The Nicholas Center’s Spring 2026 Speaker Series brought together an outstanding group of industry professionals, alumni, and practitioners, offering students a front-row seat to the realities of modern finance careers. From January through April, students explored a wide range of paths—from corporate treasury and venture capital to private equity, data analytics, and investment banking—while also participating in hands-on experiential learning events.
Through these sessions, students gained not only technical insights but also invaluable perspective on career development, industry trends, and the evolving role of finance professionals.
Spring 2026 Highlights
Jerry Weidmann, CEO – Wolter Group
Operational Leadership and Business Strategy
Jerry Weidmann’s career presentation offered MBA students a compelling narrative on professional development, demonstrating how diverse experiences across financial services, entrepreneurship, and operations can catalyze exceptional leadership qualities. As CEO of Wolter, Inc., Jerry’s journey illustrated the power of strategic thinking, M&A execution, and disciplined growth in building enterprise value.
Jake Smith, Partner – Cannage Capital
Breaking into Venture Capital
Jake Smith provided a practical look at careers in venture capital, drawing from his experience at Cannage Capital. He outlined the skills and experiences that help candidates stand out, while also offering a realistic view of the recruiting landscape. His session helped demystify venture capital for students and emphasized the importance of networking, curiosity, and industry knowledge.
Chris Richard, VP of Finance, – TricorBraun
Private Equity and FP&A in Practice
Chris Richard discussed the intersection of private equity ownership and financial planning & analysis (FP&A). Through examples from TricorBraun, he illustrated how finance teams operate within PE-backed companies, balancing performance tracking with strategic execution. Students saw how FP&A plays a critical role in driving value creation.
3M / Solventum Team
Executing a Corporate Spinoff
Executives from 3M shared insights into the Solventum spinoff, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at a major corporate transaction. The discussion highlighted the complexity of separating business units, aligning strategy, and managing stakeholders during a transformation of this scale. Students gained appreciation for the cross-functional coordination required in large corporate initiatives.
Shawn Dahlke, Treasurer – SC Johnson
Careers in Corporate Treasury
Shawn Dahlke introduced students to the world of corporate treasury, explaining how teams manage liquidity, capital markets activity, and financial risk. Drawing on his work at SC Johnson, Dahlke emphasized treasury’s strategic importance within an organization and outlined career paths in this often-overlooked area of finance.
Ezra Swanson, Finance Director – Modine Manufacturing
Power BI and Data-Driven Finance
Ezra Swanson focused on the growing importance of data analytics in finance, demonstrating how Power BI can be used to transform raw data into actionable insights. His session emphasized both technical proficiency and the ability to tell a compelling story with data—skills that are increasingly essential for modern finance professionals.
David Hunker, Managing Director – Piper Sandler
Shareholder Activism and Defense
David Hunker and Elizabeth Steckels explored the dynamic world of shareholder activism. Representing Piper Sandler, they discussed how advisory teams help companies respond to activist investors and defend long-term strategy. The session introduced students to a complex area of investment banking that blends financial analysis with messaging, governance, and stakeholder strategy.
Kristen Harvey, Managing Director – 301 INC, General Mills
Venture Capital in a Corporate Setting
Kristen Harvey offered a unique perspective on venture capital through her role at General Mills. She explained how corporations invest in emerging companies to drive innovation and growth, contrasting corporate venture capital with traditional VC models. Her insights highlighted alternative pathways for students interested in both finance and strategy.
Jeff Kelley – OceanSound Partners
Private Equity Case Study
Closing out the speaker series, Jeff Kelley led an engaging private equity case study session. Students stepped into the role of investors, evaluating a potential deal and discussing key considerations such as valuation, risk, and operational upside. Kelley’s interactive approach provided a hands-on look at how private equity professionals think and make decisions.
A Comprehensive View of Finance Careers
Together, the Spring 2026 Speaker Series provided students with a broad and nuanced understanding of the finance landscape. From technical tools like Power BI to high-level strategy in private equity and corporate transactions, the series reinforced how diverse—and interconnected—finance careers have become.
Equally important, speakers shared candid advice about their own career paths, helping students better understand how to navigate recruiting, build relevant skills, and position themselves for success. The Nicholas Center remains committed to connecting students with industry professionals and creating opportunities for experiential learning. This spring’s speaker series exemplified that mission—bringing real-world insights into the classroom and preparing students for the challenges and opportunities ahead.