Be EPIC Podcast

Jason Fried is the Co-Founder and CEO of Basecamp, a software company out of Chicago. Fried has authored several books, most recently, “It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work.” At Basecamp, you won’t find those who think ninety hour work weeks or endless meetings lead to accomplishing goals. Instead, you’ll find those who enjoy their work and accomplish goals while making time for family, friends, and free time. Jason’s book shows how others can do this too. To purchase, “It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work” follow this link: https://www.amazon.com/Doesnt-Have-Be-Crazy-Work/dp/0062874780

Dani Monroe is the Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer - Mass. General Brigham, the largest healthcare organization in Massachusetts. Dani has a master's degree in organizational development from Pepperdine University. She has been a consultant for many companies including Shell, the CIA, and The Walt Disney Company, to name a few. Dani has recently authored a book called “Untapped Talent: Unleashing the Power of the Hidden Workforce.” Listen as Dr. Waller discusses with Dani Monroe about how untapped talent is the opposite of flourishing, unconscious bias, advice for students graduating in the midst of COVID-19, and more. Link to purchase “Untapped Talent: Unleashing the Power of the Hidden Workforce” - https://www.amazon.com/Untapped-Talent-Unleashing-Hidden-Workforce/dp/1137282223

Mark Goulston, a former UCLA professor of psychiatry and FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, shares lessons from the OJ Simpson trial on dealing with difficult people. He emphasizes pausing instead of reacting and discusses the importance of curiosity. The podcast also explores executive coaching, expressing gratitude and acknowledging qualities.

Max Viana is the Business Development Manager for Trading and Supply at Shell. Max grew up in Honduras in a family that prioritized school heavily. His focus on school and drive for success eventually opened up an opportunity for him to come to the U.S. to pursue his undergraduate degree. After graduating and returning to Honduras to work for Shell, Max was able to get an MBA from the Sam M. Walton College of Business. This opened up new opportunities at Shell and allowed him to continue developing his international business skills through traveling to many different countries and doing business with a variety of cultures.

Brian Shaw is the CEO and Principal of Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners in Rogers, AR. Brian first became interested in studying real estate in high school, and chose to study industrial engineering. However, Brian decided to study in the Sam M. Walton College of Business in pursuit of the strategic business side of real estate. He then went on to earn his MBA at the University of Denver with a focus in real estate and construction management. Brian discusses working in an ever-changing industry, his vision for the Pinnacle area in Rogers, and provides EPIC advice to current Walton College students.

Dr. Pu Liu is a professor of finance and chairman of the department of finance at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Liu recognized the importance of a Master of Science in Finance program after seeing the need to address the challenges of a digital economy driven by technology and innovation. In this program, students learn essential financial skills and gain the expertise to excel in their careers.

Reynie Rutledge is the President and CEO of First Security Bancorp, a bank that began in Searcy, AR, and now has locations throughout the state. Reynie is a recent inductee into the Arkansas Business Hall of fame. After graduating with a degree in industrial engineering, he returned to get an MBA from the Walton College of Business.

Terry Esper is an Associate Professor of Logistics in the Department of Marketing and Logistics at the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Dr. Esper was previously the Oren Harris Endowed Chair of Logistics and associate professor of supply chain management at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. During his time at the University of Arkansas, Terry was the executive director of the Walton College’s supply chain management research center. He has also taught supply chain management at the University of Tennesee. His research in the area of last-mile logistics has brought to light the racial injustices experienced by Black delivery drivers. As a Black man in supply chain management, Terry has a unique experience and sheds light on what can be done about the racial injustices in America.

Gerald Alley is the founder and CEO of Con-Real, LP, a diverse company providing construction, real estate, program management, and technology and innovation services to clients and is one of the nation’s largest minority-owned businesses. He was recently inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame. Prior to the business college becoming the Sam M. Walton College of Business, Gerald was challenged by his mother to broaden his horizons, leave his home town of Pine Bluff, and study in Fayetteville. In this episode, Gerald talks about his time at the University, and the lessons he learned that helped him achieve success.

Brian Fugate is a professor, Oren Harris Chair in transportation, and chair of the Department of Supply Chain Management at the Sam M. Walton College of Business. His innovation in this area led to the creation of the Masters of Science in Supply Chain Management program. This program will equip students with the knowledge and expertise to excel in their careers and bring a unique perspective to their companies.