The Jungle

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.

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Episode 32 · 30:00

Garrick Rochow

President and CEO of Consumers Energy

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.

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Episode 31 · 33:49

Peter Meijer

US Congressman - Michigan 3rd District

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.

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Episode 30 · 44:32

LBS Student Experience

Ft. Megan, Kordell, and Tyler

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.

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Episode 29 · 33:39

Michael Doss

CEO of Graphic Packaging

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.

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Episode 28 · 52:37

Jane Dutton

Professor Emerita at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business

This 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.

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Episode 27 · 47:25

Thor Flosason

Senior Director of Global Learning and Development at the Kellogg Company

This 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.

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Episode 26 · 35:22

Jeff Blashill

Head Coach of the Detroit Red Wings

This 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.

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Episode 25 · 41:18

John and Apollo Braganini

 St. Julian Winery

On 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.

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Episode 24 · 41:02

La June Montgomery Tabron

CEO of W.K. Kellogg Foundation

This 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. 

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Episode 23 · 39:31

Dean Pohlman

Founder and CEO of Man Flow Yoga

This 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.

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Episode 22 · 44:56

Dan Jefferies and Matt Vollmar

Newmind Group

This episode features a conversation with Dan Jefferies, founder and co-owner, and Matt Vollmar, CEO and co-owner, of Newmind Group.

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Episode 21 · 39:37

Peter Jackson

CEO of Bluescape Software

Peter 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.

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Episode 20 · 36:40

Psyche Terry

Founder of UI Global Brands

Psyche 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.

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Episode 19 · 30:43

Kathy Beauregard

Director of Athletics, Western Michigan University

On 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.

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Episode 18 · 32:00

Tom Sweet

CFO of Dell Technologies

Tom 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.

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Episode 17 · 33:05

Larry Bell

Founder and President of Bell's Brewery

Larry 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.

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Episode 16 · 34:21

Franco Bianchi

CEO of Haworth

Franco 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.

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Episode 15 · 33:55

Dr. Stephanie Creary

Assistant Professor of Management at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

A 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.

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Episode 14 · 33:11

Steve Cahillane

Chairman and CEO of Kellogg's

Steve shares how he is leading Kellogg's through the COVID-19 pandemic, changing consumer habits and his approach to strategy.

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Episode 13 · 39:10

Birgit Klohs

President and CEO of The Right Place

Birgit shares her insights about leading through these historic times.

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Episode 12 · 37:29

Kevin Lobo

Chairman and CEO of Stryker

Kevin discusses leading Stryker through the COVID-19 crisis and what is required to bring innovations to market rapidly.

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Episode 11 · 35:50

Fred Upton

United States Congressman Michigan 6th District

Fred 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.

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Episode 10 · 37:11

Patti Poppe

President and CEO of Consumers Energy

Patti announces a partnership with Consumers Energy, Google and Uplight, and shares the importance of purpose, values, and leadership in bringing this innovation to market.

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Episode 9 · 33:26

John Green

Chairman and CEO of Revolution Farms and Chairman of Cirkul and Odyssey

John speaks to managing cash, how this crisis is impacting indoor agriculture, and how he leads multiple companies through this crisis.

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Episode 8 · 31:52

Fred Minturn

Group CEO and Executive Chairman at MSX International

Fred discusses how the automotive sector is responding to the crisis and his thoughts on the future.

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Episode 7 · 31:29

Todd Sanford

CEO and President of Sanford Financial Services

What 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.

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Episode 6 · 33:52

Kevin Carmody

Senior Partner at McKinsey

Kevin shares his insights on how senior management teams are reacting and his advice on managing risk, cash, and innovation during this crisis.

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Episode 5 · 37:10

Brian Calley

President of the Small Business Association of Michigan

Brian shares his advice to small businesses and outlines what role his office is playing to help others.

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Episode 4 · 34:57

Gordie Kosch

CEO, President and Owner of Kosch Dining Solutions

The 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.

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Episode 3 · 33:10

Alessandro (Sandro) DiNello

President, CEO and a Director of Flagstar Bank and Flagstar Bancorp

Banks 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.

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Episode 2 · 38:54

John Bryant

Former Chairman and CEO of Kellogg's

John 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.

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Episode 1 · 45:43

Dr. Edward Montgomery

President of Western Michigan University

Doug 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.

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