MPods

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 leaving a cushy job for a risky startup and rebounding from failures, he opens up about the psychological rollercoaster of a marketing leader’s journey.We cover scrappy marketing tactics like his “outbound fury” approach to virality, the rise of AI in marketing, and why he believes “culture eats strategy” when building teams. If you’re a student wondering how to launch your career, a marketing enthusiast looking for creative strategies, or a future founder weighing risk vs. stability, this episode is a must-listen. Raj shares insights on learning from failure, telling your story, and building an exciting career!

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 landing his dream job at Apple, and ultimately leaving it all behind to pursue the startup path. He shares powerful stories from his time at Life360, insights from high-stakes hiring experiences, and the “aha” moment that made him realize hiring is in dire need of new solutions. Now at Endorsed, he’s building AI tools that empower companies to hire faster, smarter, and more equitably by uncovering diamonds in the rough that traditional systems often miss.Along the way, Jake opens up about his Michigan roots, late-night hackathons, influential mentors, and why tinkering on side projects just might be the best career decision a student can make. He also reflects on the future of work, the role of AI agents in our lives, and why meaningful human connection should never be replaced, even as machines get smarter.

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 go “all in, " to securing $500K in funding and a fellowship in the same week, he opens up about the psychological rollercoaster of the founder's journey. We cover the real challenges of automation, the labor displacement debate, and his inspiring vision of “lights-out factories” run entirely by robots. If you’re a student wondering what to do after graduation, a robotics nerd, or a future founder weighing risk vs. regret, this episode is a must-listen. Nosa shares insights on learning how to learn, telling your story, and building a life you’re excited to wake up to.

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 U.S.–China business relations. With over 40 years of experience living and working in China, Robert shares stories that reveal the deep cultural contrasts between transactional and relationship-based societies and why failing to understand these differences can doom even the most well-funded ventures. From learning Mandarin in Ann Arbor to singing Chinese folk songs with government officials, Robert emphasizes the irreplaceable power of human connection, humility, and mutual respect in global business.He also offers reflections on modern disconnection and the hope that younger generations can rekindle real, face-to-face relationships. It was truly a special episode so be sure to check out!

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 challenges: enrollment and student retention. Jonah talks about the power of conviction in entrepreneurship, how early validation shaped their business model, and why social media is transforming the way students choose their schools. If you’re an entrepreneur navigating early-stage challenges, a student curious about the startup world, or someone interested in the future of education technology, this episode is packed with insights, resilience, and bold vision.

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 of Ann Arbor’s Blue Llama Jazz Club, and the co-author of children’s book Frankenwalnut. In this episode, Don takes us through his career journey, from bootstrapping startups to leading major acquisitions, and shares unfiltered insights on leadership, company culture, and the value of people in business. He dives into his philosophy on ethics, his approach to entrepreneurship, and why building companies isn’t just about making money.He also discusses the importance of creativity, having fun, and staying optimistic through life!

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 tells the story of how he turned a one-person startup into a company of over 100 people with half a billion dollars in assets under management.Jeff highlights Oxford’s transformative Arbor South project—the largest residential and affordable housing development in Ann Arbor’s history—and his vision for vibrant, walkable, and community-focused spaces. He also shares lessons on tenacity, leadership, and building a vertically integrated company.Whether you're interested in real estate, entrepreneurship, or urban development, this episode delivers actionable advice and inspiration. Tune in to learn how passion and perseverance can create lasting impact!

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, start a genomics data company, and tackle the challenges of building a business from scratch. Mark reflects on the power of humility, the importance of adaptability, and how he leveraged his scientific curiosity to unlock genomic data for medical breakthroughs. His story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and scientists. Mark, an identical twin also dives into the age-old debate of nature vs. nurture. Whether you're interested in biotech startups, genomics, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with insights about resilience and the future of precision medicine. Tune in to hear Mark’s inspiring story and his advice for turning vision into reality!

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 FDA regulations and technical hurdles. Seamans explores the transformative potential of personalized medicine, AI, and non-invasive health monitoring. This episode offers practical insights into advancing technology, addressing real challenges, and shaping healthcare’s future. It’s a great listen for anyone passionate about technology, business, and medicine!

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 Europe to pursuing a career in healthcare business, which began with a pivotal decision to obtain an MBA from Michigan Ross School of Business. She emphasizes the value of combining scientific expertise with business acumen to bridge the gap between science and entrepreneurship in MedTech.Diane advocates for a "give first" mentality in networking, explaining how paying it forward has helped her build a strong network over the years. She offers practical advice for young professionals, such as seeking internships, engaging in fellowships, and utilizing university resources to gain real-world experience.The episode also explores her leadership philosophy, which centers on hiring talented people, empowering them to succeed, and fostering diversity of thought within teams. Diane discusses the balance between hiring experienced professionals and nurturing promising talent. She encourages continuous career development, openness to feedback, and taking initiative to shape one's career path.

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 robotics led them to build autonomous drones for wind turbine inspection, eventually transforming SkySpecs into a full-service wind energy management company with over 250 employees worldwide. Having raised over $120 million in funding, SkySpecs is now at the forefront of renewable energy technology. They discuss the challenges of scaling a business, pivotal moments in their journey, and the lessons learned along the way. They offer valuable insights on the importance of perseverance, focusing on solving real problems, and embracing hands-on learning. This episode is a must-listen for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by technology, business models and market adaptation.

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 to help students build digital portfolios. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of growing Celio, its eventual acquisition, and his current role as CEO and Owner of the Michigan Language Center. Moses offers valuable insights on the importance of pursuing one's passion, the power of education, and the significance of understanding and addressing community needs. This episode is perfect for students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in dynamic interplay of community impact and entrepreneurship.

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 grew to significant success and was sold in 1995 for $30 million. He discusses his passion for using entrepreneurship to improve urban communities, reflecting on the economic and social changes in cities like Flint and Detroit over the decades.David provides insights into the challenges and motivations behind his career, emphasizing the importance of addressing non-glamorous areas with technology and expertise to uncover new opportunities. He also highlights the importance of understanding community needs and leveraging technology to create impactful solutions. The discussion covers the evolution of technology, the significance of urban entrepreneurship, and the future potential of AI in various fields. This episode is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in the intersection of technology and community development.For more on David's journey and insights, check out his book, "Proving Ground"​ (Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative)​​ (DavidTarver.com)​​ (Proving Ground: A Memoir)​.

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) inhibitors.He offers valuable insights into the complexities of cancer treatment, the importance of early diagnosis, and the potential of personalized medicine. Mukesh also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in advancing cancer research and the critical importance of collaboration in scientific discovery. Perfect for those interested in oncology and cutting-edge medical research, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of cancer therapy and the relentless pursuit of a cure.

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 insights for college students on navigating career choices, understanding the clean energy transition, and the importance of staying open to new opportunities. Tune in to gain wisdom and inspiration from her diverse experiences and learn how you can make a real impact in the field of energy law.

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 discusses the importance of team culture, career growth, and work-life balance while working in Shanghai. Perfect for engineering students and young professionals, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate your career path.

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 better health and overall well-being. He shares his personal story of overcoming grief after the sudden loss of his daughter, which inspired him to develop Kumanu. It uses AI to guide users in identifying their strengths and values, helping them become more intentional and focused on what truly matters.We gained valuable insights into living intentionally, focusing on core values, and leveraging technology to support mental health and purposeful living.

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 hometown of Detroit. She discusses her involvement in various projects, including the Free Body group, and her contributions to the Optimize program, which fosters social impact initiatives among students. She also highlights the challenges and rewards of working with high school students, the importance of starting small in entrepreneurship and balancing authenticity with professionalism in your communities. Candace's dedication to her community, her artistic pursuits, and her role as a mentor are very inspiring throughout the conversation.

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 transition into venture capital. Adrian provides valuable insights into the Midwest startup ecosystem, and the importance of founder-market fit, and offers advice for students and aspiring venture capitalists. His passion for supporting founders and commitment to the Midwest shines through in this engaging conversation.

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 Booth and a Bachelor in Psychology from the University of Michigan. In this episode we chatted with Scott about his experiences from the University of Michigan to Grainger and now at the University of Chicago. He shared valuable lessons from product management, why he helps students with startups and discussed a standout student project. Scott offered advice on risk management for entrepreneurs, career exploration, and skill development for students.Scott's favorite book: Build by Tony Fadell