Esder Chong from the fifth cohort kicks off our Season 2 finale by sharing about her upbringing as the child of Korean missionaries, being a middle child, and how she's juggling the priorities in her life (7:08). Next, Esder shares her experience with activism and how it relates to and influences her identity as a dreamer - including how she's built community among people (e.g., undocumented, DACA, TPS students) trying to find home (14:48). Afterward, she reflects on her faith and how it relates to her experience at Schwarzman (26:48). Finally, Esder and Willie discuss Schwarzman Scholar values, World Cup championship predictions, practicing self-care, the story of her name and some reflections (37:35).
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Miranda Gottlieb from the second cohort comes to the Common Zoom to chat with Willie. After they reminisce on common room furniture, Miranda's transition from country bumpkin to geopolitical watcher (3:25), Miranda discusses her professional journey from public health vis-a-vis the opioid epidemic to trade policy/healthcare in China and taking on an executive role at a COVID-19 testing startup (13:04). Next, Miranda shares her experience navigating job transitions, negotiations, building a sustainable life (28:07) as well as her family upbringing and meeting her partner, Phil (36:48). Finally, Miranda and Wilie reflect on one of the transformative conversations they had while they were both in Schwarzman College (44:51).
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Noah Elbot from the first cohort comes to the Common Zoom to catch up with Willie as they begin to discuss Noah's fantasy league strategy and his surrogate MBA experience as a significant other (6:30), the importance of kindness (13:44), and how the Yi Jing helped him choose college (25:04). Finally, Noah reflects on her his experience working in Mongolia and bootstrapping an alternative education program for college students during the COVID-19 pandemic (34:48).
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Juliana Batista from the first cohort pops by the Common Zoom to catch up with Willie as they recount her experiences at Cornell University and how she has changed as a function of the Schwarzman Scholars community (14:25). Afterward, Juliana opens up about being laid off during the Great Tech Layoff and finding her next role in sustainability (30:57). Finally, Juliana shares her foray into kite surfing and her favorite people (41:24).
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Mohamed Ramy kicks off our return to the Common Room by sharing his passion for cooking and experiences cooking for others before sharing why adaptability is so important for him (10:40), forgoing medical school in Egypt, deciding to attend college in the U.S., and embarking on a global journey as a Watson fellow (27:39). Finally, Ramy shares some unexpected lessons and closing reflections (55:33).
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Torre Lavelle pops into the Common Zoom and discusses how, as a native Georgian, she's developed sharp elbows as a New Yorker, why she describes herself as someone who chooses the bigger life, and how that relates to her experience as a member of the inaugural Schwarzman Scholars cohort (2:06). Next, Torre reflects on what led her to focus on climate/ecology, how that led to her current role at the Columbia Climate School, and current developments/challenges for the Climate School (11:35). Afterward, Torre discusses the role of universities and academic institutions in addressing climate change, what sucesss looks like for the Climate School, the importance of optimism, and what gives her hope in advancing solutions for climate change (26:00). Finally, Torre shares stories from her travels abroad, her love of music, and how everyone can tie climate into their everyday life (39:00).
Musical recommendation
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As we continue our Graduating Scholars series, we are joined by Michael McPhail in the Common Zoom as he reflects on both his Schwarzman experience and his upbringing in Perth, which led him to study Urban Planning and eventually run for local office (1:27). Next, Michael shares more details about how his experience in public service influences his perspective and some of the challenges he experienced as deputy mayor of East Fremantle (12:02). Afterward, Michael gives his perspective on the evolving relationship between Australia and China and how his time in China has affected his perspective (25:30). Finally, Michael shares his Schwarzman highlights and his post-Schwarzman plans to work in the Executive Office of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (38:29).
Song recommendation
Selena Guo zooms into the Common Room and uses the analogy of "the butterfly stirring up a tornado" to describe her international upbringing and the "accidents" that have given her insight into where she wants to be and what she wants to do with her life by balancing her interest in media and theater (5:01). Afterward, Selena reflects on how she integrated her interest in media to expand her understanding of global relations, what led her to write a book (Turning 15 in Africa) about her time in Kenya, and how her experiences in Kenya related to a global audience (18:41). Finally, Selena shares additional takeaways from her experience writing a book, how she's handled audience reactions to her book, and how she's preparing for the next phase of her life post-Schwarzman (33:19).
Song recommendation
Christian Tanja, who played an instrumental role in building the Schwarzman Scholars community as an Admissions Outreach and Selection Officer, sits with Mandy and Willie as he prepares to return to California as the Assistant Director of the Knight-Hennessy program. He begins by discussing his leadership compass, his upbringing in Southern California, his experience building a personal board of directors, and what his return to California might unlock for him. (2:06). Next, Christian details his personal mission to build escalators to help those typically excluded, reflects on his belief in “what’s meant for you will not miss you,” as well as the importance of authenticity and staying grounded, and nerds out with Mandy and Willie about personality assessment tools (19:54). Afterward, Christian shares the questions he uses to understand candidates beyond their applications (34:08) and reflects on his "3-year triangulation" that anchors on learning, growth, and building legacy (38:08). Finally, Christian reflects on his next steps, how his family has changed, expresses surprise at his yearning to be home, and shares his experience in acapella (40:35).
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Michelle Fang makes her way to the Common Room and kicks things off with a line from Marcel Proust before discussing how her upbringing as an international third-world kid compelled her to use theater to “take root and nest in herself” and how personal stories are the most creative (2:07). Next, Michelle recounts how she recently made the hard decision to turn down her biggest opportunity yet on a major streaming platform because she found the character and writing inauthentic and stereotypical (12:55). We also discuss what Michelle's facing as a Chinese actor, how she deals with the nuances of open-ethnicity casting and the disconnect between Hollywood and its desire to appeal to a Chinese-American audience vs. a Mainland Chinese audience (17:06). Then, Michelle reflects on working with IQIYI, the leading Chinese streaming platform, to build a partnership with Netflix and her hobbies - violin, taekwondo, soccer - that began when she was a kid (31:26). Finally, Michelle shares her upcoming projects, post-Schwarzman plans, and how she stays grounded by involving and activating other parts of herself, including doing research on sustainability and being a part of climate forums (39:41).
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As George zooms into today's episode in the Common Room, he begins by unpacking why he describes himself as a “grateful non-conformist realist” and shares his story of moving to the U.S. from Syria to attend college in Illinois (1:52). Next, George discusses how his experience in the U.S as an immigrant proved to be everything he dreamed of and how he balances gratitude and non-conformity (9:25). George then shares how he decided to major in business, began his career in consulting, and started his non-profit, Syrian Youth Empowerment, while navigating the tension between his Syrian identity and his desire to make a difference globally (20:15). Finally, George ends on a fun note as he reflects on how he bonded with his cohort throughout the pandemic “SchwarzHouses” in the U.S. (North Carolina and Arizona), Thailand, Croatia, and Italy (37:29).
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Bita Ghassemi and Nicole Ching, two alumni in the arts space, join us in the Common Room and discuss how they were introduced to the arts and how their identity plays an influential role in their work (2:29). Then, both Bita and Nicole share their experience co-founding their own companies/initiatives (PILLARBOXED STUDIOS and Museum 2050) while working full-time jobs (14:00). Bita reflects on choosing to base herself in Austin, Texas (her hometown) and her first foray into the arts, while Nicole reflects on the inspiration she felt observing other people’s curiosity for the arts during her first museum internship (24:03). Next, Bita and Nicole share their experiences with the arts through the COVID-19 pandemic, including the craze of arts sales and NFTs (39:55). Finally, we discuss other interests that are consuming Bita and Nicole's time, which include thinking about how to make money, not falling into the “starving artist” trope, and following the Olympics and knitting (53:00).
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We had a fun time in the Common Zoom with Dunola Oladapo, whose introduction as “passionate about people” seems irrefutably apparent throughout the episode, especially as she talks about the local charity she started called Luton Lights, which focuses on economic empowerment for women and girls (2:01). After her introduction, Dunola reflects on her career in banking and how, through various international summits and the Schwarzman program, she pivoted to international development, where she currently works as a digital inclusion program officer at the United Nation’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (3:29). Next, Dunola shares why she is passionate about youth and the need for impact on all levels - local, national, and International (9:32). Afterward, Dunola recounts why she founded Luton Lights, how it has evolved (19:11) and how she maintains her groundedness (29:29). Dunola then shares how she employs self-care, including being social and exercising her faith (39:23). Finally, Dunola shares what has been unexpected in her life and a song she would recommend to our listeners (45:04).
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For the season one finale, Mandy and Willie welcome a special Schwarzman administrator alumnus - Rob Garris, who worked as the Global Director of Admissions and Strategic Initiatives from 2014 to 2019.
Rob begins by describing his optimistic mindset and how the power of programs like Schwarzman Scholars helps people lean into their talent and develop themselves (3:59). Next, Rob reflects on the pivots in his professional journey, particularly through higher ed, how Schwarzman Scholars represented an opportunity to be a part of building something from the ground up, and what he learned from working with Steve Schwarzman (14:29). Rob also discusses the dangers of certain selection processes and how we can break open elite networking circles (39:05). Finally, Rob shares his experience joining Trinity Wall Street as Managing Director of the Leadership Development Initiative and concludes with a series of rapid questions, including post-covid travels, favorite Chinese food, and favorite artists (50:50).
Mandy welcomes Max and Elliot to the Common Room as they reflect on what led Max to start Carbonbase, a climate technology company, and bring Elliot onboard (2:13). Next, they both also talk about how their Schwarzman Scholars program experience informed Carbonbase's learning journey and how they are refining Carbonbase's business model and partnership approach. (12:45). Finally, Max and Elliot share how they envision the future of Carbonbase (48:55).
Mandy and Willie welcome Jacob to the Common Room as Jacob reflects on how his background led him to apply to Schwarzman, how his curiosity and relationships with Chinese-American friends fueled his interest in Mandarin, what led him to stay in China after Schwarzman to work for Didi Chuxing, and what he learned during his time there (2:38). Next, Jacob myth busts some perceptions for foreigners seeking to work in China and describes his experience navigating the job market and pivoting industries in the United States with Chinese work experience (24:30). Finally, Jacob shares his experience leveraging his China experience as an opportunity to share more about China in personal and professional settings (40:50).
Willie and Cam kick off their Common Room convo reminiscing about their Critical Language Scholarship experience together in Suzhou (2:01). Cam then begins his story by describing himself as curious, including majoring in physics and international studies (17:34). Next, Cam discusses the process of applying to Schwarzman, especially when “no humans have gotten in yet” as part of the first cohort, his part-time work at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science, and finishing his master's in Engineering and Computational Science (26:59). Afterward, Cam discusses how interested he is in Artificial Intelligence, especially reinforcement learning (44:28). As they discuss reinforcement learning, Willie and Cam share what learning Mandarin was like for them during their time in Suzhou (48:17). Finally, they end the convo reflecting on how life has been more unexpected than planned and how that seems to be a common thread across the Schwarzman alumni community (57:06).
Willie welcomes Kevin to the Common Room by sharing how they first met (2:10). Kevin then discusses his time at Alabama State University, an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), where he found the trifecta (a great education, great career, and great wife) and questioned what it means to be a Black man in America (9:18). Afterward, Kevin discusses working in the oil & gas industry (BP & Chevron), proposing to his then-girlfriend, now wife Devin, and how his parent's experiences helped him relate to his colleagues from the office to the oil field (19:28). Kevin also shares a beautiful story about a bet between him and his father (25:49), why he chose Harvard Business School for his MBA, what it felt like when he got accepted, and why he decided to apply to Schwarzman and stay in Beijing after graduating from the program (29:59). Finally, Kevin reflects on becoming a father and quitting his job to begin a new venture with entrepreneurship through acquisition (43:52).
Kevin's "must-read" list:
Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told By Alex Haley (or, as Willie contends, Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable)
The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson.
The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes
Anything by James Baldwin
Olayemi joins Willie in the Common Room, explains why she describes herself as “self-assured” (2:42), recounts her journey from Lagos to the UK at age 14 without her family, and compares her Schwarzman experience with her schooling in the UK (9:36). As Willie and Olayemi discuss the college application process, Willie shares his story with a high school teacher that did not believe in him (38:15). Olayemi discusses how she found her chosen family through the African and Caribbean Society and athletics teams at Oxford and how Oxford's tough, toxic environment can create students constantly seeking external validation (45:15). Olayemi also reflects on her Schwarzman year and what led her to work at Soros Economic Development Fund (55:04). Finally, Willie and Olayemi end their conversation by discussing the impact of privileges and the privileges they have (1:03:40).
Esham stops by the Common Room and tells Willie why he describes himself as sensitive (3:05) and why his diverse family can be described as a “mini-UN congregation” (8:03). Esham also reflects on why he chose to attend Princeton (19:21), why his family WhatsApp group led him to take an interest in China (24:30), how his acceptance into a deferred admittance business school program allows him to take more risks (29:21), and why he chose to be an alumni ambassador for his Schwarzman cohort (37:44). Finally, Esham shares the risks he hopes to take in the future (42:36).
