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Cornell Keynotes: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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.
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- 6 days ago52 min
Hospitality Fluency: Service Winners and Whiffs in the Age of AI
Find out more about Bruce Tracey’s General Managers Program: https://ecornell.short.gy/fKKWmj Howard’s Gift book: https://ecornell.short.gy/1OLdog Artificial intelligence is no longer just a tool; it’s starting to resemble an entirely new species. This raises a fundamental question: What remains distinctly human? In this Keynote, Bruce Tracey, Professor of Management at Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, and Eric Sinoway ’96, CEO of Pravi, introduce Hospitality FluencyTM as a universal language of human interaction. When technology takes over more of the work, the differentiator becomes how we listen, respond, and connect. Professor Tracey and Mr. Sinoway bring this concept to life with vivid examples of when people, processes, and technology succeed or fail. The session challenges leaders to determine what can be delegated to AI and what must remain the province of human judgment. What You'll Learn How to leverage AI’s scalable intelligence while ensuring judgment, strategic decisions, and accountability remain human responsibilities How to apply the Humans Still Matter® operating lens to decide what to delegate to AI, what to monitor, and what must stay under human control How the loss of critical skills like listening, empathy, and presence in an AI‑enabled world undermines competitive advantage How Hospitality FluencyTM works as a measurable, teachable “language” of human interaction and why many organizations underinvest in it How to spot Service Winners and WhiffsTM in real time and what they reveal about breakdowns among people, process, and technology Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.
- 3 weeks ago42 min
Executive Presence, Demystified: A Framework for Authentic Leadership and Lasting Influence
Learn more about executive presence in Mark’s Media Strategy for Policy and PR Cornell Certificate Program: https://ecornell.short.gy/4SNezG Check out the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at the Brooks School https://publicpolicy.cornell.edu/masters/mpa/empa/ Mark’s Newsletter “One for the Week” https://onefortheweek.com/ Is executive presence something you can learn or do you have to be born with it? And how can you build your personal brand and gain attention as a leader? In this Keynote, you will explore how to surface and strengthen your leadership traits so you can secure buy‑in for your ideas, attract funding to grow your business, or motivate your team — all without sacrificing your values or straying from your authentic self. Join us for a conversation between Tom O’Toole, Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming in the MPA Program at Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy, and Mark Bayer, Visiting Lecturer at the Brooks School and former U.S. Senate chief of staff. Together, they bring deep, real-world expertise in leadership, influence, and navigating high‑stakes environments. You’ll discover powerful, proven, and practical ways to elevate your personal brand, expand your influence, and amplify your impact by transforming your executive presence. What You'll Learn How executive presence is not an innate gift but a set of specific, teachable skills that can be developed through intentional practice A proven framework that helps you strengthen your natural leadership abilities while staying true to your values and authentic self Specific strategies to leverage your enhanced executive presence to secure funding, gain buy-in for ideas, or motivate your team effectively Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.
- Jun 29, 202627 min
Burnout to Balance: Rebuilding Engagement at Work
Servant Leadership Certificate program ecornell.short.gy/Eyh8A5 Communication Planning for Change course ecornell.short.gy/Eh9m8A ---- If you feel emotional or physical exhaustion, catch yourself disengaging from your job or coworkers, or notice a decrease in your productivity or creativity, you are not alone. A recent survey found 48% of employees in eight countries struggle with burnout. Or you may be experiencing boreout — underchallenged and lacking purpose, saddled with repetitive tasks. Join Amy Newman from Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business and Chris Wofford from eCornell to learn strategies for managing burnout by pinpointing what you can and can’t control. We’ll describe ways to re-engage in the work and with your coworkers, approach your situation with compassion, and communicate with courage. For people managers, we’ll explore ways to improve working conditions, lead with humility, and communicate more in some ways and less in others to support your team, despite work demands. What You'll Learn A framework for analyzing the causes of burnout and identifying what you can and can’t control Practical communication strategies to advocate for yourself and others The value of re-engaging and connecting with others despite a difficult work situation Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.
- Jun 22, 202644 min
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.
- May 21, 202640 min
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.
- May 1, 202635 min
Urban Congestion Pricing and Its Impact on Public Health
Link to Paper The Center for Transportation, Environment, and Community Health (CTECH) In January 2025, New York City launched the first congestion pricing program in the United States, offering a rare real-world test of how traffic policy affects air quality. This Keynote brings together researchers from environmental science, economics, and political science, who used high-frequency monitoring data to conduct the first zone-specific causal evaluation of the policy's PM2.5 impacts. The study found substantial pollution reductions within Manhattan's congestion zone, with spillover benefits across the city and region. The discussion will unpack methods, results, and implications for urban policy, public health, and environmental justice. As other U.S. cities consider similar programs, these findings offer crucial insights into congestion pricing's potential as a tool for improving air quality and addressing environmental inequities in urban areas. What You'll Learn: How NYC’s congestion pricing policy was evaluated using quasi-experimental methods Key findings on PM2.5 reductions inside and beyond the toll zone Evidence of behavioral adaptation and growing effects over time Implications for public health and environmental justice What other U.S. cities can learn when considering similar policies Follow eCornell on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X.
- Apr 20, 202646 min
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.
- Apr 7, 202643 min
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.
About Cornell Keynotes
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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