Two successful business leaders, Dylan Lissette, B.B.A.’93, and Jamie Lissette, B.A.’93, shared their industry insights and keys to success with the George Washington University community at the latest George Talks Business segment, hosted by the GW School of Business (GWSB).
Vanessa Perry, the interim dean for GWSB and a professor of marketing and strategic management, moderated the discussion held at Jack Morton Auditorium.
Dylan is the chair of Utz Brands, a leading snack food company, and Jamie is the president of PopUp Bagels, a popular New York-based bagel business.
Perry thanked the twin brothers for returning to GW to share advice with students. “We love it when our distinguished alumni come back and talk to us,” Perry said.
She began the discussion by asking the two how they got to where they are now.
Dylan said it’s important to have a strong internal drive and to use each day to improve and create something better than the day before.
Jamie highlighted the importance of pushing boundaries and introducing fresh ideas. He said to stand out in business, there is a need to be innovative. “It’s being a person who doesn’t accept the status quo and you have to be willing to take risks,” Jamie said.
Dylan agreed, adding that complacency can stop progress.
“That can be the demise of a lot of people’s ability to move up in their careers, the lack of the ability to be competitive. You need to always be curious, always ask questions,” Dylan said.
Perry asked the panelists what advice they have for current students and recent graduates looking to carve out their own paths in business.
Dylan underscored the importance of confidence in professional success.
“You have to have confidence,” he said. “You can have the best education, but you need confidence when selling your pitch.”
He also emphasized the importance of commitment, being a reliable individual who follows through on promises and having strong communication skills.
Jamie said for him, confidence comes from not being afraid to fail.
“If I pitch something, and I’ve done my research, if it’s wrong, it’s wrong. But I’m not afraid to say, ‘I think we should go this route.’ At least I tried,” Jamie said.
He also encouraged students to build their brand and highlight their skills on platforms like LinkedIn, enabling the world to understand their strengths and aspirations.
Perry posed the question of what it means to build an entrepreneurial spirit.
Jamie said that entrepreneurship requires dedication and a clear focus. “It’s risky, but if you’re young and have the ability to do it, even if you fail, you’ll walk away with important lessons,” Jamie said.
He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on offering products or services that are not only of high caliber but also in demand. He also said it’s important to know your business inside and out, so you can make informed decisions rapidly.
“If you’re going to go after something, make sure the quality of the product that you’re going to sell is the best. Don’t waste your time,” Jamie said.
Dylan agreed and stressed that passion and ownership are crucial elements of entrepreneurial success.
“You have to have that drive, that feeling of ownership and the passion behind it,” Dylan said.
