In this inspiring episode, Elena Armijo speaks with tenor, producer, and creative entrepreneur Nathan Granner. With a career spanning 30 years, Nathan shares his path through the world of classical music, opera, film, and now, innovation at the intersection of technology and art. From humble beginnings in a small Iowa church to starring roles in Pulitzer Prize-winning productions and a bold leap into startup culture, his story is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep commitment to connection.

Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you.

Nathan and Elena explore the role of values in artistic innovation, the changing landscape of the opera world, and the surprising skills that transfer from stage to boardroom. With clarity and heart, Nathan shares personal stories of triumph and struggle, from finding belonging in music to confronting burnout, navigating leadership, and launching a startup that brings physical touch and value back into the music industry.

Nathan introduces his latest venture, Curiyo Embedded, a company redefining what a “record” can be by turning everyday objects into collectible, musical experiences that are tangible, protected, and artist-first. At the heart of his message is a call to lead with love and create in alignment with purpose.

This episode is a celebration of artistry, leadership, and innovation grounded in human connection. Whether you’re in the arts, in business, or in a season of personal transformation, there’s something here for you.

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Nathan Granner:

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn | IMDB | Bluesky | TikTok | Website

This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:

Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer

Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)

Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this special episode, Elena Armijo is joined by the love of her life, J. Aaron Boykin - a vocalist, song writer, actor, and producer whose creativity, depth, and heart shine in every space he enters. Their nine years together have been marked by a deep mutual witnessing: of growth, of dreams pursued, and of the quiet courage it takes to live a creative life with heart. Aaron’s artistry is rooted in authenticity and joy, with music as his first safe haven, a place where emotion could move freely when words fell short. Today, that same music continues to be his most powerful tool for healing, connection, and belonging. His story is one of resilience, self-expression, and the kind of leadership that flows from love.

Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you.

Elena and Aaron reflect on the role music plays in emotional safety, resilience, and leadership. From recording songs on a childhood tape recorder to performing on global stages and starring in national commercials, Aaron’s career is a testament to staying aligned with purpose. Whether writing feel-good R&B or standing firm in the face of online criticism, his grounding comes from knowing who he is and why he creates.

The episode also explores the challenges and beauty of creative partnerships. Aaron shares lessons from working with trusted collaborators, his perspective on feedback, and the importance of clarity in shared goals. His mantra: trust the process, stay open, and keep creating from a place of truth.

As Aaron steps into new ventures, including a forthcoming album and expanding his acting career, his focus remains clear: create art that invites others to feel seen, safe, and inspired.

This episode is an invitation to rediscover the power of creativity as a tool for connection and resilience. For anyone navigating growth, reinvention, or visibility, Aaron’s story is a reminder that joy and truth are not just artistic values - they are leadership ones.

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Want to hear more from Elena? Click here!

Learn more about The C-Suite Collective

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J.Aaron Boykin:

Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | IMDB | Spotify | AppleMusic | Website

This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:

Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer

Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)

Jo van Eeden, Project Manager

In this uplifting episode, Elena Armijo is joined by keynote speaker, podcast host, and beatbox entertainer Parker Kane. Known for his viral McDonald’s performance that reached over a billion views, Parker shares the deeply personal story behind that moment, and the emotional journey that led to it. From a low point of burnout and disconnection to finding renewed purpose through creativity and community, Parker’s path is a powerful reminder that small decisions can lead to life-altering change.

Check out Elena’s website to learn more about how she can support you in seeing and using the power that resides within you.

The conversation highlights the importance of presence, resilience, and self-expression during difficult times. Elena reflects on personal practices for nervous system regulation, from morning walks in nature to breathwork during moments of tension. Parker shares how rhythm and music helped him stay grounded, and how reconnecting with others - even through something as simple as a late-night meal - can reignite hope.

Elena and Parker unpack the impact of real connection in leadership and community, touching on mental health, authentic communication, and creative leadership. Parker’s mantra, “real over loud,” encourages leaders to listen deeply and lead from grounded presence rather than performance. The episode invites anyone facing burnout or stagnation to engage with life again, to interact instead of isolate.

This episode is a celebration of purpose, possibility, and the creative spark that lives in all of us. Whether you’re in a leadership role or simply navigating personal growth, it’s a reminder that presence, creativity, and trust in yourself can change everything.

Parker’s McDonald’s beatbox commercial

Let’s Get Social!

Want to hear more from Elena? Click here!

Learn more about The C-Suite Collective

Follow The C-Suite Collective on Instagram

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn

Parker Kane:

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Podcast

This podcast was produced by the following amazing team:

Alan Meaney, Audio Engineer

Aaron Boykin, Musician & Artist (Get updates about Aaron’s music via Instagram)

Jo van Eeden, Project Manager