Common Room Conversations

We had a fun time in the Common Zoom with Dunola Oladapo, whose introduction as “passionate about people” seems irrefutably apparent throughout the episode, especially as she talks about the local charity she started called Luton Lights, which focuses on economic empowerment for women and girls (2:01). After her introduction, Dunola reflects on her career in banking and how, through various international summits and the Schwarzman program, she pivoted to international development, where she currently works as a digital inclusion program officer at the United Nation’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (3:29). Next, Dunola shares why she is passionate about youth and the need for impact on all levels - local, national, and International (9:32). Afterward, Dunola recounts why she founded Luton Lights, how it has evolved (19:11) and how she maintains her groundedness (29:29). Dunola then shares how she employs self-care, including being social and exercising her faith (39:23). Finally, Dunola shares what has been unexpected in her life and a song she would recommend to our listeners (45:04). 

Orgs/projects mentioned:

• Luton Lights: https://lutonlights.com/
• Generation Connect at the ITU: https://www.itu.int/generationconnect/

Song recommendation:

• You Say by Lauren Daigle

For the season one finale, Mandy and Willie welcome a special Schwarzman administrator alumnus - Rob Garris, who worked as the Global Director of Admissions and Strategic Initiatives from 2014 to 2019. 

Rob begins by describing his optimistic mindset and how the power of programs like Schwarzman Scholars helps people lean into their talent and develop themselves (3:59). Next, Rob reflects on the pivots in his professional journey, particularly through higher ed, how Schwarzman Scholars represented an opportunity to be a part of building something from the ground up, and what he learned from working with Steve Schwarzman (14:29). Rob also discusses the dangers of certain selection processes and how we can break open elite networking circles (39:05). Finally, Rob shares his experience joining Trinity Wall Street as Managing Director of the Leadership Development Initiative and concludes with a series of rapid questions, including post-covid travels, favorite Chinese food, and favorite artists (50:50).

Mandy welcomes Max and Elliot to the Common Room as they reflect on what led Max to start Carbonbase, a climate technology company, and bring Elliot onboard (2:13). Next, they both also talk about how their Schwarzman Scholars program experience informed Carbonbase's learning journey and how they are refining Carbonbase's business model and partnership approach. (12:45). Finally, Max and Elliot share how they envision the future of Carbonbase (48:55).

Mandy and Willie welcome Jacob to the Common Room as Jacob reflects on how his background led him to apply to Schwarzman, how his curiosity and relationships with Chinese-American friends fueled his interest in Mandarin, what led him to stay in China after Schwarzman to work for Didi Chuxing, and what he learned during his time there (2:38). Next, Jacob myth busts some perceptions for foreigners seeking to work in China and describes his experience navigating the job market and pivoting industries in the United States with Chinese work experience (24:30). Finally, Jacob shares his experience leveraging his China experience as an opportunity to share more about China in personal and professional settings (40:50).

Willie and Cam kick off their Common Room convo reminiscing about their Critical Language Scholarship experience together in Suzhou (2:01). Cam then begins his story by describing himself as curious, including majoring in physics and international studies (17:34). Next, Cam discusses the process of applying to Schwarzman, especially when “no humans have gotten in yet” as part of the first cohort, his part-time work at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science, and finishing his master's in Engineering and Computational Science (26:59). Afterward, Cam discusses how interested he is in Artificial Intelligence, especially reinforcement learning (44:28). As they discuss reinforcement learning, Willie and Cam share what learning Mandarin was like for them during their time in Suzhou (48:17). Finally, they end the convo reflecting on how life has been more unexpected than planned and how that seems to be a common thread across the Schwarzman alumni community (57:06).

Esham stops by the Common Room and tells Willie why he describes himself as sensitive (3:05) and why his diverse family can be described as a “mini-UN congregation” (8:03). Esham also reflects on why he chose to attend Princeton (19:21), why his family WhatsApp group led him to take an interest in China (24:30), how his acceptance into a deferred admittance business school program allows him to take more risks (29:21), and why he chose to be an alumni ambassador for his Schwarzman cohort (37:44). Finally, Esham shares the risks he hopes to take in the future (42:36).

Willie welcomes Tayler to the Common Room as she describes her dynamic personality and how being a Spelman College student boosted her self-confidence (3:04), how growing up in Chicago led her to adopt anthropology as her field of study (12:21). Tayler also discusses the benefits of applying an anthropological lens to personal and professional endeavors (18:00), building her own consultancy based on her desire to balance strategic analysis with human-centered design (25:31), and how she uses her personal mission to fuel her goals (30:40).

Olayemi joins Willie in the Common Room, explains why she describes herself as “self-assured” (2:42), recounts her journey from Lagos to the UK at age 14 without her family, and compares her Schwarzman experience with her schooling in the UK (9:36). As Willie and Olayemi discuss the college application process, Willie shares his story with a high school teacher that did not believe in him (38:15). Olayemi discusses how she found her chosen family through the African and Caribbean Society and athletics teams at Oxford and how Oxford's tough, toxic environment can create students constantly seeking external validation (45:15). Olayemi also reflects on her Schwarzman year and what led her to work at Soros Economic Development Fund (55:04). Finally, Willie and Olayemi end their conversation by discussing the impact of privileges and the privileges they have (1:03:40).

Willie welcomes Kevin to the Common Room by sharing how they first met (2:10). Kevin then discusses his time at Alabama State University, an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), where he found the trifecta (a great education, great career, and great wife) and questioned what it means to be a Black man in America (9:18). Afterward, Kevin discusses working in the oil & gas industry (BP & Chevron), proposing to his then-girlfriend, now wife Devin, and how his parent's experiences helped him relate to his colleagues from the office to the oil field (19:28). Kevin also shares a beautiful story about a bet between him and his father (25:49), why he chose Harvard Business School for his MBA, what it felt like when he got accepted, and why he decided to apply to Schwarzman and stay in Beijing after graduating from the program (29:59). Finally, Kevin reflects on becoming a father and quitting his job to begin a new venture with entrepreneurship through acquisition (43:52).

Kevin's "must-read" list:

Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told By Alex Haley (or, as Willie contends, Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable)

The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson. 

The Collected Poems of Langston Hughes 

Anything by James Baldwin

Mandy welcomes Pan to the Common Room as she discusses how she navigated her first bi-cultural experience studying abroad in the U.S. (2:46), her professional journey from nuclear non-proliferation to energy to working at Google, (8:25) and her immediate and delayed gratification to working at Google (11:40). An injury from a significant herniated cervical disc has punctuated a time of pain in Pan’s life and made her reflect on work and what’s important to her (15:12). Pan also shares what she is reading, and talks more deeply about books that are helping her answer a lingering question of “why is it me that is suffering from this?” (19:30) Pan also talks about how she was inspired to create her own podcast 世界青年 (24:34). Finally, Pan shares how she hopes she will grow and relax in the aftermath of her injury (26:10).

Willie welcomes Kayla Chen to the Common Room to discuss how her desire to understand her Taiwanese roots and support others in their learning journeys led her to teach English in Taiwan (7:39). Kayla also shares how a lack of systemic support for mental health in the wake of her mother’s struggles with schizophrenia created a deep sense of morality and justice for her (11:51). Plus, Kayla reflects on what led her to commit to the idea of law school, eventually matriculate into Georgetown (30:48), and articulates the importance of obtaining wealth while maintaining a commitment to serving others and being aware of compromises we make when pursuing both (37:58). Finally, we ponder if law school is what she’s wanted to do all along (42:13).

Mandy and Willie welcome Tomas Fuentes Benitez and Josh Woodard to the Common Room to discuss their experiences working as foreigners in China. After some banter and introductions (0:00-13:20), Tomas shares what was on his mind as he weighed pursuing an MBA or applying to Schwarzman (14:03) while Mandy discusses her role as a Chief of Staff in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic (17:21). Tomas and Mandy then shift gears to discuss their journeys to China and experiences elevating their Mandarin proficiency (21:50-33:41). Next, Josh joins the Common Room (33:41) as Tomas reflects on his difficult moments in China and why/how he founded Stokes, a healthy snacks startup (49:45). Afterward, Josh introduces himself, shares why he attended MIT for undergrad, chose to stay in China after Schwarzman and shares his experience living in Shenzhen (49:45). Tomas follows up with his experiences living in Shanghai and Beijing (1:17:41). Finally, Mandy, Tomas, and Josh make their pitch on why you should consider living and working in China (1:24:31).   

We are excited to announce the launch of Common Room Conversations, the unofficial podcast of the Schwarzman Scholars program! We are an informal conversational podcast that captures stories of  Schwarzman Scholars alumni as they navigate their lives in pursuit of consequence - however they define it. While we are ramping up production, enjoy this brief clip featuring your co-hosts Willie Thompson and Mandy Tan. For now, subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss any updates on episodes and follow us on Instagram @commonroomconvo.