Featuring proven leaders and thoughtful scholars presenting state-of-the-art ideas on leadership theory and practice, with a focus on public and nonprofit organizations. Events are free and open to the public.
Shannon Huffman Polson
“Deeper than Why: How Connecting to Heart Purpose Changes Our Lives and the World”
On January 31, we hosted distinguished guest Shannon Huffman Polson, Army veteran and award-winning author. Polson discussed how grit and resilience are keys to success in a rapidly changing world and foundational to that connection is the deep work of purpose. As one of the first women to fly the Apache helicopter in the U.S. Army, leading line units on three continents, Shannon Huffman Polson combines her passion and firsthand experience in and study of leadership, grit, purpose, and story to help others develop these important skills.
Watch the video of this lecture
Vineet Gill, FBI Supervisory Special Agent
"Leadership: Making an Impact by Serving Others."
On November 10th, we hosted Vineet Gill, FBI Supervisory Special Agent. Gill is a Supervisory Special Agent in the FBI’s Cyber Division, where he manages the Bureau’s largest online undercover platform. He is a U.S. Army veteran who was deployed overseas in 2002 and 2003 to support Operation Enduring Freedom.
On April 8, 2022, we hosted Alan Mulally, former President and CEO of the Ford Motor Company, who presented on “Working Together.” The event, moderated by Carissa Slotterback, Dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh, was attended by 200+ participants virtually.
Watch the video of this lecture here.
Transforming Health Systems Through Leadership
In this virtual keynote, Heather Anderson shared insights based on her experience training leaders and collaborating with diverse partners while working toward solving complex health challenges.
October 2020
Opening Pathways to Opportunity
Skip Spriggs, former President and CEO of the Executive Leadership Council shared, through personal and professional stories, how leaders can advocate for diversity and inclusion and prepare African Americans for corporate leadership positions in the C-suite and on boards of directors.
April 2019
Competency and Confidence in Leadership, Wisdom from a 41-year Career in Service
General Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Army (Retired), 12th Commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM), former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army, shared global insights into his values-based leadership philosophy including teamwork and the importance of respecting all people. Lloyd James Austin III was sworn in as the 28th Secretary of Defense on January 22, 2021.
September 2018
To Serve Is to Live: Honoring a Legacy - Inspiring the Future
Dr. Ryan, Associate Dean for Programs & Administration, Tufts University, explored leadership development as well as shared research that demonstrates the importance of quality, character, mind-set, values and principles in today’s rapidly evolving world.
September 2017