After a hiatus, the C-Level Up podcast returns with hosts J.D. Miller and Mike Kreissl welcoming film producer Jordan Reinwald for an engaging conversation that bridges Hollywood storytelling and executive leadership. Reinwald, most recently an executive producer of the indie horror film Inhabitants, shares a behind the scenes look at the realities of independent filmmaking, from raising capital and juggling multiple producer roles to managing actors and navigating the relentless pressure of production timelines. With stories from the set and experiences working alongside major talent, he offers a candid perspective on what it takes to bring a film from idea to screen.

The conversation also expands beyond filmmaking into leadership, creativity, and the rapidly changing media landscape. Reinwald reflects on how his leadership style evolved from early acting and production work to leading teams on set, while discussing the shifting balance between theatrical releases and streaming platforms. The episode closes with a lively exploration of AI’s role in the future of film and content creation, where technology may reshape parts of the industry but human storytelling remains at the center. It is a thoughtful and entertaining return for C-Level Up, packed with insights for leaders, creators, and anyone fascinated by the business of bringing stories to life.

In this candid conversation, Joy reveals how she turns challenges into opportunities, builds high-performing teams, and navigates the ever-evolving world of AI and technology. Whether you’re an executive looking to sharpen your skills or an aspiring leader seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with insights on embracing failure, breaking barriers, and staying ahead in today’s competitive landscape. Don’t miss Joy’s invaluable lessons on leadership, mentorship, and what’s next for AI in the boardroom.

This C-Level Up Podcast features Mike Jaffe, a leadership expert and 9/11 survivor who founded SAVIA Leadership. Mike shares his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of small, consistent changes and the impact of self-awareness. He discusses the challenges of building a strong company culture, emphasizing the need for clear communication, shared agreements, and focusing on calling people "in" rather than "out" when issues arise.

Mike also addresses the importance of effective change management, highlighting the need for clear communication, empathy, and a focus on both individual and team needs. He emphasizes the importance of building trust within teams through open communication, active listening, and understanding individual communication styles. Finally, Mike discusses the importance of continuous learning and development for leaders, emphasizing the need for self-reflection, coaching, and focusing on developing others. He concludes by highlighting the importance of less-is-more when it comes to leadership development, emphasizing the need to deeply integrate a few key concepts before moving on to new ones.