Building Better Businesses and Leaders: Lessons from Adversity and Success

Barton School of Business

This live podcast event will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. in Woolsey Hall at Wichita State University

Woolsey Hall

The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University is introducing a new way for students to engage with accomplished business leaders. As part of its Centennial celebration, the Barton School will launch a live conversation series with an unscripted discussion designed to give students a front-row seat to the stories, decisions and lessons behind successful careers. The event will feature Entrepreneur-in-Residence Bill Poston and will be recorded live in partnership with Built for More, the podcast hosted by Barton School alumnus and entrepreneur Jacob O’Connor. The live podcast event, "Building Better Businesses and Leaders: Lessons from Adversity and Success.", will take place on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. in Woolsey Hall Fidelity Bank Ballroom on Wichita State University’s campus. Poston brings more than three decades of entrepreneurial and leadership experience to the conversation. After spending ten years at Deloitte, he co-founded Kalypso, an innovation consulting firm that grew into a global organization of more than 300 professionals serving many of the world’s leading companies before being acquired by Rockwell Automation. Today, he advises business leaders, invests in entrepreneurs through Kianalei Capital, teaches principled leadership at Texas State University and continues to build businesses across multiple industries. Throughout the conversation, Poston will reflect on the experiences that shaped his career, from launching companies and building organizational culture to mentoring leaders, navigating setbacks and recognizing opportunities. Rather than delivering a prepared presentation, he will join O’Connor for an honest discussion about entrepreneurship, leadership and the realities of building organizations that endure. “We wanted to create something that feels more authentic than a traditional keynote,” said Dr. Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business. “Bill is a builder, a teacher and a mentor. The best way for students to learn from someone like him is through genuine conversation. This format creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue, thoughtful questions and insights that students can carry into their own careers.” The event will also feature audience participation through a live “ask me anything” format, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with Poston during the live recording. Hosted by O’Connor, Built for More explores the habits, decisions and experiences that shape entrepreneurs, executives, professional athletes and other high performers. The podcast has featured conversations with leaders from organizations including Netflix and Under Armour, along with founders, CEOs and athletes who share practical lessons on leadership, resilience and personal growth. “As a Barton School graduate, it’s exciting to return to campus and help create an experience that connects students with leaders who have built remarkable careers,” O’Connor said. “Some of the best lessons come from honest conversations, and that’s exactly what we’re hoping to create.” Poston said he welcomes the opportunity to connect with students in a format built around discussion rather than presentation. “I’ve found that people often learn more from stories than slides,” Poston said. “The most valuable conversations about business are honest ones. They include the successes, the failures and the moments that change how you think as a leader. I’m looking forward to sharing those experiences and hearing the questions students bring to the conversation.” The event is part of the Barton School’s Centennial celebration, which is bringing distinguished executives, entrepreneurs and innovators to campus while expanding opportunities for students to engage directly with business leaders through real-world conversations and applied learning experiences.

Building Better Businesses and Leaders: Lessons from Adversity and Success

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Building Better Businesses and Leaders: Lessons from Adversity and Success

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