In this special transition episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, new host Taiwo Olawehinmi sits down with outgoing host Jacob Straessle, a member of Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management’s graduating class of 2025. Jacob helped bring this podcast to life and has spent the last year capturing powerful leadership reflections from alumni across industries.

Together, Taiwo and Jacob explore what it truly means to grow as a leader, not just through roles and responsibilities, but through connection, communication, and curiosity.

Jacob Straessle shares why active listening skills are essential for effective leadership and how storytelling can be a powerful tool to influence, inspire, and build trust. He offers a candid look behind the scenes of launching a podcast and collaborating with a team, reflecting on the lessons he gained from interviewing leaders across industries about their career development. Jacob also discusses how a student-led initiative sparked the creation of his functional beverage startup and explains how participating in social impact projects during his MBA experience at Vanderbilt Owen deeply shaped his perspective. Throughout the conversation, he offers practical insights for anyone beginning or redefining their leadership journey.

This episode is not just a handoff but also a celebration of growth, a masterclass in communication, and a reminder that leadership can look different for everyone. Every student, alum, and mid-career professional will find something valuable in this conversation.

Hit play and discover how curiosity and communication can shape your own leadership path.

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