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Tippie LeadsThe Risks and Rewards of Speaking Up at WorkSome of the biggest risks we face aren’t global or organizational—they’re deeply personal. In this final episode of our season focused on "risk," we explore what it means to speak up in the workplace and beyond. Tippie’s Daniel Newton shares practical insights on how employees can overcome the fear of using their voice, and how leaders can build cultures where open communication is not just accepted, but expected. We’ll also hear from Tippie undergrad Callie Willham, who reflects on her own journey with public speaking and how facing that fear has helped her grow personally...2025-05-0729 minTippie LeadsThe High-Risk Conversations Leaders Must NavigateCEOs face a unique kind of risk—the growing expectation to speak out on social and political issues. In this episode, Tippie’s Michael Durney unpacks the high-stakes decisions leaders must make when navigating these moments. You’ll also hear from Robin Therme, President of CIVCO Medical Solutions, about the tough conversations that have shaped her leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.
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More on th...2025-04-3030 minTippie LeadsNate Kaeding on the Risks of EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurs face personal risks that can shape the course of their careers and businesses—from choosing the right co-founder to betting on a bold pivot or putting their reputation on the line. In this episode, we start with a special alumni story from Nate Kaeding, former Hawkeye and NFL kicker turned entrepreneur, as he shares lessons from opening restaurants and revitalizing local spots like the Hamburg Inn. Then, Tippie’s Miranda Welbourne Eleazar offers insights from her research on how entrepreneurs choose where to launch their ventures. It’s a compelling look at the personal and strategic risks behind succes...2025-04-2330 minTippie LeadsCybersecurity Risks in the Dark WebIn this episode, we shift from large-scale risks to the personal risks we face every day—like cybersecurity. Tippie’s Mike Colbert, an award-winning faculty member, shares how he’s helping students navigate digital threats and protect their information. Then, MBA student Casey Howard takes us on a personal journey, revealing how a transformative experience led him to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Their stories highlight the growing importance of cybersecurity and how personal experiences can shape our professional paths in unexpected ways. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.2025-04-1625 minTippie LeadsWhen Human Judgment Puts Drivers at RiskIn this episode, Tippie’s Richard Peter explores the surprising resistance consumers have toward driving sensors—devices that could encourage safer driving and lower insurance premiums yet have struggled to gain widespread adoption. Then, Tippie undergrad Ella Borho takes us on a lighter journey, sharing a humorous story about the everyday risks of taking the bus. It’s a fun reminder that even the smaller risks in life can lead to unexpected moments! And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.Learn More
More on Richard...2025-04-0929 minTippie LeadsForecasting Risk with Probability MarketsNot all risks come from storms—some stem from political and economic shifts. For some, change means opportunity; for others, uncertainty. With the election behind us, how can we navigate risk beyond voting? Tippie’s Tom Gruca, through the Iowa Electronic Markets, has developed a remarkably accurate way to predict outcomes. In this episode, he explains how these markets help organizations manage risk. Then we'll hear from Tippie undergrad Anna Makarenko, on dealing with uncertainty while in high school—in Ukraine. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.2025-04-0228 minTippie LeadsManaging Risk in Disaster LogisticsNatural disasters disrupt entire industries and supply chains, delaying critical relief. How can we ensure supplies reach victims quickly? And how can companies like Walmart and organizations like the Red Cross respond effectively? Tippie professor Ann Campbell joins us to explore these questions—because logistics shape more than disaster response; they shape daily life. From managing supply chains to planning trips, navigating challenges is key. MBA student Laura Goddard shares the risks of traveling with motion sickness and the planning it takes. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.2025-03-2627 minTippie LeadsThe Risk of Natural Disasters on InsuranceNatural disasters are a major risk, often striking without warning. Recent events like the LA wildfires and Iowa’s 2020 derecho impact victims, rescuers, and insurers, creating ripple effects across the industry. To kick off our new season, we’ll hear from Tippie Professor Martin Grace, chair and faculty director of the Vaughan Institute for Risk Management and Insurance, who studies the impact of catastrophes on insurers and innovative ways to manage risk. Later in the show, we'll hear a story from Tippie undergrad Aiden Truesdell on how his life was impacted by a natural disaster recently. And finally, we’ll bri...2025-03-2630 minTippie LeadsIntroducing Tippie Leads, Season 2: RISKTippie Leads will be back with an all-new season starting March 26th. This season, we’re taking on RISK—from the policies that protect us to the natural disasters that disrupt industries and even the risks we take (or don’t) when speaking up at work. Through faculty research, student and alumni stories, and actionable insights, we’ll explore how risk shapes decision-making, leadership, and business today.Season 2 launches March 26 with two episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts! Tippie Leads is a production of the Tippie Leadersh...2025-03-1201 minTippie LeadsAlumni Story: An Iowa Hero's JourneySeason Two of Tippie Leads is underway and we can’t wait to share it with you later this spring. In the meantime, we wanted to share the story of a Tippie alum who passed away in 2023. As you'll learn, Doug Slotten led a remarkable life. From his time at the University of Iowa to his service in Vietnam and his remarkable career with the FCC, Doug’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Join us as we celebrate his legacy and the lasting impact he made on his family, community, and country.2025-02-2612 minTippie LeadsExperience Doesn't Predict SuccessWhen organizations hire new people, can they really predict if their employees will be successful and engaged? We often look to one's previous experience as our gauge for predicting success and engagement at work. In our final episode of season one, we'll hear from Chad Van Iddekinge about why we overvalue experience in our new hires and what else organizations can do to predict new hire success. Later in the show, we'll hear a fun story about an on-the-job learning experience from Tippie undergrad Eric Jensen. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) ju...2024-11-0630 minTippie LeadsIntimate Partner Violence at WorkWarning: This episode discusses themes of intimate partner violence, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please prioritize your well-being and take care as you listen.Intimate partner violence is often perceived as a private issue. But in reality, it affects virtually every aspect of a victim’s life, including their work life. So, what role can organizations play in the understanding and prevention of intimate partner violence? Tippie's Beth Livingston will help us understand why intimate partner violence is a workplace issue and what organizations can do to prevent it and support employees wh...2024-10-3029 minTippie LeadsDealing with Toxic BossesIf you’ve ever worked for a toxic boss, you know how damaging it can be. So should you forgive a manager who tries to make amends for their bad behavior? Tippie's Steve Courtright will kick things off by sharing his new research on toxic bosses — what to do if you have one and how to make sure you don’t become one! Then we’ll have some fun by hearing anonymous horror stories about toxic bosses from Tippie alumni. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.Learn...2024-10-2327 minTippie LeadsHow Hassles Lead to TurnoverTurnover is an expensive problem for organizations. What makes people quit? It turns out that proactive employees are more likely to leave for a new job out of frustration with hassles like office politics, lack of resources, red tape, unclear work roles, and other workplace hindrances. At the same time, those proactive employees are more likely to be motivated by responsibility, complex tasks, and even the pressure of deadlines. Tippie's Eean Crawford shares his research on these workplace hassles and what you can do about them. Hassles exist outside the workplace too. Later in the show, we'll hear a...2024-10-1625 minTippie LeadsThe Value of Side HustlesOne way to increase employee engagement? Side hustles. Nearly 44 million U.S. workers are currently running a variety of side hustles. But how can you manage a side hustle in a way that brings maximum benefits without affecting your full-time job? Jennifer Nahrgang's research illustrates what it takes to make side hustles work for both workers and employers while exploring the benefits of side hustles for both parties. After that, we'll hear why Tippie MBA Alum Bev Hutney believes in encouraging side hustles as a leader. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) ju...2024-10-0928 min
On Brand with Nick WestergaardBONUS! Productivity Tips from Astronauts (Tippie Leads 1.1)It's launch day for Tippie Leads, my new podcast from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business. Each season will focus on a challenge in today's changing world of work. Season one is all about employee engagement with groundbreaking faculty research, student and alumni stories, actionable insights, and more. The first three episodes are out now with new episodes following on Wednesdays. As a special treat for listeners of the On Brand podcast, I thought I'd share the first episode here in it's entirety. It features productivity tips from astronauts and a story of a burnout from Nike...2024-10-0230 minTippie LeadsFinding Meaning in WorkFor some, a job is a calling — a part of their identity that informs how they live their life and goes far beyond just paying the bills. Those who find meaning in their work fall into two camps: (1) those who felt called to their positions and worked their lives toward that goal, or (2) those who — through exploration — almost stumbled into their calling by working a job they were able to infuse with meaning and purpose. Tippie Management Professor Amy Colbert joins us to share what she's learned on finding meaning at work and how leaders can foster this. After that...2024-10-0228 minTippie LeadsZoom Fatigue and FailsRemote work is here to stay. And while there are lots of positives for both employees and organizations, working virtually brings a new set of challenges. Zoom fatigue has become a widespread issue, leading to exhaustion, decreased productivity, and burnout. Research from Tippie's Emily Campion sheds light on Zoom fatigue and offers practical solutions for combatting it. Then we'll bring this issue to life by hearing anonymous stories of zoom fatigue and fails from Tippie alumni. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you. Learn more about yo...2024-10-0228 minTippie LeadsProductivity Tips from AstronautsWith employee engagement decreasing, employee burnout is increasing. Why? In part, because people feel unfocused due to the many different tasks they're juggling, and more people are also working in more isolated settings. Daniel Newton's research on how astronauts working in the international space station stay focused on multiple tasks while in the isolation of outer space may hold some keys for us. After that, we'll go from the international space station to the home office, with a story of burnout from Tippie alum and Nike VP of Consumer Strategy Cheryl Davenport. And finally, we’ll bring it all to...2024-10-0227 min
On Brand with Nick WestergaardSneak Peek of My New Podcast: Tippie LeadsIntroducing my new podcast — Tippie Leads from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, produced by the Tippie Leadership Collaborative. Our goal with Tippie Leads is to share stories that will change the way you work and lead. Each eight-episode season of Tippie Leads will focus on a "grand challenge" in today's changing world of work. This season, we're looking at employee engagement, which is at record-low levels across many different industries but is also one of the most important ingredients to successful careers, teams, and companies.Tippie Leads episodes will start with...2024-09-2503 minTippie LeadsTippie Leads Season 1: Employee EngagementIntroducing Tippie Leads — stories from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business that will change the way you work and lead. Hosted by Nick Westergaard, each season of Tippie Leads will focus on a "grand challenge” in today’s changing world of work. In our first season, we're looking at employee engagement with groundbreaking faculty research, student and alumni stories, actionable insights, and more. Tippie Leads is a production of the Tippie Leadership Collaborative. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-08-1501 min
On Brand with Nick WestergaardThe Power of Language in DEI with Beth LivingstonBeth A. Livingston is a professor, consultant, author, and speaker focused on human resources, gender & diversity, and the management of work & family—all in the service of the employee experience. She’s also a colleague of mine at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business and co-author of the new book Shared Sisterhood. We discussed all of this and more, this week on the On Brand podcast.About Beth A. LivingstonDr. Beth Livingston is the Ralph L. Sheets Associate Professor of Industrial Relations at the University of Iowa’s Tippie C...2022-10-3133 minOn Brand with Nick WestergaardTom Peters on Leadership in Troubling TimesTwo years ago I was fortunate enough to interview one of my business heroes—management legend and author Tom Peters. This was a once-in-a-lifetime podcast event. Or so I thought. A couple of weeks ago, Tom reached out again wanting to talk about the unique challenges of leadership and work in these troubling times. I couldn't wait to catch up with Tom and to share our conversation with you. Enjoy!About Tom PetersTom Peters is co-author of In Search of Excellence—the book that changed the way the world does business and often tagged as t...2020-05-2540 min
Six Pixels of Separation PodcastSPOS #624 - Stand Out Brands With Nick WestergaardWelcome to episode #624 of Six Pixels Of Separation - The Mirum Podcast. Here it is: Six Pixels Of Separation - The Mirum Podcast - Episode #624 - Host: Mitch Joel. He's one of the nicest and good-hearted people that I have ever met in this industry. Hands down. Salt of the earth. A real human being trying to help businesses connect to consumers in a real way. That's reason enough to follow Nick Westergaard. He is a strategist, speaker, author, and educator. As Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Driven Digital, he helps build better brands at organizations of al...2018-06-2449 min
Build a Better Agency PodcastUsing brand to tell great stories with Nick WestergaardBranding has always been a cornerstone of my own agency. We've spent a ton of time and effort building brands for clients. We have, like all of you, created what we think of as a proprietary process around brand, and it's a topic that I have a great passion around. Many of you are either too polite to ask or have point-blank asked me, "Drew, what is the deal with you at Disney." Brand is part of why I love them so much. One of the aspects of Disney that I really admire and connect to the...2018-05-1448 min
Brand Boost Podcast: Marketing, Vlogging, Influence, Social Media, Strategy & News139: Gettin' Scrappy with Nick WestergaardGetting Scrappy is not just the title of a book, it is a mindset shift in how businesses today must think. It's an exciting time to be in marketing: The Internet, social media, and content marketing are powerful equalizers, resetting the playing field for businesses large and small. Yet, it's also a challenging time, with much work to do and an ever-changing array of platforms, features, and networks to master--all on a tighter budget than before. Don't get discouraged, get scrappy! Shattering the myth that only big brands can do big things, "Get Scrappy "will help you...2016-05-2438 min
The Vincenzo Landino Show139: Gettin' Scrappy with Nick WestergaardGetting Scrappy is not just the title of a book, it is a mindset shift in how businesses today must think. It's an exciting time to be in marketing: The Internet, social media, and content marketing are powerful equalizers, resetting the playing field for businesses large and small. Yet, it's also a challenging time, with much work to do and an ever-changing array of platforms, features, and networks to master--all on a tighter budget than before. Don't get discouraged, get scrappy! Shattering the myth that only big brands can do big things, "Get Scrappy "will help you...2016-05-2438 minBuild a Better Agency PodcastEpisode 27: Taking a Traditional Agency on a Digital Evolution, with Nick Westergaard.Nick Westergaard is a strategist, speaker, author, and educator. He is the chief brand strategist at Brand Driven Digital, where he helps organizations build better brands online. He teaches at the University of Iowa in the Tippie College of Business, is a regular columnist on The Cedar Rapids Gazette, and is also the host of the popular podcast, “On Brand.” What you’ll learn about in this episode: How Nick took his traditional agency and transitioned it to becoming a digital powerhouse The differences and similarities between traditional and digital marketing and why they really aren’t all th...2016-04-1140 min