Tippie Leads with Nick Westergaard

Vision without action is just a dream. Here's how to build the daily habits that turn where you want to go into where you actually end up. In this episode, we'll hear from Tippie's Rob Rouwenhorst, an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Marketing Department specializing in behavioral science. Rob has advised organizations like General Motors, HON, and Transamerica — but what he's most passionate about is helping people become better versions of themselves through the power of habits.

Later in the show, we'll hear from Tippie student Charlie Maxwell, whose Story Lab story is a lesson in what happens when you skip the prep — and what that taught him about planning, habits, and showing up ready.

And finally, we'll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To be the CEO of your life, you have to know where you're taking it. What is your vision — and how do you build one worth following? In our season four premiere, we'll hear from Tippie's Amy Colbert, a Professor of Management & Entrepreneurship and University of Iowa Distinguished Chair. Amy's research explores how people connect with their work in ways that motivate and sustain them, and what it takes to lead effectively. She's also deeply interested in identity transitions — the subject of her own Substack, Who Am I Now? 

Later in the show, we'll hear from Tippie student Michael Mannion, whose Story Lab story explores what happens when life doesn't go according to plan — and what it means to redefine your vision and start again with greater clarity and purpose.

And finally, we'll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we gear up for the March 25th premiere of the new season focused on being the CEO of your life, we are looking at the systems that turn intentions into action. We often think of leadership as a matter of willpower, but behavioral science suggests that our environment often plays a bigger role in our success than our resolve. How can a leader engineer their surroundings to make peak performance the path of least resistance?

In this preview of the upcoming season, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Rob Rouwenhorst, an expert in behavioral science and habit formation. Rob breaks down why the most effective “CEOs” stop relying on discipline alone and start designing environments that eliminate decision fatigue. It’s a masterclass in how small, systemic shifts in your daily environment can create the space for high-impact leadership.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we gear up for the March 25th premiere of the new season focused on being the CEO of your life, we wanted to give you a little sneak peek. Identity is at the core of that leadership — shaping our decisions, our goals, and how we show up in the world. But what happens when that identity is challenged by circumstances we didn't choose?

In this preview of the upcoming season, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Amy Colbert, whose research and personal experience focus on how individuals navigate identity transitions and vision casting. Amy shares her own journey of leading through a life-altering diagnosis, illustrating how we can stay in the driver’s seat of our own lives by anchoring our vision in core values rather than fixed roles.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Introducing Season 4 of Tippie Leads—stories from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business that will change the way you work and lead. Each season explores a “grand challenge” in today’s evolving world of work.

This season, we’re taking on the challenge of self-leadership with a simple but powerful framework: “Be the CEO of Your Life.” We’re taking the high-level principles we teach in business—strategy, governance, and portfolio management—and applying them to how we lead ourselves. Through faculty research, student and alumni stories, and actionable insights, we’ll explore how to build a personal board of directors, manage your life like a diversified portfolio, and sharpen your human judgment in the age of AI.

Plus, for the first time, you can watch these conversations as well as listen, with video episodes available on both Spotify and YouTube.

To get you ready, we’re dropping two special bonus episodes featuring listener-favorite TIP(pie)s from past seasons. Then, Season 4 launches March 25th, with new episodes every Wednesday after that.

Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special bonus episode of Tippie Leads, we take a closer look at practical strategies for using artificial intelligence responsibly in business. Drawing from the “Future of AI: Ethics, Insights, and Real-World Impact” webinar, Tippie experts Pat Johanns, Emily Campion, and Patrick Fan share actionable frameworks for applying AI ethically, enhancing decision-making, and improving everyday workflows as we head into the new year. Whether you’re a leader, manager, student, or lifelong learner, this episode offers clear guidance on navigating the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

Just in time for the holidays and the year ahead, this bonus episode distills key insights from our season-long exploration of AI on the Tippie Leads podcast. Tune in to hear thought-provoking discussion and practical takeaways that can be applied immediately in your organization or career, all delivered in an engaging, accessible conversation straight from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business.

Learn more about our upcoming Lunch & Learn webinars.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just shaping work and learning — it’s shaping how we care for ourselves and each other. From personal projects to student initiatives, AI can help support well-being, but human judgment and empathy remain essential.

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Patrick Fan and his son Winston, who share a personal project using AI to support teen mental health. Later in the show, Tippie alum Patrick Fornatto shares his Story Lab story about his own journey with mental health and his involvement with Tippie Thrive, a student-led initiative promoting emotional and mental wellness. Patrick’s story highlights the power of combining technology with human care and community.

And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

Learn more:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artificial intelligence isn’t just shaping what we click on — it’s shaping how we work, learn, and make decisions. From classrooms to boardrooms, AI is influencing collaboration, creativity, and even communication. But how can we harness its potential without losing the human element that drives innovation?

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Kang Zhao, whose research focuses on predictive modeling, data science, and social/business networks. He shares insights on how AI can help organizations anticipate outcomes and make smarter decisions. Later in the show, we’ll hear from Tippie student Caroline Goshgarian, whose Story Lab story reminds us that even as we look ahead, staying grounded in the present is just as important. Caroline’s story is a reflection on beginnings, observation, and finding balance while navigating new experiences.

And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

Learn more:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we experience social media — from what we see in our feeds to how marketers create content. But with this power comes new questions: how does AI influence what we consume, and how can marketers use it responsibly to engage audiences without creating bias or overwhelm?

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Soogand Alavi, whose research focuses on emerging technologies, social media, and AI in marketing strategy. She shares insights on how AI is transforming the social media landscape and what it means for both users and brands. Later in the show, we’ll hear from Tippie alum Matt Cardoni, who brings perspectives from the digital marketing trenches, illustrating how marketers are adapting to AI-driven change.

And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

Learn more:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artificial intelligence is transforming investing and financial decision-making — but can it really outperform human experts? AI promises faster insights and smarter predictions, but the markets are complex, unpredictable, and driven by human behavior.

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Ashish Tiwari, who studies how AI is entering the world of investing and what it can — and can’t — do when it comes to beating the market. He’ll share insights on the potential and the limitations of AI in finance.

Later in the show, Tippie alum Ibn Abney shares his story of navigating career and life decisions during COVID-19 — showing how human judgment and adaptability matter even when predictive tools are available.

And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

Learn more:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.