LevelUp Podcast

Valerie Martin is a Silicon Valley finance operator and strategic business partner who has guided high-growth technology companies through complex scaling, transformation, and change. She is a hands-on leader at the intersection of growth, revenue, and decision-making, partnering closely with CEOs, boards, and investors to turn strategy into results and drive sustainable impact. Known for her curiosity, storytelling acumen, and talent for building modern finance functions, Valerie brings operational rigor, critical thinking, and a passion for culture transformation to every team she leads. In this episode… Data has never been more abundant, yet many organizations still struggle to turn it into clear decisions. When every dashboard is full, and every report is accurate, leaders can still find themselves asking, 'What should we do next?' For Valerie Martin, the answer lies in curiosity and interpretation. Drawing from her experience as a finance leader who operates at the crossroads of strategy and operations, she believes numbers are only the starting point. Finance leaders must transform raw data into a narrative that reveals what matters, what decisions are needed, and where the business should go next. When finance teams master that storytelling layer, they move beyond reporting and become catalysts for faster, smarter action across the company. In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Valerie Martin to discuss how finance leaders can turn data into decisions that drive real business impact. They explore the role curiosity plays in strategic finance, why storytelling is becoming a critical skill for CFOs, and how modern finance teams interpret data across functions. Valerie also shares advice on building courageous, adaptable teams that thrive in a fast-changing, AI-driven world.

Albert Ramos Jr. is the Founder and Fractional CFO at Stratego, a firm that helps high-growth businesses strengthen cash flow, refine unit economics, and scale with financial clarity. He has supported companies from $500K to $30M in revenue in building disciplined, data-driven finance operations. As host of The Owner Seat Podcast and an advocate for modernizing the finance function, he brings unique insights on the evolving role of CFOs, the power of data, and the intersection of technology and business growth. In this episode… Growth doesn't break because of bad ideas. It breaks when finance can't keep up with ambition. So what happens when a seasoned operator fuses sharp financial leadership with AI-driven execution to turn clarity into a competitive edge? In Albert Ramos Jr.'s view, the edge comes from pairing disciplined finance with real-time digital capability. He believes AI is not a replacement for sound judgment but a tool to sharpen forecasting, pressure-test assumptions, and surface insights faster than ever before. By pairing boots-on-the-ground operational awareness with disciplined modeling, he shows how finance can become the engine that positions companies to scale with confidence. In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Albert Ramos Jr., Fractional CFO at Stratego, to discuss the intersection of modern finance leadership and AI-driven transformation. They explore how CFOs can strategically leverage unit economics, why fractional leadership is reshaping the talent landscape, and how AI can enhance rather than replace financial fundamentals. Albert also shares advice on building data infrastructure and allocating work between humans and digital "species."

Justin Norton, CPA, MAcc, is the Chief Financial Officer at Brekhus Tile & Stone, a Denver-based commercial and residential construction company specializing in high-quality tile and stone installations. Under Justin's financial leadership, Brekhus Tile & Stone has solidified its reputation for operational excellence and process improvement, with Justin known for transforming complex accounting environments into scalable, efficient systems. He brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and hands-on operational experience, sharpened across challenging industries like construction and project-based businesses. In this episode… Change keeps speeding up, but most finance teams were built for a slower, more predictable world. When volatility is the norm and expectations keep rising, what actually allows a finance organization to stay agile without breaking under pressure? For Justin Norton, the key lies in finance stepping out of its silo and into the real work of the business. Drawing from his experience as a hands-on finance operator, he explains that resilience comes from clean data, strong judgment, and deep trust with operations, not from building more reports. When finance becomes the connective tissue across teams, it stops reacting to change and starts shaping smarter decisions before problems escalate. In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Justin Norton, Chief Financial Officer at Brekhus Tile & Stone, to discuss building agile and resilient finance teams in a rapidly changing world. They explore why finance must act as the tip of the spear across the organization, how judgment and prioritization matter more than dashboards, and what it takes to turn messy data into actionable insight.

Andrew D. Platt is the Chief Financial Officer at Freed Associates, a healthcare consulting firm specializing in strategic advisory and operational improvement for healthcare organizations. With over 20 years of finance and business experience, he helps organizations bring order to complexity and build strong financial discipline. During his career, he has worked across consulting, e-commerce, logistics, and business-to-business service industries. Andrew holds an MBA from the R.H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, a BA in history and politics from Oberlin College, and a certificate in financial accounting from Harvard Business School. In this episode… Leadership in finance has never been louder or more crowded with opinions. With new tools, new risks, and constant disruption pulling attention in every direction, how do leaders decide what actually matters when the pressure is on? According to Andrew D. Platt, a seasoned finance leader shaped by time in the trenches, the answer is staying anchored to fundamentals. He believes real leadership isn't about chasing every new trend but about creating value with imperfect data and having the credibility to challenge assumptions. By focusing on what he calls the "big fish below the surface," leaders can cut through noise and guide their teams with clarity when uncertainty is highest. In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Andrew D. Platt, Chief Financial Officer at Freed Associates, to discuss mastering leadership in finance amid disruption. They explore how CFOs make decisions without perfect information, why legitimacy comes from real operational experience, and how leaders balance speed with discipline. Andrew also shares advice on building resilient teams and preparing finance organizations for an AI-driven future.

Daniel Nelson is a Fractional CFO and Partner at Tech Brainstorm, where he helps founders and growth-stage companies bring order, strategy, and speed to their finance functions. Tech Brainstorm specializes in building investor-ready financial models and scalable operations for innovative businesses. Over his 15+ year career, Daniel has supported more than 40 startups and high-growth companies, helping them raise capital, navigate M&A, and design finance teams that drive strategic outcomes. He is also an active educator, teaching Startup Economics 101 to help entrepreneurs understand the power of finance in scaling their businesses. In this episode… Sometimes, the finance function feels like the last place anyone goes looking for clarity. Data pours in from every direction, systems pile on top of one another, and leaders are expected to somehow make sense of it all. But what if clarity isn't a luxury, but rather the real strategic advantage that finance leaders can create? And what happens when the job isn't just reporting what happened but shaping what happens next? According to Daniel Nelson, a seasoned guide for founders navigating financial chaos, the answer starts with making the complex useful. He believes that finance earns its power when it helps people understand their business, not just measure it. Drawing on years of experience transforming early-stage companies, he explains how the right structures, tools, and conversations can transform scattered data into meaningful decision points. In his view, the real value of the finance leader lies in their ability to connect dots across people, processes, and systems, enabling teams to move forward with confidence. In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Daniel Nelson, Fractional CFO and Partner at Tech Brainstorm, to discuss how finance leaders can build clarity and strategic value in fast-moving companies. They explore what it takes to modernize finance operations, how to turn KPIs into practical growth tools, and why real-time data only matters if teams know how to use it. Daniel also gives advice on navigating founder–finance tension and building trust that enables better decision-making.

Rho Lind is the CFO & COO at Mood.com, an online retailer specializing in federally legal hemp-derived cannabis products. He is a finance and operations executive specializing in leading both startups and established companies through transformative growth. Prior to joining Mood, Rho served as Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations at ONE Jeanswear Group and as Senior Director of Financial Planning & Analytics at Polo Ralph Lauren. Throughout his career, he has led capital raises, streamlined global operations, and fostered strong cultures that support organizations during periods of rapid change. In this episode… Some leaders rise by pushing harder, but others rise by letting go. It is surprising how often real influence comes from being open rather than being in control. What happens when a finance leader decides that vulnerability is not a weakness but the starting point for genuine impact? Rho Lind believes the first move is changing your mental framework. Drawing from his experience as a seasoned strategic leader, he explains that leadership starts with the courage to stop pretending you have all the answers. From there, he builds a team of people who are smarter than he is, encourages them to challenge him, and keeps his focus on thinking ahead rather than getting lost in the day-to-day. He views leadership as a blend of learning and teaching, rooted in humility and a willingness to acknowledge mistakes. For Rho, authenticity is what inspires people to grow and face uncertainty with confidence. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Rho Lind, CFO and COO at Mood.com, to discuss how authenticity transforms modern finance leadership. They explore why leaders must surround themselves with smarter people, how to operate with foresight instead of reactivity, and what it takes to lead through volatility with clarity. Rho also shares advice on balancing data with intuition to make stronger decisions.

Tracie Williams is the President & CEO of SONGWON International Americas, Inc., part of SONGWON Industrial Group, where she oversees operations across North and South America. SONGWON is the world's second-largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers and a global leader in specialty chemicals. She specializes in global strategy, planning, risk management, and financial control to drive revenue and profitability. Tracie began her career as an art teacher before transitioning into finance, a journey that shaped her people-focused leadership style and commitment to empowering teams and transforming culture. In this episode… In times of rapid change and relentless uncertainty, even the most seasoned leaders can struggle to stay centered. As organizations grow and the pace of innovation accelerates, how do leaders maintain their authenticity, remain people-focused, and continue to lead with heart instead of reaction? Tracie Williams, a former art teacher and now a finance executive, believes the essential factor is remaining true to both your team and your mission. She emphasizes that growth and transformation begin not with technology or automation but with trust, connection, and clarity. By leading with intention, Tracie believes leaders can transform chaos into clarity and empower their teams to adapt with confidence. Her approach, rooted in empathy and presence, reveals how authentic leadership creates alignment and lasting impact even amid disruption. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Tracie Williams, President & CEO of SONGWON International Americas, Inc., to discuss staying grounded and authentic while navigating uncertainty. They discuss how to lead with intention in times of change, why people (not technology) drive real transformation, and how to build clarity from chaos. Tracie also shares how her creative roots continue to shape her leadership philosophy today.

Sam Levy is Senior Vice President at Oracle NetSuite, the world’s leading provider of AI-powered cloud ERP solutions for growing and finance-led companies. Under his leadership, NetSuite has grown to serve thousands of organizations globally and is recognized as the #1 AI Cloud ERP, with a vibrant community including over 1,500 CFO Alliance member enterprises. With over 25 years of experience in enterprise software, he has also held leadership roles at Epicor, Infor, and other technology firms. In this episode… The finance world is undergoing a massive shift. Once defined by reporting and control, today’s finance leaders must steer organizations through constant disruption, volatile markets, and rapid technological change. The question is: how can modern CFOs evolve from financial stewards into true growth partners who drive strategy, innovation, and performance? According to Sam Levy, a veteran finance and technology leader, the key lies in operational fluency and connected decision-making. He explains that today’s most effective CFOs don’t just interpret the numbers; they shape what happens next by linking financial metrics to operational drivers and business outcomes. Sam highlights how leading finance teams are using real-time data and targeted AI tools to streamline forecasting, optimize cash flow, and strengthen cross-functional planning. The result is faster, smarter decisions and a new era of finance leadership grounded in clarity, confidence, and capital efficiency. In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco speaks with Sam Levy, Senior Vice President at Oracle NetSuite, to discuss how CFOs can thrive in a disrupted, tech-driven world. Sam discusses the evolution of the CFO from reporter to strategist, practical applications of AI and automation that deliver measurable ROI, and how to balance growth with discipline in today’s capital-constrained environment. Sam also shares why mastering operational fluency is the defining skill for the next generation of finance leaders.

Sumeet Agrawal is the Founder & Managing Partner at SmartScale Finance, a firm providing fractional CFO and operations consulting services to life sciences, deep tech, and AI startups. He brings over 15 years of experience in finance, strategy, and operations across the biotech and technology sectors. At SmartScale, he helps early-stage companies scale without the cost of a full-time CFO. Before founding the company, Sumeet held executive and financial leadership roles overseeing strategy, accounting, HR, IT, and business planning. In this episode… Modern CFOs are no longer just number crunchers — they’re storytellers, strategists, and relationship architects. As AI transforms the business landscape, finance leaders face mounting pressure to connect insights with action and influence stakeholders across the organization. So, what separates the CFOs who lead from those who merely report? According to Sumeet Agrawal, a seasoned finance leader and strategic advisor, mastering storytelling and relationships is what elevates today’s CFOs. He highlights that financial strategy is no longer about perfect spreadsheets but about translating data into compelling narratives that align teams and drive decisions. By combining empathy with analytics, CFOs can bridge gaps between investors, executives, and employees. Sumeet believes that in the age of AI, the most effective finance leaders will strike a balance between human insight and technological power to shape the future of business. In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Sumeet Agrawal, Founder & Managing Partner at SmartScale Finance, to discuss why modern CFOs must master relationships, storytelling, and AI. They explore how finance leaders can navigate misaligned expectations, build trust across departments, and use AI to communicate complex ideas with clarity. Sumeet also shares lessons in leadership, resilience, and strategic decision-making from his career journey.

Aaron Wilkins is the Senior Vice President of Accounting, Legal, and Compliance at Human-I-T, a nonprofit social enterprise that bridges the digital divide by providing low-cost technology, internet access, and digital literacy training to underserved communities. He has been with the organization since 2012, first serving as Chief Financial Officer before stepping into his current role in 2021. Under his leadership, Human-I-T has distributed over 523,000 devices and diverted more than 15 million pounds of e-waste from landfills, empowering individuals and nonprofits nationwide. In this episode… Scaling a mission-driven organization can be a delicate balance between staying true to your cause while ensuring financial sustainability and growth. How do you manage this equilibrium, especially when scaling operations and measuring impact? Is it possible to maintain your mission without sacrificing financial discipline? According to Aaron Wilkins, a leader with extensive experience in nonprofit finance, mission-driven work requires a clear focus on both measurable outcomes and sustainable growth. He highlights that successfully scaling a nonprofit involves translating the mission into actionable strategies while ensuring sound financial systems. By maintaining a dual focus on both mission and metrics, an organization can achieve significant impact without compromising its core values. In this episode of the Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Aaron Wilkins, Senior Vice President of Accounting, Legal, and Compliance at Human-I-T, to discuss scaling mission-driven work through financial discipline and innovation. Aaron shares how curiosity, creativity, and collaboration drive the culture at his organization. He also discusses the challenges of letting go of responsibilities for growth and why compliance and AI will be crucial for future CFOs.

Ilana Esterrich is the Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a nonprofit that provides sexual and reproductive health care and education nationwide. Ilana previously served as CFO at the American Coatings Association and the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. A recognized voice in national CFO networks and advisory councils, she actively advances innovation and best practices in financial leadership. Ilana holds degrees from the Wharton School and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. In this episode… In today’s complex business environment, technical skills alone aren’t enough for CFOs who want to drive long-term success. The real differentiator comes down to leadership, specifically, how you lead people. According to Ilana Esterrich, a seasoned finance executive and leadership voice, people-first leadership is what defines modern CFO success. She explains that numbers can be corrected quickly, but mishandling people creates lasting scars on trust and morale. Ilana highlights the importance of building resilient teams, nurturing networks, and understanding individual motivations rather than projecting one-size-fits-all career paths. By combining strategic vision with human insight, leaders can create an environment where people thrive and organizations adapt more effectively. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Ilana Esterrich, Chief Financial Officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, to discuss how people-first leadership defines CFO success. They explore why trust and team morale matter more than flawless spreadsheets, how bold career moves can reset your leadership trajectory, and why narrative intelligence is becoming a must-have skill for finance leaders. Ilana also shares advice on building resilient teams and leading with both head and heart.

In March 2020, brothers Kaleb and Kolby Rush lost their internships with the onset of the pandemic. They decided to put their skills and knowledge to good use. Alongside their dad, they spent months perfecting their five-ingredient, human-grade, meat-based dog treat recipes. With a passion for entrepreneurship, a love for dogs, and their unique knowledge of dog treat craftsmanship, Kaleb and Kolby got down to business and co-founded Saint Rocco’s Treats. They’re focused on opening 15 Saint Rocco's kitchens by 2030. Kaleb Rush is also the Production Manager at Prime Packaging Partners LLC. Kaleb graduated from the Fox School of Business at Temple University with a major in supply chain management and a minor in entrepreneurship, selling skills, and sales operations. He is also the Recruitment Chairman for Delta Chi, where he developed a recruitment strategy and successfully onboarded 20 new members to help grow its colony and build Delta Chi's brand on campus. Kolby Rush sharpened his practical understanding of the business world as an Associate Consultant for Chess Consulting LLC, an Intern at Primerica, and by working for his dad at American Butcher Brand. Kolby received a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University with a major in finance and a minor in economics. He also studied abroad in Germany at Pforzheim University, learning business and economics. In this episode… Your four-legged friend has always been there with a gentle nose and a warm heart, so how can you make sure you’re catering to your pet’s dietary needs? What steps can you take to ensure an authentic consumer experience across various touch points? When Kaleb and Kobly Rush began their dog treat brand, they were certain about one thing — dogs deserve better. By bootstrapping their brand, they control the ingredients that go into each treat, so man’s best friend will only get top ingredients. Kaleb and Kolby enhanced their marketing recipe by using a genuine approach to reach their target audience and make a positive impact in their community by donating $1 to local dog rescues for every pound of treats sold. Bring tail wags to your home with this episode. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco is joined by Kaleb and Kolby Rush, Founders of Saint Rocco’s Treats, to discuss the commitment and passion behind creating a pet food brand. Together, they talk about launching a human-grade dog food brand, why authenticity has a greater impact on consumers, and why remaining committed to your values is essential.

May Thao-Schuck, EdD, is the Vice President of Career and Professional Development at St. Catherine University. With a strong background in leading and advancing teams and organizations, May successfully propels growth through innovative strategic organization and business design. She was previously the Divisional Director of Workforce Development Employment and Training Programs at the Minnesota Department of Employment and the Director of Organizational Development for Training and Development at ActivStyle. She earned her doctorate in organization development and change from the University of St. Thomas, an MBA from Argosy University, and her bachelor’s in therapeutic recreation and recreational therapy from the University of Minnesota. May is an active board member at the Minnesota State High School League and CommonBond Communities. In this episode… Making difficult decisions and recognizing when it's time to pivot can be challenging for leaders. How can you embrace a diverse talent pool to create a stronger team and work environment? When statistics show that within the first 18 months, 40% of internal promotions and 55% of outside hires leave, how can you equip your organization with the right systems and processes to assemble lasting leadership? For May Thao-Schuck, EdD, the answer may be surprising: holistic positioning. Positioning leaders based on foundational career competencies and adaptability can set up organizations for success. If you want your organization to become successful, begin with your leadership. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with May Thao-Schuck, EdD, Vice President of Career and Professional Development at St. Catherine University, to discuss cultivating a workplace with equity and opportunity. May talks about the impact employees make on the workforce environment, challenges organizations face while handling human capital, and how to empower leaders for generations to come.

Ginny Clarke is the CEO of Ginny Clarke, LLC. She is a talent strategist and organizational builder who provides insights to some of the world's leading executive search firms and technology companies. She recently started her consultancy, where she speaks, writes, and hosts the Fifth Dimensional Leadership podcast. She was the Director of Leadership Staffing and led diversity and internal mobility and non-tech recruiting teams at Google for nearly five years. As a seasoned executive recruiter, Ginny possesses a singular approach to leadership assessment, diversity, recruiting, and talent management that is sought after by her peers. In this episode… An overlooked aspect of leadership is found in recruitment. More than merely focusing on the hiring process, great leaders can enable, nurture, and welcome new people into their teams. This slight shift into conscious leadership starts from the very beginning and runs through the entire relationship. However, this is easier said than done. Ginny Clarke is aware of the difficulties of conscious leadership and has positioned her career towards helping others develop that mindset. She has worked with powerful brands like Google and Spencer Stuart, growing a thorough approach to recruiting and diversity. Now she explains her ideas to you. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco talks with Ginny Clarke, CEO of Ginny Clarke, LLC, about recruiting, growing, and conscious leading. They begin with Ginny’s career path and the story that made her the leader she is today. She then dives into greater detail on executive recruiting, developing an internal mobility and diversity team at Google, and knowing the difference between managing and leading. Check out the full episode for all of this and more!

Reyn Holden is the Head of Finance and Accounting at Truebill, a finance company that manages subscriptions, improves credit scores, tracks spending, and builds budgets for consumers. He is a Global Advisory Board Member at AchieveNEXT and the Owner of Quintessence Properties I. Reyn led a team of internal and external staff supporting the technology acquired by Rocket Companies and helped Truebill become a member of the Rocket team. He is experienced in the finance sector and was previously the Lead Data Financial Analyst for the Virginia Regional Transit, a Consultant at LMI, Head of FP&A for Great Minds, and a Consultant for Clarendon Partners, LLC. In this episode… How can you communicate financial information that satisfies the appetite? What can you do to align objectives with financial goals for a product-driven company? Reyn Holden says the simplest way is not to overwhelm your clients with too much information. Effective communication requires tailoring and altering your message to a given audience. If your audience doesn't have the same level of understanding, you must express your message by directing it to the information that they want and need to know. Not everyone is a financial expert, so you must voice what's necessary to validate the next steps a business wants to take. Strategic business initiatives are built on the backs of financial information and assessing the risks and rewards of those decisions. Reyn helps translate the company’s financial needs and the desires of its product and brand-building goals, so the two form a cohesive strategy and set the company up to become an enduring enterprise. On this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Reyn Holden, Head of Finance and Accounting at Truebill, to discuss authenticating and improving your business results. Reyn talks about examining the long-term success of your product, how to communicate financial needs effectively, and the steps you can take to balance a company’s financial and operational needs.

Misty Law Flurry is an accomplished human resources leader who brings over 20 years of experience to her position as Director of Talent Solutions at AchieveNEXT, a company that helps businesses achieve performance goals and outcomes through its peer communities, data, insights, and talent solutions. Misty’s years of experience enabled her to garner specialization in cultural transformation, organizational and executive development, and inclusive leadership. To put it simply, Misty is a champion for the people. Additionally, Misty has held senior HR roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Mellon, and Xerox. Milton Corsey brings over 20 years of experience to his role as Director of Human Capital Solutions at AchieveNEXT. In his role, Milton leads the leadership and management development practice. His experience and life lessons have led him to pen articles for acclaimed publications such as Harvard Business Review and Middle Market Growth. Milton is revered as a skilled facilitator who can break down complex concepts to help the diverse audiences he serves. In this episode… Have you overcome struggles and challenges to become the person you are today? Having the courage to sift through the trials and tribulations of life shapes you at your core. And you can use your triumphs and failures as tools to help others. You don’t have to have a colorful life to offer the world your talents or the lessons you’ve learned. Milton Corsey and Misty Law Flurry have unique backgrounds and have used their life lessons to become better leaders and serve their clients at a high level. Through their experiences, they’ve learned how to ask questions and listen to arrive at meaningful solutions using the empathy they’ve discovered inside themselves. They’ve learned to draw on the inspiration of the people they admire, pivot and change course when needed, live life with intention, and put in the work. Milton and Misty have applied their talents to their careers and have evolved and grown as people and leaders regardless of what curves life has thrown in their paths because they aren’t afraid of change and hold true to their values. In an ever-changing world that throws continuous obstacles at us, it is evident that we must become comfortable with the one constant in life — change. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Misty Law Flurry, Director of Talent Solutions, and Milton Corsey, Director of Human Capital Solutions at AchieveNEXT, to examine the ingredients that go into helping their clients. How do they do it? From sharing their own journeys, Misty and Milton talk about life lessons, what inspires them, and how they drew from tough experiences that helped shape their lives.

Steve Dobbins is the Founder and CEO of The Dobbins Group Inc., a full-service agency solving marketing and communications challenges for clients worldwide. He is a seasoned marketing and communications professional and has worked side-by-side with CEOs to help build their brands for over twenty years. Steve was the Co-founder of revolucion LA, the Senior Vice President of Member Engagement at Vistage, the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for the Young Presidents' Organization, Inc., and the Owner of Spin Creative. In this episode… Every brand has a story, and as a leader, how can you effectively communicate and embrace the story you want to be told? How can you leverage your story into a marketing strategy that ties into your business plan? You can’t be an effective leader if you don’t look at your company’s long-term vision — and it begins with marketing strategies. Authenticity and integrity are at the heart of Steve Dobbins’ work. He has a passion for transforming a business into an enduring enterprise through marketing strategies, and he has helped many companies pivot and expand their talent pools and networks. So, how can you develop and execute a marketing strategy for long-term success? In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Steve Dobbins, Founder and CEO of The Dobbins Group Inc., to discuss translating your brand’s authenticity through marketing channels. Steve talks about his valuable background in journalism, bridging generational gaps, and why an advisory organization is a beneficial tool for discovering learning opportunities.

Matt Aaron is the President and CEO of the Special Olympics Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization that uses the power of sports to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Over the course of 13 years working for this statewide nonprofit, Matt has more than tripled annual revenues by fostering a strategic vision to expand and regionalize the organization. Matt has positioned the Special Olympics Pennsylvania as an innovator and a next-level performer. Prior to joining Special Olympics Pennsylvania, Matt established a career in the US Navy, gained valuable marketing experience within the Strategic Planning Division of Procter and Gamble, and honed his business skills through management consultancy work with Booz Allen Hamilton. He completed his MBA with a concentration in nonprofit management from Yale School of Management. In this episode… As a sports organization, how do you allow athletes to engage in a meaningful way during the pandemic? When the dust settles, is it possible to build for the future to better engage and serve athletes across the globe? While the pandemic brought many challenges for businesses, it provided Matt Aaron the opportunity for innovation and reinvention. He and his team took action to effectively serve their athletes in the Special Olympics by implementing virtual events, challenges, and races. And after emerging from the lockdown, Matt knew that to boost the impact his organization brings to the community, he needed to create a new formula to rebuild. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Matt Aaron, President and CEO of Special Olympic Pennsylvania, to discuss how to better serve the community and athletes with higher-quality programs. Matt talks about grappling with the challenges of the pandemic, strategies for embracing organizational change, and innovative ways to connect athletes across the globe.

RJ Juliano is the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer at Parkway Corporation. He helps companies create environments where people want to work and customers enjoy doing business. In 2016, he began his career with Parkway as the Chief Information Officer, and in 2020 he was promoted to the dual role of Chief Marketing Officer. In 2021, he was also handed the Senior Vice President role. Working in real estate, higher education, and investments, RJ has over 25 years of business leadership and consulting experience specializing in technology strategy, media and marketing, operations, team development, and business processes. RJ earned both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in business administration from The University of Delaware. In this episode… How can you ensure your message is delivered and embraced by employees across all career lattices? When you’re communicating internally and externally, how can you portray the value and culture of your brand? For RJ Juliano, showing integrity and vulnerability should be your foundation. By establishing trust and authenticity, you’re creating the substance and form of the information you’re communicating across all levels of your company. RJ recommends being vulnerable and asking questions, no matter your leadership status, to connect with your community and employees. An outstanding leader is always willing to learn and teach strategies and goals for the benefit of the company — and RJ is here to share his expert strategies for finding value and contributing to your company’s success. In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with RJ Juliano, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer at Parkway Corporation, to discuss optimizing and balancing your relationships and experiences across all levels of business. RJ talks about the importance of clearly communicating information, how to avoid counter productivity, and developing a corporate culture that reflects your core values.

Regina Black Lennox is the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Satell Institute, a company well-known for a strong, supportive culture of accountability and dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Ed Satell founded and fully-endowed the groundbreaking Satell Institute, a “Think and Do Tank for Corporate Social Responsibility.” The Institute is focused on championing the interdependence of successful business organizations, the well-being of the communities they operate in, and the need they have for each other, recognizing an inescapable priority for business leaders — to make the communities they operate in better by partnering for-profits with quality nonprofits, for the greater good. As a consultant, speaker, and presenter, Regina has also worked with faith educational institutions and nonprofit organizations to provide global resources to help companies understand and maximize their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, training retreats, and motivational seminars. Her best-known presentations include: The Language of Leadership, Ways to Incite & Excite; Stay Proactive—Not Reactive; Communicate to Create;Called, Challenged and Gifted; and Implementing Change Powerfully and Successfully.Regina serves on several boards and advisory councils and has received The Distinguished Advocate Award issued by The Support Center for Child Advocates. In this episode… As a business leader, how can you take action and make a positive change in your community? Where can you turn to find workable strategies and resources to nourish people in need and your community? Regina Black Lennox knows that leaders need access to tools and resources to take actionable steps to impact workforce development to sustain the community and the people who live there. She has been at the forefront of actively engaging and encouraging leaders to create immediate — and lasting — change in their communities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Regina advocates for people to remain authentic and connect to others with a deeper meaning and to hold true to Founder Ed Satell’s belief, model, and teaching of “Think we, not just me.” In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Regina Black Lennox, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Satell Institute, to discuss the importance of research and a commitment for doing good within the community. Regina talks about the sequence of connecting through research and education, ways to develop positive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and creating a sustainable future through the next generation. Stay tuned!