Episodes

  • The Intersection of Business, Tech, and Risk Management with Abhishek Roy

    The Intersection of Business, Tech, and Risk Management with Abhishek Roy
    Apr 29 2025
    In this episode of Taking off in +Tech, we sit down with U-M alum Abhishek Roy, Managing Director in the Risk and Compliance practice at Protiviti. Abhishek shares his journey from earning an MBA at the Ross School of Business to navigating the evolving world of consulting, where AI and data are reshaping risk and compliance in banking. We dive into the impact of COVID-19 on consulting, business and technology in financial services, and key career advice for aspiring consultants. Whether you're exploring an MBA, considering a career in financial services, or curious about the future of AI in risk management, tune in for Abhi’s insights!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    29 mins
  • Joe Sipher on Entrepreneurship, Innovation in AI, and Career Pivots

    Joe Sipher on Entrepreneurship, Innovation in AI, and Career Pivots
    Apr 23 2025

    How does an English major with no tech background become a leader in mobile computing and a serial entrepreneur? In this episode of Taking off in Tech, we sit down with U-M alum Joe Sipher, CEO and Founder of Doodle Buddy Labs. Joe shares his unconventional journey to where he is now, having helped build multi-billion-dollar companies like Palm and Handspring. Today, Joe is currently working on HealthScout, an innovative app designed to empower patients to navigate the complex healthcare system. By consolidating health records and providing easy-to-understand explanations, HealthScout helps users make informed decisions about their care and costs. For more info check out healthscout.co.


    We explore the challenges of launching startups, the evolution of mobile tech, and the role of AI in shaping the future. Plus, Joe offers career advice for students and professionals navigating an ever-changing tech landscape. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on seizing opportunities, adapting to change, and making an impact in tech!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    30 mins
  • Strategy and Shifts: How Curiosity and Adaptability Fueled Nazila Mathari’s Journey in Tech

    Strategy and Shifts: How Curiosity and Adaptability Fueled Nazila Mathari’s Journey in Tech
    Apr 15 2025
    In this episode of Taking Off in +Tech, we sit down with U-M alum Nazila Mathari, now a Product Delivery Manager at Bloomberg in NYC. From her early days moving between countries to becoming an early web enthusiast, Nazila shares how adaptability and curiosity have shaped her tech career, from consulting to startups, and now leading cross-functional product teams at Bloomberg. Tune in to hear Nazila discuss her various roles in the Tech industry, and her honest advice for what it really means to build a non-linear, evolving career.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    24 mins
  • Pivoting with Purpose: Ahmed Arshad on Finding His Career Calling

    Pivoting with Purpose: Ahmed Arshad on Finding His Career Calling
    Apr 8 2025
    Thinking about a career in tech but unsure where to start? In this episode of Taking off in Tech, we sit down with Ahmed Arshad, Head of Design at Equinix, to explore his unexpected journey from studying biology at U-M with a goal of dentistry to a career in UX design. Tune in to hear Ahmed share how he navigated career challenges, found his professional calling, and what advice he has for students considering a future in Tech.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    30 mins
  • Pivots and Plays: Tech, Sports, and Strategy with Alexia Sabogal & Justin Rufen-Blanchette

    Pivots and Plays: Tech, Sports, and Strategy with Alexia Sabogal & Justin Rufen-Blanchette
    Mar 25 2025
    In this episode, we’re joined by U-M alumni Alexia Sabogal, Senior Strategy Associate at Access Holdings, and Justin Rufen-Blanchette, Associate at McKinsey in their Digital Strategy practice. Both have navigated diverse careers, from roles in the Sports industry to private equity and digital strategy. Hear how they transitioned into new industries, overcame early career challenges, and co-founded the Michigan Ross SportsTech Conference! We’ll explore the evolving intersection of technology and sports, their thoughts on consulting and private equity, and advice for anyone starting out in tech or exploring career pivots.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    30 mins
  • From LSA to FAANG: Zach Fetters on Thriving in Big Tech

    From LSA to FAANG: Zach Fetters on Thriving in Big Tech
    Mar 18 2025
    In this episode of Taking off in +Tech, we sit down with Zach Fetters, a U-M Organizational Studies alum whose career journey has taken him from supply chain management in the oil and gas industry to human capital consulting at Deloitte, and now to a strategy and analytics role at a leading FAANG company. Zach shares insights on navigating career pivots, applying transferable skills across industries, and preparing for the future of tech in a world increasingly shaped by AI. He also offers practical advice for listeners exploring roles in tech, consulting, or strategy, and for those considering their first steps into the tech industry.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    30 mins
  • Cindy Hoang on Navigating Career Shifts and Staying True to Your North Star

    Cindy Hoang on Navigating Career Shifts and Staying True to Your North Star
    Mar 11 2025

    In this episode of Taking Off in +Tech, we sit down with Cindy Hoang, U-M alum and former Microsoft Program Manager. Cindy’s journey spans impactful roles in nonprofit work, from supporting genocide survivors in Rwanda to leveraging AI for military suicide prevention and transitioning into Big Tech.


    Join us as Cindy shares how her passion for social impact guided her through career pivots, what she learned during her MBA at Ross, and how she stays connected to her mission in a corporate setting. Whether you’re curious about bridging the gap between nonprofit and tech or seeking advice on navigating the recruiting process, this conversation is packed with insights for aspiring changemakers in tech.




    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    30 mins
  • Lauren Buck’s Journey Through the Business of Sports

    Lauren Buck’s Journey Through the Business of Sports
    Feb 18 2025
    How does a career in accounting evolve into a leadership role in sports marketing? Lauren Buck, VP of Marketing Partnerships at Ticketmaster, shares her fascinating career path. From starting at EY in audit to eventually carving her niche in the NFL's digital marketing division, Lauren brings a wealth of insights on pursuing passions and adapting to change. Learn how she combined her love for sports with strategic marketing, and continues to find innovative intersections in sports partnerships while charting her own path!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    31 mins