In Step With Strategy

Board of Advisors Chair, Net Tango Founder Susan Weiss Brings Real World Insights to Alma Mater

Every great leader understands rhythm – when to advance, when to adapt and when to set the pace.

Susan Weiss built her career by staying in step with change. From witnessing the digital transformation of the travel industry to launching Net Tango, her own technology firm, through the University of Louisville’s technology incubator, she has consistently aligned insight with action. Now, as Chair of the College of Business Board of Advisors, she applies that same disciplined momentum to shaping the college’s future. In this interview, Weiss discusses the entrepreneurial spark that ignited Net Tango, the realities of leading a technology-driven enterprise and the strategic responsibility of guiding business education in a rapidly evolving economy.

College of Business: What led you to pursue your MBA at the University of Louisville?

Susan Weiss: I chose to pursue my MBA at the University of Louisville at a time when the industry I worked in was undergoing rapid digital transformation. I realized I needed a stronger foundation in business strategy and leadership to grow alongside those changes. UofL stood out because of its supportive community and its growing emphasis on entrepreneurship. The program not only strengthened my business skills but ultimately inspired the idea that led me to launch my own company. Looking back, it was a pivotal decision that helped shape both my career path and my approach to innovation.

College of Business: What was your experience like as an MBA student at UofL, and what singular experience left the greatest impact on you?

Susan Weiss: My MBA experience at UofL was incredibly energizing. Being surrounded by classmates from so many different countries and industries pushed me to think more broadly and helped me grow both personally and professionally.

What had the greatest impact on me was UofL’s strong focus on entrepreneurship and the access to resources like the technology incubator. That environment encouraged me to explore my own ideas and ultimately gave me the support I needed to launch my company.

College of Business: What made you decide to pursue your chosen career field in technology?

Susan Weiss: My journey into the technology field began when I was part of a major digital transformation in the tourism industry. I worked on a team responsible for automating systems and developing interfaces to existing industry platforms, and during that time, I witnessed the dramatic evolution of travel distribution – from proprietary systems used by airlines, cruise lines and hotels to the rise of internet-based booking platforms like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz.

This transformation was unfolding while I was completing my MBA at the University of Louisville. At the same time, the university’s growing entrepreneurship program sparked my interest. As I learned more about innovation and new venture creation, I became inspired to pursue my own technology-driven idea.

After developing a business plan, I learned about UofL’s technology incubator program where I ultimately launched Net Tango. The combination of industry experience, academic inspiration and entrepreneurial opportunity cemented my path in technology.

College of Business: Could you elaborate on the milestones and challenges you faced with not only launching Net Tango, but in your current day-to-day operations as well?

Susan Weiss: Launching Net Tango brought a mix of exciting milestones and meaningful challenges. One of the earliest milestones was moving from a business plan to an actual operating company – an especially memorable moment because it grew out of UofL’s supportive entrepreneurship environment and the technology incubator. Securing our first clients, building an initial team and establishing trust in a fast-changing digital landscape were all pivotal steps that shaped our foundation.

Of course, those early days also came with challenges. As a new company, we had to prove ourselves and constantly adapt to rapid changes in technology. Each obstacle required creativity, persistence and a willingness to learn quickly.

Today, the challenges look different but equally important. Staying ahead of evolving technologies, attracting and retaining top talent and maintaining strong client relationships are all part of running a technology company. Balancing innovation and longterm vision continues to shape how I lead the organization.

Every milestone – past and present – reinforces why I started the company and motivates me to keep moving it forward.

College of Business: What do you enjoy most about leading Net Tango?

Susan Weiss: There is something incredibly rewarding about building solutions that help clients adapt, grow and succeed in a constantly changing digital landscape. I value the opportunity to foster talent and build a culture where people can do their best work. Seeing team members develop new skills, gain confidence and contribute to innovative solutions is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role.

Entrepreneurship also drives me to stay curious, to explore new technologies, identify emerging opportunities and continuously evolve the business. That sense of possibility, combined with the impact we’re able to make, is what makes leading Net Tango so satisfying.

College of Business: Could you share more about a person or mentor who helped shape you into the community leader you are today? What advice did they share with you that has guided you, and what are some of your most important takeaways from that experience?

Susan Weiss: I’ve been shaped by a collective of role models who inspired my commitment to community leadership. Family members, professors, community leaders and peers each played a meaningful role in helping form my values and encouraging me to give back. Their influence came at different points in my life, but together they reinforced the importance of service, integrity and staying engaged in the community.

The advice that stayed with me is centered around leading with empathy, listening intentionally and taking action that makes a real difference. These mentors encouraged me to stay curious, stay connected and stay willing to roll up my sleeves – no matter the size of the challenge.

Their collective wisdom has shaped not only my interest in community service but also my approach to leadership. It taught me that meaningful impact comes from understanding people, responding thoughtfully and following through with purpose. Those lessons continue to guide how I show up as a leader today.

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College of Business: What made you decide to accept a position as a member of the Board for the CoB?

Susan Weiss: I felt a strong desire to give back because the College of Business has played a meaningful role in my own career. The education, resources and connections I gained through the MBA program and the technology incubator were foundational to launching and growing my company. Serving on the Board is an opportunity to help support the next generation of students, entrepreneurs and business leaders in the same way the college supported me.

College of Business: How has being a member of the board impacted you on both a personal and professional level?

Susan Weiss: Serving on the Board has been incredibly rewarding both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it has deepened my connection to the university that helped shape my career. I’ve enjoyed building relationships with fellow board members, faculty and students, and I find it meaningful to play a role in supporting an institution that continues to have such a positive impact on the community.

Professionally, being on the Board has broadened my perspective on business education, workforce development and the evolving needs of employers. Collaborating with leaders from a wide range of industries has strengthened my own strategic thinking and has given me new insights into trends that influence both education and the business landscape. These interactions often spark ideas that I can bring back to my company – informing talent development, innovation and long-term planning.

Overall, my experience on the Board has reinforced the importance of community engagement, lifelong learning and investing in people. It has been a privilege to contribute to the college’s mission while continuing to grow personally and professionally through the relationships and experiences the Board provides.

College of Business: How do you see the CoB connecting with the community, city and local businesses? What do you feel are our strengths in this area, and how does a business degree from UofL help to foster that CoB/Louisville community connection?

Susan Weiss: The College of Business plays a vital role in connecting the university with the broader Louisville community and local businesses. One of its greatest strengths is its commitment to building meaningful partnerships – whether through internships, executive education, entrepreneurial programs or collaborative research. These connections ensure that students gain real-world experience while local employers benefit from fresh perspectives and emerging talent.

The CoB also serves as a hub for innovation and economic development. By engaging with industry leaders, supporting entrepreneurs and providing resources that address workforce needs, the college helps strengthen the region’s business ecosystem. 

A business degree from UofL reinforces this connection by giving students hands-on opportunities to work with local companies, understand regional economic challenges and engage in projects that have direct community impact. Graduates leave with strong professional networks, practical skills and a deep understanding of the local business landscape – making them valuable contributors to Louisville’s continued growth.

College of Business: What are some of your long-term professional goals?

Susan Weiss: I am committed to lifelong learning and development. As the business and technology landscape continues to evolve, I strive to stay current with emerging trends and continually refine my leadership capabilities. Staying adaptable and curious is essential to sustaining long-term success.

I am also passionate about helping aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. I hope to share my insights, experiences and resources in ways that empower others – whether through mentorship, advisory roles or involvement in initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Community engagement remains a core priority in my professional life. I am committed to supporting programs and organizations that make a meaningful impact, whether through volunteering, philanthropic efforts or leadership roles. Contributing to a stronger, more vibrant community is something I view as both a responsibility and a privilege.

College of Business: Why would you encourage others to consider participating in an advisory or volunteer role for a non-profit organization?

Susan Weiss: I would encourage others to get involved because their expertise can make a meaningful difference and help a non-profit advance its mission. Serving in these roles also connects you with a diverse group of people who are passionate about creating positive change. It’s a rewarding way to give back while growing personally and professionally. Furthermore, contributing your time and skills to a non-profit organization allows you to give back to your community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

College of Business: Outside of your professional and philanthropic work, what do you enjoy doing to relax or recharge?

Susan Weiss: Outside of my professional and philanthropic work, I love spending time at our farm, where our young Thoroughbreds grow up and prepare for their future racing careers. I also enjoy riding, and I’m currently competing one of our retired racehorses in dressage.

Travel is another passion of mine, especially discovering new countries and immersing myself in different cultures. A fun fact: I've stayed close with many friends from my MBA program and have even attended their weddings in France, Germany, Greece and Thailand. Those trips created some of my most special memories – friendships formed during my MBA years that have truly lasted.

About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people. 

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