This week on the podcast Matt sits down with Michael Brown, Principal US Economist for Visa and member of the Walton College’s Dean’s Executive Advisory Board. They begin the conversation with Michael sharing how he got interested in economics during his undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas, what he does in his role at Visa in the macroeconomic space and how he synthesizes so much data down to communicate it to their clients. They go on to discuss the methods of forecasting the US economy and also the challenges and trade offs associated with short term versus medium term versus long term predictions. They also touch on the most challenging pieces to forecast. They end the discussion with a focus on supply chain and the macro picture of the economy as well as some medium to long run trends on the consumer side of the economy that Michael sees coming up.

This week on the podcast, Matt sits down with Heartland Forward’s President and CEO Ross DeVol and Chief Communications and Development Officer Blake Woolsey. They begin with Ross explaining what Heartland Forward does and their goal of focusing on improving economic performance in the American Heartland. They then dive into how Ross and Blake became involved in Heartland Forward and where their passions for economic development in the Heartland comes from. They close out by discussing how Heartland Forward supports and encourages entrepreneurs to experiment and grow their ideas through their Community Growth Program. 

This week on the Be Epic podcast we are introducing a new kind of episode, a conversation with ChatGPT-4. During the episode Matt asks ChatGPT-4, the generative AI tool, a series of questions regarding how generative AI is created, how AI and machine learning are shaping the future of supply chain and retail, why someone would want to live in Northwest Arkansas (including a poem about the area!) and more. Tune in for this unique conversation highlighting the amazing ability of new generative artificial intelligence platforms and also showcasing the challenges that it still faces. ChatGPT-4 is voiced by local voice over artist Mike Maloney.

This week on the Be Epic podcast Matt sits down with Craig Geiger, full time instructor and Director of the newly launched Master's of Science in Marketing degree at the Walton College. To begin the episode, Craig and Matt discuss Craig's rich history in the consumer packaged goods industry, working across customer insights, sales, marketing and category management for Walmart, Kellogg, Kraft Foods, Campbell Soup Company, and more. Craig's background has positioned him perfectly to lead the new master's degree program with a curriculum designed specifically for students who are interested in a career in brand management, retail marketing and marketing services. As they continue through the episode they discuss the types of courses that students in this program will be able to take to prepare them to enter the fast paced and rapidly changing industry. They finish the discussion with a focus on how leaders in the industry will be able to participate in this master's program through partnerships and projects promoting experiential learning and networking. They then end the discussion with Craig sharing advice for prospective students on how to get into this program and how they can prepare for success. Learn more about the Master's of Science in Marketing here: https://walton.uark.edu/graduate-programs/

This week on the podcast, Matt sits down with venture capitalist Earnest Sweat. The conversation begins with Earnest discussing his journey from traditional investments to alternative investments and how he became interested in venture capital. Earnest then dives into how he became an investor in FreightWaves and Platform Science by going through his process for deciding where to invest. The conversation concludes with Earnest walking through his involvement with his portfolio companies as well as advice for young entrepreneurs.

This week on the podcast Matt sits down with Marc de Beer, President of Aviagen North America. They begin by diving into how Marc got involved with animal science and nutrition and how Aviagen uses genetics in the boiler breeding business to supply the best breeding stock to poultry companies around the world. They continue by discussing Marc’s journey from scientist to president of the North America division of the company and how he approaches changes and challenges, such as the rise of artificial intelligence and the ongoing issue of Avian Influenza. The conversation concludes with Marc elaborating on the mission of Aviagen and their efforts toward efficiency and sustainability. 

This week on the podcast, Matt sits down with Chuck Bauer, partner and head of investor relations for EnCap Investments. The episode begins with Chuck walking through what EnCap does as a private investment firm focused on North American energy markets. Matt and Chuck then dive into what alternative investments are as well as the importance of establishing and maintaining relationships in this industry. The conversation concludes with Chuck discussing his journey from working for a Congressman, to going back to school for his MBA, to ultimately working in alternative investments.

This week on the podcast Matt sits down with Tracy Rosser, current Strategic Advisor at NewRoad Capital Partners and previous EVP of Operations at Transplace (now Uber Freight) and SVP of Transportation and Supply Chain at Walmart. Tracy and Matt begin by discussing Tracy’s experiences in logistics, operations, and supply chain: specifically Tracy’s journey from managing a Walmart Distribution Center to SVP of Transportation and Supply Chain. Tracy then dives into the valuable lessons he learned during his time at Transplace (now Uber Freight) in the midst of the pandemic, touching on the importance of bringing the right people to the table to make data-backed decisions. The conversation concludes with a discussion about supply chain resiliency, doing things right the first time, and the importance of having a strategic understanding of supplier relationships.

This week on the podcast, Matt sits down with Jason Ridge, Taryn Mead, and Matthew Myers with the Sam M. Walton College of Business. Jason is the Chair of the Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation (SEVI), Taryn is an Assistant Professor of Product Design, Innovation, and Management, and Matthew is the program manager for Outdoor Industries. Matt and Jason begin by discussing why the SEVI Department was developed, the various degree options, and the Micro Certificates available through the department. The conversation continues with Taryn detailing the Masters of Science in Product Innovation and its launch along with the product innovation practicum. The conversation concluded with Matthew walking through the advantages of the Masters of Science in Product Innovation as it applies to working professionals. 

This week on the podcast Matt sits down with Mike Malone, Vice Chancellor for Economic Development at the University of Arkansas. Mike has been very involved in the growth of Northwest Arkansas, serving previously as the VP of Community and Corporate Affairs at Runway Group and President and CEO of Northwest Arkansas Council. The discussion begins with Mike explaining what economic development at the University of Arkansas is and how he intends to use the partnerships of the University to continue creating a positive impact on the state of Arkansas. Mike and Matt then dive into the emergence of next generation mobility and how the University of Arkansas will influence research in this new sector. The episode concludes with Mike discussing the importance of preparing the next generation of the workforce and connecting students with Arkansas-based companies.