Vanderbilt Business Magazine Fall 2025

Owen Graduate School of Management

Owen Graduate School of Management

THE UNICORN EFFECT

Vanderbilt’s commitment to entrepreneurship is helping founders build billion-dollar ventures. PG 24

Venture-backed startups founded by Vanderbilt alumni are twice as likely to reach unicorn status as the national average.

Dear Owen Alumni,

We’re excited to dedicate this issue of Vanderbilt Business Magazine to a topic that reflects one of the most forward-looking and fast-growing areas of focus at Vanderbilt: entrepreneurship Inside, you’ll find inspiring stories of students and alumni who are building ventures, driving innovation, and boldly shaping what’s next.

At Owen, we’re focused on becoming the school that enables builders—people who don’t just imagine the future but create it. Our goal is to prepare leaders who fuel economic growth, solve meaningful problems, and bring ambitious ideas to life.

Entrepreneurship is a natural fit for us. Our culture has always promoted curiosity, action, and impact—qualities that align with the entrepreneurial mindset. That spirit is powering a new wave of initiatives and energy across campus.

This spring, we took a major step forward with the launch of the inaugural Convoy Conference, uniting entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from across the Vanderbilt community. We also introduced several new initiatives: our first Startup Career Fair; the Chancellor’s Launch Grants, awarding $250,000 in non-dilutive capital to student startups; a new Nucleate Dojo Chapter for life sciences entrepreneurship; and our Entrepreneurship Through Tech Transfer Program, which empowers Owen students and alumni to commercialize

And we’re just getting started. Coming soon are even more opportunities to engage and grow: an Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition program, a seed venture capital fund, thematic startup accelerators, and a venture scout program.

The energy is real, and it’s building. By working together, we can position Vanderbilt as a leader in entrepreneurship and help shape a better, more innovative future.

If you’re an alum with an idea, a venture, or a desire to give back, we invite you to get involved—whether by mentoring students, investing in promising founders, or sharing your own story. Together, we can help the next generation build what’s next.

Best wishes,

Thomas J. Steenburgh

Ralph Owen Dean Professor of Marketing

FALL 2025

Editor in Chief

Alicia Mott

Design and Art Direction

Mary Alice Bernal, FINN Partners

Managing Editor

Anne Rawlins

Copy Editor

Victoria Burns

Magazine Content Team

Arial Struthers

Lacie C. Blankenship

Kate Silva

Ellian Bay

Chloe Broeker

Photography

Chad Driver

Terry Wyatt

Joe Howell

Contributors

Arial Struthers

Lacie C. Blankenship

Ellian Bay

Morgan Kroll

Olivia Robertson

Elizabeth Jenkins

Kara Sherrer

William Wieters

Eigen Escario

Dean

Thomas J. Steenburgh, Ralph Owen

Dean and Professor of Marketing

02 Leading with Passion, Purpose, and Play

For Jeremy Padawer (MBA’01), success has never meant following the conventional path; it’s meant forging his own and helping others find theirs along the way.

14 Raising a Bourbon Glass to Entrepreneurial Success

Paige Parker (MBA’22) launched Happenstance Distilling Co. to give women whiskey drinkers the spirit they wanted.

Understanding market volility and impact investing, along with faculty accolades

24

COVER STORY: ON THE COVER Illustration by Tim Kovick

Vanderbilt Business is published annually by the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University in cooperation with Vanderbilt University Communications and Marketing, Loews Vanderbilt Office Complex, 2100 West End Ave., Ste. 1100, Nashville, TN  37203. The editorial office mailing address is PMB 357737, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37235-7737. Telephone: (615) 322-1003.

Please direct alumni inquiries to the Owen Alumni Engagement Office at owen.alum@vanderbilt.edu.

is recyclable. Please recycle it.

In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Executive Order 11246, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 as amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, as amended, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, Vanderbilt University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, military service, covered veterans status, or genetic information in its administration of educational policies, programs, or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic or other university-administered programs; or employment. In addition, the university does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of their gender expression. Requests for information, inquiries, or complaints should be directed to these offices: Equal Opportunity and Access Office, eoa@vanderbilt.edu, telephone (615) 343-9336; Title IX Office, Title IX Coordinator, titleix@vanderbilt.edu telephone (615) 343-9004, 2100 West End Ave., Ste. 700, Nashville, TN 37203; Student Access Office, studentaccess@vanderbilt.edu

The Unicorn Effect

Venture-backed startups founded by Vanderbilt alumni are twice as likely to reach unicorn status as the national average.

36 From Pitch to Partnership

Vanderbilt Business alumni from both sides of the investment table share insights on securing startup funding.

The Vanderbilt Executive Women in Leadership 2025 event brought together a dynamic panel of accomplished leaders—Sydney Savion, moderator Kelly Goldsmith, Jen Fabbri, and Cara Heilmann

JEREMY PADAWER:

Leading with Passion, Purpose, and Play

BY ARIAL STRUTHERS

Before he helped build billion-dollar brands, Jeremy Padawer (MBA’01) was a kid who loved to collect. “I always liked stuff,” Padawer said. “I always felt a real desire to turn one dollar into two. That was always exciting for me, even as a little kid.”

That passion didn’t fade. It grew into a career shaped by curiosity, creativity, and persistence. Today, Padawer—a self-proclaimed “wildling” entrepreneur—is a partner at Jazwares, the global toy company behind popular brands like Squishmallows.

But Padawer’s story isn’t just about market share and toy shelves. It’s about hard work, adaptability, and staying true to what drives you. For Padawer, success has never meant following the conventional path; it’s meant forging his own and helping others find theirs along the way.

From

Passion

Project to Career

Padawer’s fascination with toys and collectibles started as a personal passion. In the early days of the internet, he built websites that funneled traffic toward those interests. But what began as a digital hobby eventually revealed a deeper business instinct. “I realized I could do more than just collect,” he explained. “There was a gap in the market, and I could build something.”

That mindset led to co-founding Wicked Cool Toys in 2012. With a small team and no revenue, the company focused on overlooked brands like Cabbage Patch Kids, Teddy Ruxpin, and Pokémon. By 2019, it ranked among the top 20 toy companies in the world and was acquired by Alleghany Capital, later merging with Jazwares.

Padawer stayed on as a partner in the new venture and, shortly after, helped lead the acquisition of Squishmallows, which has since sold over 500 million units. In 2022, that journey took another leap: Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway purchased the company, with Padawer now operating under the legendary investor himself.

Staying Grounded in Values

At the heart of Padawer’s approach to business is a commitment to people and principles.

“When I walk into a room, I want people to see someone who’s a very normal human being who didn’t do anything genius, but who connected with others, cared about people, acknowledged those around them, worked hard, failed, and kept going,” he said. “Persistence, timing, hard work, and building real connections matter so much more than genius. Because if you talk to anyone who’s been successful, and they’re being honest, they’ll tell you about all the times they failed along the way.”

That mindset has helped him build lasting partnerships, and it’s part of what draws him back to his alma mater. He credits his time at Vanderbilt Business with giving him the confidence to scale ideas and work alongside others.

“Business school taught me that you don’t have to do everything on your own,” he said. “You create more value when you collaborate and trust.”

Lessons in Resilience and Vanderbilt’s Convoy

Conference

When Padawer returned to Vanderbilt’s campus this spring for the inaugural Convoy Conference, he wasn’t just revisiting his alma mater, he was closing the loop on a journey that began with childhood curiosity and evolved into entrepreneurial success, global brand leadership, and a commitment to investing in the next generation.

At the conference, Padawer spoke candidly about his missteps, including product failures and career setbacks. Throughout his journey through the toy industry, Padawer has come to learn that success is not about having all the answers or following a perfect plan. For him, it’s about showing up consistently, treating others with respect, and learning from experience. “Prepare yourself to get the 4.0 and fail,” he said. “Sometimes the greatest lessons that you learn are in failure.”

He also discussed the evolving nature of the toy industry, where adult collectors now

drive significant demand. “Toys aren’t just for kids anymore,” he explained. “They’re for anyone who wants to show their fandom to wear their passion on their sleeve.” That ethos is reflected in recent partnerships with Netflix and recently launched projects under the Berkshire Hathaway umbrella, including a new Squishmallows product, SquishPillows, which was announced at the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

Paying It Forward at Vanderbilt Business

Even after becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the toy industry, Padawer remains closely tied to Vanderbilt Business. He credits Owen for teaching him to trust others and scale ideas through collaboration.

Through his establishment of the Jeremy Padawer Scholarship for Entrepreneurial Students and his service on the Owen Advisory Council (formerly Owen Alumni Board), he continues investing in the next generation of leaders.

“I want students to know that their uniqueness is their strength,” Padawer said. “Each one of you is remarkable. You have to walk your own path.”

Looking Ahead and Giving Back

Padawer’s keynote address at the 2025 Vanderbilt Business Commencement ceremony brought his journey full circle. For him, it was an opportunity not just to reflect, but to speak directly to those standing on the edge of their own big leap. “It’s not about being a genius— it’s about showing up again and again,” he said. His daughter will start at Vanderbilt this fall, adding a new chapter to his story. “Vanderbilt is more than a school—it’s where I learned to dream bigger and trust others with those dreams.”

Padawer continues to embody the values that define Vanderbilt Business: curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and impact. For those who follow in his footsteps, he’s not just a successful alumnus; he’s a living example of what it means to lead with purpose.

OWEN NEWS

CURATED BY LACIE C. BLANKENSHIP & ARIAL STRUTHERS

VANDERBILT BUSINESS COMMENCEMENT 2025

BY EIGEN ESCARIO

The Vanderbilt Business Commencement for the Class of 2025 was held on May 9 at 11:00 AM. The ceremony took place at the Vanderbilt Recreation and Wellness Center Field House, where 210 students were awarded their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, including 161 full-time MBA students and 49 Executive MBA students; 84 earned a Master of Science in Finance (MS Finance) degree; 37 were awarded a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) degree; 71 students were awarded a Master of Marketing (MMark) degree; and 21 students were awarded a Master of Management in Health Care (MMHC) degree.

Thomas Steenburgh , Ralph Owen Dean and Professor of Marketing, gave an introductory speech highlighting the support system that anchored graduates through their programs.

“I’d like to begin today by expressing gratitude to the faculty and staff who have guided, taught, challenged, and supported you,” Steenburgh said. “I also want to acknowledge the family and friends who have given you love, patience, and support—thank you for being with us and sharing in their success.”

Steenburgh offered words of wisdom focused on building community and incremental knowledge before introducing Jeremy Padawer, the keynote speaker.

“This is where your Owen experience becomes more than just a credential. It’s not just what you’ve learned—it’s about helping you decide what you want to become and what to build next,” Steenburgh said. “This community will serve you well, not because they provide all the answers, but because they’ve helped you develop the curiosity, judgment, and confidence to keep exploring the right questions. As you move into the next phases of your lives, I hope you find new communities that motivate you to do your best work and enable you to find meaning in the moments along the way.”

This year’s Vanderbilt Business commencement speaker, Jeremy Padawer (MBA’01), Chief Brand Officer of Jazwares and former Co-CEO/President of Wicked Cool Toys, spoke in parallel to Dean Steenburgh about leveraging the Vanderbilt Business experience to gain fulfillment in graduates’ professional and personal lives moving forward.

“Your academic box is officially checked. Your golden ticket is issued into a sea of possibilities,” Padawer said. “But don’t just chase the end. Celebrate the middle,” he continued. “We are not the accumulation of beginnings and ends; we are almost entirely made up of middles.”

Drawing from personal experience, Padawer shared his

shift of perspective from being financially driven to passion-fueled after selling his first company.

“The moment arrived [of the check dropping into my bank account]. I didn’t cry. I didn’t sprout wings. I still had IBS,” Padawer joked. “My passion for what I do—shaping culture through play, embracing fandom, inspiring creativity in children—that was bigger than the pursuit of money. But I didn’t know it until it actually happened.”

Padawer imparted six guiding principles that he has found effective in creating a fulfilling life and career: celebrate the middle, prioritize passion over money, focus on what fascinates you, be your authentic self, harness ambition, and choose your partners wisely. He also asserted that fostering continued passion for your work and being true to yourself are critical ingredients for success.

“Focus on what fascinates you,” he said, quoting Warren Buffett. “You cannot be your authentic self at work if you are not fascinated.”

Dean Thomas Steenburgh

Concluding his heartfelt address, Padawer stressed the importance of the support system outside of the workplace that makes life and career pursuits worthwhile.

“Giving up 35 years of your own life means giving up 35 years of all the lives of all the people you love. You cannot be there for them if you’re not there for yourself,” Padawer said. “You won’t just make money or fully explore ambition—you’ll experience fulfillment. And in the end, the true end, nobody regrets a focus on fulfillment.”

AWARDS

AND RECOGNITION FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS

Jennifer Edson Escalas , Senior Associate Dean of Academic Programs, recognized the 2025 Founder’s Medalist and recipients of the Dean’s Awards for Academic Excellence.

FOUNDER’S MEDALIST

Escalas awarded Robert Davis Rickard (MBA’25) the Founder’s Medal for Vanderbilt Business. This Commencement Day award dating all the way back to 1877, initially endowed by Cornelius Vanderbilt, is given to

the MBA graduate who achieves the strongest record in personal, professional, and academic performance.

DEAN’S AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Meredith Erin Sedberry received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in Master of Accountancy.

Olivia Grace Wolf received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in Master of Marketing.

Akhil Behl received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in Master of Science in Finance.

Sean David Mullins received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in Executive MBA.

Matthew Ryan Grace received the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence in Master of Management in Health Care.

OTHER

AWARDS, RECOGNITION, AND CELEBRATIONS

Martin S. Geisel Leadership Award

Sean David Mullins (EMBA’25) was recognized with the Martin S. Geisel Leadership Award, awarded to a graduating student who demonstrated strong leadership.

Matt Wigginton Finance Award

Kaelan John Recca (MBA’25) received the Matt Wigginton Finance Award, awarded for outstanding performance in finance.

H. Igor Ansoff Award

Max Edward Hackenbrack (MBA’25) was presented with the H. Igor Ansoff Award, which recognizes original, creative, and exceptional contributions to the school.

Flournoy A. Coles Jr. Prize

Megan Marie Manno (MBA’25) was awarded the Flournoy A. Coles Jr. Prize in recognition of international studies.

Financial Executives Institute Award

Jonathan Michael Troop (MBA’25) was recognized with the Financial Executives Institute Award for outstanding academic performance in accounting and finance.

Owen Service Award

Sixteen graduating students received the Owen Service Award for outstanding effort and energy in leadership, community involvement, and student life:

Anna McMaster Ba tty (MBA’25)

Sarah Elisabeth Bryant (MBA’25)

Matthew Daniel Evans (MSF’25)

George Carlton Fletcher (MBA’25)

Helen Fox (MBA’25)

Trevor William-James Hertel (MAcc’25)

William T. Holden (MBA’25)

Cutler Louis Klein (MBA’25)

Shefali Pereira (MBA’25)

David Piskun (MSF’25)

Daniel Jacob Ra fla (MBA’25)

Carly Catherine Riemann (MBA’25)

Aarshia Atul Salukhe (MBA’25)

Brooke Schmidt (MMark’25)

Simran Jigar Shr off (MBA’25)

Zachary Alan Terry (MBA’25)

Padawer

Vanderbilt Business Hosts Second Annual Owen

Led by 100% Owen, the Owen Community Service Day is a day for the Vanderbilt Business community to unite and serve the Nashville community

BY LACIE C. BLANKENSHIP

The Vanderbilt Business community gathered in April 2025 for the second annual Owen Community Service Day. This tradition, led by 100% Owen and dedicated to giving back to the Nashville community, grew out of the strong momentum created by last year’s inaugural event.

“Service should be at the front of all business leaders’ minds—there’s nothing better than succeeding in business and supporting the community at the same time,” says Daniel Rafla (MBA’25), President of 100% Owen, a student organization committed to serving the Nashville community.

A Day of Widespread Service

Participants served six local nonprofit organizations with various projects throughout the city, contributing to causes ranging from homelessness and hunger to education and animal welfare.

“Nashville is my home, so volunteering and serving the wider community is important to me

because it provides resources, education, and opportunities for those in our community who need it the most, so they feel safe at home too,” says Anna Gorman (MBA’25), VP of Community Service for 100% Owen.

What Organizations were Involved?

ReStore by Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers spent the afternoon organizing home materials at ReStore, helping to prepare donated items for resale. These efforts directly support Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build affordable homes for those in need.

Book’em: Book’em strives to improve literacy in Nashville by igniting children’s passion for reading through book ownership and engagement. Volunteers read stories to children.

Metro Animal Care and Control: Volunteers walked and played with dogs, providing muchneeded exercise and socialization for those waiting for adoption.

Lounge:

welcomed volunteers who cleaned and worked on the facility. Volunteers also photographed cats for their adoption profiles.

East Nashville Hope Exchange: East Nashville Hope Exchange supports children’s literacy. Volunteers served as reading buddies for children from schools in the Stratford and Maplewood clusters.

Nashville Rescue Mission: Volunteers worked with the Nashville Rescue Mission to prepare and serve meals to their neighbors experiencing homelessness.

The Catio Cat

The Catio, a local cat adoption center,

Members of the Owen community served six local nonprofit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, through this year's annual Owen Community Service Day

Community Service Day

“I spent a lot of time in East Nashville, so it was great to give back to the community there. Prior to Owen, I worked with children, so volunteering with the East Nashville Hope Exchange was a meaningful way to connect my past experiences with my time at Vanderbilt,” says Kaitlyn Osborne (MBA’25), a participant in the 2025 Owen Community Service Day.

Building Relationships and Impact

“I greatly enjoyed the service day. I have been warmly welcomed by Nashville, and this familial energy resonates throughout the city. Volunteering with 100% Owen was a no-brainer,” says Dale Anderson (MBA’26), Executive VP of the Owen Student Government Association.

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni volunteers connected with familiar and unfamiliar faces while serving their neighbors. The day was a grounding reminder that the Vanderbilt Business community is dedicated not only to academic and career excellence but also to real-world and local impact. After service shifts, volunteers gathered at Fat Bottom Brewing for a happy hour to reflect, celebrate, and socialize.

“Community Service Day is a new tradition I am proud to see take root at Owen. It is an opportunity not just to give back, but to discover more about ourselves, grow as future business leaders, and thrive by lifting others up,” says Max Hackenbrack (MBA’25), President of the Owen Student Government Association. “This spirit of service is a natural extension of the collaborative and intimate culture that defines the Owen community.”

“Service should be at the front of all business leaders’ minds—there’s nothing better than succeeding in business and supporting the community at the same time.”

Daniel Rafla

VANDERBILT MBA PROGRAM EARNS STEM DESIGNATION

Vanderbilt Business has reached a new milestone with the official STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designation for its flagship MBA program. This designation highlights the school’s commitment to preparing students to thrive in today’s data-driven and technology-focused business world. While the Vanderbilt MBA program has long utilized a STEM curriculum, this new formal STEM designation for the entire MBA program is effective with the Vanderbilt Class of 2025.

“The STEM designation for the Vanderbilt MBA program is a testimony to our longstanding commitment to preparing students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing and technology-focused business world,” says Thomas Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean of Vanderbilt Business.

What Does a STEM Designation Mean for International Students?

STEM-designated degree programs offer a significant advantage for international students interested in pursuing a career in the United States. Under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, international students who receive F-1 status and graduate from an American college or university are eligible for OPT, which provides up to 12 months of work authorization in their field of study. Graduates of STEM-designated programs are eligible for an extension of their OPT period (STEM OPT), which gives them an additional two years, for a total of 36 months.

Now that the Vanderbilt MBA program is STEM certified, international graduates with F-1 status can apply to work in the United States for three years after graduation, instead of just one year, without needing employer sponsorship. This extended OPT period gives international graduates valuable time to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, establish careers, and secure roles in high-demand fields. It may also increase their chances of getting a work visa.

At Vanderbilt, each MBA student must choose at least one area of concentration as the focus of their studies, with the option to add additional concentrations, specializations, or emphases. This structure allows students to align their education with specific career paths, which can improve their chances of receiving a job offer in the United States. Programs with a clear focus have a better chance of meeting USCIS criteria for H-1B visa status, as they demonstrate a stronger connection to specific job roles, as long as the student’s job offer clearly aligns with the specialty.

Hire Smarter: Why is STEM Designation Noteworthy for Companies?

The STEM designation for a degree program opens doors for companies looking to hire individuals ready to excel in today’s business landscape. Business professionals who graduate from a STEM program, like the Vanderbilt MBA, bring expertise in quantitative areas such as data analytics and financial modeling, allowing them to add immediate value to the organizations they join.

The STEM designation for employers hiring international graduates means access to innovative and fresh talent who can work for up to 36 months under the OPT program before employer sponsorship is needed. This period also allows employers to integrate skilled professionals into their teams without immediately engaging in the visa sponsorship process. With a more flexible timeline, companies can make the most of new employees with more strategic, long-term hiring decisions.

“The Vanderbilt MBA program has a tradition of developing top-tier business professionals; this new designation proves our graduates leave well equipped to address the complexities of today’s business environment, allowing them to immediately add value to employers looking to innovate and grow,” says Amanda Fend, Director of MBA Recruiting at Vanderbilt.

Why Does STEM Matter in Business Education?

STEM-designated degree programs are a win-win for students and employers alike. The Vanderbilt MBA curriculum is designed for the future of business. The STEM-designated program provides students with the core classes needed to succeed in business and the flexibility to customize their learning and develop the subject matter expertise to catapult or change careers.

In addition to the MBA program, Vanderbilt’s Master of Marketing and MS Finance programs are STEM certified.

MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES IN 2025

20 YEARS:

STAFF SPOTLIGHTS

RETIREMENT

Suzanne Feinstein

Director, Vanderbilt Master of Marketing Program, started 3/8/2005

Brook Meissner

Director, Specialized Masters Coaching, started 9/1/2005

Sandy Kinnett

Senior Associate Director, Coach, CMC started 11/28/2005

15 YEARS:

Heather Yockey

Director, Employer Relations and Recruiting, CMC started 3/1/2010

Jennifer Masterson

Director, Enrollment Management, started 10/27/2010

Dora Cardona

Assistant Director, Enrollment Management, started 11/16/2015

Mckenzie Mulligan

Associate Director, Recruiting and Admissions, started 1/20/2020

After many years of dedicated service, our colleague Lacy Nelson officially retired on June 20, 2025. Lacy has been an integral part of the Owen community since 2007, initially joining as an Executive Coach for the Owen LDP program. In 2014, she took on the role of Senior Associate Director for Alumni Career Management, where her profound impact has been felt by countless graduates navigating their career transitions. We celebrate Lacy’s remarkable contributions and wish her all the best in her retirement.

AWARDS

Gabriela Luis was honored earlier this year at the Bass Military Scholars Program annual celebration for her exceptional work in finding and connecting talented veterans with the program and supporting Bass Scholars and military students. The recognition, initiated by the S cholars themselves, highlights Gabriela’s passionate dedication and the positive impact she has made on the program. During the event, Scott E. Brower, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Retired), acknowledged Gabriela’s invaluable contributions and commitment to fostering military-civilian exchanges at Owen.

Gabriela Luis, pictured with students in the Bass Military Scholars program

Advancing for Greater Equity: Insights from Vanderbilt’s Executive Women in Leadership 2025 Event

BY LACIE C. BLANKENSHIP

The Vanderbilt Executive Women in Leadership 2025 event, held at the Owen Graduate School of Management, brought together a dynamic panel of accomplished leaders—Sydney Savion, Cara Heilmann, Jen Fabbri, and moderator Kelly Goldsmith—to discuss their journeys and share insights on advancing equity and fostering authentic leadership.

Co-hosted by Vanderbilt Executive MBA, Master of Management in Health Care, and Executive Education programs, the event welcomed nearly 150 attendees eager to hear from such highly regarded leaders with highlevel experience across various industries.

“We are sitting here with three truly inspiring women,” said Professor Goldsmith, setting the tone for an evening focused on inclusion, authenticity, and actionable leadership.

Meet the Panel

n Sydney Savion, Vanderbilt’s Vice Chancellor for People, Culture and Belonging, and former executive with Google and Air New Zealand, retired U.S. Air Force officer.

n Cara Heilmann (MBA’94), a Talent Executive, Career Coach, and bestselling author who has helped over 4,000 people find meaningful work.

n Jen Fabbri (MBA’21), a Healthcare Operations Leader and Practitioner who began as a nurse and now leads healthcare operations, focusing on empathy and efficiency.

n Kelly Goldsmith, Faculty Director, Hoogland Undergraduate Business Program, E. Bronson Ingram Chair, Professor of Marketing, and a behavioral scientist, moderated the discussion.

The State of Women in Leadership

Goldsmith opened with statistics showing both progress and persistent gaps: women now make up 42% of business school students, yet for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women are (McKinsey). Plus, fewer than 11% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women.

Key Takeaways from the Panel

n Genuine Relationships Matter: Leadership is rooted in trust, authenticity, and connection. All panelists emphasized the value of mentorship and coaching from both ends of the table.

n Excellence Isn’t Gendered: Performance and strategic thinking are valuable traits across all identities. The panelists shared how they’ve succeeded by showing up authentically and delivering measurable results.

n Empathy is Ethical and Strategic: The speakers highlighted that human-centered leadership and decision making is both the right thing to do and also effective.

n Transparency Builds Trust: Clear, honest communication and radical accountability foster inclusive environments where people feel valued.

n Act Imperfectly, but Intentionally: The speakers emphasized the notion that perfection kills innovation, encouraging others to take bold steps, even if they’re not perfect.

n Excellence Requires Intention: Progress doesn’t happen by accident. People and organizations alike must be deliberate in confronting outdated norms.

The panel’s insights resonated across industries and career stages, encouraging all leaders to be bold, human-centric, and intentional as they shape the future.

(L to R): Sydney Savion, Kelly Goldsmith, Jen Fabbri, Cara Heilmann

Owen Advisory Council Letter

As we prepare for another vibrant year at Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management, we extend our profound gratitude for your continued support and engagement, and we are delighted to share some exciting developments that will have a positive impact on the future at Owen.

We greeted 2025 with a new governance structure, implemented in 2024 to enhance the operations of the former Owen Alumni Board by transitioning it to the new Owen Advisory Council. The council will both strengthen alumni connections and work to ensure Owen’s long-term growth and success.

To kick things off, this past April we held a highenergy Advisory Council meeting at Vanderbilt’s new location in New York City. The NYC hub, located in the heart of Midtown, provides an incredible space for Owen to engage with alumni, forge new partnerships, and expand our reach in one of the world’s leading financial and business centers. The excitement was inspiring as we discussed our vision for the future.

Our new structure brings a significant leadership transition, with Matt Peterson concluding his tenure as Chair of the Alumni Board, and Amelia Generalis stepping into the new role as Chair of the Owen Advisory Council. Amelia will guide the council with the support of a robust new committee structure: the Executive Committee will lead strategy and operations; the Development Committee will cultivate philanthropic support; the Global Committee will expand our international reach; and the Program Committee will oversee engagement initiatives related to recent grads, networking, and professional advancement and career support.

We are already seeing tangible impact from our efforts. On Giving Day 2025 in April, the council provided an $80,000 match, inspiring incredible generosity from the entire Owen community. And our Global Committee’s efforts led to a generous $10,000 match from Prime Number Capital,

demonstrating the global reach and commitment of our alumni.

As we look to the future, we are actively seeking new council members who are passionate about Owen’s continued excellence. The strength of Owen lies in its people, and we invite all our alumni to consider getting more deeply engaged. With your time, sharing your expertise and mentorship; your talent volunteering for committees or initiatives; or your treasure, by contributing financially to support Owen’s programs and students, your involvement is invaluable.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Owen family. It is truly an honor to be part of such a dynamic and dedicated community.

Sincerely,

Amelia Generalis (MBA’98), Chief People Officer, Gusto Incoming Chair, Owen Advisory Council

Matt Peterson (MBA’94), Chief Executive Officer, Ancillary and Individual, UnitedHealthcare Outgoing Chair, Owen Alumni Board

The council will both strengthen alumni connections and work to ensure Owen’s long-term growth and success.

MILESTONE MOMENTS

Over the past year, more than 400 alumni have come together at regional and local events such as Reunion, the Student-Alumni Closing Bell, and eleven alumni-led Closing Bells held around the world. Owen has entered an exciting new era of alumni engagement, with more connections being made than ever before—thanks in large part to the launch of the Eventin-a-Box initiative.

If you're a U.S.-based or international alum interested in hosting an Event-in-a-Box, the Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team will send you a complimentary box filled with Owenbranded materials and swag to help you organize your event. Click here to fill out our interest form, and we will be in touch!

Taylor Edmondson (MMARK’20) and Jordan Newham (BS’19, MMARK’20) at the

2: Dean Tom Steenburgh and Robert “Bob” Frutchey (MBA’95)

3: Rhea Heath (EMBA’15)

4: [L-R]: Kayla Armgardt (MBA’18), Kaitlin Parker (MBA’18), and Daniella Gafen (MBA’18)

5: Boston Closing Bell [L-R, back row]: Thomas “Tom” Bujold (MBA’21), Sharon Cowey (MBA’15), Justin Helms (MBA’12), Andrew Musser (MBA’18), Alyssa Helms (MBA’12), Catherine Rowbotham (MBA’03), Brett Wood (MBA’16), John “Ward” Tishler (EMBA’23), Charles “Charlie” Compton (MBA’08), and Joseph “Joey” Santullo (MBA’21) [L-R, front row]: Bradley “Brad” Rosenfeld (MBA’13), John Kearney (MBA’22), Janet McCormick (MBA’88), John LaCerda (MBA’16), Robert “Rob” Moore (MBA’08), and Hannah Corderman (MBA’21)

6: Hong Kong Closing Bell [L-R]: Andy Canizares (BE’00), Hongyi “Nowe” Zhang (MBA’12), Karlson Wong (BS’03), Dean Tom Steenburgh, Jack Wei-chieh Lin (BA’89), David Probert (MBA’99), Qinglin “Austin” Na (MBA’95), Zhiyi Qian (MSF’07), and DAR team members Lei Wong and Kelli Edmond

1.

1:

NYC Closing Bell

4.

7: [L-R]: Robert Goldstein (MBA’94), Matthew “Matt” Peterson (MBA’94), Edgar Heilmann (MBA’94), Tina Hwang (MBA’94), Luis Vazquez del Mercado (MBA’94), Antonina Marinova (MBA’94), Craig Senick (MBA’94), Cara Heilmann (MBA’94), Matthew “Matt” Douglas (MBA’94), and Melner “Mel” Bond (MBA’94)

8: San Francisco Closing Bell [L-R, front row]: Valerio Catalano, Elena Catalano (MBA’17), William “Will” Hamblen (MBA’15), Shannon Stewart (MBA’14), [back row] Nicholas “Nick” Schaler (MSF’24) and Rachel Wozniak (MBA’21), Christy Zhu (MBA’11), Alexis “Lexie” Winograd (MBA’21), Audrey Ballentine (MBA’22), Todd Johnson (MBA’11), Amelia Generalis (MBA’98), Cara Heilmann (MBA’94), Shih-Ping “Nancy” Wang (MBA’05), Vibhav Veldore (EMBA’15), Cynthia Meng, Hui “Sophia” Jiang (MSF’15), Edgar Heilmann (MBA’94), and Andrew “A.J.” Spaudie (BS’97)

9: Chicago Closing Bell [L-R, front row]: Matthew Fallon (MBA’21), Carolyn Williams (MBA’20), Brandon Valentine (MBA’23), Kitty Elshot-Smith (MBA’08), Eric Holder (EMBA’21), Susan Goodman (MBA’02), Megan Britt (MBA’23), Marina Klecha (MBA’23), George “Sloan” Patton (MBA’24), William Gun (MBA’24), Alexandre “Alex” Jean (MBA’24), and Jack Kang (MBA’96) [L-R, back row] Tyler Skelton (MBA’19), Zachary Shutts (MBA’20), Ethan Siegel (MBA’22), John Spackler (MBA’21), and James Nguyen (MBA’10)

10: [L-R]: Temilade “Temi” Oyeniyi (MBA’04), Henrique Hauptmann (MBA’04), and Jerry Feldman (MBA’04)

11: [L-R]: Sean Berkowitz (MBA’21, VUMC’21), Joseph Profancik, Katherine Milam (BA’15), and Abigail “Abby” Profancik (MBA’26)

12: [L-R]: David “Dave” Carlson (BA’02, MBA’10), DAR team member Lindsay Hora, David Mayer (BS’09, MAC’10), and Amanda Fend (MBA’09)

13: Joseph “Joe” Owens (MBA’79) and DAR team member Lindsay Hora

Raising a Bourbon Glass to Entrepreneurial Success

Paige Parker (MBA’22) launched Happenstance Distilling Co. to give women whiskey drinkers the spirit they wanted

BY KARA SHERRER

Paige Parker first got the idea for Happenstance Whiskey after she noticed a gap in the whiskey segment: Almost no brown-water brands kept women in mind as consumers, even though a significant number of whiskey drinkers are women. A whiskey lover herself and Anheuser-Busch alum, Parker began visiting local liquor stores to scope out current whiskey offerings and figure out exactly what they were missing. At one store, a representative approached her and asked if she needed help choosing a bottle as a gift for her dad for Father’s Day.

“I was caught off guard because I was looking for a bottle for myself and potentially a business idea…turns out, he gave me one,” Parker recalled. “I started diving into it more, and the data showed that nearly 40% of whiskey drinkers are women. Being part of that demo myself, it stunned me that the female whiskey consumer base was so large since it’s so stereotypically a masculine category in spirits.”

Distilling a New Spirits Brand Idea

To further refine her business idea, Parker began connecting with other female whiskey drinkers via Facebook groups. She asked them what was missing in the market, and they flooded her with comments about how they wanted a premium brand with contemporary packaging that fit into their lifestyles, with a smooth taste that was also made for cocktails.

In 2019, Parker left her job at Anheuser-Busch and began researching and developing the Happenstance Whiskey brand, drawing from her background in the alcohol industry. Then COVID hit in 2020, making it a “terrible time to launch a hospitality company,” Parker explained. “So I pivoted and decided to go to business school, which is what led me to pursue my MBA at Vanderbilt.”

At Owen, Parker took as many courses related to startups as possible. She says that Michael Burcham’s Launching the Venture was particularly helpful for further refining the Happenstance business model. She also leaned on the Owen and Vanderbilt networks to help make connections, especially

“We get really creative with how the product can be enjoyed. That’s something I think is unique to us as a whiskey company.”

given the “surprising” number of Owen alumni who have become spirit entrepreneurs. In 2021, Parker officially launched Happenstance in Nashville during her second year of the MBA program.

Crafting a “Cabernet-Style” Bourbon

Happenstance Whiskey’s flagship spirit, the Founder’s Edition, is a full-bodied, smooth, “cabernet-style” bourbon at 90 proof. The bourbon is bottled and blended in Nashville, and Parker hand-picks all the barrels herself. “I’m involved in every step of product development and formulation as the Master Blender,” she said.

The brand also just launched a limited edition nine-yearold single barrel program in June 2025, which is now available in stores. However, Parker says that more product innovations are also coming next year and that spirit lovers should keep an eye on shelves and the company website.

Over the past four years, the company has expanded to sell in five states across the South: Tennessee, Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, and 40+ states online. Currently, Happenstance products can be found in Nashville retailers like Total Wine, the BNA airport, Four Seasons, 1 Hotel Nashville, Chief’s, Miranda Lambert’s, and The Joseph hotel.

Happenstance already has plans to expand into more states and add more retailers to its portfolio in 2026.

“It’s been exciting to connect with whiskey lovers on a local level in Nashville and now continue to reach whiskey drinkers across state lines that first met us in Nashville or are now discovering us for the first time,” Parker said.

The brand has also made its debut on the silver screen

with features in Ella Langley and Riley Green’s “You Look Like You Love Me” music video, and cameos on HBO Max’s hit series “Hacks” and Lifetime movie “A Carpenter Christmas Romance.” Happenstance has also been featured at HARDY and Caleigh Ryan’s and Mitchell and Meghan Tenpenny’s weddings, with several country stars, including Morgan Wallen and Ella Langley, enjoying Happenstance at various Nashville events.

Welcoming Whiskey Drinkers of All Kinds

Part of the reason Happenstance has been able to expand so fast is its warm attitude toward all types of whiskey drinkers. While other brands claim that drinking whiskey neat or on the rocks is the “best” way to consume it, Happenstance’s more experimental approach is “drink it how you like it,” as Parker put it.

“We do really fun cocktails with Happenstance; everything from bourbon espresso martinis to traditional old fashioneds to bourbon blackberry smashes,” she continued. “We get really creative with how the product can be enjoyed. That’s something I think is unique to us as a whiskey company.”

Parker says that the overall reception for Happenstance has been positive, even though the spirits industry is so male dominated. “The community has been very excited about Happenstance, particularly the female whiskey drinker. She is thrilled that there is now a brand and a product that suits her lifestyle and palate as a frequent whiskey drinker,” she said.

As Parker continues to scale Happenstance, she’s staying true to her original vision. With each new bottle, she’s not just making great spirits; she’s changing the conversation around who it’s for.

Consumer Confidence, an Overlooked Player in Market Expectation Surveys

New research out of Vanderbilt Business explores the relationship between American consumer confidence and stock market predictions

BY LACIE C. BLANKENSHIP

Amid political transition, evolving trade relations, and market uncertainty, new research sheds light on a topic that has puzzled economists and policymakers for years: American consumers seem to be pessimistic when making stock market predictions, despite historical market value trends increasing over time.

Co-authored by Eric VanEpps, Associate Professor of Marketing, the paper shows that a lack of confidence in forecasting ability, instead of pessimism, sways stock market predictions, often pushing the market to be underestimated. In this study, “consumers” refers to people who are not professional investors or economists, and “consumer confidence” refers to how they feel about their ability to understand and predict the market.

“When people say they think there’s only a thirty or forty percent chance of the stock market going up, it’s easy to assume they’re feeling down about the economy,” says VanEpps. “What we found is pretty surprising—a lot of that ‘pessimism’ isn’t really about the market at all, but about how questions are asked and how consumers use their own confidence to answer.”

How Consumer Confidence Shapes Stock Market Predictions

The researchers analyzed data from three large studies, including nationally representative surveys and data collected over several years:

n Study One showed that people’s expectations for the stock market value to increase were more pessimistic than actual historical data would justify.

n Study Two revealed that when asked about the likelihood that the stock market would decrease in value, people gave small likelihood numbers, as when asked about the chances of the market value increasing. This contradiction pointed to uncertainty instead of pessimism and suggested a question’s phrasing may shape responses.

n Study Three showed that when consumers are more confident in their ability to predict the market, they report higher expectations, supporting the idea that a lack of confidence tends to drive the bias toward low numbers reported in Studies One and Two.

Why is it Important to Understand how Consumers Make Stock Market Predictions?

Authored in collaboration with colleagues at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), this study impacts more than markets; the research has implications for both individual financial behavior and broader economic policy.

“Understanding the distinction between pessimism and uncertainty is important, especially when consumers’ responses and predictions are used to guide economic decisions,” says VanEpps.

Implications for Consumers

A lack of confidence in market expectations could lead consumers to make overly cautious financial decisions, like pulling back on investments, changing the timeline for bigger purchases, or unnecessarily stockpiling goods. These behaviors can severely impact long-term financial well-being, like retirement savings.

These findings highlight the importance of financial literacy and confidence, offering insights to people without industry expertise, financial advisors, and educational and investment programs.

Implications for Policymakers

Policymakers rely on consumer surveys and market sentiment indicators to guide decisions. If the feedback they receive is swayed by a lack of confidence instead of perception, policies may be built on biased data. For example, policymakers may implement unnecessary interventions or strategies.

This research emphasizes the importance of differentiating between uncertainty and true market pessimism and the need for critical evaluation of survey questions.

Eric VanEpps

How is This Research Relevant Today?

This research is especially relevant as consumer sentiment and investor behavior play increasingly large roles in market dynamics. Engaging in the stock market has become more accessible, and headlines highlight market movement, making it easier for Americans to be confronted with their uncertainty on the topic. This research offers timely insight for economists, policymakers, and Americans trying to make smarter financial decisions in an unpredictable time.

Academic Expertise & Real-World Impact

Financial educators, investment platforms, and policymakers must clearly understand how consumers form market expectations

to be successful in their roles. Surveys that inform everything from market reports to retirement readiness may capture discomfort with answering questions, which is more about psychology than economics.

“The stock market is famously hard to predict from day to day, and if you’re unsure about what exactly the market will do, you’re not alone,” says VanEpps. “Our research shows this uncertainty doesn’t just make people hesitant; it exerts a downward bias on the expectations they report, potentially misleading policymakers and news organizations about their true beliefs. Building financial literacy and understanding how question framing affects judgments can help us all to communicate more clearly.”

“Understanding the distinction between pessimism and uncertainty is important, especially when consumers’ responses and predictions are used to guide economic decisions.”

Eric VanEpps

About the Research

The paper, “How should I know? Lack of confidence biases stock market expectations toward zero,” was co-authored by Eric M. VanEpps (Vanderbilt University), Alycia Chin and Brian Scholl (Office of Investor Research, SEC), and Steven Nash (NORC at the University of Chicago). The research was published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization (January 2025) and can be accessed digitally.

FACULTY INSIGHTS AND IMPACT

Creating Opportunity for Small Businesses Through Impact Investing

BY EIGEN ESCARIO

At Vanderbilt Business, students aren’t just learning how to invest capital—they’re learning how to make it count. In the Impact Investing course—headed by M. Eric Johnson, Bruce D. Henderson Professor of Strategy, and Sallie Bailey, local investor and Adjunct Professor—students are tasked with identifying, analyzing, and deciding which community-based entrepreneurs in Nashville are prime candidates for low-interest loans. One year after pitching his business to Owen students, Thomas Kelly, founder of Creative Soulz Printing, is a shining example of what’s possible when capital is paired with creativity.

through his hobby of graphic design, which became a calling he couldn’t ignore.

The Impact Investing Course

The Impact Investing course provides MBA, Executive MBA, and MS Finance students, (along with many other graduate students from across campus), the unique opportunity to be small business lenders in real time. Powered by capital from an impact fund underwritten by generous donors and put into action by the nonprofit financial services firm ImpactAssets, the class merges intensive due diligence with quantifiable social returns.

Thomas Kelly, Creative Soulz Printing

Thomas Kelly, a long-time Nashvillian, didn’t originally set out to create his own small business. He started by helping his church

“I never planned on becoming an entrepreneur—I just liked designing flyers and programs for my church,” Kelly said. “But one Sunday, when the usual printer fell through, I had to figure out how to get it done myself, and that’s where it all began.”

Since receiving the loan, Thomas Kelly has utilized the funds to greatly enhance the capabilities and scope of Creative Soulz Printing.

“With the loan, I was able to buy a large-format UV printer, so we were able to start offering a variety of services in-house, such as custom doors, event signage, large backdrops, banners, and labels,” Kelly said.

The growth did not stop at paper. Kelly also branched out into promotional products to offer customers more avenues for branding.

“With the investment, it also enabled me to register to become a promotional product supplier,” Kelly said. “With that, I was able to provide my clients with a range of promotional products to help them brand even further. We have to think outside of the paper. What are tangible giveaways that my clients can provide to their clients to help promote their business as well?”

Through the acquisition of new equipment and an expanded line of products and services, Kelly was able to increase revenues, improve profitability, and grow his stature in Nashville’s business and civic communities.

M. Eric Johnson

“We have been successful at consistently hitting six figures as far as overall yearly revenue; however, I am looking to consistently hit at least $10,000 per month, which would allow us to expand the space we’re in and add to our staff and personnel,” Kelly said. “I am also in the midst of creating a youth entrepreneurship program called Soulz of Tomorrow. I would like to design a business course or something similar that will educate students on all the different alternatives to post-secondary education based on what each student is passionate about and what each student finds meaningful, thus enabling their creativity to soar.”

Building Communities, One Business at a Time

Thomas Kelly’s story is one of the compelling examples highlighted in the Impact Investing course. He is one of several local owners whose businesses—and lives—have been forever changed by the assistance of the program. Every winner of the award has used their loan to enable the next stage of growth, uniquely suited to their particular industry and vision, all while investing back into their respective communities.

In 2023, Christopher Smith of Bunshine Buns was financed to grow his Filipino-style brioche operation.

Later in the year, Dan Miller (EMBA’25) and his cohort worked closely with other entrepreneurs who used their loans for strategic growth: Tony Woods of TCW expanded his trucking fleet; Kayla HallRansom of The City Juicery doubled juice-making capacity and opened two retail spaces; and Steven Sains increased inventory at his business Crown Love Beauty to better serve North Nashville.

These companies range from trucking to fashion to food, but all are emblematic of the power of capital when it’s invested in the hands of those who know—and serve—them best. The Impact Investing class not only builds student skills; it recycles capital, reinvests in communities, and redefines what is possible for small business owners who have been undervalued for far too long. When asked what success means to Kelly, he looks to his community and the ways in which they are able to support each other meaningfully.

Looking to the Future

As the Impact Investing course builds on its community impact and network of local entrepreneurs, Professor Johnson hopes to continue educating the next generation of socially-conscious inventors while simultaneously snowballing the fund’s economic impact on Nashville’s underestimated communities.

“We really can bring economic prosperity into the city through investments such as these,” Johnson said. “Ultimately, we hope other schools will do the same thing—finding ways to bring economic prosperity by really engaging with their communities.”

However, Johnson stresses that the course’s value for students and loan recipients lies in inspiring motivation for long-lasting change.

With three years under the program’s belt and many years ahead, the Impact Investing course will need more mentors, investment partners, and champions to sustain the progress toward community-based businesses.

Thomas Kelly (bottom right), owner of Creative Soulz Printing, gave a tour to a group of MBA students and one EMBA student from the Impact Investing course

“Success for me? Honestly, thinking about my youth entrepreneur program…seeing my first class of students graduate and create something that they'll be able to continue into their youth and into their adulthood would really make me happy,” Kelly said.

FACULTY INSIGHTS AND IMPACT

Vanderbilt Business Welcomes New Faculty Members, Fall 2025

BY OLIVIA ROBERTSON

“At Owen, we’re proud of our academic community, which values both innovative research and a strong commitment to teaching,” said Thomas Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean and Professor of Marketing. “This year, we’ve welcomed an outstanding group of new faculty—some of the most impressive we’ve recruited to date. They bring intellectual curiosity, practical insight, and a clear dedication to preparing the next generation of business leaders.”

Daniel Yang, Assistant Professor of Accounting

Daniel Yang joins Owen as an Assistant Professor of Accounting. He earned his PhD from The Ohio State University. Before Vanderbilt, Yang worked at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and as a credit analyst at Société Générale. His research explores how accounting information is used in debt contracting and labor markets and is published in top journals, like The Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting and Economics, and Contemporary Accounting Research

Josh Fairbanks, Associate Professor of the Practice of Finance

Josh Fairbanks joins Owen as an Associate Professor of the Practice of Finance and Faculty Director of the MS Finance program. He holds a PhD in Finance from Texas Tech University. Fairbanks previously held faculty roles at Texas Tech, the University of Tennessee, and Ohio University, bringing more than two decades of higher education experience. He researches human capital, corporate finance, and financial markets, and he has received multiple teaching and advising awards.

Wenyu Wang, Visiting Associate Professor of Finance

Wenyu Wang joins Owen as a Visiting Associate Professor of Finance, on leave from Kelley School of Business, where he is the Peterson Chair in Investment Banking. He earned his PhD in Finance from the University of WisconsinMadison and was a visiting scholar at The Wharton School. Wang studies corporate finance, including governance, control, and investment, with publications in journals such as the Journal of Financial Economics. He is active in the academic community through conferences and editorial service.

Eric Park, Assistant Professor of Marketing

Eric Park joins Owen as an Assistant Professor of Marketing. He recently completed his PhD in Business Administration at Columbia Business School. He researches how emerging digital technologies affect consumer behavior. His work has been published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology and Current Opinion in Psychology. Park previously worked in innovation and consumer insights at Anheuser-Busch.

Jackie Silverman, Associate Professor of Marketing

Jackie Silverman joins Owen as an Associate Professor of Marketing. She earned her PhD in Marketing from The Wharton School. Silverman comes to Vanderbilt from the University of Delaware after six years. She studies how behavioral tracking technologies influence consumer decisions and goal pursuit, along with broader topics in consumer psychology. Before academia, Silverman taught high school science.

Faculty Excellence in Action (June 2024-May 2025)

Owen faculty create impact through research, thought leadership, and a strong commitment to teaching and community. The accolades below highlight only a few recent honors; the Owen Community looks forward to celebrating more in the year ahead!

COMMENCEMENT 2025 FACULTY AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

James A. Webb Excellence in Teaching Award & Executive MBA (EMBA) Faculty Teaching Award

Brian T. McCann, David K. Wilson Chair, Professor of Strategic Management, was awarded the James A. Webb Excellence in Teaching Award and the EMBA Faculty Teaching Award.

Dean’s Faculty Research Productivity Award

Eric VanEpps, Associate Professor of Marketing, was awarded the 2025 Dean’s Faculty Research Productivity Award, recognizing significant scholarly contributions.

Dean’s Faculty Research Impact Award

Rangaraj (Ranga) Ramanujam, Richard M. and Betty Ruth Miller Chair, Professor of Management, Faculty Director of Health Care Programs, Professor of Health Policy, received the Dean’s Faculty Research Impact Award, recognizing significant discipline impact through an extensive body of research.

Dean’s Faculty Teaching Award

Larry J. LeBlanc, Professor of Operations Management, was presented the 2025 Dean’s Faculty Teaching Award in recognition of his significant impact on student experience.

UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION

Emeritus Status

Robert E. Whaley, Valere Blair Potter Professor of Management (Finance), Director, Financial Markets Research Center, was bestowed Emeritus status by the University’s Provost, Chancellor, and Board of Trust after a distinguished 46-year career. Whaley, renowned globally for his expertise in derivatives, created the Market Volatility Index (VIX) for the Chicago Board Options Exchange in 1993, a pivotal metric now known as the “fear index.” He has been a cornerstone of finance education and scholarship at Owen and beyond and will be missed.

2025 Chancellor’s Faculty Fellow

Bin Li, Associate Professor of Accounting, was named a 2025 Chancellor’s Faculty Fellow. The program recognizes early-career faculty members who have shown exceptional promise and provides them with funding and support to advance their work.

Endowed Chair Appointment, Justin Potter Professorship

Veronika Krepely Pool, Professor of Finance, was one of 33 Vanderbilt faculty members awarded an endowed chair this spring. She was appointed the Justin Potter Professorship, which was established by the late Mrs. Valere Blair Potter in memory of her husband, Mr. Justin Potter, a Tennessee businessman, dedicated philanthropist, and Vanderbilt alumnus.

Continued on next page

FACULTY INSIGHTS AND IMPACT

2025

Student Engagement Award, Undergraduate

Education

Mumin Kurtulus, Associate Professor of Operations Management, received the 2025 Student Engagement Award from the Vanderbilt Office of Undergraduate Education. He was recognized for his service and impact on student life and learning as Faculty Head of Moore College.

SCHOLARLY & INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

Annual Conference Best Paper Prize, Strategic Management Society (SMS)

Professor Ranga Ramanujam received the Best Paper Prize at the SMS Annual Conference for the paper, “The Link Between Reliability and Resilience: The Moderating Effect of Human Errors in Accident Management.” This award honors conceptual soundness, originality, methodology, practical relevance, and clarity.

20-Year Best Paper for Scholarly Impact Award, Management and Organization Review (MOR)

Ray Friedman, Brownlee O. Currey Chair, Professor of Management and Asian Studies, received the Best Paper for Scholarly Impact Award from Management and Organization Review (MOR), the journal of the International Association for Chinese Management Research (IACMR). The paper, “Supervisor-Subordinate Guanxi: Developing a Three-Dimensional Model and Scale,” was recognized as the most impactful scholarly contribution in the journal’s 20-year history.

2024 IAQF/Northfield Financial Engineer of the Year Award

Professor Robert E. Whaley was named the 2024 Financial Engineer of the Year by the International Association for Quantitative Finance (IAQF) and Northfield Information Services. The prestigious award recognizes individuals with significant contributions to the advancement of quantitative finance.

2025 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors, Poets & Quants

Anthony Salerno, Associate Professor of Marketing, Director of the Owen Insights Behavioral Lab, was recognized by Poets & Quants as one of the “Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors” for 2025. While this award highlights MBA teaching, students across Owen benefit from his presence.

Nashville Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame

Michael Burcham, Professor of the Practice of Management, Faculty Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship (C4E), was inducted into the Nashville Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame. Burcham, a serial entrepreneur, longtime leader in healthcare innovation, and Founding President and CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneurship Center, was recognized for his pivotal role in the community.

Award-Winning Teaching Innovation

Jen Riley, Senior Lecturer of Marketing, received the 2024 Teaching Innovation Award at the Marketing Management Association Fall Educators’ Conference for Podcast Pedagogy, a classroom strategy she co-developed. This follows Riley’s recognition with the 2023 Innovations in Teaching Award from the Society of Marketing Advances for The Participation Competition, a classroom engagement strategy.

NEW LEADERSHIP ROLES

Professor White Named PCAOB’s Acting Chief Economist and OERA Director

Joshua T. White, Assistant Professor of Finance, Brownlee O. Currey Jr. Dean’s Faculty Fellow, was appointed Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Acting Chief Economist and Director of its Office of Economic and Risk Analysis (OERA). White is on leave from Owen to engage in this public service, leading the PCAOB’s economic analysis and risk assessment efforts.

Professor Johnson elected as President of the Production and Operations Management Society (POMS)

M. Eric Johnson, Bruce D. Henderson Professor of Strategy, Ralph Owen Dean, Emeritus, was elected President of POMS, an international professional organization for business school faculty in operations and technology management, representing more than 2,400 members across 55 countries.

FACULTY AREA WINS

Vanderbilt Ranks #2 All-Time in Consumer Behavior Research

Vanderbilt ranked #2 all-time in the area of Consumer Behavior, according to ScholarGPS’ 2024 research analytics. Notably, Vanderbilt is the only school with three faculty members in the Lifetime Top 25 for this research specialty:

Dawn Iacobucci, E. Bronson Ingram Chair, Professor of Management in Marketing (#2). Iacobucci also received the rare distinction of a Highly Ranked Scholar in this analysis, a title reserved for the most influential and prolific researchers in their field.

Steven S. Posavac, Madison S. Wigginton Professor of Marketing, Faculty Director, Master of Marketing (#10).

Jennifer Edson Escalas, Associate Dean of Academic Program, Dean Samuel B. and Evelyn R. Richmond Chair, Professor of Marketing (#23).

Vanderbilt Ranks #14 All-Time in Negotiation Research

Vanderbilt ranked #14 all-time in Negotiation research, according to ScholarGPS’ 2024 research analytics.

Professor Ray Friedman placed #35 for research in this specialty in the Lifetime rankings.

Operations Management & Quantitative Methods, Three INFORMS TIMES Papers of the Month

Three members of the Operations Management and Quantitative Methods faculty were recognized with a Paper of the Month by INFORMS TIMES. INFORMS (The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) is a leading international association for analytics and operations research, and its TIMES (Technology, Innovation Management, and Entrepreneurship Section) division highlights one outstanding research paper monthly: Michael Lapré, Associate Professor of Operations Management, was recognized for the paper, “When Success is Rare and Competitive: Learning from Others’ Success and My Failure at the Speed of Formula One.”

Antoine Feylessoufi, Assistant Professor of Operations Management and Quantitative Methods, was recognized for the paper, “Behavioral Microfoundations of New Practice Adoption: The Effects of Rewards, Training and Population Dynamics.”

Sina Moghadas Khorasani, Assistant Professor of Operations Management, was recognized for the paper, “Screening in Multistage Contests. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management.”

BY LACIE C. BLANKENSHIP

LAUNCHING UNICORNS

Venture-backed startups founded by Vanderbilt alumni are twice as likely to reach unicorn status as the national average.

At Vanderbilt University, entrepreneurship isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a defining feature of the university’s identity. Through strategic investments and thoughtful community engagement, Vanderbilt is building a distinctive path in innovation and shaping a legacy as a launchpad for impactful ventures.

The university’s focus is clear: to build one of the strongest, most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems in higher education, involving students, investors, seasoned entrepreneurs, and activated alumni.

Supported at the highest levels of leadership, this vision has a strong foundation at Owen.

“Vanderbilt has a strong history of entrepreneurship, including 12 unicorn founders—and we’re actively building momentum,” said Thomas Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean and Professor of Marketing. “Students are developing new ideas, cross-campus collaborations are accelerating, and more students are pursuing entrepreneurial paths. Our alumni are increasingly engaged—through philanthropy, mentorship, and support—to help the next generation build what’s next. It’s an exciting time, and we’re proud to foster an environment where innovation can thrive.”

A Watershed Moment: The Inaugural Convoy Conference

The three-day event, held in March 2025, united more than 750 entrepreneurs, investors, and other startup ecosystem players from the global student and alumni base to celebrate and strengthen Vanderbilt’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hosted primarily on campus, the Convoy Conference was designed to convene the university community’s most accomplished and aspiring entrepreneurs, spotlight the power of the Vanderbilt network, and create new connections across generations.

“It was incredible to see the Convoy Conference come to life after months of planning,” says Baxter Webb (MBA’13), Director of the Owen Center for Entrepreneurship, who spearheaded the conference.

“The passion of our alumni was truly evident, and the event provided an amazing platform for networking, education, and collaboration.”

The conference agenda featured keynotes, panels, startup showcases, pitch competitions, and networking opportunities. Keynote speakers included “shark” Mark Cuban, a renowned entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and businessman; Jeff Rothschild (BA’77, MS’79), Founding Engineer and former VP Infrastructure at Facebook, and current angel investor

“Our alumni are increasingly engaged—through philanthropy, mentorship, and support—to help the next generation build what’s next.”

– Thomas Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean and Professor of Marketing

in Frontier Technologies; and Doug French, former CEO of Ascension and current Managing Partner at Santé Ventures, a health and med tech venture capital fund with $1B in assets under management.

Other notable speakers included Michael Berolzheimer (BS’00), Founder and Managing Director of Bee Partners; Bruce Evans (BE’81), Former Managing Partner of Summit Partners; Carl Liebert (MBA’95), former CEO of several PE-backed companies and now Managing Director at American Securities; Oliver Luckett (BA’96), a serial entrepreneur who created the first mechanisms for monetizing content; Adam Spector (BS’04), serial entrepreneur, noted angel investor, and host of the Entrepreneurial Excellence podcast; Brendan Synnott (BS’00), serial entrepreneur behind Bear Naked Granola, Revely, and Pact; and Emily White (BA’00), former COO of Snapchat and now Managing Director at Anthos Capital.

Participants explored topics like artificial intelligence, product-market fit, scaling culture, and capital strategy. Seven Vanderbilt alumni unicorn founders spoke, reinforcing the university’s emerging reputation as a birthplace of highimpact ventures. University leaders also took part, including Cybele Raver, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Thomas Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean, Padma Raghavan, Vice Provost for Research and Innovation and Chief Research Officer, and Anders Hall, Vice Chancellor for Investments and CIO.

The Convoy Conference was a catalyst; more than 150 founders and 80 investors connected, launched ideas, and formed partnerships. Several attendees even secured investors and job offers on the spot.

“Our goal is to make Vanderbilt a top-five university for entrepreneurship by 2030,” says Webb. “The momentum from Convoy and the organization it will help us build around the ecosystem is crucial to hitting this goal. I’m excited for what the conference will become for Vanderbilt.”

Infrastructure for Innovation: Center for Entrepreneurship

While Convoy was a landmark event, it was made possible by a foundation decades in the making, much of which now drives the Center for Entrepreneurship (C4E), housed within Owen. The center’s roots date back to before 2000, when the late Professor Germain Böer, a fierce advocate for student-innovation, led a transformative push for an entrepreneurship center. In 2016, a generous gift from Jack and Caroline Long (both MBA’83) allowed the C4E to expand into a university-wide resource supporting Vanderbilt founders at every stage. The center fosters a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem with structured programs, financial support (grants and scholarships), and networking. Led by Webb and Michael Burcham, Faculty Director of the C4E, the Center continues to evolve with new initiatives like the Vanderbilt Venture Scout program, an advisor and mentor network, Founders Confidential, and the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition program.

Vanderbilt Venture Scout Program

The Vanderbilt Venture Scout program will give students hands-on experience in venture capital by working directly with founders to conduct interviews, perform market research, and write investment memos shared with alumni venture capitalists. In addition to building skills and career pathways in venture capital and private equity, the program creates valuable capital access for founders and deal flow for investors.

Advisor & Mentor Network

While mentorship and networking are longstanding C4E pillars, the center is working on a strategic advisor and mentor network to connect those seeking mentor/ mentee relationships. This network will foster ongoing knowledge-sharing that advances the next generation of ventures and will leverage the thousands of Vanderbilt alumni in the startup and venture capital space.

Founders Confidential

A local component of the refined advisor and mentor network, the Founders Confidential initiative will launch in fall 2025 as a monthly meetup for Nashville alumni in startups to gather as a community.

Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Program

“Our goal is to make Vanderbilt a topfive university for entrepreneurship by 2030.”

– Baxter Webb, C4E Director

On the academic front, Owen is evaluating and refreshing its entrepreneurship curriculum. One highlight is the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) program, which will launch in early 2026 for students and alumni (via Vanderbilt Executive Education). The program will train on acquiring and growing existing small businesses through hands-on learning and mentorship from all-star alumni instructors.

The Nashville Advantage

Innovation has always thrived in Nashville, but recently, the city’s entrepreneurial energy has surged thanks to an expanding network of support organizations, capital access, and trans-sector collaboration. The city has quickly become a dynamic startup hub, particularly in healthcare, tech, and, of course, music and entertainment. At the heart of this movement is a city-wide commitment to innovation, supported by institutions like the mayor’s office, Launch Tennessee, (a public-private partnership focused on statewide startup support), and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC), founded by Burcham in 2010. Other local resources include the Greater Nashville Venture Capital Association (GNVCA), seed-funded partially by Vanderbilt, and the Nashville

Innovation Alliance, a coalition of civic, academic, and business leaders working to elevate the region as a national innovation hub. Nashville is known as a city where people say “yes” to meetings and want each other to win; some might say that’s where Southern hospitality meets business.

As entrepreneurship at Vanderbilt grows, so does its impact on the region. University-affiliated companies attract funding, hire locally, and give back to the community. What’s good for Vanderbilt entrepreneurs is good for Nashville, and vice versa.

Giving Back to the Next Generation

“Community is at the heart of the momentum we’re having here in the Vanderbilt entrepreneurship community,” says Webb. “Time and time again, we see alumni and peers stepping up to mentor and invest in student ventures.”

Alumni can contribute by participating in or judging pitch competitions, mentoring, speaking in workshops, attending events like the Convoy Conference, or joining the growing network of investors backing studentled ventures.

Vanderbilt’s Vision: A Top-Five School by 2030

With continued investment across campus, Vanderbilt is looking ahead with ambition. The goal of becoming a top entrepreneurship school by 2030 is achievable with the right strategy and an engaged network.

“The notion that entrepreneurship is a mindset about solving problems, creating value, and leading with purpose is what’s driving us,” says Webb. “Vanderbilt is equipping students across campus with that mindset and the tools to act on it, and removing limitations.”

From classroom to capital, from Nashville to New York, Vanderbilt’s community is anchored by a shared commitment to innovation.

Owen Unicorn Founders

A unicorn is a privately held startup valued at $1 billion or more, a rare achievement. Several Vanderbilt Business alumni have reached this exclusive status, redefining industries worldwide. Owen alumni unicorn founders include:

n Joe Cashia (MBA’95), Renal Care Group

n Cotter Cunningham (MBA’91), RetailMeNot

n Kay Ferrell (MBA’95), IASIS Healthcare

n Rajiv Gupta (MBA’04), Innovative Renal Care

n Max Lytvyn (MBA’95), Grammarly

n Edwin Miller (MBA’06), Aledade

n Chuck Smith (MBA’86), BellRock Brands

n Jim Sohr (BE’86/MBA’90), Correct Care Solutions (now Wellpath)

n Scott Sohr (MBA’90), Correct Care Solutions (now Wellpath) & Built

n Justin Walker (MBA’00), Wheels Up

Did You Know?

Venture-backed startups founded by Vanderbilt alumni are twice as likely to reach unicorn status as the national average, according to an analysis by Ilya Strebulaev of the Stanford GSB Venture Capital Initiative.

Meet Baxter Webb, C4E Director

Education: BSPH, UNC (2004), MBA, Vanderbilt (2013)

Background: Before returning to Owen to lead the C4E, Webb spent over 15 years in health tech and digital health startups. He has founded or served in a leadership position for several healthtech startups, including CP Diagnostics, Proventys, MEDarchon, Heraeus Medical, and Foodsmart.

Career Highlights: Webb managed the largest NIH-funded study on pulmonary embolism; helped secure the first CPT code issued to a commercial entity by the American Medical Association; and led a computerized decision-support tool through the FDA 510(k) De Novo process. His company, MEDarchon, was named Startup of the Year by the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and the Nashville Chamber and one of the

Best Places to Work in Nashville by the Nashville Business Journal prior to being acquired by XSOLIS. Webb also holds several patents and has co-authored over a dozen peer-reviewed research publications.

Favorite Quote: “Never give up” - Winston Churchill/Germain Böer

Favorite Nashville Restaurant: Miel Restaurant

From Boardroom to Stadium: John Ingram’s Impact on

BY ELIZABETH JENKINS

Though his title is Chairman of Ingram Industries, John R. Ingram (MBA’86), thinks Chief Innovation Officer, Chief Aggravation Officer and Cheerleader better describe his role. “Some combination of innovation, agitation, and cheerleading is what I do most,” says Ingram, who earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University before returning home to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management.

joining his family business in 1986, Ingram has carried on the legacy of entrepreneurship that began several generations before. Over the past century, the Ingrams’ interests have ranged from barging to books, lumber to oil, microcomputing to soccer. “I’ve come to understand that what I really am is an entrepreneur; I just work at a family business,” he says.

The idea of making soccer part of his family’s portfolio is less random than it may seem. While working in Belgium in the mid-nineties, Ingram saw firsthand how the sport united countries all over Europe. “In Brussels, when the national team played, the country shut down,” he recalls. “Literally everybody was watching.” Then, in 2015, Ingram attended a Premier League match with the youngest of his four children, which renewed his interest in the game.

By then, efforts were already underway to make soccer the next professional sport in Music City, which had been awarded both an NFL and NHL franchise in the late 1990’s. Vanderbilt alum Bill Hagerty, BA’81, JD’84, who is now

a United States Senator, was the chairman of the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development at the time, and it was Hagerty who got the literal ball rolling. His office conducted research that compared the demographics of Nashville to the other cities competing for the next Major League Soccer franchise.

“The work they did showed that although Nashville was one of the smaller cities being considered, it was also mighty in some important ways,” explains Ingram, “like per capita income and the growth of up-and-coming young entrepreneurs and businesspeople, who tend to make up the core of the soccer fans in the United States.” Ingram was adamant that if Nashville were to lure an expansion team, they play near downtown. “The tag line I used during the process was that I wanted to do this in Nashville, with Nashville, and for Nashville,” says Ingram, who believed the Fairgrounds were the ideal place to build an arena. After winning the bid in 2017, construction began on GEODIS Park, the future home of Nashville SC and the largest soccer-specific stadium in the country.

Since then, Ingram, in partnership with MarketStreet Enterprises— which is led by Owen adjunct professor Dirk Melton and Jay Turner, BA’92, JD’99—has helped develop the real estate adjacent to the stadium in the WedgewoodHouston neighborhood. The area has

John Ingram with Candice Storey Lee, Vice Chancellor for Athletics & University Affairs, Athletics Director at Vanderbilt University.

Photo by Karlee Sell

Nashville

seen tremendous growth, attracting restaurants, breweries, and retail stores. During breaks in the soccer season, the stadium also hosts events and concerts. One project Ingram is particularly proud of is 445 Park Commons, a mixed-use space with 335 apartments, 120 of which are considered affordable housing.

“My mother, Martha, is the patron saint of arts here in Nashville,” says Ingram. “Projects like the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, which is one of her big gifts to Nashville, would never have happened without her help,” he says. “I would like to believe that bringing soccer and building GEODIS Park is my own gift to Nashville. I promise I have done this as much with my heart as with my wallet,” says Ingram.

Vanderbilt Athletics are also close to Ingram’s heart, having attended football and basketball games since he was a little boy, and baseball as an adult. The combination of his passion for the university and his acute business acumen made him the perfect person to chair Vanderbilt Athletics’ efforts during the Shape the Future campaign, which raised more than $50 million to help upgrade Memorial Gymnasium and Hawkins Field. “Vandy sports are part of me,” he says. “I always knew that if I were fortunate enough to be involved and help make a difference, I would try.” In 2022, as part of Vandy United, he founded the Ingram Center for Student-Athlete Success to foster Commodores’ personal development. “It is important to me that the University come

alongside our athletes, so that by the time they are finished here, they are ready to take the next step,” he says, “and that they go as stronger, more resilient, more self-aware versions of themselves.”

Ingram credits business school for teaching him important skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur. “Owen was fantastic in terms of helping me put more tools in the toolbox, so to speak,” he says. “I am proud of my MBA from Vanderbilt. It was a great experience for me.” Ingram believes entrepreneurship is going to become even more of a priority for business schools like Owen as AI continues to evolve. “I don’t know if you can teach somebody to be an entrepreneur,” he says, “but you can give them tools for the things they need to be good, at like finance, accounting, raising money, and how to put together a Board.”

Ingram is pleased to see more entrepreneurial activity going on in Nashville today than ever before. He thinks the pandemic freed us of the idea that you have to live in New York City or Silicon Valley to start a business. Instead, you can live in Nashville and have a much nicer quality of life. “The best thing we can do in Nashville, or at Vanderbilt, is create an environment where people want to come here to start stuff, and to actively think about how to keep them here,” he says. “Why choose Nashville, Tennessee, over other places? That’s the question for us to answer.”

Industry and Community Accolades:

n Publishers Weekly Frederic G. Melcher Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)

n Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s Tennessean of the Year (2022)

n Book Industry Study Group Award of Excellence (2016)

n Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s Hall of Fame (2011)

Top: John Ingram shakes hands with Leo Messi at the 2023 Leagues Cup finals (Photo permission: NBJ)

Left: Dedication of GEODIS Park

Philippe Gluntz did not come to Nashville for the weather or the music. He recalled with a laugh, “I looked at the map and said, ‘Where is it (Vanderbilt Business)? Nashville, Tennessee?’ I didn’t care. I wanted to work with Igor Ansoff.”

THROUGH THE YEARS:

Philippe Gluntz and a Legacy of Building

BY WILLIAM WIETERS

Philippe Gluntz (PhD’73) planned to study with the “Pope of Corporate Strategy” at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, but a year before his departure, he received a letter from Igor Ansoff, who would be taking over the deanship of a new business school in Nashville. “So, I had to change my plans and move to the South!”

Five decades later, Gluntz, now 85, holds the distinction as Vanderbilt’s very first doctoral graduate in business administration. Since earning his degree, he has co-founded one of France’s first IT firms, led a 200,000-employee telecom giant, and shaped Europe’s angel investing ecosystem from the ground up.

From Civil Servant to Entrepreneur

Beginning at École Polytechnique—a French Ivy League institution founded by Napoleon in 1794 as a military school to train elite officers—Gluntz was trained in mathematics and physics. Two years later, he earned a placement in Corps des Ponts et Chaussées. There, he completed a master’s degree in civil engineering alongside a master’s degree in political science and economics from Sciences Po. Gluntz then spent seven years in France’s public sector before realizing his pursuits were not his passions. “I didn’t really like what I had to do,” he admitted. “I decided that was not where I wanted to spend my whole life.”

That decision sparked his move to the U.S. through a government-sponsored program tasked at training future business educators. While at Vanderbilt, given his extensive academic background, Gluntz was invited to bypass

the MBA track and become Vanderbilt’s first doctoral candidate in business, ultimately earning his Doctorate in Management.

Just before leaving for Nashville, Gluntz had his first run-in with startups, helping set the foundation for one with four colleagues. “The project of creating a small company in informatics was something which was appealing to me already at the time,” he explained.

His dissertation, entitled “Toward a Contingency Paradigm for Organization Development: A Model for Intervention in Power-Centered, High Conflict Systems in a French Public Environment,” was a culmination of action research conducted both in France and the U.S. Gluntz joked, “Totally not catchy, but important work!”

Building and Leading Big

After returning to France in 1973, he became CEO of GSI, the company he had co-founded. GSI specialized in managing corporate IT systems. “We had a certain philosophy…to take over computer science, computer centers, and the networks of large corporations—run it on their behalf and save costs.”

A bigger opportunity soon emerged. “Alcatel…was in discussion with ITT Telecom to merge,” he recalled. “I became COO of that merged company. It was $4.6 billion turnover and 200,000 people.”

Ten years later, Gluntz came to the rescue and returned to GSI, ultimately leading a merger with ADP and serving as President of ADP Employer Services Europe for another decade.

Gluntz

Gluntz is pictured second from the left with his wife, alongside Belgian and Dutch co-students and an American master’s student

Futures

Becoming a Business Angel

Upon retiring, Gluntz shifted focus to a more personal focus: supporting founders. “I was interested already to not only have my own company, but to help young guys who are starting a new business… with my experience.”

Having invested individually, Gluntz realized the ecosystem needed structure. “The best thing was to design and create and lead a network of business angels. That was already existing in the States.”

He co-founded Paris Business Angels, “the numberone network in France,” to which he then became President of France Angels and later helped build Business Angels Europe, a continental umbrella for early-stage investors. “We created a lot of networks— 65 networks of business angels in France.”

France Angels was created not only to grow the business angel community in France and Europe, but also to represent those communities in conversation with the French and European governments.

So far, he’s invested in over 40 startups. “Obviously, out of that, a lot are down…but some very successful. The best return I have is a company which is half in Paris, half in New York…now 2,000 times the value we invested.”

Lessons From Vanderbilt

Gluntz credits his time at Vanderbilt with opening his eyes to new ways of thinking. “We had a lot of courses in change in organizations,” he said. “I came to

Vanderbilt mostly for corporate strategy…but at the same time, I learned about psychology and sociology of organizations.” That balance of hard and soft skills stuck with him. “That was a good experience…maybe I would have done something different if I would have been in a traditional business school,” he said. “But that mix really impacted me.”

Looking back, he remains proud of the road less traveled. “I’m very proud to be the number-one doctorate. At that time, no American was going the same path,” he said.

Still Teaching, Still Building

Even now, Gluntz teaches part-time and continues developing case studies on post-merger integration. His experience leading GSI, Alcatel, and ADP became the foundation for his instruction at European business schools like EDHEC, ESSEC, and IAE Aix. “That’s something which has always been in my mind—how to make sure I can get a kind of lesson out of my experience and deliver it to students.”

From creating companies to empowering founders, Gluntz’s journey comes full circle: education, entrepreneurship, and global impact.

“What I liked the most is to really create a company and develop it,” he said. “Pick a strategy. Find the partners. Find the money. And make it happen.”

TIME. TALENT. TREASURE.

The energy around Owen is palpable. The inaugural Convoy Conference in March showcased a buzzing entrepreneurial ecosystem, highlighting the incredible momentum across our community. This spirit extends to Vanderbilt’s ongoing Dare to Grow campaign, which supports growth initiatives like the new campuses in New York City and West Palm Beach, further expanding Owen’s reach and impact. There has never been a better time to engage with the Owen community. Give Go Help Share serves as our call to action to illustrate how you can contribute your time, talent, or treasure to support our historic fundraising campaign. You are a vital partner as we accelerate our work to realize Dean Steenburgh’s vision for Owen’s future.

There are many ways to be a part of this transformative moment in our history:

Your philanthropic support makes an incredible impact. Gifts to the Owen Annual Fund, for example, support areas of greatest need, such as scholarships or travel for case competitions. Your generosity fuels initiatives driving the intersection of Owen with healthcare, entrepreneurship, real estate, artificial intelligence, and the creative economy. An investment in Owen ripples across our community by enhancing excellence among our students, faculty, and programs— and inspiring others to make their own contributions.

Join Vanderbilt and Owen events—on campus, across the country, around the globe, and online—or organize your own. Whether you wish to reconnect, network, organize a Closing Bell, meet with prospective students, or learn from industry experts, there are countless ways to get involved. We have even created an innovative “Event-in-a-Box” with Owen-branded materials to help support your efforts. Contact us for more information about upcoming events and resources for support.

give help go share

Members of the Owen Volunteer Community serve as liaisons between their classmates and Owen. Roles like Class Agents and Class Secretaries increase alumni engagement and encourage participation. Hands-on volunteer roles have allowed the Dare to Grow campaign, and Owen initiatives, to thrive by coordinating and driving connections. They are actively bringing alumni together on campus and in cities around the world, recruiting and mentoring talented students, and driving philanthropic support.

Share your expertise by presenting to a class or club, networking within the Owen community, or getting involved at alumni events. You can also help spread the word about Owen to your own networks—you are our greatest ambassadors!

Our Owen community is fueled by supporters dedicated to strengthening the school as a world-class business leader. As we embark on a new chapter, please join us to empower the next generation of Vanderbilt students, thought leaders, and innovators.

Let’s Dare to Grow together.

– Kelli J. Edmond

Associate Dean of Development and Alumni Relations, Owen Graduate

School of Management kelli.j.edmond@vanderbilt.edu

DARE TO GROW: Ignite the Future of Entrepreneurship at Vanderbilt

Dare to Grow: At Vanderbilt, student founders are launching the next wave of transformational businesses—but they can’t do it alone. Gifts of all sizes make an impact. We invite you to consider supporting the following:

Vanderbilt Student Venture Fund

With the support of alumni and donors, we aim to create a dynamic ecosystem where student venture capitalists collaborate with their peers to identify, invest in, and launch groundbreaking student-led startups. Early-stage, student-led businesses require crucial funding to prove their models and gain traction. Managed by student VCs with guidance from experienced industry mentors, the Vanderbilt Student Venture Fund harnesses the entrepreneurial spirit of Owen students and helps them bring their visions to fruition.

Convoy Student Scholarship Fund: Vanderbilt’s Flagship Entrepreneurship Event

Vanderbilt has a maritime mascot, and in maritime terminology, a convoy is a group of ships traveling together for mutual benefit and support. In much the same way, the Convoy Conference helps Vanderbilt students, alumni, faculty, parents, and friends spark new ideas, foster collaboration, advance careers, and accelerate business generation. Through keynotes, industry breakouts, pitch stages, 1:1 facilitated meetings, networking dinners, and other activities, Convoy attracts Vanderbilt’s most meaningful founders and investors for several days of education, networking, and deal making. Your support enables students to attend the Convoy Conference both when it takes place at Vanderbilt and in years when it is held at a satellite location.

Founders

Confidential Fellowship: A Launchpad for Success

Founders Confidential provides a community for Vanderbilt-affiliated founders to learn from and support each other while building startups. Each monthly meet up features: entrepreneurs highlighting a game-changing process or service that their company has implemented; a whiteboarding session for an entrepreneur to gather collective wisdom on how to navigate an issue; opportunities to practice pitches; and networking for support and connections. With your support, student founders can join this transformative network as part of the Nashville Chapter.

Help us equip the next generation of entrepreneurs—and watch your impact multiply for years to come.

Give Today: Click here for more information.

FY25 OWEN DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

$50M+ 250 750

Raised over $50M (Owen’s best fundraising year to date!) to support Owen’s strategic priorities: entrepreneurship, real estate, scholarships, West Palm Beach expansion, and more.

Held a successful reunion in November 2024, with over 250 alumni and guests attending the weekend’s activities. Save the Date for Reunion 2025 on November 6-9 in Nashville: reunion.vanderbilt.edu/owen/.

Highlights of Owen alums in key markets:

Owen Alumni Count by U.S. City:

- Alumni in all other U.S. cities: 2,709 - Global Alumni: 684

Jerome Edwards

Co-Founder & CEO, CardioNXT, Inc. and Board Member, Hepta Medical, Inc., Paris, France; Former Co-Founder & CEO, Veran Medical Technologies, Inc., MBA 2004 Erie, Colorado

My time at Vanderbilt transformed me completely. I came in as an introverted engineer and left as a savvy businessman and entrepreneur. I am forever grateful to the Owen School and Vanderbilt University.

Launched the inaugural Convoy Conference, which brought together over 750 founders, investors, alumni, and students to celebrate and advance entrepreneurship at Vanderbilt.

TOP OWE

EN ALUMNI BASES 11 480+ $1M

Supported 11 alumni-hosted Event-in-a-Box gatherings around the globe, including San Francisco (5), Boston, Dallas, Chicago, Singapore, and Hong Kong, plus events in NYC and Nashville. Interested in hosting an event in your city? Click here to learn more.

Development Officers and Dean Steenburgh held 480+ meetings with alumni, learning more about their Owen experiences and how they would like to support the school.

Susan Strayer LaMotte CEO, exaqueo, MBA 2007 Charleston, South Carolina

Falon Veit Scott, CMM Founder & CEO, EES Agency, EMBA 2021 Nashville, Tennessee

For the first time ever, the Owen Annual Fund, which helps to provide unrestricted, current-use funds, raised over $1M, offering vital support for the day-to-day needs of the school.

Mike Gunter

Founding Partner & CEO, The Gunter Group, MBA 1993, New York, New York

Owen changed the trajectory of my career; it was a game changer for me. The foundation I received from Owen and its faculty and staff is what enabled me to go into consulting, and to eventually start my own firm, The Gunter Group. The small class size and collegial environment created lifelong friends and professional connections that I continue to enjoy to this day!

One of my favorite quotes is “dwell in possibility,” and that encapsulates my experience at Owen. The culture, the people, and the opportunities created an environment so conducive to exploring beyond my expected path (including meeting my husband Peter). Almost 20 years later, and I’m a better founder, leader, and client partner because I’m never rooted in a single answer. I’m always considering what’s possible, thanks to Owen.

My time at the Owen Graduate School of Management has sharpened my financial acumen, enabling me to make more strategic, data-driven decisions that directly impact my bottom line. The program fostered creative thinking that I’ve applied to reimagine business models and uncover new growth opportunities. Additionally, the negotiation management training has strengthened my ability to navigate complex deals with confidence and clarity, enhancing both internal alignment and external partnerships.

From Pitch to Partnership

Vanderbilt Business alumni from both sides of the investment table share insights on securing startup funding

BY KARA SHERRER

Rhodes Amaker

Aaron Dorn

Brittani Roberts

Rehan Choudhry

Derek Banyard

While many people dream of one day starting their own business, navigating the complex world of investors can be tricky. We sat down with five Vanderbilt Business alumni to discuss their advice for networking with investors and raising capital in 2025.

Navigating the Main Fundraising Stages

Fundraising for startups that have high-growth potential often follows an orderly series of investment rounds. Founders will usually raise the initial $100,000 to $250,000 from friends and family in a preseed round. Then, after the product launches, founders will turn to individual angel investors or angel syndicates for a larger seed round. If successful enough, founders will then pitch their startups to bigger venture capital firms to raise more money during their Series A round, Series B, and so on.

However, not every founder ends up following this exact order of investment rounds. For example, Rhodes Amaker (MMHC’17) skipped the friends and family round entirely when co-launching his nutrition startup, Sylvan Health. Due to his healthcare contacts, he brought on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee as a customer before any formal fundraising took place. This early success helped his company secure an initial round of funding from Looking Glass Capital and a second round from Max Ventures. Amaker and his co-founders are now working on raising an official Series A round during the latter half of this year.

Other entrepreneurs have to raise even larger amounts of capital at the beginning. Aaron Dorn (MBA’17), who co-founded Studio Bank in Nashville, had to raise a total of $50 million just to launch, $4 million in seed capital to get the ball rolling, and then an additional $46 million to actually open the bank. “I often refer to [the bank] as a startup on steroids, because there’s enormous regulatory, capital, governance, and staffing requirements,” he said.

Networking with Potential Investors

Every startup founder leverages their network to meet potential investors, but that networking looks different for each one. In Derek Banyard’s (MBA’08) case, the connection was straightforward: About 30 of his former classmates came together to form an angel syndicate, which then invested in his healthcare startup, Sayenza Biosciences. He says his classmates have also been “instrumental” in giving him industry advice and connecting him with potential hires.

Likewise, Dorn credits Vanderbilt alumni (Owen and greater Vanderbilt) for helping to get Studio Bank off the ground, saying both networks were a “massive part” of the process. “I can point to dozens, literally dozens, of key investors and board members of the bank who are alums. So I definitely leveraged that great asset that Vanderbilt provides to its alumni,” he said.

“I can point to dozens, literally dozens, of key investors and board members of the bank who are alums. So I definitely leveraged that great asset that Vanderbilt provides to its alumni.”

– Derek Banyard

Not all investing relationships are so direct, however. While Rehan Choudhry (MBA’07) does have two former Vanderbilt Business classmates listed on his cap table for Chptr, a digital platform for creating memorialization videos of loved ones, he says that developing relationships over time was essential to his networking process.

“You’d be surprised how those help you out,” he said. “I had very few people that I could just go to and say, ‘Hey, write me a check.’ I had some, but I had more people I could go to and say, ‘If I were going to try to do this, who should I talk to?’ And those secondary to tertiary introductions helped us.”

Seeking Out Investor-Founder Fit

Many aspiring startup founders wonder what attributes will set them apart from the competition and convince a potential investor to cut them a check. Brittani Roberts (MBA’19), who works as a principal on the investment team at FINTOP, says that every individual investor and larger fund has their own list of preferences and deal breakers. For example, at FINTOP, they look for “hungry, coachable, capital-efficient founders who have been able to achieve at least $1 million in annual revenue without outsized prior investment.” Additionally, FINTOP may love a founder and what they’re building, but the relationship has to be a good fit for the thesis the fund is intended for.

Roberts also advises founders to think critically about what kind of investment partners they ideally want instead of automatically accepting whatever money comes their way. She says that some startups prefer a partner like FINTOP, who will help advise on the day-to-day business, while others are looking for a silent investor who rarely chimes in. As with any type of partnership, a strong foundation supports the success of the union. “Be honest with yourself and your investors about what you want from a partner after the check is written, and understand that the relationship you are about to enter into is sometimes longer than the average U.S. marriage,” Roberts said.

Lessons from Both Sides of the Table

Whether you’re pitching your first startup or considering your next investment, learning from the experiences of others and leaning on genuine relationships is a great step forward, with personal and professional benefits. Alumni like Rhodes Amaker, Aaron Dorn, Derek Banyard, Rehan Choudhry, and Brittani Roberts show that while no two paths are the same, shared insights and supportive communities can open doors.

CLASS ACTS

’77

Chris Bowers , MBA, Chris and his wife, Joan, have been living in the Chicago area since his graduation from Vanderbilt. He is currently “mostly” retired but does occasional consulting projects for former clients. All of their children and their families live nearby, so the Bowers get to see their six grandchildren regularly. The oldest grandchildren are entering their high school years. Chris and Joan travel domestically and internationally, having visited around 12 countries in the last three years. They fondly recall their time in Nashville with Chris’s Owen classmates.

Firoozeh Bahmanyar, MBA, Firoozeh retired from being a customer service manager in telephony for Multinational Corporations at Orange Beach Businesses. She currently resides in Paris and is the President of the Vanderbilt France Alumni Chapter. The most recent event attended was a visit to the Louis Vuitton Foundation for the David Hockney Exhibit.

’87

David Rainey, JD/MBA, In 2020, David started a YouTube channel called The AI Guide. The channel has grown and has interviews, AI news, and the career impact of that news. He would love for fellow alumni to check it ou t.

Kay Kerman , MBA, Kay and her husband, Nick, are enjoying their lives as empty nesters and soon-tobe retirees. Kay spent the majority of her career at American Airlines in various positions but has been a part of a pediatric health system in Dallas for the last decade. Kay and Nick’s three adult children are now living around the country. The Kermans love to travel and were excited to visit Croatia and Slovenia this past summer. Kay has walked in the Susan G Komen 13 times and raised over $50,000 for this cause. Kay would love to keep in touch with her classmates. She would also like to walk in honor of any classmates or loved ones of classmates in the next Susan G Komen.

’91

James McCaffrey, MBA, James McCaffrey moved his capital raising and M&A advisory firm to New York City in 2023. JMCCO, LLC, raises investor capital for alternative investment managers, and direct projects in blockchain/defi, from a global audience of single-family offices, UHNWI, public pensions, endowments, foundations, and RIAs. JMCCO, LLC works both the buy and sell side of lower middle market transactions in business services, manufacturing, and RCM. James and his wife, Sally, live in the city with their rescue dog, Knuckles.

Becky Sharpe , MBA, Becky is using her empty nest time to feed her creativity. She recently published her second book, Just Live. She and her husband, Michael, have been enjoying a lot of travel including a cold, but lovely, trip to Milwaukee where they posed with ‘The Bronze Fonz.’

’94

Dharmesh Patel , MBA, Finance/IT Dharmesh recently joined Anvaya Investments as a Managing Partner. This firm is a real estate development fund focused on the development and management of senior living facilities in the Southeast region. Dharmesh’s family is also busy helping with plans for a big Indian wedding for their daughter next year.

to Executive Vice President of Fubo TV.

’95Cara Heilmann , MBA, After 30 years of consistent involvement, giving, and leadership at the school level, Cara Heilmann is concluding her service on the Owen Alumni Board (also known as the Owen Advisory Council) and stepping down from her roles as Program Chair and Executive Committee member. Grateful for the many opportunities to give back to a school that has given so much, Cara looks forward to continuing her support of local initiatives through the Northern California Owen Alumni Group.

’94Mario Pardo , MBA, Mario, formerly Luis Rodriguez, worked for Texaco in Latin America after graduating from Vanderbilt. Soon after, he was accepted into the Master of Science program at MIT as part of the interdisciplinary Management of Technology initiative.

Following MIT, Mario joined Booz Allen & Hamilton, where he focused on mergers and acquisitions in the agribusiness and consumer goods sectors. Subsequently, he worked at Jefferies in its Broadview division as a technology M&A banker, focusing on Silicon Valley–based companies. He then spent 20 years as the risk manager for a multi-billion-dollar European family office. Mario’s work in portfolio construction and risk analytics was recognized by Nobel Laureates Robert Merton and Myron Scholes.

In 2006, he founded Ryse, Inc. and launched a firm that provides tailored risk management consulting and licensing solutions to institutional clients, including pension funds, family offices, and hedge funds.

Since 2019, Mario has led an ongoing research and applied training initiative in collaboration with the Operations Research department at Columbia University. He has been invited to speak at several quantitative finance forums. Most recently, he spoke at the Bloomberg Quant Seminar.

Mario was able to change his name in 2016 from Luis Rodriguez to Mario Pardo, adopting his mother’s family name.

Erik Gerson , MBA, Erik was promoted

Franklin Swann , EMBA, Franklin became an Independent Media Consultant at The Swann Group – VA.

Nelson Andrews , MBA, Nelson was elected Mayor of Brentwood, TN in May 2025.

’96

Lisa Dwyer, MBA, Lisa and a group of Owen Alumni take annual trips to get together, catch up, and have a great time. They try to get together every year, no matter the size of the crowd. For almost 30 years, these long weekend trips have kept Lisa and her Alumni Circle connected to their Owen roots.

’97 Clay Wallin , MBA, Clay moved back to the Nashville area in 2020 and has found his home in Franklin horse country. He launched C2 Enterprises, representing two excellent B2B services: cybersecurity and quality management systems (ISO

’98

Nadya Prashad , MBA, Nadya and her partner, Javier Alva, had a baby via surrogate on May 2, 2024, Lena Mei Alva. Javier and Nadya also share Javier's son, Lukas, who is 14.

’99

Aneta Key, MBA, Right after graduating from Owen, Aneta changed her home airport from BNA to SFO. As a high-flying management consultant—first with McKinsey, then with her independent practice Aedea Partners—Aneta got to know SFO really well. 25 years later, Aneta moved to Charlotte, NC, adopting CLT as her home airport. She still spends quality time at 30,000 feet altitude—to serve exciting clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere, and to travel to Europe more. If you are in Charlotte, don’t be shy—find Aneta on LinkedIn. And if you are not, drop in to her monthly Global Professional Mixer online (see bit.ly/Key-Mixer) and say hi!

’02

Johan Hoover, MBA, Johan joined Arhaus as SVP Merchandize Planning & Allocation.

’03

Anise Mastin , MBA, Anise was recently promoted to Vice President and General Manager of spend and supply chain management driving $3B+ of revenue for SAP Global Marketing. Additionally, she was cast in a docuseries

Executive Produced by Former First Lady Michelle Obama. The series examined dating for 55+ silver singles in Atlanta GA, and is streaming exclusively on Netflix.

’03

Steve Small , EMBA, After six years of retirement from teaching high school, All Elite Wrestling dragged Steve back into show business as Arena Production Manager for their weekly live broadcasts and monthly Pay Per View events. On March 3, 2024, Steve was alongside WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Sting (Steve Borden) as he won his retirement match at the sold-out Greensboro, NC Coliseum. Similarly, Steve Small was with Sting for his final match for TNA Wrestling in Huntsville, AL January 24, 2014, and Sting’s final match for World Championship Wrestling in Panama City, FL March 26, 2001.

’08Robinson

co-chaired the Safe City Breakfast on April 24, 2025, for the benefit of the Sexual Assault Center. The Safe City program focuses on the myriad ways the SAC collaborates with other partners in Nashville to make our city safe for all who live and visit here.

’09Stuart Bishop , EMBA, Katapy Inc, is a company that launched during Stuart’s time in his EMBA program. As a co-founder

of the company, Stuart and his team have continued to grow their business to become a leader in the media and entertainment space, including technology, delivery, and monetization for niche content across all of today's video platforms. Katapy offers the most advanced media management and delivery solution in the global market today, with customers including the Nashville-based United Methodist Publishing House, where they run thousands of church channels and their entire media platform (Amplifymedia.com), along with Reelz, the most-watched unscripted channel in the USA (reelzplus.com), and the Documentary Channel (documentarychannel.com), to name just a few. Katapy is also merging with KNEKTtv, a major player in the socially conscious programming empowering the voice of those content creators who are doing good for the world. They would like to be a part of the magazine to showcase a Vanderbilt alum owner of this company and all they are doing to expand the video streaming presence globally, with Netflix-style apps on all devices for their customers who are in many industries, from Pharma to Entertainment to Religion to Education and so much more.

’10Paul Dent , MBA, Paul is happily married to his wife, Grace (Peabody ’09), and they are raising their three wonderful children in Nashville. In 2024, after a decade in healthcare, Paul purchased a local small business, Pyramid Pest Control. He notes that it is a great business and would love to help fellow Commodores in the Nashville area.

Edward Bayer, MBA, Edward recently became KPMG’s Advisory Leader for the Southeast. His family will be welcoming their 7th child this August.

Bill Moran , MBA, Bill is married with four children and two grandchildren, and has been residing in Florida for 25 years. He is currently working as a CIO at a large health system in the Northeast.

’11Amrita Dutta-Gupta , MBA, Amrita became the Vice President of Marketing for Insomnia Cookies in May 2025. Insomnia Cookies is based out of Philadelphia.

’10Russell Autry, MBA, and Lauren Freedman , MBA ’14, were married in October 2023, and enjoyed celebrating with many Owen classmates on Amelia Island, Florida. They are celebrating their second anniversary this fall. The happy couple met in the height of the pandemic and bonded over their shared Vanderbilt MBAs and undergraduate degrees from the University of North Carolina system. They have also had recent career changes: Lauren joined Kellanova (formerly Kellogg's) as Senior Director, IMX and eCommerce, leveraging her years of brand and eCommerce experience from Coca-Cola. Russell is currently Director of Business Strategy at Elevance, where he works with one of the U.S.'s largest health systems to develop and optimize their go-to market strategies. Russell and Lauren enjoy being part of the Atlanta Owen community and remind classmates to let them know when they're in town!

’14’13

Brad Rosenfiled , MBA, Brad Rosenfeld has been named Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Autos Group at Hearst Magazines, the largest automotive media group in the U.S. In this role, he is responsible for leading the group’s overall business strategy, driving growth initiatives, and overseeing brand development across digital, print, and experiential platforms. The portfolio includes iconic brands such as Car and Driver, Road & Track , MotorTrend, Bring a Trailer, and more.

Damilola Olu-Ayeni , MBA, After 12 successful years at Bank of America, Dammy has taken on the senior executive role as Managing Director – Head of Food & Beverage Investment Banking Americas for Santander Bank, effective July 2025. Dammy and Opeyemi Olu-Ayeni celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary on June 15, 2025.

Jessica McCarthy, EMBA, is Founder and CEO of Brand Energy (www.WeAreBrandEnergy. com), a full-service marketing and public relations (PR) firm helping clients energize their organization’s and their personal brands in a way that drives meaningful change toward focused goals. Jess’s philosophy on business marketing is that the first step, making sure that you’re solving the right problems, is often overlooked but of the utmost importance.

higher education and philanthropic program cultivation, research study recruitment, employee recruitment, category management, point of sale tactical strategy, packaging design, and more.

Each one of her adventures in marketing and PR is centered around data and logic, in a way that is unique to that partner and market. The number-one quote from partners is that they should have brought her team in sooner!

Kalen Stanton , MBA, Kalen began a new chapter in 2024-2025 with taking her three kids (Adair 10, Madelyn 6, Emory 3) to Kenya. Kalen began a new role as a senior partner at Korn Ferry, and Clare as an NP in pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s. Kalen is looking forward to more adventures with more Owen alumni in the coming year.

Jess has worked for 20+ years in the marketing and PR space on everything from global brand marketing to local execution across industries as far and wide as major health systems to top global pet product manufacturers. Some of her favorite areas of focus have been nutrition and healthful spaces for both pets and humans, managing community messaging in times of global health crises, merger and acquisition communications strategy, organizational change management, entrepreneur partnerships for development of new businesses,

Reggie Ford , MAcc, On September 19, 2024, Reggie delivered a TEDx talk titled “How self-love heals what self-improvement harms.”

’16Julia Garcia , MMHC, After working at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt for 15 years as medical social worker and Director of Pediatric Social Work, Julia transitioned to a new role with Vanderbilt Population Health. Partnering with the Department of Geriatrics, she helps with the implementation of the GRACE model of care for older adults in their homes. In June of 2025, she completed the Gerontology Certificate

Program, offered by the University of Washington. In her free time, she volunteers as a TN Naturalist with South Cumberland State Park. Last year, she enjoyed a hiking trip in Bergen, Norway with her husband and a family trip to Lisbon and

Tracy and her brother thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail from Spring Mountain, GA to Mount Katahdin, ME. This journey took 185 days, and Tracy noted that she got to see the beauty of the trail, meet incredible people, and learn about herself along the way. She and her family will be moving to Colorado this summer. She hopes to conquer the Colorado Trail next.

Rachel Kippenbrock , MBA, In 2024, Rachel qualified for the USA Triathlon National Championships in the Sprint and Olympic distances – she will compete at these events in August 2025. In 2025, she also qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship race, which she will compete in November of this year.

’17

welcome their third child, Alfred Greenlee Wiegard, to their family on November 8, 2024. Fred is smothered by love from his older siblings, Tripp and Nell, as well as his parents.

Rebekah Staples , MBA, On September 25, 2024, Rebekah Staples testified before the Mississippi Senate Labor Force Participation Rate Task Force to present findings from a labor force study she worked on as a fellow on work for Empower Mississippi, a nonprofit organization based in Jackson.

She also hosted the kick-off event for the newly reorganized Vandy Alumni—Jackson, MS chapter. It was a great event with baseball, food, and friends—and the Vandy Boys got the win against Ole Miss! She is excited to help restart this group and keep the Commodore spirit alive down here in the Deep South.

’19

Andrew Mitchell , MBA, In February 2025, Mitchell formed an independent firm, Oplos Consulting, supporting clients in developing and deploying their AI Strategy.

Eric S. Deems , EMBA, Eric and his wife, Amy, welcomed their first child, Elodie Parker, on March 3, 2025. They reside in Nashville, TN, where Eric leads the Nashville office for Land Advisors Organization, a land

’18Taneisha Gordon , MBA, At the beginning of the year, Taneisha led a dance class of over 1,200 people in the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta for an event called Fitness on the Field. She also started a new job at Emory University as a Group Fitness and Instructional Programs Coordinator.

brokerage and advisory firm, and Amy serves as in-house counsel for a Pinnacle Bank. This spring, Eric also partnered with friends (including former Owen classmate George Ritzen, EMBA'19) to acquire The Club at Five Oaks, an 18-hole golf and country club. The Deems family remains active in civic and political life, and Eric is grateful for friendships made at Owen.

Chris Cason , MBA, Chris Cason and Charlotte Williams Cason were married on June 8th, 2024 in Chebeague Island, ME, with many Owen classmates in attendance!

’19

Claire Corroon and Jon Brangan , MBA, On March 2, 2024, Claire Corroon (MBA) and Jon Brangan (MBA) were married in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, with over 25 of their fellow Vandy Owen classmates in attendance!

’20Max Alsgaard-Miller, MBA, Max launched a health tech consulting business that helps innovators build & scale solutions on the athenahealth platform.

families, and the communities and organizations that support them.

Dusty Jackson , MBA, Dusty was promoted to Senior Director at Elastic in January of 2025. She was also named to CRN Women of the Channel List in May of 2025. In July of 2024, she moved to Tampa, FL.

Two Owen alumni, Madeleine McDonald , MMark’22, and Madison Hannum , MMark’22, celebrated their brothers' graduations from Owen as they completed their own master’s degrees at Vandy. Stone McDonald , MSF’25, and CJ Hannum , MMark’25, were introduced by their older sisters, and were even roommates during the school year. Such a full circle moment, and both families have double the ’Dores now! Photo L to R: Madeleine McDonald, Stone McDonald, CJ Hannum, Madison Hannum.

’21Natalie Curcio , MMHC, CEO and founder of Curcio Dermatology in Nashville, TN, was recognized as a winner of the 2025 Enterprising Women of the Year Award. It is considered the most prestigious global award recognition for accomplished women entrepreneurs.

Sean Zottnick , MBA, and Junchu Zottnick , MBA’21, got married on March 21, 2025 in Shanghai.

’21Savannah Cavanaugh , MBA, joined classmates in Lisbon, Portugal to celebrate Jose Padilla , MBA’21, for his wedding in March 2025. The attendees also included Jose’s uncle, another Owen MBA Alum.

’22Lucy Walsh , MMark, completed the Spring 2025 cohort for Young Leaders Council Nashville. The Young Leaders Council mission is to train diverse, committed individuals to effectively participate on the boards of nonprofit organizations and make a difference in the Nashville community by replenishing the volunteer leadership base.

Matt Sells , MBA, Matt and his wife, Chelsea, greeted Samuel Riley Sells IV on May 6th, 2025.

Tom Hanlon , MBA, and his wife, Erin, welcomed their second child, Jackson Robert Hanlon, in January 2025. Their oldest, Henry, is excited to be a big brother!

Angela Fleming , MBA, and her husband welcomed their first child, Naomi, in July 2024. Angela also started her position at CAT Financial in Nashville in April 2025.

’23Margot Cunningham , MMark, accepted a new role as Assistant Brand Manager for Ben & Jerry’s at Unilever in Burlington, Vermont. After two years working remotely in Denver, she made the cross-country move—with a big backpacking trip to Vietnam with her partner Will in July in between! The year has been full of adventure: from hiking through the dramatic landscapes of South Dakota’s Badlands National Park and exploring all four of Colorado’s national parks, to weekend getaways in Washington, to visit Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks, plus a European detour through the lakes and mountains of Italy and Switzerland. Margot also reconnected with Owen friends during a visit to Nashville in March, and one classmate even visited her childhood home in Connecticut for a fullcircle moment.

Mikayla Hillis , MMHC, After getting engaged on a trip to New Zealand and Australia, Mikayla got a new job at UW Health Carbone Cancer Center and moved back to Madison, Wisconsin. She qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon this year, as well. About a month later, Mikayla and her now-husband got married

’23

Andrea Valladares , MMark, married her husband, Matt, on April 25th in Nashville. It was a full-circle moment to celebrate the occasion with her Owen friends, Stephanie Otero , Mary Cayten Brakefield , and Caroline Thompson

and spent two weeks in Japan for their honeymoon.

Drake Evans , MMHC, was promoted to manager of analytics at HCA.

’24

Addison Cheek , MBA, has accepted a new role with QXO (formerly Beacon Building Products) as Regional Product Manager, Commercial to lead the business in Michigan, Ohio, West PA, and West Virginia. He and his wife are relocating to Columbus, Ohio, as part of the transition and would love to connect with any alumni in the area.

Kara Apel , EMBA, accepted a new job at Schneider Electric as Transformation Strategy Communications Leader in March 2025.

Megan Gibbons , MMHC, recently got a new job at Rush University Medical Center as the Finance Manager for the Departments of Surgery and Urology.

John Jasionowicz , MBA, will begin a PhD in Business Administration with a focus in Organizational Behavior & Human Resource at Florida State University this fall. He attributes this possibility to his professors at Owen who he will continue to collaborate with as they work to publish new research in the management field. Post graduation, John took a job in Nashville at the newly established Nashville Department of Transportation. He was a part

of their Development Gorup and oversaw projects tied to improving transportation infrastructure and public transportation. He received a Certificate of Recognition for his presentation on collaborating with developers to fund infrastructure improvements.

’25

graduation break in Dallas, Anthony relocated to Chicago to begin his corporate career at Ecolab. He is very excited to join the company as an Innovation Marketing Strategist, where he will help shape the future of sustainable solutions across industries.

Obituaries

Chris Tulley, MBA’05

Chris Tulley passed away in a kayaking accident on California’s South Fork Feather River on October 4, 2024.

David Bradley, MBA’91

David Charles Bradley, age 61, of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Memorials can be made in David’s memory to Mercy Chefs 711 Washington St, Portsmouth, VA 23704.

LEADERSHIP LESSONS

Brought to you by

How to Build a Learning Culture in the Workplace

BY ARIAL STRUTHERS

The Importance of Continuous Learning in Business

In today’s evolving business landscape, organizations must prioritize continuous learning to remain competitive.

Becca Yancey, Managing Director of Executive Education at Vanderbilt Business, emphasizes the need for companies to take a proactive approach. “If companies want to retain top talent and drive innovation, they need to create an environment where learning isn’t just encouraged— it’s embedded into the company culture,” says Yancey.

What Defines a Learning Culture?

A strong learning culture starts with leadership. Companies that prioritize development through structured programs and promotions foster innovation and adaptability. Organizations that embrace continuous learning rather than relying on the status quo stay ahead.

Leadership Sets the Tone

Leaders who prioritize their own professional development set a powerful example for their teams. “When employees see their managers taking courses, attending workshops, and implementing new strategies, it signals that learning is not just an individual responsibility but an organizational priority,” Yancey says.

Vanderbilt Executive Education offers both Programs for Individuals and Custom Solutions for companies to make learning accessible. “We see companies succeed when they integrate learning into employees’ work schedules rather than expecting them to pursue it in their spare time,” Yancey explains. “That could mean covering tuition or bringing programs in-house.”

Integrating Learning into Daily Work

While many businesses recognize the value of lifelong learning, integrating it into daily workflows can be a challenge. Yancey highlights a key issue: “Organizations often focus so much on immediate business needs that professional development takes a back seat. But companies that intentionally invest in their employees’ growth see a significant return in engagement and performance.”

Since executive education programs are not everyday occurrences, organizations must find ways to sustain a learning culture on a daily basis by scheduling dedicated time for development. Yancey suggests simple but effective practices such as reflective journaling, leadership commitments, microlearning, and technology integration.

David Owens

Making Learning Engaging and Interactive

Vanderbilt Executive Education incorporates experiential learning techniques like case studies, simulations, and teambased activities.

Encouraging Curiosity and Growth

Yancey stresses the importance of an open environment where employees feel supported in their growth. “When organizations encourage curiosity and provide resources for continuous learning, employees are more likely to take initiative,” she says. “It’s about shifting the mindset from ‘learning as a requirement’ to ‘learning as an opportunity.’”

Beyond skill building, executive education fosters adaptability and innovation. “It’s not just about acquiring new knowledge—it’s about developing the confidence and agility to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios,” Yancey says.

The Long-Term Benefits of a Learning Culture

A learning culture is not just about offering occasional training—it is about embedding continuous growth into an organization’s DNA.

“Learning is a long-term investment that pays off in stronger leadership, higher employee engagement, and a more resilient organization,” Yancey says. “Organizations that build a culture of continuous learning position themselves to thrive in an everchanging business landscape.”

NEVER STOP GROWING.

Professional development designed for you and your organization.

With proven, practical programs in leadership and management, Vanderbilt Executive Education equips you with the tools and skills to advance your career and achieve better outcomes for your organization.

Whether in-person, online, or a blend of both, our programs empower you to solve complex problems, implement effective strategies, and adapt to change.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals. Email our team: execed@vanderbilt.edu.

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS

Alumni SAVE 20% on programs for individuals with code ALUMNI.