Eccles Business Buzz

This season, we are exploring the experience of women in the workplace. We are going to hear from a lot of powerhouse women in a lot of different industries, sharing their own challenges and their tips and advice for overcoming the roadblocks women often face in the workplace. 

But today, we are going to zoom out a bit and talk about the workplace more generally. Joining Host Frances Johnson today is Amelia Stillwell, assistant professor of management at the David Eccles School of Business. Her research focuses on the norms and stereotypes that maintain group distinctions inequality. 

Listen as they chat about her research related to voice in the workplace and how it influences inclusivity and psychological safety for marginalized groups. 

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University FM.

Amplifying diversity

20:43: You can get more creativity and innovation if you have a culture that facilitates that open sharing where people feel like they'll be supported, even if they take a bit of a risk in making a new suggestion. But on the other hand, if it's not a culture that's conducive to that open sharing, those different points of view can create negative conflict, personal conflict between people that's more harmful than helpful.

The importance of psychological safety in the workplace

05:41: People have to feel that it's safe to take risks in their organization to put themselves out there. Otherwise, they're going to be less inclined to speak up because they're going to feel like that'll come back on me.

Why you should call people in instead of calling them out

05:41: What you often get when you publicly shame people is defensiveness. They don't even think twice. They're not thinking critically about the points you're making. It's kind of an emotional reaction to a perceived threat. Because no one wants to feel like a bad person, focusing on growth, being a good-ish person, the best you can each day, and improving each day is more effective as a call-in strategy for getting people to change their behavior going forward.

• Amelia Stillwell
• Amelia Stillwell - LinkedIn 
• Elizabeth Tenney - The David Eccles School of Business

Season 5 of the Eccles Business Buzz podcast is just around the corner. This season, we are exploring the experiences of women in the workplace and how empathy is a key ingredient for creating companies and communities that are welcoming and inclusive to everyone. I'm your host, Frances Johnson.

Join me to hear from women in the Eccles community about the challenges they have faced in their careers and what advice they have for women who are going through the same thing. We'll learn about how government and higher ed are teaming up to address Utah's last-place ranking for women's equality and hear why tech jobs are the perfect fit for moms in the workforce. We'll talk about voice in the workplace and why speaking out about discrimination against anyone helps everyone, and we'll hear what role the David Eccles School of Business is playing in preparing the next generation of female business leaders to succeed.

The first episode of Season 5 drops on September 28th, with new episodes coming every Thursday. I know you won't want to miss a single one, so make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and invite a friend or fellow alum to listen with you, too. We can't wait for you to join us again. 

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University FM.

Welcome back to our final episode of Season Four!  Today we are wrapping up our discussion of impact, and looking ahead to the relationship between our confidence to make a positive impact and our ability to create safe, inclusive spaces and experiences for the people around us.  

Here to talk about impact and inclusion is Simone Lawrence, manager of the IMPACT program at the David Eccles School of Business. IMPACT is a partnership between the Eccles School and Historically Black Colleges and Universities to bring these students to the U for the summer. The goal of the program is to expose participants to new experiences and show them the difference they can make in places they didn’t expect.  

Simone joins host Frances Johnson to talk about having a real opportunity yo make a difference during her internship with PluralSight, her hopes for the IMPACT program as Manager, navigating Utah as a person of color, and working with companies to implement meaningful DEI initiatives.

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University FM.

Failure makes us see what we can do better

[21:50] I know everyone's afraid to fail, but that's part of life. If you don't fail and see the areas that you messed up in, how do you know how you can do better?

The impact of community building

[28:32] I think building that community, learning what you like and don't like, having the opportunity to experience new things and expand from someone who cares about you and just being that person that I can impact other people has made an impact on my life. 

When it comes to diversity, it’s not the lack of information; it’s the lack of access.

[27:07] A lot of times, people want diversity just because, right now, that's the cool thing to do. So, you don't really know too much about it. You just know, everyone has a DEI, EDI, or whichever variation of equity, diversity, and inclusion that you have. And one thing is there's not a lack of information out there. It's just a lack of people having access to it. I always consider myself a liaison between people and information.

• IMPACT Program
• PluralSight
• Summer Bridge Program at the U 
• Lantern House

This season we are talking all about impact – the people and experiences that have impacted us, the ways we are impacting others, and what we can all do to build confidence in our ability to make a difference. 

Our guest today is Eccles alum Brian Pham, who is here to talk about his experience at the Goff Strategic Leadership Center and how his time as a Goff Scholar prepared him to be an impactful leader after graduation.

Brian graduated from the Eccles School in 2022 with a degree in marketing and became a minor celebrity as the student speaker at his commencement ceremony. During his time at the Eccles School, Brian served as the Executive Director of Out For Business, an LGBTQ+ student organization that aims to increase inclusivity and representation within the broader business community. He also served as SEO lead at Sorenson Impact Center, where he led a website design project for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and was part of the Goff Scholars program. 

Brian and host Frances Johnson cover a lot in this episode, starting with why it seems like Brian’s generation is really interested in impact-oriented work and making a difference. They also discuss getting encouragement from Eccles professors to think outside the box, advocating for better LGBTQ+ workplace rights & protections, and struggling to overcome imposter syndrome and a lack of confidence.

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University FM.

The impact of micro-relationships

[01:32] When I think of impact, I think of it mostly in the context of impact in relation to others rather than impact on the world. Personally, I prioritize impact on other people and/or recognizing how they impact me as well. It's those little micro-relationships that, I think, really make up your entire life. 

The goal of Out for Business

[24:56] Our goal isn't to be able to change everything. We recognize that, but it's that small impact we have. If we can change the opinion of three people who are classmates, I consider that success.

On learning to ask the right ask questions

[18:44] If you don't ask the right question, then you'll be solving completely different problems. the wrong problems, right? I've carried that principle everywhere, not just in my work but also in my life. Making sure that you're asking the right questions every step of the way changes how you view the world, work, problem-solving, and the broader scheme.

• Goff Strategic Leadership Center
• Out for Business at Eccles
• Sorenson Impact Center
• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Microsoft
• Mirador Basin Project
• Bonita Austin
• Megan Kawaguchi

This season we are talking all about impact – the people and experiences that have impacted us, the ways we are impacting others, and what we can all do to build confidence in our ability to make a difference. 

In this episode, we are joined by Yasmin Khan, a graduate of the Master of Business Creation program at the David Eccles School of Business, and founder and CEO of Khalm Skincare. Yasmin also provides mentorship and scholarship funding to young women pursuing their college degrees through the Women Who Succeed program.

Yasmin and host Frances Johnson talk about finding the confidence to dive in fully to your goals and ideas, the value and impact of being a part of the MBC program at Eccles Business School, and getting cozy with failure.

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University FM.

On the impact of inclusion

[06:47] I think that impact of inclusion in the beauty space is super important right now. And, so when a young girl sees something, sees someone that looks like her creating something that she can use, that harks back to her history, her traditions, and her heritage, it's impactful on that woman because that woman will then go on to university, will go on to being an entrepreneur, or will go on to being a successful member of the community.

Why failing is magical

[16:22] We all fail, and we learn from those. In fact, failing is magical, and I tell them that all the time because you're going to learn how to ski, you're going to fall, but then you're going to get back up again, and that's what's most impactful for you as young women, that you tried something and you got to a certain point, and it grew you.

Khalm is more than just a skincare brand

[07:55] Khalm is connecting you back to those old traditions that really are more impactful today than ever before.

Confidence in the face of failure

[10:39] You may fail or you may succeed, but it leverages another opportunity and increases your confidence along the way. Just grab the opportunities and go for it.

• MBC Program at Eccles 
• Khalm Skincare
• Women Who Succeed

This season we are talking all about impact – the people and experiences that have impacted us, the ways we are impacting others, and what we can all do to build confidence in our ability to make a difference. 

Today we are exploring some new and exciting opportunities student athletes, in particular, have to make a positive impact for themselves and for others in their communities. 

Here with us is Gavin Van Wagoner, Assistant Athletics Director for Name, Image, and Likeness – also known as NIL – and major gifts for Utah Athletics. His responsibilities include helping equip student athletes with a comprehensive toolbox to make the most of their name, image, and likeness ideas.

Gavin and host Frances Johnson dive into all the new NIL regulations, what that means for our student athletes, and how this extra income and business opportunity can make an impact on the communities supporting our students as well. 

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University FM.

Student-athletes look for schools that meet their needs

10:34: One of the things that is important to remember is a student-athlete picks a school because of multiple factors, whether that's the program's wins, they love the coaches, and obviously, we have great coaches. The facilities are really great, and we love this. And then the education, which is, you're a student athlete, you're here to get an education, and Utah provides a great education. So those four factors, probably prior to NIL being a thing, were weighed.

The ripple effect of impact

[30:37] I think these student-athletes look up to their peers, NIL and business, in general. There's probably some copycat strategies, like Oh, she did this, and I want to use my brand to go create this, as inspiration in a good way. They're probably going to do great things no matter what, in my opinion. But this gives them that early advantage.

How the NIL is changing the game for student-athletes

[25:09]: Some might say, "Well, the money that would've gone to the department is now going to student-athletes." We love it. They're creating their own opportunities to make that money. So a deal happens, and that money is going directly to the student-athlete. And we've found that to just be additive in the process because it changes the dynamics all of a sudden.

• Gavin Van Wagoner - Assistant Athletics Director for NIL and Major Gifts
• Elevate U 

This season we are talking all about impact – the people and experiences that have impacted us, the ways we are impacting others, and what we can all do to build confidence in our ability to make a difference. 

We are so grateful to be joined by mother/daughter duo Brenda and Morgan Williams. Brenda and Morgan established the Cameron Russell Williams Legacy Scholarship at the Eccles School, in honor of their son and twin brother, who passed away from a brain tumor in June 2021 at the age of 33. 

Cameron made a massive impact in his short lifetime, emerging as a star and innovator at Goldman Sachs and Utah tech firm Domo and starting his own transportation logistics company, EverWoke. 

A civic leader and advocate for underrepresented communities, Cameron also served as Chair of the Utah Black Chamber of Commerce and as an advisory board member of the Young Professionals of Salt Lake City and Utah Chapters of the National Association of Black Accountants and National Society of Black Engineers.

In this episode, both Brenda and Morgan join host Frances Johnson to share their favorite memories of Cameron, how they continue to honor his personal and professional legacy, and what it means to carry on his memory throughout Utah. 

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University fm.

The courage to move forward despite the fears

[19:53] Morgan Williams: Entrepreneurship, just as a role, is scary. I made a decision on my own that I was going to figure this out. That's scary. Everyone said, "Morgan, you don't have to do this." "Morgan, do you even know how to do this?" Regardless of all the fears, I decided to move forward anyway. And to me, that's a part of the confidence needed as an entrepreneur and a sister carrying on a brother's legacy.

The impact you made is measured by the lives you’ve touched

[26:52] Brenda Williams: At the end of the day, when you are no longer here on this planet, the impact you make is measured by the people that you have touched and the things that they continue to do. And that is how we, as a family, look at Cameron's very short life.

On writing your own story

[24:49] Morgan Williams: It is not always about creating the next new big thing, but it is about deciding what story you want, writing that story. And if you need a little plot twist here and there, go ahead and do it. And then make sure you share it so others can be inspired by it as well and change possibly their story as well.

On Cameron’s desire for impact

[06:16] Brenda Williams: Cameron's desire for impact is something that is part of the value system of this family. We have a saying in our family: Never stop thinking. Always look for new ways to do things. No is just a statement. It's not necessarily the answer. And so there may be another way to look at and do things. And from the time they were little children, that is what they were taught.

• Cameron Russell Williams Legacy Scholarship - David Eccles School of Business
• Cameron Russell Williams Diversity Impact Scholarship
• Domo
• Morgan Williams LinkedIn
• Everwoke
• Blendyd Studios
• Utah Chapter - National Association of Black Accountants 
• Utah Chapter - National Society of Black Engineers
• Utah Black Chamber
• NBA Foundation
• NBA All Star Weekend
• NBA All Star Pitch Competition
• Master of Business Creation - David Eccles School of Business
• Kenneth Boggs Suits

This season we are talking all about impact – the people and experiences that have impacted us, the ways we are impacting others, and what we can all do to build confidence in our ability to make a difference. 

Our guest today is Abukar Hassan. Abukar is a junior at the David Eccles School of Business, studying finance and entrepreneurship. He is a business scholars intern, a presidential intern, and a resident at Lassan Studios. Abukar is also one of only 100 students nationwide to be awarded the inaugural Obama Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, also known as the Voyager Scholarship, and he is the only recipient of that scholarship from the State of Utah.

As a first-generation college student, Abukar shares with host Frances Johnson how the impact of his mother influences his mission of service, the long list of organizations he is involved with on campus, how a number of University of Utah & Eccles scholarships got him to where he is today, and how to find your place and voice on campus. 

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University FM.

Impact is a reciprocal experience 

[16:55] You don't have to go into the community and try to change it, right? You will never experience somebody's perspective or experiences, but if you allow them to tell their story, you'll slowly understand what they love about this university and what they love about their community, but also understand the improvements and what they want to see change. And that's the biggest impact a person really can make: just listening, then letting them and helping them by being behind them and supporting them make those changes.

On finding a community of belonging in the campus

[30:16] If we have more people who have that mindset saying, "I want to amplify those voices of my community. I want to make those changes for my community," We will slowly turn into a community where we love and find belonging for every student here on campus.

On being the only Voyager scholar in Utah

[20:02] To represent our state in a positive way and hopefully bring in that impact that the state constantly needs to see, and have that leadership mentality of saying, "How can I help lead this initiative?" It's a blessing, and I'm excited to work with young millennials and people in general who are trying to do the same thing as our state does a great job at it already, but there are definitely parts where we can improve on.

• Lassonde Studios
• Obama Chesky Scholarship for Public Service
• First Ascent Scholars 
• President Taylor Randall

This season we are talking all about impact – the people and experiences that have impacted us, the ways we are impacting others, and what we can all do to build confidence in our ability to make a difference. 

Programs at the David Eccles School of Business are preparing students, alums, and others in the community with the skills and confidence they need to make a difference. And joining us to talk about one of those programs is Dana Taylor, project director for Project DEEP. 

Project DEEP is an initiative of the Sorenson Impact Center at the Eccles School that aims to disrupt the entrepreneurial status quo by empowering women and people of color entrepreneurs through on-demand training and support from industry experts. 

As a woman of color entrepreneur herself, the mission of Project DEEP is especially important to Dana. She sits down with host Frances Johnson to share an overview of Project DEEP, talk about her personal experiences as a black woman entrepreneur, and how we can all work to create systems to overcome the barriers they face.

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University fm.

What Project DEEP can do to help you scale up as an entrepreneur

[12:35] With Project DEEP, everyone has direct access to these instructors, and there is so much value in having access to people with this level of expertise provided in a program like DEEP. So having access, gaining that knowledge, having that opportunity to connect with them outside of the project, it’s huge. And when you're serious about your business, other entrepreneurs take you seriously. Investors take you more seriously.

The importance of your network

[26:18] When you come across people who see you and what you bring to the table and want to see your success, you hold on to them forever and ever.

A place where people understand your value contributes to your confidence

[27:15] Women and people of color are often undervalued in mainstream business. And we know when we're being undervalued. And so to be in a place where people understand your value, don't question it, and make sure that you get compensation or funding or whatever you need at your value level is huge. So, that's also a huge part of what would be in a successful ecosystem.

The goal for Project DEEP

[24:49] I do hope that we can build new ecosystems that enable people who didn't have ecosystems for themselves before to become a part of and grow in their entrepreneurship and their investing. 

• Project DEEP
• Sorenson Impact Center 
• Women's Business Center of Utah
• New Pattern 

Welcome back to a brand new season of the Eccles Business Buzz! In Season 4, we explore the Eccles School Value of Confidence to Impact Your World. We'll hear from students, alums, and other friends of the David Eccles School of Business, all about the people and experiences that have impacted them, the ways they are impacting others, and what we can all do to build confidence in our own ability to make a difference.

Today, we kick things off Jim Sorenson. Jim is a world renowned entrepreneur, business leader, and impact investor. He has built highly successful companies and industries ranging from technology and life sciences to real estate and private equity investment, and he is celebrated as a pioneer in the impact investing sector.

In 2013, Jim provided the David Eccles School of Business with a $13 million endowment to create the Sorenson Impact Center, with the mission of cultivating impact investing expertise in students and building the social impact fields. And thats just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Jim’s contributions to the Eccles community and beyond. 

Jim joins host Frances Johnson to talk about how his parents & family inspired his line of work and giving back, the intersection of business and social impact, how the Sorenson Impact Center & their experiential learning opportunities are helping the next generation of impact investors, and his latest endeavors with Catalyst Opportunity Funds and Enable Ventures.

Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University fm.

Student desire for social impact today

[21:18] I think the students of this generation come much more aware of the human condition. I think they are more interested in utilizing their talents, abilities, and time to contribute to and address these things, particularly things of inequality or things that affect our planet and the risks that we face in the world today.

On building his microfinance venture

[13:07] I realized also that you really needed an ecosystem ultimately to be able to engage capital, educate investors, and create a marketplace, and there weren't intermediaries or places to go for this type of expertise.

The key to advancement on impact investing

[27:07] If you can engage the sectors of academia, government, nonprofits, foundations, and impact investors in a common effort, you can really move mountains in terms of advancing impact investing.

On creating a sustainable and equitable

[24:17] To be able to address these factors of zero poverty, no hunger, and equitable access to education. I'm really heartened that with the progress we're making in impact investing, if we continue on this trajectory and path, and it's a growth rate of about 40% a year, we're going to be able to make a meaningful dent and create a much more sustainable and equitable world that we live in.

• Sorenson Impact Center
• Sorenson Impact Advisory
• Impact & Prosperity Epicenter at Eccles
• Lassonde Studios
• Bob and Lynette Gay Health and Prosperity Center at Eccles
• Sorenson Capital
• Catalyst Opportunity Funds
• Enable Ventures
• Muhammad Yunus
• Paul Farmer