DBA Chronicles

In this episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome Dr. Steve Winkel, Vice President of Talent and Engagement at Constant Contact, seasoned HR executive, and mental health advocate.With nearly two decades of experience in talent strategy and organizational development, Steve brings a rare and powerful perspective - one that sits at the intersection of research,leadership, and lived experience. As both a leader shaping workplace culture and an individual navigating mental health challenges, his work offers critical insights into what it truly means to build inclusive, human-centered organizations. Steve’s DBA research explores mental health disclosure in the workplace, examining how employee sentiment, psychological safety, and organizational dynamics influence whether individuals choose to speak up or stay silent. His findings challenge assumptions, uncover hidden barriers, and highlight the transformative impact of supportive leadership.But this conversation goes beyond research.It is about:The courage it takes to show up authentically at work The role leaders play in shaping psychologically safe environments And how vulnerability, when modeled at the top, can unlock trust, performance, and innovation  Why This Episode MattersMental health in the workplace is no longer a peripheral issue, it is central to leadership, culture, and performance. This episode highlights a critical shift:From stigma to opennessFrom policy to practice From compliance to genuine human connectionDr. Winkel’s research reveals that while fear of disclosurestill exists, many employees who do share their experiences are met with support, understanding, and meaningful accommodations, pointing to a growing opportunity for organizations to do even better. For leaders, practitioners, and DBA scholars, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: Psychological safety is not a moment, it is a cultureAnd leadership is not just about performance, it is about people. Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA Chronicles Website: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, share it with your network and leave a review. Your support helps us continue amplifying the voices shaping the global DBA scholar-practitioner community.

What does it take to build a globally recognized DBA programthat stands the test of time?In this truly international episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome the full leadership team from GEM Alpine Business School, one of Europe’s most established and globally respected DBA programs. With over 35 years of excellence and 700+ graduates worldwide, GEM’s DBA offers a compelling model of what it means to bridge academic rigor and real-world impact.Together, this dynamic panel explores the evolving landscapeof doctoral education and what today’s practitioner-scholars are really seeking. They share insights on what has sustained the program’s relevance, how the global DBA is being reimagined, and what today’s candidates are truly seeking from the doctoral journey. This conversation explores the intersection of academicrigor, executive leadership, and global perspective, offering a thoughtful look at how DBA programs continue to evolve to meet the needs of experienced professionals navigating complex, real-world challenges. Why This Episode MattersAs DBA programs expand globally, questions around relevance, recognition, and impact are more important than ever. This episode highlights how a long-standing European program continues to adapt, balancing rigorous research with real-world applicability, and creating space for leaders to reflect, question, and contribute new knowledge.The discussion also reinforces a central theme of the DBAjourney: that experienced professionals are not stepping away from practice, but rather stepping deeper into it through research.For current and prospective DBA candidates, this episodeoffers valuable perspective on what it means to pursue a doctorate in today’s interconnected, fast-changing world. Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a reviewand share it with your network. Your support helps us continue highlighting the voices and insights shaping theglobal DBA scholar-practitioner community.

Kimberly Bright is a Doctor of Business Administration candidate at the University of Rhode Island and a seasoned leader whose career spans public service, higher education leadership, strategic planning, and organizational change. Her work sits at the intersection of practice, policy, and scholarship, demonstrating the powerful role DBA research can play in addressing real-world challenges as they unfold. Holding a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Kimberlybrings a deeply practitioner-oriented lens to her doctoral research. Her study examines the lived experiences of Black Chief Diversity Officers in higher education, focusing on how race-based trauma, political pressures, and institutional dynamics influence leaders’ health, well-being, and intentions to remain in their roles. Conducted during a time of heightened scrutiny around higher education and diversity initiatives, Kimberly’s work reflects the core promise of the DBA: enabling experiencedprofessionals to translate lived expertise into rigorous scholarship that informs leadership, policy, and organizational practice in real time.But this episode is about more than a dissertation topic. It is about the journey from practice to scholarship, the intellectual transformation that happens in a DBA program, and theresponsibility of researcher-practitioners to bring credible evidence into complex societal conversations. Why This Episode MattersKimberly Bright’s research illustrates how the DBA serves as a bridge between scholarship and practice. Rather than studying events long after they occur, practitioner-scholars can investigate critical issues as they are happening, producing insights that organizations, policymakers, and leaders can use today.Her work also highlights a broader lesson for the DBA community: research is not just about adding to academic literature, it is about bringing evidence, lived experience, andcredible analysis into conversations that shape institutions and society.For DBA students, aspiring practitioner-scholars, and leaders navigating complex organizational environments, this episode demonstrates how timely research can illuminatehidden pressures, elevate overlooked voices, and strengthen decision-making in uncertain times. Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a reviewand share it with your network. Your support helps us continue highlighting the voices and insights shaping the global DBA scholar-practitioner community.

Dr. Helen Croskell is a seasoned global energy executiveturned scholar-practitioner.  She is a 2024 graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s Doctor of BusinessAdministration program, recipient of the inaugural Dean’s Excellence Award. Her research bridges economics, policy, and sustainable development, focusing on innovative contract structures that support renewable energy in developingnations.With more than 30 years of global executive experienceacross companies such ExxonMobil, Amerada Hess, Marathon Oil, Equinor/Statoil, and Ecopetrol, Helen made a bold decision: to step away from a high-powered energy career and reinvent herself through academic rigor, intellectualcuriosity, and purposeful contribution to the global energy transition.Her doctoral research explores an innovative idea: applyingProduction Sharing Agreement (PSA) structures which is traditionally used in oil and gas to offshore wind projects in developing countries.The goal? To create economic models that allow developingnations to benefit more fully from renewable energy while accelerating a balanced energy transition.But this episode isn’t just about energy policy. It’s aboutreinvention! In This Episode, We Explore:Why pursue a DBA after 30+ years at the top of industry?The brutal first semester — and almost quitting Academic rigor vs. business speed Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) and the energy transition What it would mean for a developing nation to choose offshore wind over oil and gas, not just environmentally, but economically Freedom after reinvention — from learning Spanish in Santiago to pursuing a private pilot’s license and skiinstructor certification, Helen shares how the DBA reignited her joy of learning and reshaped her post-career identity  Why This Episode MattersThis episode offers a powerful example of how DBA researchcan emerge directly from decades of lived executive experience and how scholarly rigor can strengthen, rather than distance itself from, real-world operational practice.For DBA students, practitioner-scholars, and senior leadersalike, Helen’s story illustrates what it truly means to reinvent with purpose: to embrace discomfort, bridge academia and industry, and use research not as theory for theory’s sake, but as a tool for meaningful economic and societal change.Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories, insights, and inspiration from across the DBA community.

With over 15 years at Disney, Dr. Katie Gottsch shares howher practitioner background shaped her DBA journey at Rollins College and how she transformed real-world organizational challenges into meaningful research.Her dissertation explored how customer feedback influences employees’ ability to deliver on the brand promise, using social media data as a longitudinal research source long before it became mainstream.Listeners will hear how Katie:Turned frontline operational challenges into a rigorous, practice-driven dissertationUsed customer feedback as a development and motivation tool, not a punitive oneIdentified critical gaps between marketing promises and employee experienceDesigned employee engagement strategies that measurably improved guest interactionsApplied DBA learning directly to leadership, systems thinking, and decision-makingWhy This Episode MattersThis episode offers a powerful example of how DBA researchcan emerge directly from lived professional experience and how scholarly rigor can strengthen, rather than separate from, operational practice. For DBA students, practitioner-scholars, and leaders alike, Katie’s story illustrates what it looks like to use research as a tool for meaningful organizational change.Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories, insights, and inspiration from across the DBA community.

With decades of experience spanning engineering, innovation research, and academic leadership, Dr. Sebastian Fixson shares what inspired him to launch Babson College’s first-everDoctor of Business Administration (DBA) program and why the DBA is uniquely positioned to bridge the long-standing gap between academic rigor and real-world relevance.An internationally recognized scholar and founding Faculty Director of the Babson DBA, Sebastian reflects onhow applied research, entrepreneurial leadership, and learning facilitation come together to create a doctoral experience designed for impact. Drawing on his background as a mechanical engineer trained in Germany and his PhD from MIT, he brings a systems-thinking lens to innovation, leadership, and program design.Listeners will:Hear about how DBA program is designed grounded in applied research, entrepreneurial leadership, and learningfacilitationLearn how design thinking and user research to shape a doctoral program from the ground upSee the DBA as a powerful vehicle for integrating, not merely translating, research and practiceUnderstand the misalignment between academic and industry incentive systems and how DBA programs can help close that gapExplore how digital tools and AI are reshaping innovation work and doctoral learningIn this conversation, hosts Dr. Kelly Burch and Dr. ValrieGrant explore Dr. Fixon’s vision for applied doctoral education, his commitment to expanding the impact of academic research, and what excites him most about Babson’s inaugural DBA cohorts. The discussion also touches on innovationleadership, teamwork, and how scholars can contribute to fairer, more adaptable organizations in a rapidly changing world. Why This Episode MattersThis episode offers a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look athow a modern DBA program is intentionally designed to serve both scholarship and practice. For current and prospective DBA students, faculty, and academic leaders, Sebastian’s insights illuminate what it takes to build meaningfulbridges between research, leadership, innovation, and real-world impact. Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a review. Your support helps us continue sharing stories, insights, and inspiration from across the DBA community.

In this powerful episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome Dr. Jason Phillips, retired U.S. Navy Commander, educator, and social innovator whose work bridges military service, scholarship, and community transformation.After a 22-year Navy career with deployments to Afghanistan, Jason witnessed firsthand the challenges veterans face after service, particularly the loss of mission, community, and purpose. That realization became the foundation of his DBA research and the Veteran Urban Farm: Live–Work–Grow Model.In this episode, we explore:The hidden gaps in veteran transition and reintegrationWhy community and purpose matter as much as employmentHow vacant urban buildings can be repurposed into live-work communitiesThe role of indoor agriculture, entrepreneurship, and shared ownership in restoring dignity and economic agencyHow the DBA practitioner-scholar framework helped transform lived experience into an actionable, scalablesolutionLeadership lessons from military service, teaching, and systems thinkingKey Quotes:“Reintegration challenges stem from a loss of community anda loss of purpose.”“The DBA gave me the tools not just to imagine change, but tobuild it.”This episode is a compelling example of purpose-driven scholarship in action, showing how rigorous research can become a blueprint for real-world impact.Listen in and be inspired to rethink community, leadership,and service beyond the uniform.Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please follow, subscribe, and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform.Until next time - keep learning, keep leading.

In this uplifting episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome AbbyBrannon, career coach, marketing educator, and rising scholar in the UNC Charlotte Doctor of Business Administration program.Abby may be early in her professional journey, but shebrings wisdom, intentionality, and heart far beyond her years. As a career coach in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University, a marketing adjunct faculty member, and now a first-year DBA student, Abby isbuilding a path defined by purpose, growth, and service.Together, we explore what it means to start a doctoraljourney early in your career, and the courage it takes to embrace the unknown, live into your potential, and step boldly into rooms filled with accomplished leaders. In This Episode, We Dive Into…Owning Your Journey Early OnFinding Your Voice as a ScholarPurpose as a Driver of Professional ImpactMarketing, Influencer Culture & Career ReadinessHow the DBA Changes the Way You See Your CareerReal Talk on Burnout, Balance & Belonging Key Quotes“Growth happens when you say yes to opportunities even the intimidating ones”“Helping others keeps me grounded. The impact I make is what drives me.”“The academic language was foreign at first — but now, I can see my progress every week.” Why This Episode MattersAbby reminds us that you don’t need decades of experience to begin contributing meaningfully to your field - you just need clarity, courage, curiosity, and community. Her story is a powerful example of what it looks like to step into a DBA program with openness and optimism, ready to shape yourfuture.Whether you’re early in your career, considering a DBA, orsimply seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you encouraged, energized, and ready to own your next step.Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, please leave a review.Your support helps us bring more stories, insights, and inspiration to the DBA community.

Dr. Amber Yoo joins DBA Chronicles to move the AI conversation from policy warnings to pragmatic curriculum design. Amber explains how her clinical and entrepreneurial background shaped a practical approach to academicleadership and shares a clear curriculum blueprint: Intro → Ethics → Applied (domain-specific). She argues universities must empower non-technical students to critically evaluate AI outputs, protect core learning tasks from misuse, and partneracross units (instructional design, IT, industry) to create meaningful, employer-aligned outcomes. Packed with classroom examples, task-mapping tactics, and steps for convening cross-campus collaborators, this episode is ahands-on guide for faculty, program leads, and instructional designers who want to integrate generative AI ethically and effectively. Dr. Amber Yoo is a 2023 graduate of the University of Florida’sDoctor of Business Administration program, accomplished entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for ethical and applied AI in business education.Highlights & practical valueWhy Amber left entrepreneurship for the DBA and how practicing systems thinking in a clinic informed her approachA simple, inclusive curriculum model Practical classroom techniquesRapid convening playbook to break silosNotable quotes“We actually need to be empowering the users on how to use this tool effectively - think about this tool with critical thinking.”“If you graduate without subject-matter expertise, you can’t evaluate what the model gives you.”“There’s never going to be a perfect time - if this is what you want to build, start small and iterate.”Who should listenFaculty, program directors, instructional designers, academic technology teams, DBA candidates, and industry partners seeking practical, ethical AI integration. Connect & shareLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & reviewIf this episode landed for you, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast app — and share it with one person that will benefit from the content.

Dr. Robert “Navy Bob” Roncska joins DBA Chronicles totranslate high-stakes military leadership lessons into every day, evidence-based practices for people-first leaders. From commanding nuclear-powered submarines (and carrying the nuclear football) to leading high-reliability teams in healthcare, Navy Bob explains why lead with loveis not soft — it’s strategic. We bridge lived experience and scholarship (Leader–Member Exchange / LMX), discuss measurable indicators of relationship-based leadership, and walk through concrete rituals, and accountability practices that leaders can apply starting tomorrow.Bonus: Dr. Katie Gottsch from the Leading with Love teamjoins us in studio and shares insights throughout the episode.Highlights & practical valueReal stories from submarine command that reveal how care + accountability turn around performance. Concrete, research-backed ways to measure leader–member exchange (LMX) and use those signals for promotion, coaching, and remediation. Ready-to-use micro-rituals (daily/weekly) to build psychological safety and mutual accountability. Key takeawaysLead with love = intentional care + clear accountability- That combo produces trust, ownership, and safer teamsRelationships are measurable-Use LMX indicators to make people decisions less subjective and more fairSmall rituals compound -Short, consistent behaviors beat intermittent grand programs when changing cultureNotable quotes“Lead with love — it’s not soft, it’s the engine of reliability.” “When people are afraid of disappointing their shipmates, not the captain, culture changes.” “Trustworthiness is earned in the small choices you make every day.” Who should listenLeaders and aspiring leaders, HR and people-ops professionals, team coaches, and anyone who wants practical, research-grounded tools to improve trust,retention, and team performance.Connect & shareLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & reviewIf this episode landed for you, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast app — and share it with one leader who could use a people-first playbook.

Dr. Chaka Blackman-Lee joins DBA Chronicles to trace a lifeand career shaped by resilience, service, and purpose — from Panama and Brooklyn to nonprofit leadership, consulting, and a DBA at Fox School of Business, Temple University. Chaka explains why entrepreneurship for Black communities is far more than commerce: it’s social action, communitypreservation, and intergenerational legacy. She discusses the values that guided her research, the power of storytelling (and “excavating” hidden histories like Black Wall Streets), her move into teaching and public-facing scholarship, and practical advice for first-generation scholars and leaders. Key takeawaysEntrepreneurship in Black communities function as a social action mechanism — driven by values that balance community and self-interest. Small, steady progress matters: “put one foot in front of the other” — break big goals into bite-sized steps. Storytelling and record-keeping matter: preserving andsharing entrepreneurial histories builds legacy and informs policy/practice. Visible, modern outreach can complement academic publishing — it’s a direct route to community impact. Leaders need supportive networks and candid conversations about imposter syndrome — mentorship and vulnerability create pathways for others. Notable quotes“Everything is figureoutable.” “Put one foot in front of the other.” “I felt like I could’ve used a friend — so I decided tobecome that friend.” Who should listenThis episode is for aspiring and current entrepreneurs—especially those interested in community-centeredbusiness models—first-generation scholars and professional learners seeking practical advice on navigating academia and leadership, and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and anyone curious about the intersection of social movements and economic agency. Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode resonated with you, leave a review on here or on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this powerful episode Dr. Vince Hafeli takes us from thejobsite to the boardroom — and into the hard, honest work of healing. Vince shares a 40-year career in construction (starting 1985), his long journey to formal education (a bachelor’s completed after 16 years), rapid leadershipgrowth at Ajax (General Manager within a year of joining in 2002; VP in 2007; President in 2019), and why he pursued a DBA at the University of South Florida — the joke is partly so his kids would call him “Doctor,” but really to reinvigorate his thinking and use research to make a difference.The heart of the conversation is Vince’s courageous researchand advocacy on mental health and suicide in the construction industry. He opens up about his own suicide attempt, how qualitative research gave him a path to listen and document the stories of others, and how telling those stories has translated into real change- his talks to 100+ groups, raising awareness, and shifting industry culture one conversation at a time. Key takeawaysLeadership is more than title — it’s using lived experience to influence culture and policy.Mental health is health: seeking help (therapy) is a strength, not a weakness.Data and stories together move industries; qualitative research gives voice to people who’ve been told to “tough it out.”Small visible actions (awareness campaigns, open conversations, accessible supports) create momentum for change.Notable quote“We talk about protecting workers from physical harm — we need to give the same seriousness to protecting minds.”This episode is essential listening for construction leaders, site crews, safety and HR professionals, qualitative researchers, and anyone committed to ending the stigma around mental health—because Vince’s lived experience and DBA research turn raw stories and hard data into practical steps that can change workplace culture and save lives. Tune in to hear candid lessons from the jobsite to the boardroom and to learn simple, powerful actions you can take: share this episode with your teams, raise mental-health supports at your next safety meeting, and push your organization to make resources visible and accessible.  Connect with Us: LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode resonated with you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this episode of DBA Chronicles,  we welcomed and sat down with Dr. Alan Turovlin—Program Director of the UNC Charlotte DBA program to unpack the true return oninvestment of earning a Doctor of Business Administration. Whether you’re weighing the DBA against a PhD, considering a mid-career shift, or aiming to maximize the impact of your doctoral journey, Dr. Turovlin shares practical insights, real-world anecdotes, and actionable advice straight from the front lines of academia and industry. We explore:How a DBA differs from an MBA and a PhD, and why the “why?” question mattersThe tangible and intangible career benefits of a DBA at mid-careerAnecdotal ROI data: alumni success stories and income growthCore skills and competencies you’ll gain—and how they translate to business impactNetworking strategies: leveraging professors and your cohort for lifelong connectionsKey considerations and pitfalls for prospective DBA candidatesTime-management and scope-control tactics to get the most out of your programKey Quotes:“A DBA isn’t just another credential—it’s a research journey that shapes how you see and solve problems.”  “Your dissertation should answer a burning question for you and your organization—not just fill a gap in the literature.”  “The network you build in your cohort can outlast any single class—it’s your lifelong executive peer group.”  Whether you’re on the fence about returning to school or ready to dive into your proposal, this episode provides a roadmap for maximizing both the tangible and intangible returns of a DBA program.Connect with Us: LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode resonated with you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

Welcome to another engaging episode of DBA Chronicles!This week, Amy, Kelly, and Valrie sat down with the dynamic and multitalented Dr. Joseph Arrington—a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, athlete, researcher, and proud father.Dr. Arrington joins us from Utah, bringing his signatureenergy to share his unique academic path as a DBA holder. A proud Drexel graduate, Joseph takes us through his inspiring journey of merging business rigor with medical innovation. From impactful mentorship with dissertation chairs to powerful “aha” moments in the DBA program, his story is a testament to how lived experience and academic inquiry can drive transformative leadership in healthcare.In this episode we dive into:What inspired Joseph to pursue a DBA—and then a PhD in Health Systems ResearchHow his diverse roles shaped his approach to doctoral studiesThe emotional investment scholars bring to research—and how collaboration refines itWhy scholarly work and entrepreneurship don’t have to exist in silosA peek into Joseph’s family life, his passion for innovation, and his Drexel prideIf you're looking to understand the value of a DBA beyondthe classroom—or wondering what happens when research, service, and leadership collide—this episode is for you.Tune in, be inspired, and share with a fellow scholar or change-maker.Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode inspired you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite platform. Your feedback helps amplify voices like Joseph’s and supports the growth of the DBA community.Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

What happens when a startup veteran with a passion foroperations decides to dive deep into academic research? In this episode, we’re joined by Sean Doherty, founder and CEO of Sierra Delta Advisors and current DBA student at Penn State University, who is also pursuing a masters in SupplyChain Management—simultaneously!From managing flight operations to scaling logistics forHelloFresh and Vineyard Vines, Sean brings a rare blend of real-world startup hustle and research rigor. We explore:Why Sean pursued a DBA (and why now) His dissertation focus- supply chain strategies fore-commerce startups Lessons learned from startup failures—andthe opportunity to do better The power of mixed methods research and working with leading scholars Practical advice for founders on supply chain readiness and raising venture capital“You can't scale a spreadsheet.” Sean shares candid storiesand actionable insights for anyone navigating the world of e-commerce, operations, or the DBA journey.Whether you're a founder, a DBA student, or a supply chainstrategist, this episode is packed with lessons on leadership, learning, and leveraging failure to fuel success.Tune in and discover why Sean says he’s the happiest he’sever been—professionally and academically.Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode inspired you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite platform. Your feedback helps amplify voices like Sean’s and supports the growth of the DBA community.Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this episode of DBA Chronicles, hosts Dr. Kelly Burch,Dr. Valrie Grant and Dr. Amy Horner sat down with two distinguished DBA graduates and musicians, Dr. Frank Dukes (VP, Finance Manager, Global Transaction Services at Bank of America) and Dr. Chris Richardson (Senior Manager, Supply Chain at Thermo Fisher Scientific). Both from Cohort 6 at UNCCharlotte, they dive deep into the evolving role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and share unique insights from their recent research.Key Topics Discussed:What inspired Dr. Dukes and Dr. Richardson to pursue a DBAChallenges faced and resilience-building moments in their doctoral journeyDr. Richardson’s research on dynamic capabilities shaping CSR adaptation during disruptionsDr. Dukes’ study on how political polarization influences ESG behaviors within firmsThe real-world implications of CSR in strategic decision-making and leadershipAdvice for navigating CSR in politically and socially charged environmentsKey Takeaways:CSR must be embedded in a company’s long-term strategy, not just a reactive measureDynamic capabilities like sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring are critical for resilient CSR strategiesPolitical orientation doesn’t always shape corporate CSR engagement—investor pressure and strategic alignment matter moreAvoid “flavor of the month” CSR approaches; sustainability is about enduring value and consistencyBonus Insight:Both guests bring a musical twist—Dr. Dukes on guitar and Dr. Richardson on drums—highlighting the harmony of creativity and business insight in their journey!Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode inspired you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite platform. Your feedback helps amplify voices like Dr. Burich’s and supports the growth of the DBA community.Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of DBA Chronicles, we turn the spotlight on our very own co-host—now proudly Dr. Kelly Burich. Fresh from crossing the stage at UNC Charlotte’s Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, Kelly steps into the guest seat to reflect on her transformative DBA journey and what it means to be Resilient on Purpose—a phrase that encapsulates not only her research focus but the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of doctoral life.With her trademark honesty and humor, Kelly invites us into a powerful conversation about burnout, emotional labor, and well-being in the veterinary profession—a field she has served for over two decades. She also opens up about personal loss, resilience, and what it means to pursue research that truly matters.We explore:What led Kelly to pursue the DBA and how she chose her research topicThe emotional toll and breakthroughs of navigating doctoral lifeDefining burnout, emotional labor, and the two types of well-beingSurprising findings from her dissertation—and what didn’t go as plannedHow resilience and purpose informs life beyond the doctorateThe role of resilience, calling, and purpose in surviving hard seasonsKelly’s candid reflections offer wisdom and comfort for everyscholar navigating a challenging season. Whether you're just starting out or nearing the finish line, this episode is a reminder that the doctoral journey isn’t just about the letters after your name—it’s about who you become in the process.Key Quotes:“Resilience is not about never breaking down—it’s about choosing to get back up.”“You don’t need perfect research to make a meaningful contribution.”“Even if you didn’t find what you were looking for— doesn't mean you didn't find something that matters.”This episode is a tribute to grace under pressure, purpose-led research, and the strength it takes to finish strong. Join us in celebrating Dr. Kelly Burich—and all the scholars doing brave, imperfect, and deeply important work.Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode inspired you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite platform. Your feedback helps amplify voices like Dr. Burich’s and supports the growth of the DBA community.Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this powerful episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome ascholar, veteran, and visionary—Jevon Wooden, current DBA candidate at the University of Houston, founder of Bright Mind Consulting Group, and a dynamic force in empathetic leadership and community transformation.From nearly losing his future at 17 to becoming a decoratedBronze Star Army veteran and business leader, Jevon shares how lived experience shapes not just his personal journey but his mission to enable digital equity and social mobility through entrepreneurship.We explore:The moment that changed everything — and ignited his path to impactWhat it means to lead with empathy and why it matters now more than everHis research on digital entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty in urban communitiesThe role of community, digital platforms, and innovation ecosystems in enabling upward mobilityTranslating research into real-world action, including youth programs and small business supportJevon also takes us inside his dissertation work, grounded instructuration theory, social cognitive theory, and endogenous growth theory, to explore how intrinsic motivation, mentorship, and opportunity interact to create success in underserved communities.Key Quotes:“You have to come in empty—ready to learn how to learn.”“Empathetic leadership is about pausing to see others’ perspectives before reacting.”“When you design inclusively, you design for everyone.”This episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven scholarship and a testament to what’s possible when research meetsreal-life commitment.Whether you're a fellow DBA candidate, practitioner, orchangemaker, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with heart, uplift your community, and rethink what business can be.Hit play and join us for an unforgettable journey from personal resilience to professional brilliance.Connect with Us: LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode resonated with you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this very special episode, we flip the script — literallyas one of our co-founders, Dr. Valrie Grant, steps into the guest seat.Fresh off her successful defense, Dr. Grant takes us deepinside her dissertation- Factors Influencing National Geospatial Information Management Adoption in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — a rich exploration of how leadership, national innovation systems, and external pressures shape the future of climate resilience and development for some of the world’s most vulnerable nations.In this episode we explored:How a personal need for renewal sparked a transformative doctoral journeyAn insider's view into SIDS and why national geospatial information management is critical for climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainabledevelopmentThe surprises in her researchPractical lessons for governments, policymakers, and change-makersHow academic research can drive real-world impact — and why it mustYou'll also hear heartfelt reflections on balancing practitioner experience with academic rigor, the “aha” moments along the DBA journey, and what’s next for this newly minted doctor and global strategist.Key Quotes:"Effective geospatial governance isn't a luxury for small islands — it's a lifeline.""Real-world change starts with asking the right questions and doing the hard work to find the answers.""Leadership at multiple levels — not just at the top — can make the difference between meaningful progress and stagnation."Whether you're a fellow scholar, geospatial professional, ora curious mind, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a powerful reminder that your lived experience can fuel transformational change.Hit play, and let’s journey together through innovation,leadership, and purposeful impact!Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, pleasesubscribe and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Join our community for more inspiring stories and practical lessons.Until next time!

Join us for a fascinating episode of DBA Chronicles as we welcome Dr. Pawan Anand, a technology executive, award-winning innovator, and scholar of Temple University’s DBA program. In this episode, Dr. Anand shares his remarkablejourney through the rigors of doctoral life, his cutting-edge research on integrating generative AI into agile software engineering, and his thoughts on the future of AI in leadership and business. In this episode, you’ll learn:What inspired Pawan to pursue a DBA and how it transformed his thinking and leadership styleHis cutting-edge research using a mixed-method approach to explore the impact of GenAI in software developmentInsights into agentic AI and how AI agents are redefining team collaboration and business velocityHow organizational culture influences AI adoption—and why leadership mindset is keyReflections on balancing doctoral studies, professional travel, and parenting young childrenWhy staying curious and solving real-world problems is more important than chasing a tech hype Whether you're deep into your own DBA journey or simply intrigued by the intersection of AI and business, this episode will leave you both inspired and informed. Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe &Review: If you enjoyed this episode, pleasesubscribe and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Join our community for more inspiring stories and practical lessons.Until next time!