Bearcats Mean Business

University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business

What does real-world success in business actually look like? Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together. Tune in for inspiration, practical business insights and forward-looking leadership on how ambition turns into action.

  1. Family Ties & Entrepreneurial Minds with Finn & Bowen Alexy

    Jun 4

    Family Ties & Entrepreneurial Minds with Finn & Bowen Alexy

    Finn and Bowen Alexy never expected a classroom assignment to help launch an angel investing venture. But that's exactly what happened when a Lindner project, a willingness to take initiative and a simple outreach email opened the door to an opportunity that would help shape their careers.  In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, the brothers share how growing up around entrepreneurship influenced their approach to business, leadership and risk. They discuss helping run Alexy Metals, launching BowFin Capital and navigating the unique challenges and rewards of working alongside family.  The conversation is packed with practical lessons for current students and aspiring entrepreneurs. From treating every project like it matters to leading with value, embracing uncertainty and building momentum through small wins, Finn and Bowen explain how opportunities often emerge from effort long before they become visible.   ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    25 min
  2. Sitting in the Client’s Chair + Building Connections with Jeff Karcher of the Texas Stock Exchange

    May 20

    Sitting in the Client’s Chair + Building Connections with Jeff Karcher of the Texas Stock Exchange

    To understand a client better, Jeff Karcher once spent a morning sitting in one of their chairs — literally — to experience the pressure and pace of their day-to-day responsibilities firsthand.  In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Jeff reflects on the power of networking, relationship-building and trust while sharing practical leadership lessons shaped by years of working alongside executives, investors and global companies. From staying composed during pivotal moments to learning how to truly listen, the conversation offers practical business insight for students and professionals alike.  Jeff also discusses how a UC co-op experience helped launch his career, eventually leading to a leadership role with the soon-to-launch Texas Stock Exchange. Along the way, he offers an inside look at IPOs, public markets and why fewer companies are choosing to go public today — and what that shift could mean for the future of the economy.  *** Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    24 min
  3. Antitrust Lawyer Amanda Wait Makes the Case for Risk-Taking and Authentic Leadership

    May 6

    Antitrust Lawyer Amanda Wait Makes the Case for Risk-Taking and Authentic Leadership

    Antitrust attorney Amanda Wait shares how a UC economics class sparked a fascination with competition law that shaped her entire career. From turning down a lucrative New York law firm offer to join the Federal Trade Commission, to advising CEOs and boards on multimillion-dollar decisions, Wait reflects on the power of betting on experience over comfort — and why the best career paths are often the least expected ones.  Throughout the conversation, Wait offers a straightforward look at leadership inside high-stakes industries, discussing how she navigates difficult client conversations, develops young talent and balances strategic thinking with human connection. She also explores how AI is reshaping the legal profession and why curiosity, adaptability and ethical decision-making remain essential in business leadership.  The episode also highlights the lasting impact of mentorship and philanthropy through Wait’s involvement with the Kautz-Uible Economics Institute. Her story is a reminder that one conversation, one opportunity or one unexpected decision can completely change the trajectory of a career — and why investing in future leaders matters.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    34 min
  4. Former CEO Doug Conant on Winning in the Workplace

    Apr 22

    Former CEO Doug Conant on Winning in the Workplace

    Former CEO Doug Conant joins Lindner dean Marianne Lewis for a deeply personal conversation on leadership at the highest level of business. From navigating tough calls that balance people and performance to leading through uncertainty, Conant shares the defining decisions that shaped his career and leadership philosophy.  The former CEO/President of Campbell Soup Company, former President of Nabisco Foods and former Chairman of Avon Products reflects on the formative moment of being fired early in his career, how it reshaped his approach, and why his belief that to “win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace” became a guiding principle.  The conversation also explores the tension between being both tough and kind as a leader—and how intentional recognition, including writing thousands of thank-you notes, became central to building authentic, values-driven cultures.  Looking ahead, Conant discusses the responsibility leaders have to develop the next generation, drawing on his work with Lindner’s Warren Bennis Leadership Institute.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    49 min
  5. Fifth Third Bank CIO Jude Schramm on AI Adoption, Career Curiosity and the Power of Human Connection

    Apr 8

    Fifth Third Bank CIO Jude Schramm on AI Adoption, Career Curiosity and the Power of Human Connection

    In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Fifth Third Bank CIO Jude Schramm reflects on the pivotal early choices that shaped his career, revealing how curiosity and a willingness to step off the expected career track opened unexpected doors.  The Lindner alum shares how he spearheads AI adoption and transformation at a Fortune 500 bank by building in AI’s rate of change, customer trust and cybersecurity into every decision. Schramm also touches on aligning business education to AI’s demands and why human connection and problem-solving matter now more than ever for today’s professionals and business students.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    39 min
  6. Quarterbacking Two Companies with Ranger Steel & CraftForce CEO Dustin Grutza

    Mar 19

    Quarterbacking Two Companies with Ranger Steel & CraftForce CEO Dustin Grutza

    What does it take to lead not just one company, but two?  In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Dustin Grutza, CEO of Ranger Steel and CraftForce, shares how he balances leadership while building high-performing teams and scaling two businesses in relationship-driven industries. From growing up in a family business to launching his own ventures, Dustin offers a candid look at the realities entrepreneurship, delegation and decision-making at the highest level.  The former UC quarterback offers practical insight for professionals and students alike seeking mentorship, leadership and entrepreneurial pointers.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    20 min
  7. Co-op Lessons and Trusting Your Gut with Student Kyla Ward

    Mar 12

    Co-op Lessons and Trusting Your Gut with Student Kyla Ward

    Opportunity rarely comes from staying comfortable. In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Lindner student Kyla Ward shares how stepping into leadership roles and embracing co-op experiences with altafiber, Trimble, Delta Air Lines and GE Aerospace helped her build confidence, expand her network and discover her professional direction.  Kyla reflects on the lessons that come from navigating new environments, advocating for yourself and building relationships that last beyond a single role. She also discusses leadership, representation and why trusting your instincts can open doors to opportunities you never expected.  This conversation offers practical insight for both professionals and students alike seeking firsthand knowledge of co-op at Lindner as well as tips for shaping their career.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    15 min
  8. Humble, Human Leadership: Lessons from Michael Fisher, Former CEO of Cincinnati Children’s

    Feb 26

    Humble, Human Leadership: Lessons from Michael Fisher, Former CEO of Cincinnati Children’s

    “I belong in this room, and my voice needs to be in this room.”  “People are always looking at what leaders do, not just what they say.”  “At the end of the day, every business, every organization, ultimately is about its people and its talent.”  Just three of the many executive insights from Michael Fisher, former CEO of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, in this episode of Bearcats Mean Business.  In a conversation with Lindner dean Marianne Lewis, Fisher reflects on climbing the steep learning curve of executive leadership and embracing the discipline of intentional growth. He shares defining crucible moments — from civic unrest in Cincinnati to a tragic medical error early in his Cincinnati Children’s tenure — and how humility, courage and a commitment to learning shaped his leadership approach.  The conversation also examines the culture and leadership development practices that helped elevate Cincinnati Children’s to national prominence, including identifying rising talent, investing in mentorship and building systems that align performance with purpose. Fisher underscores the importance of civic leadership, ethical responsibility and developing leaders who are not only capable, but deeply human.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

    38 min
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About

What does real-world success in business actually look like? Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together. Tune in for inspiration, practical business insights and forward-looking leadership on how ambition turns into action.

Information

  • Creator
    University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business
  • Show Website
    Bearcats Mean Business

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