LEAP Into Business

LEAP Into Business

By Lehman College School of BusinessBusiness
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LEAP Into Business episodes

  • Jennifer Dillon, CUNY Head of Talent, Innovation & Industry Partnerships

    For Season Two, Episode Four of LEAP into Business, hosts Lawrence Fauntleroy, Lehman Experiential Learning Director and Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein Smith speak with Jennifer Dillon, Head of Talent, Innovation & Industry Partnerships at CUNY, about her bold vision to embed career-connected learning across higher education. Jennifer shares how initiatives like the CUNY Inclusive Economy and Industry Support Hub are transforming workforce development and access to opportunity at scale. Drawing from her experience across nonprofit, culinary, and education sectors, Jennifer offers advice to students navigating today’s fast-changing job market. She challenges institutions to embrace change, equity, and discomfort as essential ingredients for innovation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on building inclusive pathways, leading through change, and designing a future-ready workforce, one partnership at a time. lehman.edu/business


    1 hr 6 min
  • Gregory Hernandez: Green Canvas Productions

    For Season 2, Episode 2 of LEAP into Business, hosts Lawrence Fauntleroy, Lehman Experiential Learning Director and Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein Smith are joined by Gregory Hernandez, a Bronx-born filmmaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Green Canvas Productions. Gregory shares his journey from picking up a camera in the Bronx to building a thriving creative ecosystem that includes a production company, a nonprofit cinema center, and a podcast. We discuss his award-winning documentary, 1.5 Million, the business side of filmmaking, and how he balances artistry with entrepreneurship.

    Gregory also discusses resilience, decision-making, and the future of storytelling in a rapidly changing media landscape. An inspiring episode for anyone interested in creativity, community, and carving your own path in film.lehman.edu/business


    49 min
  • Sean Stein Smith - Accounting, Blockchain and AI

    In this episode, Dr. Sean Stein-Smith, Associate Professor at CUNY Lehman College and one of the most influential voices in accounting, blockchain, and AI shares insights from his academic and industry experience, exploring how blockchain and AI intersect to reshape financial services, auditing, and compliance.

    We discuss the future of decentralized finance (DeFi), ethical challenges surrounding emerging technologies, and the growing talent gap in accounting and finance. Sean also shares practical advice for students and professionals looking to stay competitive as these technologies transform the industry. Tune in for a dynamic conversation at the intersection of accounting, tech, and the future of finance.

    46 min
  • Cristina Contreras, CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln

    On Episode 11 of LEAP into Business, we sit down with Cristina

    Contreras, a visionary healthcare leader and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. Cristina, a Lehman College alumna, shares her inspiring journey from caseworker to chief executive, offering insights on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving healthcare landscape. We explore the impact of technology in healthcare, the importance of balancing professionalism with empathy, and how fostering staff well-being leads to better patient outcomes. Cristina also reflects on her commitment to public service, her mentors, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. Tune in for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and making a lasting impact in healthcare and beyond.

    37 min
  • Lauren Andersen, University Associate Provost of Careers and Industry Partnerships at CUNY

    In episode ten of LEAP into Business, hosts Lawrence Fauntleroy, Lehman Experiential Learning Director and Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein Smith Sean Stein Smith speak with Lauren Andersen, University Associate Provost of Careers and Industry Partnerships at CUNY, about her mission to align education with workforce opportunities. Lauren shares insights from her work leading programs like the NYC Tech Talent Pipeline and CUNY 2x Tech, which have transformed tech education and career pathways for thousands of students. She discusses the challenges of building partnerships with industry giants like Google and Salesforce, the balance between student needs and employer demands, and what the true impact is beyond the numbers.

    ⁠https://www.lehman.edu/academics/business/⁠


    40 min
  • Aiysha (AJ) Johnson, CEO & Executive Director of NJCPA

    In episode nine of LEAP into Business, we sit down with Aiysha (AJ)

    Johnson, CEO and Executive Director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs,
    to explore her career journey and leadership insights. AJ shares how her
    education and experiences have shaped her success, strategies for
    ongoing self-development, and offers advice for students aspiring to
    lead. We dive into her vision for diversity and inclusion in the
    accounting profession, her thoughts on emerging trends in technology and
    policy, and the importance of teamwork and collaboration. AJ also
    reveals personal passions and lessons learned from unexpected career
    challenges, offering listeners a thoughtful and inspiring perspective on
    professional growth and leadership.
    Join hosts Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein
    Smith and Experiential Learned Director Lawrence Fauntleroy for a
    conversation filled with actionable insights and inspiring stories from
    one of the most influential leaders in the accounting industry.
    https://www.lehman.edu/academics/business/


    30 min
  • Nami Baral, Founder & CEO of Niural

    Recorded live at the 2nd Annial Digital Asset Conference at Lehman College (https://www.lehmandigital.org/conference2024.html), watch our chat with Nami Baral, Founder & CEO of Niural, a global payments and workforce management platform. A serial entrepreneur with two successful exits, Nami shares her journey building innovative companies, including Harvest, an AI-driven finance platform acquired by Acorns.

    We dive into her insights on AI’s impact in finance, and global business and her approach to angel investing. Nami also offers advice for young professionals navigating today’s tech-driven economy. An inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and the future of work.
    Hosted by Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein Smith and Experiential Learned Director Lawrence Fauntleroy.
    https://www.lehman.edu/academics/business/

    48 min
  • Calvin Harris Jr., CEO, New York State Society of CPAs

    In this episode of LEAP into Business, Calvin Harris Jr., CEO of the New

    York State Society of CPAs, shares his 30-year journey through roles
    from CFO to auditor. He offers advice on the essential skills and
    adaptability needed in today's accounting field, the impact of
    technology, and the value of exploring diverse sectors. Calvin also
    highlights the importance of mentorship and how to leverage internships
    and shares his strongest "business bone" and a surprising passion
    outside of work. Join us for insights from a leader dedicated to
    advancing the accounting profession.
    Hosted by Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein
    Smith and Experiential Learned Director Lawrence Fauntleroy.
    Lehman College: ⁠https://www.lehman.edu/⁠
    School of Business: ⁠https://www.lehman.edu/business/
    New York State Society of CPAs: https://www.nysscpa.org/


    41 min
  • Abby Jo Sigal, Executive Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development

    Abby Jo Sigal, Executive Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development, discusses the evolving NYC workforce, emerging industries, and strategies for talent development. She highlights the importance of public/private partnerships and

    community-based organizations and offers advice for recent graduates entering the job market.
    Hosted by Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein Smith and Experiential Learned Director Lawrence Fauntleroy.
    Lehman College: ⁠https://www.lehman.edu/⁠
    School of Business: ⁠https://www.lehman.edu/business/


    35 min
  • CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez

    On episode five of LEAP into Business, Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, the

    Chancellor of the City University of New York, shares how his education
    laid the foundation for his career. He highlights the complexity of
    overseeing 25 campuses and 225,000 students and discusses the importance
    of keeping pace with industry advancements to prepare students for the
    demands of an AI-driven landscape; all with a commitment to "always put
    students first."
    Hosted by Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein
    Smith and Experiential Learned Director Lawrence Fauntleroy.
    Lehman College: ⁠https://www.lehman.edu/⁠
    School of Business: ⁠https://www.lehman.edu/business/


    56 min

About LEAP Into Business

From the publisher's feed

A production of the Lehman College School of Business and the LEAP Program (Learn, Empower, Ascend, Progress). Join host Sean Stein Smith (Associate Professor, Accounting) and Provost Jorge…