PODCAST · business
MPods
by MPods
MPods, curated by Nora, delivers monthly episodes that delve into the experiences and insights of financial industry leaders and entrepreneurial pioneers. Originally focused on sharing stories from University of Michigan alumni, the podcast now expands to bring a wealth of diverse, powerful narratives from the financial world to your ears. Join us as we explore the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of visionaries shaping the future.
Episodes
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EP34: Raj Sarkar, CMO of CloudBees: The Marketing Playbook
In the 34th episode of MPods, we sit down with Raj Sarkar, the Chief Marketing Officer of CloudBees and a University of Michigan alum recognized on Forbes’ Entrepreneurial CMO list. From his early days as an engineer and launching innovative products at tech giants like Amazon and Google, to...
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EP33: Jake Schwartz, Founder of Endorsed: The Future of Hiring
In the 33rd episode of MPods, we sit down with Jake Schwartz, founder of Endorsed, University of Michigan alum, and former Apple engineer, to explore the bold mission behind his company: reducing global unemployment with AI. Jake takes us through his journey from building websites at age 8 to...
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EP32: Nosa Edoimioya, Co-Founder of Reforge Robotics: The Future of Autonomous Manufacturing
In the 32nd episode of MPods, we sit down with Nosa Edoimioya, the Founder & CEO of Reforge Robotics, a company pioneering in autonomous manufacturing by building software to supercharge industrial robots. From turning down a high-paying job at Amazon Robotics, founding a startup, his decision to...
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EP31: Robert Fisch on U.S. – China Relations, Respect, and Building Bridges
In the middle of 2025, as tensions between the U.S. and China escalate in a trade war, having empathy and a mutual understanding is more important than ever. In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode of MPods, we sit down with Robert Fisch, founder of InCorpChina and a seasoned expert in…
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EP29: Jonah Liss, Meet Your Class Co-Founder
In this episode of MPods, we sit down with Jonah Liss, co-founder and COO of Meet Your Class, a startup revolutionizing how students connect before stepping onto campus. Jonah shares his journey as a University of Michigan student and entrepreneur tackling one of higher education’s biggest...
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EP30: Don Hicks, Founder & CEO of Optilogic, The Entrepreneur Behind LLamasoft’s $400M Exit
In the 30th episode of MPods, we welcome Don Hicks, a Ross alum and serial entrepreneur. Don founded, led as CEO, and ultimately sold the supply chain analytics company LLamasoft for $1.5 billion. Today, he is the CEO of Optilogic, a growing supply chain company with over 90 employees, the owner…
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EP28: Jeff Hauptman, Founder and CEO of The Oxford Companies on Real Estate, Tenacity, and Community Transformation
In episode 28 of MPods, Jeff Hauptman—CEO and founder of Oxford Companies—Ann Arbor’s leading real estate investment and property management firm—shares his transformation from aspiring medical student to real estate mogul. A University of Michigan alum and award-winning industry leader, Jeff…
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EP27: Dr. Mark Kiel on Building Genomenon and Navigating the Future of Genetic Data
In episode 27 of MPods, Dr. Mark Kiel, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Genomenon, shares his journey from medical student to entrepreneur, transforming genetic data into actionable insights. A University of Michigan alum, Mark discusses the pivotal moments that led him to leave academia,...
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EP26: John Seamans: Building Businesses from Biomedical Breakthroughs
In Episode 26 of MPods, John Seamans, the Manager of the Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund (MBVF), shares his journey from MedTech professional to advisor, leveraging his technical expertise from roles at GE Healthcare and Delphinus Medical Technologies to guide startups through challenges like…
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EP25: Diane Bouis - Networking, Navigating, and Nurturing: Journey from Science to Business
In this episode of MPods, Diane Bouis, an angel investor, startup advisor, and current program director at MedTech Innovator, shares her journey from academia to the business world, highlighting the importance of networking and adaptability. Diane discusses her transition from completing a PhD in...
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EP 24: Danny Ellis & Tom Brady: Autonomous Drones and the Future of Wind Energy with SkySpecs’ Co-Founders
In this episode, Danny Ellis and Tom Brady, two University of Michigan engineering graduates, share their remarkable journey from student robotics projects to co-founding SkySpecs, a global leader in renewable energy asset management. Tom and Danny recount how their passion for aviation and...
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EP23: Building vs Banking: Moses Lee on Career Paths, Startups, and Empowering Students
In this episode, Moses Lee, a proud University of Michigan Ross graduate, shares his transformative journey from investment banking on Wall Street to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Moses recounts his transition from feeling unfulfilled in finance to founding Celio, an EdTech company designed...
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EP22: From Basement Startup to Proven Success: David Tarver on Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Urban Revitalization
In this episode, we talk with David Tarver, a lecturer at the University of Michigan and the founder of the Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative. David shares his journey from his early days at Bell Laboratories to starting his own business, Telecom Analysis Systems, in his basement. The company…
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EP21: Curing Cancer: Dr. Mukesh Nyati on Modern Oncology
In this episode of MPods, we dive deep into the world of cancer research with Mukesh Nyati, a Professor in Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan. Mukesh, with over two decades of experience, shares his journey and groundbreaking work on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)…
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EP20: Exploring Careers in Energy Law-Insights with Professor Alexandra Klass
In this episode of MPods, we chat with Professor Alexandra Klass, a leading expert in energy law and environmental policy, who shares her journey through academia, private practice, and her role as a political appointee in the Biden-Harris administration. Professor Alexandra Klass offers valuable...
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EP19: Navigating Engineering Careers-Insights from Apple Product Design Engineer Hermione Li
In this episode of Mpods, we sit down with Hermione Li, an Apple Product Design Engineer and UMich graduate. Hermione shares her journey from college to her current role, offering valuable advice on internships, job interviews, and transitioning from college to the professional world. She…
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E18: Finding Purpose: Victor Strecher on Mental Health, AI, and Intentional Living
In this episode, Victor Strecher, founder and CEO of Kumanu and professor at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health, discusses his journey in creating a mental health app to help people find meaning and purpose. He emphasizes the importance of living purposefully, which leads to...
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E17: Empowered Journey: Candace Curtis-Cavazos's Path from Education to Entrepreneurship
In this episode, Candace shares her journey from her time at the University of Michigan to her impactful work in community development and entrepreneurship. She delves into her experiences studying liberal arts, which ignited her passion for activism and community service, especially in her...
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E16: Adrian Fortino - Building Ventures in the Midwest: from Engineering to Investing
In this episode, Adrian Fortino shares his journey from mechanical engineering to venture capital, highlighting the lessons learned from his diverse career. He discusses his early experiences in the automotive industry, the challenges and successes of his entrepreneurial ventures, and his...
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E15: Scott Metcalf - From Product Management to Startup Coaching
Scott is a seasoned startup coach with extensive experience working with founders. He is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at UChicago. Scott is also an active angel investor and a member of the local startup community. Scott holds an MBA from the University of Chicago...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
MPods, curated by Nora, delivers monthly episodes that delve into the experiences and insights of financial industry leaders and entrepreneurial pioneers.
Originally focused on sharing stories from University of Michigan alumni, the podcast now expands to bring a wealth of diverse, powerful narratives from the financial world to your ears. Join us as we explore the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of visionaries shaping the future.
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MPods
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