Ohio University Leader Lounge

Mid-hiatus special episode of Leader Lounge : Amy, Nick, Renee, and guest host Paul Reed, CEO and Chairman of Farmers Bank, reflect on the kind of leadership growth that happens over time. From Paul’s deep Ohio University roots to his journey from young bank president to community-minded leader, this conversation explores delegation, vision, reputation, lifelong learning, and what it really takes...

In this season finale of the Leader Lounge Podcast, Dr. Amy Taylor-Bianco, Nick Winnenberg, and Dr. Dwan Robinson reflect on the biggest lessons from a full season of conversations about mentorship. From formal programs to informal “mentoring moments,” they explore what truly helps people grow—networks, advocacy, and leaders who are willing to listen and reach out. The discussion highlights the po...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge , Amy Taylor-Bianco and Nick Winnenberg sit down with Bas Baalmans from the University of Groningen and Dr. Jen Traxler from Ohio University’s Walter Center for Strategic Leadership to discuss a global consulting partnership connecting students across the U.S. and the Netherlands. Together, they explore how cross-cultural collaboration, real-world consulting pr...

In this episode of Leader Lounge, we sit down with bestselling author, speaker, and Ohio University alum Ryan Hawk to talk about his newest book, The Score That Matters , and the real drivers behind long-term success. Ryan shares: • Why confidence is built through reps, not affirmations • How fear can become fuel for growth • Why the highest performers are the ones who actively seek coaching • How...

On this episode of Leader Lounge , Amy and Nick sit down with Ohio University’s Vice Provost for Faculty Development and Professor of Marketing, Dr. Katie Hartman , for a conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the power of listening Dr. Hartman reflects on the mentors who shaped her journey—from undergraduate professors who helped her believe she belonged, to PhD advisors who taught her ho...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge, Sarah Finnegan joins Amy Taylor‑Bianco and Nick Winnenberg for a candid, thoughtful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the relationships that shape our careers. From her early experiences at Ohio University to her leadership journey at AT&T, Sarah reflects on the people who took chances on her—and how she’s paying that forward through mentorshi...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, hosts Amy and Nick engage with Emily McGill, an HR expert and board member, discussing her journey from studying fashion to thriving in human resources. Emily shares insights on the importance of mentorship, networking, and getting involved in various opportunities throughout one's career. The conversation explores the differences between structured an...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, Amy Taylor-Bianco and Tom Ferguson discuss the importance of mentorship in personal and professional development. Tom shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the business world, emphasizing the role of curiosity, humility, and the organic nature of mentorship relationships. They explore how to find mentors, the dynamics of men...

This conversation delves into the multifaceted world of mentorship, exploring its significance, research insights, and successful programs. Dwan Robinson shares her expertise on creating effective mentorship frameworks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community. The discussion highlights the art and science of mentorship, showcasing how diverse approaches can cater to different nee...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge, host Dr. Amy Taylor Bianco engages with Rose Meyers, a product manager and Ohio University alumna, discussing her journey through new job challenges, leadership experiences, and the importance of mentorship. Rose shares insights on navigating new roles, the significance of team dynamics, and offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders on staying true to their...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge, hosts Amy Taylor-Bianco and Nick Winnenberg engage with Jasmine Glass, a senior at Ohio University, who shares her transformative college journey. From overcoming introversion to becoming a leader in various organizations, Jhasmine discusses the importance of community, self-care, and navigating her intersectional identity. She offers insights on balancing opp...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, host Dr. Amy Taylor Bianco speaks with Kai Caesar, a former Ohio University football player and current educator and nonprofit leader. They discuss Kai's journey from his childhood in St. Kitts to his leadership roles in college and beyond. Kai shares his experiences with community service, the creation of the Barbershop Talk movement, and his commitme...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, host Dr. Amy Taylor Bianco speaks with Rami Winnenberg about her leadership journey, the importance of flexibility and courage in personal and professional growth, and the challenges and rewards of parenting while pursuing education. Rami shares her experiences with neurodivergence and how it influences her approach to learning and leadership. The conv...

Join us during the season finale, where we are lucky to connect with Provost Donald Leo of Ohio University. During this episode, Dr. Amy Taylor Bianco discusses Don's unique leadership journey, engineering, and the board game Clue! Stay tuned for Season 3 in 2025!  For more information about the Ohio University MSM Program, click this link! Check out the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leade...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, host Dr. Amy Taylor-Bianco engages with Monique Cooper, a multifaceted leader with a rich background in music, theater, and organizational management. They explore Monique's early leadership experiences, her creative endeavors in music, and how these elements intertwine with her organizational skills. The conversation also touches on Monique's aspirati...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, host Amy Taylor-Bianco engages with guests Jill Nice and Andrew Pueschel from Ohio University. They share their personal journeys to the university, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and the Bobcat spirit. The conversation highlights the Leadership Development Conference, a unique opportunity for online students to connect, network,...

In this conversation, Dimple Dhbalia discusses the complexities of empathy, the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of vicarious trauma on individuals in service-oriented professions. She emphasizes the need for self-care practices and the normalization of trauma discussions within organizations. The dialogue also explores practical strategies for emotional regulation and the balance...

Jess and Connor discussed their experiences and motivations for pursuing an MSM degree at Ohio University. They shared their personal stories and highlighted the transferable skills they learned in the program. They discussed how the program helped him understand the behavior-person-environment connection and apply it to decision-making in the workplace. Later, the group discussed building connect...

In this engaging conversation, Amy Taylor-Bianco and Nick Winnenberg interview Danielle Johnson Werner, COO of Penn Medicine, exploring her journey from Ohio University to a leadership role in healthcare. They discuss the importance of mentorship, embracing disruption, and the balance between personal and professional life, highlighting the significance of support structures in navigating career c...

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, hosts Nick Winnenberg and Dr. Amy Taylor-Bianco sit down with leadership expert and author René Banglesdorf store to discuss her inspiring leadership journey. Rene shares how her leadership potential was first recognized during her time as a student at Ohio University, and how that led her to take on roles in aviation sales, management, and workplace c...

This episode features an interview with Nate Schisler, founder and CEO of recommerce company Maven Circular. Nate shares his upbringing in rural Southeast Ohio and how experiences like working in his family's firewood business instilled a strong work ethic. He discusses his career progression in logistics and supply chain management, including formative roles with companies like Lululemon. Nate al...

In this episode, Solomon shares his journey through the MSM program at High University and the impact it has had on his leadership development and self-awareness. He discusses key mentors like Dr. B and Tammy Reynolds who helped him recognize the importance of understanding himself before leading others. Solomon also reflects on assessments and coaching that helped him identify areas for growth. B...

This episode features an interview with Kay, an MSM student graduating from Ohio University who shares their journey from Thailand to the United States and career at Amazon. Kay discusses overcoming language barriers, pursuing different education and career paths, and credits the MSM program for helping them gain new skills and a promotion to HR Partner. The hosts praise Kay's determination and pr...

This episode features Eli Flournoy sharing his leadership journey from a 25-year career at CNN to his current work supporting local news organizations. Listeners will learn about the mentoring culture at CNN that drove their success in international news coverage. Eli also discusses the impact of technology on news consumption and the spread of misinformation, and how focusing on local news can he...

This episode of the Lear Lounge podcast features interviews with students in the MSM program at Ohio University, discussing their diverse educational backgrounds and experiences in the personalized master's program. Student Terry shares how the flexibility of stackable certificates and passion of faculty inspired him to pursue his degree, while also highlighting disruptive changes in education and...