Elevating Performance (HD)
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.
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.
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Episodes

May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
1 min
Join Mark Dronen as he recounts his extraordinary experience at the Indy 500, where he sat with racing legends and charted a path to bring the Grill and Chill to market. Discover how a chance meeting led to a naming rights deal with NASCAR and the challenges of aligning business strategies with supply chain realities.
Key Topics
Conversations with Indy 500 champions and the France family.
The transition from football season plans to racing season opportunities.
Lessons in supply chain management and strategic alignment.
Guest
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach serving as the Managing Director of 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 managing over 2,000 Azure resources, 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.
Chapters
00:00 From Racing Legends to Business Ventures01:00 Navigating Supply Chains and Market Strategies
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
May 19, 2025
1 min

May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
2 min
Join Mark Dronen as he takes you on a thrilling journey from Rockefeller Plaza to the Indy 500, sharing insights from collaborating with racing legends and launching innovative products like the Grill and Chill. Discover the art of balancing innovation with business strategy, and enjoy behind-the-scenes stories from the world of auto racing and entrepreneurship. Buckle up for a fun and insightful ride!
Key Topics
Collaboration with Indy 500 champions opened new marketing avenues
Cost effective promotion can significantly enhance brand visibility
Guest
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach serving as the Managing Director of 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 managing over 2,000 Azure resources, 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.
Timestamps
00:00 From Technology to Tailgating: A Journey Begins01:09 Innovating the Grill and Chill, the Ultimate Tailgating Experience02:43 Racing Legends and Market Strategies
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
May 19, 2025
2 min

May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025
4 min
From old-school boot camps to modern methods, the video explores the evolution of professional development. It highlights how traditional executive training program methods are now outdated. Discover new leadership skills and how career development can improve leadership.
Key Topics
Transition from traditional boot camps to real-time leadership development
Introduction to the College of Coaches, a community of executive coaches and industry leaders
The critical connection between leadership and sales in tech-driven businesses
Opportunities for collaboration and thought leadership
Guest
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach serving as the Managing Director of 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 managing over 2,000 Azure resources, 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.
Chapters
00:00 The Evolution of Leadership Development01:10 College of Coaches Ecosystem01:48 College of Coaches Membership Roles02:39 The College of Coaches Marketplace03:10 College of Coaches Network03:46 Join The College of Coaches
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
May 12, 2025
4 min

May 5, 2025
May 5, 2025
4 min
Navigating business challenges often requires strong leadership. 🤔 Discover how coaching can help in scaling a business and foster leadership development. These leadership skills are crucial for achieving business success. 💼
Key Points
The demand for experienced tech executives in today's market
Fragmented $14 billion executive coaching market
The power of collaboration in executive coaching
Maintaining professional networks post-retirement
Guest
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach serving as the Managing Director of 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 managing over 2,000 Azure resources, 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.
Timestamps
00:00 The Birth of the College of Coaches00:59 Business Case LDaaS in Tech-Driven Business02:20 Five Market Drivers For Executive Coaching04:16 Join the College of Coaches!
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
May 5, 2025
4 min

Apr 28, 2025
Apr 28, 2025
1 min
Join Mark Dronen as he introduces Elevator 321 and the College of Coaches. Discover how they help tech-driven businesses scale by bridging the gap between leadership and sales. Learn about Leadership Development as a Service (LDAS) and Sales Effectiveness Services, and how AI is used to enhance selling outcomes.
Key Topics
Leadership Development as a Service (LDaaS)
Sales Effectiveness Services
AI in Sales Strategy and Technology
Insights from the College of Coaches
Guest
Mark A. Dronen is a veteran entrepreneur and executive coach serving as the Managing Director of 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 managing over 2,000 Azure resources, 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.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Elevator 321 and our College of Coaches00:38 Bridging Leadership and Sales Performance01:47 Focus on Growth and Innovation
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
Apr 28, 2025
1 min

