Darden Speakers and Events: Recent Episodes
UVA Darden School of Business
Africa’s rapidly growing fintech ecosystem is capturing global attention - including from investors, entrepreneurs, and businesses in the United States. In this episode of the Darden Emerging Markets Podcast, we explore how financial technology is reshaping access, driving entrepreneurship, and unlocking new markets across the continent.
Our guest is Daniel Awe, Head of Africa Fintech Foundry, an innovation hub that supports the growth and scaling of fintech startups across Africa. Bold innovation is connecting millions and redefining how people access finance. Daniel - who has spent over two decades leading digital transformation in banking and tech - shares his perspective on what’s driving this growth, what challenges remain, and where the next billion-dollar opportunities lie.
This episode is hosted by second-year MBA students Toshe Ayo-Ariyo, Giri Heda, and Siddarth Jain, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Gaurav Chiplunkar, and was recorded along the sidelines of the Darden Africa Business Organization (DABO) Conference 2025.
Latin America is undergoing a strategic shift - driven by nearshoring, climate innovation, and a wave of tech-driven growth. In this episode of the Darden Emerging Markets Podcast, we explore how the region is responding to global challenges across trade, investment, and innovation. From shifting supply chains to digital ecosystems, the conversation highlights how nearshoring is reshaping U.S.–LatAm trade flows, how innovation is scaling across diverse markets, and how deeper hemispheric collaboration is redefining the region’s global role.
Our guest is César Buenadicha, Chief Discovery Officer at IDB Lab, the innovation arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)—an international development finance institution that provides long-term financing and technical expertise to countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. With over two decades of experience and a unique perspective grounded in field engagement, César brings fresh insight into the forces shaping Latin America’s economic trajectory.
Hosted by second-year MBA students Giordano Di Giorgio, Giriraj Heda, and Siddarth Jain, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Gaurav Chiplunkar.
This episode was created in collaboration with the Latin American Student Association (LASA).
In this inaugural episode of the Darden Emerging Markets Podcast, we sit down with Ambassador Atul Keshap, President of the U.S.-India Business Council and former U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Chargé d'affaires to India. A career diplomat and proud UVA alum, Ambassador Keshap shares a compelling view of the U.S.-India relationship - what he calls “unlimited” in potential.
Co-hosted by second-year MBA students Siddarth Jain and Giriraj Heda, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Gaurav Chiplunkar, the conversation covers high-skilled migration, digital innovation, and the expanding economic and strategic opportunities linking the world’s two largest democracies.
This episode was created in collaboration with the Darden South Asia Society (DSAS).
Sandiip Bhammer is a seasoned investor and thought leader in sustainable finance, with over 26 years of experience in investment banking, asset management, and climate venture funding. As Founder and Managing Partner of Green Frontier Capital, he leads India’s first “green” business accelerator fund, supporting early-stage sustainable ventures. He also served as Adjunct Professor of Finance at UMass Amherst, integrating ESG principles into investment curricula. Previously, he held leadership roles at Citigroup, HSBC, and Balyasny Asset Management. His contributions to climate investing have earned him accolades such as the Climate Wisdom Fellowship (2023) and the Meaningful Business Network Award (2022). A frequent speaker at Wharton India Economic Forum, India Global Forum, and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, Sandiip also serves on multiple startup boards and advisory panels, shaping the future of climate-focused investing.
Dive into the inspiring journey of Prof. K.V. Subramanian, from an engineering and MBA student to India's youngest Chief Economic Advisor and now an IMF Executive Director. This podcast explores his pivotal role in India's economic reforms, his insights on policymaking and implementation, and the personal philosophies driving his success. Hear his candid conversation with Prof. Gaurav Chiplunkar and SY MBAs Agam Singh and Siddarth Jain, along the sidelines of Darden Emerging Markets Conference 2024.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
In Season 3, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of former legendary CEOs who have led iconic enterprises through periods of dramatic change and strategic renewal.
We have moved to ceovoices.podbean.com. We look forward to you visiting our new site!
Description: How should a leader manage the sustainability function of a business effectively? Chrissa Pagitsas, Founder & Principal at Pagitsas Advisors and author of Chief Sustainability Officers at Work joins Darden Professor Mike Lenox, Professor at the UVA Darden School of Business for a conversation about implementing Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) strategies, the challenges sustainability leaders often face and approaches that allow for effective change within organizations.
What are the public misperceptions about environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, and how can ESG leaders craft an integrated strategy to create value for multiple stakeholders? Katherine Neebe (MBA ‘04), Duke Energy Corp. chief sustainability & philanthropy officer, joins Darden Professor Allison Elias for a conversation about the state of leadership and strategy. Neebe and Elias also discuss how MBAs can prepare for and succeed in an ESG role, with Neebe sharing her career journey into the C-suite.
CEOs and business leaders are increasingly expected to take stands on a range of controversial and politically divisive issues, but leaders risk weakening rather than strengthening their corporate brands if they are not thoughtful in how they respond. Adam Goodman, a veteran media consultant, talks about how to manage this challenge with Darden Marketing Professor Kim Whitler.
The 2022 Women in Leadership Summit curated speakers and panelists to cover topics including sustainability, venture capital, tech, innovation, equity and belonging, entrepreneurship and more, including a keynote address by Garnet Hill President Connie Hallquist (MBA ’91). Hallquist focused on key inflection points in her wildly diverse career when reinvention of her job, role, business and even herself became necessary for growth and success. “If you are a woman in business, you are going to have to live in a perpetual state of reinvention,” Hallquist said. “If you are able to think of reinvention as a positive, you will be able to reach goals you never believed possible.”
Lorraine Hariton, recipient of the Women's Leadership Champion Award, sits down with Darden Professor Mary Margaret Frank at Darden's 2022 Women's Leadership Summit to discuss her varied and successful business career and her continuing passion for helping to creating inclusive workplaces for women.
Joe Thomas, the Director of the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy, talks to Professor Tim Laseter about the vital role of empathy and cultural competency in leadership.
How can the government effectively support outcomes in a market economy? DJ Nordquist, former executive director for the United States at the World Bank Group and former chief of staff at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and Darden Professor Dan Murphy bring their unique backgrounds and perspectives to an unscripted conversation on this critical question. Nordquist and Murphy discuss the capabilities and limitations of the private and public sectors in areas such as infrastructure, foreign affairs, influence on policy and more.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
In Season 2, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of entrepreneurs and start-up CEOs who oversee fast-growth enterprises.
In this episode we speak with Hayes Humphreys, COO of Virginia-based Devils Backbone Brewing Company. Hayes discusses the impact communication has had on his career and the successful craft beer business he leads.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
In Season 2, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of entrepreneurs and start-up CEOs who oversee fast-growth enterprises.
In this episode we speak with Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Georgia-based Stuckey’s Corporation. Stephanie shares thoughts on the power of communication in revitalizing an iconic Southern roadside brand.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
In Season 2, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of entrepreneurs and start-up CEOs who oversee fast-growth enterprises.
In this episode we speak with Charlotte Hanes, CEO of River Ridge Land and Cattle Company, the Grayson County, Virginia-based sustainable farming operation. Charlotte provides insights on building credibility and enhancing brands through effective communication.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
In Season 2, we look at leadership communication from the point of view of entrepreneurs and start-up CEOs who oversee fast-growth enterprises.
In this episode we speak with Jennifer Bisceglie, the CEO and founder of Interos, the Arlington, Virginia-based supply chain visibility company. Jennifer shares thoughts on the role of communication in shaping fast-growth Unicorn companies.
How can society effectively eradicate complex social problems like poverty and hunger, racial injustice, human trafficking, and the opioid addiction crisis? Baroness Philippa Stroud, CEO of the Legatum Institute and a Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom, and UVA Professor Lucy Bassett discuss how to confront social challenges through different organizational systems, and the levers that lead to effective social change. From grassroots organizing to legislative and policy changes, Stroud and Bassett explore how it takes the collective work of multiple systems — including government, think tanks, nonprofits, and businesses — to create meaningful, long-term change.
Speaking at a Leadership Unscripted event hosted by the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, Michael Finnegan, president of Atlantic Media (MBA ’07), and Michael Suarez, UVA professor and director of the Rare Book School, discussed recent changes in modern media and examined how content innovation from the past may hold the key for understanding the future. As the head of a leading media company, Finnegan has had a front row seat to the dramatic shifts in media distribution and consumption in recent years.
For more Leadership Unscripted: https://www.darden.virginia.edu/about/locations/dc/leadership-unscripted
Dr. Jerome Adams, 20th Surgeon General of the United States, and Darden Professor Greg Fairchild discuss the mutual linkage between community health and economic prosperity in contemporary America, and the risks we face in failing to engage the business sector. They will also share anecdotes and reflections that help explain their deep commitments to encouraging action.
Dr. Adams is an anesthesiologist and a former vice admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps who served as the 20th Surgeon General of the United States from September 2017 until January 2021. Adams was the head of the Indiana State Department of Health prior to becoming Surgeon General. In addition to his recent COVID-19 work, Adams has partnered with and assisted organizations as they navigate the opioid epidemic, maternal health, rising rates of chronic disease, the impacts of rising suicide rates in our nation, and how businesses can become better stewards and stakeholders in promoting community health.
Challenges and opportunities for the U.S. health care system were on the examination table during this Leadership Unscripted event hosted by the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, as were the leadership traits health care industry executives will need to improve a system in desperate need of change and how to overcome personal challenges.
Dr. Patrick Conway, CEO of Care Solutions at Optum, and Vivian Riefberg, Professor of Practice and David C. Walentas Jefferson Scholars Foundation Chair at the Darden School, explore the topic: Caring for the Health System, Caring for Yourself. With all the challenges facing the health care system, they discuss the key innovations and approaches to be scaled, and how to ensure the system truly meets the needs of individuals and families.
In this episode we speak with Muhtar Kent, the former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company. Kent shares insights on the role communication played in revitalizing growth of the world's most-recognized brand.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
In this episode we speak with the CEO of CARE, Michelle Nunn. Nunn is transforming the global humanitarian relief organization to help over 200 million people overcome poverty and social injustice in the next 10 years.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
In this episode we speak with Frank Blake, the former CEO of The Home Depot and the current Chairman of Delta Airlines. Blake led a massive overhaul of The Home Depot's business and customer-service models while revitalizing its internal culture. As Chairman of Delta, he's helping the company navigate a turbulent time for the airline industry.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
In this episode we speak with Craig Lemasters, the former CEO of Assurant Solutions and currently CEO of GXG Consulting. During his tenure at Assurant, Craig more than doubled revenues by repositioning the financial services giant and is now disrupting the consulting business.
"CEO Voices: Leading with Communication" examines the communication that enables transformational leadership.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning and data science are becoming an intrinsic part of our personal and professional lives, helping many lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. For AI to fully fulfill its promise, however, it must help all humans, regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion or economic background. For this vision to materialize, diversity in the field is more crucial than ever, and must be prioritized. While we have made some strides, there is still a lot of work to be done — we need to ensure that the teams creating, deploying and improving these AI systems are diverse from the very beginning.
Hosted by UVA Darden Professor Yael Grushka-Cockayne, this discussion features Rana el Kaliouby, co-founder and CEO of Affectiva. This session will dig deep into the question of why diversity and inclusion are so critical to the tech industry specifically, and to society in general.
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the way much of the world lives and works, and it’s unclear both when a return to normal may occur and what that return may look like. What practices, many born out of necessity, will carry over to a post-COVID world? Which will be dispatched as soon as possible? At a virtual Leadership Unscripted event hosted by the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and moderated by Professor Elena Loutskina on 28 October 2020, a pair of executives from GEICO offered a snapshot into pandemic preparations and execution at one of the world’s largest insurance companies. GEICO executives Maria Scarangella, vice president of talent acquisition and onboarding, and Steve Smith, vice president of information technology, recalled the unusual time more than six months ago, when the organization was among those suddenly forced to pivot to a largely work-from-home environment.
Hosted by UVA Darden Professor Peter Debaere in a Leadership Unscripted session, this discussion features Fernando Mercé (MBA ’98), CEO of Melissa & Doug and former president and CEO of Nestlé Waters North America. Water is what connects Mercé and Debaere. When Mercé served as CEO of Nestlé Waters North America, he and Debaere, an international economist and water expert, started a conversation about America’s water infrastructure crisis, the quality of drinking water, the price of water and the role of private business. Mercé has since become CEO of toy manufacturer Melissa & Doug, but the conversation continues. Debaere and Mercé revisited key topics on the current state of water and look toward the future.
Dr. Vivian Pinn said “social determinants” — factors such as wealth, profession and access to health care — have been among the key drivers of who gets sick and why. Pinn was interviewed at the virtual Leadership Unscripted event by Professor Lalin Anik, whose research in the marketing area often considers the role of social connection on human behavior. A pioneer in the field of medicine, Pinn was the inaugural full-time director of the Office of Research on Women’s Health at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and associate director of NIH for women’s health research from 1994 until her retirement in 2011.
A Conversation with former President of Ireland Mary Robinson and Halla Tómasdóttir, a former candidate for president of Iceland and CEO of The B Team.
Speaking at a Leadership Unscripted event at UVA Darden DC Metro, Darden Professor Laura Morgan Roberts, incoming Wharton Dean Erika James and Airbnb Head of Global Diversity and Belonging Melissa Thomas-Hunt discuss the connection between identity and experience in the workplace and what it might take to achieve a truly inclusive professional environment.
In this episode, Save the Children CEO Carolyn Miles (MBA'88) discusses the role of women in the developing world and the ability of women and girls to change the trajectory of a country's development towards a more equal and democratic society.
Leadership Unscripted is a Darden speaker series hosted at UVA Darden DC Metro in Arlington, Virginia. To learn more, visit us at: www.darden.virginia.edu.
Recorded 6 November 2019.
In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, Case Foundation CEO and National Geographic Society Chairman Jean Case discusses the importance of taking risks, being fearless, and leveraging difference in order to change the world.
Leadership Unscripted is a Darden speaker series hosted at UVA Darden DC Metro in Arlington, Virginia. To learn more, visit us at: www.darden.virginia.edu.
Recorded 10 October 2019
In this episode, UPS Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Scott Price (MBA/MA ’90) discusses how to influence and create transformation from within a global corporation.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series is held on Darden Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, and events are open to the public. To learn more, visit us at: www.darden.virginia.edu
Recorded 31 October 2019
In this episode of Darden Leadership Speaker Series, Richmond Federal Reserve President and CEO Tom Barkin shares 10 life tips he has learned during his career and offers his thoughts on economic issues, from global trade wars to potential recession.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series is held on Darden Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, and events are open to the public. To learn more, vist us at: www.darden.virginia.edu.
Recorded 3 October 2019
In this episode of the Darden Leadership Speaker Series, Indonesian Ambassador to the United States of America Mahendra Siregar shares the story of Indonesia's recovery from near collapse and discusses the impact of global trade skirmishes.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series is held on Darden Grounds in Charlottesville, Virginia, and events are open to the public. To learn more, visit us at: www.darden.virginia.edu
Recorded on 16 September 2019
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series welcomes Barbara Byrne, a Vice Chairman within the Investment Bank at Barclays. Based in New York, Ms. Byrne is Chairman of both Barclays Americas Citizenship Council, overseeing strategic programs to foster global economic growth and opportunity, and Barclays Social Innovation Facility, a cross-business resource dedicated to the development of self-sustaining commercial solutions to social challenges.
With over 35 years of financial services experience, Ms. Byrne has been at the forefront of developing and leading longstanding partnerships with some of Barclays’ most important multinational, corporate clients. She is responsible for leading cross business teams in delivering the firm’s products and services to those clients, and is the primary architect of several of the firm’s marquee transactions. She has held senior management positions in Energy and Technology Banking groups throughout her career, and has led diverse strategic advisory initiatives across the firm focused on enhancing clients' global market position. Additionally, Ms. Byrne graduated from Mount Holyoke College magna cum laude in 1976 and served on its Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for ten years.
Recorded 27 March 2017.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series welcomes Claudy Jules, Ph.D., Managing Director, Accenture Strategy, Talent & Organization.
Dr. Jules leads Accenture’s strategy consulting work globally on leadership. He has extensive experience working as an advisor and executive coach to corporate, government and NGO executives, providing counsel on a wide range of organization and leadership issues in many countries globally. A prolific author and innovative thinker on leadership effectiveness, Dr. Jules writes and presents on a range of topics including executive leadership, top team effectiveness, coaching and global operating models. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Case Western Reserve University.
This event was co-sponsored by Darden's Black Business Student Forum (BBSF).
Recorded 22 February 2017.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series welcomes Tobias Dengel, CEO of WillowTree. This event was co-sponsored by the Darden Technology Club.
Prior to his role as CEO of WillowTree, Tobias co-founded Leads.com in 2003, based in Northern Virginia. He was at AOL from 1996 to 2003, with his final role being VP of AOL Local. Tobias holds a BS in Economics and a BS in Engineering, both from the University of Pennsylvania.
WillowTree, Inc. is an international leader in digital strategy, design and development. The majority of its 150 employees are in Charlottesville, VA with an additional office in Durham, NC. Clients include HBO, Johnson & Johnson, GE, Fox News, CBS Sports, Regal Cinemas and Wyndham Hotels.
Recorded 15 July 2017.
Kim Morrish (MBA’93), Owner and Director of Ground Control Ltd. joins us as part of Darden's Leadership Speaker Series. Kim and her husband are directors and majority shareholders of Ground Control Ltd., the UK’s largest landscaping company with over £100 million in annual turnover. In 2016, Ground Control received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Innovation for their leading edge technology that enables a rapid response to evolving customer demands. Additionally, Kim has launched several start-ups, acquired five businesses and enjoys backing promising entrepreneurs in new ventures. Kim holds a BA in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the Darden School of Business.
Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer Mike Lenox moderates a fireside chat with Jim Moffatt, CEO, Global Consulting, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and Deputy CEO, Deloitte LLP, as part of Darden's Leadership Speaker Series.
Since joining the Deloitte U.S. practice in 1987, Jim has earned a long-standing reputation for serving clients with distinction from strategy through execution and developing the next generation of leaders. He has served in various senior positions in Deloitte U.S., including serving as Chairman and CEO of Deloitte Consulting LLP from 2011-2015. Additionally, Jim has authored multiple articles on leadership, innovation, talent management, and mentoring in top tier media outlets including Bloomberg Business Week, Fox Business, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, CNBC.com, Huffington Post, and Consulting magazine.
Recorded 15 November 2016.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series kicks-off its 2016-17 season with Dominic Barton, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company. In his 30 years with the firm, Dominic has advised clients in a range of industries including banking, consumer goods, high tech and industrials. Prior to his current role, Dominic was based in Shanghai as McKinsey’s Asia Chairman from 2004 to 2009 and led the Korea office from 2000 to 2004. For a full bio, visit http://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/dominic-barton Introduction by Dean Scott Beardsley. Recorded 8 September 2016.
The Darden Leadership Speaker series welcomes John Mackey, co-founder and co-CEO of Whole Foods Market.
Mr. Mackey has led the natural and organic grocer to a $15 billion Fortune 500 company with more than 435 stores and 85,000 team members in three countries. The company has been included on Fortune magazine’s“100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 18 consecutive years and ranked first in the food and drug store industry as part of the magazine’s “Most Admired Companies” list in 2016.
A strong believer in free market principles, Mackey co-founded the Conscious Capitalism Movement. (http://consciouscapitalism.org/)
The presentation was co-sponsored in partnership with the Adam Smith Society and Net Impact at Darden. Recorded 22 March, 2016.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series welcomes Peter Brabeck, Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Nestlé Group, to the School as the keynote speaker of a series of events across the University of Virginia around World Water Day.
Peter Brabeck-Letmathe led the Nestlé Group from 1997 to 2008, first as CEO, till 2005, and then as Chairman and CEO. In April 2008, he handed over the office of CEO and remained Chairman of the Board of Nestlé S.A. Peter is also Chairman of the "2030 Water Resources Group", a Public Private Partnership housed in the IFC/World Bank, Washington.
Recorded 29 February 2016.
Darden welcomes alumnus Sunil Ghatnekar (MBA ’92), CFO, Bottling Investments Group, the Coca-Cola Company back to Darden as part of the Leadership Speaker Series. Sunil also serves on the Darden Corporate Advisory Board.
Sunil brings insights from more than 23 years of experience with the Coca-Cola Company. Part of the senior leadership team, Sunil shares his journey to CFO of BIG and his global experiences leading areas such as strategy, finance, restructuring, mergers and acquisitions.
The Bottling Investments Group (BIG) one of the six main operating groups of The Coca-Cola Company. BIG is responsible for managing all the Company owned bottling operations across the globe (including markets such as USA, Canada, Germany, China and India) which collectively generate over $20 Billion in revenue annually.
This event was co-sponsored by the Darden Finance Club. Recorded 24 February 2016.
Carol A. Sawdye, Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of PricewaterhouseCoopers visits Darden as part of the Leadership Speaker Series. Sawdye has an interesting background beginning with her years as a partner at PwC, followed by moves to become the CFO & COO of one of the world’s largest law firms and then the CFO of the National Basketball Association before returning to PwC as Vice Chairman & CFO. She is also an undergraduate alumna of the University of Virginia. She speaks here on "Leading in a Rapidly Changing Society". The event was co-sponsored by Darden’s Graduate Women in Business organization.
In her role as PwC's CFO, Carol is responsible for PwC's financial functions including budgeting and reporting, partnership taxation, treasury, internal audit and real estate and is a member of the U.S. Leadership Team.
Recorded 3 December 2015.
Darden alum Naren Gursahaney (MBA '89), President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of The ADT Corporation speaks on "Innovation at ADT" as part of Darden's Leadership Speaker Series. The event was co-sponsored by Darden’s Technology Club .
Naren and his leadership team’s significant contributions have helped make ADT the leading provider of home and small business electronic security, automation and alarm monitoring services in North America. Naren is focused on making ADT a world-class customer-centric organization, including building a strong management team, shaping the company’s culture, and maintaining and growing the company’s leadership position. Under Naren’s direction, ADT is poised for continued growth through new and expanded revenue streams and a focus on innovation.
Recorded 2 December 2015.
Darden welcomes Robert G. Wilmers, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of M&T Bank Corporation as a participant in the 2015-16 Leadership Speaker Series, “Leaders that inspire innovation, collaboration and growth." His presentation was followed by a "fireside chat" with Darden Finance Professor Ken Eades.
Mr. Wilmers has received many honors and awards for his service to the banking industry, as well as for his leadership and contributions to the Buffalo, N.Y. community, where the M&T Bank is headquartered. These awards include the Greater Buffalo Chamber of Commerce ‘Western New Yorker of the Year’ Award (1991); State University of New York at Buffalo School of Management ‘Niagara Frontier Executive of the Year’ Award (1992); The Buffalo News ‘Citizen of the Year Award’ (1987 and 1994); American Banker ‘Lifetime Achievement’ Award (2005); ‘Chevalier of the Legion of Honor’ by the President of France (2008); American Banker ‘Banker of the Year’ Award (2011); and the ‘Chancellor Charles P. Norton Medal,’ the State University of New York at Buffalo’s highest honor, for civic patriotism (2015).
Recorded 19 November 2015.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series welcomes Javier Rodriguez, President & CEO of DaVita Kidney Care. Mr. Rodriguez speaks on "Community First, Company Second: Leading a Village"
Javier Rodriguez is president and CEO of DaVita Kidney Care, a leading provider of kidney care services and a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc., a FORTUNE 500® company that provides a variety of health care services to patient populations throughout the United States and abroad. DaVita Kidney Care delivers dialysis services to patients with chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. DaVita Kidney Care strives to improve patients’ quality of life by innovating clinical care and by offering integrated treatment plans, personalized care teams and convenient health-management services.
This event was co-sponsored by Darden's Health Care Club.
Recorded 17 November 2015.
The Darden Leadership Speaker Series welcomes alum and former Board of Trustees member Michael A. DeCola, Chief Executive Officer of HBM Holdings. This event was co-sponsored by Darden’s General Management and Operations Club.
HBM Holdings was formed in January, 2014 to oversee all of the business interests owned by the Harry B. Mathews, Jr. Trust. Mississippi Lime, founded in 1907 by Harry B. Mathews, Jr. is a leading supplier of calcium products throughout the U.S. Its Ste. Genevieve facility is the world’s largest and most complex calcium plant in the world. Other calcium facilities are based in Verona, KY; Weirton, WV; Vicksburg, MS; Chester, SC and Mobile, AL. Mississippi Lime also owns Delavau, LLC, a supplier of food and pharmaceutical ingredients, as well as finished dosage forms for the nutritional supplement and OTC markets, and Tru-Flex, LLC, a manufacturer of high performance metal hoses and bellows that connect emissions systems to the pollution control platform on heavy duty trucks and equipment.
Recorded 6 October 2015.
He heads the Herd, otherwise known as the leadership team at Elephant. The Darden Leadership Speaker Series welcomed Kevin Chidwick, Chief Executive Officer of Elephant Auto Insurance.
Chidwick joined Admiral Group Plc in 2005, becoming the Director of Finance. From September 2006 to mid-August 2014 he served as the Chief Financial Officer of Admiral Group Plc as well as its Managing Director of Elephant - USA. He has been the Chief Executive Officer of Elephant Insurance Services, LLC since 2012.
Elephant believes people who like what they do, do it better and therefore encourages a climate of individual contributions, long-term commitment and profitable growth within the organization. This philosophy has garnered the company recognition as an award-winning employer having been named one of the Best Places to Work in Virginia, one of the 50 Most Engaged Workplaces in the United States in 2011 and 2012, and in 2014 won the HYPE Richmond Young Professionals Workplace Award.
Darden’s General Management and Operations Club was co-host for this event. Recorded 8 September 2015.