Mayor Pureval with panelists. Credit: Michael Mitchell

By Diana Lara

The University of Cincinnati Warren Bennis Leadership Institute welcomed business and academic leaders from the region on April 8 for the Warren Bennis Leadership Summit. 

At the1819 Innovation Hub, distinguished panelists such as Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, Altafiber CEO and UC Foundation Board of Trustees Chair Leigh Fox and former Cincinnati Children’s Hospital President and CEO Michael Fisher provided informative perspectives to the dialogue on leadership development. 

Panel discussions spoke to the essence of leadership, exploring both theory and practice.

Credit: Michael Mitchell

The Warren Bennis Leadership Summit is committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice, fostering an environment conducive to cultivating innovative ideas and methodologies. Leadership theories often remain confined to textbooks and the summit’s goal was to breathe life into these concepts by showcasing real-world applications.  

Panelists blended theoretical knowledge with practical acumen, ensuring attendees departed with tangible strategies and actionable insights.  

Central to the summit’s ethos is the belief that leadership is an evolving skill, not a static trait. Attendees were empowered to embark on their leadership development journeys through engaging discussions and networking opportunities. 

Credit: Michael Mitchell

By providing a platform for continuous learning and growth, the summit equipped attendees with the tools and inspiration needed to navigate the complexities of leadership in today’s ever-changing world. 

Following the Warren Bennis Leadership Summit, pianists and attendees viewed the solar eclipse. 

Panelists included Cincinnati leaders Leigh Fox (CEO, Altafiber), Aftab Pureval (Mayor), Kerry Byrne (President, TQL), Michael Fisher (former CEO, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital), Barbara Turner (former CEO, Ohio National Insurance Group) and thought leaders Doug Conant (Cambell’s Soup, Nabisco; The Blueprint), Raj Sisodia (Conscious Capitalism), Betsy Meyers (Take the Lead), Donna Chrobot-Mason (Boundary Spanning Leadership), Marianne Lewis (Both/And Thinking).

Credit: Michael Mitchell

The UC 1819 Innovation Hub is the gateway to the University of Cincinnati, serving as the central nerve center for the Cincinnati Innovation District. Situated in a renovated former Sears, Roebuck & Co. structure and strategically positioned in close proximity to renowned research facilities, the 1819 Innovation Hub serves as a dynamic space for pioneering programs, resources and events. Students, researchers, and business professionals collaborate to foster connections, creating a thriving startup ecosystem that supports the Cincinnati region and beyond. In this atmosphere of inspiration, they engage in collaborative problem-solving, forming the backbone of the district’s entrepreneurial community. 

For additional information, visit innovation.uc.edu. 

UC President Neville Pinto kicking off the Warren Bennis Leadership Summit. Credit: Michael Mitchell

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