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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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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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!

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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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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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https://business.vanderbilt.edu/