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Pepperdine Graziadio Hosted Second Annual EMERGE Leadership Conference


On May 19, 2022, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School hosted its second annual EMERGE Leadership Conference. Featuring top faculty at Pepperdine Graziadio who discussed various topics related to current leadership issues and challenges, the event opened with Keynote Speaker, Dr. Larry Cox, who discussed leadership and entrepreneurship. In this session, he identified the ‚starting point‚ or ‚square one‚ for the process of launching a new venture. Dr. Cox then explained how to find ‚square one‚ and the importance of beginning. Finally, this session revealed how such an "obvious" idea has vaulted Pepperdine Graziadio's entrepreneurship program into the #7 curriculum in the US by Bloomberg Businessweek.

Dr. J. Goosby‚ session was incredibly enlightening.She discussed the Importance of Inclusive Leadership in Today's Multigenerational Post-Pandemic Workplace. Dr. Goosby noted that for the first time, there are up to five generations working at the same moment. Participants walked away with tangible strategies thanks to her insights and wisdom.

Dr. Bernice Ledbetter, who is the Dean of Students and the Director for the Center of Women in Leadership, gave a fascinating discussion addressing the triumphs and challenges for women moving into executive leadership roles. Attendees were provided information that helped to address the disparities facing female leaders.

Dr. Arman Davtyan provided an encouraging discussion on Emerging Serendipity and creating ‚smart luck‚. Luck is considered random and uncontrollable, but in this session, Dr. Davtyan focused on ways in which good fortune could be ‚intentionally sought and cultivated‚. He guided listeners to understand the process involved in standardizing solutions, thus creating ‚smart luck‚.

Dr. Mark Allen provided a timely talk which addressed the Great Resignation, ‚Turning the Great Resignation into the Great Retention‚. Those who participated walked away with strategies to immediately implement towards issues of turnover and retention.

Dr. Cristel Russell, whose background specializes in research and brand management, led a thought provoking session that showed ‚How Brands Live in the Marketplace‚. Dr. Russell provided practical advice on ‚crafting and managing a brand narrative that will sustain the woes of constant consternation‚.Participants walked away with strategies to further develop and promote not only their business brand but also their personal brand.

The event ended with an ‚after party‚ event so that participants could network and discuss all of the information provided at the conference. The after party was a fun and engaging way to ‚marinate‚ on the valuable insights with others in attendance.

The 2022 Emerge Leadership Conference is an annual and free event. Those considering graduate school who attended the conference also are eligible for a scholarship to the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Learn more by scheduling a consultation with an academic advisor today!

About the Author: Karen Jackson, Executive Director of Recruitment, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School