Academics

Speaking
from Experience

Every Wednesday, we invite guest speakers to share their insights and perspectives on business success, entrepreneurship, and leadership. This unique offering gives students an opportunity to hear from and interact with some of the sharpest minds in business today.

Upcoming Speakers

If you are interested in attending a Speaking from Experience event, please contact Maren Welch, Director of Admissions & Financial Assistance, at mwelch@golisanoinstitute.org.

Wednesday, January 22nd

Chris Hagstrom

CEO
Kayenta Ltd

Wednesday, February 5th

Erin Tolefree

President & CEO
Baldwin Richardson Foods

Wednesday, March 19th

Lauren Dixon

Founder & Current Board Chair
Dixon Schwabl + Company

Mike Schwabl

Founder & Vice Chair
Dixon Schwabl + Company

“If you don’t have integrity, you don’t have anything. When people trust you, you’ll see opportunities you’d never imagine.”

Tom Bonadio

General Partner of Impact Capital, Chairman of Board of Directors

“The most valuable thing you can bring to any organization is your ability to solve problems.”

Abbey Reinhard

President & CEO, GP Flooring

“It isn’t the size of your business that makes the difference, it’s the people you’re supporting.”

Kip Palmer

CEO, Palmer Food Services

“Success doesn’t come easily, and it doesn’t come overnight. There is no magic bullet.”

John Gibson

President & CEO, Paychex

“Seeking out a good mentor early on will pay dividends in the long run.”

Steve McDonnell

CEO, Wilmac Technologies

“If a door opens for you, run through it. Don’t close it.”

Susan Kavanagh

President, Tech Rochester

“Everything changed when I realized the real problem that needed to be solved.”

Paul Guglielmo

Founder, Guglielmo’s Sauce

Previous Speakers

01/15/2025

Susan Ippoliti Kavanagh

Sr. Director, Client Experience
KLDiscovery

President
TechRochester

01/08/2025

Marty Birmingham

CEO
Five Star Bank

12/24/2025