Lifelong Learning with USC Marshall
Friday, March 28, 2025
10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Ronald Tutor Campus Center
10:15am-11:00am
11:00am-11:10am
Check-in/Networking
Welcome Remarks
Howard Kern ’89 Leadership Summit Chair, Deans’ Alumni Council
Erika Jordan ML ’18, Associate Senior Vice President, USC Alumni Relations
Geoffrey Garrett, Dean, USC Marshall School of Business
11:10am-12:00pm 12:00pm-12:45pm
Keynote Speakers
Garrett Brown ’02 & Colin Coggins | Best-selling authors, “The Unsold Mindset”; Co-founders, Agency18
Networking Lunch
12:45pm-1:35pm
Trailblazers in Leadership
Powered by the Torch Initiative for Women’s Philanthropy
1:35pm-1:50pm
1:50pm-2:40pm
Break
Breakout Session 1
Redefining Leadership for the Next Generation
(TCC 450 - The Forum)
Human Leadership and the Impact of AI on the World of Work
Leadership in Emerging Industries
2:40pm-2:55pm
2:55pm-3:45pm
(TCC 350 - Franklin Suites)
(TCC 227 - Rosen Family Screening Room)
Breakout Session 2
Resilience in Action: Lessons from Entrepreneurs
(TCC 450 - The Forum)
Human Leadership and the Impact of AI on the World of Work
How to Hire and Retain Talent
3:45pm-4:00pm
4:00pm-5:00pm
Break Break
(TCC 350 - Franklin Suites)
(TCC 227 - Rosen Family Screening Room)
Networking Reception
KKEYNOTESPEAKERS EYNOTESPEAKERS
11:10am - 12:00pm
GARRETT BROWN ’02
Wall Street Journal
Garrett Brown ’02 and Colin Coggins are the bestselling authors of longtime revenue leaders, and adjunct professors of entrepreneurship. They met at enterprise software startup Bitium, which they helped lead to an acquisition by Google. They have taught the popular course they created, “Sales Mindset for Entrepreneurs,” at the USC Marshall School of Business. They are also investors, startup advisors, and co-founders of Agency18, a firm that helps mission-driven companies adopt an Unsold Mindset across entire organizations. Sought-after as keynote speakers and guest lecturers, they love connecting with audiences from diverse industries, professions, and backgrounds.
The Unsold Mindset,
COLIN COGGINS
Powered by the Torch Initiative for Women’s Philanthropy
12:45pm - 1:35pm
Sarah Townsend (Moderator)
Vice Dean of Culture & Community Success at USC Marshall
Sarah S M Townsend is an Associate Professor of Management and Organization and Vice Dean of Culture & Community Success at the USC Marshall School of Business Her research focuses on when individuals’ cultural norms collide with the dominant cultural norms of organizations She examines how these “cultural divides” are often a hidden source of inequality but how they can be used to lessen opportunity gaps and fuel greater cross-group understanding
Stacy Johns, Chief Operating Officer, Los Angeles Football Club, Marshall
Corporate Advisory Board
Stacy Johns is the Chief Operating Officer of LAFC Partners, LLLP (LAFC), overseeing the Los Angeles Football Club (MLS) and operations at BMO Stadium Recognized as a 2023 Sports Business Journal Game Changer and 2024 Los Angeles Business Journal CFO of the Year, she leads revenue generation, data strategy, IT, people operations, finance, and accounting Previously, she was VP of Finance and HR for the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and began her career as a CPA at Ernst & Young and Eli Lilly
Carmen Nava ’84, Senior Vice President AT&T Entertainment Group (retired), USC Trustee
Carmen Nava is a retired executive with more than 33 years in the telecommunications industry She is a USC Trustee who currently chairs the board’s Nominating & Governance Committee and serves on both the Executive and Finance committees She is also a member of the USC Latino Alumni Association Corporate Advisory Board, and previously served on the USC Alumni Association (USCAA) Board of Governors A Los Angeles native and USC Marshall alum, Nava received the USCAA’s Alumni Merit Award in 2018
Amy Ross PhD ’86, Vice Chair, USC Health System Board, USC Trustee
Amy, a third-generation Angeleno, earned her BA in Psychobiology from Cal State Northridge and her Ph.D. in Experimental Pathology from USC in 1986. With 25+ years in cancer diagnostics, she holds three patents, authored 75+ publications, and held leadership roles at Nexell Therapeutics and Caltech A founding member of the USC Lambda LGBT Alumni Association, she’s advocated for LGBTQ inclusion in science for 30+ years Amy also serves on the USC Board of Trustees and USC Health Systems Board
BREAKOUT SESSION 1
1:50 pm - 2:40 pm
TCC 450 - The Forum
Redefining Leadership for the Next Generation
In a rapidly evolving world, today’s business leaders challenge the status quo by fostering inclusive cultures, embracing diverse perspectives, and championing agility in their organizations. Panelists will share insights into breaking molds, cultivating adaptability, and inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose and vision. This session offers a forwardthinking look at how leadership is evolving to meet the needs of a dynamic, interconnected business landscape.
Becky Heino ’01, PhD ’03 (Moderator) Professor of Clinical Management & Operations at USC Marshall
Dr Becky Heino is a Professor of Clinical Management and Organization at USC Marshall She teaches leadership, organizational behavior, cross-cultural intelligence, and critical conversations to undergraduates, graduate students, and executives She leads the Marshall Leadership Fellows Program for MBAs and previously taught at Georgetown and Columbia Her global executive education work includes clients like KPMG, Rio Tinto, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
Gaby Omenn MBA ’20 HR Project Manager at Netflix
Gaby Omenn, an HR Project Manager at Netflix, has 15+ years of experience in talent strategy and organizational development She previously led HR initiatives at Mercer, Ruggable, and Google, specializing in executive compensation, recruiting, and learning programs A Teach For America alumna, she holds an MBA from USC and a BA from Princeton Bilingual and strategic, Gaby excels in building cross-functional teams and driving HR transformation in fast-growing organizations
Clinton Suh ’14 Chief Marketing Officer of Ten Thousand
Clinton Suh is the Chief Marketing Officer at Ten Thousand and Managing Partner at 11VNNV Formerly Head of Ecommerce at On Running and Senior Director of Global Digital Strategy at Coach, he has driven digital transformation across sportswear and luxury brands With leadership roles at Vans and Deloitte, he specializes in digital commerce, brand-building, and scaling businesses Clinton also serves on the University of Oregon’s Sports Management Advisory Board and lectures at USC Marshall
Robert Suzuki ’07 SVP, People & Culture at Pressed Juicery
Robert Suzuki is SVP, People & Culture at Pressed Juicery, overseeing national retail and manufacturing operations. Formerly with Competitive Socialising in London, he co-founded Eureka Restaurant Group, growing it to 30+ locations. A USC Global Fellow, he serves on USC’s Board of Governors and Asian Pacific Alumni Board. Passionate about travel, Robert and his wife Morgan have visited 40+ countries. They reside in West Hollywood with their son, Raiden, and consider Hawai’i home.
BREAKOUT SESSION 1
1:50 pm - 2:40 pm
TCC 350 - Franklin Suites
Human Leadership and the Impact of AI on the World of Work
This panel will explore the evolving role of leaders in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and job structures, leaders face new challenges and opportunities in managing human-AI collaboration, ensuring ethical standards, and supporting workforce adaptation. Panelists will discuss strategies for empowering employees, fostering innovation, and maintaining a human-centered approach to leadership while navigating rapid technological change.
Charlie Hannigan (Moderator)
Assistant Professor of Clinical Data Sciences & Operations at
Charlie is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations at USC Marshall Holding an MBA and Ph D from the University of Chicago, he researches criminal justice systems and complex queueing algorithms He develops and teaches business analytics courses, earning the 2024 Golden Apple Teaching Award Passionate about making quantitative concepts accessible, Charlie helps students master challenging material, contributing to both academic research and real-world operations improvements
Eddie Blackwell MBA ’22
Sr. Global Director at Snowflake
Edward Buchanan Blackwell, Jr is the Global Director for Telco, Media & Entertainment at Snowflake Inc , leading strategic initiatives for AT&T Previously, he spent 13 years at VMware, co-architecting its first cloudbased lab environment He holds an MBA from USC Marshall, an MSLC from St Edward’s University, and a BA in Mathematics from UT Austin An Ironman World Championship finisher and Mt Kilimanjaro climber, he also serves on nonprofit boards supporting education and youth
Ana Miren Achaval MS ’17 Sr. Manager at AMD
With 15+ years in strategic planning and operations, Ana specializes in globalization, distribution, and AI adoption She has led projects at Warner Bros , Fox, Disney, Intel, and AMD, spearheading AI initiatives and moderating USC's AI panel As a "Copilot Champion," she drives AI training and integration A board member of Women in Technology Hollywood and an AMD Brand Ambassador, she advocates for STEM programs and technological innovation
Stacyann Russell MBA ’17 Founder &
CEO
of The Daraja Collective, LLC
Stacyann P. Russell, Founder & CEO of The Daraja Collective, helps launch and scale tech startups while driving corporate innovation. A former nuclear engineer, she has expertise in modeling, simulation, and operational optimization across industries. She also directs the NSF’s I-Corps Hub: West Region, supporting research commercialization. Stacyann holds degrees from Ohio State, George Washington University, and USC, where she earned an MBA. She is a leader in entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional development.
USC Marshall
BREAKOUT SESSION 1
1:50 pm - 2:40 pm
Leadership in Emerging Industries
This panel examines the unique challenges and opportunities for leaders at the forefront of rapidly developing sectors. As these industries evolve, leaders are tasked with navigating uncharted territories, shaping new business models, and establishing ethical standards in areas with little precedent. Panelists will explore how visionary leadership, adaptability, and strategic risk-taking are essential in guiding teams and organizations through the complexities of innovation and growth.
Colin Campbell ’03, MBA ’13 (Moderator) Founder & CEO of Campfire Advisors
Colin is the Founder and CEO of Campfire Advisors, a boutique investment bank providing M&A, capital markets, special situations, and strategic advisory services to middle market companies He has spent nearly two decades as the trusted advisor to entrepreneurs and executive teams, helping clients navigate strategic decisions and changing market environments
Andrew Easton MBA ’12 Founder & CEO of
MasterMind.xyz
Andrew Scott Easton is the Founder & CEO of MasterMined xyz, a Bitcoin mining investment firm A seasoned entrepreneur and strategist, he has worked in AI, blockchain, and eCommerce, consulting for WBD, WalmartLabs, and Dole He was a Bitcoin mining COO, a USC MBA professor, and a strategist at EY and NG
Andrew specializes in emerging markets, team building, and business model development, helping investors acquire tax-free Bitcoin for $45K
Peter Kasper MBA ’21
Founder
& CEO of Terpli
Peter is the CEO and Co-founder of Terpli, an AI-driven cannabis product recommendation platform A USC MBA graduate, he bootstrapped Terpli to serve nearly a million shoppers across 22 states A thought leader in AI and cannabis, he speaks at industry panels and contributes to organizations like the National Cannabis Industry Association With expertise in mathematics and technology, Peter drives innovation at the intersection of AI, business strategy, and cannabis
Justin Moore MBA ’14
CEO of Agoge
Justin Moore founded Agoge to tackle the global need for sustainable, pesticide-free protein as the population surpasses 8 billion. With experience in hemp since 2019, he has worked across farming, retail, and manufacturing. Previously, he co-founded NuEyes, an award-winning wearable tech company. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he holds an MBA from USC Marshall and a BS from West Virginia University. Agoge was recently featured on Fox10 Phoenix for its innovative approach to nutrition.
BREAKOUT SESSION 2
2:55 pm - 3:45 pm
TCC 450 - The Forum
Resilience in Action: Lessons from Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is full of challenges, from early-stage setbacks to the constant need to pivot and adapt. This panel will dive into stories from resilient leaders who have faced failure, rejection, and uncertainty and emerged stronger and more successful. Panelists will share firsthand experiences of navigating difficult times, lessons they’ve learned along the way, and practical strategies for turning obstacles into opportunities. Attendees will gain valuable insights on cultivating resilience, staying motivated, and leveraging setbacks as stepping stones to success.
Dan
Wadhwani
(Moderator) Professor
of Clinical Entrepreneurship at USC Marshall
Dan Wadhwani is the Director of Research and Graduate Programs at USC’s Greif Center, a professor, and a leading scholar in entrepreneurial processes He has published extensively in top management and business history journals and co-edited Organizations in Time (Oxford, 2014) A past chair of the AoM Management History Division and president-elect of the Business History Conference, Dan’s work has earned prestigious research and teaching awards, including the Williamson Prize
Jennet Chow Founder & CEO of Evolution Design Lab
Jennet Chow is the Founder and Co-CEO of Evolution Design Lab and Jellypop Shoes, pioneering tech-driven supply chain innovations in footwear A second-generation Taiwanese-American, she was named to Inc 's Female Founders 100 and is recognized for her leadership in women ’ s business initiatives Passionate about sustainability and philanthropy, she mentors entrepreneurs and leads donation efforts A board member of multiple organizations, she continues expanding her expertise at Stanford Executive Business School
Manna
Kadar ’11 Founder of Manna Kadar Beauty
Manna is the self-made founder of Manna Kadar Beauty, a multimillion-dollar beauty empire with six brands and 600+ products A USC finance graduate, she scaled her business without outside investment, pioneering the “7-Minute Face” beauty system Committed to philanthropy, she donates 10% of profits and serves on boards like Goodwill and USC’s Women in Business Recognized as a minority mom-preneur, she empowers women in business and beauty entrepreneurship
Todd Watts ’05
Co-Founder & CEO
of PatientFi
Todd Watts is the CEO & Founder of PatientFi, a healthcare payments technology company that has financed over $3 billion in medical procedures. A USC and Yale alumnus, he previously held leadership roles at Alphaeon and J.P. Morgan. Recognized by Inc. and Deloitte for PatientFi’s rapid growth, Todd was awarded Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year (2024). He serves on several boards in Orange County, including the Yale Alumni OC Board.
BREAKOUT SESSION 2
2:55 pm - 3:45 pm
Human Leadership and the Impact of AI on the World of Work
Repeat of session 1
This panel will explore the evolving role of leaders in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and job structures, leaders face new challenges and opportunities in managing human-AI collaboration, ensuring ethical standards, and supporting workforce adaptation. Panelists will discuss strategies for empowering employees, fostering innovation, and maintaining a human-centered approach to leadership while navigating rapid technological change.
Charlie
Hannigan (Moderator)
Assistant Professor of Clinical Data Sciences & Operations at USC Marshall
Charlie is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Data Sciences and Operations at USC Marshall. Holding an MBA and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, he researches criminal justice systems and complex queueing algorithms. He develops and teaches business analytics courses, earning the 2024 Golden Apple Teaching Award. Passionate about making quantitative concepts accessible, Charlie helps students master challenging material, contributing to both academic research and real-world operations improvements
Eddie Blackwell MBA ’22
Sr. Global Director at Snowflake
Edward Buchanan Blackwell, Jr is the Global Director for Telco, Media & Entertainment at Snowflake Inc , leading strategic initiatives for AT&T Previously, he spent 13 years at VMware, co-architecting its first cloudbased lab environment He holds an MBA from USC Marshall, an MSLC from St Edward’s University, and a BA in Mathematics from UT Austin An Ironman World Championship finisher and Mt Kilimanjaro climber, he also serves on nonprofit boards supporting education and youth
Ana Miren Achaval MS ’17
Sr. Manager at AMD
With 15+ years in strategic planning and operations, Ana specializes in globalization, distribution, and AI adoption She has led projects at Warner Bros , Fox, Disney, Intel, and AMD, spearheading AI initiatives and moderating USC's AI panel As a "Copilot Champion," she drives AI training and integration A board member of Women in Technology Hollywood and an AMD Brand Ambassador, she advocates for STEM programs and technological innovation
Stacyann Russell MBA ’17
Founder & CEO of The Daraja Collective, LLC
Stacyann P. Russell, Founder & CEO of The Daraja Collective, helps launch and scale tech startups while driving corporate innovation. A former nuclear engineer, she has expertise in modeling, simulation, and operational optimization across industries. She also directs the NSF’s I-Corps Hub: West Region, supporting research commercialization. Stacyann holds degrees from Ohio State, George Washington University, and USC, where she earned an MBA. She is a leader in entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional development.
BREAKOUT SESSION 2
2:55 pm - 3:45 pm
How to Hire and Retain Talent in the Ever-Evolving Work Environment
With hybrid work models, changing employee expectations, and the rise of digital tools, organizations must rethink traditional approaches to recruitment and retention. Panelists will discuss innovative hiring practices, strategies to build an inclusive and flexible culture, and the role of leadership in fostering long-term engagement. Attendees will gain insights into how to adapt their talent management strategies to meet the needs of a diverse, modern workforce and create an environment where employees can thrive and grow.
Michelle Aitala (Moderator)
Associate Director and Career Strategist at USC Marshall
Michelle is an Associate Director at USC Marshall’s Graduate Career Services, guiding MBA students in career strategy She leads the Peer Coach Program and career prep for Consortium Fellows A trustee for The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, she holds an Ed D in Educational Leadership from USC With prior experience in architecture and counseling, she focuses on career coaching and diversity recruitment, supporting historically underrepresented students in business education
Craig
Benner
’01
Founder & CEO of Accretive
Craig is the Founder and CEO of Accretive, an out-of-home advertising platform Previously, he was Senior VP at Viant Technology, helping drive its IPO in 2021 With expertise in addressable advertising, he has managed multimillion-dollar ad campaigns and launched innovative marketing technologies A USC Marshall graduate, he supports philanthropic causes like the Scleroderma Foundation and StandUp2Cancer An avid tennis player and foodie, Craig resides in Venice, California
Amina Sekandari MBA
’07
Chief of Staff of Full Glass Wine
Amina Sekandari, Chief of Staff at Full Glass Wine, has driven over $450 million in revenue across retail, CPG, cleantech, healthtech, and fintech She specializes in process optimization, customer experience, and datadriven strategies to enhance retention and profitability Amina excels in leading cross-functional teams to drive business growth She holds an MBA in Marketing from USC Marshall and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UC Davis
Will Van Noll ’06, MBA ’14
Executive Director & Co-Founder of Mend Urgent Care TCC
William Van Noll is a healthcare entrepreneur with expertise in finance, operations, and revenue cycle management. A USC alumnus (BS ’06, MBA ’14), he co-founded Mend Urgent Care, Hillview RCM, and Star Medical Associates, supporting independent physicians. Passionate about healthcare innovation, he focuses on improving patient access and provider autonomy through strategic business development and scalable healthcare solutions.
USC Marshall Alumni Association
USC Marshall Connections
LinkedIn Group: USC Marshall Alumni Association
LinkedIn Page: USC Marshall Alumni Association