Arrived early for the conference? Head to LaCava to check in.

Welcome to the Bentley Alumni Conference! Please stop by the registration tables on the third floor of LaCava to check-in and pick up your conference materials.

Sean Ferguson, Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, Bentley University

Kick off the Bentley Alumni Conference by exploring how to make the most of these two inspiring days. Connect with fellow alumni, gain fresh perspectives, and challenge yourself to think in new and innovative ways. You’ll also discover how Bentley can continue to serve as a lifelong learning resource to support your career and professional growth long after the conference ends.

Join Eric Glass, MBA '97 for an inside look at what it takes to build a brand from the ground up. Drawing on more than two decades of experience leading consumer goods brands, Eric will share insights on crafting a compelling brand identity, staying true to your core story and positioning products for long-term success. This session explores brand foundations, go-to-market strategy and the realities of scaling a mission-driven lifestyle brand — offering practical takeaways for entrepreneurs and marketers alike.

Influence in today’s workplace isn’t driven by title alone. It’s built through how leaders show up, speak up, and use their voice in everyday moments that shape trust, opportunity, and impact.

This facilitated session brings together three complementary perspectives on modern influence: strategic visibility, everyday negotiation, and the ripple effect of using influence to lift others. Participants will explore how influence is activated through small, intentional shifts—how leaders make their value visible without self-promotion, advocate for themselves with confidence, and amplify others in ways that multiply impact across teams and organizations.

Blending storytelling, data, and practical frameworks, this session equips leaders with actionable tools to strengthen their presence, communicate their value clearly, and create lasting momentum.

Family-owned businesses require balancing legacy with innovation. In this session, Manish Hiranandani P'29, CEO of Hira Industries, and Jim Wilson '76 of Wilson Farm share perspectives from two distinct family enterprises, one deeply rooted in local community and multigenerational stewardship, the other expanded to a global scale. Together, they will explore leadership transitions, governance, growth, and the realities of sustaining a family business through changing markets and evolving generations.

We are entering a new reality—one in which AI can reason and solve problems in remarkable ways. This intelligence on tap will rewrite the rules of business and transform knowledge work as we know it. Organizations today must navigate the challenge of preparing for an AI-enhanced future, where AI agents will gain increasing levels of capability over time that humans will need to harness as they redesign their business. Human ambition, creativity, and ingenuity will continue to create new economic value and opportunity as we redefine work and workflows. Come to this session to learn leading practices and hear about real world examples and lessons learned from Microsoft and its customers and partners.

From reimagining materials to redefining meaning, this session explores how innovation, sustainability, and social purpose can coexist as powerful drivers of business success. Alessandro will share how Modo and Eco transformed eyewear from a simple accessory into a vehicle for global impact—helping over two million children see and planting more than four million trees worldwide—proving that doing good truly is good business.

Now, with the launch of Eyefly, the company’s next leap into wearable technology, we’ll see how craftsmanship, smart design, and cutting-edge engineering converge to make eyewear not only sustainable and purposeful, but also intelligent.

This conversation will reveal how a purpose-driven business model can lead an industry forward—where sustainability is differentiation, innovation is connection, and impact is measurable.

Whether you love networking or dread it, this session will change the way you approach it. Drawing on decades of executive experience and coaching insight, Lisa Haynes ’87 shares how to network with purpose, authenticity and confidence. You’ll learn strategies to strengthen your connections, expand your influence, and create opportunities. Walk out of this session with a fresh, approachable take on networking that feels natural, effective, and genuinely impactful.

In today’s corporate landscape, there is a growing recognition that business can—and should—be a force for good. Yet the path to integrating financial performance with social and environmental impact is rarely linear. Business for Good: The Integration of Corporate Success and Social Impact brings together leaders from sports, social marketing, and consumer goods who have each leveraged their platforms to drive meaningful change while achieving organizational success.

Through diverse career stories, panelists will discuss practical ways to align profit with purpose—whether by leveraging the reach of professional sports, using research-driven campaigns to improve community outcomes, or building values-led brands. They’ll share candid insights on translating organizational values into action, navigating trade-offs, and leading teams toward responsible growth.

Beyond case studies, this conversation will highlight the human side of impact work: pivotal career decisions, lessons from setbacks, and the personal fulfillment that comes from aligning values with vocation. The session will emphasize that business professionals can advance social good not only by launching new ventures but also by contributing within credible, mission-driven organizations.

Attendees will leave with inspiration and actionable strategies to incorporate purpose into their own careers—affirming that thoughtful business leadership can be a powerful driver of positive change.

This panel discussion will explore the importance of recognizing and embracing intersectionality in leadership, examining how the overlapping dimensions of identity shape the way we lead, connect and create impact. Featuring multifaceted leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries, the conversation will highlight how leading with one’s full self strengthens authenticity, empathy and effectiveness. Attendees will engage in meaningful dialogue on identity, inclusion and opportunity, and will leave with practical tools, actionable insights and renewed inspiration to lead with intention and inclusivity.

Artificial intelligence is transforming organizational storytelling, offering opportunities for personalization and scale — but it also poses new risks, from misinformation to reputation damage. In this session, Kayla Ryan ’15 will explore how organizations can harness AI responsibly while safeguarding authenticity. Attendees will participate in interactive exercises evaluating AI-generated content for credibility and bias, and will learn best practices for crisis response to disinformation. Participants will leave with practical tools, including a rapid-response framework, to protect their brand and strengthen communications in an AI-driven world.

Spend this open, interactive hour exploring Bentley, connecting one on one with attendees, updating your professional headshot, or taking a beat in the conference lounge space.

Offerings include:

• A guided campus tour
• Technology Open House – discover Bentley’s Trading Room, Virtual Reality Lab and CIS Sandbox
• Professional Headshots offered on a first come first serve basis

As AI continues to redefine industries, leaders face a growing dilemma: how do we embrace automation without losing the human connection that builds loyalty, trust, and empathy?

When Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff announced 4,000 customer service layoffs citing AI’s efficiency, it underscored a growing misconception that innovation must come at the expense of people. Jose Herrera, Co-Founder and CEO of Horatio, offers a different vision—one where technology and human talent work in harmony.

Founded in 2018, Horatio is one of the fastest-growing outsourcing firms in the U.S., powering customer experience for 150+ of today’s most viral e-commerce and tech brands. Built on the belief that great CX still requires a human touch, the company has grown from a small New York studio into a double-digit-million-dollar business with over 3,000 employees across the U.S., Dominican Republic, and Colombia.

In this session, Jose will share how Horatio integrates automation thoughtfully — optimizing workflows without replacing the empathy and creativity that only people can provide. He’ll discuss his people-first leadership approach, from offering bilingual daycare and yoga rooms to building mental-health-forward cultures in emerging markets.

The session invites attendees to rethink “efficiency” not as a measure of fewer humans, but as a smarter balance of both.

As Bentley alumni advance in their careers, success often brings increased responsibility, visibility, and pressure. Many professionals discover that while they are doing well on paper, sustaining energy, purpose, and fulfillment becomes more challenging over time.

In this session, Pouli draws on a rare combination of perspectives: as a Bentley alumnus (MBA ’94), a long-time faculty member, and an internationally recognized expert in sales effectiveness who works closely with leaders and teams inside high-pressure organizations around the world. He has helped students, alumni, and professionals perform, adapt, and lead in demanding environments where results matter.

Blending research, real-world stories, and practical frameworks, this session explores what happens after you become good at your job—and how to navigate pressure with intention, so success remains sustainable, meaningful, and human over the long run.

This session will explore how women in middle management navigate barriers to advancement in the financial sector, balancing authenticity, credibility and ambition amid organizational and cultural challenges. Faye Al-tukhaim ’06 will share research-informed insights and real-life narratives, examining how identity work can empower agency while highlighting systemic constraints. Attendees will engage in discussion and reflection on strategies for breaking the glass ceiling, and will leave with actionable recommendations for fostering more inclusive pathways from middle to senior management in finance.

Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder curious about how venture capital works, or a professional looking to deepen your understanding of the start‑up funding landscape, Venture Capital 101 offers a clear, practical introduction to the fundamentals of the industry. This session breaks down how venture funds are structured, what drives VC decision‑making, and what it takes to build a successful firm from the ground up. Attendees will walk away with a stronger grasp of the investment process, an inside look at how VCs evaluate opportunities, and actionable guidance for navigating the venture ecosystem.

Join Marcus in a conversation around inclusive leadership and building diverse teams.

Scaling in 2026 requires a combination of technology, strategic capital, and human intuition. This roundtable discussion moves past the hype to share stories from leaders and investors who have navigated inflection points from startup through scale. You'll walk away with insights on what investors look for in a company, building resilient cultures, and utilizing AI to drive sustainable growth.

In today’s dynamic business environment, success depends not just on technical skills, but on emotional intelligence. In this interactive 60-minute session, Tom Kane ’98 will reveal how EQ drives leadership effectiveness, team performance and sustainable success. Participants will learn the EPIC framework —Empathy, Purpose, Inspiration, and Connection — and gain practical strategies to manage stress, cultivate resilience and foster psychological safety. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to enhance their leadership capabilities, strengthen team dynamics, and drive innovation in high-performing organizations.

Today’s buyers crave authentic connection, not robotic pitches. In this session, Justine Beauregard ’09 will show why your greatest sales advantage is being yourself. Drawing on nearly two decades of coaching experience and a track record of helping 750+ companies generate millions in revenue, she will teach participants how to leverage personality, intuition, and expertise to build trust, spark authentic conversations, and close sales with ease. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to craft memorable pitches, apply a proven sales framework, and grow their business authentically and effectively.

Fast growth can come at a hidden cost: leader stamina, focus and decision quality. In this session, Adam Barney ’05 will introduce the Founder Energy Recalibration Framework, a proven system to regain strategic capacity, rebuild energy and strengthen culture from the inside out. Through story-driven examples, humor and interactive exercises, participants will audit how they’re showing up as leaders and leave with actionable tools to operate from intentional, scalable energy, boosting performance while sustaining their well-being in fast-paced organizations.

In this interactive fireside chat, two leaders in change management will explore how organizations and individuals can adapt to environmental shifts, innovate, and build structures and frameworks to stay competitive in an era of constant transformation.

Drawing from experience across financial services, leading technology-driven transformation, and organizational leadership, the speakers will share practical perspectives on embracing change, aligning to organizational goals, and leveraging a Development Ops approach to building cultures rooted in trust and collaborative approaches.

The conversation will touch on creating buy-in across teams, investing in training and innovation, managing risk proactively, and empowering people at all career stages to respond confidently to change. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on navigating organizational transformation while intentionally shaping their own career paths.

The pace of work keeps accelerating, driven by AI, disruption, and uncertainty — but pushing harder depletes the very human traits that fuel innovation: resilience, creativity, empathy, and clarity. In this session, Alison Campbell ’07 will share insights from research with Bentley University’s Center for Health and Business, exploring how workplace stressors impact human capacity. Participants will learn strategies to protect and enhance capacity, unlocking creativity, trust and problem-solving. Attendees will leave ready to foster environments where people thrive, proving that the real advantage in a tech-driven world is protecting what makes us human.

Reveal coming soon!

Life rarely unfolds in a straight line. Career transitions, leadership shifts, family responsibilities, health changes, financial challenges, and evolving identities often disrupt the “plan” we thought we were following—and yet these moments hold the greatest opportunity for growth. In this interactive workshop, Bentley alumna Ayo Haynes ’90, MBA ’91, shares a practical framework for moving beyond autopilot living to designing your next (best) chapter with clarity, purpose, and intention. Through guided reflection and Ayo’s SMART L.I.F.E.™ approach, you’ll learn how to use life disruptions as catalysts, break unproductive cycles, and create a customized blueprint for a more aligned and fulfilling future — personally and professionally.

Successful AI adoption depends on more than tools, it depends on leadership and people strategy. This session explores how organizational transformation and human leadership intersect with AI-enabled optimization. Drawing on real-world experience leveraging AI tools and strengthening human leadership, the speakers examine how organizations can build the right leadership capabilities, align teams, and optimize AI adoption across the enterprise.

Mid-career women+* are navigating a uniquely demanding chapter of life — raising teenagers, supporting aging parents, and reassessing their careers, often all at once. While these challenges are deeply shared, they are frequently experienced in isolation, with few spaces to reflect, connect, or feel seen.

In this session, Deborah Biggar, ’06 invites Bentley alumni into a candid, alumni-centered conversation about the power of connection among women during times of transition. Drawing on research, interviews with Bentley alumni, and emerging models of community and care, the talk explores how women support one another when formal systems fall short. Participants will examine why connection — not optimization — is the missing infrastructure of midlife, and how thoughtful use of tools, including AI, can help reduce cognitive load and create space for what matters most.

Attendees will leave with renewed perspective, practical insights, and a call to strengthen the networks that sustain women through change — within the Bentley community and beyond.

* Spelling women with a plus sign is intentional to highlight that women+ is inclusive of different identities pertaining to gender. So, women+ entails trans women, femmes, genderfluid people, cis women, and more.

Digital accessibility ensures technology works for everyone, regardless of ability. In this session, Stephanie Bohler and Andy Twomey, MS ’26 will introduce the fundamentals of inclusive digital design and demonstrate practical strategies — like clear language, descriptive links, alt text, and sufficient color contrast — to remove barriers and enhance usability. Participants will learn how these practices benefit users across devices and contexts, and how every role — from writing to design to leadership — can contribute. Attendees will leave ready to integrate accessibility into daily workflows, creating experiences that are inclusive, effective, and welcoming for all.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, lead, and innovate. Join Bentley faculty Tamara Babaian, Lincoln Matra, and Ahmad Aljanaideh for a timely and thought-provoking forum exploring the opportunities, tensions, and real-world implications of AI across industries and disciplines.

Designed as an engaging, facilitated conversation, this forum will blend faculty insight with audience questions to surface practical perspectives and emerging themes. Whether you are AI-curious or already integrating these tools into your work, you will leave with a clearer understanding of how artificial intelligence is influencing decision-making, strategy, and the future of business.