What does it really take to master AI in marketing and build a powerful brand in the digital age? In this episode, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Aimee Gindin, a Boston-based executive leadership coach who shares her incredible journey from mental health clinician to unpaid marketing intern to Chief Marketing Officer. Aimee unpacks the real-world evolution of marketing, how to leverage technology on any budget, and why authenticity is now just as important as creativity. If you're looking for p...
Jul 08, 2024•29 min•Ep. 30
Guest: Joe Sulima Fractional Sales Manager & Sales Coach | LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Joe Sulima, a sales performance coach known for turning struggling sales teams into top performers. Joe unpacks the essentials of building a high-performance sales team, starting with a rock-solid process and the right people. He explores what it takes to motiva...
Jul 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 29
Guest: Stacey Giulianti Chief Legal Officer, Florida Peninsula Insurance Company LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug speaks with Stacey Giulianti, Chief Legal Officer at Florida Peninsula Insurance Company, about the power of smart delegation and how it fuels organizational growth. Stacey shares his inspiring journey from consumer attorney to executive leader of one of Flor...
Jun 15, 2024•33 min•Ep. 28
Guest: Matt McCarthy Personal Development Coach | Emotional Intelligence Advocate Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this powerful episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug talks with Matt McCarthy, a personal development coach who helps individuals navigate trauma, build emotional intelligence, and pursue fulfillment. Matt opens up about the impact of trauma on achievement and how leaders can work through emotional barrie...
Jun 13, 2024•35 min•Ep. 27
Guest: Raj Shroff Director of Applied AI Research | Blu Artificial Intelligence Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Raj Shroff, Director of Applied AI Research at Blu Artificial Intelligence, to dive into the real-world impact of AI on business. From smarter decision-making to redefining workflows, Raj unpacks how AI is becoming a core part of business strategy. ...
Jun 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 26
Guest: Kylie van Luyn Founder, Elevated Coaching & Consulting Global | NLP Master Practitioner Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug talks with Kylie van Luyn, a Master Practitioner of NLP and international leadership coach, about using neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) to elevate leadership performance. Kylie shares how NLP techniques like timeline therapy and anchoring hel...
Jun 01, 2024•45 min•Ep. 25
Guest: Dr. Benjamin Ritter Leadership & Career Coach | Founder of Live for Yourself Consulting Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Dr. Benjamin Ritter, founder of Live for Yourself Consulting, to talk about the psychology of fear and how to navigate it to live a more empowered life. Dr. Ritter breaks down fearlessness—not as the absence of fear, but as the ch...
May 28, 2024•38 min
Guest: Jeremy Lessaris Serial Entrepreneur | Founder & CEO, Payment Brokers Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug speaks with Jeremy Lessaris, a seasoned serial entrepreneur who has built and sold eight companies across different industries. Jeremy dives into the realities of entrepreneurship—from the wins to the wipeouts—offering candid insights into the evolution of payment...
May 25, 2024•39 min•Ep. 23
Guest: Jacqueline Rinehart AI Strategist | Expert in Emerging Tech and Collective Intelligence Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jacqueline Rinehart to unpack the rise of artificial intelligence and what it means for our personal lives, businesses, and future. Jacqueline dives into the concept of collective intelligence, where the power of human insight meets m...
May 22, 2024•38 min•Ep. 22
Guest: Diane Kenyon IT Leader | Community Builder | Career Coach | Advocate for Tech Inclusion Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Diane Kenyon to explore the art (and impact) of intentional connection. With decades of experience navigating both tech and community spaces in Austin, Diane shares why community-building is more than just showing up — it’s about bein...
May 18, 2024•26 min•Ep. 21
Guest: Multiple Women Executive Leaders Mothers | Decision-Makers | Trailblazers Balancing Life and Leadership Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this special episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug brings together powerhouse executive moms to talk about the real, raw, and rewarding journey of balancing motherhood and leadership. This honest and heartfelt conversation dives into how these women manage high-stakes decisio...
May 17, 2024•49 min•Ep. 20
Guest: Kinga Vajda Founder of Execute Your Intentions, LLC | Transformation Coach | Author of Beyond Boundaries: Thriving in Life’s Grey Zones LinkedIn Book on Amazon Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Kinga Vajda to explore the “grey zone”—that murky space of uncertainty, ambiguity, and personal evolution. From facing conflicting advice to shifting your mindset, the...
May 11, 2024•34 min•Ep. 19
Guest: Salena Accardo Seasoned Executive | Technology Strategist | Growth Optimization Leader LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with tech strategist Salena Accardo to unpack how organizations can actually monetize the AI revolution—beyond the buzz. From hyper-personalization to risk mitigation, they explore the systems and mindset shifts needed to le...
May 04, 2024•28 min
Guest: Nina Johnson CPG Executive | Strategy & Planning Leader | Former VP at Coca-Cola LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug is joined by Nina Johnson to unpack the often messy but rewarding art of team building. They dive into why diversity is the cornerstone of great teams, how to handle toxic dynamics, and what it really takes to lead effectively in both in-person and...
Apr 27, 2024•30 min•Ep. 17
Guest: Nicole Pletka Director of Operations & Project Management at Zeitcode | Community Leader | President Elect at Austin Women in Technology LinkedIn AWT Website Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Nicole Pletka, a powerhouse in tech and community leadership, to talk about what it really means to build a culture of respect. From communication h...
Apr 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 16
Guest: Wendy Howell CEO at Executive Council Network | Advocate for Women & Community Builder | Former Chief of Staff at Cisco LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Wendy Howell to unpack the art and impact of networking. From boardrooms to nonprofit circles, Wendy’s career is powered by meaningful connections. This conversation covers ever...
Apr 13, 2024•29 min•Ep. 15
Guest: Laurie Canepa Managing Director of Finance and Accounting Search at StevenDouglas | Executive Recruiter | Career Strategist LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, host Melissa Aarskaug is joined by Laurie Canepa to break down what’s really happening in the world of executive hiring. From shifting work models to candidate priorities, Laurie gives an insider look into how comp...
Apr 06, 2024•41 min•Ep. 14
Guest: Aaron Thweatt Executive Coach | HR Leader | Salary Negotiation Strategist LinkedIn Website X: @aaronthweatt Instagram: @aaron_thweatt Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Welcome to another episode of the Executive Connect Podcast with Melissa Aarskaug. Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects everyone but isn’t talked about nearly enough: salary negotiation. Executive coach and HR veteran Aaron Thweatt joins us to break down...
Mar 30, 2024•36 min•Ep. 13
Guest: Michael Pedersen Peak Performance Coach | Business Strategist | Author of Atomic Actions LinkedIn Website: mikepedersen.com Clarity Call: mikepedersen.com/clarity Books: Atomic Actions Dominate Your Market Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Michael Pedersen—peak performance coach, business strategist, and author of Atomic Actions. Together, th...
Mar 23, 2024•38 min•Ep. 12
Guest: Paul G. Hylenski Jr. Operations Leader | AI Advocate | Founder, Quantum Leap AI Academy LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug dives into the evolving world of leadership in the age of artificial intelligence with guest Paul Hylenski—a seasoned operations executive, AI thought leader, and founder of Quantum Leap AI Academy. Paul shares how leaders can embrac...
Mar 16, 2024•33 min•Ep. 11
Guest: Jaclyn "Jax" Scott Army Cyber & Electronic Warfare Warrant Officer | Cybersecurity Educator | Co-host of 2 Cyber Chicks LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: On this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jaclyn “Jax” Scott, a decorated Army Warrant Officer and cybersecurity expert, to break down what it really means to manage up. Jax brings hard-earned wisdom from years in the milita...
Mar 02, 2024•39 min•Ep. 10
Guest: Susan Stoklosa Vice President of Merchandise Planning & Allocation at GIII Retail Group LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug is joined by Susan Stoklosa, VP of Planning & Allocation at GIII Retail Group, to unpack the real power of networking—and no, it’s not just about collecting business cards. Susan breaks down what it means to build meaningful ...
Feb 17, 2024•28 min•Ep. 9
Guest: Cecile Mengue Cybersecurity Professional & Hacker at IBM X-Force Red LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Cecile Mengue, a cybersecurity professional and hacker at IBM X-Force Red. Cecile shares her powerful personal story of being targeted by a cyber-attack—and how that experience launched her into a career on the front lines of digital...
Feb 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 8
Guest: Nadine Hall Former Executive Lead at HanesBrands LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug speaks with Nadine Hall, a seasoned executive and former leader at HanesBrands. Nadine offers a wealth of insights on leadership, corporate resilience, and career evolution in the world of global retail and consumer goods. From product innovation to building your own prof...
Jan 20, 2024•32 min•Ep. 7
Guest: Avni Trivedi Leadership Executive & Former VP at Ellucian LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Avni Trivedi, a leadership expert with over 17 years of experience in tech sales and operations. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead with transparency and authenticity—especially in today’s evolving workplace. Avni brings clarity...
Jan 06, 2024•30 min•Ep. 6
Guest: Spencer Horn President of Altium Leadership & Coaching LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug welcomes behavioral analyst Spencer Horn for a deep dive into the concept of flexible authenticity—especially in the context of executive women navigating leadership. Spencer unpacks what it really means to lead with authenticity, how to stay adaptive in tough e...
Dec 16, 2023•41 min•Ep. 5
Guest: Christian Napier Founder & CEO, Rakonto Inc. | Knowledge Management Advisor, International Olympic Committee LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Christian Napier, a knowledge management expert whose storytelling work has spanned the Olympic Games and Fortune 500 boardrooms. Christian shares how storytelling can go beyond inspiration—it ...
Dec 02, 2023•29 min•Ep. 4
Guest: Jennifer Clark Fractional CXO | Startup & Growth Strategist LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jennifer Clark, a seasoned fractional CXO with over 25 years of cross-industry experience. Together, they explore the growing influence of fractional leadership in today’s business world—and why more companies are turning to flexible models f...
Nov 18, 2023•29 min•Ep. 3
Guest Becca Yanniello Vice President of Population Health | Public Health Advocate LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug welcomes Becca Yanniello, a public health leader with over 15 years of experience in population health management. Together, they dive into the evolving role of public health in today’s digital world—and why it matters more than ever. Becca brea...
Nov 02, 2023•27 min•Ep. 2
Guest: Michèle Kline Founder of Kline Hospitality | Certified Coach | Co-creator of WTF! Walk The Floors LinkedIn Host: Melissa Aarskaug Executive Connect | Website YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect Episode Overview: Welcome to the very first episode of the Executive Connect Podcast—a show for the next generation of business leaders. I’m your host, Melissa Aarskaug, and in this debut episode, I’m joined by Michèle Kline, bestselling author and founder of Kline Hospitality. Michèle shares how she walked...
Aug 09, 2023•37 min•Ep. 1
