Business Beyond Usual

On the Season 9 finale of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, next year’s BBU hosts, Jasmin Lopez, Aishwarya Raja, Oghoghosa Igbineweka, and Sylvia Percovich, join this season’s hosts, Vashisht Sai, Aishwarya Dhume, and Mark O’Connell, to pass the torch and prepare for graduation. In the first part of the episode, our graduating hosts share their excitement for post-grad life and reflect on their time at Michigan Ross, discussing their favorite moments and biggest challenges.In the second part of the episode, our incoming hosts gear up to become MBA 2s. They express their enthusiasm for settling in at Ross, strengthening friendships, being more present, and contributing to the Ross community.Thank you, Vashisht, Aishwarya, and Mark, for an incredible ninth season of BBU! Go Blue!Want to get in touch? Send us a message at BBUPodcast@umich.edu. Hosts: Jasmin Lopez, Aishwarya Raja, Oghoghosa Igbineweka, Sylvia PercovichGuests: Vashisht Sai, Aishwarya Dhume, Mark O’ConnellExecutive Producers: Mark O'Connell,

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, hosts Aishwarya Dhume and Vashisht Sai sit down with Dave Brandon, former CEO and current Executive Chairman of Domino’s.  Dave takes us through his long and varied career, from attending U-M as a student athlete and aspiring teacher to working in executive leadership roles across industries. He discusses his approach to taking two different companies public, as well as the challenges he faced throughout his career. The conversation is a masterclass in creative problem-solving and how leaders persevere.Want to get in touch? Send us a message at BBUPodcast@umich.edu. Hosts: Aishwarya Dhume and Vashisht SaiGuest: Dave BrandonExecutive Producers: Mark O'Connell, Aishwarya Dhume, Vashisht Sai, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah BrockmanEditorial Production: Mads Henke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, hosts Aishwarya Dhume and Jasmin Lopez sit down with Ross Full-Time MBA students Vashisht Sai, Yashvi Patel, and Vraj Mehta to discuss how they financed their MBAs. The guests shed light on their individual journeys and share tips on de-mystifying student loans, campus jobs, internships, and scholarships. They touch on the role that expenses play in the recruitment process and their experiences in budgeting. One important tip? Buy the Michigan football pass!Want to get in touch? Send us a message at BBUPodcast@umich.edu. Hosts: Aishwarya Dhume and Jasmin LopezGuests: Vashisht Sai, Yashvi Patel, Vraj MehtaExecutive Producers: Mark O'Connell, Aishwarya Dhume, Vashisht Sai, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah BrockmanEditorial Production: Mads Henke  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, hosts Aishwarya Dhume and Vashishta Sai sit down with Megan Anda, Managing Director of the Office of Action Based Learning, Professor M.S. Krishnan, and Will Pan, MBA ’25, to discuss the Multi-disciplinary Action Project, or MAP, at Ross. Topics covered include MAP’s history, how it has changed over the past 30 years, how the 100+ projects are sourced each year, the role of MAP faculty, and the student experience. We learn how this foundational part of the Michigan Ross education serves as a window to the ever-evolving business world and how it prepares students for their internships while imparting skills that will be used for their whole careers. Want to get in touch? Send us a message at BBUPodcast@umich.edu. Host: Aishwarya Dhume and Vashishta SaiGuests: Megan Anda, M.S. Krishnan, and Will Pan Executive Producers: Mark O'Connell, Aishwarya Dhume, Vashishta Sai, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah BrockmanEditorial Production: Mads H

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, host Aishwarya Raja sits down with guests Andrew Johnson, JT Godfrey, Chiara Lucchesi, and Javier Balam to discuss the experience of being a partner at Ross. With full calendars and a welcoming environment, partners of Ross MBAs aren’t just plus ones; they become members of the community themselves with a myriad of involvement opportunities. In this episode, the four partners discuss making the move to Ann Arbor and all of the opportunities and hidden gems the city has to offer, from proximity to the arts and sports teams to the best spots for sushi and burgers. The guests also share how they’ve gotten involved at Ross, including events through the Partners Club, becoming members of student clubs and affiliate groups, and employment opportunities with U-M. They conclude the conversation by discussing the challenges of supporting a partner through MBA recruitment and leave listeners with a few pieces of advice. Want to get in touch? Send us a message at BBUPodcast@um

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, hosts Aishwarya Dhume and Mark O’Connell sit down with Grant Potts, Macey Guthery, and Rachel Schulingkamp from The Bus – the unofficial business school tailgate committee dedicated to stirring up school spirit, Brian Vu from Risky Business – Michigan Ross’s MBA student led band, and Tyler Ringler from Michigan Business Social Association (MBSA) – the organization behind Winter Formal, Disorientation, and Thursdays at Skeeps, to discuss each of the uniquely Ross groups with which they are involved.The panel focuses on how these groups form community and deep friendships while marveling at the fun they bring to the Michigan Ross experience. They touch on balancing extracurriculars with the workload of an MBA and the qualities they each look for in selecting new members. They promise you don’t have to be an extrovert to enjoy the countless events each group offers.  Want to get in touch? Send us a message at BBUPodcast@umich.edu.  Hosts: Aishw

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, guest hosts Arthur Bochner and Radhika Muthukrishnan sit down with three fellow Executive MBA students to discuss their journeys to Michigan Ross and their experiences in the program so far. The group explores ways they have applied the program’s action-based learning approach directly to their workplaces, how they manage to balance an EMBA program with their careers and personal lives, and the supportive culture they found in the Los Angeles and Ann Arbor cohorts. In the discussion, we learn about the options and tools EMBA programs provide to seasoned executives while allowing the flexibility executives need to balance academic and professional success. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Host: Arthur Bochner and Radhika MuthukrishnanGuests: Kevin Kubota, Vanessa Archambau

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, hosts Aishwarya Dhume and Vashishta Sai sit down with four Full-Time MBA students to discuss their recruitment journeys. The panel explores the differences in recruiting processes for the marketing, consulting, technology, and investment banking fields. They discuss preparing for case interviews, the coffee chat system, and the biggest challenges of recruitment – time management, prioritization, and self-care. We learn about the importance of trusting the process over focusing on a certain outcome, having a backup plan, and leaning on your community through the whole recruiting season. Hosts: Aishwarya Dhume and Vashishta SaiGuests: Deb Sarkar, Ziyi Liu, Janaki Balachander, Yuan ZhangExecutive Producers: Mark O'Connell, Aishwarya Dhume, Vashishta Sai, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah BrockmanEditorial Production: Mads Henke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the premiere episode of season nine of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, we sit down with the Full-Time MBA Council. The group shares their favorite memories from their first year at the Ross School of Business and what they’re most looking forward to experiencing as second-year MBAs. The panel also explores the role of the FTMBA Council and its goals for this year. We learn about the MBA Council’s three main pillars: cross-collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prioritizing well-being. Our guests share their commitment to supporting those who have made real sacrifices to pursue MBAs and emphasize how important it is to lean on each other. Being supported by others gives us the power to pay it forward. Host: Mark O’ConnellGuests: Alex Maxwell, Drew Maloney, Diya Rambhatla, and Vraj MehtaExecutive Producers: Mark O'Connell, Aishwarya Dhume, Vashishta Sai, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah BrockmanEditorial Production: Mads Henke  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, this year's full-time MBA executive producers welcome the incoming group of student hosts. The MBA ’24 producers — John Brown, David Amorim, and Arpit Sharma — explore their advice for second-year MBAs, their favorite Ann Arbor memories, and the key lessons they learned from their time at Michigan Ross. The incoming MBA ’25 producers — Mark O’Connell, Aishwarya Dhume, and Vashisht Sai — share how they stayed motivated during their first year of the Full-Time MBA Program, their goals for next year’s season of Business Beyond Usual, and what their plans are for the summer. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Host: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit SharmaGuests: Mark O’Connell, Aishwarya Dhume, and Vashisht SaiExecutive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brock

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, members of the Asian, Asian American, and First at Ross communities discuss their journeys to Ross, making community on campus, and how their identities shape their experiences as Full-Time MBAs. The group explores their initial struggles of joining a new learning community, what an ideal supportive community looks like, and how they balance community building with the full-time schedule. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Host: Arpit Sharma and Aishwarya Dhume Guests: Ryan Moon, Sneha Kannan, and Sean-Michael Steele Executive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, four academic core professors discuss their courses, research, and academic passions. The group explores how the academic core supports Full-Time MBA students to receive a robust and rigorous business education in the program's first year. In the discussion, the professors share what motivates them to teach in the Full-Time MBA Program and how Michigan Ross differentiates itself from other business schools through the academic core curriculum. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Host: John Brown and David AmorimGuests: Professors Felipe Csaszar, Samantha Keppler, Lindy Greer, and John BranchExecutive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, Full-Time MBA students who presented at VetX and Story Lab return to continue the discussion about their experiences at these storytelling events. The group explores their journeys to Michigan Ross and how the moments of adversity they shared in their stories shaped their experience as prospective and current students. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Host: Arpit SharmaGuests: Christian Beckler, Brysan Porterfield, and Mark O’ConnellExecutive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, Full-Time MBA students who presented at VetX, OutX, and Story Lab review their experiences at these storytelling events. The group shares their stories and how their time at Michigan Ross has been influenced by their identities and backgrounds. Most importantly, they discuss what it means to build community and find self-fulfillment at Ross. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Host: Arpit SharmaGuests: Christian Beckler, Brysan Porterfield, Mark O’Connell, and Nick RojasExecutive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, Full-Time MBA and dual-degree students from the Erb Institute connect to discuss their experiences with sustainability at the Ross School of Business. The group discusses the dual degree MS/MBA program – a collaboration between Michigan Ross and the School for Environment and Sustainability – ClimateCAP, and how MBAs can participate in the move towards sustainable business. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Hosts: David Amorim, Radhika HandaGuests: Jillian Brown, Supreya Kesavan, Nick RojasExecutive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this new podcast, Sharon Matusik, the Edward J. Frey Dean of the Ross School of Business, invites alums in the C-Suite to discuss their path to business leadership. Listen to the first episode with Robert Isom, MBA ’91, CEO and President of American Airlines: https://myumi.ch/GkmEp.Host: Sharon MatusikGuest: Robert IsomExecutive Producers: JT Godfrey, Tedra WhiteAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, Full-Time MBA students sit down with Jeff Domagala, Managing Director of the Sanger Leadership Center at the Ross School of Business, to discuss leadership. Exploring their own experiences learning how to lead at Michigan Ross, the panel dives into leadership philosophies, the resources available to MBA students, and more. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Hosts: John Brown and Victoria RudnickiGuests: Jeff Domagala and Denny Lai Executive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, Full-Time MBA students sit down with  Heather Byrne and Leslie Lynn from the Career Development Office at the Ross School of Business. Discussing their personal recruiting journeys and CDO resources, the panel dives into career path philosophies, the MBA recruiting process, and steps students can take to enhance their career planning experiences.  To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual.  Hosts: Arpit Sharma and David Amorim.Guests: Heather Byrne, Leslie Lynn, and Aishwarya DhumeExecutive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, Full-time MBA students sit down with two members of the admissions team at Michigan Ross. Discussing their backgrounds and expertise, the panel dives into authentic applications, the class-building process, admissions events, and the people behind the admissions process. To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Hosts: John Brown and Chloe Bally.Guests: Andrea McHale and Lysa WangExecutive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the Business Beyond Usual podcast, Full-Time MBA students share advice for a successful first-year and second-year at Michigan Ross. Discussing their experiences and lessons learned, the panel dives into recruiting, networking, coursework, goal-setting, life in Ann Arbor, and more.To learn more about the hosts, participants, and resources discussed in this episode, check out a full-length article for this episode at https://michiganross.umich.edu/news/podcasts/business-beyond-usual. Hosts: David Amorim and Arpit Sharma.Guests: Amitoj Singh, Chloe Bally, and Omar ElsherifExecutive Producers: John Brown, David Amorim, Arpit Sharma, and JT GodfreyAudio Engineer: Jonah Brockman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.