In this episode of Momentum, host Torlando Hakes talks with Kelley School alum Chris Stoker about his incredible journey building Adranos, a groundbreaking rocket fuel company. Chris shares how his unique JD/MBA background provided essential skills for navigating the complexities of a high-tech startup, from crucial legal work to financial modeling.

Discover the real story behind fundraising, including how Chris and his co-founder secured early capital through pitch competitions and later attracted millions in private and government investment, eventually leading to an acquisition by leading defense tech company Anduril Industries. 

Chris opens up about the intense pressure and constant crises faced while scaling a defense tech venture, and the critical importance of building a network and reputation based on reliability and results.

Learn about the challenges of transitioning during a major company acquisition and Chris's post-exit life lessons, including his ultimate advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Don't be afraid”. Tune in for an honest look at the grit, strategy, and perseverance required to build and successfully exit a technology startup.  

Tired of leadership formulas and quick fixes that fall flat in the real world? In this episode of Momentum: The Kelley School Management & Entrepreneurship Podcast, host Torlando Hakes sits down with Professor Ernest O'Boyle, Dale Coleman Chair of Management at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

They dive deep into the complexities of effective leadership and management, exploring why popular advice often fails. Discover the critical difference between leadership knowledge and practiced leadership skill, and why many teams might be “over-led but under-managed.”

Professor O'Boyle sheds light on the “dark side” of leadership, discussing traits like narcissism and Machiavellianism, and how understanding these aspects is crucial. Learn about the power of evidence-based management for diagnosing employee performance issues (moving beyond labels like “need machine”) and strategies for navigating workplace conflict effectively.

Explore the impact of System 1 (instinctive) vs. System 2 (deliberate) thinking in high-pressure leadership moments and why true leadership development involves adaptability and continuous learning, not just mimicry. Professor O'Boyle explains why leadership is less about guaranteed success and more about improving your odds – aiming for the “52/48 edge.”

This conversation is essential listening for current and aspiring leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to improve their management effectiveness and decision-making skills based on research and real-world application from the Kelley School of Business.

Keywords: Leadership, Management, Entrepreneurship, Ernest O'Boyle, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Leadership Skills, Leadership Knowledge, Evidence-Based Leadership, Evidence-Based Management, Dark Side of Leadership, Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Managing Employees, Employee Performance, Conflict Resolution, System 1 Thinking, System 2 Thinking, Decision Making, Leadership Development, Over-Led Under-Managed, Torlando Hakes, Momentum Podcast.

Are you tired of leadership advice that doesn't work in the real world? Do you want to unlock the secrets to building a team that's not just productive, but truly engaged? What if you could transform your leadership style to inspire peak performance and create a workplace people love? Then this episode of Momentum is for you.

What does it take to be a great leader in today's dynamic business environment? Host Torlando Hakes dives deep into leadership development with expert Cristiano Guarana, a leadership researcher and professor at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. They explore common leadership mistakes that derail even the most well-intentioned managers, and how to cultivate effective leadership behaviors that drive success. Learn how to build high-performing teams by understanding the crucial shift from individual contributor to collaborative leader, a challenge many new leaders face.

Discover actionable strategies to understand employee motivation (including the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness), foster open communication, and create a positive team culture that attracts and retains top talent. This episode provides practical insights for leaders at all levels, from those new to management to experienced executives seeking to refine their approach. Learn to move beyond simply managing tasks to truly leading people.

Are you a current business student or a recent graduate with an entrepreneurial spirit? Are you a young professional eager to break free from the corporate grind and start your own venture? If so, this episode is for you!

Join us as we sit down with Professor Greg Fisher, author of the new book "The Principles of Entrepreneurial Progress: How to Create and Sustain Momentum When Launching a Startup."

In this episode, host Torlando Hakes explores the key principles outlined in Greg's book, including the importance of identifying a problem worth solving, exploring potential solutions, building a prototype, and experimenting and iterating based on customer feedback.

We'll also discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and how to navigate the ups and downs of starting a new business.

Whether you're just starting to explore your entrepreneurial dreams or you're already in the thick of launching your startup, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.

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This episode is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning more about what it takes to launch a successful startup.