Proud to BU

S2 E24: Top HBO Executive, Jay Roewe (COM’79), on the Importance of Staying Hungry Jul 09, 2020

Leaving the field to take a corporate job at HBO wasn’t an easy decision for Jay Roewe (COM’79). Looking back on it today, he says it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Jay graduated from BU’s College of Communication in 1979 with a degree in television. Today, he serves as Senior Vice President for West Coast Productions at HBO and is a driving force behind some of the network’s most groundbreaking and successful shows. On this episode of the podcast, Jay sits down with Rukia Magege (COM’20) to talk shop and explore the future of the entertainment industry.

About our guest host: Rukia Magege (COM’20) just graduated from BU with a degree in film and television. During her time as a student, she was an integral part of the team working behind the scenes to produce Proud to BU. We are so grateful for all the work that Rukia put in to make the podcast a success and we wish her the best of luck as she embarks on her next chapter.

This episode also marks the end of the second season of Proud to BU and we would love to hear what you think about the show. What do you like best about the podcast? What do you wish we did differently? And of all the podcasts you could be listening to, what made you choose Proud to BU? You can email your thoughts directly to our host, Jeff Murphy, and our sincere thanks to all our listeners. For more information on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E23: Learning to be “Lit on Purpose” as a Social Entrepreneur Jun 17, 2020

Ivellisse Morales (COM’12) is on a mission to build a national network of creatives who can help illuminate the important issues that need attention and action in America. She is the founder and CEO of bombilla, a branding and design firm with an intentional focus on reimagining the creative agency model and embodying representative storytelling to advance social change. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the College of Communication in 2012, Ivi honed her skills at world renowned firms and organizations like IDEO, Year Up, Cone Communications, and Ogilvy. Two years ago, she launched her own firm and has been making waves in the world of social entrepreneurship ever since.

On this episode of the podcast, Ivi walks us through her unique journey to entrepreneurship and she shares her vision for a future in which bombilla scales up to become a socially-conscious creative enterprise celebrated as “a Pixar for progress, an IDEO for inclusion”.

Please note, this interview was recorded in May 2020 prior to the nationwide demonstrations in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

If you’d like to learn more about bombilla, visit their website, bombilla.co. If you’re interested in connecting directly with Ivi, you can find her on LinkedIn. As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Dan Gardiner (Questrom’20) from the alumni career programs team. For more information on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E22: Licensing Consumer Connections between Fans and the World’s Biggest Band: BTS May 27, 2020

Hyeji Byun (Pardee’11) is a licensing project manager at Big Hit IP. One aspect of her dynamic job is to find meaningful ways to bring the South Korean boy band sensation, BTS, closer to their fans. From animated characters to pop-up stores around the world, there is no shortage of opportunities to expand the reach of this cultural phenomenon. On this episode of the podcast, Hyeji shares her story and identifies the common threads between her current career and her childhood dream of becoming a Korean diplomat.

Hyeji is one of our 1,900+ alumni living in South Korea and she is also an active volunteer member of the BU Alumni Association of Korea. To learn more about this group and to become a member, join the BUAAK Facebook group today!

To learn more about Hyeji, you can connect with her on LinkedIn. As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Yoona Lee (Questrom’14) from BU Alumni Relations. Yoona oversees our efforts to keep alumni in Asia-Pacific connected to BU and to each other. For more information on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E21: Building Resilient Communities in the Face of Global Pandemics May 20, 2020

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are joined on the podcast by Bryan Murphy-Eustis (SPH’04), a public health practitioner with unique insights to share. Bryan earned his MPH from Boston University in 2004 and went on to found his own public health consulting practice, BME Strategies. He also served as the Executive Director of Partners in Health Liberia where he coordinated the NGO’s West African response to the Ebola crisis. Today, Bryan works to develop and deploy new global health technologies through Global Good at Intellectual Ventures. He joined us on Proud to BU to talk about his background and his perspective on our collective path forward through this pandemic.

To learn more about Bryan, you can connect with him on LinkedIn. For more information on the BU School of Public Health’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit their website. Finally, for more information on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E20: Forbes India's Restaurateur on Striving for Perfect Harmony in Mumbai May 13, 2020

From the age of 15, if you asked Shraddha Bhansali (Questrom’14) what she wanted to do when she grew up, her answer was steadfast: open a restaurant. She graduated from the Questrom School of Business in 2014 having studied both business and hospitality management. Today, she is the owner of Candy & Green, a vegetarian restaurant and bar in Mumbai, India focused on clean eating and local ingredients. She joined us on the podcast to explore her tenacious entrepreneurial journey and share how she’s adapting and keeping busy amidst the pandemic.

To learn more about the restaurant, be sure to follow Candy & Green on Instagram. If you’d like to read more about Shraddha’s remarkable story, check out her 2018 profile in Forbes Indiawhen she was named one of their 30 under 30 in food and hospitality.

As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Kati Reusche from BU Alumni Relations. Kati oversees our efforts to build strong alumni networks worldwide. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E19: A Look Inside the Life of a Foreign Correspondent in China May 06, 2020

Allen Wan (CAS’90) never thought he was going to be a journalist. He graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1990 with a degree in political science and sought out numerous opportunities to expand his worldview while strengthening his communication skills. Today, he is Deputy Bureau Chief in Bloomberg's Shanghai office and will be opening Bloomberg's first office in Southern China in the coming months. He joined us on the podcast to explore his unique BU experience and provide insight into what it’s like to be a journalist embedded within the “black box” of China.

If you would like to read a few of Allen’s most recent articles, check out his page on Bloomberg News.

As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Yoona Lee (Questrom’14) from BU Alumni Relations. Yoona oversees our efforts to keep alumni in Asia-Pacific connected to BU and to each other. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E18: Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Economist on Asking Big Questions Apr 29, 2020

As a vice president and senior economist at Goldman Sachs, Karen Fishman (CAS’12, GRS’12) spends her days wrestling with really big questions. Karen graduated from BU in 2012 with both a bachelor’s and master’s in economics. She was recently named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list as a trailblazer in the world of finance. On this episode of the podcast, Karen shares the story of her success thus far and she provides her best advice for finding and fulfilling your passion.

As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Dan Gardiner (Questrom’20), a member of the career programs team in the Office of Alumni Relations.

To learn more about Karen, view her profile in Forbesand to see all nine Terriers who were named to a Forbes list in 2020, read this article from Bostonia. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E17: Transforming Personal Loss into an Encore Career Apr 22, 2020

Bill Cohen (Questrom’74) founded Cohen Caregiving Consultants, LLC, to provide advice and counsel to families who are grappling with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s. His work with caregivers follows a fascinating career that included time in hospitality, financial services, and state government. He joined us on the podcast to talk about the personal loss that inspired his "second act" or "encore career" and to provide a roadmap for other alumni who are looking to make a career change but aren’t quite sure how to get started.

To learn more about Bill’s consulting practice, visit cohencaregivingsupport.com. You can also join his Facebook group which brings together caregivers from around the world: Dementia Support Group for Caregivers with Bill Cohen.

As you’ll hear, Bill is also a member of our Claflin Society and if you’d like more information about supporting BU with a planned gift, please visit bulegacy.org. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.

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S2 E16: Acclaimed Interior Designer on Ignoring Trends and Blazing Your Own Path Apr 08, 2020

Cari Giannoulias (COM’96) has a knack for trusting her gut and following her passion. After graduating from BU, Cari built a tremendous career in the world of marketing for the entertainment industry. She worked at Creative Artists Agency, Jersey Films, Universal Pictures, and even collaborated with the Sex Pistols, before deciding to blaze her own trail as an entrepreneur. Cari founded her own interior design firm in Chicago, aptly named Cari Giannoulias Design. On this episode of the podcast, Cari details the twists and turns of her journey and shares the joy she’s found through entrepreneurship.

As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Corinne Tramuta (MET’17), Assistant Director of Alumni Networks at BU.

If you’d like to learn more about Cari’s design firm, visit her website, www.carigiannoulias.com, and be sure to follow her on Instagram as well. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E15: Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor on the Future of Finance Apr 01, 2020

Alex Tanguay (Questrom’02) is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Boston. Alex earned his bachelor’s degree from the Questrom School of Business in 2002 and was recently named one of Forbes’ “Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors” under 40. Alex is deeply engaged in the Alumni Association; he serves on the BU Alumni Council and is working to build a strong alumni network at Merrill as well. On this episode of the podcast, Alex shares insights on the future of his industry and he reflects on the dividends he’s realized from investing his time and energy to build a strong Terrier network.

Listener note: This conversation was recorded in February 2020. We understand that in the weeks since this interview, the state of the global economy fundamentally changed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and our thoughts are with all those affected by this crisis. For more information about BU’s response to COVID-19, please visit bu.edu/covid-19-information.

This episode is hosted by Gabe Bolio (MET’16), Associate Director of Alumni Networks at BU. As you’ll hear, Gabe and Alex are working to build a powerful alumni network within Merrill, Bank of America, and Bank of America Private Bank in Boston. If you are interested in being part of this community, reach out to Gabe at gbolio@bu.edu.

For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E14: Lessons in Leadership from an Attorney turned Fire Chief Mar 25, 2020

Joe Maruca (Questrom’81) didn’t know what he wanted to do for a living after graduating from BU. His advice for any students who are feeling similarly? "Don’t worry about it!" Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Questrom School of Business in 1981 and went on to become both a practicing attorney and Fire Chief in the West Barnstable district on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. On this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear Joe’s reflections on being in student government during the John Silber era at BU and he shares his unique perspective on leadership forged by his experience wearing many hats in service to his community.

We’d like to extend a special thanks to Chief Maruca and to all those BU alumni who are serving on the front lines of the current coronavirus pandemic. For more information about BU’s response to COVID-19, please visit bu.edu/covid-19-information.

For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu. If you’d like to learn more about our other online opportunities, visit bu.edu/alumni/webinars where you can find a complete list of upcoming career webinars as well as our on-demand library of past presentations.

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S2 E13: Changing the Way You Pay in the FinTech Revolution Mar 11, 2020

Mamta Rodrigues (CAS’95) is always looking for new ways to make financial transactions easier for the rest of us. She has established herself as a prominent fintech leader having held top jobs at industry giants American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. During this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear some of the highlights from Mamta’s global career journey as well as her reflections on pausing her professional ambitions to focus on her family.

This episode of Proud to BU is released in celebration of Alumni Career Weeks: New York. Explore the full slate of in-person and online events plus listen back to other episodes of the podcast featuring accomplished NY alumni.

If you’d like to connect with Mamta directly, be sure to find her on LinkedIn. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E12: Innovation at the Intersection of Healthcare & Technology Mar 05, 2020

Dr. Joe Frassica (MED’88) has built an extraordinary career delivering healthcare innovations to the patient’s bedside. He is the Head of Philips Research and Chief Medical Officer at Philips North America. He also remains active in the world of academic medicine with teaching appointments through the Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences at MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital. During this episode of the podcast, Joe reflects on the role of mentors who helped guide him in his remarkable journey and the lessons he learned about leading transformational change.

This episode of Proud to BU is released in celebration of Alumni Career Weeks: New England. As a Cambridge-based Terrier, Joe has seen the power of this innovation economy and also shares a few reflections on the local partnerships he’s forged between Philips and Boston University.

To keep up with all the great work Joe is doing at Philips and beyond, be sure to follow him on LinkedIn. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E11: Amplifying Diverse Voices in Entertainment with Nina Tassler Feb 26, 2020

Nina Tassler (CFA’79, HON'16) is a producer, author, and the former chairman of CBS Entertainment. She built a groundbreaking career in the industry and she was instrumental in propelling CBS to become America’s #1 network for 12 of her 13 year tenure. In recent years, she co-founded PatMa Productions alongside Denise Di Novi and she published her first book, What I Told My Daughter: Lessons from Leaders on Raising the Next Generation of Empowered Women. Nina joined us on the podcast to reflect on her formative BU experiences and to explore the values embedded throughout her storied career.

This episode features guest host Susan Richardson, Executive Director of Alumni Relations at Boston University. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E10: One Family Business, Three Generations Strong Feb 12, 2020

Dr. Howard Brooks (SDM’87) and Dr. Stephanie Brooks (SDM’18) are two of the three generations running Brooks Dental in Winthrop, MA. Dr. Barry Brooks founded the practice in 1959 and since then, he welcomed his son, Dr. Howard, and his granddaughter, Dr. Stephanie, into the family business. On this episode of the podcast, all three Drs. Brooks joined us in the studio to talk about running the business, their family legacy, and the transformation of dentistry over the course of three generations.

To learn more about Brooks Dental, visit their website, winthropsmiles.com. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E9: Prosecutor in ‘El Chapo’ Case on Pursuing Your Calling Jan 29, 2020

Andrea Goldbarg (LAW’01), is an Assistant US Attorney who spent a decade of her career prosecuting the case against Mexican drug kingpin, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. She reflects on her experiences at BU and beyond that prepared her to tackle this career-defining challenge and shares why she believes she’s found her calling as a public servant.

To learn more about Andrea, check out this profile by Univision and if you’re interested in the details of the case, see this piece by The New York Times. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E8: Achieving Hollywood Success with Empathy & Tenacity Jan 15, 2020

Jamie Kaler (CAS’87) is an actor and comedian best known for his starring role as “Mike” on the hit TBS show, My Boys. His career also includes credits on Friends, Will & Grace, How I Met Your Mother, Parenthood, and NCIS. On this episode of Proud to BU, Jamie shares insights on the work ethic required to be successful in Hollywood and beyond.

To learn more about The DadLands, check out thedadlands.io or The DadLands on Facebook. To keep up with all of Jamie's recent projects, be sure to like his official Facebook page or follow him on Instagram: @JamieKaler. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

Alumni Career Weeks in California: As you heard during this episode, there are a number of upcoming alumni events taking place across the Golden State. Deep AI: Opportunities & Ethical Challenges at Facebook in San Francisco on January 23 at 6pm | LA Entertainment Alumni Networking Night at The Garage in Los Angeles on February 10 at 7pm | BU Business Networking: San Diego at Cutwater Spirits on February 25 at 5:30pm

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S2 E7: MA Teacher of the Year on How to Bounce Back Dec 18, 2019

Takeru Nagayoshi (Wheelock’16) is a high school English teacher in New Bedford and was recently named the 2020 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. He joined us on Proud to BU to explore the ups and downs of his personal educational experience, why he believes teaching made him a better person, and what working in a turnaround school district has taught him about resiliency.

As you’ll hear in this episode, Takeru is also passionate about contributing to the broader dialogue on education policy and practice as an opinion writer. A few of his recent articles include: “Dear Grown-Ups, It’s Time to Let LGBTQ Students Be Our Teachers” in The Nation, “Despite media noise, New Bedford High School is making progress” in South Coast Today, and “How Coming Out as a Gay Teacher Helped My Students” in The Advocate.

This episode is hosted by Dan Gardiner (Questrom’20), a member of the Alumni Career Programs team at BU. Our regular host, Jeff Murphy (Questrom’06), will be back behind the mic for our next episode. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/proudtobu.

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S2 E6: How to Find Your Place in Big Organizations Dec 04, 2019

When Emily Theurer (CAS’14) graduated from BU with a degree in economics, she found herself well equipped to navigate the complex world of finance at one of the largest firms in Boston. Today, she’s a Research Analyst at State Street Global Advisors and she’s passionate about promoting financial literacy, especially among women and girls.

This episode is hosted by Gabe Bolio (MET’16), Associate Director of Alumni Networks at BU. As you’ll hear, Gabe and Emily are working to build a powerful alumni network within State Street. If you are a State Street employee interested in being part of this community, reach out to Gabe at gbolio@bu.edu.

Emily also serves as a career advisor so if you’d like to connect with her directly, you can find her profile in the Career Advisory Network: bu.edu/alumni/can. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

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S2 E5: Using Film to Spark Systemic Change Nov 20, 2019

During his time at BU, Rel Dowdell (COM’96) made a name for himself with a groundbreaking thesis project that went on to become the critically acclaimed and award-winning film, Train Ride. His most recent work is a feature-length documentary examining the impact of the child support system on African American families titled Where’s Daddy? Stay tuned for an exclusive clip from the documentary at the end of the credits courtesy of Breaking Glass Pictures.

Rel is one of over 4,000 Terriers in Philadelphia and he shares the challenges and opportunities that go along with building a career in film in the city of brotherly love.

You can see Where’s Daddy? on Amazon, Google Play or Vudu. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

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S2 E4: Advice from a Physician turned Chocolatier Nov 13, 2019

After graduating from BU’s six-year medical program, Elaine Hsieh (CAS’90, MED’90) established a women’s health practice in Arlington, MA but over the next twenty years, she slowly came to the realization that that healthcare was not her true career calling. In 2010, she co-founded a local chocolate shop, EHChocolatier, and since then, her business has been celebrated as ‘Best in Boston’ among a long list of other accolades.

Elaine’s unique entrepreneurial story takes place right here in Boston where she is one of more than 86,000 alumni. You’ll hear Elaine’s reflections on why she believes The Hub was the right place to launch her business.

If you would like to learn more about Elaine, we encourage you to drop by her Cambridge shop or visit her website, ehchocolatier.com. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

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S2 E3: Southwest Airlines Strategist on Solving a Universal Problem Oct 23, 2019

Ajay Mehta (Questrom’11) has a proven track record as an innovator and creative problem solver. While his career is centered on the transportation industry, the lessons he’s learned about strategy and consulting are universal. Ajay earned his MBA from the Questrom School of Business in 2011. Today, he is a Manager of Technology, Strategy, & Continuous Improvement at Southwest Airlines and his resume also includes experience at Amtrak, Concentre, and Ericsson.

Ajay joined us on the podcast from Dallas, TX which is one of BU’s top 20 cities by alumni population. He shares his insights into what makes the greater Dallas area an attractive place to build a career for the nearly 2,000 Terriers who call this city home.

As you’ll hear in the podcast, Ajay is an advisor on the Career Advisory Network so if you’d like to get in touch, you can find his information through bu.edu/alumni/can. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

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S2 E2: Transforming Banking in Bangkok Oct 16, 2019

Phonpimol Pathomsak (Questrom’96) is a Senior Vice President at Kasikornbank, one of Thailand’s largest commercial banks. After graduating from BU, Phonpimol moved from Boston to Bangkok where she built a career in banking and consumer finance at world-renowned firms AIG, Citi, GE Capital, and Bank of China. She also served as CEO of fintech startup, Refinn, which empowers consumers to compare mortgage offers.

Phonpimol is a volunteer leader among BU alumni in Thailand; a growing community comprised of over 1,100 Terriers. You’ll hear Phonpimol discuss the upcoming Asian Alumni Business Forum which will be hosted in Bangkok on November 1-3, 2019.

If you’d like to learn more about Phonpimol, you can connect with her on LinkedIn. If you’re interested in learning more about the Asian Alumni Business Forum, visit bu.edu/alumni/asianbusinessforum. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

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S2 E1: Google’s Founder-in-Residence on Challenging the Status Quo Oct 02, 2019

Parag Vaish (Questrom’03) has built a career at the forefront of digital innovation, marketing, and design. He rose through the ranks at companies like Disney, Microsoft, MSNBC, StubHub and Tesla prior to tackling his most recent challenge as a founder-in-residence at Google’s internal incubator, Area 120. During his time at Tesla, Parag worked closely with founder, Elon Musk, on all digital developments and customer facing experiences. He is a proud graduate of the Questrom School of Business where he received both an MBA and an MS in information systems back in 2003.

Parag is one of more than 9,000 BU alumni who call the Bay Area home, and he’s in good company with over 200 fellow Terriers also working at Google in California.

If you’d like to learn more about Parag, you can connect with him on LinkedIn and to keep up on all his recent developments, you can also follow him on Twitter. If you’re interested in even more of his career advice, check out his profile in BU Today. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

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S1 E25: Thomas W. Jones (Questrom’78), Civil Rights Activist & Global Investment Executive May 15, 2019

In 1969, Thomas W. Jones (Questrom’78) stood firmly at the center of the armed student takeover of Willard Straight Hall at Cornell University. Pulitzer Prize-winning images of Jones and his fellow classmates emerging from the student union after a peaceful resolution powerfully captured widespread frustration over stalled civil rights efforts. Upon leaving Cornell, Jones entered the financial services industry, earned his MBA from Boston University, and continued to break new ground as a pioneering African American executive atop renowned firms like John Hancock, TIAA, Citigroup, and more. Jones recently published a memoir, From Willard Straight to Wall Street, and he joined us on Proud to BU to explore his remarkable journey.

You can purchase Jones’ new memoir, From Willard Straight to Wall Street,online or find it in your local bookstore. You can also learn more about the book and keep up with his speaking engagements on Facebook. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E24: Jeremy Shure (LAW’03), Silicon Valley Bank Managing Director & Kauffman Fellow May 08, 2019

As a Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank, Jeremy Shure (LAW’03) is a partner to startup founders as they navigate the early stages of their business development. Recently named a Kauffman Fellow, Jeremy is now part of a world renowned network of innovative leaders working to transform relationships between entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. On this episode of the podcast, hear Jeremy reflect on his time at BU and how he intends to scale his impact in the innovation economy.
As noted in this episode, Jeremy’s perspective as an industry thought-leader has been published widely, including articles like “Hiring for Startups is Hard: We are Here to Help” and “Out of Office: I’m in Prison.” If you’re curious about what BU is doing in the startup and innovation space, check out Innovate@BU and the BUild Lab at bu.edu/innovate. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E23: Joanne Steinback (Wheelock’66), Special Education Teacher & Classroom Innovator Apr 24, 2019

As a lifelong educator, Joanne Steinback (Wheelock’66) worked at the forefront of the transformation of special education in the American school system. Her career is centered on implementing innovative strategies to effectively engage children with emotional challenges and learning disabilities. Joanne reflects on the lessons she learned, the challenges she faced, and the role BU played in sparking her life’s passion.
To learn more about the two schools at the center of Joanne’s extensive work in special education, visit oschool.org and hydeparkday.org. For more on the Proud to BU Podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E22: Somil Trivedi (LAW’09) ACLU Staff Attorney Apr 10, 2019

Are we living in a renaissance for criminal justice reform? Somil Trivedi (LAW’09), Staff Attorney at the ACLU Trone Center for Justice and Equality, joins Proud to BU to explore his unique perspective on this prescient topic. Somil traces the origins of his passion for social justice and shares the prominent role BU played in scaffolding his platform as a public-minded lawyer.
To learn more about the ACLU’s Campaign for Smart Justice, visit aclu.org/smartjustice and if you’d like to connect with Somil directly, we encourage you to reach out to him on LinkedIn. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E21: Andrea Feldman (Sargent'06, MED'09) Crime Scene Specialist, Prince William County Police Department Mar 27, 2019

What’s the best part of being a crime scene specialist? For Andrea Feldman (Sargent’06, MED’06), nothing compares to the instant gratification when her forensic evidence helps bring the ‘bad guys’ to justice. As an undergraduate at BU, Andrea earned a degree in health studies from Sargent College and she went on to earn a master’s in biomedical forensic sciences at the School of Medicine. While she may not have followed the path she expected, pursuing her life’s work has brought Andrea tremendous satisfaction.
If you’d like to connect with Andrea directly, you can find her in BU’s Career Advisory Network. As one of our nearly 8,000 advisors, Andrea has generously made herself available to current students and her fellow alumni who are looking for career advice, job shadowing, mentoring and more. Visit bu.edu/alumni/CAN for details. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E20: Michael DiSalvo (COM'09), Ogilvy PR Senior Vice President, Health & Wellness Mar 20, 2019

What does it mean for a company to emphasize people over profit? Michael DiSalvo (COM’09) is a self-proclaimed Ogilvy enthusiast having called the company his professional home for the last 9 years. In that time, Michael has quickly climbed the corporate “staircase” as he would call it to become the company’s youngest Senior Vice President and was recently named one of PR Week’s 40 under 40. Michael joined us on the podcast to explore his journey beyond BU, the importance of drinking the free coffee at the office and what he’s learned about creating an authentic, positive, workplace culture.
To connect with Michael, be sure to reach out to him on LinkedIn. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Dan Gardiner from the Office of Alumni Relations. Our regular host, Jeff Murphy (Questrom ’06) will be back behind the mic for our next episode!
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E19: Dan Liburd (SAR'06) Brooklyn Nets Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Mar 06, 2019

Not many resume’s include experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills and the Brooklyn Nets but after chatting with Dan Liburd (SAR’06), you’ll quickly hear how it all adds up. As the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Brooklyn Nets, Dan spends his days ensuring his colleagues, who just happen to be some of the world’s most elite athletes, are able to maintain their peak performance. On this episode of the podcast, Dan talks about his experience working in both the NFL and NBA as well as the lessons he learned from remarkable mentors along the way.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
For more information on the Proud to BU podcast, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.
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S1 E18: Karen Holmes Ward (COM'77), WCVB Director of Public Affairs, Community Services & Host of 'CityLine' Feb 20, 2019

Karen Holmes Ward (COM’77) is a staple of the Boston media landscape and has built a distinguished career earning her a spot in the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. She is the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services at WCVB and many New England natives or transplants will recognize her as the Host and Executive Producer of the weekly TV talk show, CityLine. Karen joined us on Proud to BU to unpack her journey to Boston University, the many lessons she learned while finding her passion in the local media industry and her experience as the leader of BU’s Black Alumni Leadership Council.
To learn more about the Black Alumni Leadership Council you can visit their website or join the Boston University Black Alumni Network on Facebook. For more on Proud to BU, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E17: Billie Weiss (COM'16), Boston Red Sox, Manager of Photography Feb 06, 2019

Billie Weiss (COM’16) has what many in New England would consider a dream job. For the past seven years, Billie has documented the World Champion Boston Red Sox as the team’s manager of photography. On this episode of Proud to BU, Billie explores his unique journey from BU to Fenway Park and offers a behind-the-scenes look at his remarkable career.
To learn more about Billie and to see some of his work, be sure to keep an eye out for the next edition of Bostonia magazine. You can also explore Billie’s portfolio on his website, billieweiss.com. For more on Proud to BU, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E16: Sahara Rose (CAS'13), Entrepreneur, Author and Ayurveda Expert Jan 23, 2019

Sahara Rose (CAS’13) explores her entrepreneurial journey from starting a health and wellness blog during her time at BU to becoming a best-selling author of the Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda. From there, Sahara has gone on to publish her second book, Eat Feel Fresh, and her brand now encompasses a massive social media following, a popular podcast called “Highest Self”, and much more.
To connect with Sahara and learn more about her books, brand and podcast, visit iamsahararose.com. For more on Proud to BU, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
As you’ll hear, this episode of the podcast is hosted by Corinne Tramuta (MET’17) from the Office of Alumni Relations. Our regular host, Jeff Murphy (Questrom ’06) will be back behind the mic for our next episode!
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S1 E15: Monique Kelley (COM'03), Weber Shandwick SVP and Global Client Experience Lead Jan 09, 2019

Recently named one of PR News’ Top Women in PR for 2019, Monique Kelley (COM’03) serves as Senior Vice President and Global Client Experience Lead in the Healthcare department at Weber Shandwick. During her time at BU, Monique uncovered her passion for public relations and found invaluable mentors along the way. On the podcast, Monique shares lessons she’s learned through professional resiliency and advice on how to build a powerful network to support your career success.
As you heard, Monique is eager to connect with BU students and alumni; be sure to reach out to her on LinkedIn. For more information on the Proud to BU podcast, visit our website – bu.edu/alumni/podcast.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E14: Alejandro Garcia-Amaya (Questrom’07), Mulu Labs CEO & “Getting Here” Podcast Host Dec 19, 2018

For tech start-up CEO, Alejandro Garcia-Amaya (Questrom’07), entrepreneurship runs in the family. Alejandro learned the ropes alongside his mother and brother as they built the experiential brand marketing company, InterMinds. Today, Alejandro is charting his own course as CEO of the investor-backed team, Mulu Labs in Silicon Valley and he is the host of the Getting Here podcast. On this episode of Proud to BU, Alejandro explores the lessons he’s learned from the worlds of private equity and venture capital; and what it means to be named one of the ‘Top 20 Latino Tech Leaders’.
Be sure to listen to Alejandro’s Getting Here podcast and to connect with him directly, you can reach out to him on LinkedIn. For more information on the Proud to BU podcast, visit our website – bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E13: Mary Beth Leonard (CAS’84), US Ambassador to the African Union Dec 17, 2018

Becoming an effective storyteller at home and abroad has served Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard (CAS’84) well throughout her distinguished career in foreign service. Having held diplomatic positions in Cameroon, Namibia, Togo, South Africa, Mali and more, Ambassador Leonard has transformed her BU experience into a career dedicated to building a more peaceful and prosperous Africa. She was appointed as the US Ambassador to the African Union in 2016 by President Barack Obama and in her conversation on Proud to BU, Ambassador Leonard shares a behind-the-scenes look at her journey navigating the complexities of international diplomatic relations.
As you heard on the podcast, you can learn more about foreign service through the Department of State at careers.state.gov. For more information on the Proud to BU podcast, visit our website – bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E12: Josh London (CAS’94), Award-Winning Global Marketing Executive Dec 12, 2018

How far can a degree in English take you? Since earning his English degree from the College of Arts and Sciences, Josh London (CAS’94) has become an award-winning global marketing executive with c-suite experience at IDG, Ziff Davis and CNET. Josh shares a few words of wisdom centered on the gift of a liberal arts education, the power of perpetual curiosity and the importance of wandering with intention.
To learn more about Josh and the Proud to BU podcast, visit our website – bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E11: Negin Kamali (COM’98), Princess Cruises PR Director Dec 10, 2018

In the rapidly changing world of public relations, Negin Kamali (COM’98) has established herself as a thought leader with an impressive track record for success. Prior to becoming the Director of Public Relations at Princess Cruises, Negin held a variety of roles at the renowned agencies Golin and Bishoff Solomon where she worked with brands like Mattel and McDonalds. She spoke about the many lessons she’s learned in building her career including the art of networking, how she learned to manage up and why her professional resiliency has been key to her success.
You can connect with Negin directly using the Career Advisory Network at bu.edu/alumni/can. To learn more about the Proud to BU podcast, visit our website – bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E10: Alan Ostfield (LAW'90, Questrom'91), Live Nation President, North Atlantic Dec 05, 2018

After earning his JD and MBA from BU, Alan Ostfield (LAW’90, Questrom’91) went on to occupy the c-suite of legendary organizations including the San Diego Padres, the Detroit Pistons and now, the North Atlantic division of the world’s largest live entertainment company, Live Nation. Alan explores the process of building his career, learning from his mistakes and his advice on how to pivot when the future of your career stretches beyond your control.
To learn more about Alan and the Proud to BU podcast, visit our website – bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E9: Peter Shankman (CGS’92, COM’94), ADHD Empowerment Advocate, Entrepreneur & Author Dec 03, 2018

Channeling his ADHD into a superpower has propelled serial entrepreneur Peter Shankman (CGS’92, COM’94) to incredible success. Perhaps best known for founding Help a Reporter Out (HARO), a company connecting journalists to sources, Peter has built and sold three successful businesses, authored five books and built a brand as a keynote speaker, podcast host, angel investor and frequent cable news contributor.
To learn more about Peter, visit shankman.com or check out his Faster Than Normal podcast. For more on Proud to BU, visit our website – bu.edu/alumni/podcast.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E8: Ferol Vernon (CAS'03), Written Word Media Founder & COO Nov 28, 2018

From computer science to classical civilizations, Ferol Vernon's (CAS'03) path to success as an entrepreneur is anything but ordinary. Today, Ferol combines his love of literature with his passion for technology as the Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Written Word Media. His company is focused on connecting readers with their next great book and providing a high-tech platform to help authors and publishers reach new audiences.
To learn more about Ferol and his company, Written Word Media, visit our website - bu.edu/alumni/podcast.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E7: Anthony Harrison (COM'81), Facebook Corporate Media Relations Nov 26, 2018

Leading a team tasked with telling Facebook's story has been both the ultimate challenge and the ultimate opportunity for Anthony Harrison (COM'81) who serves as Director of Corporate Media Relations for the social media giant. Anthony shares his journey from Comm. Ave to Silicon Valley as a seasoned PR expert with experience shaping brands like LexisNexis, Microsoft and Starbucks.
You can connect with Anthony directly on BU's Career Advisory Network - bu.edu/alumni/can - and be sure to read his recent profile in BU Today called "Diversifying Silicon Valley". For more on Proud to BU, visit bu.edu/alumni/podcast.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E6: Christine Fletcher (CAS'91), Burns & Levinson Partner Nov 21, 2018

After earning a degree in French Language and Literature from BU, Christine Fletcher (CAS’91) went on to become a partner at the Burns & Levinson law firm in Boston. Christine was selected as a 2018 Woman Worth Watching® by the Profiles in Diversity Journal and is also a regular online contributor for Forbes where she shares her expertise on trusts and estates.
As you’ll hear, Christine is always happy to connect with alumni looking to build their own networks. Visit our website - bu.edu/alumni/podcast – for more information.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E5: Eric Stange (COM'79), Documentary Filmmaker Nov 19, 2018

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Eric Stange (COM’79) shares his journey, creative process and lessons learned from personal and professional hardship as founder and executive producer of Spy Pond Productions. His work has been broadcast on PBS, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, and the BBC. Prior to his career in filmmaking, Eric wrote about art and culture for The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Atlantic Monthly and many other publications.
Visit our website - bu.edu/alumni/podcast – for more information on connecting with Eric and his company, Spy Pond Productions.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E4: Jenny Gruber (ENG'99'99), NASA Engineer Nov 02, 2018

Aerospace engineer Dr. Jennifer Gruber (ENG’99,’99) uncovered her passion for space exploration at the age of seven and today, fulfills her childhood dream working at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in the International Space Station Mission Control. Jenny shares insights from her remarkable journey and reflects on the importance of leadership, teamwork and problem solving when working in the realm of human space flight.
Visit our website - bu.edu/alumni/podcast – for more information about Jenny including how you can connect with her on the Career Advisory Network.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E3: Fred Santarpia (MET’08), Conde Nast Chief Digital Officer Nov 01, 2018

Fred Santarpia (MET’08) recently stepped down from his role as Chief Digital Officer at the premier mass media company, Condé Nast. In this episode, Fred talks about his dynamic career path from his education in accounting and finance to building and executing a digital strategy that spans a wide variety of household brands. Beyond Conde Nast, Fred also occupied a number of unique and challenging roles at Universal Music Group, VEVO, TechSpace and Arthur Andersen.
To learn more about Fred and the Proud to BU podcast, visit our website: bu.edu/alumni/podcast.

A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E2: Catherine Berman (COM’97), CNote Founder & CEO Oct 31, 2018

Three-time social entrepreneur, Catherine Berman (COM’97) is the Founder and CEO of the impact investment platform, CNote. Cat has embraced a career in generating positive social change and shares the lessons she’s learned from her experience launching and scaling mission-driven businesses.
Learn more about Cat & her company at www.mycnote.com. For more on the Proud to BU podcast, visit our website, bu.edu/alumni/podcast.
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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S1 E1: Russell Hornsby (CFA'96), Accomplished Actor Oct 30, 2018

Accomplished actor Russell Hornsby (CFA'96) is best-known for his performances in Lincoln Heights, Fences, Seven Seconds and now, the critically acclaimed film The Hate U Give. Russell joins the podcast to discuss his formative experiences while a student at BU, embracing acting as a craft throughout his career and preparing for his recent roles which have powerfully addressed racial injustice.
Visit our website - bu.edu/alumni/podcast – to learn more about Russell and the Proud to BU podcast!
A transcript of this episode is also available. Please note, transcripts may be edited for clarity and do not represent a verbatim record of dialogue.
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