In this conversation between Flinn alumni Sara Zervos and Eric Jackson, Eric talks about the childhood dream of becoming an astronaut that shifted after a memorable launch delay—and how that moment opened the door to an even broader universe in linguistics. He discusses his transition into global language documentation, his work in China, and meeting his partner in the process. The episode also reflects on the profound impact Flinn-funded travel had on Eric’s academic and personal decisions.

In this engaging Alumni Hour, Sara Zervos Knutson (’87) sits down with Paul Burkhardt (’86), the newly appointed president of Naropa University, for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation. From living in the Bahamas and teaching scuba diving, to leading the closing of a liberal arts school, Paul offers thoughtful insights and heartfelt reflections on education, growth, and purpose.

In this episode of Alumni Hour, host Sara Zervos (’87) sits down with Wylie Timmerman (’06) to talk about the many paths his journey has taken since graduating. Wylie reflects on his study abroad experiences and how living internationally shaped his perspective, as well as balancing career ambitions with family life. He also shares his strategies for maintaining meaningful connections with his professional and personal network when relocation happens. Finally, Wylie and Sara dive into the question on many young professionals’ minds: Is pursuing a graduate degree in data science worth it?

Enjoy our August Alumni Hour as Sara Zervos (’87) interviews Ryan Johnson (’02), co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, a company reimagining how we design cities and live together—without relying on cars. Based in Tempe, Culdesac is the first car-free neighborhood built from scratch in the United States. Ryan shares insights from his path through venture capital, startups, and city design, and reflect on how his Flinn experience impacted his values around community, innovation, and sustainability.

In this episode, 2009 Flinn Scholar Nesima Aberra shares how her upbringing as the daughter of Eritrean immigrants shaped her passion for global issues, storytelling, and social impact. From ASU to The Atlantic to her current role as VP at Change Consulting, Nesima reflects on her academic and professional journey, offering insights on media, purpose-driven work, and taking career risks.

Join our conversation with SMU professor and award-winning journalist Jake Batsell to trace his journey from Prescott to Zimbabwe, unpack the rise of digital storytelling and AI in news, and share insider tips on finding your unique voice in today’s media landscape. Tune in for a masterclass in journalism, purpose, and innovation!

Wendy shares her transition from studying English to pursuing corporate law, highlighting her various roles over 25 years, including her current position as general counsel at XPO. Wendy shows us how some unexpected paths can stem from a humanities degree, the importance of networking, and the balance between seeking change and maintaining career stability.

I’m excited to share the highlights from our latest podcast session featuring our very own Jay Baer—a candid, fast-paced conversation that blends real-world business insights with personal storytelling. In this episode, Jay dives into:

• The Journey of Entrepreneurship: Jay shares how a life-changing moment pushed him to quit the safe 9-to-5 and embrace the inherent risks of starting his own business—a decision that not only defined his career but also became a family legacy.

• Building Your Personal Brand: Learn why your personal brand is more than a resume. Jay explains how authenticity and consistent storytelling can open doors, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or climbing the corporate ladder.

• Insights on Business & Marketing: From his early days in digital marketing to his evolution as a thought leader and advisor, Jay reveals how process-of-elimination and real-world experience have shaped his path, including his unique approach to content creation and public speaking.

• A Tequila Twist: Not just all business—Jay also shares his passion for tequila! He discusses how his love for artisanal spirits ties into his brand and even dishes out recommendations for both everyday and standout tequila choices.

• The Future of Work & AI: With a nod to today’s rapidly changing digital landscape, the conversation touches on how AI is reshaping customer expectations and streamlining business decisions without losing that human touch.

The episode is a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice that’s sure to spark ideas for your own career and creative projects. Whether you’re looking to redefine your brand, take a leap into entrepreneurship, or just want some refreshing insights (with a side of tequila!), this podcast is a must-listen.

Class of 1990 Flinn Scholar Kris Mayes is the Co-Director of the Energy Policy Innovation Council and Director of the Utility of the Future Center and is a member of the faculty at Arizona State University’s (ASU) Global Institute of Sustainability and School for the Future of Innovation in Society. She served as an Arizona Corporation Commissioner (ACC) from 2003 to 2010, where she was also its chairman for two years. While a commissioner, Kris co-authored Arizona’s Renewable Energy Standard, Energy Efficiency Resource Standard, and the state’s net metering rules. Prior to that, she worked as Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano’s communications director and served as a reporter for the Arizona Republic and Phoenix Gazette newspapers.

Links:

- https://sustainability-innovation.asu.edu/energy-policy/

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristin_Mayes

- https://twitter.com/krismayes

Class of 1991 Flinn Scholar Michelle Minitti is the principal of  Framework, a consultancy specializing in planetary-science research and  Mars mission operations. Michelle is a co-investigator for the Mars Curiosity Rover,  working with members of the engineering and operations teams utilizing  the Mars Hand Lens Imager and the Mars Descent Imager projects; as  co-investigator for the Mars 2020 Rover,  she contributes to planning for operations of the Wide Angle  Topographic Sensor for Operations and Engineering (WATSON)  investigation. Michelle is a graduate of the University of Arizona and  earned a Ph.D. in geological sciences from Brown University.