Coffee with Kyle - Lazaridis School Podcast Series

Episode 15 features Rob Antoniades (BBA '91), Co-Founder of Information Venture Partners and Upside Foundation.

Gain insights and tips from Rob's 25-year career in entrepreneurship, investment, venture capital and philanthropy.

Learn more at www.lazaridisschool.com.

Episode 14 features Mayu Yamashita, BTM Student Association President for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Those new to the BTM program can also sip on advice from your president who offer tips for success and teasers for upcoming 26-27 events for this unique Lazaridis program.

Episode 13 features Rylan Teskey and Dominic Rocchetta, LazSoc Co-Presidents for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Those new to the school or still figuring out their path can also sip on advice from these senior students who offer tips for success for Lazaridis students.

Join Kyle Murray and Iqra Zia (BBA ’13), Senior Global Marketing Manager at L’Oréal for a career catchup. From marketing Barbie in Toronto to driving beauty innovation at L’Oréal in Paris and now New York— learn how Iqra has built a career at the crossroads of creativity, science, and culture.

For more information, please visit https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics/index.html?ref=lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics.

Episode 11 features Leslie Berger (BBA ‘99), Professor of Accounting and Laurier Lazaridis Research Chair.

Join Dean Kyle Murray and Leslie as they talk about her fascinating research and equally fascinating journey from Lazaridis BBA grad to one of the top-ranked managerial accounting researchers in the world.

For more information, please visit https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics/index.html?ref=lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics.

Looking to score a career in sports management?

Learn how Sharona Friedman turned learnings from her BBA into an exciting career path ultimately leading her to her current position as the President and CEO of the Global Institute for Sport (GIS).

For more information, please visit https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics/index.html?ref=lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics.

Episode 09 features Ibrahim Gedeon, CTO Emeritus, TELUS.

Join Dean Kyle Murray and Ibrahim Gedeon as they discuss their new book, Automata: The Power of AI Integrated with Advanced Robotics, exploring the economic and societal changes already beginning at the hands of new AI and robotic technologies.

With Ibrahim’s technological and industry experience, combined with Kyle’s business and education acumen, this new book goes beyond simple takeaways to explore the past which has led to this technological revolution, and how AI will transform economies in the years to come.

For more information, please visit https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics/index.html?ref=lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics.

Episode 08 features Professor of Finance, Brian Smith.

Join Dean Kyle Murray and Brian Smith for a candid discussion on Brian’s experience as a finance professor at WLU for nearly 40 years. Reflecting on his career, Brian recounts his favourite stories of alumni, how business education has evolved, and his experience supervising both the Lazaridis Student Investment Fund and Start Up Fund.

The two also discuss the importance of experiential learning and how it has evolved alongside technology, the passion for teaching in post-secondary, and Brian’s plans and advice for retirement.

Episode 07 features Lazaridis Students' Society Co-Presidents, Abby Yim and Ella Jazvac.

Join Dean Kyle Murray and LazSoc Co-Presidents Abby Yim and Ella Jazvac for a bright look into Laurier’s BBA program, the business student experience, balancing a busy lifestyle, and the importance of getting involved in student clubs.

The student leaders chat with the Dean about what makes the Lazaridis BBA program unique , the impact of experiential learning opportunities and curricular events, how extracurricular activities enrich day-to-day life, and fostering student communities.

Episode 06 features BTM undergrad student and President of the Business Technology Management Student Association, Jack Kennedy.

Join Dean Kyle Murray and Jack Kennedy for a fresh perspective on the BTM student experience, the important balance of social and academic life, and how the Lazaridis co-op program offers unique workplace experience to prepare students for the market.

Their candid conversation explores the BTM program transition from Brantford to the new Milton campus, the importance of experiential learning, the value of community and engagement with local businesses, and how getting involved in the student experience enriches the university journey.

For more information, please visit https://www.wlu.ca/academics/faculties/lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics/index.html?ref=lazaridis-school-of-business-and-economics.