DBA Chronicles

What happens when the people dedicated to helping others begin to burn out themselves?In this episode of DBA Chronicles, we sit down with Dr. Jeff Frey, entrepreneur, healthcare executive, educator, researcher, and author, to explore one of the most pressing leadership challenges of our time: sustaining the people whocarry the weight of service, care, and impact. Drawing from more than three decades of experience across healthcare, technology, higher education, and entrepreneurship, Jeff shares how his doctoral journeyevolved into a mission to understand why so many high-performing leaders burn out and what organizations can do differently. In this episode, we explore:Why burnout is often a systems problem and not an individual failure The unique vulnerability of healthcare workers, nonprofit leaders, educators, counselors, and other helping professionals The concept of sustainable leadership and finding the "Goldilocks zone" between overcommitment and disengagement How emotional intelligence contributes to leadership longevity Why healthy leaders create healthier organizations, stronger engagement, and better outcomes The value of the DBA as a bridge between research and real-world impact How the Further Faster framework emerged from years of research and lived experience One of the most powerful insights from this conversation is Jeff's observation that helping professionals often align their personal mission so closely with their professional mission that the very passion that drives them can also become thesource of burnout. The challenge is learning how to remain deeply committed without sacrificing health, relationships, and purpose along the way. For DBA students, organizational leaders, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone striving to make a meaningful impact without losing themselves in theprocess, this episode offers practical wisdom grounded in both research and experience.Memorable Quote"If you're going to study something, choose something you're passionate about because you're going to spend a lot of time researching it." Listen now and discover how we can build organizations where the people doing the most meaningful work can continue to thrive not just survive. Connect with UsLinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: ⁠www.dbachronicles.org⁠ Subscribe & ReviewIf this episode resonated with you, share it with your network and leave a review. Your support helps us continue amplifying the voices shaping the global DBA scholar-practitioner community.

Dr. Chaka Blackman-Lee joins DBA Chronicles to trace a lifeand career shaped by resilience, service, and purpose — from Panama and Brooklyn to nonprofit leadership, consulting, and a DBA at Fox School of Business, Temple University. Chaka explains why entrepreneurship for Black communities is far more than commerce: it’s social action, communitypreservation, and intergenerational legacy. She discusses the values that guided her research, the power of storytelling (and “excavating” hidden histories like Black Wall Streets), her move into teaching and public-facing scholarship, and practical advice for first-generation scholars and leaders. Key takeawaysEntrepreneurship in Black communities function as a social action mechanism — driven by values that balance community and self-interest. Small, steady progress matters: “put one foot in front of the other” — break big goals into bite-sized steps. Storytelling and record-keeping matter: preserving andsharing entrepreneurial histories builds legacy and informs policy/practice. Visible, modern outreach can complement academic publishing — it’s a direct route to community impact. Leaders need supportive networks and candid conversations about imposter syndrome — mentorship and vulnerability create pathways for others. Notable quotes“Everything is figureoutable.” “Put one foot in front of the other.” “I felt like I could’ve used a friend — so I decided tobecome that friend.” Who should listenThis episode is for aspiring and current entrepreneurs—especially those interested in community-centeredbusiness models—first-generation scholars and professional learners seeking practical advice on navigating academia and leadership, and nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and anyone curious about the intersection of social movements and economic agency. Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode resonated with you, leave a review on here or on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this episode of DBA Chronicles, we welcomed and sat down with Dr. Alan Turovlin—Program Director of the UNC Charlotte DBA program to unpack the true return oninvestment of earning a Doctor of Business Administration. Whether you’re weighing the DBA against a PhD, considering a mid-career shift, or aiming to maximize the impact of your doctoral journey, Dr. Turovlin shares practical insights, real-world anecdotes, and actionable advice straight from the front lines of academia and industry. We explore:How a DBA differs from an MBA and a PhD, and why the “why?” question mattersThe tangible and intangible career benefits of a DBA at mid-careerAnecdotal ROI data: alumni success stories and income growthCore skills and competencies you’ll gain—and how they translate to business impactNetworking strategies: leveraging professors and your cohort for lifelong connectionsKey considerations and pitfalls for prospective DBA candidatesTime-management and scope-control tactics to get the most out of your programKey Quotes:“A DBA isn’t just another credential—it’s a research journey that shapes how you see and solve problems.” “Your dissertation should answer a burning question for you and your organization—not just fill a gap in the literature.” “The network you build in your cohort can outlast any single class—it’s your lifelong executive peer group.” Whether you’re on the fence about returning to school or ready to dive into your proposal, this episode provides a roadmap for maximizing both the tangible and intangible returns of a DBA program.Connect with Us: LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode resonated with you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

What happens when a startup veteran with a passion foroperations decides to dive deep into academic research? In this episode, we’re joined by Sean Doherty, founder and CEO of Sierra Delta Advisors and current DBA student at Penn State University, who is also pursuing a masters in SupplyChain Management—simultaneously!From managing flight operations to scaling logistics forHelloFresh and Vineyard Vines, Sean brings a rare blend of real-world startup hustle and research rigor. We explore:Why Sean pursued a DBA (and why now) His dissertation focus- supply chain strategies fore-commerce startups Lessons learned from startup failures—andthe opportunity to do better The power of mixed methods research and working with leading scholars Practical advice for founders on supply chain readiness and raising venture capital“You can't scale a spreadsheet.” Sean shares candid storiesand actionable insights for anyone navigating the world of e-commerce, operations, or the DBA journey.Whether you're a founder, a DBA student, or a supply chainstrategist, this episode is packed with lessons on leadership, learning, and leveraging failure to fuel success.Tune in and discover why Sean says he’s the happiest he’sever been—professionally and academically.Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode inspired you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite platform. Your feedback helps amplify voices like Sean’s and supports the growth of the DBA community.Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of DBA Chronicles, we turn the spotlight on our very own co-host—now proudly Dr. Kelly Burich. Fresh from crossing the stage at UNC Charlotte’s Doctoral Hooding Ceremony, Kelly steps into the guest seat to reflect on her transformative DBA journey and what it means to be Resilient on Purpose—a phrase that encapsulates not only her research focus but the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of doctoral life.With her trademark honesty and humor, Kelly invites us into a powerful conversation about burnout, emotional labor, and well-being in the veterinary profession—a field she has served for over two decades. She also opens up about personal loss, resilience, and what it means to pursue research that truly matters.We explore:What led Kelly to pursue the DBA and how she chose her research topicThe emotional toll and breakthroughs of navigating doctoral lifeDefining burnout, emotional labor, and the two types of well-beingSurprising findings from her dissertation—and what didn’t go as plannedHow resilience and purpose informs life beyond the doctorateThe role of resilience, calling, and purpose in surviving hard seasonsKelly’s candid reflections offer wisdom and comfort for everyscholar navigating a challenging season. Whether you're just starting out or nearing the finish line, this episode is a reminder that the doctoral journey isn’t just about the letters after your name—it’s about who you become in the process.Key Quotes:“Resilience is not about never breaking down—it’s about choosing to get back up.”“You don’t need perfect research to make a meaningful contribution.”“Even if you didn’t find what you were looking for— doesn't mean you didn't find something that matters.”This episode is a tribute to grace under pressure, purpose-led research, and the strength it takes to finish strong. Join us in celebrating Dr. Kelly Burich—and all the scholars doing brave, imperfect, and deeply important work.Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review:If this episode inspired you, leave a review on Spotify or your favorite platform. Your feedback helps amplify voices like Dr. Burich’s and supports the growth of the DBA community.Until next time—keep learning, keep leading!

In this very special episode, we flip the script — literallyas one of our co-founders, Dr. Valrie Grant, steps into the guest seat.Fresh off her successful defense, Dr. Grant takes us deepinside her dissertation- Factors Influencing National Geospatial Information Management Adoption in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) — a rich exploration of how leadership, national innovation systems, and external pressures shape the future of climate resilience and development for some of the world’s most vulnerable nations.In this episode we explored:How a personal need for renewal sparked a transformative doctoral journeyAn insider's view into SIDS and why national geospatial information management is critical for climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and sustainabledevelopmentThe surprises in her researchPractical lessons for governments, policymakers, and change-makersHow academic research can drive real-world impact — and why it mustYou'll also hear heartfelt reflections on balancing practitioner experience with academic rigor, the “aha” moments along the DBA journey, and what’s next for this newly minted doctor and global strategist.Key Quotes:"Effective geospatial governance isn't a luxury for small islands — it's a lifeline.""Real-world change starts with asking the right questions and doing the hard work to find the answers.""Leadership at multiple levels — not just at the top — can make the difference between meaningful progress and stagnation."Whether you're a fellow scholar, geospatial professional, ora curious mind, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a powerful reminder that your lived experience can fuel transformational change.Hit play, and let’s journey together through innovation,leadership, and purposeful impact!Connect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.orgSubscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, pleasesubscribe and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Join our community for more inspiring stories and practical lessons.Until next time!

In this inspiring episode of DBA Chronicles, co-host Dr. Amy Horner steps into the guest seat to share her journey through the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program. Amy opens up about the motivations behind pursuing her doctorate, navigating the entire journey, and uncovering newdimensions of strategic change through her research.From funny classroom anecdotes to moments of self-discovery, this episode is a candid reflection on resilience, leadership, and growth. Whether you're in the middle of your DBA, considering one, or simply love hearing from inspiringbusiness leaders—this one’s for you.Highlights Include:Why Amy pursued a DBA and what she didn’texpect going inHow her background in accounting andconsulting shaped her academic pathWhat it was like conducting a meta-analyticreview on leadership diversity and strategic changeStaying motivated—Amy’s marathon metaphor saysit all Why presenting is her sweet spot (even duringPecha Kucha presentation!)The power of community, mentorship, andbalance in the DBA journeyConnect with Us:LinkedIn: DBA ChroniclesWebsite: www.dbachronicles.org Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, pleasesubscribe and leave a review on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us grow and bring more insightful conversations to the DBA community!Join our community for more inspiring stories and practical lessons. Until next time!