One Thousand Ways To Lead

Success Blueprint for Women in Leadership: How to Gain Respect, Motivate Teams, and Grow Your Marketing Career

In this episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, we sit down with Courtney Miller, a marketing executive and MBA alum, to talk about the ups and downs of her MBA journey and how she built a meaningful marketing career. From facing rejection to leading successful brand revamps.
You'll hear why not getting the job you want can actually lead to something better, and how to make smart but flexible career decisions that keep you moving forward. Courtney shares what a real marketing career path can look like, from navigating business school to stepping into executive roles, and gives tips on handling rejection in a way that helps you grow, not shrink.She also dives into how to lead with empathy, support your team's personal development, and the value of strong networks and mentoring especially when it comes to empowering women in leadership. You’ll also learn how to balance data and creativity when building brand strategies, offering creative feedback that inspires, and staying grounded in your strategic decision-making without getting overwhelmed.Starting your career or shifting gears? Tune in for real talk on growing with intention, leading confidently, and making decisions that truly align with your goals.
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Learn more about us:https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

How to Turn Niche Products Into a Scalable Brand with Direct-to-Consumer Strategy

In this episode of One Thousand Ways To Lead, we sit down with Brock Hardisty, whose unconventional career path led him from journalism and the beer industry to co-founding a company that designs and manufactures high-end custom pocket knives with his brother. What began as a side project quickly turned into a full-fledged venture rooted in quality American manufacturing, a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and the power of storytelling in business.
Brock opens up about how they initially assumed their audience would be outdoorsmen and survivalists, but to their surprise, they discovered a passionate group of knife collectors who treat these pieces like pocket jewelry, valuing them as much for their design and detail as their utility. 
Throughout the conversation, Brock shares how his MBA education and background in storytelling helped shape the company’s brand identity, and why being able to tell a compelling story is just as important as having a great product. He also talks about managing a small, highly skilled manufacturing team, the importance of customer feedback, and the mindset shifts that come with major career transitions.
If you're curious about entrepreneurship, product development, or what it takes to build a standout brand in a niche market, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
 
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Mastering Leadership & Innovation in Renewable Energy

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, we sit down with Matt Beasley, Chief Commercial Officer at Silicon Ranch, one of the largest solar power producers in the U.S. Matt shares his leadership journey, from starting in brand development to becoming a key leader in renewable energy. He discusses the importance of mentorship in leadership, how career development strategies shaped his path, and why having a long-term business strategy is crucial for success.
 
We also explore how Silicon Ranch’s corporate sustainability model drives real change and impacts local communities. Matt explains how taking a long-term approach to business builds trust and creates lasting value, both economically and environmentally. His insights on career growth and professional development offer valuable lessons for students, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike.
 
This episode highlights the power of mentorship, the role of transferable skills in career growth, and the economic impact of solar energy. Whether you're looking to transition careers, strengthen your leadership skills, or learn about sustainability in business, this conversation has something for you. 
 
Tune in now for real-world insights that can fuel your professional growth and long-term success!
 
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https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

Leadership Through Storytelling: How to Influence and Inspire Your Team

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Joe Pollaro, VP of Real Estate and Workplace at Pinterest, shares his incredible career journey, from investment banking at JP Morgan to investor relations at Wix and now leading a global team at Pinterest.
 
Joe reveals how storytelling is a powerful leadership skill that has shaped his ability to influence executives, manage teams, and adapt across industries. He dives into the challenges of transitioning from an individual contributor to a people manager, offering insights on how to build credibility, motivate teams, and give effective feedback. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, learning from setbacks, and embracing change to grow as a leader.
 
This episode will provide practical advice to help you navigate transitions and become a more effective leader.
 
Tune in and discover how storytelling can elevate your leadership journey!
 
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https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

How to Lead with Purpose and Make a Difference Beyond Your Career

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Olivia Cooper, a Vanderbilt Owen alum, shares her inspiring journey from studying interior design to excelling in marketing strategy and community leadership. Olivia talks about the lessons she learned while working at the Chamber of Commerce, her transformative experience at Owen, and how she balances a thriving career at Green Apple Strategy with her passion for giving back to the community.
 
Discover how Olivia integrates creativity, strategy, and leadership to make an impact in both the corporate and nonprofit worlds. If you’re curious about blending career success with meaningful community involvement, or just looking for leadership tips you can apply right away, Olivia’s story is one you don’t want to miss.
 
Tune in for a fresh perspective on leadership and strategy. 
 
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https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

Leadership Lessons You Can’t Miss: Part 2 of This Two-Part Alumni Series

In Part 2 of our alumni special, we dive into even more inspiring stories and powerful leadership insights from Vanderbilt Owen graduates Kitty Elshot-Smith, Kris Douglas, and Ryan Lein.
 
From leading global teams at Bank of America to navigating the challenges of real estate and building successful teams in the corporate world, these alumni share their candid experiences and lessons learned along the way. You’ll hear how they motivate and inspire their teams, create psychologically safe spaces, and adapt to changing circumstances to drive results.
 
Kitty reflects on the importance of modeling behavior and fostering trust, Kris shares how to keep morale up during tough market conditions, and Ryan reveals his approach to building high-performing teams and measuring leadership success. These stories are packed with actionable advice on teamwork, resilience, and navigating complex leadership challenges.
 
If you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, build better teams, or learn how to thrive in uncertain times, this episode has something for you. Don’t miss Part 2 of this engaging series filled with wisdom, practical tips, and a few fun memories from their time at Owen.
 
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Leadership Lessons You Can’t Miss: Part 1 of This Two-Part Alumni Series

In this special two-part episode, we had the pleasure of hearing from three remarkable Vanderbilt Owen alumni—Beth Torres, Russ Fallis, and Jerome Edwards—who returned to campus to share their leadership journeys. Through their stories, they offered powerful insights on leadership, career growth, and the lifelong value of the Owen community.
 
Discover how their MBA experience shaped their approach to managing teams, cultivating strengths, and building professional resilience. Whether you’re interested in leadership development, business school success, or career growth strategies, this episode offers valuable advice and inspiring stories. 
 
Tune in for actionable tips and insights that can transform your own leadership journey!
 
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https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

How to Lead Teams with Transparency and Clarity

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Vanderbilt Owen alum and Head of Marketing at Lidl, Michael Chao shares his captivating career journey, moving from startups to industry giants like Walmart, Dollar General, and Lidl. With over a decade of leadership experience across the U.S. and even in China, Michael reflects on the key lessons that have shaped his approach to work and life.
 
Listen as he unpacks the importance of aligning career decisions with personal values, the nuances of navigating company culture, and the art of managing teams with transparency and clarity. Michael also dives into his approach to leading during uncertainty, how to balance ambition with family priorities, and why understanding the incentives behind every decision is critical in business and leadership.
 
Packed with relatable stories, actionable advice, and honest reflections, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow as a leader or make thoughtful career moves. Whether you’re navigating your first job or taking the leap into a new leadership role, Michael’s insights will resonate and inspire.
 
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How Growth Mindset, Feedback, and Mentorship Drive Success in Leadership

In this episode of One Thousand Ways to Lead, Vanderbilt MBA alum and healthcare leader Courtney Necessary shares her unique career journey from professional ballet dancer to healthcare transformation executive. 
 
Host Reid Chauvin explores Courtney's path and the leadership insights she gained along the way, including how a growth mindset in leadership and constructive feedback drive professional development. Courtney discusses the role of mentorship and how building a "Board of Directors" has been essential to her career success. 
 
She also explains the importance of workplace culture in leadership and why having a support network can elevate both personal and professional growth. 
 
For those considering a career transition or aiming to strengthen leadership skills, this episode provides actionable insights and guidance, offering fresh perspectives for both emerging and experienced leaders.
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About Courtney Necessary:
Courtney Necessary, originally from Atlanta, GA, began her career as a ballet dancer for the Atlanta Ballet, working in forensic accounting during the offseason. After a decade in ballet, Courtney decided to 'retire' and pursue her MBA at Owen. Upon graduating, she joined C3 Consulting, contributing to client work and internal projects, and later participated in the firm's acquisition by Ankura. After about 10 years in management consulting, Courtney was again seeking further career diversification and joined Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Health Professional Solutions. Currently, she works as the VP of Strategy & Transformation, Chief of Staff with the Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy, partnering with hospitals to enhance medical safety, reduce malpractice, and foster a culture of respect and quality outcomes.

How Diverse Backgrounds Help Leaders Build Strong Teams

Leadership isn’t always shaped by traditional paths. 
 
Sometimes, the best lessons come from unexpected places and experiences that push us out of our comfort zones.
 
In this episode, Vanderbilt MBA ‘25, Brianna Dacey sits down with Bennet Hayes, a Vanderbilt Owen alumnus and Strategy and Operations Lead at Google, to explore his unconventional leadership journey. Starting out as a professional poker player and freelance writer, Bennet eventually transitioned into leadership roles at top firms like BCG and Google. 
 
He shares the valuable lessons he’s learned about managing ambiguity, building trust, and leading teams in complex environments. Bennet also highlights the importance of adaptability, strategic decision-making, and embracing discomfort as a path to growth. 
 
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about how unconventional experiences can shape effective leadership, and learn practical strategies to apply to your own leadership journey.
 
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https://business.vanderbilt.edu/
About Bennet Hayes:
 
Bennet has built a diverse career blending leadership, strategy, and operations across various industries. Currently, as Strategy and Operations Lead for Chrome OS at Google, he drives high-level strategic initiatives bringing his keen ability to operate under ambiguity to the role. Before this, he led projects at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and directed operations strategy at a start-up company called Gopuff. With extensive experience in project management, strategic planning, and data analytics, he’s worked in consulting, and marketing. Before business school, Bennet was a professional poker, where he competed globally and was ranked among the top 50 online players. His career also includes work as a freelance journalist, writing for prominent publications. 
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennet-hayes-92219158/details/experience/