In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Aiello ’18, a Psychology graduate who built a global HR career with ExxonMobil, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and now the The Lego Group, where he serves as a People Operations Business Partner. Ryan explains what that role actually entails, explains what Human Resources is and the many different roles available in the field, and shares what it’s like to support employees inside large, complex organizations.

Ryan speaks candidly about navigating his first years after college—why it’s okay to take a timeout if you realize you’re on the wrong path, and why making a decision (even the wrong one) beats standing still in indecision. He emphasizes the power of networking, talking to professionals in your field, gaining experience early, and intentionally building your personal brand.

He closes with behind-the-scenes recruiter advice for standing out in today’s competitive job market (such as applying early!), while offering practical strategies students can use right now. Whether you’re exploring HR or simply trying to chart your own career path, this conversation delivers honest insight and actionable guidance.

What does it take to build a meaningful, lasting career rooted in service? In this episode, Scott Schanhofer ’88 shares how he turned his background in psychology and education into a purpose-driven leadership journey in the nonprofit sector. He reflects on what he has learned about himself and others through decades of community work, how he advanced through multiple roles over time, and why being willing to try new things, and even fail, proved essential to his growth.

Scott also discusses how college athletics prepared him for the workforce, how he applies his liberal arts education every day, and why learning should never stop after graduation. His practical advice on career success, resilience, and embracing the college experience offers valuable insight for students and professionals alike.

What’s it really like to work behind the scenes in theater? In part two of our interview, Scenic Designer Em Allen ’16 gives us an inside look at a creative career where no two days are the same.

From building emotionally rich sets to navigating the freelance world, Em shares how networking, kindness, and a deep understanding of every role in a production are essential for success. We talk about how finding work as a contractor, the step-by-step process of starting a new show, and why understanding the full picture of a theater production is just as important as mastering your own craft.

Visit Em online at

https://www.emallendesign.com/ 

What does it take to bring a stage to life—and make it feel real to an audience? In this part one of this two-part interview, we sit down with Em Allen ’16, to explore the world of scenic design and how their background in both theatre arts and psychology uniquely shapes their work.

Em shares how Lawrence fostered not just technical expertise, but a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives—skills that now inform everything from designing emotionally resonant sets to navigating collaborative creative teams. We talk about the value of learning by doing, why Em recommends gaining hands-on experience before jumping into grad school, and the crucial difference between working as a theater contractor versus a theater employee.

Whether you're curious about careers in the arts, the power of design, or how a liberal arts education translates into the real world, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration. Don’t miss it!

Visit Em online at

https://www.emallendesign.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Navis ’03, Circuit Court Commissioner in Wisconsin, to trace his journey from Lawrence University to a career spanning private practice and public service.

Peter explains why “I want to help people” isn’t enough of a reason to pursue law, reflects on how his liberal arts education prepared him to navigate complex legal and ethical questions, and describes what drew him into public service.

He gives a behind-the-scenes look at the role of a Court Commissioner, illustrates how fairness and integrity shape his courtroom, and considers how the judiciary can rebuild public trust in an era of institutional skepticism.

For students and young professionals, he closes with candid advice on pursuing law and public service with purpose and principle.

This interview was recorded in June 2025.

In this episode, we sit down with Trace Hybertson ‘19. Trace majored in Math-Computer Science and was President of Fiddlers of Lawrence University. Upon graduation, he took a Software Engineer position at FIS in Milwaukee and today is a Software Engineer at OptTek Systems in Boulder, CO.

Trace shares the wide-ranging opportunities in the IT world—many of which, extend far beyond traditional tech companies, explains how his liberal arts education laid a strong foundation for his career, and discusses how embracing curiosity and saying “yes” has opened unexpected doors along the way.

We also dive into the transformative impact of AI on software development, and how his passion for music complements his work in tech.

Hit play for insights on adaptability, creativity, and finding harmony between code and chords.

Visit Trace online at https://www.traceandbaerd.com/

Trace and Baerd on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5emuzvHKFoaNJICOyfDSEa

Allison Boshell ’21 majored in English and Studio Art at Lawrence, worked in the Communications Office and was the curator at the Rabbit Gallery during her time at LU. In 2022, she earned her real estate license and is now a real estate broker and Homebuyer Specialist with the Welter Group, with Keller William Success Realty in Barrington, IL. 

Allison shares why she decided to pursue a career in real estate, how both her Lawrence majors help make her successful realtor, and how working in real estate is about more than just properties, it’s about people, and guiding them through some of life’s biggest transitions. 

Visit Allison online at:

https://www.instagram.com/allisonboshellrealtor/

⁠https://weltergroupre.com/⁠

https://weltergroupre.com/communication-is-key/

We sit down with Matt Murphy, a Lawrence University Class of 2006 graduate with a unique journey from the stage to the corporate world. With degrees in Theatre and Vocal Performance, Matt spent six years as a professional actor and theater producer before transitioning to the legal industry.

Now the Associate Director of the Operations Group at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in New York City, he shares how his background in acting made him a stronger leader and why success in theater requires relentless discipline.

Matt opens up about finding balance between what theater takes out of you and what it gives back, how he carved out his first corporate role, and his thoughts on the future of the legal field. He also offers valuable insights for pre-law students on how to prepare for law school, the importance of building connections with alumni, and his #1 piece of advice for current students.

Whether you’re interested in the arts, law, or career transitions, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford ’13 earned his degree in

Upon graduation, Jake was hired on as the Assistant to the President under former President Burstein, a position he held until 2020 when he was elected Mayor of Appleton. 

In the second part of our two-part interview, we discuss Jake’s campaign for mayor, what it was like to take office right after COVID-19 struck, how he serves the Appleton community as Mayor and why he loves it, and what LU students should be doing now to prepare for a successful

https://www.appletonwi.gov/government/mayor/index.php

Part 1 of this interview was episode 35 in this series.

Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford ’13 earned his degree in

Upon graduation, Jake was hired on as the Assistant to the President under former President Burstein, a position he held until 2020 when he was elected Mayor of Appleton. 

In the first part of our two-part interview, we discuss Jake’s time at Lawrence and how his experiences here helped prepare him for a career in public service, the decision-making process he went through when deciding to run for office, his campaign for mayor and his perspective on the current state of political discourse and possible ways to address it.

⁠https://www.appletonwi.gov/government/mayor/index.php