As rapid change occurs in the wake of COVID-19, Mayor Knox White works to keep Greenville, SC, agile and resilient. While adapting to Federal and State policies, Mayor White finds meaning and purpose in focusing on the best interest of Greenville’s general public and setting the direction of Greenville’s future. “This too shall pass, but it will also bring change.”

Business of Innovation Pawdcast

Mayor Knox White

Success in the arts takes both fearlessness and practicality. Megan Riegel pursues her love of theater with an entrepreneurial approach as President and CEO of Greenville’s Peace Center for the Performing Arts. Megan brings in high-caliber entertainment that has enriched the local community and played a fundamental role in Greenville’s growth as a nationally recognized artistic and cultural destination. See how the Peace Center has grown from a $4M to a $26M operation since 1994 on Episode 18 of the Business of Innovation Pawdcast, Monday at 12:30pm here on the Clemson MBA Facebook page!

Megan Riegel

Brian Stearns has centered his business around what he loves: building relationships and providing exceptional customer service. His marketing and creative agency, RingoFire, began as a class project and became a reality within a few short semesters in the Entrepreneurship & Innovation program at Clemson MBA. Brian catches up with Gail DePriest on RingoFire’s rapid success ignited by an incredible team of hard-working creatives on the next Business of Innovation Pawdcast!

Brian Stearns

Alexis Garcin’s interpersonal style and leadership approach prompted his appointment as chairman and president of Michelin North America, Inc. The Michelin veteran (and self-proclaimed Tiger Fan) joins us on this episode, sharing his perspective on leadership and what being named Forbes #1 Best Place to Work has meant to the organization.

Alexis Garcin

“What's your benchmark - your measuring stick? What are you going to do to make sure you get better.” Jim Wanner, Founder and CEO of KeyMark, lives his saying. Investing in leadership and customer feedback has lead KeyMark to become one of the fastest-growing companies in South Carolina and the United States. Join us as Jim shares his outlook for Intelligent Automation and Technology on the Business of Innovation Pawdcast.

Jim Wanner

As Dr. Brent Varnadoe began to pursue a career path outside the realm of clinical medicine, Clemson’s MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program was an enticing opportunity to expand on his leadership and business foundations. Now halfway through his first year in the MBAe program, he recently accepted a position as Medical Director with Humana Southeast. Tune in to hear about Dr. Varnadoe’s experience and career progression on this episode of the Business of Innovation Pawdcast, and learn more about the MBAe program he’s completing at www.clemson.edu/business/departments/mba/academics/entrepreneurship/pt-mbae.html

Dr. Brent Varnadoe

Today on the Business of Innovation Pawdcast: Beth Messick is the Executive Director of Jasmine Road, a residential program in Greenville, SC, for women who have survived human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction. This social enterprise program provides residents with support and meaningful career experiences at businesses like Jasmine Kitchen, their new restaurant opening this January. Learn about the economic impact and partnerships behind Jasmine Road on this episode of the Business of Innovation Pawdcast.

Beth Messick

Entrepreneurs don’t necessarily seek risk, but they are comfortable with uncertainty. Adam Witty started his first business in his dorm room at Clemson in 2000. At age 22, he launched a publishing company that quickly scaled to employ 100 people, ultimately partnering with Forbes Media in 2016. Founder and CEO Adam Witty of Advantage|ForbesBooks shares takeaways from his entrepreneurial experiences on this episode of the Business of Innovation Pawdcast.

Adam Witty

Chief Diversity Officer Lee Gill, J.D., came to Clemson University eager to innovate, understanding that inclusive environments attract the best and brightest. Having launched initiatives like Clemson University Tiger Alliance and the Clemson MOC, Gill has brought a wealth of positive impacts to Clemson and upstate S.C. Today on Business of Innovation, Gill shares some of the experiences that have motivated him along his career path.

Lee Gill

When it comes to himself and his team, Steve Layton, president of Polartec, champions three key traits: Humble, Hungry, and Smart. On this episode, Layton speaks with host Gail DePriest about growth by taking on challenges, continuous personal reinvention, and devotion to family. Read more about Steve’s journey > newsstand.clemson.edu/milliken-company-names-mba-alum-president-of-polartec

Steve Layton

Joe Erwin has had an incredible career since his Clemson University days, growing Erwin-Penland from a two-person team into an advertising powerhouse, to today where he leads Endeavor, The The Erwin Center for Brand Communications , and Greenville Triumph SC. Erwin chronicles his path on this episode of The Business of innovation Pawdcast.

Joe Erwin

Richard Morris is a director of manufacturing at a major aerospace company in Southern California. After decades with BMW, he made the shift from automotive to aerospace, leveraging his engineering background and MBA skillset to help his new company organize teams and develop future leaders as they scale up.

Richard Morris

Dr. Meredith Rosenthal, Director of Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative discusses her role in Harvard’s program for the second generation of learning.

Dr. Meredith Rosenthal

Host Gail DePriest sits down with our very own Wendy York, Dean of Clemson’s College of Business. Dean York came to Clemson most recently from Stanford University and has a passion for innovation in every endeavor she takes on. She shares what inspires her, what drew her to the Clemson Family, and her goals for the future.

Wendy York, Dean of Clemson's College of Business

Ann Herrmann-Nedhi of Herrmann Brain Dominance International speaks with Gail DePriest about her third generational family brain business starting with her dad, Ned Herrmann, a GE physicist. She discusses her work with CEOs and creating groups of engaged, empowered, and effective people.

Ann Herrmann-Nedhi

Featuring in-depth stories from innovators within leading local and global organizations.