Faces of Leeds

Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst鈥�09)

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:20:17 +0000

Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst鈥�09) Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 07/18/2025 - 11:20

Anna Sheffer

Growing up, Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst鈥�09) didn鈥檛 envision working for his parents鈥� honey company, Z Specialty Food. But in 2010, dissatisfied with the jobs he had held in real estate and financial planning, Zeldner learned his parents were thinking of selling the business, so he decided to move home to Davis, California.

鈥淭hey were tired, and [the business] wasn鈥檛 profitable,鈥� he remembered. 鈥淚t really broke my heart to see how much they put into it and how little they would get out of it. That was what made me realize the most fulfilling thing I could do for myself would be to move back to Davis and start to learn the family business.鈥�

Family beginnings

Zeldner鈥檚 father, Ishai, fell in love with beekeeping while working on Kibbutz Beit Hashita in Israel. Upon his return to the United States, Ishai started studying bees at the University of California, Davis. He founded Z Specialty Food (then called Moon Shine Trading Company) in 1979 to share one of his favorite local honey varietals, California Yellow Star Thistle. Despite Ishai鈥檚 passion for honey, Zeldner never felt pressured to work for the family business.

鈥淭hat was, I think, essential,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 probably would not have [taken over] if I felt a lot of pressure to do it.鈥�

When Zeldner moved back home in 2010, only his parents and one other employee worked for Z Specialty Food. He quickly gave himself the title 鈥渘ectar director.鈥�

鈥淚 had seen how hard my parents were working,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 inherently work that hard also, but I wanted to make sure that I'm always keeping joy in my life. Choosing the title of nectar director was just one of those things.鈥�

鈥淚 wanted to make sure that I'm always keeping joy in my life. Choosing the title of nectar director was just one of those things.鈥�

Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst鈥�09)

Z Specialty Food had one 4,000-square-foot warehouse and focused on business-to-business honey sales. But Zeldner had an idea to reach consumers directly: a warehouse sale open to the public. About 50 customers attended, and the warehouse sale became an annual event, now known as the Anniversary Party @ The HIVE. More than 1,000 people attended the 2024 anniversary party.

鈥淲hen I think back on it, I think, 'Wow! I joined the business in September, and by December already had this new concept going,鈥欌€� Zeldner said.

In 2012, Zeldner鈥檚 mother, Amina, decided to concentrate on her work as founding director of UC Davis鈥檚 Honey & Pollination Center, meaning Zeldner and his father took on more work at Z Specialty Food. When his father passed away in 2018, Zeldner took over as the company鈥檚 head.

Zeldner oversaw the opening of Z Specialty Food鈥檚 20,000-square-foot honey and mead tasting room, The HIVE at Woodland鈥攖he largest of its kind in California. The HIVE is also a full-service restaurant and event space. Most importantly, Zeldner sees The HIVE as a community hub, a place where the public can attend bouquet-making workshops, concerts or parties for Woodland鈥檚 Sister City program with La Piedad, Mexico.

鈥淭he community aspect of The HIVE is a big theme that has carried me through as I鈥檝e been making improvements and changes,鈥� he said.

Breaking new ground

Building The HIVE brought new growth鈥攁nd new challenges. Z Specialty Food was renting its warehouse at the time, so Zeldner initially considered renting or purchasing a pre-existing space. When he found the property that would become The HIVE, he took the leap and asked to buy it, despite never having purchased or developed land before.

鈥淚n the moment, looking back, I had this kind of tunnel vision,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was like, 鈥業 know where I'm trying to go and I need to just take it one day at a time and keep doing certain things, and eventually we'll get there.鈥欌€�

Zeldner prioritized sustainability when building The HIVE, adding large windows and solar panels to make the building a Zero Net Energy facility. In addition, The HIVE鈥檚 two-acre pollinator garden grows produce used in the restaurant, such as fava beans incorporated into a dip. Zeldner designed and installed much of the garden鈥檚 landscape with his wife, Rowan Boswell, who is the garden educator and pollen steward.

鈥淲e have a crew that comes through and helps [with the garden], but I do a lot of the pruning and weeding,鈥� Zeldner said. 鈥淚t's kind of my happy place.鈥�

Continuing a legacy

Both Zeldner鈥檚 time at Leeds and his father informed his leadership style. In one of his first lecture classes at Leeds, for example, visits from the CEOs of companies like Starbucks and Quicksilver helped him recognize the importance of a people-centric approach.

鈥淚 could see that the attitude that a leader has really does impact the culture of the organization in a big way,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat's something that has stuck with me.鈥�

Although he has changed some of his father鈥檚 approaches, running the company has helped him appreciate his father鈥檚 original vision.

鈥淚t was really a passion project where he followed his love for bees and honey and just said 鈥業'm going to start a honey company,鈥欌€� he said.

While Zeldner didn鈥檛 always dream of owning Z Specialty Food, he now recognizes how special and unique the company is.

鈥淚 knew there was some opportunity there,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ot just financial opportunity, but especially this opportunity to grow into being a bigger part of the community.鈥�

After an unexpected return to his roots, Josh Zeldner brought new energy and vision to his family鈥檚 honey business. His efforts have created a real buzz鈥攖ransforming the company into a vibrant community hub focused on sustainability and connection.

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John G. Lynch Jr.

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:52:33 +0000

John G. Lynch Jr. Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 06/24/2025 - 09:52

Jane Majkiewicz

Distinguished Professor, Inaugural Director of the Initiative for Global Business Impact and Citizen Well-Being

A conversation with John Lynch is a delightful glimpse into the inner workings of an active, curious mind. You might expect someone with his curriculum vitae鈥攆illed with prestigious awards and honors鈥攖o regularly be found in a suit and tie. But more often than not, you鈥檒l find him in jeans and a button-down shirt, exuding a relaxed intellect and a warm humility.

Lynch is the quintessential scholar, dedicated to asking the big 鈥渨hy鈥� and 鈥渉ow鈥� questions, even when the answers might challenge prevailing views. Talking with him, it鈥檚 almost as if you can see the wheels turning, and a discussion can take lively detours. Ask him a question, and he鈥檚 likely to ask a couple of his own, eager to explore deeper layers of understanding.

Take, for example, his influential work at Duke University between 1996 and 2009, where he laid out a roadmap for understanding why consumers, retailers and manufacturers might choose online versus brick-and-mortar retail channels. At a time when the dominant belief was that e-commerce would eliminate intermediaries, Lynch predicted a more complex evolution鈥攎uch of which has since been validated.

His contributions have not gone unnoticed. Lynch has received numerous accolades, including being listed as the most admired active consumer researcher in the world in the Journal of Consumer Research (JCR) in 2024. In 2015, JCR named him one of the 10 most-published authors in the journal鈥檚 history and honored him with its Outstanding Reviewer Award for the second time.

Most recently, Lynch earned the American Marketing Association鈥檚 2025 McGraw-Hill Irwin Distinguished Marketing Educator Award鈥攖he highest honor in the field of academic marketing鈥攔ecognizing a career of remarkable teaching, research and mentorship.

Catalyzing a new field

Lynch joined Leeds in 2009 to start the Center for Research on Consumer Financial Decision Making (CFDM), which launched in 2010. Under his guidance, the center has become a globally recognized hub for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of psychology, marketing, economics and finance.

Having witnessed his former colleagues at the University of Florida shape the field of consumer behavior, Lynch was confident he could take that example to help Leeds follow suit, building upon 精品SM在线影片鈥檚 well-established reputation in the topic of decision-making. Lynch and his CU colleagues sought to bring meaningful insights to questions with real-world impact in consumer financial decision-making鈥攕tudying how and why people make important decisions about things like buying cars or homes, saving for retirement, financing college, managing debt and more.

鈥淲e began with two major efforts. First, we launched the Boulder Summer Conference on Consumer Financial Decision Making, which was unique in bringing together dozens of academic disciplines with government and industry leaders," he said. And then Leeds brought in strong talent.

鈥漈oday, we鈥檙e one of the world鈥檚 leaders in this field [of consumer financial decision-making]. .... Some of the brightest stars at Leeds are working on this topic now, and I鈥檓 really proud of what they鈥檝e accomplished.鈥�

John G. Lynch Jr.

鈥淲hen we started, we didn鈥檛 have many people who had published significantly in this area. But today, we鈥檙e one of the world鈥檚 leaders in this field.鈥�

He鈥檚 especially proud of his colleagues: 鈥淪ome of the brightest stars at Leeds are working on this topic now, and I鈥檓 really proud of what they鈥檝e accomplished.鈥�

Lynch pointed to the center鈥檚 focus on topics that resonate with people the world over. In spring 2025, for example, Lynch delivered the keynote address at the 20th Anniversary Conference of Netspar鈥攖he Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement in the Netherlands鈥攁ttended by the country鈥檚 Queen M谩xima.

鈥淭he Netherlands has the best retirement system in the world,鈥� he noted. 鈥淚t鈥檚 fascinating to see how different countries tackle similar challenges like retirement, debt or funding education. Everyone鈥檚 trying to solve the same problems, but their approaches vary widely鈥攁nd we can learn a lot by comparing them.鈥�

Leading with a global perspective

Building on this ethos, Lynch was appointed the inaugural director of the Initiative for Global Business Impact and Citizen Well-Being, which will launch in fall 2025, made possible by an anonymous gift.

Consumer finance and sustainability are the center鈥檚 first two priorities鈥攇lobal topics of concern that resonate with everyone and that cross multiple academic disciplines.

鈥淲e鈥檙e especially interested in cases where interventions aimed at improving well-being are implemented through business,鈥� Lynch said.

One early priority is strengthening ties with researchers in the Netherlands, particularly in retirement policy, where that country is a leader. But the scope is broad. 鈥淲ater management is another area with enormous global relevance,鈥� explained Lynch. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the level of impact we would like to have.鈥�

鈥淥ur role is to offer scientific insights grounded in rigorous research that policymakers and practitioners can trust.鈥�

John G. Lynch Jr.

At the core of the initiative is a belief in evidence-based, apolitical research. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not pushing an agenda or trying to make policy. Our role is to offer scientific insights grounded in rigorous research that policymakers and practitioners can trust.鈥�

A lasting legacy

In addition to his scholarly impact, Lynch鈥檚 legacy includes mentoring more than 100 PhD students鈥攎any of whom now hold faculty positions at top business schools and who serve as department chairs, journal editors and industry leaders.

鈥淢any of them have gone on to extraordinary careers,鈥� Lynch said. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 most gratifying is the ongoing relationships. Anyone who鈥檚 had me as a dissertation chair gets what I call the 鈥榣ifetime guarantee鈥欌€擨鈥檒l always be there for advice or collaboration.鈥�

Reflecting on his full career of teaching and working with exceptional colleagues, Lynch is deeply grateful.

鈥淚 have worked only at amazing places. And I've had amazing students.鈥�

Distinguished Professor John Lynch has shaped Leeds' success through award-winning teaching, research and mentorship鈥攁nd he鈥檚 not done. He will lead a new global initiative launching this fall, further elevating Leeds鈥� reputation for research excellence.

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James Anderson (MBA鈥�26)

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:17:15 +0000

James Anderson (MBA鈥�26) Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 06/09/2025 - 11:17

Jane Majkiewicz

From biochemistry to business, James Anderson is driven by curiosity, courage and just a little bit of magic. He attributed those traits to helping his team, the Green Beans, clinch second place at Leeds鈥� Sustainability Case Competition this spring.

About a year ago, James Anderson decided to trade pipettes and microscopes for pitch decks and pro formas. It鈥檚 no surprise that he was drawn to the world of startups, which prompted his decision to pursue his MBA at Leeds. Startups demand adaptability, agility and optimism鈥攓ualities he has relied on through career pivots, cross-continental moves and personal reinventions. He even joked that he was once a hard 鈥渘o鈥� on cats鈥攖hat is, until Fred, his roommate鈥檚 cat, won him over.

Just getting started

New experiences will shape Anderson鈥檚 summer, too, as he doubles down on the startup life. He is stepping into a leadership role as one of two managing directors of Startup Summer, a flagship program hosted by Silicon Flatirons at 精品SM在线影片鈥檚 law school. The initiative will bring together 40 Leeds undergraduate students for a deep dive into Colorado鈥檚 vibrant startup ecosystem.

Students will have the opportunity to explore the new venture creation process, create and build a startup with a team of their peers, and compete in a pitch contest for cash prizes. Anderson is focused on creating a tight-knit, high-impact experience.

鈥淲e鈥檙e inviting local Colorado startup legends to come and teach students how to pitch, network and raise capital for a venture. It鈥檚 a big program, with 40 students, but our goal is to make it feel like 12,鈥� he said.

He knows the value of meaningful peer connection鈥攖hat鈥檚 been his own experience in the High Growth Venture (HGV) Fellowship at the Deming Center, which includes eight MBA students selected to study startup growth and gain hands-on experience helping local startups through the HGV Impact Project initiative.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a fantastic family. Even before I started at Leeds, the HGV Fellowship felt like home,鈥� he said.

鈥淓ven before I started at Leeds, the High Growth Venture Fellowship felt like home.鈥�

James Anderson (MBA鈥�26)

From Johannesburg to Penn State

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Anderson moved to the U.S. at the 鈥渟upple age of 19鈥� to study biochemistry at Pennsylvania State University. Although it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the experience was by no means easy. Bridging the cultural gaps and differences between the U.S. and South Africa was a unique challenge for Anderson that鈥攁lthough jarring鈥攕parked a deep resilience and an ability to adapt to changes.

鈥淎lthough a lot of the processes (laundry, groceries, social norms) were similar, it felt as though every tool I picked up was a left-handed one,鈥� he said.

After graduation in 2020, he worked in a Denver environmental testing lab, Origins Laboratory, and later joined a biotech startup in San Francisco, X-Therma. Both roles gave him a front-row seat to the inner workings of early-stage companies and clarified his path toward an MBA.

鈥淭his is something that I've learned from Erick Mueller, and it鈥檚 that the people you鈥檙e working under are who you鈥檙e going to learn from. That鈥檚 where the real value in any opportunity comes,鈥� he said.

鈥淛ust by chance, all the people in my executive suites were incredible. They had a clear vision, clear goals and the clear desire to execute.鈥�

Though he once considered pursuing a PhD in his science field, Anderson discovered he was more drawn to the operational and strategic challenges of business鈥攖hings like optimizing systems and building teams.

鈥淚 wanted to switch my career from the 鈥榳hats and whys鈥� to the 鈥榳ho鈥檚 and hows鈥�: 鈥榃ho is the right person to handle this project?鈥� and 鈥楬ow can we get the funding needed to get this idea off the ground?鈥欌€�

He realized founders don鈥檛 have to master technical expertise鈥攖hey can hire PhDs. What matters most is that they have the vision to bring the right people together.

Lessons from rugby 鈥� and reinvention

Rugby was a defining part of Anderson鈥檚 identity and a key factor in choosing to study in the U.S., where the sport is rapidly growing. But a health condition cut his rugby career short.

That pivot opened the door, though, to an unexpected reinvention. As a resident advisor, he connected with a student who encouraged him to come support her at cheerleading tryouts. Anderson gave it a shot himself鈥攁nd made the team.

"It was a great opportunity,鈥� he said. It not only helped him stay close to competitive sports, but he enjoyed the travel and camaraderie鈥攖his time on the sidelines of Penn State鈥檚 lively college football scene.

Dream Big. Spark Change. Ignite Fires.

Anderson鈥檚 summer is jam-packed. Alongside Startup Summer, he鈥檚 working full-time at Denver Ventures, an opportunity he discovered through the Deming Center. The role will deepen his understanding of venture investment鈥攅specially in the seed and accelerator stages, where his interest lies.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 have one straight path right now, and that鈥檚 OK. My goal is to keep as many doors open as possible.鈥�

His email signature reads: Dream Big. Spark Change. Ignite Fires. To Anderson, it鈥檚 a mindset.

鈥淭here鈥檚 no point in dreaming small. To me it鈥檚 about momentum. Innovation is like a wildfire鈥攊t starts with a spark, a little oxygen and some wind.鈥�

鈥淭here鈥檚 no point in dreaming small.鈥�

James Anderson (MBA鈥�26)

A community that fuels growth

Now halfway through his MBA at Leeds, Anderson reflected on how much he鈥檚 grown.

鈥淔rom late nights prepping for case competitions to early morning networking calls with some of Colorado鈥檚 most inspiring entrepreneurs, I鈥檝e never felt more energized or embedded in a community,鈥� he shared on LinkedIn.

He鈥檚 found Colorado鈥檚 startup scene to be more dynamic and driven than he expected鈥攁nd he鈥檚 all in.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a pleasant surprise. The ecosystem here is incredibly tapped-in and supportive. I鈥檓 excited about building my career here in Colorado and beyond grateful to Leeds, the Deming Center and Silicon Flatirons for not just supporting me, but for handing me a launchpad. Now it鈥檚 time to see how far I can fly.鈥�

James Anderson is pursuing his MBA at Leeds and taking a deep dive into Colorado鈥檚 startup scene: He鈥檚 co-directing 精品SM在线影片's Startup Summer and championing entrepreneurs through Denver Ventures. And he鈥檚 just getting started.

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Meredith Maney (Mktg, Mgmt鈥�18)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:19:26 +0000

Meredith Maney (Mktg, Mgmt鈥�18) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 05/21/2025 - 11:19

Wyatt Humble

The first thing Meredith Maney did after graduating from Leeds was join the Leeds Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Board. She was inspired to give back and stay connected with a diverse group of Leeds grads, gaining insight from peers as they pursued different career paths.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great to have this community of young people who go from having very similar experiences to having very different experiences out in the world, and to bring it all together to build great outcomes for Leeds that improve the student experience.鈥�

Besides that, she knew it would be fun.

Seven years later, that decision has paid off. She holds the esteemed position of being the longest tenured GOLD Board member, serving in a variety of roles. And she manages to stay highly engaged despite being across the globe in Christchurch, New Zealand, where she moved in 2023 when her husband was offered a job there after earning his PhD.

A foundation in belonging

As a Leeds undergraduate, Maney was part of the Diverse Scholars Program and earned the Outstanding Sophomore Award for academic excellence and positive contributions to the community.

From late nights in Koelbel prepping for case competitions (including an unexpected caper with her family dog), to collaborating with faculty mentors, her college experience was defined by connection鈥攁t Leeds, CU, and in Boulder. She was a member of several student organizations: the Multicultural Business Students Association, Leeds Association for Information Systems and Leeds Ambassadors. She also volunteered for three years with the Conference on World Affairs.

Those experiences all contributed to a worldview that proved valuable as she later immersed herself in an entirely new culture.

From Denver to Down Under

After graduation, Maney started as a business technology analyst at Deloitte in Denver, advancing to a consultant role after two years. Exposure to diverse industries, from fashion to defense, ultimately sparked her passion for the medical technology field. She found it refreshing to be working with smart people on breakthrough technologies that ultimately could transform lives.

That desire to be of service led her to Salesforce, where she worked as a senior customer success manager in the healthcare and life sciences sector.

鈥淭he company tries to foster a community of learners together, which is true not only in software development collaboration, but also as an overall ethos that permeates the Salesforce corporate culture,鈥� she said.

鈥淚鈥檝e been lucky to work at companies that want to support professional development.鈥�

Meredith Maney (Mgmt,Mktg鈥�18)

鈥淭hey want you to learn more. They want you to be the best you can be. I鈥榲e been lucky to work at companies that want to support professional development.鈥� With that support, she earned five Salesforce certifications, continuing her professional growth.

Now a senior consultant at Brighter Days, an organization that improves workplace productivity, Maney specializes in marketing strategy and technology, working with the organization鈥檚 largest clients to identify and train teams on ways to continuously improve and deliver added value.

Global moves, local ties

For Maney, encouraging people in their professional and personal growth epitomizes the Leeds spirit. As an active member on Leeds鈥� social media channels (even leading a GOLD Board Instagram 鈥渢akeover鈥� last year), when Maney announced her move to New Zealand on LinkedIn, she received immediate support.

鈥淚 posted something on LinkedIn announcing my transition to New Zealand. It was really rewarding, because some of the first people to reach out were connected to Leeds. They gave me the names of other alumni who were in New Zealand,鈥� she said.

That network proved invaluable. 鈥淭hey want you to go off on a new adventure, and then to have the wind at your back and all of these Leeds resources.鈥�

The Elle Woods of Leeds

Reflecting on graduation, in 2018 Maney likened her experience to Elle Woods in the film 鈥淟egally Blonde鈥濃€攁 character who transforms and faces challenges with the support of her community.

鈥淚 think that is genuinely like the Leeds experience. The people who are around her [Elle] at the beginning of the movie, who believed in her, who helped her to get into Harvard, are also the people who continue to believe in her as a lawyer as she succeeds down the path.鈥�

As a mentor, Maney strives to help students build confidence and networking skills, advocating for their success, just like Elle鈥檚 support network of friends.

鈥淭he scary conversation that you鈥榬e fearing is never as scary as you really think it's going to be. 鈥� That鈥榮 the practical advice that young grads always need to hear. You can build up a horrible conversation with your boss, a difficult conversation with a client, making it seem like it鈥檚 going to have way bigger repercussions than it really will.鈥�

She reminds mentees: 鈥淎t the end of the day, I think everyone鈥榮 figuring it out, and everyone鈥榮 human. So, it鈥檚 really about not allowing fear to stifle you.鈥�

鈥淎t the end of the day, I think everyone鈥榮 figuring it out, and everyone鈥榮 human. So, it鈥檚 really about not allowing fear to stifle you.鈥�

Meredith Maney (Mgmt,Mktg鈥�18)

Lifelong learning and connection

Living abroad has further strengthened Maney鈥榮 mindset, exposing her to a variety of new perspectives about innovation and risks in business and life, as well as about the importance of community.

One way she and her husband have embraced their new surroundings is by taking up fly fishing, even joining a local club鈥攋ust one more way she continues to cast lines and build connections, wherever she goes.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned that there are a lot of different ways that you can find the chance to be out there. And I think that鈥榮 really exciting.鈥�

With 10 siblings, Maney joked she鈥檚鈥渂asically always on the phone鈥濃€攁 fitting detail for someone who鈥檚 made a lifestyle out of keeping connections alive, no matter the distance.

Meredith Maney exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong Business Buff, joining the GOLD Board right after graduation. Now the longest-serving member, she continues to champion the Leeds community from New Zealand, proving that distance is no barrier to impact.

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Jake Schneider (Fin鈥�25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 05 May 2025 21:55:42 +0000

Jake Schneider (Fin鈥�25) Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 05/05/2025 - 15:55

Anna Bedell , 鈥� Photo by Cody Johnston

When Jake Schneider (Fin鈥�25) arrived at the Leeds School of Business, he wasn鈥檛 quite sure where he was headed. But four years later, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, resilience and mentorship鈥攁long with a clear vision for his future.

Schneider鈥檚 early life was shaped by constant change. His father worked for the government, so his family moved all over the country: St. Louis, Missouri; Washington, D.C.; Bedford, New Hampshire; and Denver, Colorado. He decided to come to CU for three reasons: the in-state tuition, the prestige of Leeds, and his love for the outdoors鈥攁 love proven by 40 ski days this past winter alone.

"I鈥檓 someone who loves the outdoors, whether it be skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, or whatever,鈥� he said. 鈥淐U was the perfect spot.鈥�

Finding his fit

While he considered going into finance in high school, Schneider wanted to try out a few things first to gauge his true interests. He explored sports marketing, real estate and consulting before circling back to finance鈥攁 decision cemented by an eye-opening class at Leeds.

鈥淚 cast a wide net at first, coming into college,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 until my finance module class at Leeds that I realized finance was what I wanted to do.鈥�

That spark turned into a calling, as he threw himself into academic rigor and extracurricular leadership. Schneider performed well in the finance module class, discovering that he not only enjoyed the problem solving and analytical nature of the work, but also that finance came naturally to him.

He wanted to share his passion for finance with his peers at Leeds. He has made a lasting impact on other students through his leadership with the Leeds Investment and Trading Group, Leeds Consulting Group and the Leeds Investment Banking Club.

Investing in students

Schneider has found his most rewarding time at Leeds has come from giving back to other students. He was heavily involved in revamping the education program for the Leeds Investment and Trading Group, and he also served as the co-president of the Leeds Investment Banking Club. As co-president, he prepared weekly meeting materials and led discussions explaining professional and financial concepts to younger students.

鈥淚 feel like a lot of people helped me throughout my time here,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t felt like my turn to give back, and I was in the position to do so.鈥�

His efforts go beyond academic support and community building: the Leeds Investment Banking Club has been instrumental in helping students carve out their career paths. This year alone, 10 students in the club have received investment banking internships or full-time offers. Schneider is one of them. After graduation, he鈥檚 heading to New York City to start a role as an investment banking analyst at Bank of America.

Hard work, real results

Schneider鈥檚 success at Leeds hasn鈥檛 come without its hurdles. Early on, he lacked confidence and struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling out of his depth among peers that he viewed as more academically gifted.

But true to the adage, hard work has paid off. Schneider committed himself to his academics, studying as much as possible for exams and striving to get his foot in the door for every finance opportunity he could.

鈥淲e all have a lot to learn,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f you get knocked down a peg, it鈥檚 just an opportunity to learn more and get back up to better than where you were before.鈥�

鈥淲e all have a lot to learn. If you get knocked down a peg, it鈥檚 just an opportunity to learn more and get back up to better than where you were before.鈥�

Jake Schneider (Fin鈥�25)

Besides proving to himself that he could excel academically, Schneider鈥檚 experiences at Leeds have given him the added benefits of learning how to persevere and how to handle job rejections. The full-time offer at Bank of America represents the culmination of his determination and drive.

鈥淚f I were to look back at myself at the end of high school, I would have never seen myself in this position,鈥� he said. 鈥淣ow, it's an incredible feeling to realize I've actually done a lot with my time at CU and haven't wasted it.鈥�

New beginnings and lasting connections

Schneider says his biggest takeaways have come from challenging moments. In the process of pursuing his passions, he discovered how to be intentional in his goals. Overcoming imposter syndrome meant choosing a finance path and then orienting his life to fit his goal of getting an investment banking offer.

As he embarks on his next steps, Schneider knows that the connections he has made at CU will stay with him for the rest of his life.

鈥淚鈥檓 really going to miss the feeling I get when I walk through Leeds saying 鈥榟i鈥� to everybody. It鈥檚 such a unique community here,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檝e built this amazing friend group, and while I鈥檓 really going to miss them, I know we鈥檒l stay in touch.鈥�

Looking ahead, he wants to build his investment banking career before returning to Colorado in the future. His primary focus right now, however, is savoring every remaining day in Boulder before he departs for New York.

And that鈥檚 well deserved. His contributions to Leeds and CU have certainly earned him a full day of paddleboarding or hiking in the bright Colorado sun.

Jake Schneider came to Leeds unsure of his path but found his passion in finance. As a leader and mentor in several student clubs, he gave back while moving forward鈥攁nd now he鈥檚 off to New York City to join Bank of America.

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Jessica Baumgarten

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 17:04:06 +0000

Jessica Baumgarten Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 04/24/2025 - 11:04

Jane Majkiewicz 鈥� Photos by Cody Johnston

Assistant Director of the Leeds Career Development Office, Director of Business of Sports

Little did Jessica Baumgarten (PolSci鈥�03, MEd鈥�16) know when she was a child that watching sports as a way to connect with her dad would not only turn into a lifelong love, but that sports would also define her career.

Was it destiny?

鈥淓arly in his career,鈥� said Baumgarten, her father was a sportswriter and editor for the Daily Camera. While at her dad鈥檚 house, sports were always on.

鈥淥ne day I realized, I really love this. I love watching it. I love enjoying it. And I was hooked,鈥� she recalled. She coached tennis during high school as a summer job, and then had brief internships with the athletics department as a CU undergrad majoring in political science with a minor in business. She later went on to earn her master鈥檚 in educational foundations, policy and practice at CU.

Getting a career strike

After college, Baumgarten moved to Chicago and took roles in marketing and sales within the health and wellness field. When she returned to Colorado and received job offers from two professional sports teams, she found herself questioning if marketing was really her calling.

鈥淚f community development had a bigger presence back then, I think I would鈥檝e gone that route,鈥� she said. That鈥檚 because she likes to help people鈥攕omething that fuels her work at Leeds as the director of the Business of Sports (BOS) Program and as associate director of the Career Development Office.

The role of 鈥渃areer coach鈥� fits perfectly. In addition to launching BOS, Baumgarten was the first career coach at Leeds; subsequently, she now also manages a team of career advisors. In her role specializing in the consulting industry, she has built a strong network. In only a few years, she helped propel Leeds to become a core school for some of the top consulting firms in the industry, she explained.

Baumgarten landed at Leeds through serendipity: A friend鈥檚 mom who worked at the school told her about an emerging Business of Sports Program. That certainly piqued her curiosity, and she joined Leeds in 2010 to help build BOS from the ground up. It officially launched in 2013. Since then, she鈥檚 grown BOS into a robust community backed by strong industry ties and alumni engagement.

鈥淚鈥檝e had students call me from airports ... some wanting to sign their offer letters in my office ... Those are moments I will never, ever forget.鈥�

Jessica Baumgarten

鈥淚鈥檝e had students call me from airports ... some wanting to sign their offer letters in my office,鈥� she said. A favorite memory is a BOS alumna calling her right after she received a coveted job offer, and then declaring, 鈥淣ow I have to go call my mom!鈥�

鈥淭here have been so many highs. Those are moments I will never, ever forget.鈥�

Keeping pace with a fast-paced industry

The BOS program is as dynamic as the sports industry itself, continually evolving in scope and sophistication.

When it started, it focused primarily on facilities and event management, marketing and law, Baumgarten explained. Today, the curriculum spans social media, analytics and business intelligence, community development, gaming and NIL (Name, Image and Likeness)鈥攖he latter of which she calls 鈥渢he Wild, Wild West鈥攁 beast to keep up with on its own.鈥�

The gaming industry, betting and wagering are also now integrated into the program. 鈥淲e have bet365, which has a Denver headquarters. We partnered with PointsBet in the past, which was purchased by Fanatics. It鈥檚 a huge industry in itself,鈥� she said.

Opening up opportunities

In a cohort of 50 students each year, BOS participants receive more than just theoretical instruction鈥攖hey get personal attention and the chance to engage in real-world, project-based learning with top-notch industry professionals. One recent cohort worked on conducting a comprehensive competitor analysis of the partnership landscape within specific categories (airlines, wealth management and wellness). Based on their research, students recommended specific partners the client could engage with based on brand fit.

While CU offers other sports-focused programs, such as minors in sports media or critical sports theories, the BOS certificate stands apart by offering a comprehensive view of the sports industry. It allows students to explore a variety of career paths.

鈥淎 lot of students don't realize all the opportunities within the industry,鈥� said Baumgarten, pointing to roles in community development, agency work and analytics. 鈥淚 have a number of students who are traders at betting companies, so they鈥檙e helping set the lines and they鈥檙e using quantitative and analytical skills.鈥�

鈥淣ot every student wants to major in sports management,鈥� she added. 鈥淭his certificate gives them a foot in the door and real exposure to the industry, while still pairing it with a solid business degree. They get that niche specialization without having to go all-in on a sports-specific major.鈥�

Beyond building a solid foundation, she said, "the networking piece is huge."

Through her leadership, Baumgarten has cultivated a learning environment that balances academic rigor with professional readiness. Students and alumni view her not just as an educator, but as a coach, mentor and lifelong supporter.

More than a playbook

For Baumgarten, success is as much about mindset as it is about skills. She instills in students the importance of having a positive attitude, being a team player and committing to hard work鈥攑rinciples from sports that translate to business and life.

She also reminds students not to burn bridges. 鈥淭he sports industry is a close-knit community built on relationships, collaboration and information sharing,鈥� she said. Her mantra is simple but powerful: 鈥淗ow you treat people matters.鈥�

鈥淭he sports industry is a close-knit community built on relationships, collaboration and information sharing ... How you treat people matters.鈥�

Jessica Baumgarten

She carries that belief into everything she does鈥攏ot just with the students she helps in BOS or in consulting, but also with the career coaching team she oversees in the Career Development Office. If she doesn't know the answer to something, she'll work hard to find it.

Ultimately, said Baumgarten, 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about how much you know. It鈥檚 about how much you care.鈥�

Jessica Baumgarten didn鈥檛 set out to be a coach鈥攂ut she鈥檚 become one in all the ways that matter. From helping students land jobs to growing the Business of Sports Program, she鈥檚 all about guiding people toward fulfilling their dreams.

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Rylan Montoya (Bus鈥�25)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 19:16:19 +0000

Rylan Montoya (Bus鈥�25) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 04/09/2025 - 13:16

Wyatt Humble

Rylan Montoya graduated from high school just as COVID-19 swept the world. For most high school seniors, the transition to college is challenging enough without a global pandemic, but Montoya also had the added stress of launching a startup.

Montoya created his company, Dumbclub, on a whim. He had always been passionate about clothing, so he decided to build a brand that would embody his belief that success comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. The company mission notes: 鈥淲e champion the idea that taking risks鈥攅ven if it means looking dumb鈥攊s the key to achieving more.鈥�

鈥淭aking risks鈥攅ven if it means looking dumb鈥攊s the key to achieving more.鈥�

Rylan Montoya (Bus鈥�25)

That idea clearly resonated with his key audience of Gen Z college students. On his LinkedIn profile, Montoya reported: 鈥淯nder my leadership, the company achieved over $1.3 million in revenue and built a robust social media presence with over 2 million followers across our various platforms.鈥�

Early struggles

Although Montoya began the company with friends, in college he found himself running Dumbclub on his own鈥攏ot an easy task when also juggling a full-time college workload, majoring in business analytics and information management.

鈥淩unning it with a small team posed some challenges. Things were growing more than I could handle, and I was really having to learn how to delegate all the operations of the business.鈥�

Despite the stress and hardship, Montoya persevered.

鈥淵ou gotta get your foot in the door and start learning and iterating on your failures early on,鈥� he said. He felt that college would provide a fertile training ground for exploration, helping him form a clear idea of how he wanted to move forward in the future.

鈥淵ou gotta get your foot in the door and start learning and iterating on your failures early on.鈥�

Rylan Montoya (Bus鈥�25)

Reimagining the brand

Recognizing the brand鈥檚 potential, Montoya brought on new collaborators to help reimagine and scale Dumbclub.

The adage 鈥淵ou go faster alone, but go you can go further as a team,鈥� rang true for him.

Opportunity struck when Montoya met Ari Savitsky, a fellow entrepreneur. Now serving as a co-founder, Savitsky brought in new ideas for reinventing Dumbclub.

To Montoya鈥檚 and Savitsky鈥檚 surprise, their initiatives to promote Dumbclub on social media blew up, sparking the idea that they could take their exposure and use it to promote products beyond Dumbclub.

鈥淲e started clothing really just as a passion project, something to do for fun. When our marketing efforts for our clothing brand took off more than we thought, the media piece became a much better opportunity for us than the actual clothing.鈥�

The birth of Street Smartz

With the company鈥檚 revenue coming primarily through its media operations, Montoya and Savitsky pivoted to Street Smartz, which is under the Dumbclub umbrella company. They use Street Smartz to drive engagement for leading brands such as Dutch Bros and Insomnia Cookies. Billed as a viral man-on-the-street trivia show, they use the platform to challenge Gen Z participants to prove they鈥檙e smart enough to win prizes, ranging from hoodies to cash, driving marketing prospects for brands looking to tap younger audiences.

鈥淎 lot of big companies are trying to get in front of Gen Z audiences. For example, a lot of financial companies want to get in front of the younger generation before they start to make major financial decisions out of college. And so, there鈥檚 no better place to go to than a show that鈥檚 directly marketing to college students,鈥� said Montoya.

For Montoya and Savitsky, Street Smartz and Dumbclub are just the start. While Montoya is still exploring opportunities post-graduation, he has committed himself to his company for the near future.

鈥淲e鈥檙e expanding into multiple shows across campuses and demographics, building a portfolio we can bring to brands with clear value and measurable outcomes. The goal is to form long-term, strategic partnerships.鈥�

The Leeds impact

Montoya believes a big reason for his success is a lesson he has taken to heart while at Leeds.

鈥淟eeds has shaped me into the business leader I am today. But moving forward, it鈥檚 on you to seek out opportunities. That mindset鈥攖aking initiative and staying proactive鈥攈as been ingrained in me throughout my four years here. Leeds will open doors, but it鈥檚 up to you to walk through them.鈥�

Montoya has taken advantage of resources like the Deming Center, the Leeds Association for Information Systems (LAIS), and hands-on, applied coursework that helped build his experience.

In particular, he credits Matthew Brady, assistant teaching professor of Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics, for making his college career successful.

鈥淲hat I've learned in his classes, such as Low-Code for Citizen Developers and Salesforce, has probably been the most applicable thing I've ever learned. He has a unique way of introducing us to industry-leading platforms鈥攍ike Salesforce, Nintex and modern database tools鈥攁nd showing exactly how they鈥檙e applied in real-world business environments.鈥�

鈥淭here鈥檚 still a million things I鈥檒l need to do that I have no idea how to do yet. But that鈥檚 just part of the journey鈥攍earning as I go, growing through every challenge, and always staying curious.鈥�

Rylan Montoya (Bus鈥�25)

For Montoya, giving up has never been an option, and fear of the unknown isn鈥檛 an obstacle as he looks forward to graduating and pursuing his passions.

"There鈥檚 still a million things I鈥檒l need to do that I have no idea how to do yet. But that鈥檚 just part of the journey鈥攍earning as I go, growing through every challenge, and always staying curious."

Before arriving at Leeds, Rylan Montoya (Bus鈥�25) launched a startup in high school. Now a senior and ready to graduate, his Leeds' experience has helped him grow the business and take it in new directions.

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Erick Mueller (MBA鈥�99)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Erick Mueller (MBA鈥�99) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 03/26/2025 - 09:00

Jane Majkiewicz

Executive Director, Deming Center for Entrepreneurship

When Leeds spoke with Erick Mueller in 2022 (see previous article below), he was recalibrating after returning from solo teaching a weekend entrepreneurship workshop in Hayden, Colorado.

Fast-forward three years, and the Deming Center is still thriving under Mueller鈥檚 leadership. The Rural Colorado Workshop Series is now in its 11th year and has helped more than 800 rural and Native American entrepreneurs start and grow ventures. In 2024, the program earned the Excellence in Specialty Entrepreneurship Education award鈥攖he Deming Center鈥檚 third honor from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC).

Despite Mueller鈥檚 unfaltering pace, his office remains a calming, welcoming space, with his therapy dogs, Khaya and Auggie, greeting guests. The center鈥檚鈥渕ighty team鈥� of three staff members organizes programs, events, speakers, workshops and mentorships that have a far-reaching impact on entrepreneurship at Leeds, 精品SM在线影片, Colorado and beyond.

The influence of programs like Entrepreneurship and Empowerment in South Africa (EESA), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, continue to amaze Mueller.

One of many success stories is Peter Wanberg, who drew inspiration from EESA to create Jubilee Roasting Company and City Park Farmers Market. 鈥淗e was inspired in South Africa to see how a company can be mission-driven,鈥� Mueller said. 鈥淧eter worked extra hard to find sustainable resources鈥攇oing to South America鈥攁nd he has really built a purpose-driven coffee business.鈥�

Strengthening entrepreneurial leadership

With a strong startup culture at CU, the Deming Center has positioned Leeds as a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. This year, Mueller joined the GCEC board, a role he believes will benefit 精品SM在线影片, Colorado and the broader global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

鈥淚t really is a 鈥榟igh tide raises all boats organization,鈥欌€� he explained. 鈥淲e鈥檙e in the business of changing lives,鈥� he emphasized, noting that it鈥檚 about collaboration more than competition. A prime example is Deming鈥檚 Buffs with a Brand, a first-of-its-kind program for student-athletes, a model that Mueller has shared with other colleges, including Eastern Michigan University and UCLA, to create similar initiatives.

鈥淲e鈥檙e in the business of changing lives.鈥�

Erick Mueller (MBA鈥�99)

Applied learning

Mueller brings real-world experience to the center, having been an angel investor, business entrepreneur, and co-founder of Funovation, a company specializing in interactive attractions with over 600 locations in 33 countries. Though no longer in an operational role, he is still engaged in strategy and relationship building.

鈥淚 have always appreciated how lucky our students are,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey have faculty in entrepreneurship with a mix of thought leaders focused on research and practitioners who have been there, done that, had successes and failures, and everything in between.鈥�

Sharing this knowledge, he added, is 鈥渞eally, really, really fun.鈥�

Pioneering new programs

This year, the Deming Center introduced the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) program, responding to student demand鈥攑articularly among MBA students鈥攁nd to address the upcoming transition of millions of Baby Boomer-owned businesses, what鈥檚 being referred to as the 鈥�silver tsunami."

鈥淲e want to help society transition these businesses well,鈥� Mueller said, emphasizing the risk of losing jobs and services. The ETA program, the first of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region, launched with a course and speaker series, with a conference in the works.

Additionally, the Founders Program, launching this September, will provide recent Leeds alumni with continued support to scale their ventures post-graduation.

Embracing change and opportunity

Mueller champions resilience in entrepreneurship. 鈥淲e are one of the best countries that can put failure into context,鈥� he believes, as the very foundation of America is based on experimentation.

For him, the entrepreneurial mindset is the best mindset to be able to navigate these turbulent times. 鈥淵ou know how to adjust to change, problem solve, and look at solutions innovatively 鈥� If everyone is looking at doom and gloom, who is looking at the opportunities that can emerge because of all this change?鈥�

Entrepreneurs.

As the father of two teenagers, Mueller shares his optimism at home as he marvels watching his children鈥檚 lives unfold.

鈥淵ou just love them, support them, high-five them and say, 鈥業鈥檝e got your back.鈥欌€�

Just like what he does every day at Leeds鈥攚ith students, colleagues and the entire entrepreneurial community. As the center continues its forward trajectory, Mueller鈥檚 steadfast dedication remains鈥攖o be of service.

Faces of Leeds: Erick Mueller (published December 2022)

Even Erick Mueller鈥檚 therapy dogs seem able to sense how tired he is this Monday afternoon.

Mueller has just returned from solo teaching a rural entrepreneurship workshop in Hayden all weekend鈥攐ne way he volunteers to help budding founders鈥攁nd is about to attend a reception for Buffs With a Brand, the initiative the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship created to help student-athletes market themselves in the age of NIL.

Perhaps out of respect, or just being tired themselves, his two English retrievers, Khaya and Auggie, are resting quietly under his desk.

But once he starts talking about his favorite subject, Mueller quickly gets his second wind.

鈥淓ntrepreneurship is an amazing platform,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty special to know you鈥檝e helped change the trajectory of someone鈥檚 life in a positive way, whether it鈥檚 employing someone in a business or giving a student the tools and knowledge to help them on their journey. It keeps me coming back for more.鈥�

Mueller has been with Leeds since joining as an adjunct professor in 2003, but even as he rose through the ranks of the Deming Center, he remained a founder. He鈥檚 created five businesses and remains co-founder and chairman of Funovation, which specializes in developing fun attractions that, as he put it, remind the world to play.

鈥淚鈥檓 a firm believer that our faculty should be doing what they teach,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 get to teach what I do and do what I teach. That delivers that much more of an impactful, practical, tangible learning experience.鈥�

Entrepreneurship for all

Something he emphasizes in his teaching is that entrepreneurship is not just for people who want to start a company.

鈥淓ntrepreneurship is not starting a business鈥攊t鈥檚 a way of thinking that you can use at a big or small company,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e help people by giving them the tools, programming and classes to go as far down the path as they want.鈥�

The opportunity to help create impact is what excites Mueller about his work.

鈥淭he word I use a lot is unleash鈥攐ur work at the center unleashes the entrepreneurial excitement in everybody,鈥� Mueller said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing to see the light bulb go on for someone who starts by saying, 鈥業 can鈥檛 do it,鈥� and then they leave by saying 鈥業 can do this, I have the tools to do it and I鈥檓 inspired to do it.鈥欌€�

You won鈥檛 hear him use the word 鈥渦nleashed鈥� when he talks about his other avenue to create impact. After his mother died while he was young, Mueller and his siblings got a puppy, Tippy Tail, 鈥渁nd to an extent, she saved my life,鈥� he said. 鈥淗aving the unconditional love of a puppy when you鈥檙e a teenager, dealing with angst鈥攊t was a tough time.鈥�

鈥淚t鈥檚 pretty special to know you鈥檝e helped change the trajectory of someone鈥檚 life in a positive way, whether it鈥檚 employing someone in a business or giving a student the tools and knowledge to help them on their journey.鈥�

Erick Mueller (MBA鈥�99)

That firsthand experience with an animal鈥檚 power to heal left a deep impression. In his early 30s, he adopted a pair of dogs, Max and Pula, who became mainstays in children鈥檚 hospitals and, especially, retirement homes. He鈥檚 continuing that tradition with Auggie and Khaya, both recently certified as therapy animals.

鈥淔or me, it all comes back to impact,鈥� Mueller said. 鈥淢y journey has been about being of service鈥攚hether with puppies, as teacher, a founder, a dad or a community member. I feel very blessed to give back to others.鈥�

As executive director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, Erick Mueller is a champion of an entrepreneurial mindset and driving innovation on the global business stage.

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Liu Liu

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:21:01 +0000

Liu Liu Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 03/13/2025 - 10:21

Jane Majkiewicz

Assistant Professor of Marketing

When Assistant Professor of Marketing Liu Liu began teaching Modern Artificial Intelligence: Introduction to AI for Business in the spring of 2022, she didn鈥檛 anticipate having to update the curriculum almost immediately. But with the whirlwind of advances in Generative AI, large language models and deep learning (see 鈥淭he Vocabulary of AI鈥�), course adaptations are a regular requirement.

Despite those 鈥渂ig technological jumps,鈥� as Liu describes them, her love of teaching and mentoring remains constant. She finds the ability to make an impact on students鈥� lives at a critical stage of their growth鈥攚hen they are curious and exploring opportunities and possibilities鈥攊ncredibly rewarding.

鈥淚 am also very passionate about sharing the knowledge that I have in the most intuitive way,鈥� she said.

Liu also values the continuous learning and intellectual freedom afforded by academic research. It allows her to 鈥渃hoose what topics to pursue and really dive deep into them.鈥�

Connecting AI to business strategy

Liu was the first faculty member at Leeds to have a course fully dedicated to bridging AI and business鈥攁 program so impactful that even non-Leeds students at CU reach out expressing interest in enrolling. Today, Leeds offers more than 45 AI-infused courses. Liu also teaches an undergraduate marketing course on pricing and channels of distribution.

Her teaching philosophy extends beyond theory.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 just teach the theories of deep learning鈥攍ike this model or that model. I also do case studies with students where we discuss research papers that really apply AI to solve a business problem.鈥�

鈥淚 don鈥檛 just teach the theories of deep learning ... I also do case studies with students where we discuss research papers that really apply AI to solve a business problem.鈥�

Liu Liu, Assistant Professor of Marketing

Through her 鈥渆nd-to-end pipeline鈥� approach, students in her AI course tackle every stage of problem-solving鈥攆rom defining business challenges to selecting models, interpreting results and exploring implications. Students even engage in hands-on coding exercises to replicate results, reinforcing both technical and strategic understanding.

鈥淚n my opinion, this is the strength of business analytics compared to pure data science or a computer science program.鈥� By applying the data to specific domains, such as behavior marketing, students connect the right questions to the right problem and then find the right tool for the solution, she said. 鈥淭hat is my goal鈥攖o prepare students for that.鈥�

From Google to the classroom

After completing her undergraduate and master鈥檚 degrees in computer science, Liu headed to Google Pittsburgh, where she worked for three years as a software engineer.

鈥淚 feel very fortunate that was my first job,鈥� she said. Her work predicted consumer ad click-through rates for what is now called the Google Display Network. She applies that experience all the time in the classroom, she said, as she teaches about using large-scale machine learning in relation to consumer behavior.

In the research realm, Liu specializes in empirical marketing. Her research straddles the intersection of marketing and machine learning in such areas as visual marketing, branding, consumer preference measurement, product design and social media. These insights feed into her teaching, connecting the worlds of computer science and business in an interdisciplinary way.

鈥淚 am just fascinated by consumer preferences and consumer behavior,鈥� she said, explaining that the technology allows companies to measure consumer preferences to predict their choices and accommodate them with better designed products and branding.

Keeping pace with AI

鈥淎I is a high-speed train that will not stop, so we better think about how to get on the train and figure out how to drive it,鈥� said Liu.

鈥淢y perspective has always been that you have to be able to use AI correctly and responsibly.鈥� She shared a metaphor: 鈥淚f you don鈥檛 know how to operate, don鈥檛 be a doctor.鈥�

鈥淎I is a high-speed train that will not stop, so we better think about how to get on the train and figure out how to drive it."

Liu Liu, Assistant Professor of Marketing

To use AI effectively, her courses emphasize the correct use of the technology. 鈥淵ou have to be able to understand the method, the tool and the model to apply the right numbers, do the math correctly, and supply the right implications,鈥� she said. That鈥檚 part one, she explained.

Part two relates to the ethical use of AI and the idea that technology does not exist in isolation. Technology is always associated with human decision-making and its consequences, she said.

A journey from China to Colorado

Originally from Tianjin, a city near Beijing, Liu has been in the United States since 2008, what she considers a defining stage in her life during which she truly became an adult (earning her own money and paying taxes, she laughed).

That life experience helps Liu relate to her students as they navigate similar transitions into adulthood and professional careers.

Outside the classroom, Liu added another milestone to her adult life鈥攐ne that requires just as much energy as any AI model and comes with its own form of deep learning鈥攔aising twins, a son and a daughter.

Looking ahead

What鈥檚 next? Keeping up with her research and teaching continue to excite Liu as she remains committed to helping students thrive and push boundaries in an AI-driven world.

Figuring out how to balance that with her family life is part of the quest and another exciting challenge entirely. She joked, 鈥淭hat may be an unsolvable problem.鈥�

The Vocabulary of AI

Artificial Intelligence
Traditional AI uses algorithms and data to enable computers to perform tasks that mimic human intelligence. It can be narrow (specific tasks) or general (broad capabilities).

Generative AI
GenAI is a subset of AI that creates original content like text, images, music or videos based on natural language prompts.

Machine Learning
A subfield of artificial intelligence that allows computers to learn from data by identifying patterns, requiring minimal human intervention.

Deep Learning
A more mathematically complex evolution of machine learning that teaches computers to learn by example using artificial neural networks modeled on the human brain.

Large Language Models
Large language models (or LLMs) process vast amounts of data to mimic the way humans communicate.

Sources

University of Colorado, AI Resources
Microsoft, 10 AI terms everyone should know
MIT Management, Glossary of Terms: Generative AI Basics
Stanford University, Artificial Intelligence Definitions
USC, Glossary: AI and Computing

Assistant Professor of Marketing Liu Liu is committed to helping students thrive, using AI responsibly to solve business problems.

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Jake Davis (MBA鈥�16)

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:40:51 +0000

Jake Davis (MBA鈥�16) Jane Majkiewicz Wed, 02/26/2025 - 13:40

Anna Bedell (Mktg鈥�25)

Jake Davis鈥� journey to sustainability has been anything but traditional. While his original life goal was to write for a ski magazine, he ultimately landed in impact investing for The Nature Conservancy, where he has now worked for almost a decade.

Davis followed his aspirations to become a writer by majoring in writing as an undergraduate at Northern Michigan University. Besides his passion for writing, that choice also stemmed from his knowledge that he would be going into active duty in the military after graduation.

鈥淏eing in the military had always been a tradition in my family, and it also helped pay for school,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was able to choose to study something that I enjoyed鈥攁nd I had always loved writing growing up.鈥�

A change of perspective

Davis served in the military for the next nine years, working in intelligence operations and spending a few years deployed in Afghanistan. While the experience was invaluable in sharpening his leadership and strategic thinking skills, he was excited for a change. After leaving active duty, he pursued his dream of working for a ski magazine and became an editor in Boulder. But to his surprise, he found it was no longer his passion.

鈥淚f I had started sports writing right out of college, I would probably still be doing something like that,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut having spent a couple of years in Afghanistan and doing other things in the military, writing about ski helmets seemed much less exciting after having been in a war.鈥�

In 2012, Davis joined 精品SM在线影片 as a program manager for the Presidents Leadership Class. He came to Leeds because he had been looking for his next move professionally and believed that graduate school could set him up for a successful transition. He completed his MBA in 2016 and John Helmers, Leeds director of Graduate Career Management, helped Davis get his position at The Nature Conservancy.

A new career path

At The Nature Conservancy, Davis runs the NatureVest department, which is responsible for using private capital to help advance conservation efforts. The department sources, structures, funds and closes innovative investment deals that aim to generate environmental, social and financial returns. His previous experiences have helped him excel in this position, he said, equipping him with the ability to set clear objectives, develop strategic plans and lead teams effectively.

鈥淚 think the experiences I鈥檝e had鈥攂oth in leading teams and knowing how to put together a coherent strategy for getting things done鈥攈ave been pretty impactful for being able to succeed in life and business,鈥� he said.

For Davis, being in a leadership position means empowering others and supporting them to be the best versions of themselves. He initially faced some challenges transitioning from a military communication style to a corporate setting. He had to learn how to balance different communication styles within the workplace while continuing to prevent conflict and streamline collaboration.

鈥淚鈥檓 still working on the skills to be an effective coach for my team,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 like to have a fun time with people. Sometimes leading means engaging a team, or it requires tough conversations and feedback.鈥�

The evolving role of sustainability

Davis understands that the sustainability industry is highly competitive and not easy to get into. As a fellow MBA student when Davis was at Leeds, Julie Waggoner, who is now the director of operations at the Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility, remembers Davis as a club leader who helped to organize events related to sustainability, and they did an entrepreneurial class project related to sustainability and social impact.

That was all part of the learning experience, leading to what Davis believes is simple advice for students looking to follow a career path similar to his: "The core skill sets required to do a job that focuses on evolving environmental, social and governance (ESG) requirements are the same as what鈥檚 involved in any other business function. Working in a different field right out of college will not hinder one鈥檚 chances of working in the sustainability industry later鈥攁s long as you鈥檙e continuing to hone your business skills."

鈥淯nderstanding financial analysis and how value is created through channels are core components that those interested in sustainability still need to know,鈥� he said. 鈥淏uilding up those skills while using your dream job for a road map can help set you up for a future career.鈥�

"Understanding financial analysis and how value is created through channels are core components that those interested in sustainability still need to know. Building up those skills while using your dream job for a road map can help set you up for a future career."

Jake Davis (MBA鈥�16)

The path isn鈥檛 always linear

Davis鈥� career is a testament to the value of being a lifelong learner. By having a spirit of curiosity and being open to opportunities, he embraces new experiences that allow him to follow his passions. While landing in his role involved a winding path and some redirection, that was part of the adventure and journey.

From the military to journalism to sustainability, Davis looks ahead with optimism for continuing to create positive change within his community and in the environment. He knows how to find the confidence to innovate and constantly takes steps toward the future he believes in.

Davis has been a guest speaker at events hosted by Leeds' Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR) and is an engaged alumnus who helps students with mock interviews and networking initiatives. Learn more about how CESR is empowering current and future business leaders to solve social and environmental challenges.

Jake Davis took an unconventional career path to sustainability鈥攕tarting in the military, transitioning into journalism and ultimately finding his passion in impact investing with The Nature Conservancy.

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