Career Conversations Podcast Por NACUBO arte de portada

Career Conversations

Career Conversations

De: NACUBO
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On Career Conversations, NACUBO's Christine Simone sits down with higher education professionals to discuss their personal experiences, including successes and challenges of all kinds. They'll offer career advice and insights as well as nuggets of wisdom for business professionals new to higher education.2023 Economía Gestión Gestión y Liderazgo
Episodios
  • Puzzles, Pathways, Progress: Jodi Kessler

    Puzzles, Pathways, Progress: Jodi Kessler
    Jan 30 2026
    Higher Ed Tax Expert Shares Career Journey from Criminal Law to Global Operations Jodi Kessler, director of tax and global operations at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, discovered her passion for tax law while studying criminal law at Ohio State University. After taking a tax class that presented the field as an engaging puzzle with clear rules and strategic planning opportunities, she shifted her focus and began her higher education career at Ohio State in 2008, later moving to Harvard before settling at MIT. At MIT, Kessler's role has expanded significantly beyond traditional tax work to encompass investment analysis, unrelated business income tax, sales tax, and most recently, global operations. She leads evaluations of international employee placement and compliance, working closely with departments across campus to reduce institutional risk while supporting MIT's mission. Her collaborative approach emphasizes building relationships early and providing high-level customer service to break down institutional silos. Networking through NACUBO has been instrumental in Kessler's professional development, particularly during major transitions like implementing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. She emphasizes that today's frequent tax rule changes create ongoing opportunities for newcomers to develop expertise, noting that success comes from understanding how to process changes, interpret legislation, and work with peer institutions. Through her leadership, Kessler aims to leave a legacy of cross-departmental collaboration that ensures all voices are heard while maintaining compliance and supporting institutional goals. Links
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    20 m
  • Seizing Opportunities, Driving Growth: Travis Ball

    Seizing Opportunities, Driving Growth: Travis Ball
    Jan 16 2026
    Building a Higher Ed Business Career from the Ground Up Travis Ball, executive director of business services and chief procurement officer at East Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas, shares his progression from working at a local feed store to becoming a strategic leader in higher education operations. Through a chance phone call offering a purchasing position at the Texas Department of Transportation, Ball discovered his career path and eventually transitioned to higher education in 2005. Over his 20-year tenure at East Texas A&M, Ball has expanded beyond procurement to oversee auxiliaries, real estate, logistics, and transportation while serving in leadership roles with national professional associations. His experience includes guiding the institution through major transitions, including a November 2024 name change and the challenges of COVID-19, while maintaining focus on strategic relationships and operational excellence. Ball, who also serves as an adjunct instructor and K-12 board trustee, emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and seizing opportunities regardless of age or background. His 9-year journey to complete his bachelor's degree while working full time serves as an inspiration for nontraditional students, demonstrating that persistence and education create lasting career impact. Links
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    37 m
  • From Monologues to Metrics: Venessa Ortega

    From Monologues to Metrics: Venessa Ortega
    Oct 31 2025
    In this episode of Career Conversations, Christine Simone talks with Venessa Ortega, director of campus budget administration at the University of Colorado at Boulder (Boulder, CO). Ortega shares her unique career journey from professional theater in Chicago to higher education finance, beginning with a BFA in Theater and six years as a professional actress before discovering an unexpected passion for Excel while working in an administrative role. This interest led her to pursue a master's degree in accounting and eventually join the University of Colorado at Boulder's budget office, where she has served for nearly a decade. Throughout the conversation, Ortega discusses how her theater background enhanced her higher education career, particularly in understanding interpersonal dynamics and reading room situations. She emphasizes how skills from Commedia dell'Arte help her navigate power dynamics in professional settings, while her experience during COVID-19 budget cuts taught valuable lessons about transparent leadership and building trust through difficult conversations. The discussion explores professional development strategies, with Ortega emphasizing the importance of curiosity in career growth. She encourages understanding the broader context behind financial decisions in higher education and credits NACUBO's resources for ongoing learning opportunities. Her story demonstrates how diverse professional experiences can enhance leadership in higher education administration, with key advice focusing on developing deep understanding beyond immediate tasks and building authentic relationships. Links
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    21 m
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