The Paul Merage School of Business is a growing community designed for curiosity and new thinking. We actively seek out diverse perspectives and insights across a variety of topics and sectors by offering several distinct speaker series.
Dean’s Thought Leadership Series
The Dean’s Thought Leadership Series is the school’s highest profile series, featuring a diverse array of prominent international affairs practitioners and business leaders for insightful perspectives and thought-provoking discussions on international relations, leadership and other relevant topics that impact our focus areas.
Join Dean Ian O. Williamson in his interviews with esteemed business leaders and alumni and walk away with new insights and revelations on what it takes to be a true leader in organizations.
At the Merage School, we bring together today’s thought leaders together to help broaden the dynamic educational experience of our students and the community year round. Through thoughtfully hosted conferences, lectures and collaborations, we strive to achieve our mission of being at the forefront of thought-leadership and academic excellence.
Our enviable list of distinguished speakers comes from across the globe, and through the sharing of their experiences and stories, they challenge our newest generation to make a difference in society and business. Hear from extraordinary innovators and visionaries.
Past Speakers
Henry Samueli
Founder, Samueli Foundation
Henry Samueli
Palmer Luckey
Founder, Anduril Industries
Palmer Luckey
Palmer Luckey is the Founder of Anduril Industries, a defense technology company that works to make America safer by inventing products with a focus on AI, immersive systems, and sensor fusion. He is also the inventor and designer of the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality head-mounted display, and the founder of Oculus VR. Palmer founded Oculus in 2012 after experimenting with his own VR designs at the age of 16 in his parents’ garage. Oculus was acquired by Facebook two years later.
May 15, 2019
Ronalee Zarate-Bayani
CMO Los Angeles Rams
Ronalee Zarate-Bayani
Building A Meaningful Brand in the Modern Age
How does a football team come into a crowded landscape and break through to set a new standard for sports and entertainment?
Ronalee Zarate-Bayani is the Chief Marketing Officer for the Los Angeles Rams. In this role, she is responsible for defining and building the Rams brand, serving as a key member in shaping the experiences and value proposition of the new 300-acre Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park, and creating a modern LA entertainment experience for the next generation of fans.
February 20, 2019
Brent Callinicos
COO/CFO, Virgin Hyperloop One
Brent Callinicos
Innovation and Disruption: A 25-Year-Career in the Tech Industry
For over two decades, Brent Callinicos, COO/CFO of Virgin Hyperloop One, has distinguished himself as a force in tech, building his career in finance at Microsoft, Google, Uber and Hyperloop One. Join us as he shares his career and life experiences at these innovative companies.
Virgin Hyperloop One is a Los Angeles based company working to commercialize the Hyperloop for moving passengers and/or cargo at airline speeds at a fraction of the cost of air travel.
February 15, 2018
Jeff Erhardt
VP of Intelligent Systems, GE Digital
Jeff Erhardt
New Leadership Requirements for a Digitally Driven World
GE has undergone an ambitious transformation, repositioning itself as the world’s premier digital industrial company. Join us to hear Jeff Erhardt, Vice President of Intelligent Systems of GE Digital, discuss how the 125-year-old company sees the world changing, how they are adapting, and what new managerial capabilities are required for success. Learn how GE is reinventing itself, and what it means for your company and its future.
November 6, 2017
David Pyott Former Chief Executive Officer Allergan March 9, 2017
