The International Speaker Series

Learn from international business professionals and scholars.

The Ahlers Center International Business Speaker Series gives students, faculty, alumni and members of the community an opportunity to hear from distinguished international business experts and scholars. Each semester, we invite leading industry professionals, researchers and educators to campus to share their unique insights and bring current global business topics to life.

We're fortunate to have a captivating and diverse group of presenters come to the USD campus. Since these sessions are open to the public, you're welcome to bring a colleague or friend. Plus, most of these events are free. To learn more about the featured companies and speakers, visit our Ahlers Center for International Business blog.

Fall 2018 Presentations

Monday, October 22

Sanford Spivey, Global Business Development, Sonos

“Building a Culturally Relevant Brand and the Premier Sound Platform with Global Partners”

12:15-1:30PM; Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Room A

Lunch Included

Tuesday, October 30

Rich Yousko, Chief Operating Officer, SJ Creations

“Building a Business to Withstand an Evolving Retail Landscape”

Lunch from 12-12:45PM at MRH (SOLES) West Plaza, Presentation from 12:45-1:45PM in MRH, Room 102

Wednesday, November 7

Professor Paolo Guerrieri, Former Senator of the Italian Republic

“The Future of EU-U.S. Economic Relations in the Age of Disorder: Crisis or Opportunity”

12:15-1:30PM; Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Room A

Lunch Included

Wednesday, November 28
Dr. John Langford, Chairman and CEO, Aurora Flight Sciences (a Boeing Company)
“Smarter Aircraft Through Advanced Autonomy”
Lunch from 12:30-1:00; Presentation: 1:00-2:00PM in Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Rooms C and D
Register

Past Speakers

Building a Culturally Relevant Brand and the Premier Sound Platform with Global Partners

Sanford Spivey, business development, Sonos

October 22nd, 2018

Video

How Not to Ruin Your Career and Reputation with a Blink of the Eye

Marcel Smits, executive vice president, chief financial officer, chief compliance officer, Cargill

May 2nd, 2018

Video

The Age of Artificial Intelligence: What Lies Ahead

Navrina Singh, director of business development for artificial intelligence, Microsoft

April 25th, 2018

Video

The Digital Healthcare Revolution

Alexander Grunewald, global head of HealthTech investment strategy, Johnson & Johnson

November 13th, 2017

Video

How Amazon Has Remained Customer-Centeric as it Expands Across Programs and Countries

Chris Peyre, head of global supply chain, Amazon Prime Now

November 9th, 2017

Video

Innovation Through Diversity and Inclusion

Skot Welch, principal and founder, Global Bridgebuilders

November 2nd, 2017

Video

Evolving Trends in the Entertainment Industry

Digvijay Singh, global sourcing manager, Paramount Pictures

September 26th, 2017

Video

The Power of Data and Analytics to Transform Lives and Livelihoods

Joseph Bugasjski, managing vice president of global data and analytics, Gartner

May 4th, 2017

Video

A Unique Journey to the Cloud and Scaled Corporate Sustainability

Jim Hanna, director of datacenter sustainability, Microsoft

February 28th, 2017

Video

Competing for Customers in a Global Economy: Making Customer Success a Part of Oracle's DNA

Jeb Dasteel, senior vice president and chief customer officer, Oracle Corporation

February 16th, 2017

Video

Do the Right Thing and the Money Will Follow. It Always Does

Bob Maggiore, chief marketing officer, TaylorMade Golf

April 19th, 2016

Video

From State-Controlled Enterprise to Entrepreneurial Global Disrupters: China's Automotive Industry Revolution

Michael Dunne, president, Dunne and Company

March 8th, 2016

Video

An American Start-Up in China - Lessons from an Expat

Chris Gibson, vice president of market entry services, iPai Auction

November 16th, 2015

Video

Building a Career in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Roshan Paul, CEO, Amani Institute

October 22nd, 2015

Video

From Local to Global: The Story of Stone Brewing Company

Greg Koch, CEO and co-founder, Stone Brewing Company

October 19th, 2015

Video

The Disciplined Listening Method: Leveraging Truth to Create Strategic Business Advantages

Michael Reddington, vice president of executive education, Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates

September 15th, 2015

Video

How Making a Positive Difference in Society Can Grow a Business and a Big Brand Like McDonald's

Bob Langert, former vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, McDonald's

April 9th, 2015

Video

Patagonia--Why Business is Good for the Planet

Rachel Cantu, vice president of global supply chain, Patagonia

March 26th, 2015

Video

What is Global Mindset and Why Does it Matter?

Mansour Javidan, Garvin distinguished professor and director of the Najafi Global Mindset Institute, Thunderbird School of Global Management

February 11th, 2015

Video

Reverse Innovation

Vijay Govindarajan, Coxe distinguished professor at the Tuck School of Business Dartmouth and New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

October 16th, 2014

Video