Next In Line

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...

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, men...

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...

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 t...

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 an...

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 w...

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 lead...

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 cultu...

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, entreprene...

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,...

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 distinct...

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 generalist...

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 cybersecu...

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 brea...

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 acquis...

Volodymyr Korol, VP of Marketing at Lodgify, joins Co-Host Karina Jimenez to share his journey from leading a small startup team at 24 to running global marketing for a SaaS company. He discusses the power of clear goals, the balance between startup speed and corporate structure, and how communication and prioritization define great leaders. Volodymyr also breaks down where AI is truly transformin...

Joseph Hernandez, CIO at FEAM Aero, joins Cesar Jimenez on Next In Line to share his journey from growing up in Miami to leading technology at one of the nation’s top aviation maintenance providers. Joe opens up about his non-traditional career path, the mentors who shaped him, and the lessons learned from slowing down and leading with authenticity. He explains why leadership is about people, not...

Ivette Cano, CEO of Adrianople Group, joins co-host Karina Jimenez to share her journey from graphic designer to leading a boutique research firm. She reflects on the lessons learned across corporate and startup environments, the importance of accountability and discipline, and how first impressions can shape your career. Ivette also discusses why professionals should treat employers like clients,...

Antonio Marin, CIO at US Med-Equip, joins host Cesar Jimenez on Next in Line to share his journey from the help desk to the executive suite. He reflects on the power of mission-driven work, the importance of resilience, and why leadership starts with treating people with respect. Antonio discusses how technology enables better healthcare outcomes, how to build teams grounded in trust, and why stay...

Alice Hansen joins Co-Host Karina Jimenez to share her unconventional journey into marketing leadership. Starting in PR and rising to Chief Marketing Officer, Alice explains how adaptability, cross-departmental collaboration, and a willingness to embrace discomfort shaped her career. She reflects on the value of financial literacy in marketing, the importance of company culture, and why building s...

David Reid is the CTO & CMO of NOV and CEO of redM. In this episode, he explains how redM raises broad public awareness about human trafficking with messaging that reaches beyond insiders. We cover why trafficking often hides in plain sight, how grooming frequently begins online and can unfold over years, and practical ways families can set healthy, age-appropriate boundaries around devices an...

Kevin Keith, Chief Marketing Officer at Edible Brands, joins Co-Host Karina Jimenez to share how he builds brands people love. We cover founder-first strategy, turning insights into sharp, shared direction, and why emotional connection beats raw metrics when you’re trying to grow.  Kevin breaks down what collaboration actually works, what he learned moving from top agencies to the client side, and...

Lawrence Montgomery joins co-host Karina Jimenez for a practical look at modern healthcare marketing. Lawrence, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Baptist Health, shares his 20+ year path from finance to healthcare and what it takes to lead marketing that moves people and the business. He explains why understanding consumer behavior, pairing emotion with data, and protecting human relat...

Jason L’Odense, Chief Information Technology Officer at Global Medical Response, shares his 30-year journey from field tech to CITO across multiple industries. He explains why empowering teams, embracing failure, and managing risk are essential to leadership, and why mentorship and succession planning are critical for preparing the next generation.  Jason reflects on the lessons learned from stepp...

AI is transforming the workplace, and those who fail to learn it risk being left behind. John Shellenberger, CIO at Johns Manville, shares how curiosity, self-development, and a culture of learning drive long-term career success. He explains why being present in the workplace creates opportunities you cannot get remotely, how networking opens doors, and why focusing on results instead of titles ma...