Business in Blue

SEASON FOUR!

It’s season four, and we’re so glad you’re here. To kick off 2026, our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with artist, entertainer, fashion designer and entrepreneur of Brezerk, Brezay. Brezerk is more than just a creative label, it is a brand embodying all things Memphis and Brezay herself. Listen in as Brezay, a “Home Made” icon, shares her entrepreneurial experience of how staying authentic catapulted her brand to success.

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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SEASON THREE FINALE!

We were thrilled to welcome University of Memphis (UofM) President Bill Hardgrave to our studio as our final special guest. In this candid interview with our Business in Blue host Leia Harper, he shared how higher education completely changed the trajectory of his life. As only one of two people in his family to ever graduate high school – with “hooper dreams” on the forefront – learn how he rose to each of life’s challenges to ultimately become University of Memphis’s 13th president.  

As one can imagine, leading the University is no simple task. In this episode, President Hardgrave shares some of the challenges he has faced since assuming this role and his strategies for navigating them. He also explains what he considers to be UofM’s most noteworthy accomplishments during the last few years. But, perhaps most importantly, Bill explains how he believes that his number one responsibility as president is to ensure a successful outcome for every UofM student and to make a positive difference in each of their lives. “There are 22,000 opportunities to make a difference,” Bill explained.

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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Our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with professional dancer, choreographer, author and owner of L.Y.E Academy, Ladia Yates. From working with celebrities like Usher, Missy Elliott and Lil Baby to large corporations like Nike and Red Bull, Ladia remains humble and encourages her students follow in her footsteps. Through her avid social media presence and talented instructors, Ladia is leading the way to put Memphis on the map as a dance city.

In Ladia’s recently published book, The Rise of Ladia Yates readers dive into her personal dance journey, the trials she’s faced and how she has become the business

leader that she is today.  

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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This week, UofM Alumnus and Barron Von Opperbean (BVO) CCO/Co-Founder, Marvin Stockwell, and BVO CEO, Jee Vahn Knight, joined Leia Harper in the studio to discuss the revitalization of Memphis’ historic Mud Island Museum. Coming soon, the River of Time, an “immersive playground set within a creative universe” is set to shape a story-driven realm of art, gamification and interactive discovery of the Mississippi River. BVO is honoring the legacy of Mud Island by allowing attendees to create a story for themselves within the Memphis-based multiverse.

BVO and the River of Time is set to open its first portals in early 2026.

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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Attention! Attention! Calling all Tigers! The University is rolling out a whole new brand across campus and throughout the community. Joining us in the studio to discuss these exciting changes is SVP and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Michele Ehrhart. Listen in as she shares the strategy behind the university brand refresh and discusses the launch of her recently published book, Crisis Compass.

As described by Michele, Crisis Compass is the book she wishes she had on day two of her first crisis communications role at FedEx. To purchase Crisis Compass, click here.

Check out this episode to get the latest scoop about all the fun upcoming Homecoming Week celebrations—including the inaugural “Roar Fest” community block party.

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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This episode hit close to home for our host, Leia Harper, as she welcomed her aunt, CeCe Glenn, into the studio. As a proud FCBE alumna, CeCe was excited to come back to campus and share her experience about becoming the owner and operator of Memphis’ newly established Chick-fil-A in Uptown. Listen in as she provides valuable insight into the long, but well-worth season of entrepreneurial waiting.

From the store’s ribbon cutting ceremony to its first day of operation, her team’s goal has and will continue to be to embrace and serve the Uptown community.  

Go check out the first drive-thru only (DTO) Chick-fil-A location in Memphis today!  

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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Our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with UofM alumna and founder/owner of Evolve Pilates, Ashleigh Hayes. Not only is Ashleigh a Memphis fitness powerhouse, but she is the walking embodiment of “dreaming, thinking and doing.” Listen in as she shares her authentic entrepreneurial experience about how she evolved from a UofM student to successful studio owner.

From the one-on-one connection to the lights and curated music, if you’re interested in attending a local fitness class, book your Evolve Pilates class today!

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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This week, give a warm welcome to Mia Saine, a nationally renowned illustrator, graphic designer and award-winning Memphis creative. Listen in as Mia shares how they discovered their unique style and cultivated a successful career as an artist in an ever-evolving, trend-adapting and AI generated industry.

“Intentionality and inclusivity” are two primary themes that resonate throughout Mia’s work, which includes household brands such as Crocs, Skittles x SZA, Google and KitKat—just to name a few. Mia has also illustrated numerous children’s books, including Michelle Obama’s Little People, Big Dreams.

This episode speaks to creatives, innovators and entrepreneurs, but it also resonates with anyone who is looking for an uplifting story of combining passions with profits.  

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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WE’RE BACK and we’re so glad you’re here.

For the kickoff episode of Business in Blue Season 3, recent FCBE alumna & Choose901 social media prowess, Salem Moses joined our host Leia Harper in the studio to talk about her collegiate adventure and how she entered the workforce post-graduation. Through persistency and professionalism, Salem earned her first full-time position after interning with Choose901 as an undergraduate student. Listen in for a fruitful conversation about how Salem built her career boldly and continues to share the good news of our city through the lens of social media.  

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

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Well, here we are, Business Tigers. It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for – Our Season 2 FINALE!  We proudly welcomed our NEW Host, Leia Harper, who interviewed non-other than our very own Carley Brown, double FCBE Alumna (MBA ’25 & BBA ’23) and original Business and Blue Podcast Host. Don’t miss this passing-of-the-torch episode, where Carley offers sage advice and recounts many of the valuable lessons she learned during her time at the University of Memphis.

Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business & Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.

Connect with us!

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