Business Conversations

What does the future of business education look like in a world driven by data, artificial intelligence, and constant digital transformation? In this episode, we sit down with  Dr. Anna Sidorova , Chair of the  Information Technology and Decision Sciences (ITDS)  Department at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, to discuss the department’s incredible momentum, standout accomplishments, and visi...

In this episode of Business Conversations , we sit down with Dr. Stephen Ferris , Chair of the Department of Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, and Law (FIREL) at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. With one year under his belt in this leadership role, Dr. Ferris reflects on key accomplishments, faculty achievements, and the exciting momentum happening across FIREL—from innovative course offering...

In this episode of Business Conversations , we sit down with Dr. Ananth Seetharaman, Chair of the Department of Accounting and the Don and Donna Millican Professor of Accounting at the University of North Texas. With a deep passion for education, ethics, and innovation, Dr. Seetharaman shares how the accounting field is evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape. We expl...

In this special episode of Business Conversations , we celebrate over two decades of leadership and impact with Dr. Charles Blankson , longtime professor and former Chair of the Marketing Department at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Dr. Blankson reflects on what first inspired his career in marketing, how the field has transformed over the past 20 years, and what makes the UNT Marketing De...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brian Sauser, Chair of the Department of Marketing, Logistics, and Operations Management and Director of the Center for Integrated Supply Chain Management. Dr. Sauser has led UNT’s Supply Chain Management program to new heights—earning national recognition and rising rapidly in the rankings. We’ll explore what’s driving the program’s success, how students are g...

Today, we’re joined by a powerhouse in regional leadership and economic advocacy— Chris Wallace ,  President and CEO of the North Texas Commission . Since 2018, Chris has been at the helm of the NTC, uniting the most influential leaders across a 13-county region to tackle North Texas’ biggest challenges—especially when it comes to legislative advocacy at both the state and federal levels. From inf...

Joining us on today’s episode is  Cameron Holt ,  CEO of Government Solutions at Exiger  and a nationally respected leader in  supply chain risk management, defense acquisition, and procurement innovation . A retired U.S. Air Force Major General, Cameron brings a rare combination of operational leadership and strategic insight to the forefront of government modernization. At Exiger, he leads effor...

On today’s episode, we’re joined by  Arnold Kravitz ,  Chief Technology Officer at BlueForge Alliance , a mission-driven integrator supporting the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base and strengthening America’s defense manufacturing capabilities. With a storied career spanning  cutting-edge defense technology, systems engineering, and national security innovation , Arnold is a driving force behi...

Today on the podcast, we’re honored to welcome  Anupam Gupta , Founder and CEO of  AKG Advisory Services LLC —a strategic advisory firm focused on driving innovation, transformation, and long-term value for organizations navigating today’s complex economic and security landscapes. Anupam brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of  business strategy, national security, and global economic...

In this episode recorded at the  National Security and Economic Strategy Summit , we sit down with one of the most influential voices in cybersecurity today— Valmiki , Managing Director at EY and Founder of the  Cyber Future Foundation . With a career spanning continents and critical sectors, Valmiki has led transformative cybersecurity initiatives for businesses, governments, and civil societies....

Today, we’re joined by two outstanding Human Resources students, Emily Gorka and Madison Hebert, who recently made the exciting transition from interns to full-time professionals. In this episode, Emily and Madison share their journeys, the pivotal moments that led to their job offers, and the lessons they learned along the way. They also offer valuable advice on networking, balancing coursework w...

Welcome to  Business Conversations , the podcast where ideas spark, stories inspire, and the next big thing is just a conversation away! Today, we’re diving into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation as we shine a spotlight on the  NTent Club  – the ultimate hub for ambitious students at UNT who are ready to turn dreams into reality. We’re thrilled to have two special guests with us today, ...

Today, we’re thrilled to bring you an inside look at UNT’s student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives! This organization is where aviation management meets real-world experience, offering students insight into the fast-paced and evolving world of airports and aviation operations. From the latest industry trends to professional certifications, AAAE is helping students land ca...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s reshaping the future of business leadership: the Doctor of Business Administration—or DBA. If you’ve ever wondered how to take your career to the next level or transition from a practitioner to a scholar, this episode is for you! Our guest is none other than  Dr. Virginie Kidwell , a leading expert and director of our DBA program. Dr. Kidwell brings a wealth...

Today we’ll be exploring the world of risk management, insurance, and actuarial science with the Gamma Iota Sigma student organization at UNT. This professional fraternity is dedicated to shaping the future of the risk and insurance industries, helping members acquire crucial skills, certifications, and industry connections. From managing uncertainty to analyzing data, GIS is where students prepar...

In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to feature two standout voices from our UNT SHRM Student Organization: Vice President Jude Palasa, and Director of Communications, Ashlyn McMullen. They are sharing their journeys, the impact of leadership in student organizations, and how UNT SHRM is empowering students to become tomorrow’s HR leaders. So, settle in, take notes, and let’s dive into another engag...

On today’s episode we’re spotlighting the Women in Business Student Organization from UNT! This dynamic group is empowering future female business leaders, fostering a culture of growth, mentorship, and leadership. From finance to entrepreneurship, WiB is helping members forge pathways in a competitive industry, and we’re here to learn more about their initiatives, achievements, and vision for the...

Today’s episode is focused on a crucial aspect of career development—internships. Internships provide hands-on experience that can’t be learned in the classroom, and they are especially critical for HR professionals who will one day be shaping policies, managing talent, and driving organizational success. We’re thrilled to have two expert guests with us today, Cathy Westurn and Erin Welch, both fa...

Welcome to Business Conversations , the podcast where we dive deep into leadership, business, and innovation at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Today, we have an exciting episode lined up about a transformative program that’s been shaping the next generation of leaders for over 25 years —the Professional Leadership Program, or PLP. For those of you who might not know, PLP at UNT is more tha...

Joining us is Dr. Marcus Wolfe, the G. Brint Ryan Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of North Texas. Dr. Wolfe's research delves into the fascinating realms of individual cognition and decision-making throughout the entrepreneurial journey. From the spark of an idea to the trials of entrepreneurial failure, he's uncovering the clinical and biological factors that influence ent...

Today's guest is none other than Dr. Bob Heere, Director of the Sport Entertainment Management program at UNT. Bob's impressive career includes accolades such as being named a NASSM Research Fellow and an SMA Research Fellow. He has served as President-Elect, President, and Past-President of the North American Society of Sport Management from 2018 to 2020, showcasing his leadership and exp...

On today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Priyali Rajagopal, one of our distinguished Research Grant recipients. Dr. Rajagopal's research focuses on the negative effects of social media influencers, a topic that's more relevant than ever in our digitally connected world. Join us as we explore Dr. Rajagopal's findings, discuss the implications for businesses and...

In this episode, we explore the ins and outs of the Student Ambassador Program, a pivotal initiative that connects prospective students with the vibrant community at the College of Business. Keeley shares her insights on the application and selection process, revealing what qualities and skills make a standout ambassador. We also delve into Director Keeley Flynn's personal journey and discover...

On today's episode, newly appointed Supply Chain Management department chair, Dr. Brian Sauser sits down with Alumni Nathan Chaney, owner of Supply Chaney, to discuss the new department name and the key to successfully landing a job in the supply chain industry. The talk tech, pace of innovation toilet paper and eggs (?!) and how to make the highly sensitive supply chain more resilient through...

Dr. Zinat Alam is an Assistant Professor at the G. Brint Ryan College of Business, University of North Texas. Her primary research interests include capital structure, corporate governance and social and cultural finance. Her research has been published in the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis , Management Science and Knowledge-based Systems . Her research papers have been accepted fo...