Simmons Leadership Conference

Sheryl WuDunn

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sheryl WuDunn has leveraged the power of the written word to launch a grassroots revolution. Her book, Half the Sky, is the cornerstone of the social entrepreneurship movement to end oppression of women and girls in the developing world and to support them in becoming agents of economic change. In her inspiring address, WuDunn tells just a few of the incredible stories of women entrepreneurs who have lifted themselves and their entire communities out of repression and poverty.

1. New Millennial Marketing
David Meerman Scott

Looking for the competitive edge in social media? Discover it here in this information-packed session with marketing guru David Meerman Scott. Taking a page from his acclaimed bestseller, The New Rules of Marketing & PR, he shows you how to create the online buzz that drives eager buyers to your virtual doorstep. Whether you're in corporate sales or a budding entrepreneur, you'll learn effective, no-cost ways to get your story out to exactly those customers who want what you have to sell.

2. Money Management
Terry Savage

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the Savage Truth. In this timely workshop, financial expert, author, and nationally syndicated Chicago Sun-Times columnist Terry Savage offers no-nonsense advice about making sure that your money lasts as long as you do. Regardless of where you are in your career—approaching retirement, just starting out, or somewhere in between—following Savage's simple planning and investment strategies will give you new confidence in your finances and your future.

3. Workplace Leadership
Eileen McDargh

Have you ever felt like someone ate your cheese, drained the swamp, and things have gone from great to less than good? According to renowned leadership coach Eileen McDargh, what these moments call for is radical resilience—the courage to challenge, commit, and contribute in ways that positively influence your stakeholders as well as yourself. Learn the critical traits you must develop to take control of your work-life in the midst of challenging times.

4. Signature Dialogue: Spirit of Resilience
Roxana Saberi with Moderator Sheryl WuDunn

In 2009 freelance journalist Roxana Saberi was arrested for espionage in Iran. During her four months in captivity, she faced solitary confinement, grueling interrogation, and the threat of eight years in prison. In an exclusive conversation with Sheryl WuDunn, Saberi tells the behind-the-headlines story of her harrowing experience and describes the plight of women still imprisoned for their efforts to defend freedom of speech and other basic human rights.

Tina Brown

From London to New York, high-profile journalist and author Tina Brown is a news-making businesswoman in her own right. Throughout her career she has continued to reinvent herself—from magazine editor to bestselling author, to talk show host, and most recently, to Web entrepreneur with the rollout of TheDailyBeast.com. Brown brings her insider insights to a fascinating discussion about the ongoing shakeout in the mainstream media and how it may well usher in a new golden age of journalism.

7. New Millennial Marketing (repeat of morning session)
David Meerman Scott

Looking for the competitive edge in social media? Discover it here in this information-packed session with marketing guru David Meerman Scott. Taking a page from his acclaimed bestseller, The New Rules of Marketing & PR, he shows you how to create the online buzz that drives eager buyers to your virtual doorstep. Whether you're in corporate sales or a budding entrepreneur, you'll learn effective, no-cost ways to get your story out to exactly those customers who want what you have to sell.

8. Money Management (repeat of morning session)
Terry Savage

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the Savage Truth. In this timely workshop, financial expert, author, and nationally syndicated Chicago Sun-Times columnist Terry Savage offers no-nonsense advice about making sure that your money lasts as long as you do. Regardless of where you are in your career—approaching retirement, just starting out, or somewhere in between—following Savage's simple planning and investment strategies will give you new confidence in your finances and your future.

9. Work/Life Balance
Eileen McDargh

Balance is baloney, says Eileen McDargh—author of the very first book on the topic. Whether you work for a fee or for free, it's clear that traditional models of personal and professional balance don't fit the realities of a 24/7 world. In this dynamic, interactive workshop, McDargh helps you develop an action plan for juggling the demands of your fast-paced life and offers all the management tools you need to create a life by design rather than by default.

10. Signature Dialogue: International Markets
Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky with Moderator Tina Brown

Ambassador Charlene Barshefsky is the famed architect of the historic agreement ushering China into the World Trade Organization. And this is just one of the hundreds of market-opening negotiations she has spearheaded in her exemplary career. Drawing on her extensive experience in international trade policy, Ambassador Barshefsky engages in an illuminating discussion with journalist Tina Brown about the impact of globalization—and particularly China's growing economic power—on US political and business relations.

11. World Health: Patient Empowerment
Marie Savard, MD

With the world's attention on preventing spread of the H1N1 virus, global companies have an important opportunity to teach their employees about maintaining their own health and well-being. In this timely presentation, health educator and patients' rights advocate Dr. Marie Savard delivers her prescription for a 21st century global wellness program that empowers individuals to actively engage in all aspects of their healthcare. Dr. Savard will lay out a plan for patient-practitioner collaboration that promises huge payoffs for individuals and organizations alike.

Mia Farrow

After years of success as a Hollywood star, Mia Farrow has embarked on a new calling as a humanitarian activist. Honored as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations, she now campaigns tirelessly to bring worldwide attention to the ongoing genocide affecting millions of lives in Darfur, Chad and the Central African Republic. In her fascinating presentation, Farrow narrates her eventful journey from actor on the theatrical stage to activist on the world stage.

Angela Bassett

When it comes to strength of character, Angela Bassett ranks among the top actors of our time. Her legendary performance as Tina Turner marked the first of many unforgettable roles as strong women who overcome extraordinary hardship. Like the characters she portrays, Bassett is a person of exceptional grace and dignity who attributes her success to a combination of passion, persistence, and preparation. She closes the day with a compelling message about discovering and pursuing her life's purpose and power.