McCombs Made

April Underwood has worked at Google, Apple, Twitter and Slack. She’s the co-founder of #ANGELS, the investment collective focused on restructuring the ways in which we look at gender inequality, not just in wage gaps, but in financial equity. Most recently, she co-founded the venture capital firm, Adverb Ventures. In this conversation, you’ll hear about the ways in which communication and relationships play a role in successful workplace teams, the importance of financial and social equity for the fields of business and technology and what characteristics she looks for when investing in people and ideas.  --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

David Druley received his BBA and MBA from McCombs and currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Cambridge Associates. He interned as an investment analyst at the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and started his own investment management firm, called Druley Investment Management, for 9 years.  In this episode, host Firdous Khezrian spoke with Druley about risk management and tolerance in business and life, the traits of some of the best portfolio managers and the legacy he hopes to leave as a Longhorn.  --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

Cindy Lo is the founder, CEO and chief event strategist of Red Velvet, a renowned full-service and independent event planning agency. She’s also a 1998 McCombs graduate. In this conversation, hear about her unexpected path to a career in event planning, her approach to planning her personal and professional life and the ways in which she has carried herself throughout her career.  --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

Billy Freed has invested in entrepreneurship and in its innovation in all his communities. In 2023, Mr. Freed generously donated $1 million dollars to the Herb Kelleher Entrepreneurship Center at McCombs. As a result, the pitch competition was renamed the Freed Family Pitch Competition. In this conversation, you'll hear about the lessons he's learned about entrepreneurship, the role that family has played in his career, and the most important qualities of successful entrepreneurs. --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

In 2018, Phil Canfield generously donated $20 million to the Business Honors Program at the McCombs School of Business. The program was renamed after him. In this episode, hear about his career as an investor, his time as a student at McCombs and his connection to the city of Austin. --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

Kendra Scott founded her namesake jewelry company in Austin, Texas in 2002. In the more than two decades since, the jewelry brand has grown into a household name. In 2019, Scott created a $13.25 million endowment to start the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, which is now part of the McCombs School of Business. In this conversation, you’ll hear about the lessons she’s learned from her career as an entrepreneur, the importance of philanthropy in her personal and professional life, and the legacy she hopes to leave on the global community.  --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

Since Swapnil Agarwal graduated from McCombs in 2003, he’s grown a real estate investment empire. In this episode, hear how Agarwal’s upbringing as an Indian immigrant influenced his personal and professional life, the role intention plays in all of his pursuits, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

New York for McCombs is a leadership program designed to strengthen the school's network, increase career opportunity, and encourage alumni engagement. 2023 marks the program’s 10th anniversary. In this special bonus episode, host Firdous Khezrian sits down with Paul Aaron and Dean Tom Gilligan, two founding members of the New York for McCombs Council. Tom Gilligan is a former dean and Clinical Professor of Finance at the McCombs School of Business. Paul Aaron is a McCombs 1985 graduate.  --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.

Tiffany and Leon Chen started their groundbreaking cookie business, Tiff’s Treats, when they were just 19-year-old sophomores at the University of Texas at Austin. In this episode, Tiffany and Leon speak about the drive they’ve carried throughout their careers, the pillars of partnership and the value of kindness in community-based businesses.  --- This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

In the first episode of “McCombs Made,” host Firdous Khezrian sits down with Gary Kelly, former CEO and current executive chairman of Southwest Airlines to get a glimpse into his indelible 35-year tenure at the company. Gary and his wife, Carol, discussed Gary’s transformative career, the importance of functioning as a team, and persevering through challenging times. This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.  

The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin isn’t just one of the top business schools in the country. It’s a place where chances are taken, dreams are born, and boldness is celebrated. Perseverance, drive, and a welcoming sense of encouragement are at the center of Texas McCombs. Hosted by UT student Firdous Khezrian, the “McCombs Made” podcast features interviews with trailblazingMcCombs alumni and friends, highlighting their successes and sharing advice for the next generation of world-changers.  This podcast was produced by The Drag Audio Production House. Want to work with The Drag? Reach out here.