On March 23, the Sanger Leadership Center welcomed Michigan Ross alumnus Marc Rosen (BBA ’90), chief executive officer of Catalyst Brands, to campus for the latest installment of the Leadership Dialogues speaker series. In conversation with Michigan Ross professor Mike Barger (BA ’86), Rosen reflected on his career leading transformation at some of the world’s most recognizable retail brands, including Walmart, Levi Strauss & Co., JCPenney, and now Catalyst Brands.
This session was presented in partnership with the Michigan Fashion Media Summit, Ross Retail Club, and the Michigan Marketing Club, highlighting a shared commitment to leadership development across the Michigan Ross community.
More than 150 students, faculty, and community members gathered in the Tauber Colloquium to hear Rosen discuss the evening’s theme, From Walmart to Levi’s to Catalyst Brands: Driving Disruptive Change Through the Power of Teams. The conversation explored how leaders navigate uncertainty, align teams around shared priorities, and sustain performance in rapidly changing business environments.
For many students preparing to enter the workforce, the discussion offered timely insights into the realities of modern leadership. Rosen emphasized that while strategy and talent are critical, results ultimately depend on having the right people in place—and building a team that knows how to work together.
“The most important thing was getting the right people on the team and making sure they had the right skills. Then it was about building that team in a way that allowed them to work together.”
The Power of Teams in Times of Change
Drawing on more than 25 years of leadership experience, Rosen shared how organizations often face moments of disruption that require teams to move quickly, align priorities, and execute effectively. Whether scaling Walmart’s global e-commerce capabilities, leading Levi’s growth across channels, or guiding brand transformation at JCPenney and Catalyst Brands, Rosen highlighted the central role teams play in translating strategy into results.
Throughout the conversation, Rosen and Barger explored how leaders create the conditions for high-performing teams—clarifying decision-making authority, aligning goals across functions, and establishing operating rhythms that enable teams to adapt to change.
These themes closely aligned with the Sanger Leadership Center’s Michigan Model of Leadership, which emphasizes the balance leaders must strike between driving results, fostering collaboration, creating structure, and encouraging innovation.
Special Access for Student Leaders
Prior to the fireside chat, Rosen and Barger hosted a leadership workshop for students participating in the Michigan Ross Leader Endorsement (MRLE) and Ross Leaders Academy (RLA). The session gave students an opportunity to engage directly with Rosen in a smaller group setting and explore practical approaches to building high-performing teams.
The workshop focused on actionable leadership practices—from how decisions get made within organizations to how leaders create clarity, accountability, and alignment across complex teams.
A Memorable Evening of Leadership and Community
Following the discussion, attendees continued the conversation during a public reception with Rosen and Barger. Catalyst Brands also contributed to the evening’s excitement by sponsoring a raffle featuring several prizes, including Ninja appliances and high-value gift cards from brands within the Catalyst portfolio, such as a $600 Brooks Brothers gift card and a $100 Aéropostale gift card.
The Leadership Dialogues series brings experienced leaders to campus to share candid insights about navigating today’s complex leadership landscape. Rosen’s visit reinforced a key takeaway for both current professionals and those preparing to enter the workforce: in times of disruption, strong teams are the foundation for lasting success.
Watch the recording or read the event recap from The Michigan Daily below.