Podcasts about Alumnus

When Pablo Coello began his medical training, he noticed a persistent gap in healthcare: clinicians and administrators often weren't speaking the same language, and the result was inefficiency that directly affected patient care. That realization ultimately led him to pursue a dual MD/MBA through Baylor College of Medicine and Rice Business.Now an orthopedic surgery resident at UC Health, Pablo brings a dual perspective to medicine — one grounded in clinical practice and another shaped by business training. That combination allows him to think not only about individual patient outcomes, but also about system-wide decisions that affect hospitals and communities.In this episode of Owl Have You Know, hosted by Maya Pomroy '22, Pablo shares why more physicians need business fluency, how teamwork at Rice reshaped the way he practices medicine and what it means to look beyond the exam room to the health of an entire community.Episode Guide:00:00 Meet Pablo Coello01:14 Why Pursue an MBA Alongside an MD03:26 Early Path to Medicine04:13 Harvard Research Summers06:33 OR Inefficiencies Spark Change11:00 Inside the Rice MD MBA13:28 Biggest MBA Takeaways17:01 Advice for Med Students22:16 Defining Success Long Term25:33 Closing ThoughtsThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:Why a hospital is an entity in a community17:51: Medicine is so much more than just what you do in a clinic, in the OR, in the hospital in general. A hospital is an entity in a community. It's not just a place you go. I've noticed this even…especially now that I'm actively practicing and training. There are people that actively need your help. And if you broaden your skills, eventually your level of impact is not just going to be on a patient-to-patient basis. It's on a community as a whole. And that's why I got my MBA, and that's why I would argue as any med student in the Houston area, any med student in general that has access to a business school, especially one as good as Rice, in their backyard or anywhere close, should ideally, if it's financially possible and the timeline works out, get an MBA so that they can have that impact in their community eventually.Medicine is a team sport14:02: Medicine is a team sport. You hear that all the time because we interact with other teams all day, every day. As an orthopedic surgery resident, our field is very specialized. So as a result, we get called by a lot of people, and we have to also call a lot of other people to help us manage things that we simply do not know how to manage. And I think having learned what I learned in the MBA helped a lot in terms of managing a lot of different things at once, different voices, if you will, in the clinical setting, which I did not really expect, to tell you the truth. But it helped because I learned also to not rely on myself as much.On fixing the structures that fail patients08:53: The supportive structures around the OR and other clinical aspects are simply not where they should be; we are failing the patient, and we are doing that over and over and over and over again. And it's affecting the overall health of the community. It's affecting the overall opinion of the community on the healthcare system, and it's costing the hospital—whatever hospital—thousands of dollars a day, every day for eternity. So I'm not going to sit here and tell you that I got this MBA because I wanted to be like this knight in shining armor, and I was going to solve all the problems, because I'm not. That's unrealistic, and I get it. But I want to be part of the solution, if you will.Show Links: TranscriptGuest Profile:Pablo Coello | LinkedIn

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at common misconceptions surrounding community colleges and set the record straight on what today's two-year institutions truly offer. Ford addresses the long-standing myth that community colleges are a “second option” for students who cannot attend a four-year university, emphasizing instead the intentional choice many students make for affordability, accessibility, and quality. He also challenges the perception that community college faculty are less qualified, noting that many instructors hold advanced degrees and bring extensive real-world and academic experience -- often comparable to, or exceeding, their counterparts at four-year institutions. The conversation highlights how Northeast delivers the same foundational courses found at universities at a fraction of the cost, without sacrificing academic rigor. Ford explains that while community colleges are often associated with career and technical education, they also play a critical role in preparing students for seamless transfer to four-year institutions, all while helping students enter the workforce with significantly less debt. Student life is another area where misconceptions persist. Ford discusses the wide array of opportunities available at Northeast, from campus events and intramural sports to clubs and student organizations -- sometimes rivaling or even surpassing offerings at larger schools. He also underscores one of the biggest advantages of the community college experience: smaller class sizes and a more personalized learning environment, which continue to attract students seeking stronger faculty engagement and support. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how the challenges facing today's students have evolved dramatically over the past 40 years. With decades of experience in education, Ford reflects on how institutions like Northeast must now prepare students for a world that is constantly changing -- one that looks far different from the stable, predictable career paths of the past. From navigating rapid technological advancement to addressing digital misinformation and emerging social and ethical issues, today's educational landscape requires a broader, more adaptive approach. Ford also highlights the growing importance of teaching students how to live independently and responsibly in a fast-paced, digital-first society -- something that simply was not part of the conversation decades ago. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

A new and unique invention developed by a UL alumnus will aim to substantially improve the comfort of women during menopause. The MyCelsius band is essentially a wrist watch device which can detect a hot flush and cool an individual down by ten degrees in ten seconds. The product which is the brainchild of Aonghus O'Donovan and Maxime Kryvian is coming to the Irish Market next month. Aonghus has been speaking to Clare FM's Daragh Dolan and began by telling us the origin story of 'MyCelsius'. Photo (c) daizuoxin from Getty Images via Canva.com

In this eye-opening podcast, Fritz gives a behind-the-scenes look into how Wheaton, the so-called “Harvard of Christian schools,” really operates. Is this evangelical flagship college really living out its motto: “For Christ and His Kingdom”? Or are leaders seeking their own preservation and their own kingdom?

Professor Jonathan Miles' path to teaching organizational behavior at Rice Business is anything but conventional. Before entering academia, he earned a degree in computer science, worked in IT and even launched a comic book store — experiences that shaped his perspective on leadership, influence and human behavior.Today, Miles is known for challenging students to think differently about power, workplace dynamics and ethical decision-making. A co-adviser at the Virani Undergraduate School of Business and voted “Teacher of the Year” by our undergraduate business students, he has built courses that push both MBAs and undergraduates to confront uncomfortable truths about what it really takes to lead and succeed.In this episode, Miles joins host Maya Pomroy ‘22 to discuss why so many talented people struggle to advocate for themselves, what his comic book store taught him about entrepreneurship, and why influence is often misunderstood. He also shares his perspective on AI's growing impact on the workplace, the future of Rice Business and his hope for bringing undergrads and graduate students together in ways no business school has done before.Episode Guide:0:00  Introduction & Teacher of the Year Award2:29  Growing Up: Family, Influences, and Early Life4:40  The Winding Path: Journalism to Engineering to Computer Science7:40  The Value of Exploring Outside Your Major9:57  From IT to Teaching: Discovering a Calling15:56  Teaching Power & Influence at Rice17:55  The Biggest Misconception About Influence at Work22:15  Professionalism & Ethics: Why People Break Their Own Moral Frameworks25:04  AI in the Workplace: Hype, Risk, and the Road Ahead30:19  What Jon Hopes Students Take Away32:27  The Comic Book Store: Lessons in Entrepreneurship37:46  The Future of Rice Business & the New Building40:50  Closing and ConclusionThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:Why hard work alone won't get you promoted20:24: I find it interesting that, in the eight years I've been teaching it here at Rice, I don't think I've ever had a class where the majority of people in the class, when I talk about the things that hold them back from power, won't raise their hands and say, "Yeah, at least one of those affects me." And, you know, things like—we call it the just world hypothesis—the idea of like, oh, well, you know, merit exists, and if I do a really good job, I will rise in the organization because people will notice. And we talk about the fact that our research is pretty clear that that's not true. We have years of research on this that says your boss doesn't have any idea what you do, and your boss's boss certainly doesn't. And so this idea of you have to advocate for yourself, even though it doesn't feel great to you. Leaders vs. bad managers36:09: What I told my students is, "I'm not here to make you into great leaders. Some of you will be great leaders because you have that natural piece, and I'm going to teach you this, and if you follow and do this information, you'll become a great leader. But I guarantee you, if you just follow what I say, you won't be a bad manager. You won't be a bad leader." And I've had enough bad leaders over the years that my crusade is to get rid of them, to try and, try and teach people so that we don't have them. And I'm hoping that the people who come out of here with Rice MBAs, and even our Rice undergrad degrees, have the understanding of how to be a manager that does the right things.What Jonathan hopes for the future of Rice Business45:19: I hope that we can maintain doing that because we could provide our undergrads with a tremendous ability to get a great education, and one that they're not going to get in an undergrad program elsewhere, from people who really know what they're talking about and are good at teaching it.Show Links: TranscriptGuest Profile:Jonathan Miles | Rice BusinessJonathan Miles | LinkedIn

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how Northeast continues to maintain its close-knit, personal feel as higher education evolves. Ford discusses how students at Northeast are more than just a number, highlighting the importance of faculty who know their students by name, advisors who take a vested interest in individual success, and a Student Success Center that supports students through challenges. He explains how the college actively listens to the needs of the community and the workforce, adapting programs and training to meet those demands while still preserving a personalized student experience. The conversation also explores how Northeast tailors workforce training for both new and established employees, ensuring alignment with industry expectations. Inside the classroom, Ford emphasizes the value of traditional instruction, where faculty-led lectures and meaningful engagement help students fully understand their field of study -- so much so that they can confidently explain it to others. Balancing innovation and tradition remains a key focus, as Northeast works to meet workforce needs while maintaining small class sizes, accessible faculty, and a vibrant campus life. Ford underscores that the Northeast experience is built on personal connections -- not a one-size-fits-all approach, but one rooted in individual attention and community. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Bubba O'Neil is joined by Steve Milton to recap the first half of the Preseason Week 2 game against the Toronto Argonauts at Hamilton Stadium. They are joined by Alumnus of Distinction, Matt Bucknor.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how Northeast continues to create a lasting ripple effect by transforming lives and strengthening entire communities. Ford highlights the college's mission of blending tradition with innovation, emphasizing how Northeast moves the needle not only for students, but also for employees and the communities it serves. The conversation explores the college's commitment to excellence, creativity and forward-thinking initiatives, including its embrace of technology in the classroom and recognition as an Apple Distinguished institution. Listeners will also hear how strong instruction prepares students for success in today's active digital world, along with Northeast's leadership in workforce training and economic development through continued investment in the Workforce and Impact Center. Additional updates include enhancements like the Seth Pounds Auditorium and ongoing efforts centered on student success, employee success and high-quality instruction. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Following an upbringing as an expat in Jakarta, Indonesia, today's guest is applying his unique worldview to the management consulting industry and helping clients solve complex business challenges with digital solutions. David Aldrich, a Rice Business alum from the Professional MBA Class of 2015, serves on the Rice Business Alumni Association Board and is a practice lead at EPAM Systems, a management consulting firm where he focuses on energy and AI. David joins co-host Brian Jackson '21 to discuss his journey of growing up abroad and how the Rice MBA helped him pivot into consulting. They also explore how AI is reshaping the consulting industry and how Rice Business became not just his alma mater, but a lifelong community and support system. Episode Guide:00:00 Meet David Aldrich02:00 Growing up in Jakarta05:27 Landing in a Philosophy Major07:38 Venturing Into Startup Sales at FlightAware12:00 Pivoting to Consulting Through a Rice Professional MBA18:09 Life at EPAM Systems21:47 Finding Digital Solutions for Clients Through AI28:55 What Makes a Good Consultant31:36 The Ukraine War's Impact on EPAM37:09 Life Outside of Work39:38 Giving Back to Rice41:12 Alumni Breakfast Series42:59 Future of AI Consulting46:39 ClosingThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:An advice for students who want to get into consulting17:12: My advice to students that want to go into consulting is you need to get really good at the AI piece, right? Study right now and get proficient with tools like Anthropic, tools like, you know, ChatGPT's Codex, tools like, you know, Gemini's Nano Banana, and, like, PaperBanana, the new one that they just announced. You have to be proficient in this space and be certified in this space, too. Like, Claude just announced a certification program. You can go get certified as, like, an Anthropic Claude architect. It's free. You can do it. Like, these are things that I think you need to have on your resume to position yourself for value, regardless of what strategy you take. If you want to go into strategy consulting or Big Four or technology, having those new skills on how to create agent capabilities for clients is going to be the table stakes to separating yourself from, I think, other people who are also looking to go into consulting.Adapting to AI with caution26:15: I don't think you should stop AI adoption because of that potential, but I think it's important to understand that there's things that you can do right now to enhance productivity by using these tool sets. There's other things that require, I think, a little bit more due diligence, and is it the right decision to completely re-architect the way we work with agents? Because what's good for Anthropic and how they might not be the best thing for your company long term.What makes a good consultant29:10: A good consultant is not afraid to ask questions, to push clients, and, kind of, challenge thinking. I think there's an art to being able to do that without offending and pissing clients off, and understanding when you have the opportunity to, kind of, push hard to get clients thinking in a different way. I think the other key part is being able to be hungry for any opportunity and not scared to learn any new topic, right? Because the nature of consulting is that you're being thrown into a bunch of different businesses, and no matter how much you've worked in a specific industry or at, like, businesses, there's always going to be something new that they're doing, whether it's from a technology that they're using, a process that they're following, the nomenclature that they're using.Show Links: Learn more about EPAMTranscriptGuest Profile:David Aldrich | Rice BusinessDavid Aldrich | LinkedIn

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at the future of Northeast Mississippi Community College and what excites the veteran educator most about where the college is headed. As Ford reflects on a decade of leadership, he highlights how Northeast has moved the needle in key areas while building a culture rooted in purpose, innovation, and a deep commitment to students and the communities it serves. From being named an Apple Distinguished School twice to thoughtfully integrating technology into the classroom, Northeast continues to evolve while maintaining the essential role of faculty-led instruction in an increasingly digital world. Ford also discusses the college's strong emphasis on workforce training and career and technical education, ensuring students are equipped with the skills needed for meaningful employment in today's economy. He underscores the critical importance of programs like Associate Degree Nursing and Practical Nursing in supporting regional healthcare needs, while also sharing plans for enhancing fine arts through the renovation of the Seth Pounds Auditorium. With developments like the CTE Workforce Innovation Center in Corinth, Northeast is honoring its tradition while embracing innovation -- creating new opportunities for students and strengthening the future of the region. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at what piece of advice that President Ford would give to a student graduating from Northeast. Ford not only shares one piece of advice, but offers multiple insights to help graduates transition into the workforce or continue their education at a four-year college or university. He emphasizes that graduation is not the end of learning, but only the beginning, reminding students that growth continues every single day. Ford encourages graduates to keep showing up, noting that effort is never wasted — even when no one is watching. He highlights the importance of character and integrity as some of the most valuable assets a person can possess, while also stressing the need to remain humble and never forget those who helped along the way. Above all, Ford reminds students that they carry with them their experiences, resilience, and a powerful personal story that declares, “I made it. I am worthy of who I am and where I'm going.” Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Yan "Anthea" Zhang, the Fayez Sarofim Vanguard Chair of Strategic Management at Rice Business, has spent more than two decades researching the decisions that make or break organizations: CEO succession, corporate governance, and the gender dynamics shaping who rises to the top.On this special live episode, Zhang joins host Maya Pomroy '22 to share what her research reveals about the leap from functional roles to the C-suite, and why taking risks is non-negotiable for career advancement (especially for women). She also opens up about her origin story — from being part of the first-ever cohort at Nanjing University's business school to building a life and career in Houston — and why, after 25 years, Rice still feels like home.Plus: her latest research on AI-powered customer service, advice from her "Last Lecture" and how Rice Business Executive Education's Executive Leadership for Women program is giving women the tools and community to rise.Episode Guide:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro03:19 Professor Zhang's Origin Story05:09 Hong Kong and USC07:46 Why Rice Feels Different12:32 CEO Succession Insights17:45 Executive Leadership for Women Program19:04 Challenges Women Still Face24:54 Teaching Global Strategy30:06 Managing Uncertainty & Frameworks For Risk36:25 How AI is Transforming Online Sales38:47 Advice to Students The Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:On creating a safe space for women to grow in the workplace19:58: For people who want to move up the career ladder, we need mentors. But a lot of times, people in more senior positions are still men, right? So, that's why both male and female mentors are all important. Because there are still so few women in senior leadership positions, right? That's why if you only rely on more senior female leaders to champion for you, to mentor you, that's not sufficient. You really need mentoring from both male and female leaders. So, I think that is why one benefit of our program is that we really target women who already have some leadership experiences. We create a safe space for them to share their concerns, challenges, and also allow them to share best practices with each other in a safe space. So, we really needed that.Why asking is important for women17:15: [Anthea Zhang] Dare to ask, dare to take risks, dare to get into areas, functions you are not comfortable with, you are not familiar with, which are those factors that are really key. And you have to show your track record instead of saying, "I want to," having a plan or having ambition is not sufficient. You have to show the track record.Higher leadership role means greater responsibility14:35: For people who already made it to top management team positions but still focus on more function-based roles, if you want to make it to the overall leadership role like a CEO, you have to take profit and loss responsibility. You have to expand the responsibility of your position. You know, of course, we see some people transition from CFO to CEO, but what is required for a CEO position is way more, it is way broader than, like, the CFO or chief marketing officer. Show Links: Executive Leadership for Women | Rice BusinessEnergy Transition Strategy | Rice BusinessExecutive Education | Rice BusinessTranscriptGuest Profile:Professor Yan "Anthea" Zhang | Rice BusinessLinkedIn Profile

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at what President Ford sees—and what employees and students experience every day—that often goes unnoticed by those outside the college community. From the moment a student enrolls, Ford highlights the countless behind-the-scenes efforts dedicated to guiding them toward success, whether that path leads to a four-year university or directly into the workforce. Ford shares how Northeast takes a personal stake in every student, providing support at every step of the journey. He emphasizes the college's commitment to excellence through instruction by some of the nation's top educators and hands-on preparation led by industry professionals. Beyond the classroom, Ford also sheds light on the daily operations, services, and unseen work that collectively make Northeast one of the top community colleges in the nation. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how President Ford approaches moments when decisions need to be reconsidered or reversed. Ford shares how new evidence and data play a critical role in shaping his leadership, emphasizing the importance of staying open-minded and responsive. He discusses the value of clear communication when changes occur and highlights how students help inform his perspective on policies, trends, and the evolving needs of today's learners. Ford also reflects on the human side of leadership, noting how prolonged decisions can impact employee morale and why the feelings and concerns of faculty and staff must be considered. He underscores that changing course is not a weakness, but a strength—especially when it leads to better outcomes. By encouraging thoughtful reflection and a willingness to listen, Ford explains why leaders should avoid stubbornness and remain committed to doing what is right, even if it means revisiting past decisions. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

When Professor Yael Hochberg made the decision to come to Rice, she had a vision for building an entrepreneurship program like no other — it would be one for the modern era that would set the pace for entrepreneurship education going forward. Now, more than a decade later, Rice consistently ranks number one in the country for entrepreneurship and is leading the way in world-changing innovation through hubs like the Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Lilie), which offers experiential learning opportunities and co-curricular activities.In this episode, Professor Hochberg, head of the Rice Entrepreneurship Initiative and Lilie, joins co-host Brian Jackson '21 to discuss how she brought her vision for a modern entrepreneurship program to life at Rice, the incredible innovation that has come from Lilie over the last 10 years and what the future holds for entrepreneurship education in the age of AI. Episode Guide:00:00 Introduction to Professor Yael Hochberg00:37 Her “Accidental” Entrepreneurship Origins05:50 Why She Chose Rice & Her Vision for Better Entrepreneurship Education09:18 Inside the Liu Idea Lab16:22 Student Startup Wins19:53 Alumni Network Power22:59 Research-Driven Teaching 30:32 AI and Entrepreneurship35:02 What's Next for Lilie41:47 The Most Rewarding MomentsThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:On the entrepreneurial spirit at Rice39:31: [Brian Jackson] When I think about the entrepreneurial spirit that's present at Rice, I think a big driver pulling that in is the recognition we consistently get, be it Princeton Review ranking us as a, you know, the nation's top graduate school for entrepreneurship seven years in a row. When you think about that success, what do you think is the biggest driver behind it? What's making that possible?39:54: [Yael Hochberg] I think it's a combination of many things. It's our students, our amazing students who come in with the drive to create things. It's our alumni who are willing to stand behind us and support us. It's people like Frank Liu who were willing to see the resources that were necessary here on campus to, to truly support entrepreneurial ventures. It's the amazing staff and faculty at Lilie who, you know, give 90 to a hundred-hour weeks, 365 days a year to make sure that our students have the support that they need, that our faculty have the support that they need.Entrepreneurship can be taught if there's a drive04:43: People always ask me, what do you mean you can teach entrepreneurship? Why do you guys even bother with entrepreneurship programs? People are either born as entrepreneurs or they're not. They either have that entrepreneurial drive or they don't. I think there's something to that, and that it is true that I can't take someone without the drive and turn them into an entrepreneur. But I can take someone who has that latent drive and who is interested, and I can give them tools and frameworks that will help them be successful if they pursue entrepreneurship. I happen to be one of these people who has that drive. I like to build, I don't like sitting still. When I see problems, I don't like to simply say, “Hmm, that's really annoying.” I try to solve them.AI is changing how fast you can build and test ideas31:02: The tools that are available today really do change how you think about things, because the tools offer you an opportunity to build things faster than you could ever imagined before, to test things faster than you could ever imagined before. We have classes where nearly all of our classes are experiential. The students are actually building something. They're doing something, they're walking through the process, and they're getting it in the wraps, right? And it may be on something stupid like Uber for cats, I don't care. I want them to learn the process and actually go out and experience it. And when the right idea comes along, they'll already know how to actually do it.Show Links: The Liu Idea Lab for Innovation and EntrepreneurshipTranscriptGuest Profile:Yael Hochberg | Rice BusinessYael Hochberg's WebsiteYael Hochberg on LinkedIn

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how President Ford listens to the concerns of the students when making decisions for the campus. The veteran educator meets regularly with his student council to understand what students are wanting, needing, or worried about -- and many of those conversations have led directly to changes across campus. Ford discusses how student input has helped shape initiatives like the MakerSpace in the Eula Dees Memorial Library, the college's approach to mental health, textbook affordability, and enhanced campus safety. One major student suggestion, increased access to academic spaces, sparked the creation of a tutorial area in the Student Success Center and additional study rooms in the library. He also explains how student feedback on campus lighting contributed to new safety measures that make everyone feel more secure. Dr. Ford applauds the students for sharing their ideas and helping guide decisions that improve everyday life at Northeast. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Through the Australia Awards, Reymond Pepito developed a goal to return to the Philippines, and he established “Kabilin” as his reentry action plan for women-led businesses. How did his life change after studying in Melbourne? - Sa pamamagitan ng Australia Awards, nabuo ang layunin ni Reymond Pepito na magbalik sa Pilipinas, at itinayo niya ang "Kabilin" bilang reentry action plan para sa women-led businesses. Ano ang nagbago sa kanyang buhay matapos mag-aral sa Melbourne?

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at some of the decisions President Ford makes that have the greatest impact on the college community -- decisions that often go unseen but shape the daily experiences of students, faculty, and staff alike. Ford reflects on pivotal moments during the COVID-19 pandemic, when real-time decisions were necessary to keep the Northeast family safe, and how those experiences continue to influence his leadership today. Ford also shares insight into the ongoing process of policy development, strategic hiring, and cultivating the right team to keep the college running smoothly. Beyond campus, Ford discusses his growing role in networking and building strong relationships with four-year institutions, local industries, and state leaders -- all with the goal of helping students and employees thrive. Through it all, Ford emphasizes transparency and inclusion, ensuring that even the unseen decisions are made with the best interests of the Northeast community at heart. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In this bonus episode of the Unreal Results Podcast, Anna sits down with LTAP® Level 1 alum Nicole Bulow, a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine and pelvic health.Nicole shares her journey integrating LTAP® into her clinical practice and how it became the catalyst not only for improving patient outcomes but also for successfully rebuilding her business from scratch after relocating to a new town simply by delivering results that stand out in an industry often accustomed to slow or inconsistent progress.With 15+ years of experience and a strong background in manual therapy and pelvic health, Nicole was already a skilled clinician. But like many, she found herself hitting plateaus, repeating the same treatments, chasing symptoms, and knowing there was something deeper she was missing.This conversation explores what happens when you finally have a system that shows you where to start.They dive into: Why repeated treatments (like ankle mobility or soft tissue work) often signal you're missing the root cause  How LTAP® improves efficiency and helps clinicians get results faster  The connection between protective patterns, the nervous system, and chronic dysfunction  Integrating pelvic health, sports medicine, and whole-organism assessment  Why patients are willing to travel and pay when results actually stick  Using LTAP® to identify when something deeper or medical is going on  How better outcomes directly translate to business growth and sustainability Resources & LinksLearn more about LTAP® Level 1 (Spring Cohort) Connect with Nicole Bulow =================================================Watch the podcast on YouTube and subscribe!Join the MovementREV email list to stay up to date on the Unreal Results Podcast and MovementREV education. Be social and follow me:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

In this bonus episode of the Unreal Results Podcast, Anna sits down with LTAP® Level 1 alum Storm Baynes-Ryan, a physiotherapist based in rural New Zealand. This conversation offers a real-world look at what it means to practice from a whole-organism lens, especially in complex, resource-limited environments.Storm shares how she integrates the LTAP® (Locator Test Assessment Protocol®) across multiple settings, from community care and medical centers to her own in-person and online practice. Despite a full life running a farm, raising four children, and managing multiple jobs, she breaks down how she implemented the LTAP® in a way that was both realistic and transformative.They dive into: How LTAP® changed Storm's ability to quickly identify where to start treatment  Applying a whole-organism approach across diverse patient populations  Using LTAP® effectively in both in-person and virtual care  Why results should change quickly and what it means when they don't  How integrating the nervous system and viscera creates more consistent, lasting outcomes  The role of pattern recognition, clinical reasoning, and trusting the body's signals This episode is especially valuable for clinicians who feel like something is missing in their current model, those getting decent results, but not consistent ones.It's a grounded, honest conversation about clinical growth, navigating uncertainty, and what becomes possible when you truly learn how to listen to the body.Resources & Links Learn more about LTAP® Level 1 (Spring Cohort)  Connect with Storm Baynes-Ryan  Previous episode featuring Storm Learn the assessment protocol that shows you exactly where to start treatment. Get better outcomes in fewer sessions (often less than 3–5). Join the Spring 2026 cohortStop guessing. Stop chasing symptoms.The LTAP® is the catalyst that shifts you from a traditional biomechanical model to a whole-organism paradigm,  integrating the nervous system and viscera into every plan of care.=================================================Watch the podcast on YouTube and subscribe!Join the MovementREV email list to stay up to date on the Unreal Results Podcast and MovementREV education. Be social and follow me:Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Bob Dittmar has big goals for the Virani Undergraduate School of Business. As the school's associate dean and Houston Endowment Professor of Finance, he aims to increase Rice Business' national footprint, making it a household name for top-tier business education from coast to coast. Dittmar came to Rice in 2022 after teaching for nearly 20 years at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. He's taught finance courses across Rice Business' degree programs, including in the undergraduate and MBA programs.On this episode, Dittmar joins co-host Maya Pomroy '22 to share what sets the Virani Undergraduate School of Business apart from other undergraduate business programs — and his advice for prospective students who are trying to decide if Rice Business is the right fit for them. He also delves into his fascinating research on options and how to assess risk more clearly, especially when the signals aren't obvious.Episode Guide:00:00 Introduction to Associate Dean Bob Dittmar01:59 Early Influences and Academic Journey03:11 Discovering a Passion for Finance04:59 College Years and Mentorship08:55 Research on Options and Market Psychology16:05 Role as Associate Dean for the Virani Undergraduate School of Business18:05 Teaching Finance and Real-World Applications23:02 The Psychology of Investment Decisions25:54 Understanding Risk and Uncertainty29:35 AI's Role in Education and Work33:31 The Unique Culture of Rice University37:17 Future Vision for the Virani Undergraduate School of BusinessThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:Taking the Rice beyond Houston38:03: My goal at Virani is really largely to try to expand Rice's national footprint to some extent. So I think, you know, if you grew up in Houston, you know a lot about Rice, and you know, Rice is a great institution. Rice is a great institution and really hard to get into. Yeah, absolutely. You know, I mean, look, you know, our median student is, you know, in the right tail, basically, of most students across the country. But look, when I was growing up in Chicago, Rice really was not on my radar. There were a few liberal arts schools in the Midwest that I kind of thought about, but Rice never kind of came up. But I do think that Rice needs a little bit more visibility on the coasts. And that is especially important in business and finance in particular, where New York is so much the center of activity.How do you know if Rice is for you?41:01: If you want to be at a place that is truly collaborative, that has a rigorous education and provides opportunity and really cares about its students, then I think Rice is the right place for you. Think about Rice as a whole institution and how you feel on campus, and compare that to how you feel on the campuses of these other universities. And again, this is a little weird to say, because I am a finance guy. I am supposed to be cold and rational about all these things, but how you feel about these kinds of things, I think, is usually a pretty good indication of what actually is right for you and what is going to suit you.Why Rice is a special place to get your business degree34:29: At the business school at Rice, you get a lot of what I think makes Rice as an institution special. Which, you know, our students are a little quirkier maybe, but they are also a little nicer and less, you know, maybe not quite so cutthroat, I guess, maybe is what I would some ways, much more collaborative. And so I think that, combined with the fact that Rice has this STEM focus that it always has, so it is grounded in a really rigorous way of, kind of, approaching things, really combines together to make this a very special place to get your business degree.Show Links: TranscriptGuest Profile:Robert Dittmar | Rice BusinessProfessional WebsiteLinkedIn Profile

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at what the veteran educator would tell a student who is on the fence about coming to Northeast or debating college in general. Ford highlights what makes Northeast special -- from academics that challenge students in the classroom to experiences that prepare them for life beyond campus. Ford discusses how the college invests not only in students' education but in their personal and professional success. This episode explores the growing impact of the Tiger Apprenticeship Program, which has already helped more than 75 students connect with local businesses and industries - empowering them to gain real-world experience and earn while they learn. Ford also outlines how the Student Success Center serves as a cornerstone for student achievement through its three pillars: academic advising, student support and success, and counseling. Each plays a critical role in guiding students toward their goals, whether that means transferring to a four-year institution, entering the workforce, or completing a specialized certificate program. For Ford, education truly is for everyone. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Carson Bush recently graduated from BYU-Idaho with a degree in electrical engineering. After leaving the university he began to work on creating his own multiplayer arcade game that could connect people. Bush's arcade game, “Tank Tonk,” is hosted by various businesses around Rexburg and moves between them.

Quote:“If you know what you're doing, AI makes you faster. If you don't, it just makes you wrong faster.”–Louis HickmanIn this episode I'm joined by esteemed Psych Tech @ Work, Alumnus and AI research machine, Louis Hickman. Our incredible conversation taps into Louis' myriad research studies to unpack AI's direct impact on work, domain expertise, and talent assessment.And of course, this episode also marks the return of the now new and improved AI podcast co-host Mayda Tokens (2.0).Besides telling dumb jokes- Mayda's job is to remind us that AI isn't just a tool — it's becoming an active participant in how we think, question, and explore ideas.In the course of our conversation Mayda and I coax some PROFOUND take aways from our friend Louis as he shares the practical outcomes of his research:1. AI is not removing the need for expertise — it's making it more visible.Scaling intelligence is easy.Scaling judgment is not.The organizations that succeed won't be the ones that adopt AI the fastest.They'll be the ones that:* Understand what they're measuring* Use AI to enhance — not replace — that understanding'* Maintain control over how decisions are made2. AI allows us to scale both good science and bad measurementLouis pushes back on the idea that recent advances represent a fundamental shift in how we measure people. Instead, what we're seeing is:* Better models* Faster processing* More scalable systemsBut none of that replaces the need for valid, reliable, and job-relevant measurement.3. AI doesn't level the playing field — it often rewards those who already understand the game.One of the most interesting ideas in this episode is how AI interacts with individual differences in expertise.At a high level:* For simple tasks, AI helps novices perform closer to experts* For complex tasks, AI actually widens the gap- allowing experts to perform betterWhy?Because experts know how to ask better questions, recognize when AI is wrong, and refine its outputs—while novices often lack the ability to judge quality, diagnose errors, or course-correct when things go off track.4. Replicability in LLMs Is Possible — if you know how to set it up rightA major “wow” moment in Louis' research:By running the model locally on the same class of hardware, fixing the model and prompt, and turning off sampling/randomness in the settings, you can make the system produce the same output for the same input every time.5. AI should be used to scale decisions, but those decisions still need to be grounded in clearly defined constructsAt this point, AI adoption isn't optional—it's expected. Organizations are being pushed to move faster and scale, while vendors are rapidly building and deploying solutions, often without deep validation.The resolution isn't to slow down adoption—it's to ensure we add and maintaining rigor.6. AI makes it easy to scale assessment, but if the underlying design is weak, we're just scaling bad measurement faster.The resolution is to ensure what gets scaled is built on clear constructs, strong design, and validated measurement, so speed amplifies quality—not noise.7. Working with AI is no longer just about what you can do—it's about how effectively you can partner to make what you do better!The tension is clear: AI can accelerate work, but over-reliance without critical evaluation leads to lower quality, missed errors, and reduced trust.This shows up in real ways—unchecked outputs, declining attention to detail, and growing skepticism in collaborative work.The resolution is that AI doesn't replace accountability—users still need to apply judgment, review outputs, and take ownership of the final result.Tune in to get the full story on these profound revelations and hear Mayda's stand up comedy routine. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit charleshandler.substack.com

In this special sit-down interview from the TD Civic Centre in Brantford, Ontario, Brandon Caputo speaks with Brantford Bulldogs head coach and Buffalo Sabres alumnus Jay McKee on his coaching career so far, why he decided to go the coaching route, key to successful season with the top-seeded BFD Bulldogs with Championship aspirations for the second time in his tenure with OHL Playoffs set to begin, reflecting on his playing career and time in Buffalo, excitement with the Sabres resurgence, 2005-06 Conference Finals Alumni Night experience, Buffalo favourites and more!Brandon also speaks with Brantford Bulldogs Vice President and General Manager Spencer Hyman on the impact that McKee has had on all aspects of the organization, his legacy with sustainable success with the organization, and how he has managed so many new faces brought in this season; making them all work for the betterment of the group. SegmentsIntro: 0:00BFD HC/Sabres Alumnus Jay McKee: 01:14BFD VP/GM Spencer Hyman: 21:00Sabres Semantics is brought to you by Global Pet Foods' three Niagara Region locations in Fonthill, Niagara Falls and Scott Street in St. Catharines: https://globalpetfoods.com/Intro Songs Credit:Ivan from Guitar Logic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmy9KGCcfVAJoe Bucci: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5ZiMjXQDtY&t=1s== FOLLOW THE NETWORK ==X: https://x.com/ArmchairGMPodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@UCJUaG5QNg1jwQ5a_32rZs1QFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ArmchairGMsNetwork/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armchairgmsnetwork/Website: https://www.armchairgmsports.com/== ALSO AVAILABLE TO LISTEN TO ON ==Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/thearmchairgms​Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-armchair-gms-sports-network/id1462505333?uo=4Spotify: http://bit.ly/ArmchairGM​Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/f69c2372-97f9-4c0e-8d52-ade7d7591cd4/the-armchair-gm's-sports-network== FOLLOW US ON TWITTER == Brandon Caputo: https://x.com/BCaputo_AGMSabres Semantics: https://x.com/SabresSemantics

What are the stories we tell ourselves and each other about ourselves and each other and our place in the living web of life—and how do we shape them in service to Life?  This is the central question that animates Accidental Gods: the idea that we are a storied species, that humanity lives and breathes and loves and learns by the rich tapestry of stories that shape our lives.  Everything we do from picking a career to moving house, from finding our life's co-creator(s) to choosing what to have for lunch is underpinned by stories of who we are and how the world works.  Often, we take these stories so much for granted that we don't even recognise they are stories - we genuinely believe the world works like this.But then once in a while, someone comes along with such great heart and deep, compassionate fluency in the many layers of our myths that they can weave magic wild enough to turn the bus that is humanity from the edge of the cliff - or at the very least, they can help us imagine what it is to be something entirely other, with no bus and no cliff. This week's guest, Sam Crosby, is one such myth-weaver. Sam is founder of Recalling Fire, the oral storytelling practice bringing ancient courage to modern leadership challenges. Guided by the work of Dr Martin Shaw at the School of Myth, fellow of the Bio-Leadership Project, mentor for A Band of Brothers and Alumnus of the Dartington College of Arts, he works with individuals and organisations all around the world, helping us to weave, re-weave the stories of our lives. Of this process, he says, '…after sharing reverential space and stories with hundreds of people as an oral storyteller and hundreds of thousands more as a consultant for culture, I believe stories and careful word choice have what it takes to guide us further down.'This conversation was rich and deeply layered.  We explored Arthurian Legend (fwiw, I think A Sword at Sunset by Rosemary Sutcliff remains the best Arthurian book, though Mary Stewart's Crystal Cave trilogy was my introduction to the whole genre and while I could never bring myself to read the third book, the first two were stellar), through a story of choice and agency, through the nature of grief and gratitude, love, loss and death as a Rite of Passage to the nature of story in modern politics: everything was here in a truly generative long-hour's conversation.   Enjoy! LinksSign up here for Sam's next event in May https://www.recallingfire.com/tristan-and-isolde-2026This is the Substack article we were referring to https://recallingfire.substack.com/p/essay-mythocartographyand then:Recalling Fire websiteDrop the Map Podcast1-on-1 Guidance from SamBand of BrothersSam on LinkedInSam on BlueSky Sam on MastodonClarissa Pinkola EstesDanny Deerdorff MythSinger Project—About Accidental Gods—We offer three strands all rooted in the same soil, drawing from the same river: Accidental Gods, Dreaming Awake and the Thrutopia Writing Masterclass Our next Open Gathering offered as part of our Accidental Gods Programme is 'FALLING IN LOVE WITH LIFE' which will run on Sunday 17th May 2026 from 16:00 - 20:00 GMT - details are here. You don't have to be a member of Accidental Gods - but if you are, all Gatherings are half price.If you'd like to join us at Accidental Gods, this is the membership where we endeavour to help you to connect fully with the living web of life. If you'd like to train more deeply in the contemporary shamanic work at Dreaming Awake, you'll find us here. If you'd like to explore the recordings from our last Thrutopia Writing Masterclass, the details are hereManda and Louise both offer one-to-one Mentoring Calls.  Manda is fully booked just now, but if you'd like to contact Louise, details are here.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at the legislative priorities for Northeast and community colleges across the state of Mississippi. President Ford emphasizes that his top priority remains improving employee salaries, noting that faculty and staff have not seen raises in 4–5 years, even as the cost of living continues to rise each year. Ford also highlights the importance of workforce funding, explaining how fully supported workforce programs can power Mississippi's economy by preparing highly skilled workers for growing industries. Ford points to the pressing need for infrastructure improvements -- an estimated $100 million investment is required to modernize aging facilities statewide. Additionally, Ford addresses the critical demand for more healthcare professionals, sharing that with adequate funding, Mississippi's community colleges could graduate over 200 additional nurses each year. Currently, only about 60 percent of qualified applicants are accepted into nursing programs due to limited resources. If workforce initiatives were fully funded, another 1,500 skilled workers could enter Mississippi's workforce annually. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Notes and Links to Gaspare Randazzo's Work   Gaspare Randazzo is a NYC high school teacher in his 13th year in the classroom. When he's not in the classroom, you can find Gaspare doing Stand Up Comedy all around the country where he talks about his life as a teacher and his experiences dealing with students from all walks of life. In addition to stand up comedy and teaching, Gaspare recently starred in the Netflix show “The Trust” and co-hosts “The Social Studies Podcast” along with Joe Dombrowski. You can find him on all social media platforms at StandUpRandazzo. Gaspare Randazzo's Instagram   Gaspare's Website   Tickets for Gaspare's Shows   At about 1:35, Gaspare relates the incredible story of him buying an Egyptian sarcophagus  At about 7:50, Pete shouts out the connections between Gaspare and his AOL screen name At about 9:00, Gaspare talks about his early connections to the comedy world, some tangential  At about 10:15, Gaspare responds to Pete's questions about catalysts for his comedy career At about 12:00, Gaspare shares an anecdote about his first headlining show and how he stretched eight minutes of material into an hour of material   At about 14:50, Gaspare talks about how he is “just him[self]” on stage At about 15:45, Gaspare responds to Pete's question about the “clip culture” of contemporary comedy At about 16:30, Gaspare talks about “clean comedy” At about 17:55, Gaspare talks about connections between teaching and comedy, and his public persona making it necessary to be a good teacher  At about 19:00, Gaspare expands on his usage of costumes in his history classes At about 21:00, Gaspare responds to Pete's questions about privacy concerns and how he is “mindful” of not giving specifics  At about 22:00, Gaspare discusses his evolving classroom management over the years  At about 23:15, Gaspare reflects on the comment boards and positive and negative comments  At about 26:10, Gaspare lays out his weekend schedule that integrates family time and comedy At about 28:10, Gaspare talks about his time on Netflix's The Trust and lays out his early experience and the concept of the show  At about 31:00, Gaspare explains his mindset on the show  At about 32:30, Gaspare talks about the shared experience with his castmates  At about 33:25, Gaspare shares how the byzantine way he “resigned” from his teaching job in order to be on the show At about 35:15, Pete asks Gaspare about “go-to” jokes and lessons  At about 37:20, Gaspare cites about 92% of his audience being teachers and riffs on “translating” his comedy for non-teachers  At about 38:30: Rigor!      You can now subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, and leave me a five-star review. You can also ask for the podcast by name using Alexa, and find the pod on Stitcher, Spotify, and on Amazon Music. Follow Pete on IG, where he is @chillsatwillpodcast, or on Twitter, where he is @chillsatwillpo1. You can watch other episodes on YouTube-watch and subscribe to The Chills at Will Podcast Channel. Please subscribe to both the YouTube Channel and the podcast while you're checking out this episode.       Pete is very excited to have one or two podcast episodes per month featured on the website of Chicago Review of Books. The audio will be posted, along with a written interview culled from the audio. His conversation with Jeff Pearlman, a recent guest, is up now at Chicago Review.     Sign up now for The Chills at Will Podcast Patreon: it can be found at patreon.com/chillsatwillpodcastpeterriehl      Check out the page that describes the benefits of a Patreon membership, including cool swag and bonus episodes. Thanks in advance for supporting Pete's one-man show, DIY podcast and extensive reading, research, editing, and promoting to keep this independent podcast pumping out high-quality content!    This month's Patreon bonus episode features an exploration of formative and transformative writing for children, as Pete surveys wonderful writers on their own influences.    Pete has added a $1 a month tier for “Well-Wishers” and Cheerleaders of the Show.     This is a passion project, a DIY operation, and Pete would love for your help in promoting what he's convinced is a unique and spirited look at an often-ignored art form.    The intro song for The Chills at Will Podcast is “Wind Down” (Instrumental Version), and the other song played on this episode was “Hoops” (Instrumental)” by Matt Weidauer, and both songs are used through ArchesAudio.com.     Please tune in for Episode 331 with Davina Agudelo, a Colombian-American bilingual poet, writer and the founder of her independent publishing company, Alegría Publishing, which was created in 2020 to spotlight modern Latino/x stories and give a special opportunity for upcoming writers to have a platform to present their work.    The episode airs on March 19.    Please go to ceasefiretoday.org, and/or https://act.uscpr.org/a/letaidin to call your congresspeople and demand an end to the forced famine and destruction of Gaza and the Gazan people.        You can also donate at chuffed.org, World Central Kitchen, and so many more, and/or you can contact writer friend Ursula Villarreal-Moura directly or through Pete, as she has direct links with friends in Gaza.  

Most companies think they're customer-focused. Many are wrong.Vikas Mittal, the J. Hugh Liedtke Professor of Marketing at Rice Business and faculty director of the Center for Customer-Based Execution and Strategy, has spent his career helping CEOs, MBA students and others learn the difference between truly serving customers and simply appeasing them. In this episode, Vikas joins host Brian Jackson '21 to explain why so many corporate strategies fail: the buzzwords, shiny-object initiatives, and mission-statement retreats that produce 50 priorities and zero focus. He shows what it looks like when organizations commit to the one or two things that genuinely create customer value — and stay the course.He also shares how this approach comes to life through his Executive Education course, Strategic Growth Through Customer Focus, and the Center for Customer-Based Execution and Strategy, which produced a landmark report – interviewing over 3,000 customers to reveal what actually drives value across industries and what doesn't.Plus: his famous sneaker collection and why he thinks everyone should write with fountain pens.Episode Guide:00:00 Guest Introduction: Meet Professor Vikas Mittal01:21 From Family Business to PhD03:26 Why Most CEOs Don't Actually Know What Their Customers Want05:54 Trend Chasing and Misalignment11:28 The Science of Customer Focus17:45 Building The Center for Customer-Based Execution and Strategy21:20 Executives Unlearning Legacy Strategy32:29 How Colorful Sneakers Changed His Life40:52 Final Focus TakeawaysThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:Strategy is an ultimate dark art26:10: Strategy is the way it is done in companies. And I repeat this all the time, it's the ultimate dark art. Nobody knows why we are doing it, but everybody believes we have to do it just because my predecessor told me this is how we should do it. And you ask the predecessor, why are you doing it? Well, my predecessor told me this is how we do it. Right? And it's the ultimate dark art and people just keep doing it.Defining customer focus11:36: Customer focus means using science to figure out what creates value for customers, which is very different than just asking the customer what would you want? And believing that whatever the customer tells you is right and just doing it. When academic research calls the CEO01:40: Surprisingly, a lot of the work I ended up doing with CEOs and companies came from CEOs at different companies reading my research, published in academic journals, you know, which is completely the opposite of what a lot of people think, that if you publish in academic journals, people don't read it. I was blown away, how many times I got contacted by companies say, we've got such and such paper of yours, can you come and help us? Show Links: The Center for Customer-Based Execution & StrategyRice Business Executive EducationStrategic Growth Through Customer Focus ProgramThe Center for Customer-Based Execution & Strategy's Customer Value ReportGuest Profile:Vikas Mittal | Rice BusinessVikas Mittal | LinkedIn

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at the latest happenings across campus and beyond in this week's episode of TigerTalk. President Ford talks about the recent changes to the requirements for receiving the Presidential Scholarship at Northeast. In previous years, an ACT score of 30 was needed to become a Presidential Scholarship recipient. Now, with the updated criteria, students with an ACT score of 28 can receive full benefits of the scholarship. Valued at nearly $20,000 for two full years at one of the nation's top community colleges, the Presidential Scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and meals during a student's two years at Northeast (excluding summers). This change is part of Northeast's ongoing mission to remove barriers to higher education and expand opportunities for incoming students. Along with the Presidential Scholarship adjustment, the Vice President's Scholarship now requires an ACT score of just 24–27 to cover full tuition — another exciting move to help more students achieve their academic goals. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Junior Tovar is a BYU-Idaho alumnus from Bolivia, a musician and a global emcee for RootsTech 2026. Tovar's work included making promotional videos before the conference and conducting interviews with people during the conference for online Spanish attendees. The theme for RootsTech 2026 is ‘Together.'

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at some of the big projects that are happening around campus. Dr. Ford shares news about the long-awaited renovations to Seth Pounds Auditorium, which officially began during Spring Break as crews fenced off and marked the area for construction. One of the college's first buildings, Seth Pounds is being transformed into one of the top auditoriums in the region, with an expanded stage designed to accommodate an orchestra and will host cultural events for both the college and the community. Ford also discusses new developments at the Northeast at Corinth campus, including facility expansions that will support the Alcorn County School District with concurrent enrollment opportunities and the creation of an Aerospace Technician lab in partnership with Northrop Grumman. Additional Booneville campus improvements include updated entrance signage to better guide students and visitors while reinforcing the college's community presence. Recreational enhancements are also underway, as the college adds pickleball and volleyball lines to the tennis courts beside the Haney Union, giving students more options for on-campus activities. One of the most impactful projects, according to Ford, is the buildout of the Career Technical Building in the former Corinthian building off Highway 4 -- a development that will significantly expand health science programs, boost enrollment, and provide more space for career-technical training to help prepare local workers for tomorrow's jobs. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

In part two of this episode, TRP hosts Colleen Wilmington and Anthony Castillo continue their discussion on leadership, undersea warfare, and nuclear deterrence with NPS Hall of Fame alumnus retired U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil Haney. Insightful and plainly spoken, Haney's advice, empowered by 50+ years of distinguished public service, can be assimilated across the full spectrum of leadership.

Join Sean Macfarlane, Founder and CEO of Biomarx, for a raw look at the transition from academic research to high-stakes biotech entrepreneurship. A molecular and cellular biologist with a background in infectious diseases and automated platforms, Sean pivoted to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in medicine: lung cancer. In this episode, we explore the "why" and "how" of launching a startup before the MVP exists—navigating IP complications, securing pre-seed funding as a first-time founder, and leveraging the rapidly growing Irish tech ecosystem.

Over the past decade, Rice Business has scaled with intention.MBA enrollment has doubled. Faculty ranks have grown. New MBA formats have launched. The Virani Undergraduate School of Business was established. And a new building will open soon, designed to further fuel collaboration, research and innovation.In this conversation, Dean Peter Rodriguez reflects on the strategy behind that momentum — from championing the Online MBA to building one of the nation's strongest entrepreneurship ecosystems in the heart of Houston. He discusses AI's impact on business education, the evolving energy landscape, and the leadership lessons that come with guiding a school through rapid transformation, all while shaping the next chapter for Rice Business.Episode Guide:00:00 Meet Dean Peter Rodriguez01:20 Online MBA Origins and Vision for Growth07:50 Virtual Campus Advantage09:41 From Space Crunch to Expansion: Designing the New Building16:29 Launching the Virani Undergraduate School of Business21:51 AI and Business Education28:46 Dean Life and Daily Headwinds29:23 Why Rice Ranks High & Houston's Entrepreneurship Advantage36:32 What Deans Learn on the Job43:37 Next 50 Years Vision48:25 ClosingThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:On Rice MBA's Growth over the decade01:37: If there was one overarching theme of the last decade, I think growth is it. The question is always like, well, why growth? Or growth for what? And of course, clearly want growth for the good outcomes, and that good outcomes all start with pursuing the mission.We have a mission to create and disseminate knowledge at the vanguard of business and the business disciplines. And so that is what we really do. And when I was really looking at the job almost exactly 10 years ago and thinking about where Rice was and where it needed to be, one of the first conclusions that was easy to draw was that it needed to be about twice as big as it was, at least, you know, and, and it is not that growth is all good, but why would I say that? And the thinking was, you know, in order to advance that mission, we needed more tenure track faculty. And there the foundation on which more or less everything else proceeds.How does the Rice Business navigate AI? 22:19: On the basic part of our mission, which is delivering an education, we have to do two things. We have to prepare people to think really critically and to be able to assess them as individuals without this incredible, unprecedented tool. That is to say, what can Peter do of his own accord? What does he know? And then I have to train him very aggressively to make sure that with the tool, he is also highly capable, far more capable to do some things, and as capable as anybody in any university in the country is using the tool. So there's sort of almost sounds like martial arts mastery. You know, you have to sort of, wax on, wax off, you know, learn these sort of things that are apart from the tool, and then you are sort of empowered. That's where we are, is trying to do that.Houston loves risk takers30:59: Houston loves risk takers. It is part of the environment, it is part of a Texas thing too, but, you know, it is going to space, drilling out in the Permian Basin or deep in the ocean, putting in an artificial heart, whatever it is. I think there is a real admiration for trying hard things and picking yourself up if you fail and not being discouraged because things did not go right the first time.Show Links: Rice Business New Building PlansTranscriptGuest Profile:Peter Rodriguez | Rice BusinessLinkedIn 

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at what people often assume about community colleges and what President Ford wishes more people understood — that the quality of education at Northeast rivals, and often exceeds, that of a four-year university. Ford breaks down the rigorous standards required of Northeast instructors, noting that every faculty member holds at least a master's degree or higher in their field. The veteran educator shares how Northeast isn't simply a stepping stone, but a launching pad — whether students are preparing to transfer to a four-year university, land their dream job, or sharpen their workforce skills. Ford also highlights the value and affordability of a community college education, emphasizing that Northeast students receive strong academic support, graduate with less debt, and leave with the confidence to succeed. Listeners will hear how Northeast's smaller class sizes — often a 1-to-20 or 1-to-25 ratio — foster personalized instruction and how instructors take a genuine interest in helping students thrive both academically and personally. Ford discusses the extensive support system available to students and employees alike, noting that Northeast is the only community college in Mississippi with a Director of Employee Development. Beyond academics, Ford explains how students can take advantage of numerous extracurricular opportunities designed to build leadership and community engagement. He also touches on Northeast's statewide articulation agreements that simplify the transfer process to four-year colleges and universities. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at the “quiet wins” happening every day across campus — the successes that may not make the headlines but make a big difference for students and staff alike. Ford highlights the dedication of the Fine Arts division, where band staff spend countless hours recruiting new students and assisting with state-level evaluations. He also points to major improvements in campus operations, including the new online payment portal that makes viewing and paying bills easier and more convenient — with usage jumping from less than 10% to 50%. Behind the scenes, Ford notes ongoing efforts to streamline services in areas like the Counseling Center and Business Office, reducing long lines and saving students valuable time. He also celebrates the personalization of summer orientation, which now includes more individualized sessions where entire high school groups visit campus together. Students and families can complete every step in one visit — from applying and submitting financial aid to scheduling classes and meeting advisors — ensuring they leave fully prepared and ready to start their Northeast journey. Ford reminds listeners that while big achievements often grab attention, it's the daily and personal victories that truly define Northeast. From students who once doubted whether college was right for them to those achieving milestones in student life, every success matters. He also spotlights campus engagement activities like “Jump On Board” — featuring new video boards at football and basketball venues, a fun customized photo booth generating more than 306,000 views and over 1,200 likes on social media, plus student events such as game nights, cornhole tournaments, and lifeguard signups. Northeast's facilities continue to see improvements, too, with upcoming vanity updates in each White Hall dorm room. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Leveling up your game just got so much easier, thanks to the new cutting-edge technology from BeONE Sports — a startup that uses mobile motion-capture and AI to enhance athletic performance, prevent injuries, and support coaches and athletes at every level.Co-founded by former Division I athlete Scott Deans '22, the idea for BeONE started right here at Rice Business. Scott has loved sports since his days playing football, and through the EMBA program, he found a way to bring his passion and business acumen together.He joins co-host Brian Jackson '21 to discuss his early career journey through architecture, the 12 years he spent at bp and what ultimately led him to Rice Business. They also dive deep into the exciting technology being used at BeONE and how the company's partnership with Rice Athletics is helping student athletes optimize their performance and prevent injuries.Episode Guide:00:00 Introduction to Scott Deans and BeONE Sports01:02 Scott's Athletic Journey and Transition to Architecture05:55 From Architecture to Analytics at BP12:56 Pursuing an MBA at Rice University16:36 Founding BeONE Sports and Its Technology28:23 Partnerships and Applications of BeONE Sports37:44 Challenges and Advice for Entrepreneurs42:20 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:On building company your passionate about19:35: I sometimes imagine if I had chosen the other, one of the other companies, and I was like, there is no way I would be here after four years, grinding through the trenches, as they say, on something that did not matter to me. So, yeah, I think that is a huge, huge point in any entrepreneurial journey, that it has to matter to you; otherwise, you are not willing to compromise and go through all the pain in order to make it successful.How the Rice program helped Scott build his business28:30: So another big piece of the program at Rice was really focused on, like, building a team. And I have been a coach for a long time. I have been part of teams and built teams, so teams are, in my opinion, the linchpin, really the basis for product and a business and all those things. But part of that process is everybody's recognizing what they are good at and what they are not good at, and then where you have gaps. You need to find people who are strong in those areas. So, recognize really quickly the areas that I am not strong at and, Jason, basically from a business side and many other sides, filled those perfectly.The importance of asking better questions09:55: Always try to ask better questions, and this has been a mantra of mine since I was a little kid. I think. Because, you know, there are always going to be answers. You can always find a solution. But is the solution the right one? And is there a better question we could be asking to, you know, a lot of rework or pivoting and changing. And so it creates a mindset of constant flux, like you are in constant change. And that is not an easy mindset for many people.Show Links: BeONE Sports “Rice partners with BeONE Sports to transform athlete performance with AI technology” | Rice BusinessTranscriptGuest Profile:Scott Deans | LinkedIn

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at what continues to motivate Dr. Ford to make Northeast bigger and better each year. Reflecting on his many years at the college, Ford shares how he's developed a deep sense of ownership and pride in the institution and its mission. His passion stems from a clear goal — to uplift a diverse student body by ensuring success across every area of campus life. Ford explains how Northeast's strength lies in its comprehensive approach to education, from academic transfer degrees (AA) to career and technical (AAS), workforce training, and adult education programs. Each initiative is designed to help students reach their potential and prepare for the future. He also highlights Northeast's commitment to remaining an inclusive institution of higher learning, where every student feels supported and valued on their educational journey. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Class of 2013's Brent Rooker has some special titles: two-time MLB All-Star, MLB Silver Slugger Award, National and SEC Baseball Player of the Year (2017), etc. However, Christ-follower, husband and father are titles he cherishes the most. In this episode, he recaps what he shared with students in chapel about being a gospel-driven man and how that guides him in leading his family well. He also shares how his faith helped him persevere through challenges to ascend to the high level he is performing at today.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at what every new student should know before stepping onto campus for the first time. Ford reflects on how it's perfectly normal to feel nervous or unsure on that first day — especially for first-generation students or adults returning to school. He reminds listeners that there are no bad questions and encourages everyone to reach out, ask for help, and take advantage of the many resources available at Northeast. Ford also shares valuable advice for managing the pace of college life, emphasizing that education isn't a race. Instead, students should take time to adjust, choose a manageable course load, and focus on progress rather than perfection. By slowing down, connecting with faculty and staff, and using available support services, students can build a strong foundation for long-term success at Northeast and beyond. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Not every job will feel like the perfect fit, but for David Verbitsky '10, every new position is an important stepping stone in your career, and an opportunity to learn and grow. When David wanted to pivot his career from engineering to finance, the path led him straight to an MBA at Rice Business. His experience at Rice spring boarded him into a career in investment banking with a special focus on agriculture and food. Over the past 15 years, he's worked as the global head of agriculture and nutrition investment banking at Goldman Sachs, as the global head of AgTech and sustainable food investment banking at Nomura Greentech, and as a member of the global chemicals and agriculture investment banking team at Barclays.Now, David is applying all of his industry expertise to his own investment banking firm, Verbitsky Capital. In this episode, he chats with co-host Maya Pomroy '22 about how Rice Business prepared him for a successful career in finance, what he learned through every job change and where he thinks innovation in the agriculture sector is heading next.Episode Guide:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:59 David's Early Career in Engineering03:06 Transition to Business School and Finance06:09 Investment Banking Journey08:59 Shift to Agriculture Sector18:20 Navigating the VC Fund Experience21:30 Exciting Deals in AgTech23:24 Challenges and Lessons Learned29:44 Building and Leading a Team with Verbitsky Capital31:37 Future of AgTech34:35 Career Advice and Final ThoughtsThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:The importance of judgement in every leader31:19: [Maya Pomroy]: What do you look for in leaders?31:26: [David Verbitsky] I do not really know if you can quantify or measure it, but it is judgment. The only way you can really see that is seeing people in action, right? It is seeing, okay, when you are in a difficult situation, or maybe it is not even difficult, but when you have to make decisions. And take responsibility for things. And some of it is, could be very easy, like simple things who just, we are in the middle of a deal and you gotta just decide on what, how you move forward. Right. How do you take decisions? How do you move forward? How do you take accountability? How do you, in certain circumstances, decide not to do something? Which is probably more important in many different ways.On networking and constant learning36:16: [Maya Pomroy]:What would you say to someone that is sort of considering maybe an MBA to really pivot their own career.36:25: [David Verbitsky]  So first and foremost, I would say it is all about relationships. And her ability to, to maintain them. Right. That, that is part networking, but it is also just part effort of just people you already do know. Maintaining those relationships. Do you think that is first and foremost is the most important thing? Do not burn any bridges. Right? Keep them, keep them all active and then building off of that just sees opportunities when they present themselves, be open to things. Because they might be the wrong choice, but. You should learn something from every new step you take.From missteps to momentum37:04: Going to Goldman Sachs and switching a hundred percent into agriculture was a big opportunity, which I was like, I do not know, but let us try it out. Right? Those things worked out incredibly well. And then I had a bunch of missteps of like trying, trying to go and do startup or VC fund that just was not the right fit, or go into a place that was good for a while, then was not, and then just, it leads you here. So like. Realize when an opportunity presents itself and do not be afraid to take it. Which is the right piece of advice. Just be aware and realize this is an opportunity. Maybe it is not the right one, but be, I think, very mindful.Show Links: TranscriptGuest Profile:David Verbitsky | LinkedInVerbitsky Capital

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how Northeast ensures students are truly learning, growing, and preparing for the next step — not just attending class. Ford explains the college's philosophy of helping students succeed in whatever path they choose, whether transferring to a four-year university or entering the workforce. He emphasizes that asking questions and seeking help are key parts of the learning process, and that Northeast's Student Success Center plays a vital role in that journey. By offering personalized support and guidance, the college works to make sure every student leaves with the tools, confidence, and education needed to achieve their goals beyond the classroom. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how Northeast ensures students are truly learning, growing, and preparing for the next step — not just attending class. Ford explains the college's philosophy of helping students succeed in whatever path they choose, whether transferring to a four-year university or entering the workforce. Ford emphasizes that asking questions and seeking help are key parts of the learning process, and that Northeast's Student Success Center plays a vital role in that journey. By offering personalized support and guidance, the college works to make sure every student leaves with the tools, confidence, and education needed to achieve their goals beyond the classroom. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

When it comes to working in military intelligence, strong leadership skills and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure are key. Just as important to a mission's success is being a good team player.Those were the lessons and skills Chris Stillwell '24 carried into his two career pivots after his time working as a military intelligence officer for the U.S. Army. His first pivot landed him a role at Kearney in Dubai focusing on M&A integration and strategy consulting. Chris then decided to pursue an MBA at Rice Business to sharpen his financial skills and pivot once again into the world of investment banking. Now an investment banking associate at Bank of America, Chris joins co-host Brian Jackson '21 to discuss his military experience, why he chose Rice, how the program helped him make a major career transition, and his advice to those considering an MBA to pursue new career opportunities. Episode Guide:00:00 Introduction to Chris Stillwell01:03 Military Intelligence: Separating Fact From Fiction02:15 Roles and Responsibilities in the Army03:08 Leadership and Decision Making in High-Pressure Situations08:07 From Military to Consulting09:49 Living Abroad: Challenges and Cultural Insights15:02 Transitioning to an MBA at Rice University18:13 Involvement and Networking at Rice20:56 Entering Investment Banking: Preparation and Challenges25:37 Day-to-Day in Investment Banking28:46 Advice for Career Pivoters and VeteransThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:The moment Chris realized that Rice gave him an edge over his peers[20:48] Brian: Going into investment banking, was there, like, now an elevated sense of confidence of, Okay, I've done this before; I'll do it again?[20:56] Chris: Maybe some blind confidence sometimes. Yeah, you could even ask my parents. I went home for like four days for the Christmas break the year I was recruiting. And I was studying flashcards with my mom of all the IB 400 questions. And I was like, “I'm not going to get a job. You know, like all these people around me are much smarter than me. There's a really—we've got a really talented pool of candidates that are recruiting this year.” But you know, I felt like at the end of the day, the Finance Association and Rice, just the classes I took, really prepared me to understand the basics of finance, the basics that are expected of the interview process. And then, going forward, I saw when I started as an intern at the bank, I went to New York for a week…We were training with all these people from all these different schools, going to all these different groups in the bank, and some people didn't even know what a DCF was or didn't know how to do it that well, I should say. We were doing some practice problems, and I was like, “Wow, we're actually far ahead of a lot of these other schools and people.” So that was kind of good to see that Rice really put an effort into training us up. What Chris learned about leadership through three career pivots[30:15] There are certain people who can be leaders and are very good at being leaders. But being a good leader in the military might not translate to being a good leader at banking. And a lot of times you actually see that, or you see military officers leave the military and go into the corporate world and not be as successful. Because I really think you do need to tailor your leadership style to the one the industry you're working in, and two, the people you're working with, you know, different ways of operating motivate people differently. Like in the military, you could yell at somebody and hold them to a higher standard and maybe they'll do it. But if you yelled at somebody like, you know, a marketing job, they probably would shut down and that'd be the end of it. It really doesn't work the same. The leadership style is something that you have to adjust to the area you're working in.On how his military experience strengthened his teamwork skills[04:03] In the military, you are a leader, but you learn how to be a good follower as well. And I think what you do with that is that you are able to have great teamwork. You're able, like in my current job now, I have an analyst underneath me, but I have people like VPs and MDs above me and I can understand what their intent is and what we need to get accomplished in our day-to-day job, but also articulate to the people below me, Hey, this is the intent and this is how we do it. So it's kind of been very helpful in those soft skills.On how Rice gave him the academic foundation he needed[16:49] My reasons for going to Rice were great, but once I got there, I appreciated it a lot more. I really got exposed to, I mean, I was looking for some things like smaller classrooms for example. Like a lot of people we hire from Kearney were from Yale or HBS, and their class size was like a thousand people. And maybe you didn't have a lot of rigor in terms of academics. I think Rice, especially in the first term, really forces you to go to classes to do your homework, to learn the materials. And that was attractive to me as well, because I didn't come from a finance background at all. So I didn't even know what a DCF was before I came to Rice. So I was very grateful at that, you know, getting to Rice and realizing that it was such a good platform to be integrated into.Show Links: TranscriptGuest Profile:Chris Stillwell | LinkedIn

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at what students should consider when deciding if college is the right path for them. Ford acknowledges that while college may not be for everyone, education certainly is. He discusses how Northeast offers multiple opportunities and levels of support to help individuals find their best pathway — whether that leads directly into a degree program, a career and technical education field, or skilled workforce training. Ford also talks about how these pathways often begin long before high school graduation, and how the college works closely with students, parents, and educators to help them make informed decisions about their futures. By focusing on personalized guidance and real-world opportunities, Northeast continues to ensure that every learner has a chance to succeed — no matter which direction they choose. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

Northeast Mississippi Community College President Dr. Ricky G. Ford and Marketing and Public Relations Specialist Liz Calvery look at how Northeast is building a campus culture where it's okay to ask for help — whether that help involves academics or mental health. Ford discusses how college life can sometimes feel overwhelming and how Northeast is working to ensure that mental health is treated with the same importance as academic success. Ford emphasizes that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and reminds listeners that there are multiple ways for students and employees alike to access the support they need. Ford highlights the college's counseling and resource programs as part of an overall success plan and shares how employees are trained to recognize signs of distress so they can connect individuals with the right resources. Together, these efforts reflect Northeast's continuing dedication to caring for the whole person — academically, emotionally, and socially. Plus, get the latest updates on athletics, academics, workforce development, and all the incredible things happening at one of the nation's premier community colleges.

As a first-generation American from Saudi Arabia, Rzan Yunus '17 learned from an early age what ambition and perseverance can lead to. She credits her immigrant father's determination to build a successful career and life for his family in the U.S. as inspiration for her own strong work ethic and drive. It was that drive that led her first to a career in insurance at American International Group (AIG), and eventually all the way to Rice Business. Since pivoting from insurance into consulting, Rzan has put her Rice MBA to use as a senior director at Alvarez & Marsal, where she's helping companies solve tough problems. Rzan chats with co-host Brian Jackson '21 about how her father's pursuit of the American dream inspired her, the critical skills she picked up at AIG, why she was drawn to the Professional MBA program and how her experience at Rice has left a mark on her forever. Episode Guide:00:00 Introduction to Rzan Yunus01:00 Early Life and Family Influence05:39 Career Beginnings at AIG09:40 Pursuing an MBA at Rice18:28 Transition to Consulting23:07 Current Role and Consulting Insights35:40 Balancing Career and Personal Life39:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe Owl Have You Know Podcast is a production of Rice Business and is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:Finding community, support, and belonging at Rice[12:32] When you learn entrepreneurship, you learn to hustle. You learn to think like an owner, or take  accountability to be resourceful, to drive results. I really appreciated Rice's pathways with other organizations and other companies, particularly consulting. I knew I wanted to explore that eventually and knew that they recruit based on certain programs. And then my favorite thing about Rice, and when I went and visited, is the team and peer atmosphere. You know, you spend so much time at work, but you also spend so much time in this program. And the people that I met and the camaraderie and the collaboration and the fact that you rarely ever achieve anything alone in life. I really wanted to be surrounded with people that were smart and hardworking and capable and collaborative and supportive. Very similar to the support system that I think everybody needs in life to be successful.Why the MBA program was an important investment in Rzan's future.[16:17] My two years in the program, and I think I said this earlier, it really changed my life. I am becoming and am the person now that I never thought I could have been 10 years ago, 15 years ago. I mean, the program is hard. It's a top MBA program for a reason. Balancing school and your personal life is difficult. Working full-time while earning an MBA is not a casual commitment, but it's the most important step that you can take to invest in yourself. Surround yourself with people that reflect the ambition and the dedication that is contagious. Why she chose to pivot to consulting[19:11] I chose consulting because I loved the variety of work that they got to do, you know, in every year, and this was something that really attracted me to it when I was meeting with people from Alvarez & Marsal. You know, you work in different industries and different projects. One year you might be doing a transformation for a media company. The next, working on a financial services operational improvement. The following year on a manufacturing cost reduction. And I think that continuous learning really appealed to me.Show Links: TranscriptGuest Profile:Rzan Yunus | LinkedInRzan Yunus | Rice Business

Lazlo and SlimFast talk to their friend Thomas, who recently was kidnapped and tortured by Israeli forces while delivering aid to Palestine.