Beyond his role as associate professor for the Newman University School of Business and Technology, Larry Straub, DBA, is an expert when it comes to economics and business. So it’s no surprise that he recently completed his 50th news interview in two years.
“This is not by accident,” Straub explained.
As a management professor, CEO for more than 25 years and published author, Straub prides himself on being familiar with the business landscape and being well-researched on every story he does — or he simply doesn’t do it. He has completed 49 TV news interviews and one radio interview for National Public Radio.
There’s also a bigger strategy behind Straub being called on as an expert source.
“I respond when they call, have all the reporters on my contacts, set two alarms that remind me to check my phone for missed messages, (…) and I understand their deadlines,” Straub said. “I let them choose the time and place for the interview (if possible). Most times they need one quickly — within an hour, two tops.”
Straub’s first interview took place in July 2022 with KAKE (ABC) on how companies build market share in legalized sports betting.
“This gave me a great glimpse into this world,” he said.
Since then, he has covered topics ranging from inflation in the U.S. to the unionization of nurses.
His 50th interview was with KAKE News on The Boeing Co.’s guilty plea to defrauding the Federal Aviation Administration.
People have asked Straub why he agrees to so many interviews when they aren’t paid and often must accommodate a quick turnaround time.
“I see it as part of my mission for Newman University,” Straub said. “We are living through very confusing and scary times. It is my hope and mission to help people better understand what is going on from a business and economic perspective in their locality, the state and even globally.”
He also provides a complimentary copy of his book, “The 6ixth Evolution: Managing Lives and Careers Through Convulsive Times,” to give reporters a broad sense of the topics he can speak on.
“I really appreciate my working relationships with the reporters from each station,” he added. “They are very bright, energetic and engaging young people. They do interviews of approximately 10 to 15 minutes and then use approximately less than a minute. There has to be a lot of trust there, it would be really easy for something I say to be taken out of context. … But they all do a great job of keeping me out of trouble. I really appreciate that and those relationships.”
To connect or view more of his news interviews, all are welcome to follow Straub on LinkedIn.
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