Join UC Alumni and global business leader Paul Polman for a virtual discussion
Think Forward: Leading to Next
Event information
Date: Thursday, April 15, 2021 6 PM
Location: virtual
Ticketing: Register for event
What is visionary leadership? What does it mean to think and lead “forward” in a constantly-evolving landscape?
Join us for an inspiring discussion with global business and sustainable development leader Paul Polman MBA/MA’79, HON ’09. Presented by the Warren Bennis Leadership Experience and moderated by Lindner College of Business Dean Marianne Lewis, PhD, this virtual conversation will highlight Polman’s leadership journey and insights from his long-term, multi-stakeholder approach to business.
Following the discussion, connect with fellow Bearcats in virtual breakout sessions hosted by UC academic and program leaders. These interactive breakouts will be hosted by Deans, college representatives, and unit directors providing an insider's view of how the University of Cincinnati is leading a new era of innovation and impact.
Paul Polman, MBA/MA’79, HON ’09
About Paul Polman: Paul Polman is co-founder and chair of IMAGINE, a social venture which mobilizes business leaders around tackling climate change and global inequality. Paul is the honorary chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, chair of The B Team and Said Business School and vice-chair of the UN Global Compact. A leading proponent that business should be a force for good, he has been described by the Financial Times as "a standout CEO of the past decade". As CEO of Unilever (2009-19), he demonstrated that a long-term, multi-stakeholder model goes hand-in-hand with excellent financial performance. Paul was a member of the UN Secretary General's High-Level Panel, which developed the Sustainable Development Goals, and as an active SDG Advocate he continues to work with global organizations and across industry to push the 2030 development agenda.
UC Day of Giving
Think Forward will be held on UC's Day of Giving, a celebration of the change we can make together when #BearcatsGive. Find out how you can be a part of day of Giving.
Related Stories
Lindner graduate students shine in international simulation competition
November 10, 2025
Five master’s of information systems (MS IS) students took home fifth place out of 23 universities at the International ERPsim Competition hosted by HEC Montreal during the recent spring semester. The competition tests students’ knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software and their ability to adapt to challenging business problems.
Is going nuclear the solution to Ohio’s energy costs?
November 10, 2025
The Ohio Capital Journal recently reported that as energy prices continue to climb, economists are weighing the benefits of going nuclear to curb costs. The publication dove into a Scioto Analysis survey of 18 economists to weigh the pros and cons of nuclear energy. One economist featured was Iryna Topolyan, PhD, professor of economics at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
Lindner alum Paul Polman, Dean Lewis named to esteemed Thinkers50 Ranking
November 10, 2025
Paul Polman, MBA/MA ’79, HON ’09, and Lindner dean Marianne Lewis, PhD, have each been named to the prestigious Thinkers50 Ranking. Published biennially, Thinkers50 designates the “most influential management thinkers in the world.”