THE JUNGLE

This episode features a conversation with Wendy Smith, Ph.D. - the Dana J. Johnson professor of management and faculty director of the Women's Leadership Initiative at the Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware. Dr. Smith is a world expert on how leaders navigate strategic paradoxes that involve contradictory, yet interdependent demands. We discuss her recent book: Both/ And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve your Toughest Problems.

Hal Hershfield, Ph.D. - UCLA Professor

This episode features a conversation with Hal Hershfield, Ph.D. - Professor of Marketing, Behavioral Decision Making, and Psychology at UCLA's Anderson School of Management. Hal is a world's expert on decision-making and how projections of the future impact behavior. We discuss his research and recent book Your Future Self: How to make tomorrow a better today. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

Sue Ashford, Ph.D. – University of Michigan Professor

This episode features a conversation with Sue Ashford, Ph.D. – the Michael and Susan Jandernoa Professor in the Management and Organizations group at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. She is a world expert on leadership and leadership development. We discuss her recent book: The Power of Flexing: How to Use Small Daily Experiments to Create Big Life-Changing Growth.

Dacher Keltner, Ph.D. – University of California, Berkley Professor

This episode features a conversation with Dacher Keltner, Ph.D - professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and the director of the Greater Good Science Center. He is one of the world’s foremost emotion scientists and we discuss his research and recent book Awe: The new science of everyday wonder and how it can transform your life.

Chris Marquis, Ph.D. – University of Cambridge Professor

This episode features a conversation with Chris Marquis, Ph.D. - Sinyi Professor of Chinese Management at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. Dr. Marquis is a world expert on how organizations achieve a triple-bottom-line impact on environmental, social, and financial performance and is a leading expert on capitalism in China. We discuss his recent book Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of the Chinese Enterprise.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Jim Eckert - the Robert S. Kaiser Professor of Sales at WMU Haworth College of Business - and Cooper Frost - a Strategic Account Manager at Western Digital. Dr. Eckert joined Western’s business college over 22 years ago and transformed the undergraduate Sales and Marketing program into a nationally recognized and awarded program. Frost was a trail-blazing WMU student majoring in Leadership and Business Strategy & Sales and Business Marketing. He is also former president of SBMA - the Sales and Business Marketing Association. Frost now is a Top-50 seller at Western Digital, a recipient of Young Professional of the Year, and community volunteer in addition to his myriad other pursuits. The conversation touches on the extraordinary undergraduate programs at WMU Haworth, what differentiates the LBS and Sales programs, and how students can transform into top-performing industry professionals.


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Recorded on October 11, 2022

This episode features a conversation with Doug DeVos – Current Co-Chair and Former President of Amway. A globally recognized business and civic leader, Doug currently serves as co-chair of Amway, the world’s largest direct selling company with more than $8 billion in revenue. Doug is well known for his entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and civic engagement nationally and in West Michigan. Doug recently launched his podcast Believe! to inspire, educate, and share beliefs to help America’s future for the better. We talk with Doug about his motivating purpose and principles, entrepreneurship, and the future of West Michigan.

This episode features a conversation with Tom Garrett and Justin Murray – Executives in Residence at Sleeping Giant Capital. Tom and Justin recently joined Sleeping Giant Capital to search for, acquire, and grow a business in Michigan. Tom Garrett joins Sleeping Giant Capital with 25 years of corporate management experience. Previously he was President of Total Plastics, Inc. Justin Murray joins Sleeping Giant Capital with 14 years of management experience for Fortune 500 companies. Previously, he worked at Stryker where he most managed M&A activities for Stryker’s largest business unit. Tom and Justin share their motivations, learnings, and advice for professionals interested in becoming an owner-operator.



Recorded on March 24, 2022

This episode features a conversation with Bill Manns, CEO of Bronson Healthcare and Paula Termuhlen, Dean of WMU Homer Stryker School of Medicine. In this episode, Bill and Paula share how they are navigating the pandemic, the future of healthcare, and lessons for healthcare leaders.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Doug Lepisto and Dr. Derrick McIver – Co-Directors of the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy at the WMU Haworth College of Business. In this episode, Doug and Derrick discuss the opportunity to acquire a business, the myths surrounding small businesses and acquisition, and how executives can learn to buy businesses through a training course they offer called Acquire.

This episode features a conversation with Jeb Burns, the Chief Investment Officer for the Municipal Employees Retirement System of Michigan. Jeb is a valued WMU Alum who graduated with a degree in history and political science. Jeb’s manages one of the largest funds in the state of Michigan. He speaks on his path from history major to CIO, the ever changing landscape of financial investments, and the value of teamwork within a successful investment firm.

This episode features a conversation with Carl Erickson, Founder and Chairman of Atomic Object, a software design and development consultancy company. Atomic’s unique culture fuels the company’s drive to achieve their 100-year goal and deliver value to West Michigan. Carl is the Chairman of the Michigan Capital Network, a Michigan based venture capital network that blends capital funds with angel investments. Also an experienced computer engineer, with a PhD from Michigan State University, Carl speaks on the opportunity for increased diversification, and how his organizations have impacted people from across the state.

This episode features a conversation with Keith Valentine, President and CEO of Seaspine, a global medical technology company focused on the design, development, and commercialization of surgical solutions for the treatment of spinal disorders. An experienced business executive in the medical technology space, Keith recently was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Department of Management at the Haworth College of Business. We speak with Keith about practical ways to build culture, drive innovation, and develop people to their top potential.

This episode features a conversation with Irshad Manji, founder of Moral Courage College, which equips companies with a counter-cultural approach to Diversity and Inclusion -- an approach that promotes individuality and innovation over groupthink and grievance. An award-winning professor of leadership at New York University for many years, Irshad now teaches with Oxford University's Initiative for Global Ethics and Human Rights. Her latest bestseller is Don't Label Me: How to Do Diversity Without Inflaming the Culture Wars.(Fun fact: Chris Rocks calls the book "genius.") We speak with Irshad about practical ways to pursue diversity without division.

This episode features a conversation with Julie Byrne – President of CSM Group. CSM is a nationally recognized construction management firm headquartered in Kalamazoo with offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Dickson, Tennessee. Julie became President in February and we explore with her lessons on leadership during a pandemic, trends in the construction management space, and being a woman leader in a male dominated industry.

Recorded on August 24, 2021

This episode features a conversation with Jonathan Koch – Senior VP and CEO of the Global Dental Group for Henry Schein. A Fortune 298 company with over $10B in sales, Henry Schein is one of the world's largest distributors of dental supplies and other medical goods. A two-time WMU alum, we speak with Jonathan about his career trajectory, lessons on leadership, and the future of the dental industry.

Recorded on July 27, 2021

This episode features a conversation with Chris Voss – CEO & Founder of The Black Swan Group Ltd. A world renown expert on negotiation, Chris was previously the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His method has been featured on MasterClass and Chris has been a regular commentator on CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and NPR. We speak with Chris about where leaders should start on their journey to become a better negotiator and how to practice and implement negotiation skills.

Recorded on July 15, 2021

This episode features a conversation with Milind Pant – CEO of Amway. Founded in 1959 and based in Ada Michigan, Amway is a global consumer goods manufacturer and direct selling company. Amway is now one of the largest private companies in the United States. We speak with Milind about how Amway navigated the pandemic, the importance of inclusive entrepreneurship to its success, and his lessons on leadership.

Recorded on June 17, 2021

This episode features a conversation with Garrick Rochow – President and CEO of Consumers Energy. In December 2020, Garrick stepped into the CEO role for Fortune 500 Consumers Energy. A great alumnus of WMU Haworth, we speak with Garrick about his role transition during the pandemic, leadership lessons, the future of energy in the United States, and Consumers Energy competitive positioning as a leader in renewables.

Recorded on April 1, 2021

This episode features a conversation with Peter Meijer – US House of Representatives for Michigan’s 3rd congressional district. Peter has experienced a whirlwind start to his time in Congress with a pandemic, insurrection, impeachment, and new administration. Peter shares with us his first impressions of Congress, insights on leadership as a freshman representative, and his policy priorities for West Michigan.

Recorded on March 23, 2021

This episode features a conversation with current and former students from our Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) program. We speak with Megan Miller (Deloitte), Kordell Smith (VMware), and Tyler Earnst (current student and interning at Dell Technologies) to explore the transition to professional life as a recent graduate, how our LBS program prepares students for the professional world, and advice to students on how to get the most out of college.

Recorded on February 12, 2021

This episode features a conversation with Michael Doss – CEO of Graphic Packaging. Mike is a proud two-time graduate of Western Michigan University and leads this great Fortune 500 company. Graphic Packaging recently invested $600 million in a new facility here in Kalamazoo. We speak with Mike about how he has led through the pandemic, the future of packaging in a digital world, and the company’s investment in Kalamazoo.

Recorded on January 7, 2021

This episode features a conversation with Jane Dutton – Robert L. Kahn Distinguished University Professor Emerita at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Jane is a world expert on processes that build capabilities and strengths of employees in organizations. A founder of the movement in Positive Organizational Scholarship, Jane’s research has demonstrated the importance of relationships, compassion, identity, and meaning to what makes people and organizations flourish. Jane shares with us how to apply positive principles at work during the pandemic, the need to reimagine our understanding of well-being in higher education, and how greater compassion can be created in organizations.

Recorded on December 8, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Thor Flosason – Senior Director of Global Learning and Development at Kellogg Company. Thor is responsible for the systems, processes, resources, and solutions to help over 30,000 employees across the globe learn and develop. We explore with Thor how a global organization facilitates learning during a global pandemic, the importance of learning to strategy, and what the future of learning in organizations looks like.

This episode features a conversation with Jeff Blashill – Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings. The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Coach Blashill – a native Michigander and former WMU hockey coach – shares with us his experience on leading the Red Wings through the pandemic, leading across generations, and his lessons on leading during a time of change for the organization.

Recorded on November 23, 2020

A very special edition of The Jungle featuring Bronconess! Bronconess is a purpose-driven wine brand created and operated by Leadership and Business Strategy students at WMU. It is guided by our philosophy of “learning by doing.” 100% of profits go toward scholarships with over $35K raised since inception in 2019. On this episode, our LBS students launch the next evolution of Bronconess – the Bronconess Peach Bubbly in collaboration with St. Julian Winery. St. Julian is the oldest and largest winery in Michigan. Our LBS students, Tyler Earnst and Sylvan Benton, take a turn hosting the podcast by interviewing John Braganini, President of St. Julian, and Apollo Braganini, Vice President of Sales for St. Julian. We are so grateful for their partnership. To order Bronconess with a touchless experience, visit: https://www.bronconess.com/home. Stay tuned for Bronconess Peach Bubbly on shelves near you!

Recorded on November 18, 2020

This episode features a conversation with La June Montgomery Tabron – CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Based in Southwest Michigan, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the world. La June shares with us how the foundation has pivoted and innovated during the pandemic, the role business plays in solving social problems, and the conditions that facilitate greater opportunity and equity in business ownership.

Recorded on October 26, 2020

The pandemic is challenging our mental and physical health. At the same time, it is also disrupting established sectors like the fitness industry, raising questions about how a traditionally in-person experience translates online. Dean shares with us how he founded and grew a successful online fitness brand, how the pandemic is creating opportunity in the fitness space, and his advice on implementing an effective content strategy.

Recorded on October 20, 2020.

This episode features a conversation with Dan Jefferies – Founder and Co-owner – and Matt Vollmar – CEO and Co-owner – of Newmind Group. Newmind is a Kalamazoo based managed IT service company providing outsourced IT and strategic advice to small organizations. Newmind is engaging with our undergraduate program – Leadership and Business Strategy – on a semester long consulting project with 100 students in 10 teams to answer a growth question. Our project with Newmind looks to create a Big Win that benefits Newmind, creates a social impact, enhances our community, and provides amazing learning opportunities to our students. This episode was recorded live during our class session with 100 students tuning in! Stay tuned for some exciting outcomes of our work together!

Recorded on September 7, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Peter Jackson, CEO of Bluescape Software. Bluescape offers industry-leading technology to enable teams to collaborate. Bluescape is like an infinite virtual whiteboard that allows teams to collaborate and create by using drawings, sticky notes, files, and programs. Peter shares with us how to lead and collaborate at a distance, the future of the industry, and how organizations like Ford are increasingly using Bluescape to get work done.

Recorded on September 1, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Psyche Terry, Founder of UI Global Brands. Psyche has grown her socially-responsible skincare and haircare line, Urban Hydration, into a national brand in more than 7,000 retailers including CVS, Macy’s, Target and more. A proud graduate of the Haworth College of Business, Psyche shares about leading through the pandemic, changing consumer behavior, and the experience and opportunities of being a Black business owner.

Recorded on August 18, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Kathy Beauregard – Director of Athletics at Western Michigan University. On August 8th the Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced the postponement of all fall sports. We go behind the scenes of this decision, the implications, and the broader leadership and strategy dynamics confronting athletic directors.

Recorded on August 11, 2020.

This episode features a conversation with Tom Sweet, CFO of Dell Technologies. Tom helped Dell pull off one of the largest buyouts in history with the $67 billion acquisition of EMC. A great Bronco, Tom shares how Dell’s senior leadership team is navigating current events and his thoughts on the future of technology and business.

Recorded on June 15, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Larry Bell – Founder and President of Bell’s Brewery. Larry has helped pioneer the craft beer movement. Based in Kalamazoo, and 100% family owned and independent, Bell’s is now the seventh largest craft brewer in the United States. Larry shares how Bell’s is responding to the pandemic and issues of racial equity, his thoughts on the future of craft beer and innovation.

Recorded on June 10, 2020.

This episode was recorded on May 19, 2020 and features a conversation with Franco Bianchi - CEO of Haworth. Franco shares about leading Haworth through the pandemic, the transition back to the office, and his thoughts on the future of workplace design and furniture solutions.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Creary – Assistant Professor of Management at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. A leading expert on diversity and identity in organizations. Stephanie shares her expertise and experience on how business leaders create conversations and take action to foster racial equity.

Recorded on June 12, 2020.

This episode was recorded on May 29, 2020 and features a conversation with Steve Cahillane, Chairman and CEO of Kellogg’s. Steve shares how he is leading Kellogg’s through the COVID-19 pandemic, changing consumer habits, and his approach to strategy.

A global pandemic, followed by civil unrest over racial injustice. This episode was recorded on June 3, 2020 and features a conversation with Birgit Klohs, President and CEO of The Right Place. Birgit shares her insights about leading through these historic times.

The twelfth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Kevin Lobo – Chairman and CEO of Stryker. Kevin shares about leading Stryker through the COVID-19 crisis, and what is required to bring innovations rapidly to market.

The eleventh episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Fred Upton – US House of Representatives for Southwest Michigan’s Sixth Congressional District and former Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Fred shares what it has been like in congress, how to lead and build consensus amidst competitive perspectives, and advice to businesses as they look toward re-opening.

The tenth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Patti Poppe – President and CEO of Consumers Energy. Patti announces a partnership with Consumers Energy, Google, and Uplight, and shares the importance of purpose, values, and leadership in bringing this innovation to market.

The ninth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with John Green – Chairman and CEO of Revolution Farms, Chairman of Cirkul and Odyssey, and former Executive Chairman of Founders Brewing. John speaks to managing cash, how this crisis is impacting indoor agriculture, and how he leads multiple companies through this crisis.

The eighth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Fred Minturn – Group CEO and Executive Chairman at MSX International. Fred discusses how the automotive sector is responding to the crisis and his thoughts on the future.

The seventh episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Todd Sanford – CEO and president of Sanford Financial Services. Todd shares how his firm has pivoted, the problems this crisis exposes as it comes to financial literacy, and predictions for the future.

The sixth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Kevin Carmody – Senior Partner at McKinsey and a leader of McKinsey’s Transformation Practice. Kevin shares his insights on how senior management teams are reacting and his advice on managing risk, cash, and innovation during this crisis.

The fifth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Brian Calley – President of the Small Business Association of Michigan and former Lt. Governor of Michigan. Brian shares his advice to small businesses and outlines what role his office is playing to help others.

The fourth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Gordie Kosch – CEO, President, and Owner of Kosch Dining Solutions. The pandemic has hit food services and hospitality exceptionally hard. Gordie shares the rapidly unfolding trials and tribulations of leading an organization in the bullseye of the crisis.

The third episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Alessandro DiNello – President, CEO, and a Director of Flagstar Bank and Flagstar Bancorp. Banks are playing a vital role to help individuals and businesses manage this unprecedented time. Sandro shares his experience remaining calm while guiding a publicly traded bank through crisis.

The second episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with John Bryant – former Chairman and CEO of Kellogg’s, and current board member of Macy’s, Godiva, Ball Corporation, and Compass Group. Doug and Derrick hear how a current board member is experiencing and advising during this unprecedented time.

Doug and Derrick kick off the podcast with a series of episodes exploring leadership and strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We begin in higher education with our very own, Dr. Edward Montgomery – President of Western Michigan University, former “car czar” in the Obama administration and nationally known labor economist.

Before going into THE JUNGLE, Doug and Derrick give a quick synopsis of where they think they might be going. But who knows where they'll end up.