Fisher Executive Education

In this episode of There's a Better Way, we sit down with Jim Fowler, Chief Technology Officer for Nationwide Insurance, to explore how one of the country's leading insurance providers integrates operational excellence into its core strategies. Jim shares insights into Nationwide's commitment to continuous improvement, innovative practices that drive success, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're an executive seeking to refine your organization's processes or a professional curious about how a Fortune 100 company achieves excellence at scale, this conversation offers invaluable takeaways. Tune in to discover best practices that can inspire change and elevate performance in your own organization.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are tools used to help make predictions and create efficiencies. Whether it's Amazon trying to predict what you might buy next, or Netflix suggesting your new favorite show, these tools are being used in everyday life, and across industries. In this episode, Professor Aravind Chandrasekaran is joined by Professor Nate Craig, associate professor at Fisher and expert in AI and Machine Learning. During the discussion, Nate explains the basics of AI, how it came to be, and some considerations when adopting or using these tools.

In this episode, Aravind Chandrasekaran sat down with Pascual Blanco, President of Magnanni Inc. and 2020 graduate of the Executive MBA program at Fisher College of Business. Pascual shares about his experience working with a family business, established in Spain in 1954, and how he's helped expand the brand into other markets including Europe and the United States.

In this episode, Aravind sits down with Jennifer Dauer, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. During the conversation Jennifer shares about her career path, from spending 26 years of her career in consumer goods with Procter and Gamble, to then shifting her transformational leadership efforts to healthcare, with Cincinnati Children's Hospital and now at Ohio State.

In this episode, Aravind sits down with Dr. Tim Pawlik, Executive MBA Alumnus and Chair of Department of Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. During the conversation Dr. Pawlik explains how he strives to be an agile leader and create organizations that are sustainable and successful, while adding value to his patients, hospital, and community.

In this episode, Aravind sits down with Professor Angus Fletcher, a pioneer of story science, which explores the neuroscience of how the narratives we tell ourselves can shift our performance, increasing creativity, curiosity, empathy, and other psychological skills. Angus was recently awarded the Public Service medal by the US Army for this new method for innovation, leadership, and resilience, by identifying a second part of your brain. This part of your brain doesn't run on data, it runs on stories.

In this episode, Aravind sits down with Scott Howell who recently stepped down as Chief Strategy Officer, US Pharmaceuticals at Novartis. Scott reflects on his time in industry, and the many lessons he learned about leadership and good decision making.

In this episode, Aravind Chandrasekaran sat down with Jana Lithgow, Executive Director for Undergraduate Programs at Fisher College of Business. Jana shares her journey from the financial world, to higher education student affairs, and how she aspires to not only positively impact the students she serves, but also the staff experience.

In this episode, Professor Jurriaan de Jong moderates a discussion with Professors Keely Croxton and John Gray, around managing supply chains post-pandemic, and how we can best prepare for future interruptions. This podcast was recorded during a live event, and questions are presented throughout the conversation from audience members.

Many of our Executive Education students find themselves in point of their careers where they may be making a transition, whether it's a transition of roles or a transition of industry. Anna Morris, associate director for executive education degree programs, sat down with three staff members from The James Comprehensive Cancer Center to discuss how they transitioned from using their operational excellence skills within industry to healthcare. Listen to hear how they have been able to not only successfully translate those skills, but also have a great impact on patient care.

Meredith Conder, Executive Director for Executive Education, sits down with Lori Kendall, senior lecturer at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, to discuss a new Executive Education program offering – The Graduate Certificate in IT Business Strategy – for which Dr. Kendall is the academic director. Learn how this unique and timely program is designed to shape IT leaders into transformational strategists who will lead their organizations into the future.

In this episode, Meredith Conder, Executive Director for Fisher College of Business Executive Education, sat down with John Hrusovsky, an organizational and information technology consultant with over 30 years of experience. Hrusovsky discusses how an ever-changing business landscape has heightened the Senior IT Professional's role within an organization and how John's vision for helping CIO's and Senior IT Consultant's advance and excel in their careers has come to fruition with the creation of the Graduate Certificate in IT Business Strategy.

In this episode, Meredith Conder, Executive Director for Fisher College of Business Executive Education, sat down with John Deane, a senior executive and board member with over 35 years of experience across industries ranging from retail to food service. Deane discusses the transformation of the IT industry and how current and upcoming IT leaders can use business strategy principles including data analytics and corporate finance, to be forward-looking and active contributors to the process of management.

Vice President of Culture, Engagement and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer for OhioHealth, Aisha Allen, joins us today to discuss her experience leading change management efforts within the diversity, equity and inclusion space. As part of Aisha's role within OhioHealth she not only addresses the strategy to be more inclusive as an organization at the leadership level, but also how they can address minority disparities within healthcare as a whole. Aisha is also a proud undergraduate and Executive MBA alumna of the Fisher College of Business.

Today, Laurie Spadaro, Director of Operations and Admissions, sat down with Inggrie Moore, senior consultant in lean automation at Fifth Third Bank and 2019 graduate of MBOE, and Dave Margil, a coach within the MBOE program. Every student in the program is assigned an experienced coach who works with them on their individual capstone project. Listen to learn how MBOE has made a difference in Inggrie's professional career, and how Dave helped her with her lean journey.

Sarah Duerr, senior assistant director for recruitment and admissions, sits down with Matt Davis, manager of public service at Accenture. Matt discusses why he chose to pursue his Specialized Master in Business Analytics, and how it's helped set him apart.

Laurie Spadaro, director of admission and operations for executive graduate programs, sat down with Aaron Friedman, a graduate from the Master of Business Operational Excellence Class of 2020. Since graduating, Aaron was hired at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams as Production Manager, where he oversees the supply and production of the ice cream bases. Aaron explains how he uses operational excellence principles in his day-to-day work, and even touches on the now famous Strawberry Pretzel Salad flavor release.

Anna Morris, Associate Director of Engagement, sat down with Ashley Donnini, EMBA Class of 2017, to hear why she chose to pursue her Executive MBA and how it's had an impact on her career. Since graduation, Ashley has started her own company, Lola Link Consulting, a boutique firm focused in the utility industry.

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE)program, sits down with Malak Abdel-Hadi, MBOE class of 2020. Malak serves as process improvement specialist for Safelite AutoGlass, a company that prioritizes process improvement. Hear how Malak switched companies and positions to best utilize her education.

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) program and class of 2016, sits down with Ryan VanNoy, MBOE class of 2020. Ryan is a veteran who currently serves as supervisor for the Maintenance Analysis and Funding Team at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Listen to hear why Ryan chose to go back to school and how it's impacted his career, as well as his personal life.

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Rahul Ponappa, MBOE class of 2020. Rahul serves as assistant director of dining services at The Ohio State University. Listen to hear how Rahul’s role had to pivot and adapt during 2020, and how he had the support of MBOE to help him through it all.

Today, Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Elizabeth Howe, MBOE class of 2020. Listen to how Elizabeth started a new role after graduation, serving as the first Director of Process Improvement for North American Dental Group.

Today, Sarah Duerr, senior assistant director for MBA recruitment and admissions, sits down with Patrick O’Connor, MBA class of 2020. Patrick is a pharmacy sales specialist with Baxter Healthcare and attended the Working Professional MBA program while he continued working full time.

Laurie Spadaro, Director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sat down with Terry Kayobotsi, technology analyst with Nationwide Insurance. Hear why Terry chose to pursue not only his MBOE but also an EMBA, and how his Fisher experience has had an impact in his professional career.

The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business offers two MBA programs for busy professionals, the Working Professional MBA and the Executive MBA. Listen to learn more about the differences, and similarities, between the two programs to find the best fit for your current situation.

Our prospective students are often concerned about managing their professional careers and their family life, in addition to going back to school. Julia Yontz, a 2020 graduate of the Executive MBA program, shares why she chose to pursue her Executive MBA while balancing work and growing her family simultaneously.

Physicians not only manage patient care, but more and more they are managing the healthcare system. Dr. Jarrett Heard, assistant clinical professor and fellowship director, sat down with Aravind to discuss the importance of combining business training with medical training and how the Executive Leadership in Business Fellowship in Anesthesiology at the Wexner Medical Center is aimed to do just that.

This week, Aravind sat down with Michael Fulton, adjunct professor at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and associate vice president of technology, strategy and innovation at Nationwide Insurance, to discuss the importance of digital transformation in organizations.

Today, Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with five alumni of the MBOE program who all work at JP Morgan Chase. Listen to how the program has had an impact in their various roles within the same company. This conversation was recorded during a live event and includes a few questions from participating audience members.

Today, Aravind Chandrasekaran, associate dean and academic director for the Executive MBA and Master of Business Operational Excellence programs sits down with Dr. Susan Moffatt-Bruce. Susan currently serves as chief executive officer at Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and is a practicing thoracic surgeon. Prior to her role in Canada, she served The Ohio State University Wexner Medical center in may roles including executive director and chief quality and patient safety officer. While at Ohio State, she opted to further her education and received her Master of Business Operational Excellence as well as her Executive MBA. This conversation was recorded during a live event and includes a few questions from participating audience members

Today, Dan Oglevee, Director of the Executive MBA program sits down with Trey Addison, co founder and managing partner of Nascent Group Holdings. Hear why Trey chose to pursue his EMBA and how it’s impacted his life since graduation. This conversation was recorded during a live event and includes a few questions from participating audience members.

Laurie Spadaro, Director of the Master of Business Operational excellence program sat down with MBOE alum, Linda Richmond. Linda is responsible for directing and developing Continuous Improvement and Operational excellence within the Western Area of The United States Postal Service. Learn why Linda opted for a degree in Operational Excellence and how her experience has helped her as an engineer with over 34 years of experience. This conversation was recorded during a live event and includes a few questions from participating audience members.

Today, Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Greg Linscott, MBOE class of 2019. Greg is general manager at Domtar Johnsonburg Mill. Listen to hear how the MBOE program has had an impact on his professional career in manufacturing.

This week, Joe Goodman sits down with Nicole Sintov, assistant professor of behavior, decision making and sustainability with Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources to discuss recycling behavior and how those behaviors impact supply chain and the cost of energy and waste. Is there a better way to help consumers recycle more? Listen to find out!

This week we have a special guest host, Dr. Joe Goodman, associate professor and chair for the Fisher College of Business Department of Marketing and Logistics. Professor Goodman sits down with Assistant Professor Grant Donnelly from Marketing and Logistics to discuss how credit card debt is on the rise and how there might be a better way to help consumers pay down their debt.

Today, Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence program sits down with Lois Bernhardt, MBOE class of 2019. Lois is a physical therapist and associate director of sports medicine and ambulatory rehabilitation at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Listen to hear how the MBOE program has had an impact on her professional career in healthcare.

When you’re engaged at work, you’re using a set of skills and cognitive resources and when you step away from work you engage in something that requires a different set of skills. This is incredibly beneficial and allows us to come back to the original task with a sense of recovery and engagement. This week, Aravind sat down with Tracy Dumas, associate professor of management and human resources at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business to discuss how our personal and professional lives interface with one another.

While the uncertainty of how COVID-19 will impact our world is still looming in the air, this much is clear; educational institutions must adapt. Dr. Joe Goodman, Chair of the Department of Marketing and Logistics, discusses how the great challenge of distance learning has brought unexpected insights and solutions.

First aired March 5, 2019, Aravind sat down with Dr. Susan Moffatt-Bruce, executive director of University Hospital and professor of surgery. Dr. Moffatt-Bruce shares her journey from clinician to senior-level administrator, and her advice to others who are looking to grow as an individual and as a leader.

Dr. Cynthia Turner, Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant Dean at Fisher College of Business, discusses the history of the Black community in America, the difference between equality and equity, and the need for action from both the individual and the institution in fighting against systemic racism.

Law professor and faculty member of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Dennis Hirsch, discusses the implications of poor corporate data ethics management for both the consumer and company.

Dr. Hanah Polotsky, physician and director of continuous improvement at Kasier Permanente group, joined Aravind to discuss a problem solving method for physician-led organizations called SOAP. Polotsky describes the subjective, objective, assessment, and plan aspects of SOAP, and how they lead to operational excellence within medical processes.

Partnering with workplace competitors seems counterintuitive, yet Lynn Kelley, PhD and retired continuous improvement professional, argues for the methods and effectiveness of turning competitors into collaborating teammates.

The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be indiscriminate against person and industry. Aravind recently sat down with Jason Reeder, aviation pilot and 2019 MBOE graduate. Jason explains how airline companies are adjusting to meet the flux in demand and attempting to minimize the spread of the virus aboard the aircrafts.

As Executive Director of the Fisher Leadership Initiative, Tim Judge sits down with Aravind to discuss leadership knowledge in a world where we are looking in all the wrong places. Judge explains the inherit skills and learned principles behind effective leadership.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented and unpredicted impact on economies around the world. This week, Dr. Keely Croxton, associate professor of logistics in the Department of Marketing and Logistics at The Ohio State University, discusses the effect this pandemic has had on downstream supply chains with manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers.

Entrepreneur and former Ohio State University and NFL football player, Anthony Schlegal, discusses the importance of relationships, foundational tools, and an "all gas and no brakes" mindset behind business. Schlegal explains how these principals contribute not only to his personal success, but make everyone in his business network a winner.

The Fisher College of Business strives to bring industry and academics together to move forward as one. One of the ways we do this is through our various outreach centers. This special edition included first-hand accounts regarding the Center for Operational Excellence's annual summit, Leading Through Excellence. For more information and to register, visit fisher.osu.edu/coe.

How do you deliver the highest-quality patient care while maintaining efficiency? Dr. David Cohn, physician and chief medical officer at The James Cancer Center at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, discusses best practices involved with designing, sustainable empathetical care. Cohn further explains how enrollment in Fisher's Executive MBA program is helping him understand how to build effective healthcare strategies.

This week, Aravind sits down with Michael Doss, former Ohio State and NFL football player, and recent MBOE graduate. Doss discusses his journey through sports, family, and education and places an emphasis on the importance of not only pressing on towards personal goals, but pushing others to pursue theirs as well.

This week, Dr. Bernadette Melnyk, vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer, and professor and dean of the College of Nursing at The Ohio State University, joins Aravind to discuss prioritizing health and wellness within an organization. Dr. Melnyk is recognized nationally and globally for both her clinical knowledge and her innovated approaches to a wide range of health care challenges. A frequent keynote speaker at national and international conferences, she has consulted with hundreds of healthcare systems and colleges worldwide on improving quality of care and patient outcomes by implementing and sustaining evidence-based practice.