DBA Chronicles

Dr. Kelly Burich and Dr. Valrie Grant

DBA Chronicles is a premier podcast dedicated to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) journey. Whether you're a graduate, a current student, or contemplating this academic path, this podcast, hosted by seasoned DBAs, offers insights into the challenges, rewards, and nuances of pursuing a DBA. From your initial DBA aspirations to graduation and beyond, "DBA Chronicles" is your comprehensive guide. Subscribe and join the community on this journey!

  1. Episode 055: Global Doctoral Leadership: The GEM DBA, Multicultural Networks & The Practitioner-Scholar Journey

    MAR 26

    Episode 055: Global Doctoral Leadership: The GEM DBA, Multicultural Networks & The Practitioner-Scholar Journey

    What does it take to build a globally recognized DBA programthat stands the test of time? In this truly international episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome the full leadership team from GEM Alpine Business School, one of Europe’s most established and globally respected DBA programs. With over 35 years of excellence and 700+ graduates worldwide, GEM’s DBA offers a compelling model of what it means to bridge academic rigor and real-world impact. Together, this dynamic panel explores the evolving landscapeof doctoral education and what today’s practitioner-scholars are really seeking. They share insights on what has sustained the program’s relevance, how the global DBA is being reimagined, and what today’s candidates are truly seeking from the doctoral journey. This conversation explores the intersection of academicrigor, executive leadership, and global perspective, offering a thoughtful look at how DBA programs continue to evolve to meet the needs of experienced professionals navigating complex, real-world challenges.   Why This Episode Matters As DBA programs expand globally, questions around relevance, recognition, and impact are more important than ever. This episode highlights how a long-standing European program continues to adapt, balancing rigorous research with real-world applicability, and creating space for leaders to reflect, question, and contribute new knowledge. The discussion also reinforces a central theme of the DBAjourney: that experienced professionals are not stepping away from practice, but rather stepping deeper into it through research. For current and prospective DBA candidates, this episodeoffers valuable perspective on what it means to pursue a doctorate in today’s interconnected, fast-changing world.   Connect with Us LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org   Subscribe & Review If this episode resonated with you, please leave a reviewand share it with your network. Your support helps us continue highlighting the voices and insights shaping theglobal DBA scholar-practitioner community.

    40 min
  2. Episode 054: From Practice to Scholarship: Doing Timely, High-Impact Research Through the DBA with Kimberly Bright

    MAR 12

    Episode 054: From Practice to Scholarship: Doing Timely, High-Impact Research Through the DBA with Kimberly Bright

    Kimberly Bright is a Doctor of Business Administration candidate at the University of Rhode Island and a seasoned leader whose career spans public service, higher education leadership, strategic planning, and organizational change. Her work sits at the intersection of practice, policy, and scholarship, demonstrating the powerful role DBA research can play in addressing real-world challenges as they unfold. Holding a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Kimberlybrings a deeply practitioner-oriented lens to her doctoral research. Her study examines the lived experiences of Black Chief Diversity Officers in higher education, focusing on how race-based trauma, political pressures, and institutional dynamics influence leaders’ health, well-being, and intentions to remain in their roles. Conducted during a time of heightened scrutiny around higher education and diversity initiatives, Kimberly’s work reflects the core promise of the DBA: enabling experiencedprofessionals to translate lived expertise into rigorous scholarship that informs leadership, policy, and organizational practice in real time. But this episode is about more than a dissertation topic. It is about the journey from practice to scholarship, the intellectual transformation that happens in a DBA program, and theresponsibility of researcher-practitioners to bring credible evidence into complex societal conversations.   Why This Episode Matters Kimberly Bright’s research illustrates how the DBA serves as a bridge between scholarship and practice. Rather than studying events long after they occur, practitioner-scholars can investigate critical issues as they are happening, producing insights that organizations, policymakers, and leaders can use today. Her work also highlights a broader lesson for the DBA community: research is not just about adding to academic literature, it is about bringing evidence, lived experience, andcredible analysis into conversations that shape institutions and society. For DBA students, aspiring practitioner-scholars, and leaders navigating complex organizational environments, this episode demonstrates how timely research can illuminatehidden pressures, elevate overlooked voices, and strengthen decision-making in uncertain times.   Connect with Us LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org   Subscribe & Review If this episode resonated with you, please leave a reviewand share it with your network. Your support helps us continue highlighting the voices and insights shaping the global DBA scholar-practitioner community.

    40 min
  3. Episode 053: Reinventing Purpose: Energy Transition, Academic Rigor & the Freedom to Learn with Dr. Helen Croskell

    FEB 19

    Episode 053: Reinventing Purpose: Energy Transition, Academic Rigor & the Freedom to Learn with Dr. Helen Croskell

    Dr. Helen Croskell is a seasoned global energy executiveturned scholar-practitioner.  She is a 2024 graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s Doctor of BusinessAdministration program, recipient of the inaugural Dean’s Excellence Award. Her research bridges economics, policy, and sustainable development, focusing on innovative contract structures that support renewable energy in developingnations. With more than 30 years of global executive experienceacross companies such ExxonMobil, Amerada Hess, Marathon Oil, Equinor/Statoil, and Ecopetrol, Helen made a bold decision: to step away from a high-powered energy career and reinvent herself through academic rigor, intellectualcuriosity, and purposeful contribution to the global energy transition. Her doctoral research explores an innovative idea: applyingProduction Sharing Agreement (PSA) structures which is traditionally used in oil and gas to offshore wind projects in developing countries. The goal? To create economic models that allow developingnations to benefit more fully from renewable energy while accelerating a balanced energy transition. But this episode isn’t just about energy policy. It’s aboutreinvention!  In This Episode, We Explore: Why pursue a DBA after 30+ years at the top of industry?The brutal first semester — and almost quitting Academic rigor vs. business speed Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) and the energy transition What it would mean for a developing nation to choose offshore wind over oil and gas, not just environmentally, but economically Freedom after reinvention — from learning Spanish in Santiago to pursuing a private pilot’s license and skiinstructor certification, Helen shares how the DBA reignited her joy of learning and reshaped her post-career identity   Why This Episode Matters This episode offers a powerful example of how DBA researchcan emerge directly from decades of lived executive experience and how scholarly rigor can strengthen, rather than distance itself from, real-world operational practice. For DBA students, practitioner-scholars, and senior leadersalike, Helen’s story illustrates what it truly means to reinvent with purpose: to embrace discomfort, bridge academia and industry, and use research not as theory for theory’s sake, but as a tool for meaningful economic and societal change. Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories, insights, and inspiration from across the DBA community.

    45 min
  4. Episode 052: Leadership with Heart: Insights from Disney with Dr. Katie Gottsch

    FEB 5

    Episode 052: Leadership with Heart: Insights from Disney with Dr. Katie Gottsch

    With over 15 years at Disney, Dr. Katie Gottsch shares howher practitioner background shaped her DBA journey at Rollins College and how she transformed real-world organizational challenges into meaningful research.Her dissertation explored how customer feedback influences employees’ ability to deliver on the brand promise, using social media data as a longitudinal research source long before it became mainstream. Listeners will hear how Katie: Turned frontline operational challenges into a rigorous, practice-driven dissertationUsed customer feedback as a development and motivation tool, not a punitive oneIdentified critical gaps between marketing promises and employee experienceDesigned employee engagement strategies that measurably improved guest interactionsApplied DBA learning directly to leadership, systems thinking, and decision-makingWhy This Episode Matters This episode offers a powerful example of how DBA researchcan emerge directly from lived professional experience and how scholarly rigor can strengthen, rather than separate from, operational practice. For DBA students, practitioner-scholars, and leaders alike, Katie’s story illustrates what it looks like to use research as a tool for meaningful organizational change. Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories, insights, and inspiration from across the DBA community.

    51 min
  5. Episode 051: Launching a New DBA Program & Rethinking Innovation Education with Dr. Sebastian Fixson

    JAN 22

    Episode 051: Launching a New DBA Program & Rethinking Innovation Education with Dr. Sebastian Fixson

    With decades of experience spanning engineering, innovation research, and academic leadership, Dr. Sebastian Fixson shares what inspired him to launch Babson College’s first-everDoctor of Business Administration (DBA) program and why the DBA is uniquely positioned to bridge the long-standing gap between academic rigor and real-world relevance. An internationally recognized scholar and founding Faculty Director of the Babson DBA, Sebastian reflects onhow applied research, entrepreneurial leadership, and learning facilitation come together to create a doctoral experience designed for impact. Drawing on his background as a mechanical engineer trained in Germany and his PhD from MIT, he brings a systems-thinking lens to innovation, leadership, and program design. Listeners will: Hear about how DBA program is designed grounded in applied research, entrepreneurial leadership, and learningfacilitationLearn how design thinking and user research to shape a doctoral program from the ground upSee the DBA as a powerful vehicle for integrating, not merely translating, research and practiceUnderstand the misalignment between academic and industry incentive systems and how DBA programs can help close that gapExplore how digital tools and AI are reshaping innovation work and doctoral learningIn this conversation, hosts Dr. Kelly Burch and Dr. ValrieGrant explore Dr. Fixon’s vision for applied doctoral education, his commitment to expanding the impact of academic research, and what excites him most about Babson’s inaugural DBA cohorts. The discussion also touches on innovationleadership, teamwork, and how scholars can contribute to fairer, more adaptable organizations in a rapidly changing world.  Why This Episode Matters This episode offers a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look athow a modern DBA program is intentionally designed to serve both scholarship and practice. For current and prospective DBA students, faculty, and academic leaders, Sebastian’s insights illuminate what it takes to build meaningfulbridges between research, leadership, innovation, and real-world impact.   Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories, insights, and inspiration from across the DBA community.

    33 min
  6. Episode 050: Leading with Purpose: Transformative Partnerships and Veteran Reintegration through Entrepreneurship with Dr. Jason Phillips

    JAN 8

    Episode 050: Leading with Purpose: Transformative Partnerships and Veteran Reintegration through Entrepreneurship with Dr. Jason Phillips

    In this powerful episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome Dr. Jason Phillips, retired U.S. Navy Commander, educator, and social innovator whose work bridges military service, scholarship, and community transformation. After a 22-year Navy career with deployments to Afghanistan, Jason witnessed firsthand the challenges veterans face after service, particularly the loss of mission, community, and purpose. That realization became the foundation of his DBA research and the Veteran Urban Farm: Live–Work–Grow Model. In this episode, we explore: The hidden gaps in veteran transition and reintegrationWhy community and purpose matter as much as employmentHow vacant urban buildings can be repurposed into live-work communitiesThe role of indoor agriculture, entrepreneurship, and shared ownership in restoring dignity and economic agencyHow the DBA practitioner-scholar framework helped transform lived experience into an actionable, scalablesolutionLeadership lessons from military service, teaching, and systems thinkingKey Quotes: “Reintegration challenges stem from a loss of community anda loss of purpose.” “The DBA gave me the tools not just to imagine change, but tobuild it.” This episode is a compelling example of purpose-driven scholarship in action, showing how rigorous research can become a blueprint for real-world impact. Listen in and be inspired to rethink community, leadership,and service beyond the uniform. Connect with Us LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & Review If this episode resonated with you, please follow, subscribe, and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Until next time - keep learning, keep leading.

    56 min
  7. Episode 049: Bridging Purpose and Practice: Marketing Career Readiness Through the DBA Lens with Abby Brannon

    12/10/2025

    Episode 049: Bridging Purpose and Practice: Marketing Career Readiness Through the DBA Lens with Abby Brannon

    In this uplifting episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome AbbyBrannon, career coach, marketing educator, and rising scholar in the UNC Charlotte Doctor of Business Administration program. Abby may be early in her professional journey, but shebrings wisdom, intentionality, and heart far beyond her years. As a career coach in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University, a marketing adjunct faculty member, and now a first-year DBA student, Abby isbuilding a path defined by purpose, growth, and service. Together, we explore what it means to start a doctoraljourney early in your career, and the courage it takes to embrace the unknown, live into your potential, and step boldly into rooms filled with accomplished leaders.   In This Episode, We Dive Into… Owning Your Journey Early OnFinding Your Voice as a ScholarPurpose as a Driver of Professional ImpactMarketing, Influencer Culture & Career ReadinessHow the DBA Changes the Way You See Your CareerReal Talk on Burnout, Balance & Belonging Key Quotes “Growth happens when you say yes to opportunities even the intimidating ones” “Helping others keeps me grounded. The impact I make is what drives me.” “The academic language was foreign at first — but now, I can see my progress every week.”   Why This Episode Matters Abby reminds us that you don’t need decades of experience to begin contributing meaningfully to your field - you just need clarity, courage, curiosity, and community. Her story is a powerful example of what it looks like to step into a DBA program with openness and optimism, ready to shape yourfuture. Whether you’re early in your career, considering a DBA, orsimply seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you encouraged, energized, and ready to own your next step. Connect with Us LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & Review If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review.Your support helps us bring more stories, insights, and inspiration to the DBA community.

    30 min
  8. Episode 048: Bridging Worlds: From Business Leadership to Ethical AI in Academia

    11/19/2025

    Episode 048: Bridging Worlds: From Business Leadership to Ethical AI in Academia

    Dr. Amber Yoo joins DBA Chronicles to move the AI conversation from policy warnings to pragmatic curriculum design. Amber explains how her clinical and entrepreneurial background shaped a practical approach to academicleadership and shares a clear curriculum blueprint: Intro → Ethics → Applied (domain-specific). She argues universities must empower non-technical students to critically evaluate AI outputs, protect core learning tasks from misuse, and partneracross units (instructional design, IT, industry) to create meaningful, employer-aligned outcomes. Packed with classroom examples, task-mapping tactics, and steps for convening cross-campus collaborators, this episode is ahands-on guide for faculty, program leads, and instructional designers who want to integrate generative AI ethically and effectively. Dr. Amber Yoo is a 2023 graduate of the University of Florida’sDoctor of Business Administration program, accomplished entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for ethical and applied AI in business education. Highlights & practical value Why Amber left entrepreneurship for the DBA and how practicing systems thinking in a clinic informed her approachA simple, inclusive curriculum model Practical classroom techniquesRapid convening playbook to break silosNotable quotes “We actually need to be empowering the users on how to use this tool effectively - think about this tool with critical thinking.” “If you graduate without subject-matter expertise, you can’t evaluate what the model gives you.” “There’s never going to be a perfect time - if this is what you want to build, start small and iterate.” Who should listenFaculty, program directors, instructional designers, academic technology teams, DBA candidates, and industry partners seeking practical, ethical AI integration.   Connect & shareLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & reviewIf this episode landed for you, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast app — and share it with one person that will benefit from the content.

    49 min
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About

DBA Chronicles is a premier podcast dedicated to the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) journey. Whether you're a graduate, a current student, or contemplating this academic path, this podcast, hosted by seasoned DBAs, offers insights into the challenges, rewards, and nuances of pursuing a DBA. From your initial DBA aspirations to graduation and beyond, "DBA Chronicles" is your comprehensive guide. Subscribe and join the community on this journey!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Kelly Burich and Dr. Valrie Grant
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Kelly Burich and Dr. Valrie Grant
  • Show Website
    DBA Chronicles