March 17, 2026
Online from Anywhere
Thrive365: The Connected Leader
The Simmons Leadership Conference brought thousands of leaders together on March 17, 2026 (#SLC47), in Boston and online for an inspiring day centered on The Connected Leader. Through powerful stories, fresh perspectives, and meaningful conversations, world-class speakers and leadership experts explored how connection, courage, resilience, and collaboration can help leaders navigate change and create greater impact.
Throughout the day, attendees were challenged to think differently about how they lead, how they bring out the best in others, and how they can turn inspiration into action. From moments that moved us to practical ideas leaders could bring back to their teams and organizations, SLC47 reinforced the power each of us has to drive meaningful change.
And the impact continued beyond the conference. SLC47 kicked off Thrive365, extending the learning, reflection, and connections from one powerful day into continued opportunities for leaders to grow, connect, and put new ideas into practice.
March 17, 2026 Simmons Leadership Conference: Program Agenda
Where the go-getters, go get.
SLC47 is for you if:
- You’re a force for positive change in leadership.
- You value practical insights over theories for workplace inclusion.
- Connecting with gender parity visionaries fuels your passion.
- You represent an organization that champions cultural evolution.
- You prioritize inclusion and equity in leadership.
- For you, allyship means taking action and making an impact.
Inside High-Performance Leadership
Real-world lessons from business and sports leaders accountable for results, culture, and reputation—anchored by the Visionary Leader Award honoring Kimberly Davis of the National Hockey League.
Connected Leadership That Delivers
See how trust, communication, and culture become competitive advantages that turn values into performance.
Leadership with Visibility and Accountability
Learn how today’s leaders show up, lead transparently, and perform under scrutiny at the highest levels.
Growth, Insight, and What’s Next
Practical perspectives on women’s sports, emerging markets, and leadership strategies that scale across industries.
2026 Simmons Leadership Conference Speakers
This year’s speakers will not only ignite the stage on March 17 but also guide participants throughout the full Thrive365 journey. Together, they shared personal leadership stories, delivered powerful career-building insights, and sparked the kind of thought-provoking conversations that defined our 2026 theme: The Connected Leader.
Across the conference and throughout Thrive365, they have helped us explore how authentic connection drives belonging, builds trust, and fuels impact. Attendees are ready to go with energized, empowered, and strengthened leadership skills with ongoing learning that lasts well beyond conference day.
Mainstage Speakers
Misty Copeland
Ballerina and Founder of The Misty Copeland Foundation
Track Featured Speaker
Juliet Funt
Founder and CEO, JFG
Hoda Kotb
New York Times Bestselling Author, Award-Winning Journalist, Founder & CEO Of Joy 101 and former co-anchor of TODAY
Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva
Founder and Chief Reinvention Officer, The Reinvention Academy
Visionary Leader Award Winner
Featured Speakers
Amina Bulman
Chief Revenue Officer of Boston Legacy FC
Track Featured Speaker
Susie Piotrkowski
Vice President, Women’s Sports Programming & espnW
Track Featured Speaker
Justine Pouravelis
Professor of Practice, Simmons University & Former Director of Original Content, NESN
Track Featured Speaker
Rick Sacchetti
Area VP | US Commercial East Sales, Cisco
Facilitators & Emcees
Joyce Kulhawik
Emmy-award winning Broadcast Journalist, CBS NEWS, GBH News “The Culture Show,” President Boston Theater Critics Association
Kristen Palson
COO, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership and Executive Producer, Simmons Leadership Conference
Samantha Tan
Consultant & Executive Coach
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors
Join the hundreds of organizations whose sponsorship has helped advance their growth and develop their team members on their journey as inclusive leaders.
You Belong Here.
This event is designed for individuals who are passionate about leadership and ready to make a meaningful impact.
This is a gathering of energized, driven, and purposeful leaders and allies who are not just ready for change but are committed to making change happen. If this resonates with you, then congratulations – you’ve earned your spot in this vibrant community!