The Linfield University School of Business held its second-annual YET… Symposium at the Sentinel Hotel on October 16, drawing a full house of 200 students and professionals for a morning of networking, thought leadership and educational discussions.
The event focused on the idea that the future of business is relationship-oriented. The sessions encouraged students and business professionals to engage in collaborative conversations.
Keynote speakers address mental health, team building and the future of AI
Dave Drinkward ’01, CEO of Hoffman Construction Company, kicked off the symposium with a powerful talk about the importance of mental health in the workplace. He emphasized how proactive businesses can foster healthy environments, benefiting both employees and their families.
Following Drinkward’s presentation, a panel of executives from Slalom Consulting discussed critical industry topics. This included team building, trust and what constitutes a healthy, high-functioning workplace.
The morning continued with a talk from Scott Brosius ’01, Linfield athletic director and former Major League Baseball (MLB) player. Brosius shared valuable insights from his experience with successful organizations.
Futurist Steve Brown explores the impact of AI on the workforce
The final session featured Steve Brown, futurist and author of “The Innovation Ultimatum: How six strategic technologies will reshape every business in the 2020s.” Brown explored how artificial intelligence (AI) will shape the future of work. While he acknowledged challenges posed by emerging AI platforms, Brown urged participants to embrace technological advancements. He also encouraged attendees to dedicate time each week to stay current with AI trends.
Connecting students with industry experts
Jennifer Madden, dean of the Linfield School of Business, highlighted the importance of such events in preparing students for evolving career landscapes.
The Yet… Symposium began in April 2023 with the goal of connecting students and industry professionals to explore large topics. The name “Yet” was chosen by organizers to reflect the economic, cultural and technological shocks changing the business world.
“At Linfield, we work hard to prepare students for futures that don’t yet exist,” Madden said. “When we do events like the YET Symposium, we bring industry professionals and experts in to help them see the future – and themselves in it.”
