PODWalk with Radhika Zaveri

Dan Hunt has served as President of FC Dallas since 2014 and serves on several leadership committees across Major League Soccer, including as Co-Chair of the Board of MLS NEXT Pro. He has led Dallas’ successful bid to host nine matches for the FIFA World Cup 2026 — the most of any host city — and now serves as Co-Chair of the North Texas Organizing Committee. Alongside his late father, Lamar they developed Toyota Stadium and established FC Dallas as a leader in youth soccer development. Dan also plays a strategic role across the Hunt family sports portfolio, including the Kansas City Chiefs. Dan graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas and Southern Methodist University. Today’s conversation is about how leaders build—build teams, build talent, and build brands that last—whether on the field or in the marketplace.3 Key takeaways:1. Great teams are built, not foundWhether in FC Dallas or beyond, success comes from identifying potential early and creating systems that develop people consistently—not relying on talent alone.2. Culture only works when it is lived, not statedA strong identity means little unless it is reinforced through behavior, decision-making, and accountability at every level of the organization.3. Leadership is about long-term impact, not short-term outcomesFrom player development to global events like the FIFA World Cup, the most effective leaders focus on building structures that last beyond immediate wins and create lasting value for communities.Thank you for listening to PODWalk. Until next time.

James Ruth is the Chief Marketing Officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he leads brand strategy, fan engagement, and revenue-driving marketing efforts for one of the NFL’s most dynamic franchises. With a career that spans sports, media, and brand leadership, James has been at the forefront of transforming how teams connect with fans, blending data, storytelling, and culture to build lasting loyalty in an ever-evolving sports landscape. And today we are going to chat about what is that fans really want – what are they buying -- is the wins or is it something else? 3 key takeawaysMarketing in the Modern Age: the power of a brand rooted in mission. In a world where everything feels like it’s constantly shifting — from content production (e.g., AI) to engagement platforms (e.g., vertical video) to how we define success (e.g., transaction vs. brand growth) — a committed mission becomes the anchor. It’s the thing that transcends the noise and outlasts the moment.The Power of Culture & Knowing Your Way: Great brands understand their mission — and then say the same thing 1,000 different ways. But the part worth double-clicking on is the why. The why isn’t always what’s on the surface — it’s the value exchange. What do fans, consumers, evangelists actually get from you? When you get that answer right, you build something people choose to be part of… In sports, that’s when you have a brand that can transcend wins and losses.Finding Your North Star; Just like a brand, you need a north star.   At a place like SMU, life will present you with a constant stream of options. The north star becomes the prism — the thing that helps you decide whether a path is taking you closer or pulling you further away. And importantly, that north star can — and should — evolve. But the act of having one, of committing to something that guides your decisions, is what creates momentum. It gives you direction, progress, and purpose. It pulls you along. And one day, you’ll look back and ask yourself, how the hell did I get all the way here?

Today’s guest is François, SMU alum and CEO of La La LandFrom their sunshine-yellow cups to their purpose-driven hiring model, La La Land is proof that when a brand leads with heart, the world follows. Their cause is soulful, their culture is intentional, their content is everywhere — and their growth has been nothing short of explosive.But behind the viral moments and the aesthetic yellow glow lies something deeper — a belief that purpose is the algorithm. In a world of fleeting trends and constant noise, François and his team have built a movement by knowing exactly what they stand for.Today, we’ll explore how La La Land scales with soul, how clarity cuts through chaos — and how the best brands don’t chase the algorithm, they become it.Three Key Takeaways from this podcast are:Purpose Is Algorithm.  It’s the Filter, Not Just the FuelThe strongest brands don’t react to what’s trending — they define what matters. Purpose gives them the clarity to lead when everyone else is chasing the feed.“Growth That Keeps Its Promise”Scaling isn’t a numbers game — it’s a trust game. Every Lalaland product, every post we share, every partnership we form is a reflection of our purpose and values. Enduring growth comes from delivering on that promise, again and again.Clarity Is the Ultimate Competitive Edge.In a world obsessed with speed, the brands that know who they are move the fastest — because they never waste time pretending to be something they’re not.  Thanks to our audience, we would love it if you subscribed to you so you can hear the next podcast when it drops and give us a positive rating. Until next time.

In this episode of PODWalk, we go behind the scenes of the modern aviation startup JSX with its Co-Founder and CEO Alex Wilcox. From his early days at the University of Vermont and Southwest Airlines to helping launch JetBlue and founding JSX, Alex shares what inspired him to reimagine short-haul travel, the lessons he’s learned about culture and resilience, and how customer experience remains at the heart of innovation. Together, we’ll explore how to build a brand that balances operational precision with Joyful Simple Experience of getting from point A to point B.  Key takeaways from our conversation today1. Reinvention Comes from Seeing What Others Overlook.JSX was built on the belief that short-haul travel could feel human again. Alex reminds us that disruption doesn’t always mean building something new — sometimes it’s re-imagining what’s been taken for granted and designing a better experience around it.2. Customer experience isn’t a department — it’s the heartbeat of the brand.From check-in to landing, JSX succeeds because it obsesses over the moments that matter — time, comfort, simplicity. The takeaway: brand strength isn’t built on ads; it’s built onconsistency, empathy, and removing friction for your customer.3.  Purpose and Passion Fuel Longevity.Alex’s story shows that aviation is really about connection — not just destinations. When a company is clear on why it exists and who it serves, it can evolve with technology, weather market turbulence, regulations and still keep its humanheartbeat of joy.Thank you for listening. Please follow PODWALK and suggest it to a friend. Until Next Time.

On this episode, I am chatting with Purvi Patel Albers, Partner at Haynes and Boone, and a top IP and brand protection lawyer who advises Fortune 500 companies on the management of their valuable brand investments.  Brands today can create more content faster than ever—but faster doesn’t always mean safer. Purvi and I will dive into how brands can protect creative assets while staying ahead in an AI-driven marketplace.Amongst her many accomplishments, Purvi has been highlighted by the World Trademark Review for her “sophisticated brand management skills” and her engaging personality brings a relatable, lively energy to this podcast, making complex brand and IP topics both accessible and entertaining.Three key aways from my conversation with Purvi PatelFaster is not always safer: AI lets brands innovate at lightning speed—but faster doesn’t always mean safer. Trade dress, copyright, and social media safeguards are a must to protect creativity.Personal brand counts: Purvi’s “vibey” energy shows that your authentic presence builds trust and credibility—whether you’re leading a team or managing a brand.Learn and future-proof: Look to leading brands (and even Taylor Swift!) for IP protection strategies. A proactive mindset is key to thriving in a world of constant content creation and competitors at you heals.

 Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Ryan Ross—former President of Neiman Marcus and a brand builder who’s brought purpose, meaning, and magic to some of the world’s most iconic retailers, from Harrods, Williams and Sonoma and Neimans. In an age of frictionless commerce, Ryan helped redefine what a modern luxury experience looks like—anchored not just in exclusivity, but in values, relationships, and relevance. This is the evolution of the digital velvet rope. Does the velvet rope of luxury retail guard the exclusive—or offer a hidden unexpected moment that matters. Let’s go find out. A few key aways from our conversation.1. Luxury at Scale Still Has to Feel Personal
Ryan reminds us: in the digital age, exclusivity isn’t about access behind a velvet rope, it’s about intimacy. Great brands create emotional, high-touch experiences no matter the channel. 2. Great Brands Don’t Chase Relevance - They Create It Through Storytelling
Legacy brands don’t stay relevant by reacting—they lead with stories that resonate. For Ryan, brand storytelling isn’t marketing, it’s meaning, delivered with purpose. 3. Leadership Means Creating Moments, Not Just Metrics
One of Ryan’s most lasting impacts is his belief that moments, whether online or in-store, build trust and loyalty far beyond transactions. Because in the end, people remember how you made them feel, not just what you sold.Thanks for listening to the podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you are listening to it. We would appreciate subscribing to our podcast so you can hear the newest one and leave us a positive review – we do love that. 

Today on the show, we’re joined by Carey Chou, VP of Data AI at HEB who’s had cross sector experience working at companies like Infosys to LVMH to now HEB. Carey leads in Human-Centered AI, building tools that help us make better decisions, build trust, and simplify the complex.We will explore how AI can turn routine experiences into relevant ones and how brands are most discoverable in AI search.Three Key Takeaways:Human-Centered AI is About Augmenting, Not Replacing HumansCarey emphasizes that AI and GenAI should enhance human judgment and decision-making rather than automate it blindly. By anchoring trust, usability, and reasoning at every interaction, brands can turn routine transactions into meaningful, personalized experiences—like banking apps or grocery shopping that feel attentive and intuitive.Multi-Sensory, Emotional Digital Experiences MatterDigital experiences don’t have to feel transactional. AI can create multi-sensory, emotionally resonant interactions that maintain the “soul” of the brand. From colorful visuals and recipe sounds in grocery apps to subtle haptics for rewards, technology can amplify human connection while still delivering efficiency.The Next Frontier: In an AI-driven world, being everywhere isn’t enough—brands need to build deep trust in key platforms while sending consistent credibility signals across all channels.

Today, I am thrilled to have on the show, my friend, Ajay Chauhan, Executive director at Parle Products based in Mumbai, India; a third-generation leader from Parle Products — the company behind Parle-G, the world’s best-selling biscuit brand (in volume). We’ll talk about what it takes to build a century of trust with Ajay Chauhan.Three big takeaways stand out for me today — first, legacy isn’t inherited, it’s reinvented. Ajay showed us that tradition only thrives when it adapts.Second, trust is the ultimate marketing strategy. Parle-G didn’t need to chase trends — it earned love by being there, consistently, for everyone.And finally, premium doesn’t have to mean exclusive. Parle’s story proves that growth and inclusivity can go hand in hand.Thank you for listening to PODWalk, we would love it if you subscribed to us to listen to the next new podcast recording.  It is your subscriptions and ratings that keep this podcast going strong. 

Today on the show we have Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President and Chief Product Officer at Southwest Airlines, where he has led the charge of building products and building loyalty experiences that help the airline win more customers and drive growth. His marketing foundation was shaped by iconic brands like Dr Pepper, Pizza Hut, and PepsiCo, giving him a sharp lens on how brands earn both attention and trust.And outside of work, you might find him running a race, exploring Napa or New York, or cheering on his Mustang at SMU.In this episode, Jonathan and I will dive into how experiences, AI, and smart product design work together to create lasting customer loyalty—with real examples of what loyalty looks like at Southwest Airlines and what it means for today’s consumers.Key Takeways from my conversation with Jonathan today:Loyalty is felt, not earned"It’s the little wins—smooth check-ins, fun touches, thoughtful surprises—that make customers keep coming back- not just rewards or points—but for the experience"Smart tech, personal touch"Use AI to simplify complex tasks and deliver tailored experiences, but combining that technology with empathy to keep the human connection aliveProducts level up logically" Build products with benefits that make sense step by step. Each upgrade should feel obvious and worth it—step by step, customers see why moving up makes sense.

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Valerie Freeman, serial entrepreneur, talent pioneer, co-founder, & CEO of BravoTECH - whose bold mantra “How hard can it be?” has fueled game-changing ventures. Inducted into multiple Halls of Fame and honored with lifetime achievement awards, Valerie’s relentless curiosity and commitment to ethical leadership have positioned her, and the talent she champions to stand out as market-ready in every era.Key Highlights from the podcast:  Say Yes, Then Figure It Out:“How hard can it be?” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset of bold action. Whether switching industries or launching a new venture, success often starts with the willingness to try, even before you feel fully ready.Curiosity and Energy Are Career Superpowers:Staying relevant across decades and industries takes more than knowledge—it takes curiosity to keep learning and energy to keep moving. These are the real differentiators in both leadership and longevity.Market-Ready Means Future-Ready:The most hire able and successful professionals aren’t static—they position themselves through experimentation. From learning AI tools to taking on new challenges, constantly evolving your skill set is the new résumé.

Welcome to today’s episode! I’m thrilled to be joined by Sherry Graziano, Head of Digital, client experience and Marketing - a forward-thinking leader at Truist Bank who’s helping shape the future of banking through innovation, empathy, and purpose-driven strategy.From evolving brands, to pioneering digital experiences to strengthening generational collaboration, Sherry Graziano brings a unique lens to what modern leadership and marketing looks like in financial services leading to unstoppable impact.Three key takeaways from Sherry todayClarity Comes from Knowing What You’re NotSherry reminded us: it’s just as important to define what your brand doesn’t stand for as what it does. Boundaries bring focus—and focus fuels growth.Purpose Drives PositioningWhen your purpose is clear, your message, market fit, and value proposition all align. That’s how brands move from being one of many to the one that matters.Relationships Builds Trust. Trust Builds Confidence.People don’t just buy what you sell—they believe in why you do it. When you lead with care, you earn trust. And when you earn trust, growth becomes unstoppable.

Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with Michael Fisher—former CEO of Cincinnati Children's, civic leader, founder and recently grandparent; someone whose leadership has always been guided by values, not just vision.From healthcare, entrepreneurship to community service, Michael’s journey isn’t just a “TO DO list to build resumes” —but rather has a “TO-BE list to build legacy” and a roadmap for how purpose can shape systems, teams, and lives. Let’s walk through his winding way together.”Three key takeways from this podcast are:Purpose Leads. Culture Lives.Purpose sets the direction—a clear why that anchors behavior, decisions, and strategy. Culture brings that purpose to life through everyday actions and shared values.It’s a Dynamic Duo—One Holds the Other Accountable.When purpose and culture are in sync, they build trust, clarity, and relevance. Break that alignment, and a brand risks losing its identity and credibility.Doing Builds a Résumé. Being Builds a Legacy.In our personal purpose pursuit, it’s easy to focus on achievements. But real impact comes not just from what we do, but from who we are—consistently, purposefully, and visibly.

The guest today is David McKillips, the CEO of Chuck E. Cheese. At a moment when the brand faced bankruptcy and a global shutdown, David stepped in with a vision—not only to stabilize the business but to reimagine what this iconic family entertainment brand could become.From bold innovation to honoring legacy, today’s episode is a masterclass in crisis leadership, purpose-driven strategy, and turning challenge into opportunity. What strikes me most about David is his passion to learning and he lives by his mantra, #neverstoplearning which has served him well as he has turned around Chuck E Cheese to relevancy.A couple highlights from our talk todayFrom navigating bankruptcy and a global pandemic to modernizing a beloved brand without losing its soul, David has shown us that legacy and innovation don’t have to be at odds—they can power each other when guided by purpose.For our listeners, especially those just starting their own leadership or marketing journeys, David’s insights offer an important reminder: that the past is a platform—not a prison—and that reinvention is possible when you respect what people remember while boldly building for what’s next.And perhaps one of the most powerful takeaways from today’s conversation is the importance of never stopping learning—no matter your title, industry, or stage in your career. David’s approach shows that curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to evolve are not just assets—they’re essentials in leading lasting change.”

This podcast is with Ramesh Srinivasan, Sr. Partner at McKinsey, and the Dean of the Bower Forum, McKinsey’s program for CEO learning and a co-author of the bestselling book the Journey of Leadership – How CEOs learn to lead from the Inside Out.  What strikes me most about his recent work is that it is a fantastic summary of the inner journey of getting to excellence as a leader and yes, we all can be leaders in anything we do – such a relevant topic for all.For long we have spoken about leadership, we have thought of it as an opportunity to inspire others; with many Cs…conviction, courage, confidence.  Today we will talk about another C, caring as we do a deep dive into the human attributes of being a purposeful leader with my guest Ramesh Srinivasan.Some highlights discussed in this podcast:The purpose of purposeFor People to Care, Show Them You CareThings that come in the way, can become the wayRamesh has co-authored the book along with senior partners at McKinsey to discuss the power of caring, an emotion often reserved for friends and family and its influence on how people lead their lives.

It is a true privilege to welcome a leader whose influence extends far beyond the walls of academia—Dean Matthew Myers, the ninth dean of the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.Dean Myers is not only a respected academic but also a visionary whose career reflects a lifelong dedication to bridging the worlds of global business and higher education. Before joining SMU, he made his mark in the corporate world, at Merrill Lynch and IBM Argentina, where he brought strategic insight to industries ranging from engineering to agriculture.With a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and a Master's in Business Studies from the University of South Carolina, Dean Myers has spent decades shaping the minds of future business leaders. Under his leadership, the Cox School has continued to grow as a hub for excellence, opportunity, and forward-thinking education.But perhaps what defines Dean Myers most is his legacy—not just as a dean, consultant, or scholar, but as a mentor, builder, and advocate for meaningful business education. He lives in Dallas with his wife, Gina, and are proud Mustang parents of their twin daughters, Carlisle and Winston, symbolizing the deep ties he holds to the SMU community.

This is a special podcast and a special day with special guests; two SMU students graduating in 2025.  I have on the show Jude Lugo, is a student entrepreneur and founder of Lecture Logger, which is a student success and attendance tracking app. Jude is a business major at SMU Cox and serves on SMU's Board of Trustees as the Student Trustee. He was one of two Cox students featured in the Poets & Quants Best and Brightest Business Majors publication.Co-hosting the show with me today is BBA Outstanding Marketing Major Award recipient, Avery Zolfahari.  One thing they both have in common is their quiet confidence, fearless curiosity and unforgettable personalities. The Edwin L. Cox School of Business is an American business school that is part of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. 

Shar Dubey and Mandy Ginsberg former CEOs of Match.com and legends in consumer technology, friends who have supported each other professionally and personally and now serve on some of the most interesting boards. Shar Dubey grew up in India, graduating at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, she was the only woman metallurgical engineer that year.  She then came to the United States and graduated with an MS from Ohio State University and then moved to Dallas to work at Texas Instruments and later i2 technologies. Shar then joined Match Group where she served in multiple roles taking took the helm as CEO in 2020, succeeding her friend, Mandy Ginsberg.  After stepping down a few years ago, Shar remains a director of Match Group and on the board of directors at Fortive, Naspers Ltd. Prosus Group and Operating Partner at Advent International. Mandy Ginsberg grew up in Dallas where she still lives with her family.  After graduating from Berkley in California and subsequently obtaining an MBA from Wharton, Mandy returned to Dallas and joined Match Group serving in many capacities to become the CEO in 2017, stepping down in 2020 for personal reasons. Amongst her many accomplishments at Match, Mandy is known for promoting equal pay between men and women. She now has taken all that experience to serve on several diverse boards including Uber, thredUP, Flo Health Inc., Universal Music Group and as an operating partner at Advent International with her friend, Shar Dubey. Key Takeaways:Really spend time understanding your consumer - anywhere and everywhere.How to build a brand that Gen Zs love?How to build a culture that is inspired by an aligned leadership with purpose.

Sonia Vora, on “you don’t change the world for what’s on a spreadsheet, you change the world because of the  impact on individual lives.”My conversation with Sonia Vora, CHRO at the Gates Foundation was about Vision, Mission, Purpose and how it all relates to talent.  The Gates Foundation's mission, driven by the goal of improving global health, reducing poverty, and expanding educational opportunities, comes with many challenges.  To solve these complex issues at global levels, Sonia talked about how having a talent philosophy, and a clear purpose becomes a constitution to shape culture internally and drive behavior externally.The Gates Foundation, a global philanthropic organization, works to improve lives and promote equity, focusing on global health, global development, and U.S. programs that address education and economic opportunity. We discussed Highlights from the conversation:What makes the Gates Foundation successful? A Bold Vision Sets you part, Personalization Approach within a Scaled operation and ability to listen not just sell.What do you look for in Talent? Knowledge is NOT enough; Collaboration and Communication is key to inspiring others to followDoes Purpose drive Culture? People are not inspired by spreadsheets but rather inspired by the work they are a part of and the impact they make on livesDo you want an AI manager? OK you will have to tune in to listen to this one…

With 30 years of global business experience, Sheryl Adkins-Green combines strategic insights, financial acumen, and values-based leadership to deliver topline and bottom-line results in competitive environments. She brings a consumer-centric perspective to building brands, transforming organizations and leading successful teams.  She has excelled as a senior operating executive in the CPG, financial services, beverage and beauty industries, most recently serving as the Chief Experience Officer of Mary Kay Inc.. Sheryl gained significant experience working across a broad range of geographies and cultures, including Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. She is known for her passion for developing talent, leading change and creating value.Couple highlights from the conversation: Legacy is what people remember. It starts by understanding what you want them to remember and then giving them that experience consistently.  It’s an honor and a previous responsibility to champion the legacy of a brand and its timeless values.Memorable experiences are specific. They are personal and when it’s personal it makes people believe that they are heard and seen.  It makes them feel important. And when people feel understood, everything else falls in place.Seek first to understand, before being understood. 

In this episode, Purpose Matters | Parkland Health,  I interviewed Michael Horne, CEO of Parkland Health Foundation. Collaborating with Parkland Health Foundation & ENP Media a special podcast was created as a reminder to start the year thinking of health.In this special feature on #PODWalk, my conversation with Michael A. Horne CEO at Parkland Health Foundation on the #purpose of a public hospital foundation and why consider investing in it was eye opening!Is Public Health Complex? AbsolutelyStats? AstoundingWorth understanding? More than I had hopedWhy? Helps us all even if I don’t use the systemThe conversation showed me how critical it is to addresses inequities, work collaboratively for meaningful change – not just for public health but all spaces where purposeful and impactful advocacy counts.Conversation takeaways:#Equity is Essential: tackling systemic inequities is costly, but can’t be ignored… it impacts us ALL#SystemsThinking is critical: breaking down how systems influence efficient and effective outcomes, and finding innovative solutions#CommunityCollaboration is king: Real progress is meeting the users where they are by teaming with community partners and offering outpatient services#Data-DrivenStrategy: figuring the root-causes for upstream and downstream problem solvingMichael talked about a vision where Access to Care is as easy as going to the ATM Machine, where we don’t even think about it. Let’s hope that we continue to find ways to make that dream come true.

On this episode, we have Joseph Loretto, an audit partner at Grant Thornton of nearly 25 years. He is also a member of the firm’s Partnership Board, a devoted mentor to many of his colleagues, and a longtime volunteer with the Association of Latino Professionals for America. He grew up in Oak Cliff, the son of two immigrant parents from Guatemala. Joseph continues giving back to the city of Dallas in many ways, and though he has travelled the planet and served exciting companies on multiple continents, he’ll never forget where he came from.   3 key lessons from this episode:- 1. Mentoring is the best way to paying it forward. 2. Be good at what you do, and Be good at Relationship Building:   3. Patience, Respect and Openness to diversity of thought.

Do you think about making moments matter for your loved ones during the holidays? Marjon Henderson thinks about it 365 days of the year.  In this episode, I interviewed Marjon Henderson, V.P. of Brand Experience at Neiman Marcus, a luxury store across the United States.  Neiman Marcus pledges fashion, quality, and unparalleled service maintaining a close relationship with their customers, vendors and associates alike.  Vogue has called Neimans, "Texas with a French accent." In our discussion we spoke about what it takes to make moments matter to the customers; making them precious, memorable and full of surprise. Marjon spoke about why its not "just" shopping at Neimans rather a memory to be cherished, how the experience starts from the time you park your car to taking selfie's in the store. It's not just an experience for some rather can be shared with many in our lives through a box of chocolate to a fanstasy gift worth millions.  I had the pleasure of walking the store with Marjon who has practically grown up at Neimans with 20+ years of service starting as an intern and now running their Brand Experience.  

Zubin Mehta, Finance/Pre-Med student at SMU, TEDX Speaker Lauren Ciborowski, Data Analytics/Pre-Law student at SMU, Member of Pre-Law Scholars program Duncan Yozzo, Data Analytics/Supply Chain student at SMU, Leader in Mustang Band  This episode is a conversation with Lauren Ciborowski, Duncan Yozzo and Zubin Mehta , all juniors at SMU COX, who over the years have struck me as having a solid point of view, knowing their purpose and living their values. They talk about key influences in their life, what shaped their decisions and what they have learned about themselves in college.  This conversation has made me feel like I am around the kitchen table just having a chat over pizza.  Key takeaways: Zubin talked about Practice, Practice, Practice: consistency is key to good communication. And if you want people to care, then show them you care. Duncan: Gen Z knows when they are being marketed to and will push back unless marketers are genuine in their marketing Lauren spoke about how one of the hardest challenges is when you say yes to many things, learning to prioritize and focus is key learning in college. #SMU #CollegeLife #GenZ #Leadership #CommunicationSkills #SelfDevelopment #ValuesDriven #TEDx #PreLaw #FinanceStudent #DataAnalytics #SupplyChain #MustangBand #LifeLessons #FocusAndPrioritization #GenuineMarketing #HigherEducation #PurposeDriven

Warren Tranquada is president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, a 10-acre performing arts campus in the Dallas Arts District that is celebrating its 15th Anniversary this fall. Warren has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University in Montreal. In this episode, Warren discussed 3 key takeaways: The purpose of the performing Arts is telling stories that help make better sense of the world. Warren talked about how the arts helps build empathy, creativity, and fits tightly into today’s learning skills helping understand complex issues and see business with a fresh lens. More is More: Warren’s belief is that if you can reach more people, you can be more successful in achieving your mission. More with Less: He talked about how the center has to be something to someone on every day of the week; targeting a unique group from day to day on anemic resources; means strategically planning collaboration, and programming to get more with less. The Performing Arts Center is one of the top performing arts centers in the nation, providing iconic venues for Broadway, opera, ballet, theater, concerts, dance and more. The Center also provides impactful arts education and community programs to thousands of students and families each year. #ArtsAndEmpathy #StorytellingThroughArts #BuildingCreativity #MoreIsMore #MoreWithLess #PerformingArtsCenter #DallasArtsDistrict #ArtsEducation #ImpactThroughArts #CulturalLeadership

Today I am joined by Emmy-nominated, award-winning former war reporter, Mandy Clark has more than 20 years of experience in top-tier newsrooms including CBS, NBC, CBC and Sky News. Beyond conflict zones, her current affairs documentary work has taken her across the globe to cover stories on climate change in Greenland, human rights in China, and elections in Zimbabwe. She is now the Managing Editor at ENP Media, a London based production company founded by experienced news and documentary professionals to create content that is unique, engaging and effective.3 Key Take-ways Make them Care: Mandy summarized the essence of her focus in story telling….  “Making them care.”  She spoke about how Humans connect with Humans; and that stories create an emotional connection.  Next time you give it a try --Humanize the stories you tell and touch hearts to make them care. Like a Diamond: Structure is a product of good storytelling. As Mandy gave us a 101 in storytelling, she shared a framework that mimics the shape of a diamond. Start small, grow and then return to the original small point.  Next time you are story telling – give it a try. Picture someone in your head:  When we try to connect to humans; we try to get into their bloodstream, so the question is who we are trying to engage with?  Mandy had a great solution. Picture someone in your head. And often if that someone is least likely to be “moved” by your story, you will find the most compelling conviction points to “move them” #StorytellingTips #JournalismInsights #EmotionalConnection #MandyClark #EngageYourAudience #HumanizeYourStories #CompellingContent #CreativeStorytelling #NewsroomExperience #DocumentaryFilmmaking #MakeThemCare #PublicSpeakingTips #ContentCreation #MediaProduction #EffectiveCommunication #ConflictReporting #StorytellingFramework #EngagingStories #CommunicateWithImpact

With sports on our mind this Summer, I had the pleasure of interviewing @kellie fischer, CFO of the Texas Rangers, the 2023 World Series Baseball Champions on the potential and power of attitude.A long time ago a mentor said, “Make the CFO your friend,” and it stuck with me throughout my career.  My new friend, @kellie Fischer, shares the same attitude and spirit of collaboration, bringing synergy between marketing and finance.  CFO at the Rangers since 2005, Kellie has an impressive background not only working through tumultuous times there but also through celebrations/wins, a successful partnership with Globe Life and has had unique opportunity to oversee Finance, HR, IT and legal operations bringing an extraordinary perspective to understanding collaboration.3 key takeaways from the conversation Be a joy to be around, your technical skills only go so far. Kellie talked deeply about the importance of attitude and how that matters when you are on a team.  Think about what that means to you and how you can better connect with others. Are the CMO and CFO friends? Kellie spoke about collaboration and that you really can’t go far without having trust.  If you don’t have a great relationship between brand and finance – make that change because it is fundamental to you and your company’s success.  Finance Stability is a brand differentiator.  When watching baseball, you may not think of financial terms apart from perhaps ticket prices. Kellie’s talk helped us appreciate how sound financial leadership is a differentiator in the marketplace. If you enjoy our podcast, please subscribe to ..... #TexasRangers#WorldSeriesChampions#WorldSeriesBaseballChampions#TexasBaseball#Fanexperience#ethicalmarketing#ethicsinbusiness#collaborationiskey#winningbusinessattitude

AI in Innovative Solutions and Healthcare with Dr. Ruben Amarasingham If I don’t know AI, am I going to fail? This is a question many of us wrestle with. Dr. Ruben Amarasingham, a physician, founder, and lover of art, says, “Be the domain expert first, and figure out how AI applications will help enhance your domain.” In this episode of #PODWalk, join me as I sit down with Dr. Amarasingham to discuss the transformative role of AI in healthcare and beyond. Dr. Amarasingham, MD, MBA, has a fascinating journey from literature, coding, and science to founding Pieces Technologies, Inc., a healthcare solution specializing in clinical decision sciences. His personal mission, “Helping Those Who Help Others,” guides his work, from his MD at UTSW to his MBA and post-doctorate in biomedical informatics at Johns Hopkins. Key Takeaways: Medicine and Passion: As a mother of a pre-med student, I was curious about his choice of medicine despite the high burnout rate. Dr. Amarasingham's answer about the “golden age of medicine” and his evolution from physician to founder reassured me. AI and Domain Mastery: As a professor of New Product Innovation at SMU Cox, I wanted to know, “If I don’t understand AI, am I going to fail?” Dr. Amarasingham’s advice to be a master of your domain first and then leverage AI applications was enlightening. Patient-Physician Experience: As a patient, I explored how Pieces Technologies is enhancing the patient-physician interaction, allowing more meaningful dialogue and empowering patients with information. This delightful conversation covers diverse perspectives and thought-provoking insights, perfect for marketers, technologists, new AI learners, or anyone curious about healthcare. Tune in for an enriching discussion with monikers like detective to experiential junkie aptly describing Dr. Amarasingham. Pieces website link: https://piecestech.com/ Hashtags: #DiversePerspectives #DiversityInThought #DiverseTeachingMethods #MBA #AIinHealthcare #AIinInnovation #TeachingPodcast #PODWalk #HowToSwitchCareers #SwitchingCareers #HealthcareInnovation #AIApplications #PatientEmpowerment #ClinicalDecisionSciences Mentions: @PCCI @PieceTechnologies @UTSW @smucox

Meet Tiffin Jernstedt, Chief Communications Officer, Neiman Marcus Neiman Marcus was founded 117 years ago and continues to be one of the biggest names in luxury retail. Today, my guest is Tiffin Jernstedt, Chief Communications Officer at Neiman Marcus.Tiffin is a passionate communicator, wears many hats and in her words, learned many lessons “vagabonding during COVID,” while getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.  In Tiffin’s candid conversation she shared how getting a bad grade at SMU, being shocked at not getting an internship at Neiman Marcus and other twists and turns didn’t stop her from U-turning to her dream job. And on the way she learned key life lessons.She gives incredibly relevant advice on personal branding:  Just start it Do It consistently Let the likes or lack of, not stop you from putting your personal brand forward   Tune in to hear more on about the role of PR, the behind the scenes on the Neiman Marcus awards, her favorite thing to buy at Neiman's and much more. Tiffin previously served in leadership roles at PVH, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren. With over fifteen years of experience leading global fashion and lifestyle brand communications, Tiffin sits on the Group Leadership Team where she helps build, execute, and amplify communications across the organization. And is one of our own, Tiffin received her degree in Communications at Southern Methodist University. 

A returning podcaster, we welcome our very own former student Meredith Mills to POD Walk to share her story about her new product launch, Southside, a gin based RTD beverage. After graduating from Cox School of Business, Meredith assumed a Brand Management role at Unilever and then Aramore, but deep down had always dreamt to start something new. Her new brand, The Original Southside, has a mission to revive cocktails lost to throes of time. In this episode, Meredith speaks of her journey as a new entrepreneur, using skills she learned at SMU to take SMALL steps to get to her BIG dream. She talks about the value of surrounding yourself with the right people. Plus – the challenges she faced and how she overcame them.  But that’s not all - a special treat was that we got to taste Southside, crisp and clean just like the summer air. If you would like to connect with Meredith you can reach her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmills13/

Group Vice President Toyota Financial Services talks about why Marketing is the window to the world of consumers; why collaborating with cross functional divisions is strategically savvy and whether small less risky ideas will be the rule and disruptive innovation the exception?

Have you felt more comfortable entering a room when you see someone approachable, a connector of the community? Ollie Chandhok is that connector of community as Market President and Publisher of the Dallas Business Journal he informs, connects businesses and people in Dallas.  Today’s PODWalk left us thinking of 3 questions we wrestle with as marketers and businesspeople. Are you connected with Culture? As marketers we understand the importance of culture but often struggle to assimilate fast. Ollie talk about the importance of internal and external culture, understanding the pulse to make shifts Are you connecting with the community? When it comes to understanding people, Ollie speaks about genuine curiosity in people to truly connect. Are you getting better at getting better? You’ll just have to listen to the podcast for this one.   To connect with Ollie Chandhok https://www.linkedin.com/in/olliechandhok/

To kick off Women’s History Month, our speaker today is a longtime friend, Calvert Collins Bratton, the Chief Relationship Officer at Communities Foundation of Texas. She is a 7th generation Texas, on the board of SMU’s Simmons School of Education and a member of Charter 100, The Dallas Assembly, The Dallas Summit, and is a Junior League of Dallas. A past recipient of the Dallas Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Award amongst other accolades. Calvert is an unabashed believer of the power of communication and relationships. The discussion is very real as she talks about how communication and energy go hand in hand; being emotive, being energetic and being concise in turn makes others feel they matter, their voice matters and builds relationships. Calvert talks about why diversity of perspective matters for growth, innovation and how relationships can help garner those perspectives from people of different backgrounds, experiences, personalities.   Her beliefs: Word of the year? Excitement What does not go out of style? Curiosity! What is Purpose? Being Action Oriented Tune in to listen to a conversation with a woman leader who does not fear the women coming behind us, who believe in being your self and leading with action. 

This is Women’s History Month, and we are celebrating trailblazers; women from our community committed to shaping the society, the world, and making impact with purpose. In every generation there are giants who stand above the rest, Judge Barbara Lynn is known to be one of those giants who made history in 2016 as the first woman to attain the position of Chief Judge in Texas and served till 2022. Her list of firsts is truly remarkable; her practical advice on women and allies, purpose, and nurturing relationships is inspirational for not just women but all of us.

Have you wondered about the challenges of Non-Profits and what scaling might mean to them? Would scaling mean that the problem is escalating and so the organization is scaling?   Mimi Sterling, CEO of The Family Place discussed the current situation of domestic violence specifically in Texas and what measures they have taken to help the community and what scaling means to her.  This is a podcast you not only want to listen to but also share with others, as the issue is systemic and as Mimi said, “we all know someone.”    Tune in to hear Mimi’s thoughts.  We need more She-roes like her who believe in passion and purpose.   familyplace.org24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 214-941-19911

Kristi Gole, EVP at Global Hotel Alliance talks about, “what we see is what we look for,” and that seeing possibilities vs. obstacles make us even more creatively curious and helps balance risk for reward. Being in a niche luxury industry with limited resources, where the consumer believes MORE FOR MORE, Kristi says giving consumers control (like self-serve, freedom in using loyalty points) is the way to go. This not only operational constraints but also provides consumers with choice, building satisfaction, loyalty, and scale.   And loyalty is what it’s all about.  Kristi talks about luxury redefined as starting with understanding the user and broadening the value offering, increasing flexibility so consumers have choice.  Kristi Gole https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-gole-7687893/

In our Sports series, Matt Bowman, Chief Revenue Officer at Dallas Stars gives us a behind the scenes view on how assets get shared between the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks.  Matt describes how they:Use data and AI for an elevated driveway to driveway experience.   Deliver value through their APP for greater fan satisfaction.   Recognize the need to be culturally relevant.  He talks about striving not to be put in a box and to “know enough to know you don’t know everything because you don’t” sums up his servant leadership mindset.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bowman-3940076/

Dr. Steve Miff, CEO of Parkland Center of Clinical Innovation helps us understand why focusing on health vs. healthcare is important, how knowledge-based data is being used to predict outcomes and a unique concept coined at PCCI, “know thy patient” uses a holistic 360 view of a patient while creating avatars to better understand user segments.  If you are tired of waiting for appointments, can’t understand the root cause of your ailment and are curious about how one of the largest and most progressive health care institutions in the country is making strides, tune in to this podcast.  Dr. Miff believes that “we can do if versus we CAN’T do because,” and it is this can-do attitude that is helping deploy value-based care to underserved residents.     PCCI is an affiliation with Parkland Health, one of the largest public health institutions in USA.   Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-miff-a313495/ 

A recent graduate from SMU’s Cox Business School, Meredith Mills has moved up 3 levels, over 3 brands in 3 years. She shares how the Brand Strategy class was an a-ha moment which helped her find her passion, shifting from Investment Banking to Brand Management.  Meredith advice on the brand management career path is that you can pick 2 of the 3 things that are important to you between title, location, and industry.  This podcast not only celebrates a success story but also highlights the speed of growth in Brand Management. Meredith has worked at Unilever and is currently Sr. Brand Manager at Aramore.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredithmills13/

Shakespeare, “heavy is the head that wears the crown and Generation Z wears the Crown as the most generation,” explains Neil Campbell, Creative Design Leader at Oliver Wyman. Neil talks about a recent study done by Oliver Wyman on Generation Z and how they used a human centered approach to understand who they are. He tells us that this is a “Most” generation. He also tells us brands need to practice authenticity and to embrace the phygital space. Curious about Gen Zs and how brands can better understand them? Tune in to this informative, rich perspective shared by Neil. Oliver Wyman is a management consulting company that promises to deliver breakthrough impact through collaboration.  

The question today is, “What are key trends to watch out for 2023 and beyond”? As businesses are moving at warp speed to make decisions in weeks instead of years; how do we boil it down to few key trends? Terry Stone, managing partner of Americas at Oliver Wyman came up through the ranks in Healthcare; she talks about the key trends and how disruptive innovation is going to come from this space.  She shared what it means to be a consistent brand and she said, “it’s easy to live your brand until it costs you.” I am doubly excited to spotlight a woman leader on accelerating equity for women during Women's History Month.  

What are 5 things needed to be a successful CMO? Mona Charif, CMO at NTT Data knocked it out of the park with her wit, sensibility and human centered approach to decision making. You are in for a fun episode with some surprises. Today is also International Women’s Day and I am doubly excited to spotlight a woman leader about being a catalyst of change.  Mona talks about accelerating change with her 5Rs, what she means by the say/do ratio, and her personal mission to accelerate equity for women.

I grew up on Thums Up, a homegrown cola that lives in the hearts of Indians. So, it was very nostalgic to interview a past CEO of Coca Cola, India, Don Short.  Back in the day he had said, “my business card needs to read CEO of Thums Up not Coca Cola.” Intrigued by this statement? I was. To be embraced in global markets, embrace the local brand you are acquiring, the culture and community. He spoke about doing the right thing even when it costs you and innovating organically not just through acquisition. Don Short is past CEO Minute Maid, President of Africa, Middle East, Japan and India divisions. Currently Founder of ROXOR, a new gin and bourbon botanical distillery in Dallas

Michelyn Woodard CEO, Texas Women’s Foundation has 25 years of extensive experience in culture, diversity, equity and inclusion, corporate citizenship, advocacy, impact investing, entertainment, philanthropy, public/private partnerships and civic/employee engagement. Miki’s key take-aways were: saying “yes” to opportunities, giving yourself grace as you juggle priorities and being intentional with creating your network.

Group Vice President Toyota Financial Services talks about why Marketing is the window to the world of consumers; why collaborating with cross functional divisions is strategically savvy and whether small less risky ideas will be the rule and disruptive innovation the exception?

President and GM Kashi, Kellogg’s; Executive VP Revolution Foods, President Bay Herb. With Crisis comes challenge, with challenge comes opportunity. David speaks about areas of focus during a time of crisis: core values, core consumers, and keeping cash as king.

Patent and Trademark Counsel at Grable Martin Fulton PLLC on the implications of protecting your idea through patents and trademarks