Stern Chats

NYU Stern MBA Community

Stern Chats is an MBA student-run podcast. Our Mi…

  • 52 minutes 1 second
    Leading with Purpose: Student Entrepreneurship with Freddy Mbari
    In our final episode of the semester, host Jordan Guillory sits down with student entrepreneur Frederick Mbari to explore his remarkable journey - from taking bold risks and becoming an investor, to building ventures with friends and raising two young men (with another on the way), Freddy exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. He also shares how Milima Tea went from an idea to a fast-growing brand, and why building it has become one of his most exciting bets yet. Host: Jordan Guillory Produced by: Jordan Guillory Edited by: Alex Cheung, Sailey Thomasi Music by: Jesse Han
    4 December 2025, 3:48 pm
  • 45 minutes 59 seconds
    The Audacity of Trying: First-Gen at Stern
    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
    19 November 2025, 6:51 pm
  • 40 minutes 52 seconds
    Celebrating Veterans Week at NYU Stern
    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
    10 November 2025, 4:55 pm
  • 26 minutes 52 seconds
    Creating Space: Introducing Muslims in Business at Stern
    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
    5 November 2025, 8:43 pm
  • 29 minutes 4 seconds
    New Country, New Campus: International Sternies
    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
    29 October 2025, 6:14 pm
  • 22 minutes 39 seconds
    Lighting the Way: SABAS on Diwali, Collaboration, and Community at Stern
    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
    24 October 2025, 5:16 pm
  • 40 minutes 17 seconds
    From Waitlist to Welcome: Navigating the Reapplication Journey
    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
    15 October 2025, 2:52 pm
  • 27 minutes 55 seconds
    LAUNCH Buddies: Finding Your People at Stern
    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
    1 October 2025, 3:44 pm
  • 38 minutes 58 seconds
    Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Identity, Culture & Business at Stern
    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
    24 September 2025, 9:26 pm
  • 32 minutes 4 seconds
    GFA & MCA Fall Recruiting 101: What You Need to Know
    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
    17 September 2025, 7:26 pm
  • 23 minutes 11 seconds
    Passing the Torch
    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.
    30 April 2025, 10:06 pm
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