Bearcats Mean Business

A Problem-Solver's Approach to Real Estate with Uptown Rentals Founder/President Dan Schimberg

As a University of Cincinnati student, Dan Schimberg saw a problem firsthand: students struggled to find safe, well-maintained housing near campus. Instead of accepting the status quo, he began rehabbing properties around UC, laying the foundation for what would become Uptown Rental Properties, one of Cincinnati’s most influential real estate companies.  On Bearcats Mean Business, Dan reflects on the leadership lessons learned while growing from a one-person operation into a large organization, including why trust, delegation and empowering employees became essential to scaling Uptown. The recent Distinguished Real Estate Service Awardee [https://www.business.uc.edu/about/centers-partnerships/real-estate/real-estate-banquet.html] also discusses the role mentorship has played throughout his career and the qualities he looks for in young professionals.  Along the way, Dan offers practical advice for students navigating co-op and the early stages of their careers: show up, stay curious, learn the craft and never be too proud to do the small tasks that lead to bigger opportunities. The conversation also explores the future of Cincinnati, the power of community-focused leadership and how solving problems — both in business and beyond — has guided Dan’s career for decades.  ***  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.

Family Ties & Entrepreneurial Minds with Finn & Bowen Alexy

Finn and Bowen Alexy never expected a classroom assignment to help launch an angel investing venture. But that's exactly what happened when a Lindner project, a willingness to take initiative and a simple outreach email opened the door to an opportunity that would help shape their careers.  In this episode of Bearcats Mean Business, the brothers share how growing up around entrepreneurship influenced their approach to business, leadership and risk. They discuss helping run Alexy Metals, launching BowFin Capital and navigating the unique challenges and rewards of working alongside family.  The conversation is packed with practical lessons for current students and aspiring entrepreneurs. From treating every project like it matters to leading with value, embracing uncertainty and building momentum through small wins, Finn and Bowen explain how opportunities often emerge from effort long before they become visible.   ***  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.

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.