IPillar
Influence
Expand and enhance your personal influence within the enterprise and your industry. The modern leader doesn't just manage — they shape narratives, build coalitions, and move organizations forward through persuasion and presence.
Athena
The 2nd Annual Chicago Leadership Salon.
Wednesday,
November 18, 2026
The David Rubenstein Forum
The University of Chicago
01 — The Experience
Not a conference.
A Salon.
The Athena Project is a by-invitation-only community, content and convening platform focused on modern leadership.
Welcome back to the home of our annual Athena Project Chicago Leadership Salon hosted by our Founding Partner and friends at The Graham School at The University of Chicago. The Athena Project launched in 2024 and we are pleased to host our 2nd Annual Chicago Leadership Salon on November 18, 2026 at the beautiful David Rubenstein Center on the University of Chicago campus.
The Athena Project is designed to help senior operators and growth executives stay resilient and relevant and offers peer-based insights and learnings on how to lead their teams during these complex and transformative times.
Please email Athena Project Co-Founder, Drew Ianni, at drewianni@athenaproject.io to learn more about memberships, speaking opportunities, or partnership.
02 — The Three Pillars
Three dimensions,
one leader.
The Athena Project is designed to expand and enhance your capabilities across three essential domains of modern leadership.
IIPillar
Intelligence
Gain actionable insights related to emerging technologies and trends. In an era of tectonic shift, intelligence is the currency that separates those who react from those who anticipate, adapt, and lead with clarity.
IIIPillar
Impact
Drive innovation, growth and the bottom-line by augmenting cross-disciplinary leadership skills. True impact comes from integrating strategy, creativity, and execution into a coherent system that moves as one.
03 — SALON THEME
Transformation Is Personal —
Leading Through Reinvention
Every company says it wants to transform. Very few ask what transformation actually requires.
The answer starts with the individual. As AI reshapes industries, business models and the nature of work, leaders are being asked not only to transform their organizations, but to rethink their own capabilities, assumptions and ambitions. Personal reinvention and enterprise transformation are becoming inseparable.
"An organization changes and grows when the people in the organization change and grow."— Rishad Tobaccowala
The leaders who thrive in this environment will be those willing to keep learning, challenge what made them successful in the past, and develop new ways to create value. Because transformation isn't something leaders simply manage. It is something they must experience themselves.
04 — Featured Sessions
Conversations
that move the work.
01
Enduring Excellence: A Conversation with Brian Cornell
Tyler Mathisen
Moderator: Veteran Financial Journalist & Distinguished Fellow, University of Chicago Graham School
Brian Cornell
Executive Chairman and Former Chairman & CEO, Target
02
Purposeful Leadership -
The Courage to Listen
Seth Green
Dean, University of Chicago Graham School
Mary Dillon
Board Director, American Airlines & KKR; Former CEO, Foot Locker; Former CEO, Ulta Beauty
03
To be Compared or Desired?
Anna-Karin Loureiro
Founder, Ore & Matter & Former CMO, Alexander Wang and VP, Global Creative, Strategy & Innovation, Calvin Klein
04
The Knowledge Trap: Why Great Leaders Must Keep Learning
Ann Mukherjee
Program Director, Global CEO Program, Chicago Booth & Former North America CEO, Pernod Ricard
05
Mid-Career Renewal
Dr. Betty Vandenbosch
Board Member, Covista; Former Chief Content Officer, Coursera; Former Chancellor, Purdue University Global
06
The New Leadership Mandate: Growth, Governance & Reinvention
Najoh Tita-Reid
Former Global Chief Growth Officer, Mars Petcare
07
We Live in Dusty Times
Katie Ford
US Head of Media, Novartis
Shelby Saville
Chief Executive Officer, Starcom US
08
Dancing With Machines
Jeff Brecker
Partner, Growth & Innovation, Siberia
Myra Nussbaum
VP, Global Brand - Moen & House of Ruhl
Juan Woodbury
Chief Creative Officer & Global Head of Branded Content & Entertainment, Bento Entertainment / WOLF Studio
05 - GATHER & STAY
— The Venue
The David Rubenstein Forum-
Where Big Ideas Make History.
Located at The University of Chicago, and set between the rich cultural tapestry of Hyde Park and the deep roots of Woodlawn on Chicago's historic South Side — a birthplace for big ideas and unforgettable gatherings — the David Rubenstein Forum is the premier canvas for this year's Salon.
The David Rubenstein Forum
Rooted in a vibrant historic legacy and meticulously designed, the Forum is the perfect canvas for connecting, collaborating, and creating unforgettable history right where it happens.
View on Map →— The Hotel
Stay -
The Study Hotel
The home hotel for this year's Salon is The Study at University of Chicago, a tranquil space bordered by the greenery of the Midway where distinguished university guests, alumni, and families can immerse themselves in the rich culture of the area. With stunning views of the campus, Lake Michigan, and Downtown Chicago, The Study is an exceptional choice for those looking to experience The University of Chicago and all that Hyde Park has to offer — and it sits just next door to the conference venue, the David Rubenstein Forum.
The Study at University of Chicago
We recommend The Study Hotel which is next door to the David Rubenstein Forum. Our group rate has expired but we may still be able to secure a discounted rate for you. You may book directly HERE or also feel free to email Drew Ianni at drewianni@athenaproject.io and we are happy to see if a discounted rate can be secured.
06 — Frequently Asked
Details,
considered.
Reserve your seat
at the table.
An intimate Salon. A curated room. Old and new friends.
A peer set you'll be in conversation with for years.