THE JUNGLE

This episode features a conversation with current and former students from our Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) program. We speak with Megan Miller (Deloitte), Kordell Smith (VMware), and Tyler Earnst (current student and interning at Dell Technologies) to explore the transition to professional life as a recent graduate, how our LBS program prepares students for the professional world, and a...

This episode features a conversation with Michael Doss – CEO of Graphic Packaging. Mike is a proud two-time graduate of Western Michigan University and leads this great Fortune 500 company. Graphic Packaging recently invested $600 million in a new facility here in Kalamazoo. We speak with Mike about how he has led through the pandemic, the future of packaging in a digital world, and the company’s...

This episode features a conversation with Jane Dutton – Robert L. Kahn Distinguished University Professor Emerita at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Jane is a world expert on processes that build capabilities and strengths of employees in organizations. A founder of the movement in Positive Organizational Scholarship, Jane’s research has demonstrated the importance of relations...

This episode features a conversation with Thor Flosason – Senior Director of Global Learning and Development at Kellogg Company. Thor is responsible for the systems, processes, resources, and solutions to help over 30,000 employees across the globe learn and develop. We explore with Thor how a global organization facilitates learning during a global pandemic, the importance of learning to strategy...

This episode features a conversation with Jeff Blashill – Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings. The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Coach Blashill – a native Michigander and former WMU hockey coach – shares with us his experience on leading the Red Wings through the pandemic, leading across generations, and his lessons on leading during a time of change fo...

A very special edition of The Jungle featuring Bronconess! Bronconess is a purpose-driven wine brand created and operated by Leadership and Business Strategy students at WMU. It is guided by our philosophy of “learning by doing.” 100% of profits go toward scholarships with over $35K raised since inception in 2019. On this episode, our LBS students launch the next evolution of Bronconess – the Bron...

This episode features a conversation with La June Montgomery Tabron – CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Based in Southwest Michigan, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the world. La June shares with us how the foundation has pivoted and innovated during the pandemic, the role business plays in solving social problems, and the conditions that facilitate...

The pandemic is challenging our mental and physical health. At the same time, it is also disrupting established sectors like the fitness industry, raising questions about how a traditionally in-person experience translates online. Dean shares with us how he founded and grew a successful online fitness brand, how the pandemic is creating opportunity in the fitness space, and his advice on implement...

This episode features a conversation with Dan Jefferies – Founder and Co-owner – and Matt Vollmar – CEO and Co-owner – of Newmind Group. Newmind is a Kalamazoo based managed IT service company providing outsourced IT and strategic advice to small organizations. Newmind is engaging with our undergraduate program – Leadership and Business Strategy – on a semester long consulting project with 100 stu...

This episode features a conversation with Peter Jackson, CEO of Bluescape Software. Bluescape offers industry-leading technology to enable teams to collaborate. Bluescape is like an infinite virtual whiteboard that allows teams to collaborate and create by using drawings, sticky notes, files, and programs. Peter shares with us how to lead and collaborate at a distance, the future of the industry,...

This episode features a conversation with Psyche Terry, Founder of UI Global Brands. Psyche has grown her socially-responsible skincare and haircare line, Urban Hydration, into a national brand in more than 7,000 retailers including CVS, Macy’s, Target and more. A proud graduate of the Haworth College of Business, Psyche shares about leading through the pandemic, changing consumer behavior, and th...

This episode features a conversation with Kathy Beauregard – Director of Athletics at Western Michigan University. On August 8th the Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced the postponement of all fall sports. We go behind the scenes of this decision, the implications, and the broader leadership and strategy dynamics confronting athletic directors. Recorded on August 11, 2020.

This episode features a conversation with Tom Sweet, CFO of Dell Technologies. Tom helped Dell pull off one of the largest buyouts in history with the $67 billion acquisition of EMC. A great Bronco, Tom shares how Dell’s senior leadership team is navigating current events and his thoughts on the future of technology and business. Recorded on June 15, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Larry Bell – Founder and President of Bell’s Brewery. Larry has helped pioneer the craft beer movement. Based in Kalamazoo, and 100% family owned and independent, Bell’s is now the seventh largest craft brewer in the United States. Larry shares how Bell’s is responding to the pandemic and issues of racial equity, his thoughts on the future of craft beer an...

This episode was recorded on May 19, 2020 and features a conversation with Franco Bianchi - CEO of Haworth. Franco shares about leading Haworth through the pandemic, the transition back to the office, and his thoughts on the future of workplace design and furniture solutions.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Stephanie Creary – Assistant Professor of Management at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. A leading expert on diversity and identity in organizations. Stephanie shares her expertise and experience on how business leaders create conversations and take action to foster racial equity. Recorded on June 12, 2020.

This episode was recorded on May 29, 2020 and features a conversation with Steve Cahillane, Chairman and CEO of Kellogg’s. Steve shares how he is leading Kellogg’s through the COVID-19 pandemic, changing consumer habits, and his approach to strategy.

A global pandemic, followed by civil unrest over racial injustice. This episode was recorded on June 3, 2020 and features a conversation with Birgit Klohs, President and CEO of The Right Place. Birgit shares her insights about leading through these historic times.

The twelfth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Kevin Lobo – Chairman and CEO of Stryker. Kevin shares about leading Stryker through the COVID-19 crisis, and what is required to bring innovations rapidly to market.

The eleventh episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Fred Upton – US House of Representatives for Southwest Michigan’s Sixth Congressional District and former Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Fred shares what it has been like in congress, how to lead and build consensus amidst competitive perspectives, and advice to businesses as they look toward re-opening.

The tenth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Patti Poppe – President and CEO of Consumers Energy. Patti announces a partnership with Consumers Energy, Google, and Uplight, and shares the importance of purpose, values, and leadership in bringing this innovation to market.

The ninth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with John Green – Chairman and CEO of Revolution Farms, Chairman of Cirkul and Odyssey, and former Executive Chairman of Founders Brewing. John speaks to managing cash, how this crisis is impacting indoor agriculture, and how he leads multiple companies through this crisis.

The eighth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Fred Minturn – Group CEO and Executive Chairman at MSX International. Fred discusses how the automotive sector is responding to the crisis and his thoughts on the future.

The seventh episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Todd Sanford – CEO and president of Sanford Financial Services. Todd shares how his firm has pivoted, the problems this crisis exposes as it comes to financial literacy, and predictions for the future.

The sixth episode in the COVID-19 series features a conversation with Kevin Carmody – Senior Partner at McKinsey and a leader of McKinsey’s Transformation Practice. Kevin shares his insights on how senior management teams are reacting and his advice on managing risk, cash, and innovation during this crisis.