CASE STUDIES

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey opens up in a rare solo conversation about the habits and reflections that have had the most profound impact on his life and leadership. Inspired by a powerful question posed at Harvard Business School; “Are you happy?” He unpacks what happiness really means and how it can be intentionally designed through daily discipline. Drawing from Hal Elrod’s Miracle Morning framework, Casey shares the specific morning ritual that anchors his days and builds emotional strength: silence, affirmations, visualization, exercise, reading, and journaling. These practices, he explains, are more than productivity hacks, they’re tools for building clarity, identity, and momentum. With relatable stories and practical insights, Casey challenges listeners to reflect on what makes them happy, what excites them, and how to build a life that reflects those truths. This episode is a timely reset for anyone looking to take more ownership over their energy, mindset, and outcomes in 2026.00:00 | Why This Solo Episode Matters00:26 | Harvard Experience: The Happiness Question02:12 | What Actually Makes You Happy?03:28 | Designing More Joy Into Daily Life03:49 | The Power of Morning Rituals04:15 | SAVERS: The 6-Part Miracle Morning04:32 | Silence: Finding Clarity at 5AM05:15 | Affirmations: Rewiring Identity Daily05:57 | Visualization: Win the Day Before It Starts06:37 | Story: Helping My Daughter Through Visualization07:25 | Exercise: The 100 Burpee Challenge08:49 | Reading & Personal Growth on the Go09:02 | Scribing: The 3 Journaling Prompts That Guide Me10:24 | Happiness vs. Excitement: Know Both10:40 | Emotional Strength Through Daily Discipline11:19 | A Challenge for 2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special release from The Harvard Collection x Case Studies, we are joined by Adel Sajan, the visionary Group Managing Director of Danube Group, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate based in Dubai. Adel shares his family’s incredible journey of resilience and innovation, from navigating adversity to building an empire spanning retail, real estate, and hospitality.Starting his journey in the family business at the age of 13, Adel’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding Danube Home across the GCC and beyond. He reveals insights into overcoming challenges, redefining industries, and sustaining family values while driving global success. From wartime Kuwait to leading luxury development in Dubai, Adel’s story is a masterclass in determination, innovation, and legacy building.This episode also offers a glimpse into Adel’s personal life, including his lavish wedding aboard a cruise ship and his commitment to balancing family, faith, and business excellence. Packed with inspiring lessons, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey Baugh sits down with Kent Alder, former CEO of TTM Technologies, to unpack how a quiet leader from Cache Valley helped build a $7 billion public company. From humble beginnings to orchestrating bold acquisitions and navigating industry chaos, Kent’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and vision.Kent reveals the behind-the-scenes playbook that led TTM from a tiny PCB manufacturer to an industry giant. He shares how aligning incentives, focusing on execution over hype, and making countercyclical moves during downturns drove long-term success. You’ll hear lessons on navigating private equity partnerships, building strong cultures, and evolving as a leader across decades. This episode is a masterclass in how to lead through market chaos, think long-term, and win as a team.00:00 | Introduction to Kent Alder01:29 | Building TTM: From Roll-Up to $7B Public Company03:19 | Competing in a Tough, Low-Margin Industry04:18 | Early Career: From Finance to Circuit Boards07:26 | Lessons from Early Mentors and Risk-Taking08:26 | Turning Around a Tiny Manufacturer10:29 | Becoming CEO and Strategic Expansion13:46 | Partnering with Private Equity15:04 | Going Public and the Dot-Com Era22:21 | Navigating the Dot-Com Crash26:14 | Acquiring Honeywell Assets in a Crisis29:29 | Acquisitions That Worked: Culture & Fit30:09 | Buying Back Tyco: Integration and Vision32:14 | Incentive Structures and Company Culture34:48 | Strategic Discipline in a Commoditized Market36:18 | Customer Relationships as True Partnerships39:18 | Leadership Through Crisis & Market Cycles43:20 | Personal Growth as a CEO45:56 | Lifelong Learning & Team Development49:39 | Delegation and Building Teams at Scale53:31 | Working the Night Shift: Leading by Example55:52 | Legacy, Succession, and Long-Term Culture59:42 | Sacrifices, Travel, and Company Dedication01:03:19 | Legacy: Impact Over Titles01:06:04 | Marriage, Support Systems & Family Balance01:09:14 | Faith, Values, and Navigating Trade-offs01:12:26 | Advice for Young Entrepreneurs01:13:58 | The Misunderstood Journey of Success Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this inspiring episode of Case Studies, Juliana Del Aguila takes us on a deeply personal and powerful journey through her life as a leader, a woman in a male-dominated industry, and a member of a family with an iconic legacy. Juliana shares the extraordinary story of her family, from escaping the Armenian genocide to building transformative businesses in Argentina and Armenia, including their groundbreaking ventures in textiles, wine, and airport development.Juliana opens up about her unique position as the only female leader in her family’s businesses, the challenges she has faced, and the lessons she has learned about resilience, vulnerability, and embracing authenticity. She reflects on balancing personal ambitions with family commitments, coping with loss, and preparing for future roles as a mother and mentor.Through her story, Juliana explores profound themes such as the importance of faith, the role of community impact in business, and the journey to discovering and owning her true self. Whether you’re drawn to stories of entrepreneurship, family legacy, or personal growth, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration to live with purpose, make meaningful contributions, and leave a lasting legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey Baugh sits down with Dave Checketts, the youngest president in NBA history and former CEO of Madison Square Garden. From saving bankrupt franchises to leading iconic sports organizations, Dave shares the defining moments that shaped his career and his character.This conversation goes far beyond headlines and trophies. Dave opens up about faith, injustice, loss, and the unseen preparation behind opportunity. He reflects on how early rejection fueled resilience, how mentorship changed the trajectory of his life, and why building “championship culture” matters more than talent or capital alone.Now operating in private equity after decades in the global sports spotlight, Dave explains why influence without attention has become more fulfilling than power with a platform. This is a rare masterclass on leadership, readiness, and building a life of meaning long after the applause fades.⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 | Admiration, Sports, and a Life in Leadership03:35 | Growing Up in Bountiful & Learning to Hustle Early08:34 | Rejection, Injustice, and Missing High School Basketball12:20 | Turning Setbacks into Fuel for Growth15:25 | Making the BYU Basketball Team Against the Odds20:14 | Faith, Obedience, and a Defining Spiritual Promise24:19 | Why That One Year of College Basketball Mattered28:19 | Ambition at 70 and Never Being Finished30:48 | Business School, Bain, and Early Career Acceleration35:27 | Clayton Christensen, Mentorship, and Consulting41:31 | Helping Danny Ainge and Entering Pro Sports47:26 | Walking into the NBA Office Unannounced52:58 | Sparring with David Stern—and Earning His Trust57:09 | Why the Celtics Deal Fell Apart59:17 | Being Chosen to Save the Utah Jazz at 2701:02:42 | Championship Culture vs. Winning Culture01:09:14 | Painful Partnerships and Hard Lessons01:16:21 | Tragedy, Loss, and Perspective01:20:04 | Faith, Gratitude, and the Experiences You Wouldn’t Choose01:22:14 | Raising Capital to Save the Jazz01:27:00 | Legacy Beyond Sports and the Spotlight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s episode, Casey sits down Chad Willardson - Chad shares his inspiring journey of building a successful wealth management business from the ground up, emphasizing the importance of adding value, maintaining integrity, and fostering positive relationships.Chad reveals his unique approach to helping others overcome their fears, illustrated by a moving story of encouraging a stranger to take a leap of faith. We delve into the critical distinctions between building and preserving wealth, the significance of focusing on what you do best, and the power of giving while living. Chad also discusses the role of faith, family, and personal growth in achieving a fulfilling and successful life.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or someone looking to better manage your finances, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and profound insights. Tune in to discover how to harness your fears, invest with confidence, and build a legacy of wealth and purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with David Bearss – a trailblazing scientist, cancer researcher, and biotech founder, for a compelling conversation about faith, innovation, and the extraordinary journey from a biology lab to life saving breakthroughs. David shares how an early gene discovery altered the course of his life, launching him from a white coat in academia to the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. With humility and clarity, he reveals what it’s like to develop treatments that not only extend lives but have saved the lives of people he loves. They explore how Halia, his latest venture, is revolutionizing Alzheimer’s research by studying those genetically at risk who never get the disease, and how AI is accelerating discoveries that once took decades. David also opens up about the mentors who believed in him, the moral weight of investor trust, and why scarcity breeds the best innovation. This conversation is an inspiring masterclass in conviction, purpose, and the science of resilience; for anyone committed to solving hard problems and building something that truly matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we step into a new year, we’re taking a moment to pause and reflect on one of the most meaningful questions asked in every episode of Case Studies:“Talk to me about faith.”This episode is Part One of our 2025 faith reflections, featuring half of this year’s guests sharing how faith shapes their leadership, decisions, relationships, and sense of purpose. The answers are thoughtful, honest, and deeply personal, offering a powerful look at how faith is showing up in real life and real business.As we move into the year ahead, these conversations create space to reflect on our own journeys and consider how faith is impacting each of us right now.Part Two drops next week, where we’ll share the remaining guests’ responses and continue the conversation.Whether faith is central to your life or something you’re still exploring, this episode is an invitation to reflect, reset, and step into the new year with intention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Andrew Smith, serial entrepreneur, multi-exit founder, and co-founder of Savory Fund, for an unforgettable deep dive into resilience, reinvention, and the sacred power of food.Andrew opens up about building three successful tech companies before the age of 33, selling to Fortune 100s, and navigating the dot-com bust and 2008 financial crisis. But it was a surprising pivot—supporting his wife Shauna’s dream to open a Kneaders Bakery; that shifted his trajectory and ultimately led to launching a wildly successful F&B Investment firm.From selling streaming tech in the ’90s to washing dishes in a café post-exit, Andrew shares raw lessons on humility, grit, and what it means to start over. They explore how family, faith, and a relentless drive to solve real problems shaped his entrepreneurial DNA, and why he believes restaurants are uniquely positioned to thrive, even in chaos.This conversation is a masterclass for founders on navigating ego, building with purpose, and finding meaning in the margins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As we step into a new year, we’re taking a moment to pause and reflect on one of the most meaningful questions asked in every episode of Case Studies:“Talk to me about faith.”This episode is Part One of our 2025 faith reflections, featuring half of this year’s guests sharing how faith shapes their leadership, decisions, relationships, and sense of purpose. The answers are thoughtful, honest, and deeply personal, offering a powerful look at how faith is showing up in real life and real business.As we move into the year ahead, these conversations create space to reflect on our own journeys and consider how faith is impacting each of us right now.Part Two drops next week, where we’ll share the remaining guests’ responses and continue the conversation.Whether faith is central to your life or something you’re still exploring, this episode is an invitation to reflect, reset, and step into the new year with intention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this solo episode, Casey reflects on the profound principle of giving and how acts of kindness—both big and small—can transform lives and create a lasting impact.Drawing from personal experiences, Casey shares powerful stories, from a life-changing moment at Cold Stone to an unforgettable Christmas Eve encounter, illustrating how acknowledging others and expressing generosity can break barriers and inspire connection. He highlights lessons learned from mentors who model a spirit of abundance, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from growing and giving.Casey also dives into the psychology of human needs and the super-needs of growth and contribution, offering practical insights on how anyone can give—whether through time, resources, or simple acts of kindness. He issues a Christmas Challenge to intentionally seek opportunities to bless others and shares how these moments can ripple into a legacy of goodness.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace abundance, create meaningful connections, and make this holiday season a time of true giving. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode, Casey Baugh sits down with long-time friend and All-American wrestler Ben Kjar for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, adversity, and becoming the kind of person who stands out—on purpose. From surviving childhood bullying to becoming Utah Valley University’s first All-American, Ben shares what it takes to turn pain into fuel, pressure into performance, and setbacks into legacy.Ben opens up about living with Crouzon Syndrome, calling his shot as a teen, building elite discipline, and the upcoming release of his inspiring feature film Stand Out. This isn’t just a story of success—it’s a blueprint for how to live bold, focused, and fully committed to your calling.00:00 | Missionary Beginnings & Lifelong Friendship03:58 | Wrestling Origins & Crouzon Syndrome06:39 | Calling the Shot: Becoming a 3X State Champion08:55 | Childhood Trauma That Sparked Transformation12:39 | Choosing Power Over Victimhood18:10 | Lessons from Jesus: Grace vs. Retaliation24:31 | UVU Wrestling & Sacrificing for the Dream26:45 | Be Disobedient to Average29:42 | The Power of Shot-Calling & Deadlines32:57 | Translating Athletic Principles to Life35:07 | Expanding Worldviews Through Experience41:56 | Letting Go to Go All In44:43 | Becoming UVU’s First All-American48:01 | Grit, Redemption & Spitting in Fear’s Face54:15 | Impact of Focused Commitment57:25 | From Real Estate to Life Purpose01:02:00 | Family, Adoption & Unwavering Support01:06:09 | Speaking with Purpose & Creating Legacy01:09:03 | Trust, Belief & Living with Intention01:15:08 | Behind the Film “Stand Out”01:21:00 | Final Reflections & Lasting Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Casey welcomes his longtime friend and fearless entrepreneur, Lindsay Hadley. With a friendship spanning over 20 years, Casey and Lindsay dive deep into the stories and mindset that have defined Lindsay’s extraordinary career and life. From orchestrating massive global fundraising efforts to facing failures head-on, Lindsay opens up about her philosophy of taking bold action and trusting the process, even when the odds seem insurmountable.Listen as they explore Lindsay’s incredible journey of faith, risk-taking, and pursuit of purpose, all while balancing personal challenges and the drive to make a meaningful impact. Through candid anecdotes and powerful insights, this episode will challenge you to rethink what it means to be fearless, to embrace failure, and to trust in your mission—no matter where it leads. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation that proves bravery isn’t the absence of fear, but the determination to act in spite of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Jeanette Bennett – award-winning journalist, founder of Utah Valley Magazine, and now a rising leader in commercial real estate; for a compelling conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the power of quiet ambition.Jeanette opens up about her early days growing up in Idaho, her fierce internal drive that led her to become valedictorian, and how motherhood sparked the entrepreneurial fire that would define her career. With no outside funding, she sold her home to launch her first magazine; a move that would go on to shape the voice of Utah’s business community for over two decades.They explore the realities of building a company from scratch, navigating gender dynamics in leadership, and what it looks like to gracefully transition into a new chapter of influence and impact. Through it all, Jeanette reflects on listening as a superpower, the art of celebrating others, and the quiet strength it takes to lead with both confidence and humility.This conversation is packed with insight for anyone building a business, a life, or both.00:00 | Welcome & Jeanette’s Early Career Roots01:34 | The Gender Gap in Utah Business03:33 | Navigating Motherhood and Ambition06:37 | Embracing Opportunity in a Man’s World08:45 | Building a Career Around Storytelling13:41 | The Warrior Spirit of Young Jeanette17:01 | BYU, Journalism, and Dreaming Bigger21:21 | Falling in Love with People and Events27:53 | Why Motherhood Sparked Her Entrepreneurial Fire31:04 | Selling Her Home to Start a Magazine34:27 | Learning Business the Hard Way38:54 | Finding Joy in Mentorship and Team Building40:12 | Surviving the Housing Crisis & Reinventing Verticals43:41 | Knowing When It’s Time for a New Chapter45:33 | Reinvention and the Courage to Start Over48:29 | Leading with Confidence and Humility49:56 | Why Diversity Makes Teams Stronger51:30 | Wisdom from Mentors and Multigenerational Networks55:38 | Choosing Family Over Fame Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Casey’s business partner and long time friend, Dave Jensen sits down at the MW3 conference with Kalani Sitake, head coach of the BYU Cougars football team. Kalani, reflects on his upbringing sharing stories from his early years, the impact of his multicultural background, and his experiences with legendary figures like BYU coach LaVell Edwards and Nike founder Phil Knight. He discusses how the relationships in his life have shaped his coaching philosophy, focusing on humility, empathy, and genuine connection. With powerful anecdotes of overcoming adversity, Kalani emphasizes the value of kindness and its profound impact on people’s lives. Kalani shares his commitment to creating a positive environment where his players grow as athletes and individuals. He discusses his belief that true success is measured not just in victories but in the character and values instilled in those he mentors. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that shows how sports can transform lives and build stronger communities.00:00 | Welcome, MW3 setup & Kalani’s intro00:06 | Dave introduces Kalani’s journey & coaching career01:46 | What excites Kalani most about BYU football right now02:39 | Visiting Nike, meeting Phil Knight & LaVell Edwards stories03:21 | The voicemail from LaVell that changed a 1–3 season06:15 | Mission call, faith, and early mentoring from LaVell07:19 | Growing up Tongan: divorce, moving, and feeling broken10:11 | A BYU player’s hug that “fixed” a nine-year-old kid12:09 | Kindness as a superpower & what really matters more than wins13:44 | Spotting people who are hurting & choosing to reach out15:16 | Family storytelling, heritage, and choosing happiness with little17:21 | Discovering the commandment that changed how he honored his parents18:41 | His father’s last day of work & a quiet act of integrity22:06 | Meeting Timberley, raising kids, and the realities of coaching life23:11 | How Timberley prepped him for the BYU head coach interview25:33 | The line that sealed the BYU job (and who really wrote it)27:03 | Lessons from Kyle Whittingham & gratitude to Utah28:34 | Family, rivalry, legacy, and letting love lead29:42 | Closing challenge: use your strengths to lift the world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Taylor Randall, the 17th president of the University of Utah and former dean of the David Eccles School of Business. With a background as a distinguished economist and academic leader, Taylor brings deep insight into what it takes to lead major institutions through growth, innovation, and cultural transformation.He shares the leadership principles that guided his decade-long transformation of the Eccles School into a nationally recognized and fast growing business program, and discusses how those same values now shape his presidency at the University of Utah. The conversation explores how to build momentum in complex systems, why fast decision making matters, and how to lead with both humility and urgency in high stakes environments.Casey and Taylor unpack topics ranging from academic innovation and public university strategy to entrepreneurship, economics, and the future of higher education.00:00 | Welcome & Introduction to Taylor Randall01:14 | Growing Up at the University of Utah03:10 | Early Career at Arthur Andersen05:01 | Wharton Years & Ambitious Peers06:13 | Academic Curiosity & Consulting for MLB07:34 | Why Chaos Creates Opportunity08:31 | PhD Research on Global Operations Strategy10:27 | Turning Down Chicago to Return to Utah11:27 | Venture Fund & Breaking the Classroom Model13:37 | How AI Disrupts and Enhances Higher Ed14:42 | Launching Lassonde Studios & Student Startups16:59 | Building Immersive, Purpose-Driven Experiences18:50 | Early 2000s Venture Fund Success & Lessons20:31 | Inspiration Behind the Entrepreneurial Institute21:57 | Reimagining the Classroom-Incubator Hybrid22:07 | Teaming Up with Futurists and Architects23:39 | Becoming Dean During the Financial Crisis24:18 | Privatizing the Business School Model27:36 | Program Innovation & Specialized Master’s Degrees30:48 | Education as a Confidence Catalyst32:25 | Mentorship, Mistakes & Growth Moments34:59 | Considering Life After Academia36:15 | Presidential Application Process & Headwinds in Higher Ed38:33 | Interviewing for President During COVID40:13 | Behind Utah’s Nationally Ranked COVID Response43:36 | Lessons from the Pandemic Response Team45:43 | Understanding the University of Utah as a $9B Enterprise47:02 | Medical Education, Research, and Clinical Trials50:36 | Breakthroughs in Neurobionics & HIV Prevention52:04 | University-Owned Businesses & Innovation Ecosystem53:16 | Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Impact on Utah County54:50 | Collaborative Vision Across Utah’s Higher Ed Institutions55:22 | Proxima: Creating Healthcare Career Pathways57:54 | UVU, First-Gen Students & The Promise of Education59:11 | Executive Education & Adapting to a Changing Market59:26 | The Future of College Sports & Athlete Compensation01:03:20 | Sustainable Models for College Athletics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Jared Sine sits down with Casey to share his journey from managing the challenges of Hirschsprung’s disease to becoming a top legal and strategy executive at companies like Expedia, Match Group, and GoDaddy.Jared reflects on the role faith has played in shaping his career choices and personal life. He discusses balancing work, family, and staying true to his values, even in high-pressure environments. Jared also opens up about the importance of trusting in divine guidance during career transitions and personal trials, showing how faith has been a consistent anchor in his life.This episode is packed with insights on leadership, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. Jared explains how mentorship and surrounding yourself with like-minded, value-driven people can accelerate both personal and professional success, demonstrating the power of a strong community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or behind in your 20s or 30s? In this powerful solo episode, Casey Baugh shares a personal roadmap to breaking free from stagnation and building a life of momentum, meaning, and success. Now 43, Casey reflects on the pivotal lessons and habits that helped him transition from uncertainty to building wealth, purpose, and personal power.From early mentorship at Vivint to the miracle morning routine that reshaped his days, Casey outlines the exact steps that helped him create consistent wins. Whether you’re seeking clarity in your career, energy in your habits, or direction for your future—this episode delivers real, actionable insights to help you get moving and stay moving.Learn how to:•Simplify focus and take massive action•Build atomic habits that transform your mornings•Ask the right questions to unlock opportunity•Use momentum to multiply success•Reframe your 20s as a launching pad—not a finish lineChapters00:00 | Introduction: Stuck in Your 20s01:11 | The Power of Intentional Choices02:00 | Why Mentorship in Your 20s Matters03:41 | The Life-Changing Decision to Join Vivint03:53 | Focus: Doing One Thing Well05:05 | Simple Goal, Big Results05:58 | John Maxwell’s Law of the Big Mo06:50 | Take Massive Action, Not Perfect Action07:48 | Ready, Fire, Aim: Just Start08:34 | The Most Important Question: What’s My Biggest Opportunity?09:43 | Starve Problems, Feed Opportunities10:59 | Saying No to Good for the Sake of Great11:35 | Habits Matter More Than Motivation12:07 | Sunday Planning: The #1 Weekly Habit12:37 | Miracle Mornings: Casey’s Morning Routine14:05 | Cold Plunges, Meditation, and Momentum16:07 | Training Confidence Through Hard Choices17:35 | Stack the Daily Wins18:59 | Bill Ackman’s Comeback Blueprint20:03 | The Compound Effect of Daily Choices20:28 | Final Thoughts: Build a Life That Compounds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Casey sits down with Bruce Roberts, whose journey ranging from being a CrossFit community leader to a 26-year military veteran is nothing short of inspiring. Casey and Bruce reminisce about their shared history at CrossFit Hyperion and the deep sense of community, discipline, and hard work that defined the gym’s culture.Bruce opens up about his time in the military, including his work with special forces and his deployments in Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay, and beyond. He shares the lessons he learned about leadership, focusing on leading by example, fostering trust, and the power of treating people with respect. His journey reveals the challenges and rewards of guiding others in some of the world’s most intense environments.Bruce continues to serve others through humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan and Ukraine. This conversation is full of powerful insights on leadership, service, and the importance of leaving a lasting, positive mark on the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Case Studies, Casey sits down with Dan Snow, Berkeley PhD and Harvard Business School professor turned BYU educator; for a thoughtful conversation on identity, reinvention, and choosing a life of deep purpose over conventional success.Dan shares his journey from the factory floors of Ford to the lecture halls of Harvard, and why he ultimately walked away from the elite academic path to teach and mentor at BYU. With rare humility and clarity, he unpacks the quiet courage it takes to start over, the challenges of being “the outsider,” and what it means to build a life that actually aligns with your values.They explore leadership, legacy, and how the most meaningful growth often comes from embracing discomfort. Whether it’s navigating faith in unfamiliar environments or making high stakes career pivots, Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that status isn’t the goal, impact is.00:00 | Introduction & Chelsea’s Journey03:55 | Education as Leadership Development07:34 | Dan’s Upbringing in Colorado Springs13:30 | Being the Outsider & Building Empathy17:22 | Faith, Contrast, and Cultural Identity19:43 | Mission in Rome & Early Lessons in Rejection22:59 | The Pivot Away from Law School26:24 | Working at Ford & Career Clarity30:05 | Choosing a PhD Over Corporate Success31:48 | Berkeley, Humility, and Academic Culture39:30 | The Dissertation: Last Gasp of Carburetors45:26 | The Hidden Power of Applied Theory49:13 | Greatness, Grit, and the Clay Christensen Standard54:14 | Turning Talents into Purpose56:01 | Reinvention & The Power of Starting Over58:41 | Spiritual Greatness in Everyday People01:02:06 | Creation, Progress & the Human Drive01:03:04 | Teaching at Oxford & Global Perspectives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.