Welcome to the inaugural issue of Duke Business Journal (DBJ), a publication established for the benefit of both Team Fuqua and the Duke community writ large! In a very short time, we have gone from an idea and initial pitch to the product you are now reading. From the outset, we have enjoyed outstanding support from Fuqua faculty, who enthusiastically agreed that it is high time for Duke to publish a high-quality business periodical that encompasses and highlights the business leadership and excellence that one expects from our world-class institution. We would especially like to thank Professor Mohan Venkatachalam and Ms. Riane Corter, both of whom have supported DBJ since that first pitch.
We envision DBJ as a platform to exchange ideas, report on critical issues impacting our world, showcase Fuqua’s top-tier learning environment, and spotlight the remarkable professors and students that animate Fuqua’s various programs. Each quarterly issue will have a theme that reflects the values of our community. Moreover, every issue will have dedicated space to profile students in each of Fuqua’s graduate programs, feature Fuqua alums doing remarkable work in the public or private sector, and publicize case studies and faculty research. Additional interviews and op-ed pieces will enhance the thematic content of each issue.
Most importantly, DBJ is by and for Team Fuqua! This is a student-established and -led endeavor. We welcome and invite input of all types, ranging from op-ed pieces to nominations for student or alumni profiles. DBJ will be as great as our Team Fuqua community makes it. Thank you for reading today and for your future support.
Sincerely,
Vinod, Nick, Elizabeth, Amie, Sean, and Neal, your Duke Business Journal Editorial Board
Vinod D’Souza currently lives in the Bay Area in California and serves as Director of the Cybersecurity and Privacy practice of PwC Advisory Services. Vinod assists clients in advisory / consulting capacities involving the deployment of information technology and cybersecurity solutions, and development of strategies in matters involving cybersecurity programs. Vinod is a sports enthusiast and an observer of global current business and political affairs.
Nick Panos is a military advisor to the U.S. Ambassador and other senior U.S. government officials on matters of policy and the bilateral relationship between the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany, especially in the maritime, cyber, and economic domains. He represents the U.S. government to senior German political and military officials to articulate and provide context on U.S. domestic and foreign policies. He performs liaison duties with attaches from 140+ other nations posted to Berlin, Germany.
Elizabeth Woodward currently lives in Zurich and serves as co-Regional Director for the Circle of Intrapreneurs – Europe, an organization focused on skill-building and advocacy around social innovation. Her previous roles include project management and corporate strategy at UPS Europe in Brussels. In addition to assisting with the Duke Business Review Editorial Board, Elizabeth serves as Career Development Chair for the Global Executive MBA Tech club.
Amie Kromis serves as the National Director of Vendor Diversity for Skanska, a world-leading construction and development firm. Kromis is a member of Fuqua’s Global Executive MBA Class of 2019 where she is a Forte Foundation Fellow and also serves as President of the Association of Women in Business.
Sean Godar is a Director of Solutions Development for Employers Health, a professional benefits organization, and the National Co-Director of Right Direction, an initiative focused on addressing mental health in the workplace. Sean is a former Research Assistant Professor at the University of Utah in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Alliance for Mental Illness in Stark County and as the Vice President of Education for Stark County Toastmasters.
Neal O’Rourke is CFO of Sky Ireland, Ireland’s leading pay-TV and entertainment company and part of the Comcast NBC Universal group. Neal is an experienced finance and commercial leader, with twenty years’ executive management experience. Previous roles include being Group Commercial Director of Aer Lingus.