When a linear career path falls apart, what comes next can define your leadership more than the title ever did.

It’s in the unexpected turns: the pivots, pauses, and pressure points where leadership is truly tested. These moments not only challenge your strategy, but also sharpen your self-awareness, revealing how you show up when things don’t go as planned.

In this episode, host Taiwo Olawehinmi sits down with Vanderbilt Owen Executive MBA 2018 alum Mike Sumida, whose unique leadership journey spans from aspiring physician to high school math teacher, to healthcare consulting, and now, business startup leader. Through each twist and turn, Mike shares how experiences like layoffs, mentorship, and team-building have shaped his approach to leadership.

This conversation explores how self-awareness and decision-making evolve over time and why those who succeed learn to balance humility with confidence. Mike also opens up about the value of asking for help, the impact of strong mentorship, and why resilience in leadership is built through the tough seasons, not just the wins.

You’ll also hear how Mike applies situational leadership and effective communication to manage teams, support professional growth, and build trust. His story offers real-world networking tips for building relationships that matter, both within and beyond the Vanderbilt Owen community.

This is leadership with intention, reflection, and heart. Don’t miss it.

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Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

What does it take to lead authentically across large, dispersed teams? How do you stay grounded and connected while evolving as a leader? And how can you build trust without sacrificing structure or results?

In this episode, Melissa Bortkiewicz sits down with Abhi Pardeshi, a seasoned executive and proud Vanderbilt Owen alum, who shares how his leadership journey has been shaped by lessons in self-reflection, team building, and the changing landscape of AI in healthcare.

Abhi dives into the habits that support long-term personal development, and how staying grounded in authentic leadership allows him to lead large teams with clarity and purpose. He opens up about his approach to navigating complex team dynamics while staying aligned to mission-driven work.

They also talked about building effective operations strategy, particularly in the context of healthcare leadership, and why being intentional with time, communication, and support is key. You’ll hear how Abhi thinks about growth not just for himself, but for the people he leads.

This conversation offers real‑world insights on people management, trust building, and practical ways to foster a feedback culture while creating space for intentional communication, even when time feels limited.

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Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

This is a special recorded episode during our Live Podcast event, celebrating 20 years of the Leadership Development Program at Vanderbilt Owen. With a room full of students, we welcomed back one of our own for an inspiring and insightful conversation.

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, we sit down with Jamie Ikerd, a 2015 MBA alum of Vanderbilt Owen and current Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer at HireRight. Jamie takes us on a deep dive into her leadership journey, from investment banking and consulting to entrepreneurship and technology, with a focus on intentional leadership and the power of reflection.

You’ll hear how Jamie designed a career rooted in authentic leadership, guided by clear values and purpose. She unpacks the five guideposts of her leadership framework that have shaped her approach, from understanding motivators and stressors to building a personal board of directors.

We also explore how the business life cycle influences leadership styles and why transformation leadership requires more than just vision, it demands real clarity in decision making and consistent leadership development over time.

This episode is a must-listen for emerging leaders, current MBA students, and anyone ready to lead with intention and purpose.