Bearcats Mean Business

In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, we spotlight co-op through an interview with Preston Simon, a second-year finance and business economics student who’s already built an impressive résumé through hands-on roles in finance. 

Preston reflects on his co-op experiences with UBS Financial Services, where he supported client strategy and investment tracking, and RKCA Investment Bank, where he’s sharpening his skills in financial ...

In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Lindner assistant professor-educator Steven Jones and Lindner senior Ryan Baillie explore the world of project management — from classroom lessons to real-world leadership. 

Jones, who enjoyed a successful career in project management before joining Lindner, shares how the college is preparing students to manage complex projects across industries through its operations management program. B...

Co-produced and hosted by Lindner student Mirsayah Wasnuk, Sustainability in Business: A Bearcats Mean Business Student Series, explores the connection between sustainability and key areas of business, while offering students practical insights on how to integrate sustainable thinking into their career paths. 

In the debut episode of this four-part series, Mirsayah sits down with Lindner graduate Ben Booker, co-founder of Net Impact...

What can students learn from the real-world use of AI and analytics in business? In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Matt Booher, Vice President of Data Solutions at EW Scripps Company, shares how he built his career in analytics, how Scripps is leveraging AI to shape the future of media, and the challenges that come with innovation.  

Matt also offers advice for Lindner students seeking to enhance their skillset for a data-d...

Ever wonder what it’s like to co-op at Google? In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Lindner student Bitanya Derese shares how she landed her role at one of the world’s most influential companies and what her day-to-day looked like inside Google. 

The Lindner Business Honors student and marketing major also reflected on the lessons she brought back to Lindner/UC, how her Lindner experiences prepared her for co-op success, and h...

Every Bearcat has a story — and Bobby Schuckmann’s shows the power of persistence, focus, and seizing opportunities. 

From an unpaid, three-hour-commute co-op with the Indiana Pacers/Fever to his current role as Managing Director & Senior Wealth Advisor at Truist Wealth Sports & Entertainment Group, Bobby turned a bold dream into a lasting career. 

Tune in to hear Bobby’s lessons on resilience, the mindset it takes to break i...

Reza Yazdian, JD, a proud Lindner alum and founder of Synchrocare, has never been afraid to break new ground. He also possesses some trademark Lindner and Bearcat grit. In this episode, Reza shares: 

*How Lindner and UC shaped his approach to problem-solving 

*How he created a co-op with Airborne Express 

*Lessons on taking risks and moving from concept to launch 

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Chapters

0:54 – Experiences and lessons at Lindner/UC that impacte...

How do you go from a co-op student to president & CTO at the same company? 

Lindner alum Nick Enger reflects on landing his first co-op at Advanced Technology Consulting, the hard and soft skills he learned as a co-op that he still uses today, and the long game of earning trust, navigating setbacks and growing into executive leadership. 

If you're a student dreaming of the C-suite — or an alum curious about the long-term valu...

What does the future of higher education look like — and how is the Lindner College of Business leading the way through co-op and real-world learning? 

In this episode, Dean Marianne Lewis shares her bold vision for higher ed, addresses the shifting perceptions of value among students and families, and explains why Lindner’s co-op model goes far beyond resume building. From student success stories to reimagining the academic mindset...

How does a co-op experience turn into a full-time opportunity? On this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, 2024 Lindner grad Benjamin Seid shares how his time at UC — and particularly his co-ops — equipped him with the hard and soft skills to thrive in the professional world. 

Benjamin talks about landing his role at Triversity Construction, working with Lindner Career Services, and navigating the transition from UC Blue Ash to main ...

In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Lindner graduate Rachael Spoon talks about: 

*Aiming to “revolutionize the wedding industry” with her wedding planning business, Rae & Co. + plans for her one-of-kind venue.

*Key mentors, including a Lindner academic advisor who let Rachael plan her wedding.

*Overcoming doubt + why failure is a necessary part of success.

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Timestamps

Lindner graduate Somesh Saxena shares a behind-the-scenes look at building Pantomath from scratch; the influence of his brother, Shashank; how his classroom and co-op experiences at Lindner prepared him professionally; and insights from working in the culinary industry in Cincinnati and New York City. 

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Timestamps

0:47 – How his life is different today compared to when Pantomath was founded in March 2022 

4:28 – What business proble...

Colliers Vice Chairman Shenan Murphy shares his remarkable journey—overcoming dyslexia and financial hardship, giving back to Lindner, UC and Cincinnati, and championing the region’s future real estate professionals through mentorship.

Shenan will receive the Distinguished Service Award at the UC Real Estate Center’s Annual Dinner on June 11 at Music Hall.

Timestamps

1:25: Shenan’s “crazy” road to where he is today 

4:17: Being a ...

Meet Charlie Breidenbach, a Lindner student entrepreneur who’s paving his own way—literally. 

Charlie shares lessons learned from the asphalt business, faculty that have encouraged him along the way, and getting involved with the Center for Entrepreneurship – particularly with the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference on May 8. Plus, hear his advice for students looking to get involved in entrepreneurship and startups.

Time...

In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, seasoned C-suite technology executive Todd James offers a deep dive into how companies are leveraging AI-driven analytics for a competitive edge — and what’s holding others back. 

From building a strategic AI roadmap and overcoming data quality challenges to exploring ethical considerations and emerging trends, Todd shares actionable insights for executives, data leaders and anyone looking ...

Graduation is right around the corner! 

Soon-to-be Lindner grads Sophia Schwerin & Adam Al-Nammari joined Bearcats Mean Business to share their favorite Lindner memories, how they balanced academics and involvement, and what they wish they knew as first-years. 

Plus, hear about their co-op experiences, study abroad adventures, and advice for future Bearcats.

0:44 – Sophia & Adam’s backgrounds 

2:04 – Feelings on graduating 

3:56...

From first-generation college student to earning three degrees at Lindner, Ryan Gaffney, BBA ’16, MS ’17, PhD ’21, shares how his passion for marketing and consumer behavior shaped his academic and professional journey. 

Episode highlights: 

• How Consumer Behavior with Frank Kardes changed his career path 

• Study abroad adventures in China & Dubai 

• Why he graduated early to pursue an MS in Marketing 

• Ins...

Jennifer Barlow, the Grau Center for Professional Selling’s Executive Director, and Sophie Legue, a fourth-year Lindner student, provide an inside look at Lindner’s sales ecosystem.

From hands-on learning experiences inside and outside the classroom to first-rate training opportunities, Jennifer and Sophie break down how Lindner prepares students for successful sales careers. 

Get the scoop on the coming Spring Sales Expo (March 5), ...

MS Accounting student Lucas Lodato and MS Finance + Real Estate Graduate Certificate student Bob Clark joinedBearcats Mean Business to shed light on thegraduate student experience at Lindner, why they selected Lindner for the next phase of their academic journeys, why they both enjoy living in Cincinnati, and much more.

0:59 – Bob’s transition from the working world back to graduate school 

2:25 – Lucas’s 'why' for entering t...