Faces of Leeds

Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst’09)

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

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

Anna Sheffer

Growing up, Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst’09) didn’t envision working for his parents’ 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.

“They were tired, and [the business] wasn’t profitable,” he remembered. “It 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.”

Family beginnings

Zeldner’s 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’s passion for honey, Zeldner never felt pressured to work for the family business.

“That was, I think, essential,” he said. “I probably would not have [taken over] if I felt a lot of pressure to do it.”

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 “nectar director.”

“I had seen how hard my parents were working,” he said. “I 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.”

“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.”

Josh Zeldner (Mktg, RelEst’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.

“When I think back on it, I think, 'Wow! I joined the business in September, and by December already had this new concept going,’” Zeldner said.

In 2012, Zeldner’s mother, Amina, decided to concentrate on her work as founding director of UC Davis’s 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’s head.

Zeldner oversaw the opening of Z Specialty Food’s 20,000-square-foot honey and mead tasting room, The HIVE at Woodland—the 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’s Sister City program with La Piedad, Mexico.

“The community aspect of The HIVE is a big theme that has carried me through as I’ve been making improvements and changes,” he said.

Breaking new ground

Building The HIVE brought new growth—and 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.

“In the moment, looking back, I had this kind of tunnel vision,” he said. “I was like, ‘I 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.’”

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’s 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’s landscape with his wife, Rowan Boswell, who is the garden educator and pollen steward.

“We have a crew that comes through and helps [with the garden], but I do a lot of the pruning and weeding,” Zeldner said. “It's kind of my happy place.”

Continuing a legacy

Both Zeldner’s 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.

“I could see that the attitude that a leader has really does impact the culture of the organization in a big way,” he said. “That's something that has stuck with me.”

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

“It was really a passion project where he followed his love for bees and honey and just said ‘I'm going to start a honey company,’” he said.

While Zeldner didn’t always dream of owning Z Specialty Food, he now recognizes how special and unique the company is.

“I knew there was some opportunity there,” he said. “Not just financial opportunity, but especially this opportunity to grow into being a bigger part of the community.”

After an unexpected return to his roots, Josh Zeldner brought new energy and vision to his family’s honey business. His efforts have created a real buzz—transforming 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—filled with prestigious awards and honors—to regularly be found in a suit and tie. But more often than not, you’ll 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 “why” and “how” questions, even when the answers might challenge prevailing views. Talking with him, it’s almost as if you can see the wheels turning, and a discussion can take lively detours. Ask him a question, and he’s 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—much 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’s history and honored him with its Outstanding Reviewer Award for the second time.

Most recently, Lynch earned the American Marketing Association’s 2025 McGraw-Hill Irwin Distinguished Marketing Educator Award—the highest honor in the field of academic marketing—recognizing 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 ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s 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—studying how and why people make important decisions about things like buying cars or homes, saving for retirement, financing college, managing debt and more.

“We 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.

”Today, we’re one of the world’s leaders in this field [of consumer financial decision-making]. .... Some of the brightest stars at Leeds are working on this topic now, and I’m really proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

John G. Lynch Jr.

“When we started, we didn’t have many people who had published significantly in this area. But today, we’re one of the world’s leaders in this field.”

He’s especially proud of his colleagues: “Some of the brightest stars at Leeds are working on this topic now, and I’m really proud of what they’ve accomplished.”

Lynch pointed to the center’s 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—the Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement in the Netherlands—attended by the country’s Queen Máxima.

“The Netherlands has the best retirement system in the world,” he noted. “It’s fascinating to see how different countries tackle similar challenges like retirement, debt or funding education. Everyone’s trying to solve the same problems, but their approaches vary widely—and we can learn a lot by comparing them.”

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’s first two priorities—global topics of concern that resonate with everyone and that cross multiple academic disciplines.

“We’re especially interested in cases where interventions aimed at improving well-being are implemented through business,” 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. “Water management is another area with enormous global relevance,” explained Lynch. “That’s the level of impact we would like to have.”

“Our role is to offer scientific insights grounded in rigorous research that policymakers and practitioners can trust.”

John G. Lynch Jr.

At the core of the initiative is a belief in evidence-based, apolitical research. “We’re 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.”

A lasting legacy

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

“Many of them have gone on to extraordinary careers,” Lynch said. “What’s most gratifying is the ongoing relationships. Anyone who’s had me as a dissertation chair gets what I call the ‘lifetime guarantee’—I’ll always be there for advice or collaboration.”

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

“I have worked only at amazing places. And I've had amazing students.”

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

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James Anderson (MBA’26)

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

James Anderson (MBA’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’ Sustainability Case Competition this spring.

About a year ago, James Anderson decided to trade pipettes and microscopes for pitch decks and pro formas. It’s 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—qualities he has relied on through career pivots, cross-continental moves and personal reinventions. He even joked that he was once a hard “no” on cats—that is, until Fred, his roommate’s cat, won him over.

Just getting started

New experiences will shape Anderson’s 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 ��ƷSM��ӰƬ’s law school. The initiative will bring together 40 Leeds undergraduate students for a deep dive into Colorado’s 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.

“We’re inviting local Colorado startup legends to come and teach students how to pitch, network and raise capital for a venture. It’s a big program, with 40 students, but our goal is to make it feel like 12,” he said.

He knows the value of meaningful peer connection—that’s 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.

“It’s a fantastic family. Even before I started at Leeds, the HGV Fellowship felt like home,” he said.

“Even before I started at Leeds, the High Growth Venture Fellowship felt like home.”

James Anderson (MBA’26)

From Johannesburg to Penn State

Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Anderson moved to the U.S. at the “supple age of 19” 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—although jarring—sparked a deep resilience and an ability to adapt to changes.

“Although 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,” 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.

“This is something that I've learned from Erick Mueller, and it’s that the people you’re working under are who you’re going to learn from. That’s where the real value in any opportunity comes,” he said.

“Just by chance, all the people in my executive suites were incredible. They had a clear vision, clear goals and the clear desire to execute.”

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—things like optimizing systems and building teams.

“I wanted to switch my career from the ‘whats and whys’ to the ‘who’s and hows’: ‘Who is the right person to handle this project?’ and ‘How can we get the funding needed to get this idea off the ground?’”

He realized founders don’t have to master technical expertise—they can hire PhDs. What matters most is that they have the vision to bring the right people together.

Lessons from rugby … and reinvention

Rugby was a defining part of Anderson’s 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—and made the team.

"It was a great opportunity,” he said. It not only helped him stay close to competitive sports, but he enjoyed the travel and camaraderie—this time on the sidelines of Penn State’s lively college football scene.

Dream Big. Spark Change. Ignite Fires.

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

“I don’t have one straight path right now, and that’s OK. My goal is to keep as many doors open as possible.”

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

“There’s no point in dreaming small. To me it’s about momentum. Innovation is like a wildfire—it starts with a spark, a little oxygen and some wind.”

“There’s no point in dreaming small.”

James Anderson (MBA’26)

A community that fuels growth

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

“From late nights prepping for case competitions to early morning networking calls with some of Colorado’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, I’ve never felt more energized or embedded in a community,” he shared on LinkedIn.

He’s found Colorado’s startup scene to be more dynamic and driven than he expected—and he’s all in.

“It’s been a pleasant surprise. The ecosystem here is incredibly tapped-in and supportive. I’m 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’s time to see how far I can fly.”

James Anderson is pursuing his MBA at Leeds and taking a deep dive into Colorado’s startup scene: He’s co-directing ��ƷSM��ӰƬ's Startup Summer and championing entrepreneurs through Denver Ventures. And he’s just getting started.

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Meredith Maney (Mktg, Mgmt’18)

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

Meredith Maney (Mktg, Mgmt’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.

“It’s 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.”

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—at 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.

“The 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,” she said.

“I’ve been lucky to work at companies that want to support professional development.”

Meredith Maney (Mgmt,Mktg’18)

“They want you to learn more. They want you to be the best you can be. I‘ve been lucky to work at companies that want to support professional development.” 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’s 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’ social media channels (even leading a GOLD Board Instagram “takeover” last year), when Maney announced her move to New Zealand on LinkedIn, she received immediate support.

“I 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,” she said.

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

The Elle Woods of Leeds

Reflecting on graduation, in 2018 Maney likened her experience to Elle Woods in the film “Legally Blonde”—a character who transforms and faces challenges with the support of her community.

“I 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.”

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

“The scary conversation that you‘re fearing is never as scary as you really think it's going to be. … That‘s 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’s going to have way bigger repercussions than it really will.”

She reminds mentees: “At the end of the day, I think everyone‘s figuring it out, and everyone‘s human. So, it’s really about not allowing fear to stifle you.”

“At the end of the day, I think everyone‘s figuring it out, and everyone‘s human. So, it’s really about not allowing fear to stifle you.”

Meredith Maney (Mgmt,Mktg’18)

Lifelong learning and connection

Living abroad has further strengthened Maney‘s 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—just one more way she continues to cast lines and build connections, wherever she goes.

“I’ve learned that there are a lot of different ways that you can find the chance to be out there. And I think that‘s really exciting.”

With 10 siblings, Maney joked she’s “basically always on the phone”—a fitting detail for someone who’s 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’25)

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

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

Anna Bedell , • Photo by Cody Johnston

When Jake Schneider (Fin’25) arrived at the Leeds School of Business, he wasn’t quite sure where he was headed. But four years later, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, resilience and mentorship—along with a clear vision for his future.

Schneider’s 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—a love proven by 40 ski days this past winter alone.

"I’m someone who loves the outdoors, whether it be skiing, paddleboarding, hiking, or whatever,” he said. “CU was the perfect spot.”

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—a decision cemented by an eye-opening class at Leeds.

“I cast a wide net at first, coming into college,” he said. “It wasn’t until my finance module class at Leeds that I realized finance was what I wanted to do.”

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.

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

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’s heading to New York City to start a role as an investment banking analyst at Bank of America.

Hard work, real results

Schneider’s success at Leeds hasn’t 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.

“We all have a lot to learn,” he said. “If you get knocked down a peg, it’s just an opportunity to learn more and get back up to better than where you were before.”

“We all have a lot to learn. If you get knocked down a peg, it’s just an opportunity to learn more and get back up to better than where you were before.”

Jake Schneider (Fin’25)

Besides proving to himself that he could excel academically, Schneider’s 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.

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

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.

“I’m really going to miss the feeling I get when I walk through Leeds saying ‘hi’ to everybody. It’s such a unique community here,” he said. “I’ve built this amazing friend group, and while I’m really going to miss them, I know we’ll stay in touch.”

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’s 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—and now he’s 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 • Photos by Cody Johnston

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

Little did Jessica Baumgarten (PolSci’03, MEd’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?

“Early in his career,” said Baumgarten, her father was a sportswriter and editor for the Daily Camera. While at her dad’s house, sports were always on.

“One day I realized, I really love this. I love watching it. I love enjoying it. And I was hooked,” 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’s 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.

“If community development had a bigger presence back then, I think I would’ve gone that route,” she said. That’s because she likes to help people—something 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 “career coach” 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’s 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’s grown BOS into a robust community backed by strong industry ties and alumni engagement.

“I’ve had students call me from airports ... some wanting to sign their offer letters in my office ... Those are moments I will never, ever forget.”

Jessica Baumgarten

“I’ve had students call me from airports ... some wanting to sign their offer letters in my office,” she said. A favorite memory is a BOS alumna calling her right after she received a coveted job offer, and then declaring, “Now I have to go call my mom!”

“There have been so many highs. Those are moments I will never, ever forget.”

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)—the latter of which she calls “the Wild, Wild West—a beast to keep up with on its own.”

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

Opening up opportunities

In a cohort of 50 students each year, BOS participants receive more than just theoretical instruction—they 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.

“A lot of students don't realize all the opportunities within the industry,” said Baumgarten, pointing to roles in community development, agency work and analytics. “I have a number of students who are traders at betting companies, so they’re helping set the lines and they’re using quantitative and analytical skills.”

“Not every student wants to major in sports management,” she added. “This 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.”

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—principles from sports that translate to business and life.

She also reminds students not to burn bridges. “The sports industry is a close-knit community built on relationships, collaboration and information sharing,” she said. Her mantra is simple but powerful: “How you treat people matters.”

“The sports industry is a close-knit community built on relationships, collaboration and information sharing ... How you treat people matters.”

Jessica Baumgarten

She carries that belief into everything she does—not 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, “It’s not about how much you know. It’s about how much you care.”

Jessica Baumgarten didn’t set out to be a coach—but she’s become one in all the ways that matter. From helping students land jobs to growing the Business of Sports Program, she’s all about guiding people toward fulfilling their dreams.

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Rylan Montoya (Bus’25)

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

Rylan Montoya (Bus’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: “We champion the idea that taking risks—even if it means looking dumb—is the key to achieving more.”

“Taking risks—even if it means looking dumb—is the key to achieving more.”

Rylan Montoya (Bus’25)

That idea clearly resonated with his key audience of Gen Z college students. On his LinkedIn profile, Montoya reported: “Under 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.”

Early struggles

Although Montoya began the company with friends, in college he found himself running Dumbclub on his own—not an easy task when also juggling a full-time college workload, majoring in business analytics and information management.

“Running 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.”

Despite the stress and hardship, Montoya persevered.

“You gotta get your foot in the door and start learning and iterating on your failures early on,” 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.

“You gotta get your foot in the door and start learning and iterating on your failures early on.”

Rylan Montoya (Bus’25)

Reimagining the brand

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

The adage “You go faster alone, but go you can go further as a team,” 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’s and Savitsky’s 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.

“We 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.”

The birth of Street Smartz

With the company’s 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’re smart enough to win prizes, ranging from hoodies to cash, driving marketing prospects for brands looking to tap younger audiences.

“A 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’s no better place to go to than a show that’s directly marketing to college students,” 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.

“We’re 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.”

The Leeds impact

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

“Leeds has shaped me into the business leader I am today. But moving forward, it’s on you to seek out opportunities. That mindset—taking initiative and staying proactive—has been ingrained in me throughout my four years here. Leeds will open doors, but it’s up to you to walk through them.”

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.

“What 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—like Salesforce, Nintex and modern database tools—and showing exactly how they’re applied in real-world business environments.”

“There’s still a million things I’ll need to do that I have no idea how to do yet. But that’s just part of the journey—learning as I go, growing through every challenge, and always staying curious.”

Rylan Montoya (Bus’25)

For Montoya, giving up has never been an option, and fear of the unknown isn’t an obstacle as he looks forward to graduating and pursuing his passions.

"There’s still a million things I’ll need to do that I have no idea how to do yet. But that’s just part of the journey—learning as I go, growing through every challenge, and always staying curious."

Before arriving at Leeds, Rylan Montoya (Bus’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’99)

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

Erick Mueller (MBA’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’s 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—the Deming Center’s third honor from the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers (GCEC).

Despite Mueller’s unfaltering pace, his office remains a calming, welcoming space, with his therapy dogs, Khaya and Auggie, greeting guests. The center’s “mighty team” of three staff members organizes programs, events, speakers, workshops and mentorships that have a far-reaching impact on entrepreneurship at Leeds, ��ƷSM��ӰƬ, 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. “He was inspired in South Africa to see how a company can be mission-driven,” Mueller said. “Peter worked extra hard to find sustainable resources—going to South America—and he has really built a purpose-driven coffee business.”

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 ��ƷSM��ӰƬ, Colorado and the broader global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“It really is a ‘high tide raises all boats organization,’” he explained. “We’re in the business of changing lives,” he emphasized, noting that it’s about collaboration more than competition. A prime example is Deming’s 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.

“We’re in the business of changing lives.”

Erick Mueller (MBA’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.

“I have always appreciated how lucky our students are,” he said. “They 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.”

Sharing this knowledge, he added, is “really, really, really fun.”

Pioneering new programs

This year, the Deming Center introduced the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) program, responding to student demand—particularly among MBA students—and to address the upcoming transition of millions of Baby Boomer-owned businesses, what’s being referred to as the “silver tsunami."

“We want to help society transition these businesses well,” 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. “We are one of the best countries that can put failure into context,” 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. “You know how to adjust to change, problem solve, and look at solutions innovatively … If everyone is looking at doom and gloom, who is looking at the opportunities that can emerge because of all this change?”

Entrepreneurs.

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

“You just love them, support them, high-five them and say, ‘I’ve got your back.’”

Just like what he does every day at Leeds—with students, colleagues and the entire entrepreneurial community. As the center continues its forward trajectory, Mueller’s steadfast dedication remains—to be of service.

Faces of Leeds: Erick Mueller (published December 2022)

Even Erick Mueller’s 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—one way he volunteers to help budding founders—and 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.

“Entrepreneurship is an amazing platform,” he said. “It’s pretty special to know you’ve helped change the trajectory of someone’s life in a positive way, whether it’s 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.”

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’s 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.

“I’m a firm believer that our faculty should be doing what they teach,” he said. “I get to teach what I do and do what I teach. That delivers that much more of an impactful, practical, tangible learning experience.”

Entrepreneurship for all

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

“Entrepreneurship is not starting a business—it’s a way of thinking that you can use at a big or small company,” he said. “We help people by giving them the tools, programming and classes to go as far down the path as they want.”

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

“The word I use a lot is unleash—our work at the center unleashes the entrepreneurial excitement in everybody,” Mueller said. “It’s amazing to see the light bulb go on for someone who starts by saying, ‘I can’t do it,’ and then they leave by saying ‘I can do this, I have the tools to do it and I’m inspired to do it.’”

You won’t hear him use the word “unleashed” 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, “and to an extent, she saved my life,” he said. “Having the unconditional love of a puppy when you’re a teenager, dealing with angst—it was a tough time.”

“It’s pretty special to know you’ve helped change the trajectory of someone’s life in a positive way, whether it’s employing someone in a business or giving a student the tools and knowledge to help them on their journey.”

Erick Mueller (MBA’99)

That firsthand experience with an animal’s 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’s hospitals and, especially, retirement homes. He’s continuing that tradition with Auggie and Khaya, both recently certified as therapy animals.

“For me, it all comes back to impact,” Mueller said. “My journey has been about being of service—whether with puppies, as teacher, a founder, a dad or a community member. I feel very blessed to give back to others.”

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’t anticipate having to update the curriculum almost immediately. But with the whirlwind of advances in Generative AI, large language models and deep learning (see “The Vocabulary of AI”), course adaptations are a regular requirement.

Despite those “big technological jumps,” as Liu describes them, her love of teaching and mentoring remains constant. She finds the ability to make an impact on students’ lives at a critical stage of their growth—when they are curious and exploring opportunities and possibilities—incredibly rewarding.

“I am also very passionate about sharing the knowledge that I have in the most intuitive way,” she said.

Liu also values the continuous learning and intellectual freedom afforded by academic research. It allows her to “choose what topics to pursue and really dive deep into them.”

Connecting AI to business strategy

Liu was the first faculty member at Leeds to have a course fully dedicated to bridging AI and business—a 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.

“I don’t just teach the theories of deep learning—like 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.”

“I don’t 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.”

Liu Liu, Assistant Professor of Marketing

Through her “end-to-end pipeline” approach, students in her AI course tackle every stage of problem-solving—from 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.

“In my opinion, this is the strength of business analytics compared to pure data science or a computer science program.” 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. “That is my goal—to prepare students for that.”

From Google to the classroom

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

“I feel very fortunate that was my first job,” 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.

“I am just fascinated by consumer preferences and consumer behavior,” 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

“AI 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,” said Liu.

“My perspective has always been that you have to be able to use AI correctly and responsibly.” She shared a metaphor: “If you don’t know how to operate, don’t be a doctor.”

“AI 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. “You 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,” she said. That’s 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—one that requires just as much energy as any AI model and comes with its own form of deep learning—raising twins, a son and a daughter.

Looking ahead

What’s 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, “That may be an unsolvable problem.”

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’16)

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

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

Anna Bedell (Mktg’25)

Jake Davis’ 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.

“Being in the military had always been a tradition in my family, and it also helped pay for school,” he said. “I was able to choose to study something that I enjoyed—and I had always loved writing growing up.”

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.

“If I had started sports writing right out of college, I would probably still be doing something like that,” he said. “But 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.”

In 2012, Davis joined ��ƷSM��ӰƬ 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.

“I think the experiences I’ve had—both in leading teams and knowing how to put together a coherent strategy for getting things done—have been pretty impactful for being able to succeed in life and business,” 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.

“I’m still working on the skills to be an effective coach for my team,” he said. “I like to have a fun time with people. Sometimes leading means engaging a team, or it requires tough conversations and feedback.”

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’s involved in any other business function. Working in a different field right out of college will not hinder one’s chances of working in the sustainability industry later—as long as you’re continuing to hone your business skills."

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

"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’16)

The path isn’t always linear

Davis’ 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—starting in the military, transitioning into journalism and ultimately finding his passion in impact investing with The Nature Conservancy.

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