Mays MasterCast: Recent Episodes

Ben Wiggins & Mays Business School

The Mays MasterCast is the flagship podcast of Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. We share insights into how business and business school works, while sharing our culture and lives with listeners.

This episode of MasterCast Students Only, features Mays Business School’s Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) students from the Class of ’23: Kendall Kelley, Technology Track; Meredith Senterfitt, Marketing Track; Ian Wyman, Tax Track; and Jonathan Zendejas, Finance Track.

Students discuss what made them choose to continue beyond a bachelor’s degree with PPA and why they chose their track. They also discuss their internships, plans after graduation and their favorite places to eat in Aggieland!

Professional Program In Accounting (PPA)

The Professional Program is a five-year integrated program that offers students the opportunity to simultaneously earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a Master of Science (MS) in Accounting, Management Information Systems, Management or Marketing or a Master of Financial Management.

Julie Orzabal, Director, Mays Executive MBA Program, is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Sociology. She joined Mays Business School in 1997 to launch the Mays Executive MBA Program. She assumed the role of Director in 2004 and has since seen the Mays Executive MBA Program achieve global ranking and recognition success with a strong and dedicated alumni network.

Descriptions:

In this episode of MasterCast, Julie Orzabal, Director of the Mays Executive MBA Program, discusses the program's target audience, admissions process, and curriculum. She also talks about the Aggie Network and how it can help students achieve their career goals.

The Mays Executive MBA Program is designed for working professionals who are looking to advance their careers. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of work experience and a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. The program is offered in a hybrid format, with classes held both online and on campus. The curriculum covers a wide range of business topics, including finance, marketing, accounting, and leadership. The program has a strong alumni network, which can help students with networking and job placement.

Julie Orzabal is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in sociology. She joined Mays Business School in 1997 to launch the Mays Executive MBA program and assumed the role of director in 2004.

Jabot’ Colvin, Assistant Director of Employer Services at Mays Career Management Center, discusses the role of the Career Management Center, the services it provides, and the benefits it offers to students. The Career Management Center is a resource for all students at Mays Business School who are looking for internships, jobs, or career advice from finding internships to networking opportunities. The center offers a variety of services and resources that can help students achieve their career goals.

Bio:

Jabot’ Colvin joined Texas A&M University in January 2020 as the Assistant Director of Employer Services for the Mays Business School’s Career Management Center with over 8 years of hands-on experience in public management and nonprofits. Previously, he served as the executive director of The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. Jabot’ earned a Master of Public Administration degree from The Bush School of Government and Public Service and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas A&M University.

Lisa Burton, Director of the M.S. Marketing Program, once was a student in this program herself. On this episode of MasterCast, she reveals insights on what they look for in a student applying into the program, as well as what they don’t look for. An example of an interview question that they ask applicants of the program is even revealed. This demanding program provides these students with the unique opportunity to interact with owners of companies, founders, and senior executives, while making lasting differences in their companies. She has been a key player in many initiatives at Mays Business School, as well as playing a big role in the development of the Mays Career rental closet. As Burton has been a student of this program herself, she truly knows the good that it can do for an individual and loves seeing these students flourish.

Bio:

Hailing originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Lisa Burton has called Texas home for more than 35 years. Lisa is the Director of the M.S. Marketing Program at Texas A&M’s Mays Business School. In her former role as Associate Director of Employment Services for the Texas A&M University Career Center, she coached students to grow professionally and network effectively. Prior to working at Texas A&M University, Lisa had a successful career in sales and marketing in the retail, special event and nonprofit areas. Lisa earned her B.F.A. in Radio-TV-Film from Sam Houston State University and her M.S. Marketing degree from Texas A&M University.

Description:

Casey Kyllonen, Director of the Professional Program of Accounting (PPA), went from being a student of this exceptional program to now leading it as the Director. In this week's episode, Casey gives advice to students considering the program and provides some insights on what they look for in an applicant. She also touches on some misconceptions of the program, like that it is not only for those pursuing accounting jobs after graduation. She desires to make a huge impact on student’s lives through this program, and this is clearly seen as her positive and dynamic personality shines through her voice. In addition, she notes on the unwavering support she receives from Mays and what initially drew her to the business school.

Bio:

Originally from Richardson, TX, Casey Kyllonen received her BBA in Accounting and MS in Marketing in 2008. Casey returned to Mays Business School in May 2010 to be Senior Academic Advisor for the Professional Program. She advised students from Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) on careers and courses, worked as a liaison between the students and the firms, and helped teach the Professional Development Seminar course. Since September 2022, she has held the position as Director of PPA. Prior to returning to Texas A&M University, Casey received her CPA license and worked at the Dallas office of EY in audit and assurance business services.

Mays Business School’s Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS-MIS) students Girija Laxmi Iyer, Saniya Farahath, Sachin Jose Varghese, and Saurabh Dawkhar, appear on this episode of MasterCast: Students Only. These students analyze key differences in the pace and new challenges that they face compared to the classes they had back home in India. They provide insight on the most important qualities to have when going into this Masters program, and how they can push a student further to succeed. They also discuss what surprised them about coming to Texas A&M and different events the department holds for the students. Listen to this week's episode to hear about the ins and outs of a student's life in the MS-MIS program.

Mays Business School’s Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MS-MIS) program is a rigorous degree program offering a number of unique features and benefits:

Solid technical and business foundation: Our students leave our program with a solid technical information systems foundation and appropriate business skills.
Problem-solving skills: Graduates can immediately contribute to solving business problems, which makes them highly valued and respected in the workforce and sought after by top companies.

Olivia Morrison, Assistant Director of the Executive MBA Program, went from working front desk to being an advisor overnight. On this episode of MasterCast, Olivia examines the Executive MBA program that is based in the city center campus in Houston, Texas, and what the typical cohorts consist of. This program is designed to allow full time workers to simultaneously be full time students through Texas A&M. This might seem overwhelming, however, the program is very flexible with each student's unique needs. She also explains how stepping into a job that you might not believe you are qualified for, can help you grow in confidence and allow you to stretch your abilities. She also touches on what it is like to adjust coming from the small college in Dayton, Tennessee, all the way to the large campus of Texas A&M.

Bio:

Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Olivia Morrison joined Mays Business School in August 2018 as an administrative coordinator in the Graduate Programs Office. In the summer of 2019, she transitioned to the Assistant Program Director role for the Executive MBA program. Holding both a bachelor’s in business & an MBA from Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee, Olivia is passionate about business higher education and supporting students as they work to achieve their academic goals and realize all the opportunities that an MBA from Texas A&M can afford them.

Director of the Master of Science in Analytics, Myra Gonzalez, is also an active community leader and possesses a fervent interest in the future of technology. She has also been an obliging mentor for many students while working at Texas A&M for over 20 years. She has done extensive outreach to high school students and created pipelines from areas that had never sent students to Texas A&M before. She centers her program around the students needs and enjoys watching her students go from having little knowledge in data, into flourishing digital leaders.

Bio:

Myra Gonzalez is an Aggie from Houston, Texas and the current Director of MS Analytics Program at Mays Business School. She is an accomplished higher educational professional with undergraduate and graduate admission experience. Gonzalez has a passion for life-long learning and understands that higher education is one pathway to improve oneself and the community we live in. Since 2002 she has served as advisor for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers at Texas A&M University. She has also served on various committees in the Texas Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Demetria Kelley, Assistant Program Director of MS Business at Mays Business School, understands that everyone can be successful with the proper support and encouragement. This is seen as she dives into how she is heavily involved in supporting campus events and the unique experiences that they offer students. These events include the TXGap Summer Institute as well as the Women’s Leadership Initiative Conference, and what opportunities that these students are offered. Kelley also shares insightful advice on what is required for the MS Business program and what can give that extra push.

Bio:

Born and raised in Los Angeles California, Demetria Kelley moved to Texas in 2005, starting her career with the university in 2010 as an Administrative Assistant for the Registrar’s Office then moved to College of Architecture as an Administrative Coordinator/Graduate Advisor. Now as the Assistant Program Director of MS Business at Mays Business School, Kelley has found her calling in higher education. Involved in TXGap Summer Institute, University Advisory Group, and The Women’s Leadership Initiative Conference, Kelley continues to leave her mark on the university.

Full-Time MBA students and Mays MBA Association (MBAA) members,

Connor Reyer (MBAA President), Shrey Bajaj (former MBAA President), Erin Evans, and TJ Daly, appear on the first episode of MasterCast: Students Only. As full-time MBA students as well as serving on the MBAA student board, they have countless amounts of insights that they dive in on. They explain the day-to-day of being in their program, as well as how to fit free time into your busy schedule and how the MBA Association has pushed them further to reaching their career goals. These students exemplify the spirit and work ethic that every student requires in this program, and give advice for those who hope to apply in the future.

The MBA Association (MBAA) supports academic engagement and professional development throughout the year to foster continuous growth. This group also sponsors networking events, including trivia contests, happy hours, bowling, tailgate parties, and a number of annual events – MBA Follies, Brisket Bowl, and The Big Event.

“MasterCast: Students Only” brings in 3 to 4 Masters students answering pre-written questions about what it’s like to be a masters student at Mays Business School.

Sarah Jaks, Associate Director for the Full-Time MBA Program at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, is set on staying authentic throughout every aspect of life, whether work, volunteer activities, or being with friends and family. Jaks dives into her journey into student affairs and how her authentic leadership style allows her to thrive in her role. Additionally, she shares what sets Mays Business School’s Full-Time MBA Program apart and how students transform during their time in the program.

Bio:

Sarah Jaks serves as the Associate Director for the Full-Time MBA Program at Mays Business School. She oversees the development, administration, and implementation of programs and services to provide a supportive educational environment for students in the MBA Program. She came to Texas A&M for her Masters’ degree in 2009 and has since earned her PhD from Texas A&M in 2020. Prior to joining Mays in 2017, Sarah worked for 8 years in the Department of Student Life.

Description:

Serving as Dean of Mays Business School, Interim Provost, Executive VP, and CFO at Texas A&M, Jerry Strawser is no stranger when it comes to the ins and outs of this university. He has served on the academic and administrative sides, and deep dives into his countless responsibilities he has had the opportunity to obtain. Whether that be allocating money or even making high stake decisions for the students and faculty, Strawser handles his positions with efficiency and pride. He has always been keen on the Master’s program at Mays Business School, and explains what key factors pull students into College Station. Strawser’s passion for this university and student body cannot be contained, as he discusses what makes Texas A&M such a special school to be a part of.

Bio:

Jerry Strawser received his BBA, MS, and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, and has served at Texas A&M University since 2001, holding positions of Dean of Mays Business School, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and currently KPMG Chair of Accounting and Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. Prior to Texas A&M, served on faculty at University of Houston, Louisiana State University, and had professional experience with Deloitte and Arthur Andersen.

Duane Ireland, Former Interim Dean, Mays Business School

Description:

From being the President of the Academy of Management to the countless awards for research and service he has received, Dr. Duane Ireland has proven himself to be a distinguished professor here at Mays Business School. He dives into his experience as the Editor of the Academy of Management Journal, and the devotion that is essential when possessing this honorable position. He also discusses encouraging entrepreneurship, as well as why his family plays just as much of a vital role in his career decisions as he does. Dr. Ireland stands by the importance of continual learning, as every experience can be viewed as a valuable learning opportunity.

Bio:

Dr. R. Duane Ireland completed his PhD at Texas Tech University in 1977 and started his career at Oklahoma State University. After six years, he and his wife then spent 17 years at Baylor University followed by four years at the University of Richmond prior to moving to Texas A&M University in July of 2004. He has been honored to serve as the editor of the Academy of Management Journal and as president of the Academy of Management. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Management and of the Strategic Management Society. He is a University Distinguished Professor and the holder of the Benton Cocanougher Chair in Business. He has received multiple awards for research and service contributions from Mays, Texas A&M University, and various societies.

Chapters:

0:19: NFL’s $15M Man Story

1:26: Education & Start of Career

3:24: Innovation Research

6:38: Empowering Entrepreneurship

10:58: Academic Journey

14:00: Family Decisions

16:10: A Love For Running

21:06: Editor of AMJ

24:50: Active Learning

29:43: Aggie Core Values

33:35: Good Bull

Julie Hartman and Susan Repka, co-founders of B2GVictory, were determined to create something meaningful in their careers. They are driven entrepreneurs whose passion about supporting growing small businesses is hard to go unnoticed. While getting her MBA at Texas A&M, Hartman explains the many influences that Mays has had on the creation of her company. Hartman and Repka dive into the twists and turns of their career journeys, and how you can never expect what might come next.

Bio: Julie Hartman is an award-winning communication and marketing professional with more than 25 years of experience in corporate marketing and internal communications. Her real estate marketing portfolio includes master developers, architects, construction companies, commercial and multi-family projects. Susan Repka has over 20 years of working with small businesses to grow their capacity, through education, connections, resources and networking. Her focus since 2018 has been assisting small businesses with government contracting opportunities.

Chapters:

0:23 How Julie and Susan Met 2:42 Creation of B2GVictory 5:58 Source of Their Passion 9:20 Day To Day Operations 14:24 Supporting Small Businesses 16:33 Julie Hartman’s Journey 19:43 Susan Repka’s Journey 20:53 Mays connection to B2GVictory 23:17 Career Changes 26:30 Next For B2GVictory 29:34 Good Bull

Retired Navy SEAL and now Rmada United Founder and Managing Partner, Jason Hitchcock shares with Ben his life as a SEAL, the wonders of Mays’ MBA Program, and the obstacles he has had to overcome to get to where he is now. By being faithful, trusting the network, and learning how to become a good leader and better follower, Hitchcock is determined to make a difference. With his experience and extravagant background, Hitchcock is already changing the world for the next generation.

Chapters:

0:25 27 Years as a Navy SEAL

4:36 Retirement & Career Goals

8:03 Rmada United

10:00 Leading Well, Following Better

11:40 Necessity of MBA

14:00 MBA Meets Rmada

17:08 Startup Struggles

20:15 Innovation and Missions

24:12 Stigmas

26:18 What’s Next and Good Bull

Retired Navy SEAL and now Rmada United Founder and Managing Partner, Jason Hitchcock shares with Ben his life as a SEAL, the wonders of Mays’ MBA Program, and the obstacles he has had to overcome to get to where he is now. By being faithful, trusting the network, and learning how to become a good leader and better follower, Hitchcock is determined to make a difference. With his experience and extravagant background, Hitchcock is already changing the world for the next generation.

Chapters:

0:25 27 Years as a Navy SEAL

4:36 Retirement & Career Goals

8:03 Rmada United

10:00 Leading Well, Following Better

11:40 Necessity of MBA

14:00 MBA Meets Rmada

17:08 Startup Struggles

20:15 Innovation and Missions

24:12 Stigmas

26:18 What’s Next and Good Bull

Dr. Mac has been with the university for 42 years (A-Whoop)! During his time in College Station, he has learned from, grown with, and shaped the lives of hundreds of students from all sorts of backgrounds. Dr. Mac lives a faith-centered life and continues to impact the “special” students on campus. From being the faculty advisor for numerous student organizations to leading the Marketing study abroad, Dr. Mac has been intentional with his time here at Texas A&M, and we are glad he shares the best snippets of his life on Mays MasterCast.

Chapters:

0:30 42 years of Texas A&M University

3:35 Student Organizations

5:09 A Faith-Centered Life

11:22 Teaching

15:10 Dr. Mac’s Advice to Young Executives & Academia

18:57 Interactions with Former Students

24:47 Students & Faith

29:35 Having the Tough Conversations

31:50 Study Abroad

35:20 Good Bull

South Carolina native and Clemson graduate, Sarah Stuber has a knack for being on a college campus. From her time spent traveling for jobs to traveling with her retired military husband, Stuber has always found herself in pursuit of a career with a university. Her cross-country travel has finally led her to the greatest place on Earth, Aggieland, where she gets to teach and further her insurance and banking research. Blue Bell Ice Cream and the current students on campus seemed to hook and reel Stuber in, and she would not have it any other way. Stuber challenges work/ life balances and their stigmas, and learns the importance of making things work for her and her family. We learn about Stuber’s current research and how she is continuing to make real impacts in the lives of students and in her Aggie community.

Chapters:

0:20 The Most Interesting Thing About Sarah 2:20 The Beginning of the Journey 6:35 North Dakota 10:36 Michigan 11:48 Statistically Significant 15:12 Success with Publication 16:20 Ice Cream and Texas 19:12 Student Caliber and Continuing Publication 22:09 Shaped by Dissertation 24:08 Disagreements on Work/Life Balance and Gender Differences 27:07 Current Research 30:39 Good Bull

As the Lead Development Officer for Mays Business School, True Brown shares his insights on various ways to give back to the university and its thriving students. As Brown believes it, Aggies helping other Aggies is not a strange concept and at the start of his journey, he wanted to know the why and how that came to be. Brown teaches us the importance and impact of different ways to give back in professional, educational, and personal ways. This long-time Aggie showcases what it means to withhold the Aggie Core Values far after graduation and Brown continues to serve his community each and every day.

Chapters:

0:30 Post Graduation & Non-Profits 1:31 Philanthropy 3:32 Then vs. Now - Students 4:37 Major Gifts, Endowments, and Philanthropy at Large 8:03 Life as a Long-Time Aggie 13:54 Work and Life Balance 15:50 Selfless Service outside of Work - Kairos 22:03 Business Education Complex and the Long-term Future of Texas A&M 25:31 Real Good Bull

From Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University - Commerce, and Texas University, Isaac Munoz has finally followed his heart to join the Texas A&M family. Munoz is the Associate Vice President of Marketing, Strategy, and Insights at Texas A&M University. Originally starting in analytics, Munoz has journeyed to strategy and insights to break down a consumer's decision-making. Munoz discusses how his many ventures in his life thus far have prepared him to understand the “why” in consumer marketing and insights. From continuous learning to making informed decisions, Munoz shares his knowledge on how to market best, and what he can do for his Texas A&M community.

Chapters:

0:22: Munoz’s role at Texas A&M University

5:53: Sports and media

9:15: TU (Texas University) to TAMU (Texas A&M University)

11:40: The prep time

15:48: Continuous learning

17:00: Marketing and its creativity in campaigns & case studies

24:20: Customer insights & research

29:24: Ready to launch

32:17: What’s now & what’s next

Growing up in Lima, Peru, Ximena Garcia-Rada has traveled across the world in pursuit of better education. From Ph.D. life at Harvard to new motherhood, and now an Assistant Professor role at Texas A&M, she has had to embrace the various cultures, the many life lessons, and the different types of growth in order to thrive. Garcia-Rada expels her knowledge and unique finds in her specific type of research, consumer behavior and caregiving. In her research, she discovered that caregivers tend to feel guilty if choosing to use something, whether that be a new tool or technology, to make their lives easier. They feel that by not putting in enough effort, they are not doing their job. Garcia-Rada dives deep into this topic during this episode of #MasterCast. Now researching and teaching at Mays, she encourages her students to be consistently inquisitive, just as she is, and to keep on growing in this “Academic Unicorn.”

Chapters:

0:29: Undergraduate to PhD journey

4:36: The struggles

8:51: Research vs. Me-Search

13:13: Exciting Finds

16:06: At Mays

19:30: First jobs and careers

21:03: Teaching consumer behavior

25:55: What students need to know

Chris Buckner ‘07, or Buck, is an entrepreneur of many sorts. From his first startup company, FanReact, to his most recent project, Pokatok, Buck has had to learn the ins and outs of making business work. He shares with us what to look for, how to strategize, and understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. This fellow Aggie has a specific interest in collegiate sports, and Buck is only at the beginning of his journey. Through his unique humor and inspiring vulnerability, Buck allows us to dive into his personal ventures to success and what it would look like in the future. During his time at Texas A&M, Chris served as a Senior Yell Leader and has been involved with the university through the Young Alumni Advisory Council and the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship since.

Chapters:

0:38: Mainline - What is it?

1:45: Interest in Collegiate and how to operate it

6:00: How does business work?

8:44: Oversharing in a business

12:40: FanReact - What is it?

17:08: Being vulnerable in business

20:57: Pokatok - What is it?

25:40: Work-life balance

Jacob Robinson, Founder of 1 Stone Solutions, DryPort Capital, and Dig World, is moving mountains with his ideas, enthusiasm, and work ethic. From his experience being an Aggie to now being a husband, father, and CEO of three start-up companies, Jacob has never lost sight of who he is, and how he can continue to strengthen his spirit. Through the ups and downs of life and its mischievous trials, Jacob stepped up to the plate, willing to give it his all and lead the future.

Chapters:

1:20 Experiencing the Aggie Network

3:07 Diving into Entrepreneurship

4:25 1 Stone Solutions & the Workforce

9:00 EBITDA & Excel

10:58 Red Flags in Growing a Small Business

13:40 Not Just About the Money

15:06 DryPort Capital & its Surprises

17:48 Dig World & Unique Memories

22:00 Pierce’s Journey

25:42 Understanding the Important

31:30 Time & Teams

Former Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Stephen McGee, joins us for an exhilarating episode of Mays MasterCast! From learning on and off the field, to helping families with financial investment, risk management, tax, college, retirement, and estate planning at Paragon Financial Advisors, Stephen has studied every play-by-play his life has offered.

2:02: The Academic Journey

McGee, as any athlete, has struggled with time management when it comes to learning how to play the game. His journey to getting a degree and simultaneously playing college ball, McGee has already had an unique ride, but his determination and commitment as a quarterback to get the job done has played a significant role in learning how to persevere.

8:51: Balance

Being a student athlete is never easy, and McGee shares his past struggles with finding time to have some fun. While the work-life balance seemed far from reach at the time, and McGee states that during his college career, he was never one to cut loose and relax, today, one of his main goals is to smile more, have more fun, and enjoy the moment.

16:11: One-Size Does NOT Fit All

McGee reflects on his time as an NFL Quarterback: what it looked like from different teams, coaches, and angles. McGee had to figure out his mentality and learn for himself how he can continue to be successful even when it did not seem possible.

19:13: The Hardest Lessons

While being coached on and off the field, McGee describes his need to be consistent during times of success and unsuccess. Drowning out the noise to lead his team of players and his team of financial advisors is a lesson he is consistently learning and rebuilding, and he shares his most helpful hacks to stay on track and in the game.

24:00: Paragon Financial Advisors

Helping families through trust, transparency, and humility, McGee shares his journey to the company and how he’s playing the role of “Financial Quarterback.” Taking what he has learned from years past, and what he is still learning today, McGee is consistently leveling-up to continue to help others win.

Former Texas A&M and Dallas Cowboys Quarterback, Stephen McGee, joins us for an exhilarating episode of Mays MasterCast! From learning on and off the field, to helping families with financial investment, risk management, tax, college, retirement, and estate planning at Paragon Financial Advisors, Stephen has studied every play-by-play his life has offered.

2:02: The Academic Journey

McGee, as any athlete, has struggled with time management when it comes to learning how to play the game. His journey to getting a degree and simultaneously playing college ball, McGee has already had an unique ride, but his determination and commitment as a quarterback to get the job done has played a significant role in learning how to persevere.

8:51: Balance

Being a student athlete is never easy, and McGee shares his past struggles with finding time to have some fun. While the work-life balance seemed far from reach at the time, and McGee states that during his college career, he was never one to cut loose and relax, today, one of his main goals is to smile more, have more fun, and enjoy the moment.

16:11: One-Size Does NOT Fit All

McGee reflects on his time as an NFL Quarterback: what it looked like from different teams, coaches, and angles. McGee had to figure out his mentality and learn for himself how he can continue to be successful even when it did not seem possible.

19:13: The Hardest Lessons

While being coached on and off the field, McGee describes his need to be consistent during times of success and unsuccess. Drowning out the noise to lead his team of players and his team of financial advisors is a lesson he is consistently learning and rebuilding, and he shares his most helpful hacks to stay on track and in the game.

24:00: Paragon Financial Advisors

Helping families through trust, transparency, and humility, McGee shares his journey to the company and how he’s playing the role of “Financial Quarterback.” Taking what he has learned from years past, and what he is still learning today, McGee is consistently leveling-up to continue to help others win.

Katrina Gaidry is an undergraduate Mays marketing student and the founder and president of REAL, Real Estate Aggies in Leadership. From worrying about what her future held, to building an organization from the ground up, we learn about Katrina’s grit and determination to encourage Mays students to keep growing.

1:04: The creation of REAL

What once was a fleeing thought, became her biggest goal to achieve. REAL started unlike any other club, and Katrina expresses the greatest influences the organization has made in just one year.

7:52: What can you get from REAL as a college student?

Katrina desires REAL to make real impacts on real lives. By joining REAL, Katrina speaks about how you, too, can continue to grow, learn, and encourage other students, no matter your major or interests.

12:14: Battling the biggest enemy: perfectionism

Perfectionism was a barrier Katrina had to overcome, and she touches on exactly how to do that: doubt less, trust more. From starting REAL, being an intern, and making relationships, Katrina has learned to trust herself and worry less about the “what ifs.”

15:56: How has Mays made this possible for you?

Mays consistently encourages its students to learn and grow, and Katrina touches on its encouragement of entrepreneurs. Katrina states that Mays will build you up, and always puts the time and resources into helping others.

22:00: Katrina’s goals for real estate and REAL

Katrina never imagined going into real estate, but when her desire grew for a multifaceted industry, she knew she had to keep learning to make an impact on it, too. Katrina expresses what she wants for the organization, and what it can do for her, its members, and the real estate industry.

Matthew Rother, a previous Tactical Air Control Party Officer in the United States Air Force, shares his life’s greatest accomplishments, goals, and challenges. With his new role as Vice President of Sales and Operations at Oakmont group, Matthew reflects on his previous life: his takeaways and how he continues to persevere.

4:30: Applying previously learned skills to your current role

Matthew talks about the major ‘jumps’ of his accomplishments. From ranger school to Jumpmaster school, Matthew shares his motivations and challenges to gain his street cred. An airman taking Army classes, Matthew learns the connectivity in each of the branches; he says as long as you are a contributing member of the team, we want you there.

8:12: The blessings of active duty

Matthew continues to do hard things. From one career to another, we learn how we can use our previous experiences and lessons to grow further and reach our goals.

11:09: Recognizing areas to improve

Daniel Zamarron, a former United States Marine and Former Student of Texas A&M, to talk about the values he has held with him from his past experiences to push him to create the startup, FluxWorks.

From military stories to learning the hidden magic behind electricity, we learn Daniel’s motivation to receive his B.S. in electrical engineering. Learning how to be a student again was eye-opening for Daniel, and having experienced life first-hand, we hear his biggest struggles and motivators to get to where he is now.

Getting the opportunity to work on research while a student at Texas A&M, Daniel reveals the obstacles he has jumped through and getting back up when things don’t go your way. Now advancing FluxWorks, Daniel shares the company's next steps and his goals to keep moving forward.

Ben sits down with Shayla Clifton, the Program Coordinator for MS Marketing at Texas A&M's Mays Business School, to talk educational growth and career development. From taking the non-traditional route into the workforce, Shayla shares the obstacles she overcame to find the happiness she has now, and the growing desire to keep learning.

Through each season of life, Shayla has persevered through its challenges, its detours, and its twists and turns. From going back to school, living across the country, and working in different marketing jobs, Shayla is proud of the life she has built, and continues to strive for the future.

Shayla enjoys pushing boundaries and experiencing life, and even during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, she opened the snow cone business, SoCo Sno, in South College Station. Her side gig, educational growth, and career development continues to shape who she is today, and what she plans to do tomorrow.

Ben sits down with Keith Wilcox, the Macy’s Foundation Professor at Mays, to discuss his journey to Texas A&M. Keith left his beloved New York to join Aggieland and its inviting culture and excellent teaching opportunities, all which he defines as an “academic unicorn.”

Keith explains the differences in New York and College Station; their people, environments, and restaurants. All in all, Keith was able to adapt and build a relationship with the culture of College Station.

Ben asks Keith to dive into his personal research on consumer behavior; what his motivators are, the challenges he has faced, and what influences his goals. Kicking off his interest at a young age at ‘baseball camp’, Keith focuses on the unexpected tendencies and self control of a typical consumer. With his current research and teaching at Texas A&M, Keith touches on his goals for his students and himself to better shape the future of business marketing.

Bio:

Keith Wilcox is the Macy’s Foundation Professor in the marketing department at the Mays Business School. His research examines consumer behavior and decision-making, with a specific focus on self-control and how feelings influence judgment. Keith’s industry experience includes several years working as an advertising account executive and as a marketing consultant. The vision of the Mays MasterCast is to connect prospective members to our Mays community by painting the picture of Aggieland through different voices and perspectives.

Case Harris, newly elected Student Body President of Texas A&M, sat down with Ben to talk about his goals for the student body, the challenges he has faced thus far, and his personal milestones while being a student.

Not previously a die-hard Aggie, Case describes the moment he first stepped on campus as a student, and what it meant to be here. Hitting the ground running, Case was able to grow as a person and encompass the meaning of selfless service.

Case values the Aggie spirit and intends to unite the student body, the organizations, and student government so that each and every student is represented on campus. Case and Ben discuss Case’s experiences and how he can use his knowledge and skill set to lead the student body to success and connectivity.

From a B.S. in Biology to an MBA in Business Administration, Ryan Staples shares with Ben the evolution in his academic career and his motivation to influence others in the business realm. Enhancing his grit and determination, Ryan works as a buyer for Ford Motor Company and runs his own non-profit organization, Her Mighty Hands.

Ryan and Ben sit down to speak about the importance of working with a team. Ryan emphasizes communication, a vital skill in his life today, and its hand in benefiting a team, both in his case competition and professional career.

Doing the right thing is not always an easy thing to do, and Ryan discusses his personal hardships in becoming an empathetic person. His grit and resilience have pushed him to be successful in communicating with others who have struggled with similar experiences, and they continue to motivate him to drive his nonprofit organization far beyond its limits.

William R. Hayes, an adopted Aggie, certified financial planner, and founder of 1 Million Cups, sits down with Ben to talk about his journey to Texas A&M and his life since first stepping foot in Aggieland. From falling in love, to the wonders of the TAMU Mays career fair, Will’s faith in opportunity led him to become a part of the Aggie family.

Will’s access to the Aggie culture included the Aggie’s understanding of the importance of relationships and their willingness to go out of their way, and it is what led him to his ventures with Northwestern Mutual. Will discusses his opportunity to help others, both in the financial realm and connection, to become a “buffalo” in the world of business.

Already four years running strong, just like the coffee, 1 Million Cups serves to connect individuals over one million cups of coffee. Ben, an avid 1MC-goer, shares his biggest takeaways from the program, what it’s like and what you gain from the business world’s front porch.

From Mays Business School to civil engineering, to the U.S. Air Force, and to Catco, Travis redefines opportunity and growth. He has leveled-up from beginning to now, and with a not-so-ordinary jumpstart in the family business, Travis sits down with Ben to share his journey to Catco.

With his appetite to grow, Travis found the importance in taking risks and finding new resources to stay “Getting Better at Business.” Travis exceedingly saw the need for more creativity and a better way to do things, leading him to now be the CEO and owner of Catco.

By finding the significance between CEO and entrepreneur, Travis notes his best resources: peer-groups, mentors, and dividing time to learn, help, and teach. Travis and Ben emphasize the importance of bouncing off other’s knowledge and wisdom to ultimately grow your business and team you would want to go through the trenches with.

MJ and Joaquin sit down with Ben to discuss their individual challenges and motivations, and how they have impacted who they are today. Above all else, their family background, environment and their friendship has proven to shape each of their mindsets.

As both freshman undergraduate students, MJ and Joaquin elaborate on their personal and professional hopes and desires, and how the natural environment of Aggieland has encouraged their growth in both business and academia.

MJ and Joaquin are no strangers to sacrifice and transition, yet their faith in Mays continues to grow as they define success for themselves yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

How do you find Jobs to be Done?

From working in construction, to project management, and now to facility manager, Tony Brown has applied the Jobs to be Done Theory to get to where he is now.

Jobs to be Done opens paths and doors to opportunities for service. Within the three-part theory, Tony and Ben discuss the “hires” and “fires” that lie within evolution to revolution, and measuring ideas for optimal data.

Tony touches on using Jobs to be Done in everyday life: making impacts in communities and constantly finding the ‘why’.

How do we grow as a community and keep College Station golden?

Matt has been on both sides of the spectrum of an economic development corporation. Ultimately, economic development corporations help communities grow through job creation, and with the Aggie Spirit, Brazos Valley has been the place for growth.

Ben and Matt touch on the opportunities and challenges of launching, growing, and locating businesses to Brazos Valley. What is coming to town and how is it going to affect us? Amongst all, the quality of life of the community is at the forefront of expansion.

Matt touches on Texas being the best in economic development by driving success from the bottom-up, starting at the local level. With a team-first attitude, Matt speaks about Texas A&M and its community, investors, and the state government, all working together to bring a win for Brazos Valley.

How does a set of factors relate to outcomes you’re interested in?

Alex shares with Ben how data analytics is seeking to understand the relationship between inputs and outputs, economics allows you to apply math in open-ended questions, and that statistics is common sense and math… but a lot of common sense – you have to get your first principles correct.

Finally, Alex shares about being comfortable with not knowing with the current situation.

Get a Better Gig, Today! (https://podconsulting.co/mays-mastercast/)

What guides the path of your life to create an impact?

Aaron and Ben discuss Aaron’s reason for choosing the Navy (the 70-80-90 rule: Water covers about 70 percent of the Earth's surface. About 80 percent of the world's population lives near the ocean. About 90 percent of all international trade travels by sea.) and managing the logistics of a carrier strike group heading to the Arctic for the first time in 30 years.

With Aaron just graduating from the Mays MBA program, he is now pursuing commercial real estate development and tackling affordable housing. Throughout the pandemic, he saw – and is reflecting in his professional career – the support and culture that the Mays MBA program staff and faculty provided to students. Now, as a member of the Aggie Network, Aaron is embarking on a journey to shore up the safety and security for others – including going above and beyond for future potential tenants in areas like financial education, after-school care, and senior activities services.

Thanks and Gig 'em! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Get a Better Gig, Today! (https://podconsulting.co/mays-mastercast/)

How do you react to a mistake?

Ben and Rick talk on innovating and advocating for student success, including pulling industry into the decision-making process of curriculum and pedagogy. They also discussed how pursuing uncharted territory revealed a passion for Rick that he’s carrying on as a school administrator.

On recruiting: Ultimately, employers want great workers who are going to be creative and innovative. We need more people who are solving actual market problems, asking, “How can I add value to the market directly?” Leaders constantly need to be looking for those who will have a founder mentality; those who recruit new skills as needed, deliver results despite any politics, and will take accountability for success at the macro level.

On entrepreneurship: It’s a difficult concept to explain and emulate. Also difficult to quantify and capture – mistakes are where the learning happens. Seeing the mistake and learning at the moment is vital to success. We need more details on the setbacks and the decisions are the crux of how to make it… or not.

Advice for navigating change in an educational organization: Any change is hard and it’s easy to say no to something. Finding unique solutions allows students what they desperately need: Access.

Why an MD and MBA? Jeswin is at the intersection of public health, medicine, and business from his education and in his role as the Chief Marketing Officer for OleraCare. OleraCare is striving to provide clarity and consistency with eldercare services. Jeswin talks about how public speaking practice allows him to be a better advocate in healthcare and for OleraCare. Jeswin and Ben talk about the need to overcome the inertia or resistance of adoption and that hearing the need over and over again reaffirms the mission. Jeswin talks about being the odd man out in Saudi Arabia and India and the pinnacle of patriotism: reciting the star-spangled banner. He shares a quote from Arthur C. Clarke, “Sophistically advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic,” and shares how an episode of Mays MasterCast gave him a clearer picture of the value of an MBA from Texas A&M.

How do you define your company's "cultural fit?"

A rising star in the investment community, Joseph Escobar, talks about student-managed multimillion-dollar funds, starting an online marketplace and becoming a managing partner for the Reveille Fund. Good bull to a friend of the show, Britt Harris, for his mentorship for these incoming investment professionals.

Thanks and Gig 'em! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Get a Better Gig, Today! (https://podconsulting.co/mays-mastercast/)

What scares you the most right now? It’s a reality check day at MasterCast, as Eli returns to the show and shares about his latest project, a book titled, “Run to your Goliaths,” and an accompanying podcast, “Victory Groove.”

Ben and Eli discuss the imperfect circle drawn in his book and why; confidence, faith, and running toward your Goliaths; and using energy to help others. Eli, a drummer, talks about a drumbeat of life and how sometimes it’s just all about timing. As they approach the end of the conversation, Eli shares about his joy: watching the future in action, right in front of him with his grandkids.

A must-listen for those working through any loss – big or small – and how to keep going. Enjoy this episode with Dr. Eli Jones!

Can you hack experience?

Returning guest David Wiggins shares about the immediate aftermath of an initial public offering (IPO) on a small, regional company maturing quickly into a large, national company. David then shares that he attributes the strong housing market to the key factors of pent up demand, lack of supply, a sharp increase in the desire for a comfortable place, and the government stimulus.

David also discusses his perception that a corporate executive needs a combination of experience, education, and certification. Then, David and Ben discuss the tradeoffs of choosing between pursuing experience, education, and certification; the time necessary; and the impact. They go down the rabbit hole a little into finance, accounting, and deeper into the need and when of treasury through economies of scale.

You can listen back to David's episode:https://maysmastercast.podbean.com/e/david-wiggins/

How is your time like a bucket? Take advantage of your 15-30 minutes in between.

Julia Black – a graduate student athlete in the MS Business program and on the cross country team - joins Mays Mastercast and shares how she pushed through even amidst doubt brought on by injury and the pandemic. She had asked herself: why save a 30 minute assignment for 9 p.m. when she could get to sleep sooner and be a better athlete and student. Uncovering that gem, she reworked her day to take advantage of gaps. Julia shares, “ Adjust your day to fit the goals you have for your day.”

Will I ever get back in shape? Comparison through and after injury almost brought her down. Though a great teammate, she focused on herself and on what she was doing in order to sustain.

She talks about noticing her and her teammates – without the normal socializing times due to the pandemic – were drowning in trivial things. And with that, she was walking through mental health challenges while at the same time running a personal best each and every weekend. She had to wait for her love for the sport to return, even if it meant not training as long as her teammates.

She took ownership of her running. What will you take ownership of?

Do you believe in yourself?

We are joined by an award winning speaker and executive assistant professor, Dr. Daniel Usera! Imposter Syndrome: When you enter a new situation and you have Imposter Syndrome creeping in due to comparing to the achievements of others around you, how can you use that your advantage? You can think, ‘What makes me special and how can I leverage that to reflect my identity AND benefit others?’

Change: We transform by challenging the norm. “The concept of change can be the compelling biography of yourself to your colleagues.” We have a tendency to talk about perfections we have… but what makes a story interesting is reversals, or imperfections; what we overcame.

Communicating: Stories weave numbers together to make them meaningful, useful for decision making, and impactful. Advice: be aware of the identity goals of others. Key question for all interviews: Why should we hire you? Key reasons that make you specifically, uniquely qualified for this position.

How might transferrable skills come from unexpected industries?

Shannon Deer returns to Mays MasterCast as a guest with her co-author, Cheryl Miller. They discuss women Overcomers, pride in putting kids on a school bus, and helping businesses build the context for incarcerated individuals to succeed.

They go in-depth on restorative justice, explaining how it can and does go beyond the criminal justice system. Shannon and Cheryl bring expertise around circles, responsibility, and accountability. They also share about how skills learned from the drug and sex industry have applicable benefits to the business world.

Their advice to businesses: See the potential. Walk alongside the Overcomer to plug them in.

To listeners: View Overcomers as asset-based over skills-based to engage women and elevate communities.

Good Bull to you, Cheryl and Shannon for raising our awareness about this important and impactful group of people!

How do you sell the same company twice?

Eddy shares candidly about amidst competing interests and messages, you must figure out your primary mission. Plus, leverage and communication points around a lot of information in a fluid context. He talks about running a White House agency at the age of 28 with a young family at home. Eddy shares how the discovery workshop with new clients is extremely important and about seeing gaps in the marketplace for launching a business. He talks about dual minds within a business reduce focus and can destroy value. “Most business owners don’t know what they want.” Eddy says that especially in failure, relationships matter. And advice for himself exactly five years ago is to get a good accountant for a solid foundation.

Books recommended include “Rocket Fuel,” “Marketing Agency Blueprint,” and “The Redemptive Entrepreneur’s Playbook.”

Good Bull for The Bush School

What should and could food be?🥕🍅

Kyle Koehler, Co-Founder of Wildway, drops wisdom for small businesses to value the money they have and respect it. Grow your business sustainably, slowly, and in the right way. Developing a company's social mission beyond survivable, profitable, and sustainable. Early start-up challenges for an inventory- and cash-intensive business.

Kyle's take on food: Food as natural, sustaining, and nourishing. People not understanding food addiction ingredients, nutrition facts, and claims.

Some things you might consider reflecting on: Define what success looks like to you. “I’ve made it moments” are fleeting. Accolades from customers and employees are energizing.

Good Bull to the employees of Wildway!

In a new circumstance, do you recalibrate everything?💡⚽

Arvind discusses: Texas Hold ‘em with friends; converging the gap, like Michelangelo’s painting, between intellectual and spiritual knowledge; understanding self and the larger phenomenon.

When learning became fun, being all in; fledging study abroad in the 80s,

Humana Mays Data Analytics Case Competition | $80,000 in prizes | Kick-off call Sept. 8, 2021 | Register by Sept. 17 | Open to U.S. masters students | https://mays.tamu.edu/humana-tamu-analytics/

When in a different circumstance, don’t assume the old rules will work; the Great Conversations; the Great Books of the Western World; and classes, the arena to have a great conversation.

Good bull to Arjun Ahluwalia ‘15 and Adriel D. Maniego '15, founders of Jai Kisan!

Where’s your blue zone? What makes you see truth?

A legend in the community, director for The Experience Team at Mays, Cindy Billington!

Cindy shares with us: From “How do we increase engagement?” to “How do we address what our constituents want?” A come to Jesus meetin’. Quintessential grandmas (with pie). Listening, not responding. Learning. And when respond, reflect on what you learned without pronouns. Zoom fatigue and conferences.

myMays – a portal for just us; it’s personal. Connecting with people you knew and want to know. myMays is the place to understand and feel the Aggie Network. (Join free: http://mymays.tamu.edu). Women’s Leadership Initiative Conference illuminating “I’m not alone” (Register now: Nov. 12, 2021, hybrid: http://tx.ag/WLIC). Strategic strengths, character strengths, and soul strengths.

Good Bull: Christina Court and Miranda Bennett

What’s going to challenge you to do something different?💡

Michele shares on Influencing HR, ESG, and Health & Safety for good. Growth: you don’t see it until you're almost through it. Failure moments don’t feel good, but you learn a lot. Methods for honest answers: one-on-one conversations and get to know people first. Texas A&M prepares students to have careers, not simply the technical skills. We appreciate Michele giving us her time and we hope you enjoy the episode! Thanks and Gig 'em!

Michele’s advice: Understand expectations, don’t assume that just because you’ve seen the job done that you know how it’s supposed to be done. Life is a group sport; soft skills ultimately cause you to succeed or fail. Learning to laugh at yourself is an important skill set. I’d rather have five good conversations than 25 surface-level ones. Turns out, people want to get paid. Data is not as important as people.

Good bull: Mike Thatcher ’82; Alex Baird ’17; Josh Thatcher ‘24

Is it possible to over communicate?💬

Tom Sweet, CFO & EVP at Dell Technologies joins and delivers executive-level insight to form the culture your company/ team needs. Some of today’s topics include: how a variety of jobs stretches you, how to pick and coach your next manager and why you need to keep everyone in the loop.This might be a great reminder going into your work week: In the absence of communication, people make up their own narrative. We hope all of you are staying safe and we appreciate Tom giving his time and hope you enjoy the episode! Thanks and Gig 'em! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Contact:

Tom Sweet

CFO Dell Technologies

Timestamps:

(0:00 - 1:35) Intro

(1:36 - 3:35) Super Intelligence & The Letter “R”

(3:36 - 8:22) What Prepared You For Your Current Position/ Breakthrough Moments

(8:23 - 11:10) How Dell Is Doing Business in 2021

(11:11 - 13:22) The Edge

(13:23 - 16:21) Top Two Challenges Tom Has Led His Team Through

(16:22 - 17:44) Evolving Culture Using Encouraging Communication

(17:45 - 19:14) Choosing The Right Executive

(19:15 - 23:21) Coaching To Expand Your Sphere of Influence: Introverts & Extroverts

(23:22 - 26:34) Greatest Assets to Weather the Pandemic & The Challenge of Communication

(26:35 - 27:50) The Future of Tech in Texas

(27:51 - 29:02) Involvement With The Salvation Army

(29:03 - 32:18) Career Path: One Vs. Many

(32:19 - 34:15) Rapid Fire & Good Bull

(34:16 - 39:53) Top Three Takeaways/ Outro

Rage clicks, 5th biggest eCommerce operator, and data that goes into eCommerce. Tips for MBA and homeschooling success. Growth through giving and receiving honest feedback, especially carrying the narrative. Satisfaction and longevity vs. soul-crushing work. Doubling the life and impact out of the same minute. The value in learning the customer front lines and how tools should give associates confidence. Good Bull to the fantastic, LJ Decker!

We appreciate the Kris coming on and we hope you enjoy the episode! Thanks and Gig 'em!

Contact:

Kris Decker

Global Custom Commerce

Timestamps:

(0:00 - 1:37) Intro

(1:38 - 2:24) Never Wait Again

(2:25 - 4:35) Kris’s Experience w/ Dyslexia & First Job

(4:36 - 6:32) The Road to Mays

(6:33 - 7:24) Leadership Impacts from an MBA

(7:25 - 8:21) Solving the Rage Clicks

(8:22 - 10:27) Kris’s Position & Why She Chose GCC

(10:28 - 12:45) Most Difficult Lesson Learned

(12:46 -13:24) Benefits of a Positive Work Culture

(13:25 - 15:04) Surprising E-Commerce Facts

(15:05 - 18:09) The Family Dynamic Change

(18:10 - 21:23) Strategies to Manage Life

(21:24 - 23:07) Secrets to Effective Homeschooling

(23:08 - 24:01) Choose a Hobby w/ Impact

(24:02 - 27:22) Rapid Fire & Good-Bull

(27:23 - 30:42) Outro

How many times have you pivoted?🤔

Masroor talks about actively searching for the right franchise opportunity, getting over “no” and lack of industry experience, and choosing a singular focus. From Sears garages to Halal Guys to Layne’s Chicken Fingers in Houston, these lessons paved the way for him to do the right thing: focus on guest, quality, and safety. To stay true and do great things. Masroor has found the talent, gotten in early, and was ready to receive the franchises. His mentor, Mike Ratchford, said to have a singular focus and choose the sandwich. Operations manager, Carlos Martinez, changed the trajectory of operations and business. Good bull to Professional Program in Accounting (PPA) professor, Mike Shaub, who awarded Masroor a trophy, “Most likely to make $1 billion before he knows what he wants to do,” for the major influence that meant in his life to take action.

What do you stand for? ⚖️

Please welcome the President and Founder of Coefficient Marketing, Liz Beechinor! Liz tells how any organization can nail their website launch for clients and from within, her trek through the zombie apocalypse, and how she was able to work abroad! ✈️ We appreciate Liz giving us her time and hope you enjoy the episode! Thanks and Gig 'em! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Contact: Liz Beechinor

www.coefficientmarketing.com

@ughmarketing

@LizTweetsTech

Timestamps:

(0:00 - 2:30) Intro

(2:31 - 3:55) What Is Your Favorite Superpower?

(3:56 - 4:35) Where Did You Grow Up?

(4:36 - 4:45) How Many In Your Family?

(4:46 - 6:25) The Impact of Living In A Military Family

(6:26 - 7:52) Secrets of A Military Wife

(7:53 - 8:38) 60 Second Road to Mays

(8:39 - 9:31) Finding Entrepreneurship

(9:32 - 13:02) Refining Skills in Managing Upward

(13:03 - 14:51) Working Abroad

(14:52 - 17:25) Big Life Changes

(17:26 - 21:00) Husband Meets The Family

(21:01 - 23:54) Steps to Website Launches that You Should NOT Skip

(23:55 - 26:37) Best Advice Received

(26:38 - 28:25) Advice From Dad

(28:26 - 30:39) Changes Military Families Have Seen

(30:40 - 32:03) Best Moment from Coefficient Marketing’s Impact

(32:04 - 33:43) Who Liz Likes to Work With/ Where to Follow Liz

(33:44 - 35:36) Rapid Fire/ Good-bull

(35:37 - 41:46) Outro

Are you satisfied with your work/life balance?🧘💤🏃‍♀️

Please welcome the Executive Director of Flourish right here at TAMU, Jessica Rubie! Jessica speaks on the well-being and burnout epidemic, the difficulties of the transition into management, and ditching the policy perspective. What changes would you like to see from your employer? Let us know in the comments! Thanks and Gig 'em! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

There is almost nothing a company can do to overcome a bad manager." - Jessica Rubie

Contact: Jessica Rubie

@jessica.rubie

www.etresociety.com

@FlourishTAMU

Flourish.tamu.edu

What do you expect Gen-Z to accomplish? 🤔

Please welcome the Global Operating Executive in Talent, ESG, and culture at Yeti, Hollie Castro! Hollie talks about the big expectations of Gen-Z, what Yeti's culture thrives on and why you shouldn't ever burn your bridges! How many jobs have you had? Comment below! Thanks and Gig 'em! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

“Go Slow Enough So you Can Go Fast” -Hollie Castro

Hollie is the Senior VP of Talent & Environment, Social and Governance at Yeti. In this role, she leads all things talent, sustainability, culture, facilities, safety, and employee communications for YETI. She has built numerous high-performing teams and cultures across technology, consumer goods and energy industries. She is particularly passionate and experienced in working with Millennial and Gen Z workforces.

She has served on many nonprofit boards, is active in her community, and currently is an Advisory Board Member for the Center for Human Resources at Mays where she speaks regularly with our students. She has her International MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management and her undergraduate degree from Marlboro College.

"The ways we educate from here on out will never be the same." - `Jon Jasperson

Please welcome the Assistant Dean of Learning Transformation & Academic Technology at Mays Business School, Jon Jasperson!Jon shares the new realities felt across campus. Students are now taking classes in 5 different ways and faculty are having to make adjustments on the fly. We appreciate everyone for all of their hard work this past year and we salute all of the students as they wrap up another historic semester. Thanks and Gig 'em!

‘Jon Jasperson is the Assistant Dean of Learning Transformation & Academic Technology and Clinical Professor for the Information and Operations Management Department at Mays. His teaching emphasis is on systems development and database management systems through several management information systems courses. He has chaired countless university and college committees and served as the director of several key programs in the college, including the MS-Business program and the Center for the Management of Information Systems.

Dr. Jasperson earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Management Science from Florida State University. His research interests include the adoption, use, management, and implementation of information technology in organizational settings, with a focus on how organizations give incentives to their employees to use IT in their work.

Professor Jasperson and his wife have 5 sons, 3 daughters, and 2 grandsons. He served as a volunteer with Boy Scouts of America for 13 years. During this time, he chaired committees, spent many nights camping with his sons, and watched four of his sons earn the Eagle Scout Rank. He also is an avid leatherworker.

"Success is not the top of the ladder. Significance is." - Britt Harris

Please welcome a friend to the Titans of Investing at TAMU, President, CEO, and CIO of The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Company (UTIMCO), Britt Harris! Britt joins us to talk about investing, personal and business philosophies, and the exciting future landscape of cryptocurrency. We encourage all of our listeners to sign-up for the Texas A&M Bitcoin Conference that is taking place THIS WEEK on April 16 and April 17. The first day is completely virtual and the second will be held at the Texas A&M Hotel with a virtual option as well. Find out more at https://mays.tamu.edu/bitcoin/

Don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1) #bitcoin #cryptocurrency #investing #podcast #maysmastercast

Britt Harris currently is the President, CEO, and CIO of The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Company. He also advises the New York and Dallas Federal Reserves and has managed 7 funds worth more than $500b. He was formerly on the US President’s Board of Systemic Risk and managed US private, public, endowment, and hedge funds. Prior to his current role, he was the CIO for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and prior to that served as CEO for Bridgewater Associates. He has been consistently named one of the top five asset investors in the world, and in 2013, he was honored with a lifetime achievement for distinguished service to the financial industry. He is a Distinguished A&M Business School Alumni and currently serves as the Director for the Titans of Investing program at Mays Business School. In addition, he is a frequent speaker on various spiritual matters and serves on a variety of public and private boards.

Britt has been married 40 years with four children and three grandkids. He is a fourth-generation Aggie.

Do you feel valued at your workplace?

Please welcome Senior VP of Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer at AT&T, Corey Anthony! Corey talks about personal power vs. position power, how to avoid echo chambers, and how to create Nirvana within your workplace. We appreciate Corey for joining us and we hope YOU enjoy the episode!

Don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1) #att #diversity #inclusion

In his role as Senior Vice President – Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer at AT&T, Corey Anthony is responsible for identifying and developing leaders, aligning employees with the company’s vision and priorities, overseeing business unit HR support, and employee engagement. He also leads AT&T’s efforts to leverage its leadership in diversity and inclusion to drive innovation and growth – as well as the company’s EEO and affirmative action policies.

Corey gives back to his community by serving on the boards of directors for Junior Achievement and Dallas CASA. He is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion. Corey co-founded a chapter of AT&T’s African-American employee resource group, The NETwork – and today serves on the board for Asian Pacific Islanders for Professional and Community Advancement, OASIS, and the company’s millennial group, oxyGEN.

Corey earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a double major in finance and accounting from Texas A&M. He and his wife, Priscilla, live in Dallas with their children, Monte and Ryley.

What's your favorite style of leadership? 🤔 Please welcome President and CEO of Altus Midstream and Executive VP of Operations at Apache Corp., Clay Bretches! Clay talks about how he handled the oil industry's toughest hurdle to date, his efforts in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the valuable lessons of leadership that can strengthen the bond of your team (and possibly avoid a walkout!).

We appreciate Clay giving us his time and we hope you enjoy the episode! Don't forget to leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1) #oilandgas #dontbeugly #howtolead #leadership

Clay Bretches serves as senior vice president – U.S. Midstream Operations of Apache and CEO and president of Altus Midstream, a controlled subsidiary of Apache. Previously, Bretches served as the president and CEO of Sendero Midstream since 2014 and in various leadership roles at Anadarko for 14 years before that. At Anadarko, Bretches served as vice president, E&P Services and Minerals from 2010 to 2014, providing commercial, technical, and logistical support to the company’s global operations. From 2005 to 2010, he held the position of vice president, Marketing and Minerals, leading Anadarko’s worldwide marketing team for crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids and was instrumental in the formation of Western Gas Partners, a midstream MLP. Earlier in his career, Bretches led the crude oil marketing and midstream operations for Vastar Resources and worked as an engineer for ARCO on various drilling, completion, and reservoir engineering projects in West Texas and the midcontinent.

Bretches received a Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. He was commissioned as an officer into the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from Texas A&M University and served in various leadership positions in the U.S. Army Reserve. Bretches serves on the advisory council of the Electric Power Research Institute and is the past board of directors president of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Gulf Coast Chapter.

We thought we'd remaster a fan favorite, please welcome the great and powerful, Janet Marcantonio!

Janet engages her students in activities that improve their ability to understand and develop themselves, influence and manage others, and master repeatable processes for making decisions, solving problems, and leading change.

In her current role on the Mays faculty, Dr. Marcantonio teaches the Full-Time MBA Capstone Consulting Project Course, the Full-Time MBA Individual Leadership Development Course, and the Professional MBA Capstone Project Course. Ben and Janet discuss the process of leader development, what work-life balance really means and expectations everyone will face in their professional lives. We appreciate Janet for giving us her time and hope you enjoy the episode!

Have you ever been on a "video-date?"🤔💞

Please welcome the Head of Finance at Hinge.co, Michael Kurt! Michael shares an incredible story about his grandpa coming to America, his winding career from being best friends with Tigger to now working in tech for the dating app "that is designed to be deleted." We'd like to thank Michael for coming on and we hope you enjoy this special episode. Feel free to gives us a shout or leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps us a lot! Thanks and Gig 'em!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1) #hinge # datingapps #maysbusiness #maysmastercast #findinglove

Michael currently serves as Head of Finance at Hinge, where he has been tasked with building out the team and function and supporting the company's rapid growth in collaboration with its product, marketing, engineering, and community teams.

Prior to his role at Hinge, he worked at Disney in their finance department, Paramount Pictures in their Strategic Planning and Business Development department, as well as at Wasserman and Cycle Media.

Michael graduated from Mays in 2009 with University, Foundation, & Business honors, received the Buck Weirus Spirit Award, and was nominated for both the Brown-Rudder and Gates-Muller outstanding student awards. While a student, he served in numerous leadership roles, including President of the Business Student Council. He also has his MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business where he graduated with concentrations in Finance, Strategic Management, and Entrepreneurship.

Michael now has the honor of serving on the Mays Business School Dean’s Advisory Board through which he has had the opportunity to recruit prospective students for Business Honors and speak at the last two Business Honors Signature Work retreats.

After having lived in Orlando, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, Michael currently resides in the DFW area with his beautiful wife, Alisha, precious daughters, Kaitlyn Elizabeth (2 years) and Olivia Grace (3 months), and dogs Ruby and Violet.

What are your business' ethical boundaries? 🕵️

Please welcome the Sherlock Holmes of data and ethical violations, Managing Director at Alix Partners, Tarek Ghalayini! Tarek dishes out your new thanksgiving staple, why lawyers can be SERIOUS play-makers in business, and how you can be crafting tools for your clients. We appreciate Tarek for giving us his time and we hope you enjoy the episode!

sherlockholmes # dataethics #maysbusiness #maysmastercast

Tarek is the global leader of AlixPartners’ eDiscovery practice. He guides and prepares clients for large, cross-border matters involving data mining, analytics-drive document review, and other related data-centric issues. A licensed attorney with a background in accounting and finance, Tarek works closely with counsel, corporate clients, and financial advisors to quickly and efficiently tackle complex electronic data problems in global litigation, financial investigations, regulatory inquiries, and restructuring matters. Tarek is known for developing and executing effective and straightforward solutions that bring clarity and consistency to cross-border and local matters alike. Prior to working at AlixPartners, he was a consultant at Huron Consulting Group and an Associate at Ernst & Young.

Tarek received his BBA in Accounting and his M.S. in Finance from Mays and received his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School where he was a Presidential Scholar. He is an active member of the State Bar of Texas and the US Supreme Court Bar, as well as a member of the ABA.

How does your business come to a decision? 🧠💡

Please welcome Operations Management Professor at Mays Business School, Rogelio Oliva! Rogelio discusses why classrooms should be flipped, how he pushes his MBA students to new heights, and how you're businesses should be making decisions. We hope you enjoy the episode and thank Dr. Oliva for giving us his time!

"Be comfortable being confused." -Rogelio Oliva

#teamworkmakesthedreamwork #maysbusiness #maysmastercast

Rogelio Oliva is the Robyn L. ’89 and Alan B. Roberts ’78 Chair in Business in the Department of Information and Operations Management at the Mays Business School, Adjunct Professor at MIT’s Zaragoza Logistics Center, and Research Affiliate at MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics. His research explores how behavioral and social aspects of an organization interact with its technical components to determine the firm’s operational performance. His current research interests include behavioral operations management, retail and service operations, and the transition that product manufacturers are making to become service providers.

A native of Cd. Valles, Mexico, he holds a B.E. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Monterrey Institute of Technology (Mexico), an M.A. in Systems in Management from Lancaster University (UK), and a Ph.D. in Operations Management and System Dynamics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Oliva teaches courses in operations management, supply chain management, and management information systems for the MBA and Executive MBA programs. He has received multiple teaching awards.

Prior to joining the Mays faculty, Professor Oliva served in the faculty of the Harvard Business School, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez in Chile, and ITESM in Mexico. He has worked for small manufacturing businesses in Mexico and consults on improvement of service and manufacturing operations, organizational change initiatives, and the development of system dynamics models.

What are your opinions on the energy industry?🛢️

We have the Former President of the Shell Oil Company, John Hofmeister! Known as a straight-shooting energy insider, John discusses his bouts on capital hill, the misperceptions of the energy industry, and the real reasons why the industry is at a complete stalemate. We appreciate John giving us his time and we all hope you enjoy the episode!

John Hofmeister established and heads the not-for-profit association, Citizens for Affordable Energy, following his retirement as President of Shell Oil Company in 2008. The public policy firm promotes sound U.S. energy security solutions for the nation, including a range of affordable energy supplies, efficiency improvements, essential infrastructure, sustainable environmental policies and public education on energy issues.

A business leader who has participated in the inner workings of multiple industries for over 40 years, Hofmeister also has held executive leadership positions in General Electric, Nortel and AlliedSignal (now Honeywell International).

Hofmeister served as the Chairman of the National Urban League and Chairman of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee. He served as non-executive Director of Hunting plc, London from 2009-2018; Applus+, Barcelona, and Global Geoscience, Sydney; and he was formerly Chairman of Erin Energy Corp’s board of directors in Houston.

He also is a past Chairman and serves as a Director Emeritus of the Greater Houston Partnership. He is the author of Why We Hate the Oil Companies: Straight Talk from an Energy Insider (Palgrave Macmillan, 2010). Hofmeister serves as a Wrigley Scholar in the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University. He is also a Lecturer at the University of Houston and Kansas State University.

Hofmeister earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Political Science from Kansas State University. In May 2010 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters from the University of Houston and from Kansas State University in 2014.

How are your projects doing this month? 🤔

Please welcome Exec. Asst. Professor of Management at Mays Business School, Michael Pace, Ph.D.! Michael discusses project management realities, some grueling experiences in meetings, and uncovers the BEST management approach any office should have. We appreciate Michael coming on the show and hope you will leave us a review and rating! Thanks and Gig 'em! #theoffice #projectmanagement #maysbusiness #maysmastercast

Michael Pace, Ph.D. is an Executive Assistant Professor of Management where he teaches Introduction to Business, Project Management, and the Strategic Management capstone. He is also a faculty affiliate of Texas A&M’s Energy Institute, where he teaches graduate courses in project & portfolio management and sits on the Board of Directors of the International Project Management Association, USA.

He has enjoyed opportunities to speak on project management in several countries on multiple continents and published his first (and contributed to a second) book during 2020. Dr. Pace’s academic pursuits come after 15+ years of experience in various industries building project management offices and PM functions, managing strategic projects, and fixing broken processes. His portfolio includes everything from software deployments and product launches to market research to a Floyd Mayweather, Jr. boxing event. In his free time, Michael spends time with his wife and 2 daughters, enjoys video games & books, and volunteers with the Girl Scouts of America.

How do you work toward a common good?🤔 We want to hear your thoughts!

Please welcome Executive Assistant Professor and Asst. Dir. of the Corporate Banking Program at Mays Business School, Tony Okoromadu! Tony talks through unique stories from his early life, how he teaches his students a global mindset, and how you can create an immeasurable impact on those around you.

We appreciate Tony coming on the show and would like to remind you to be brave and share those "eye-openers" this week! Be sure to leave us a review and rating! Thanks and Gig 'em!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Tony Okoromadu is an Executive Assistant Professor in the Department of Finance and the Assistant Director of the Corporate Banking Program at Mays Business School. Tony has many years of international management experience in diverse industry sectors, having worked in financial services, technology, business and management consulting, economic development, executive education, media, and nonprofits. International business, markets, economics, and finance are his fond specialties. His book on emerging African economies and their markets was published in London, United Kingdom, and is currently a resource for companies in over 22 countries, helping them make business decisions involving that continent.

His analytical and intellectual competencies and business insights have received praise from prestigious institutions around the world, among them the Financial Times (United Kingdom), INSEAD (France), London Business School (United Kingdom), and The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (USA). He has lived and worked in three continents: Europe, Africa, and North America, is culturally savvy and at home in different cultures and work environments; he speaks five languages. He received his Master's degree in Economics from Texas A&M, his MBA from IESE Business School. He currently lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Lisa (also a proud Aggie!), and their beloved miniature schnauzer, Eleanor.

When the going gets tough, how do you make the best of it?

Please welcome President and CEO of Petrophysical Solutions, Bill Price! Bill talks about his spectacular failures, nights of grinding and nearly exploding one's teeth, and the sheer amount of opportunity during pressing times. Tune in to listen to Bill's sage advice to not worry, build a family in business and learn how to conquer the most expensive tool we all own.

We appreciate Bill giving us his time and hope you all enjoy the episode! Be sure to leave us a review and rating! Thanks and Gig 'em!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Bill is the president of Petrophysical Solutions, an oil and gas exploration knowledge products company based out of Houston, Texas. A petrophysicist with over 40 years of comprehensive and diverse petrophysical and geological experience, he has worked extensively with all aspects of log interpretation, the integration of log data with geological and engineering data, operations, and well-site geology.

He has traveled extensively internationally, lived in a few different places, experienced the peaks and troughs of the market, and learned to adapt the business to changing dynamics in oil and gas. About 10 years ago he began pivoting the company away from a traditional consulting model to offer high-quality databases of well log and production information from public data sources over the past 24 years. Primary sources of revenue are major operators in the Gulf of Mexico.

The company supports many local charities, including WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries), Generation One, Star of Hope, Casa Juan Diego, and Angela’s House among many others. As part of its commitment to promoting STEM education, PSI sponsors the Bellville ISD trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for 4th and 5th graders. He also teaches and speaks on log interpretation and best practices in the O&G business. He received a Geology Degree from Emory University in 1980.

Bill has served on the school board for St. Thomas More Parish School in Houston, volunteered as a coach for both soccer and basketball teams at the school, and has been a Junior High Science Fair Judge for 8 years. He was a trained adult leader of Boy Scouts of America for nearly 2 decades. Nearing retirement, he is transitioning his career into new areas of furniture making and non-profit volunteering.

Are you thinking of a career change?🔄 Also, name your favorite show/movie/series on Netflix!🍿🎥

Starting in the world of investing then, negotiating for the NFL, then moving to the streaming giant, we would like to welcome former Head of Nonfiction Co-Productions of Netflix, Nathan Wolfe! Nathan discusses Netflix's strategy and culture as a business and his recent career move. Nathan also talks about some projects he helped make a reality, like "The Last Dance" featuring the 97-98 Chicago Bulls, the hit Formula 1 series "Drive to Survive" and a pitch from an Aggie legend, Johnny Manziel. We appreciate Nathan giving us his time and hope you all enjoy the episode! Be sure to leave us a review and rating! Thanks and Gig 'em!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Nathan is a strategic leader with experience in finance, content and partnerships across the sports and entertainment industries. Most recently, he has served as the Head of Nonfiction Co-Productions at Netflix. Nathan currently led Netflix's nonfiction co-production business managing creative and programming strategy, series development and commercial negotiations. He grew the slate to over 100 series through partnering with leading networks and award winning producers around the world, including Michael Jordan: The Last Dance (ESPN), Formula 1: Drive to Survive (F1), Great British Baking Show. He graduated from Texas A&M with a BBA in Finance. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife, also a Mays grad, and their two children.

How many people do you see on their phones while driving?🤔😨

Please welcome fellow Mays alum and the Founder of Safe2Save, Marci Corry! Marci talks about the inception of Safe2Save, how many people are "teching" while driving, and how all companies should update their HR policies on where you should be having your Zoom meetings (NOT WHILE DRIVING)! Please check out the Safe2Save App, and listen for the promo code at the end of the episode to get 800 bonus points! Thanks and Gig 'em!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

After a student lost his life from a driver texting in College Station, TX, Marci Corry decided to make an impact on safe driving in communities throughout Texas by founding SAFE 2 SAVE in October 2016. Now, four years later, SAFE 2 SAVE has nearly half a million users. Marci’s goals for the future include: expanding nationally, adding more businesses, and continuing to refine the app’s features. Marci’s ultimate goal is to end what she calls the “epidemic” of distracted driving. Marci graduated from Mays with a degree in Marketing. Outside of SAFE 2 SAVE, she also assists with the Sorority ministry at her local church, Grace Bible Southwood, and loves time playing outside with her husband and two young kids and crazy fun golden-doodle Bear!

How are you leading your teams during this holiday season? 💡

Please welcome MBA class of 2014, Team Leader of Accounting and Data Integrity at Cru, Chad Riley! Chad talks on the vital role of trust in organizations, questions what are we emotionally tied to while we work, and the grueling (but helpful) mock layoff experience. We appreciate Chris for giving us his time and urge you to leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks and Gig 'em!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Chad Riley is a graduate of the 2015 Full-Time MBA Program at Mays Business School. Prior to his MBA, Chad worked in the Financial Services sector and also spent a year leading a team of Christian missionaries through more than 10 different countries. After graduating from Mays, Chad jumped quickly into Executive Leadership roles within the Nonprofit sector enjoying leading teams through strategic planning, corporate debt financing, budgeting & reporting, improvement technology implementation, and financial planning. Chad is frequently recognized as a "family man" and loves spending time with his amazing wife, three thriving kiddos, and one old dog. Chad is an active member of his Church.

Is there a part of your business that is a dumping ground? 🗑️

Please welcome Executive Professor at Mays Business School and former CHRO, and Senior VP at Waste Management, Mark Schwartz! Mark shares stories of his career as a lawyer, why HR is undervalued in most companies, and his company's involvement in the hit TV-Show, Undercover Boss. We appreciate Mark for giving us his time and urge you to leave us a review and rating on Apple Podcasts! Thanks and Gig 'em!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Mark Schwartz is an Executive Professor at Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate students in Compensation Management and Employment Discrimination Law. He has also served as an expert witness in related areas. Prior to teaching at Mays, he served as the CHRO and Senior VP at Waste Management. He was a trusted advisor to the CEO with an emphasis on executive development and succession planning. Responsible for the Talent Acquisition, Learning & Organizational Development, Labor Relations, and Compensation and Benefits groups. He received his undergraduate degree from A&M and his JD from Baylor.

What are your thoughts on the affordability crisis? (Healthcare)🩺💊

Please welcome Divisional Senior Vice President for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and A&M alum, Shara McClure! Shara shares insights of brand new unmanned/virtual exam rooms, what to look forward to in the healthcare space, and how she uses her platform to inspire women and young professionals to become leaders in their organizations. Enjoy the episode! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Shara currently serves as Divisional Senior Vice President, Texas Health Care Delivery for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Her focus is to improve and protect the physical and financial health of Texans. As an industry executive, she's committed to lowering health care costs, improving access and investing in value-based care. Shara uses her platform to inspire women and young professionals to become leaders in their organizations. She is the chairperson of the company's business resource group Women Improving the Strength of the Enterprise (WISE) where she oversees initiatives to promote career, community, commerce and culture across Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. She also serves on the board of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce, for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dallas, and Children at Risk North Texas. Shara graduated from the Dallas Regional Chamber's Leadership Dallas program in 2017 and is a senior fellow of Houston's American Leadership Forum. Shara is a proud Aggie and holds a bachelor's degree in business analysis from Mays Business School. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, playing golf, and traveling.

Please welcome the CEO of Female Factor, author of "Why She Buys," "Winning Her Business," and Aggie Alumni, Bridget Brennan! We have a special episode today as we partner with the Director of the MS Business and Full-Time MBA Program, Richard Castleberry, and his students to pick Bridget's brain of why women are the dominant consumer in the marketplace and so much more. We hope you enjoy the episode!

📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Author of the books, "Why She Buys: The New Strategy for Reaching the World's Most Powerful Consumers" (Crown Business) and "Winning Her Business: How to Transform the Customer Experience for the World's Most Powerful Consumers" (HarperCollins Leadership, March 2019). Founder & CEO of Female Factor consulting firm. Leading authority and keynote speaker on engaging women as clients, customers, and decision-makers. Vikings Women Advisory Board member for Minnesota Vikings NFL team. Forbes contributing writer on marketing to women. Named "Woman to Watch in Retail Disruption" by Remodista. Bridget helps businesses grow with the world's most powerful consumer market: women. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Brennan is based in Chicago.

Winning Her Business: How to Transform the Customer Experience for the World's Most Powerful Consumers

Why She Buys: The New Strategy for Reaching the World's Most Powerful Consumers

Why do you wear your Aggie Ring? 🤔

"Founded in Pride and Rooted in Tradition."

Please welcome the President of the Association of Former Students, Porter Garner! Porter shares the vision of the Association you all know today, reflects on A&M's most defining moment as a community, and how we all survive and thrive on one another to do their part as fellow members of the Aggie Family. We appreciate all of you, and thank Porter for giving us his time, enjoy the episode! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Porter graduated from Texas A&M University in 1979 with a BBA in marketing and began his career with Hughes Tool Company before joining The Association’s staff as Field Director in 1981. After nearly 18 years of service to The Association, Porter was unanimously elected by the Board of Directors to lead the organization. Over the last 21 years as President and CEO, Porter has inspired innovation and led initiatives to achieve The Association’s vision to become the premier alumni organization.

Under his leadership as President and CEO, The Association of Former Students’ total assets has grown from $55 million to $119 million and the organization has raised over $321 million impacting Texas A&M and Texas Aggies. Porter also serves on the board of Baylor Scott & White Health– College Station Region. He served on numerous boards to include: CASE District IV, CASE Commission on Alumni Relations, Brazos Valley Rehab Center, and March of Dimes. Porter and his wife, Lisa ’91, have three children: Claire ’21, Callie ’23, and Porter IV.

Are you giving others air-time? 👂

Please welcome the Author of Transfluence and Former CEO of Prologis, Walt Rakowich! Walt talks on the "Mark of the Heart," transforming a company that nearly folded during the financial crisis in 2008, and the power of recognition. We appreciate Walt coming on and hope you enjoy the episode! 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Walt Rakowich is a leadership speaker and former executive of Prologis, a global real estate company that was near collapse when he took over as CEO in 2008. After Walt joined as CEO, he quickly implemented a change in culture through transparency, orchestrating a dramatic turnaround and restoring its position in the industry.

In addition to speaking to audiences on a range of leadership topics, Walt also serves on several corporate and philanthropic boards.

Before starting his business career, Walt attended Pennsylvania State University where he received his BS in accounting. He went on to earn his MBA from Harvard Business School. In his free time, Walt enjoys traveling, mentoring youth, and participating in a wide range of community service initiatives. He and his wife Sue have two adult children and reside in Colorado.

What have you spent 10,000 hours on? 🕒

We are joined by Agile Coach, Scrum Master, and CEO of Livication, Leigh Johnson! Leigh talks on Agile methods, hosting shows on the airwaves, and creating his path as the Houston Chapter President of the National Black MBA Association. We hope you enjoy the episode and encourage everyone to BUILD, MEASURE and LEARN this week!

Leigh Johnson is the Founder and CEO of Livication Business Group and the President of the Houston chapter of the National Black MBA Association. He is a Certified Scrum Master, Agile Coach, and Project Manager with 20+ years of project and team leadership experience. He has led projects within the Oil & Gas, chemical, and nonprofit industries to streamline operations and enhance revenue performance. Leigh earned his BE in Chemical Engineering from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston.

Are you an organ donor? Do you know someone that was a recipient? ❤️ (RegisterMe.org)

We are joined by Author and Donor Mom, Tara Storch! Tara discusses how there should be visiting hours in heaven, myths, facts about organ donation, and the new state-of-the-art Donor Recovery Center in Dallas, TX by the Southwest Transplant Alliance (organ.org). You can support Taylor's place here: (https://bit.ly/TPlaceSupport)

Tara Storch is first and foremost a wife and mom. She is the proud mother of three children - Taylor, Ryan (who is Fighting Texas Aggie Class of 2021) and Peyton. She’s been married to her husband Todd for 27 years. They are both Class of '91.

While a student at A&M she was an involved Aggie and held leadership positions with the MSC, Fish Camp, Fish Aides, CBA Fellows and her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta.

Tara is a marketing professional, award-winning author and community leader. She and her husband Todd, co-authored the award-winning book, Taylor’s Gift, which was recognized as the ‘Most Inspirational Book’ at the Books for A Better Life Awards in New York City. She was honored with the Legacy Award from the Texas A&M Women Former Students Network for the powerful impact she has made within the nation. She and her husband were also recognized as “Heroes Among Us” by People Magazine.

Her expertise as a donor mother and leadership expert in marketing and non-profit are regularly sought out by many in the business and medical community. She also has spoken to many organizations, events and classes on campus about her experiences.

Opening up about her journey of finding hope and purpose after the loss of her daughter Taylor, she speaks publicly across the nation about her powerful “Outlive Yourself” message. Sharing her journey on Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Ellen Show, People Magazine and other national and international media, she brings a message of inspiration that is touching lives around the world.

Is your protective gear safe and approved by health professionals? 😷

A double check might be in order for your protective gear, we are joined by CEO and Founder of Vis-Med 3D, Dima Elissa! Dima talks about the return of the wild wild west in the personal protective equipment space, her company's new innovative gear and how one size doesn't fit all in most cases. 📺&👂 (https://u.tamu.edu/zwkHRDp1)

Check out Dima's Ted Talk! One Size Doesn’t Fit All: bit.ly/31m4DuG

FBI PPE Companies List: https://bit.ly/2HbgLrF

Dima Elissa is the founder and CEO of VisMed-3DTM a global healthcare technology consulting firm focused on the 3D biomedical design of body parts. She is a serial entrepreneur, an adjunct Professor at DePaul University, and board member of numerous women and minority organizations.

One of the 16 companies she founded was selected to represent the State of Illinois as a trade delegate in Germany, Dubai, UAE, and Johannesburg, South Africa Health Exhibitions. Dima started her career acquiring and running new ventures at NutraSweet.

Dima was one of Chicago magazine's Top Women in Tech, Chicago Innov’s 50 on Fire, and Chicago Tribune’s BlueSky Vault,Top 100 Entrepreneurs in Chicago. She was named as the technology and innovation lead for AMWA’s (American Medical Women’s Association) Diversity & Inclusion initiative and served as President of Women in Bio. She has also presented a TedX Talk One Size Does Not Fit All, Personalizing Medicine.

Dima is an in-demand speaker as a subject matter expert on healthcare, technology, and diversity. She has spoken at over 150 events reaching an audience of over 150,000 people. She serves as a board member of more than 10 domestic and international community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). She is a founding board member of the first Women in Entrepreneurship Institute at DePaul University and is a member of the Board of Trustees at Hanover College. Dima is fluent in French and Arabic. She holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Hanover College and has an MBA from Texas A&M’s Mays School of Business.

Have you visited Century Square in College Station or our Mays Campus at CityCentre Houston?

We are joined today by CEO of Midway Companies, Jonathan Brinsden! Jonathan discusses the behind the scenes of both "Community Destinations," and one of the latest projects in the works right next to Kyle Field, Aggie Park! You find out more about the project here:(https://aggiepark.tamu.edu/). We hope you enjoy the episode and we'd like to thank Jonathan for giving his time to talk about some of his incredible non-profits he's apart of such as SEARCH Homeless Services and the Coalition for the Homeless.

Jonathan Brinsden is the chief executive officer of Houston-based real estate investment and development firm, Midway. Brinsden is active in a number of civic leadership and charitable organizations including serving as chairman of Central Houston, on the Executive Committee and board of Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the board of SEARCH Homeless Services, and the board of Coalition for the Homeless. Brinsden is Chairman of the Urban Land Institute Americas Executive Committee, as well as a member of ULI’s Global Board of Trustees. Brinsden is a frequent guest lecturer at Texas A&M University and Rice University.

Jonathan holds a Master of Science in Land and Real Estate Development, a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, all from Texas A&M University.

How are you creating success in your own lane?🎸🎶 Please welcome the President and CEO of CSM Words and Music, Shele Sondheim! Shele joins us to reflect on the Blues King, B.B. King, his extensive career in the music industry, and how anyone can create their own success.

Get in Touch with Shele! sondheim@pacbell.net sondheim@csmwordsandmusic.com csmwordsandmusic@gmail.com http://www.csmwordsandmusic.com/

Shele Sondheim is a Global Music Industry Professional and the CEO of CSM Words and Music. His company is engaged in the development of competitive materials and artists in pop, r&b, rock, and dance. Shele is a guitarist, pop songwriter, music producer, lyricist, vocal arranger, studio session specialist, electronic dance re-mixer, industry networking expert, and international music business entrepreneur. Shele’s recording and performing credits include Phil Collins, Natalie Cole, Little Richard, Wayne Newton, as well as extensive worldwide TV & Film credits. He also runs a comprehensive master class training & mentoring program custom-tailored for universities, colleges, junior & senior high schools, youth camps, festival panels, and music industry organizations. He has lived all over the country throughout his education and career. Shele graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston.

How should colleges help first-gen students succeed? 🤔 Please welcome Clinical Asst. Professor and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Mays, Nancy Hutchins! Nancy talks on sparking difficult dialogues, helping first-generation students, goats, and swing-sets.

Dr. Nancy Hutchins is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Mays Business School. Nancy earned her Master’s degree in education and her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the College of Education and Human Development at Texas A&M, where after graduating, she continued to serve as the Director for the Office of Organization Development and Diversity Initiatives. As a trained mediator and dialogue facilitator, she works with the Center for Change and Conflict Resolution to support individuals and organizations in the areas of effective communication, strategic conflict engagement, change management, diversity, inclusion, and workplace climate.

Please welcome the CEO of Five Star Global and Mays Advisory Board Member, K. Todd Storch! Todd joins us to talk overtraining, grief journeys and outliving yourself. We appreciate Todd coming on and sharing his story with us and urge you to visit https://www.organ.org/sta-foundation to learn more.

Todd has over 25 years of business management and consulting experience in bringing digital and interactive initiatives to fruition through leadership, strategic alliances, processes, and technologies in industries such as media and entertainment.

Just this summer, Todd was appointed as the CEO of Five Star Global, a U.S. residential mortgage market, real estate, and mid-market mergers and acquisitions organization. He’s also held roles as CEO of Kindrid and as co-founder and President of Taylor’s Gift Foundation until 2014, a 501c3 non-profit focused on organ donation following the loss of his oldest daughter Taylor, that now continues at the Outlive Yourself Foundation.

He began his career in accounting at Arthur Andersen and holds a degree in Accounting from Mays. He serves as an advisory board member for the Master of Science in Marketing Program at Mays. He has completed an Iron Man and is an active member of his community and church. He and his wife Tara have three children, Taylor, their oldest daughter, who was nearly 14 when she passed away in 2010; Ryan, and Peyton.

Please welcome an American Business Association award-winning executive, turnaround expert, growth strategist, educator, and author, Bridgette Chambers! Bridgette talks, culture, strategy, and the impact mindset makes and breaks our teams and businesses. We thank Bridgette for joining us and hope you enjoy the episode!

WLI #maysbusiness #womeninleadership

Bridgette Chambers is an American Business Association award-winning executive, turnaround expert, growth strategist, educator, and successful business author. Chambers has been recognized more than a dozen times by the American Business Association, including Turnaround Executive of the Year, Maverick of the Year, and Female Executive of the Year.

Chambers is a proud Aggie and Executive Professor with the Management Department of Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. She received her MBA from Texas A&M.

Chambers serves as an advisor and strategist to leading growth firms, where she works with board members, investors, and employees on strategic initiatives.

Chambers released the Amazon bestseller, Profitable Problem-Solving in 2015, and co-authored “From the Court to the Boardroom” in 2017 with four-time gold Olympian and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame member, Lisa Leslie.

Women in Action 🏃‍♀️ Please welcome the Director of Diversity and People Programs for Dell Technologies, and Executive MBA Class of 2006, Leasa Neaves! Leasa joins us to talk on her one-of-a-kind position at Dell Technologies, reversing mindsets and "what it takes" to be 2020's new leader in the workplace. We appreciate Leasa for coming on the show and hope you enjoy the episode!

WLI #maysbusiness #womeninleadership

Leasa Neaves is the Director of Diversity and People Programs for Dell Technologies. Leasa is an accomplished marketing professional who has a passion for developing and mentoring employees through the growth of their careers. She has held a variety of roles in Sales and Marketing, across multiple divisions, spanning her 22+ year career at Dell Technologies. She has extensive experience in strategy, field and vertical marketing, marketing communications, partner management, training, direct sales, and sales leadership. She has held a variety of leadership roles including serving as Chief of Staff to both Sales and Marketing Executive Leadership teams.

One of the last of a great generation. Reflections from a life well-lived that we can all use to reflect on what is most important to us in our pursuits of a life well-lived. We'd like for you to meet TK Condron. TK joins our Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and his grand-daughter, Shannon Deer for an episode full of personal stories and a glimpse of Aggieland back in the 1940s.

TK shares his life as a "cotton patch kid" and how an open home served him and his family well. TK knew the value of giving through his elders and has not skipped a beat as he's turning the corner on 98 years of age! We hope you enjoy these streams of stories and would like to hear your words of wisdom from your elders!

oldag #oldarmy #tamu #podcast #storytelling

Your business does NOT need social media!

Please welcome an award-winning digital marketer and social strategist, Brandon Wainerdi! Brandon joins us to talk on Star Wars (we encourage you to check out his podcast, Talking Bay 94) the intricacies of social media marketing and why Acie Law bobbleheads were essential to all A&M alum!

Brandon received both a Bachelor's and a Master’s in Marketing from Mays. While he was here, he worked with the athletics marketing group. After graduating, he worked in digital strategy, winning awards for work on both platforms that your grandparents use, as well as platforms that your younger siblings use.

He has a Star Wars podcast called Talking Bay 94 where he has interviewed over the winners of 23 Academy Awards and was recently recognized by Apple Podcasts as one of the Top Star Wars podcasts.

Non-work-wise, he reads a book a week and can solve The New York Times Crossword (as long as it’s Monday-Thursday). He has also written for SB Nation’s Texas A&M blog, Good Bull Hunting.

Outside of work, Brandon collects vinyl soundtrack records, Criterion blu-rays, comic books, old sci-fi paperbacks, and movie posters.

Please welcome Social Media Maestro for Basecamp Farms and dear friend of the show, Madysen Wiggins! Madysen joins us with her husband and host of the show, Ben, to talk on breaking the hamster wheel of life, working through trauma and anxiety, and curbing parental guilt. We appreciate Madysen's insights on mental health and hope you enjoy the episode!

Madysen graduated from Eastern Kentucky University in 2014 and worked in the field of higher education for 5 years before becoming a mom to our daughter, Brielle (now 10 months old). Her first job out of college was at Texas A&M Athletics, and while working in that position, she received a master's degree online in Higher Education Administration from Sam Houston State University. After Brielle was born, Madysen began working part-time at Basecamp Farms, a local flower farm in Millican, owned by friends of the show, Georgia and Jordan Monroe.

Please welcome President, Retail for EDF Energy Services, Deborah Merril! Deb joins us today to talk about being part of the first class of the Executive MBA program at Mays Business School, her experience in the collapse of Enron, and how she battled back and cultivated a star team in Just Energy. We appreciate Deb for coming on and hope you enjoy the episode!

Deb is the President of Retail at EDF, one of the top five suppliers to the large C&I segment. EDF’s knowledgeable teams provide a spectrum of solutions and access to insights that navigate the evolving energy landscape. Before EDF, Deb led Just Energy for four years as the President and co-CEO where she led the company through a transformation to a consumer-focused retail energy provider delivering real value to consumers. During her time as co-CEO, she improved the business performance and expanded outside North America by adding operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Japan. Deb holds a BA from the College of Wooster, as well as an MBA from Texas A&M University. She is active with various organizations including serving on the advisory board for the Women’s Energy Network and the Hawthorn Club.

Please welcome a CEO, Business Coach, and Avid Startup investor, Stephen Tinkle! Steve is the entrepreneur's entrepreneur. Steve is a wizard in the business world, helping business owners get excited again about their businesses and demystifying success for the new innovators. Through his long winding road of a career from assisting cowboys to becoming a coding maestro, we think you might learn a thing or two from Steve!

Please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, we would appreciate it!

Steve has been called a cross between the most interesting man in the world and Tony Stark of Iron Man. He’s collaborated on a New York Times bestselling book, was a world-ranked competitive gamer, took a team from Top 5000 to #8 in the world. Helped a NASCAR team go from dead last to second place in one season. Worked with the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the NHL. He has worked on projects with Nolan Ryan, John Paul de Julius of Paul Mitchell Hair Care, tennis player Betsy McCormick and her husband Mark McCormick, the founder of IMG, “the most influential man in sports”. Oh, and Tiger Woods. Steve helps businesses, when they get stuck, to grow again. He has helped companies make billions, raise hundreds of millions.

On today’s show, we have a Texas A&M legend! Mr. Fadi Kalaouze is a member of the fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 1991, but many may know him as the founder of Aggieland Outfitters. Before opening the first retail location with his wife in 1992, Mr. Kalaouze paid his way through school by selling a t-shirt in the MSC. Since then, they have grown their business to what it is today and continue to represent Aggie spirit. Mr. Kalaouze’s story with Aggieland Outfitters represents all the values and traditions that make Texas A&M University such a special place.

We encourage you to visit Fadi and his team at: https://www.aggielandoutfitters.com/

Please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, we would appreciate it! You can also watch the interview on YouTube.

Please welcome the dynamic duo from Tomball ISD, Dr. Martha Salazar - Zamora, and Dr. Rick Fernandez and Axiom Medical's CEO and President, Mark Robinson! Dr. Z joins us again with one of the key innovators in within the Tomball, Dr. Fernandez to talk on their 2nd remarkable partnership with Axiom Medical. Listen to how one school's district is taking action to reopen and keep their kids, faculty, and staff safe. We hope you enjoy the episode!

TIMESTAMPS (2:54) Partnership with Axiom Medical (7:55) Prescreening App (9:45) BJ Services Occupational Health Provider (10:55) How the Conversation Started (12:52) Return to Excellence Task Force (21:11) What’s your Next Innovative Idea in Education? (24:17) Preparedness for the School Year (30:34) Good Bull

Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora has been an educator in Texas for the past 30 years. Currently she serves as Superintendent of Schools for Tomball Independent School District after working as their Chief Academic Officer for three years. Dr. Salazar-Zamora earned a doctorate of education at Texas A&M University, a master of education in educational administration and a master of education in special education at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and a bachelor of science at Texas A&M University.

During his time as a graduate assistant, teacher, and principal, Rick Fernandez obtained three graduate degrees, including an Educational Doctorate. He served three different districts in teaching and administration before joining Tomball ISD in 2017.

Mark has enjoyed success as an entrepreneur, investor, board member and CEO and has spent the last ten years leading healthcare sector services businesses. He describes his role as CEO at Axiom Medical as the best job he’s ever had, because he gets to work with an extraordinary and talented team developing and delivering services that change and save lives every day. Prior to joining Axiom Medical, Mark was CEO at Cardon Outreach, a hospital revenue cycle support business.

Please welcome Chief Revenue Officer for e-Longation and serial entrepreneur, Henry Talamantes! While still attending high school full-time, Henry founded and ran a large scale vending company, which won him a state-wide entrepreneurship award, including recognition on the Texas Senate Floor. Then, while completing his degree at Mays, he created a successful eCommerce retail apparel company that ultimately produced goods for over 15 schools in 6 different states. He then spent 3 years at Merrill Lynch before co-founding Fetch Package in 2016. At Fetch, Henry helped build the company from idea to 15+ locations and over 300 team members in less than 3 years. After he departed from Fetch, he started sharing his knowledge and lessons learned with multiples startups across the country. This led to him now serving as a formal advisor for 5 VC backed logistics and PropTech companies, and also makes it a point to mentor all his former interns (10+ and counting). His newest venture is e-Longation, a construction software company aimed at large multifamily developments, where he is again leading growth strategy as Chief Revenue Officer. He also served as the President of the Dallas A&M Club in 2018, and is always looking to mentor Former Students as they explore the world of startups!

TIMESTAMPS:

(7:38) Drive for Entrepreneurship

(9:37) Out-Running Asthma

(17:36) College Dress Business

(24:53) Putting Goals in Reverse

(25:38) Start-Up vs. Entrepreneur

(27:40) Discovering Clarity in Hawaii

(32:04) The Market is Your Boss and The Value of Grit

(36:25) Coping with the Lose of Your Business

(38:29) Best Advice for Entrepreneurs

(41:17) Seeking and Receiving Support

(42:56) Current Situation and Pursuits

(45:16) Rapid Fire

On today’s show, we welcome a familiar face, Ms. Stephanie Murphy! Stephanie talks on the "out-of-this-world" business she owns, sending Aggie rings into space, and the probable future of Space Tourism. Ms. Murphy currently serves as the Executive Chair of the Board for MEI Technologies and founded Alpha Space Test and Research Alliance. MEIT is a woman-owned small business that provides innovative technology services and solutions in the Space Access, Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, and IT/Cyber industries. Additionally, she is a member of the NASA Johnson Space Center Joint Leadership Team and serves on the Board of AM Biotechnologies and the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership. Ms. Murphy holds her business degree AND Executive Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. We hope you enjoy the episode!

TIMESTAMPS:

(4:05) Family Dynamics

(8:30) Engineering and Business

(13:57) Road to Mays

(16:07) MEI Technology’s Mission

(37:34) Milestones in Science

(37:59) Challenges in Space

(39:42) Managing Technical Projects

(42:24) Entrepreneurship Tips

(45:02) Rapid Fire

On today’s show, we have Ms. Victoria Fernandez. Some of you may recognize her from her frequent appearances on CNBC, Bloomberg, and other shows! Ms. Fernandez currently serves as the Chief Market Strategist for Crossmark Global Investments. Before joining Crossmark Global, she spent 18 years at Fayez Sarofim & Company where she worked her way from Associate to Municipal Portfolio Manager and to Head Trader for the Fixed Income division. Ms. Fernandez earned her BA from Rice University and an MBA from Mays Business School here at Texas A&M University. She works with several philanthropic organizations in the Houston community where she resides with her children and family.

TIMESTAMPS:

(7:15) Road to Mays

(13:46) Crossmark Global: Investment Company

(16:50) Discussion about the Market

(24:15) Best Career Moment

(25:39) Speaking on TV

(33:43) Local Nonprofits and Literacy Efforts

https://literacystrong.com

(37:27) The Value of a CFA and MBA

(39:41) Rapid Fire

On today’s show – we have Ms. Andrea Mayes. Ms. Mayes is currently a Consultant for Sterling, which is a business consultancy that helps mobilize nonprofit organizations and the people behind them. Before joining Sterling in 2017, she served as a Consultant at Kinder Morgan, working on pipeline integrity. Her experience also includes a 3-year stint in education as Teach for America teacher in Houston ISD. Ms. Mayes is a graduate of our Professional MBA program in the Class of 2016.

We appreciate Andrea coming on and urge you to check out Andrea and her team over at sterlingnonprofits.com!

TIMESTAMPS:

(3:33) Road to Mays

(6:30) Team Building Questions

(10:22) How has quarantine affected you?

(14:06) Teach for America, Make a Wish Foundation, and the Woods Project

(19:55) Career Jungle Gym

(24:24) Message to Mothers

(27:07) Vietnam International Trip

(33:25) What motivated you to get an MBA?

(35:26) Nonprofit Consulting

(37:37) Rapid Fire

Please welcome the Owner of Pet Vet Hospitals, Dr. Mike Mark! Dr. Mark was predestined to work with animals at a very young age, leaned into the familial veterinary practice, and later became the "Dog Doc." After many years in the business, Mike brought together many organizations and revolutionized the pet industry to a more sustainable and profitable profession. Mike and Ben dive into some tough truths about the industry and find many silver linings to the practice of caregiving. From fixing beloved pets to flying high in the sky, we hope you enjoy this week's episode with Dr. Mike Mark!

We encourage you to learn more about Mike and his team at: https://www.petvethospitals.com/

(4:08) Good Morning (6:37) Career Journey (13:04) Veterinarians and Business (23:33) Growing Pet Industry (34:31) Challenges Faced by Veterinarians (51:51) Dr. Mark’s Legacy (58:57) Rapid Fire (65:25) Vet Business Insights (72:05) Suicide Rates and Euthanization

Please welcome widely regarded public speakers and A&M alumni, Anjuan and Aneika Simmons! In light of recent events, today's show features many conversations about race and the Black Experience. Dr. Simmons shares some of her research on Social Dominance Theory, Creative Performance, and Organizational Justice. And Mr. Simmons shares how all can mitigate burnout and conquer stress even with the current pandemic at play. We hope you all are staying safe and appreciate your support.

We encourage you all to check out some of Aneika's and Anjuan's work at https://anjuansimmons.com/talks/managing-the-burnout-burndown/

And give them shout and follow on twitter @anjuan & @aneika

Please welcome Author and President of Paradiem, Eric L. Dunavant '95! Eric talks about getting thrown off the roller coaster in business, changing the equation with generosity, and course-correcting why inheritance and assistance can help future generations. Eric also shares stories about helping families through the difficult conversations surrounding inheritance. Key tips down the road, goals that bring unity or the unexpected ones. We appreciate Eric coming on to the show and hope you enjoy the episode!

We urge you to check out Eric's book: What if We've Been Doing It All Wrong?: Rethinking the Heart of Ownership (https://amzn.to/3gBlsb8)

What if We've Been Doing It All Wrong?: Rethinking the Heart of Ownership

Please welcome Senior Associate Consultant at Bain & Company, Colleen Konetzke! Colleen talks on her humble beginnings doing 2-a-days in the pool at the age of 12. She later competed for A&M and at the Olympic level and landed in the competitive pool of consulting. Now working for Bain & Company as a Senior Associate Consultant, Colleen and a few co-workers quickly started a non-profit "Feed the Front Line" (ftfl.org) and have been "moving fast and breaking things" during the pandemic. Listen on and feel free to log on to ftfl.org to check out the work Colleen and her team are doing. Thanks and Gig 'em!

TIMESTAMPS:

(2:43) Elastigirl

(3:33) Road to Mays

(6:48) Colleen’s Background

(13:09) Feed the Front Line

(16:16) Growing nonprofit

(22:31) Bain & Company

(27:35) Mays Business School

(28:45) COVID-19

(32:50) Setting New Norms

(34:45) Rapid Fire

(40:54) Top 3 Takeaways

Please welcome the author of Leading Clarity, executive coach, and CEO of Deutser, Brad Deutser! Brad might seem like a familiar name to show as we've mentioned his book a few times, and if you watch our content on YouTube, you might have noticed Brad's book in the background! Brad talks on his winding road of a career from the circus to saving the lives of his tenants! Brad offers a lot of value bombs in today's episode, and we hope you can apply some of Brad's insights to your teams and organizations. We hope you enjoy the episode! Check out Brad and his team at Deutser.com

(4:07) Superpower: Positivity Piercing (5:24) Deutser Consulting Firm (6:21) Deutser’s Background (10:11) CLARITY (18:12) Clarity Performance Index (21:15) Leading Clarity Book (24:21) Policy Masquerades as Clarity (27:43) Communicating Perspective (29:33) Facilitating Honest Conversations (34:49) Proper Construct of the Culture (39:02) Office Design (44:43) Graduate Programs (50:20) Defining Moments (52:45) Rapid Fire

Today we have a veteran in the retailing arena, Scott Benedict! Scott has had a lot of success in the industry, working with some heavy hitters like Walmart & Sam's Club. Scott shares his knowledge about the space in light of COVID-19. Scott talks on the harsh truths retailers are facing since the outbreak but also shares the optimistic twist in marrying both the community and business.

To learn more about the Center of Retailing Studies please visit:https://mays.tamu.edu/department-of-marketing/

To learn more about Scott: https://mays.tamu.edu/directory/scottbenedict/

(2:36) Super Power: Simplification (3:34) Road to Mays (5:13) Evolving Retailing Education Program (6:35) Continuing Education (8:17) Scott’s Background (9:48) Full-service Gas Station (12:11) COVID-19 (19:19) E-Commerce Companies (25:07) Retail is Changing (28:44) Vision for Center for Retailing Studies (31:46) Rating Systems Online (33:41) QR Codes? (34:28) Your Reviews Matter (36:03) Rapid Fire (41:00) Top 3 Takeaway

LeAnn is a senior Marketing Major - Retail Buying and Management Student and is an NRF Next Generation Scholarship Recipient, in the M.B. Zale Scholar Program, and is the Student Retailing Association President. LeAnn shares her story, facilitating student-led initiatives, and her experience with some of the top executives in the retailing world.

(4:21) Road to Mays

(5:22) Growing Up (9:10) Retailing Industry (11:46) Student Retailing Association (12:50) Leading a Student Organization (15:56) Being Authentic in Business (18:00) NRF Next Generation Scholarship (22:46) H-E-B Assistant Buyer (23:50) The Importance of Financial Literacy (26:10) Why H-E-B as an Employer? (28:04) Rapid Fire (38:49) Top 3 Takeaways

Today, we have Mays Lecturer and Founder of Mercy Project, Chris Field, and our Co-Host and Board Member of Mercy Project, Dr. Shannon Deer talk about their week-long trip to Ghana, Africa. Chris and Shannon talk about the changes within the non-profit, the challenges they're tackling and the entrepreneurship boot camp they held in their week visit. If you would like to learn more about Mercy Project's mission please visit: https://mercyproject.net/

We have an all-star PwC Professor, Dr. Mary Lea McAnally joining us today! Dr. McAnally has held the Director of Innovation and Strategic Planning and the Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at Mays Business School. Mary Lea teaches financial reporting in Mays' Full-Time, Professional, and Executive MBA Programs, and the MS Business Program. Today, Dr. McAnally opens up about her pivot in career and takes the team for a deep dive into "Appreciative Inquiry." We hope you enjoy the episode and are staying safe.

(5:04) Deeper Sense of Wonder (6:53) Involving Students in Class (9:33) Goodwill Write-Offs (13:47) Asking The Why of Company Growth (18:11) Mary Lea’s Background (22:53) Appreciative Inquiry (31:15) The Sunflower Effect (34:50) Strategic Planning at Mays (35:04) Celebratory Performance Evaluations (40:11) Rapid Fire (44:25) Top 3 Takeaways

On today’s show, we have Dr. Bala Shetty. Dr. Shetty has been teaching at Texas A&M for more than 35 years! During his tenure at Texas A&M, Dr. Shetty has held several senior leadership positions including, but not limited to Head of the Department of Information and Operations Management and Executive Associate Dean of for Mays Business School. Among a long list of awards, Dr. Shetty has received the EMBA Outstanding Faculty Award (2008, 2014, 2017), PMBA Outstanding Faculty Award (2014, 2015, 2017), and MBA Outstanding Faculty Award (1998, 2000, 2001, and 2005). Dr. Shetty holds the Cullen Trust for Higher Education Chair in Business. We appreciate Dr. Shetty coming on the show and hope you enjoy the episode!

(2:28) Superpower: Forecasting (3:40) Road to Mays Business School (4:40) Growing Up in India, Poor (6:13) Appreciating People (6:56) Teaching MBA students (9:38) Funny Teaching Story (10:31) The Power of the Aggie Network (12:49) MBA Market and Education (16:38) 2AM Phone Calls (17:52) Research and Teaching (20:58) International Education Systems (27:28) Aggies on Wallstreet (33:43) Fondest memory of TAMU (40:04) Top 3 Takeaways

The Archaeological Dig-Unearthing a Career. On today’s show, we have the Mays Career Coordinator Dynamic Duo, Taylor Henderson, and Aaron Longoria! Taylor and Aaron talk on helping students get through the academic gauntlet and the inevitable concerns about the life-long journey ahead post-graduation.

Taylor and Aaron are both former Aggies, both forging paths that eventually led them back to TAMU to give back to the students. Taylor is a Lecturer and Career Coordinator for Freshmen and Sophomores, and Aaron is a Career Coordinator for Juniors and Seniors here at Texas A&M.

If you want to learn more, please visit: https://mays.tamu.edu/undergraduate-career-services/

(3:34) Background (10:26) Job Interview Tips (13:57) Growing Confidence in Your Skills (20:19) The Changing Workplace (22:48) Culture Fit (25:34) Job Search Advice (28:28) Resume (31:12) Transferable Skills (35:34) Entrepreneurship (38:51) Fundraising for Scholarships (43:00) Rapid Fire (54:28) Top 3 Takeaways

Christopher is a former student and graduate of Mays Business School’s MBA program Class of 2018. Before joining the Aggie family, Mr. Cerutti studied Biochemistry at the University of Texas. In the last two years, since leaving Aggieland, he has been working for H-E-B as an E-Commerce Merchandising Manager. Listen on as Chris reunites with his classmate, our host, Ben, to discuss Texas's favorite cult, experiences in the MBA program, and the balance of frustration and convenience.

(3:36) Empathy as a superpower (6:09) Chris’ Background (12:08) Transition from UT to A&M (15:07) Why MBA (18:11) Creating a positive culture (20:50) Taking risks and creating a career path (24:16) Diversity of background (25:57) Omni-Channel strategy with H-E-B (33:50) Day in the life on digital merchandising team (36:39) Rapid Fire (42:30) Top 3 Takeaways Q&A: What brought you to Mays? “I think the biggest thing that drew me to Mays was community.” -Chris Cerutti What did you learn from the TAMU MBA program? “Taking risks and accepting failure” -Chris Cerutti Rapid Fire: Bulletin Board: “Take the time to listen” Mentor for a day: Warren Buffet Good Bull: parents

Paul Truax is an undergraduate and master's student at Mays, completing the 5-year professional program in accounting. Paul will receive his undergraduate in accounting and masters in MIS in May 2021. Paul has embraced an entrepreneurial mindset, which he will bring with him to Ernst & Young as an accountant. As an entrepreneur, Paul donated the business he started to Startup Aggieland, Mays Business School’s entrepreneurship incubator open to students across campus.

We hope you enjoy the episode and we thank Paul for spending some time with us! Thanks and Gig 'em!

Openning remarks 4:50 Road to Mays + Gateway program 9:05 Starting a custom sock company 13:30 Paul’s Background 19:40 Taking risks as a high school entrepreneur 32:54 Building connections at EY 33:53 Rapid Fire 40:06 MasterCast Top 3 Takeaways Book Recommendation: 10 Golden Rules of Customer Service - Making people feel like they are somebody

Please welcome Professor at TAMU School of Law, William Magnuson! William breaks down the inner workings of blockchain technology and how laws are being reworked for cryptocurrencies like Etherum & Bitcoin.

If you are new to the subject of cryptocurrencies this a great episode to start, William outlines some of the basic concepts and how they are having an impact on lawmakers on a global scale. If you are interested to learn more please check out William's new book on the subject:

Blockchain Democracy: Technology, Law and the Rule of the Crowd And if you are a little more well-versed in the space please check out a previous episode with Travis Kling. Travis is the CIO of the crypto-asset management firm, Ikigia.

(1:49) Road to Texas A&M (4:37) Associated Press & Washington Post in Italy (5:13) Coronavirus (5:58) William’s Background and Book (7:47) Blockchain and Bitcoin explanation, uses, and rules (20:34) Criminal law and theft (24:43) Elections and cryptography (26:17) History of the Blockchain and Bitcoin (27:28) Blockchain system community (29:57) Lessons and challenges (32:31) Philosophical creators (33:38) Rapid fire (35:19) Book Recommendation (36:35) Top 3 Takeaways

Thank you all for tuning into another Beyond Mays episode, we have the fantastic entrepreneurial phenom, Dr. Michael Seitz of BlueSky Global, making a return to discuss the notorious Coronavirus that has swept the globe. Today's episode drifts from decompression, a new time for idle hands, observations of political administrations, and a real long-term solution to address the current crisis at hand.

If you would like to learn more about Dr. Michael Seitz solution please visit: https://www.bluesky-global.com/

We hope all are staying safe and doing well, please feel free to reach out to us on social media or by email with any comments or questions. We appreciate you! Thanks and Gig 'em!

Please welcome MBA Class of '13, Loan Officer at Legacy Mutual and Co-Owner of Basecamp Farms, Jordan Monroe!

Jordan reflects on his days in the army, the transition from veteran to MBA student, and is now working out the kinks in his flower farm alongside his wife Georgia and daughter Sedona Monroe. Georgia could not make it this time around but was hosting the state's top flower growers the same day! We appreciate Jordan for joining us and we urge you to check out Basecamp Farms on Facebook and Instagram (@basecampfarms)!

Please welcome an extremely innovative mind and serial entrepreneur, Dr. Michael Seitz! Dr. Seitz shares his perspectives on business ownership, the practice of gratitude and reflects on his many projects in orthopedics, building mushroom houses and cleaning up the air we breathe.

Dr. Seitz is originally from South Africa and came from 2 very hard-working parents in the banking industry. Michael bases his successes through gratitude and asking the right questions to rally for innovation.

If you would like to check out BlueSky Global please visit: https://www.bluesky-global.com/

Please welcome a very special guest, Founder of Legacy Mentor, Damon D'Amore! Damon talks about his time as a young gun on Wall Street, his career behind the scenes in Hollywood and his current profession, coaching high-level executives. Damon works one-on-one with hundreds of CEOs and Founders from the likes of Walmart, PepsiCo, DirectTV, Subway and DreamWorks as well as a mentor to the Top 25 MBA programs in the country. His work has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Fox News and the list goes on. If you would like to learn more about Damon please visit: damondamore.com

Please welcome a Clinical Assistant Professor for Marketing at Mays Business School, Akshaya Sreenivasan! Akshaya talks on her past career as a reporter and news anchor, the power of influencers in media and why children want to be YouTube celebrities. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Akshaya Sreenivasan is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing at the Mays Business School, Texas A&M University. She currently teaches Marketing Consulting (Mktg 430) and Social Media Marketing and PR (Mktg 345).

Please welcome Coleman Chair Professor of Marketing and Director of Research at the Center for Retailing Studies at Mays Business School, Venky Shankar! Venky has accomplished a lot as a world-class researcher and has helped many companies in his career. Today, Venky joins us to share the secret sauce of retailing, the truths of data analytics and the reality of how we shop.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

Please welcome a kind-hearted veteran in the game of insurance, one of Brightstar Insurance Services' Founding Principals, Steve Pato! Our host Ben is reunited with his mentor Steve to talk about Steve's philosophies and techniques of the trade and share some impactful stories about his clients. We hope you enjoy the episode!

(0:00-7:38) Introduction | (7:38-12:55) Steve’s Background | (12:55-20:44) Finding a Career Path | (20:44-27:21) The Buying Process | (27:21-28:24) Establishing Repour | (28:24-33:12) Insurance Misconceptions | (33:12-37:52) Health Insurance for Retirees | (37:52-43:11) Future of the Insurance Agent | (43:11-46:00) Best Moments | (46:00-54:30) Rapid Fire and Fear | (54:30-End) The Takeaway

Thank you to all of our listeners! We appreciate your feedback and support over an exciting year of sharing stories and making memories. Kyle, our producer, interviews our lovely hosts, Ben and Shannon, to reflect on their first year behind the mic. Feel free to browse our catalog of guests and tell us about your favorite moment of the show. Thank you for your eardrums!

Episodes Mentioned: Ahad Azimuddin (https://apple.co/2S34ZSY) Patrick Williams (https://apple.co/2vW1qFx) Janet Marcantonio (https://apple.co/2St851E) Bill Peel (https://apple.co/2Ow4kXW) David Wiggins (https://apple.co/2S0RenK)

Please welcome one of the incredibly talented Full-Time MBA Students at Mays Business School, Travis Black! Travis talks about his international pastoral experience, some inspiring stories from his time in Egypt and his exceptional internship at Amazon. We appreciate Travis for coming on the show and wish him luck with his future at Amazon!

Books mentioned: The Everything Store by Brad Stone Completing Capitalism by Bruno Roche

Please welcome a star member of the MBA class of 2007 and private banking dynamo, Kyle Hitchcock! Kyle joins our co-host and Assistant Dean of Graduate programs, Shannon Deer to talk on his traveling childhood, leadership philosophies and the anxious money decisions many people make. We ant to thank Kyle for giving us the time and we hope you enjoy the episode!

(0:00-8:24) Introduction | (8:24-19:06) Back to Mays | (19:06-21:14) Selling Yourself | (21:14-22:33) Private Banking | (22:33-26:52) Life of Traveling and Family | (26:52-30:00) Childhood of Moving | (30:00-37:31) Parents Shaping Careers | (37:31-40:25) A Banking Career | (40:25-51:50) Watching Others Spend Money | (51:50-54:40) Wealth Management | (54:40-61:55) Leadership | (61:55-67:43) Rapid Fire | (67:43-End) Top Three Takeaways

Please welcome a very special guest, President of the Texas A&M Foundation, Tyson Voelkel! Tyson joins us today to talk about the purpose of the Texas A&M Foundation, his unique generational connection with A&M, his time in the military and the legacy of his daughter, Lily Korinne Voelkel. We hope you enjoy the moving stories that Tyson shares on today's episode, thanks and gig 'em!

Please visit: txamfoundation.com to learn more about Tyson and the foundation's mission to Lead by Example.

(0:00-8:20) Introduction | (8:20-11:07) Superpower | (11:07-15:06) Books and Scripture | (15:06-19:10) Importance of Habits | (19:10-28:25) Voelkel Values | (28:25-34:04) Finding Empathy and Perspective | (34:04-40:00) Teaching leadership/Was it worth it? | (40:00-43:10) Time in the Corps | (43:10-47:05) Student Regent | (47:05-49:13) Striving to be Elite not Elitist | (49:13-51:25) A&M Foundation’s Mission | (51:25-55:04) Terry Scholar | (55:04-62:38) Lily Voelkel | (62:38-64:02) Biggest misconceptions about Tyson | (64:02-64:56) Good Bull | (64:56-End) Top Three Takeaway

Please welcome one of Texas A&M's first-class advisors, Rafael Almanzar! Rafael joins our team to talk about his origins in New York, having to grow up fast and be a role model for his siblings. As a first-generation college graduate, Rafael provides a unique perspective in his advising practice. Rafael is an award-winning advisor and we appreciate his student-centered approach. He is also currently pursuing a Ph.D. here at Texas A&M. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Learn more about Rafael here: https://studentsuccess.tamu.edu/About-Us/Meet-Our-Team/Rafael-Almanzar

(1:12-2:40) It’s a beautiful day in Aggieland (2:40-3:39) Weekend with Charlie Brown (3:39-4:06) Superpower (4:06-4:57) Choosing A&M (4:57-8:05) Childhood and loving mother (8:05-10:25) Pressure to excel (10:25-12:36) Sink or Swim (12:36-14:00) Improving institutions (14:00-17:28) Rafael’s competitive advantage (17:28-21:00) Carl Rodgers (21:00-24:30) Student success (24:30-29:16) Pursuing education (29:16-30:10) Self-improvement (30:10-31:35) Professional relationships (31:53-33:48) Imposter syndrome (33:48-35:35) Higher education administration (35:35-37:12) Individual Student Engagement award (37:12-38:35) The hardest part (38:35-34:52) Best moments (34:52-48:03) Rapid fire questions (48:03-50:10) Shannon and Ben reflection (50:10-57:31) Opossums and children (57:31-60:25) Avid, sports and degrees (60:25-End) Imposter Syndrome

We had the pleasure to interview one of the most dynamic principals in education; please welcome Dr. Mike Metz! Mike is Tomball Memorial High School's principal and is pushing the envelope in exciting ways. While striving to prepare his students for life's biggest moments, Mike explains some of the concerns in education, as well as some of the challenges students, face today.

If you'd like to learn more about Mike's journey, please visit: https://www.tomballisd.net/apps/pages/mikemetz

Tomball Memorial High School: http://tmhs.tomballisd.net/

Please welcome Korn Ferry's Vice Chairman, Dr. RJ Heckman! Dr. Heckman spoke with our MS-HR Management Program here at Mays and was kind enough to join our team for an in-depth discussion about alignment, passion & bias in the workplace. Heckman shares some of the harsh truths behind hiring and offers support on what business can do to get the best of the best. Be sure to check out Dr. Heckman's book, "The Talent Manifesto," its aimed at helping CEOs and chief resource officers redesign their talent strategies to achieve success in today's rapidly evolving business market (consulting.us).

Dr. Heckman's book: https://amzn.to/2updPkF

Korn Ferry's website: https://www.kornferry.com/

The Talent Manifesto: How Disrupting People Strategies Maximizes Business Results

Please welcome the talented Ph.D. Candidate and Instructor at Mays Business School; Yixing Chen! Yixing will be joining the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame in July 2020! Today, Yixing talks about his origins in China, his concern about internet access to young students and shares some helpful tips on grabbing more "likes" and "views" on social media. We appreciate Yixing and wish him luck on his future endeavors at the Mendoza College of Business. We hope you enjoy the episode!

We have an extraordinary show today featuring Tomball ISD's Superintendent Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora & BJ Services, HR Vice President Malcolm O'Neal! Martha and Malcolm discuss with our team about the groundbreaking partnership BJ Services, and Tomball ISD has forged that brings students in contact with industry professionals throughout their entire high school career. Listen on and let us know what you think of this unique opportunity for students and businesses!

Please welcome the production manager and director of breeding at the Antique Rose Emporium, Andrew Barocco! Andrew joins his former roommate/host Ben Wiggins to discuss his cajun roots, horticulture at large, and his process of making "bulletproof" plants. Please check out and visit the beautiful garden at https://antiqueroseemporium.com/, you will not be disappointed!

Check out the Houston Chronicle's article on Andrew here.

We hope you enjoy the episode!

Please welcome Foundation Director of CHI St. Joseph Health & owner of Fifth C Fine Jewelry LLC; Chuck Konderla! Chuck tugs on our heartstrings this morning talking about the importance of faith, family, and friends. Chuck shares stories about growing up with "12th child syndrome," his parent's legacy, some tips for young professionals and how to double down on what is most important in life. We hope you enjoy the episode and we thank Chuck for coming on the show!

Balancing Play, Meaning, and Empathy with the School of Innovation's Jennifer Briggs & Dr. Beth Deuermeyer! Jen & Beth talk about the first-ever Aggie Forum event, the I-School's meaningful purpose and the new studio that is almost ready for use!

Happen to have a big idea? We encourage you to go visit our friends at the School of Innovation (innovation.tamu.edu) and take a look at their "Innovation X" program and start collaborating with multidisciplinary teams!

Please welcome the CEO of Frogslayer LLC, Ross Morel! Ross joins us today to talk about leadership, principles and guiding "his people" at his 5 time Aggie 100 recognized company. Beyond that, Ben and Ross discuss the process of naming a business, the origins of Ross' path as an accidental entrepreneur and where he plans to take his team next. We hope you enjoy the episode!

(0:27-5:21) Intro & the Ordinary Miracle

(5:22-6:04) Ross' Weekend

(6:05-9:04) Super Power & P2P Business

(9:05-9:42) Backstory

(9:43-11:04) Different Childhoods & Tough Love

(11:05-12:22) Lawn care & Dodging Golf Balls

(12:23-12:57) Challenge as a Child

(12:58-14:14) Hardworking Rents

(14:15-16:16) Working too hard/Seasons of Life

(16:17-20:59) Accidental Entrepreneur

(21:00-23:16) Origin of Frogslayer

(23:17-24:54) How to Name a Business

(24:55-25:45) Aggie 100

(25:46-28:49) Entrepreneurship

(28:50-29:53) More right over wrong

(29:54-33:27) Generalist and Specialist

(33:28-38:20) Being a Consistent Leader

(38:21-40:44) Best Moment

(40:45-44:20) The Power of Principles

(44:21-49:15) Rapid Fire

(49:16-52:01) Outro- Right and Wrong Choices

(52:02-58:56) Naming a Business & RGD

(58:57-64:08) Processes vs. Relationships

(64:09-End) Closing Quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Intoxicating Attention, Creating a Community & Dispelling a Myth. Please welcome the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising at Mays Business School, Patrick Williams! We have a packed house this week with a return by the fantastic Bailey Lenzen, accompanied by both of our hosts Shannon and Ben. Today's topics touch on learning how to build a community of learning and understanding personality assessments application in and out of the workplace. Beyond those concepts, the crew touches on copperhead snakes, jellyfish, children practicing jiu-jitsu, and terrible TV shows.

(1:03-5:17) Integrity Intro (5:18-6:37) Terrible TV & Shark Attacks (6:38-9:19) Exploding Pockets & the Immortal Jellyfish (9:20-10:10) Road to Mays (10:11-10:59) Copperhead Studios (11:00-11:46) Where did you grow up? (11:47-15:18) Family Dynamics & Linking Fates (15:19-17:33) Terrible Insurance & Over the Phone (17:34-19:59) Greatest Challenge: Personality Type (20:00-22:35) Netflix & Cheating with TV (22:36-25:11) Most Valuable Failure - Inclusion (25:12-27:45) Biggest Misconception - Care (27:46-31:32) Myers Briggs (31:33-36:01) Mentors/Complicated Leaders/Clickbait (36:02-39:21) The reality of Professional Journeys (39:22-42:41) Fondest Memory of TAMU (42:42-46:15) Building a Community of Learning & Flava Flav (46:16-51:07) Vulnerability & Trust (51:08-54:03) A community outside of work (54:04-56:24) Uniting through Kickball (56:25-61:23) The community at Home/Learning & Headlocks (61:24-66:43) Dispelling a Myth: Video Games & Connecting (66:44-71:24) Thoughtfulness & Intoxicating Attention (71:25-73:51) Outro: Community of Learning (73:51-End) Closing Quote

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the Director of the Reynolds & Reynolds Sales Leadership Institute, Dr. Janet Parish! Janet discusses some hot button issues with kids entering college, preventing burnout at all ages and the best gift to give yourself on Monday morning!

Dr. Parish is a Clinical Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Marketing in Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. She is also a Mays Teaching Fellow and a recipient of the Association of Former Students College Level Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching and the Mays Business School Faculty Service Excellence Award. In 2018, Parish was recognized as University Professor for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence. Dr. Parish holds BSBA and MBA degrees from The University of Southern Mississippi and a Ph.D. in marketing from The University of Alabama.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome our beloved Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs, Executive Producer and Co-Host; Shannon Deer! Shannon talks riding on water, her non-traditional path, and many hats in Mays and her compelling research.

Dr. Deer is the assistant dean of graduate programs. Before assuming the assistant dean position, Dr. Deer was the director of the full-time MBA program. She has served many roles at Mays, including as the assistant department head and instructor in the Department of Accounting at Mays for almost 10 years. Dr. Deer returned to Texas A&M to teach after working in public accounting. During her time in public accounting, Dr. Deer served large SEC filers as well as large private exploration and production companies. Dr. Deer has maintained a connection with practice through outside consulting and teaching executive development.

Please welcome the trailblazing and Honorable Jacquie Baly! Jacquie is a professor at the University of Houston, a Philanthropist, On-Air Talent, Business owner and the Director of Governor Greg Abbott's University Research Initiative Board. Jacquie talks about politics, family and being center stage to speak at the annual Women's Leadership Initiative event. Be on the lookout for next year's Women's Leadership Initiative Event October 16th, 2020. If you would like to keep up with Jacquie you can follow her on Instagram @professor.on.air or check out her business; "Baly Projects" (http://www.balyprojects.com/)

Please join us as we have the incredible Dr. Cynthia Devers back in the hot seat to talk about the ins and outs of getting a Ph.D. and a variety of options anyone might be interested in the beginning, middle and end of a 5-year journey. Feel free to look into Mays' Programs to see if you're a good fit! (https://bit.ly/2OLNCVk)

We would like to welcome one of the Captains for the Salvation Army here in Bryan-College Station; Paul Ryerson! We and Captain Paul want to hear from you! If you have ever come in contact with the Salvation Army, we urge you to tell your story. Tag us on your posts on Facebook or LinkedIn and we'll be happy to share your posts to the world.

In today's episode, Paul talks on a bit of history, a few of the many services and incredible stories of the Salvation Army. If you would like to get involved or learn more about the Salvation Army, please visit: https://www.salvationarmytexas.org/bryancollegestation/contact-us/

Jordan serves as an ambassador of the Texas A&M Foundation and Texas A&M University with the responsibility to help unite donor generosity with university vision to create a brighter future. Developing and cultivating long-term, donor-centric relationships built on a firm understanding of the donor’s interests, passions, and values is an integral aspect of the role. He is responsible for partnering with donors to securing impactful gifts to benefit Texas A&M with a primary objective to advance the mission of Texas A&M University, Mays Business School and strategic academic priorities.

Today, Jordan talks on his remarkable team, honoring those for their selfless services and possibly becoming a Spotify influencer! We hope you enjoy the episode!

Dr. Leonard L. Berry is a University Distinguished Professor of Marketing, Regents Professor, and holds the M.B. Zale Chair in Retailing and Marketing Leadership in the Mays Business School at Texas A&M University. He also is a Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence. As a Visiting Scientist at Mayo Clinic in 2001-2002, he conducted an in-depth research study of healthcare service, the basis for his book, Management Lessons from Mayo Clinic (2008). Concurrent with his faculty position in Mays Business School, Dr. Berry is a Senior Fellow of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement studying service improvement in cancer care for patients and their families.

Dr. Berry joins us today to talk about his journey through his research, ways of improving healthcare and honoring the memory of his mother, Mae Berry. We hope you enjoy the episode!

Please welcome the Director of the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship at Mays Business School; Blake Petty! Blake served as assistant vice president of Research and coordinated all Innovation, Industry Relations and Business Development initiatives at Texas A&M. Blake has worked with researchers and students and is also one of the founding partners in the launch of Startup Aggieland. Today, Blake talks on his origins as the youngest ranch hand, his times behind the mic and his passion and thrill, leading the next era of entrepreneurs.

We urge you to visit Startup Aggieland and the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship to find out more about entrepreneurship opportunities. Enjoy!

Please welcome the Associate Professor & Dean for Undergraduate Programs; Annie L. McGowan! Dr. McGowan teaches and does research primarily in the area of cost accounting. Her primary research focus concerns the behavioral consequences of cost management system design and implementation. Annie joins us to talk on her early working days for the family business, some of her responsibilities outside of work and the burdens that some students and faculty feel daily. Please subscribe to the Mays MasterCast on your favorite listening platform and do not forget you can find us on YouTube. We thank you for your support!

Please welcome the Executive Director of Innovation & Strategic Planning for Mays Business School; Bill Peel! A frequent author and speaker, Bill has addressed audiences nationwide on branding, communications, design thinking, innovation, strategic planning and visioning. This includes guest lecturing and participation in symposiums in the academic community. Bill also talked a bit about his experience with the Sam Houston Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Collaborative for Children. If you are a workaholic, a grinder or an achiever please give this episode a listen!

Please welcome the Research Economist at Texas A&M's Real Estate Center; Luis Torres! Luis studies the Texas economy and real estate market as well as researching the U.S. and world economies. He developed regional indicators that measure economic activity in the real estate industry and forecast housing and commercial markets. Today, Luis joins us to talk about his experience with the Mexican Economy, his deep research in Texas' economy and even a few helpful tips for someone looking into real estate. If you would like to learn more about Texas A&M's Real Estate Center please visit recenter.tamu.edu

We would also urge you to check out the Real Estates Center "RedZone" Podcast! With over 400 episodes the Red Zone is a perfect source for anyone interested in Real Estate! Enjoy the episode!

Please welcome the Lawrence E. Fouraker Professor in Business at Mays Business School; Cynthia Devers! Dr. Devers draws on behavioral decision and social psychological perspectives to examine the roles formal and informal governance mechanisms and social evaluations play in individual, group, and organizational behavior and outcomes. Cynthia received her Ph.D. at Michigan State University and has published for major strategy and management journals. Today, she joins us to talk coaching, some unfortunate realities in business and the art of negotiating. You can find the Mays MasterCast on all listening platforms and on watch on YouTube. Enjoy!

Please welcome the CEO of Fidelis Creative Agency and High Octane Marketing; Tim Douglass! Tim joins us to talk about how he and his team give clients a voice and how to "Say it Loud." Tim discusses his origins in media, building cars, and the culture he preserves for his company.

We mentioned Fidelis' work with Brazos Smoke & the Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley.

Interested? Please feel free to check out some more of Fidelis' work at

https://fideliscreativeagency.com/ & https://highoctanemix.com/

Please welcome the former president and CEO of the 12th Man Foundation; Miles Marks! Miles joins our host Ben Wiggins to talk about their history together, forging the "Financial Titan," many Aggies still enjoy today as well as supporting the Arts for the A.D. Players Theater. If you would like to learn more about Miles and his current pursuits, please visit http://www.avalonadvisors.com

Please welcome a professor and research director at Mays Business School; Hari Sridhar! Hari discusses his unorthodox path to marketing research, his comedic style to academia and what he hopes to do for businesses and students in the future. We hope you enjoy the episode and appreciate your support!

If you would like to learn more about Hari and read some of his published works please visit https://mays.tamu.edu/directory/shriharisridhar/

Ladies and Gentlemen, please join us for a special episode with our Host Ben Wiggins and Producer Kyle Ackerman as they do a quick review of "Disrupting For Good" by Chris Field. Chris Field is the CEO of the nonprofit organization Mercy Project, Keynote Speaker and Lecturer at Mays Business School. You can learn more about Chris and "Disrupting For Good" here (http://meetchrisfield.com/ ) and find it on Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Disrupting-Good-Passion-Persistence-Lasting/dp/1684260019/). We thank you for your support and hope you enjoy the episode!

Disrupting for Good: Using Passion and Persistence to Create Lasting Change

Please welcome, Lecturer and Program Coordinator for Mays Business School; Bailey Lenzen! Bailey is a key proponent of the Mays Transformational Leadership initiative and facilitates small company Team-Building retreats at Mays. Today, Bailey joins our dynamic duo Ben Wiggins and Shannon Deer to talk about the rising book club she leads for Mays Business School as well as honoring those who have passed on. We urge you to check out and get involved with the book club at tx.ag/mtlbook.

We hope you enjoy!

Please welcome Mays Lecturer; Kyle Gammenthaler! Kyle joins the conversation to discuss some of his unique courses that are designed to empower students and make a real impact on the community. Ben and Kyle also discuss some ways to give dignity, go back in time and find the strengths within ourselves. We hope you enjoy the episode and encourage you to visit http://mays.tamu.edu/strategic-philanthropy. Thank you!

Please welcome the Director of the Professional MBA Program and Lecturer at Mays Business School; Michael Alexander! Michael joins the conversation to talk about his days in media, his contribution to students at Mays as well as explaining the concept of Appreciative Inquiry. If you would like to learn more about the Professional MBA program you can log on here:https://mays.tamu.edu/professional-mba/ Or if you would like to learn more about Mays Business School at large visit us at mays.tamu.edu. Thanks for listening!

Thank you for tuning in to Part 2 of the amazing discussion with our Host Ben Wiggins and special guest, Mays Business School's Dean; Eli Jones! Ben and Eli talk in detail some helpful approaches to sales, new and past contributors to the school as well as new projects and renovations to help excel learning and innovation for the new students to come through Mays Business School. We would also like to thank Reynolds & Reynolds for their contributions towards the future of Mays Business School as they were honored recently as Corporate Partner of the Year. Lastly, please search and support Eli's talented wife, Fern Walker Jones' single "Dare to Believe." We appreciate your ears and hope you enjoy the episode!

Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome a very special guest, the Dean of Mays Business School; Eli Jones! Dr. Jones joins the conversation to talk not only about leadership but also about the pursuits outside of academia. Ben and Eli discuss the science of being an effective salesperson, as well as being "the Good-Cop" as a grandparent and being a musician. Be on the lookout for Part 2 of the conversation next week as we take a more technical route to business and marketing ideas. We hope you enjoy the discussion and be sure to check out Fern Walker Jones' Single "Dare to Believe" You can find it on all your music platforms including iTunes and Amazon Music.

Please welcome one of Texas A&M's most decorated Media Scholars to date, Srivi Ramasubramanian! Srivi is a media psychologist who specializes in media literacy. She is the Cofounder of Media Rise (a nonprofit for meaningful media for social change), Director of the Aggie Agora Difficult Dialogues on Campus Race Relations, and Convener of the campus-wide Inclusive Pedagogy Workshop Series. Join Srivi and Ben for some specifics of the media's role in pop culture as well as some ideas helping to push for a better and more sustainable tomorrow. We would also like to hear from you! Tell us what you think and leave us a review on iTunes! Enjoy!

Please welcome the Director of Real Estate Programs, Associate Department Head Finance and Executive Professor of Mays Business School; Cydney Donnell! In today's installment, Cydney joins us to talk about the many organizations she has been involved with over the years as well as to give insights on what it takes to become successful in building a productive group. Cydney also explains the importance of generosity, making mistakes and attending Sunday brunches at the beloved former Governor, Ann Richards' home. As always, we thank you for your support and hope you enjoy the episode! Please visit: https://mays.tamu.edu/master-of-real-estate/

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the hosts of the Thinking Beyond Podcast; David Flint and Joan Quintana! David and Joan wear many hats and are deeply involved in multiple sectors of the greater Bryan and College Station community. In today's installment, the trio discusses the origins of David and Joan's partnership, their endeavors with the community and their goal implementing David's V-REEL Framework to businesses and non-profits. Need some assistance in building a strategy? Please visit Joan's team at AdventGX at www.adventgx.com. And to learn more about David and the V-REEL Framework visit him at www.drdavidflint.com. You can also listen everywhere for David's podcast "Thinking Beyond" where he talks to guests that are strategic thinkers striving to change the world. Lastly, you can pick up a copy of David's book "Think Beyond Value: Building Strategy to Win"; https://www.amazon.com/Think-Beyond-Value-Building-Strategy/dp/168350609X We hope you enjoy the episode!

Think Beyond Value: Building Strategy to Win

We would like to welcome the owners of College Station's Sawed-Off CrossFit; Brian Healy and Terrance Smith! The pair join their dear friend, Ben Wiggins, to talk about the business model of a CrossFit gym, how they came to know CrossFit, as well as their priorities as businessmen and coaches. Some highlights to listen for is the origin of Sawed-Off CrossFit, the sport at large and the generous contributions by the special community Brian and Terrance created. If you would like to learn more, please visit www.sawedoffcrossfit.com. You can also listen to their podcast Sawed-off #ToTheMax on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3EMNO4w1zTE3nXPMxMqR6h Enjoy!

Please welcome the Assistant Director of New Ventures for the McFerrin Center of Entrepreneurship, LauraLee Hughes! LauraLee joins our host, Ben Wiggins, to discuss some tips and tricks for the worlds, incoming entrepreneurs. The pair discuss the fast-paced environment and the "connectedness" of technology and how it is affecting entrepreneurs ideas in their hunt to build solutions for customers problems. If you would like to learn more please visit https://mays.tamu.edu/mcferrin-center-for-entrepreneurship/. Enjoy!

We would like to introduce the lovely Director of MBA Recruitment and Admissions here at Mays Business School; Patti Cudney! If you are interested in looking into an MBA, then look no further! Patti and Ben discuss the ins and outs of what an MBA is, what it can provide and what it means to them. The pair also deconstruct some misconceptions about the admissions process and what to expect on all levels (Full Time, Professional and Executive). If you want to learn more please visit mays.tamu.edu/mba/ and you can catch the full episode on YouTube. Enjoy!

Please welcome a true innovative engineer and entrepreneur, Eduardo Torrealba! Eduardo joins our co-host, Shannon Deer, to discuss some of Eduardo’s early success as a CEO in the gardening world. The pair also talk about Eduardo's experience in the 3D printing space and what his current pursuits entail. Some topics included in today’s entry are risk-taking at all ages, working for chaotic startups, the process of building a strong team and the differences of an entrepreneur and a manager. If you would like to learn more about Eduardo please visit http://www.torrealba.io/. Enjoy! This episode was in partnership with the Mays Innovation Research Center. You can learn more at: mays.tamu.edu/innovation-research-center

Please welcome one of the most creative and decorated MD/MBA Candidates to ever step in the halls of Texas A&M Ahad Azimuddin! Ahad joins our extravagant Ben Wiggins for a roller coaster of a podcast. The pair cover Ahad’s origins and experience at the University of Houston as well as some of his creative efforts as a musician and producer. Deeper into the podcast Ahad describes his intense family history, along with his father’s writing efforts as an author and some of his past and future innovative ideas. We deeply appreciate Ahad sharing so much with team including his heartwarming tale; “Moments of Joy.” Above the many organizations and impressive accolades, Ahad enjoys himself the most spending time with his friends and family. Listen on and Enjoy!

Please welcome the incredibly talented Thomas Dowlearn! Thomas is an MBA Graduate and currently in the process of becoming a future physician as he is currently a student at Texas A&M University’s Health Science Center. Thomas and Ben talk about putting the power back to patients, Thomas’ experience in the program and as well as some of his favorite moments helping patients. Some key points include the Charisma Myth, Occam’s Razor and the importance of practicing gratitude. If you would like to learn more, please visit us at mays.tamu.edu/podcasts and you can also watch the full interview on YouTube. Enjoy!

Please join us for our 19th installment with one of Mays' most innovative minds, TruckStop.com CEO; Scott Moscrip! Scott is joined with his wife Carmen and our lovely co-host Shannon Deer. The cast for today discuss the origins of Scott's business of TruckStop.com, his personal creative process and some of his problem solving techniques he uses to address a variety of costumer needs. Over 15 businesses deep, Scott always chose family before anything else and continues to innovate for the masses as well as giving back to his community. Enjoy!

This episode was in partnership with the Mays Innovation Research Center. You can learn more at: mays.tamu.edu/innovation-research-center

Srini Rao is the host and founder of the Unmistakable Creative podcast. With over 600 interviews, Srini talks to people “from all walks of life,” including psychologists, cartoonists, entrepreneurs and ex-cons. Srini is the author of 3 books: The Art of Being Unmistakable, Unmistakable: Why Only is Better than Best, and An Audience of One: Reclaiming Creativity for Its Own Sake. Please listen on with our lovely co-host Shannon Deer as she unravels the origin of the Unmistakable Creative podcast, Srini’s influences and hear the pair weigh-in on re-designing education. You can find Srini’s work here: https://unmistakablecreative.com/ Enjoy!

This episode was in partnership with the Mays Innovation Research Center. You can learn more at:

mays.tamu.edu/innovation-research-center

Andrew Kilzer is the Executive Producer at Texas FilmWorks, the General Manager at TexAgs Studios and a dear friend of Mays Business School. Andrew is in the film making business and continues to help companies and organizations share powerful stories. Ben and Andrew talk about narrative marketing, destroying football helmets, doing justice to forgotten athletes and honoring the fallen through film. Check out www.txfilmworks.com, www.texags.com and https://mays.tamu.edu/mays-mba-student-stories/

You can also find both documentaries Andrew mentions here: Lost Letterman | https://bit.ly/2Imir0l

Col Campbell's Final Flight | https://bit.ly/2Ul25Hb

We would like to welcome the Executive Director of the Center of Executive Development at Mays Business School, Brandi Plunkett! Dr. Plunkett joins us for our 16th installment discussing the philosophy of teaching and learning for CEO's of huge corporations as well as little ones learning to read. Brandi has worked with many to restructure workplace environments from the ground up as well as introducing the ability to Design Thinking to make any company more adaptable and responsive to customers. Listen on with Ben and Brandi for some heart warming stories and important lessons to implement in individual development. Also please visit: https://mays.tamu.edu/center-for-executive-development/?utm_source=tamuexec.com&utm_medium=OOH%20CED&utm_campaign=tamuexec.com Enjoy!

We would like to welcome the rising brand managing star, Mays MBA graduate and the one looking to put Kraft Heinz in the Fortune 100 list, Emily Klein! Emily joins Ben for our first remote recording while she bares an intense winter vortex in Chicago, Illinois. Emily discusses her MBA experience, her incredibly creative workplace environment as well as her past challenges searching for employment. Emily provides some context in the unorthodox family she created while in the MBA program as well as some tips and tricks in brand innovation and getting around a big and busy city like Chicago. Please visit KraftHeinzCompany.com and mays.tamu.edu/podcasts for more information. Enjoy!

Join Brontee Khatemi, Ben Wiggins and Shannon Deer for another bonus installment of Beyond Mays! The MasterCast crew talk a bit about what Esports is, as well as the origins and the business practices that are currently being implemented into the field today. Ben goes in-depth about Blizzard Entertainment’s OverWatch and mentions the significance of some of the popular competitive gaming titles like DOTA 2 and League of Legends. Be sure to tune in to Ben’s Esports Business Podcast (https://esportsbusinesspodcast.podbean.com/) as well as his Esports website for more information: https://topscoresolutions.com. Enjoy!

Please welcome one of Mays’ prized instructors and fellow friend of the podcast, Dr. Marty Loudder! Join Ben as we learn about Marty’s origins, her career challenges back in the 70’s, and her skillful unorthodox fly-fishing technique! Marty holds the Wiley Professorship in Business as well as both Presidential Teaching and Regents’ Professorship. Marty served as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies for 12 years and has been in the accounting department since 1989. Marty continues to empower her students and inspire many with her resilience. Please visit ORVIS on YouTube and search Marty's short, "Toe to Toe!" Enjoy!

Join Brontee Khatemi, Ben Wiggins, and Shannon Deer for this bonus installment and new series "Beyond Mays." For this bonus episode, our team will discuss "The Choice Not to Have Children," and some personal experiences revolving around that choice as well as expectations partners fill in the household and workplace. Enjoy!

Today’s installment features an impressive MBA Candidate that specializes in positivity and helping those that have served. Anthony Obi joins the conversation! Anthony and Ben discuss the importance of positivity and staying humble, the contrasts of Anthony’s experience in America and Africa and Anthony’s personal history of his selfless service. If you would like to join Anthony in his effort of helping many veterans, please visit: https://combinedarms.us/. Also please visit: https://mercyproject.net/ to learn more about assisting others with opportunities in Africa. Thank you for tuning in and enjoy!

In this special 12th installment both Ben and Shannon sit down with one the shows integral members upon release, Brontee Khatemi! Today, the crew discuss a bit about Brontee's MBA experience at Mays, her current work responsibilities and some of the important lessons learned along the way. This podcast has been broken into 3 parts, so be sure to look forward for the bonus episodes with Brontee and the MasterCast crew. Enjoy!

Coming in as the Vice President of Finance of LGI Homes and College Station native; David Wiggins joins the conversation! Ben and David (yes, ladies and gentlemen these two are brothers) dive into the hectic work environment of auditors, describe the idea of locus of control, the importance of “window-mirror maturity” and the skill set any individual in finance should have. And if you need a builder please visit www.LGIHomes.com! We hope you enjoy the episode!

Mike Kinney, the beloved and former Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs joins Ben for our 10th installment! 28 years serving as Assistant Dean, Mike gets to reflect on some of his best moments through the years and will continue to instruct students at Mays Business School. Hard to believe Mike is a Semi-Retiree as he will not only continue to teach but also tend to his massive ranch with help from Mrs. Kinney. Enjoy!

Blake Parrish, one of Mays' valuable minds behind the creative effort for Texas A&M. An extensive history with some of the biggest names including NASCAR, General Mills and Pizza Hut. In Fall 2017 he became the Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations at Mays Business School and influences content creation and marketing thought leadership for one of the top business schools in the country. Join Ben and Blake in their talks of "advancing the world's prosperity," crucial lessons learned towards self growth, and the birth of a friendship. Enjoy!

Here at Mays Business School, we do our best to push the envelope and equip our students with real leadership skills to tackle complex problems in the business world. No one personifies leadership quite like Chris Field. Chris has never played by the rules and continues "Disrupting for Good," driving others to do the impossible. We are pleased to welcome a dear friend of Mays and someone who aims to not only help but inspire many with his relentless charity work to help those in need. Chris continues his fight to end child slavery and speaks to thousands to go out and make an impact on their communities. You can find Chris' charity, Mercy Project at: mercyproject.net. And if you would like to learn more about Chris please visit: meetchrisfield.com The acclaimed author, avid runner, founder, and lecturer at Mays Business School. Chris Field!

Currently active in 4 successful businesses, 8 charity organizations, class of 76 at Texas A&M and class of 82 of the Mays MBA Program, we present: Michael Thompson! Michael talks about the early beginnings as student of Texas A&M, working 3 jobs to pay his way through school, and stayed flexible through the years of some significant career changes. Working 7 days a week and giving the illusion its all fun and games, you can find Michael and his wife Val personally hosting guests and sorting the grapes for their wine and vineyard. We hope you enjoy a dear friend of Mays Business School and urge you to keep up with Michael on Instagram @thompson31fiftywines

Enjoy!

Alex Bardeguez recently completed his MBA at Texas A&M University. Now in the world of consulting, Alex gives his honest perspective of his past experiences in the field. Alex explains his most important lessons from growing up in a full house to playing professional baseball for 5 years. Please join our Executive Producer, Shannon Deer and Alex Bardeguez for our 6th installment! Enjoy!

Janet Marcantonio joins the conversation for our 5th installment! Janet engages her students in activities that improve their ability to understand and develop themselves, influence and manage others, and master repeatable processes for making decisions, solving problems, and leading change.

In her current role on the Mays faculty, Dr. Marcantonio teaches the Full-Time MBA Capstone Consulting Project Course, the Full-Time MBA Individual Leadership Development Course, and the Professional MBA Capstone Project Course. Ben and Janet discuss the process of leader development, what work-life balance really means and expectations everyone will face in their professional lives. We appreciate Janet for giving us her time and hope you enjoy the episode!

A true native of College Station capitalizing on his relentless work ethic as once an athlete, turned competitive analyst, turned manager for some of the biggest names in finance (Simmons & Company, Magnetar & Point 72). Travis has taken a trip down "the rabbit hole" of crypto currency and sheds light of what the environment offers and what it can do in the future. Travis is the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Ikigai; a crypto asset management firm based in Los Angeles, California. Have a few questions about crypto currency? You can follow Travis @Travis_Kling on Twitter and please visit his company's website: www.Ikigai.fund

The second part of Ben and John's conversation. Originally recorded September 10th, 2018. Ben and John remind many to be kind, explore their creative side and challenge themselves in this second installment. John Krajicek is an Executive Professor, Assistant Director of Business Communications Studies and “the modern Renaissance man” of Texas A&M. You can listen to John's band, "Leavenworth" at: https://leavenworth.bandcamp.com/ Enjoy!

John Krajicek is an Executive Professor, Assistant Director of Business Communications Studies and “the modern Renaissance man” of Texas A&M. John is a multi-talented individual that stretches his students to the contrary of traditional business practice. The painter, musician, family man discusses the importance of time management, business intelligence, leadership, and being mindful of others. You can find John’s band: Leavenworth at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/LeavenworthBand/about/?tab=page_info Enjoy!

Howdy! We would like to thank you for your support and we are excited to showcase our very first guest! Dede Nwanguma. Dede is an MBA Candidate here at Texas A&M Mays Business School and a marketing strategist. Dede unfolds her experience within the MBA program, reflects on her athletic roots and identifies lessons and mentalities anyone in the business sector should use. We appreciate Dede’s time and for her sharing her stories working with many different teams. Enjoy!

Welcome to the Mays MasterCast! We thank you for tuning in and we are excited to kick things off with an introduction of our very own Ben Wiggins. Ben is the host of the Mays MasterCast alongside our executive producer and co-host Shannon Deer. Ben and Shannon dive in to Ben’s background in the entertainment industry as well as his experience in the MBA program. The pair expand on some important lessons they have learn throughout their professional careers as well as the students they used to be within Texas A&M. Listen on and enjoy!