The Employee Success Podcast

In this episode of The Employee Success Podcast , we sit down with a familiar guest, Mallory Newby, Career Development Specialist in the Employee Success Center, to talk about what it really takes to grow early in your career. Drawing on her experience working with students, staff, and faculty across UofL, Mallory shares practical insight on building confidence, forming meaningful connections, and...

In this episode of The Employee Success Podcast , Brian sits down virtually with Adam A. Smith, an author, educator, speaker, consultant and change-agent who has dedicated his almost three-decade career to ensuring college access and success for all Americans. They discuss the importance of creating a campus culture that prioritizes the well-being of the entire community. Smith recently released h...

In this episode, we sit down with UofL School of Nursing Program Manager and Mindset Coach Rebecca Barrett to explore what it truly means to cultivate joy at work—not as a fleeting feeling, but as a powerful, practical skill. Brian and Rebecca dive into how to intentionally tap into your mind and emotions in the workplace so you can navigate both challenging seasons and moments of success with cla...

In this episode of the Employee Success Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Sarah Anne Strickley—writer, professor, faculty editor of Miracle Monocle , and Director of Undergraduate Studies in English.  Dr. Strickley shares how her own creative practice informs the way she teaches and mentors students, from helping them generate bold new work to introducing them to the worlds of editing and publishing....

What happens when the work you are asked to do conflicts with the values you hold most deeply? In this episode, we explore moral injury at work and examine how it shows up across the higher education workplace and beyond. Our guest, Dr. Meg Hancock, draws from her recent study, Changing Industry: A Qualitative Study on Moral Injury within Former Sport Employees , which uses college athletics as a...

In this episode of The Employee Success Podcast , Brian is joined by Luke Button and Nandi Thomas as they pull back the curtain on the humans behind Human Resources. From demystifying the role of an HR Business Partner at the University of Louisville to exploring how HR strengthens connection, they spotlight how their work helps build culture and community across our campuses. Listen to learn how...

In this episode, our host, Brian Buford, is joined by Dr. Tom Owen, longtime University of Louisville professor and archivist. Since 1975, Dr. Owen has been preserving and sharing the stories that shape both Louisville and UofL. A public historian, former Metro Council president, and historical tour guide, Dr. Owen brings a lifetime of knowledge about the university’s past and its place in our thr...

In this episode of The Cardinal Spotlight , we sit down with Mani Vangalur—Director of Technology Solutions at the University of Louisville’s Speed School of Engineering, a UofL alum, and an avid ultramarathon runner. Mani is deeply involved in the culture of UofL, participating in various presidential commissions including the Commission on Climate, Culture and Well-being, Staff Senate, the Cardi...

Welcome to Season 5 of The Employee Success Podcast ! We’re kicking things off with a very special guest—Dr. Gerry Bradley, the 20th President of the University of Louisville—recorded just after his inauguration events.  In this exclusive conversation, President Bradley reflects on his time in the role, shares what the inauguration means to him, and outlines his vision for the future of UofL. From...

In this episode of the Employee Success Podcast , we sit down with Gerard Rabalais, VP for HSC Professional and Educational Development at the University of Louisville, to explore how institutions can better support the development of staff and faculty—especially those approaching the later stages of their careers. Dr. Rabalais shares practical insights on how to engage and retain late-career empl...

In this episode, Brian is joined by Emily Rasmussen, a member of the UofL Department of Political Science, a proud Kentuckian, and enthusiastic explorer of the Commonwealth. With a deep love for the state and a curiosity that drives her to understand its people, places, and traditions, and politics, Emily shares how she experiences Kentucky up close and how that perspective can open people to all...

The dedicated employees who work in our university libraries play a big role in supporting students, faculty, and staff every day. In this episode, we chat with Melissa Laning and Cecilia Durbin about how a group of those employees came together to support their own colleagues—creating thoughtful programs, practices, and resources that build a stronger sense of connection, well-being, and professi...

In this episode, Brian Buford sits down with Andrew Marsh—metal sculptor, founder of Lucky 7 Arts, and Assistant Director at the Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research at the University of Louisville. Andrew shares how his creative practice, deeply rooted in explorations of the human body, emotions, and the physical world, shapes both his art and his professional journey. From building monument...

In this episode, Brian Buford welcomes back Kevin McClure, a leading voice in higher education leadership and workplace culture. Together, they dive deep into the evolving concept of   employee success in the higher education workplace, exploring what it truly means to create environments where faculty and staff can thrive both personally and professionally. Kevin shares insights from his upcoming...

In this episode of  The Cardinal Spotlight , we sit down with Charice Patterson from the University of Louisville's Career Center to explore the power of vision boards. Charice shares how visualizing your goals can fuel motivation, clarify direction, and support both personal and professional growth. She also discusses the inspiration behind some of her favorite pieces and how you, too, can do...

In this episode, we explore the growing importance of emotional support in the workplace—through the eyes (and paws) of two special guests! Join us as we sit down with Officer Jacob Robinson of the University of Louisville Police Department and his four-legged partner, Comfort K-9 Lily. Together, they share how Lily is helping to create a more compassionate and supportive environment on campus. Fr...

In a special turn of the mic, Laura McDaniels steps into the host’s seat to interview our  usual  host, Brian Buford. That’s right—Brian’s trading headphones for hiking boots as he prepares to embark on an exciting journey along the Pacific Crest Trail. Laura and Brian dig into what inspired this trek, what Brian’s hoping to discover along the way, and how he’s preparing for over 2,600 miles of mo...

In this episode of  The Employee Success Podcast , we sit down with sustainability expert Dr. Justin Mog (Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability Initiatives at the University of Louisville) to explore how we can integrate eco-friendly practices into workplace culture. From reducing waste to creating a more energy-efficient office, Justin shares practical strategies that not only benefit the p...

In this episode of  The Cardinal Spotlight , we focus on the fascinating world of letterpress printing with Dr. Mark Alan Mattes, Assistant Professor of English and English Department Internship Program Director at the University of Louisville. Dr. Mattes is also the proprietor of Hot Brown Press, a letterpress print shop and bindery in Louisville, Kentucky.  Here, we take a look behind the scenes...

Aimee Jewel, a University of Louisville alum and Leadership Program Manager at Leadership Louisville, joins us for this episode to talk about her journey through stand-up comedy and leadership. She shares how humor plays a crucial role in connecting with others, the psychology behind why we laugh, and how we can use laughter to create a more engaging and positive work culture. Tune in to discover...

In this episode of  The Cardinal Spotlight , our host Brian Buford sits down with Katie Jo Glesing for an intriguing conversation about her passion for the paranormal, her work in “edu-tainment,” and her fascinating Creepy Campus tours on the University of Louisville’s Belknap campus. Katie Jo shares her deep interest in paranormal activity, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her tours, which co...

The ESC’s Mallory Newby joins us to dive deep into the power of personal branding and how it can impact your career trajectory. She and Brian discuss the steps to defining your unique professional identity and how to effectively communicate it to your audience and collaborators. Mallory shares expert insights on how individuals can effectively define and communicate their unique value, offering ac...

In this episode of The Cardinal Spotlight , Brian sits down with Lyshanna Cunningham, coordinator of international programs at the University of Louisville’s College of Arts & Sciences, and the creative force behind ShannaCakes, her own thriving catering business that features her amazing baked treats. Lyshanna shares how she balances her professional responsibilities with her entrepreneurial...

In this episode, Brian sits down with Meagan West, Senior Training & Development Specialist at the Employee Success Center, for an engaging conversation about extroversion in the workplace. They dive deep into how extroverted qualities such as strong communication, collaboration, and leadership can be powerful assets to teams and organizations. Meagan shares valuable insights on how to recogni...

The Cardinal Spotlight shines a light on the extraordinary interests of the people at the University of Louisville. In each episode, we highlight the dedicated staff, faculty, and students whose passion, innovation, and unique contributions make UofL a vibrant, thriving community. In this episode, we sit down with Remington Smith, a talented filmmaker and professor of Communication at the Universi...