Distinguished Speaker Series
Leadership, AI, and the Future of Finance
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citi, joined Chairman Emeritus of Morgan Stanley James P. Gorman ’87 for a Distinguished Speaker Series event in April, drawing students, faculty, and invited guests. Fraser reflected on her leadership journey, the future of global finance, and how Citi is navigating economic uncertainty. She also spoke about the impact of generative AI on banking and the importance of adapting workforce strategies. Throughout the discussion, Fraser emphasized inclusive leadership and the role of large institutions in addressing challenges across business and society.
The Hub, Distinguished Speaker Series
The Business of Broadway
Tony Award-winning producer Ken Davenport joined CBS earlier this year for a Distinguished Speaker Series event hosted by The Hub in partnership with the Executives in Residence program. The conversation explored the business side of Broadway, from financing and marketing to audience trends and creative risk. Davenport shared insights on navigating the post-pandemic entertainment landscape and how data, innovation, and storytelling are reshaping the theater industry. Drawing from his experience producing hits like Once on This Island and Kinky Boots, he highlighted the delicate balance between art and commerce.
Silfen Leadership Series
Shaping Legacy Through Leadership in the Arts
Diana L. Taylor ’80, chair of the board of directors of the New York City Ballet, joined Executive Director Katherine Brown for a David and Lyn Silfen Distinguished Leadership Series event in April. The conversation explored their leadership journeys in the arts, finance, and government. Taylor reflected on her trailblazing career in public service and private equity, and how those experiences inform her current work in cultural leadership. She and Brown discussed navigating male-dominated industries, the power of professional networks, and strategies for sustaining artistic institutions.
Distinguished Speaker Series
McKinsey's Eric Kutcher on AI, Climate Innovation
Eric Kutcher, senior partner and chair of North America at McKinsey & Company, joined Dean Costis Maglaras to discuss his career trajectory and explore how generative AI is reshaping leadership, strategy, and organizational culture. He shared a striking example of AI solving a complex client problem in hours—work that had taken a McKinsey team weeks—and urged future leaders to treat AI as a cultural transformation, not just a technical shift. Kutcher also discussed demographic and climate challenges, advocating for realistic, inclusive approaches to innovation. The event highlighted the need to reimagine management in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Green Business Club
A Climate of Change
Nike Chief Sustainability Officer Jaycee Pribulsky ’01 outlined the company’s approach to embedding sustainability into its core operations at a Green Business Club event held in the spring. Pribulsky emphasized that sustainability at Nike is not a siloed initiative but a shared responsibility integrated across all departments, from product design to supply chain management. She also discussed the importance of innovation-led strategies in achieving environmental goals, such as Nike’s ReactX foam, used in the mid-sole of its running shoes. She said the foam’s re-engineered formulation not only improves energy return—a benefit for runners—but also reduces carbon emissions in manufacturing.
Distinguished Speaker Series
Scaling with Purpose, Leading with Grit
Randy Garutti, former CEO of Shake Shack, joined Gantcher Associate Professor of Business Jorge Guzman to explore how Garutti scaled Shake Shack from a hot dog cart into a global brand—while preserving quality, culture, and community. He shared les- sons in leadership, including the value of volunteering for tough jobs, leading with consistency, and striving to make a meaningful impact. Garutti emphasized focusing on doing one thing exceptionally well and staying authentic during expansion. His insights offered a playbook for sustainable growth and purpose-driven leadership across any industry.
2025 Botwinick Prize
Business with Purpose and Impact
Clara Wu Tsai, co-owner of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, was honored with the 2025 Botwinick Prize in Business Ethics during a ceremony at CBS last spring. During the event, Wu Tsai discussed her approach to values-driv- en leadership, civic engagement, and philanthropy. As founder of the Joe and Clara Tsai Foundation, she has championed causes spanning racial justice, neuroscience, and the arts. The Botwinick Prize recognizes individuals who exemplify ethical leadership in business—a standard Wu Tsai continues to advance across sports, social impact, and innovation. The event was moderated by Modupe Akinola, Barbara and David Zalaznick Professor of Business and faculty director of the Bernstein Center for Leadership and Ethics.
