The Life @AHEAD Podcast

Hosted by Nick Rodriguez

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Jan 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Life at AHEAD Podcast, where we dive deep into the heart and soul of AHEADians and explore the vibrant tapestry of our company culture. Our guests include impactful employees, industry pioneers, executive leadership, topic specialists, and innovative thinkers who have successfully impacted their team, clients, and community. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered to make an impact and foster a powerful sense of belonging.

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12 recent

January 8, 20261 hr 8 min

Agents of Change: The People Side of Transformation

What does it really take to lead change well, especially in a company built for growth? In this episode of The Life at AHEAD Podcast, host Nick Rodriguez sits down with leaders across AHEAD to unpack how we navigate transformation with a people-first mindset. From mergers and acquisitions to major system shifts and evolving ways of working, this conversation explores how organizational change management helps teams stay aligned, engaged, and empowered – even when things are moving fast. You’ll hear from:Kelly Kennon, SVP of Enterprise TransformationBryan Krup, Director of Organizational Change ManagementRich Falcone, President of AHEADFlavia Rigamonti, Head of Services OperationsTogether, they share real stories, practical frameworks, and lessons learned – from combating change fatigue to building a change agent network, improving communication, and making change feel like something happening for people.In this episode, you’ll learn:What change management means at AHEADHow AHEAD scaled from ad-hoc change support to a more consistent, repeatable approachWhy transparency, empathy, and early involvement drive buy-in and belongingTolls and frameworks from different teamsLeadership insights on embracing change, staying humble, and building momentum through uncertainty.Change isn’t just about processes – it’s about people. And when teams are supported, they don’t just adapt – they thrive.

September 11, 20251 hr 3 min

Elevating Events Through Experience Marketing

What does it take to stand out at the biggest tech conferences? In this episode of The Life at AHEAD Podcast, we go behind the scenes with the AHEAD Experience Team to uncover the creativity, strategy, and meticulous planning that make these events unforgettable. Hear from our National Events Manager on executing every detail, a Field Marketing Specialist on creating meaningful on-site experiences, and our VP of Emerging Technologies on how these events drive impact for AHEAD and our clients. This episode celebrates the talent, teamwork, and high-performance culture that power AHEAD’s success at marquee events. Whether you’re curious about event strategy or simply want a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into events, this episode is for you.

July 24, 202558 min

Growing Careers & Leaders at AHEAD

At AHEAD, we believe investing in our people is the key to driving success—for individuals, teams, and the organization as a whole. In this episode of The Life at AHEAD Podcast, we’re diving into two of our flagship development programs: Leading for IMPACT and Accelerating Your IMPACT. These programs are designed to help employees at all levels hone their skills, grow into their roles, and achieve their career aspirations. Joining us are three incredible guests who bring unique perspectives to the conversation. A leader who’s completed Leading for IMPACT will share how the program transformed their leadership approach. An individual contributor who’s completed Accelerating Your IMPACT will discuss how the program empowered them to make a bigger impact in their role. And finally, our Learning & Development Manager, Lindsey Balch, will take us behind the scenes of how these programs were designed, the vision driving them, and what’s next for development at AHEAD. Whether you’re a prospective hire curious about how we invest in our people, a current employee wondering if these programs are right for you, or simply a fan of innovative workplace learning, this episode will inspire and motivate you to grow and lead. Key Takeaways: Discover how AHEAD equips employees with the tools to accelerate their impact and lead effectively. Learn how our Talent Development programs foster a high-performance culture where everyone wins. Get an exclusive look at the vision and future of development at AHEAD. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights how we’re building a culture of growth, innovation, and success.

June 8, 20251 hr 10 min

Onboarding & Accelerating AHEADians

What does it take to ensure new hires hit the ground running and feel at home from day one? In this episode of The Life at AHEAD Podcast, we dive into the art and science of onboarding and acceleration—our tailored approach to equipping new employees with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive. Joining us are new AHEADians at different stages of their journey—30 and 90 days in—who share their firsthand experiences navigating our dynamic onboarding process. We’re also joined by the leader behind our story- and culture-driven new hire orientation, who takes us behind the scenes to share how AHEAD’s onboarding experience has evolved over time and why it’s designed to inspire, empower, and foster belonging. Whether you’re a prospective hire curious about what makes AHEAD a great place to work, a legacy employee eager to learn how we support new teammates, or a fan of innovative talent development strategies, this episode offers insights into how we onboard and accelerate new AHEADians.

March 22, 20241 hr 3 min

Launching to New Heights

Join us on this episode of The Life at AHEAD Podcast as we delve into the transformative journey of AHEAD's early-career development program - Launch AHEAD. We'll be interviewing accomplished individuals from various Launch classes who have thrived in their careers, ascending to senior positions or making successful pivots within the company. Our conversation begins by exploring the common challenge of imposter syndrome, as our guests candidly share their personal experiences and strategies for overcoming self-doubt. Discover how these individuals embraced their unique strengths, harnessed mentorship opportunities, and cultivated resilience to navigate their early career stages. Next, we dive into the areas where our guests experienced the most significant growth during their time in Launch AHEAD. From technical skills to leadership development, they reveal the invaluable lessons and pivotal moments that shaped their professional journeys. As the discussion unfolds, our guests impart valuable advice for aspiring tech professionals and new AHEAD employees. Whether you're breaking into the tech industry or starting your career at AHEAD, you'll gain insights on how to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape and make the most of the opportunities that come your way. Finally, we ask our guests to reflect on their experiences and share what they would tell their younger selves if they could turn back time. Their heartfelt and insightful responses offer a roadmap for personal and professional growth, reminding us of the importance of embracing challenges and staying true to ourselves. Tune in to this inspiring episode of The Life at AHEAD Podcast, where we uncover the transformative power of Launch AHEAD and learn from the journeys of those who have successfully navigated early career development.

February 2, 20241 hr 19 min

Inspiring Innovation Through Community

The pace of technology development is faster than ever. When technology is changing daily, how can you be innovative? And what does "innovation" actually mean? In this episode, we explore Josh Perkins' excitement for the groundbreaking technologies shaping our future as well as the profound impact his Communities of Excellence have had on AHEAD’s innovation and collaboration. We also speak with Community Leaders, Andy Sajous and Ian Cox, who provide insights into the lessons they’ve learned and how these communities are shaping the direction of the organization. Join us as we uncover the passion, vision, and collective intelligence driving innovation and propelling AHEAD into an exciting future.

December 28, 202348 min

Athletes in the Office

Join us in this episode as former college and Olympic athletes reveal their remarkable transitions from sports arenas to the corporate world. Delve into the dynamic relationship between sports and business as our guests recount transformative moments that shaped their athletic legacies and explore the invaluable lessons they learned in teamwork, dedication, and attitude.Gain firsthand insights into how these individuals have effectively applied the skills and values they developed during their athletic careers to excel in their professional lives. And discover how the camaraderie and triumphs from their athletic pasts continue to fuel their success in the corporate realm.Prepare for inspiring conversations that highlight the enduring impact of a life influenced by sports. Whether you're a former athlete or a professional seeking to leverage your experiences, this episode will motivate you to harness your own journey for triumphant career outcomes.

November 8, 20231 hr 0 min

Heart of AHEAD

In this captivating episode, we put a spotlight on AHEAD’s Total Rewards team, who work tirelessly to craft comprehensive benefits packages that truly care for our employees. Discover the driving forces behind the changes to our benefits and why they matter as we delve into the details of these innovative programs. You’ll also hear first-hand stories from AHEADians who have had their lives transformed for the better, thanks to our benefits. Get an inside look at the incredible people who make it all happen, providing a unique perspective on the true difference these programs make in our colleagues' lives. It’s a down-to-earth discussion about the perks that make AHEAD not just a workplace, but a great place to work. We’re exploring the perks that matter, the people who care, and the stories that inspire.

October 20, 202332 min

Living Our Values

AHEAD’s core values–Collaborate, Innovate, Drive, Serve, and Grow–are more than just words. They’re who we are, how we work, solve problems, and deal with conflict. By developing and practicing these values, our people inspire and accelerate impact. In this episode, we are joined by previous IMPACT Award Winners who have been recognized for demonstrating that values are not mere words but guiding principles. Learn how they embody our core values and why recognition is so important. We’re also joined by our Head of Talent Development and Employee Experience, who dives into our groundbreaking IMPACT Programs that are designed to inspire and accelerate impact. Whether you’re a seasoned AHEADian or an outside listener, this episode is full of insights. Join us for a conversation that illuminates the transformative power of values and recognition, and how they contribute to an impactful culture.

August 18, 202345 min

Stories of Impact

AHEAD’s vision, our vision, is to make an extraordinary impact on our industry, our clients, and each other. But what does it mean to make an impact? In this episode, we are joined by three remarkable employees who share how they’re making an extraordinary impact on their team, community, and clients. Nick Colyer, a leader who fosters a culture of continuous learning and empowers his team. Shea Allen, a senior recruiter who extends her impact beyond the workplace to support her local community. And Ian Hansen, a Service Account Manager who drives his commitment to making a positive impact on our clients with enthusiasm and purpose. Plus, we will discuss the importance of gratitude and the impact it has on those around us. Tune in and be inspired to embrace your own ability to make an impact!