By Lacie Blankenship
The Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) is a cornerstone of student programming at Vanderbilt Business year after year, allowing students to hear directly from influential business leaders across varying industries while enjoying lunch. DSS, a student-led initiative, invites candid conversations through moderated discussions to touch on leadership lessons, innovation, and strategy.
The students behind DSS, Sophia Wright, Carly Riemann, Katie Phillips, and Chris Staib (all MBA’25), organized a dynamic lineup of speakers for the 2024-2025 academic year. These guests brought unique insights and inspiration to the Vanderbilt Business community.
Dean Steenburgh (left) and Sean Brock (right)
“Leading the Distinguished Speaker Series was one of the most meaningful parts of my time at Owen,” said Wright, who served as President of the DSS Board. “DSS gives students the chance to hear directly from leaders across a range of industries and gain insight into how business looks from different angles. Helping create that space for real-world learning and perspective was incredibly rewarding.”
Distinguished Speaker Series Guests
Sean Brock, Chef and Nashville Restaurateur
The first DSS of the academic year featured Chef Sean Brock, the owner and restaurateur behind three Nashville-based restaurants: Audrey, Joyland, and June. In a conversation with Dean Steenburgh, Brock discussed his experience starting businesses in Music City, how he transformed his culinary vision into a diverse business portfolio, and the power of passion in business.
Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East (MBA’15), Athletes, Entrepreneurs, and Parents
In collaboration with the Owen Partners Association (OPA), DSS welcomed Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East (MBA’15) for a conversation moderated by Professor Mario Avila (MBA’12) in Mod 2. The couple discussed their transition from elite athletics to co-founding FamilyMade, a media company centered on authenticity, connection, and entrepreneurship, all while building a family.
Professor Goldsmith (left) and Joanne Crevoiserat (right)
Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association (CMA)
The CEO of the Country Music Association (CMA), Sarah Trahern (EMBA’04), shared a glimpse behind the scenes of one of Nashville’s most iconic organizations, which has expanded to have a global reach. Trahern visited Management Hall in Mod 3 to join Professor Eric M. Johnson for the event, during which they discussed strategies behind the CMA’s expansive growth and the organization’s economic impact in Nashville and beyond.
Joanne Crevoiserat, CEO of Tapestry, Inc.
As CEO of Tapestry, Inc., the parent company of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman, Joanne Crevoiserat shared her path to the C-suite and her approach to steering legacy brands through times of transformation. Moderated by Professor Kelly Goldsmith, the Mod 4 DSS event discussed purpose-driven growth, innovation, strategy, and global leadership in an evolving consumer landscape.
From fashion to food, media to music, the Vanderbilt Business Distinguished Speaker Series from this academic year offered students, faculty, and staff a special look at leadership in action. The Vanderbilt Business community looks forward to hosting more DSS events in the future and is excited to see who will join as esteemed guests!
Get Involved with DSS
The Distinguished Speaker Series is a standout experience for graduate business students, creating opportunities to engage with accomplished professionals and broaden their understanding of the business world. If you’re interested in helping make these impactful conversations happen or want to be a speaker, the DSS team would love to hear from you. Contact them at owen.dss@vanderbilt.edu.
