Continuum - The IBC Podcast The IBC

In this Continuum™ episode, discover how Royce Branning transformed his childhood passion for technology into a groundbreaking app that's revolutionizing screen time management! Growing up in a tech-savvy Notre Dame home in Silicon Valley, Royce majored computer science at Notre Dame. Royce gained invaluable experience at a startup before co-founding ClearSpace. Royce’s journey is a thrilling tale of innovation and relentless determination. As Royce says: “Doers get the final vote over sayers.”

Learn the secrets behind his success, the life-changing advice from his mentors, and how a simple idea turned into a life-changing solution for millions. Don’t miss out on this inspiring story of a young entrepreneur who’s changing the way we interact with our devices forever!

🎧 In this episode of Continuum™, Joe Rehmann, co-founder of Victory Farms in Kenya, joins us with Sam Cannova, who recently joined Victory Farm (and relocated from the US). These two Notre Dame graduates share their insights on creating sustainable agriculture in Africa. From pivoting career paths—Joe from investment banking to founding Victory Farms in 2015 and Sam from consulting at McKinsey to joining Joe's mission—their journey is driven by a profound sense of purpose. They share invaluable insights on leadership, the importance of culture and the impact of meaningful work.

As Joe states: “If you define success for yourself, you may end up holding yourself to a much higher standard and a higher goal for yourself in terms of what can actually be accomplished."

Coupled with Sam’s ability to grow and challenge himself (and all of us) are captivating. "Leaning into discomfort, especially task to task, is really the only way to grow. And certainly, the fastest way to grow by getting more reps and more challenging reps."

Discover how these two leaders are tackling malnutrition and environmental challenges head-on, proving that business can indeed be a force for good. 🚀

This interview is from the Continuum™ Archives. Conducted in 2017 by Matt Bush, IBC CEO, Joe Rehmann (Notre Dame 2006) shares the path to founding a tilapia farm. Joe began his career in investment banking. Five years after earning his undergrad, Joe pursued his MBA at INSEAD in France. At this point, Joe sought a career aligned with his passion – making a meaningful impact in both society and business. And this passion led Joe to Ghana as the CFO for the second largest fish farm in Africa.

Joe then founded Victory Farms in Kenya. Joe shares his commitment to sustainable development. As the founder of Victory Farms, he’s revolutionizing aquaculture while tackling malnutrition and unemployment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through innovative practices and a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility, Victory Farms led the path in setting new standards in the fish farming industry. Joe's story is an inspiring blend of business acumen and passionate advocacy for meaningful change.

As Joe states: "We can challenge [the environmental views] from the old colonialist views. I think we can show people that there's no reason why eating animals has to have a net CO2 increase in the world."

Mike McDaniel joins us for this Continuum™ episode. Mike shares his remarkable journey from a small farming town in California to becoming a distinguished professor at LSU-Shreveport. Throughout the interview, Mike discussed pivotal moments in his life, including his transition from pre-med to English at the University of California-Berkeley, his early teaching career and how his endeavor in the Air Force led him to Notre Dame, and then to a highly successful sales career. You’ll have to listen to understand how Mike transitioned to academia!

Mike highlights the importance of having a plan and a personal strategy, the power of purpose in leadership, and the value of taking risks. His insights into leadership and personal development are invaluable for anyone looking to navigate their career with intention and resilience. One of the courses Mike teaches is Strategy. His ability to mix business and personal strategy is refreshing.

“Whether it's business or your life, we have this strategy. When we talk about strategy, it's always talking about looking at all the external forces, looking at all the internal forces that could threaten you, things you're good at, things you're not good at. You're looking at all those things and you're coming up with a plan. But the reality is life happens.

Discover how Mike’s diverse experiences have shaped his unique perspective on education, leadership and life.

In this Continuum™ episode, Danny Leicht joins us for a captivating conversation. From his beginnings in Indianapolis to navigating a successful career in wealth management, Danny reveals how his journey through Notre Dame and initial career path in sales was shaped by integrity and empathy. Danny’s insights on earning his MBA from the University of San Diego and his career change reinforces the balancing of career aspirations and a fulfilling family life – great advice for all professionals.

Whether you're early in your career or looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss

Last year, we had a tremendous conversation with Steve Minnis, President of Benedictine College. Steve's commitment to communication, faith and scholarship is clearly a catalyst in the growth and vision of Benedictine College. As Steve states:

"Forward, always forward. Everywhere. Forward. You must not be held back by debt or bad years or difficulties of the times because man's adversity is God's opportunity."