Get to B-School

Drexler Tanner | MBA Candidate @ Kellogg
  • 5.0 (24)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Get to B-School, the podcast dedicated to demystifying the world of business school. Whether you’re dreaming of an MBA, weighing your options, or deep in the admissions process, this podcast offers the insights, strategies, and stories you need to succeed. Join Drex as he sits down with current students and alumni from top programs to explore their journeys—how they got in, what they’ve learned, and where they’re headed. From navigating career pivots to crafting compelling applications, each episode delivers practical advice and inspiration for anyone ready to take the leap into B-school. If you’re curious about the value of an MBA, looking to level up your career, or just love a good story about ambition and growth, Get to B-School is your go-to guide for getting in and thriving once you’re there.

  1. Aug 18

    Ep 55. Derek Paulson - Kellogg: Five Year Reflections of a CFO

    Today’s guest is Derek Paulson, CFO of Nani Swimwear and a Kellogg MBA graduate who has built a career across some unexpected industries. In the five years since graduating from Kellogg, Derek has sold bikes, bracelets, and now swimwear—taking a winding career path that has been shaped as much by people and relationships as by titles or industries. In this conversation, Derek shares how he thinks about career planning, making hard but good decisions, and figuring out what comes next when the path isn't always obvious. We talk about the importance of being people-focused, working well with others, and making decisions that may not always be easy but ultimately move you in the right direction. One idea runs throughout Derek's career: leave every place better than you found it, no matter how long-or how briefly-you were there. Whether you're staying for five years or five months, Derek offers a thoughtful perspective on how to make an impact, build meaningful relationships, and approach your career with intention. If you're an MBA student trying to figure out your career path, navigating a career transition, or simply looking for a better way to think about working with people, Derek has plenty of hard-earned lessons to share. Sponsors: Leland & GiftFlow GetGiftFlow.com Leland resources: Leland Coach search: https://www.joinleland.com/search/school/mba/traditional-full-time-mba?via=67a30d Free MBA events: https://www.joinleland.com/school/mba/events?via=67a30d

  2. Jul 8

    Ep 54. Alec Cutler - INSEAD: Knowing When to Pursue a Global MBA... And Soccer

    Today’s guest is Alec Cutler, an MBA candidate at INSEAD with an ambitious goal: building a career in professional soccer, whether that's working for a club or one day owning one himself. In this conversation, Alec shares why INSEAD was the perfect fit for his global aspirations and what makes the program unlike almost any other MBA in the world. We discuss what INSEAD looks for in applicants, how candidates can stand out in the admissions process, and how to determine whether an internationally focused MBA is actually the right path. If you're considering a global MBA, interested in a career in sports, or simply trying to figure out which business school best aligns with your goals, Alec offers a thoughtful perspective on choosing a program that fits not just your résumé, but your ambitions.   Sponsor: GetGiftFlow.com

  3. Jun 1

    Ep 53. Bara Sapir - CEO @ City Test Prep & MindFlow: Reading and Performing Better

    Today’s guest is Bara Sapir, the CEO of MindflowSpeedReading.com CityTestPrep: CityTestPrep.com MBA program search: https://www.joinleland.com/search/school/mba/traditional-full-time-mba?via=67a30d Free MBA events: https://www.joinleland.com/school/mba/events?via=67a30d

  4. Apr 8

    Ep 52. Anthony Palomba - Professor @ Darden: Be Undeniable to Yourself

    Today’s guest is Anthony Palomba, a professor at the Darden School of Business who challenges his students with a simple but powerful idea: be undeniable to yourself. In this episode, we get into the real questions around business school. Why go, why not go, and how to think about the decision honestly. Anthony makes it clear that while there are great reasons to pursue an MBA, it is also an expensive roll of the dice. What matters most is what you do with the opportunity once you are there. We talk about showing up with intention, going to class ready to engage, and being willing to fail in pursuit of something bigger. Failure is a major theme throughout this conversation, and Anthony shares openly about how many times he has fallen short on the way to meaningful success. Anthony brings both academic and real-world credibility to the conversation. Beyond teaching at Darden, he has built an impressive career across media, marketing, and consulting, working with major brands and helping organizations think more creatively about growth and strategy. In this episode, we cover: Why you should and should not go to business school How to think about the MBA as a bet on yourself What it really means to “be undeniable to yourself” Why failure is a necessary part of achieving meaningful success How to maximize your time in business school This is a thoughtful and honest conversation for anyone considering an MBA or trying to get more out of the experience once they are there. Leland resources: Leland Coach search: https://www.joinleland.com/search/school/mba/traditional-full-time-mba?via=67a30d Free MBA events: https://www.joinleland.com/school/mba/events?via=67a30d Enjoy the episode! 🎧

  5. Feb 23

    Ep 51. Paul Clancy - Darden: B-School, Med School, and Entrepreneurship... AT THE SAME TIME.

    In this episode, I sit down with Paul Clancy, an MD-MBA student at the University of Virginia who is also the founder of Admissions Academy. Paul is one of the most structured and driven people you will meet, and this conversation is packed with practical insight on what real productivity actually looks like. We talk about building systems that help you move the needle, not just stay busy. Paul breaks down how to identify the work that truly matters and avoid the sneaky “productive distractions” that pull you off course, like cleaning the house when you should be studying or tackling low-impact tasks that feel good but don’t move you forward. His perspective on structure, discipline, and intentional focus is incredibly practical for anyone balancing big goals. If you want thoughtful strategies for getting more done and staying aligned with what actually matters, this is a great episode to tune into. Learn more and connect: Admissions Academy MBA content: https://AdmissionsAcademy.MBA Admissions Academy: https://admissionsacademy.org Leland resources: Leland Coach search: https://www.joinleland.com/search/school/mba/traditional-full-time-mba?via=67a30d Free MBA events: https://www.joinleland.com/school/mba/events?via=67a30d Enjoy the episode! 🎧

  6. Feb 4

    Ep 50. Matthew LoLordo - Kellogg: Filling Professional Gaps... and Food

    Today’s guest is Matt LoLordo, an Evening and Weekend MBA student at Kellogg, and someone who brings a refreshingly practical perspective on how to make the most of business school without burning out. I’m joined by Doug Michalak as a co-host for this conversation, which made for a fun and dynamic discussion. Matt shares how he thinks about getting involved at Kellogg in an efficient, intentional way so that school adds energy rather than draining it. He reflects on his background in the food industry, why it was a great foundation for business school, and where he’s intentionally using the MBA to fill in gaps and broaden his toolkit. In this episode, we cover: 🔹 How to get involved in b school without overcommitting 🔹 Choosing activities that compound learning rather than create stress 🔹 Using an MBA to strategically fill gaps from your pre MBA career 🔹 What the Evening and Weekend experience at Kellogg is really like If you’re trying to balance work, school, and life, or wondering how to engage deeply without doing everything, this episode is a great listen. Helpful resources mentioned: 🔗 Leland MBA page: https://www.joinleland.com/search/school/mba/traditional-full-time-mba?via=67a30d 🔗 Leland free MBA events: https://www.joinleland.com/school/mba/events?via=67a30d This one is especially relevant for anyone navigating a part time or evening MBA and trying to do it sustainably.

  7. Jan 19

    Ep 49. Hunter Wortmann - Bond University: Creating Your Personal Brand at a Global MBA Program

    Today’s guest is Hunter Wortmann, whose path to business school is anything but typical. Before pursuing her MBA, Hunter spent five years working with marine animals, training dolphins, orcas, and more. After that chapter, she made the bold move to enroll at Bond University, where she has found a close knit academic experience (with small class sizes of just 9 to 12 students!). In this episode, Hunter shares: 🔹 What it was like working hands-on with marine animals for years 🔹 Why she chose Bond University and how small class sizes changed her learning experience 🔹 Her love of adventure and solo travel, including backpacking through Europe 🔹 How Bond supports entrepreneurs through mentorship and individualized guidance Hunter’s story is a great reminder that there is no single “right” path to business school and that sometimes the most unconventional journeys lead to the clearest direction. If you’re exploring MBA programs, here are a couple helpful resources: 🔗 Explore MBA programs on Leland: https://www.joinleland.com/search/school/mba/traditional-full-time-mba?via=67a30d 🔗 Join free MBA events and info sessions: https://www.joinleland.com/school/mba/events?via=67a30d Whether you are early in your MBA journey or actively applying, this episode is full of perspective on choosing a program that truly fits your life and goals.

  8. Jan 12

    Ep 48. Skyler Almquist - Kellogg: Two Years into a Search Fund (ETA)

    Today’s guest is Skyler Almquist, a Kellogg MBA who has spent the last few years exploring entrepreneurship through acquisition. In this episode, Skyler shares: How and why he moved from banking to PE and then into the search fund and ETA world What he wishes he had known before committing to an MBA and before jumping into a search fund The tradeoffs between traditional finance paths and entrepreneurship His experience in Kellogg’s Zell Fellows Program and the huge benefits What aspiring founders and operators should seriously consider before taking the leap This is an honest, practical conversation for anyone thinking about business school, private equity, ETA, or entrepreneurship and trying to decide not just what sounds impressive, but what actually fits the life they want to build.

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5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Welcome to Get to B-School, the podcast dedicated to demystifying the world of business school. Whether you’re dreaming of an MBA, weighing your options, or deep in the admissions process, this podcast offers the insights, strategies, and stories you need to succeed. Join Drex as he sits down with current students and alumni from top programs to explore their journeys—how they got in, what they’ve learned, and where they’re headed. From navigating career pivots to crafting compelling applications, each episode delivers practical advice and inspiration for anyone ready to take the leap into B-school. If you’re curious about the value of an MBA, looking to level up your career, or just love a good story about ambition and growth, Get to B-School is your go-to guide for getting in and thriving once you’re there.

Information

  • Creator
    Drexler Tanner | MBA Candidate @ Kellogg
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Get to B-School