This episode from April 20, 2017 is part of our "Most Memorable" collection. Recommended by Akron Roundtable Board Member, Mark Scheffler:

"Isenberg brought a palpable energy to the podium that mirrored the dynamism of the free enterprise system he championed. Isenberg shared inspiring stories about entrepreneurs who had put their livelihood on the line to pursue compelling ideas, and became successful businesses that generated jobs. Isenberg didn't just inspire, though—he shared concrete tactics that any community can employ to become a more compelling place for entrepreneurs to start or grow a business."

Dan Isenberg (@danisen) is founding executive director of the Babson Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Platform, Associate at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School.

Find full speaker bio, and the event details here: bit.ly/2Iad4Dh

Presentation: Around the country, colleges are struggling to find the right way to educate safely and effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. From shifting between in-person and online classes to dealing with potential coronavirus outbreaks while also struggling to maintain financial stability through it all, students, faculty and staff have lots to navigate. Dr. Para Jones, President of Stark State College, will share her perspective on what the college experience looks like right now and in the coming months.

Speaker: Para M. Jones, Ph.D. has been President of Stark State College since 2012. She is deeply committed to Stark State College and the community, as evidenced by her 30 years of service to students, businesses and the community. Dr. Jones's first presidency was at Spartanburg Community College in South Carolina.

Find full speaker bio and event video here: https://bit.ly/3lpkJLb

This episode from September 19, 2019 is part of our "Most Memorable" collection. Recommended by both, ART Board President, Karen Talbott:

"His presentation was plain-spoken and direct, pointing out many significant things to consider going forward. He gave us much to think about."

& ART Board Member, Vivian D. Hairston:

"LOVED HIM! I recall him as a great story teller."

Tom Ridge is Chairman of Ridge Global. He provides clients with solutions to cyber security, international security and risk management issues. Following the tragic events of September 11th, 2001, Tom Ridge became the first Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and, on January 24, 2003, became the first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The creation of the country's 15th Cabinet Department marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration and another call to service for the former soldier, congressman and governor of Pennsylvania.

Find full speaker bio, and the event details here: https://bit.ly/2Iad4Dh

This episode from Friday, June 16, 2017 is part of our "Fan Favorites" collection. Recommended by Becky Gossett:

"Brian Mosteller served as special assistant to President Barack Obama and director of Oval Office Operations from 2008 through the entirety of Obama's two administrations. His talk was informative, entertaining and engaging, with some added insight into the Obama family, along with the "inside scoop" to the daily operations inside the Oval Office."

Brian Mosteller served as Special Assistant to President Obama and Director of Oval Office Operations from 2008 through the entirety of two administrations. His duties included ensuring that President Obama could execute his schedule on a daily basis and, on behalf of the President's immediate interests, overseeing the planning and implementation of White House functions, speeches, State Visits and meetings. Mr. Mosteller worked daily with senior staff, other Executive Branch offices, the White House Military Office, the Secret Service, and the Private Residence staff.

Find full speaker bio, and the event details here: https://bit.ly/2SCgcck

Presentation: Within weeks America will engage in the election of our 46th president. What has been seen as the beacon of democratic light, namely American democracy, is seen now by some to be flickering and in need of oxygen. Dr. Bailey will take us through history and land us right into a 2020 that even historians of this country could not imagine. What are our options? Where should our energies be? While many feel hopeless and punched in the gut, this talk will encourage us to fight on, pray on and push on.

Speaker: Dr. Julius Bailey is an award-winning author and educator. He is a philosopher, cultural critic, social theorist and diversity lecturer. Dr. Bailey has been a guest on numerous media outlets, and is often sought to speak at colleges, prisons, churches, and for community organizations across America. He has authored five academic books and one memoir including the award-winning Racial Realities and Post-Racial Dreams: The Age of Obama and Beyond and his current book, Racism, Hypocrisy and Bad Faith: A Moral Challenge to the America I Love (released in February of 2020).

Find full speaker bio and event video here: https://bit.ly/3d5oB1p

Program: Facing the most challenging election of our generation, voters are stepping up to ensure all registered Ohioans can have their voice heard this fall. From best safety practices and voting options, to outreach initiatives and working with the USPS, Secretary LaRose will discuss the facts of the upcoming election and what his office and election officials have been working on to make Ohio Ready for November.

Speaker: Frank LaRose took office as Ohio's 51st Secretary of State on January 14th, 2019. Prior to being elected to statewide office, he served two terms in the State Senate representing the 27th Senate District in northeast Ohio.

Find full speaker bio, and the event video here: https://bit.ly/2HUIfSi

This episode from January 27, 2015 is part of our "Fan Favorites" collection. Recommended by Marnie Sanders:

"I would propose the Innovations speaker's video, as both delightful and enlightening; covering everything from innovations in glass, to the "real story" of how the world wide web was developed to the Genius Bar of Apple fame and more! We always try to find new Akron events and places to celebrate our "elopement" to Akron in 1971 on Jan 29th (with a big snow storm that stopped the city the next morning!) and this one was indeed one of the most unusual for our 44th!"

The bestselling author of nine books, Steven Johnson is the leading light of today's interdisciplinary, collaborative, open-minded approach to innovation. His writings have influenced everything from cutting-edge ideas in urban planning to the battle against 21st-century terrorism..

Find full speaker bio, and the event details here: https://bit.ly/35UnXCy

This episode from, March 17, 2016 is part of our "Most Memorable" collection. Recommended by past Roundtable Board Member, Elizabeth Bartz:

"Do you remember March 2016 when Dorothy (Dot) Ridings spoke as part of our 40th Anniversary Speaker Forum? In fact that was her third presentation to ART. Dorothy first spoke on the Akron Roundtable stage on September 15, 1983 when she was then President of the League of Women Voters of the United States. Dorothy returned to Akron on April 17, 1997 when she was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Foundations, a national association of some 2,000 foundations and corporations that make charitable grants. And on March 16, 2016 she was—and still is—a board member for the Commission on Presidential Debates.

The four debates will be held: September 29th in Cleveland, Ohio; October 7th the Vice President debate in Salt Lake City, October 15th in Miami, and October 22nd in Nashville. Akron's State and Federal Communications will be in attendance as a sponsor to the debate programs."

From 1988 until joining the Council in March 1996, Ridings served as publisher and president of Knight-Ridder's Bradenton Herald in Bradenton, Florida. Dorothy's career outside of journalism includes service on a number of boards, international speaking tours, and education.

Find full speaker bio, and the event details here: https://bit.ly/3koiesB

Presentation Overview:

In this conversation, National Geographic Executive Editor for History and Culture Debra Adams Simmons, invites you to reflect on how and why the stories of our past, and the social dialogue unfolding minute-by-minute, can both inform and empower us as people. From her newsroom beginnings to her present role in one of the world's largest media enterprises, Debra will provide an inside look at how history is being rewritten and culture is being shaped in this watershed time in our nation's history.

Speaker Bio:

Debra Adams Simmons is the Executive Editor for Culture at National Geographic Magazine where she manages coverage of the lived experiences of people around the globe. A 30-year news veteran, Debra has extensive reporting, editing and senior news management experience. A career journalist, Debra serves as a consultant to the Knight Foundation, Ford Foundation and Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan where she has advised the foundations on how to shape a Detroit-based, multi-million-dollar journalism engagement fund.

Find full speaker bio, and the event details here: https://bit.ly/32wvLa4

This episode from, January 18, 2018 is part of our "Most Memorable" collection. Recommended by Akron Roundtable board member, Beth Boggins:

"In my mind, Dr. Warner provided one of the more exceptional addresses in Akron Roundtable's recent history. With infectious charm and wit, Dr. Warner makes a compelling case for the necessity of realistic and responsive workforce preparation for our country to be competitive in the approaching economy.

Dr. Warner's talk focuses on the intrinsic value of every human being. It is couched in a vivid description of recent dramatic changes in the workforce and the workplace. She gives an emotional portrayal of what the future holds for business, industry and American society. A not-to-be-missed podcast episode as we head into a school year like no other."

Carolyn Warner is co-founder and Chairman of Corporate// Education Consulting, Inc. (C//ECI), a national-scope consulting firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. She has been active for more than three decades on state and national levels as a respected and effective educational advocate and public policy leader. An acclaimed speaker and best-selling author, Warner has led U.S. delegations to Japan, Australia, Germany, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Spain and China, and conducted on-site studies of European Union vocational and technical training programs.

Find full speaker bio, and the event details here: bit.ly/2YNwSBC