Business Speaks Podcast

Captain On and Off the Court: Travis Lay on Basketball, Finance & Mentorship | BSPOD | S3 | EP1

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Cooper Stacey and Kam Sanghai sit down with Travis Lay — former Bullis School alum, American University basketball captain, professional athlete, CPA, and mentor — to explore the transition from sports to business and the mindset required to succeed in both worlds. Travis reflects on helping lead American University to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2008 while balancing the demands of Division I athletics and graduating Magna Cum Laude from AU’s Kogod School of Business. He shares what leadership looked like as team captain, the lessons learned from competing at a high level, and how discipline developed through basketball later became essential in finance and accounting. The conversation also dives into Travis’s experience playing professional basketball overseas in England and Australia, the challenges of transitioning out of sports, and rebuilding identity after athletics. From earning his CPA to working in consulting and financial systems implementation, Travis explains how communication, leadership, and consistency matter just as much in business as they do on the court. Beyond career success, the episode explores mentorship, service, and giving back through programs like Year Up. Travis shares advice for young people trying to balance academics, athletics, and long-term goals, while offering insight into leadership, preparation, and building success that lasts beyond any single chapter of life.

The Business Behind Entertainment: Jonas Hosmer on WME, Netflix & the Future of Streaming | BSPOD | S2 | EP8

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Cooper Stacey and Joey Echiendia sit down with Jonas Hosmer — former WME brand partnerships executive and Netflix business strategist — to unpack how the entertainment industry actually works behind closed doors. Jonas shares his journey from brokering major brand and celebrity partnerships at one of Hollywood’s most powerful talent agencies to spending four and a half years inside Netflix during one of the most transformative periods in streaming history. The conversation dives into how billion-dollar entertainment deals are structured, who really holds power in Hollywood negotiations, and how streaming platforms are reshaping the relationship between content, advertising, and culture. The episode also explores Netflix’s internal culture, the rise of ad-supported streaming, the economics of influencer marketing, and why live sports may become the next battleground in entertainment. Along the way, Jonas breaks down what makes brand partnerships feel authentic, where media budgets are actually flowing today, and how AI could completely disrupt the future of entertainment and advertising. From talent agencies to streaming giants, this episode is a deep look into the business side of Hollywood — and where the industry is headed next.

Do Not Let the Old Man In: Robert Stocker on Law, Racing, Reinvention & Refusing to Slow Down | BSPOD | S2 | EP7

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kam Sanghai and Cooper Stacey sit down with Robert Stocker — attorney, entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and Bullis Class of ’61 — to unpack a life built on constant reinvention. Robert shares his journey from clerking for a federal chief judge and building his own solo law practice to running marathons, and completing triathlons well into his later decades. The conversation explores discipline, goal setting, aging, and the mindset behind refusing to slow down. Robert opens up about the realities of practicing law today, the psychology of competition, and the moment he realized the limits people place on themselves are often just stories they’ve accepted for too long. From the courtroom to the racetrack, this episode is about pushing past expectations, staying curious, and never “letting the old man in.”

From Consultant to CEO: How Fred Costa Built MetaPhase | BSPOD | S2 | EP6

In this episode of Business Speaks, we sit down with Fred Costa, Founder and CEO of MetaPhase Consulting, to break down his journey from consultant to building a thriving company. Fred shares how he made the leap into entrepreneurship, the challenges of scaling a business, and the lessons he’s learned leading a team and navigating growth. If you’re interested in consulting, startups, or what it really takes to build something from the ground up, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Breaking Barriers in Construction Leadership: Legacy Business, Trades & Growth | BSPOD | S2 | EP5

In this episode of the Business Speaks Podcast, Kamran Sanghani and Cooper Stacey sit down with Libby Mendiratta, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of Frisco Woodline, to explore leadership inside a legacy construction materials business. Libby shares her path from IT into a family-run company, lessons from building new divisions, and her work advancing women in construction through NAWIC. The conversation covers trades as a career path, certification strategy, culture, and what it takes to grow and lead in an often overlooked but essential industry.