In this episode of the Leader Lounge, Sarah Finnegan joins Amy Taylor‑Bianco and Nick Winnenberg for a candid, thoughtful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the relationships that shape our careers.

From her early experiences at Ohio University to her leadership journey at AT&T, Sarah reflects on the people who took chances on her—and how she’s paying that forward through mentorship, advocacy, and building what she calls a “girl gang.” The conversation explores the difference between mentoring, coaching, and advocacy; why peer mentors matter just as much as senior leaders; and how showing up with the right attitude can open doors even when you don’t check every box.

Sarah also shares deeply personal insights on kindness, inclusion, and raising confident, compassionate leaders in a complicated world—both at work and at home. Whether you’re a student, early-career professional, or seasoned leader, this episode offers practical wisdom on building meaningful networks, embracing stretch opportunities, and lifting others as you rise.

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, hosts Amy and Nick engage with Emily McGill, an HR expert and board member, discussing her journey from studying fashion to thriving in human resources. Emily shares insights on the importance of mentorship, networking, and getting involved in various opportunities throughout one's career. The conversation explores the differences between structured and informal mentorship programs, the value of coaching, and how to find mentors in today's digital age. Emily emphasizes the significance of building relationships and being proactive in seeking guidance to navigate career transitions effectively.

In this episode of the Leader Lounge podcast, Amy Taylor-Bianco and Tom Ferguson discuss the importance of mentorship in personal and professional development. Tom shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in the business world, emphasizing the role of curiosity, humility, and the organic nature of mentorship relationships. They explore how to find mentors, the dynamics of mentor-mentee relationships, and the significance of storytelling in mentorship. The conversation also touches on the challenges of assigned mentorships, the value of mentoring circles, and the importance of creating a mentorship culture within organizations. Tom concludes by discussing his future plans to give back and support students in their mentorship journeys.

This conversation delves into the multifaceted world of mentorship, exploring its significance, research insights, and successful programs. Dwan Robinson shares her expertise on creating effective mentorship frameworks, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community. The discussion highlights the art and science of mentorship, showcasing how diverse approaches can cater to different needs and experiences.

This episode features an interview with Nate Schisler, founder and CEO of recommerce company Maven Circular. Nate shares his upbringing in rural Southeast Ohio and how experiences like working in his family's firewood business instilled a strong work ethic. He discusses his career progression in logistics and supply chain management, including formative roles with companies like Lululemon. Nate also reflects on lessons learned about understanding work from all levels of an organization and how that influences his leadership approach today as an entrepreneur in the growing recommerce industry.

For more information about the Ohio University MSM Program, click this link!

Check out the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership program here.

OnBrand Podcast Studios produced this episode. Special thanks to Audio Engineer Alex Winnenberg, Producer Nick Winnenberg, and Marketing Specialist Cori Stokes.

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This episode features Eli Flournoy sharing his leadership journey from a 25-year career at CNN to his current work supporting local news organizations. Listeners will learn about the mentoring culture at CNN that drove their success in international news coverage. Eli also discusses the impact of technology on news consumption and the spread of misinformation, and how focusing on local news can help address these issues by empowering communities. Leadership principles of building diverse teams and a servant leadership approach are also explored.

For more information about the Ohio University MSM Program, click this link!

Check out the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership program here.

OnBrand Podcast Studios produced this episode. Special thanks to Audio Engineer Alex Winnenberg, Producer Nick Winnenberg, and Marketing Specialist Cori Stokes.

To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, click here.

This episode of the Leader Lounge features an interview with Ohio University football star and MSM student Kurt Danneker. Dr. Amy Taylor and Nick Winnenberg discuss Kurt's journey from high school recruit to college standout, and how he has managed to excel both on the football field and in the classroom, pursuing multiple degrees. Kurt shares insights into how he approaches leadership differently on the field versus in academic settings. He also reflects on how his views on leadership have evolved, and how the MSM program has helped shape his leadership philosophy. An inspiring story of achievement through passion, hard work and continual personal growth.

For more information about the Ohio University MSM Program, click this link!

Check out the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership program here.

OnBrand Podcast Studios produced this episode. Special thanks to Audio Engineer Alex Winnenberg, Producer Nick Winnenberg, and Marketing Specialist Cori Stokes.

To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, click here.

In this episode of the Leader Lounge, hosts Dr. Amy Taylor and Nick Winnenberg sit down with Betsy Lancaster to discuss the impactful legacy of her late husband Ray and the Lancaster Speaker Series at Ohio University. Betsy shares her love story meeting Ray on campus in the 1960s and the changes she's witnessed over the decades. She describes Ray's inspiration for starting the speaker series after being inspired by an impactful speaker as a student. Betsy also offers insights into Ray's exemplary leadership and lessons he instilled in their three daughters. The hosts discuss the goals of exposing students to dynamic professionals and expanding their networks through the Lancaster Speaker Series.

For more information about the Ohio University MSM Program, click this link!

Check out the Robert D. Walter Center for Strategic Leadership program here.

OnBrand Podcast Studios produced this episode. Special thanks to Audio Engineer Alex Winnenberg, Producer Nick Winnenberg, and Marketing Specialist Cori Stokes.

To subscribe to our monthly newsletter, click here.