Do you ever feel like the pressure to succeed is outpacing your current leadership skills? It is common to feel overwhelmed when you are chasing career growth while simultaneously trying to master the daily demands of a complex role. You might worry that your existing management skills are not enough to navigate the high stakes of today's fast-paced business environment.

You can absolutely navigate this complexity with confidence and clarity. In this episode, I sit down with Katie Smigelski, Owen Vanderbilt MBA 2020, to discuss her fascinating journey from management consulting at BCG to leading major initiatives at Delta Airlines. We explore how she successfully transitioned into corporate strategy and managed a massive digital transformation. Katie reveals exactly how she aligns her daily work with the broader business strategy without losing sight of the critical details.

We dive deep into the reality of strategic leadership and what it truly takes to lead effectively from the middle. Katie shares her personal frameworks for tough decision-making when information is incomplete or constantly changing. You will learn how to balance the need for operational efficiency with high-level strategic thinking so you can drive results that actually impact the bottom line.

Leading a team brings its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. We talk about the nuances of team management and how to navigate shifting team dynamics with empathy and precision. Katie also emphasizes the critical role of mentorship in her success and explains how she uses intentional goal setting to keep her team focused and inspired.

This conversation eventually turns to her current passion for leading loyalty programs and driving engagement. We discuss what it really takes to elevate the customer experience in a competitive market like the airline industry. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will change the way you approach your own leadership journey.

This is leadership with intention, reflection, and heart. Listen in! Remember to subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

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

When the corporate ladder feels secure but the soul craves impact, the career transition to building a business becomes more than a decision, it becomes a calling. However, answering that call requires more than just a leap of faith. True startup success is born in the unexpected turns defined by calculated risks, extensive market research, and the courage to launch a startup that brings something new to the world.

These moments not only challenge your professional identity but also sharpen your vision, revealing how you can translate corporate skills into a venture that truly matters.

In this episode, host Maree Smith sits down with Vanderbilt Owen MBA 2014 alum Clara Belden to discuss her unique entrepreneurship journey. Her founder story spans from competitive equestrian to brand management at Mars Petcare and now the female founder of The Happy Hour, a mental wellness studio designed to make therapy as accessible as walking into a nail salon. Clara shares how she leveraged her background to create a solid business plan and navigate a complex business launch, handling everything from finding the perfect real estate to opening during pandemic restrictions.

This conversation explores the gritty reality of leaving corporate and the anxiety of quitting your job. Clara opens up about the struggle with imposter syndrome, the necessity of resilience, and how she used data to validate her startup strategy before opening her doors.

You will also hear how Clara prioritizes soft skills over resume statistics when hiring and how she models authentic leadership to build a connected, motivated team. Her story offers a blueprint for every aspiring founder looking to learn how to build a startup that bridges the gap between business strategy and human connection.

This is leadership with intention, reflection, and heart. Listen in! Remember to subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

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

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.

What does it really mean to lead with empathy, resilience, and cultural awareness? It’s not something you learn from a textbook, it’s something you learn through experience, discomfort, and showing up when everything feels unfamiliar. True leadership, especially across cultures, begins with understanding yourself in unfamiliar environments.

In this episode, we sit down with Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management alum Andy van Ark to explore how life across continents shaped his unique leadership style.

From growing up in South Africa to navigating life in Germany, the U.S., and Australia, Andy’s story goes far beyond boardrooms and job titles. We dive into the personal growth that happens through culture shock, international relocation, and adapting to new norms, both in everyday life and in how you lead others.

Andy unpacks the identity shift that comes with being a third culture kid, and how those early experiences fueled his career development and taught him the value of listening before leading. You'll also hear about how cross-cultural communication skills shaped his view on global leadership, and why cultural adaptability is non-negotiable in today’s world.

If you’re dreaming of working overseas or simply want to lead with more heart and clarity, Andy’s reflections on belonging and purpose will hit home.

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Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

Do you want to grow into a confident, grounded leader during your MBA? Are you looking for clarity, consistency, and purpose in how you lead? Curious how others have used their time at business school to develop real-world leadership skills?

This episode will show you what’s possible through leadership development.

In this special episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, former host Reid Chauvin passes the mic to new host Maree Smith as they reflect on Reid’s leadership journey at Vanderbilt Owen. Reid shares how he went from overextended and approval-seeking to focused and grounded in intentional leadership. Through real-life stories and honest reflection, he reveals what helped him recalibrate and start leading with purpose.

You’ll hear how Reid learned to trust others, delegate under pressure, and build a reliable support system, all while managing a demanding MBA schedule. We talk about the unexpected challenges that shaped his path, including illness and project deadlines, and how he developed true resilience in leadership.

Reid also opens up about the power of peer mentorship, the impact of consistent executive coaching, and how each contributed to his personal and professional leadership growth throughout the MBA experience.

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Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

Are you still figuring out how to lead in team projects, internship roles, or early career settings? Wondering how to stay grounded in your authentic self as you step into new responsibilities?

In this special handoff episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, departing host Brianna Dacey passes the mic to Melissa Ortiz, who’s stepping in as one of the new hosts. Their conversation marks the transition between cohorts and dives deep into leadership development, community building, and what it really takes to grow as a leader.

Brianna reflects on what she’s learned from co-hosting the show, having real conversations with alumni, and navigating her consulting internship. She shares how building relationships through the alumni network and showing up with transparency in leadership shaped her confidence and career clarity.

Whether you’re preparing for a career pivot, exploring your values, or learning how to lead through complex workplace dynamics, this episode offers a grounded take on leadership growth. You'll hear actionable leadership insights and advice for building your decision-making skills as you grow.

Expect relatable leadership stories and a fresh wave of inspiration for your personal growth and professional growth journey.

Listen in!

Subscribe now to never miss an episode!

Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/