Giulia Ippolito Lane and Robert Lane
Robert Lane, BA’10, BS’10, BSBA’10, MS’12Senior Financial Analyst, Best Buy Giulia Ippolito Lane, BSBA’09Urology Resident Physician, University of Minnesota Robert Lane and Giulia Ippolito Lane are members of a special Naveen Jindal School of Management group – that of married couples who found their spouse while attending The University of Texas at Dallas. When Rob entered UT Dallas, he already held an undergraduate degree from University of Southern California. He eventually earned four additional degrees at UT Dallas. While he was completing his studies, Giulia moved to College Station to attend medical school at Texas A&M University Health Science Center. She completed her MD in 2013 and was accepted into residency training in the Department of Urology at the University of Minnesota, where she currently is a third year resident. These recent graduates clearly are in the early stages of their careers but have wisdom relevant for any stage in life.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career.
Rob: I’m still early in my career, so I don’t really have any highlights to share, but ask me again in 20 years! Giulia: Graduating from medical school and matching into a urology residency position has been the highlight of my academic career.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
Rob: I was seeking a second bachelor’s degree. In 2002, I had earned a BA in political science at The University of Southern California. UT Dallas offered the best combination of value and affordability. I ended up earning a BA in chemistry and BS in finance and in business administration in 2010 and an MS in accounting in 2012. Giulia: I grew up in Richardson and although I received offers from universities around the country, none of them could compare with the quality and value that I knew I would get from UT Dallas, where I received a full academic scholarship.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
Rob: That’s easy – meeting my future wife! Giulia: There are so many! I think the best memories come from the culture I gained while being at UT Dallas, both from having a very diverse group of friends but also through several international experiences. Rob and I participated in Dr. Habte Waldu’s Seminar in International Business which included a trip to China. I also had the opportunity to travel with the Office of the Dean to India and meet Naveen Jindal, for whom the school is named. I also participated in an exchange program with a sister campus in Spain, Universtiat Juame I. These three experiences really shaped my world view and provided insight that is helpful in my medical career.
What’s the best advice you have received?
Rob: I’m a big fan of Warren Buffett’s advice: “You’re neither right nor wrong because other people agree with you. You’re right because your facts are right and your reasoning is right – that’s the only thing that makes you right. And if your facts and reasoning are right, you don’t have to worry about anybody else.” Giulia: “Do things that will make your future self thank your current self.” Professor Charles Hazzard said that to me and it still resonates. The experiences and labors of my “undergraduate self” helped me obtain the position I have today.
What advice do you have for students hoping to succeed in the business world?
Rob: This is from Warren Buffett, too: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” Giulia: Practice working effectively in multidisciplinary teams and promote healthy working relationships.
What makes an effective leader?
Rob: I think the usual traits – honesty, effective communication, etc., are obviously important, but I think that leaders truly show their effectiveness during times of crisis. So I think a crisis makes an effective leader, or at least gives them the opportunity to shine. Giulia: Effective leaders “lead from behind.” They set the tone of teamwork by participating and helping with the grunt work, if needed. More importantly, they enable members of their team to become future leaders.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Rob: I realize that time is not free, it’s a resource in short supply. Therefore, I try to take every chance I can to learn more about the world around me. Giulia: What’s free time? I’m a resident. Just kidding. I like to hike and explore Minneapolis with Rob and our two dogs.
