About Us

At Columbia Business School, one of our great strengths is our ability to attract world-class leaders to campus to share their ideas and experience with the next generation of business innovators. The David and Lyn Silfen Distinguished Leadership Series is central to this effort. The series provides an unparalleled learning opportunity for the entire School community, and a distinct competitive advantage for Columbia.

Established in 2000 and presented with the guidance of a student-run board, the Silfen Distinguished Leadership Series is an attractive platform for firms wishing to showcase an exceptional leader. We invite all speaker recommendations and encourage you to open a dialogue with us about this unique opportunity to cement your firm’s reputation for excellence.

Past Silfen Leadership Series speakers span industries and have included Jamie Dimon, Chairman of the Board and CEO, JPMorgan Chase; Robert F. Smith '94, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Vista Equity Partners; Wendy Kopp, CEO and Co-Founder, Teach for All; Tracey Travis '86, CFO, Estee Lauder; Gail McGovern '87, CEO, American Red Cross among others.