Tippie Leads with Nick Westergaard

As we get ready for the October 7th premiere of the new season of Tippie Leads, we wanted to give you a little sneak peek. This season is about the big questions AI forces us to ask—and some of those questions may not have a simple, singular answer. One of the biggest is what happens to critical thinking when AI can increasingly do the thinking work for us?

In this preview of the upcoming season, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Erin Nelson, Professor of Practice in Management and Entrepreneurship and Associate Dean of Graduate and Profes...

AI is changing how we work, how we learn, how we make decisions, and how we relate to one another. But beyond what AI can do, there are bigger questions worth asking.

Will AI take my job? How much of our data is too much? When should we start with AI—and when should we start with our own thinking? Can we be too productive? And what happens when AI becomes part of a team?

In this new season of Tippie Leads, we’re stepping back from the hype and asking what AI is making us r...

In this special bonus episode of Tippie Leads, we take a closer look at the daily battle for your time and how to win it. Drawing from the “CEO of Your Calendar” webinar, Tippie experts Rob Rouwenhorst and Michele Williams share actionable frameworks for navigating the dual nature of time management. Rob breaks down how to say “yes” to your goals by building high-impact habits, while Michele shares the strategic discipline required to say “no” and guard your boundaries. Together, they offer clear, practical guidance on how to move from a reactive schedule to a proactive operating plan.

Becoming the CEO of your life is one thing when you're planning for the future, but it's another thing entirely to execute that plan. In our season finale, we focus on how to move from inspiration to integration by turning the insights from this season into a clear, personal operating system.

In this episode, we hear from Nicole Johnston, a Tippie alum, advisory board member, and leadership coach. As an expert in helping high-achievers bridge the gap between theory and execution, Nicole shares how to operationalize your vision and stay the course when things...

Being the CEO of your life requires the ability to look at the horizon while keeping your feet on the ground. In this episode, we explore how to maintain a vision for long-term planning while still navigating the immediate, often noisy demands of day-to-day leadership.

In this episode, we hear from Amy Kristof-Brown, the Henry B. Tippie Dean of the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. A professor and expert in person-environment fit, Amy shares how to lead the “Tippie of tomorrow” today by balancing strategic goals with the realities of current manage...

As you step into the role of CEO of your life, you have to decide where to double down. In this episode, we explore how to apply a high-level, managerial mindset to your resources, ensuring that you're investing in the right things.

Carolyn Reddick joins us to bridge the gap between financial discipline and personal fulfillment. Carolyn is an Associate Professor of Practice in Accounting at Tippie, bringing her CPA experience from PwC to the classroom. She is an expert in helping leaders think like investors when it comes to priorities and vision. She...

Being the CEO of your life means recognizing that every “yes” you give is a “no” to something else. To protect your vision and your energy, you must learn the high-level art of setting boundaries without burning bridges.

In this episode, we will hear from Michele Williams, an Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business and the John L. Miclot Fellow in Entrepreneurship. Michele is an expert on the “people side” of business, specifically how trust and collaboration work across boundaries. Today, she shares how to navigate di...

Being the CEO of your life means recognizing when your "discipline box" has become too small. Here is how to look beyond your primary field of study to find the fresh perspectives that fuel true leadership.

In this episode, we will hear from Alexandra Nica, an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Economics Department at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. Originally from Romania, Alexandra explores the intersection of economic logic and creative thinking. Today, she challenges the “stay in your lane” mentality, sharing why intentionally seeking out diverse interests is the key to solvin...

Being the CEO of your life means managing your most valuable resource—your time. Here is how to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace without losing sight of the life you are trying to build.

In this episode, we will hear from Beth A. Livingston, the Ralph L. Sheets Associate Professor in Industrial Relations at the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business. After receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Florida and spending 8 years at Cornell University, Beth moved to the Midwest to continue her research on the management of work an...

Vision without action is just a dream. Here's how to build the daily habits that turn where you want to go into where you actually end up. In this episode, we'll hear from Tippie's Rob Rouwenhorst, an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Marketing Department specializing in behavioral science. Rob has advised organizations like General Motors, HON, and Transamerica — but what he's most passionate about is helping people become better versions of themselves through the power of habits.

Later in the show, we'll hear from Tippie student Charlie Maxwell, whose Story Lab story is a lesson in wha...

To be the CEO of your life, you have to know where you're taking it. What is your vision — and how do you build one worth following? In our season four premiere, we'll hear from Tippie's Amy Colbert, a Professor of Management & Entrepreneurship and University of Iowa Distinguished Chair. Amy's research explores how people connect with their work in ways that motivate and sustain them, and what it takes to lead effectively. She's also deeply interested in identity transitions — the subject of her own Substack, Who Am I Now? 

Later in the show, we'll hear...

As we gear up for the March 25th premiere of the new season focused on being the CEO of your life, we are looking at the systems that turn intentions into action. We often think of leadership as a matter of willpower, but behavioral science suggests that our environment often plays a bigger role in our success than our resolve. How can a leader engineer their surroundings to make peak performance the path of least resistance?

In this preview of the upcoming season, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Rob Rouwenhorst, an expert in beha...

As we gear up for the March 25th premiere of the new season focused on being the CEO of your life, we wanted to give you a little sneak peek. Identity is at the core of that leadership — shaping our decisions, our goals, and how we show up in the world. But what happens when that identity is challenged by circumstances we didn't choose?

In this preview of the upcoming season, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Amy Colbert, whose research and personal experience focus on how individuals navigate identity transitions and vision casting. Amy sh...

Introducing Season 4 of Tippie Leads—stories from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business that will change the way you work and lead. Each season explores a “grand challenge” in today’s evolving world of work.

This season, we’re taking on the challenge of self-leadership with a simple but powerful framework: “Be the CEO of Your Life.” We’re taking the high-level principles we teach in business—strategy, governance, and portfolio management—and applying them to how we lead ourselves. Through faculty research, student and alumni stories, and actionable insights, we’ll explore how to build...

In this special bonus episode of Tippie Leads, we take a closer look at practical strategies for using artificial intelligence responsibly in business. Drawing from the “Future of AI: Ethics, Insights, and Real-World Impact” webinar, Tippie experts Pat Johanns, Emily Campion, and Patrick Fan share actionable frameworks for applying AI ethically, enhancing decision-making, and improving everyday workflows as we head into the new year. Whether you’re a leader, manager, student, or lifelong learner, this episode offers clear guidance on navigating the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

Just in time for the holidays and the ye...

Artificial intelligence isn’t just shaping work and learning — it’s shaping how we care for ourselves and each other. From personal projects to student initiatives, AI can help support well-being, but human judgment and empathy remain essential.

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Patrick Fan and his son Winston, who share a personal project using AI to support teen mental health. Later in the show, Tippie alum Patrick Fornatto shares his Story Lab story about his own journey with mental health and his involvement with Tippie Thrive, a student-led initiative promoting emotional and mental wel...

Artificial intelligence isn’t just shaping what we click on — it’s shaping how we work, learn, and make decisions. From classrooms to boardrooms, AI is influencing collaboration, creativity, and even communication. But how can we harness its potential without losing the human element that drives innovation?

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Kang Zhao, whose research focuses on predictive modeling, data science, and social/business networks. He shares insights on how AI can help organizations anticipate outcomes and make smarter decisions. Later in the show, we’ll hear from Tippie student Caroline Goshgarian, whose Story...

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we experience social media — from what we see in our feeds to how marketers create content. But with this power comes new questions: how does AI influence what we consume, and how can marketers use it responsibly to engage audiences without creating bias or overwhelm?

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Soogand Alavi, whose research focuses on emerging technologies, social media, and AI in marketing strategy. She shares insights on how AI is transforming the social media landscape and what it means for both users and brands. Later in the...

Artificial intelligence is transforming investing and financial decision-making — but can it really outperform human experts? AI promises faster insights and smarter predictions, but the markets are complex, unpredictable, and driven by human behavior.

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Ashish Tiwari, who studies how AI is entering the world of investing and what it can — and can’t — do when it comes to beating the market. He’ll share insights on the potential and the limitations of AI in finance.

Later in the show, Tippie alum Ibn Abney shares his story of navigating career...

Artificial intelligence promises to make learning faster, smarter, and more personalized — but what happens when it goes too far? Can technology designed to help actually make it harder to learn, decide, or think critically?

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Yiduo Shao, who studies how information overload and automation can backfire — creating more noise than knowledge. She’ll share insights on when AI adds value and when it starts to get in the way.

Later in the show, Tippie student Rylee Lueken shares her story of arriving at t...

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations operate — from automating tasks to informing strategic decisions. But with that power comes responsibility: how do businesses use AI ethically, avoid bias, and ensure it supports people rather than replacing or misleading them?

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Pat Johanns, whose research and new book focus on how organizations can implement AI responsibly — ensuring it supports good decisions, maintains fairness, and creates value without unintended consequences. Later in the show, we’ll hear from Tippie student Trusha Bhatt, whose early experiences with responsibility and boundary-setting at work illustr...

Artificial intelligence is reshaping HR and personnel selection, changing how organizations hire, develop, and retain talent. But beyond the headlines, how is AI really affecting decisions that impact employees and leaders?

In this episode, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Emily Campion, who studies how AI is transforming hiring practices and personnel management, and what that means for the future of work.

Later in the show, we’ll hear from a Tippie alum whose journey through management, HR, and training illustrates how these AI-driven shifts shape real career paths.

...

Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest forces reshaping how we work — from writing and research to hiring and leadership. But beyond the headlines, how is AI really changing our daily habits? To kick off our new season, we’ll hear from Tippie’s Carl Follmer, Director of the Frank Business Communication Center, who studies how tools like ChatGPT are transforming both the way we work and the habits we build at work.

Later in the show, we’ll head into Tippie’s BizHub to hear from students on how they’re already using AI in their everyday rou...

It’s Homecoming Week at the University of Iowa, and we’re celebrating with a special bonus replay of one of our most popular conversations from Season 2 on risk—recorded live at the legendary Hamburg Inn in Iowa City.

In this episode, Tippie alum, Hawkeye legend, and NFL kicker turned entrepreneur Nate Kaeding shares his journey from the field to the front lines of small business ownership. After his football career, Nate returned home to Iowa City to take on a bold challenge: revitalizing the Hamburg Inn, a local institution beloved by students, locals, and ev...

In this special bonus episode of Tippie Leads, we’re serving up a highlight reel of our favorite TIP(pie)s from Season 1—quick, actionable takeaways named in honor of our college’s namesake, Henry B. Tippie. Focused on work habits and employee engagement, hear insights from Daniel Newton on organizing your day, Emily Campion on setting boundaries in hybrid work, Eean Crawford on cutting workplace hassles, and Amy Colbert on finding more meaning in your work.

Use these practical tips to spark new habits in your leadership and daily work—while we gear up for S...

Season 3 of Tippie Leads launches October 1st! Hosted by Nick Westergaard from the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, this eight-episode season explores one of the biggest forces shaping and reshaping work today—artificial intelligence.

From how AI is transforming hiring and social media to what it means for daily productivity, responsible use, and even saving lives, each episode pairs groundbreaking faculty research with real stories from Tippie students and alumni. Every conversation ends with a practical TIP(pie) you can put to work right away.

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Some of the biggest risks we face aren’t global or organizational—they’re deeply personal. In this final episode of our season focused on "risk," we explore what it means to speak up in the workplace and beyond. Tippie’s Daniel Newton shares practical insights on how employees can overcome the fear of using their voice, and how leaders can build cultures where open communication is not just accepted, but expected. We’ll also hear from Tippie undergrad Callie Willham, who reflects on her own journey with public speaking and how facing that fear has helped her grow personally...

CEOs face a unique kind of risk—the growing expectation to speak out on social and political issues. In this episode, Tippie’s Michael Durney unpacks the high-stakes decisions leaders must make when navigating these moments. You’ll also hear from Robin Therme, President of CIVCO Medical Solutions, about the tough conversations that have shaped her leadership and the lessons she’s learned along the way. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

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Entrepreneurs face personal risks that can shape the course of their careers and businesses—from choosing the right co-founder to betting on a bold pivot or putting their reputation on the line. In this episode, we start with a special alumni story from Nate Kaeding, former Hawkeye and NFL kicker turned entrepreneur, as he shares lessons from opening restaurants and revitalizing local spots like the Hamburg Inn. Then, Tippie’s Miranda Welbourne Eleazar offers insights from her research on how entrepreneurs choose where to launch their ventures. It’s a compelling look at the personal and strategic risks behind succes...

In this episode, we shift from large-scale risks to the personal risks we face every day—like cybersecurity. Tippie’s Mike Colbert, an award-winning faculty member, shares how he’s helping students navigate digital threats and protect their information. Then, MBA student Casey Howard takes us on a personal journey, revealing how a transformative experience led him to pursue a career in cybersecurity. Their stories highlight the growing importance of cybersecurity and how personal experiences can shape our professional paths in unexpected ways. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

In this episode, Tippie’s Richard Peter explores the surprising resistance consumers have toward driving sensors—devices that could encourage safer driving and lower insurance premiums yet have struggled to gain widespread adoption. Then, Tippie undergrad Ella Borho takes us on a lighter journey, sharing a humorous story about the everyday risks of taking the bus. It’s a fun reminder that even the smaller risks in life can lead to unexpected moments! And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

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Not all risks come from storms—some stem from political and economic shifts. For some, change means opportunity; for others, uncertainty. With the election behind us, how can we navigate risk beyond voting? Tippie’s Tom Gruca, through the Iowa Electronic Markets, has developed a remarkably accurate way to predict outcomes. In this episode, he explains how these markets help organizations manage risk. Then we'll hear from Tippie undergrad Anna Makarenko, on dealing with uncertainty while in high school—in Ukraine. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

Natural disasters disrupt entire industries and supply chains, delaying critical relief. How can we ensure supplies reach victims quickly? And how can companies like Walmart and organizations like the Red Cross respond effectively? Tippie professor Ann Campbell joins us to explore these questions—because logistics shape more than disaster response; they shape daily life. From managing supply chains to planning trips, navigating challenges is key. MBA student Laura Goddard shares the risks of traveling with motion sickness and the planning it takes. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

Natural disasters are a major risk, often striking without warning. Recent events like the LA wildfires and Iowa’s 2020 derecho impact victims, rescuers, and insurers, creating ripple effects across the industry. To kick off our new season, we’ll hear from Tippie Professor Martin Grace, chair and faculty director of the Vaughan Institute for Risk Management and Insurance, who studies the impact of catastrophes on insurers and innovative ways to manage risk. Later in the show, we'll hear a story from Tippie undergrad Aiden Truesdell on how his life was impacted by a natural disaster recently. And finally, we’ll bri...

Tippie Leads will be back with an all-new season starting March 26th. This season, we’re taking on RISK—from the policies that protect us to the natural disasters that disrupt industries and even the risks we take (or don’t) when speaking up at work. Through faculty research, student and alumni stories, and actionable insights, we’ll explore how risk shapes decision-making, leadership, and business today.

Season 2 launches March 26 with two episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts! Tippie Leads is a production of the Tippie Leadersh...

Season Two of Tippie Leads is underway and we can’t wait to share it with you later this spring. In the meantime, we wanted to share the story of a Tippie alum who passed away in 2023. As you'll learn, Doug Slotten led a remarkable life. From his time at the University of Iowa to his service in Vietnam and his remarkable career with the FCC, Doug’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Join us as we celebrate his legacy and the lasting impact he made on his family, community, and country.

When organizations hire new people, can they really predict if their employees will be successful and engaged? We often look to one's previous experience as our gauge for predicting success and engagement at work. In our final episode of season one, we'll hear from Chad Van Iddekinge about why we overvalue experience in our new hires and what else organizations can do to predict new hire success. Later in the show, we'll hear a fun story about an on-the-job learning experience from Tippie undergrad Eric Jensen. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) ju...

Warning: This episode discusses themes of intimate partner violence, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please prioritize your well-being and take care as you listen.

Intimate partner violence is often perceived as a private issue. But in reality, it affects virtually every aspect of a victim’s life, including their work life. So, what role can organizations play in the understanding and prevention of intimate partner violence? Tippie's Beth Livingston will help us understand why intimate partner violence is a workplace issue and what organizations can do to prevent it and support employees wh...

If you’ve ever worked for a toxic boss, you know how damaging it can be. So should you forgive a manager who tries to make amends for their bad behavior? Tippie's Steve Courtright will kick things off by sharing his new research on toxic bosses — what to do if you have one and how to make sure you don’t become one! Then we’ll have some fun by hearing anonymous horror stories about toxic bosses from Tippie alumni. And finally, we’ll bring it all together with a Final Tip(pie) just for you.

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Turnover is an expensive problem for organizations. What makes people quit? It turns out that proactive employees are more likely to leave for a new job out of frustration with hassles like office politics, lack of resources, red tape, unclear work roles, and other workplace hindrances. At the same time, those proactive employees are more likely to be motivated by responsibility, complex tasks, and even the pressure of deadlines. Tippie's Eean Crawford shares his research on these workplace hassles and what you can do about them. Hassles exist outside the workplace too. Later in the show, we'll hear a...