Darden Speakers and Events

Dive into the inspiring journey of Prof. K.V. Subramanian, from an engineering and MBA student to India's youngest Chief Economic Advisor and now an IMF Executive Director. This podcast explores his pivotal role in India's economic reforms, his insights on policymaking and implementation, and the personal philosophies driving his success. Hear his candid conversation with Prof. Gaurav Chiplunkar and SY MBAs Agam Singh and Siddarth Jain, along the sidelines of Darden Emerging Markets Conference 2024.

"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership. In Season 3, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of former legendary CEOs who have led iconic enterprises through periods of dramatic change and strategic renewal.  We have moved to ceovoices.podbean.com. We look forward to you visiting our new site!

Description: How should a leader manage the sustainability function of a business effectively? Chrissa Pagitsas, Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors and author of Chief Sustainability Officers at Work joins Darden Professor Mike Lenox, Professor at the UVA Darden School of Business for a conversation about implementing Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) strategies, the challenges sustainability leaders often face and approaches that allow for effective change within organizations.

What are the public misperceptions about environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and how can ESG leaders craft an integrated strategy to create value for multiple stakeholders? Katherine Neebe (MBA ‘04), Duke Energy Corp. chief sustainability & philanthropy officer, joins Darden Professor Allison Elias for a conversation about the state of leadership and strategy. Neebe and Elias also discuss how MBAs can prepare for and succeed in an ESG role, with Neebe sharing her career journey into the C-suite.

CEOs and business leaders are increasingly expected to take stands on a range of controversial and politically divisive issues, but leaders risk weakening rather than strengthening their corporate brands if they are not thoughtful in how they respond. Adam Goodman, a veteran media consultant, talks about how to manage this challenge with Darden Marketing Professor Kim Whitler.

The 2022 Women in Leadership Summit curated speakers and panelists to cover topics including sustainability, venture capital, tech, innovation, equity and belonging, entrepreneurship and more, including a keynote address by Garnet Hill President Connie Hallquist (MBA ’91). Hallquist focused on key inflection points in her wildly diverse career when reinvention of her job, role, business and even herself became necessary for growth and success. “If you are a woman in business, you are going to have to live in a perpetual state of reinvention,” Hallquist said. “If you are able to think of reinvention as a positive, you will be able to reach goals you never believed possible.”

Lorraine Hariton, recipient of the Women's Leadership Champion Award, sits down with Darden Professor Mary Margaret Frank at Darden's 2022 Women's Leadership Summit to discuss her varied and successful business career and her continuing passion for helping to creating inclusive workplaces for women.

Joe Thomas, the Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy, talks to Professor Tim Laseter about the vital role of empathy and cultural competency in leadership.

How can the government effectively support outcomes in a market economy? DJ Nordquist, former executive director for the United States at the World Bank Group and former chief of staff at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and Darden Professor Dan Murphy bring their unique backgrounds and perspectives to an unscripted conversation on this critical question. Nordquist and Murphy discuss the capabilities and limitations of the private and public sectors in areas such as infrastructure, foreign affairs, influence on policy and more.

"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership. In Season 2, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of entrepreneurs and start-up CEOs who oversee fast-growth enterprises. In this episode we speak with Hayes Humphreys, COO of Virginia-based Devils Backbone Brewing Company. Hayes discusses the impact communication has had on his career and the successful craft beer business he leads.

"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership. In Season 2, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of entrepreneurs and start-up CEOs who oversee fast-growth enterprises. In this episode we speak with Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Georgia-based Stuckey’s Corporation. Stephanie shares thoughts on the power of communication in revitalizing an iconic Southern roadside brand.

"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership. In Season 2, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of entrepreneurs and start-up CEOs who oversee fast-growth enterprises. In this episode we speak with Charlotte Hanes, CEO of River Ridge Land and Cattle Company, the Grayson County, Virginia-based sustainable farming operation. Charlotte provides insights on building credibility and enhancing brands through effective communication.

"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership. In Season 2, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of entrepreneurs and start-up CEOs who oversee fast-growth enterprises.  In this episode we speak with Jennifer Bisceglie, the CEO and founder of Interos, the Arlington, Virginia-based supply chain visibility company. Jennifer shares thoughts on the role of communication in shaping fast-growth Unicorn companies.

How can society effectively eradicate complex social problems like poverty and hunger, racial injustice, human trafficking, and the opioid addiction crisis? Baroness Philippa Stroud, CEO of the Legatum Institute and a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, and UVA Professor Lucy Bassett discuss how to confront social challenges through different organizational systems, and the levers that lead to effective social change. From grassroots organizing to legislative and policy changes, Stroud and Bassett explore how it takes the collective work of multiple systems — including government, think tanks, nonprofits, and businesses — to create meaningful, long-term change.

Speaking at a Leadership Unscripted event hosted by the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, Michael Finnegan, president of Atlantic Media (MBA ’07), and Michael Suarez, UVA professor and director of the Rare Book School, discussed recent changes in modern media and examined how content innovation from the past may hold the key for understanding the future. As the head of a leading media company, Finnegan has had a front row seat to the dramatic shifts in media distribution and consumption in recent years. For more Leadership Unscripted: https://www.darden.virginia.edu/about/locations/dc/leadership-unscripted

Dr. Jerome Adams, 20th Surgeon General of the United States, and Darden Professor Greg Fairchild discuss the mutual linkage between community health and economic prosperity in contemporary America, and the risks we face in failing to engage the business sector. They will also share anecdotes and reflections that help explain their deep commitments to encouraging action. Dr. Adams is an anesthesiologist and a former vice admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps who served as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States from September 2017 until January 2021. Adams was the head of the Indiana State Department of Health prior to becoming Surgeon General. In addition to his recent COVID-19 work, Adams has partnered with and assisted organizations as they navigate the opioid epidemic, maternal health, rising rates of chronic disease, the impacts of rising suicide rates in our nation, and how businesses can become better stewards and stakeholders in promoting community health.

Challenges and opportunities for the U.S. health care system were on the examination table during this Leadership Unscripted event hosted by the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, as were the leadership traits health care industry executives will need to improve a system in desperate need of change and how to overcome personal challenges. Dr. Patrick Conway, CEO of Care Solutions at Optum, and Vivian Riefberg, Professor of Practice and David C. Walentas Jefferson Scholars Foundation Chair at the Darden School, explore the topic: Caring for the Health System, Caring for Yourself. With all the challenges facing the health care system, they discuss the key innovations and approaches to be scaled, and how to ensure the system truly meets the needs of individuals and families.

In this episode we speak with Muhtar Kent, the former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. Kent shares insights on the role communication played in revitalizing growth of the world's most-recognized brand. "CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.

In this episode we speak with the CEO of CARE, Michelle Nunn. Nunn is transforming the global humanitarian relief organization to help over 200 million people overcome poverty and social injustice in the next 10 years.  "CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.

In this episode we speak with Frank Blake, the former CEO of The Home Depot and the current Chairman of Delta Airlines. Blake led a massive overhaul of The Home Depot's business and customer-service models while revitalizing its internal culture. As Chairman of Delta, he's helping the company navigate a turbulent time for the airline industry.  "CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.