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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In this episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, we sit down with Courtney Miller, a marketing executive and MBA alum, to talk about the ups and downs of her MBA journey and how she built a meaningful marketing career. From facing rejection to leading successful brand revamps.

You'll hear why not getting the job you want can actually lead to something better, and how to make smart but flexible career decisions that keep you moving forward. Courtney shares what a real marketing career path can look like, from navigating business school to stepping into executive roles, and gives tips on handling rejection in a way that helps you grow, not shrink. She also dives into how to lead with empathy, support your team's personal development, and the value of strong networks and mentoring especially when it comes to empowering women in leadership. You’ll also learn how to balance data and creativity when building brand strategies, offering creative feedback that inspires, and staying grounded in your strategic decision-making without getting overwhelmed. Starting your career or shifting gears? Tune in for real talk on growing with intention, leading confidently, and making decisions that truly align with your goals.

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Learn more about us: https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

In this episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, we sit down with Brock Hardisty, whose unconventional career path led him from journalism and the beer industry to co-founding a company that designs and manufactures high-end custom pocket knives with his brother. What began as a side project quickly turned into a full-fledged venture rooted in quality American manufacturing, a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and the power of storytelling in business.

Brock opens up about how they initially assumed their audience would be outdoorsmen and survivalists, but to their surprise, they discovered a passionate group of knife collectors who treat these pieces like pocket jewelry, valuing them as much for their design and detail as their utility.

Throughout the conversation, Brock shares how his MBA education and background in storytelling helped shape the company’s brand identity, and why being able to tell a compelling story is just as important as having a great product. He also talks about managing a small, highly skilled manufacturing team, the importance of customer feedback, and the mindset shifts that come with major career transitions.

If you're curious about entrepreneurship, product development, or what it takes to build a standout brand in a niche market, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, we sit down with Matt Beasley, Chief Commercial Officer at Silicon Ranch, one of the largest solar power producers in the U.S. Matt shares his leadership journey, from starting in brand development to becoming a key leader in renewable energy. He discusses the importance of mentorship in leadership, how career development strategies shaped his path, and why having a long-term business strategy is crucial for success.

We also explore how Silicon Ranch’s corporate sustainability model drives real change and impacts local communities. Matt explains how taking a long-term approach to business builds trust and creates lasting value, both economically and environmentally. His insights on career growth and professional development offer valuable lessons for students, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike.

This episode highlights the power of mentorship, the role of transferable skills in career growth, and the economic impact of solar energy. Whether you're looking to transition careers, strengthen your leadership skills, or learn about sustainability in business, this conversation has something for you.

Tune in now for real-world insights that can fuel your professional growth and long-term success!

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In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Joe Pollaro, VP of Real Estate and Workplace at Pinterest, shares his incredible career journey, from investment banking at JP Morgan to investor relations at Wix and now leading a global team at Pinterest.

Joe reveals how storytelling is a powerful leadership skill that has shaped his ability to influence executives, manage teams, and adapt across industries. He dives into the challenges of transitioning from an individual contributor to a people manager, offering insights on how to build credibility, motivate teams, and give effective feedback. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, learning from setbacks, and embracing change to grow as a leader.

This episode will provide practical advice to help you navigate transitions and become a more effective leader.

Tune in and discover how storytelling can elevate your leadership journey!

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In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Olivia Cooper, a Vanderbilt Owen alum, shares her inspiring journey from studying interior design to excelling in marketing strategy and community leadership. Olivia talks about the lessons she learned while working at the Chamber of Commerce, her transformative experience at Owen, and how she balances a thriving career at Green Apple Strategy with her passion for giving back to the community.

Discover how Olivia integrates creativity, strategy, and leadership to make an impact in both the corporate and nonprofit worlds. If you’re curious about blending career success with meaningful community involvement, or just looking for leadership tips you can apply right away, Olivia’s story is one you don’t want to miss.

Tune in for a fresh perspective on leadership and strategy.

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In Part 2 of our alumni special, we dive into even more inspiring stories and powerful leadership insights from Vanderbilt Owen graduates Kitty Elshot-Smith, Kris Douglas, and Ryan Lein.

From leading global teams at Bank of America to navigating the challenges of real estate and building successful teams in the corporate world, these alumni share their candid experiences and lessons learned along the way. You’ll hear how they motivate and inspire their teams, create psychologically safe spaces, and adapt to changing circumstances to drive results.

Kitty reflects on the importance of modeling behavior and fostering trust, Kris shares how to keep morale up during tough market conditions, and Ryan reveals his approach to building high-performing teams and measuring leadership success. These stories are packed with actionable advice on teamwork, resilience, and navigating complex leadership challenges.

If you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, build better teams, or learn how to thrive in uncertain times, this episode has something for you. Don’t miss Part 2 of this engaging series filled with wisdom, practical tips, and a few fun memories from their time at Owen.

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In this special two-part episode, we had the pleasure of hearing from three remarkable Vanderbilt Owen alumni—Beth Torres, Russ Fallis, and Jerome Edwards—who returned to campus to share their leadership journeys. Through their stories, they offered powerful insights on leadership, career growth, and the lifelong value of the Owen community.

Discover how their MBA experience shaped their approach to managing teams, cultivating strengths, and building professional resilience. Whether you’re interested in leadership development, business school success, or career growth strategies, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiring stories.

Tune in for actionable tips and insights that can transform your own leadership journey!

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Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/