Bearcats Mean Business

Sitting in the Client’s Chair + Building Connections with Jeff Karcher of the Texas Stock Exchange

To understand a client better, Jeff Karcher once spent a morning sitting in one of their chairs — literally — to experience the pressure and pace of their day-to-day responsibilities firsthand.  In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Jeff reflects on the power of networking, relationship-building and trust while sharing practical leadership lessons shaped by years of working alongside executives, investors and global companies. From staying composed during pivotal moments to learning how to truly listen, the conversation offers practical business insight for students and professionals alike.  Jeff also discusses how a UC co-op experience helped launch his career, eventually leading to a leadership role with the soon-to-launch Texas Stock Exchange. Along the way, he offers an inside look at IPOs, public markets and why fewer companies are choosing to go public today — and what that shift could mean for the future of the economy.  *** Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business [https://www.business.uc.edu/], where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

Antitrust Lawyer Amanda Wait Makes the Case for Risk-Taking and Authentic Leadership

Antitrust attorney Amanda Wait shares how a UC economics class sparked a fascination with competition law that shaped her entire career. From turning down a lucrative New York law firm offer to join the Federal Trade Commission, to advising CEOs and boards on multimillion-dollar decisions, Wait reflects on the power of betting on experience over comfort — and why the best career paths are often the least expected ones.  Throughout the conversation, Wait offers a straightforward look at leadership inside high-stakes industries, discussing how she navigates difficult client conversations, develops young talent and balances strategic thinking with human connection. She also explores how AI is reshaping the legal profession and why curiosity, adaptability and ethical decision-making remain essential in business leadership.  The episode also highlights the lasting impact of mentorship and philanthropy through Wait’s involvement with the Kautz-Uible Economics Institute [https://www.kueconomicsinstitute.org/]. Her story is a reminder that one conversation, one opportunity or one unexpected decision can completely change the trajectory of a career — and why investing in future leaders matters.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business [https://www.business.uc.edu/], where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

Former CEO Doug Conant on Winning in the Workplace

Former CEO Doug Conant joins Lindner dean Marianne Lewis for a deeply personal conversation on leadership at the highest level of business. From navigating tough calls that balance people and performance to leading through uncertainty, Conant shares the defining decisions that shaped his career and leadership philosophy.  The former CEO/President of Campbell Soup Company, former President of Nabisco Foods and former Chairman of Avon Products reflects on the formative moment of being fired early in his career, how it reshaped his approach, and why his belief that to “win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace” became a guiding principle.  The conversation also explores the tension between being both tough and kind as a leader—and how intentional recognition, including writing thousands of thank-you notes, became central to building authentic, values-driven cultures.  Looking ahead, Conant discusses the responsibility leaders have to develop the next generation, drawing on his work with Lindner’s Warren Bennis Leadership Institute [https://www.business.uc.edu/about/centers-partnerships/warren-bennis-leadership.html].  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business [https://www.business.uc.edu/], where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

Fifth Third Bank CIO Jude Schramm on AI Adoption, Career Curiosity and the Power of Human Connection

In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Fifth Third Bank CIO Jude Schramm reflects on the pivotal early choices that shaped his career, revealing how curiosity and a willingness to step off the expected career track opened unexpected doors.  The Lindner alum shares how he spearheads AI adoption and transformation at a Fortune 500 bank by building in AI’s rate of change, customer trust and cybersecurity into every decision. Schramm also touches on aligning business education to AI’s demands and why human connection and problem-solving matter now more than ever for today’s professionals and business students.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business [https://www.business.uc.edu/], where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.

Quarterbacking Two Companies with Ranger Steel & CraftForce CEO Dustin Grutza

What does it take to lead not just one company, but two?  In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, Dustin Grutza, CEO of Ranger Steel and CraftForce, shares how he balances leadership while building high-performing teams and scaling two businesses in relationship-driven industries. From growing up in a family business to launching his own ventures, Dustin offers a candid look at the realities entrepreneurship, delegation and decision-making at the highest level.  The former UC quarterback offers practical insight for professionals and students alike seeking mentorship, leadership and entrepreneurial pointers.  ***  Welcome to Bearcats Mean Business, the official podcast of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business [https://www.business.uc.edu/], where inspiring career stories, honest lessons and fresh business perspectives from the people building impact in the real world come together.