One Thousand Ways To Lead: Leadership skills, people management techniques, and communication strategies to help you grow as a confident, capable leader

It’s better to ask forgiveness than permission. Entrepreneurial leadership requires a frame of mind that embraces failure. Because failure is the fastest way to learn.  Jon Sockell (MBA ‘12) isn’t afraid of failing, and that’s maybe the key component to his success. His leadership philosophy boils down to asking forgiveness rather than permission, a philosophy shaped by a career spent inside fast-...

What does a decade of authentic leadership inside one of the most publicly scrutinized companies in the world actually teach you about keeping global teams steady when the ground keeps shifting? In this episode, host Melissa sits down with Gianna Dellicarpini, Chief People Officer at WeWork, to discuss what it really means to lead people operations through some of the most public corporate chapter...

What pivotal moment in your leadership journey teaches you to prioritize employee relations over a corporate spreadsheet? In this episode, host Maree Smith is joined by Matthew Overbay, a director of manufacturing strategy and planning who has built his career through multiple international assignments at Nissan Motor Corporation. We break down the leadership skills behind strong team management,...

Are you growing as a leader through strong mentorship and reflection? In this episode, host Taiwo Olawehinmi sits down with Megan Fisher, Executive Director and U.S. Brand Lead for Rare Disease at Amgen, to discuss career development inside a complex corporate culture. She shares how intentional leadership transition, cross-functional leadership, and authentic leadership shaped her path. We explor...

Do you ever feel like the pressure to succeed is outpacing your current leadership skills? It is common to feel overwhelmed when you are chasing career growth while simultaneously trying to master the daily demands of a complex role. You might worry that your existing management skills are not enough to navigate the high stakes of today's fast-paced business environment. You can absolutely navigat...

When the corporate ladder feels secure but the soul craves impact, the career transition to building a business becomes more than a decision, it becomes a calling. However, answering that call requires more than just a leap of faith. True startup success is born in the unexpected turns defined by calculated risks, extensive market research, and the courage to launch a startup that brings something...

When a linear career path falls apart, what comes next can define your leadership more than the title ever did.  It’s in the unexpected turns: the pivots, pauses, and pressure points where leadership is truly tested. These moments not only challenge your strategy, but also sharpen your self-awareness, revealing how you show up when things don’t go as planned. In this episode, host Taiwo Olawehinmi...

What does it take to lead authentically across large, dispersed teams? How do you stay grounded and connected while evolving as a leader? And how can you build trust without sacrificing structure or results? In this episode, Melissa Bortkiewicz sits down with Abhi Pardeshi, a seasoned executive and proud Vanderbilt Owen alum, who shares how his leadership journey has been shaped by lessons in self...

This is a special recorded episode during our Live Podcast event, celebrating 20 years of the Leadership Development Program at Vanderbilt Owen. With a room full of students, we welcomed back one of our own for an inspiring and insightful conversation. In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, we sit down with Jamie Ikerd, a 2015 MBA alum of Vanderbilt Owen and current Chief Strategy & Tra...

What does it really mean to lead with empathy, resilience, and cultural awareness? It’s not something you learn from a textbook, it’s something you learn through experience, discomfort, and showing up when everything feels unfamiliar. True leadership, especially across cultures, begins with understanding yourself in unfamiliar environments. In this episode, we sit down with Vanderbilt Owen Graduat...

Do you want to grow into a confident, grounded leader during your MBA? Are you looking for clarity, consistency, and purpose in how you lead? Curious how others have used their time at business school to develop real-world leadership skills? This episode will show you what’s possible through leadership development. In this special episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, former host Reid Chauvin pass...

Are you still figuring out how to lead in team projects, internship roles, or early career settings? Wondering how to stay grounded in your authentic self as you step into new responsibilities? In this special handoff episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, departing host Brianna Dacey passes the mic to Melissa Ortiz, who’s stepping in as one of the new hosts. Their conversation marks the transition...

In this special transition episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, new host Taiwo Olawehinmi sits down with outgoing host Jacob Straessle, a member of Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management’s graduating class of 2025. Jacob helped bring this podcast to life and has spent the last year capturing powerful leadership reflections from alumni across industries. Together, Taiwo and Jacob explore wh...

In this episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, we sit down with Courtney Miller, a marketing executive and MBA alum, to talk about the ups and downs of her MBA journey and how she built a meaningful marketing career. From facing rejection to leading successful brand revamps. You'll hear why not getting the job you want can actually lead to something better, and how to make smart but flexible career...

In this episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, we sit down with Brock Hardisty, whose unconventional career path led him from journalism and the beer industry to co-founding a company that designs and manufactures high-end custom pocket knives with his brother. What began as a side project quickly turned into a full-fledged venture rooted in quality American manufacturing, a deep appreciation for c...

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, we sit down with Matt Beasley, Chief Commercial Officer at Silicon Ranch, one of the largest solar power producers in the U.S. Matt shares his leadership journey, from starting in brand development to becoming a key leader in renewable energy. He discusses the importance of mentorship in leadership, how career development strategies shaped his path, an...

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Joe Pollaro, VP of Real Estate and Workplace at Pinterest, shares his incredible career journey, from investment banking at JP Morgan to investor relations at Wix and now leading a global team at Pinterest.   Joe reveals how storytelling is a powerful leadership skill that has shaped his ability to influence executives, manage teams, and adapt across i...

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Olivia Cooper, a Vanderbilt Owen alum, shares her inspiring journey from studying interior design to excelling in marketing strategy and community leadership. Olivia talks about the lessons she learned while working at the Chamber of Commerce, her transformative experience at Owen, and how she balances a thriving career at Green Apple Strategy with her...

In Part 2 of our alumni special, we dive into even more inspiring stories and powerful leadership insights from Vanderbilt Owen graduates Kitty Elshot-Smith, Kris Douglas, and Ryan Lein.   From leading global teams at Bank of America to navigating the challenges of real estate and building successful teams in the corporate world, these alumni share their candid experiences and lessons learned alon...

In this special two-part episode, we had the pleasure of hearing from three remarkable Vanderbilt Owen alumni—Beth Torres, Russ Fallis, and Jerome Edwards—who returned to campus to share their leadership journeys. Through their stories, they offered powerful insights on leadership, career growth, and the lifelong value of the Owen community.   Discover how their MBA experience shaped their approac...

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Vanderbilt Owen alum and Head of Marketing at Lidl, Michael Chao shares his captivating career journey, moving from startups to industry giants like Walmart, Dollar General, and Lidl. With over a decade of leadership experience across the U.S. and even in China, Michael reflects on the key lessons that have shaped his approach to work and life.   Liste...

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Vanderbilt MBA alum and healthcare leader Courtney Necessary shares her unique career journey from professional ballet dancer to healthcare transformation executive.    Host Reid Chauvin explores Courtney's path and the leadership insights she gained along the way, including how a growth mindset in leadership and constructive feedback drive professiona...

Leadership isn’t always shaped by traditional paths.    Sometimes, the best lessons come from unexpected places and experiences that push us out of our comfort zones.   In this episode, Vanderbilt MBA ‘25, Brianna Dacey sits down with Bennet Hayes, a Vanderbilt Owen alumnus and Strategy and Operations Lead at Google, to explore his unconventional leadership journey. Starting out as a professional...

In today’s fast-moving world of innovation, strong leadership is what drives major breakthroughs.    Behind every new technology, there’s a team guided by leaders who inspire collaboration, encourage bold ideas, and bring ambitious visions to life.   In this episode, Vanderbilt MBA ‘25, Jacob Straessle sits down with Tesla’s Field Service Strategy Lead, Sheik Fazulul Haque, to discuss Tesla’s lead...

Curious about the different ways people lead?    In this kickoff episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, the team at Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management introduces their new leadership podcast, where current students and alumni share real-world leadership stories.    Learn how leadership can look different for everyone and discover valuable insights from various leadership journeys.    Whe...