DBA Chronicles

Dr. Kelly Burich and Dr. Valrie Grant
  • 5.0 (5)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    18H AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. Episode 047: Leading with Love: Practical Tools for People-First Leadership Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska

    09/17/2025

    Episode 047: Leading with Love: Practical Tools for People-First Leadership Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska

    Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska joins DBA Chronicles totranslate high-stakes military leadership lessons into every day, evidence-based practices for people-first leaders. From commanding nuclear-powered submarines (and carrying the nuclear football) to leading high-reliability teams in healthcare, Navy Bob explains why lead with loveis not soft — it’s strategic. We bridge lived experience and scholarship (Leader–Member Exchange / LMX), discuss measurable indicators of relationship-based leadership, and walk through concrete rituals, and accountability practices that leaders can apply starting tomorrow. Bonus: Dr. Katie Gottsch from the Leading with Love teamjoins us in studio and shares insights throughout the episode. Highlights & practical value Real stories from submarine command that reveal how care + accountability turn around performance. Concrete, research-backed ways to measure leader–member exchange (LMX) and use those signals for promotion, coaching, and remediation. Ready-to-use micro-rituals (daily/weekly) to build psychological safety and mutual accountability. Key takeaways Lead with love = intentional care + clear accountability- That combo produces trust, ownership, and safer teamsRelationships are measurable-Use LMX indicators to make people decisions less subjective and more fairSmall rituals compound -Short, consistent behaviors beat intermittent grand programs when changing cultureNotable quotes “Lead with love — it’s not soft, it’s the engine of reliability.” “When people are afraid of disappointing their shipmates, not the captain, culture changes.” “Trustworthiness is earned in the small choices you make every day.” Who should listenLeaders and aspiring leaders, HR and people-ops professionals, team coaches, and anyone who wants practical, research-grounded tools to improve trust,retention, and team performance. 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 leader who could use a people-first playbook.

    59 min
  7. Episode 046: Walking Alone, Leading Together with Dr. B

    09/03/2025

    Episode 046: Walking Alone, Leading Together with Dr. B

    Dr. Chaka Blackman-Lee joins DBA Chronicles to trace a lifeand career shaped by resilience, service, and purpose — from Panama and Brooklyn to nonprofit leadership, consulting, and a DBA at Fox School of Business, Temple University. Chaka explains why entrepreneurship for Black communities is far more than commerce: it’s social action, communitypreservation, and intergenerational legacy. She discusses the values that guided her research, the power of storytelling (and “excavating” hidden histories like Black Wall Streets), her move into teaching and public-facing scholarship, and practical advice for first-generation scholars and leaders. Key takeaways Entrepreneurship in Black communities function as a social action mechanism — driven by values that balance community and self-interest. Small, steady progress matters: “put one foot in front of the other” — break big goals into bite-sized steps. Storytelling and record-keeping matter: preserving andsharing entrepreneurial histories builds legacy and informs policy/practice. Visible, modern outreach can complement academic publishing — it’s a direct route to community impact. Leaders need supportive networks and candid conversations about imposter syndrome — mentorship and vulnerability create pathways for others. Notable quotes “Everything is figureoutable.” “Put one foot in front of the other.” “I felt like I could’ve used a friend — so I decided tobecome that friend.”   Who should listen This episode is for aspiring and current entrepreneurs—especially those interested in community-centeredbusiness models—first-generation scholars and professional learners seeking practical advice on navigating academia and leadership, and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and anyone curious about the intersection of social movements and economic agency.  Connect with Us: LinkedIn: DBA Chronicles Website: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & Review: If this episode resonated with you, leave a review on here or on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community! Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

    33 min
  8. Episode 045: Building Resilience: A DBA Journey Through Construction, Leadership, and Mental Health with Dr. Vince Hafeli

    08/21/2025

    Episode 045: Building Resilience: A DBA Journey Through Construction, Leadership, and Mental Health with Dr. Vince Hafeli

    In this powerful episode Dr. Vince Hafeli takes us from thejobsite to the boardroom — and into the hard, honest work of healing. Vince shares a 40-year career in construction (starting 1985), his long journey to formal education (a bachelor’s completed after 16 years), rapid leadershipgrowth at Ajax (General Manager within a year of joining in 2002; VP in 2007; President in 2019), and why he pursued a DBA at the University of South Florida — the joke is partly so his kids would call him “Doctor,” but really to reinvigorate his thinking and use research to make a difference. The heart of the conversation is Vince’s courageous researchand advocacy on mental health and suicide in the construction industry. He opens up about his own suicide attempt, how qualitative research gave him a path to listen and document the stories of others, and how telling those stories has translated into real change- his talks to 100+ groups, raising awareness, and shifting industry culture one conversation at a time.   Key takeaways Leadership is more than title — it’s using lived experience to influence culture and policy.Mental health is health: seeking help (therapy) is a strength, not a weakness.Data and stories together move industries; qualitative research gives voice to people who’ve been told to “tough it out.”Small visible actions (awareness campaigns, open conversations, accessible supports) create momentum for change. Notable quote “We talk about protecting workers from physical harm — we need to give the same seriousness to protecting minds.” This episode is essential listening for construction leaders, site crews, safety and HR professionals, qualitative researchers, and anyone committed to ending the stigma around mental health—because Vince’s lived experience and DBA research turn raw stories and hard data into practical steps that can change workplace culture and save lives. Tune in to hear candid lessons from the jobsite to the boardroom and to learn simple, powerful actions you can take: share this episode with your teams, raise mental-health supports at your next safety meeting, and push your organization to make resources visible and accessible.   Connect with Us: LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & Review:If this episode resonated with you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community! Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

    39 min
See All (53)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Kelly Burich and Dr. Valrie Grant
  • Show Website
    DBA Chronicles