About this podcast
MPods, curated by Nora, delivers monthly episodes that delve into the experiences and insights of financial industry leaders and entrepreneurial pioneers.
Originally focused on sharing stories from University of Michigan alumni, the podcast now expands to bring a wealth of diverse, powerful narratives from the financial world to your ears. Join us as we explore the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of visionaries shaping the future.
Episodes
- EP34: Raj Sarkar, CMO of CloudBees: The Marketing Playbook · 37 minIn the 34th episode of MPods, we sit down with Raj Sarkar, the Chief Marketing Officer of CloudBees and a University of Michigan alum recognized on Forbes’ Entrepreneurial CMO…
- EP33: Jake Schwartz, Founder of Endorsed: The Future of Hiring · 44 minIn the 33rd episode of MPods, we sit down with Jake Schwartz, founder of Endorsed, University of Michigan alum, and former Apple engineer, to explore the bold mission behind his…
- EP32: Nosa Edoimioya, Co-Founder of Reforge Robotics: The Future of Autonomous Manufacturing · 48 minIn the 32nd episode of MPods, we sit down with Nosa Edoimioya, the Founder & CEO of Reforge Robotics, a company pioneering in autonomous manufacturing by building software to…
- EP31: Robert Fisch on U.S. – China Relations, Respect, and Building Bridges · 59 minIn the middle of 2025, as tensions between the U.S. and China escalate in a trade war, having empathy and a mutual understanding is more important than ever. In this heartfelt…
- EP29: Jonah Liss, Meet Your Class Co-Founder · 34 minIn this episode of MPods, we sit down with Jonah Liss, co-founder and COO of Meet Your Class, a startup revolutionizing how students connect before stepping onto campus. Jonah…
- EP30: Don Hicks, Founder & CEO of Optilogic, The Entrepreneur Behind LLamasoft’s $400M Exit · 1 h 5 minIn the 30th episode of MPods, we welcome Don Hicks, a Ross alum and serial entrepreneur. Don founded, led as CEO, and ultimately sold the supply chain analytics company LLamasoft…
- EP28: Jeff Hauptman, Founder and CEO of The Oxford Companies on Real Estate, Tenacity, and Community Transformation · 29 minIn episode 28 of MPods, Jeff Hauptman—CEO and founder of Oxford Companies—Ann Arbor’s leading real estate investment and property management firm—shares his transformation from…
- EP27: Dr. Mark Kiel on Building Genomenon and Navigating the Future of Genetic Data · 38 minIn episode 27 of MPods, Dr. Mark Kiel, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Genomenon, shares his journey from medical student to entrepreneur, transforming genetic data into…
- EP26: John Seamans: Building Businesses from Biomedical Breakthroughs · 42 minIn Episode 26 of MPods, John Seamans, the Manager of the Michigan Biomedical Venture Fund (MBVF), shares his journey from MedTech professional to advisor, leveraging his…
- EP25: Diane Bouis - Networking, Navigating, and Nurturing: Journey from Science to Business · 40 minIn this episode of MPods, Diane Bouis, an angel investor, startup advisor, and current program director at MedTech Innovator, shares her journey from academia to the business…
- EP 24: Danny Ellis & Tom Brady: Autonomous Drones and the Future of Wind Energy with SkySpecs’ Co-Founders · 33 minIn this episode, Danny Ellis and Tom Brady, two University of Michigan engineering graduates, share their remarkable journey from student robotics projects to co-founding…
- EP23: Building vs Banking: Moses Lee on Career Paths, Startups, and Empowering Students · 39 minIn this episode, Moses Lee, a proud University of Michigan Ross graduate, shares his transformative journey from investment banking on Wall Street to becoming a successful…
- EP22: From Basement Startup to Proven Success: David Tarver on Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Urban Revitalization · 51 minIn this episode, we talk with David Tarver, a lecturer at the University of Michigan and the founder of the Urban Entrepreneurship Initiative. David shares his journey from his…
- EP21: Curing Cancer: Dr. Mukesh Nyati on Modern Oncology · 32 minIn this episode of MPods, we dive deep into the world of cancer research with Mukesh Nyati, a Professor in Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan. Mukesh, with over two…
- EP20: Exploring Careers in Energy Law-Insights with Professor Alexandra Klass · 29 minIn this episode of MPods, we chat with Professor Alexandra Klass, a leading expert in energy law and environmental policy, who shares her journey through academia, private…
- EP19: Navigating Engineering Careers-Insights from Apple Product Design Engineer Hermione Li · 31 minIn this episode of Mpods, we sit down with Hermione Li, an Apple Product Design Engineer and UMich graduate. Hermione shares her journey from college to her current role…
- E18: Finding Purpose: Victor Strecher on Mental Health, AI, and Intentional Living · 47 minIn this episode, Victor Strecher, founder and CEO of Kumanu and professor at the University of Michigan's School of Public Health, discusses his journey in creating a mental…
- E17: Empowered Journey: Candace Curtis-Cavazos's Path from Education to Entrepreneurship · 27 minIn this episode, Candace shares her journey from her time at the University of Michigan to her impactful work in community development and entrepreneurship. She delves into her…
- E16: Adrian Fortino - Building Ventures in the Midwest: from Engineering to Investing · 24 minIn this episode, Adrian Fortino shares his journey from mechanical engineering to venture capital, highlighting the lessons learned from his diverse career. He discusses his…
- E15: Scott Metcalf - From Product Management to Startup Coaching · 26 minScott is a seasoned startup coach with extensive experience working with founders. He is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at UChicago. Scott is also…
