Refining Leadership: Maria Piastre’s Gold Standard in the Precious Metals Industry

"In our industry, I don’t want people who just push numbers. I want a team that’s always looking for the next improvement, that isn’t afraid to challenge the numbers when they don’t make sense,” Piastre explained. Holding the title of  the prestigious "Woman in Manufacturing" STEM award and leading the creation of the most modern and complete precious metals laboratory in the United States, she attributes her accomplishments to the people who helped make it possible. “Innovation is something we can only achieve when we have the right people in place,” she said.

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The Power of Trust and Legacy: A Conversation with FW Cook CEO Dan Ryterband

In the past 40 years, compensation for CEO’s has increased by 1000% inflation-adjusted. Ryterband explains that it’s simply a product of that paramount economic law: supply and demand. Exceptional talent is scarce, and the market for it is always expanding. Executive leadership, Ryterband says, is not like a TV, where paying less buys you slightly lower resolution; the difference between a good CEO and a great one is the difference between failure and success for a company.

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Knopman Marks Revolutionizing Financial Education Through Innovation and Equity

Parker is keenly aware of the inequities that exist in standardized testing and professional exam preparation. “We need to standardize how we teach and provide information so it’s accessible to anyone, regardless of their background,” he says. This philosophy drives Knopman Marks’ outreach efforts, including partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities and other under resourced communities.

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Navigating Careers in a Transforming Landscape: Insights from Paul Webster

Webster shared how he transitioned from studying law to mergers and acquisitions, and ultimately to executive search. This journey, he explained, underscores the non-linear nature of many successful careers. “The most successful professionals often navigate unexpected turns with adaptability, always maximizing value from their current roles while staying open to new opportunities,” he said. This adaptability, paired with judicious risk-taking, has been a defining trait of individuals who thrive in competitive fields. Webster emphasized that career plans are crucial, even if they evolve over time, as they provide focus and increase the likelihood of long-term success.

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Marc Fisher on Journalism’s Stakes in a Bezos-Era Washington Post

The Bezos era initially brought unprecedented growth, with The Post tripling digital subscribers in two years. Recent leadership changes, however, have undermined staff morale. “The new publisher is under investigation in the U.K. hacking scandal,” Fisher noted. “We've had excellent people leaving, some under pressure, some voluntarily. And everyone's waiting for the other shoe to drop.”

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Stephen Wilcox: Pioneering Export Controls and Sanctions Compliance

“When you're in the government service, you're generally a risk-averse person,” Wilcox said. “I learn something new [now] every day about the types of businesses that are out there, the finance aspect of it, the laws you have to comply with, [things that] have nothing to do with export controls and sanctions that pertain to actually owning and running a business.”

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From Numbers to Networks: Latha Vairavan’s Evolution in Biotech Finance

“The finance world is small,” she said. “It’s crucial to build and maintain strong connections throughout your career, both inside and outside of your company.” Vairavan attributes much of her career success to the mentors she’s had along the way, particularly those who helped guide her through difficult decisions and transitions.

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Energy, Innovation, and Opportunity: Lessons from Birch Resources CEO Jason Cansler

Cansler pointed out the direct relationship between energy consumption and quality of life. “Energy is not just about comfort; it’s a lifeline. Countries with higher per capita energy use enjoy longer lifespans, better education, and greater economic opportunities,” he explained, illustrating how energy access remains a cornerstone of development.

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Building Bridges Across Time Zones: Leadership Lessons from Justin Valentine

Valentine’s work spans continents, with team members spread across time zones in Dublin, India, the Philippines, and the United States. This global distribution offers distinct advantages, including the ability to maximize productivity. Valentine explains, “We can shoot a deliverable off to our team members overseas. They can start working on it in their morning. And so you start to get into more of a 16-hour production schedule versus an eight-hour production schedule.”

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Breaking Barriers, Building Futures: Rashida Jones Redefines Leadership in Media

As she discussed her tenure at MSNBC, Jones acknowledged the significance of being the first Black woman to lead a major news network. “I knew it was a big deal, but I didn’t realize how much people would latch on to it,” she admitted. Despite the weight of this milestone, she remained committed to using her platform to amplify diverse voices and cultivate an inclusive newsroom.

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Robert J. Khoury Leads Finance Internship Advice Seminar For Students

Entrepreneurship doesn’t always have to start on a grand scale. For instance, he said, you could approach a family member in a business and say “Hey, I'm a social media expert, but I'm going to help you grow your business. And you give me 20% of the increase.” The journey of entrepreneurship will reveal who your true friends are. “You notice who’s a real cheerleader.”

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Ken Feyder: Balancing Technology and Human Touch at Hermès

As Hermès continues to navigate the digital age, Ken Feyder's leadership in IT demonstrates that even in a world of advancing technology, the human touch remains at the heart of luxury retail. His approach ensures that while Hermès embraces digital transformation, it never loses sight of the craftsmanship and personal connections that have defined the brand for generations. 

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Business Today Seminar: Harvard Professor Gregory Mankiw

 A Business Today seminar featured Dr. Gregory Mankiw’s distinguished career in a moderated discussion by Princeton economics Professor Alan Blinder ’67. A graduate of Princeton University from the class of 1980, Mankiw has been a Harvard professor of economics for 40 years and served as the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) from 2003 to 2005 under President George W. Bush.

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