THE JUNGLE

A very special edition of The Jungle featuring Bronconess! Bronconess is a purpose-driven wine brand created and operated by Leadership and Business Strategy students at WMU. It is guided by our philosophy of “learning by doing.” 100% of profits go toward scholarships with over $35K raised since inception in 2019. On this episode, our LBS students launch the next evolution of Bronconess – the Bronconess Peach Bubbly in collaboration with St. Julian Winery. St. Julian is the oldest and largest winery in Michigan. Our LBS students, Tyler Earnst and Sylvan Benton, take a turn hosting the podcast by interviewing John Braganini, President of St. Julian, and Apollo Braganini, Vice President of Sales for St. Julian. We are so grateful for their partnership. To order Bronconess with a touchless experience, visit: https://www.bronconess.com/home. Stay tuned for Bronconess Peach Bubbly on shelves near you!

Recorded on November 18, 2020

This episode features a conversation with La June Montgomery Tabron – CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Based in Southwest Michigan, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the world. La June shares with us how the foundation has pivoted and innovated during the pandemic, the role business plays in solving social problems, and the conditions that facilitate greater opportunity and equity in business ownership.

Recorded on October 26, 2020

The pandemic is challenging our mental and physical health. At the same time, it is also disrupting established sectors like the fitness industry, raising questions about how a traditionally in-person experience translates online. Dean shares with us how he founded and grew a successful online fitness brand, how the pandemic is creating opportunity in the fitness space, and his advice on implementing an effective content strategy.

Recorded on October 20, 2020.

This episode features a conversation with Dan Jefferies – Founder and Co-owner – and Matt Vollmar – CEO and Co-owner – of Newmind Group. Newmind is a Kalamazoo based managed IT service company providing outsourced IT and strategic advice to small organizations. Newmind is engaging with our undergraduate program – Leadership and Business Strategy – on a semester long consulting project with 100 students in 10 teams to answer a growth question. Our project with Newmind looks to create a Big Win that benefits Newmind, creates a social impact, enhances our community, and provides amazing learning opportunities to our students. This episode was recorded live during our class session with 100 students tuning in! Stay tuned for some exciting outcomes of our work together!

Recorded on September 7, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Peter Jackson, CEO of Bluescape Software. Bluescape offers industry-leading technology to enable teams to collaborate. Bluescape is like an infinite virtual whiteboard that allows teams to collaborate and create by using drawings, sticky notes, files, and programs. Peter shares with us how to lead and collaborate at a distance, the future of the industry, and how organizations like Ford are increasingly using Bluescape to get work done.

Recorded on September 1, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Psyche Terry, Founder of UI Global Brands. Psyche has grown her socially-responsible skincare and haircare line, Urban Hydration, into a national brand in more than 7,000 retailers including CVS, Macy’s, Target and more. A proud graduate of the Haworth College of Business, Psyche shares about leading through the pandemic, changing consumer behavior, and the experience and opportunities of being a Black business owner.

Recorded on August 18, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Kathy Beauregard – Director of Athletics at Western Michigan University. On August 8th the Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced the postponement of all fall sports. We go behind the scenes of this decision, the implications, and the broader leadership and strategy dynamics confronting athletic directors.

Recorded on August 11, 2020.

This episode features a conversation with Tom Sweet, CFO of Dell Technologies. Tom helped Dell pull off one of the largest buyouts in history with the $67 billion acquisition of EMC. A great Bronco, Tom shares how Dell’s senior leadership team is navigating current events and his thoughts on the future of technology and business.

Recorded on June 15, 2020

This episode features a conversation with Larry Bell – Founder and President of Bell’s Brewery. Larry has helped pioneer the craft beer movement. Based in Kalamazoo, and 100% family owned and independent, Bell’s is now the seventh largest craft brewer in the United States. Larry shares how Bell’s is responding to the pandemic and issues of racial equity, his thoughts on the future of craft beer and innovation.

Recorded on June 10, 2020.

This episode was recorded on May 19, 2020 and features a conversation with Franco Bianchi - CEO of Haworth. Franco shares about leading Haworth through the pandemic, the transition back to the office, and his thoughts on the future of workplace design and furniture solutions.