The Executive Connect Podcast
The Executive Connect Podcast Executive Connect is a leadership and business podcast for operators, builders, and executives focused on real-world execution, growth, and long-term value creation. Hosted by Melissa Aarskaug, the show brings together founders, investors, and senior leaders to unpack what actually works across business strategy, wealth building, AI, and leadership. These are not theoretical conversations. Each episode is grounded in experience, hard-earned lessons, and practical insight from people actively building, scaling, and investing. From navigating complex markets to leading teams, allocating capital, and adapting to technological change, Executive Connect explores how high-performing leaders think, operate, and make decisions in real environments. If you are building a company, leading a team, or designing your next chapter, this podcast will challenge how you think and help you move with greater clarity and intention.
Episodes
October 20, 2026 • 40 mins
What if executive presence has less to do with charisma and more to do with how you think, decide, and lead when the pressure is high?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Dan Kasper, a former Navy SEAL leader and founder of Piloteer, to discuss what elite teams can teach business leaders about performance, decision-making, and adaptability.
Dan explains why high performers do not simp...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Dan Kasper, a former Navy SEAL leader and founder of Piloteer, to discuss what elite teams can teach business leaders about performance, decision-making, and adaptability.
Dan explains why high performers do not simp...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 19, 2026 • 34 mins
What if companies trained their people with the same consistency and intention they now use to train AI?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Rob Marcus, founder of Blue Stallion Leadership and author of Crossing the Divide, to discuss why being great at your job does not automatically prepare you to lead other people.
Rob breaks down the five challenges new leaders face: skills, relat...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Rob Marcus, founder of Blue Stallion Leadership and author of Crossing the Divide, to discuss why being great at your job does not automatically prepare you to lead other people.
Rob breaks down the five challenges new leaders face: skills, relat...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 13, 2026 • 48 mins
What if you could generate income backed by real estate without owning the property, managing tenants, or dealing with repairs?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Fred Moskowitz, fund manager, educator, and bestselling author, to break down the world of mortgage note investing and what it means to step into the position of the bank.
Fred explains how investors can purchase existing m...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Fred Moskowitz, fund manager, educator, and bestselling author, to break down the world of mortgage note investing and what it means to step into the position of the bank.
Fred explains how investors can purchase existing m...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 12, 2026 • 39 mins
How much is outdated data, repetitive work, and disconnected systems quietly costing your business?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Zulfiya Forsythe, founder of Omadli, to discuss how businesses can turn scattered data and manual processes into systems that support faster, clearer decision-making.
Zulfiya shares how her own frustration with repetitive accounting work led her from ...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Zulfiya Forsythe, founder of Omadli, to discuss how businesses can turn scattered data and manual processes into systems that support faster, clearer decision-making.
Zulfiya shares how her own frustration with repetitive accounting work led her from ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 6, 2026 • 56 mins
What separates leaders who can grow a business from those who can guide an entire organization through transformation?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Alex Dixon, advisor at GMA Consulting and former CEO of Resorts World, to discuss the intersection of finance, operations, governance, technology, and enterprise leadership.
Alex shares how his early experience in investment banking...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Alex Dixon, advisor at GMA Consulting and former CEO of Resorts World, to discuss the intersection of finance, operations, governance, technology, and enterprise leadership.
Alex shares how his early experience in investment banking...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 5, 2026 • 25 mins
Is your LinkedIn profile actually building your reputation, or is it still functioning like an outdated online résumé?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Al Kushner, author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage, to discuss how professionals can use LinkedIn and AI to increase visibility, strengthen credibility, and turn passive profiles into active business assets.
Al explains why a strong Li...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Al Kushner, author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage, to discuss how professionals can use LinkedIn and AI to increase visibility, strengthen credibility, and turn passive profiles into active business assets.
Al explains why a strong Li...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 1, 2026 • 59 mins
What if some of the habits affecting your leadership performance are not simply mindset issues, but patterns connected to your individual biology?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jennifer Little-Fleck, a molecular biology expert who translates complex genomic science into practical insights for leadership, communication, and personal performance.
Jennifer introduces the idea of &l...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jennifer Little-Fleck, a molecular biology expert who translates complex genomic science into practical insights for leadership, communication, and personal performance.
Jennifer introduces the idea of &l...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 29, 2026 • 44 mins
What if your startup does not have a product problem, but a pricing, positioning, or customer problem?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Alex Shartsis, founder and CEO of Skip and Silverwood, to discuss why so many founders undercharge, chase the wrong customers, and mistake activity for real go-to-market traction.
Alex explains why charging early gives founders better feedback than...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Alex Shartsis, founder and CEO of Skip and Silverwood, to discuss why so many founders undercharge, chase the wrong customers, and mistake activity for real go-to-market traction.
Alex explains why charging early gives founders better feedback than...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 28, 2026 • 38 mins
Is your business actually using AI strategically, or just adding tools because everyone else is?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Angela Tipton and Travis Franklin to discuss how leaders can connect AI, marketing, automation, and business strategy without getting distracted by every new tool hitting the market.
Angela shares how companies can stay flexible when markets shift, build...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Angela Tipton and Travis Franklin to discuss how leaders can connect AI, marketing, automation, and business strategy without getting distracted by every new tool hitting the market.
Angela shares how companies can stay flexible when markets shift, build...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 24, 2026 • 52 mins
What if AI could handle the pursuit of opportunities without replacing the human presence that actually builds trust?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Terry Higgs, entrepreneur and founder of SpeakerRealm, to discuss how AI agents and operating systems are changing business development, personal branding, and what one person can realistically accomplish.
Terry explains how he built...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Terry Higgs, entrepreneur and founder of SpeakerRealm, to discuss how AI agents and operating systems are changing business development, personal branding, and what one person can realistically accomplish.
Terry explains how he built...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 22, 2026 • 34 mins
What if your retirement account could invest in more than stocks, bonds, and mutual funds?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Kaaren Hall, founder of uDirect IRA Services and author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, to explain how self-directed IRAs can give investors access to alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, private lending, precious metals, and other investments o...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Kaaren Hall, founder of uDirect IRA Services and author of The Self-Directed IRA Handbook, to explain how self-directed IRAs can give investors access to alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, private lending, precious metals, and other investments o...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 21, 2026 • 27 mins
Are employees really resisting the office, or are they resisting workplaces that no longer give them a reason to show up?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Ciara Peter, Senior Vice President of Product at Robin, to discuss how hybrid work is changing workplace strategy, office design, company culture, and the employee experience.
Ciara explains why employees are still interested in ...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Ciara Peter, Senior Vice President of Product at Robin, to discuss how hybrid work is changing workplace strategy, office design, company culture, and the employee experience.
Ciara explains why employees are still interested in ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 17, 2026 • 50 mins
What separates a leader people willingly follow from one who simply holds the title?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Marcylle Combs, an entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and longtime leader in the home care and hospice industry, for a candid conversation about developing people, leading through uncertainty, and building a legacy that lasts beyond business success.
Marcylle shares why...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Marcylle Combs, an entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, and longtime leader in the home care and hospice industry, for a candid conversation about developing people, leading through uncertainty, and building a legacy that lasts beyond business success.
Marcylle shares why...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 15, 2026 • 46 mins
What happens when you leave corporate, lose the built-in structure, and suddenly have to become the strategist, marketer, salesperson, and operator all at once?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Javier Lozano Jr., a fractional growth leader who helps B2B companies build repeatable go-to-market systems and move from reactive marketing toward more predictable growth.
Javier explains w...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Javier Lozano Jr., a fractional growth leader who helps B2B companies build repeatable go-to-market systems and move from reactive marketing toward more predictable growth.
Javier explains w...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 14, 2026 • 41 mins
What if the way you lead others is limited by how well you lead yourself?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Regina Huber, transformational leadership coach, speaker, and author of Living My Freaking Amazing Life, to discuss why self-leadership is the foundation of sustainable leadership.
Drawing from a career shaped by multiple continents, cultures, and leadership environments, Regi...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Regina Huber, transformational leadership coach, speaker, and author of Living My Freaking Amazing Life, to discuss why self-leadership is the foundation of sustainable leadership.
Drawing from a career shaped by multiple continents, cultures, and leadership environments, Regi...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 10, 2026 • 47 mins
What if poor leadership is costing your company far more than low morale?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, an experienced leadership advisor who has worked with government leaders, Fortune 500 executives, family businesses, and global organizations, to examine why leadership should be intentionally designed rather than simply inherited.
Shaheena explains ho...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, an experienced leadership advisor who has worked with government leaders, Fortune 500 executives, family businesses, and global organizations, to examine why leadership should be intentionally designed rather than simply inherited.
Shaheena explains ho...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 8, 2026 • 46 mins
What if earning more money is not the same as feeling secure, building wealth, or creating financial freedom?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Hilary Hendershott, founder and chief advisor of Hendershott Wealth Management, Certified Financial Planner, and creator of the Money Operating System, to discuss why financial confidence often has very little to do with income.
Hilary expla...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Hilary Hendershott, founder and chief advisor of Hendershott Wealth Management, Certified Financial Planner, and creator of the Money Operating System, to discuss why financial confidence often has very little to do with income.
Hilary expla...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 7, 2026 • 39 mins
What if your lack of energy, focus, or progress is not a motivation problem, but a sign that your body is under-recovered?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Mauro Stara, founder of Six Pack CEO, to discuss why high-achieving executives often sacrifice their health while building successful careers and businesses.
After experiencing burnout and heart-related health issues while worki...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Mauro Stara, founder of Six Pack CEO, to discuss why high-achieving executives often sacrifice their health while building successful careers and businesses.
After experiencing burnout and heart-related health issues while worki...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 3, 2026 • 52 mins
What if your company’s biggest untapped investment is not technology, real estate, or another acquisition—but the people already inside the business?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, USA Today bestselling author, executive coach, and longtime human resources leader, to rethink how organizations hire, develop, and invest in talent.
Cynthia cha...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, USA Today bestselling author, executive coach, and longtime human resources leader, to rethink how organizations hire, develop, and invest in talent.
Cynthia cha...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 1, 2026 • 47 mins
What happens when you look successful on the outside but feel exhausted, pressured, and disconnected on the inside?
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Grace Najean, keynote speaker and high-performance leadership coach, to discuss what she calls “achievement fatigue” and why success powered by stress eventually comes at a cost.
Drawing from years of coaching founders and ...
In this episode of Executive Connect, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Grace Najean, keynote speaker and high-performance leadership coach, to discuss what she calls “achievement fatigue” and why success powered by stress eventually comes at a cost.
Drawing from years of coaching founders and ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.