Continuum - The IBC Podcast

Hunter Bratton graduated from Notre Dame in December 2021, majoring in accounting and theology. In this Continuum™ episode, Hunter shares his career journey, including roles at PwC, journey from studying accounting and theology at Notre Dame to navigating various career paths, including roles at PwC, the entrepreneurial venture Verso and currently RSM. Hunter discusses the influence of key mentors, his passion for solving problems and navigating career transitions.

Hunter also shares his long-term goal of building a career that not only advances his professional skills but contributes to the common good. This insightful conversation offers valuable lessons on career development networking, and the power of entrepreneurship in making a positive impact on society.

In March 2023, Chris Stevens was a Continuum™ guest. Chris graduated from Notre Dame, played basketball for Digger Phelps and a few years ago, began as an associate professor at the Mendoza College of Business. In between? Worked in consumer product goods, wrote a book and co-founded Keurig. Yep, co-founded Keurig.

Grab a cup of coffee, a pen and note pad to write down Chris book recommendations and quotes. These are 35 minutes you are going to enjoy.

In May 2023, Pat Callans was a Continuum™ guest. The feedback on the conversation was fantastic. Pat's goal was to practice law. Until...

Whether you listened to this episode previously or are a new Continuum™ fan, these 53 minutes are a positive investment of your time.

In this Continuum™ episode, discover how Royce Branning transformed his childhood passion for technology into a groundbreaking app that's revolutionizing screen time management! Growing up in a tech-savvy Notre Dame home in Silicon Valley, Royce majored computer science at Notre Dame. Royce gained invaluable experience at a startup before co-founding ClearSpace. Royce’s journey is a thrilling tale of innovation and relentless determination. As Royce says: “Doers get the final vote over sayers.”

Learn the secrets behind his success, the life-changing advice from his mentors, and how a simple idea turned into a life-changing solution for millions. Don’t miss out on this inspiring story of a young entrepreneur who’s changing the way we interact with our devices forever!

🎧 In this episode of Continuum™, Joe Rehmann, co-founder of Victory Farms in Kenya, joins us with Sam Cannova, who recently joined Victory Farm (and relocated from the US). These two Notre Dame graduates share their insights on creating sustainable agriculture in Africa. From pivoting career paths—Joe from investment banking to founding Victory Farms in 2015 and Sam from consulting at McKinsey to joining Joe's mission—their journey is driven by a profound sense of purpose. They share invaluable insights on leadership, the importance of culture and the impact of meaningful work.

As Joe states: “If you define success for yourself, you may end up holding yourself to a much higher standard and a higher goal for yourself in terms of what can actually be accomplished."

Coupled with Sam’s ability to grow and challenge himself (and all of us) are captivating. "Leaning into discomfort, especially task to task, is really the only way to grow. And certainly, the fastest way to grow by getting more reps and more challenging reps."

Discover how these two leaders are tackling malnutrition and environmental challenges head-on, proving that business can indeed be a force for good. 🚀

This interview is from the Continuum™ Archives. Conducted in 2017 by Matt Bush, IBC CEO, Joe Rehmann (Notre Dame 2006) shares the path to founding a tilapia farm. Joe began his career in investment banking. Five years after earning his undergrad, Joe pursued his MBA at INSEAD in France. At this point, Joe sought a career aligned with his passion – making a meaningful impact in both society and business. And this passion led Joe to Ghana as the CFO for the second largest fish farm in Africa.

Joe then founded Victory Farms in Kenya. Joe shares his commitment to sustainable development. As the founder of Victory Farms, he’s revolutionizing aquaculture while tackling malnutrition and unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through innovative practices and a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility, Victory Farms led the path in setting new standards in the fish farming industry. Joe's story is an inspiring blend of business acumen and passionate advocacy for meaningful change.

As Joe states: "We can challenge [the environmental views] from the old colonialist views. I think we can show people that there's no reason why eating animals has to have a net CO2 increase in the world."

Mike McDaniel joins us for this Continuum™ episode. Mike shares his remarkable journey from a small farming town in California to becoming a distinguished professor at LSU-Shreveport. Throughout the interview, Mike discussed pivotal moments in his life, including his transition from pre-med to English at the University of California-Berkeley, his early teaching career and how his endeavor in the Air Force led him to Notre Dame, and then to a highly successful sales career. You’ll have to listen to understand how Mike transitioned to academia!

Mike highlights the importance of having a plan and a personal strategy, the power of purpose in leadership, and the value of taking risks. His insights into leadership and personal development are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate their career with intention and resilience. One of the courses Mike teaches is Strategy. His ability to mix business and personal strategy is refreshing.

“Whether it's business or your life, we have this strategy. When we talk about strategy, it's always talking about looking at all the external forces, looking at all the internal forces that could threaten you, things you're good at, things you're not good at. You're looking at all those things and you're coming up with a plan. But the reality is life happens.

Discover how Mike’s diverse experiences have shaped his unique perspective on education, leadership and life.

In this Continuum™ episode, Danny Leicht joins us for a captivating conversation. From his beginnings in Indianapolis to navigating a successful career in wealth management, Danny reveals how his journey through Notre Dame and initial career path in sales was shaped by integrity and empathy. Danny’s insights on earning his MBA from the University of San Diego and his career change reinforces the balancing of career aspirations and a fulfilling family life – great advice for all professionals.

Whether you're early in your career or looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss

Last year, we had a tremendous conversation with Steve Minnis, President of Benedictine College. Steve's commitment to communication, faith and scholarship is clearly a catalyst in the growth and vision of Benedictine College. As Steve states:

"Forward, always forward. Everywhere. Forward. You must not be held back by debt or bad years or difficulties of the times because man's adversity is God's opportunity."

Bernadette Jordan (Notre Dame BA 2016, University of San Diego MA 2018) joins Continuum™ for this engaging session. Bernadette's story is a testament to the power of legacy, education, and service. From her transition from studying pre-med to embracing sociology, all driven by her desire to impact social facets of health rather than its scientific aspects. Her volunteer work with Augustinian Volunteers and her deep involvement in addressing homelessness through innovative social enterprises provide compelling insights into how we can each make a difference.

Her dedication to using business as a force for good, integrating sustainable energy solutions in underprivileged areas, and her vision for social innovation are truly inspiring. Bernadette’s journey underscores the importance of leadership that combines personal passion with a commitment to the greater good.

Today, Bernadette is the Executive Director of Let’s Share The Sun Foundation™, continuing the family legacy and reinforcing her commitment to giving back.

"I think giving back is so important. For me, it sets my soul on fire. Service brings me the most joy in life.”

For anyone interested in social entrepreneurship, sustainability or leadership, Bernadette's insights are invaluable. This is your chance to get inspired to make your own impact and drive change in our communities and beyond!