Be EPIC Podcast

Walt Rakowich, former CEO of Prologis and leadership speaker, shares his insights on effective leadership born from his experiences during the 2008 recession. He emphasizes the transformative power of leadership, advocating that true success comes from prioritizing others over oneself. Topics include the dual effects of pride and fear in leadership, the critical nature of mentorship during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and practical advice for fostering empathy and humility in teams. Walt's new book, "Transfluence," encapsulates these vital lessons.

Mary Lacity is a Walton College of Business Professor of Information Systems and Director of the Blockchain Center of Excellence. Mary serves as an editorial board member for The British Blockchain Association and a senior editor for MIS Quarterly Executive. Mary's passion is educating and challenging students and professionals about emerging blockchain technology. She is also the 6th most cited researcher at the University of Arkansas. Join us to hear about Mary’s most recent book, Blockchain Foundations: For the Internet of Value. To purchase the book, follow this link: https://www.uapress.com/product/blockchain-foundations/

Brandy Yelton is the Director of Treasury and Marketing for Surge Energy America. As a student in the Walton College of Business, Brandy was the recipient of the Boyer Fellowship -- the largest awarded on the University of Arkansas campus. In this episode of the Be Epic Podcast, she explains how her involvement in SAKE, study abroad, and other Walton College experiences set her up for success in her life post-graduation.

Mark Sanborn is a leadership speaker and best-selling author. As the president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc, Mark helps others become better leaders in their personal and professional lives. Sanborn is the author of 8 books and was ranked the #5 leadership expert in the world by GlobalGurus.org in 2019. Link to buy Mark Sanborn’s most recent book, “The Intention Imperative: 3 Essential Changes That Will Make You a Successful Leader Today”: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R41B5L1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i5

Peters’ passion for the outdoors led him to work at a sporting goods store, where he decided he had a larger interest in business. As he studied business, Gary decided to pursue accounting and went on to teach at the University of Georgia. In 2003, he left Georgia to come back to his home state of Arkansas and the Walton College. Gary Peters is now the William Dillard Accounting Department Chair and S. Robson Walton Endowed Professor at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business.

Patrick Sbarra is the co-founder and co-owner of Lamplighter Restoration, a home renovation company based out of Northwest Arkansas with a mission of crafting community. Prior to this, Patrick’s career path led him from being a pharmacist to radio sales to co-founding New Creature Holdings, a company that still designs retail packaging, point-of-purchase, and merchandising displays for customers such as Coca-Cola, Disney, and Kraft. Patrick’s entrepreneurial expertise allows him to share great advice to students aligning with our EPIC values.

Meng Chee is Walmart’s first Chief Product Officer. Prior to Walmart, Chee worked for Nokia, Samsung USA, and JPMorgan Chase. Chee has a bachelor's degree in computer engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and a master’s in software systems engineering from Boston University. Chee leverages technology to create outstanding customer experiences. Brent Williams is the Associate Dean for Executive Education and Outreach and Garrison Endowed Chair in Supply Chain Management in the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Brent works to connect the Walton College with the business community and industry professionals in Northwest Arkansas.

Cindy Moehring is the Founder and Executive Chair of the Business Integrity Leadership Initiative at the Walton College. This initiative highlights the importance of ethics in business and the integration of these skills into Walton classes. Barbara Lofton is the Assistant Dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business and Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This fall, Cindy and Barbara will merge their skills to provide hands-on experience for students looking to grow their skills in using their voice to speak up about race through the Let’s Talk program. To keep up to date with the Let’s Talk about Integrity and Race program, follow this link: https://walton.uark.edu/integrity-and-race.php

Andy Murray is a subject matter expert and thought leader in retail and shopper marketing. He has extensive leadership experience through senior roles as SVP of Marketing at Walmart, Chief Customer Officer of Asda UK, as well as founding several startups including ThompsonMurray, Saatchi and Saatchi X, Mercury 11, and most recently, BigQuest. BigQuest’s mission is to help teams and individuals develop a compelling quest that drives growth, professionally and personally. Andy’s own quest has taken him back to Fayetteville, Arkansas, as the Founder and Executive Chair of the Customer Centric Leadership Initiative.

Sandy Asch is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and resilience expert. Sandy has helped many major organizations such as the famous San Diego Zoo develop and build resilient leaders. Sandy discusses the importance of staying true to yourself and making connections to “the why” of what you do to build a holistic perspective of resilience. To download a free E-Book copy of, “Roar: How to Build a Resilient Organization the World-Famous San Diego Zoo Way”, follow this link: https://sandyasch.com/ebook/ To download the resilience daily planner, follow this link: https://sandyasch.com/planner/