Denver, CO — This month, ECTC and the University of Colorado Denver's Business School hosted the "Leadership in Commodity and Trade Networks" programme, a five-day event filled with insightful discussions and networking opportunities. Here's a summary of the week:
Day 1: Geopolitics II: USA in a Multipolar World
The programme kicked off on Monday with a warm welcome from Dr. Scott Dawson and Dr. Michael Orlando. Participants explored the current landscape of US politics and policymaking, with Dr. Abhishek Deshpande leading a session on scenario planning for geopolitical risk. Post-lunch, Dr. Wouter Jacobs and Dr. Michael Orlando challenged participants with "Taboo Scenarios: How to Think About the Unthinkable." The day concluded with a leadership conversation on America's energy geopolitics, moderated by Dr. Wouter Jacobs and featuring Helen El Mallakh.
Day 2: Technology & Innovation II: Capitalizing Change
Tuesday's sessions were held at Xcel Energy in Denver, focusing on growth strategies and economic impacts. Dr. Michael Orlando welcomed the attendees, followed by Dr. Jeffrey Reuer from the University of Colorado Boulder, who provided a framework for understanding inorganic growth opportunities. After lunch, Dr. Max Brown from the Colorado School of Mines discussed the Inflation Reduction Act's economic implications. The day wrapped up with Wouter Van Kempen, Chairman of the Board at Civitas Resources, Inc., sharing his personal leadership journey.
Day 3: Sustainability II: Threats and Opportunities
On Wednesday, the venue shifted to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Dr. Michael Orlando introduced the day's theme of sustainability and supply chain challenges, with Dr. David Chandler discussing Nike's case study. The afternoon featured a panel on sustainability's frontiers, moderated by Dr. Orlando, with insights from Deb Ryan of S&P Global, Maureen Upton of Cascadia Minerals Ltd., and Janus Henderson Investors U.S. The day ended with a networking meetup at Cerebral Brewing.
Day 4: Risk and Compliance II: Market Regulation & Manipulation
Thursday's focus was on risk compliance and market manipulation. Thomas Lord, Sr. Risk Consultant at Norton Fulbright Rose, began the day with a session on global risk compliance regulatory regimes. Joel Rubano, Founder of Instradev, LLC, then led a two-part session on market manipulation, including a case study. The day concluded with a discussion on leadership challenges within the US risk environment, moderated by Dr. Wouter Jacobs and featuring Lance Titus from Uniper SE.
Day 5: General & Scenario Planning
The final day returned to the University of Colorado Denver Business School, concentrating on scenario planning, innovation in commodities, and moral leadership. Dr. Wouter Jacobs led a session on scenario planning, followed by a discussion on innovation in commodities with Julie Lerner, Founder and CEO of PanXchange, Inc. The afternoon featured a session on moral leadership by Dr. Jacobs. The programme concluded with a recap and look ahead by Dr. Michael Orlando and Dr. Wouter Jacobs.
The programme will continue in Singapore this October. Stay tuned for more insights and opportunities in the field of commodity and trade networks.
Photos
