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Career Paths: Shannon Porter’s Unconventional Journey to Finding Her Passion

Jane Majkiewicz — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 20:27:11 +0000

Career Paths: Shannon Porter’s Unconventional Journey to Finding Her Passion Jane Majkiewicz Thu, 11/06/2025 - 13:27

Jane Majkiewicz

Content notice: This story includes brief mentions of sexual assault and trauma recovery.

Life rarely unfolds the way we imagine. That’s one of the key messages alumna Shannon Porter (Mktg’23) shared with students in Bonnie Auslander’s Written Communication for Business Leaders course. In a candid and vulnerable presentation titled “What They Don’t Say About ‘The Job’ After College,” Porter outlined a personal journey that took her from trauma to podcast success—navigating rejection, resilience and discovery along the way.

Her visit to Leeds came with inspiration for fellow young job seekers: It’s OK not to have it all figured out. You can learn as you go and piece things together.

What do you wear in court?

Porter's college experience was overshadowed when she was raped by a close family friend her freshman year (not on the �鶹��Ѱ��campus). She quietly struggled to keep studying, apply for internships, and maintain a meaningful college life while handling something far from typical—pursuing a two-year legal process against her perpetrator, whom she later discovered had also assaulted her cousin and three other women.

During finals the first semester of her junior year, Porter wasn’t just preparing for exams; she was preparing for court. There weren’t too many people she could turn to with questions like, “What’s the right thing to wear in court?”

“Life turned out to look very different than what I had thought,” she said. “I was really struggling,” she said. “At school, I felt like I was living a double life, dying on the inside as I tried to recover.”

The job search that didn’t go as planned

One of Porter’s biggest surprises after graduation was watching her peers fulfill Leeds’ 90% placement rate—securing jobs within six months—while she waited for her big break.

“I did mostly everything right,” she said, describing her efforts to study hard, engage in class and go the extra mile. She struggled with accounting and nearly failed, but overall, she was “doing the grind.” In her sophomore year, she won the Communication Strategy Case Competition at Leeds, which she now credits with helping her build a foundation in presentation and storytelling skills.

Yet despite her persistence, she still found herself among the 10% of recent graduates without a job. She had envisioned a traditional corporate path and 9-to-5 lifestyle. But after receiving 1,300 rejections—one within minutes—she stopped tracking applications in her Excel spreadsheet.

Finding her voice

Despite the challenges, Porter was discovering her voice. Her presentation at Leeds was a great example. She was warm and confident, demonstrating skills honed through crafting dozens of episodes of "What They Don’t Say: Sexual Assault and Everything in Between." Co-created in 2023 with her cousin Lauren King, the podcast was born from a burning desire to open up dialogue around sexual assault—topics they wished they could discuss with supportive friends.

The podcast tackles raw, unfiltered subjects like “Terrible Pillow Talk: Crying During Sex,” aiming to create space for honest conversations about trauma and healing.

There are many ways to build a meaningful career—even if it doesn’t look like everyone else’s version of success.

Shannon Porter (Mktg’23)

And their message has resonated: To date, they have amassed 18,000 social media followers, 1 million TikTok likes, 80,000 streams and downloads, and more than 800 messages from listeners—and counting.

“Consent is hot”—and so is being scrappy and creative

Since launching the podcast, Porter has done whatever it takes to stay financially afloat while advancing its mission. From selling items on Etsy and eBay to working with nonprofits and creating branded merchandise with the slogan “consent is hot,” she’s been resourceful and determined.

Recognition has followed. She secured an interview with Jess Michaels, a Jeffrey Epstein survivor, for the podcast. That led to Porter’s current role as a part-time social media manager for Michaels’ startup, which focuses on sexual assault first aid. Another milestone was interviewing Susan Bratton, a high-profile relationship and intimacy expert featured on The Diary of a CEO.

Producing the podcast is demanding work. “Every week it can feel like dragging myself behind a vehicle,” Porter admitted, describing both the intensity of the editing process and the emotional vulnerability of releasing each episode. She often wrestles with self-doubt, questioning whether an episode is truly ready. Yet the podcast has become a powerful springboard for broader conversations—fueling consent and sexual assault workshops that Porter is developing and plans to bring to college campuses, including �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

“I have pieced together a messy, low-income life in service to keeping this podcast going,” she said. “While there are bad moments, days and weeks, this is an example of a path. The 9-5 job on a corporate ladder is not the only way.”

Three Principles for Staying Grounded

Since graduation, Porter has leaned on a few principles to navigate personal and professional growth.

Show up curious. “There’s something to learn from everyone. If you’re bored, show up more.”
Set boundaries. “Say ‘yes’ first and then learn to say ‘no.’ If you say yes to everything, you’ll deprive the world of what you’re meant to build.”
Use AI wisely. AI tools can be helpful in research and editing, but you never want to lose your unique voice. “I never want to use AI in a way that will outpace the integrity of my brand. Once you lose your brand, it’s hard to get it back.”

Looking Ahead

At the heart of Porter’s work is a commitment to education and open dialogue—especially around topics that are difficult to discuss. She began her Leeds presentation with the concept of a “trust tree,” a framework for engaging in honest conversations about issues like sexual assault. Her approach encourages curiosity, respect and wonder, rather than judgment.

Her message to students was simple yet powerful: “The important thing is to find and do something that will build you up.”

After her presentation, Porter reflected on LinkedIn: “Three years ago, I was sitting in those same chairs applying for jobs and hoping for something great. I didn’t know I’d end up on a completely different path than any I thought were options.”

She continued, “It was a full-circle moment to talk with students about the realities of life after college, and to remind them that there are many ways to build a meaningful career—even if it doesn’t look like everyone else’s version of success.”

Shannon Porter (Mktg’23) turned trauma and job rejections into resilience, building a powerful podcast and an unexpected career path.

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Do Gun Manufacturers Have a Duty to Prevent Violence?

Kelsey Cipolla — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:16:19 +0000

Do Gun Manufacturers Have a Duty to Prevent Violence? Kelsey Cipolla Wed, 11/05/2025 - 12:16

A �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder ethicist argues that it’s time to rethink corporate responsibility when it comes to preventing gun violence.

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ETA the Colorado Way

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:48:22 +0000

ETA the Colorado Way Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 11/03/2025 - 09:48

Jane Majkiewicz

Buying existing businesses is the next big move for entrepreneurs—and Colorado is writing its own playbook with a new conference, courses and a forthcoming Executive Education program at the Leeds School of Business.

Erick Mueller, executive director of the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, welcomed more than 200 attendees at the inaugural Rocky Mountain ETA Conference.

Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) is having a moment as entrepreneurs are buying established businesses rather than starting from the ground up. The timing couldn’t be better: The model addresses the encroaching “silver tsunami” of Baby Boomer business owners ready to retire. And Colorado is ready to lead the charge in an industry ramping up to successfully match buyers and sellers to help valuable businesses not just stay alive—but to flourish. Here in Colorado, the movement is fueled by the startup-driven energy that has come to be the Rocky Mountain region’s hallmark.

Are you search curious?

From startup roots to acquisition routes, curiosity was the theme at the inaugural Rocky Mountain ETA Conference on October 25 at �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder. Organizers had to move the event to the UMC’s Glen Miller Ballroom to accommodate more than 200 attendees. The buzz? While ETA isn’t a new concept, it is surging in popularity.

The first conference of its kind in the region brought together acquisition entrepreneurs, students, investors, faculty and service providers to swap insights and best practices. Hosted by the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship with partners Denver ETA Meetup—the nation’s largest ETA group—along with Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Mines, the event featured two tracks for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Eleven corporate partners added depth to the panels and the networking mix.

The crowd was eclectic. Colorado School of Mines students like Soren Larson, a sophomore in electrical engineering, and Riley Russo, a first year with aspirations in quantum design, came to soak up ETA knowledge. Ruben Helo, a Denver-based real estate broker and investor, wanted to learn the steps toward acquisition, while Brian French, a �鶹��Ѱ��engineering alumnus, and Blake Tretter, a recent Denver transplant who sold a family business in South Carolina, were already active in the search process.

Some attendees, like Brandi Lipton, were new to the concept, while others—like her niece Eliza Grace (MBA’25), co-founder of PROX Search Capital, and Kyle Poulin, a former venture capitalist and now an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University—are already shaping the space.

The inaugural ETA Rocky Mountain Conference, held on October 25, was made possible by eleven sponsoring partners, along with the Deming Center at the Leeds School of Business, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines and the Denver ETA Meetup. Shannon Jones and Adam Markley (center photo, left to right) were among the lead organizers.

Why ETA?

As millions of Baby Boomer business owners get ready to retire in droves, the potential picture isn’t pretty—leaving an estimated $14 trillion in businesses, 3 million companies and 23 million jobs on the table. Without a transition, Project Equity warns of a looming small business closure crisis.

Enter ETA, and Leeds is leaning in. Last year, the Deming Center launched an ETA course taught by industry veteran Shannon Jones. He taught a second ETA class and now also teaches Projects in Entrepreneurial Companies. His connection to Leeds began when he approached Tony Tong four years ago and ended up mentoring two students, one who now owns a business.

“ETA is about a transition, not a transaction.”

Erick Mueller, executive director of The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship

For Erick Mueller, Deming’s executive director, the momentum has been student-driven—and it started with a laugh. “When I first heard ETA, I thought they meant ‘estimated time of arrival,’” he joked. Today, he knows the deeper purpose: “ETA is about a transition, not a transaction.” The end game is helping the small businesses that make the backbone of this country—and the communities and jobs they support—thrive.

Collected Wisdom, Especially for Aspiring Searchers

Talk to everyone—brokers, bankers, owners. Intern or work in businesses aligned with your goals, even for free if needed.
Pick one focus—industry, geography or company size—and start there.
Create a one-sheet showcasing your bio, skills and goals.
Tap into the community—search can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to.
Approach ETA with humility and persistence. Do it right, not fast.
Don’t underestimate soft skills. You’ll interact with employees, customers, vendors and suppliers from all walks of life.
Be aware of the horror stories, but don’t let that deter you.

Pain points and possibilities

“For a while, I thought traditional entrepreneurship was the only way,” said presenter Connor McLaughlin, who acquired a painting business this year. “As I learned about ETA, I realized you get a massive head start—with brand equity and repeat customers. Compared to corporate roles, you’re creating your own destiny.”

But the conference wasn’t all about sugarcoating the journey. The name of one advanced session said it all: “Operating Post-Acquisition: Blood, Bruises, and Bias for Action.”

Panelists in “What Is ETA & Why Do It” acknowledged that while ETA may offer a faster track to entrepreneurship, it still comes with the same headaches—and heartaches—as any business venture.

After months of searching—and one collapsed deal—Josh Moore (MBA’23) said, “I can speak to the headaches officially.” For him, ETA is a long-term vision. The search phase alone can take 18 to 24 months, and luck plays a big role, he said. You need the right business partner and life partner to endure the “emotional rollercoaster.”

Others echoed the highs and lows. Marcela Fernandez, who pivoted from biotech engineering, wanted autonomy and flexibility. Today, she and her husband run a business, balancing work with parenting. Ethan Castro, who bought his first company in 2018 and exited three years later, said ETA gave his family the freedom to live in Spain for a year.

Financing adds complexity. Self-funded searchers often quit their jobs and rely on savings, SBA loans and seller financing—high risk, high reward. Advised Moore, “Ask yourself if you’re willing to go forward knowing it will be twice as long and hard as you think.”

Then there’s the reality of running the business. “It’s not just spreadsheets and decks,” Jones quipped. From hiring challenges to equipment failures, ETA demands grit and creativity. Moore reminded people that at first, you're likely to pay yourself very little.

Fernandez said building a strong culture around core values has been key to retaining talent, and Castro added that managing personalities was the most surprising part: “One company I acquired had employees who were hardworking but exhausted.”

Despite the hurdles, the possibilities keep searchers motivated. “The beauty of search is you’re buying a profitable business,” said Castro. “That can afford you creativity while you keep the business where it’s at.” Fernandez agreed: “Creativity goes hand-in-hand with curiosity. You can see possibility in a lot of industries—and then implement what you want.”

ETA misconceptions

For all its growing popularity, ETA can mislead newcomers. One big misconception? That you need deep deal experience to start. “That’s not true,” said Audrey Kohout, who bought her business three years ago. She and other speakers highlighted the many resources now available—internships, university programs and communities like the Denver ETA Meetup.

Another myth: Buy a company and watch it grow effortlessly. “It’s a lot more than one column in Excel,” said McLaughlin. “Each year is 26 payrolls and hundreds of projects—some winners, some losers.”

There’s also a belief that ETA is easy money. In reality, most buyers invest significant capital, often combining personal savings, SBA loans, seller financing and sometimes support from friends and family.

“There are opportunities out there, but not 0% down deals,” said Marla DiCarlo, a business broker. Aspiring ETA buyers will have to invest something, she noted, admitting that there are plenty of bad deals out there that give brokers a bad reputation.

“We’re leading the way. Let’s all win together.”

Erick Mueller, executive director of The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship

For Spencer Rogers (MBA’25), the biggest barrier for ETA entry isn’t money—it’s mindset and the courage to just get out there and do it. “You get to start on second base—buying a place that is already working. Your goal is to figure out how to add value, learn the ropes and build from there.” As the catalyst for Leeds’ ETA course and the mentee of Jones, Rogers now owns a hospitality business and is deeply enmeshed in the local ETA community.

Ultimately, ETA isn’t one-size-fits-all. “I didn’t think I was going to have the impact I wanted in a big company,” said Kohout, which was her impetus for going through the grueling process of searching. For McLaughlin, it was about being insulated from tech risk. "I was searching for a company with a service that was tangible. That excited me.”

Universities as ETA engines

Across the country, business schools such as Stanford, UVA Darden, Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg and Wharton have defined the academic playbook for ETA.

Now, Leeds is building on that momentum. Mueller believes that the focus on self-funding vs. traditional funding, combined with the region's ethos of innovation, are key differentiators.

And while panelists agreed that an MBA is helpful in turning buyers into operators, not everyone has the luxury of earning their master’s. Leeds is debuting an ETA Executive Education Certificate in early 2026. The two-and-a-half-day program is designed for professionals who want practical tools for sourcing, financing and operating businesses in an intensive, retreat-style format.

Another example, said Adam Markley, the founder of Denver ETA Meetup and PROX, as well as a regular lecturer along with Jones, is a new program that Leeds plans to target to military veterans, who bring an especially strong background in operations to existing small businesses.

Cementing ETA’s future—in Colorado and beyond

If the Rocky Mountain ETA Conference proved anything, it’s that this movement is accelerating.

“The Denver ETA space has changed significantly in the last three years,” said Maggie Givot, who specializes in SBA lending. “Pre-COVID, few entrepreneurs understood SBA financing. Today, it’s a cornerstone of ETA deals—even as competition intensifies, with hundreds of buyers chasing a single opportunity.”

For Jones, ETA’s future isn’t just about deals. “This is about connection,” he said. “Entrepreneurship can feel like an individual sport, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be a team sport.”

Markley emphasized building support for those on the ETA path. “We’re working on access to information through education and partners,” he said. “Now, this industry has a defined community, lingo, lenders and partners. Some older conferences are becoming more specialized. We want this to be one of the preeminent ETA events in the country.”

Mueller noted that many sellers remain hesitant, risking businesses and jobs and the ripple effects. Helping sellers means understanding that “they are not selling a business,” he said. “They’re selling an identity.” His goal: create a heartfelt transition to the next generation.

“We’re leading the way,” he said, pointing to the region’s hallmark vibe—a scrappy, can-do startup culture that sets the stage for risk-takers, doers and dreamers. His mantra? “Let’s all win together.”

The ETA Skillset

During the introductory session of the Rocky Mountain ETA Conference, panelists shared candid insights into the journey of acquiring and growing existing businesses—highlighting both the rewarding moments and the challenges along the way.

ETA takes more than ambition—it’s a mix of hard numbers and human nuance. Here’s what experts say matters most.

Financial acumen: Know how to generate cash flow. Understand working capital and accounts receivable. Personal guarantees mean you’ll do everything possible to repay your loan. If capital is thin, lenders weigh experience and personal history.

Operational grit: In small businesses, things go wrong daily. Learn to smile and solve problems.

Resilience: Shannon Jones put it best: “I want to work with people who’ve screwed things up, own it and learn from it.”

Curiosity and creativity: Openness fuels finding the right fit—and helping a business thrive.

Relationship building: Build trust early with sellers and connect with key customers, vendors and suppliers.

Buying existing businesses is the next big move for entrepreneurs—and Colorado is writing its own playbook with a new conference, courses, and a forthcoming Executive Education program at the Leeds School of Business.

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�鶹��Ѱ��System Climbs to $12.2 Billion in Economic Impact Across State

Kelsey Cipolla — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:41:27 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��System Climbs to $12.2 Billion in Economic Impact Across State Kelsey Cipolla Fri, 10/31/2025 - 11:41

A new report from Leeds' Business Research Division highlights CU’s growing role in the state’s economy through education, research, innovation and health care.

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Timely—and Timeless—Career Insights at EdInvest Forum

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:46:03 +0000

Timely—and Timeless—Career Insights at EdInvest Forum Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 10/31/2025 - 09:46

Jane Majkiewicz

At the Personal Financial Planning Program’s (PFP) 3rd annual EdInvest Wealth Management Forum on October 24, Leeds students gained hands-on experience and career insights through real-world challenges.

From left to right, 2024 finance graduates Brad Hostetler, Chevie Walerowicz, Gilly Halzel and Luke Johnson, and Lexi Schmidt from Beacon Pointe.

This year’s forum, which was facilitated by the Burridge Center for Finance, featured early career and senior advisor career panels, as well as student-led financial literacy roundtables hosted by members of the Financial Planning Student Club.

Additionally, Harry Starn, teaching professor and director of the PFP program, organized a Financial Planning Case Competition sponsored by First Manhattan. The competition featured six teams developing a comprehensive plan that they presented to industry professionals. First- and second-place teams were awarded prizes of $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.

Real-world wisdom for new finance managers

The early career panel featured four Leeds alumni along with industry professional Lexi Schmidt, a wealth advisor at Beacon Pointe. The panel shared candid insights about transitioning from college to the workplace and paths to career success. Luke Jackson (Fin’24), now an associate wealth advisor at Beacon Pointe, described how his internship led to a full-time role and how navigating a three-office merger taught him adaptability.

Gilad “Gilly” Halzel (Fin’24) advanced from client service associate to wealth advisor at Mariner Wealth Advisors and stressed the importance of networking. Chevie Walerowicz (Fin’24) credited her junior-year internship at Mariner for paving the way to her current role as an associate wealth advisor. Brad Hostetler (Fin’24), a financial planning associate at TCI Wealth Advisors, landed his position immediately after graduation.

Students like Denise Arroyo Rojas (Fin’28) found the event invaluable. “I was particularly excited about this event since I’m a sophomore, while most attendees were seniors in the PFP program or had an established career as a financial planner. Everything that the panelists said was fresh and relevant information. I’m grateful to be invited to events like these that give me a chance to peek at what I could possibly be doing after Leeds.”

Key takeaways for career success

Manage energy and time wisely
Halzel noted the shift from college freedom to full-time structure: “Staying energized all day is a big adjustment,” he said, and it’s also about balancing life outside the office. Walerowicz added, “Learn to prioritize and figure out what makes you happy. You’ll have less time for friends and hobbies, so plan for things like going to the gym.”

Interview the company, too
Hostetler encouraged students to approach interviews as mutual evaluations, emphasizing the importance of cultural fit and shared values.

Job or location first?
Schmidt shared her experience of moving to New York, California and then Colorado, the latter of which she came to without having a specific job offer. Lesson learned: “Having a job prior to moving to a city can alleviate so much stress.”

Be a ‘yes’ person
Hostetler advised new hires to immerse themselves as much as possible. “Join meetings, introduce yourself and learn how both individuals and the team work to get a holistic view.”

Make yourself valuable
Jackson suggested identifying gaps and then pursuing certifications to help fill them. “I noticed a skills gap in blockchain and digital assets, so I learned more to add value.”

Classroom knowledge counts
Halzel reinforced the classroom-to-career link. For example, he was skeptical at first but ended up loving a tax planning course taught by Nicole Lazzeri, assistant teaching professor of accounting. He discovered what he learned “is relevant to everything I do at work.”

Build relationships and seek mentors
Halzel emphasized the industry’s collaborative nature. “Colleagues want to help you … listen to their experiences and different specialties.” He reminded students that networking is a lifelong skill and is about authentic connections and natural conversations. Schmidt agreed, noting, “There are no dumb questions.”

Skills That Matter

Early career panelists highlighted important skills to cultivate, both during a job search as well as throughout one's career.

Authenticity and patience
Walerowicz urged students to be themselves and not stress about having everything figured out. Hostetler added that it’s important to enjoy life and not only focus on your career track. “You’re working really hard … remember to give yourself some grace.”

Soft skills and curiosity
Jackson highlighted trust-building through curiosity. He recommended being well read. “The ability to walk into a room and talk with someone about their passion—that will build a connection immediately.”

Mentorship and continuous learning
Panelists unilaterally recommended seeking advice broadly, not only one-to-one, and taking advantage of every available resource, such as training videos.

Tech savviness and AI integration
Technology is reshaping the industry. Panelists said AI tools are increasingly part of their workday and can help with things like research, staying informed about news and generating reports.

Remote work discipline
Schmidt recommended keeping your day busy and structured to avoid procrastination.

The future financial planner

Hostetler knew early on that he wanted to be an advisor, but he stressed the importance of exploring options. The industry offers many paths: “You can be client-facing without being an advisor. There are roles in client service, relationship management and investment committees. Internships and job searches help you discover what you don’t like and narrow down what you do want. If you can find that alignment, that’s really useful.”

Schmidt added that staying informed is critical. “The future of financial planning is about balance. Read widely and stay on top of news to have educated discussions,” she noted, pointing out that different generations and cultural nuances play a role in expectations.

Hostetler emphasized a shift in priorities. “It’s less about chasing excess returns and more about relationships—making clients feel comfortable, understanding risk tolerance, and covering retirement, cash flow and budgeting cohesively.”

The Leeds advantage

Events like the EdInvest Forum showcase Leeds’ commitment to preparing students for dynamic careers through networking opportunities, case competitions, career treks and more.

“CFP® Professionals are dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their personal and financial goals,” said Starn. “The Leeds Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Program prepares students with both the technical expertise and interpersonal skills needed for success. Experiences beyond the classroom—such as the EdInvest Wealth Management Forum, internships, networking events and Financial Planning Club activities—provide students with insights that help them discover their career pathways within the financial services industry.”

Interested in exploring the Personal Financial Planning Program at Leeds? Learn more about the curriculum and career opportunities.

This fall’s EdInvest Wealth Management Forum showcased six teams competing in the Financial Planning Case Competition, alongside engaging panels and roundtables—including a standout session where five industry professionals shared early career insights.

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Startups and Sandwiches: Failure, Fortune and Finding Your Purpose

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 22:10:55 +0000

Startups and Sandwiches: Failure, Fortune and Finding Your Purpose Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 10/28/2025 - 16:10

Grace Garfoot

What do a finance consulting founder, a mirror designer-manufacturer, and a biotech entrepreneur turned artist have in common? At this week’s Startups & Sandwiches, they distilled their diverse entrepreneurial journeys into a shared theme: transforming lessons into meaningful careers and life paths.

“Failure, Fortune and Finding Your Purpose” was the compelling theme of the latest Startups & Sandwiches, a seminar series sponsored by the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship. Three industry executives with different entrepreneurial backgrounds shared vulnerable stories about the highs and lows of their career journeys.

Guest speakers Carol Hansen, founder and CEO of Tatonka Ventures; Josh Mandel, president and CEO of Majestic Mirror & Frame; and Andy Sklawer, founder and former CEO of Fresh Tracks Therapeutics and current owner of a Boulder art gallery, inspired the audience with their insights and hard-won advice. Their personal stories brought a fresh perspective to timeless advice on building a fulfilling career and life.

Failing and finding yourself

Andy Sklawer willingly shared some of the tough circumstances that shaped who he is today.

As a child with undiagnosed ADHD, he explained how being given the space to heal changed how he approached failure and his capacity for success. “It was the first time in my life that I had the opportunity to focus on myself. What I realized is that it is OK to ask for help.”

Life Lessons to Take to Heart

As part of the Deming Center’s SPARK Initiative, Startups & Sandwiches brings students together with seasoned entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, venture capitalists, connectors and technology leaders ... and they leave each seminar with more than lunch.

At the “Failure, Fortune and Finding Your Purpose” session, panelists Carol Hansen, Josh Mandel and Andy Sklawer shared personal stories to embolden the next generation of business leaders to believe in themselves and take risks. Here is some of their shared advice.

Don’t hold yourself to an impossible standard. Even the people you look up to the most don’t have it all, so allow yourself to make sacrifices and be imperfect.
Recognize that mentorship comes in many forms. Observe characteristics and small details in the people and the world around you to find inspiration.
Don’t be afraid of change or failure. Embrace both and learn from them to avoid making the same mistake twice.
Do it. You don’t know if something is going to work until you try it.
Be grateful for where you are and acknowledge all aspects of your life that drive you. Don’t let your goals become entirely motivated by money.
Ask for help if you need it.
Don’t measure your success against someone else’s. Everyone’s path is different.

He also experienced a dramatic fall that plunged him into a significant life change. He descended 30 feet off a rock wall, leaving him with a shattered leg but miraculously still alive. “What I learned from that was to immediately go to gratitude, because it’s a beautiful thing that we’re all sitting here and we’re alive,” he said.

“It’s so easy to get in your head with business and school, but we are all here, and it’s important to be grateful.” The second thing is to be present, he emphasized, urging the audience to remember to “put your phone down.”

Changing the way you see success

Josh Mandel shared how his definition of success continues to evolve and has changed throughout his career and personal trajectory. After graduating from CU, his goals revolved around making money. Having children shifted his focus to to providing for and supporting his family. A self-proclaimed “girl dad,” Mandel highlighted how being there for his daughters became more important than the work trips that once consumed his time.

“Don’t judge your success by someone else’s scorecard,” he said. He reminded attendees that everyone defines success differently, and it’s OK for that definition to change over time. “The only constant is change, and you have to be open to it.”

Finding mentors everywhere

Carol Hansen's perspective was shaped by observing people whom she didn’t consider role models as much as by those whom she would want to emulate.

“What resonated with me was people along the way who I did not want to be like,” she said, referring to specific characteristics as well as to entire personalities. She summed it up: “Look for people who you don’t want to be like or ways you don’t want to behave.”

She also found that she derived meaning from her life’s work when she could see the direct impact her business was having on the community around her. “I don’t feel like I have a profound purpose,” she explained. For her, the overall goal has always been to be a good person and contribute to society.

“I found niches of purpose across each one of the businesses that we started,” she explained. Purpose doesn’t have to come in one grand package, she reassured the audience. “There’s nothing wrong if you don’t have that right away.”

What do a finance consulting founder, a mirror designer-manufacturer, and a biotech entrepreneur turned artist have in common? At this week’s Startups & Sandwiches, they distilled their diverse journeys into a shared theme: transforming life’s lessons into meaningful careers.

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The Penny’s Days Are Numbered: What the Change Means for Your Wallet

Kelsey Cipolla — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 16:32:20 +0000

The Penny’s Days Are Numbered: What the Change Means for Your Wallet Kelsey Cipolla Wed, 10/22/2025 - 10:32

What will the phasing out of the penny mean for consumers, and could it be a step toward eliminating other coins? Leeds' Edward Van Wesep breaks down what you need to know.

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Career Paths: Leaning on Each Other—How Student Connections Lead to Career Success

Jane Majkiewicz — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:52:56 +0000

Career Paths: Leaning on Each Other—How Student Connections Lead to Career Success Jane Majkiewicz Mon, 10/20/2025 - 11:52

Georgia Horan

At Leeds, not only do students find forever friends in their classes, but they also discover the first steps toward their future careers.

For Lucy Kubas (Fin, Mktg’25) and Michelle Enkhaldar (Bus, Mktg’25), their career journey began in their senior year Pricing and Channels of Distribution course. On the first day of class, Kubas sat down next to Enkhaldar, and a conversation sparked what would later shape their professional paths. With a little inspiration—and the support of a dedicated alum who helped open doors to internships and job opportunities—the two found not only direction but also a shared momentum that carried them into their post-grad careers.

A class connection

The two seniors had met each other before, as Enkhaldar was the president of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s American Marketing Association (AMA) chapter, where Kubas was a member. They connected on LinkedIn. Kubas was in the middle of her senior year job search and saw that Enkhaldar had just completed an internship with Amélie Company, a Denver-based advertising agency. She asked Enkhaldar some questions about it the next time they saw each other, and Enkhaldar shared her story.

Hard work pays off

Michelle Enkhaldar (Bus, Mktg’25)

Back in January 2024, Enkhaldar was in the thick of her junior-year internship search. The previous semester, in September 2024, she was awarded the Forever Buffs “Buff of the Month,” as well as being recognized as the Leeds GOLD Board Outstanding Undergraduate. She juggled her academic workload with planning concerts for the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Program Council and volunteering with Camp Kesem, a support community for children of parents who have cancer. Between those efforts, Enkhaldar squeezed internship searches into late-night LinkedIn scrolls.

One evening, she was searching online through the Leeds Network and wherever else she could find internship opportunities that piqued her interest. She saw an opening at Amélie Company, whose mission of giving back to the people of Colorado resonated with her. She was inspired by efforts such as a partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation to develop a nonjudgmental awareness campaign to tackle driving while under the influence of marijuana. “This is the company I want to work for this summer,” she thought.

"Leeds builds a great foundation, and if you take the initiative, it can launch your career."

Michelle Enkhaldar (Bus, Mktg’25)

After applying, she felt driven to make a direct connection with the company. She cold-messaged eight employees on LinkedIn before noticing that one, Royer Lopez (Mktg’18, MBA’26), was a Leeds alumnus. She excitedly reached out to him, and soon after, they met on Zoom to discuss the job. As she progressed through the interview stage, she recalled the campaigns Lopez had told her about—projects she could align with. “He was such a great support system,” she said. By the end of the semester, Enkhaldar’s hard work paid off, and she got an internship with Amélie.

That summer, Enkhaldar worked on the Keep the Party Safe Initiative. She worked with the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention to educate at-risk populations on the dangers of fentanyl. She was able to apply her experience from the Program Council. “There was a connection there,” she said, bringing together the skills for planning music events to planning campaigns. “I felt more confident that leaders and people in the workplace appreciated me taking initiative,” Enkhaldar said.

When Kubas expressed interest in joining Amélie, Enkhaldar eagerly put her in touch with Lopez to start the process.

Following in a friend’s footsteps

Lucy Kubas (Fin, Mktg’25)

After hearing about Enkhaldar’s experience, Kubas felt confident in her decision to apply to Amélie. She met Lopez shortly before graduation, and like her friend, she loved the company's mission. Instead of prioritizing products, they prioritize people. Just days after graduating in May, Kubas walked into her job at Amélie.

Over the summer, she was excited to work with 988 Colorado, a hotline designed to connect people in Colorado to a trained specialist for emotional distress, mental health crises and substance use concerns. She helped design pop-ups for Rockies games and Fiddler’s Green Ampitheatre and created an ambient radio station that helped people feel calmer.

Midway through June, she was called into a meeting with her supervisor. They loved her work and wanted to offer her a full-time role in a new position created for her. Now, Kubas works as a digital account specialist, spending half her time with the accounts team and the other half with the media team in a role she loves—one that’s perfectly suited to her career aspirations.

A career launch

Enkhaldar was able to parlay her internship and academic experiences into a role at Live Nation through its College Associate Program in New York City. This past summer, she was excited to facilitate the digital content development of their new product Snap Nation, a bridge between Snapchat and Live Nation. She said that opportunity would never have happened without Amélie, or the Leeds connection that started it all.

"Honestly, every opportunity that I've had is because of my connection to Leeds and networking with alumni. Leeds builds a great foundation, and if you take the initiative, it can launch your career,” she said.

Leaning on each other

Enkhaldar and Kubas attribute their career success to the support system at Leeds. “You are all in this together, and it’s important to lean on and support each other,” said Enkhaldar. She emphasized, “The people that you're in class with now, even if they are a grade or two below, are going to be VPs or senior managers one day.”

"Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your class. That can sometimes be a little nerve-wracking and scary, but we’re all in the same boat."

Lucy Kubas (Fin, Mktg’25)

Kubas advised focusing on peer support, not intimidation. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in your class. That can sometimes be a little nerve-wracking and scary, but we’re all in the same boat,” she said. Learning about other’s different experiences is valuable, she added.

Enkhaldar summed it up this way: “Confidence, kindness and taking initiative will open future doors. At the end of the day, your peers are your support system, and the little things go a long way.”

Lucy Kubas (Fin, Mktg’25) and Michelle Enkhaldar (Bus, Mktg’25) turned their classroom conversations into career success. Their story shows the power of leaning on your peers, taking initiative and building confidence in networking.

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Turning Ideas into Action in the EMBA Innovation Challenge

Jane Majkiewicz — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 15:17:04 +0000

Turning Ideas into Action in the EMBA Innovation Challenge Jane Majkiewicz Sun, 10/19/2025 - 09:17

Jane Majkiewicz

One of the signature programs of the Leeds Executive MBA Program is the EMBA Innovation Challenge—a hands-on experience in which students develop innovative solutions for real-world clients and pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.

Erin Johnson (EMBA’26), one of the members of the winning team for the spring 2025 EMBA Innovation Challenge, was thrilled to see the team’s work come to life this fall at SideDoor Hair Salon, the Boulder business they partnered with for the project.

The team proposed “The Red Room,” a red light therapy service that co-owners Laurel Doxsey and Lisa Lynde eagerly implemented.

“When we partnered with the local Boulder salon to create a new revenue stream, I had no idea we were building something truly special,” shared Johnson on LinkedIn, saying the red light therapy room is “generating real revenue and delighting customers.”

Using existing space at the salon, the winning team proposed offering red light therapy, a non-invasive skincare treatment using red and near-infrared wavelengths.

"What I'm most excited about is the relationships built along the way with the owners. Their willingness to open their doors, share their challenges and trust our vision was humbling."

Erin Johnson (EMBA’26)

Johnson reflected, “What I'm most excited about is the relationships built along the way with owners Lisa and Laurel. Their willingness to open their doors, share their challenges and trust our vision was humbling. Seeing the genuine excitement in their eyes when The Red Room launched reminded me why I love what we're doing,” she said.

A timely partnership

“After the pandemic, it was a pretty rough time for us,” said Lynde. As the salon underwent a management transition, a partner introduced them to the EMBA Innovation Challenge.

“We were up for the challenge—to have the opportunity for graduate students to help us figure out a better business plan, or to see where they could help us grow,” she added.

The team—Johnson, Anna Coragliotti, Ashley Wang, Cherie Jarvis and Martha Siegmund—all EMBA students graduating in spring 2026—met with the owners multiple times to understand the business and its challenges. Lynde especially appreciated the in-person meetings.

“They really listened and asked questions about our business,” she said. In her 41 years in the salon business, Lynde was delighted to see that the team came up with a novel way to use the existing space. It aligned perfectly with their mission to offer relaxing experiences to clients.

Strategy meets innovation

Emily Ryan (EMBA’23), a judge at the challenge, knows firsthand how impactful the experience is. As a former participant, she appreciated how the challenge was embedded within the semester’s coursework.

“During the term you’re taking the innovation project, you're also doing coursework focused on HR and people strategy. You're also taking a financial course focused on projecting, profitability and building out financial models. Having the trio work in tandem adds depth to the presentation,” Ryan said.

“You’re not just innovating for the market—you’re thinking about staffing, specialization, equipment needs, and how to project and recoup investments."

Emily Ryan (EMBA’23)

She emphasized that students gain exposure beyond their usual work silos. “You’re not just innovating for the market—you’re thinking about staffing, specialization, equipment needs, and how to project and recoup investments,” she said. “We learned statistics, economics, accounting, finance, and marketing. The Innovation Challenge pulls it all together—intentionally—around finance, HR and innovation," she added.

There’s another benefit: “It’s super fun.”

Fresh thinking for businesses

“When you’re enmeshed in your day-to-day, it’s hard to think outside the box,” Ryan said. “Having an external party with no prior insight into the business brings fresh perspectives.”

Johnson echoed that sentiment: “This is what the Executive MBA education is about—building bridges between academic excellence and real-world impact, creating a network of innovators who lift each other up, and strengthening our local business community in the process.”

The Leeds Executive MBA Innovation Challenge transforms classroom learning into real-world impact—last spring’s winning team helped a local salon launch a new service that’s already generating revenue and delighting customers.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Named an Ignition School for Second Consecutive Year

Kelsey Cipolla — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:46:33 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Named an Ignition School for Second Consecutive Year Kelsey Cipolla Fri, 10/17/2025 - 11:46

Kristen Fischer

Inc. and Fast Company have released their second annual list of “Ignition Schools,” honoring institutions that impact society through innovation and entrepreneurship. The �鶹��Ѱ�� has once again been recognized for its role in fostering this impact.

For the second year in a row, �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder has been named to the prestigious Ignition Schools list, a collaboration between Inc. and Fast Company that highlights the top 50 institutions leading in entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Leeds School of Business and the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship are integral to CU’s culture of innovation, shaping trailblazing entrepreneurs through dynamic teaching and research long before they graduate.

Brad Werner, the Deming Center’s faculty director of the New Venture Launch program and the JRN Faculty Scholar, has seen Leeds grow tremendously in its entrepreneurial programming. He teaches the fundamentals of starting a business and shows students how to understand and solve complex problems. The classes go beyond memorizing facts; they teach students how to think.

“I think it’s really eye-opening for the students,” Werner said. “They become empowered.”

Whether students launch businesses or not, they can still bring entrepreneurial problem-solving skills to the table at large companies. “It’s not just starting businesses; it’s creative problem-solving, which goes everywhere,” Werner added.

Erick Mueller, an adjunct professor and Deming’s executive director, says classes are unique because they use existing partnerships that give students revenue to pursue ideas. Faculty often leverage their own connections in the business world to support students.

“We connect students with world-leading experts and scientists,” Mueller said. “There’s all this breadth of opportunities for them.”

Another differentiator is how faculty members guide their students and graduates to scale up after their businesses launch. “We meet them where they’re at, and we help them move a step or two forward,” Mueller added.

“�鶹��Ѱ��has built a name for itself, with many schools around the country asking for the playbook."

Matt Brady, Leeds Assistant Teaching Professor

Deming stands above

Leeds was ranked the 15th best public undergraduate entrepreneurship program by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 Best Undergraduate Business Program rankings, thanks to award-winning professors and programs at the Deming Center.

The center has been in the spotlight before, winning multiple awards over the years from AACSB International and the Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers—the preeminent organization in entrepreneurship education worldwide—including the Exceptional Activities in Entrepreneurship Across Disciplines award and the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Teaching and Pedagogical Innovation award.

In addition, Deming hosted the preeminent Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research Conference (GEIRC) last year, which drew attendees from Taiwan, Australia, China, the United Kingdom, Italy and more to explore the wide-ranging impacts of entrepreneurship and innovation.

More recently, the Deming Center joined Leeds’ Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility in launching Boulder Climate Ventures, a collaboration with Breakthrough Energy to turn student-driven climate tech initiatives into startups. Boulder Climate Ventures (BCV) is part of Breakthrough Energy’s University Climate Ventures network, joining Stanford University, MIT and others. �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder is the first public university to be included in the network.

From world-class to worldwide

The New Venture Launch (NVL) program, a class open to about 20 students each spring, has produced over a dozen companies in the last three years. Students in the program compete in the New Venture Challenge, a competition that unites students and the greater Boulder community to formulate and fund ideas.

The Colorado Sustainability Challenge is a powerful reflection of �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s growing innovation ecosystem—especially at Leeds. Originally launched in 2021 as the Sustainability Hackathon by Matt Brady, assistant teaching professor in Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics, the event has doubled in size each year. In 2025, it expanded statewide, drawing teams from across the Front Range to compete for $21,000 in prizes. The first-place team included �鶹��Ѱ��students from both Leeds and the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Brady sees even greater potential ahead. “�鶹��Ѱ��has built a name for itself,” he said, "with many schools around the country asking for the playbook." He’s confident that some of this year’s winning ideas will become real businesses. “It will definitely happen that some of these ideas will come to life and go to market.” As a feeder to �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder’s New Venture Challenge, the hackathon has already helped launch ventures like FoodWise—and Brady expects more to follow.

Deming’s podcast, “Creative Distillation,” hosted by Werner and Jeff York, faculty director of the Deming Center, has helped put the program on the map. It brings together entrepreneurs and researchers from around the globe to review research and share insights.

“We’re not only doing work that’s important to Boulder…we’re doing work that’s world-class,” Werner pointed out.

Colorado, one of the technology hubs for quantum computing, leads the world in terms of quantum organizations and jobs. Faculty and students engage with these startups, and several graduates are even leading them.

Deming also brings in leaders from the entrepreneurial world to serve as instructors. David Brown, who co-founded the massive commercial accelerator Techstars in Boulder, is now a faculty member associated with the Deming Center.

In addition to sending students to South Africa and Israel as consultants to local entrepreneurs, the school runs a five-year program to help rural areas and native communities in Colorado grow ventures. “It’s not just helping students; it’s helping Colorado,” Mueller said.

York has published several studies on environmental entrepreneurship, which is the intersection of creating eco-friendly and economically friendly startups. The fusion of sustainability and business is a big focus in the Boulder region.

“It’s a place where people care deeply about environmental issues but also social issues,” York said. This special interest—along with the university’s involvement in environmental ventures—is unique to �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder.

Today’s innovators, future igniters

Student success contributes to Deming’s notoriety in the entrepreneurial education arena.

For example, Jamie Saunders (center), a Leeds MBA graduate, took part in the New Venture Launch, where she developed her idea for Affix Communities. The startup makes tiny homes that become legal year-round residences, paving the way for more affordable homeownership.

Icarus Quantum, pioneered by Poolad Imany, Kaden Sisk, and Christian Wagner, is developing quantum dot technology to further secure quantum communications. It provides expanded data security that’s about 70 times more efficient than competitors, according to Werner.

Sristy Agrawal, Cameron Ghia, Ty Silver and Madeline Maersk Moller founded Mesa Quantum to build next-generation quantum devices. The company makes chip-sized atomic clocks that enable high-bandwidth use and precision GPS navigation.

“One of the most valuable skills I gained through the course was the practical knowledge of entrepreneurship, which was transformative for me, coming from an academic background,” said Agrawal, the current CEO. She completed her PhD in physics from �鶹��Ѱ��and took the New Venture Launch class.

“[The] course gave me the tools to not only register my company but also build my first pitch deck, secure my initial grant and launch Mesa Quantum Systems,” added Agrawal, whose company has raised $4 million in venture capital and secured a $2 million government grant.

Aloukika Patro, a sophomore pursuing an entrepreneurship certificate, is grateful for the resources and support from Deming. “They give us insights on the business basics and how to bring it to reality,” said Patro.

“One skill that I have taken away from these workshops is the importance of having a growth mindset ... I believe that having a growth mindset and persevering through challenges in the journey is what is going to lead us to success.”

Fast Company and Inc. released their list for the second year of institutions that impact society through innovation and entrepreneurship. How is the Leeds School of Business igniting some of that impact?

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