Theme: The Next Wave

What does the future hold for humanity in the next 30-50 years? And how should we future-proof ourselves? Thinking about whats to come, we will cover emotional intelligence (self-care) and how its development can aid in being a good human being, have better life relationships, and be at peace with self with exercises such as practicing mindfulness. So as we find ways to thrive in this new environment we are also faced with threats against humanity from the domination of artificial intelligence. How will we survive in a world of machine learning and data mining, with automation becoming more common? We must find solutions for humanity to thrive in this environment. However, without conservation and sustainability there will not be a future. So, what can the youth of today as well as companies do to create meaningful sustainable solutions for future generations?

Hofstra University
Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York, 11549-1000
United States

Chad Bouton

Vice President, Advanced Engineering | Managing Director, Center for Bioelectronic Medicine | Division Leader, Neurotechnology and Analytics | Contributing Editor, Bioelectronic Medicine

Mr. Bouton formerly served as research leader at Battelle Memorial Institute—the world’s largest independent research and development organization—where he spent the last 18 years researching and developing biomedical technology. At the Feinstein Institute, he will continue his groundbreaking research in neurotechnology to treat paralysis and help develop new capabilities and technologies to accelerate the field of bioelectronic medicine. Mr. Bouton’s work has been featured on 60 Minutes and TEDx, and he holds over 70 patents worldwide. He has been awarded two R&D 100 Awards and was recognized by the US Congress for his work in the medical device field. He has been named Inventor of the Year and Distinguished Inventor by Battelle, and was selected by the National Academy of Engineering in 2011 to attend the Frontiers in Engineering Symposium. Mr. Bouton received his BS in Electrical Engineering at Iowa State University and his MS in Engineering Mechanics at Iowa State University.

Frank Lackner

Founder of Lackner Capital Advisors LLC

Frank D. Lackner has been involved in the financial services industry in various capacities for more than 25 years, including roles in governance, corporate finance and private equity. He is also a stand-up comedian and has performed in a variety of social and professional settings. The comedy serves as a healthy balance between the exciting world of finance and the more cerebral world of humor and observational comedy. Frank sits on the boards of international insurance companies, as well as on the advisory boards of private equity funds focused on Asia. Frank is the founder of the eponymous Lackner Capital Advisors, a corporate advisory company he established in 1998. In the past, he has held several senior positions in investment banking and private equity. Frank is hopeful that his enthusiasm for entertaining people may at some point usurp his interest in the world of finance. Frank received his BBA degree in Banking and Finance from Hofstra University in 1989.

Janice Gassam

Ph.D. Applied Organizational Psychology, Hofstra University 2017

Janice Gassam is currently a professor that teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Human Resource Management and Industrial Organizational Psychology. Some of the courses she has taught include: Research Methods, Diversity in the Workplace, Employee Motivation, Performance Management, Social Psychology, Gender Psychology, and African American Psychology. She received her Ph.D. in 2017 from Hofstra University in Applied Organizational Psychology. Her dissertation focuses on employee hiring and selection procedures and whether disclosure of aspects of a job applicant's background affects perceptions and employability of the job applicant. Her research areas of interest include motivation, diversity and inclusion, training and development and leadership. Janice also works as a consultant to develop and grow small businesses and she volunteers as a job coach for a non-profit organization in NYC. In her free time she enjoys getting lost in non-fiction books.

Jason Jay

Director of Sustainability Initiative at MIT Sloan, Author of Breaking Through Gridlock

Jason Jay is a Senior Lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management and Director of the Sustainability Initiative at MIT Sloan. His research focuses on how people navigate the tensions between personal, business, and social goals in sustainability efforts. His first book is Breaking Through Gridlock: The Power of Conversation in a Polarized World and he has published articles in the Academy of Management Journal and California Management Review. He teaches courses on strategy, innovation, and leadership for sustainable business at MIT, and engages students and alumni in hands-on projects with leading companies and organizations. Prior to MIT, Jason was a management consultant for Dialogos International, where he consulted on leadership development and organizational change for major international corporations and NGO's including BP and the World Bank. Jason holds a Ph.D. in Organization Studies from the MIT Sloan School of Management, and an AB and M.Ed from Harvard University.

Nancy Kelley

Director, The Nature Conservancy

Nancy grew up on Eastern Long Island, where her front yard was a bay and her backyard was a harbor. It was here she developed a passion for our waters and coasts. The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends. In this mission, the Conservancy works with partners around the world to find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing people and nature: tackling climate change, providing food and water sustainably, and building healthy cities. Nancy is also an advocate for global marine conservation, and has traveled on behalf of the Conservancy to Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America. Nancy holds a BA from Cornell University and an MA from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. She is a three-time recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 2 Environmental Quality Champion Award in 2017, 2004 and 1988.

Zachary Metz

Partner & Director of Peacebuilding Practice, Consensus

Zachary, a partner in the firm, directs Consensus’ Peace Building practice. His areas of expertise include adult education and training, conflict prevention and international development, restorative justice, and program development and evaluation. He has consulted to the United Nations Development Programme, UN Department of Economic & Social Affairs, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and to a wide range of international political and civil society leaders. Prior to joining the firm, Zachary was Director of Education & Training for Columbia University’s Center for International Conflict Resolution (CICR). At CICR he was responsible for envisioning, designing, and implementing the education elements of CICR’s international and domestic programs. Zachary received his Master of International Affairs from Columbia University and did his undergraduate work at Earlham College. He is currently doing PhD studies in sociology at the New School for Social Research.