Business can be faddish. Paul Jarley, dean of the UCF College of Business, is on a mission to separate fads from fundamental change that will impact students. Join us as we chat with experts, enthusiasts and interesting people to talk business and pose the question… Is This Really a Thing?
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Paul Jarley: It’s Space Week at UCF and I’m like a kid in a candy store. So many questions. For one, everyone’s talking about going to Mars, but why? What problem are we solving? What does Mars offer that other planets or the moons don’t? And if the answer is survival or curiosity, does that really require an economy, people trading air, power and data in some kind of cosmic barter system? Or is…
We’ve all sat through bad slide decks—but what about the ones that change history? In this episode of Is This Really a Thing? , Dean Paul Jarley is joined by Jim Balaschak, Dr. Mike Pape, and Derek Saltzman to explore whether the so-called “billion-dollar PowerPoint” is myth or reality. From Airbnb and Tesla’s iconic pitch decks to the role of storytelling, trust, and investor psychology, they…
Quarterly earnings reports have been a fixture of American business for more than 50 years … but are their days numbered? Earlier this month, President Donald Trump reignited debate by suggesting companies should only report twice a year, a move he says would cut costs and free executives to focus on the long term. But would fewer reports build stronger businesses, or erode trust in the markets?…
From Lassie to Grumpy Cat to Ruby the golden doodle, pets have long captured our hearts—but today, they’re also capturing serious market share. In this episode of Is This Really a Thing? , Dean Paul Jarley dives into the booming world of pet influencers with UCF Marketing expert Dr. Carolyn Massiah and Amber Downs, creator of @orlandoodle. Together, they explore why pets are such powerful…
Is layaway making a comeback—or has it simply been rebranded as “buy now, pay later”? In this episode of Is This Really a Thing? , Dean Paul Jarley sits down with Jim Adamczyk, Chief Strategy Officer at FAIRWINDS, to unpack the surprising history (and psychology) of delayed payments. From Christmas shopping in the 1970s to today’s Klarna and Affirm apps, they explore why consumers keep returning…
Are the Excel Championships just another bit of content for ESPN? Could it keep the Pac 12 alive? More importantly, is it an eSport and can we gamble on it? Listen in! Featured Guests Andrew Grigolyunovich – Founder and CEO of the Financial Modeling World Cup David Clayton Brown, Ph.D. – Associate Professor of Finance at the Eller College of Business at the University of Arizona “Mr. Excel” Bill…
Could Artificial Intelligence make Hollywood a ghost town? Reality TV, strikes and cyborgs, OH MY! Hollywood may be heading toward AI-generated content, and we all may already be living in a cyborg state … so was this episode AI-generated? This is part two of a two-part episode. Be sure to go back and listen to Part 1: Will the Hollywood Strike be an Extended Thing? Featured Guests David Luna,…
More reality TV? AI-generated “South Park” episodes? Is this where Hollywood is heading thanks to the latest writer and actor strike? We find out from UCF experts how, and why, the strike will be resolved and how AI will play into plans moving forward. This is part one of a two-part episode. On July 14, 2023, members of the Hollywood actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, stood with screenwriters, forming a…
Did the pandemic spark a flurry of innovation or was everyone too busy bingeing Tiger King and Outerbanks and Zooming to endless happy hours to launch new businesses and products? Dean Paul Jarley turns to UCF’s entrepreneurial in-house experts along with an alum whose company helps startups grow and scale to find out the answer. Featured Guests Caroline Castille – CEO, Clickable Impact Cameron…
Inflation hasn’t been much of an issue since Jimmy Carter was in office. But—like Mom Jeans and mullets—it’s totally back. This time, though, it feels different. We’re paying more than ever at the pump and in the grocery stores, so what’s to blame? Is it government spending? Supply chain shortages? The war in Ukraine? We’ve got questions, so we turned to UCF economist Sean Snaith for answers.…
This past summer marked a significant change for college athletes as the NCAA voted to allow them the opportunity to benefit from their name, image and likeness. While it’s certainly a significant change in the NCAA’s approach and rulemaking, what will it mean for most student athletes, especially those outside the big conferences and revenue-generating sports like football and basketball?…
Find yourself asking “Where’s the beef?” when you order a burger these days? You could be a victim of “Shrinkflation.” Rising demand post-pandemic and disrupted supply chains are impacting many of the goods and foods we consume. Will we be getting less of a product for the same price as companies try to protect their bottom lines? Hear what a UCF economist and Marketing professors have to say…
If you’re wondering what an NFT, aka Non-Fungible Token, is, well, you’re not alone. CryptoPunks and CyberCats are selling for six and seven figures and even Christie’s is getting in on the digital art action. So we’ve got questions…what are these digital items, why are people investing a fortune in them (and should you?), and what does that mean for the financial sector and the art world?…
GameStop and AMC made national headlines for unexpected reasons as retail investors from social media website Reddit began feverishly scooping up shares in each company. While the resulting drama caused wild swings in stock prices and scrutiny against some online trading platforms, the long term impacts remain to be seen. Did “Redditors” usher in a new era of retail stock trading? Or are these…
After one of the deepest recessions in history, the U.S. economy still has roughly 10 million fewer jobs than before the COVID-19 pandemic began. While some say the economy is improving faster than expected and has seen significant growth in recent months, it could be some time before the U.S. returns to pre-pandemic highs. What will drive the economy back into recovery? And can it happen before…
It's hard to imagine a virtual Tupperware party. Sales presentations are trickier with the move to increased online communication. Gone (for now) are the days of making small talk with prospective clients in the hallway and capturing their undivided attention face-to-face. Now that life has gone virtual, is it really possible for sales professionals to channel their charisma and build rapport…
As employees continue to work from home, leases are running out and corporate office space is in jeopardy. Managers around the world have to decide if it's more efficient to keep their offices open, downsize, or go entirely remote. Seven months into this pandemic, the question remains... is working from home really going to stick? How is the commercial real estate industry handling the move to…
As cardboard cutouts occupy the stands at stadiums across the country, sports leagues and teams are dealing with a massive blow to their bottom line. If fans are stuck watching the game from home, it begs the question... how long can sports really be financially viable? Can exclusive, virtual experiences fill the budgetary void left by the absence of ticket sales? Or can the leagues just shoulder…
Two researchers at UCF are developing a cough drop that can reduce the spread of COVID-19 by making saliva heavier and stickier - it makes sneeze and cough particles fall rather than float. But is there really a market for such a product? Paul Jarley talks with researchers Michael Kinzel and Kareem Ahmed to find out the science behind the lozenge, how soon it could hit store shelves and the…
As the name explains, The Invitational is the Barry S. Miller College of Business’ invite-only career fair, designed to connect top business students with employers and college partners seeking to fill internships within their organization. In this episode, Paul Jarley speaks with employers and recruiters to learn the best tactics to help you find your dream job. Featured Guests Amanda Valiente –…
A media darling of sorts, UCF economist Sean Snaith’s presentations across Central Florida tend to be an 80/20 mix of economic forecasting and comedy sketches. But the Director of the UCF Institute for Economic Forecasting means business – his forecasts have been named one of the nation’s most accurate. This episode takes a “behind-the-scenes” look at Snaith’s forecasting methods while exploring…
In the midst of the longest economic recovery in American history, the big question is when the next recession will hit. With unemployment reaching record lows, job growth skyrocketing and consumer confidence at an all-time high, some economists see no end in sight for the expansion that began in 2009. On the other hand, manufacturing is at a 10-year low while the U.S.-China trade war continues.…
A lot of people don’t really like change. But can they be coached or managed through the change process to understand and truly appreciate its benefits in the workplace? Guest host Thad Seymour , Interim President of UCF, introduces a panel of staff members from Addition Financial to discuss their recent re-brand initiative and what they learned from undergoing a massive, company-wide change.…
With new technology comes new ways to shop online and find a good deal, but retailers also have new tools at their disposal to charge customers higher prices. “Retail guru” Anand Krishnamoorthy discusses how retailers exploit consumers’ lack of knowledge to charge higher prices and how shoppers can beat retailers at their own game this holiday season (and on Black Friday). Featured Guests Anand…
Presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle point to a host of different factors for the state of the U.S. economy. With an economic recession on the way, renowned economist Glenn Hubbard joins UCF Business faculty John Solow, Sami Alpanda and Paul Jarley to discuss the hot topic of income inequality and when we can expect the current expansion to hit a wall. Is a recession really on our…
Many successful people are sleep deprived, but that doesn’t mean coffee and energy drinks are the keys to business success. In fact, these individuals are likely successful despite their lack of sleep — not because of it. Is shaving off a few hours of sleep really worth the extra time? Jeff Gish, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management at UCF College of Business, explains how sleep plays a…
Everyone fails. It is part of life. Rather than pretend it won’t happen, you should count on it. We challenged our students to submit their best failure stories and explain the lesson they learned. Now you get to vote for your favorite. Featured Guests Petrice Cineus, Student Sam Kotenko, Student Kevin Velazquez, Student Episode Highlights 0:38 – Failure Competition Introduction 1:43 – Kevin’s…
With open banking, is technology creating a decentralized future of banking? Smartphone apps like Mint and Personal Capital paved the way for customers to access the entirety of their financial data in one place, but now, major banks are beginning to enter the open banking game. What are the repercussions for traditional banking institutions? What are the benefits and risks for consumers? And is…
United Launch Alliance CEO Tory Bruno chats with Dean Paul Jarley on the state of space exploration. 50 years after the Apollo 11 moon landing, rocket launch technology has drastically improved and the prospect of commercial space travel is almost top of mind. Can space tourism really become the multi-billion dollar market that some expect it to be? And are Cape Canaveral and the Space Coast ready…
Some claim a company’s brand is its most valuable asset, while a logo can have a powerful impact on consumer behaviors. Household names like Coca-Cola, Tropicana and Gap are just a few examples of companies that have enjoyed tremendous success and endured rebranding failures. But how much can packaging, imagery and marketing tactics really inject new life into an unchanged product? And will a…
As technology rapidly improves and provides people with a never-ending list of ways to stay connected, those responsible for urban planning are finding new ways to integrate connectedness with essential city services. Cities like Orlando are jumping into the smart city movement with hopes to build a data-driven infrastructure that will support safer, cleaner and more efficient travel and an…
Some people are born with leadership skills, but that doesn’t necessarily mean others can’t learn. Dr. James T. Brown packs an impressive 16 years of increasingly responsible leadership positions at NASA and later worked as a consultant and trainer in leadership, project management and decision making before becoming a faculty member at the UCF College of Business . Dr. Brown is simply an expert…
Starting a business with no money or funding could be easier than you think. Jesse Wolfe, founder and CEO of O’Dang Hummus, got his start at UCF with some big ideas and little capital. Several years later, he’s CEO of a multi-million dollar business and has turned the salad dressing industry on its head. But one success story does not mean everyone could do it… Featured Guests: Jesse Wolfe –…
Featured Guests: Sean Snaith – Director, UCF Instiute for Economic Competitiveness Don Unser – Retail President Anand Krishnamoorthy – Associate Professor of Marketing Jahir Hernandez – Student, Former Old Navy employee Tina Hand – Dean’s Assistant Jessica Dourney – Assistant Director of Outreach and Engagement Episode Transcription : Paul Jarley : Black Friday used to sound like this. Jahir…
Featured Guests: Stan Horton – Former Enron Executive; President & CEO, Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP Scott Keith – Regional President, North & Central Florida Region, BB&T Marshall Schminke – BB&T Professor of Business Ethics (Management) Robert Folger – Distinguished Alumni Endowed Professor in Business Ethics Merrell Bailey – Managing Partner, Your Caring Law Firm Episode Transcription : Stan…
Featured Guests: Cindy Barth – Editor, Orlando Business Journal Grant Heston – Chief of Staff and Vice President for Communications & Marketing, UCF Rick Brunson – Associate Instructor, UCF Nicholson School of Communication & Media Episode Transcription : Paul Jarley : It makes you believe there’s no such thing as truth. Grant Heston : There’s a lot of things labeled fake news that people just…
Featured Guests: Kelly Dowling – Assistant Dean for Advancement, Stony Brook University College of Engineering and Applied Science Ken Bradley – Former Winter Park Mayor Ron Piccolo – Chair, UCF Department of Management Mark Dickie – Professor of Economics Jonathan Hasford – Assistant Professor of Marketing Carolyn Massiah – Associate Chair, Department of Marketing & Associate Lecturer, Marketing…
Featured Guests: Jesse Wolfe – Founder / President, O’Dang Hummus Cameron Ford – Director, UCF Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Michael Pape – Dr. Phillips Entrepreneur in Residence; Lecturer, Management Donna Mackenzie – Executive Director, StarterStudio Carol Ann Dykes Logue – Site Manager, UCF Business Incubator Episode Transcription : Voice : “If you build it, he will come.” Terence Mann…
Featured Guests: Erik Kohler – The “Voice” of UCF Football Carolyn Massiah – Associate Chair, Department of Marketing & Associate Lecturer, Marketing Yael Zemack-Rugar – Assistant Professor of Marketing Nick Riggle – Philosopher, Author of On Being Awesome: A Unified Theory of How Not to Suck Episode Transcription : Paul Jarley : Today’s biggest viral sensation isn’t a cat playing a piano or the…
Featured Guests: Libby Mustaine – Professor of Sociology Chris Leo – Lecturer, Integrated Business Bill Steiger – Associate Instructor of Marketing; Instructor & Coordinator, Professional Selling Program Bob Danna – Retired Managing Director, Deloitte Episode Transcription : Paul Jarley : Some say they’re the result of failed parenting strategies. Others say they’re addicted to their phones,…
Featured Guests: Greg Trompeter – Director, Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting Melanie Fernandez – Partner, BDO Paul Gregg – Assistant Chair, Finance Executive in Residence, Dept. of Finance; CFO, Rini Technologies, Inc. Jim Adamczyk – Senior Executive VP / CLO, FAIRWINDS Credit Union Mike Johnson – Dean, UCF College of Sciences Episode Transcription : Paul Jarley : This is a story of a man who…
Featured Guests: Danny White – UCF Athletic Director Richard Lapchick – Director, DeVos Sports Business Management Program Ben Noel – Executive Director, Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy Tony Schiller – Executive Vice President and Partner, Paragon Marketing Group Abiel Payano – President, UCF Gaming Knights Episode Transcription : Paul Jarley: You remember that, right? Well, video games…
Featured Guests: Stefanie Hill – Career Coach, UCF College of Business Office of Professional Development Lina Pabon – Campus Talent Acquisition Business Partner, ADP “Ellen” – Student “Casper” – Student Vera – Robot Interviewer Episode Transcription : Paul Jarley : Russian hackers aren’t just messing with our elections, they’re disrupting the job application process, too. Companies like IKEA and…
Featured Guests: Sean Snaith – Director, UCF Institute for Economic Competitiveness Honghui Chen – Director, Master of Science (M.S.) FinTech Initiative at UCF Jim Balaschak – Principal, Deanja, LLC Mike O’Donnell – Executive Director, UCF Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Alexander Golding – Founder and CEO, HelpedHope; Bitcoin Investor David Metcalf – Senior Researcher and Director, Mixed…
“ Is This Really a Thing? ” is an all new podcast created and hosted by Paul Jarley, dean of the College of Business at the University of Central Florida. With the help of local experts, enthusiasts and all-around interesting people, Paul takes a look at up-and-coming concepts and ideas that have the potential to reshape the business landscape . How do you separate fly-by-night management tactics…
