The Business Edge

Staying Present and Building a Meaningful Life

What does it really mean to be present as an entrepreneur? In this podcast episode, Dr. Ethné Swartz, Professor in the Department of Management, has a discussion with entrepreneur and philanthropist Edwin Feliciano. This reflective conversation emphasizes how presence, patience, and mindset have shaped Edwin’s entrepreneurial journey from purchasing his first property at 22 to leading major business turnarounds. Guided by Dr. Swartz’ questions, Edwin shares lessons learned over decades of experience, including the importance of listening and building trust, managing risk without losing focus, and why true success extends beyond financial gain. He also discusses practical habits for staying grounded, leading with integrity, and intentionally designing a meaningful life while navigating uncertainty. A powerful conversation for students, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to lead with clarity and intention in a fast-paced world.

Tech Hawks Series: Episode #2

In the "Tech Hawks" podcast series, Feliciano School of Business faculty member Dr. David Eisenberg, Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management and Business Analytics, discusses key issues facing business, technology and society. In this episode, Dr. Eisenberg speaks with Dr. Jorge Fresneda, the Hurlburt Chair Professor and Associate Professor in Digital Marketing, Marketing Analytics and Sports Analytics at the Martin Tuchman School of Management at New Jersey Institute of Technology. Together, they discuss their research collaboration into the emerging technology of combining neural sensors with artificial intelligence for cutting-edge business applications at the Neural Analytics for Business Lab at NJIT.  Dr. David Eisenberg is an Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management and Business Analyticshas completed two masters degrees, from Virginia Tech and Rutgers University, prior to completing his PhD at New Jersey Institute of Technology. David has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings, was named a Georgia Tech Research Institute Fellow, National Science Foundation I-Corps Fellow, George Mason University Mercatus Fellow, Junior Scholar of the American Marketing Association’s Public Policy Conference, Founder's Award recipient and Emerging Scholar of the Society of Business Ethics. He has served as 2023-2026 American Association of Information Systems Future of Work Track Chair, their 2023-2025 Cognitive Information Systems mini-track co-chair, and the 2025 Workplace Equality and Diversity Session Chair for the Society of Business Ethics.   Jorge Fresneda is the Hurlburt Chair Professor and an Associate Professor in Digital Marketing, Marketing Analytics and Sports Analytics at the Martin Tuchman School of Management - NJIT. His research interest expands from the role of information in Online Consumer Reviews as influencing online consumers, to the economic impact derived from the lack of accessibility of e-commerce sites. Jorge has extensive experience as a higher education instructor in the areas of digital marketing and analytics at the undergraduate, master, and doctoral levels.

Can We Handle The Social Security Shortfall By Using Tax Incentives?

Speaker Bio Dr. David Axelrod received his Ph.D. in Economics from Rutgers University in 1990.  He worked in finance for twenty years as an economist, consultant and actuarial analyst, including positions with Falcon Management, Volvo Finance, and Crum & Forster. He has also produced research in health economics, and on the nature of choice and well-being. Dr. Axelrod then started teaching at Montclair State University in 2013. His book "Nomics: Notes from the Economics of Time, Mind, and Spirit" was published in 2025.  Dr. Axelrod provides holonomic consultation and workshops. He also plays electric bass, and has released over a dozen albums of original music

Tech Hawks Series: Episode #1 - Breaking Barriers: Digital Accessibility

In the "Tech Hawks" podcast series, Feliciano School of Business faculty member Dr. David Eisenberg, Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management and Business Analytics, discusses key issues facing business, technology and society.  In this episode, Dr. Eisenberg speaks with Dr. Alex Cohen, a legally blind business professor at West Chester University, who is also Chief Marketing and Accessibility Officer of Accessible Pharmacy, Inc. Together, they discuss new research into digital accessibility and technological discrimination, as well as the benefits for business leaders of providing accessible options for workers and consumers alike.  Dr. David Eisenberg is an Assistant Professor in the department of Information Management and Business Analyticshas completed two masters degrees, from Virginia Tech and Rutgers University, prior to completing his PhD at New Jersey Institute of Technology. David has published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings, was named a Georgia Tech Research Institute Fellow, National Science Foundation I-Corps Fellow, George Mason University Mercatus Fellow, Junior Scholar of the American Marketing Association’s Public Policy Conference, Founder's Award recipient and Emerging Scholar of the Society of Business Ethics. He has served as 2023-2025 American Association of Information Systems Future of Work track co-chair, their 2023-2025 Cognitive Information Systems mini-track co-chair, and the 2025 Workplace Equality and Diversity Session Chair for the Society of Business Ethics.   Dr. Alex Cohen, this episode's guest, is an Associate Professor in the Marketing Department at West Chester University, where his research focuses on marketing to the disabled community with the goal of creating a more inclusive marketplace. While earning his Ph.D. in marketing from the LeBow College of Business at Drexel University, he co-authored publications enhancing the assurance of success in online programs for students with disabilities. Prior to beginning his doctoral program, Cohen worked in the hospitality industry for 15 years where his experience includes: holding positions such as director of sales & marketing, general manager, and senior VP of operations. As a non-traditional student, he completed his Master’s degree in hospitality management in an on-line program at Drexel University.  Diagnosed at age 20, Cohen has a degenerative retinal disease known as Retinitis Pigmentosa which has robbed him of most of his vision. He lives in downtown Philadelphia with his wife and two young sons, and spends his spare time as an avid runner, novice musician, and remains deeply involved and committed to the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Talk Smart: Speaking with Power & Poise

Communications coach Simon de Deney shares his journey from acting to helping people become better communicators, offering practical techniques to overcome presentation anxiety. His unique background provides valuable insights into how theater techniques can transform business presentations and help people engage audiences more effectively. • The fear of public speaking stems from the emotional intensity and vulnerability it creates • Presentation nerves can be managed through "inside out" (mental focus) and "outside in" (physical techniques) approaches • Choose a positive word like "inspire" or "entertain" to guide how you want to come across • Square breathing (4 counts in, hold 4, out 4, hold 4) reduces anxiety and improves vocal quality • Body language signals confidence—avoid protective postures or overcompensation • Stand in the "classical position" with relaxed posture as your default stance • The "I'm important, you're important" mindset creates balanced presenter-audience connection • Our brains evolved to learn through stories—"storytelling is learning for free" • Perfect your opening and closing lines since audiences remember first and last impressions • Record practice sessions and review them with a friend for valuable feedback If you found this content valuable, please subscribe and share this with a friend.