LEAP Into Business

Hosted by Lehman College School of Business

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Apr 2026

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About the show

A production of the Lehman College School of Business and the LEAP Program (Learn, Empower, Ascend, Progress). Join host Sean Stein Smith (Associate Professor, Accounting) and Provost Jorge Silva-Puras as they talk to experts about Business, Finance, and Management.

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21 recent

April 27, 2026Episode 635 min

The Business of Risk: Thinking Clearly in Uncertain Markets

In Season 3 Episode 6 of LEAP Into Business, host Sean Stein Smith and special co-host Professor Andrew Gold interview Soo Kim (Chairman of Bally's Corporation) on how to think rigorously about risk in today’s business landscape. The conversation explores capital discipline, strategic patience, and how professionals can build careers by consistently applying sound judgment rather than chasing short-term opportunities.Lehman College School of Business - lehman.edu/business

March 30, 2026Episode 534 min

What Do You Do With $50 Million?

In Season 3, Episode 5 of LEAP Into Business, host Sean Stein Smith is joined by special co-host - Professor Alexander Nuñez-Torres, for an in-depth conversation with guest Lehman President Fernando Delgado. This episode breaks down the $50 million gift to Lehman College from MacKenzie Scott's Yield Giving Foundation, what projects are being supported by these funds, and the inner workings of how university finances actually work, including a deep dive into endowments and sound fiscal managementLehman College School of Business - lehman.edu/business

December 17, 2025Episode 434 min

Jennifer Bernstein, CEO & President, New York Botanical Garden

Sean Stein Smith and Lehman College Provost Jorge Silva-Puras sit down with Jennifer Bernstein, the CEO of the New York Botanical Garden for a LEAP Into Business interview highlighting leadership, community engagement, and economic development in The Bronx. Listen to learn how cultural and scientific institutions partner with local business ecosystems to foster education, sustainability, and inclusive opportunities. You'll also gain insights for students, professionals, and community stakeholders.lehman.edu/business

November 4, 2025Episode 354 min

Avoid the AI Business Trap with Creativity - Jane Cleland

Lehman College Professor Jane Cleland, author of Beat the Bots: A Writer's Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the Age of AI, joins the LEAP into Business podcast to talk about her book, how she merges her business and creative background, and the importance of of originality in battling the blandness of AI.Hosted by Lehman Business Professor Sean Stein Smith and Provost Jorge SIlva-Puras.https://janecleland.com/lehman.cuny/business

October 6, 2025Episode 247 min

NYCPA President and Lehman Alumnus Kevin Matz

In this episode of LEAP Into Business (Season 3 Episode 2), co-hosts Provost Jorge Silva Puras and Professor Sean Stein Smith sit down with NYCPA (New York State Society of CPA's) President Kevin Matz, a Lehman alumnus! Their conversation focused on the importance of taking a curious and proactive approach to continuing education, building a well-rounded persona for both personal and business growth, and (of course) how emerging technologies such as AI are changing how every aspect of business. lehman.edu/businesshttps://www.nysscpa.org/

September 15, 2025Episode 137 min

Rob Walsh - President, Bronx Economic Development Corporation

In the kick off episode of Season 3 of LEAP Into Business, Rob Walsh - President of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation - sits down with Lehman College Provost Jorge Silva-Puras and Associate Professor Sean Stein Smith to discuss business trends, technological innovation, and what institutions and policymakers can do to help the Bronx realize its true economic potential.lehman.edu/business

June 4, 2025Episode 358 min

Jamiel Sheikh, founder and CEO of Modelex AI and Scifn

In the Season Two, Episode Three edition of the LEAP into Business podcast, hosts Lawrence Fauntleroy, Lehman Experiential Learning Director and Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein Smith sit down with Jamiel Sheikh, founder and CEO of Modelex AI and Scifn, a leading voice at the intersection of distributed AI, blockchain, and financial innovation. With over 20 years of experience on Wall Street and a current role advising governments and central banks, Jamiel shares how emerging technologies are transforming finance, reshaping industries, and opening new doors for entrepreneurs. We explore his work with the Digital Currency Think Tank, his insights on the convergence of AI and blockchain, and how he's helping shape the future of digital economies. From Wall Street to TED Talks and from Columbia classrooms to global innovation summits—Jamiel brings clarity, vision, and practical advice for navigating what's next.lehman.edu/business

May 2, 20251 hr 5 min

Jennifer Dillon, CUNY Head of Talent, Innovation & Industry Partnerships

For Season Two, Episode Four of LEAP into Business, hosts Lawrence Fauntleroy, Lehman Experiential Learning Director and Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein Smith speak with Jennifer Dillon, Head of Talent, Innovation & Industry Partnerships at CUNY, about her bold vision to embed career-connected learning across higher education. Jennifer shares how initiatives like the CUNY Inclusive Economy and Industry Support Hub are transforming workforce development and access to opportunity at scale. Drawing from her experience across nonprofit, culinary, and education sectors, Jennifer offers advice to students navigating today’s fast-changing job market. She challenges institutions to embrace change, equity, and discomfort as essential ingredients for innovation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on building inclusive pathways, leading through change, and designing a future-ready workforce, one partnership at a time. lehman.edu/business

April 22, 2025Episode 248 min

Gregory Hernandez: Green Canvas Productions

For Season 2, Episode 2 of LEAP into Business, hosts Lawrence Fauntleroy, Lehman Experiential Learning Director and Lehman College Professor and Digital Assets Expert Sean Stein Smith are joined by Gregory Hernandez, a Bronx-born filmmaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Green Canvas Productions. Gregory shares his journey from picking up a camera in the Bronx to building a thriving creative ecosystem that includes a production company, a nonprofit cinema center, and a podcast. We discuss his award-winning documentary, 1.5 Million, the business side of filmmaking, and how he balances artistry with entrepreneurship. Gregory also discusses resilience, decision-making, and the future of storytelling in a rapidly changing media landscape. An inspiring episode for anyone interested in creativity, community, and carving your own path in film.lehman.edu/business

March 26, 2025Episode 145 min

Sean Stein Smith - Accounting, Blockchain and AI

In this episode, Dr. Sean Stein-Smith, Associate Professor at CUNY Lehman College and one of the most influential voices in accounting, blockchain, and AI shares insights from his academic and industry experience, exploring how blockchain and AI intersect to reshape financial services, auditing, and compliance.We discuss the future of decentralized finance (DeFi), ethical challenges surrounding emerging technologies, and the growing talent gap in accounting and finance. Sean also shares practical advice for students and professionals looking to stay competitive as these technologies transform the industry. Tune in for a dynamic conversation at the intersection of accounting, tech, and the future of finance.