Summary

In this conversation, Egor Musatov '04 shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the Soviet Union to becoming a successful director at Euronet Worldwide. He discusses the influences of his early life, the impact of cultural shocks, and the transformative experience at Thunderbird School of Global Management. Egor reflects on his career development, the challenges faced over 22 years at Euronet, and his aspirations for the future, emphasizing the importance of soft skills and networking in achieving success.

Egor Musatov is the Managing Director for Central and Eastern Europe at Euronet, where he has spent over 22 years building and leading operations across multiple markets, including Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Born in the former Soviet Union and educated at Thunderbird School of Global Management, Egor brings deep cross-cultural insight and a resilient entrepreneurial mindset to international business. His career has been shaped by major geopolitical and economic transformations, and his leadership continues to drive growth and innovation in the global payments industry.

https://www.euronetworldwide.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/egor-musatov-2b33826/

This podcast is sponsored by Freshwater Investments

Summary

In this conversation, Gbemi Disu '06 shares her journey from launching a new campus for George Mason University in Korea to her current role as Vice President for Global Expansion at Northeastern University. She discusses the cultural challenges she faced in Korea, the importance of building relationships, and how her Thunderbird education shaped her career. Gbemi also reflects on the evolving landscape of higher education, the impact of AI, and offers valuable advice for students and alumni navigating their careers.

Gbemi Disu '06 is a global executive with over 18 years of experience in higher education, financial services, and energy sectors in several countries across North America, Asia, Africa and Europe. Disu’s global career includes working for fortune 500 companies such as HSBC Bank and Chevron Texaco and renowned research Universities. 

Her career includes working as Special Advisor for Global Engagement and Partnerships at Northeastern University where she supports strategic initiatives for the business school. She was also the inaugural Vice President for Global Network Expansion where she served as chief global strategist responsible for executing the institution’s growth strategy to expand beyond its fourteen campuses to new markets. Prior to Northeastern, she was the inaugural Executive Director of Carnegie Mellon University Africa where she provided administrative, strategic and operational leadership to drive the vision of educating future technology leaders and accelerating inclusive digital transformation in Africa. She also held multiple executive roles at George Mason University including the successful launch of their campus in Korea and was an assistant professor in the School of Business.

Disu is a multilingual global citizen who advocates for global prosperity and gender equality. She actively participates in a variety of programs that improve the plight of women such as the Goldman Sachs 10,000 women initiative and actively serves as a mentor for marginalized communities. Disu is a founding member of the University Global Coalition in partnership with the United Nations which aims to increase the awareness and role of higher education institutions on the SDGs. She also founded the award-winning CSR program ThunderCares, serves on several non-profit boards, is a frequent presenter at conferences and publishes articles on education, sustainability and gender related issues globally.

Disu received her Bachelor of Science in economics and international business from W.P.Carey School of Business and the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. She received her MBA in Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, where she was the recipient of the Barton Kyle Yount Outstanding Graduate Award. She received her Doctorate in Global Leadership and Sustainability (H.C.) from London Graduate School.  Disu also holds multiple executive certificates from Harvard, Columbia and Oxford Business Schools. She is a Senior Executive Fellow from Harvard Kennedy School and a recipient of the prestigious Crans Montana New Leader for Tomorrow award.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbemidisu/

This podcast is sponsored by Freshwater Investments

Summary

In this conversation, Doug Deardorf '84 shares his journey from childhood aspirations to becoming a CEO. He reflects on his upbringing, the influences that shaped him, and his experiences at Thunderbird School of Global Management. Doug discusses the importance of building relationships, the challenges of running a business, and the excitement of product development. He emphasizes the value of attitude in hiring and offers advice for young professionals entering the workforce, encouraging them to focus on community and contribution.

Doug Deardorf is owner and CEO of NiSoft, a technology company providing
software and professional services to optimize plant operations in complex
process industries including power generation and refining. NiSoft’s flagship
product, e3, is used by industry to enhance safety, compliance and
productivity. The company is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and maintains
offices in Singapore, Brisbane and Denver.

Doug attended Seattle Pacific University and obtained degrees in both
Business and Psychology. While there, he also competed on the rowing team.
He earned a Master’s Degree from the Thunderbird School of Global
Management, a unit of Arizona State University. Doug is committed to
education and is a strong proponent of global trade. He serves on an
Advisory Board at Seattle Pacific University and is a member and former Co-
Chair of the Thunderbird Global Alumni Network.

Doug has held positions of increasing responsibility with technology and
consulting firms including Itron, PwC, S2 Systems, Indus International (now a
division of Hitachi Energy), NiSoft and Wausau Financial Systems (now a
Deluxe company). In 2008, Doug returned to NiSoft through a friendly
acquisition. His leadership of NiSoft puts focus on addressing industry needs
with innovation and attention to customer requirements. This involves
extensive travel throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Doug and his wife Rachel live in Castle Rock, Colorado, and enjoy the
outdoor activities the area offers including running, skiing, biking, and motorcycle riding.

https://www.nisoft.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deardorf/

This podcast is sponsored by Freshwater Investments

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Negar Nadimi '05 shares her eclectic journey from Iran to France and then to the U.S., highlighting how her diverse background shaped her identity and career. She discusses her educational experiences in both French and American school systems, the cultural shocks she faced, and her transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship. Negar emphasizes the importance of empowering women through her brand, Ragen Jewels, and offers valuable advice for young entrepreneurs about pursuing their passions and staying authentic.

Negar Nadimi '05 is the founder and creative force behind Ragen Jewels, a jewelry brand known for its symbolic designs, vibrant spirit, and empowering message. Born in Iran, raised in France, and shaped by life in New York and Miami, Negar draws on a truly global perspective to craft pieces that carry meaning and joy. With a background in finance and international business from NYU and Thunderbird, she left the corporate world to pursue her passion for aesthetics, storytelling, and empowering women through wearable art. Her journey reflects resilience, creativity, and a deep belief in the power of good energy.

https://ragenjewels.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ragenjewels

https://www.linkedin.com/in/negar-nadimi-15268aa0/

This podcast is sponsored by Freshwater Investments