Business Beyond Usual

From resumés and admissions essays to recommendation letters and interviews, the application process for MBA programs is a gauntlet. There’s a lot of advice out there about how to navigate it and put your best foot forward, but the real experts are the ones making the final decisions. So in this episode, we ask those very experts the questions that really matter.Leslie Chang sits down with the leaders of the MBA admissions committee at Michigan Ross to take a deep dive into the MBA application. They have an open and honest discussion about what stands out in applications (the good and the bad), and how the best thing you can do in your app materials is perhaps the most controversial thing of all: Be vulnerable and tell the truth.Links from this episode:Connect with a student ambassador at MichiganRound 2 App Tips WebinarRossAdmissions@umich.eduSoojin’s BlogBusiness Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Episode Host: Leslie ChangGuests: Soojin Kwon, Diana E

In this episode, we take a look into a common way mental health issues manifest in business school students, and some strategies for how to deal with it.First, Business Beyond Usual Producers Marjace Miles and Adam Fasher are joined by fellow students to share stories about how they’ve approached managing their own mental health during their Ross MBA.Then, Marjace and Adam will talk with Dr. Ariana Tart-Zelvin, a post-doctoral fellow and neuropsychology expert from the Prechter Bipolar Research Program at the University of Michigan; and Julie Kaplan, a counselor from Counseling and Psychological Services, dedicated to Michigan Ross. They’ll discuss the history of impostor syndrome and mental health management among high-performing/high-achieving individuals and the resources available on the University of Michigan’s campus to support students.Read more about mental health awareness programs at Michigan Ross:https://michiganross.umich.edu/ross-news-blog/2018/11/01/michigan-ross-mba-students-bring-awareness-men

Business Beyond Usual Producer Sheela Lal has some questions about what it’s like to study and recruit for finance jobs while in business school. Luckily, she’s surrounded by people who know a lot about that.Sheela is joined by Michigan Ross MBA students Dana Miller and Rebecca Toth to talk about what “finance” really means, how recruiting for finance jobs varies wildly depending on the field you’re interested in, and why you shouldn’t be eating the food at networking events.NEXT EPISODE SURVEYWe’re bringing in experts to discuss mental health during business school, and want to help get answers to your questions. You can email us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu or fill out this anonymous survey:http://myumi.ch/Jm1Z3Learn more about our sponsors for this episode:Finance Club at RossOut For BusinessHave thoughts on what you’d like to hear discussed on BBU? Send us an email at BBUPodcast@umich.eduBusiness Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Episode Host: Sheela La

It’s a fresh start for Business Beyond Usual as a new team of producers takes the reins and offers thoughts on what’s in-store for the podcast this season. There’s a lot on deck this year, including episodes focusing on mental health, career switching, industry-specific recruiting panels, interviews with alumni doing interesting things, and a few surprises along the way.Have thoughts on what you’d like to hear discussed on BBU this year? Send us an email at BBUPodcast@umich.eduLearn more about our sponsors for this episode:Michigan Business WomenEmerging Markets ClubBusiness Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Episode Host: Marjace MilesExecutive Producers: Marjace Miles, Sheela Lal, and Christopher AnkneyProducers: Jamell Culler, Adam Fasher, Charles Grant, Leslie Chang, Andres Fuentes-Afflick, Dillon Cory, Jason RockAudio Engineer: Jonah BrockmanCopyright 2018 - University of Michigan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ramu signs off from Business Beyond Usual with an exit interview featuring fellow recent MBA grad Daryl Brown. They met earlier this summer at one of Daryl’s local haunts, The Beaver Trap, to have a chat about their time at Michigan Ross.The two reflect on their MBA education, how an era of social and political change impacted life on campus, and how those experiences will stay with them throughout their careers.Business Beyond Usual will return in the fall with new episodes, and new crew of hosts and producers. Stay tuned!We want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Host: Ramaswamy AnnamalaiFeaturing: Daryl BrownExecutive Producers: Ramaswamy Annamalai and Christopher Ankney Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Michigan Ross MBA student Sheela Lal sits down with Ross Alum Nicaila Matthews, MBA ‘15, the founder of Side Hustle Pro, a successful podcast and entrepreneurship community.The two have a wide-ranging discussion touching on Matthews’ successful podcast and company, the ways in which Matthews is looking to reshape the narrative of entrepreneurship, and the reality and dangers of impostor syndrome among business school students in minority communities.Subscribe to Side Hustle ProSide Hustle Pro on FacebookWe want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Host: Sheela LalFeaturing: Nicaila MatthewsProducers: Sheela LalExecutive Producers: Ramaswamy Annamalai and Christopher AnkneyCopyright 2018 - University of Michigan Hosted on Acast. See acast.c

“Perhaps the real Open Road was the friends we made along the way.”In this episode, Ava Damri hits the road with fellow students Ariana Almas and Chris Owen to visit Merit Goodness, a Detroit-based small business with a social mission at its heart.They’ll chat about their experiences with Open Road, a four-week road trip across America where MBA students team up to visit with entrepreneurs and partner with them to solve complex business issues.Hear about what it’s like to spend the summer living in a van with a group of fellow MBA students traveling the country, and why the opportunity to meet with social entrepreneurs from coast to coast was too good to pass up.You’ll also hear from David Merritt, founder of Merit Goodness, about why he welcomed the opportunity to work with an Open Road team and how the results of the work weren’t exactly what anyone was expecting…Learn more about Merit Goodness: https://meritgoodness.comFollow Merit Goodness on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MeritGoodness/Learn more a

The students who manage the student-led investment funds at Michigan Ross are just like normal students, except they carry an extra burden: They are giving actual money to actual businesses, and the school has a real stake in those businesses’ success because of their decisions.In this episode, Ramu talks with three of those leaders about what it’s like to manage actual multimillion-dollar investment funds while studying for their MBA, what deals they’ve regretted, how they approach potential investments, and what the experience will mean as they enter their post-MBA careers.We’ll hear from:Shailly Prasad, Managing the Wolverine Venture Fund;Alice Raymond, Managing the Social Venture Fund, and;Matthew Raskind, Managing the Zell Lurie Commercialization FundLinks from this episode:Investment Fund Webinar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHW8LFoNZusWolverine Venture Fund - http://wolverineventurefund.comSocial Venture Fund - http://www.umsocialventure.comZell Lurie Commercialization Fund - http://zlcfund.comRam

“We know we have cinnamon rolls the size of your face, and we’re innovating around that.”In this episode we sit down with the President and CEO of Cinnabon, Joe Guith.Guith graduated from the Michigan Ross MBA Program in 2001 and guest host Marjace Miles talks to him about his MBA experience, how he’s successfully grown a company built around indulgence when there’s a health craze sweeping the nation, and how the infamous Cinnabon partnership with AMC’s Better Call Saul came to be.Guith provides insight into running a successful brand while spending little to nothing on marketing and how he’s diversified the Cinnabon business to insulate itself from a retail apocalypse he says is “very real. It’s happening.”Learn more about Joe Guith:https://michiganross.umich.edu/stories/20-questions-joe-guithRead his “Power of Ten” piece in SmartBrief:https://www.smartbrief.com/original/2017/01/networking-why-you-only-need-core-group-10We want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and

In the first ever episode of Business Beyond Usual recorded with a live audience, Host Ramu Annamalai chats with classmates about some of the most challenging conversations happening in America right now.How has the #MeToo movement and recent news about DACA and the dreamers impacted the world of business? How has the climate on college campuses, and among students in MBA programs, changed in recent months? Students and admissions staff from the Michigan Ross School of Business join Ramu on stage for a wide-ranging discussion focusing on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.Recorded live during the Michigan Ross Diversity Week Kick-Off event on Monday, February 12, 2018.We want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Host: Ramaswamy AnnamalaiPanel: Aria

In this episode, guest host Nathalie Flores explores the life and legacy of Dr. Alfred L Edwards, a prominent figure in the history of business school education. Nathalie chats with two former students who knew Dr. Edwards well and helped him usher in a new era of diversity for MBA programs.We’ll also hear from current students working hard to keep Dr. Edwards’ legacy alive during the annual ALE Conference at the University of Michigan.Links from this episode:Learn more about the ALE ConferenceBlack Business Student AssociationHispanic Business Students AssociationWe want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Host: Nathalie FloresPanel: Miguel Corral, Ian Bridges, Ralph Johnson, Chekesha KiddExecutive Producers: Christopher Ankney, Ramaswamy Annamalai, Nath

Charlie Munger is an American institution –– vice chair of Berkshire Hathaway, business partner to Warren Buffett, philanthropist, author, and former University of Michigan student.Recently, Scott DeRue, the Edward J. Frey Dean of the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, had the chance to sit down with Munger at an event in Los Angeles.The two discussed Munger’s life, career, and global trends. Munger, with his characteristic straightforward wisdom, did not mince words on some of the biggest issues facing the country including bitcoin and cryptocurrency, political fights in congress, and the state of the US democracy.Rather watch this conversation? Check out the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9HgIGzOENAWe want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Mi

Ramu has a wide-ranging discussion with some of the most powerful MBA student leaders.In this episode, Ramu is joined by Vaish Shastry, Kristen Steagall, and Charisse Wilkins, MBA students at Michigan Ross and leaders of some of the largest student clubs on campus (Finance Club, Tech Club, Black Business Student Association). The group discusses what it means to be a female leader in the world today, but also dives deep into topics relevant in the finance industry, the tech world, and diversity issues impacting all workplaces across the country.There’s also a five-minute debate about Beyoncé and Rihanna, so tune in for that.Links from this episodeMeet The Incredible Women Leading Michigan Ross’ Most Influential Student OrganizationsVaish’s shared article on Maria Contreras-Sweet’s bid for the Weinstein CompanyKristen’s shared article on social media’s impact on society and democracyCharisse’s shared article on the need for corporate diversityRamu’s shared article on Deloitte’s shift on affinity groupsEli Pari

If you follow any MBA students on Instagram, you know they seem to travel the world... a lot. In this episode, Ramu sits down with three Michigan Ross MBAs who recently studied abroad. He talks with them about their global experiences, as well as why they felt it was important to take advantage of some of the many global opportunities available to MBAs at Michigan Ross.Special thanks to our guests this episode: Sam Horsel, Ryan Concienne, and Gamze Mercan.Upcoming global programs for Michigan Ross MBA students include: Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Israel; Health Care Delivery in Emerging Markets in India, Kenya, Rwanda; and semester exchange opportunities with a number of international universities.Learn more online: http://myumi.ch/J2lVvWe want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Busine

In this episode, Ramu is joined by Soojin Kwon, managing director of full-time MBA admissions and program at the Ross School of Business. He’ll ask Soojin questions from our listeners, and get the inside scoop on what it really takes to impress an admissions committee in today’s elite business school landscape.We want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Host: Ramaswamy AnnamalaiExecutive Producers: Christopher Ankney, Ramaswamy AnnamalaiEditing: Jonah BrockmanCopyright 2017 - University of Michigan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Go behind the scenes and hear what it’s really like to be an MBA intern at some of the world’s largest companies.In this episode, Ramu chats with MBA students who spent their summers working with Boston Consulting Group, Microsoft, 3M, and L’Oreal.In an upcoming episode, we will interview Soojin Kwon, director of admissions at Michigan Ross, and we want to ask her your questions. Have questions for Soojin? Drop us a line at BBUPodast @umich.eduWe want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.Host: Ramaswamy AnnamalaiExecutive Producers: Christopher Ankney, Ramaswamy AnnamalaiEditing: Jonah BrockmanCopyright 2017 - University of Michigan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hear three incredible stories told live by business school students. We’re bringing you some powerful clips from the finale of the Michigan Ross event “Story Lab,” which is developed by the Sanger Leadership Center and the Design + Business Club here at Ross.After their stories, NPR’s Guy Raz, host of popular podcasts “How I Built This” and “TED Radio Hour,” will join us for a story of his own and thoughts on the power of authenticity in storytelling.Story Lab is a semester-long event where Michigan Ross students participate in workshops and personal coaching from professional storytellers to understand how to tell powerful, emotional stories. They develop skills that will allow them to better inspire teams, motivate individuals, share their passions, and share a more authentic version of themselves with the world.Special thanks to Guy Raz for joining us, the Sanger Leadership Center, and the student storytellers for allowing us to share this event with you.See pictures of the storytellers: http://myumi.ch/aG

In this episode, we’re pitting MBA students against their professor in a live, on-stage debate about a hot topic in the business world: Should U.S. companies voluntarily offer paid family leave for parents?Paid time off for parents is mandatory in many countries, but not in the U.S. Several states, like California, have enacted separate paid leave policies, and support for a federal-level paid leave law has been gaining traction. But questions about the economic viability of the policy remain, and opposition to national regulation is also strong.Listen as students Sathya Vijayakumar, MBA ‘17, and Lizzy Corn, MBA ‘17, take on Professor of Strategy Aneel Karnani!The Great Debate 2017 at Michigan Ross was organized and developed by Sandy Mervak, MBA/MPP ‘17, and the Ross Student Government Association.We want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, and what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Bey

This past term for first-year MBA students at the Ross School of Business was anything but typical.They’ve spent the past seven weeks working on projects for real companies and organizations as part of the required Multidisciplinary Action Projects course at Michigan Ross. They’ve traveled all across the country and around the world to meet with executives, conduct research, and immerse themselves in the work. It’s the only class they’ve taken this term, and these projects have been their sole focus -- 400 students working with 74 different companies in 25 countries.In this episode, we talk with five of those students as they finish up their projects.We’ll hear from:William Stockert, whose team is working directly with the CEO of theluxury brand Shinola to expand into a new product lineClaire Fletcher, who is in India, helping GE Power bring affordable electricity to parts of the country;Caroline Vidal Netto, who is working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help them expand the number of wishes granted in a

Three teams of MBA students, each representing a different cohort of business school social life – a team of single students, a team of married students, and a team of students in long distance relationships – face off against each other in the first ever edition of the Business Beyond Usual Quiz Show!On the line: Glory! Respect from classmates! And also actual prizes!What’s it really like to experience an MBA with a partner? If you come into a program single, what’s the dating world like? Is the long-distance thing even possible with busy schedules?All this and more on the BBU Quiz Show!We want to hear your feedback. What do you like about the show, what can we improve, what would you like us to talk about? Leave a review on iTunes to let us know, or you can reach us at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.Business Beyond Usual is brought to you by the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and the Michigan Ross Student Government Association.Host: Ramaswamy AnnamalaiProducers: Christopher Ankney, Ramaswamy A