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Interview with Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub Executive Director, Lewis Sheats
In this episode of The Catalyst Club, I interview Lewis Sheats, Associate Vice Chancellor for Entrepreneurship and Executive Director of the Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. We explore what drives successful entrepreneurship, how entrepreneurs turn ideas into opportunities, and the strategies that help businesses grow. Lewis also shares insights from his work supporting and developing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Ellie Liu
Sep 231 min read


Interview with University of Texas McCombs School of Business Professor, Rajagopal Raghunathan
In this episode of The Catalyst Club, I sit down with Raj Raghunathan, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin and author of If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Happy?, to explore the science behind happiness, success, and well-being. We discuss how our understanding of human behavior can shape the way companies market, build products, and connect with consumers, and why understanding what truly makes people happy matters for both businesses and individuals
Ellie Liu
Sep 161 min read


Interview with NC State Poole Professor, Jeffery Pollack
In this interview, NC State Poole College of Management Professor of Entrepreneurship Dr. Jeffrey Pollack discusses the strategies behind founder resilience and navigating the psychological demands of starting a business. Pollack shares his insights on the human element of entrepreneurship, founder mindset, and how evidence-backed research can help leaders build sustainable growth without burning out. The conversation provides valuable takeaways on managing stress, leveraging
Ellie Liu
Aug 271 min read


Interview with UCLA Anderson Professor, Cassie Holmes
In this episode of The Catalyst Club, I sit down with Cassie Holmes to explore the science of happiness, time perception, and how people can design their lives for greater fulfillment. A leading researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, Holmes shares insights from her work on how we misvalue time, hedonic adaptation, and what actually drives day-to-day satisfaction. We also discuss how her research connects to consumer behavior and decision-making, with a focus
Ellie Liu
Jun 91 min read
Audio Interview with CMO of Kosas, Adeline Leong
In this interview, Kosas Chief Marketing Officer Adeline Leong discusses the strategies behind driving growth in the competitive beauty and skincare market. Leong shares her insights on brand positioning, product innovation, and how Kosas leverages digital marketing and community building to connect with modern consumers. The conversation provides valuable takeaways on navigating the evolving beauty landscape and scaling a mission-driven brand.
Ellie Liu
May 161 min read


Interview with Health Ade Kombucha Founder, Vanessa Dew
In this interview, Health-Ade co-founder Vanessa Dew shares her insights on entrepreneurship, brand building, and navigating the competitive beverage industry. As a key driving force behind scaling a small kombucha startup into a major national brand, Dew discusses the strategic marketing, operational challenges, and consumer trends that shaped Health-Ade’s growth. The conversation offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale a business and build a loyal custome
Ellie Liu
May 161 min read


Interview with University of Arizona Professor, Caleb Warren
In this interview, Professor Caleb Warren discusses core concepts in marketing and consumer behavior. Known for his research on what makes brands appealing and how consumers make decisions, he shares insights into current marketing trends and strategies for effectively reaching an audience. The conversation covers practical takeaways for understanding consumer psychology and building stronger brand connections.
Ellie Liu
May 161 min read


Interview with USC Marshall Professor, David Belasco
In this interview, we sit down with Professor David Belasco of USC Marshall to discuss his perspective on entrepreneurship, key lessons from building and advising ventures, and what it takes to turn ideas into scalable, impactful businesses.
Ellie Liu
Apr 171 min read


Interview with Founder and CEO of Tower 28 Beauty, Amy Liu
In this interview, we sit down with Amy Liu, Founder and CEO of Tower 28 Beauty, to discuss her journey building the brand, key lessons from scaling, and what it takes to create products and community that truly resonate.
Ellie Liu
Jan 301 min read
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