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The CBS Distinguished Speaker Series Landing Image

The CBS Distinguished Speaker Series

The Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) brings some of the world’s most influential business leaders to CBS for nuanced dialogue on the issues shaping the global economy. Moving beyond the lecture hall, these sessions serve as a laboratory for ideas that drive progress and will build the future of business.

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Photo Image of Jensen Huang

"Don't let anybody talk you out of building your company. Build your dreams."

Jensen Huang

CEO of Nvidia
Link to Article
Photo Image of Ronnie Chatterji

"AI is helping us do a ton of stuff faster and better, but it isn't necessarily quantified."

Ronnie Chatterji

Chief Economist, OpenAI
Link to Article
Photo Image of Meredith Kopit Levien

“Independent journalism is meant to open your mind, to challenge your perspective, maybe to show you things you didn't already know.”

Meredith Kopit Levien

President & CEO, The New York Times Company
Link to Article
Photo Image of Ben Horowitz

"A culture is not a set of beliefs, it's a set of actions."

Ben Horowitz

Co-founder and General Partner, a16z
Link to Article
Photo Image of Emma Walmsley

"We’ve extended our lifespan, but not our healthspan."

Emma Walmsley

Former CEO of GSK
Link to Article
Photo Image of Jane Fraser

"There’s that piece of ‘never be a victim’ that becomes very important, take control back of your destiny and what are you going to do about it."

Jane Fraser

CEO of Citigroup
Link to Article
Photo Image of Lip-bu Tan

"Keep your eyes open and take calculated risks."

Lip-Bu Tan

CEO, Intel
Link to Article
Inside the Series

Whether you're preparing for a leadership role or looking to refine your business expertise, the Distinguished Speaker Series puts you in the company of those who have already achieved it.

Inside the Series Photo Image
Distinguished Speaker Series, Finance
Date
June 25, 2026
Henry R. Kravis.
Distinguished Speaker Series, Finance

Henry R. Kravis ’69 on the career lessons students need now

At Columbia Business School’s Distinguished Speaker Series, the KKR co-founder reflected on what it takes to build a firm that lasts.
  • Read more about Henry R. Kravis ’69 on the career lessons students need now about Henry R. Kravis ’69 on the career lessons students need now
Distinguished Speaker Series, Leadership
Date
June 16, 2026
Joe Ucuzoglu
Distinguished Speaker Series, Leadership

Turning AI unease into opportunity

Deloitte Global CEO Joe Ucuzoglu shares how leaders can navigate technological disruption and the importance of leading with humility in an uncertain environment.
  • Read more about Turning AI unease into opportunity about Turning AI unease into opportunity
Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Industry Perspectives
Date
March 18, 2026
Kopit Kevien Photo Image
Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Industry Perspectives

How The New York Times Company is Reinventing Itself for the Digital Age

The company’s CEO Meredith Kopit Levien explains how a 175-year-old institution became a digital subscription powerhouse — while defending journalism’s future in the AI era.
  • Read more about How The New York Times Company is Reinventing Itself for the Digital Age about How The New York Times Company is Reinventing Itself for the Digital Age
Distinguished Speaker Series, Industry Perspectives, Leadership, Strategy
Date
March 10, 2026
Robert Kyncl - CEO of Warner Music Group Photo Image
Distinguished Speaker Series, Industry Perspectives, Leadership, Strategy

Why the Music Industry Should Run Toward Disruption

Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl reflects on leading transformation at Netflix, YouTube, and now one of the world’s largest music labels.
  • Read more about Why the Music Industry Should Run Toward Disruption about Why the Music Industry Should Run Toward Disruption
Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Economics and Policy, Finance and Economics, Financial Policy
Date
December 04, 2025
Photo Image of Hugh Frater & Dave Benson
Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Economics and Policy, Finance and Economics, Financial Policy

17 Years After the Financial Crisis, Can Fannie Mae Ever Truly Go Private?

Former Fannie Mae leaders Hugh Frater ’85 and David Benson unpack the politics and paradoxes of taking the mortgage giant out of government conservatorship.
  • Read more about 17 Years After the Financial Crisis, Can Fannie Mae Ever Truly Go Private? about 17 Years After the Financial Crisis, Can Fannie Mae Ever Truly Go Private?
AI and Transformative Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Distinguished Speaker Series, Industry Perspectives, Leadership, Strategy
Date
November 18, 2025
Lip-Bu Tan and Dean Costis Maglaras Image
AI and Transformative Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Distinguished Speaker Series, Industry Perspectives, Leadership, Strategy

"I Love This Company. And I Think That This Company Deserves Something Better."

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan on transforming an American icon for the AI age.
  • Read more about "I Love This Company. And I Think That This Company Deserves Something Better." about "I Love This Company. And I Think That This Company Deserves Something Better."
Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, World Business
Date
November 07, 2025
Photo Image of Lew Frankfort
Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Leadership, Marketing, Strategy, World Business

What It Takes to Build a $5 Billion Brand

Former Coach CEO Lew Frankfort ’69 reveals how great brands are built on more than just marketing.
  • Read more about What It Takes to Build a $5 Billion Brand about What It Takes to Build a $5 Billion Brand
AI and Transformative Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Industry Perspectives, Leadership, Strategy
Date
October 30, 2025
Refik Event Photo Image
AI and Transformative Tech, Artificial Intelligence, Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Industry Perspectives, Leadership, Strategy

A Machine that Dreams – and Lives at Columbia Business School

A conversation with AI artist Refik Anadol.
  • Read more about A Machine that Dreams – and Lives at Columbia Business School about A Machine that Dreams – and Lives at Columbia Business School

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Spring 2026 Events

These are not your typical lectures. Each session brings valuable, real-world advice, personal stories, and strategies that will broaden your perspective and challenge you to think critically.

DSS Event with Ben Horowitz
Photo Image of George Bitar

February 10, 2026

  • George Bitar, Managing Partner, Rho Acceleration

February 11, 2026

  • Meredith Kopit Levien, President & Chief Executive Officer, The New York Times Company
Photo Image of Robert Kyncl

February 18, 2026

  • Bob Elliott, Co-Founder, CEO and CIO, Unlimited Funds

February 26, 2026

  • Robert Kyncl, Chief Executive Officer, Warner Music Group
Photo Image of Shelley Stewart III and Malia Mason

March 10, 2026

  • Shelley Stewart III, Senior Partner, and Global Leader, Reputation and Engagement, New York

April 8, 2026

  • Roy Gori, Former President and CEO, Manulife
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