The Jungle
Welcome to THE JUNGLE
Welcome to THE JUNGLE—the wild and exciting world of business. Thoughtful, yet lighthearted conversations provide an up-close, unvarnished view into the emotions, practices and lived experiences of leading and strategy-making in an uncertain world. Hosted by Dr. Doug Lepisto and Dr. Derrick McIver, co-directors of the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy in the Haworth College of Business at Western Michigan University.
The first season of THE JUNGLE explores COVID-19 and the inherent leadership challenges and opportunities in times of crisis.
Trailer
Welcome to THE JUNGLE
Trailer 1:40
Before going into THE JUNGLE, Doug and Derrick give a quick synopsis of where they think they might be going. But who knows where they'll end up.
Available Episodes
Julie Byrne
Julie Byrne
President, CSM Group
Episode 36 September 8, 2021 39:25
This episode features a conversation with Julie Byrne – President of CSM Group. CSM is a nationally recognized construction management firm headquartered in Kalamazoo with offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Dickson, Tennessee. Julie became President in February and we explore with her lessons on leadership during a pandemic, trends in the construction management space, and being a woman leader in a male dominated industry.
Jonathon Koch
Jonathon Koch
Senior VP and CEO, Global Dental Group, Henry Schein
Episode 35 August 19, 2021 39:21
This episode features a conversation with Jonathan Koch – Senior VP and CEO of the Global Dental Group for Henry Schein. A Fortune 298 company with over $10B in sales, Henry Schein is one of the world's largest distributors of dental supplies and other medical goods. A two-time WMU alum, we speak with Jonathan about his career trajectory, lessons on leadership, and the future of the dental industry.
Chris Voss
Chris Voss
CEO and Founder of The Black Swan Group Ltd
Episode 34 July 26, 2021 1:01:22
This episode features a conversation with Chris Voss – CEO & Founder of The Black Swan Group Ltd. A world renown expert on negotiation, Chris was previously the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. His method has been featured on MasterClass and Chris has been a regular commentator on CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, and NPR. We speak with Chris about where leaders should start on their journey to become a better negotiator and how to practice and implement negotiation skills.
Milind Pant
Milind Pant
CEO of Amway
Episode 33 Recorded June 25, 2021 Duration: 38:30
This episode features a conversation with Milind Pant – CEO of Amway. Founded in 1959 and based in Ada Michigan, Amway is a global consumer goods manufacturer and direct selling company. Amway is now one of the largest private companies in the United States. We speak with Milind about how Amway navigated the pandemic, the importance of inclusive entrepreneurship to its success, and his lessons on leadership.
Garrick Rochow
Garrick Rochow
President and CEO of Consumers Energy
Episode 32 Recorded April 1, 2021 Duration: 30:00
This episode features a conversation with Garrick Rochow – President and CEO of Consumers Energy. In December 2020, Garrick stepped into the CEO role for Fortune 500 Consumers Energy. A great alumnus of WMU Haworth, we speak with Garrick about his role transition during the pandemic, leadership lessons, the future of energy in the United States, and Consumers Energy competitive positioning as a leader in renewables.
Peter Meijer
Peter Meijer
US Congressman - Michigan 3rd District
Episode 31 Recorded March 23, 2021 Duration: 33:49
This episode features a conversation with Peter Meijer – US House of Representatives for Michigan's 3rd congressional district. Peter has experienced a whirlwind start to his time in Congress with a pandemic, insurrection, impeachment, and new administration. Peter shares with us his first impressions of Congress, insights on leadership as a freshman representative, and his policy priorities for West Michigan.
LBS Student Experience
LBS Student Experience
Ft. Megan, Kordell, and Tyler
Episode 30 Recorded February 12, 2021 Duration: 44:32
This episode features a conversation with current and former students from our Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) program. We speak with Megan Miller (Deloitte), Kordell Smith (VMware), and Tyler Earnst (current student and interning at Dell Technologies) to explore the transition to professional life as a recent graduate, how our LBS program prepares students for the professional world, and advice to students on how to get the most out of college.
Michael Doss
Michael Doss
CEO of Graphic Packaging
Episode 29 Recorded January 7, 2021 Duration: 33:39
This episode features a conversation with Michael Doss – CEO of Graphic Packaging. Mike is a proud two-time graduate of Western Michigan University and leads this great Fortune 500 company. Graphic Packaging recently invested $600 million in a new facility here in Kalamazoo. We speak with Mike about how he has led through the pandemic, the future of packaging in a digital world, and the company's investment in Kalamazoo.
Episode Archive - 2020
Episode 28 · 52:37
Jane Dutton
Professor Emerita at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Recorded December 8, 2020This episode features a conversation with Jane Dutton – Robert L. Kahn Distinguished University Professor Emerita at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Jane is a world expert on processes that build capabilities and strengths of employees in organizations. A founder of the movement in Positive Organizational Scholarship, Jane's research has demonstrated the importance of relationships, compassion, identity, and meaning to what makes people and organizations flourish.
Episode 27 · 47:25
Thor Flosason
Senior Director of Global Learning and Development at the Kellogg Company
Recorded December 3, 2020This episode features a conversation with Thor Flosason – senior director of global learning and development at Kellogg Company. Thor is responsible for the systems, processes, resources and solutions that help over 30,000 employees across the globe learn and develop. We explore with Thor how a global organization facilitates learning during a global pandemic, the importance of learning to strategize and what the future of learning in organizations looks like.
Episode 26 · 35:22
Jeff Blashill
Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings
Recorded November 23, 2020This episode features a conversation with Jeff Blashill – head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. The Detroit Red Wings are one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. Coach Blashill, a native Michigander and former WMU hockey coach, shares with us his experience on leading the Red Wings through the pandemic, leading across generations and his lessons on leading during a time of change for the organization.
Episode 25 · 41:18
John and Apollo Braganini
St. Julian Winery
Recorded November 18, 2020On this episode, our LBS students launch the next evolution of Bronconess – the Bronconess Peach Bubbly in collaboration with St. Julian Winery. St. Julian is the oldest and largest winery in Michigan.
Episode 24 · 41:02
La June Montgomery Tabron
CEO of W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Recorded October 26, 2020This episode features a conversation with La June Montgomery Tabron – CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Based in Southwest Michigan, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the world. La June shares with us how the foundation has pivoted and innovated during the pandemic, the role business plays in solving social problems, and the conditions that facilitate greater opportunity and equity in business ownership.
Episode 23 · 39:31
Dean Pohlman
Founder and CEO of Man Flow Yoga
Recorded October 20, 2020This episode features a conversation with Dean Pohlman – Founder and CEO of Man Flow Yoga. The pandemic is challenging our mental and physical health. At the same time, it is also disrupting established sectors like the fitness industry, raising questions about how a traditionally in-person experience translates online. Dean shares with us how he founded and grew a successful online fitness brand, how the pandemic is creating opportunity in the fitness space, and his advice on implementing an effective content strategy.
Episode 22 · 44:56
Dan Jefferies and Matt Vollmar
Newmind Group
Recorded September 7, 2020This episode features a conversation with Dan Jefferies, founder and co-owner, and Matt Vollmar, CEO and co-owner, of Newmind Group.
Episode 21 · 39:37
Peter Jackson
CEO of Bluescape Software
Recorded September 1, 2020Peter shares with us how to lead and collaborate at a distance, the future of the industry, and how organizations like Ford are increasingly using Bluescape to get work done.
Episode 20 · 36:40
Psyche Terry
Founder of UI Global Brands
Recorded August 18, 2020Psyche has grown her socially-responsible skincare and haircare line, Urban Hydration, to a national brand in 7,000+ retailers including CVS, Macy's, Target, and more.
Episode 19 · 30:43
Kathy Beauregard
Director of Athletics, Western Michigan University
Recorded August 11, 2020On August 8th the Mid-American Conference (MAC) announced the postponement of all fall sports. We go behind the scenes of this decision, the implications, and the broader leadership and strategy dynamics confronting athletic directors.
Episode 18 · 32:00
Tom Sweet
CFO of Dell Technologies
Recorded June 15, 2020Tom helped Dell pull off one of the largest buyouts in history with the $67 billion acquisition of EMC. A great Bronco, Tom shares how Dell's senior leadership team is navigating current events and his thoughts on the future of technology and business.
Episode 17 · 33:05
Larry Bell
Founder and President of Bell's Brewery
Recorded June 10, 2020Larry has helped pioneer the craft beer movement. Based in Kalamazoo, and 100% family owned and independent, Bell's is now the seventh largest craft brewer in the United States. Larry shares how Bell's is responding to the pandemic and issues of racial equity, his thoughts on the future of craft beer and innovation.
Episode 16 · 34:21
Franco Bianchi
CEO of Haworth
Recorded May 19, 2020Franco shares about leading Haworth through the pandemic, the transition back to the office, and his thoughts on the future of workplace design and furniture solutions.
Episode 15 · 33:55
Dr. Stephanie Creary
Assistant Professor of Management at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Recorded June 12, 2020A leading expert on diversity and identity in organizations. Stephanie shares her expertise and experience on how business leaders create conversations and take action to foster racial equity.
Episode 14 · 33:11
Steve Cahillane
Chairman and CEO of Kellogg's
Recorded May 29, 2020Steve shares how he is leading Kellogg's through the COVID-19 pandemic, changing consumer habits and his approach to strategy.
Episode 13 · 39:10
Birgit Klohs
President and CEO of The Right Place
Recorded June 3, 2020Birgit shares her insights about leading through these historic times.
Episode 12 · 37:29
Kevin Lobo
Chairman and CEO of Stryker
Recorded May 12, 2020Kevin discusses leading Stryker through the COVID-19 crisis and what is required to bring innovations to market rapidly.
Episode 11 · 35:50
Fred Upton
United States Congressman Michigan 6th District
Recorded April 29, 2020Fred shares what it has been like in Congress, how to lead and build consensus amidst competitive perspectives, and offers advice to businesses as they look toward reopening.
Episode 10 · 37:11
Patti Poppe
President and CEO of Consumers Energy
Recorded May 4, 2020Patti announces a partnership with Consumers Energy, Google and Uplight, and shares the importance of purpose, values, and leadership in bringing this innovation to market.
Episode 9 · 33:26
John Green
Chairman and CEO of Revolution Farms and Chairman of Cirkul and Odyssey
Recorded April 27, 2020John speaks to managing cash, how this crisis is impacting indoor agriculture, and how he leads multiple companies through this crisis.
Episode 8 · 31:52
Fred Minturn
Group CEO and Executive Chairman at MSX International
Recorded April 21, 2020Fred discusses how the automotive sector is responding to the crisis and his thoughts on the future.
Episode 7 · 31:29
Todd Sanford
CEO and President of Sanford Financial Services
Recorded April 17, 2020What are the implications of the COVID-19 crisis for financial planning?
Todd Sanford, CEO and President of Sanford Financial Services, and founding donor of the Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness in the Haworth College of Business, shares his insights in Episode 7.
Episode 6 · 33:52
Kevin Carmody
Senior Partner at McKinsey
Recorded April 9, 2020Kevin shares his insights on how senior management teams are reacting and his advice on managing risk, cash, and innovation during this crisis.
Episode 5 · 37:10
Brian Calley
President of the Small Business Association of Michigan
Recorded April 24, 2020Brian shares his advice to small businesses and outlines what role his office is playing to help others.
Episode 4 · 34:57
Gordie Kosch
CEO, President and Owner of Kosch Dining Solutions
Recorded April 16, 2020The pandemic has hit food services and hospitality exceptionally hard. Gordie shares the rapidly unfolding trials and tribulations of leading an organization in the bullseye of the crisis.
Episode 3 · 33:10
Alessandro (Sandro) DiNello
President, CEO and a Director of Flagstar Bank and Flagstar Bancorp
Recorded April 17, 2020Banks are playing a vital role to help individuals and businesses manage this unprecedented time. Sandro shares his experience remaining calm while guiding a publicly traded bank through crisis.
Episode 2 · 38:54
John Bryant
Former Chairman and CEO of Kellogg's
Recorded April 7, 2020John Bryant is the former Chairman and CEO of Kellogg's, and a current board member of Macy's, Godiva, Ball Corporation and Compass Group. Doug and Derrick hear how a current board member is experiencing and advising during this unprecedented time.
Episode 1 · 45:43
Dr. Edward Montgomery
President of Western Michigan University
Recorded March 26, 2020Doug and Derrick kick off the podcast with a series of episodes exploring leadership and strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic. We begin in higher education with our very own, Dr. Edward Montgomery, President of Western Michigan University, former "car czar" in the Obama administration and nationally known labor economist.