In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs

In the Season 9 premiere of the In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs podcast, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., welcomes Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12), founder of Vasquez Integrators, a certified DBE/MBE technology solutions provide and proud New York Tech alumnus.

We will explore an inspiring story of Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12), a visionary entrepreneur from the Dominican Republic who overcame significant challenges to achieve success in the United States. Despite facing language barriers and navigating higher education, Oliver's journey at New York Tech and through HEOP (Higher Education Opportunity Program) has laid a strong foundation for his success. His determination, entrepreneurial mindset, and strong self-advocacy have also played a crucial role in shaping his achievements.

Oliver will share key moments and lessons that led to the founding of Vasquez Integrators, a successful DBE/MBE certified technology solutions provider in the Greater New York City area. Vasquez Integrators specializes in telecommunications, offering design, programming, and commissioning services for major clients, including the MTA and The Port Authority of NY & NJ and more. Join us as we explore Oliver’s remarkable story and see how he is positively impacting his community through determination and resilience.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

Season 9 will be kicking off on International Podcast Day with an exciting lineup! We will explore how higher education helps launch successful businesses, featuring New York Tech alums Oliver Vasquez (B.S. ’12) and Thulani Ngazimbi (B.S. ’11, M.S. ’14), who turned their education and unconventional paths into thriving businesses. We'll hear from cross-generational business owners and alumni, John Magliocco (B.S. '85) and Anthony Magliocco (B.S. '18) who are passionately carrying forward a rich family legacy that began over 75 years ago! Our returning guest, Craig Dubitsky, will share his latest venture, partnering with Robert Downey Jr. to brew up a buzz with 'Happy Coffee.' Entrepreneur Bob Miglani adds wisdom from his diverse career including time at his family’s Dairy Queen, Pfizer, and founding Hoot. Host John Rebecchi, Ph.D. will also break down the tools entrepreneurs need with business expert Garrett Delph.

Follow along, leave a review, and join us for this inspiring season! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more.

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

What experiences do CEOs face when attempting to secure funds for groundbreaking AI products? For our final episode of season 8, host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sat down with Sarah Nagy, CEO of Seek Ai. Seek Ai simplifies data access for businesses with an AI-powered platform, increasing productivity by automating coding tasks across organizations.

Nagy began her career at ITG as a Quant, specializing in algorithmic trading strategies. She then directed enterprise data product development at two startups, Edison and Predata, both of which achieved successful exits. Nagy then led the consumer data team at Citadel's Ashler Capital before launching Seek Ai in 2021.

In this episode, Nagy will share her experiences working as a Quant and in AI startups, particularly focusing on using AI for data analysis in large organizations. We will explore successful pitches to investors and the essential criteria they prioritize when evaluating AI-focused startups. Nagy will also provide firsthand insights into her transition to CEO and the strategies involved in scaling a startup.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, YouTube Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In our second simulcast show, "Unlocking Opportunities for Job Seekers and Employers in the Digital Age," we will discuss the latest trends shaping the digital job market, explore insights into effective career planning strategies, and gain insights on innovative approaches to talent acquisition and workforce development. This event was held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at New York Tech. Thanks for watching and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

Keynote Speaker: Maria Themistocleous-Frey, CEO and Founder of Executive Consultants of New York, Corp.

Guest Speaker: Diane Ferrante, Vice President of Human Resources, Oliver, Inc. Keith Stewart, President at SCG Recruiting

Event Host: Deborah Y. Cohn, (M.B.A. '89), Ph.D., M.Phil., Interim Dean and Professor, New York Tech School of Management

Podcast Host and Moderator: John Rebecchi M.B.A. ('83), Ph.D.

This event was held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at New York Tech. Thanks for watching and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

About The In Reality Podcast: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., sat down with Eric Adelman, CEO and Business Coach of Bigger Cup Consulting. With expertise in coaching C-level executives, founders and entrepreneurs, Eric empowers his clients to confidently grow, scale and lead their businesses with intention. Eric leverages his personal experience of establishing, overseeing, expanding, and selling a multi million-dollar business to guide clients toward their goals.

Eric will share insights on how to scale a business, increasing revenue, maintaining focus, overcoming hiring challenges and how to develop the soft skills that contribute to success. Explore the reasons behind how personal relationships, professional networking, and referrals can fast-track job seeker's success in landing a job. Plus, we will discover the importance of strategic time blocking for both value creation and reflection, cultivating resourcefulness, and the valuable lessons that come from failures.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

About The In Reality Podcast:

Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

Please join New York Tech School of Management for the In Reality Podcast’s second live simulcast event, titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Job Seekers and Employers in the Digital Age.” Discover how to navigate the digital job marketplace, implement the latest career planning strategies, and stay ahead in today's business environment.

Featuring: Maria Themistocleous-Frey, CEO and founder of Executive Consultants of New York, Corp., and Diane Ferrante, Vice President of Human Resources, Oliver, Inc., along with the New York Tech School of Management’s In Reality Podcast host, John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ‘83), Ph.D., and an additional guest speakers!

Take part in the event by registering or exploring additional information here: Unlocking Opportunities for Job Seekers and Employers in the Digital Age. (https://www.nyit.edu/events/in_reality_unlocking_opportunities)

This event is hosted by Deborah Y. Cohn, (M.B.A. '89), Ph.D., M.Phil., Interim Dean and Professor, New York Tech School of Management.

About The Podcast

In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs, a School of Management podcast, is hosted by John Rebecchi (M.B.A. '83), Ph.D., founder of Strategy + Culture Consulting, and features interviews with thought leaders, entrepreneurs from startups to multinational companies, and experts in fields shaping the future of business.

In this episode, our host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes Brad Karsh, Founder and CEO of JB Training Solutions —a boutique learning and development company dedicated to supporting professionals throughout their career journey. As an accomplished public speaker and executive coach, Brand has made appearances on CNN, CNBC, and Dr. Phil, while also being featured in renowned publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fortune, and USA Today.

Tune in as we explore insights on overcoming challenges in your job search, advancing in your career, and understanding today's effective hiring practices. Brad emphasizes the importance of not only fine-tuning your resume but also prioritizing networking. Brad will share the importance of a thoughtful hiring process and the implementation of a program focused on recognizing and rewarding employees. Gain practical insights into securing employment, understanding the importance of going above and beyond at work, and the path to thriving in your professional journey.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other major platforms. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

In today's business world, business owners and leaders are weary due to the growing challenges of cyber threats and rapid shifts in technology, politics, and the environment. This highlights the crucial role of implementing a risk management program for organizational resilience and sustainability.

Podcast host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D. welcomes special guest Catherine A. Allen, New York Tech's Board of Trustee, and Founder and Chairman of the Board of The Santa Fe Group, a strategic consulting company based in Santa Fe, NM. With over three decades of experience, Catherine stands out as an exceptional leader in technology strategy and financial services, and is recognized as a key influencer in pioneering business innovation. Today, Catherine is Chairman of the Santa Fe Group, specializing in briefings to C-level executives and boards of directors in financial institutions and critical infrastructure sectors. Additionally, offering management services for strategic industry initiatives, featuring programs like the Shared Assessments Program, which is designed to address and mitigate third-party risks.

We'll explore the critical risk concerns, including cybersecurity, quantum computing, geopolitics, and the rapid pace of technological change. Allen will share the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) as both a risk and opportunity from supporting productivity and innovation to workforce distributions and its use as a disinformation generator. We'll also discover the significance of finding the right mentors, the value of continuous learning, the importance of reinventing oneself to meet market demands, and the readiness to pivot when necessary.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

Our Host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., is kicking Season 8 off with Josh Nafman, Vice President of Data and Operations for Diageo. Diageo is a global leader in high-quality beverages with a portfolio of 200+ brands spanning in various categories, including well-known names like Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, and Guinness. In this role, Nafman leverages data, technology, AI, e-commerce, media, content, and all things electrified to enhance business decision-making. Prior to joining Diageo, Nafman contributed to marketing, digital, and design initiatives for Pepsi, Kind, Hello, Apple, and Starbucks.  

In this episode, we'll explore the newest developments in data analytics, its integration with artificial intelligence (AI), and how data helps leaders make well-informed decisions. We'll also discover the importance of breaking down data silos, being crystal clear about the issues you're solving and understanding how to present data in a way that allows for action.

Hit subscribe and never miss an episode! You can find us in on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more. Don't forget to share your thoughts by leaving a review!

We are thrilled to announce that Season 8 of School of Management's podcast series “In Reality: Lessons from Leaders and Entrepreneurs" is set to launch on January 29, 2024. In this season, we will be focusing on topics that challenge business leaders, offering unique perspectives into how these themes influence their careers and open doors to new business opportunities. 

Our Host John Rebecchi (M.B.A. ’83), Ph.D., will kick the season off with Josh Nafman, Vice President of Data and Operations for Diageo. Together they’ll discus latest trends in data analytics, its integration with AI, and insights for leaders in the field. 

We’ll explore the world of risk management with industry expert Catherine A. Allen, founder and CEO of The Santa Fe Group and New York Tech trustee. Gain insights from entrepreneurs and business leaders like Brad Karsh, the Founder and CEO of JB Training Solutions, and Eric Adelman of Bigger Cup Consulting. Discover the secrets of career and workforce development, learn what successful leaders prioritize, and strategies for growing your business!

Plus, mark your calendar for our second live event, "Unlocking Opportunities for Job Seekers and Employers in the Digital Age," on April 4, 2024, at our NYC campus. Explore the digital job marketplace, career planning, and workforce development with Maria Themistocleous-Frey, CEO of Executive Consultants of New York. Don't miss the panel of HR executives and experts from recruiting and online search companies.

You can find us on Podbean, Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other major platforms. Your ongoing support make a difference. Thank you for listening!