Crummer Connections: Podcast & Video Series

Each chapter of Sachin Jaitly’s career reads like a new adventure. He has served as a corporate financial executive, tech entrepreneur, and venture capitalist. With each new role, he encounters satisfying successes as well as challenging defeats, and gathers valuable lessons that can be applied to not only career and business, but to life.

Sachin Jaitly currently serves as founder and general partner at Morgan Creek Digital, where he manages investments in early stage Web 3 companies that leverage blockchain, AI, digital assets, and cryptocurrency. Listen and learn from his perspective on the future of cryptocurrency, the demise of FTX, the prospect of cryptocurrency regulation, and advice for entrepreneurs.

01:10 — Guest intro, understanding blockchain and the crypto market
10:07 — The collapse of FTX
18:56 — Regulating crypto
21:27 — Backstory, lessons from managing vending machines
28:43 — Crummer experience, attraction to finance
35:13 — Career journey, learnings from creating flexReceipts
46:40 — Career and business advice, life lessons

Additional Resources

• Morgan Creek Capital >>
• Tessera Venture Partners >>
• flexEngage >>

Episode Credits

• Guest — Sachin Jaitly. Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. >>
• Creator / Host — J.B. Adams
• Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
• Technical/Production Design — Angel Colon
• Technical/Production Assistance — Hao Do, Dassika Gilkey, Jaianne Gilkey
• Audio Editing — Manni Simon

In his long career, U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling (Ret.) has met and worked with presidents, monarchs, and military leaders from around the world. But he has also faced times of great adversity, including life-and-death combat situations, and moments that require the courage to “speak up for what’s right.”

Mark Hertling currently serves as adjunct professor of strategic leadership at the Crummer School, and provides leadership development to physicians in healthcare organizations. Listen and learn from his perspective on the conflict in Ukraine, the current mental health crisis, what it means to be American, and what is worth fighting for.

• 01:32 — Guest intro, discussion of the conflict in Ukraine
• 06:08 — Leadership on the world stage, comparing Zelenskyy and Putin
• 08:45 — The post-pandemic mental health crisis
• 14:18 — What it means to be American, what’s worth fighting for
• 23:35 — Backstory, attending U.S. Military Academy at West Point
• 29:35 — Career journey, leaders “not allowed to have a bad day”
• 34:06 — Mark Hertling’s Crummer experience, Growing Physician Leaders
• 43:42 — Career advice, becoming a military analyst at CNN

Book

• Growing Physician Leaders by Mark Hertling. Purchase on Amazon >>

Additional Resources

• USO article on military suicides >>
• Profile of Christina Maslach, Ph.D. >>
• U.S. Military Academy at West Point >>
• Mark Hertling’s Twitter, @MarkHertling
• Mark Hertling profile at CNN >>
• American Battlefield Monuments Commission >>

Episode Credits

Guest — Mark Hertling Connect on LinkedIn >>
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. >>
Creator / Host — J.B. Adams
Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
Technical/Production Design — Angel Colon
Technical/Production Assistance — Hao Do, Dassika Gilkey, Jaianne Gilkey
Audio Editing — Manni Simon

Natalia Warren was studying for her second master’s degree when a painful medical condition changed the course of her life and led her to patient advocacy. She currently serves as the chair and co-founder of the Not A Dry Eye Foundation, the only patient-driven, non-profit foundation focused on raising awareness of Dry Eye Syndrome. Listen and learn from Natalia Warren’s experience with dry eye, as well as her perspective on the conflict in Ukraine, the need for patient advocacy in the American healthcare system, and her advice for non-profit organizations.

• 01:22 — Guest intro, discussion of Your Dry Eye Mystery Solved
• 10:00 — Backstory, what it means to be Ukrainian
• 14:58 — Professional journey, becoming a patient advocate
• 25:43 — Natalia Warren’s Crummer experience
• 29:31 — Advice for non-profits

Book Recommendations

• Your Dry Eye Mystery Solved by Steven L. Maskin and Natalia A. Purchase >>

Resources

• Not A Dry Eye Foundation >>
• Come Back Alive (Ukrainian Army Charity Fund)
• National Bank of Ukraine
• Dr. Steven L. Maskin >>
• Amazon Smile >>

Episode Credits

Guest — Natalia Warren ’01MBA. Connect on LinkedIn >>
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. >>
Creator / Host — J.B. Adams. Connect on LinkedIn >>
Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
Technical/Production Design — Angel Colon
Technical/Production Assistance — Hao Do
Video and Audio Editing — Anna Hughes

In this life, each one of us will be called upon to face challenges and adversity, and there will be times when we feel like we’re at a disadvantage. This episode’s guest is Austin Franklin, Co-Founder and CEO of Good-Natured Life. In this interview, he’ll explain how serving the community starts with being your best self, and even when you are in the midst of challenges, you can find the advantage in the disadvantage.

• 01:16 — Philosophy of service, giving back to the community, being your best self
• 08:25 — Backstory, parents as business role models, messages of positivity
• 15:40 — Career journey, overcoming disadvantages, the inception of Good Natured Life
• 25:27 — Career advice, finding the advantage in the disadvantage

Submit a Question
Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Austin will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.

Book Recommendations

• Wake, Rise, and Smile: Four True Stories and One Remarkable Idea Which Encourage Us to Rise Above Life’s Disadvantages by Austin J. Franklin. Purchase >>
• The DifferenceMaker Leader: Five Timeless Ideas That Inspire You To Lead Differently In The World by Austin Franklin. Purchase >>
• The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by John David Mann & Bob Burg. Purchase on Amazon >>

Resource

Good-Natured Life >>

Credits

Guest — Austin Franklin ’19MBA. Connect on LinkedIn >>
Host — J.B. Adams. Connect on LinkedIn >>
Production by Victor Media Group, Inc.
Creator — J.B. Adams
Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
Showrunner — Kyle Sawyer
Audio Design — Aaron Trnka
Production Assistance — Rachel O’Bryan

Think about something that you’ve always wanted to accomplish and then ask yourself what is holding you back from doing it? This episode’s guest is Crummer MBA student Marcus Davis. In this interview, he’ll share his early experiences in business, and explain the importance of learning how to run so that you can separate yourself from the rest of the pack.

• 01:12 – Philosophy of service, servant leadership and situational leadership
• 08:47 – Backstory, playing sports and keeping the gas tank full
• 14:40 – Lessons from mentor James Gore, having a Plan B
• 21:23 – Career advice, ask questions, “learn how to run, then run faster”

Submit a Question
Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Marcus will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.

Credits

• Guest — Marcus Davis, Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Host — J.B. Adams, Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc.
• Creator — J.B. Adams
• Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
• Showrunner — Kyle Sawyer
• Audio Design — Aaron Trnka
• Production Assistance — Rachel O’Bryan

Think back to the early stages of your business career, did you have a clear idea of where you were headed? For most of us, it’s not that easy. Today’s guest is Mai-Han Harrington, Director of Administration at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and immediate past president on the Rollins College Alumni Advisory Board, and in this interview, she’ll share with us what to do when you don’t know what to do, and how she found her way to continue the legacy of a proud family business.

• 01:05 — Philosophy of service, and creating meaningful relationships
• 06:46 — Backstory, the birth of Kobe Japanese Steakhouse as a family business
• 14:29 — Career journey, pursuing interests before joining the family business
• 22:37 — Best business advice, expect change and embrace it

Submit a Question
Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Mai-Han will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.

Resources
https://kobesteakhouse.com/

Credits

• Guest — Mai-Han Harrington, Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Host — J.B. Adams, Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc.
• Creator — J.B. Adams
• Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
• Showrunner — Kyle Sawyer
• Audio Design — Aaron Trnka
• Production Assistance — Rachel O’Bryan

Imagine being a parent and learning that your child has an illness that will affect both of you for the rest of your lives. In this interview, John Henry, executive director of the MyCareConnect Foundation and current vice president of the Rollins College Alumni Advisory Board, shares how his situation made him step up as a parent, shift his career, and redefine his commitment to service.

• 01:18 — Philosophy of service, importance of meaningful connections
• 07:35 — Backstory, job search, patience, and passion
• 17:04 — Career journey, the inception of MyCareConnect, and helping families in the Type I Diabetes community

Submit a Question
Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and John will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.

Resources
https://blueloop.mycareconnect.com/

Credits

• Guest — John Henry ’88 ’90MBA. Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Host — J.B. Adams. Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc.
• Creator — J.B. Adams
• Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
• Showrunner — Kyle Sawyer
• Audio Design — Aaron Trnka
• Production Assistance — Rachel O’Bryan

In the 21st century, it is increasingly essential to put a sense of humanity at the center of business decisions. In this interview, Alex Manrique, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Universal Parks & Resorts, discusses her approach to service through fostering relationships and embracing the differences of others.

• 01:49 — Service philosophy, importance of taking care of future generations
• 07:35 — Backstory, growing up in Colombia, treating people with kindness
• 12:49 — Career journey & best business advice, helping employees find a sense of belonging

Ask a Question
Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Alex will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.

Book Recommendations

• So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
• Better Allies: Everyday Actions to Create Inclusive, Engaging Workplaces by Karen Catlin
• How to Be an Anti-Racist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

Resources
Universal Orlando Parks & Resorts

Episode Credits

• Guest — Alex Manrique, Connect on Linkedin >>
• Host — J.B. Adams, Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc.
• Creator — J.B. Adams
• Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
• Showrunner — Kyle Sawyer
• Audio Design — Aaron Trnka
• Production Assistance — Rachel O’Bryan

This episode begins with a simple question: Do you have a job, or do you have a career? In this interview, Terry Castillo, training and development manager for the Orange County Clerk of Courts and vice-chair of the Osceola County School Board, and former chair of career enhancement and service at the Crummer Graduate School of Business discusses the importance of identifying your gifts and using them to serve others.

Ask a Question
Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Terry will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to clara@victormediagroup.co.

Book Recommendation

• The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

Resources

• Orange County Clerk of Courts
• Osceola County School Board

Episode Credits

• Guest — Terry Castillo, Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Host — J.B. Adams, Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc.
• Creator — J.B. Adams
• Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell
• Showrunner — Kyle Sawyer
• Audio Design — Aaron Trnka
• Production Assistance — Rachel O’Bryan

For many business leaders, the details are something you work out later, after you’ve determined your strategy. But for operations managers, the details will make or break your strategy. In this interview, Professor of Operations Management at the Crummer Graduate School of Business Dr. Keenan Yoho discusses the importance of operations management, early lessons gained through his interest in music, and how to be strategically bold in your career choices.

All managers lead their organizations through change, but the most effective ones make it easier for employees to embrace change and come along willingly. In this interview, former executive in residence associate professor and now continuing graduate faculty of management at the Crummer Graduate School of Business Dr. Robert Prescott explains the importance of building trust between managers and employees; he also describes the management lessons he learned from key mentors and builds a case for life-long learning.

Ask a Question
Do you have a question or comment for this guest? Send your submission and Dr. Bob will respond to it on the Crummer Hour, our follow up discussion show that is broadcast on WPRK 91.5 FM. Be sure to include your name, hometown, company, and title. Send to Clara Mount ’20MBA at clara@victormediagroup.co or to Lovelyn Findley at lfindley@rollins.edu.

Credits

• Guest — Dr. Robert Prescott. Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. Learn more >>
• Creator / Host — J.B. Adams ’11MBA
• Executive Producer — Gerard Mitchell ’91 ’18MBA
• Sound Editing — Aaron Trnka
• Production Assistance — Kyle Sawyer

Business leaders are constantly faced with choices; sometimes just one important decision can change the course of the rest of your life. In this interview, Associate Professor of Marketing Dr. Tracy Kizer explains the importance of marketing and messaging in a changing business landscape, how her parents influenced her development, and how success comes through hard work and following your soul.

Business leaders make decisions to ensure the growth and profitability of their companies, but they sometimes overlook what is in the best interest of owners, shareholders, and other stakeholders. In this interview, Associate Professor of Finance Dr. Brian Walkup describes common mistakes in the understanding of finance, his entrepreneurial upbringing, and how effective firms consistently maximize value.

Resources

• Crummer Graduate School of Business
• All Around Charters & Tours
• CNL Financial Group, Inc.

Credits

• Guest: Dr. Brian Walkup. Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. Learn more >>
• Creator/Host: J.B. Adams ’11MBA
• Executive Producer: Gerard Mitchell ’91 ’18MBA
• Sound Editing:  Aaron Trnka
• Production Assistance:  Kyle Sawyer

It’s easy to express care and concern for our planet and the people on it, but being a responsible consumer means researching purchases and making informed decisions about them. In this interview, Professor of International Business and Social Entrepreneurship and first female faculty president at Crummer, Dr. Mary Conway Dato-on describes her career in social entrepreneurship and how all of us can become more thoughtful consumers.

Earth Day gives all of us the opportunity to consider how we can make our planet a safer, cleaner and more fair place for all of us to share. In this interview, Associate Professor of Sustainable Enterprise and Corporate Social Responsibility Dr. Keith Whittingham describes his career in coffee production, his approach to sustainability, and how we can foster fresh ideas for a thriving world.

Resources

• Artifx Cafe
• United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals

Credits

• Guest: Dr. Keith Whittingham. Connect on LinkedIn >>
• Production by Victor Media Group, Inc. Learn more >>
• Creator/Host: J.B. Adams ’11MBA
• Executive Producer: Gerard Mitchell ’91 ’18MBA
• Sound Editing:  Aaron Trnka
• Production Assistance:  Kyle Sawyer

Founder & Owner of Hayes Wealth Advisors, LLC

Location: Atlanta, GA

In this show, host J.B. Adams interviews Natalie Hayes Schmook, founder and owner of Hayes Wealth Advisors LLC, a financial planning and investment management services company serving optometrists, optometry practice owners, and their families. Natalie graduated from Crummer in 2006 as a part of EAMBA class 9. Her career started in private wealth management with SunTrust Bank, pivoted to operating a franchise, and then evolved to starting Hayes Wealth Advisors. She and her husband Eric Schmook ’06MBA continue to be involved with Crummer by assisting with the Career Resource Center and participating in the annual Crummer Rollins Venture Plan Competition.

Listen as she shares:

• How her father served as a role model who helped her become interested in entrepreneurship
• Her journey after Crummer working with SunTrust Bank, operating a franchise with her husband, and finally starting her own business
• Lessons learned from starting multiple businesses
• How to find a meaningful balance between running a business while also building a life

More About Natalie Schmook ’05 ’06MBA

Natalie Hayes Schmook is the founder and owner of Hayes Wealth Advisors LLC, a financial planning and investment management service for employed optometrists, practice owners and their families.

Natalie started her career in the Private Wealth Management division of SunTrust Bank in 2006 and earned her Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2009. An advisor since 2006, she left her corporate background to put her experience and expertise to work for ODs in an independent, fee-only capacity. Natalie is also a Certified Valuation Analyst™ and Certified Exit Planning Advisor has developed expertise in business valuations and exit planning with a specific focus on optometry practices.

Natalie graduated with Honors from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL and also received her Masters of Business Administration there. She and her husband Eric live in Atlanta, Georgia with their two fun, spunky little girls and enjoy playing league tennis in their free time.

Co-Founder & CEO of ecoSPEARS and Saturday MBA graduate.

Location: Altamonte Springs, FL

Director of Marketing and Business Development for Florida Dairy Farmers and Executive MBA graduate.

Location: Orlando, FL

In this show, host J.B. Adams interviews Diahann Smith, who currently serves as the director of marketing and business development for Florida Dairy Farmers. Before starting her thirteen-year career with Florida Dairy Farmers, she had a long career in marketing in Central Florida, previously working at the Orlando Sentinel. Ms. Smith graduated from Crummer in 2017 as a part of EMBA 36.

Listen as she shares:

• The secret to finding the freshest milk in Florida.
• Her beginnings in Puerto Rico and the role models who shaped her approach to business.
• Lessons about networking learned while navigating early career roles.
• Advice to current MBA students.

More about Diahann Smith ’17MBA

Diahann Smith, Florida Dairy Farmers Director of marketing and Business Development, community volunteer and enthusiastic cook.

Diahann Albarrán Smith, a consumer marketing professional with more than 20 years’ experience. Diahann has local, regional and international marketing experience. She began her career at the Orlando Sentinel where she helped launch the Spanish-language El Sentinel and committed to working with the Central Florida Hispanic community where she is an active volunteer. Florida Dairy Farmers recruited Diahann to grow its Hispanic marketing outreach in Florida. She also worked with sister organization the U.S Dairy Export Council, to help market U.S. dairy in the Caribbean. In her current position as Director of Marketing and Business Development for Florida Dairy Farmers, she develops and executes marketing plans and partnerships to promote Florida dairy farmers and the health benefits of dairy. Diahann has volunteered for over 15 years with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando where she not only serves on the board, she leads the 25-person Chamber Ambassadors program. She also serves on the Alumni Board for the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College where she completed her executive MBA. Diahann enjoys running, baking, and cooking. While not a trained chef, Diahann “plays” one TV where she regularly shares her recipes in national and local TV shows as well as online. She lives in Orlando with husband Jim and their two kids Ethan and Eliana.

Vice president of strategic partnerships and business development at PowerDMS and Early Advantage MBA graduate.

Location: Sanford, FL

Director, Senior Equity Analyst in the Chief Investment Office of Bank of America and Early Advantage MBA graduate.

Location: New York, NY

Cameron Dawson, currently serves as Director, Senior Equity Analyst in the Chief Investment Office of Bank of America. Her first exposure to business came when, as a teenager, she moved to Miami to pursue a career as a professional ballet dancer. After spending a year at UCF, she enrolled at Rollins College, graduated as valedictorian, and then went on to join the Early Advantage MBA cohort 17 at Crummer. Cameron focused on finance track and was eventually awarded the Edward Moses Distinguished Finance Award. After graduating, she studied to take the CFA, and landed her role with Bank of America.

Listen as she shares:

• The foundations of business she learned through her career in ballet
• How she found a new passion for finance through Crummer
• Her journey as she broke into the finance scene in New York City
• Advice for other Crummer alumni on paying it forward

Senior Vice President of Workforce Development at HBI (Home Builders Institute) and graduate from the Executive MBA program.

Location: Winter Park, FL

More about Tadar

In his current role, Home Builders Institute Senior Vice President of Workforce Development Tadar Muhammad is responsible for the operation of HBI’s Workforce Training & Employment Department–a budget of more than $8 million and 95 staff. He is responsible nationally for oversight of all workforce development initiatives of secondary and post-secondary students, justice involved youth and adults, veterans and transitioning military and more.

Over the past 25 years, Muhammad has worked in human services, youth development and workforce development with a goal of developing partnerships that assist individuals with learning career-translating skills. Having participated as a featured speaker at several local and national workforce development conferences, he serves on numerous boards and councils to include a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Board of Directors for the Prison Rehabilitative Industries & Diversified Enterprises in Florida, Board Chair for Sunshine Charter High Schools in Orlando, Florida, Board of Directors for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Foundation, Board of Directors for the Florida Endowment Foundation for Florida’s Graduates and Orange County’s Citizens’ Commission for Children Advisory Board.

A native Chicagoan, Muhammad moved to Orlando in 1983. After receiving a scholarship to Valencia College and a Warner University Organizational Management B.A., he earned his Executive MBA from Rollins College’s Crummer Graduate School of Business.

In addition to his noted degrees, Tadar Muhammad has completed performance and public speaking-relevant B.A.-level training/coursework in Broadcast Journalism while studying at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.