Future of Global Business Conference

2 – 2:30 p.m. Center Welcome
Short presentation and discussion about the vision of the Baratta Center and an invitation to participate in future events and activities.

• Joseph Baratta (B’93), Global Head of Private Equity, Blackstone
• Paul Almeida, Dean and William R. Berkley Chair, McDonough School of Business
• Ricardo Ernst, Baratta Chair in Global Business, McDonough School of Business
• Anil Khurana, Research Professor and Executive Director of the Baratta Center for Global Business

2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Future of Global and Cross-Border Investing
This insightful session will explore how geopolitics, currency shifts, inflation, fiscal deficits, taxes, regulations, sustainability, and demographics are expected to shape the future of global and cross-border investing. Gain valuable insights into the perspectives of different investor types, from corporate to private equity, sovereign wealth funds, and government funding. Discover also how these investors are thinking about global priorities like poverty alleviation, climate change, and others.

• Joseph Baratta (B’93), Global Head of Private Equity, Blackstone
• Kevin Warsh, Fellow, Stanford Hoover Institution; Former Federal Reserve Governor
• Stephanie von Friedeburg (SFS’87), Managing Director of Capital Markets, Citi

Moderated by Jennie Bai, Professor of Finance, McDonough School of Business

3:15 – 3:25 p.m. Coffee Break

3:25 – 4:10 p.m. Future of Global Value Chains
Global value chains are changing and being reconstructed due to ongoing disruptions such as geopolitics and de-globalization pressures; technology and AI; supply chain disruptions; customer expectations; sustainability and climate drivers; demographic changes; and shifts in value propositions and business models. And these disruptions are all typically found at the intersection of key ecosystem players (suppliers, distributors, channels, customers, etc.) and countries and governments. How should companies, policymakers, and investors respond to value chain and ecosystem changes? 

• Andres Gluski, CEO, AES
• Jennifer Morgan, Head of Portfolio Operations, Blackstone
• Amer Battikhi, Senior Vice President, Platforms, Technologies, and Software Solutions, Jacobs

Moderated by Ricardo Ernst

4:15 – 4:55 p.m. AI, People, and the Future of Global Business
AI promises to revolutionize global industries and transform business operations. But will it augment human capabilities and require evolving skillsets, or is there a less optimistic scenario? Further, AI is expected to enhance efforts to address pressing human challenges such as climate change and poverty, or help design sustainable solutions and empower communities to uplift themselves – and be a powerful ally in creating a more equitable and inclusive world. Join this diverse panel comprising a technology leader, a champion of workplace culture and equity, and an investor in global development.

• Michael Bush, CEO, Great Place to Work
• Dan Diasio, Global Artificial Intelligence Consulting Leader, EY

Moderated by Alberto Rossi, Professor and Director of the AI, Analytics, and Future of Work Initiative, McDonough School of Business

4:55 – 5:10 p.m. Coffee Break

5:10 – 5:55 p.m. Future of Globalism and Globalization
Fireside interview with Moisés Naím, Distinguished Fellow, Carnegie Endowment and Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Venezuela

Moderated by Nuno Limao, Wallenberg Chair Professor, Georgetown University

5:10 – 5:55 p.m. Future of Globalism and Globalization
Fireside interview with Moisés Naím, Distinguished Fellow, Carnegie Endowment and Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Venezuela

Moderated by Nuno Limao, Wallenberg Chair Professor, Georgetown University

5:55 – 6:10 p.m. Synopsis and Future Plans and Announcement of the Annual Global Citizen Award
Presented by Anil Khurana and Ricardo Ernst.

6:15 – 6:30 p.m. Remarks on Globalization
Gina M. Raimondo, U.S. Secretary of Commerce

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Reception