Conference Program
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Wednesday, May 7
2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Arrived early for the conference? Head to LaCava to check in.
Thursday, May 8
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Sean Ferguson, Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, Bentley University
Choose Your Future: Connect and Explore the Future of Work
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session I
Explore the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping technology, data and the AI space. Gain actionable insights on leveraging technology for growth, ethical AI considerations and the power of data-driven decisions. This session promises to inspire and equip you with forward-thinking strategies for success.
Annemarie Frank ’88, Independent Marketing Consultant, Aesthetics Industry | Samantha Calcagni ’07, Director Integrated Communications, L’Oreal | moderated by Yaro Fong-Olivares, Executive Director, Gloria Cordes Larson Center for Women and Business, Bentley University
Business of beauty experts Annemarie and Samantha join moderator Yaro, of the Center for Women and Business, to explore the exciting trends of the lucrative beauty industry — from consumer marketing trends to the evolution of influencer strategies to the dynamic private equity landscape. We will discuss how the rise of indie brands, the surge in aesthetics, DEI-driven product innovation and the advent of AI, by enabling virtual try-ons and personalized outcomes, are revolutionizing industry dynamics. We'll also discuss sustainability challenges and shifting consumer demographics. Gain insights into the emotional and financial appeal of beauty services and the industry's unique adaptability to trends and collaborative partnerships from leaders in the beauty business.
We are in the beginning stages of a tremendous wealth transfer as baby boomers age. This shift will have profound impacts across almost every industry, from financial services to legal, tax and business ownership. This engaging session will explore the full range of challenges and opportunities this transfer brings. Discover how businesses can navigate this transition through proper financial planning and entrepreneurship, including passing businesses to the next generation or to new owners. Learn about emerging business opportunities and the risks to businesses that fail to prepare. Join us to understand and get ahead of this monumental shift.
Explore how the Seven Pillars of Mindfulness — Non-Judging, Patience, Beginner’s Mind, Trust, Non-Striving, Acceptance and Letting Go — can help entrepreneurs navigate business challenges. Through storytelling and practical insights, this session connects each pillar to real-world experiences, illustrating how these attitudes foster resilience, adaptability and success. Learn how mindfulness can help manage uncertainty, keep you present and make better business decisions. Engage in audience participation to reflect on your experiences and apply mindfulness techniques to your entrepreneurial journey. This session will leave you with a new perspective on how mindfulness fuels personal and professional growth.
10:15 to 10:45 a.m.
10:45 to 11:45 a.m.
Breakout Session II
Alicia will share her incredible journey from NFL Cheerleader to business executive and dedicated mother. Discover how she overcame career challenges and embraced her role as a working mom. This session will dig into the latest trends and strategies for balancing professional and personal life, focusing on empathy, accountability and mental health. Learn how to create supportive work environments for parents and manage the mental load of a fast-paced business world. Walk away with insights to work better, feel better and thrive in both your career and life outside work.
Tired of working for investors instead of running your own business? Discover how to build a business you truly own, where you control the direction, decisions and destiny. Garren will relate his journey of bootstrapping a biotech services company, securing nearly $2 million in debt, raising only $1.2 million in outside funds and exiting for $190 million — while retaining over 50 percent ownership. This session is perfect for founders who want to avoid the traditional fundraising trap and maintain control of their business. Get practical strategies for generating early revenue, achieving product-market fit and outcompeting larger, better-funded companies — all while maintaining business ownership.
Unlock the secret to mastering your time in this dynamic and interactive session. Discover how to take charge of your schedule and skyrocket your personal productivity with innovative tools and techniques to help you re-budget your time like never before. By the end of this presentation, you’ll be equipped to create a consistent work-life balance, ensuring you have time for what truly matters.
Step into the future of leadership and uncover why today’s organizations need visionary leaders, not just managers. The transition from complicated work to complex work demands a new kind of leadership across every industry, from manufacturing to knowledge-based industries. In this captivating session, we'll explore what this transformation truly entails by focusing on two key functions: setting a compelling vision and strategy and flipping the management triangle to become a leader who serves and supports their teams and organization. Learn how to empower and support your teams to achieve remarkable results.
12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
During this lunch session enjoy an insightful fireside chat with Ben Chartock, Bentley assistant professor of Economics, and Max Keilson, COO of Down East Cider House. Learn about Max’s journey from one of the original employees of Down East Cider to leading Beyond Beer in the Northeast with Down East, America’s top-selling craft cider and the fastest-growing cider brand by dollar sales. Max will also share his strategies for retaining talent and building a transformational brand.
Following the chat, attendees will engage in small roundtable discussions with executives seated at their table, providing a unique opportunity to learn about their paths to leadership and gain valuable insights into executive roles.
1:45 to 2:30 p.m.
Coming soon! Join us for an unforgettable session with a surprise keynote speaker who is a trailblazer in their field. Get ready to be inspired and come away with visionary ideas that will ignite your passion and drive.
2:45 to 3:45 p.m.
Breakout Session III
A panel of trailblazing women will reveal how they’ve excelled in roles in such as IT, sales, and marketing across key industries, including health care, technology, and financial services. Each will highlight their unique journeys and pivotal moments, from navigating career transitions and negotiating leadership roles to fostering inclusivity and driving innovation. Learn actionable strategies for building confidence, managing work-life balance, cultivating mentorship and sponsorship, and owning your professional narrative. Whether you’re charting your path or elevating others, this conversation will empower you to lead with purpose, resilience and authenticity.
At the intersection of healthcare, technology and startups are fantastic opportunities for career achievement and growth. In a panel discussion moderated by Josh, Bentley graduates at different points in their careers will talk about healthcare innovation in the startup world, from pre-seed to series A and beyond. Panelists will discuss opportunities for career growth and achievement in this fast-paced field, share firsthand insights into the challenges and triumphs of healthcare startups, and point to the trailblazers who are revolutionizing healthcare.
Discover how nonprofit board work can elevate your career and community impact through a panel discussion featuring a dynamic panel of nonprofit board members. Moderated by Dan, board chair of a nonprofit that seeks to enhance financial security for low- to moderate-income Massachusetts residents, the panel will inspire you to take on board roles and detail how such work can strengthen leadership skills and build your personal brand, while serving a nonprofit organization that aligns with your personal values.
Elevate your leadership in this dynamic session tailored to Fortune 500 1000 CFOs and executive leaders. Through an interactive working session, you’ll clarify, simplify and commit to achieving your top priorities. The discussion and exercises will help you:
- Gain clarity: Uncover your most important dreams and assess your progress. Are you on track? If not, why?
- Optimize time: Evaluate where your time goes. Shift focus to Covey’s Quadrant 2 (strategic planning) over Quadrant 1 (crisis management).
- Transform your mindset: Reflect on your daily mindset. Commit to new beliefs and habits that drive better execution and progress.
3:45 to 4:15 p.m.
4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Breakout Session IV
In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, the journey to success is often fraught with challenges, uncertainties and isolation. Enter the world of entrepreneurship with our session on the transformative power of peer groups. Discover how connecting with like-minded individuals can elevate your business and personal growth. Learn from shared experiences, gain diverse perspectives and find innovative solutions to common challenges. This session highlights the importance of accountability, trust-building and mental well-being in a supportive peer network. Unlock the secrets of thriving in entrepreneurship through the strength of community, collaboration and mutual support and harness the power of peer groups and reach new heights in your venture.
5:15 to 6:30 p.m.
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Join us for an exclusive tasting event where you will have the opportunity to indulge in a specially curated menu with food and wine pairings by fellow Bentley alumni.
This event is exclusive to members of the President’s Club. The President’s Club celebrates alumni, families and friends who give $1,000 or more annually. Members receive special invitations to events on campus and regionally, updates from university leadership and community recognition.
6:30 p.m.
Community gatherings on your own in Waltham. Please see the Bentley Alumni Conference app for a list of recommended spots in town to keep the conversation.
Friday, May 9
7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
8:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Un-Networking Breakfast: Meaningful Connections Without the Small Talk
Led by Bentley’s Strategy and Innovation Division
9:15 to 10:15 a.m.
Breakout Session V
Explore the dynamic intersection of venture capital and entrepreneurship with Riley, a seasoned venture investor; Crissi, a finance veteran turned entrepreneur; and Sandeep, director of Bentley’s E-Hub. The panel will demystify the venture capital ecosystem, offering actionable insights for startups and small business owners. Topics include funding strategies, navigating venture capital rounds and understanding the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you're launching a venture-backed startup or curious about capitalizing your business, this session will provide the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions and thrive.
Business development expert Afrin and AI strategist Arefin present a transformative six-step framework that integrates AI and Business Intelligence (BI) to help leaders amplify their influence and drive impact. Afrin, a visionary in leadership development and entrepreneurship, empowers leaders to achieve sustainable success through collaboration and innovation. Arefin, founder of Third Figment and former Google Software Engineer, specializes in AI solutions crafted for maximum business impact. Together, this brother-sister duo helps leading organizations optimize their reach and influence. In this session, they’ll share actionable strategies to turn ideas into measurable success.
The typical person experiences pay and promotion gaps over a career that commonly spans 12 jobs. Those gaps could widen given the recent disinvestment in DEI, the threat of increased layoffs and fewer job postings, and the prospect of further setbacks following the Supreme Court ruling to end affirmative action. Worry not! This session will uplift and empower you. Learn how to bring joy and power to your career management while mitigating extra hurdles. Discover how to bask in the camaraderie of your professional community, in the freedom of career options and in the influence of knowledge that will help you overcome pay and promotion gaps.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Buckle up, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the messy, exhilarating world of failure — and how it’s the secret ingredient to becoming a powerhouse leader. Imagine a leadership playbook where every stumble, face-plant and epic disaster becomes your superpower. That’s exactly what I unpack in this keynote. I’ll take you on a roller-coaster ride through my own face-offs with failure, sharing the raw, unfiltered lessons that transformed me from a deer-in-headlights newbie to a battle-tested leader. But this isn’t just my story. We’ll dissect real-world case studies from my clients and teams — the good, the bad and the “oh-no-they-didn’t.” Get ready to flip the script on failure. By the end of this talk, you’ll be itching to make mistakes, armed with a toolkit to turn every setback into a leadership leap forward. Trust me, after this, you’ll never look at failure the same way again.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize failure as a tool for growth, as emphasized in Busy Is a Four-Letter Word, and its role in building resilience.
- Understand how lessons from failure can be leveraged to create meaningful leadership practices.
- Explore ways to rethink failure as an opportunity for recalibration and elevation.
Outcomes
- Participants will adopt a mindset that views failure as part of the process of achieving more by doing less, aligning with the book's core message.
- Attendees will gain insights into how failure can inform better decision-making and leadership agility.
- Audience members will leave with strategies for using past setbacks as stepping stones toward greater impact and fulfillment.
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Introducing the Workshop Hour at the Bentley Alumni Conference! Use this time to join upskilling and professional development workshops, network with fellow attendees in the conference hub, or take a wellness break in our Lounge space. This hour is designed to help you enhance your skills and maximize your unique conference experience.
Offerings will include:
LinkedIn Unleashed: 7 Black-Belt Level LinkedIn Hacks
Think you know LinkedIn? Get ready to level up your career with seven of the most powerful insider techniques, shared by former LinkedIn leader with Jeremy Schifeling.
How to Survive and Thrive During Employment Breaks Workshop
Between jobs by choice or not? Unhappy in your role or career and considering a change? Join this session where HR veteran Sarah Malcolm ’96 shares pragmatic, tactics-driven advice for your transition back to work.
Bridging the Gap: Hiring and Training for Durable Skills
Employers now seek candidates with advanced durable skills like critical thinking, teamwork and leadership. Bentley University’s BentleyPlus program helps students develop these skills through curated experiences, and companies can adapt it to recruit and develop top talent.
Brave Dialogue with the Center for Women and Business
As organizations diversify, leaders must navigate tough discussions across identities and roles. This workshop equips participants to foster open, inclusive environments. Master brave dialogues to build high-performing teams and inclusive cultures. Join us to develop this essential leadership skill and drive meaningful change.
Change Agility: Navigating Uncertainty with Confidence
Change is constant — how we respond defines success. Learn from Bentley faculty to embrace change as an opportunity. Discover strategies to pivot, perform under pressure and strengthen team collaboration. Build a personalized playbook to navigate change confidently, leading through uncertainty and driving impact in a rapidly evolving workplace.
Campus Tour
Revisit your old haunts and check out what’s new on campus. This tour, designed specially for the conference, highlights Bentley's latest innovations and cherished landmarks.
Plus, headshots, networking and a lounge workspace!
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
Marvin Peart ’92, CEO and Founder, WonderHill Studios and Co-Founder of 101 Studios Company
Drawing from his experience with blockbuster hits like “The War with Grandpa” and TV sensations such as “Yellowstone”, “The Agency” and “Tulsa King,” amongst many others, he will explore the critical processes behind financing, producing and distributing films in today’s evolving entertainment landscape.
Join Marvin to discover the strategies that shape successful media ventures and gain insights into how shifting consumer behaviors — such as the rise of streaming platforms — are reshaping audience engagement with content.
2:45 to 3:15 p.m.
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Breakout Session VI
This session will explore the impact of misaligned Electronic Health Records (EHR) workflows on physician burnout and patient outcomes, based on Daniel’s PhD dissertation. Attendees will learn about findings from a narrative literature review and an ongoing pilot study with physicians. Key takeaways include understanding EHR workflow misalignments, their effects on physician efficiency and well-being, and design strategies for UX and IT practitioners to improve EHR systems. This session will also highlight potential research areas for academics, aiming to enhance physician workflows and patient care.
Trust is the cornerstone of any thriving business, organization or relationship. It can accelerate success or lead to failure. High trust is the hallmark of the greatest leaders and organizations, and it’s more crucial now than ever. The Trust Edge Leadership Institute defines trust as “the confident belief in a person, product, or organization.” Trusted Leadership is the top reason people choose to work for an organization. In this interactive session, you’ll take a Trusted Leader self-assessment, explore the 8 Pillars of Trust and learn actionable strategies to build trust in yourself and your enterprise.
Crises can take many forms and strike at any time — whether it is a major organizational turnaround, unforeseen work disruptions or transformative technological shifts. Our panel of seasoned experts — Debbie, Rick and Veronica — will convey frameworks and strategies that will help you lead with clarity, compassion and purpose through such times. Drawing on their diverse experience in technology, startups, corporate turnarounds and organizational change, the panel will cover practical tools and techniques for breaking down complex problems, transforming resistance into advocacy, balancing process and people, and adapting your leadership style to situational and organizational demands.
Unlock your potential in this dynamic session designed to help you build your personal brand, enhance career readiness and develop leadership skills. Discover strategies to overcome educational and professional challenges while pursuing a purpose-driven career. Key takeaways:
- Own your story: Transform your unique background and experiences into powerful strengths.
- Build your network: Harness the power of professional connections to fuel your career success.
Real estate is everywhere you look. We own it, rent it, live in it, work in it and invest in it. We buy and sell it and trade instruments derived from its value. In all its guises, real estate can create tremendous value and also carry significant risk. This expert panel will feature alumni working in every corner of the industry from commercial, corporate and residential real estate, to real estate investment and lending. They will discuss the salient features of each sector, how they intersect, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. You will come away with important knowledge about business models that revolve around real estate and are sure to glean useful lessons for your own work.
5:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy refreshments, reflect on key takeaways and celebrate new opportunities as we bring the conference to a close. This is your final opportunity to engage with industry leaders, exchange insights and foster valuable relationships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss this chance to expand your network and leave with lasting connections!
Kishshana Palmer is an accomplished author, international speaker, trainer and coach with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, marketing and talent management who specializes in helping leaders build high-performing teams. As the CEO of ManageMint Inc., an organizational development firm, Kishshana focuses on empowering everyday leaders to live and lead well. Her firm emphasizes equity, social justice and practical solutions for modern organizations. She also founded The Rooted Collaborative, a global community dedicated to the growth and development of women leaders of color in the social sector. Kishshana hosts the podcast ManageMint Made Easy (formerly Let’s Take This Offline) and serves as an adjunct professor at Baruch College. She holds multiple certifications, including Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer (CGT), Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Q3LC Certified Coach and AFP Master Trainer. Known as the “fairy godmother” for organizations seeking to grow, retain talent and raise funds, Kishshana also coaches high-performing leaders. Originally from NYC and now residing in Atlanta, Kishshana is a proud mother of a wonderful teenage daughter. She embodies the spirit of a classic 90s Queens homegirl and a quintessential corner office executive, offering you a daily dose of Claire Huxtable’s wisdom and Blanche Devereaux’s charm.
Marvin Peart is the Founder and CEO of WonderHill Studios, a movie and television production and distribution company. Previously, he co-founded 101 Studios, known for hit shows like “Yellowstone,” “1923” and “Tulsa King.” Marvin's career began in the music industry at Zomba Music Publishing, leading to senior roles at Sony Music, where he developed artists like Ginuwine and oversaw the projects of some of the world’s most influential recording artists, including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Beyoncé. He then parlayed his creative talents and executive experience into the film and television industries, managing film and TV projects at Flavor Unit, co-founding Marro Media and producing successful TV shows like “Mob Wives” and films like “The War with Grandpa.” Marvin also played a key role in relaunching Spyglass Media Group. He holds a BS in Marketing Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Finance degree.
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