Do you ever feel like the pressure to succeed is outpacing your current leadership skills? It is common to feel overwhelmed when you are chasing career growth while simultaneously trying to master the daily demands of a complex role. You might worry that your existing management skills are not enough to navigate the high stakes of today's fast-paced business environment.

You can absolutely navigate this complexity with confidence and clarity. In this episode, I sit down with Katie Smigelski, Owen Vanderbilt MBA 2020, to discuss her fascinating journey from management consulting at BCG to leading major initiatives at Delta Airlines. We explore how she successfully transitioned into corporate strategy and managed a massive digital transformation. Katie reveals exactly how she aligns her daily work with the broader business strategy without losing sight of the critical details.

We dive deep into the reality of strategic leadership and what it truly takes to lead effectively from the middle. Katie shares her personal frameworks for tough decision-making when information is incomplete or constantly changing. You will learn how to balance the need for operational efficiency with high-level strategic thinking so you can drive results that actually impact the bottom line.

Leading a team brings its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. We talk about the nuances of team management and how to navigate shifting team dynamics with empathy and precision. Katie also emphasizes the critical role of mentorship in her success and explains how she uses intentional goal setting to keep her team focused and inspired.

This conversation eventually turns to her current passion for leading loyalty programs and driving engagement. We discuss what it really takes to elevate the customer experience in a competitive market like the airline industry. This episode is packed with actionable insights that will change the way you approach your own leadership journey.

This is leadership with intention, reflection, and heart. Listen in! Remember to subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Learn more about us: https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

When the corporate ladder feels secure but the soul craves impact, the career transition to building a business becomes more than a decision, it becomes a calling. However, answering that call requires more than just a leap of faith. True startup success is born in the unexpected turns defined by calculated risks, extensive market research, and the courage to launch a startup that brings something new to the world.

These moments not only challenge your professional identity but also sharpen your vision, revealing how you can translate corporate skills into a venture that truly matters.

In this episode, host Maree Smith sits down with Vanderbilt Owen MBA 2014 alum Clara Belden to discuss her unique entrepreneurship journey. Her founder story spans from competitive equestrian to brand management at Mars Petcare and now the female founder of The Happy Hour, a mental wellness studio designed to make therapy as accessible as walking into a nail salon. Clara shares how she leveraged her background to create a solid business plan and navigate a complex business launch, handling everything from finding the perfect real estate to opening during pandemic restrictions.

This conversation explores the gritty reality of leaving corporate and the anxiety of quitting your job. Clara opens up about the struggle with imposter syndrome, the necessity of resilience, and how she used data to validate her startup strategy before opening her doors.

You will also hear how Clara prioritizes soft skills over resume statistics when hiring and how she models authentic leadership to build a connected, motivated team. Her story offers a blueprint for every aspiring founder looking to learn how to build a startup that bridges the gap between business strategy and human connection.

This is leadership with intention, reflection, and heart. Listen in! Remember to subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Learn more about us: https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

When a linear career path falls apart, what comes next can define your leadership more than the title ever did.

It’s in the unexpected turns: the pivots, pauses, and pressure points where leadership is truly tested. These moments not only challenge your strategy, but also sharpen your self-awareness, revealing how you show up when things don’t go as planned.

In this episode, host Taiwo Olawehinmi sits down with Vanderbilt Owen Executive MBA 2018 alum Mike Sumida, whose unique leadership journey spans from aspiring physician to high school math teacher, to healthcare consulting, and now, business startup leader. Through each twist and turn, Mike shares how experiences like layoffs, mentorship, and team-building have shaped his approach to leadership.

This conversation explores how self-awareness and decision-making evolve over time and why those who succeed learn to balance humility with confidence. Mike also opens up about the value of asking for help, the impact of strong mentorship, and why resilience in leadership is built through the tough seasons, not just the wins.

You’ll also hear how Mike applies situational leadership and effective communication to manage teams, support professional growth, and build trust. His story offers real-world networking tips for building relationships that matter, both within and beyond the Vanderbilt Owen community.

This is leadership with intention, reflection, and heart. Don’t miss it.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode!

Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/