Today’s guest is Matt LoLordo, an Evening and Weekend MBA student at Kellogg, and someone who brings a refreshingly practical perspective on how to make the most of business school without burning out. I’m joined by Doug Michalak as a co-host for this conversation, which made for a fun and dynamic discussion.

Matt shares how he thinks about getting involved at Kellogg in an efficient, intentional way so that school adds energy rather than draining it. He reflects on his background in the food industry, why it was a great foundation for business school, and where he’s intentionally using the MBA to fill in gaps and broaden his toolkit.

In this episode, we cover:

If you’re trying to balance work, school, and life, or wondering how to engage deeply without doing everything, this episode is a great listen.

Helpful resources mentioned:

This one is especially relevant for anyone navigating a part time or evening MBA and trying to do it sustainably.

Today’s guest is Hunter Wortmann, whose path to business school is anything but typical.

Before pursuing her MBA, Hunter spent five years working with marine animals, training dolphins, orcas, and more. After that chapter, she made the bold move to enroll at Bond University, where she has found a close knit academic experience (with small class sizes of just 9 to 12 students!).

In this episode, Hunter shares:

Hunter’s story is a great reminder that there is no single “right” path to business school and that sometimes the most unconventional journeys lead to the clearest direction.

If you’re exploring MBA programs, here are a couple helpful resources:

🔗 Join free MBA events and info sessions:

Whether you are early in your MBA journey or actively applying, this episode is full of perspective on choosing a program that truly fits your life and goals.

Today’s guest is Skyler Almquist, a Kellogg MBA who has spent the last few years exploring entrepreneurship through acquisition.

In this episode, Skyler shares:

How and why he moved from banking to PE and then into the search fund and ETA world

What he wishes he had known before committing to an MBA and before jumping into a search fund

The tradeoffs between traditional finance paths and entrepreneurship

His experience in Kellogg’s Zell Fellows Program and the huge benefits

What aspiring founders and operators should seriously consider before taking the leap

This is an honest, practical conversation for anyone thinking about business school, private equity, ETA, or entrepreneurship and trying to decide not just what sounds impressive, but what actually fits the life they want to build.

Today’s guest is my good friend, Oscar Kersey, a career switcher who made a bold call after being accepted to top law schools. Instead of following the expected path, Oscar realized he did not actually want to be a lawyer and pivoted toward business school.

In this episode, Oscar shares:

Why he chose to walk away from law school offers and pursue an MBA instead

His framework for approaching life and work as a consumer, a critic, or a contributor and why he intentionally strives to be a contributor

What made NYU Stern the right fit for him, from the energy and opportunities of New York City to the school’s deeply collaborative student culture

This conversation is a great listen for anyone questioning an “obvious” next step, considering a major pivot, or trying to choose a program that truly fits who they are and how they want to show up.

Today’s guest is Carolyn Schafer, a Kellogg MBA student with a deep background in global health and public service.

Before Kellogg, Carolyn earned a Master’s in Public Health and worked across Burkina Faso, Malawi, and Sierra Leone on global health and youth mental health research, including projects with former child soldiers and their families. After several international roles were cut short by forces outside her control, she made a strategic pivot to domestic healthcare, joining Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and quickly rising to lead research operations.

In this episode, Carolyn shares why she chose Kellogg to add a business lens to her public health career, what it’s like returning to school as a working professional, and how she navigates leadership, identity, and advocacy in the part-time MBA program.

We also discuss:

A thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in healthcare, social impact, or purpose-driven leadership.

Today’s episode features Campbell McGavin, a dual–degree engineer turned MBA candidate who chose Chicago Booth over Kellogg, and is very glad he did.

Campbell earned two bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science, and he’s now using that technical foundation as he recruits for consulting. At Booth, he’s fully embracing the social side of the MBA experience while diving into the academic and career opportunities that drew him there.

In this episode, Campbell shares:

🔹 Why he chose Booth over Kellogg and why he’s so grateful for that decision

Campbell’s story is thoughtful, grounded, and full of great insights for anyone exploring Chicago MBA programs, navigating recruiting, or coming from a technical background.

Tune in for a great conversation! 🎧

Today’s guest is Benedict Ashiedu, a proud Nigerian and newly minted graduate of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. His MBA journey is a masterclass in clarity, resilience, and proving fit.

Benedict applied to several programs, but Fuqua was his clear first choice. When he was placed on the waitlist, he didn’t sit back. He doubled down. In this episode, he shares how he fought his way off the waitlist by demonstrating a meaningful, authentic connection between himself and Fuqua and showing the admissions committee exactly why he belonged there.

He also walks through how he secured a Bain & Company internship (and later a full-time offer) before stepping foot on campus, and how that early win shaped the rest of his MBA experience.

In this episode, Benedict shares:

🔹 How he made Duke his top choice and proved that fit to the adcom

It’s an inspiring story of belief, preparation, and persistence — and a great roadmap for anyone navigating the waitlist or aiming for a top consulting outcome.

Tune in and enjoy!

Today’s guest is Craig Wortmann, a beloved professor, master storyteller, and the driving force behind Kellogg’s growing Sales Institute. After earning his MBA from Kellogg and spending years teaching at Chicago Booth, Craig returned to Kellogg with a mission: to elevate sales education and help students learn to sell themselves and their ideas with clarity and confidence (all while running his company, Sales Engine).

Craig’s course, Selling Yourself and Your Ideas, has become one of the most impactful classes many students take during their MBA. At the heart of his teaching are three pillars he believes underpin all professional excellence:

🔹 Knowledge

In this conversation, Craig shares how these three elements work together to create powerful communicators, resilient leaders, and people who consistently deliver results.

We also touch on one of Craig’s own stories of resilience, which he discusses in depth on Kellogg’s The Insightful Leader podcast. If you want more of his wisdom, check out that episode here:

Whether you’re trying to build confidence, become a better communicator, or simply learn from one of the most energetic educators in the MBA world, this episode is packed with insight.

Let’s dive in. 🎙️

Today’s guest is Scott Peterson, a Wharton MBA candidate whose story blends global focus, personal discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the future.

Scott is part of Wharton’s Lauder Institute, where he’s preparing to work at the intersection of global economics and post-war reconstruction, specifically in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His academic path is purposeful, thoughtful, and grounded in a desire to contribute meaningfully when the time comes.

In our conversation, Scott shares:

Scott’s perspective is grounded, globally minded, and deeply aspirational. I’m excited for you to hear this one.

Today’s guest is Sarah Qiang, a Kellogg MBA student whose journey is a masterclass in adaptability, drive, and keeping perspective when life throws a curveball.

Sarah started in Kellogg’s Evening & Weekend program, but after “life happened,” including unexpected visa challenges at work, she made the bold move to transition into the full-time program.

In our conversation, Sarah shares:

Sarah’s story is a great reminder that success isn’t about sticking to the original plan, but about staying resilient, open, and ready to make the most of every opportunity.