2026 Simmons Leadership Conference Speakers & Thrive365 Faculty
This year’s speakers—our distinguished Thrive365 Faculty—will not only ignite the stage on March 17 but also guide participants throughout the full Thrive365 journey. Together, they’ll share personal leadership stories, deliver powerful career-building insights, and spark the kind of thought-provoking conversations that define our 2026 theme: The Connected Leader.
Across the conference and throughout Thrive365, they’ll help us explore how authentic connection drives belonging, builds trust, and fuels impact. Attendees will leave energized, empowered, and ready to strengthen their leadership with ongoing learning that lasts well beyond conference day.
Please note, additional powerhouse speakers to be announced soon!
Mainstage Speakers
Misty Copeland
Ballerina and Founder of The Misty Copeland Foundation
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
Featured Breakout Speakers
Susan MacKenty Brady
CEO of Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership
Stuart D. Kliman
Partner & Head of the Center of Excellence, Building Industry Partners
Greg Morley
Senior Business and Human Resources Leader
Kerry Seitz
Vice President, Women’s Leadership, Simmons University Institute for Inclusive Leadership
Mary Shapiro
Professor of Practice, School of Business, Simmons University
Leslie C. Smith
66th Inspector General, Vice President of the Association of the United States Army, Visiting Professor - Georgia Southern, Board Director
Andrés Tapia
Bold Transformation Strategist