Building Bold Connections - Coles College of Business

A Podcast for Leaders (and Aspiring Leaders) Who Value Connections and Bold Ideas

Succeeding in business is all about making connections. The Building Bold Connections podcast engages in conversations with business leaders from all professions who value connections and bold ideas. Each episode explores the creative ways business leaders have solved professional challenges to gain success in their respective fields. Most importantly, we find out what first inspired them to think differently about their approach to identifying solutions. Join host Tyra Burton for this must-listen show for anyone looking to build net worth from their network.

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Making Intentional Connections

Guest is Ryan Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot

On this episode Ryan Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot, shares the story behind the creation of his innovative social club. From its humble beginnings to becoming a hub for intentional connections, Ryan reveals the importance of fostering meaningful relationships in both business and life. Tune in as we explore the power of community and the impact of forging authentic connections in today's fast-paced world.

Never Burn a Bridge

Guest is Jennifer Close, Marketing Director, LexisNexis Risk Solutions

Joining us is Jennifer Close, a distinguished alumna of Kennesaw State University and the dynamic Marketing Director of Lexus Nexus Risk Solutions. Get ready to be inspired and gain valuable perspectives on marketing, leadership, and the power of forging bold connections. Jennifer is not only a proud KSU alumnus, where she honed her skills and knowledge in the field of marketing, but she has also emerged as a trailblazer in the corporate world. Jennifer has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing strategic marketing initiatives for industry leader LexisNexis.

Plug Yourself In

Guest is Jessica Reyes, Data Scientist at Equifax

We join Jessica Reyes, a proud alumna of Kennesaw State University and a leading Data Scientist at Equifax. Her journey is a testament to the power of education, passion for data, and the impact of forging strong connections in the world of technology. Explore the bold intersections between education, data science, and the art of building meaningful connections.

The Future of AI in the Music Industry

Guest: Teaa Cup, CEO, Spill the Tea TV

On this episode, we host a true trailblazer in the intersection of technology and creativity, Teaa Cup, the visionary CEO and founder of Spill the Tea TV. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for the arts, Teaa Cup has carved a niche in the industry by seamlessly blending technology with the world of music. As we explore the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, Teaa will be sharing insights, experiences, and a glimpse into the exciting future where technology and music harmonize in ways we've never imagined.

Invest In Yourself

Guest: Kennard Turner, Entrepreneur and Founder of Locker Room Sports Apparel

Host Tyra Burton explores how Kennard Turner, serial entrepreneur and founder of Locker Room Sports Apparel, learned that part-time effort leads to part-time results and that if you want to succeed, you have to give it your all. They delves into Kennard Turner’s entrepreneurial journey, exploring his insights, challenges, and the inspirations that have driven him to success in the competitive world of sports apparel.

Endless Service

Guest: Tracey Graves, Actor, Activist, and MBA Student

Tyra talks with Tracey Graves, an Actor, MBA Student, Paul D. Coverdell Fellow, and Graduate Professional Assistant with the Coles College's Aspiring Community Entrepreneurs program. Tracey’s life journey is a testament to dedication and service. Having served with the Peace Corps and worked with underprivileged children in Los Angeles, she brings a wealth of experiences and insights navigating diverse cultures and communities, fostering change, and empowering others to succeed. They also discuss the work of Tracey's grandmother, the late Josephine Wright, whose legal battle against developers over her Hilton Head home caught the attention of celebrities like Tyler Perry.

Stuckey's in a Nutshell

Guest: Stephanie Stuckey, Chair of Stuckey's

In the season 2 premiere, Stephanie Stuckey's strategic vision has been instrumental in steering Stuckey's toward new horizons while preserving its heritage as the heart of the American road trip. Her insights into entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship, and the intersection of tradition and innovation are sure to captivate and inspire us all. Join us as we explore Stephanie Stuckey's extraordinary journey, her profound insights into business leadership, and the fascinating story behind Stuckey's.

Communicating Value

Featuring: Michael J. Coles, Co-Founder, Great American Cookie Company

Former CEO, Caribou Coffee

Namesake, Coles College of Business

In the season one finale, Michael J. Coles, Co-Founder of the Great American Cookie Company and the namesake of Kennesaw State University’s Michael J. Coles College of Business, sits down with host Tyra Burton to share details of his life as an entrepreneur, world-record holding athlete, and an inspiring leader. He provides fascinating insights into the important ways customers have taken the power away from sellers, and how businesses can use that to their advantage.

Investing in People

Featuring: Sean Taylor, CPA and CEO of Smith + Howard

CPA firm Smith + Howard has regularly been named one of the best places to work in Atlanta. Host Tyra Burton speaks with CEO Sean Taylor – who joined the company 30 years ago as an intern – to find out businesses can do to inspire people to spend their entire careers there. They also touch on how technology and automation is changing the accounting profession. It's episode 7 of Building Bold Connections.

Women in Fintech

Featuring: Audrey Hall, Chief Product Officer, Brightwell

Audrey Hall, chief product officer for Brightwell and one of the top software product executives of 2022, speaks to host Tyra Burton about using digital payment technology to help cruise ship workers manage their funds, and how Brightwell embraced innovation when the pandemic brought the cruise industry to a halt. Audrey also talks about how women can succeed in the fast-growing world of digital payments.

Pivot on a Dime

Featuring: Carmelita Marrow, Director of Communications and Convening, National Network of Public Health Institutes

Carmelita Marrow, speaks with host Tyra Burton on how the COVID-19 pandemic threw the hospitality industry into chaos and how she has leveraged the value of relationships to weather the storm.

The Great Resignation

Featuring: Troy Felder, Regional Senior Human Resources Business Partner, McKesson

Employees are reassessing what they expect to get out of their professional lives, with a greater focus on work-life balance and career trajectory. Troy Felder with McKesson speaks with host Tyra Burton about meeting these changing expectations as well as adapting to other trends in the HR industry.

Life was 'Life-ing'

Featuring: Nicole Anderson, Founder and CEO, HER Wine

Nicole Anderson, founder and CEO of HER Wine, speaks with host Tyra Burton and shares stories of the adversity she faced along her journey to full-time entrepreneurship.

Think Before You Share

Featuring: Jake Bulim, Senior Associate, Security Monitoring & Response, KPMG
Part-Time Instructor, Kennesaw State Information Security & Assurance Program

Jake, a three-time alumnus of Kennesaw State University, shares his insights on the cybersecurity business and on how professionals - and you - can learn to better manage cyber threats.

A Path to Sales

Featuring: Chase York, Group Sales Account Executive, Atlanta Falcons

Chase shares his path to sales from a background in sports, while discussing his largest sale and revealing the scariest part of working in the sales profession.

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