VSB Inspiring Minds Podcast

How can students and professionals keep pace with a workplace that’s evolving faster than ever? In this episode, Wen Mao, PhD, The Helen and William O'Toole Dean of the Villanova School of Business, joins Senior Associate Dean Jonathan Doh, PhD, for a timely conversation on the future of work. Together, they explore the forces reshaping today’s professional landscape—from emerging technologies to shifting skill demands—and share practical insights on how to adapt and stay competitive. They also highlight how VSB is preparing students to thrive amid constant change. Whether you’re a student, alumnus, or employer, this episode offers valuable perspective on navigating what’s next.

What happens when artificial intelligence moves beyond generating content and begins acting independently to complete tasks? In this episode, Nitin Joglekar, PhD, explores the rapidly emerging field of agentic AI and its implications for the workplace. Drawing on ongoing research and collaborations with faculty and students at the Villanova School of Business, Dr. Joglekar discusses how agentic AI systems could transform how organizations operate—from decision-making and workflow management to innovation and productivity. At the same time, he examines the important ethical and societal questions these technologies raise: How much autonomy should AI systems have? What guardrails are needed to ensure responsible use? And how should business leaders prepare for these changes?

Can good intentions alone close the gender pay gap? In this episode, David Anderson, PhD, associate professor of Economics, joins host Jonathan Doh, PhD, for a thoughtful conversation on how data analytics can reveal — and help fix — one of the workplace’s most persistent inequities. Dr. Anderson unpacks why some well-intentioned strategies for pay equity often fall short and how a more mathematical, evidence-based approach can lead to meaningful progress. Discover how data analysis can inform better policy, improve organizational practices, and ultimately advance equity in the modern workplace.

What happens when brands take a stand? In this episode, Professor Beth Vallen, PhD, and Tyler Milfeld, PhD, explore the complexities of purpose marketing—when brands take a stand on social or political issues. Based on Dr. Milfeld’s research, they discuss the unique challenges emerging brands face when they engage in purpose-driven marketing, why established brands often get more leeway and how consumers respond differently to activist messaging from established versus emerging brands. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the psychology behind brand activism and what it means for marketers trying to balance purpose and profit.

Is the “glass cliff” a myth? New research by Associate Professor Xiaoxiao Li, PhD, and Olivia Pfeiffer ’22 CLAS says yes. Listen as they dive into their groundbreaking findings that challenge the “glass cliff” phenomenon—the idea that women are more likely than men to be appointed to leadership roles in organizations facing crisis or decline. Their discussion unpacks the complexities of leadership selection, organizational context, and the persistence of assumptions in management which have important implications for both policymakers and executive leadership teams.

Associate Professor Xiaoxiao Li and VSB graduate Oliva Pfeiffer ('22) discuss their research on "the glass cliff." Their findings challenge the concept that women are more likely to be appointed to precarious leadership positions at struggling companies.

Dr. Beth Vallen sits down with Dr. Tyler Milfeld for a conversation about "purpose marketing." They discuss Dr. Milfeld's research on the difference in consumer responses to activist messaging by established brands, and the difficulties emerging brands face as they engage in purpose marketing.

Professor David Anderson discusses his work on the gender pay gap, and how data analytics can be used to address this entrenched challenge. He explores some of the intuitive ways companies attempt to close pay gaps - and what a better, mathematical approach may be.

Can the private sector alone tackle climate change? No, says Dr. Jonathan Doh, associate dean of Research and Global Engagement at the Villanova School of Business, and the Herbert G. Rammrath Endowed Chair in International Business. It will take partnerships with governments and individuals, either personally or as a collective civil society. And all of us will need to both innovate and adapt to a changing world. In this episode of Inspiring Minds, Doh tells VSB student Alice Ke that each of us can make a difference in big and small ways.

In the first part of this conversation, Bernadette Goratowski talked with Dr. Steve Andriole, the Thomas G. Labrecque Endowed Chair in Business, about the role artificial intelligence could play in the business world. Here, they continue the conversation, discussing the future of professions like accounting, and how people should prepare for what’s to come.