Mentor Moments with Alex Quian

Dr. Sejal Hathi is a primary care doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital and clinical fellow on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hathi has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable communities in the United States and globally - over the last decade, she founded and led two social enterprises advancing women’s rights and agency, which have served women across 6 continents and 100 countries. Dr. Hathi is also the host for Civic Rx, a podcast to inspire conversation about how to build a healthier and more just society. During this episode, we discussed a variety of topics including how to cultivate meaningful professional connections, earning respect as a young professional, and more. This episode was sponsored by JSX, a hop-on jet service offering short-haul flights between Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. JSX has been a long time sponsor of our nonprofit, and we are grateful for their support!

Stephen Bohanon is the co-founder and Chief Strategy and Sales Officer for Alkami Technology, an award winning digital banking software company. Stephen has an extensive financial services background including roles at Catalyst Consulting, Metavante, ACI Worldwide, and Advanced Financial Solutions. In 2009, he co-founded Alkami Technology, Inc., which he ran from his home and later an apartment turned office above a Coldstone Creamery for 9 years. Present-day Alkami has become a flourishing 5-floor, 600+ employee operation in the heart of Plano, Texas, and now serves upwards of 160 financial institutions and empowers more than 10 million users to make the most of their financial futures. 

Stephen’s entrepreneurial optimism and ability to manage and take risks have propelled Alkami’s mission. By creating one of today’s leading digital banking solutions, small to mid-sized banks and credit unions can compete with the progressive demands of online banking, and in turn, transform the way consumers manage their financial future.

This episode was sponsored by JSX, a hop-on jet service offering short-haul flights between Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. JSX has been a long time sponsor of our nonprofit, and we are grateful for their support!

This episode, we were joined by Kelvin Smith, Executive Associate Commissioner - General Counsel at the Big 12 Conference. He has many years of experience in the field of sports, having previously served as the Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Learfield IMG College, one of the largest sports marketing companies. Kelvin is also a graduate of the Harvard Law School and Stanford University.  

During this episode, Kelvin shared some of his experiences that led him to where he is today, advice on how to research and become familiar with knowledge you're unfamiliar with, making decisions, and more.

This episode was sponsored by JSX, a hop-on jet service offering short-haul flights between Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. JSX has been a long time sponsor of our nonprofit, and we are grateful for their support!

This episode features Mandy Price. She is the co-founder and CEO of Kanarys, Inc., a technology platform that helps companies and their employees collaborate to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Prior to starting Kanarys, Ms. Price was a corporate attorney, and earned her law degree from the Harvard Law School.

During this episode, we discuss ways that you can get a true understanding of a company's culture, become more aware of issues related to diversity and inclusion, and more.

This episode was sponsored by JSX, a hop-on jet service offering short-haul flights between Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. JSX has been a long time sponsor of our nonprofit, and we are grateful for their support!

This episode features Kevin Horan. He is the Chief Corporate Soul Officer at JSX. In his role, Kevin leads the Human Resources team focused on supporting its crew members, and leads many of JSX’s social impact initiatives. Kevin brings more than 30 years of experience in aviation, having held positions at carriers such as Pan American, American Airlines, and US Airways.  

During this episode, we discuss how intern and entry-level candidates can stand out in the workplace, the importance of have an entrepreneurial mindset regardless of your career path, and more.

This episode was sponsored by JSX, a hop-on jet service offering short-haul flights between Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. JSX has been a long time sponsor of our nonprofit, and we are grateful for their support!

JSX is currently hiring! Learn more about their open positions by visiting jsx.com/careers.

This episode features Dr. Victor Boschini. He is the Chancellor of Texas Christian University, a position which he has served in since 2003. Prior to his time at TCU, Dr. Boschini served as the President of Illinois State University, and has many years of experience in higher education.  

During our conversation, we discussed how young people can maximize their college experience, take yourself out of your comfort zone to grow, and more.  

 

This episode, I was joined by Andrea Williams. She is the Chief Operating Officer of the College Football Playoff and a veteran of the college sports space, having previously served as the Commissioner of the Big Sky Conference, the associate commissioner for the Big Ten Conference, and was the first director of the Big Ten football championship game.

During our conversation, we discussed topics such as seeking out feedback and constructive criticism, managing projects that can feel overwhelming, and more.

 

This episode features Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, a position she’s served in since 2018. She is the first black female CEO in the NBA, and she has led the Mavericks organization to a number of successes, including making significant, positive changes to the workplace culture. Prior to being the CEO of the Mavericks, Cynt enjoyed a 36 year career at AT&T, which included a 4-year stint as the company’s Chief Diversity Officer.

During this episode, we discuss topics such as being authentic in the work place, the importance of blazing trails and setting an example for those that come after you, and more.

This episode features Dolf Berle, the CEO of Topgolf Entertainment Group, a global sports entertainment company. In his role, Mr. Berle is instrumental in driving strategic thought for the company and rallying the entire brand to connect people in meaningful ways. He has many years of experience as an executive, having previously served as the President and COO of Dave & Busters, the President of Lucky Strike Lanes, and the COO of House of Blues. Outside of his professional career, he is a dedicated athlete, who recently competed on American Ninja Warrior and is the world pole vaulting champion for men in his age bracket. He also serves on the National Board of Directors for the Make a Wish Foundation and the USA Track & Field organization.

During this episode, we discuss making an impression as an entry-level employee, finding your purpose and companies that align with that, and more.

In this episode, we were joined by Jin-Ya Huang. She is the founder of Break Bread, Break Borders, a social enterprise that provides catering services and hires exclusively refugee women, empowers them economically, and promotes unity through storytelling and culture. For her work, she has been recognized as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. She is also a celebrated artist and designer, with years of experience working with fashion companies such as Fossil, JCPenney, and Neiman Marcus.

During our conversation, we discussed being inclusive of other perspectives, serving your community, and more.