Topics that Will Challenge Business Leaders in 2022: Our Experts Weigh In

11 Jan 2022

As the pandemic continues to present business leaders with unprecedented challenges, our experts are here to weigh in on the leading topics keeping CEOs and executives up at night. From supply chain woes to the future of work, DEI and more, these sought-after speakers tell you what to expect, share implementable strategies for success and offer valuable insights into what the future holds.

FUTURE OF WORK

DAVID EPSTEIN
#1 NYT BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF RANGE & THE SPORTS GENE, EXPERT ON THE SCIENCE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE

In today’s fast-changing world, organizations should be looking for nimble thinkers and skilled generalists—those who can see around corners and adapt in response to disruption and change. What is the secret to finding, cultivating and retaining an agile workforce with this mindset and potential? Expanding on his #1 bestseller, Range, David Epstein reveals what it takes to recruit, build and retain the workforce of the future.

ADMIRAL MICHELLE J. HOWARD (Retired)
FIRST FEMALE U.S. NAVY FOUR-STAR ADMIRAL

A groundbreaking leader during her 35-year career in the U.S. Navy, Michelle Howard challenges our thinking with various alternative futures. Lending actionable insights, she shows you how to be successful by defining your mission, leading by example, creating innovative teams, keeping people committed, fostering problem-solving and developing the next generation of leaders.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

TONY BYERS
FORMER DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL DIVERSITY & INCLUSION, STARBUCKS

Boldly challenging the status quo and decades of DEI practices, Tony Byers is transforming DEI from “the right thing to do” to the business imperative of our time. Explaining how a properly managed DEI program can increase engagement, creativity and business performance, he shows organizations how to gain a powerful advantage that drives growth. 

DEBRA LEE
CHAIRMAN & CEO EMERITUS, BET NETWORKS

One of the most powerful women in the entertainment industry, Debra Lee believes that a diverse team is the best team: "If your team reflects the many different aspects of your business and audience, then you have a big advantage," she says. Providing strategies for making diversity key to your brand’s vision, she helps organizations achieve their highest levels of success.

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

MEGAN GREENE
GLOBAL ECONOMIST, FINANCIAL TIMES COLUMNIST & SENIOR FELLOW, HARVARD KENNEDY SCHOOL

Renowned for her stunning early economic predictions, Megan Greene examines high-frequency economic data, structural trends, global flows, political factors and policy developments to determine the state of the global recovery and to highlight risks and opportunities for your industry and business. 

MARK BLYTH
PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS, BROWN UNIVERSITY

The world has never been richer, yet we have never been angrier. What does this say about where our economy is heading? Acclaimed for his predictions of Trump’s victory and Brexit, Mark Blyth explores the case for and against a new "Great Inflation," examining the arguments behind such worries: massive monetary expansion, pent-up COVID demand and long-run demographic changes. 

MENTAL HEALTH

MIKE VENY
CERTIFIED CORPORATE WELLNESS SPECIALIST® & BEST-SELLING AUTHOR

There has never been a more important time in history to focus on your mental wellness. Finding inner peace is crucial to your health and safety. Mike Veny is here to revitalize your organization. Your team will learn how to shield themselves from stress, reduce anxiety and cope with loneliness.

NORA MCINERNY
BEST-SELLING AUTHOR & PODCAST HOST, "TERRIBLE THANKS FOR ASKING"

Why do we ask, “How are you?” when we don’t want to know the real answer? And why do we always say “fine” even when the truth is that things are not always OK? There’s an ongoing mental health crisis and the invisibility of grief makes it that much harder to acknowledge. Sharing the universal truths that make loss and suffering less lonely, Nora McInerny invites audiences to build empathy and connection within the most human of experiences: our mental wellbeing.

SUPPLY CHAIN

NADA SANDERS
DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT, NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

The COVID pandemic has shown the world how vulnerable our supply chains are, creating unprecedented disruptions across all industry sectors. We have seen business interruptions and shortages that have put entire economies at risk. Dr. Nada Sanders, known for helping companies rebuild their supply chains, offers specific strategies to use now and in the future. 

JOHN BRANDT
CEO OF THE MPI GROUP & AUTHOR, NINCOMPOOPERY: WHY YOUR CUSTOMERS HATE YOU—AND HOW TO FIX IT

From the worldwide pandemic to rapid changes in technology, logistics and strategy, manufacturing and supply chain executives are faced with more challenging decisions than ever. John Brandt offers insights into how to leverage real-time data and nuanced strategic thinking to make intelligent decisions about where, when and how to make products—taking into account human factors, supply-chain risks and political considerations.