie reflects on transforming IT from a support function into a strategic partner, managing through mergers and acquisitions, and starting Loenbro’s internal AI center of excellence. He also discusses why humility and mentorship matter most in building the next generation of IT leaders.