Bearcats Mean Business

University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

What does real-world success in business actually look like? Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together. Tune in for inspiration, practical business insights and forward-looking leadership on how ambition turns into action.

  1. 1d ago

    Sales Skills Are Life Skills with Grau Center for Professional Selling Academic Director Ann Sojka

    Why might the skills of a great salesperson have little to do with being persuasive? In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Ann Sojka, assistant professor of marketing and academic director of the Grau Center for Professional Selling, challenges common stereotypes of sales and explains why “sellers aren’t born, they’re made.” She shares how her own sales career taught her that no experience is wasted, why great selling starts with listening and asking the right questions, and how treating customers the way they want to be treated can turn a transaction into a lasting relationship. Sojka also takes listeners inside Lindner’s hands-on approach to sales education—from sales labs and real-world role plays to resilience training and national competitions—and explains why sales skills are life skills. She discusses helping students overcome their fear of selling, why sales is ultimately a problem-solving and helping profession, and how AI is changing the work while making human skills like empathy, adaptability and relationship-building even more valuable. *** Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    Sales Skills Are Life Skills with Grau Center for Professional Selling Academic Director Ann Sojka

  2. Aug 5

    How A First-Gen Geology Student Became altafiber’s President/CEO with Leigh Fox

    What does it take for a first-generation college student with a geology degree to become CEO of a major telecommunications company? In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Lindner MBA alumnus and altafiber President and CEO Leigh Fox reflects on an unconventional career defined by hard work, curiosity and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. From working 40 hours a week while putting himself through college to pivoting from geology into business, Fox shares how saying "yes" to difficult opportunities — and figuring them out along the way — shaped his leadership and career journey. In this conversation with Lindner dean Marianne Lewis, Fox also offers an honest look at what leadership requires once you reach the corner office. He explains why the CEO title can be dangerous if you let it feed your ego, how intentionally staying humble has made him a better leader, and why learning, failure and continuous growth never stop. The UC Foundation Board of Trustees Chair also discusses the importance of civic leadership and giving back, describing how scholarships, philanthropy and community engagement became central to his purpose after Lindner changed the trajectory of his own life. ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    How A First-Gen Geology Student Became altafiber’s President/CEO with Leigh Fox

  3. Jul 23

    Leadership as an IPO: Building Buy-In to Drive Change with Cincinnati Regional Chamber President/CEO Brendon Cull

    Every meaningful change starts with someone willing to bring people together. In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Cincinnati Regional Chamber President and CEO Brendon Cull reflects on a career that has spanned government, corporate affairs, public policy and regional leadership. From advising elected officials and Fortune 500 executives to helping lead transformational initiatives across Greater Cincinnati, Brendon shares how trust, curiosity and a commitment to serving something larger than yourself have shaped his approach to leadership. Along the way, Brendon offers practical leadership lessons for students and emerging professionals on navigating career pivots, building coalitions and inspiring others around a common purpose. At one point, he compares leadership to an initial public offering: if you want people to believe in your vision, you have to "sell shares" by giving them ownership of it. Whether you're leading a company, a team or a community initiative, Brendon argues that lasting momentum comes when people don't simply support your mission—they feel it's theirs, too. ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    Leadership as an IPO: Building Buy-In to Drive Change with Cincinnati Regional Chamber President/CEO Brendon Cull

  4. Jul 9

    The Student Leader’s Mindset with Hamsa Tadpatri

    Some students join campus organizations. Others build them. In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Lindner student Hamsa Tadpatri shares how a desire to create community led her to found two student organizations: UC Future Business Leaders of America and Hindu Youth for Unity, Virtues and Action.  Hamsa also discusses how majoring in business analytics, finance and operations management complements her co-op experiences and long-term career goals. She offers thoughtful advice on time management, leadership and embracing opportunities you never planned for — showing how the combination of academics, involvement and real-world experience can prepare students to make an impact long before graduation. *** Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    The Student Leader’s Mindset with Hamsa Tadpatri

  5. Jun 17

    A Problem-Solver's Approach to Real Estate with Uptown Rentals Founder/President Dan Schimberg

    As a University of Cincinnati student, Dan Schimberg saw a problem firsthand: students struggled to find safe, well-maintained housing near campus. Instead of accepting the status quo, he began rehabbing properties around UC, laying the foundation for what would become Uptown Rental Properties, one of Cincinnati’s most influential real estate companies.  On Bearcats Mean Business, Dan reflects on the leadership lessons learned while growing from a one-person operation into a large organization, including why trust, delegation and empowering employees became essential to scaling Uptown. The recent Distinguished Real Estate Service Awardee also discusses the role mentorship has played throughout his career and the qualities he looks for in young professionals.  Along the way, Dan offers practical advice for students navigating co-op and the early stages of their careers: show up, stay curious, learn the craft and never be too proud to do the small tasks that lead to bigger opportunities. The conversation also explores the future of Cincinnati, the power of community-focused leadership and how solving problems — both in business and beyond — has guided Dan’s career for decades.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    A Problem-Solver's Approach to Real Estate with Uptown Rentals Founder/President Dan Schimberg

  6. Jun 4

    Family Ties & Entrepreneurial Minds with Finn & Bowen Alexy

    Finn and Bowen Alexy never expected a classroom assignment to help launch an angel investing venture. But that's exactly what happened when a Lindner project, a willingness to take initiative and a simple outreach email opened the door to an opportunity that would help shape their careers.  In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, the brothers share how growing up around entrepreneurship influenced their approach to business, leadership and risk. They discuss helping run Alexy Metals, launching BowFin Capital and navigating the unique challenges and rewards of working alongside family.  The conversation is packed with practical lessons for current students and aspiring entrepreneurs. From treating every project like it matters to leading with value, embracing uncertainty and building momentum through small wins, Finn and Bowen explain how opportunities often emerge from effort long before they become visible.   ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    Family Ties & Entrepreneurial Minds with Finn & Bowen Alexy

  7. May 20

    Sitting in the Client’s Chair + Building Connections with Jeff Karcher of the Texas Stock Exchange

    To understand a client better, Jeff Karcher once spent a morning sitting in one of their chairs — literally — to experience the pressure and pace of their day-to-day responsibilities firsthand.  In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Jeff reflects on the power of networking, relationship-building and trust while sharing practical leadership lessons shaped by years of working alongside executives, investors and global companies. From staying composed during pivotal moments to learning how to truly listen, the conversation offers practical business insight for students and professionals alike.  Jeff also discusses how a UC co-op experience helped launch his career, eventually leading to a leadership role with the soon-to-launch Texas Stock Exchange. Along the way, he offers an inside look at IPOs, public markets and why fewer companies are choosing to go public today — and what that shift could mean for the future of the economy.  *** Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    Sitting in the Client’s Chair + Building Connections with Jeff Karcher of the Texas Stock Exchange

  8. May 6

    Antitrust Lawyer Amanda Wait Makes the Case for Risk-Taking and Authentic Leadership

    Antitrust attorney Amanda Wait shares how a UC economics class sparked a fascination with competition law that shaped her entire career. From turning down a lucrative New York law firm offer to join the Federal Trade Commission, to advising CEOs and boards on multimillion-dollar decisions, Wait reflects on the power of betting on experience over comfort — and why the best career paths are often the least expected ones.  Throughout the conversation, Wait offers a straightforward look at leadership inside high-stakes industries, discussing how she navigates difficult client conversations, develops young talent and balances strategic thinking with human connection. She also explores how AI is reshaping the legal profession and why curiosity, adaptability and ethical decision-making remain essential in business leadership.  The episode also highlights the lasting impact of mentorship and philanthropy through Wait’s involvement with the Kautz-Uible Economics Institute. Her story is a reminder that one conversation, one opportunity or one unexpected decision can completely change the trajectory of a career — and why investing in future leaders matters.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    Antitrust Lawyer Amanda Wait Makes the Case for Risk-Taking and Authentic Leadership
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About

What does real-world success in business actually look like? Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together. Tune in for inspiration, practical business insights and forward-looking leadership on how ambition turns into action.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business
  • Show Website
    Bearcats Mean Business

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