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
Trailer · 1:40
Welcome to THE JUNGLE
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
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.