Business in Blue

Fogelman College of Business & Economics
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Welcome to “Business in Blue,” the Fogelman College of Business & Economics’ new podcast! Join us as we delve into entrepreneurial success stories, uncover expert advice and explore all things business and all things Memphis. Whether you’re launching a new career, a seasoned professional or just curious about the thriving business scene in the Bluff City, “Business in Blue” is your go-to source for inspiration and insights. Get ready for a journey through the heart of Memphis’s business world. Subscribe now and stay tuned for a front-row seat to the pulse of success!

  1. May 7

    Connection, Collaboration and Change: Bridges USA

    To bring season 4 of Business in Blue to a close, our host Leia Harper sat down with her dear friend and UofM alum Mario Hendrix, chief program officer of Bridges USA. Located in Uptown Memphis, Bridge Builders aims to help local youth and teachers grasp their leadership skills and improve self-confidence through various experiential education programs. Listen in as Mario talks about how the University of Memphis serves as a cornerstone in our city and how Bridges is bridging the gap in fostering the next generation of leaders. To explore Bridges USA opportunities, visit bridgesusa.org/explore. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram LinkedIn Facebook YouTube TikTok

    27 min

  2. Apr 23

    Memphis’ Vertical Urban Village: Crosstown Concourse

    Our host, Leia Harper, had the opportunity to sit down with UofM alumna and Director of Marketing and Business Development at Crosstown Concourse, Erin Shelton. Tune in as Erin shares the story behind transforming the former 1.5 million square foot Sears distribution center into the vibrant Crosstown Concourse—Memphis’s iconic vertical urban village. From nonprofits and apartments to restaurants and creative spaces, discover how this innovative hub was designed to connect business, art and community. Hear how their mission, “life is lived better together,” comes to life every day—and why Crosstown Concourse has become the city’s largest coworking destination, where entrepreneurs collaborate, create and experience the best of Memphis all in one place. To learn more about upcoming events held at Crosstown Concourse, click here. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram LinkedIn Facebook YouTube TikTok

    26 min

  3. Apr 9

    Making it Memphis: Old Dominick Distillery

    This week on Business in Blue, host Leia Harper welcomed Clark Schifani—a fifth-generation FCBE alumnus and Director of Sales at Old Dominick Distillery—to the FCBE Media Studio. Tune in as Clark shares valuable insights from his career in the hospitality industry, along with fun “did you know?” trivia about the origins of the iconic Old Dominick brand. A key focus of the conversation is Old Dominick’s commitment to authenticity. Through their new “Making It Memphis” initiative, the distillery is doubling down on highlighting and supporting local vendors, ensuring the city’s unique culture remains front and center in everything they do. At its core, Old Dominick strives to be hospitable to the true heartbeat of the city. Their partnerships with organizations like Welcome to Memphis, Memphis Tigers Athletics and the Blue Suede Brigade reflect that mission and their deep-rooted connection to the community. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram TikTok YouTube

    22 min

  4. Mar 26

    Entrepreneurs are made in Memphis: David Rose, Crews Center for Entrepreneurship

    Let’s give a roaring Business Tiger welcome to UofM alum and assistant director of the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship, David Rose. In this episode, David discusses the power of entrepreneurship and how the Crews Center serves a vital role not only on the UofM campus, but to the City of Memphis. He shares how entrepreneurship is all about failing forward, learning fast and taking action on your ideas. The Crews Center for Entrepreneurship is available to all UofM students and community partners, alike. Its mission is to provide education, training, support, mentorship and technical assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs.. Whether you’re just beginning to develop your entrepreneurial mindset or you’re well on your way to launching the next Fortune 500 company, the Crews Center provides a space to innovate and create freely.  Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram

    18 min

  5. Mar 12

    Where Good Energy Flows: Groovy Gratitude

    In this episode, Business in Blue host Leia Harper sits down with Alicia Dixon, co-owner and founder of Groovy Gratitude, a wellness café located in Uptown Memphis that blends music, mindfulness and community engagement into its brand. Groovy Gratitude is more than just a juice bar—it serves as a beacon of wellness and balanced living in a community that has historically had limited access to healthy food options. In addition to offering a varied and delicious menu, Groovy Gratitude also prioritizes social nourishment, creating a welcoming space that fosters connection and community. Listen in to learn more about Alicia’s journey launching and operating this successful entrepreneurial venture. Groovy Gratitude is part of the Dixon White Restaurant Group, co-founded by Alicia and her partner, Marquis White. To learn more about Groovy Gratitude and to stay in the know about their upcoming events, follow them on Instagram @groovy_graitutde or visit groovygratitude.com/events. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram TikTok Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

    19 min

  6. Feb 26

    Home Made in Memphis: Brezay

    SEASON FOUR! It’s season four, and we’re so glad you’re here. To kick off 2026, our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with artist, entertainer, fashion designer and entrepreneur of Brezerk, Brezay. Brezerk is more than just a creative label, it is a brand embodying all things Memphis and Brezay herself. Listen in as Brezay, a “Home Made” icon, shares her entrepreneurial experience of how staying authentic catapulted her brand to success. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis. Connect with us! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok YouTube

    23 min

  7. 11/20/2025

    Making A Difference: Bill Hargrave, UofM President

    SEASON THREE FINALE! We were thrilled to welcome University of Memphis (UofM) President Bill Hardgrave to our studio as our final special guest. In this candid interview with our Business in Blue host Leia Harper, he shared how higher education completely changed the trajectory of his life. As only one of two people in his family to ever graduate high school – with “hooper dreams” on the forefront – learn how he rose to each of life’s challenges to ultimately become University of Memphis’s 13th president.   As one can imagine, leading the University is no simple task. In this episode, President Hardgrave shares some of the challenges he has faced since assuming this role and his strategies for navigating them. He also explains what he considers to be UofM’s most noteworthy accomplishments during the last few years. But, perhaps most importantly, Bill explains how he believes that his number one responsibility as president is to ensure a successful outcome for every UofM student and to make a positive difference in each of their lives. “There are 22,000 opportunities to make a difference,” Bill explained. Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram LinkedIn Facebook YouTube TikTok

    30 min

  8. 11/07/2025

    Taking the Stage with Rhythm and Resilience: L.Y.E Academy

    Our host, Leia Harper had the opportunity to sit down with professional dancer, choreographer, author and owner of L.Y.E Academy, Ladia Yates. From working with celebrities like Usher, Missy Elliott and Lil Baby to large corporations like Nike and Red Bull, Ladia remains humble and encourages her students follow in her footsteps. Through her avid social media presence and talented instructors, Ladia is leading the way to put Memphis on the map as a dance city. In Ladia’s recently published book, The Rise of Ladia Yates readers dive into her personal dance journey, the trials she’s faced and how she has become the business   leader that she is today.   Proudly hosted by the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis, the Business in Blue podcast aims to highlight success stories, expert advice, and of course, all things business in Memphis.   Connect with us! Instagram LinkedIn Facebook YouTube TikTok

    21 min
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5 Ratings

About

Welcome to “Business in Blue,” the Fogelman College of Business & Economics’ new podcast! Join us as we delve into entrepreneurial success stories, uncover expert advice and explore all things business and all things Memphis. Whether you’re launching a new career, a seasoned professional or just curious about the thriving business scene in the Bluff City, “Business in Blue” is your go-to source for inspiration and insights. Get ready for a journey through the heart of Memphis’s business world. Subscribe now and stay tuned for a front-row seat to the pulse of success!

Information

  • Creator
    Fogelman College of Business & Economics
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Business in Blue