About Us

The David and Lyn Silfen Leadership Series is an initiative wherein world-renowned leaders come to campus to speak to students. It is the premier lecture series at Columbia Business School, with the objective of granting our community access to renowned figures and their cutting-edge ideas, leadership styles, and personal philosophies. As a student-run venture, in conjunction with the Dean's Office and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the Series aims to enhance the shared access to intellectual capital between students and the leaders who drive organizations, societies and markets forward. At Columbia Business School, it is with a sense of community and respect that we host world-class leaders to share their ideas and experience with the next generation of business innovators. The Silfen Leadership Series is central to this effort.

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; and Vikram S. Pandit PhD '86, Chairman and CEO, The Orogen Group.