Beyond High Street

Ron Carson: Founder, Cool Action Suits

Ron Carson is the creator and founder of Cool Action Suits, a first of its kind suit company that brings moisture wicking fabric technology to formal wear. Ron had the idea on a hot tarmac in New Delhi as a logistics, security lead for President Obama that there has to be a better way to dress (formally) in heat. And as they say, the rest is history. In our conversation, he shares a wonderful story about Miami’s motto Prodesse Quam Conspici and how it made Oxford feel like home.

 

Jeff Pegues: Justice & Homeland Security Correspondent, CBS News

Jeff Pegues is a CBS News correspondent, two-time author and multi-Emmy winning journalist. And just last month, he was the commencement speaker for Miami’s 2019 graduating class. He currently leads the Chief Justice and National Security beat for the news organization. I enjoyed the discussion about how he prepped for delivering an address to students (yes, of course he was a bit nervous) and the key messages he wanted to make sure he conveyed to the graduating class. He likes to explore the unknown and stresses the importance of trying new things to the students and his peers.

Charlie Metzger: EVP, Detroit Pistons

Charlie Metzger is the EVP, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer at Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Detroit Pistons, where he oversees all business functions including marketing/sales strategy, communications, fan experience, social media, and community relations. We discuss the challenges of his job and the differences of working for a team, brand and agency (he has done all three!). He discusses the advice he shares to many about the willingness to take on all challenges and try as many adventures as you can. He is data driven, customer-centric and the dad of a recent Miami grad.

Mike "Doc" Emrick: Play-by-Play Announcer, NBC Sports

Miami University alum Mike ‘Doc’ Emrick is not only the voice of the NHL on NBC Sports, he is simply the voice of hockey. His vast and successful 46-year broadcasting career 46 years includes six Sports Emmys for Outstanding Sports Personality, Play-by-Play – including just two nights ago! Our conversation focuses on the beginnings of his incredible vocabulary and language recall to his advice for new graduates, and how he keeps his energy up throughout his broadcasts (spoiler: Peanut Butter). During his recent Sports Emmys acceptance, he even gave out his personal email (2x) for aspiring broadcasters to reach out to him for advice and questions. Now that’s a class act. Make sure to catch Doc calling the Stanley Cup Finals beginning May 27 on NBC.

Kathryn Stalmack: SVP & General Counsel, BioScrip

A deep discussion with SVP and General Counsel of BioScrip, Kathryn Stalmack about work-life balance and the personal choice of a woman to work or stay at home. It’s an important discussion that is not shared publicly much. Kathryn took it head on. She also elaborated on the unpredictable aspect of her work and the tone/communications skills needed for her audiences (staff, clients, shareholders, Board). We also dig into Kathryn’s process for learning, and the importance of taking care of your yourself in order to bring your best self to work. And of course we touch on Miami, ever-lasting friendships she made in Oxford, and how one of her best friends enabled her to be proud of every aspect of her personality. She makes a great point about the importance of understanding the unique personality traits that separate you from others, and being willing to embrace them. 

As we head into the summer months, we are turning the podcast into a once every two weeks release. See you at Skippers.

 

Andy Sauer: Founder, Hilo Nutrition

Andy Sauer continues a recent conversation trend; entrepreneurs who identify problems and work-round-the-clock to solve them through innovation. There was a lack of convenience and clarity in performance nutrition and Andy isn’t stopping until it is fixed. Through experience and a bit of trial and error, he and his team at Hilo Nutrition have developed a gummy product to meet the needs of all athletes. Our conversation focuses on the line entrepreneurs must toe between wanting to get your idea to market, and taking the time to make sure it’s perfect. He shares the journey as they evolve from e-commerce to brick-and-mortar and he shares great advice for upcoming graduates too. He points out: learn as much as you can at each stop in your career, and continue to rely on the mentors you meet along the way.

Christie Currie: Founder, Zandaland

Our first active Miami student on the pod! Why? Because Christie Currie is so darn impressive. She is days away from graduation and about to hit the world with a newly created business. She identified a problem in the real world through her own personal experience with cancer and is all-in to solve it. Enter Zandaland, a holistic digital platform and virtual world for Children’s Hospitals that educates, connects, and distracts inpatient pediatric cancer patients. Zandaland uses fun, play and technology to empower young patients through knowledge and engagement. We spend a great deal of time on the pod discussing the benefits of sharing the entrepreneurial experience with peers (and she has some classmates that are part of the new team). Check out Zandaland and all the inspiring things that Christie and her team are doing, and you can support them at their GoFundMe.

Mark Lacker: Professor, Miami University

Mark Lacker took a circuitous route to his current role as an entrepreneurship professor at Miami’s Farmer School of Business. He is a self-described accidental professor. While building and scaling businesses, he connected back with Miami to get help from students as an occasional guest lecturer. His interest, excitement and long-term love for Oxford grew and grew until he moved out of the business world and into full-time teaching. His real world experience gives him a unique perspective to share with his students. We focus parts of the conversation on the importance of establishing why you want to do something, before identifying what you want to do. He is practical with his thoughts and direction. Mark was the first current employee of the University we have had on the pod. And remember this, if you are an alumni who wants to get involved and engage with the entrepreneurship program, click here to find out how.

Tim Sweetwood: President, C3 Presents

While Tim Sweetwood has always been passionate about music, it wasn’t until he graduated from Miami and experienced the entrepreneurial side of the business that he knew he could make a career out of it.  In the years since he has been involved with just about every aspect of music entertainment – from recording, to booking events, to his current role organizing and running entire music festivals. It’s fascinating to hear how the progression of his early successes - throwing parties with emerging local bands – motivated him to keep finding new and bigger opportunities within the industry. And while he originally gravitated to this field because of his passion for music, he is quick to remind the artists he works with that it is a business first. I think his advice to young people looking to get into the music industry is equally applicable to all industries - “be a dork about it and absorb it.”

Jon Podany: CEO, Arnold Palmer Enterprises

Jon Podany has the unique challenge and awesome opportunity to manage the legacy of one of sport’s most revered figures. Podany was appointed the CEO of Arnold Palmer Enterprises, managing every use of the legend’s name, image, signature, and properties worldwide in the Fall of 2018. He is also the President of the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. It is staggering to hear Jon list all of the touchpoints Mr. Palmer has around the globe. From licensing, to events, to charitable giving, Jon’s role is incredibly demanding and equally rewarding. It’s also clear he is driven by Mr. Palmer’s example and the core values he embodied – integrity and respect for others.