Next In Line

Ep. 64: Jim Real, Former VP of Global Creative at Disney, Storytelling, Leadership, and the Power of Human Connection

In Episode 64 of Next in Line, Karina sits down with Jim Real, former VP of Global Creative at Disney Yellow Shoes, for an incredible conversation around storytelling, leadership, mentorship, creativity, and the human emotions that connect people across cultures. Jim shares his journey from growing up in San Diego surrounded by creativity and production, to working at major advertising agencies, eventually rising through Disney to lead global creative teams and storytelling initiatives across Disney Parks and Experiences. He also reflects on his time helping lead creative efforts for Shanghai Disney Resort and how those experiences completely reshaped the way he thinks about storytelling and human connection. The conversation dives into: * Why great storytelling goes beyond borders and cultures * Lessons learned from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and global creative teams * The importance of curiosity, mentorship, and taking smart risks * How young professionals can stand out early in their careers * Why failure should be viewed as data points for growth * Transitioning from individual contributor to leadership roles * Building teams that prioritize ideas over ego * The mindset shifts needed to become a strong creative leader * Why mentorship and “paying it forward” matter more than ever Jim also shares powerful advice for the next generation around volunteering, staying hungry, asking questions, embracing discomfort, and learning through both successes and failures. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes that human emotion and authentic connection remain at the center of every great brand, leader, and story. This episode is packed with wisdom for marketers, creatives, entrepreneurs, young professionals, and anyone looking to grow as a leader while building meaningful human connection through storytelling.

Ep. 63: Kelvin Llaverias, Building a CIO Career Through Curiosity, Accountability, Business Alignment and Vision

In Episode 63 of Next in Line, Cesar sits down with Kelvin Llaverias, CIO at Tabacalera USA, for a deep conversation on leadership, intentional career growth, ERP modernization, AI readiness, and what it truly takes to earn a seat at the executive table. Kelvin shares his 30 year journey through IT, starting with data entry and software development in the Dominican Republic before moving back to the United States and climbing through multiple industries and leadership roles on the path to becoming a CIO. Along the way, he breaks down the importance of curiosity, accountability, business alignment, and why understanding the business matters more than simply understanding technology. The conversation dives into: * Leading large scale ERP modernization projects * Building trust as a CIO and business partner * Why many organizations are not truly ready for AI yet * The importance of clean data and strong foundations * Creating relationships and listening before making change * Managing teams through transformation and uncertainty * Lessons learned from failure, pressure, and difficult leadership moments * How intentional career moves helped prepare him for executive leadership Kelvin also shares thoughtful advice for young professionals trying to break into tech today, why patience and work ethic still matter, and how long term consistency and self awareness helped shape his leadership style. This episode is packed with practical leadership insights for aspiring CIOs, technology professionals, business leaders, and anyone navigating growth and change in today’s rapidly evolving workforce.

Ep. 62: Julia Rosen, From Epic to SVP of IT, Leading Healthcare Transformation, AI Adoption, and Building High-Performance Teams

Julia Rosen, SVP of IT at the Medical Group Management Association, shares her journey from Epic Systems to leading large-scale healthcare transformation. In this episode, Julia breaks down what it really takes to step into executive leadership, from overcoming imposter syndrome to building high-performing teams and making tough decisions that shape organizations. She dives deep into workforce transformation, why AI is becoming a required skill for every role, and how leaders can redesign work to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. Julia also shares powerful insights on leadership growth, failure, and the mindset shift from “proving you’re right” to building alignment and results. If you’re looking to level up in IT, leadership, or AI-driven business strategy, this episode is packed with real-world advice you can apply immediately.

Ep. 61: Ernesto Boada, From Colombia to CIO, Building Without Fear, Leading Through Change, and Thriving in the Age of AI

In Episode 61 of Next In Line, we sit down with Ernesto Boada, Chief Information Officer at CPI Card Group, whose journey into leadership is anything but traditional. From growing up in Colombia to moving to the U.S. with just two suitcases, Ernesto shares how persistence, curiosity, and a no fear mindset helped him break into tech and build a career that led to the C-suite. We talk through his early days at Accenture, learning from the ground up, and how saying yes to opportunities (even making copies and driving executives) ultimately changed the trajectory of his career. Ernesto also dives into: • What it really takes to step into a CIO role for the first time • Why trust and transparency matter more than technical skill • How AI is reshaping the workplace and why teams need to embrace it now • The importance of continuous learning in a fast changing world • Advice for the next generation trying to break into tech This episode is all about resilience, growth, and figuring it out as you go.

Ep. 60: Andrea Palten, From CMO to Solopreneur, AI Driven Marketing, Personal Branding, and Building Systems That Scale

In Episode 60 of Next in Line, Karina sits down with Andrea Palten, a seasoned marketer with 25+ years of experience spanning startups, enterprise, and solopreneurship. From working her way up to CMO to now running her own consulting business, Andrea shares what she’s learned about building sustainable marketing systems in a rapidly evolving, AI-driven world. They dive into how marketing is shifting from traditional SEO to generative engine optimization, why platforms like YouTube and Reddit are becoming critical for discovery, and how AI is reshaping the future of content, careers, and creativity. Andrea also breaks down her practical framework for organic growth without big budgets, including content pillars, repurposing strategies, and building a system that actually runs long term. The conversation closes with real advice for the next generation of marketers on staying adaptable, building a portfolio career, and leaning into AI before it’s too late. If you’re navigating marketing, content, or your career in the age of AI, this episode is packed with insights you can use right away.