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Panels

Media and Entertainment

Is the Sky Really Falling? Big Media Fights Back 

In today’s ever changing media landscape, there have been countless news stories about how digital media is drastically altering the fortune of traditional media conglomerates.  Everywhere we look, digital media is infiltrating our lives – from Hulu to iTunes to YouTube and beyond.  But does adoption of new media really mean the death of ‘old’ media? Or is it possible that the two can be symbiotic and even more advantageous for the companies who produce content?

This panel will shed light on the reality of the struggle and of the synergies between new media and old.  The panelists will offer insights into the possibilities of a mutually advantageous, profitable relationship between the old guard and the new upstarts of the media world.

PANELISTS

MODERATOR

 

Entrepreneurship

Uncertainty Won't Sink My Ship: Entrepreneurs Reflect on What Drives Their Professional and Personal Success Through Good Times and Bad

What rewards and challenges have prominent entrepreneurs faced, and how do they define success? In hindsight, what is the one thing they would do differently if given the chance? If you dream of starting your own company, this inspirational panel of entrepreneurs from a wide array of industries will give you valuable strategies for seizing lucrative opportunities, building an effective team, and creating a sustainable competitive advantage.

PANELISTS

MODERATOR

  • Tsedal Neeley, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School

 

Finance

The Evolving Face of Finance: Capitalizing on Market Cycles and Emerging Trends

The panel will explore the changing financial landscape in the context of the current recession and its implications for private equity, real estate, hedge funds, and investment banking.  More specifically, panelists will discuss the potential impact of the contemplated financial reform plans of the current administration as well as emerging trends in the financial markets. 

The panelists will also provide their perspectives on strategies for investing in uncertain times, the state of capital markets and M&A activity, and answer key questions including: What strategies are private equity firms using to complete deals in the current environment?  What are hedge funds and real estate investment companies doing to generate desired returns?  Will leverage and valuation multiples return to pre-2008 levels once we exit the crisis?  What key factors should students starting a career in finance consider?

PANELISTS 

MODERATOR

 

Politics 

Is It Too Good To Be True? How The Election of a Black President Has Changed Black Politics

In 2008, Barack Obama shattered America’s highest glass ceiling.  Yet, in the year after his inauguration, how has the President changed race relations in the United States?  Upon entering the White House, many believe that Obama fundamentally changed America’s racial narrative, while opening the door to a new, diverse generation of political leadership.  However, has the election of an African American to the White House slowed the progress of other minorities in politics?  What can be learned from his first year in office, and what is the best path for blacks in civil service?   

PANELISTS

  • Landon Dais, Deputy Campaign Manager, Rudy Moise
  • Tito Jackson, Political Director for Deval Patrick
  • Matthew Platt, Assistant Professor, Department of Government, Harvard University
  • Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Council Member
  • Teresa Wells, Chief Media Strategist, Rockefeller Foundation

MODERATOR 

  • Lawrence Bobo, Professor of Social Sciences, Harvard University 

 

Navigating a Career Through Crisis

Swimming Upstream: Navigating Your Career Through a Crisis

Contrary to popular belief, a tough economic time can create an opportunity to reassess one's personal goals and career trajectory.  Sometimes this involves drastic changes - in other cases this period represents a time to cultivate existing relationships and ideas.  The panel will explore a range of options for one to consider during turbulent periods.

PANELISTS

  • Edward Baker-Greene, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Client Relationship Management, Fidelity Investments 
  • Crystal Fields-Sam, Director of Corporate Engagement, Year Up NYC
  • Shari Hubert, Director of Recruitment, Peace Corps
  • Heather McLetchie-Leader, Consultant
  • Omar Simmons, Director, Windjammer Capital Investors

MODERATOR


Giving Back

Giving Back: Reinvesting in Our Communities

The panel seeks to bring together practitioners, policy advocates, consultants and administrators who are engaged in the mission of improving urban communities.  Given the widely acknowledged role that education plays in combating poverty and improving quality of life, the conversation will center around education, but include broader perspectives.  The panel will feature innovative models and discuss their impact as well as highlight policy strategies, challenges faced by practitioners, new possibilities for greater impact and opportunities for conference attendees to make a difference.    

PANELISTS

  • Dr. John Jackson, President, The Schott Foundation for Public Education
  • George Khaldun, COO of Harlem Children'S Zone
  • Harold Martin, Engagement Manager, McKinsey & Company
  • Casey Recupero, Executive Director, Year Up Boston

MODERATOR

 

Power Couples

Power Couples: Aligning Personal and Professional Success

What REALLY happens when two ambitious, bright, determined and driven individuals decide to come together in a union? In this fireside chat we will have an honest and candid discussion with a couple that has achieved success in business as individuals while maintaining a marriage.  Hear firsthand about the tough choices, tradeoffs, and blessings that life with a partner may bring two ambitious professionals.

PANELISTS

MODERATOR

  • Kaneisha Grayson, Blogger and Talk Show Hostess


Power & Influence

Power & Influence: Managing Perception and Organizational Politics to Achieve Success in Corporate America

Since affirmative action in the US began as a tool to address the persisting inequalities for minorities, many challenges and opportunities have confronted minorities seeking to break through the leadership ranks in Corporate America.  Since then what has changed? What hasn't?  And how does one maintain a leadership position during times of crisis?  Perspectives will include: Overcoming prejudices, understanding political dynamics, identifying your power base and influence style, and knowing when to take risks.

PANELISTS

  • Keith Wyche, President of CUB Foods, a division of SuperValu and author of “Good is Not Enough”

MODERATOR

  • David Thomas, H. Naylor Fitzhugh Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School