Events

December 9, 2024: Rice Business Partners Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Join Dean Peter Rodriguez for an engaging conversation with Jeff Miller, Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO of Halliburton. This discussion will explore Jeff's insights on the interplay between strategy and execution and why they must work in tandem to achieve success. In a world full of distractions, Jeff will share his perspective on the importance of a clear strategy, paired with well-defined execution steps, as the foundation for sustainable growth and impact. He’ll also discuss why clarity in strategy and execution is crucial—not just for the organization’s success but also for the trust and confidence of customers, employees, and shareholders.  
Speaker: Jeff Miller, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Halliburton
Faculty: Peter Rodriguez, Dean, Rice Business
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November 4, 2024: Rice Business Partners Thought Leadership Series

Topic: A Conversation with Bill Perkins – Legendary Commodities Trader, Film Producer, Hedge Fund Manager and Author
Bill Perkins joins Dean Peter Rodriguez for a conversation about his unique personal and professional journey and life lessons.  Bill is a renowned energy trader, hedge fund manager, and entrepreneur, often referred to by The Wall Street Journal as “the Last Cowboy” of hedge funds. Bill began his career as a screen clerk at the New York Mercantile Exchange in the 1990s, where his expertise spans market dynamics, business relationships, and personal growth. A sought-after speaker on energy transitions and competitive markets, he's appeared on outlets like CNBC and Bloomberg. In addition to his trading career, Bill is a film producer, an amateur high-stakes poker player, and the author of the 2020 bestseller Die with Zero, which promotes maximizing life through meaningful experiences.  
Speaker: Bill Perkins, Legendary Commodities Trader, Film Producer, Hedge Fund Manager and Author
Faculty: Peter Rodriguez, Dean, Rice Business
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August 21, 2024: Rice Business Partners' Welcome Reception

Our short program will feature remarks by Dean Peter Rodriguez.
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February 28, 2024: Roundtable Series

Topic: Decoding CFO Strategies: The Power and Pitfalls of Elevated Hurdle Rates in Project Development
Prof. Bruce Carlin's research reveals that nearly 80% of CFOs utilize a hurdle rate that is double their true cost of capital when evaluating investment opportunities. Examining the implications of this phenomenon within the context of delegated bargaining during project development, he will demonstrate that heightened hurdle rates confer a bargaining advantage, consequently raising firm value. His argument rationalizes why this practice persists in corporate America.
Faculty: Bruce Carlin, George R. Brown Professor of Finance

January 24, 2024: Thought Leadership Series

Rice Business Partners Thought Leadership Series: The NASA Panel - The New Space Exploration Ecosystem: The Race is ON!
According to PwC, the global space economy is forecasted to exceed $1 trillion by 2030, representing a 186% growth from current levels. While the mission of NASA continues to be rooted in exploration, innovation, and inspiration, how this is realized has changed dramatically. In a world where there are now 74 space agencies and thousands of private ventures advancing opportunities in space to explore our world and beyond, the growth in the commercialization of space is exceeding expectations. Soon, humanity will become an interplanetary species.
Speakers: William T. Harris, President & CEO, Space Center Houston
Douglas Terrier, NASA Johnson Space Center Associate Director for Strategy
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December 4, 2023: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Breaking Boundaries: The Art of Guerilla Marketing in Investment Banking and Asset Management
From unconventional networking techniques to out-of-the-box problem-solving, this presentation will spotlight the unique journey Ms. Wilson has undertaken to achieve success and lasting impact in the competitive realms of investment banking and asset management business development. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, she will share insights on how to navigate the intricacies of the financial world. Audience members will be equipped with actionable and innovative methods to stand out in a crowded marketplace, build trust with key stakeholders, and effectively raise capital.
Speaker: Donna Sims Wilson, Chief Operating Officer, Kah Capital Management
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October 3, 2023: Roundtable Series

Topic: Constructive Conflict is an Urban Legend
here is a longstanding belief in science and practice alike that conflict is, or at least can be, productive. The idea is that conflict can force teams to look more critically at issues, dig deeper, share more information, and be more creative in finding solutions to problems and making decisions. In sharp contrast, the actual evidence from 30 years of research suggests that this is not true. While science and practice keeps claiming that there is such a thing as constructive conflict, the actual evidence shows that conflict is bad for team performance. Teams should instead desire a diversity of perspectives. Diversity of perspectives can have all the benefits that conflict is supposed to have -- as long as conflict does not get in the way of the knowledge integration process that is required to realize the benefits of diversity of perspectives.
Faculty: Daan van Knippenberg: Houston Endowed Professor of Management – Organizational Behavior
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August 23, 2023: Rice Business Partners Welcome Reception

Our short program will feature remarks by Provost Amy Dittmar on Rice University’s quest to elevate its national and international stature.
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May 8, 2023: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Adapting to Globalization
A a moderated discussion in which Mr. Jaime Muguiro will discuss CEMEX’s strategy as the company navigates geopolitical conflict, technological changes, and climate change in a new era of globalization. Founded in 1906, CEMEX has grown from a small local company in Mexico to a global leader in the building materials industry across the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Their core businesses involve the extraction and of supply of quarried materials, production, and supply of cement, readymix concrete and concrete products.
Speaker: Jaime Muguiro, President of Cemex USA

April 24, 2023: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Savoring the Journey: Stories from Houston’s Top Restaurateurs
RBP is partnering with Common Desk at Post Houston to bring you a restaurateur panel discussion on the foodservice and hospitality industry. Our experienced Houston restaurateurs will share their experiences and insights on the opportunities and challenges of opening and operating restaurants in Houston. They will also discuss the importance of creating a unique culinary identity and menu, the impact of technology on the restaurant industry and the future of Houston’s culinary scene. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the panelists questions, gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in Houston’s vibrant food scene, and network with other professionals.
Speakers: Ope Amosu '14, Owner, ChòpnBlọk Houston
Kiran Verma, Chef and Restaurateur, Kiran's
Bryan Caswell, Chef and Restaurateur
Moderator: Donald Anderson, Partner, TD International
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February 22, 2022: Roundtable Series

Topic: How We Describe Social Inequality and Why it Matters
Professor Jun will be discussing her research examining inequality frames and why they matter. Prior research finds that the way social inequality is described — as an advantage or disadvantage — significantly shapes how people respond to inequality. Professor Jun will present research from two papers that investigates how popular media, scholars and lay people describe social inequality, and will explain the practical implications and suggestions for leaders and policy makers.
Faculty: Sora Jun: Assistant Professor of Management – Organizational Behavior

November 17, 2022: Roundtable Series

Topic: Power Trip: How Gaining Power Undermines the Ability to Lead
Professor Marlon Mooijman will share his research on the relationship between power and distrust. He will argue that having power makes managers more distrusting, which creates a self-perpetuating negative loop: managers with power tend to distrust subordinates, which makes them rely on punishment strategies that motivate rule-breaking behavior from these subordinates. Managers can break this cycle by explicitly trusting and accepting vulnerability to subordinates’ actions.
Faculty: Marlon Mooijman: Assistant Professor of Management – Organizational Behavior
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October 11, 2022: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Venture Capital in America
What are the qualities exhibited by great entrepreneurs? How does an investor identify these traits and decide which entrepreneurs to fund? To be a successful venture capitalist, you must answer these questions and many more. With over 33 years honing his craft in Silicon Valley, Bruce Dunlevie, Rice '79, co-founder and general partner of Benchmark Capital, shares lessons learned in this cyclical and history-making business, including reflections on investing in companies like WeWork and Uber. He will opine on what lies ahead for the tech industry, and the importance of talent density for cities like Houston in their efforts to become a mecca for innovative start-up firms.
Speaker: Bruce Dunlevie: General Partner, Benchmark Capital
Moderator: Peter Rodriguez, Dean, Jones Graduate School of Business
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September 27, 2022: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Think Differently
You can’t start the very first public hedge fund and recruit a who’s who of industry titans to serve on its board – all by the age of 27 – without thinking differently. You cannot build a successful career in business by routinely buying under-valued companies and then extracting previously untapped value and income – building a Fortune 200 company – without seeing the world in a unique way. And you would be highly unlikely to survive different lawsuits by Frank Sinatra and the federal government, to say nothing of unrelenting attacks both by the SEC and by an endless procession of extreme environmentalists – without possessing an uncommon ability to assess and solve problems. And yet, that is precisely what Charles Hurwitz has done throughout his 50+ year career in business. During this time, he has conceived of – and executed on – some of the most complicated and controversial transactions.
Speaker: Charles E. Hurwitz: President and Chief Executive Officer, MAXXAM Inc.
Moderator: Peter Rodriguez, Dean, Jones Graduate School of Business
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September 27, 2022: Rice Business Partners Welcome Reception

Dean Peter Rodriguez will give an update on Rice Business expansion plans in his opening remarks.
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April 19, 2022 - Thought Leadership Series Event - To SPAC or Not to SPAC...Is That Even the Question? 
Why would a target agree to be a SPAC target rather than a regular way IPO? What do we make of the fact that the number of US public companies has fallen by more than half in the past 25 years? Are SPAC’s a symptom of overheating or just private equity practiced in a public environment? Is the market treating SPACs as an asset class rather than a financial technique? We will examine each of those questions through the eyes of the four principal actors in this three act SPAC play: Sarah Sponsor, IPO Ike, Tammy Target and Paula Pipe.

Speaker
Paul Hobby: Managing Partner, Genesis Park, L.P.

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February 16, 2022 - Rice Business Partners with Frank Liu and Charlie Meyer: The Great Reallocation: Transitioning from Bricks and Mortar to Click and Order
Alumnus Frank Liu is a prolific, award-winning developer of large scale mixed use, residential, and retail projects across Texas. Recently, he has begun reallocating his real estate exposure towards industrial real estate to capitalize on unprecedented sector demand that is largely driven by the rise of the digital economy, and more recently, supply chain disruption caused by the global pandemic. The result is Lovett Industrial, a two-year old partnership with real estate veteran Charlie Meyer, who was formerly focused on U.S. industrial development and acquisitions with Hines Interests. Join this discussion moderated by Dean Rodriguez about Lovett Industrial, outlining why Frank is investing in industrial real estate, how the partners are doing it, and why the business is thriving. 

Speakers
Frank Liu: President, Lovett Commercial 
Charlie Meyer: President, Lovett Industrial 

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December 2, 2021 - Rice Business Partners and Jay Steinfeld: How to Disrupt Others Before They Disrupt You
An Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Jay Steinfeld will share insights from his new book, Leading from the Core: The 4 Principles for Profit and Prosperity, on the challenges and opportunities of starting a business or improving an existing one. He will discuss how he built his company, Blinds.com, that disrupted Home Depot and Amazon, and the hard-fought lessons he learned about disrupting others before they disrupt you.  

Speaker
Jay Steinfeld: Founder & CEO of Blinds.com

November 4, 2021 - Rice Business Partners and EnCap Investments: The Energy Transition Post Covid-19, Supply Chain
Join us for a discussion about the wicked combination of commodity price increases, constrained and costly logistics challenges, cyberwarfare concerns, labor challenges on a global basis, and ongoing and emerging trade conflicts between China and the US that are roiling the renewables supply chain.  We will bring together experts from the supply chain side of wind, solar and battery energy storage to discuss the challenges and debate whether relief is coming any time soon.

Panelist
Jim Hughes: Managing Partner, EnCap Investments L.P (Moderator)
Laura Beane: President, Vestas North Americas
Alan Stringer: Chief Operating Officer, Solar Proponent LLC
Doug Moorehead: Managing Partner & Chief Technology Officer, Broad Reach Power, LLC
Steve Lockard: Chairman of the Board & Director, TPI Composites Inc.
Jesse Gronner: Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Triple Oak Power LLC
Ben Yang: Vice President of Systems Solutions, FlexGen Power Systems

October 27, 2021 - Rice Business Partners Welcome Reception
Please join Rice Business Partners as we kick off our new season of events and welcome members and guests. Our short program will feature remarks by Provost DesRoches on Rice University's recently-announced expansion plans and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Speaker:
Reginald DesRoches: Provost, Rice University

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October 5, 2021 - Roundtable Event - Incentivizing Hospitals to Reduce Cost and Improve Quality
How long did you wait in the ER last time you were there? Does it seem possible that traditional payment systems could play a role in excessive wait times? Join Professor of Operations Management Tolga Tezcan as he explains that the way hospitals are currently reimbursed does not provide the right incentives to do better, specifically in emergency medicine and readmissions. Tezcan argues that a payment method that ties the payments to hospitals to their relative performance compared to their peers will incentivize those hospitals to reduce not only costs but also wait times and readmission rates.

Speaker:
Tolga Tezcan: Professor of Operations Management, Jones Graduate School of Business

March 4, 2021 - Thought Leadership Series Event - Energy Revolution Expertise: The Next 100 Years
For the world to remain environmentally and economically viable, there needs to be a dynamic shift in how energy companies operate to ensure the supply of resources address climate change and sustain their businesses. Houston-based Occidental, which turned 100 in 2020, is at the forefront of this energy revolution. The company has committed to use its global leadership in carbon dioxide management to advance a lower-carbon world. Occidental President and CEO Vicki Hollub joins Dean Peter Rodriguez to share her observations and insights on strategic sustainability and the energy transition.  

Energy Revolution Expertise: The Next 100 Years Recording 

Speakers:
Vicki Hollub: President & CEO, Occidental
Peter Rodriguez, Dean and Professor of Strategic Management, Jones Graduate School of Business

February 11, 2021: Webinar: Revival of the Fittest and Workplace of the Future 
For oil and gas companies used to boom and bust cycles, this downturn seems different. The global response to COVID-19 has accelerated trends already underway and permanently shifted foundational processes. Customer service and technology expectations, generational preferences, and global demand for cleaner energy were making their mark on oil and gas long before the pandemic. Today, these simmering changes represent new implications for the industry. Our next Rice Business Partners virtual speaking session will take a look at how companies successfully realize and embrace impacts to the industry post COVID-19. Join Julie Luecht, KPMG's Houston Office Managing Principal, as she discusses gaining a competitive advantage and perspectives on the workplace of the future. 

Revival of the Fittest and Workplace of the Future Recording 

Speakers:
Julie Luecht: Houston Office Managing Principal, KPMG

November 17, 2020: Webinar co-hosted with Alumni Relations: The Future of the Global Supply Chain
The coronavirus global pandemic thrust global supply management into the headlines with tales ranging from shortages of PPE, medical equipment, and groceries from last spring/summer to upcoming concerns about vaccine production and distribution. Guiding principles like just-in-time management seem to be fading, while calls for more resiliency and reshoring have dominated the news. Through this panel session, we'll hear from several Rice JGSB on the front lines of global supply chain management about how they are managing through these dynamic times and what they see in the future for supply chains. The panel will be moderated by Professor David VanHorn '00, Professor in the Practice of Operations Management of the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University. 

The Future of the Global Supply Chain Recording

Speakers:
Constantyn Chalitsios: Senior Vice President Operation, Tenrivers
Sheila Cohen: Lead Engineering Manager of Warehouse, HEB
Chrissy Heller: Supply Chain Manager, Sysco
Pedro Rodriguez: Procurement and Supply Chain, BP
David VanHorn: Professor in the Practice of Operations Management, Jones Graduate School of Business 

November 3, 2020: Webinar: ExxonMobil's Perspective on Energy Markets 
COVID-19 has precipitated significant stress on global, national and household economies.  Short-term indicators suggest the economic contraction is past the worst of the trough, but timing for a full recovery back to pre-COVID-19 levels remains a key question.  We will explore this question by looking at potential near-term recovery pathways for economies and energy markets.
Speaker:
Chris Birdsall: Manager of Economics and Energy, ExxonMobil 

October 20, 2020: Webinar: Something to Report; Short Film and Discussion on Corporate Compliance and Investigations 
More relevant now than ever, Something to Report, developed by DLA Piper, is a fictional drama depicting a corporation dealing with multiple issues; a distributor kickback scheme spanning multiple countries, whistleblower response protocol, compliance and internal audit failures, insufficient investigative resources, and the delicate balance of managing internal corporate investigations, reporting requirements and stakeholder interests.

DLA Piper developed this film as an interactive discussion piece that applies to multiple audiences, including but not limited to officers and directors, legal, accounting, audit, and compliance professionals. The film is structured in three parts, to allow discussion and comments from participants at the end of each segment.

Something to Report Recording 

Speakers:
Gray Stratton: Partner, DLA Piper
Katie Hausfeld: Partner, DLA Piper
Ryan Pratt: Principal, Ernst & Young

October 13, 2020: Webinar: Fostering Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Amidst Uncertainty 
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt business operations and daily life as we knew it; employee emotional wellbeing, engagement, and burnout have become hot topics for organizational leaders to grapple with.

• How does one strike the balance between compassion and accountability?
• How do we ensure employees are engaged and productive, while also having the flexibility to meet their family's needs?
• What does this mean for HR and benefits?

This Gallagher-facilitated presentation is intended to dive into these questions. You'll hear from subject matter experts on how to effectively keep a pulse on the employee experience and best practices and innovations that drive employee engagement, resiliency, and wellbeing.

Fostering Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Amidst Uncertainty Recording 

Speakers:
Mitchell Gold, Director, Managing Director & Senior Advisor, Gallagher
Sommer Mason, Regional Sr. Human Resources Consultant, Gallagher
Jenna Sneed, Wellbeing & Engagement Consultant, Gallagher 

September 23, 2020: Webinar co-hosted with Alumni Relations; Use Your Words: Surviving a Toxic Workplace
Scores of business writers and social scientists have documented the prevalence in America of highly stressful, negative workplaces. Their studies document the serious impact of toxic work environments on organizational performance, individual productivity, and employee wellbeing. Recently, other observers have commented on the continuation of these negative practices in the new, online, COVID-19 workplace. Professor Rick Schell will provide an overview of approaches that business leaders can take to deal with these work environments and then propose a framework for how individuals can use language to engage constructively with coworkers, reset relationships, and counter the worst effects of such work place practices. 

Use Your Words: Surviving a Toxic Workplace Recording

Speaker:
Rick Schell: Senior Lecturer in Management, Jones Graduate School of Business 

September 15, 2020: Webinar: ESG as a Framework for Resilience
Coronavirus and social unrest is testing both the "S" and the "G" in the ESG trio of environmental, social and governance responsibilities. How your company responds in crisis is a good indication of how it is run daily. ESG and Impact investors are still focused heavily on ESG. During this webinar you will hear from board members of both public and private organizations on how they are helping the organization they serve become more agile, sustainable and resilient.

Speakers:
Barbara Duganier, Director, NACD Texas TriCities Chapter
Angie Gildea, Principal, Energy Advisor, KPMG
David Ruiz, Senior Vice President, Community Relations Manager, Bank of America
Peter Rodriguez, Dean and Professor of Strategic Management, Jones Graduate School of Business

August 26, 2020: Webinar co-hosted with Alumni Relations: How to Be a Leader During Economic Downturns
With so much uncertainty in today's world, many organizations are having to retool and rethink their operations to stay afloat and be competitive. Strong leadership can help organizations navigate unchartered territory, build resilience and forge ahead. Our alumni panelists will share their expertise on leadership during turbulent times. 

How to Be a Leader During Economic Downturns Recording 

Speakers:
Kimberly Cotner David: Senior Vice President & Chief Business Officer, Baylor College of Medicine 
Jennifer Kneale: Chief Financial Officer, Targa Resources Corp.
Rod Larson: President & CEO, Oceaneering International Inc.
Peter Rodriguez, Dean and Professor of Strategic Management, Jones Graduate School of Business

June 24, 2020: Webinar Co-hosted by Alumni Relations, Lilie, and Rice Business Partners

Topic: Entrepreneurship in the COVID-19 Environment
The COVID-19 outbreak has taken the financial world by storm, forcing many businesses to close their doors. As society closely monitors the evolving nature of the pandemic, entrepreneurs must quickly acclimate and mobilize to a new, virtual environment in order to compete in the current market. Our alumni entrepreneurship panel will share their journeys navigating through uncertain times and preparing their enterprises for the future. The panel will be moderated by Professor Al Danto '00, Lecturer in Management – Entrepreneurship.
Speakers:
Aaron Knape ’08, CEO & Co-Founder of sEATz
Al Danto ’00, Lecturer in Management-Entrepreneurship, Jones Graduate School of Business
Chris Staffel ’17, Founder & Managing Partner of Curation Farms
Richard Degner ’04, President & CEO of Geophysical Technology Inc.

May 21, 2020: Webinar Co-hosted by Rice Business Partners and Alumni Relations

Topic: Now What? Creating a Path Forward for Your Business
What's the best way for leaders to keep their organizations moving forward without getting bogged down in the tactical details? How do they move beyond stabilizing the business to future success and resiliency?
Join us to gain actionable next steps as we share what other companies are doing to create long-term value in their businesses, and how you can put this into practice in your organization.
Become the brave leaders your employees need by being flexible, innovative and decisive during a time of great uncertainty.
Speakers:
Lynn Lednicky MBA '91, Partner, Newport Board Group and
Kimberly Denney MBA '01, Partner, Newport Board Group

March 4, 2020: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Pursuing Breakthroughs in Challenging Times
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is the first children’s hospital in the United States and among today’s most preeminent pediatric academic medical centers. Research has been a focus of CHOP since inception with many innovations brought to the bedside over the course of decades. More recently CHOP has been a leader in cell and gene therapy research and their efforts were instrumental in the development of the first gene and cell therapy drugs to be approved by the FDA. During this presentation, Doug Hock will provide an overview of CHOP’s research programs, its approach to commercializing research breakthroughs, and how it manages strategic risks in a turbulent healthcare market.
Speaker:
Doug Hock, Executive Vice President and System Chief Operating Officer, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

February 3, 2020: Roundtable Series

Topic: Skill and Luck in Investment Management
Many investors face the choice of how to allocate savings among professional money managers. Shopping for a mutual fund manager entails a determination of whether a given fund can beat the market. That is, is past outperformance due to skill or luck, and will it continue in the future? Investors now also have a wide range of passive indexed products that promise to track the market at low cost. We will discuss the current landscape of mutual fund investments with a focus on passive versus active management and distinguishing skill from luck.
Speakers:
Alan Crane, Associate Professor of Finance, Jones Graduate School of Business
Kevin Crotty, Associate Professor of Finance, Jones Graduate School of Business

October 21, 2019: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Private Public Partnerships and How They Will Move Port Houston into the Future
As one of the most diverse and entrepreneurial regions in the U.S., Houston has great vision for iconic projects that serve the community and the city’s economic needs. Examples such as the Houston Ship Channel, Texas Medical Center and Discovery Green combined hard work, perseverance and community partnerships. Ric Campo, Port Houston Commission Chairman, shares insights into the Houston Ship Channel’s next collaboration: an expansion to elevate our channel into the nation’s most vital and efficient, while creating jobs, insuring safety and promoting environmental stewardship.
Speaker:
Ric Campo, Chairman of the Port Commission, Port of Houston Authority

Jones Partners 25th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, August 28, 2019
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Anderson Family Commons, McNair Hall

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April 24, 2019: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Innovation Engine: How MD Anderson’s unrelenting mission to cure cancer creates a virtuous cycle of investment and growth
In his overview of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Peter WT Pisters will highlight the institution's efforts to end cancer in Houston and beyond, noting recent achievements in cancer research and care and providing a glimpse into the future. As the No. 1 center for cancer care in the nation, MD Anderson takes discoveries through clinical trials and regulatory approvals to commercial solutions. Dr. Pisters will share more about MD Anderson’s strategic industry alliances team and the institution’s commitment to the journey that is necessary to bring new solutions and therapies to the world, fueling further investment and growth.
Speaker: Peter Pisters, President, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Faculty: Brent Smith, Senior Associate Dean for Executive Education, Jones Graduate School of Business

March 5, 2019: Roundtable Series

Topic: Pursuing Mindfulness in a Distracted Work World
Both academic research and popular press articles suggest that, in today’s world work, many employees do not focus their attention as effectively as possible. Contributing causes include “multitasking” and the use of technologies that are distracting and addictive. In this session, I consider what can be done about this problem. Specifically, I present insights from research on the topic of mindfulness and engage attendees with activities designed to reinforce the material. In short, the goal of this session is to help attendees gain a better understanding of mindfulness and how it can improve performance at work.
Speaker: Erik Dane, Distinguished Associate Professor of Management, Jones Graduate School of Business

November 15, 2018: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Creating Our 21st Century Houston
Globally, major cities are in a radical state of change. Houston has been the fastest growing major city in the U.S. for 70 years, and in the words of Professor Stephen Klineberg, “is where the American future is going to be worked out.” Lifestyle preferences, technology and regulations are all adjusting to a new 21st Century framework for creating a successful city. Is Houston going to lead, or follow?
Speaker: Thomas Bacon, Founding Partner, Lionstone Investments & Chairman, Houston Parks Board
Faculty: William Fulton, Director, Kinder Institute for Urban Research

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October 8, 2018: Roundtable Series

Topic: A Hunger for Change: Tackling Food Insecurity in Houston
Speaker: Doug Schuler, Associate Professor of Business and Public Policy, Jones Graduate School of Business

September 27, 2018: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Leadership Through Transformation
Leading through times of change teaches us lessons in resiliency, disruption and optimism. As the oil and gas sector emerges from one of its deepest downcycles, and BHGE celebrates its first full year following its large merger, Chairman & CEO, Lorenzo Simonelli brings to life perspectives on disruptive leadership and lessons on resiliency. He joins Dean Peter Rodriguez to share his observations and insights on navigating transformational times.
Speaker: Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman & CEO of Baker Hughes, a GE Company
Faculty: Peter Rodriguez, Dean and Professor of Strategic Management, Rice Business

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September 5, 2018: Building a Champion: The 2017 Houston Astros

A Conversation with Jeff Luhnow and Reid Ryan
Moderated by Clark Haptonstall, Ph.D.
In 2017, the Houston Astros won the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Constructing a championship team in professional sports requires front office executives to make difficult decisions. Making those decisions requires the correct balance of subjective observations and also impartial data analytics. At this event, Jeff Luhnow and Reid Ryan will discuss how they use data and experience to assemble a world-class franchise.
Speakers:
Jeff Luhnow, President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, Houston Astros
Reid Ryan, President of Business Operations, Houston Astros

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Annual Jones Partners Welcome Reception

Wednesday, August 22, 2018
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Business Information Center, Suite 200, McNair Hall
Welcoming remarks from Michael Koenig, Associate Dean for Innovation Initiatives & Executive Director of Executive Education.

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March 27, 2018: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: An Investment Management Approach to Philanthropy
How do philanthropists change the world? John and Laura Arnold are part of a new generation of philanthropists dedicated to finding evidence-based solutions to the most important social issues. From education reform and justice system inefficiencies to improving standards for basic research, their innovative approach to investing in social change stems from a commitment to scientifically-validated approaches. The Arnolds have taken an aggressive investment management approach to the organization, governance and monitoring of their philanthropic giving. The social dividends from their investment might just change the world.
Speaker: Laura and John Arnold, Co-Chairs, Laura and John Arnold Foundation
Faculty: James P. Weston, Harmon Whittington Professor of Finance, Jones Graduate School of Business

March 8, 2018: Roundtable Series

Topic: No Pain, No Gain
Many situations at work, play or as consumers require us to learn. For example, we have to learn software, assemble furniture and how to use new products. What is the learning process and why does it seem so hard? What are the implications for marketing and for consumers?
Speaker: Ajay Kalra, Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Marketing, Jones Graduate School of Business

February 28, 2018: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Technology Drives the Changing World of American Energy and its Workforce
Industry innovations and technology breakthroughs are why the U.S. is now considered the world’s largest producer of oil and natural gas. These high-tech advances have led our nation to energy abundance, and delivered a cleaner and safer environment. Today, we face a brighter and more secure energy future than ever before. Our industry is attracting a new generation of the best and the brightest. Today, millennials make-up one-third of the industry workforce and are expected to grow exponentially over the next several years. It will be imperative that Newfield and other companies in the industry provide training and knowledge transfer to improve the business leadership acumen for the success of our industry and these future leaders.
Speaker: Lee K. Boothby, Chairman, President and CEO, Newfield Exploration
Faculty: Peter Rodriguez, Dean and Professor of Strategic Management

January 25, 2018: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Health Not Just Healthcare: What do we get for America's $3.2T Annual Investment in Health Expenditures?
The US spends more on health than any other country in the world, yet our health outcomes lag far behind other developed countries. Our expenditures are higher for many reasons, including price and utilization of medical services, with significant financial and cultural investment in the status quo. How do we move to a system where our expenditures match the value received?
Speaker: Elena Marks, President and CEO, Episcopal Health Foundation & Nonresident Fellow in Health Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy
Faculty: Peter Rodriguez, Dean and Professor of Strategic Management

November 2, 2017: Roundtable Series

Topic: Crisis and Reputation Management
Companies with strong reputations gain competitive advantage. However, reputation is not a tangible attribute of a firm, but rather an intangible asset held in the minds of the firm’s constituents. During our discussion, we will explore four contingencies that may lead to counter intuitive conclusions: Having a high reputation may have negative consequences and some negative events can have positive outcomes. These contingencies are stakeholders’ attention and expectations, wrongdoing by competitors, stakeholders’ identification with an organization and type of negative event. 
Speaker: Anastasiya Zavyalova, Assistant Professor of Strategic Management

September 27, 2017: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Reflecting on the Power of an Open Organization
Businesses today need to organize and run in a way that is counter to the hierarchical structure of the 20th-century model. Because of this, leadership is evolving from command and control/plan and proscribe, to provide context/try, learn, modify. This evolution affects everything -  the way an organization operates to how it motivates its people. Jim talks a lot about this in his book, “The Open Organization.” This discussion will reflect on the power of an open organization.
Speaker: Jim Whitehurst, President and CEO, Red Hat, Inc.
Faculty: Peter Rodriguez, Dean and Professor of Strategic Management

Welcome Reception - Cancelled due to weather

August 29, 2017, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Kick off the academic year and welcome the newest Jones Partners members! Welcoming remarks from Peter Rodriguez, Dean, and networking event.
 

April 4, 2017: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Providing Energy, Improving Lives: Challenges & Opportunities in the American Energy Industry
Energy is the foundation on which economic growth and modern life are built. As the population increases and worldwide development grows, access to abundant, affordable, reliable energy will be essential to sustaining modern life and improving the global standard of living. In his presentation, Greg Garland, Chairman and CEO of Phillips 66, will discuss major energy trends, the state of today’s energy landscape, the industry’s centrality to the world’s growth and prosperity, and the work underway to ensure that America’s energy industry remains strong and vital in the decades ahead.
Speaker: Greg C. Garland, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Phillips 66
Faculty: Duane Windsor, Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Management, Jones Graduate School of Business

February 28, 2017: Roundtable Series

Topic: Holding Out for a Hero
Duane Windsor will discuss research he has published concerning moral exemplars in business – citing specific instances of different types of exemplars. Moral saints are seldom financially good for business. Moral heroes are rarely called for. It is moral champions that companies need the most. These champions can be positive and powerful exemplars. Companies need to cultivate these moral champions: employees who defend key values within the organization. Companies equally need to weed out moral sinners and neutrals: employees who know right from wrong but do not act on the organization’s values. Companies should recruit employees who demonstrate company values and model these values for other employees.
Speaker: Duane Windsor, Lynette S. Autrey Professor of Management, Jones Graduate School of Business

February 7, 2017: Thought Leadership Series

Topic: Leadership Development in Health Care Organizations
Few industries are characterized by the complexities endemic to healthcare. Facing continuously disruptive regulatory changes, shifting competitive dynamics, the exploration of alternative business and organizational models, and complicated relationships between regulators, payers and providers, healthcare executives must navigate a treacherous and evolving landscape. In this thought leadership series, Dr. Chu will share his observations from the font line regarding the characteristics of leaders needed in this complex environment, while Dr. Smith will share his observations on the common mistakes made by healthcare institutions as they attempt to develop executives capable of managing these complexities.
Speaker: Benjamin K. Chu, M.D., President & CEO, Memorial Hermann Health System
Faculty: Brent Smith, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean for Executive Education, Associate Professor of Management and Psychology, Jones Graduate School of Business

November 21, 2016: Roundtable Series

Topic: Public Speaking Success Strategies
Opportunities for public speaking in a professional context arise regularly. This practical and highly interactive session will teach public speaking success strategies for professionals. The session will explore how to tailor a message to a particular audience, and how to deliver that message effectively. In addition, Janet Moore will share techniques for speaking to audiences abroad.
Speaker: Janet Moore, Director of Communication Program, Jones Graduate School of Business

October 28, 2016: This event was co-sponsored by the Baker Institute, General Electric and Jones Partners.

Topic: Global Competitiveness and the Texas Economy
Panelists:
The Honorable Kevin Brady, U.S. Representative, 8th Congressional District
Shannon DeYoung, Co-Owner, DeYoung Machine Works
John Diamond, Ph.D., Edward A. and Hermena Hancock Kelly Fellow in Public Finance, Baker Institute
Jeffrey R. Immelt, Chairman and CEO, General Electric
The Honorable Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston
View photos from event

October 27, 2016: Thought Leadership Series

Presentation and Reception
Topic: Transforming the Oil and Gas Industry
Speaker: Jean-François Poupeau, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development & Communication, Schlumberger
Faculty: Utpal Dholakia, George R. Brown Chair of Marketing, Head of Energy Industry Initiatives, Jones Graduate School of Business
View Facebook live video replay

August 23, 2016: Jones Partners Welcome Reception  

Welcoming remarks from Peter Rodriguez, Dean and networking event

March 24, 2016: Thought Leadership Series

Presentation and Reception
Topic: What?! You Want to Retire? The CEO Succession Opportunity/Conundrum for Boards
Speaker: Tom Simmons, Global Energy Practice Leader, Spencer Stuart
Faculty: Anthea Zhang, Ph.D., Fayez Sarofim Vanguard Professor of Management
Speaker: Doug Foshee, Former Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, El Paso Corporation

March 2, 2016: Roundtable Series

Networking and Presentation
Topic: Co-creation and Competition: Exploring the Commonalities
Faculty: Amit Pazgal, Professor of Marketing and Operations Management

February 17, 2016: Thought Leadership Series

Presentation and Reception
Speaker: Robert C. Robbins, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Texas Medical Center
Faculty: Prashant Kale, Associate Professor of Strategic Management, Head of Health Care Initiative

November 9, 2015: Thought Leadership Series

Presentation and Networking
Topic: Innovation for the Bottom of the Pyramid: In China for China and for the World
Speaker: Xiangli Chen, Ph.D, Vice President, GE; Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of GE China; President, GE China Technology Center
Faculty: Haiyang Li, Ph.D., Professor of Strategic Management and Innovation

October 21, 2015: Roundtable Series

Networking and Presentation
Topic: Advances in Behavioral Finance
Faculty: James Weston, Professor of Finance

October 7, 2015: Thought Leadership Series

Program and Reception
Speaker: Dave Stover, Chairman, President and CEO, Noble Energy, Inc. 
Faculty: K. Ramesh, Herbert S. Autrey Professor of Accounting, Academic Dean for Special Initiatives

August 27, 2015: Welcome Reception

Networking, Program and Reception
Welcome Remarks: Marie Lynn Miranda, Provost, Rice University