Cornell Keynotes

Cornell lecturer and serial entrepreneur Brad Treat draws on his experience building SightSpeed (acquired by Logitech) and advising 200+ startups to offer founders practical frameworks for transitioning into effective CEOs—emphasizing emotional intelligence, strategic communication, and adaptive leadership as essential skills for navigating growth, stakeholder trust, and organizational change.

As AI increasingly automates work, our panelists argue that human skills like listening, empathy, and judgment—formalized through a "Hospitality Fluency" framework—become the true competitive differentiator that leaders must deliberately protect and cultivate rather than delegate to machines.

Executive presence is a learnable set of skills rather than an innate trait. Learn proven frameworks and strategies to help you build authentic influence, secure buy-in, and motivate teams without compromising values.

Learn how to manage workplace burnout and how to set boundaries and practice self-compassion. You'll also learn how to implement organizational solutions that help create healthier work environments for you and your teams.

Cornell Nolan School faculty expert Bruce Tracey, Jake Basham from Tao Group Hospitality, and Starwood's Clio Knowles discuss solutions for addressing the hospitality industry's employment crisis.

Leadership experts Beta Mannix and Sunita Sah discuss strategies for women to navigate the challenges of healthcare leadership, covering everything from building influence and negotiating effectively to developing authentic leadership skills and professional networks.

Is congestion pricing actually working? Cornell researchers conducted the first causal evaluation of NYC's congestion pricing program launched in January 2025. They observed substantial pollution reductions within Manhattan's toll zone and spillover benefits citywide, offering crucial insights for other U.S. cities considering similar policies to improve air quality and address environmental inequities.

Cornell experts Lindsay Anderson and Tobias Hanrath are joined by Kasparas Spokas from the Clean Air Task Force to discuss how achieving a clean energy future requires moving beyond renewables and electrification alone to embrace integrated solutions including thermal systems, demand flexibility, streamlined permitting, and strategic university-industry partnerships.

Join Cornell Brooks School experts Jared Carter and Thomas O'Toole as they discuss how American democracy faces serious institutional threats from voting rights challenges to political polarization, while exploring how civic engagement can help navigate this critical moment and potentially reshape the nation's legal and political landscape.

Innovation experts Andrea Ippolito and Suzanna Fowler share battle-tested strategies for navigating the tricky balance between operational stability and bold experimentation while keeping teams motivated and stakeholders happy.

Cornell Lecturer and former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff Mark Bayer reveals the insider storytelling secrets he used at the highest levels of government to influence key stakeholders and achieve high-priority goals.

Join experts from Cornell Law's Migration and Human Rights Program as they examine the Trump administration's extensive 2025 immigration restrictions—including mass deportations, visa limitations, asylum restrictions, and enforcement operations—while outlining the program's advocacy efforts and ways for individuals to support immigrants.

Cornell University's Presidential Task Force on Institutional Voice has released a draft report examining when and how the university should speak on local, national, and world events, with recommendations on principles and guidelines for institutional statements.

AI in finance is about human-AI partnership rather than replacement, exploring practical strategies for effectively integrating AI tools while maintaining essential human judgment in financial decision-making.

Princeton Professor Frances Lee examines how American institutions failed during COVID-19, from ignoring pre-existing pandemic plans to implementing policies that protected the privileged while exposing essential workers, and explores what these failures mean for future crisis management.

Peter Karpinski and Douglas Miller share proven strategies for navigating today's hospitality industry transformed by AI, shifting consumer behaviors, and new revenue opportunities.

Three Cornell University experts separate fact from fiction about geoengineering and climate intervention strategies like stratospheric aerosol injection. They discuss the science, misconceptions, and ethical considerations surrounding these emerging approaches to address climate change.

Learn how effective employee onboarding can boost new hire productivity by over 60% and reduce turnover by nearly 50%. Get expert insights and implement four actionable strategies that include preboarding, manager involvement, buddy systems, and success measurement.

Journalist Sam Tanenhaus discusses his authorized biography of conservative intellectual William F. Buckley Jr., exploring how Buckley transformed American conservatism from 1950-1980 and examining his legacy's relevance to today.

Professor Elizabeth "Beta" Mannix from Cornell's Johnson Graduate School of Management says that building resilience is the key to thriving—not just surviving—amid today's unprecedented political, economic, and technological challenges. Learn to turn stress into growth opportunities at both personal and organizational levels.

This podcast features Cornell Professor Dirk Swart and AT&T Business executives discussing how companies can navigate the practical challenges of scaling AI from innovation to mainstream adoption, covering topics like building capabilities, data governance, talent development, and enterprise-wide implementation based on AT&T's real-world experience.

This conversation with former ABC News White House Correspondent MaryAlice Parks and former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff Mark Bayer will reveal insider strategies for how to effectively pitch stories to major news networks and increase your chances of gaining national media coverage.

Professors Michèle Belot and Jason Sockin discuss how digital technologies and AI can improve job matching between workers and employers. The two discuss their research on digital tools that can help navigate the changing labor market while addressing potential challenges with AI recommendation systems.

This podcast discusses how Varo Bank is using AI and machine learning to serve underserved populations by reducing costs and better assessing risk through real-time cashflow data rather than traditional credit scores. The conversation demonstrates how AI-powered fraud detection, personalized lending, and automated customer service are democratizing financial services for the 180 million Americans living paycheck to paycheck. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how AI is shaping the future of financial services.

Two tech experts chat about how AI is shaking up the workplace, sharing real-world tips on how to ride this wave instead of getting wiped out by it.

Cornell's Nicola Fabrizio explores how developing emotional intelligence through its five key components (self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation) can enhance leadership effectiveness, personal relationships, and professional success through practical techniques and strategies.

Cornell's Global Labor Institute experts lead a discussion on how U.S. and EU approaches to forced labor regulations, including the EU's 2025 ban, impact global trade and labor practices.

The European Commission unveiled its AI Continent Action Plan, aiming to establish Europe as a global AI leader through initiatives in manufacturing, data infrastructure, and talent development, while maintaining a focus on democratic values and collaboration.

How does team diversity influence perceptions of creativity? Despite mixed evidence on the direct relationship between demographic diversity and creative outcomes, people generally tend to believe that diverse teams are inherently more creative.

Drawing from his experience as both a former CEO and Cornell faculty member, Robert Newman explains why honest communication is essential for team success, emphasizing that truth telling requires sharing genuine concerns and values, even when uncomfortable. He argues that creating psychological safety for honest dialogue isn't just morally right, but practically necessary for building high-performing teams with deeper trust and motivation. Rather than forcing agreement, Newman stresses that the goal of truth telling is to foster mutual understanding and empathy among team members.

Join Cornell wine expert Cheryl Stanley as she guides us through a tasting of wine from France’s famous Loire Valley. We’ll dig into some well-known appellations and discover some unsung beauties, too. As always, Cheryl encourages us to broaden our palette and appreciate wine in new, insightful ways.

True communication excellence isn't about the latest tech — it's about understanding fundamental principles and developing your unique voice. This skill-based session — led by Maria Wolfe, a senior lecturer in the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration — will show you how to harness these essentials to become a more compelling communicator who drives results.

Lisa Csencsits from Cornell's ILR School leads a discussion of how HR analytics has evolved from a novel approach to a fundamental business necessity, with 2025 bringing heightened expectations and capabilities.

Former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra joins Lutz Finger, a visiting senior lecturer at Cornell, for a conversation on the future of AI-driven innovation.

As development of the space technology sector grows, new opportunities for the private sector are becoming more accessible than ever before. Join us to explore the dynamic world of space technology with the New York Consortium for Space Technology led by Cornell University.

We all have scores of decisions to make every day, and we often want to move quickly. Cheryl Einhorn, an adjunct professor at Cornell Tech, helps us understand how to think of past decisions as a dataset you can mine for insights to make better future decisions.

When we experience feelings of ineffectiveness or invisibility, there’s evidence to suggest that we may be overlooking our own power of influence. Cornell ILR School professor Vanessa Bohns explains how we can better observe our influence, reconsider our fear of rejection and sometimes even use our influence more sparingly.

Most companies combine online and offline recruiting practices, but the efficiencies gained from technological practices can also impose limitations by unknowingly discouraging qualified candidates, particularly those with disabilities. Cornell ILR School professor Susanne Bruyère examines approaches to designing career webpages to attract job seekers with disabilities.

The transformation of an office building into a vibrant hotel isn’t anything new. Many of these spaces have been reimagined to offer modern amenities while preserving their architectural heritages. Join Brad Wellstead, a senior lecturer at Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business, for a deeper dive into this phenomenon.

In this episode, we revisit one of our most insightful conversations on hiring. What’s the best way to find the right fit for an open role? JR Keller, assistant professor at the Cornell ILR School, and Angela Cheng-Cimini ’92, chief human resources officer for Harvard Business Publishing, explain the advantages and pitfalls of the internal hiring process.

To close out the year, we are pleased to revisit a favorite episode from earlier this year. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, take this opportunity to learn how to become a better interviewer in 5 steps. Are you underestimating the importance of a well-executed interview process? JR Keller, associate professor of human resource studies at the Cornell ILR School, returns to the Cornell Keynotes podcast to deliver five essential tips for crafting better interviews that lead to more effective hiring.

As 2024 comes to an end, we are pleased to revisit a favorite episode from earlier this year. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, take this opportunity to learn how to lead with tough love and radical candor. Andrew Quagliata, senior lecturer of management communication at the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, and host Chris Wofford explore the importance of clear expectations and strong relationships in effective leadership—at work and at home.

Having general counsel is a relatively new phenomenon in institutions of higher learning. The pressures of regulation, litigation and legislation have given rise to a new era, and institutions must know how to respond. Lou Guard, an adjunct professor at Cornell Law School, discusses the tools university attorneys need to navigate the higher education space.

Family estrangement is a pervasive issue that affects many — if not all — families at some point. In the context of family businesses, the stakes are high. Professor Daniel Van Der Vliet, executive director of the Smith Family Business Initiative at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, shares strategies for repairing rifts and finding peace when reconciliation is not possible.

Talented people who fail to get promoted are often not failing because they are ineffective at their jobs. In many cases, they are outstanding performers. Cornell lecturer Dirk Swart shares how you can elevate your managerial and business acumen to transition into management.

Immigration will be a key issue in 2025. Cornell Law School professor Stephen Yale-Loehr and a panel of the school’s immigration law and policy research experts share what immigration laws and policies might change post-election and next year.

Corporate policies serve as a tangible manifestation of a business's core values and ethical standards. Rich John, adjunct professor at Cornell Law School, explains how a company’s rules and policies directly connect to what they value.

People with criminal records are often denied employment because of discrimination and face added disadvantages related to employment history, education and more. Christine Lovely, vice president and chief human resources officer at Cornell, Matt Saleh, Jodi Anderson Jr. and host Timothy McNutt from ILR School’s Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative, explore inclusive hiring, employment barriers and strategies to help employers view applicants beyond the lenses of risk and liability.

Depression is one of the most urgent mental health challenges facing modern society. Jonathan Rottenberg, a professor in the Department of Psychology at Cornell University, discusses his research on mood disorders and his video series on life after depression.

In this fourth episode of our “Generative AI” series, Cornell Tech professor Karan Girotra pairs up with professor Frank Pasquale from Cornell Law to discuss the laws and ethics of generative AI.

Post-pandemic real estate markets present many interesting opportunities, despite their ongoing challenges. Join Jan deRoos, Jeanne Varney and Daniel Lebret from the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration as they explore the forces driving trends in the industry.

Climate and environmental changes profoundly influence the movement of people, birds and other species around the globe. Cornell Law School's Marielena Hincapié and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Amanda Rodewald discuss the reasons behind these migrations, the challenges they pose and potential solutions for a more sustainable future.

Executive coach and Cornell Tech lecturer Keith Cowing discusses the decreasing value of tasks and the increasing value of judgment and leadership in an AI-driven future.

This week, we are pleased to revisit one of our earliest and most popular episodes from the series. Whether you're tuning in for the first time or revisiting this conversation, take this opportunity to refresh your public speaking skills, with essential insights and strategies to sharpen your communication. What’s scarier than being in the spotlight? Acclaimed actor, physician and professor at the Cornell College of Arts & Sciences David Feldshuh joins host Nick Phillips to share methods for speaking with confidence and moving past fear into connection.

In this third episode of our “Generative AI” series, Cornell Tech and SC Johnson College of Business professor Karan Girotra joins us once again to assess the current capabilities and business uses of generative AI tech and examine what's coming next — as well as what's not.

The shift toward hybrid work exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a staple in all types of organizations. Professor Brad Bell, director of the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies at Cornell’s ILR School, shares strategies for managing hybrid teams.

Finding the right talent for the job has always been a high priority for any business — perhaps now more than ever. A growing number of companies are designing and implementing affirmative hiring programs to recruit individuals who are neurodivergent, including those with autism. Susanne Bruyère, a professor of Disability Studies and academic director of the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability at the Cornell ILR School, shares the opportunities and challenges of these initiatives.

In this second episode of our “Generative AI” series, Cornell Tech and SC Johnson College of Business professor Karan Girotra joins us once again to assess the current capabilities and business uses of generative AI tech and to examine what's coming next — as well as what's not.

The entrepreneurial mindset is for everyone, from aspiring inventors to corporate managers. Richard Cahoon, a professor at the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, explains how we can combine the creative and analytical parts of our minds—the right brain and left brain—to give our ideas life and longevity.

How can your organization leverage generative AI today to reach key goals? Clarence Lee, co-founder of Eisengard AI and a former professor at Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business, joins host Chris Wofford to examine opportunities for the cutting-edge technology in sales and marketing.

Good news: The honey bees are all right. However, bee populations across species are declining in the U.S. and beyond. Marina Caillaud, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, discusses the stressors on bee colonies — and how humans can reduce them — with Marc Faris, an instructional designer for eCornell’s Bees and Us course.

Each day brings a new headline on artificial intelligence. Which stories should capture our attention and which are just clickbait? Karan Girotra, a professor at Cornell Tech and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, joins host Chris Wofford to answer that question and help us navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI.

When the Federal Trade Commission’s recent ruling takes effect in September, noncompete agreements will be over. Or will they? Cornell Law School professor Stewart J. Schwab and host Chris Wofford discuss the history of noncompetes and why the FTC might not have the final say.

The U.S. and Central America are deeply entwined — the result not just of American foreign policy but also of its domestic policy. Marielena Hincapié, Distinguished Immigration Fellow and Visiting Scholar at Cornell Law School, and Jonathan Blitzer, staff writer at The New Yorker, discuss immigration and the moral imperatives of storytelling.

Will auto industry unionization in Tennessee and Alabama galvanize a new labor movement in the South? Andrew Wolf, a professor of global labor and work at Cornell’s ILR School, joins host Chris Wofford to explore the opportunities and challenges ahead for both manufacturing companies and labor organizers.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) discussions are dividing the nation. Guest host David Sherwyn, a professor of law at the Cornell Nolan School, examines the legal and employer policy implications with Holly Lawson, SVP of human resources for Noble House, and Paul Wagner, an attorney and adjunct assistant professor from the Nolan School.

Celebrating the publication of her new book “Alien Earths,” Lisa Kaltenegger, associate professor in astronomy and director of the Carl Sagan Institute at Cornell University, joins host Chris Wofford to spotlight groundbreaking research into exoplanets and the search for life in the cosmos.

Progress toward gender equity in most industries — especially in leadership — continues to be disappointingly slow. Brian Lucas, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Cornell’s ILR School, joins host Chris Wofford to discuss a tactic for overcoming the bias of the shortlist.

Negotiation is a dance between differing interests. Treating your counterpart as a partner – rather than a rival – can help you both reach your desired results. Lecturer Tarcisio Alvarez-Rivero from Cornell’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy joins host Chris Wofford to discuss skills for more successful negotiations.

Ken Rother, director and hardware programs lead for Rev: Ithaca Startup Works – based at the Center for Regional Economic Advancement at Cornell – joins host Chris Wofford to share tips for planning, prototyping, manufacturing and funding physical products.

It’s an uncertain time in the product and tech landscape—and the corporate world at large. Industry leaders Mamuna Oladipo, vice president of product at Shopify, and Lola Oyelayo-Pearson, director of commerce and consumer product at Mysten Labs, share insights to help you navigate career challenges in this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast, guest hosted by Keith Cowing, visiting lecturer at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and Cornell Tech.

Are you underestimating the importance of a well-executed interview process? JR Keller, associate professor of human resource studies at the Cornell ILR School, returns to the Cornell Keynotes podcast to deliver five essential tips for crafting better interviews that lead to more effective hiring.

Conflict is inevitable, but the negative effects of it are not. Director of Conflict Programs Katrina Nobles and Mediation and Training Extension Associate Liz Davis-Frost from the Cornell ILR School’s Scheinman Institute on Conflict Resolution join host Nicholas Phillips to discuss conflict and deep listening techniques that can help you manage it.

The best time to manage a conflict is before it happens. Andrew Quagliata, senior lecturer of management communication at the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, and host Chris Wofford explore the importance of clear expectations and strong relationships in effective leadership—at work and at home.

Americans possess five times more clothing today than they did 40 years ago. Most of these garments arrive in landfills after a few wears. Juan Hinestroza, the Rebecca Q. Morgan ’60 Professor of Fiber Science & Apparel Design at the Cornell University College of Human Ecology, joins host Nicholas Phillips to discuss the environmental effects and how polyester upcycling can minimize the impact.

Discover the cinematic legacy of Black artists with Samantha Sheppard, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Performing and Media Arts in the Cornell University College of Arts & Sciences, and host Nicholas Phillips.

International wine expert Cheryl Stanley, senior lecturer in the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, returns to the Cornell Keynotes podcast to discuss wine appellations, designations and geographical indications with host Chris Wofford.

Many Americans favor the flexibility of working from home. Many companies consider it a perk. What’s the best path forward for employees and employers? Nick Fabrizio, distinguished senior lecturer at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, discusses the future of work with host Chris Wofford.

Erin Sember-Chase, diversity, equity and inclusion learning consultant in Cornell’s Department of Inclusion and Belonging, and Allison Weiner Heinemann, senior lecturer and director of writing at the Cornell ILR School, discuss disabilities and ableism with host Chris Wofford.

Some of the most significant sources of air pollution might be right inside your home. Robert Howarth, David R. Atkinson Professor of Ecology and Environmental Biology at Cornell, and host Chris Wofford explore the shift from fossil fuels—like the natural gas that powers kitchen stoves—to cost-effective, climate-conscious energy solutions. This podcast is created by eCornell and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Not every business idea is a winner. (Ever heard of the Keurig Kold?) Tom Schryver, executive director for the Center for Regional Economic Advancement at Cornell, joins host Chris Wofford to discuss common pitfalls for new ventures and ways to increase your chances for success.

In times of unprecedented transformation, how can businesses thrive? For Dan Van Tran, chief technology officer at Collectors, it’s all about strengthening your people, processes and tools. Tran joins Keith Cowing, visiting lecturer at Cornell Tech, to discuss his roadmap for navigating change in product and tech.

Cornell Sage School of Philosophy Associate Professor Kate Manne shares her examination of fatphobia as a form of structural oppression with guest host Amanda Recupero.

Can the human touch and the latest tech coexist in hospitality? Professor David Sherwyn from the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration and Alexander Mirza, founder and CEO of Mogul Hotels, discuss AI’s role in solving the talent disruption problem for hotels.

Is targeted reform the key to fixing the U.S. immigration system? Cornell Law School Professor of Immigration Law Practice Stephen Yale-Loehr and Distinguished Immigration Scholars Randel Johnson and Theresa Cardinal Brown join host Chris Wofford to discuss border management and asylum policy, worker programs and DREAMer protections.

How is AI reshaping the stories we tell? Christopher Byrne, senior lecturer at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and author of Cornell’s Brand Storytelling certificate, joins host Nick Phillips to discuss how the technology can help you craft compelling narratives.

In a special holiday edition of the Keynotes podcast, Cornell’s leading libation authorities and senior lecturers from the Nolan School of Hotel Administration, Cheryl Stanley and Doug Miller, join host Chris Wofford to guide you through selecting spirits, ales and mocktails to delight guests in this season of celebration.

Timothy McNutt, director of the Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative at the Cornell ILR School, joins host Chris Wofford in studio to help us understand how we can address and correct barriers in employment for formerly incarcerated people.

Jenn Smith, who leads the Food and Agricultural Startup Programs at Cornell’s Center for Regional Economic Advancement, joins host Chris Wofford in the Keynotes studio to discuss current trends in agritourism and tips for getting started in this industry.

Cheryl Strauss Einhorn ’91, adjunct professor in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, joins the Cornell Keynotes podcast to explain how understanding problem-solving styles can transform teams.

International wine expert and Senior Lecturer Cheryl Stanley from the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration returns to the Cornell Keynotes podcast to explore less-popular but lovely wines, from Bobal to Assyrtiko.

What’s the best way to find the right fit for an open role? JR Keller, assistant professor at the Cornell ILR School, and Angela Cheng-Cimini ’92, chief human resources officer for Harvard Business Publishing, explain the advantages and pitfalls of the internal hiring process.

What’s scarier than being in the spotlight? Acclaimed actor, physician and professor at the Cornell College of Arts & Sciences David Feldshuh joins host Nick Phillips to share methods for speaking with confidence and moving past fear into connection.

Global crises are driving a surge in migration to the United States. Stephen W. Yale-Loehr, professor in the Cornell Law School, joins host Chris Wofford to discuss the nuances of our nation’s approach to immigration.

Is the commercial real estate market as volatile as it seems? Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration professor Jan deRoos shares trends in the industry in this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast.

Looking for a funkier flavor in your next wine selection? In this debut episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast, global wine expert and Senior Lecturer Cheryl Stanley from the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration joins host Chris Wofford to discuss – and taste – natural wines you’ll have to try.