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Frame Your Future 2026: A Catalyst for Professional Development

Spring 2026 is set to bloom with opportunities for professional growth as Columbia University's School of Professional Studies (Columbia SPS) introduces the Frame Your Future 2026 public speaker series. This innovative event aims to foster discussions on the importance of continual professional education amidst a rapidly changing world.

This series brings together a diverse array of thought leaders from industry and academia, including representatives from esteemed organizations such as NASA, IBM, Deloitte, and Paramount Global, as well as Columbia's own Scholar Practitioners. Their collective expertise will be harnessed to address critical issues impacting the future of work, equipping attendees with the necessary tools to navigate an increasingly complex professional landscape.

The inaugural remarks will be delivered by Dean Troy Eggers, who emphasizes the evolving nature of education in today's society. “The stakes have officially been raised,” he states. In environments dramatically redefined by advancements in artificial intelligence and shifting geopolitical dynamics, he argues, lifelong learning is no longer optional.

The Series Lineup

The Frame Your Future speaker series kicks off with a schedule designed to provoke thought and encourage dialogue:

1. Monday, April 6 – How Sustainability Is Transforming the World of Management
- Led by Senior Associate Dean Louise Rosen, this panel will delve into the evolution of sustainability metrics and their integration into standard management practices. The session will also feature a book signing for Sustainability Metrics and Management: The Path from Innovation to Routine by Dr. Steven A. Cohen, Dr. William B. Eimicke, and Dr. Guo Dong.

2. Tuesday, April 14 – Unlocking the Return on Education
- With industry pioneers like Jessica Thurston and Len Elmore, this event aims to redefine professional education as a cumulative investment that adapts to shifting landscapes driven by technological and social progress.

3. Monday, April 20 – Risk, Resilience, and Returns: Biodiversity as Competitive Edge for Business
- Hosted by Viorel Popescu, this webinar will investigate how biodiversity analytics can transform perceptions of nature from secondary to essential business intelligence. Notable speakers include Kevin Webb and Edward Pollard.

4. Thursday, April 23 – Tech-Driven, Human-Centered: Leading Through Disruption
- Featuring experts from IBM, Deloitte, and former NASA CIO Lauren Goodwin, this conversation will address navigating disruptions caused by emerging technologies, ensuring a human-centered approach.

5. Thursday, April 30 – Critical Junctures: Project Management at the Center of Growth
- Leaders such as Bill Squires will join practitioners to share insights on risk management, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive leadership that propel businesses forward during challenging moments.

The Frame Your Future series not only creates a platform for dialogue but also emphasizes the critical role of education in enhancing professional influence and agility.

The Impact of Lifelong Learning

As individuals gear up for these discussions, it becomes clear that education cannot simply be a singular milestone in a career; it must be an ongoing commitment that shapes one's professional trajectory. The Frame Your Future program seeks to instill this mindset by championing a culture of learning where individuals actively participate in shaping their future through informed decisions and strategic investments in their education.

The first installment of this enlightening series will take place in several iconic venues across New York City, reinforcing its objective to immerse participants in the heart of professional thought leadership.

As the series unfolds through the summer of 2026, subsequent discussions will delve into themes such as professional education pedagogy and the integration of AI in educational support systems.

Columbia SPS stands unique in its ability to leverage a vast network of experienced Scholar Practitioners, infusing real-world insights into academic formations. This innovative blend of theory and practice promises invaluable experiences for all who attend.

With a vision to redefine the landscape of professional education, Columbia University's School of Professional Studies invites all individuals eager to embrace this journey of lifelong learning to join the upcoming events—a profound opportunity to not only frame their futures but to lead them into a horizon filled with promise and potential.