Stern Chats : Amazing Stories Of The Nyu Stern Community

Stern Chats President Mridula Rajagopal sits down with first-gen students Alexa Johnson and JC Arenas as they share what it’s like to be the first in their families to pursue higher education. This episode explores the challenges many first-gen students face, highlighting the resilience, ambition, and identity-shaping moments that define their journeys in a conversation full of insight, encouragement, and heart. Host: Mridula Rajagopal Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

It's Veterans Week, and we're celebrating it here at Stern! In this episode of Stern Chats, MBA2 student veterans Shea S., Chris Lynas, and Tony Vu speak with host Alex Cheung about their military service, transitioning to Stern, and their future plans. They discuss some of the highs-and-lows of wearing the uniform and the misconceptions they have faced as veterans and what they're working toward in the future. Host: Alex Cheung Produced by: Alex Cheung Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

In this episode of Stern Chats, host Allana Akhtar sits down with Ali Raza, Amani Malik, and Shahriyar Haider to chat about the newly launched affinity and professional club, Muslims in Business (MiB). They share the excitement behind starting MiB, fostering a sense of belonging for Muslim students, and building connections through shared experiences. Tune in to hear how MiB plans to grow, collaborate, and bring more students together across campus. Host: Allana Akhtar Produced by: Allana Akhtar Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

NYU and Stern has long been known to be a vibrant, international space; the latest MBA class has 43 countries represented! But what does it feel like, really, to move to New York for school? What should you know about the subway, Times Square, and cheap eats before you get here? That's just what hosts Gab Lombos and Siddhant Sharma discuss with guests Katherine Jiang and Joao Lima -- all international Sternies -- on this episode of Stern Chats. From finding community and embracing cultural differences to adjusting to the Big Apple, they share lighthearted stories and reflections on life away from home, offering a fun and honest look at building a new life in New York City. Hosts: Gab Lombos & Siddhant Sharma Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

In celebration of Diwali, this episode of Stern Chats spotlights SABAS and their mission to celebrate culture, foster community, and build bridges across campus. Host Sim Ahuja sits down with Kose Mathew, Anjali Nadeswaran, and Sanaya Shikari to discuss how their programming, cross-club collaborations, and cultural initiatives bring South Asian traditions to life at Stern, creating moments of both celebration and education that strengthen the community. Host: Sim Ahuja Produced by: Sim Ahuja Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

Getting off the waitlist is no small feat — and for many students, it’s just the beginning. In this episode of Stern Chats, host Alisha Agrawal sits down with Akiera Charles to share their journeys from uncertainty to acceptance, and the lessons they learned along the way. Together, they offer encouragement and practical advice for prospective students navigating the re-application process and finding their place at Stern. Host: Alisha Agrawal Produced by: Alisha Agrawal, Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

This week on Stern Chats, we’re talking about connection, community, and the unexpected moments that turn classmates into close friends. Host Sailey Thomasi sits down with friends Jordan Guillory and Noa Tshimanga to reflect on how they met during LAUNCH — and how their friendship grew beyond it. From group chats that stuck, to spontaneous adventures, they share what helped them find a sense of belonging at Stern. Host: Sailey Thomasi Produced by: Sailey Thomasi Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our latest episode explores the intersection of identity, culture, and business here at Stern. Host Anna Caceres, AHBBS VP of Events, sits down with Sandra Palomino Ruiz and Manuela Robledo, Co-Presidents of LABA, and Anthony Anzora, LABA Officer and AHBBS member, to chat about personal experiences, challenges, and insights on how heritage shapes their journey through business school and and the communities they've built along the way. Host: Anna Caceres Produced by: Anna Caceres Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

We're back for Season 17! And fall recruiting season is here — and for GFA & MCA students, it can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Stern Chats, hosts Sim Ahuja and Allana Akhtar sit down with GFA president Taylor Rooks and MCA president Bella Roussanov to unpack what the recruiting process really looks like, how to manage the stress, and what strategies can set you up for success. Hosts: Sim Ahuja & Allana Akhtar Produced by: Sim Ahuja Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

It’s the final episode of the season! Outgoing co-presidents Gauri Misra & Daulat Mahadik pass the torch to incoming president Mridula Rajagopal as the three of them reflect on their journeys with the club so far: what’s worked, what hasn’t, and their hopes and dreams for the future of Stern Chats. Join us in saying farewell to an incredible Season 17, and we’ll see you all in the fall.

In what is probably the biggest recession indicator of 2025, this Stern Chats episode belongs entirely to Stern Follies. Current Follies members Lipika Sadaram and JC Arenas burn Stern Chats resources to sit down with Co-Presidents Claire Hotvedt and Aastha Girotra. Claire and Aastha talk about how they got involved in Follies and the journey to club leadership, the unique challenges of running a small and scrappy club, and tee up the Follies End of Year Show on May 3rd at the NYU Skirball Center. This episode will answer questions you didn't even know you had like how long did Aastha stay at her first job? How many languages can Claire say the word "platypus" in? And what the heck is a "folly"? Hosts: Lipika Sadaram & JC Arenas Produced by: Lipika Sadaram & JC Arenas Edited by: Gauri Misra Music by: Jesse Han

Join Ishana Nigam and Daulat Mahadik as they chat with fellow Stern MBAs and passionate runners, Maggie Kuenzi and Ricky Faillace. From qualifying for Boston on her first marathon to a 1,000-day running streak, Maggie shares what fuels her drive. Ricky opens up about running across Europe and his casual weekend half-marathons. Together, they reflect on balancing MBA life with marathon training, the mindset overlap between business and endurance, and offer tips for aspiring runners. Hosts: Ishana Nigam & Daulat Mahadik Produced by: Ishana Nigam & Daulat Mahadik Edited by: Daulat Mahadik Music by: Jesse Han

Just a month before the release of her upcoming book Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career, Professor Suzy Welch returns to Stern Chats to discuss the Becoming You methodology, which she teaches at NYU. Professor Welch talks to hosts (and former Becoming You students) Arthur Paquet and Becky Davino about what motivated her to write her framework into a book, how to reconcile when our deepest values conflict and evolve, and the challenges of widening our aperture when it comes to finding the right role and industry for us. Hosts: Arthur Paquet & Becky Davino Produced by: Arthur Paquet & Becky Davino Edited by: Alexander Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

Six months to the day after their first Stern Chats appearance, MBA1s Justin Shalap and Arjun Swaminathan return to Stern Chats with hosts Brian Berry and Bhaskar Vadlamudi for a follow-up pulse check. Justin and Arjun reflect on the first year of the MBA program and look ahead to summer internships and becoming MBA2s. Along the way they share how the first year measured up to their expectations, what they hope to accomplish as incoming leaders of two of the largest organizations at Stern, and their favorite MBA1 memory. Hosts: Brian Berry & Bhaskar Vadlamudi Produced by: Brian Berry & Bhaskar Vadlamudi Edited by: Gauri Misra Music by: Jesse Han

Rita Bachkhanji and Omar Fahmy join host Mridula Rajagopal to discuss Stern’s MENA (Middle East and North Africa) club. Rita, a co-founder, shares what inspired her to establish MENA in 2024 as both a professional and cultural hub for students of MENA backgrounds and an educational space for allies. Omar, the incoming co-president for 2025-26, outlines the club’s future vision, key programs, and ways for members and allies to get involved. They also discuss MENA’s collaboration with other clubs on campus to foster cross-cultural connections, engagement, and education. Host: Mridula Rajagopal Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Gauri Misra Music by: Jesse Han

Hosts Smriti Ahuja and Gauri Misra welcome back esteemed Associate Professor of Management and Organizations, Michael North, to explore his research on the aging and multigenerational workforce and its impact on the workplace, the current political climate, perceptions of gender norms, and our lives as MBA students and beyond. Professor North also delves into how he has evolved his teaching approach over the years and what drives his passion for education. As Stern MBAs contemplate life after the MBA, this conversation offers crucial insights into what the future holds for us and our co-participants in the workforce. Hosts: Smriti Ahuja & Gauri Misra Produced by: Smriti Ahuja Edited by: Gauri Misra Music by: Jesse Han

In collaboration with Stern Women in Business and in honor of International Women's Day, Stern Chats sits down with Jennifer Wynn, Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Stern who teaches courses including Difficult Conversations and Reparative Conversations. In this Women's Day Special, hosts Radhini Sridhara and Nikita Garg chat with Professor Wynn about the women who inspired her, the importance of mentors and sponsors (both female and male), and navigating the challenges and barriers faced by women in the workplace. Hosts: Radhini Sridhara & Nikita Garg Produced by: Radhini Sridhara & Nikita Garg Edited by: Daulat Mahadik Music by: Jesse Han

As businesses increasingly deal with navigating the gray area between right and wrong, Stern Chats brings you insights from Alison Taylor, Professor of Sustainability for Competitive Advantage and Professional Responsibility at Stern! Professor Taylor joins hosts Nikhita Ramakrishnan and Kovin Sachdev as the trio navigates the winding decision journeys of corporations as they tide the tumultuous ethical waters to reach their "Higher Ground." Their conversation touches upon company ownership, Professor Taylor's new book "Higher Ground," and Zen outside of work. Be sure to catch this gem for some food for thought! Hosts: Nikhita Ramakrishnan & Kovin Sachdev Produced by: Nikhita Ramakrishnan & Kovin Sachdev Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

As MBA application season continues, Stern Chats brings you some insider insights from Stern Admissions! Director of MBA Admissions, Matthew Moll, joins hosts Mridula Rajagopal and Radhini Sridhara to share his tips for Stern MBA applicants and to discuss the wealth of courses and experiential opportunities that future Sternies can look forward to. All the while, Mridula and Radhini share anecdotes from their own admissions experiences before playing a game of Application Dos and Don'ts with Matthew! Hosts: Mridula Rajagopal & Radhini Sridhara Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal, Radhini Sridhara, Surya Ravipati Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

"What do global businesses owe to the faraway workers and partners that make their products?" Professor Michael Posner, the Jerome Kohlberg Professor of Ethics and Finance and the Director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at the NYU Stern School of Business, asks this question at the start of his new book Conscience Incorporated: Pursue Profits While Protecting Human Rights. In this episode, Professor Posner and host Gauri Misra pull from Conscience Incorporated and Professor Posner's personal experiences to have a wide ranging discussion on business and human rights including the lead the E.U. has taken in human rights regulations, how to parse between tangible efforts to improve human rights and "window dressing," and how much responsibility lies with the consumer. Host: Gauri Misra Produced by: Gauri Misra & Smriti Ahuja Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han