CBS Distinguished Speaker Series: A Conversation with Eric Kutcher
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Join us for an engaging conversation with Eric Kutcher, McKinsey & Company’s Chair, North America, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction and client impact across industries. A senior partner with deep expertise in technology, media, and telecommunications, Eric has guided major platform transformations, high-stakes integrations, and turnarounds in aerospace, software, and private equity ventures. As McKinsey’s CFO (2020–24), he led groundbreaking changes, including fee structure reforms, a global cloud-based ERP rollout across 60 countries, and the introduction of a firm-wide carbon fee. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the foremost voices shaping McKinsey & Company today.
Event Programming
Day 1 Agenda
8:00 - 9:00 AM
Cooperman Commons
Registration and Breakfast | Geffen Lobby & Board Rooms (3rd Floor)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Board Rooms (3rd Floor)
9:00 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks: Nepotism vs. Nurturing—Where's the Line?
Day 2 Agenda
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Cooperman Commons
Registration and Breakfast | Geffen Lobby & Board Rooms (3rd Floor)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Board Rooms (3rd Floor)
9:00 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks: Nepotism vs. Nurturing—Where's the Line?
Speakers
About the Conference
Can I apply if I’m a graduate student on hiatus, but otherwise eligible?
No. You must be an active, currently enrolled graduate student for spring of 2025 up to and including the final pitch date in April 2025.
Can my co-founders be non-students or students from other universities?
Yes.
Are Executive Education participants eligible?
Sorry, Executive Education participants and certificate holders are not eligible. At least one member of the founding team must be enrolled in a graduate degree program at Columbia University, Cornell Tech, or Wharton.
Do I need to have a technical and/or finance background to apply?
No specific backgrounds or skills are required. That said, we encourage cross-functional teams ideally inclusive of applicable skills and experience.
How many teams will be invited to Screening Day and to the Final Pitch Day?
Up to 20 teams will be selected to pitch at the Screening Day (will be virtual), and up to 10 teams will be selected for the Final Pitch Day (will be in-person in NYC).