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

Ep. 67: Maximiliano Just, From Ford Engineer to LATAM CIO at Coca-Cola, AI Leadership, Career Reinvention, and Embracing Change

In Episode 67 of Next in Line, Cesar sits down with Max Just for a powerful conversation around global leadership, AI transformation, career reinvention, resilience, and adapting through constant change. Originally from Argentina, Max shares his journey from mechanical engineering at Ford Motor Company to working across Malaysia, China, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States while building a global career spanning manufacturing, consulting, HR transformation, data governance, and executive technology leadership. Throughout the episode, Max breaks down: * Why adaptability is becoming one of the most important leadership skills * How AI is transforming the future of work and software development * The growing importance of understanding both business and technology * Why continuous learning is now mandatory for future professionals * How companies can prepare for AI driven organizational change * The future of AI agents, automation, and workforce augmentation * Why clean data foundations still matter in the AI era * Lessons learned from major career pivots and unexpected setbacks * The importance of balance, family, ambition, and long term fulfillment This episode is packed with practical leadership advice, honest career insight, and a fascinating look into how modern CIOs and business leaders are navigating one of the biggest technology shifts in history. Maximiliano Just LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximiliano-just-7143b42/

Ep. 66: Alexandra Ungureanu, Chief Strategy Officer at XWP, Leading with Intention, Curiosity, and Confidence in Tech

In Episode 66 of Next in Line, Karina sits down with Alexandra Ungureanu for a thoughtful conversation around leadership, intentional career growth, workplace culture, communication, and navigating modern careers in tech. Alex shares her journey from digital advertising and agency work into leadership and strategy roles, breaking down how curiosity, asking better questions, and embracing uncertainty helped shape her career path. The conversation explores the importance of creating safe spaces for teams to speak up, learning how different people communicate, and why effective leadership is less about having all the answers and more about creating momentum forward. The episode also dives into: * Intentional leadership and avoiding “busy work” * Creating healthier and more productive meeting cultures * Why vulnerability builds stronger teams * Career pivots, exploration, and embracing uncertainty * Managing up and defining success clearly in your role * The importance of mentorship, curiosity, and asking questions * Building confidence without needing everything figured out * Balancing ambition, growth, and personal life This episode is packed with practical advice for young professionals, leaders, and anyone navigating growth in today’s evolving workplace.

Ep. 65: Sapana Patel, Former CIO of Spirit Airlines, Building the Future of IT Leadership in the AI Era

In Episode 65 of Next in Line, Cesar sits down with Sapana Patel, CIO of Spirit Airlines, for a deep conversation on leadership, resilience, AI adoption, innovation, and what it really takes to lead technology teams inside one of the world’s fastest moving industries. Sapana shares her journey from studying aeronautical engineering at Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University to becoming a CIO, along with the lessons she learned navigating change, building trust, leading teams through pressure, and continuously adapting throughout decades in technology leadership. The conversation dives into: * Why curiosity and continuous learning matter in IT * Leading technology teams through rapid AI transformation * Building the right data foundation before deploying AI * Balancing innovation with business enablement * Why relationships and communication still matter more than ever * Lessons learned from failure, leadership pressure, and owning mistakes * The evolving role of the modern CIO * Why AI should augment people, not replace them * How future technology leaders can stand out in a rapidly changing workforce This episode is packed with practical leadership advice, real world CIO insights, and an honest look at how enterprise technology leadership is evolving in the AI era.

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.