On January 26, 2024, Moravian University hosted its inaugural Executive Leadership Summit at its Bethlehem, Pennsylvania campus, bringing together a cross-section of business leaders, academic faculty, and students to explore modern leadership challenges. The summit featured Dr. Bill Schaninger, a Senior Partner Emeritus at McKinsey & Company and a proud Moravian alumnus, as the keynote speaker.
The day-long event marked a milestone in the university’s commitment to fostering leadership excellence and innovation through a blend of academic inquiry and practical application. The summit’s programming was geared toward navigating today’s fast-evolving business landscape, with particular emphasis on organizational agility, talent development, and strategic foresight.
Keynote: Leadership in the Age of Transformation
Dr. Schaninger’s keynote address served as a highlight of the summit, offering attendees a deep dive into his decades of experience in global management consulting and organizational psychology. Drawing on insights from his tenure at McKinsey & Company, Schaninger spoke about the importance of adaptive leadership—the ability to lead through uncertainty and change, rather than relying solely on static management models.
“We’re in a moment where leaders need more than operational efficiency—they need the capacity to inspire, recalibrate, and evolve,” Schaninger stated. He underscored the need for continuous learning and employee empowerment, especially in sectors disrupted by technology and globalization.
Interactive Sessions on Critical Leadership Themes
Throughout the day, summit attendees participated in interactive workshops and panel discussions centered on real-world leadership challenges. Session topics included:
- Organizational Change Management: Best practices for guiding institutions through transformation.
- Talent Strategy: Building and retaining high-performing teams in competitive environments.
- Decision-Making Under Pressure: Frameworks for navigating complexity and high-stakes choices.
- Leadership Ethics and Responsibility: Aligning strategic goals with broader societal values.
Each session was led by a combination of faculty from Moravian’s School of Business and invited industry practitioners, providing a well-rounded approach that linked theory with practice.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
The summit also served as an educational opportunity for Moravian students aspiring to leadership roles in business, government, and nonprofit sectors. Several student leaders were selected to engage directly with speakers and panelists in breakout discussions, promoting intergenerational dialogue and mentorship.
“Events like this are crucial for preparing students not just to enter the workforce, but to lead it,” said one faculty member. “By exposing them to contemporary leadership thought and engaging them in real-world conversations, we’re building a foundation for responsible and effective leadership.”
University’s Broader Vision for Leadership Development
The Executive Leadership Summit is part of Moravian University’s broader initiative to strengthen its presence in executive education and community leadership. The event reflects an ongoing institutional effort to bridge academic excellence with practical leadership preparation, and to foster a network of alumni and partners committed to organizational and social progress.
Moravian President Bryon Grigsby praised the summit as a “defining moment” in the university’s evolving mission. “This summit represents our dedication to preparing leaders who are not only effective in their roles but mindful of the broader impact of their decisions.”
Looking Ahead
Given the success of the inaugural event, Moravian University has announced plans to make the Executive Leadership Summit an annual fixture in its academic calendar. Future editions are expected to broaden their scope, inviting additional voices from across sectors and regions to contribute to a vibrant exchange of leadership strategies and visions.
In an era defined by rapid change and complex challenges, the summit’s focus on adaptability, ethics, and evidence-based leadership offers a timely and necessary conversation for organizations seeking to thrive in the future.
