Erika H. James is the Dean of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a position she has held since July 2020. Trained as an organisational psychologist, she is a globally recognised expert on crisis leadership, workplace diversity, and management strategy. Prior to joining Wharton, she served as the John H. Harland Dean at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School (2014–2020). An award-winning educator, accomplished consultant, and influential researcher, she has been instrumental in advancing women’s leadership and shaping innovative executive education programmes, including the Women in Leadership initiative at the University of Virginia’s Darden School. Dr. James serves on the boards of Morgan Stanley, The Economic Club of New York, Pomona College, and The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center. A widely cited thought leader, her work has been featured in leading global media, and she is the co-author of The Prepared Leader, a book on leading effectively through crisis and uncertainty.

Francesca Cornelli is the Dean of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, a position she has held since 2019. She is also the Donald P. Jacobs Professor of Finance at Kellogg. Under her leadership, the school has strengthened its mission to develop empathetic leaders who think globally, embrace diverse perspectives, and lead effectively through complexity and rapid change. She has played a pivotal role in advancing Kellogg’s focus at the intersection of business, technology, and innovation, including spearheading the MBAi programme in collaboration with Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering, and expanding key areas such as healthcare, sustainability, and private equity. Prior to joining Kellogg, she served as Professor of Finance and Deputy Dean at London Business School. An accomplished scholar and global educator, she has taught at leading institutions worldwide, including the Indian School of Business, and has contributed extensively to research in corporate governance, finance, and innovation policy while serving on several prominent global boards.