Fisher Executive Education

In this episode of There's a Better Way, we sit down with Jim Fowler, Chief Technology Officer for Nationwide Insurance, to explore how one of the country’s leading insurance providers integrates operational excellence into its core strategies. Jim shares insights into Nationwide’s commitment to continuous improvement, innovative practices that drive success, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're an executive seeking to refine your organization’s processes or a professional curious about how a Fortune 100 company achieves excellence at scale, this conversation offers invaluable takeaways. Tune in to discover best practices that can inspire change and elevate performance in your own organization.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are tools used to help make predictions and create efficiencies. Whether it’s Amazon trying to predict what you might buy next, or Netflix suggesting your new favorite show, these tools are being used in everyday life, and across industries. In this episode, Professor Aravind Chandrasekaran is joined by Professor Nate Craig, associate professor at Fisher and expert in AI and Machine Learning. During the discussion, Nate explains the basics of AI, how it came to be, and some considerations when adopting or using these tools.

In this episode, Aravind Chandrasekaran sat down with Pascual Blanco, President of Magnanni Inc. and 2020 graduate of the Executive MBA program at Fisher College of Business. Pascual shares about his experience working with a family business, established in Spain in 1954, and how he’s helped expand the brand into other markets including Europe and the United States.

In this episode, Aravind sits down with Jennifer Dauer, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. During the conversation Jennifer shares about her career path, from spending 26 years of her career in consumer goods with Procter and Gamble, to then shifting her transformational leadership efforts to healthcare, with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and now at Ohio State.

In this episode, Aravind sits down with Dr. Tim Pawlik, Executive MBA Alumnus and Chair of Department of Surgery at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. During the conversation Dr. Pawlik explains how he strives to be an agile leader and create organizations that are sustainable and successful, while adding value to his patients, hospital, and community.

In this episode, Aravind sits down with Professor Angus Fletcher, a pioneer of story science, which explores the neuroscience of how the narratives we tell ourselves can shift our performance, increasing creativity, curiosity, empathy, and other psychological skills. Angus was recently awarded the Public Service medal by the US Army for this new method for innovation, leadership, and resilience, by identifying a second part of your brain. This part of your brain doesn't run on data, it runs on stories.

In this episode, Aravind sits down with Scott Howell who recently stepped down as Chief Strategy Officer, US Pharmaceuticals at Novartis. Scott reflects on his time in industry, and the many lessons he learned about leadership and good decision making.

In this episode, Aravind Chandrasekaran sat down with Jana Lithgow, Executive Director for Undergraduate Programs at Fisher College of Business. Jana shares her journey from the financial world, to higher education student affairs, and how she aspires to not only positively impact the students she serves, but also the staff experience.

In this episode, Professor Jurriaan de Jong moderates a discussion with Professors Keely Croxton and John Gray, around managing supply chains post-pandemic, and how we can best prepare for future interruptions. This podcast was recorded during a live event, and questions are presented throughout the conversation from audience members.

Many of our Executive Education students find themselves in point of their careers where they may be making a transition, whether it's a transition of roles or a transition of industry. Anna Morris, associate director for executive education degree programs, sat down with three staff members from The James Comprehensive Cancer Center to discuss how they transitioned from using their operational excellence skills within industry to healthcare. Listen to hear how they have been able to not only successfully translate those skills, but also have a great impact on patient care.

Meredith Conder, Executive Director for Executive Education, sits down with Lori Kendall, senior lecturer at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business, to discuss a new Executive Education program offering – The Graduate Certificate in IT Business Strategy – for which Dr. Kendall is the academic director. Learn how this unique and timely program is designed to shape IT leaders into transformational strategists who will lead their organizations into the future.

In this episode, Meredith Conder, Executive Director for Fisher College of Business Executive Education, sat down with John Hrusovsky, an organizational and information technology consultant with over 30 years of experience. Hrusovsky discusses how an ever-changing business landscape has heightened the Senior IT Professional's role within an organization and how John’s vision for helping CIO’s and Senior IT Consultant's advance and excel in their careers has come to fruition with the creation of the Graduate Certificate in IT Business Strategy.

In this episode, Meredith Conder, Executive Director for Fisher College of Business Executive Education, sat down with John Deane, a senior executive and board member with over 35 years of experience across industries ranging from retail to food service. Deane discusses the transformation of the IT industry and how current and upcoming IT leaders can use business strategy principles including data analytics and corporate finance, to be forward-looking and active contributors to the process of management.

Vice President of Culture, Engagement and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer for OhioHealth, Aisha Allen, joins us today to discuss her experience leading change management efforts within the diversity, equity and inclusion space. As part of Aisha's role within OhioHealth she not only addresses the strategy to be more inclusive as an organization at the leadership level, but also how they can address minority disparities within healthcare as a whole. Aisha is also a proud undergraduate and Executive MBA alumna of the Fisher College of Business.

Today, Laurie Spadaro, Director of Operations and Admissions, sat down with Inggrie Moore, senior consultant in lean automation at Fifth Third Bank and 2019 graduate of MBOE, and Dave Margil, a coach within the MBOE program. Every student in the program is assigned an experienced coach who works with them on their individual capstone project. Listen to learn how MBOE has made a difference in Inggrie’s professional career, and how Dave helped her with her lean journey.

Sarah Duerr, senior assistant director for recruitment and admissions, sits down with Matt Davis, manager of public service at Accenture. Matt discusses why he chose to pursue his Specialized Master in Business Analytics, and how it's helped set him apart.

Laurie Spadaro, director of admission and operations for executive graduate programs, sat down with Aaron Friedman, a graduate from the Master of Business Operational Excellence Class of 2020. Since graduating, Aaron was hired at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams as Production Manager, where he oversees the supply and production of the ice cream bases. Aaron explains how he uses operational excellence principles in his day-to-day work, and even touches on the now famous Strawberry Pretzel Salad flavor release.

Anna Morris, Associate Director of Engagement, sat down with Ashley Donnini, EMBA Class of 2017, to hear why she chose to pursue her Executive MBA and how it's had an impact on her career. Since graduation, Ashley has started her own company, Lola Link Consulting, a boutique firm focused in the utility industry.

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE)program, sits down with Malak Abdel-Hadi, MBOE class of 2020. Malak serves as process improvement specialist for Safelite AutoGlass, a company that prioritizes process improvement. Hear how Malak switched companies and positions to best utilize her education.

Laurie Spadaro, director of the Master of Business Operational Excellence (MBOE) program and class of 2016, sits down with Ryan VanNoy, MBOE class of 2020. Ryan is a veteran who currently serves as supervisor for the Maintenance Analysis and Funding Team at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Listen to hear why Ryan chose to go back to school and how it's impacted his career, as well as his personal life.