It's an Honor

Department Head and Professor of Systems and Industrial Engineering at the University of Arizona, and author Ricardo Valerdi joins Dean Pollard to discuss his book The Five Tool Team and a practical framework for making better decisions. They explore how asking the right questions, examining multiple perspectives, analyzing consequences, challenging assumptions, and keeping people at the center of the process can strengthen leadership and decision-making across fields. The conversation also touches on sports, AI, accountability, and why a strong process matters even when the outcome is uncertain.

Explore More:

• The Five Tool Team: Explore Ricardo Valerdi's book on Amazon
• HNRS 195I-002 – Decision Making for College Students: Learn more about the Franke Honors course

Tucson Police Department Chief of Police Monica Prieto sits down with Dean Pollard to reflect on her journey from a University of Arizona student unsure of what came next to leading the department she has served for more than two decades. She shares the moments, mentors, and challenges that shaped her path, while discussing leadership, officer wellness, community trust, and what it means to keep growing through uncertainty. 

Sean McClain, a former student of Dean Pollard and, now, the founder and CEO of Absci, sits down with Dean Pollard to discuss his journey from undergraduate at the University of Arizona to successful entrepreneur. Absci is on a mission to create biologics for patients faster, as an innovative drug creation company unlocking novel biology through generative AI.  

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Ravi Ram, a Flinn Scholar and University of Arizona Honors alumnus, about curiosity, global exploration, and the pursuit of purpose. Ravi reflects on his interdisciplinary academic journey, his transformative experiences studying abroad across Latin America, Asia, and Europe, and the lessons he learned about culture, community, and self-discovery. The conversation explores his transition from consulting to a more purpose-driven career, the importance of “disturbing the equilibrium,” and how mindfulness, resilience, and perspective shape meaningful growth. 

Ravi Ram is a leadership consultant who works with organizations around the world to build high-performing teams through executive coaching, strategy, and leadership development. A former consultant at McKinsey and executive at Springboard, he has worked across multiple continents and industries, helping leaders and organizations grow with purpose. He is also the host of Wandering with Ravi Ram, a podcast focused on learning, reflection, and the evolving journeys of its guests. 

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Dr. Stephen Dahmer—Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona—about the role of curiosity, global experience, and interdisciplinary thinking in shaping modern healthcare. Dr. Dahmer reflects on his journey from medical school to integrative medicine, including formative experiences as a medical interpreter and time spent living in Brazil. Throughout the conversation, he explores the principles of integrative medicine, emphasizing whole-person care, prevention, patient partnership, and the importance of understanding the cultural and personal context behind every patient’s health. 

Dr. Dahmer is a physician, researcher, and educator dedicated to advancing evidence-based integrative medicine. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and fellowship-trained at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, he is triple board-certified in Family, Integrative, and Lifestyle Medicine. His career has included academic and clinical roles at institutions such as Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the University of Arizona, and his work continues to shape new approaches to compassionate, patient-centered care. 

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Terry J. Lundgren, former Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc. and namesake of the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing at the University of Arizona. Terry reflects on his journey from a struggling undergraduate student to a leader in the global retail industry, emphasizing the importance of mindset, resilience, and taking advantage of opportunities. The conversation explores his leadership philosophy, the value of mentorship and cultural fit in organizations, and how adaptability shaped his approach to navigating major industry challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis. He also shares insights on the future of retail and the evolving role of artificial intelligence. 

Terry J. Lundgren is a renowned retail executive who served as Chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc., where he led one of the largest retail organizations in the world. A University of Arizona alumnus, he has remained deeply committed to education and community impact, founding the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing to support the next generation of business leaders. 

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Ben Driggs, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Honeywell Aerospace and the 2026 Alumnus of the Year for the W.A. Franke Honors College. Ben reflects on his time as a Flinn Scholar and student body president at the University of Arizona, the curiosity that shaped his career, and how experiences living abroad and working across disciplines influenced his path from consulting to aerospace leadership. 

Benjamin Driggs oversees enterprise strategy, mergers and acquisitions, venture investments, and commercial functions at Honeywell Aerospace. A graduate of the University of Arizona Honors College and a Swanson Scholar at Oxford University, he has held executive leadership roles across four continents and remains deeply committed to mentorship, education, and expanding opportunities for Honors College students.

In celebration of the Big 12 Conference Regular Season Championship secured by Arizona Wildcats men's basketball with a 73–57 victory over Iowa State Cyclones men's basketball, we are proud to share this special encore release of our conversation with University of Arizona Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois.

In this episode, Dean Pollard sits down with Reed-Francois for a timely and inspiring discussion about what it truly means to build a championship culture—one that fuels success on the court while shaping leaders for life. As Arizona celebrates its conference title in its inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference, this conversation feels especially relevant, highlighting the intentional leadership, vision, and resilience required to compete at the highest level.

A proud University of Arizona alumna and former student-athlete, Reed-Francois reflects on her journey from rowing at UCLA to her impactful years at the U of A Law School in the ’90s, and ultimately to leading Arizona Athletics. With vivid sports analogies and stories from across her career—including addressing incoming first-year students alongside Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita—she illustrates how athletics and academics intersect to create cohesive, high-performing teams.

As the only woman athletic director in the Big 12, Reed-Francois offers powerful insights on leadership, innovation, and preparing student-athletes for success beyond sports. This encore release celebrates not only a championship season, but the culture and commitment that made it possible.

In this episode of It’s an Honor, Dr. Pollard speaks with Alison Flynn Gaffney, CEO of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South, about leadership in healthcare, service-driven decision-making, and the power of evolving one’s path. Alison reflects on her undergraduate path to a career in healthcare, the importance of “service above self,” and how her philosophy of leadership has changed over time. The conversation explores women in leadership, honest communication, community-centered care, and the role of artificial intelligence in strengthening—not replacing—human connection. The episode concludes with a personal reflection on curiosity, resilience, and the experiences that continue to shape her perspective. 

With more than three decades of experience in healthcare leadership, Alison has held senior executive roles across academic medical centers and national organizations, guiding large-scale system growth, operational transformation, and innovation. Her work has earned national recognition for advancing patient-centered care, strengthening organizational culture, and developing high-performing, mission-driven teams. 

In this episode, Dr. Pollard speaks with Dr. Patricia A. Prelock, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at the University of Arizona, about the personal experiences and intellectual passions that shaped her career as a scientist, clinician, and academic leader. From a formative seventh-grade science fair inspired by her brother with Down syndrome to her internationally recognized work in autism and speech-language pathology, Dr. Prelock reflects on the importance of communication, perspective-taking, and service. The conversation explores leadership, resilience, the future role of artificial intelligence in autism research, and how listening deeply has guided her journey to the University of Arizona.

Dr. Prelock is an internationally recognized scholar in autism, interprofessional education, and family-centered care. She has authored over 220 publications, delivered more than 600 invited presentations, and secured over $25 million in research funding. Prior to joining the University of Arizona, she served as Interim President at the University of Vermont and held multiple senior leadership roles in higher education.