Crummer Connections: Recent Episodes
Victor Media Group
Hear the stories of Crummer alumni in their own words as they discuss their accomplishments and Crummer experience.
Each chapter of Sachin Jaitly’s career reads like a new adventure. He has served as a corporate financial executive, tech entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. With each new role, he encounters satisfying successes as well as challenging defeats, and gathers valuable lessons that can be applied to not only career and business, but to life. Sachin Jaitly currently serves as founder and general partner at Morgan Creek Digital, where he manages investments in early stage Web 3 companies that leverage blockchain, AI, digital assets, and cryptocurrency. Listen and learn from his perspective on the future of cryptocurrency, the demise of FTX, the prospect of cryptocurrency regulation, and advice for entrepreneurs.
01:10 -- Guest intro, understanding blockchain and the crypto market
10:07 -- The collapse of FTX
18:56 -- Regulating crypto
21:27 -- Backstory, lessons from managing vending machines
28:43 -- Crummer experience, attraction to finance
35:13 -- Career journey, learnings from creating flexReceipts
46:40 -- Career and business advice, life lessons
Resources
Crummer Graduate School of Business -- https://www.crummer.rollins.edu/
Morgan Creek Capital – https://www.morgancreekcap.com/
Morgan Creek Digital – https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/
Tessera Venture Partners – https://www.tesseravp.com/
flexEngage – https://www.flexengage.com/
Credits
Guest -- Sachin Jaitly, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjaitly/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Technical/Production Design -- Angel Colon
Technical/Production Assistance -- Hao Do, Dassika Gilkey, Jaianne Gilkey
Audio Editing -- Manni Simon
In his long career, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling (Ret.) has met and worked with presidents, monarchs, and military leaders from around the world. But he has also faced times of great adversity, including life-and-death combat situations, and moments that require the courage to “speak up for what’s right.” Mark Hertling currently serves as adjunct professor of strategic leadership at the Crummer School, and provides leadership development to physicians in healthcare organizations. Listen and learn from his perspective on the conflict in Ukraine, the current mental health crisis, what it means to be American, and what is worth fighting for.
01:32 -- Guest intro, discussion of the conflict in Ukraine
06:08 -- Leadership on the world stage, comparing Zelenskyy and Putin
08:45 -- The post-pandemic mental health crisis
14:18 -- What it means to be American, what’s worth fighting for
23:35 -- Backstory, attending U.S. Military Academy at West Point
29:45 -- Career journey, leaders “not allowed to have a bad day”
34:16 -- Mark Hertling’s Crummer experience, Growing Physician Leaders
43:52 -- Career advice, becoming a military analyst at CNN
Books
Growing Physician Leaders by Mark Hertling -- https://tinyurl.com/5n7e3bf
Resources
Crummer Graduate School of Business -- https://www.crummer.rollins.edu/
Medscape article on physician suicide -- https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/806779-overview
USO article on military suicides -- https://www.uso.org/stories/2664-military-suicide-rates-are-at-an-all-time-high-heres-how-were-trying-to-help
Profile of Christina Maslach, Ph.D. -- https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/christina-maslach
U.S. Military Academy at West Point -- https://www.westpoint.edu/
Mark Hertling’s Twitter, @MarkHertling -- https://twitter.com/markhertling/status/1559941585542041602
Mark Hertling profile at CNN -- https://www.cnn.com/profiles/mark-hertling-profile
American Battlefield Monuments Commission -- https://www.abmc.gov/
Credits
Guest -- Mark Hertling, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hertling-dba-57987066/
https://crummer.rollins.edu/faculty/mark-hertling/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Technical/Production Design -- Angel Colon
Technical/Production Assistance -- Hao Do, Dassika Gilkey, Jaianne Gilkey
Audio Editing -- Manni Simon
Natalia Warren was studying for her second master’s degree when a painful medical condition changed the course of her life and led her to patient advocacy. She currently serves as the chair and co-founder of the Not A Dry Eye Foundation, the only patient-driven, non-profit foundation focused on raising awareness of Dry Eye Syndrome. Listen and learn from Natalia Warren’s experience with dry eye, as well as her perspective on the conflict in Ukraine, the need for patient advocacy in the American healthcare system, and her advice for non-profit organizations.
01:22 -- Guest intro, discussion of Your Dry Eye Mystery Solved
10:00 -- Backstory, what it means to be Ukrainian
14:58 -- Professional journey, becoming a patient advocate
25:43 -- Natalia Warren’s Crummer experience
29:31 -- Advice for non-profits
Books
Your Dry Eye Mystery Solved by Steven L. Maskin and Natalia A. Warren -- https://tinyurl.com/37xvauub
Resources
Crummer Graduate School of Business -- https://www.crummer.rollins.edu/
Not A Dry Eye Foundation -- notadryeye.org
Come Back Alive (Ukrainian Army Charity Fund) -- savelife.in.ua
National Bank of Ukraine -- bank.gov.ua
Dr. Steven L. Maskin -- drmaskin.com
Amazon Smile -- smile.amazon.com
Credits
Guest -- Natalia Warren, https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-warren-9733241/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Technical/Production Design -- Angel Colon
Technical/Production Assistance -- Hao Do
Video and Audio Editing -- Anna Hughes
Today's guest is Austin Franklin, Co-Founder and CEO of Good-Natured Life. In this interview, he'll explain how serving the community starts with being your best self, and even when you are in the midst of challenges, you can find the advantage in the disadvantage. SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Austin will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:16 -- Philosophy of service, giving back to the community, being your best self
08:20 -- Backstory, parents as business role models, messages of positivity
15:37 -- Career journey, overcoming disadvantages, the inception of Good Natured Life
25:25 -- Career advice, finding the advantage in the disadvantage
Credits
Guest -- Austin Franklin, https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-franklin-a1a477111/
Host -- J.B. Adams, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslearning/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Showrunner -- Kyle Sawyer
Audio Design -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Rachel O’Bryan
Think about something that you've always wanted to accomplish and then ask yourself what is holding you back from doing it? Today's guest is Marcus Davis. And in this interview, he'll share his early experiences in business. And explain the importance of learning how to run so that you can separate yourself from the rest of the pack. SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Marcus will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:12 -- Philosophy of service, servant leadership and situational leadership
08:47 -- Backstory, playing sports and keeping the gas tank full
14:40 -- Lessons from mentor James Gore, having a Plan B
21:23 -- Career advice, ask questions, “learn how to run, then run faster”
Credits
Guest -- Marcus Davis, https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusjdavis/
Host -- J.B. Adams, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslearning/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Showrunner -- Kyle Sawyer
Audio Design -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Rachel O’Bryan
Think back to the early stages of your business career, did you have a clear idea of where you were headed? For most of us, it's not that easy. Today's guest is Mai-Han Harrington, director of administration at Kobe Japanese steakhouse and immediate past president on the Rollins College Alumni Board of Directors, and in this interview, she'll share with us what to do when you don't know what to do, and how she found her way to continue the legacy of a proud family business. SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Mai-Han will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:05 -- Philosophy of service, and creating meaningful relationships
06:46 -- Backstory, the birth of Kobe Japanese Steakhouse as a family business
14:29 -- Career journey, pursuing interests before joining the family business
22:37 -- Best business advice, expect change and embrace it
Resources
https://kobesteakhouse.com/
Credits
Guest -- Mai-Han Harrington, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mai-han-harrington-52a88713/
Host -- J.B. Adams, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslearning/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Showrunner -- Kyle Sawyer
Audio Design -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Rachel O’Bryan
Imagine being a parent and learning that your child has an illness that will affect both of you for the rest of your lives. In this interview, John Henry, executive director of the MyCareConnect Foundation and current vice president on the Rollins College Alumni Board of Directors, shares how his situation made him step up as a parent, shift his career, and redefine his commitment to service. SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and John will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:18 -- Philosophy of service, importance of meaningful connections
07:35 -- Backstory, job search, patience, and passion
17:04 -- Career journey, the inception of MyCareConnect, and helping families in the Type I Diabetes community
Resources
https://blueloop.mycareconnect.com/
Credits
Guest -- John Henry, https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhenrymccblueloop/
Host -- J.B. Adams, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslearning/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Showrunner -- Kyle Sawyer
Audio Design -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Rachel O’Bryan
In the 21st century, it is increasingly essential to put a sense of humanity at the center of business decisions. In this interview, Alex Manrique, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Universal Parks & Resorts, discusses her approach to service through fostering relationships and embracing the differences of others.
SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Alex will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:49 -- Service philosophy, importance of taking care of future generations
07:35 -- Backstory, growing up in Colombia, treating people with kindness
12:49 -- Career journey & best business advice, helping employees find a sense of belonging
Resources
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo -- https://www.amazon.com/You-Want-Talk-About-Race/dp/1580056776
Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces by Karen Catlin -- https://www.amazon.com/Better-Allies-Everyday-Inclusive-Workplaces/dp/1732723303
How to Be an Anti-Racist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi -- https://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Antiracist-Ibram-Kendi/dp/0525509283
Universal Orlando Parks & Resorts -- https://jobs.universalparks.com/universal-orlando-resort/life-at-universal-orlando/#uoldiv
Credits
Guest -- Alex Manrique, https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-manrique/
Host -- J.B. Adams, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslearning/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Showrunner -- Kyle Sawyer
Audio Design -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Rachel O’Bryan
Today’s show begins with a simple question: Do you have a job, or do you have a career? In this interview, Terry Castillo, training and development manager for the Orange County Clerk of Courts and vice-chair of the Osceola County School Board, and former chair of career enhancement and service at the Crummer Graduate School of Business discusses the importance of identifying your gifts and using them to serve others.
SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Terry will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:52 -- Philosophy of service, and on making service more attractive
09:44 -- Backstory, Terry’s grandmother as a role model of service
22:07 -- Business advice and on serving for the right reasons
Resources
The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQ845EA/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1
Orange County Clerk of Courts -- https://www.myorangeclerk.com/
Osceola County School Board -- https://www.osceolaschools.net/Page/180
Credits
Guest -- Terry Castillo, https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrycastillo/
Host -- J.B. Adams, https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamslearning/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Showrunner -- Kyle Sawyer
Audio Design -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Rachel O’Bryan
For many business leaders, the details are something you work out later, after you’ve determined your strategy. But for operations managers, the details will make or break your strategy. In this interview, Professor of Operations Management at the Crummer Graduate School of Business Dr. Keenan Yoho discusses the importance of operations management, early lessons gained through his interest in music, and how to be strategically bold in your career choices.
SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Dr. Yoho will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:47 -- Importance of operations management
07:36 -- Growing up in the Midwest and drumming with Kenny Aronoff
14:14 -- College and the National Guard, career philosophy, and advice
Books
Sex, Drums, Rock ‘n’ Roll!: The Hardest Hitting Man in Show Business -- https://amzn.to/3hBb1r6
Resources
Crummer Graduate School of Business -- https://www.crummer.rollins.edu/
Rand Corporation -- https://www.rand.org/
Kenny Aronoff -- https://kennyaronoff.com/
Credits
Guest -- Dr. Dr. Keenan Yoho, https://www.linkedin.com/in/keenan-yoho-a81542a1/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Sound Editing -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Kyle Sawyer
All managers lead their organizations through change, but the most effective ones make it easier for employees to embrace change and come along willingly. In this interview, former Executive in Residence Associate Professor and now Continuing Graduate Faculty of Management at the Crummer Graduate School of Business Dr. Robert Prescott explains the importance of building trust between managers and employees; he also describes the management lessons he learned from key mentors and builds a case for life-long learning.
SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Dr. Prescott will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
03:00 -- Stepping up and dealing with change, building trust between managers and employees
07:40 -- Early business influences, management lessons learned from mentors while working at BellSouth
18:11 -- Career aspirations, making the transition from industry to academia
26:00 -- Career philosophy and attitude towards life-long learning
Resources
Crummer Graduate School of Business -- https://www.crummer.rollins.edu/
Appreciative inquiry -- https://www.centerforappreciativeinquiry.net/more-on-ai/what-is-appreciative-inquiry-ai/
Credits
Guest -- Dr. Robert Prescott, https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-k-prescott-phd-sphr-shrm-scp-5344836/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Sound Editing -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Kyle Sawyer
Business leaders are constantly faced with choices; sometimes just one important decision can change the course of the rest of your life. In this interview, Associate Professor of Marketing Dr. Tracy Kizer explains the importance of marketing and messaging in a changing business landscape, how her parents influenced her development, and how success comes through hard work and following your soul.
SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Dr. Kizer will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:46 -- Marketing challenges during the pandemic, reminder that consumers have choices
05:58 -- Early business influences, enterprising parents
11:12 -- Professional journey and career philosophy, enduring challenges and making decisions based on faith
22:07 -- Teaching philosophy, a systematic approach to learning
Credits
Guest -- Dr. Tracy Kizer, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyharmon/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Sound Editing -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Kyle Sawyer
Business leaders make decisions to ensure the growth and profitability of their companies, but they sometimes overlook what is in the best interest of owners, shareholders, and other stakeholders. In this interview, Associate Professor of Finance Dr. Brian Walkup describes common mistakes in the understanding of finance, his entrepreneurial upbringing, and how effective firms consistently maximize value.
02:07 -- Common mistakes that business leaders make in their approach to finance
08:18 -- Early business influences growing up in an entrepreneurial family
22:08 -- Career philosophy and finding passion and value
24:14 -- Teaching philosophy, differentiating theory from tools and application
Resources
Crummer Graduate School of Business -- https://www.crummer.rollins.edu/
All Around Charters & Tours -- https://allaroundbus.com/
CNL Financial Group, Inc. -- https://www.cnl.com/
Credits
Guest -- Dr. Brian Walkup, https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-walkup-ph-d-4738211/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Sound Editing -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Kyle Sawyer
It’s easy to express care and concern for our planet and the people on it, but being a responsible consumer means researching purchases and making informed decisions about them. In this interview, Professor of International Business and Social Entrepreneurship Dr. Mary Conway Dato-on describes her career in social entrepreneurship and how all of us can become more thoughtful consumers.
SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Dr. Conway Dato-on will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
01:13 -- The importance of international marketing and social entrepreneurship
16:38 -- Career philosophy; always being ready to pivot
22:55 -- Teaching philosophy, challenging student thinking
Resources
Global Links Initiative -- https://globallinksus.com/
Rally -- https://www.rallysea.com/
IPADE Business School -- https://www.ipadebusinessschool.com/
Credits
Guest -- Dr. Mary Conway Dato-on, https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-conway-dato-on/
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Sound Editing -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Kyle Sawyer
Earth Day gives all of us the opportunity to consider how we can make our planet a safer, cleaner and more fair place for all of us to share. In this interview, Associate Professor of Sustainable Enterprise and Corporate Social Responsibility Dr. Keith Whittingham describes his career in coffee production, his approach to sustainability, and how we can foster fresh ideas for a thriving world.
SUBMIT A QUESTION: Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Dr. Whittingham will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.
0:02:28 -- Dr. Whittingham on the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals and his association with Artifx Cafe
0:11:26 -- Dr. Whittingham’s early business influences growing up in Trinidad and Tobago
0:28:00 -- Dr. Whitthingham’s career philosophy and differentiating fascination from passion
Resources
Artifx Cafe -- https://www.artifxcafe.com/
United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals -- https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
Credits
Guest -- Dr. Keith Whittingham, https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithwhittinghamphd
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. -- https://victormediagroup.co/
Creator / Host -- J.B. Adams
Executive Producer -- Gerard Mitchell
Sound Editing -- Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance -- Kyle Sawyer
In this show, host J.B. Adams interviews Natalie Hayes Schmook, founder and owner of Hayes Wealth Advisors LLC, a financial planning and investment management services company serving optometrists, optometry practice owners, and their families. Ms. Schmook graduated from Crummer in 2006 as a part of EAMBA 9. Her career started in private wealth management with SunTrust Bank, pivoted to operating a franchise, and then evolved to starting Hayes Wealth Advisors. She and her husband Eric Schmook (a fellow alumnus) continue to be involved with Crummer by assisting with Career Services and participating in the annual venture plan competition.
In this show, host J.B. Adams interviews Serg Albino, Co-Founder and CEO of ecoSpears, an impact venture delivering cost-effective and eco-friendly cleantech solutions to destroy persistent organic pollutants from our land and waterways. Mr. Albino is a serial entrepreneur with a long career in technology, engineering, and consulting. He graduated from Crummer in 2010 as a part of SMBA 05.
In this show, host J.B. Adams interviews Diahann Smith, who currently serves as the director of marketing and business development for Florida Dairy Farmers. Before starting her thirteen-year career with Florida Dairy Farmers, she had a long career in marketing in Central Florida, previously working at the Orlando Sentinel. Ms. Smith graduated from Crummer in 2017 as a part of EMBA 36.
In this show, host J.B. Adams interviews Joshua Snyder, who currently serves as the vice president of strategic partnerships and business development at PowerDMS. Mr. Snyder graduated from Crummer in 2010 as a part of EAMBA 13. In the time since his graduation, he has continued to maintain a strong relationship with Crummer, by working at the Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship for five years, serving at Crummer’s Oktoberfest fundraiser, and joining the alumni board.
In this show, host J.B. Adams interviews Cameron Dawson, who currently serves as Director, Senior Equity Analyst in the Chief Investment Office of Bank of America. Her first exposure to business came when, as a teenager, she moved to Miami to pursue a career as a professional ballet dancer. After spending a year at UCF, she enrolled at Rollins College and participated in the 3:2 program to complete her MBA at Crummer. As a part of EAMBA 17, Ms. Dawson focused on the finance track with help from Dr. Clay Singleton. After graduating, she received the Edward Moses scholarship, studied to take the CFA, and landed her role with Bank of America.
In this show, host J.B. Adams interviews Tadar Muhammad, who currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Workforce Development for Home Builders Institute (HBI). In his role, Mr. Muhammad helps young people develop the work skills they will need to succeed in home building jobs as well as careers. He graduated from Crummer in 2017 as a part of EAMBA 37 and he continues to nurture his relationship with Crummer as a guest speaker and mentor.