Cornell Keynotes

Watch the video recording of this Keynote here on YouTube.Check out JR Keller's Onboarding and Employee Success Cornell CourseOnboarding has a significant impact on the employee experience, with research showing it can boost new hire productivity by over 60% and decrease turnover likelihood by nearly 50%.In this Cornell Keynote, JR Keller, Associate Professor of Human Resource Studies at Cornell ILR School, and Beth Flynn-Ferry, Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies, share insights into how effective onboarding enhances job satisfaction, confidence, organizational commitment, and employee well-being.Drawing on decades of academic research and real-world expertise, they will present four actionable tips to improve onboarding programs, equipping leaders to drive engagement, retention, and overall team success.What You'll LearnThe importance of preboarding and how to do it wellThe pivotal role the hiring manager — not HR — plays in onboardingThe importance of assigning an onboarding buddyHow to measure successEffective Interviewing Cornell Course https://tinyurl.com/2brlxtfxThe Center for Advanced HR Studies (CAHRS) https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/cahrs  Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

Watch the video recording of this Keynote here on YouTube.In the space of a single generation (1950 to 1980), the journalist and author William F. Buckley led a small band of little-known conservatives to the peaks of political power and cultural influence.Ten years before his death, Buckley chose journalist and historian Sam Tanenhaus to tell the full story of his life, granting him extensive uncensored interviews and exclusive access to his most private papers. The result, “Buckley: The Life and the Revolution,” published in June 2025, has received a great deal of attention and prompted wide and intense debate.In a live on-stage conversation at Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences, Peter Loewen, the Harold Tanner Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Tanenhaus discuss Buckley and the true meaning of his life and legacy in the Age of Donald Trump. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

Watch the video recording of this Keynote here on YouTube.Check out Beta Mannix's Leading Remote Teams certificate program from eCornell.America and the rest of the world are facing unprecedented challenges: deepening political division, vast economic pressures, and staggering technological change as AI and automation reshape industries at a dizzying pace. These forces are straining our institutions, workplaces, and communities.Yet resilience emerges as the key to navigating these turbulent times. More than mere adaptation, resilience means developing the mindset and skills to thrive amid uncertainty. As the World Economic Forum notes, while technical skills like AI proficiency are essential, the most vital capabilities are resilience, agility, and creative thinking.In this Keynote, Professor Elizabeth "Beta" Mannix from the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management will discuss the ways in which meaningful achievements — whether in business, family, or personal growth — inherently involve challenge. You’ll discover how resilient individuals embrace this reality, making courageous choices and learning from adversity. By prioritizing meaning over comfort, leaders can help teams stay engaged and motivated despite uncertainty. We can't eliminate stress, but we can transform our relationship with it.What You’ll Learn:How the transformative power of resilience differs from simply coping and unlocks your ability to thrive rather than just survive in today's volatile environmentPractical strategies for building both personal and team resilience, including specific techniques for reframing challenges into opportunities for growthHow to master the leadership approaches that create a resilient organizational culture, including sustainable practices for managing stress and fostering innovation during periods of change  Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

Artificial intelligence is transforming every sector of the global economy, from healthcare and manufacturing to financial services and telecommunications. We have passed the initial hype stage — AI exists in many organizations as an established business competency and is now being deployed in detail to solve specific business problems.So what current issues should companies be focusing on? What challenges are organizations facing as AI moves past the innovation phase of the technology life cycle and into mainstream adoption?In this Keynote, Professor Dirk Swart of Cornell Engineering is joined by Luke Corbin and Jonathan Huer from AT&T Business to explore these developments. They examine how emerging AI solutions are being deployed across industries and what lessons can be learned from AT&T's experience as an early adopter of AI technologies.This discussion covers practical aspects, such as building AI capabilities, managing data governance, scaling solutions enterprise-wide, and developing AI-ready talent and culture. You’ll gain insight into how AT&T's current AI initiatives compare with industry standards and consider common challenges faced during implementation as well as future possibilities in AI-driven business transformation.Professor Swart’s Technical Product Management Certificate - https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/technology/technical-product-management/AI for Digital Transformation Certificate - https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/technology/ai-for-digital-transformation/Generative AI for Productivity Certificate - https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/technology/generative-ai-for-productivity/ Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

The ability to gain major media attention can significantly impact the success of an initiative, yet some organizations consistently achieve better coverage than others. Understanding how journalists and producers at leading U.S. news networks select stories for broadcast is crucial for anyone seeking media coverage. Often, small adjustments in the approach can determine whether a media pitch hits the target or misses the mark.In this special conversation with two senior media and policy insiders who operated at the highest levels of U.S. politics, you'll discover the mindset and specific mechanisms for significantly increasing your chances of gaining major media coverage of your initiatives and priorities.MaryAlice Parks, former ABC News White House Correspondent, and Mark Bayer, former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff and faculty author of eCornell's “Media Strategy for Policy and PR” certificate program, will share proven insider approaches for earning major media coverage.What You'll Learn:What network news producers look for when deciding which stories to coverHow to package your pitch for network news coverage so it stands out from the crowdCommon mistakes to avoid if you want to earn national media coverage of your issue or priorityInsight into pitches that succeeded in earning network TV coverage----Turn powerful communication into decisive leadership. The 18-month, mostly online Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) equips working professionals to lead across sectors with clarity and confidence. Get EMPA details here https://publicpolicy.cornell.edu/masters/mpa/empa/📍Communication is step one. Our 2-year residential MPA builds on it with data fluency, interdisciplinary tools, and real-world experience to launch your path to public service leadership. Request MPA info here https://hubs.li/Q03z2XdG0Mark Bayer’s Media Strategy for Policy and PR Cornell Certificate Program: https://tinyurl.com/27t49ejlMark’s free newsletter “One for the Week” https://OneForTheWeek.com    Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

The coming years are likely to see substantial changes in the nature of work and in how people find jobs. Over the last two decades, much of the job search and recruitment activity has moved online.In this Keynote, Professors Michèle Belot and Jason Sockin will discuss ongoing research on how digital technologies can be used to improve the process of matching jobs to people. Professor Belot, who leads the Cornell Job Search Lab, develops and evaluates digital tools aimed at forming better matches and navigating structural changes, while Professor Sockin brings expertise in labor economics and the shifting dynamics of work.This session will explore how technology can drive better job matches and address the challenges of a transforming labor market.What You'll Learn:The digital tools currently developed to match workers to jobsA look at the potential challenges with using AI in recommendation systemsHow you can participate in ongoing research to evaluate novel digital toolsThe Cornell ILR Job Search Lab  Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

AI is transforming industries worldwide, with banking at the forefront of this revolution. The fintech sector offers unprecedented opportunities to modernize financial services and make them more accessible to everyone.Join us for an insightful discussion with two industry leaders: Lutz Finger from Cornell University and Colin Walsh, Founder and Board Director of Varo Bank — the first fintech company to receive a U.S. national banking license.Our panel will explore how AI is revolutionizing banking, ways to expand financial access through technology, opportunities for disruption in fintech, and why successful implementation matters more than the technology itself.Don't miss this opportunity to learn how AI is shaping the future of financial services. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

Cornell Keynotes brings together Keith Cowing, executive coach and lecturer in Cornell’s MBA program, and Dan Van Tran, CTO of Collectors Holdings, to consider questions with huge consequences: What is AI doing to teams, talent, and labor? How can you leverage AI today to improve your product, your company, yourself, and your team? What happens if you don’t and your competitors do?In a fast-moving conversation, Keith and Dan share how today’s sharpest leaders are adopting AI-native workflows, collapsing the talent stack, stripping out middle management, and rewarding leaders and team members with multiple specialties.You’ll come away with a concrete playbook to sharpen uniquely human skills, pair them with AI superpowers, and deliver the kind of exponential impact today’s market demands.What You'll LearnHow AI is reshaping organizations, particularly in reducing middle management layers and favoring multi-skilled professionals who can work with AI toolsThe strategic importance of adopting AI-native workflows and the potential competitive disadvantages of delayed AI implementationHow to combine uniquely human capabilities with AI capabilities to dramatically increase productivity and create exceptional value Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

Unlock the transformative potential of emotional intelligence (EI) and its role in shaping personal and professional success. How does developing EI help us build stronger relationships, improve decision making, and become more effective leaders in today’s interconnected world?Join Nicola Fabrizio from Cornell’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy as he explores the five fundamental components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation. This session will highlight how mastering these interconnected skills can empower individuals to understand and manage emotions effectively, fostering resilience and collaboration in both personal and professional spheres.Discover how practices like mindfulness, active listening, and seeking feedback can serve as powerful tools to enhance emotional intelligence and create lasting impacts in your relationships, career, and community. This engaging discussion will equip you with actionable insights to navigate challenges, build meaningful connections, and succeed in your journey while positively influencing those around you.What You’ll Learn:How the five components of emotional intelligence can positively influence or  transform your approach to leadershipPractical techniques to stay composed and remain effective during tough challengesHow to better understand interpersonal dynamics and build stronger professional relationships within your team and throughout your organizationStrategies to get better at communication and become more influential in your position   Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

As the Trump administration rewrites U.S. trade policy and 2025 European Union rules banning goods made with forced labor go into effect, many questions about trade’s global impact have arisen.Some of what we buy worldwide is produced by an estimated 28 workers in forced-labor situations. New government leaders in Washington and Brussels will influence how forced labor is uncovered as well as how regulations to control it are developed, enforced, or even reversed.Join Jason Judd of the Global Labor Institute (GLI) at Cornell’s ILR School and two global labor governance experts, Samira Rafaela and Kelly Fay Rodríguez, as they discuss different approaches being taken by the U.S. and European countries and how those differences could unfold for individuals, companies, and consumers. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

The European Commission launched its AI Continent Action Plan, signaling a commitment to a more proactive role in the global AI ecosystem.Join Cornell’s Lutz Finger and Lucilla Sioli, Director of the European Commission’s AI Office, as they explore the EU’s bold and optimistic vision of becoming the “AI Continent.”From cutting-edge AI factories and gigafactories to trusted data spaces and talent development, this Keynote highlights how Europe is building a uniquely powerful AI ecosystem rooted in collaboration, excellence, and democratic values. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

Join Devon Proudfoot from Cornell’s ILR School as we discuss her groundbreaking research on this "diversity heuristic" — a lay belief that demographic diversity enhances creativity — and its profound implications for organizations, team dynamics, and the evaluation of creative work.Drawing on findings from studies involving over 5,500 participants, the discussion will cover key insights, including:Observers consistently perceive demographically diverse teams (in terms of race and gender) as more creative than homogeneous ones.Products attributed to diverse teams are judged as more creative, even if they may be identical to those of homogeneous teams.Manipulating perceptions of cognitive diversity can shift judgments of team creativity.There is evidence of a relationship between the proportion of racial minorities or women in a group and judgments of creativity.This webinar is ideal for organizational leaders, HR professionals, diversity and inclusion advocates, creativity researchers, and anyone interested in understanding how beliefs about diversity shape workplace outcomes.What You'll Learn:The ways in which psychological mechanisms can drive the association between diversity and creativityHow the diversity heuristic influences real-world judgments, including in competitive organizational settingsActionable strategies to align team composition with creativity assessments in professional contexts Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

The success of high-performing teams hinges on trust and transparency, yet many organizations struggle to foster open, honest communication. How can teams overcome these barriers and create a culture where the truth thrives?Join Robert Newman, Senior Lecturer and Executive Director of the Master in Engineering Management Program, as he explores actionable strategies for integrating truth telling into your team’s culture. This session will cover key insights on building psychological safety, overcoming barriers to honesty, and using proven frameworks like radical candor and nonviolent communication to foster collaboration and accountability. Discover how embracing the truth can drive innovation, strengthen relationships, and create resilient, high-functioning teams.Why telling the truth matters: How honesty builds trust, boosts collaboration, and enhances team performanceCommon barriers to truth telling: Understanding fears, biases, and organizational obstacles that can hinder open communicationPsychological safety and engagement: How creating a safe space for honesty improves team dynamics and aligns with Gallup’s G12 performance factorsProven truth-telling techniques: Practical frameworks like radical candor, nonviolent communication, and the truth-telling spectrumHow to deliver truth without harm: Strategies for balancing honesty with empathy to strengthen relationships and avoid conflictThe link between honesty and accountability: How transparency drives measurable success, improves engagement, and leads to higher team and company performance Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

eCornell has joined forces with our longstanding enterprise partners at AT&T to explore together what truly drives team performance. We’re joined by AT&T’s Katie Keser, Assistant Vice President, Technology, with Unified Front Door who, among other things, will bring insights on leadership and emotional intelligence from her perspective at AT&T. And on the Cornell side, we’ve got Professor of Management Robert Bloomfield from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, who, as a longtime friend and Keynote guest, has always offered unique perspectives on organizational systems and accountability.We’re going to examine both the human and structural elements that make teams successful, and our guests will likely challenge some common assumptions you may have about how teams actually work. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

The Loire Valley's signature grapes define its wines: melon de Bourgogne (famous for Muscadet), Chenin Blanc (starring in Vouvray), Sauvignon Blanc (the magic in Sancerre), and Cabernet Franc (notable in Chinon). These varieties thrive in the region's diverse terroir of limestone, schist, and flinty clay soils — there’s so much to explore!This Keynote will guide you in new directions in your own wine journey and help provide a framework for future wine exploration. For those new to Loire Valley wines, this virtual tasting may be a revelation and a game changer in the way you think about wine. For those familiar with the magic of Loire wines, you already know why we’re having this conversation. It’s essential wine education for both the newbie and the connoisseur. Santé!Wine list:Crémant de LoireMuscadetSancerreMenetou-SalonVouvrayRosé d’AnjouChinon Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

While we have access to countless communication tools and AI technologies, the core elements of powerful communication in today's digital age remain unchanged: authentic connection, emotional intelligence and understanding your audience. Maria Wolfe, a senior lecturer in the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, shares the foundational skills needed to command attention and inspire action.What You'll Learn Navigate communication challenges and manage potential risksConnect to your audience in an authentic wayCommunicate to empower people and inspire actionThe Cornell Keynotes podcast is brought to you by eCornell, which offers more than 200 online certificate programs to help professionals advance their careers and organizations. Learn more from Maria Wolfe in these online certificate programs: Business Communication Communications 360Persuasive Communication Did you enjoy this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast? Watch the Keynote. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

Organizations are now leveraging advanced analytical platforms to not only drive real-time talent management but also help guide leadership decisions that drive business success. Merck’s Beth Perrone, SVP of Talent, and Jeremy Shapiro, AVP of Workforce Analytics, join Lisa Csencsits from Cornell’s ILR School to discuss practical applications of cutting-edge analytical tools that are reshaping talent management and leadership decision making this year.What You'll LearnHow leading-edge analytical tools are changing the HR landscapeWays to integrate analytics into leadership conversations, engaging senior leadership and boards of directorsHow and where to place guardrails when leveraging analyticsStrategies for building on insights and using them to inform decisions at your organizationThe Cornell Keynotes podcast is brought to you by eCornell, which offers more than 250 online certificate programs to help professionals advance their careers and organizations. Learn more in our HR certificate programs.Did you enjoy this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast? Watch the full Keynote. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

Lutz Finger, a visiting senior lecturer at the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, and former U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra explore AI’s transformative potential, the competitive landscape and policy imperatives for maintaining U.S. leadership.The two address ways to balance opportunity with risk across three key lenses—citizens, enterprises and government—and discuss how AI is reshaping the workforce, daily life and privacy. The conversation also covers digital literacy, operational transformation, regulatory challenges, national security and public sector innovation.What You'll LearnHow AI is shaping the U.S. market and global competitivenessThe role of AI in economic growth, security and societal impactThe three lenses of AI impact: citizens, enterprises and governmentThe Cornell Keynotes podcast is brought to you by eCornell, which offers more than 250 online certificate programs to help professionals advance their careers and organizations.Learn more in our AI certificate programs, including Designing and Building AI Solutions, authored by Lutz Finger.Did you enjoy this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast? Watch the full Keynote. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

This informative session will examine the space industry, highlighting key trends, emerging technologies and opportunities within the sector. Experts from the New York Consortium for Space Technology (NYCST), a groundbreaking center funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and led by Cornell University, will discuss the latest developments in space technology and share how you can get involved with NYCST.PanelMason Peck, Stephen J. Fujikawa Professor of Astronautics, Cornell Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell UniversityGregory Ray, Vice President, Emerging Science and Technology, Voyager SpaceJohn Neal, Executive Director, Space Policy, U.S. Chamber of CommerceWhat You'll LearnThe evolution of humanity in spaceA look at today’s space technology industryCurrent and emerging trends in space technologyThe private sector’s role in space technology and opportunities for industryThe Cornell Keynotes podcast is brought to you by eCornell, which offers more than 200 online certificate programs to help professionals advance their careers and organizations. Learn more in our technology and engineering programs, including the Spaceflight Mechanics certificate.Did you enjoy this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast? Watch the full Keynote. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X. 

We rarely want to spend time and mental energy revisiting the past — particularly if it involves reflecting on uncomfortable missteps. We often want to move quickly, telling ourselves that speed equals efficiency. True efficiency, however, sometimes requires slowing down, being mindful and especially looking back at the decisions we’ve made that didn’t go as we’d hoped.Join Cheryl Einhorn, an adjunct professor at Cornell Tech, for a discussion of using your past decisions as a dataset you can mine for insights to make better future decisions.What You'll LearnHow to use past decisions as a dataset that you can mine for insightsHow to turn insight into actionStrategies to shift your behavior going forwardThe Cornell Keynotes podcast is brought to you by eCornell, which offers more than 200 online certificate programs to help professionals advance their careers and organizations. Learn more in our Complex Decision-Making certificate program, authored by Cheryl Strauss Einhorn.Did you enjoy this episode of the Cornell Keynotes podcast? Watch the full Keynote. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.