What does it truly mean to lead with confidence, resilience, and purpose? In this episode of the Innovation Scholars Podcast, host Kaylee Anderson sits down with Dr. Lisa McCool, Program Director of Entrepreneurship and Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Charleston, to explore the power and impact of women in leadership.

Dr. McCool shares her personal journey into entrepreneurship and leadership, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the challenges she has navigated as a woman in academia and business. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, confidence, and risk-taking, especially for young women who aspire to step into leadership roles.

Together, they discuss how universities can foster innovative leadership, how gender perspectives shape the workplace, and what the future holds for women leading in entrepreneurship and beyond.

Whether you're a student, aspiring entrepreneur, or future leader, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom to help you lead boldly and authentically.

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

Season 2 Episode 2 (10th overall)

This week we welcome John Auge to the pod. John is the cofounder of Auge+Gray+Drake Collective Works in Charleston, WV. He has had a remarkable career journey in marketing and design, with projects such as the rebranding of Reagan National Airport to his credit. From working with a First Lady to a Powerball Jackpot winner, John has truly seen it all in the marketing world. We hope you enjoy his fascinating story! 

To learn more about John and his agency, visit agdcollective.com. 

To learn more about the UC Innovation Scholars and Innovation Center, visit ucwv.edu/innovation. 

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

Season 2, Episode 1 (9th Overall Episode)

In this episode, Dr. Travis Kahle sits down with 2024-25 Innovation Scholar President Kelton Boblits for a fascinating conversation about innovation in music, economic growth in West Virginia, and Kelton's experience in the Innovation Scholar program. 

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

In this episode, we sit down with special guest Lisa Smith, co-founder of Mountain Juice Company.  Lisa, along with co-founder and sister-in-law Amy Smith, discovered the benefits of raw, naturally pressed juice when Amy was recovering from breast cancer in 2013.  Lisa also provides insight about how vital community involvement is for the success of their business, and future plans to expand into other product lines in the coming year.  

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

In this episode, entrepreneur Gabe Azzato joins the podcast to discuss his experience taking control of his family's business, Silver Coast Winery.  Gabe also elaborates on how his past experience, combined with his upbringing, have impacted his career and vision for the future of the winery.  Silver Coast Winery is located in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, and has several storefronts around southeastern North Carolina. 

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

When you hear the word "innovation", what comes to mind? Is it the newest smartphone or self-driving car? Is it a successful entrepreneur or a team of engineers sitting around a table, having a lively discussion about a new product design? Does anything come to mind? For many people, innovation has become an empty, overused word that gets attached to projects for no reason but to create buzz. In this episode, Dr. Terry Cyfers and Dr. Travis Kahle continue to discuss the true meaning of innovation and whether innovation has a meaningful place in today's society.  

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

When you hear the word "innovation," what comes to mind? Is it the newest smartphone or self-driving car? Is it a successful entrepreneur or a team of engineers sitting around a table, having a lively discussion about a new product design? Does anything come to mind? For many people, innovation has become an empty, overused word that gets attached to projects for no reason but to create buzz. In this episode, Dr. Terry Cyfers and Dr. Travis Kahle discuss the true meaning of innovation and whether innovation has a meaningful place in today's society.  

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

In this episode, we sit down with special guest Whitney Hunt, owner and operator of Moldavite Marketing.  While pursuing a Political Science degree from the University of Charleston (WV), Whitney became interested in marketing through her experience in the Innovation Scholar program. She turned that interest into a successful marketing venture following graduation, even though she initially came to UC for a completely different reason.   

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

In this episode, we sit down with University of Charleston (WV) men's head baseball coach, Robbie Britt, to discuss how his team has taken advantage of the emerging innovations within the game. Coach Britt also discusses his leadership company, Culture House, and how he intertwines the two to create opportunities and strategies for achieving success on and off the field. 

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation

In this episode, we sit down with special guest Jim Strawn of Jim Strawn & Company to discuss how he has stayed relevant throughout his 30+ years in the marketing field.  Jim details how staying connected through strong networking and active community involvement have solidified his success. 

Connect with the Innovation Scholars on the web and on social media!

Website: https://www.ucwv.edu/innovation/center/innovation-scholars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCInnovationScholars

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/university-of-charleston-innovation-scholars/

Instagram: @ucwv_innovation