DBA Chronicles Podcast Episodes

Welcome to another engaging episode of DBA Chronicles!This week, Amy, Kelly, and Valrie sat down with the dynamic and multitalented Dr. Joseph Arrington—a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, athlete, researcher, and proud father. Dr. Arrington joins us from Utah, bringing his signatureenergy to share his unique academic path as a DBA holder. A proud Drexel graduate, Joseph takes us through his inspiring journey of merging business rigor with medical innovation. From impactful mentorship with...

What happens when a startup veteran with a passion foroperations decides to dive deep into academic research? In this episode, we’re joined by Sean Doherty, founder and CEO of Sierra Delta Advisors and current DBA student at Penn State University, who is also pursuing a masters in SupplyChain Management—simultaneously! From managing flight operations to scaling logistics forHelloFresh and Vineyard Vines, Sean brings a rare blend of real-world startup hustle and research rigor. We explore: Why ...

In this episode of DBA Chronicles, hosts Dr. Kelly Burch,Dr. Valrie Grant and Dr. Amy Horner sat down with two distinguished DBA graduates and musicians, Dr. Frank Dukes (VP, Finance Manager, Global Transaction Services at Bank of America) and Dr. Chris Richardson (Senior Manager, Supply Chain at Thermo Fisher Scientific). Both from Cohort 6 at UNCCharlotte, they dive deep into the evolving role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and share unique insights from their recent research. Key T...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of DBA Chronicles , we turn the spotlight on our very own co-host—now proudly Dr. Kelly Burich. Fresh from crossing the stage at UNC Charlotte’s Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, Kelly steps into the guest seat to reflect on her transformative DBA journey and what it means to be Resilient on Purpose —a phrase that encapsulates not only her research focus but the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of doctoral life. With her trademark honesty and humor, Kell...

In this powerful episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome ascholar, veteran, and visionary—Jevon Wooden, current DBA candidate at the University of Houston, founder of Bright Mind Consulting Group, and a dynamic force in empathetic leadership and community transformation. From nearly losing his future at 17 to becoming a decoratedBronze Star Army veteran and business leader, Jevon shares how lived experience shapes not just his personal journey but his mission to enable digital equity and social m...

In this very special episode, we flip the script — literallyas one of our co-founders, Dr. Valrie Grant, steps into the guest seat. Fresh off her successful defense, Dr. Grant takes us deepinside her dissertation- Factors Influencing National Geospatial Information Management Adoption in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — a rich exploration of how leadership, national innovation systems, and external pressures shape the future of climate resilience and development for some of the world’s...

Join us for a fascinating episode of DBA Chronicles as we welcome Dr. Pawan Anand, a technology executive, award-winning innovator, and scholar of Temple University’s DBA program. In this episode, Dr. Anand shares his remarkablejourney through the rigors of doctoral life, his cutting-edge research on integrating generative AI into agile software engineering, and his thoughts on the future of AI in leadership and business. In this episode, you’ll learn: What inspired Pawan to pursue a DBA and ho...

In this inspiring episode of DBA Chronicles, co-host Dr. Amy Horner steps into the guest seat to share her journey through the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. Amy opens up about the motivations behind pursuing her doctorate, navigating the entire journey, and uncovering newdimensions of strategic change through her research. From funny classroom anecdotes to moments of self-discovery, this episode is a candid reflection on resilience, leadership, and growth. Whether you're in t...

Welcome to a special episode of DBA Chronicles! In this episode, we are honored to participate in Podcasthon, the world's largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together over 1,600 podcasts worldwide to raise awareness for meaningful causes. Our cause of choice? Emerald School of Excellence, a groundbreaking recovery high school in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides education and a supportive environment for students overcoming substance use and mental health challenges. The DBA Chr...

In this thought-provoking episode of DBA Chronicles, we sat down with Dr. Philip Cola, a distinguished scholar and leader in the DBA community, to discuss the future of the DBA degree and its growing importance in business education and leadership. With an impressive career that spans both academia and industry, Dr. Cola brings a unique perspective on bridging research and practice. He has worked extensively in research administration and management. His research focuses on evidence-based manag...

In this episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome Dr. Rachelle Martin who recently earned her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Dr. Martin’s dissertation explores perfectionism in women leaders, shedding light on how this trait manifests in leadership, its strengths and challenges, and its unique impact on women of color in the workplace. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Dr. Martin’s journey to earning her DBA and why she pivoted her dis...

In this fascinating episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcome Dr. Tina Wilson, a 2021 graduate of the Georgia State University DBA program, to explore the psychological underpinnings of decision-making. Dr. Wilson shares her career transition from finance to construction management, how her DBA journey shaped her leadership approach, and the impact of behavioral economics on organizational decision-making. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Behavioral Economics in Action – How people’s percepti...

In this thought-provoking episode of DBA Chronicles, we are joined by Dr. Stéphane Thion, Executive DBA Program Manager at TBS Education, to explore how Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs serve as catalysts for corporate transformation and innovation. With his extensive background in marketing, education, and program management, Dr. Thion provides an insightful perspective on the distinctive advantages of a DBA education in addressing the strategic needs of modern organizations. W...

In this special milestone episode, co-hosts Kelly, Valrie and Amy, reflect on their incredible journey through 30 episodes of DBA Chronicles and their shared DBA experience. This candid and heartfelt conversation delves into the challenges, triumphs, and surprises they've faced—not just as podcast hosts, but as DBA candidates nearing the finish line. Highlights Include: Personal Growth: Hear the hosts discuss how the DBA journey has transformed them, both professionally and personally. Lesson...

In this engaging episode of DBA Chronicles, we sit down with Dr. Bart Cambré, Associate Dean of Research and Valorization at Antwerp Management School. With a unique career journey that spans academia, consultancy, and even managing a blues band, Dr. Cambré brings a wealth of experience and a refreshing perspective to the discussion. Dr. Cambré shares his fascinating academic path, from sociological research on racism and religiosity to becoming a global thought leader in organizational netwo...

Have you ever wondered how authorship is determined for published works with multiple contributors? What defines an "intellectual contribution," and how are disputes over authorship resolved? In this insightful episode of the DBA Chronicles, hosts Amy, Kelly, and Valrie welcome Dr. Lisa Rasmussen, Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dr. Rasmussen brings her expertise as the Editor-in-Chief of Accountability in Research, Co-Editor of the Ph...

In this compelling episode of DBA Chronicles, our hosts dive into a rich conversation with Dr. Emoy Reid, a newly minted Doctor of Business Administration and experienced healthcare consultant. Dr. Reid recounts her unique career trajectory that shifted from initial clinical ambitions to a deep commitment to enhancing patient experiences through strategic consulting and training. She discusses how earning her DBA from Georgia State University transformed her approach, allowing her to address com...

In this compelling episode of DBA Chronicles, our hosts Amy, Kelly and Valrie sat down with Raymond Kusch a remarkable entrepreneur and retired US Army veteran who shares his incredible journey from military service to becoming an AI entrepreneur and academic scholar. Raymond, a Penn State DBA scholar, recounts his experiences as a wounded warrior, his early foray into entrepreneurship, and the creation of his latest venture—American Inference, a portfolio of AI solutions, including EngagedSchol...

In this insightful episode of DBA Chronicles, recorded live at the 14th Annual Engaged Management Scholarship Conference (EMS) in the UK in September our hosts sat down with Dr. Ekin Pellegrini, Associate Dean for Graduate Business Programs and founding director of the DBA program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Dr. Pellegrini is also the current president of the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration Council (EDBAC). In this episode, we discuss: Dr. Pellegrini’s inspir...

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Michel Kalika, who shares his fascinating journey, from creating the first DBA program in a French university to founding the Business Science Institute, which now boasts over 200 active DBA scholars across 50 countries. Professor Kalika recounts the creation of BSI, driven by the need to provide a global, demand-driven DBA program that caters to managers from various industries and regions. He highlights the transformative nature of the DBA, touching...

In this insightful episode of DBA Chronicles, we sit down with Frederick Jackson, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, to discuss his inspiring educational and professional journey. Frederick shares how he started his career at a call center and progressed to becoming a corporate trainer and later a manager in the brokerage and investment services world. Frederick's story is one of perseverance, as he reveals how it took him 16 years to co...

Welcome to another episode of DBA Chronicles! Today, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Simon Nynens, an accomplished CEO, investor, and business coach with decades of international senior management experience. A recent graduate of Drexel University’s DBA program, Dr. Nynens has a unique blend of academic rigor and practical business acumen that makes him a standout leader in today’s fast-paced business environment. Dr. Nynens shares his journey from the C-suite to the clas...

In this captivating episode of DBA Chronicles, we sat down for an enlightening conversation with Stephanie Royce, the esteemed Director of Executive Doctoral Programs at Oklahoma State University (OSU). Together, they unravel the intricate journey of pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree. Stephanie, who transitioned from a prolific 30-year career in the industry to the realm of academia, provides a unique perspective on the academic landscape. Throughout the episode, Stephan...

In this enlightening episode of DBA Chronicles, we sit down with Dr. Cindy Goodwin-Sak to delve into the transformative power of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree in corporate leadership. Dr. Goodwin-Sak shares her journey from her extensive career at CISCO, where she held various leadership roles including Vice President, to her current endeavors in consulting and academia. She discusses the value of a DBA in enhancing leadership skills, the critical role of research-based dec...