Cornell Keynotes

eCornell

Join Cornell University's most celebrated scholars and industry experts for candid conversations that enlighten and challenge. From finance and tech to arts and culture, the Cornell Keynotes podcast hosted by eCornell delivers timely discussions on trending topics and current events.

  1. 58 mins ago

    Solving the Hospitality Staffing Crisis: Tech and No-Tech Solutions for a 50-80% Turnover Industry

    Check out eCornell’s AI in Hospitality Certificate Program  Starwood Hotels - starwoodhotels.com Tao Group Hospitality - taogroup.com With approximately 17.1 million employees, the hospitality and leisure industry remains one of the largest and, unfortunately, most volatile employment sectors. Front-line turnover rates continue to hover around 50% to 80%, and there are an estimated 986,000 current job openings in restaurants and hotels alone. The combined impact of turnover and vacancies threatens both operational stability and industry growth. This Keynote will examine current labor market conditions and explore innovative solutions reshaping hospitality workplaces. From leveraging new technologies to reimagining traditional workforce management approaches, our panel will analyze strategies to address these challenges. The discussion will highlight both immediate solutions and long-term initiatives that are creating more stable, adaptable work environments. What You'll Learn Easy-tech options for responding to the current dynamics, including demand forecasting, AI-enabled hiring, and auto-scheduling Proven no-tech initiatives, such as predictable scheduling, multi-skilling, shared labor pools, and educational pipelines Policies and practices that promote workplace flexibility and responsiveness Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

    45 min
  2. May 21

    Women in Healthcare Leadership: Navigating Power With Purpose

    Find out more about Cornell’s Women in Healthcare Leadership Program: https://ecornell.short.gy/iruMud Dr. Sah’s new book, Defy, available everywhere. For more information: https://www.sunitasah.com/defy Women are taking on leadership roles across healthcare at unprecedented rates — yet the path is rarely straightforward. In this Keynotes conversation, Professor Elizabeth Mannix, an expert on leadership and networks, and Professor Sunita Sah, an expert on leadership and negotiations and national bestselling author of “DEFY: The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes,” will share what it takes for women to lead effectively in one of today’s most complex and high‑stakes industries. Drawing on both research and real‑world experience, Professors Sah and Mannix will explore the capabilities that help women navigate uncertainty, build influence, and drive meaningful change within healthcare organizations.   Whether you are an emerging leader or an experienced professional looking to expand your impact, this session offers practical insights from the upcoming Women in Healthcare Leadership certificate program. What You'll Learn Why healthcare needs more women leaders in both clinical and non-clinical roles, and the unique strengths they bring How authenticity helps leaders build trust, credibility, and influence Practical strategies for negotiating effectively for resources, roles, and opportunities Why strong professional networks and relationships are essential for leadership success How to stand up and speak up with confidence in high-stakes conversations What it means to lead with courage and build resilience in complex and rapidly changing healthcare environments Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

    41 min
  3. Apr 20

    Paths to a Clean Energy Future: From Innovation to Implementation

    Cornell Atkinson Center:  https://www.atkinson.cornell.edu/ Clean Air Task Force: https://www.catf.us/ energy@cornell: https://ecornell.short.gy/KFArWw The clean energy transition is reshaping how the world powers economies, builds infrastructure, and plans for a resilient future. This Keynote from the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability brings together three leading experts to break down the core technologies, systems, and societal shifts defining this transformative moment. Designed for professionals across sectors, the conversation will offer a clear, accessible overview of renewable energy, grid modernization, carbon management, sustainable materials, and the complex policy and market forces driving global progress. It will also highlight how Cornell researchers, alongside key partners like the Clean Air Task Force, are advancing effective, science-based solutions for a sustainable future. What You'll Learn: How renewable energy systems can scale alongside existing infrastructure while reducing fossil fuel dependence Why grid modernization and energy storage are crucial for reliability in a renewable-powered future The essential role of carbon capture and removal technologies in achieving true net-zero emissions How sustainable materials, circular systems, and mineral supply chains strengthen long-term energy security Key societal, economic, and policy shifts needed to ensure an equitable energy transition How the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability is partnering with industry and communities to drive meaningful impact Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

    46 min
  4. Apr 7

    Advocacy and the Rule of Law: Democracy’s Next Chapter

    Check out the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at the Brooks School https://publicpolicy.cornell.edu/masters/mpa/empa/ Policy Advocacy Cornell Certificate Program https://tinyurl.com/22cnm5w3 The foundations of American democracy are facing unprecedented threats, with our social, legal, and political institutions being undermined by their sworn defenders. As challenges mount to voting rights and judicial independence, and political polarization deepens, our civil society stands at a critical crossroads. And yet, through informed advocacy and civic engagement, we can chart a path forward. Join Jared Carter and Thomas O'Toole from the Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy for a timely conversation examining America's political institutions, constitutional framework, and civil society. They’ll reflect on the historical context of our current situation, assess today's most pressing issues, and explore how this moment of upheaval presents an opportunity to reshape our legal, political, and cultural landscape. What You'll Learn How to identify and understand current threats to American democratic institutions Key historical lessons that can guide our response to today's constitutional challenges Strategies for effective civic advocacy Why a period of political crisis may present opportunities for democratic renewal Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

    43 min
  5. Mar 19

    Storytelling for Impact: Three Steps for Growing Your Influence

    Learn more about storytelling online at Cornell: The Media Strategy for Policy and PR Cornell Certificate Program  Check out the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at the Brooks School Mark’s Newsletter “One for the Week” In this Keynote, Mark Bayer, Visiting Lecturer at Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy and former U.S. Senate Chief of Staff, reveals insider strategies for crafting compelling, memorable stories that influence key stakeholders in your professional ecosystem. Drawing from 20 years of experience writing powerful narratives, persuasive speeches, and media pitches at the highest levels of U.S. government, Mark shares proven techniques you can use to elevate your own presentations and achieve high-priority goals. Mark will guide you through the storytelling process, from identifying the most impactful content to mastering narrative sequence and stylistic elements. You will discover what to include, what to leave out, and how to harness both the art and science of storytelling to enhance your influence. Since leaving Capitol Hill, Mark has served as a two-time keynote speaker for Harvard Medical School's orientation, delivered workshops for major scientific societies, and hosts the "When Science Speaks" podcast — ranked among the top 5% most popular podcasts globally by Listen Score, the Nielsen ratings for podcasts. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Forbes, The New Yorker, Barron's, Science, Teen Vogue, and other media outlets. Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

    40 min
  6. Mar 3

    The New Immigration Regime: Restrictions, Outcomes, and What’s Next

    The Migration and Human Rights Program @Cornell Law School The Immigration Law and Advocacy Clinic @Cornell Law School Immigration was a top priority in 2025 for President Trump. The administration has restricted immigration in many ways, ranging from travel bans to mass deportations. The White House has stated that the United States may have negative net migration to the U.S. in 2025 for the first time in over 50 years.  In the meantime, employers face labor shortages. The demographics of an aging population and declining birth rates are indisputable. More people worldwide are fleeing the breakdown of civil society, climate change, and persecution than ever before. Over 10 million people in the United States lack immigration status and fear deportation. And our immigration courts face a backlog of over 3 million deportation cases.  Join retired Cornell Law professor Stephen Yale-Loehr and a panel of Cornell experts as they discuss how immigration law and policy changed in 2025 and what we might expect in 2026. What You’ll Learn: What changes to the immigration system the Trump administration made in 2025 The impact of those changes on communities, the economy, and immigration law What legal challenges these policies have faced and where those legal challenges stand What immigration changes might occur in 2026 by the Trump administration and/or Congress Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.

    51 min

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Join Cornell University's most celebrated scholars and industry experts for candid conversations that enlighten and challenge. From finance and tech to arts and culture, the Cornell Keynotes podcast hosted by eCornell delivers timely discussions on trending topics and current events.

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