Level Up Podcast Nick Araco

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!

Kendall Qualls is a Republican Candidate for the Governor of Minnesota. Before this, he was the Founder and President of TakeCharge Minnesota, an organization created to inspire and educate black and minority communities. He has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, working as the Chief Commercial Officer and EVP for PotentiaMetrics and the Global Marketing Vice President for Covidien/Medtronic, as well as other roles for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies. Kendall also served on the board of trustees at Nyack Hospital in New York City and the board of directors at Colorado UpLift.
Prior to his career in politics and the healthcare industry, Kendall served as an officer in the US Army, Field Artillery. He earned his MBA from the University of Michigan and his master’s degree in communications and economics from the University of Oklahoma.
In this episode… The most accomplished leaders are focused on building relationships, cultivating success, and developing a valuable culture for generations to come. For Kendall Qualls, these values helped him achieve success when the odds were against him. So, how did he do it, and what steps can you take to grow professionally and personally?
Before becoming a candidate for the Governor of Minnesota, Kendall built a nonprofit helping minority communities achieve prosperity. He learned through his career and life the importance of fair and equitable opportunities for people from all walks of life. Now, he is here to share his story of becoming a pillar of courage within his community, creating a culture that moves past differences, and recreating the future for the next generation of leaders. 
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Kendall Qualls, Republican Candidate for the Governor of Minnesota, to talk about advocating for a better future for generations to come. Kendall shares the motivation and lessons he learned from childhood, how to prioritize prosperity in minority communities, and the important traits a leader should have. Stay tuned!

Emma Pollard is the Director of Global Talent Development at Teleflex, a global provider of medical technologies with more than 14,000 employees worldwide. With over a decade of experience in talent acquisition, Emma helps companies develop and engage their employees and customers at every part of the enterprise. She enjoys exploring international environments, organizations, and cultures. Additionally, Emma has a background in psychology that assists with her communication, analytic skills, and interactions.
In this episode… How can you set your employees up for success? What can you do to improve your company culture while enriching your employees' experiences? For Emma Pollard, it’s all about cultivating skillful communication in the workplace.
As a talent development expert, Emma has helped teams improve the performance and experiences of their people. She believes there is strength in understanding another person beyond what they can contribute to the workplace. It takes authentic and personal connections to create a positive experience. So, what does this mean for your organization?
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Emma Pollard, the Director of Global Talent Development at Teleflex, to discuss cultivating and aligning core values between employers and employees. Emma talks about generating authentic relationships in a remote team, the importance of a foundation rooted in communication, and how to set employees up for success in the workplace.

Dan Rhoton is the Executive Director at Hopeworks, a nonprofit founded in 2000 to help Camden, New Jersey young adults return to school and create pathways for gainful employment. Dan is an experienced education and nonprofit leader with two decades of experience helping youth and adults achieve their dreams. With a focus on education, technology, and entrepreneurship, Dan and his team at Hopeworks provide a positive, healing atmosphere that propels young people to build strong futures and break the cycle of violence and poverty.
In this episode… Everybody deserves a second chance, and you never know what an opportunity can lead to. As a leader, how can you help someone that’s struggling achieve their goals? And where can you find the right people to help you?
As Dan Rhoton says, all you need to do is show someone the right path and opportunities for growth to build a stronger future workforce. It takes people that are bold and brave to seek out help from others so that they can bring their authentic selves to what they are doing. You don’t have to shoot for perfection — instead shoot for better and lead with purpose.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Dan Rhoton, the Executive Director at Hopeworks, to discuss how you can strengthen your business and community by helping other people achieve their goals. Dan shares his proudest moment at Hopeworks, how to create competence and confidence in the young workforce, and the three elements to look for when hiring.

Nick Araco is the Founder and CEO of AchieveNEXT, a peer-led advisory network organization that empowers market leaders and their teams to meet ambitious growth goals. Over the last 20 years, Nick has helped facilitate a community of forward-thinking, entrepreneurial-minded, and financially educated C-Suite executives across industries. He serves as the voice of the CFO community, representing over 10,000 leaders and members of The CFO Alliance and The CHRO Alliance.
Prior to founding AchieveNEXT, Nick served in growth strategy and business development leadership roles for companies including Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP and RSM US. He is currently a renowned public speaker, a recognized global business leader, and the host of the Level Up podcast.
In this episode… Creating and managing a business can be a daunting task. Where can you find industry experts to help you build your team and achieve next-level performance?
For Nick Araco, interviewing today’s top leaders has given him an inside look at the biggest challenges affecting executives and their teams — and the tools to overcome them. This week, Nick shares key insights into cultivating a workplace environment that is inclusive, making your team feel valued, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to create a more diverse and connected world. There’s something for everyone in this episode.
In this episode of Level Up, Rise25 Co-founder Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with host Nick Araco to talk about some of the major lessons and insights from Nick’s past podcast episodes. Nick shares how consistency and sincerity produce growth, the importance of cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment, and the key qualities that make a great leader.

Roy Schindele is the President of RDS Advisers Corp and the Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at Mission Inn Resort & Club. He grew up in an entrepreneurial household and has been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. Roy’s customer-oriented focus and strategic planning experience have played a key role in his successful career. Previously, he was the Founder of a fashion design company, a Consultant at Walt Disney World, and the Resort Director at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
In this episode… In the hospitality industry, the manner in which you treat your guests and employees can make or break your success. This same lesson can apply to almost every other field or sector. So, how can you uphold a standard of excellence within your business? And, as a leader, how can you inspire your team to deliver an outstanding performance?
Roy Schindele delivers one-of-a-kind experiences to his clients and team through integrity, personalization, and an exceptional culture. As a leader in the hospitality industry, Roy knows that this experience is what can scale or crush a brand — which is why he specializes in helping people make unforgettable memories, not mediocre experiences.
In this episode of Level Up, Nick Araco sits down with Roy Schindele, the President of RDS Advisers Corp and the Executive Director of Sales and Marketing at Mission Inn Resort & Club, to talk about cultivating innovative and unique experiences to expand your brand. Roy discusses the importance of the client experience, strategies for creating impactful growth, and what exceptional leadership actually looks like.