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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
Date
April 22, 2026
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Distinguished Speaker Series

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?
Distinguished Speaker Series
Date
April 22, 2026
CBS Photo Image
Distinguished Speaker Series

The Real Economic Impact of AI Is Just Beginning

OpenAI Chief Economist Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji discusses how AI is transforming productivity, work, and decision-making in the global economy.
  • Read more about The Real Economic Impact of AI Is Just Beginning about The Real Economic Impact of AI Is Just Beginning
Distinguished Speaker Series
Date
April 22, 2026
CBS Photo Image
Distinguished Speaker Series

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
Distinguished Speaker Series
Date
April 22, 2026
CBS Photo Image
Distinguished Speaker Series

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
Date
April 11, 2025
McKinsey’s Eric Kutcher
Distinguished Speaker Series

McKinsey’s Eric Kutcher on AI, Management Strategy, and Climate Innovation

During a recent Distinguished Speakers Series event, the Senior Partner and Chair of North America at McKinsey shared leadership insights on AI business strategy, climate innovation, and the future of work.
  • Read more about McKinsey’s Eric Kutcher on AI, Management Strategy, and Climate Innovation about McKinsey’s Eric Kutcher on AI, Management Strategy, and Climate Innovation
Distinguished Speaker Series
Date
April 07, 2025
Randy Garutti, left, with Jorge Guzman, Gantcher Associate Professor of Business at CBS.
Distinguished Speaker Series

Randy Garutti on Leading Shake Shack: Scale Smart, Stay Authentic

During an event hosted by the School’s Distinguished Speaker Series, the former CEO shared how Shake Shack grew from a single hot dog cart into a global brand — without compromising quality, culture, or community.
  • Read more about Randy Garutti on Leading Shake Shack: Scale Smart, Stay Authentic about Randy Garutti on Leading Shake Shack: Scale Smart, Stay Authentic
Climate and Policy, Climate and Solutions, Climate and Technology, Distinguished Speaker Series, Energy, Energy Solutions
Date
April 02, 2025
Bon Mumgaard, left, in conversation with Professor Bruce Usher
Climate and Policy, Climate and Solutions, Climate and Technology, Distinguished Speaker Series, Energy, Energy Solutions

Paving the Way to Fusion Energy

Inside the global race to build the next generation of clean power with Bob Mumgaard, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems. Fusion energy is a critical technology for addressing the global energy transition, providing a source of clean, abundant, and reliable power without the challenges of traditional nuclear power or variable renewable energy.
  • Read more about Paving the Way to Fusion Energy about Paving the Way to Fusion Energy
Artificial Intelligence, Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Leadership, Organizations, The Workplace
Date
March 21, 2025
Walmart Chief People Officer Donna Morris, left, with Professor Stephan Meier
Artificial Intelligence, Business and Society, Distinguished Speaker Series, Leadership, Organizations, The Workplace

Walmart’s Donna Morris on Building High-Performing Teams in the Age of AI

During a conversation hosted by Columbia Business School’s Distinguished Speaker Series, the multinational retailer’s Chief People Officer shared how leaders can use AI and people-first strategies to drive workplace innovation and resilience.
  • Read more about Walmart’s Donna Morris on Building High-Performing Teams in the Age of AI about Walmart’s Donna Morris on Building High-Performing Teams in the Age of AI

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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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