Beyond High Street

George Heath, 1990 Farmer School MBA graduate, talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about his pivot from graphic design to business, the impact of former dean James Robeson on him, and the sport he dreamed of going into as a pro.

On this episode of Beyond High Street, 1986 Farmer School graduate Francie Henry talks with FSB dean Jenny Darroch about meeting clients where they are, relationship building, and the class she wishes she'd have taken while at Miami.

2002 grad Steve Katzfey talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about how his college interests moved from paper science to marketing, the impact of his time in Luxembourg, and his Upham Hall deck memories.

In our first episode of 2023, Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch talks with 1989 accountancy graduate Michael Moses about his path into real estate finance, the advantages of early morning classes, and why Sunday night -- not Thursday -- was his favorite day of the week at Miami.

Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch talks with 1998 accountancy and finance graduate Shawn Manns-Collins about life as a student-athlete at Miami, the unexpected conversation that led her to get her MBA at Miami, and her thoughts on managing the family-work balance.

2017 Farmer School finance grad Will Grant talks with FSB dean Jenny Darroch about how caddying helped him get to Miami, being a morning person (sort of), and the opportunity students should search for during the winter term.

Suraj Maraboyina, 2001 Miami University graduate, talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about how he almost double majored in finance, the Miami students he's mentored who now work with him, and what's big in streaming movies these days.

2009 accountancy graduate Katie Binns talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about her time in Hong Kong, the impact of accountancy professor Brian Ballou, and the side effect of wearing a Miami sweatshirt to a coffee shop years ago.

On this episode of Beyond High Street, 2003 finance graduate Michelle Herrick talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about the importance of personal support networks, the key to work-life balance, and a summer class at the Middletown campus that changed her career path.

On this episode of Beyond High Street, Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch and 1982 Farmer School of Business accounting graduate Neal Restivo discuss the importance of diverse teams, giving back, and the family tradition he started at Miami University.

Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch chats with Wish CEO Vijay Talwar, a 1993 FSB masters of accountancy graduate, about coming to America, his work with Wish, and believing in second chances.

2018 Miami University graduate Charlie Dauch talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about how he ended up at Miami, what playing sports can teach you off the field, and the workings of the Cintas Management Training Program.

Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch talks with 1987 economics graduate (and 1998 master of economics graduate) Michelle Girard about what her lengthy job title actually means, using business as a force for good, and what she thinks will happen with inflation in the coming months.

2001 accountancy and finance graduate Alan Goldfarb talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about how a chance trip led him into investment banking, why he came to Miami, and the impact two professors had on his life.

Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch talks with 2004 graduate Lindsay Carlson about how she took an accountancy degree into investment banking, the importance of giving back, and being an early bird.

1989 Farmer School management alumni Laurie Schalow talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about navigating a food-borne illness crisis, how Chipotle's existing digital plan has helped it through the pandemic, and the one thing she regrets not doing while at Miami.

2004 Farmer School graduate Mark Rappaport tells FSB dean Jenny Darroch about the reasons he seeks "hills to run up," the importance of self awareness, and why you probably shouldn't schedule 8am meetings with him.

  In this episode, 2017 marketing graduate Mackenzie Powlette talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about the reason students should seek out certifications, why her days as a gymnast ended when she got to college, and the classes she wished she would have taken at FSB.

Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch chats with 1998 Farmer School graduate Whitt Butler about how he found a path to information systems through accountancy at FSB, the importance of culture in a company, and how he convinced his son to go to Miami after failing to convince his daughter.

Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch talks with Mark Wagenbrenner about how he ended up at Miami, the path he took into real estate, and the stunt his father pulled at a Miami football game back when Xavier came to Oxford.

Dawn Mullican (Finance, 1986) talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about finding out the hard way that banking wasn't for her, the impact that playing club sports at Miami has had, and how growing up in the South gave her trouble in Russian class.

Carly, a 2014 marketing graduate, talks about what she does on road trips to Oxford, working in sales, studying Chinese, and her experiences in cattle herding.  

FSB dean Jenny Darroch talks with 1992 graduate Trish Lukasik about her list of "I will never" statements that didn't stick, why she moved from finance to economics at Miami, and the nostalgia she feels when she returns to Oxford.

1985 accountancy graduate Lori Kaiser joins Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch to talk about how Kaiser Consulting was born, how to handle employees in a post-COVID working world, and the early days of Skippers.

In this episode, Brandon talks with Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch about how he didn't want to go to Miami when he was in high school, memories of Ultimate Frisbee, and why he's found that the "Miami network" is very real and very useful.

Worldpay Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Ferris discusses the impact of the coronavirus on business, coming back from her sabbatical, and her favorite order at Bagel and Deli.

Justin Sheperd, 1994 accountancy and finance graduate, talks with Jenny about his time at the Farmer School, the thing he regrets not doing while at Miami, and what he likes to do when he returns to Oxford.

Greg Roche, global president of robotics and technology at Zimmer Biomet talks about his career, his favorite class, and his very-loaded morning schedule when he started at Miami.

Mary Tehrani talks about her career so far, her time at the Farmer School and Miami University, and how she learned that Smart Cars and Oxford winters don't mix very well.

As Farmer School dean Jenny Darroch takes the helm of Beyond High Street, she talks with the man who made it all possible: David Schwab, who created 97 episodes with a variety of Farmer School and Miami University alumni over the last three years. Jenny and David talk about his time at Miami and his experiences since graduating. The Farmer School and Jenny thank David for his work, and look forward to continuing his legacy.

Big news ahead for Beyond High Street but before I share, please let me reminisce for a moment. When I started Beyond High Street three years ago, I set forth to find the commonality for Miamians and all of us that ventured through the cornfields into Oxford, beautiful Oxford. But I learned and gained so much more. I built new and deep friendships, created mentor and mentee experiences and even personally invested with a few of my guests. I’ve had the pleasure of talking to wrestlers, CEOs, authors, doctors, visionaries, actors, producers, journalists, sports executives and many others. Each have shared their personal tales of Miami and life since. I am humbled for each and every one of the conversations and time they spent to participate. Beginning Monday, Beyond High Street will have a new host (stay tuned) and I am honored to participate as a guest for the first time. Beyond High Street will continue on! Thank you so much for participating, listening, sharing and supporting this journey and the Miami community. See you all at Skipper’s for a pint real soon. #LoveAndHonor

Ryan Graves (former Uber CEO) and Adam Bain (former Twitter COO) join the Beyond High Street together as the first-ever guest duo. A brilliant conversation on how their careers have compared and contrasted, scaling businesses and the power of operational success, feeling comfortable being uncomfortable and a big stroll down memory lane in Oxford, OH and Miami University. Stay for the tips they provide to incoming college freshman and those early in their professional careers. Make sure to check out Graves’ Saltwater business and Bain’s 01 Advisors.

Chris Wittine is an agent in CAA’s digital media business representing some of the world’s best gamers, esports athletes and streamers. It’s a thoughtful discussion for students as Chris like many of his peers joined the workforce in a digital-first era. He gives tips to the students in Oxford about how to process what is next and steps to take forward. Hint: relationships are key. The gaming industry – play and competitive – is thriving yet still in the first inning. It’s worth watching Chris and others take this category into the future.

Mike Whan, the Commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), was a wonderful guest as we make our return to Beyond High Street after a hiatus. The conversation starts with a question I have been asking many – “what have you learned the most about yourself the past six months during COVID-19?” The conversation goes deeper into the value of mentorship (and who he still calls on weekly for guidance), balances comfort and challenge and how to embrace the undecided. He also credits many of his successes to the learnings from mistakes. I really enjoyed the part about how Mike and a Miami classmate created the London exchange program when he was a student in Oxford. To the students he says – “be adaptive, listen and continue to learn.”

Andrea Saia is a Miami University alum, member of the school’s Business Advisory Council and a must-listen. She has had a wealth of business success yet she credits the most important decision and job to her first at Proctor & Gamble – learning the consumer and satisfying the customer need. It’s this statement that has guided much of her career. We jump from business challenges (like a product recall as a company CEO) to the power of mentorship and paying forward. Andrea shares plenty of tips for college-age and others in the work force, especially about getting a job in sales or marketing to learn about the customer journey. Thank you Andrea for the time. Your continued commitment to Miami is fantastic and our conversation re-focused my attention to the customer journey. See you all at Skipper’s real soon.

Megan Fischer is the CEO and Founder at Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, a non-profit donating more than 175,000 diapers to needy families monthly (serving more than 3,500 babies). We have a great discussion about filtering out areas of “no-interest” to ultimately get you to the passions that drive your every day. From her Pre-Med major to Journalism and from textbook publishing work to non-profit, each of these paths had a reason for Megan, and that windy road narrowed especially during her second pregnancy. Five years into Sweet Cheeks and she is still the only full-time employee – it’s an incredible testament to her work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes. Please donate diapers here.

Eric Lange is a Critics Choice nominee (Escape at Dannemora), 20-year+ professional actor and he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Miami. He has appeared in dozens (and dozens) of television shows, feature films, Broadway and brand ads; most notably as villain Stuart Radzinksy in LOST and Erwin Sikowitz in Victorious (as my kids remind me often). Our conversation bounces from ‘learning how to learn’ and how he would spend time at Miami if he could do it all over again to understanding and capitalizing on knowing you are and the confidence that comes with. He remembers his time at Miami fondly and the program, peers and professors that helped guide his way. If you get a chance, read his 2015 Miami University College of Creative Arts commencement address here.

Kurt Donnell is a President of Freestar, one of the fastest growing private business in the States and a self-professed deal junkie. He comes from a full Miami family – parents, brother, sister and uncle. That’s right. All Miamians. As an accounting major, turned lawyer,  turned entrepreneur, Kurt credits his entrepreneurial spirit to growing up in Ohio and living in-and-around small business owners. We discuss curiosity and the thirst to learn; understanding customer service and how people are motivated; and the benefits of getting out of your comfort zone. He’s navigated a business career taking on challenges and focusing on his passions. He continues to thrive.

Kevyn Adams is the real deal and he has also come full circle in life. A Miami student-athlete and alum, a merger, Stanley Cup winner, business man and now, a father of a Miami student living in the same dorm he did 20+ years ago. As you’ll hear, the journey wasn’t straight and certainly not easy. But grit, perseverance, putting your work every day helped push him forward. You need to back it up and earn everything. They are more than mottos, they are a way of life that he learned as a student-athlete and hockey player at Miami. It’s a wide ranging pod from the impact Miami has on the NHL, to what he did when he had the Stanley Cup for a day to putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, learning and working with good people.

Spence Stiles oversees Stryker’s Joint Replacement, Trauma, Extremities and Spine business. But the title doesn’t do him justice. He is laser focused on helping people get healthier, developing leaders and giving back. We spend a lot of time in the pod talking about the power of Miami and what it meant to him personally and with the 70 plus alumni that are working today at Stryker. He is passionate about being fully present in what you do, taking risks and adventures, finding a passion and chasing what matters. I am thankful that our dear mutual friend and fellow Miami alum John Heinrichs connected the dots. The Miami network continues to thrive.

Katie Quinn is a video creator, host and soon to be Harper Collins published author….and as you hear in her own words, quite quirky.  She thinks there’s a story to be told everywhere, especially in the connection between food and people. Our conversation jumps from balancing her brain’s quirkiness and entrepreneurial spirit to figuring out what she wanted to do in life via a process of elimination. Her path from Miami to London isn’t a straight line but as you will hear, it’s with purpose and always advancing….including a side hustle internship that accelerated her career. As a creator, she shares her passion of building a community and how to take advantage of the digital age. And like many, she got her first job because of a Miami professor.

Johnny Sirpilla is a fast, new friend. His story from the days in the accountancy program at Miami and becoming a Miami Merger, to working for, running and ultimately selling and IPO’ing a business are fascinating, touching and meaningful. As he says in the conversation, life will be hard but it will be OK is not only a lesson for students but for himself and everyone listening (including me!). He shares the challenges and tragedies in detail but also how to recover and keep a positive outlook on family, community, life. His current business endeavor Encourage is centered around making a difference in the areas of healthy living, leadership and adoption. Words cannot describe the depth of the chat, so simply press play.

Maria Casey is the CEO and Founder of BUHO, the first sustainable e-commerce hub offering ethical, sustainable and vintage products for women, men, kids and home. She is a fascinating woman and a great storyteller. We swiftly move in the pod from starting a business at Miami to entering the peace corps in Bangladesh. We then jump to her time as a bartender in New York and how that job changed her life and business career. It's a can't miss episode (Maria is also the only person who has ever told me how working at Bagel n Deli helped shape how she thinks about business and puts it into practice).

Melissa Pawlowicz is a multi-talented commercial lead at the Kellogg Company. She has been with the business for nearly 17 years, gone through many roles and continually evolves, learns and thrives. We examine the differences between working for a brand and agency life, where she first began her career. Like many, the relationships from young-to-old have helped her succeed in life. We also explore the good 'ole days in Oxford and what the University means to Melissa.

Matt Kamienski, the Executive Director of The Presidents Cup, is now in countdown mode. The world’s greatest golfers will descend onto Melbourne, Australia at Royal Melbourne Country Club for the bi-annual event in December. Kamienski’s golf business career is twenty-years strong but little known fact, he started as a pre-med major at Miami. Relationships, mentors and learning guided him down the alt-path and he has been thriving ever since. The conversation details what it’s like to move his family around the world every few years, how he learns and the special time at Miami. He pays great tribute to Bill Davidge. Bill is a great man and a mentor of mine in Oxford too.

Marc Rubin is Dean of the Farmer Business School at Miami, and after 29 years educating students, retirement awaits next spring. We started our conversation by going back to the Fall of 1971 when he showed up on campus without any technology, not even an adding calculator (that happened two years later!). He shares a wonderful story about his mentor and former accountancy Dean Harry Lyle and how years after listening, learning and admiring him, he was the Dean and sitting at Harry’s old desk. Dean Rubin talks a lot of modeling, learning and the need to constantly learn (he does so via historical books). Thanks for helping all students at Miami prosper. Well done.  

My conversation with Brandon Smith, NOOMA co-Founder, took place as he was driving with his brother and two work colleagues in a car from Cleveland to Baltimore for a Natural Products Expo show. Exactly what entrepreneurs are doing every single day of the year. Really appreciated Miami University’s Director of External Relations and alum Nick Petraglia for connecting the dots and making the conversation happen. Brandon articulately explains the origin of NOOMA – an organic electrolyte drink and what it is going to take to win in the beverage game. He has incredible fortitude, dedication and a clear sense of direction….but as in all new businesses, not without some bumps. He explains the bumps and how he has overcome them. His story about staying up to 3am on this product while his hockey team had a game 7 the next day is…well….just perfect.

I love any podcast where the guest wants to take the Skippers’ Cheese Fries product and create an advertising campaign around it. And you know what? David DeMuth could do just that. He is the CEO of Doner Advertising, a world-class shop with 600+ employees. We talk about his first job in a grocery store and trying to guess what people would buy and why they would pick a brand over the other. That curiosity has stayed with him through his years at Miami and even today at Doner. He stresses the opportunity for those that embrace technology, and now more than ever, it gives the youth a competitive edge in the work force. And also how you have to adapt to change as everything in life is a work in progress.

Special guest on the pod today – Chipotle Mexican Grill CEO Brian Niccol (Chipotle now has more than 2,500 restaurants!). A rapid fire discussion on innovation, learning daily, mentorship and dealing with conflicts/problems. He takes us on a journey of finding an internship that led to his first job (P&G for 10 years) and the power of problem solving. We also talk about the balance of daily execution while thinking about long-term opportunities and change. Stay for the close where he talks about his second stop each time on campus (his first being Chipotle, of course).

Cam Cummins is co-Founder of Pivotal Growth Partners, Owner of inHOUSE Marketing and is quite simply, a great person. We have spent quite a bit of time together on Miami University’s Entrepreneurship Board and I learn something from Cam every time I see him. Today’s conversation stretches from the art-and-science of franchising to the power of Miamians in Chicago. We also touch on taking unpaved paths, and figuring out pain points in work and using them to your advantage. He credits the late Miami professor Doc O (Bruce Olson) as an inspiration to his success. Doc O forced Cam to be better and overachieve (and he did so for many of his students in Oxford!). Finally, Skipper’s gets some great shout outs in the pod as it was the physical location in which Cam made his decision to head out to Los Angeles for work immediately after graduation.

It is incredibly impressive to see what Austin Mace has managed to accomplish despite being just four years removed from his graduation at Miami. He is the Co-Founder and COO of Subvrsive, a  company developing exciting new ways to capture content across a variety of mediums. Like many guests on the pod, he identified something he was passionate about while at Miami and figured out a way to make it his career. For Austin, it was developing a new camera to shoot in VR-compatible 360°, which is the foundation of what Subvrsive does to this day. He serves as an Advisory Board Member at Miami’s College of Creative Arts, and was recently awarded the prestigious 18 of the Last 9 Award.