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Elevating Performance (HD)

Elevating Performance (HD)

Written by: College of Coaches
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Explore tech-driven leadership and sales excellence on Elevating Performance, hosted by Mark A. Dronen—entrepreneur, coach, and transformation expert. We spotlight guests' bold leadership, sales triumphs, and innovations fueling business growth.

Episodes unpack visionary Founders, deal-closing pros, and industry disruptors in AI, cloud, and agile tech. Discover tactics for enterprise wins, mindset pivots, and exponential strategies through raw stories and actionable insights.

Copyright Elevator 321 LLC - 2025 All rights reserved.
Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The SMS Revolution You've Never Heard Of with Brian Stafford (EP 15, T1)
    Oct 27 2025

    Introducing Brian Stafford, CEO and co-founder of nativeMSG. Discover Brian's visionary impact in the digital messaging space, where his architectures have processed over a billion messages for top brands.

    Learn about his four U.S. utility patents, including pioneering work in Rich Communication Services (RCS), which is transforming traditional SMS into interactive experiences.

    Key Topics

    • Brian Stafford is a visionary in digital messaging
    • Brian's architected solutions have processed over one billion text and SMS messages
    • Brian holds four US utility patents

    Guest

    Brian Stafford is CEO and co-Founder of nativeMSG. Brian is a visionary leader in digital messaging whose innovative architectures have processed over a billion SMS messages for major global brands. Brian holds four US utility patents, pioneering Rich Communication Services (RCS) that transform traditional texting into interactive, app-like experiences for enhanced B2C interactions.

    nativeMsg, based in Chicago, specilizes in RCS Business Messaging, enabling businesses to create interactive and rich experiences directly within customers' SMS apps on Android and iOS devices. Their platform supports high-quality media like videos and images, quick-reply options, personalized user journeys, and seamless integrations with business systems for automated responses and efficient operations.

    Host

    Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.

    A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.

    About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches

    We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.

    #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #SalesEffectiveness #TechSales

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    1 min
  • Is AI Really Taking Our Jobs? (EP 19, T3, 1x1)
    Oct 20 2025

    Former Microsoft VP of Worldwide Learning, Laura Longcore, discusses the everyday integration of AI in our lives and addresses common fears about AI taking over jobs. She emphasizes that AI is a tool for augmenting human capabilities, particularly in sales, and highlights the importance of leveraging AI for productivity and customer insights.

    Key Topics

    • AI should be embraced as a tool, not feared
    • Sales can benefit significantly from AI augmentation
    • Understanding AI's role can alleviate job-related fears

    Guest

    Laura Longcore, is a retired Microsoft executive with nearly 25 years of experience at the company, where she held various leadership roles including Vice President of Worldwide Learning, Vice President of Data & AI, and positions in marketing, operations, product planning, and sales.

    A graduate of Illinois State University and a former Division I athlete, she has a strong passion for learning and skill development. Post-retirement, she continues to share insights on leadership, AI adoption, and company culture through podcasts and posts.

    Host

    Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.

    A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.

    About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches

    We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.

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    1 min
  • Can AI Make You Smarter at Work? (EP 19, T2, 1x1)
    Oct 20 2025

    Former Microsoft VP of Worldwide Learning, Laura Longcore, emphasizes the significance of lifelong learning motivation in today's professional landscape. To foster career development, it's crucial to focus on personal development and knowledge acquisition. Discover how strong leadership and engagement are essential.🚀 Key Topics

    • AI-driven learning targets individual strengths and weaknesses
    • Critical thinking and data analysis are crucial skills
    • AI personalizes the learning experience

    Guest

    Laura Longcore, is a retired Microsoft executive with nearly 25 years of experience at the company, where she held various leadership roles including Vice President of Worldwide Learning, Vice President of Data & AI, and positions in marketing, operations, product planning, and sales.

    A graduate of Illinois State University and a former Division I athlete, she has a strong passion for learning and skill development. Post-retirement, she continues to share insights on leadership, AI adoption, and company culture through podcasts and posts.

    Host

    Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach at Elevator 321, where he focuses on leadership development, sales effectiveness, and helping tech leaders scale their businesses. He has built multiple businesses from scratch, led major digital transformation programs including Microsoft's largest offshore initiative, and secured partnerships with brands like American Express, IBM and NASCAR.

    A graduate of Eastern Illinois University and recognized as its Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Dronen is also a two-time Entrepreneur of the Year awardee, inventor of multiple patents, and host of the Elevating Performance podcast.

    About Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches

    We’re about moving the needle for leaders of tech-driven business. We should talk. Reach us at Elevator321.com.

    Show More Show Less
    1 min
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