For Students
Speaking from Experience
Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship’s innovative business education is all about learning from real businesses today, face to face. Speaking from Experience makes that possible as an opportunity for students to engage firsthand with the sharpest minds in business today. Each Wednesday, we welcome a new speaker who brings insights—and connections—from diverse industry sectors.
Featuring
9
8
speakers since 2023
A weekly speaker event with networking
John Mordaci, vice president for partnerships, breaks down the Speaking from Experience program and explains what makes it such a unique offering for Golisano Institute’s students and business partners.
Speaking from Experience Highlights
Anthony Scaramucci
Bitcoin for Investors
Anthony Scaramucci is on a mission to mainstream Bitcoin on Wall Street. The founder and co-managing partner of SkyBridge Capital explained why he thinks “crypto” is the future of money.
Sports Symposium
The Business of Sports
Sports is serious business. Tim Tebow, Lindy Ruff, Chuck Mauro, and Mitch Nusbaum took students on a deep dive through the trends reshaping sports management today.
Kevin Surace
The AI Future
Kevin Surace, the father of the virtual assistant and self-described futurist, challenged students on all things AI: how they think about it, how they use it, and what they can do with it as entrepreneurs.
Upcoming Speakers
Lindsay Connelly
March 18, 2026President
Linden Digital Marketing
Cyndi Weis
March 25, 2026Founder & Owner
Breathe Yoga & Juice Bar
Andrew Goldner
April 1, 2026Venture Capitalist & Founder/CEO
GrowthX
Martin Mucci
April 8, 2026Chairman of the Board and Former CEO
Paychex
Genevieve Norris-Brown
April 15, 2026Chief Operating Officer
Seabreeze Amusement Park
Edward HIll
April 29, 2026Public Policy Executive, Partner
Bank of America, Forbes Tate Partners
Jeane Casares
June 3, 2026CEO
NYSERNet
The robust curriculum laid a solid foundation, but it’s the hands-on experiences, like networking during Speaking from Experience and my internship, that have truly been transformative.
Ben, class of 2025
Some of Our Past Speakers
Tim Tebow
June 18, 2025Founder, Tim Tebow Foundation; College Football Analyst, ESPN and SEC Network; Former NFL Quarterback
Erin Tolefree
February 8, 2025President & CEO
Baldwin Richardson Foods
Anthony Scaramucci
July 2, 2025Founder & Managing Partner, Founder & Chairman
Skybridge Capital, SALT
Tim Shriver
June 5, 2024Chairman
Special Olympics
Colleen Matteson
November 29, 2023President
Bank of America
Tom Monaghan
October 4, 2023Founder
Domino’s Pizza
Nate Gibbons
April 9, 2025Founder & CEO
QuickFi
Caroline Yap
August 6, 2025Former Managing Director for Global AI Business
Lindy Ruff
June 18, 2025Head Coach
Buffalo Sabres
Kevin Surace
June 25, 2025Futurist, Keynote Speaker, Inventor, TED Speaker, “Father” of the AI Virtual Assistant
Networking
Much more than a talk
Each Speaking from Experience offers students an opportunity to engage firsthand with pre-eminent business leaders, venture capitalists, innovators, and beyond. Guest speakers dedicate time after their talks to meeting with students or taking part in focused workshops or discussions. The events are also ideal for businesses and nonprofits to reconnect with colleagues and make new connections across our region.
The Forum
An incredible experience
Our state-of-the-art forum is designed for Speaking from Experience. It features the latest audiovisual technology, including high-definition projection, crystal-clear sound, and seamless connectivity for capturing flawless video. With seating for up to 300 guests, the space ensures clear sightlines and an engaging experience for every participant. Modern design, flexible staging, and advanced lighting make it an ideal venue for impactful business gatherings.
Apply Now.
Enrollment for Fall 2026 at Golisano Institute is now open for those ready to take the next step.
Get startedConnect with admissions.
Interested in learning more but have questions? Get in touch with our admissions team—they’re happy to help.
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