BirdTalk Podcast Features Paul Anderson on Leadership, Risk, and the Power of Lifelong Learning

The MSU Denver Alumni Association is proud to feature Paul Anderson (’07, ’21), affiliate professor in the College of Business, in the newest episode of BirdTalk, the university’s official alumni podcast highlighting Roadrunners who are making an impact in their industries and communities.

Hosted by Jamie Hurst, the episode traces Anderson’s wide-ranging career from aviation and corporate leadership to professional poker and, ultimately, the classroom. A fourth-generation Coloradan and two-time MSU Denver graduate, Anderson earned his bachelor’s degree in aviation technology before returning to complete his MBA. Today, he teaches in the graduate program, bringing decades of real-world leadership experience to his students.

Reflecting on his early experience as a student, Anderson credits MSU Denver with changing the trajectory of his academic journey. “I struggled early on,” he shares in the episode. “But a professor here brought me into her office and mentored me on how to become a college student. It wasn’t a one-off. That’s how we tackle things here. We teach here, and we’re invested in how students actually learn.”

Years later, after decades in corporate leadership, he reflected on where his values felt most aligned and where he had experienced the most meaningful growth. “Everywhere you walk on this campus, people truly want students to be successful. It’s not just something we say. It’s happening every single day in every building,” Anderson says. “This place is in 100 percent alignment with what I believe makes the world a great place.”

Anderson reconnected with the university through MSU Denver’s LearnOn continuing education program. Taking courses in topics such as positive psychology and advanced Excel reinforced his commitment to professional development and lifelong learning. “LearnOn kept me engaged. It reminded me how much I value being in a learning environment,” he explains. “That experience was the catalyst for me to go back and earn my MBA.”

Now serving as an MBA professor and member of the MBA Advisory Board, Anderson views higher education as a space where psychological safety, critical thinking, and applied leadership skills are cultivated. “My goal is to teach the material and then offer experience,” he says. “If that resonates with students, they can build on it. The goal is continual learning.”

This episode explores themes of leadership development, career transitions, risk analysis, and the value of education in today’s evolving workplace. Anderson’s story demonstrates how MSU Denver’s MBA program and commitment to accessible, applied education empower students and alumni to navigate complex careers with confidence.

The episode is now available on all major podcast platforms and here.

BirdTalk is MSU Denver’s official alumni podcast, sharing stories of Roadrunners advancing in business, aviation, entrepreneurship, and public service. To listen to this episode or explore more alumni success stories, visit https://www.msudenver.edu/alumni/birdtalk/