Speaker List

Jim Collins

Author & Management Educator

What to Make of a Life

Jim Collins is a student and teacher of exceptional human endeavor and a Socratic advisor to leaders across all sectors of society. Having invested more than three decades in rigorous research, he has authored or coauthored a series of books that have sold in total more than 11 million copies worldwide, including the #1 bestseller Good to Great, the enduring classic Built to Last, and other highly-influential writings such as Great by Choice, How the Mighty Fall, Beyond Entrepreneurship, Good to Great and the Social Sectors, and Turning the Flywheel.

In recent years, Jim has broadened the scope of his work, extending out from the question of what makes great companies tick to the study of remarkable people and their lives. His newest book (available April 2026) tackles the big question implicit in its title: What to Make of a Life. Grounded in a ten-year research project, it offers transformative lessons on constructing—and reconstructing—a life through the cliff moments and transitions we all will face repeatedly in our lives.

Through his research, Jim seeks to uncover timeless principles on which people can reliably depend. Concepts that emerged from Jim’s earlier work have become part of the leadership lexicon, such as: Level 5 leadership, First Who (the right people on the bus), the Hedgehog Concept, the Flywheel, 20 Mile March, Preserve the Core/Stimulate Progress, and BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals). His writings and teachings have had a lasting impact and proved integral to the building of many great organizations.

Driven by a relentless curiosity, Jim began his research and teaching career on the faculty at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he received the Distinguished Teaching Award in 1992. In 1995, he founded a management laboratory in Boulder, Colorado, where he conducts research and engages with CEOs and senior-leadership teams.

Jim has a passion for learning and teaching in the social sectors, including education, healthcare, government, faith-based organizations, social ventures, and cause-driven nonprofits. In 2012 and 2013, he had the honor to serve a two-year appointment as the Class of 1951 Chair for the Study of Leadership at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematical sciences and an MBA from Stanford University, and honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Colorado and the Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University. In 2017, Forbes selected Jim as one of the 100 Greatest Living Business Minds.
David Wasserman

Senior Editor & Election Analyst, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter

Road Map to the 2026 & 2028 Elections

David Wasserman is the Senior Editor & Election Analyst for the nonpartisan newsletter, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, and a contributor to NBC News. Founded in 1984, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter provides analyses of U.S. presidential, Senate, House, and gubernatorial races. The New York Times called The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter “a newsletter that both parties regard as authoritative.”

In an era of polling uncertainty, Wasserman is the rare analyst who has accurately forecast the last three presidential elections. In 2016, Wasserman drew wide praise for his accurate pre-election analysis, including his uncanny September piece entitled, “How Trump Could Win the White House While Losing the Popular Vote.” In 2020, Wasserman's forecast of Biden's win was correct in 49 of 50 states, missing only North Carolina. And in 2024, Wasserman correctly assessed that erosion in Democratic support among young and nonwhite voters made Trump the slight favorite to retake the White House.

Wasserman has served as an analyst for the NBC News Election Night Decision Desk since 2008 and has also appeared on Fox News, CNN, and NPR. His commentary has been cited in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal, the Economist, POLITICO, and the Washington Post . In 2018, his groundbreaking interactive collaboration with FiveThirtyEight, the "Atlas of Redistricting," took top prize for News Data App of the Year.

An enthusiast for data and maps, Wasserman serves as a contributing writer to the Almanac of American Politics. A frequent speaker and guest lecturer, he has shared insights into the latest political trends with audiences at Harvard's Institute of Politics, the Dole Institute of Politics, and the University of Chicago Institute of Politics – where he was named a resident Pritzker Fellow in 2019. In 2024, David was named an Andrew Carnegie Fellow by the Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Prior to joining The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter in 2007, Wasserman served for three years as House editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, a widely respected political analysis newsletter and website founded by renowned University of Virginia professor Larry Sabato. A native of New Jersey, Wasserman is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where he was awarded the 2006 Emmerich-Wright Outstanding Thesis prize.
Mary Dillon

Former CEO, Foot Locker & Ulta Beauty

Mary N. Dillon has been an influential figure in the world of business, with a career spanning decades at some of the most recognized companies in the United States. She served as the President and CEO of Foot Locker from 2022 until 2025, and was the President and CEO of Ulta from 2013 until 2021, when she transitioned into the role of Chair.

During her tenure at Ulta, Dillon announced plans for the company to expand its business internationally, beginning with store openings in Canada. Prior to Ulta, Dillon held the position of Chief Executive Officer and President of United States Cellular Corporation from 2010 to 2013.

Her expansive career also includes a role as Global Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of McDonald's Corp. from 2005 to 2010, overseeing the company's worldwide marketing efforts and global brand strategy across 118 countries.

Dillon’s leadership style is renowned within the retail industry because of her ability to create work cultures where leaders’ and front-line associates’ ideas are valued, solicited and respected, resulting in optimal enterprise solutions. Dillon serves on the Board of Directors at KKR & Co. Inc., a global investment company, and previously served on the Board of Directors at Starbucks Corporation. A native of Chicago, Dillon is actively involved in community engagement and philanthropy, previously serving as Chair of the Economic Club of Chicago.
Robin Roberts

Co-Anchor, “Good Morning America” & President, Rock'n Robin Productions

Robin Roberts is co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Under her leadership, the broadcast has won numerous Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program, and the 2017 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team.

In 2014, Roberts launched Rock'n Robin Productions, an independent production company creating original broadcast and digital programming. Current series include the award-winning “Thriver Thursday” digital series, the “Robin Roberts Presents” banner of scripted and documentary projects for the Lifetime Television Network, and “Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts” for Disney+.

Roberts began contributing to “Good Morning America”in 1995 and was named co-anchor in May 2005. Prior to that, Roberts was a host of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and contributed to “NFL PrimeTime.”

Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007, and five years later, she was diagnosed with MDS. Roberts underwent a bone marrow transplant, her sister Sally-Ann was a perfect match. Her story triggered an outpouring of support from across the nation. She joined forces with Be the Match to inform the public about the need for more donors, and since her diagnosis, the bone marrow registry has seen a tremendous increase.

Her battle has been recognized with awards and honors from organizations around the country, including The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program. Roberts was also honored with a George Foster Peabody Award and Gracie Award. Additionally, Roberts was recognized with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s in July 2013 for the strength and courage she has displayed throughout her life and career.

Roberts is a member of the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees.

Roberts graduated cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. She was a standout performer on the women’s basketball team, ending her career as one of the school’s all-time leading scorers and rebounder. In 2012, Roberts was named an inductee to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Roberts is the author of From the Heart: 7 Rules to Live By and Everybody’s Got Something. Her third book Brighter By The Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams debuted in 2022.

Roberts is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and currently resides in New York City.
Susie Desai

Senior Director, S&P Global Ratings

Therese L. Wareham Ratings Agency Panel

In this always-popular session, the heads of not-for-profit hospital ratings at Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global Ratings will discuss their agencies’ outlooks for the sector and trends affecting hospitals and health systems, including financial performance, growth opportunities, cybersecurity risks, capital spending and legislative and regulatory change.
Kevin Holloran

Senior Director, Fitch Ratings

Therese L. Wareham Ratings Agency Panel

In this always-popular session, the heads of not-for-profit hospital ratings at Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global Ratings will discuss their agencies’ outlooks for the sector and trends affecting hospitals and health systems, including financial performance, growth opportunities, cybersecurity risks, capital spending and legislative and regulatory change.
Daniel Steingart

Associate Managing Director, Moody’s Ratings

Therese L. Wareham Ratings Agency Panel

In this always-popular session, the heads of not-for-profit hospital ratings at Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Ratings and S&P Global Ratings will discuss their agencies’ outlooks for the sector and trends affecting hospitals and health systems, including financial performance, growth opportunities, cybersecurity risks, capital spending and legislative and regulatory change.

Jim Collins

David Wasserman

Mary Dillon

Robin Roberts

Susie Desai

Kevin Holloran

Daniel Steingart