W&M Entrepreneurial Thinkers Podcast

W&M Entrepreneurship Hub
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Get a glimpse into the minds of some incredible founders who have leveraged entrepreneurial thinking in their professional journeys and everyday lives.

  1. Jack Rizzo - Improvisation

    08/04/2025

    Jack Rizzo - Improvisation

    🎧Tuning in? Make it count. Be sure to check in using the following link –⁠⁠Podcast Check-In⁠⁠This is how we track engagement and keep building experiences that matter to you. Plus, you’ll earn 200 points just for listening. At the Hub, points reflect participation: joining events, meeting with mentors, even working on your venture from our coworking space. The more you engage, the more you unlock—think exclusive swag, early access to space reservations, and even extended hours at the Hub. By checking in for this episode, you’re also entered into our next swag giveaway. And at the end of the semester, our top point earners will be invited to a special gathering hosted by President Rowe. In this Improvisation episode, we sit down with Jack Rizzo, a senior at William & Mary studying Business Analytics and History, who’s already making entrepreneurial waves. From co-founding T-Swap, a campus thrift store, to serving as a partner at Tribe Ventures, Jack lives the mindset of putting something into the world and adapting along the way. Whether managing club leadership roles, building profit-sharing partnerships, or riffing with his campus band Halcyon Lane, Jack demonstrates that the ability to improvise is a superpower for student entrepreneurs. Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing conversation about uncertainty, action, and learning through doing.

    22 min
  2. Richard Kenski - Improvisation

    07/25/2025

    Richard Kenski - Improvisation

    🎧 Tuning in? Make it count. Be sure to check in using the following link - ⁠⁠Podcast Check-In⁠⁠This is how we track engagement and keep building experiences that matter to you. Plus, you’ll earn 200 points just for listening. At the Hub, points reflect participation: joining events, meeting with mentors, even working on your venture from our coworking space. The more you engage, the more you unlock—think exclusive swag, early access to space reservations, and even extended hours at the Hub. By checking in for this episode, you’re also entered into our next swag giveaway. And at the end of the semester, our top point earners will be invited to a special gathering hosted by President Rowe. In this Improvisation episode, we sit down with Richard Kenski, founder of TrueRep and Make Voters Matter, whose unconventional journey has taken him from yacht captain to real estate entrepreneur to political reformer. Along the way, he’s launched businesses in aerial photography, taught kids to ski, and flown paramotors for a living. Through it all, Richard’s story is a masterclass in living the entrepreneurial mindset: define your mission, stay open to change, and improvise your way forward. Whether selling $145 prints door-to-door or challenging how we think about representation in politics, he brings sharp insights and unfiltered wisdom on what it means to lead with purpose.

    29 min
  3. Mike Zung - Improvisation

    07/21/2025

    Mike Zung - Improvisation

    🎧Tuning in? Make it count. Be sure to check in using the following link –⁠⁠⁠Podcast Check-In⁠⁠⁠This is how we track engagement and keep building experiences that matter to you. Plus, you'll earn 200 points just for listening. At the Hub, points reflect participation: joining events, meeting with mentors, even working on your venture from our coworking space. The more you engage, the more you unlock—think exclusive swag, early access to space reservations, and even extended hours at the Hub. By checking in for this episode, you’re also entered into our next swag giveaway. And at the end of the semester, our top point earners will be invited to a special gathering hosted by W&M University President, Dr. Katherine Rowe. In this episode on Improvisation, we’re joined by Mike Zung, co-founder and CEO of Bloomist and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience launching ventures across the U.S. and Asia. From digital advertising to sustainable home goods, Mike’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability, reinvention, and grit. We dive into how improvisation has shaped every chapter of his entrepreneurial story, from building Access Asia before the internet was mainstream, to launching (and relaunching) Bloomist, and pivoting his business in response to shifting markets, customer behavior, and even personal fear. Keep up with all of Mike's exciting entrepreneurial endeavors by connecting with him on LinkedIn.

    35 min
  4. Jack Milner - Improvisation

    07/18/2025

    Jack Milner - Improvisation

    🎧 Tuning in? Make it count. Be sure to check in using the following link - ⁠⁠⁠Podcast Check-In⁠⁠⁠ This is how we track engagement and keep building experiences that matter to you. Plus, you'll earn 200 points just for listening. At the Hub, points reflect participation: joining events, meeting with mentors, even working on your venture from our coworking space. The more you engage, the more you unlock—think exclusive swag, early access to space reservations, and even extended hours at the Hub. By checking in for this episode, you’re also entered into our next swag giveaway. And at the end of the semester, our top point earners will be invited to a special gathering hosted by W&M University President, Dr. Katherine Rowe. In this episode on Improvisation, we’re joined by Jack Milner, founder of Stand Up and Deliver, West End director, and coach to some of the biggest names in tech and business. From coaching executives at Microsoft and Google to training stand-up comedians, Jack brings a refreshing blend of humor, humanity, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation. We dig into why improvisation isn’t just a performance skill, it’s a leadership superpower. You’ll hear how comedy techniques like "accept and build" can transform business culture, improve communication, and spark creative breakthroughs. Whether you're presenting to a boardroom, leading a team, or navigating uncertainty, this episode offers practical tools, and plenty of laughs, for thinking on your feet and showing up as your authentic self. Jack’s parting advice? Think less about being funny, focus on being playful, present, and willing to get out of the way so others can shine. Learn more about Jack’s work at Stand Up and Deliver and follow along for more episodes that explore the mindsets behind bold ideas and daring action.

    41 min
  5. Tessa Hall Duquette & Monica Turley - Collaboration

    07/03/2025

    Tessa Hall Duquette & Monica Turley - Collaboration

    🎧 Tuning in? Make it count. Be sure to check in using the following link - ⁠⁠Podcast Check-In⁠⁠ This is how we track engagement and keep building experiences that matter to you. Plus, you'll earn 200 points just for listening. At the Hub, points reflect participation: joining events, meeting with mentors, even working on your venture from our coworking space. The more you engage, the more you unlock—think exclusive swag, early access to space reservations, and even extended hours at the Hub. By checking in for this episode, you’re also entered into our next swag giveaway. And at the end of the semester, our top point earners will be invited to a special gathering hosted by W&M University President, Dr. Katherine Rowe. In this episode on Collaboration, we’re joined by Tessa Hall Duquette and Monica Turley, two creative powerhouses who embody what it means to co-create with heart and vision. Tessa, founder of The Garage VB and a returning guest from our episode on Grit, shares how a simple need for mural paint storage blossomed into a thriving community art gallery and educational hub. Monica, a therapeutic arts advocate and creative producer, brings her background in psychology, fine arts, and healing-centered teaching to their shared work. Together, they’re launching The Creative Well Arts Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting artists throughout their lifelong journey. The foundation’s mission is to provide accessible studio spaces, gallery opportunities, therapeutic arts education, and deep community connection, a true wellspring for creativity, healing, and growth. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or community builder, their story is a powerful reminder that meaningful progress doesn’t happen alone. It’s built through trust, vulnerability, and showing up for each other. Connect with Tessa and Monica:• The Garage VB Website• Tessa on Instagram• Creative Well Arts on Instagram

    42 min
  6. Openness to Risk: Kate Thomas

    09/05/2024

    Openness to Risk: Kate Thomas

    🎧 Tuning in? Make it count.Be sure to check in using the following link - Podcast Check-In This is how we track engagement and keep building experiences that matter to you. Plus, you'll earn 200 points just for listening. At the Hub, points reflect participation: joining events, meeting with mentors, even working on your venture from our coworking space. The more you engage, the more you unlock—think exclusive swag, early access to space reservations, and even extended hours at the Hub. By checking in for this episode, you’re also entered into our next swag giveaway. And at the end of the semester, our top point earners will be invited to a special gathering hosted at President Rowe’s house. 📍The Hub is more than a place. It’s a community. Thanks for being part of it. This episode of "W&M Entrepreneurial Thinkers" featuring Kate Thomas, a masterful fine artist who captures the essence of light, shadow, and emotion through her watercolor landscapes and abstract works. After a hiatus due to motherhood, Kate rekindled her passion for art, influenced by life’s trials and the legacy of her father’s support. Her creations reflect her journey through learning, grief, and growth, aiming to evoke peace and joy in every viewer. Join us as Kate shares how her openness to risk has shaped her artistic and personal life, making her art a true invitation to presence and wholeness.On the William & Mary Entrepreneurial Thinkers podcast, we believe that Entrepreneurial Thinking isn’t just for start-ups, but it’s a mindset and a learnable set of skills that can be leveraged by anyone, anywhere.

    33 min
  7. Self-Direction: Romulus Media

    07/29/2024

    Self-Direction: Romulus Media

    🎧 Tuning in? Make it count. Be sure to check in using the following link - ⁠⁠Podcast Check-In⁠⁠ This is how we track engagement and keep building experiences that matter to you. Plus, you'll earn 200 points just for listening. At the Hub, points reflect participation: joining events, meeting with mentors, even working on your venture from our coworking space. The more you engage, the more you unlock—think exclusive swag, early access to space reservations, and even extended hours at the Hub. By checking in for this episode, you’re also entered into our next swag giveaway. And at the end of the semester, our top point earners will be invited to a special gathering hosted at President Rowe’s house. 📍The Hub is more than a place. It’s a community. Thanks for being part of it. Tune into this episode of "W&M Entrepreneurial Thinkers" featuring Walt Smithers, CEO of Romulus Media. Discover how Walt's journey from a college student at William and Mary to founding Romulus Media showcases the power of self-direction in entrepreneurship. Learn about his innovative approach to leveraging student influencers for authentic marketing that connects brands with the college demographic. Walt's story offers invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial mindset and the critical role of proactive decision-making in building a successful business. On the William & Mary Entrepreneurial Thinkers podcast, we believe that Entrepreneurial Thinking isn’t just for start-ups, but it’s a mindset and a learnable set of skills that can be leveraged by anyone, anywhere.

    23 min
  8. Grit: Mike Descher

    05/22/2024

    Grit: Mike Descher

    🎧 Tuning in? Make it count. Be sure to check in using the following link - ⁠Podcast Check-In⁠ This is how we track engagement and keep building experiences that matter to you. Plus, you'll earn 200 points just for listening. At the Hub, points reflect participation: joining events, meeting with mentors, even working on your venture from our coworking space. The more you engage, the more you unlock—think exclusive swag, early access to space reservations, and even extended hours at the Hub. By checking in for this episode, you’re also entered into our next swag giveaway. And at the end of the semester, our top point earners will be invited to a special gathering hosted by W&M University President, Dr. Katherine Rowe. The Hub is more than a place. It’s a community. Thanks for being part of it. In this "Grit" episode, we welcome back Mike Descher, founder of MediaGroup and mentor at William and Mary. With a career starting in the retail garment industry and evolving through significant roles at tech giants like Apple and Adobe, Mike brings a wealth of experience in embracing risk and demonstrating grit. Listen as Mike delves into the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning in entrepreneurship. Gain practical insights and inspiration from his journey of overcoming challenges and fostering growth in various industries.

    24 min
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Get a glimpse into the minds of some incredible founders who have leveraged entrepreneurial thinking in their professional journeys and everyday lives.

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