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The Next Level Podcasts

Add our podcast into your Spotify and Apple queue to hear the latest insights from industry leaders.

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Andrew Bernstein, Hall of Fame Photographer and Illustrator of the Best Selling Book “The Mamba Mentality”

Bernstein's photography has appeared in thousands of newspapers and magazine covers worldwide, as well as significant advertising campaigns, for nearly forty years. He is a Hall of Fame photographer and arguably the best sports photographer ever. In this interview, we unpack the key to longevity, how to master your craft, what he learned from Kobe, and how that led to the creation of the best-selling book "Mamba Mentality," and so much more!

Episode # 37
Andrew Bernstein, Hall of Fame Photographer and Illustrator of the Best Selling Book “The Mamba Mentality”
Julie Uhrman, Co-Founder & President of Angel City Football Club

Julie Uhrman, Co-Founder and President of Angel City Football Club, has had an extensive career as an entrepreneur with experience in investment banking, video and mobile gaming, technology, and now in direct-to-consumer entertainment with women’s soccer. In this episode, Julie touches on key topics such as executing your ideas and speed with purpose to creating a positive impact in the community and having good work-life harmony.

Episode # 36
Julie Uhrman, Co-Founder & President of Angel City Football Club
Stephen Lind, Associate Professor of Clinical Business Communication at USC Marshall School of Business

Stephen Lind is an Associate Professor of Clinical Business Communication at USC's Marshall School of Business, where he teaches courses in business communication. His teaching encompasses strategic messaging, technology in touch, consulting, and refining speaking and writing skills for business contexts. He is an expert on the relationship between anxiety and communication.

Episode # 35
Stephen Lind, Associate Professor of Clinical Business Communication at USC Marshall School of Business
Heather Jimenez, Learning & Development Manager for San Manuel

Heather Jimenez is the Learning & Development Manager for San Manuel and has dedicated over 13 years to team building, educational advancement, and employee retention. In this episode she discussed the power of self-awareness, how to build relationships to maximize team efforts, and her passion to serve others.

Episode # 34
Heather Jimenez, Learning & Development Manager for San Manuel
Melanie Johnson, Director of HR, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians

Melanie Johnson has had an expansive career across hospitality as a people-first leader. Serving most of her career in operations, Melanie brings a unique perspective on the role of HR and how leaders can be successful in today's environment. In this episode, we discuss retention, people development, having conversations with your team, and so much more!

Episode # 33
Melanie Johnson, Director of HR, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Drew Dixon, VP of Entertainment Operations

Drew Dixon has made a life's work putting on some of the most amazing shows throughout the world. Drew currently is the VP of Entertainment Operations at Yaamava' Resort & Casino at San Manuel. In this episode he discusses tips on how to succeed in the entertainment business and how a heart of service is at the core of all meaningful event

Episode # 32
Drew Dixon, VP of Entertainment Operations
Margie Ferree Jones, Interim dean of The Collins College of Hospitality Management

Perhaps best known as “the wine professor”, Dr. Jones is a certified wine educator (CWE) and a certified sommelier (CS). She has taught courses in strategic leadership, marketing, special events, food & beverage, and hotel/resort planning & development.

Episode # 31
Margie Ferree Jones, Interim dean of The Collins College of Hospitality Management
Kate White, Corporate VP of Business Intelligence – Penn National Gaming

Kate is one of the emerging leaders in gaming with a proven track record of success with innovation & business intelligence. In this conversation, we do a deep dive into emerging AI, the changing landscape for operators in gaming, tips to optimize business outcomes, quilting, and much more!

Episode # 30
Kate White, Corporate VP of Business Intelligence – Penn National Gaming
Afsi Bird, VP of Hotel Operations – Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel

Afsi Bird has 30+ years in the hospitality industry and has been a leader at providing service excellence at properties across the globe. In this candid discussion, Afsi provides insight on what is required to build a culture of service, lessons from early in her career, tips to team building, and much more!

Episode # 29
Afsi Bird, VP of Hotel Operations – Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel