The SI-MBA Podcast

Smart Buildings, Big Impact: How AI & Sustainability Are Transforming the Future of Energy with Trane’s Scott Tew

In this episode of the SI‑MBA Podcast, hosts Claire Saunders and Joanne Peacock sit down with Scott Tew, VP, & Global Head & of Sustainability Strategy at Trane Technologies, to explore how innovation in heating, cooling, and smart building systems is reshaping the future of sustainability. Scott shares how Trane is leading the charge through its ambitious Gigaton Challenge, aiming to reduce 1 billion metric tons of carbon emissions by 2030, and why electrification, energy‑efficient equipment, and next‑generation refrigerants are critical to achieving it. The conversation also dives into how AI-powered technologies and digital twins are enabling buildings to self-diagnose, optimize performance, and dramatically cut energy use. If you’re interested in climate innovation, AI in infrastructure, or how business can drive large-scale environmental change, this episode offers a compelling look at what’s possible—and what’s next.

Impact Investing, Deep Tech, and Democratizing Capital: Emily Vogt on Scaling Ideas and Changing Systems

Isabel Buenaga Levis and Cameron Gouldsit down with Emily Vogt (Class of 2019)—Director of Venture Development at CU Boulder and Board Associate for the UVM Grossman School of Business. Emily shares her winding career path from the outdoor industry to impact investing, angel networks, and ultimately deep tech venture development in the university ecosystem. Emily reflects on her SI MBA experience, the power of a values aligned cohort, and how extracurricular opportunities like the Total Impact Portfolio Challenge shaped her career in early stage finance. She breaks down the differences between angel investing and traditional venture capital, explains the realities of seed stage funding, and highlights the importance of decentralizing capital to empower underrepresented founders. Now working at CU Boulder’s Venture Partners, Emily supports researchers and PhD innovators as they translate breakthrough technologies into real world impact. She discusses the unique challenges of deep tech commercialization, the role of federal funding, and why pairing business acumen with scientific expertise is essential for building the future. Recorded Fall 2023

Charging Through the Storm: Redefining Sustainability, Resilience, and Leadership in the Sustainable Innovation MBA

What does sustainability really mean—and how can business be a force for good in the face of climate change, social challenges, and personal adversity? In this episode of the SIMBA Podcast, host Ben Chiappinelli sits down with Caroline Rooney, a member of the Sustainable Innovation MBA (SIMBA) Class of 2026 at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business, and Brooks Sherman, a SI-MBA alumnus from the Class of 2025. Together, they explore what it means to pursue an MBA rooted in environmental, social, and community impact. Caroline shares her journey from an environmental health background to business school, including how her passion for supporting women in the trades, fashion, and social innovation led her to SI-MBA. The conversation goes deep into defining sustainability beyond the environment—touching on emotional resilience, grief, community, and personal sustainability. Recorded January 2026

Alyssa Stankiewicz on Reimagining Business for Good

In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Stankiewicz, a Sustainable Innovation MBA alum who made an unexpected leap from linguistics to a career in finance at Morningstar. Alyssa shares her journey of overcoming intimidation, embracing authentic networking, and discovering the power of capital markets to drive positive change. We talk about her experience in the Total Impact Portfolio Challenge, the mentors who shaped her path, and her vision for sustainable business. Tune in for insights on building confidence, creating impact, and finding common ground in business. Hosted by Apryl McCoy and Brooke Weatherup. From a conversation recorded May 2025

Driving Change: Sustainability at Full Speed with NASCAR’s Riley Nelson

In this episode, we sit down with Riley Nelson, Head of Sustainability at NASCAR Impact, to explore how one of America’s most iconic sports is accelerating toward a greener future. Riley shares her journey from a Sustainable Innovation MBA student to a sustainability leader in motorsports, and how NASCAR is embedding environmental responsibility with initiatives that build from the ground up by engaging with every employee and high concept engineering projects like an electric racecar. Riley discusses the big and small wins that are transforming NASCAR’s approach to sustainability. Tune in for insights on collaboration, innovation, and the power of sports as a platform for change. Hosted by Matt Deeble and Justin Sharp Recorded March 2025