
Episode #55
Ep 55. Derek Paulson - Kellogg: Five Year Reflections of a CFO
Today’s guest is Derek Paulson, CFO of Nani Swimwear and a Kellogg MBA graduate who has built a career across some unexpected industries. In the five years since graduating from Kellogg, Derek has sold bikes, bracelets, and now swimwear—taking a winding career path that has been shaped as much by people and relationships as by titles or industries. In this conversation, Derek shares how he thinks about career planning, making hard but good decisions, and figuring out what comes next when the path isn't always obvious. We talk about the importance of being people-focused, working well with others, and making decisions that may not always be easy but ultimately move you in the right direction. One idea runs throughout Derek's career: leave every place better than you found it, no matter how long-or how briefly-you were there. Whether you're staying for five years or five months, Derek offers a thoughtful perspective on how to make an impact, build meaningful relationships, and approach your career with intention. If you're an MBA student trying to figure out your career path, navigating a career transition, or simply looking for a better way to think about working with people, Derek has plenty of hard-earned lessons to share. Sponsors: Leland & GiftFlow GetGiftFlow.com Leland resources: Leland Coach search: https://www.joinleland.com/search/school/mba/traditional-full-time-mba?via=67a30d Free MBA events: https://www.joinleland.com/school/mba/events?via=67a30d

