The 1911 Group | SMU Stories

SMU Stories - Interview with Melissa Kalka: Navigating Law, Life, and Leadership

In this episode of SMU Stories, we sit down with Melissa Kalka, a prominent attorney and SMU alumna, to discuss her journey from law school to partner at Kirkland & Ellis. Melissa shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of a career in big law, balancing work with family life, and staying connected to the SMU community.

She also talks about her time at Southern Methodist University, how it shaped her career, and the role mentorship played in her success. This conversation is filled with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to make their mark in the legal world.

Tune in to hear Melissa’s inspiring story and learn from her experiences!

In this SMU Stories podcast conversation, we sit down with Alex Linn and Ryan Dalton, co-founders of Shipshape.ai, a company that uses artificial intelligence to help homeowners manage and maintain their homes more efficiently. Both Alex and Ryan, with backgrounds rooted in technology and innovation, share the vision behind Shipshape.ai, explaining how their platform optimizes home maintenance through AI-driven insights.

They discuss the challenges of founding a startup, their entrepreneurial journey, and how their time at SMU contributed to shaping their careers. Alex and Ryan delve into the company’s mission to simplify homeownership, touching on the technological solutions they’ve created to monitor systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure, providing homeowners with real-time diagnostics and action plans.

The conversation highlights the importance of sustainable, proactive home management, and how Shipshape.ai aims to improve the lives of homeowners by reducing unexpected repairs and extending the life of home systems. Alex and Ryan also reflect on the lessons learned from their SMU experience and how those have influenced their approach to business and leadership.

Welcome to The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast with Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron! Join former SMU quarterbacks Garrett and Kyle as they break down each week's game, offering insights from their own experiences on the field. In addition to game analysis, we’ll also bring you special episodes featuring interviews with past and present SMU players, sharing their stories and perspectives. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just love football, this podcast is your go-to source for all things SMU football. Pony Up!

In this episode of SMU Stories, we sit down with Norm Bagwell, Chairman and former CEO of Bank of Texas. Join us as Norm reflects on his journey from SMU to becoming a leader in the banking industry, sharing valuable insights on leadership, finance, and the power of relationships. With decades of experience and a strong connection to the SMU community, Norm offers a unique perspective on how his time at the university shaped his career.

Whether you're an aspiring business leader, an SMU alum, or someone interested in the banking world, this conversation is filled with wisdom and inspiration.

Subscribe to the channel for more stories from SMU alumni and business leaders who are making an impact!

SMU vs FSU Game Breakdown | Analysis by Garrett Gilbert & Kyle Padron

In this episode of The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast, former SMU quarterbacks Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron break down the highly anticipated SMU vs Florida State matchup! 🏈🔴🔵

Join the duo as they dive into key moments from the game, discuss standout performances, and analyze the offensive and defensive strategies that shaped the outcome. Whether you're a die-hard Mustang fan or just love college football, this in-depth breakdown will give you all the insights you need!

Subscribe for more SMU football content, and don’t miss our upcoming episodes where we cover all things SMU Mustangs!

#SMUFootball #FSUvsSMU #CollegeFootball #GarrettGilbert #KylePadron #QBChronicles #SMUMustangs

In this episode, we sit down with Craig James, a seasoned professional in business and real estate. With a dynamic career that spans both industries, Craig shares his unique insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of real estate. From his early days in business to his current ventures, Craig offers valuable lessons on growth, adaptability, and success. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, real estate enthusiast, or seasoned business leader, this conversation is packed with takeaways that will inspire and inform.

Tune in as we explore Craig’s journey and learn what it takes to thrive in business and real estate today!

Connect with Craig on LinkedIn:   / craigjames32  

Welcome to The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast with Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron! Join former SMU quarterbacks Garrett and Kyle as they break down each week's game, offering insights from their own experiences on the field. In addition to game analysis, we’ll also bring you special episodes featuring interviews with past and present SMU players, sharing their stories and perspectives. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just love football, this podcast is your go-to source for all things SMU football. Pony Up!

Welcome to The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast with Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron! Join former SMU quarterbacks Garrett and Kyle as they break down each week's game, offering insights from their own experiences on the field. In addition to game analysis, we’ll also bring you special episodes featuring interviews with past and present SMU players, sharing their stories and perspectives. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just love football, this podcast is your go-to source for all things SMU football. Pony Up!

Welcome to The QB Chronicles: An SMU Football Podcast with Garrett Gilbert and Kyle Padron! Join former SMU quarterbacks Garrett and Kyle as they break down each week's game, offering insights from their own experiences on the field. In addition to game analysis, we’ll also bring you special episodes featuring interviews with past and present SMU players, sharing their stories and perspectives. Whether you’re a die-hard Mustang fan or just love football, this podcast is your go-to source for all things SMU football. Pony Up!

In this episode of SMU Stories, we chat with Curtis Edenfield, SMU Class of 2009 graduate and co-founder/CEO of Thrive Aviation, a leading private jet company based in Henderson, Nevada. Curtis’s journey from SMU to becoming an entrepreneur in the aviation industry is a fascinating story of innovation, leadership, and ambition. We'll discuss his experiences at SMU, how they influenced his career trajectory, and the challenges and successes he's faced in building Thrive Aviation into a premier service provider. Whether you're passionate about aviation, entrepreneurship, or just love a good success story, this episode is sure to inspire and inform.