When the corporate ladder feels secure but the soul craves impact, the career transition to building a business becomes more than a decision, it becomes a calling. However, answering that call requires more than just a leap of faith. True startup success is born in the unexpected turns defined by calculated risks, extensive market research, and the courage to launch a startup that brings something new to the world.

These moments not only challenge your professional identity but also sharpen your vision, revealing how you can translate corporate skills into a venture that truly matters.

In this episode, host Maree Smith sits down with Vanderbilt Owen MBA 2014 alum Clara Belden to discuss her unique entrepreneurship journey. Her founder story spans from competitive equestrian to brand management at Mars Petcare and now the female founder of The Happy Hour, a mental wellness studio designed to make therapy as accessible as walking into a nail salon. Clara shares how she leveraged her background to create a solid business plan and navigate a complex business launch, handling everything from finding the perfect real estate to opening during pandemic restrictions.

This conversation explores the gritty reality of leaving corporate and the anxiety of quitting your job. Clara opens up about the struggle with imposter syndrome, the necessity of resilience, and how she used data to validate her startup strategy before opening her doors.

You will also hear how Clara prioritizes soft skills over resume statistics when hiring and how she models authentic leadership to build a connected, motivated team. Her story offers a blueprint for every aspiring founder looking to learn how to build a startup that bridges the gap between business strategy and human connection.

This is leadership with intention, reflection, and heart. Listen in! Remember to subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Learn more about us: https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

When a linear career path falls apart, what comes next can define your leadership more than the title ever did.

It’s in the unexpected turns: the pivots, pauses, and pressure points where leadership is truly tested. These moments not only challenge your strategy, but also sharpen your self-awareness, revealing how you show up when things don’t go as planned.

In this episode, host Taiwo Olawehinmi sits down with Vanderbilt Owen Executive MBA 2018 alum Mike Sumida, whose unique leadership journey spans from aspiring physician to high school math teacher, to healthcare consulting, and now, business startup leader. Through each twist and turn, Mike shares how experiences like layoffs, mentorship, and team-building have shaped his approach to leadership.

This conversation explores how self-awareness and decision-making evolve over time and why those who succeed learn to balance humility with confidence. Mike also opens up about the value of asking for help, the impact of strong mentorship, and why resilience in leadership is built through the tough seasons, not just the wins.

You’ll also hear how Mike applies situational leadership and effective communication to manage teams, support professional growth, and build trust. His story offers real-world networking tips for building relationships that matter, both within and beyond the Vanderbilt Owen community.

This is leadership with intention, reflection, and heart. Don’t miss it.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode!

Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/

What does it take to lead authentically across large, dispersed teams? How do you stay grounded and connected while evolving as a leader? And how can you build trust without sacrificing structure or results?

In this episode, Melissa Bortkiewicz sits down with Abhi Pardeshi, a seasoned executive and proud Vanderbilt Owen alum, who shares how his leadership journey has been shaped by lessons in self-reflection, team building, and the changing landscape of AI in healthcare.

Abhi dives into the habits that support long-term personal development, and how staying grounded in authentic leadership allows him to lead large teams with clarity and purpose. He opens up about his approach to navigating complex team dynamics while staying aligned to mission-driven work.

They also talked about building effective operations strategy, particularly in the context of healthcare leadership, and why being intentional with time, communication, and support is key. You’ll hear how Abhi thinks about growth not just for himself, but for the people he leads.

This conversation offers real‑world insights on people management, trust building, and practical ways to foster a feedback culture while creating space for intentional communication, even when time feels limited.

Subscribe now to never miss an episode!

Learn more about us:

https://business.vanderbilt.edu/