Summer 2026 Programming Highlights

Innovate@UCLA Career Exchange #2 Virtual Session – Modern Career Progression and Transition Tactics (Jun 9, 2026)

Innovate@UCLA hosted Career Exchange #2 featuring Christine Sandman Stone, CEO at Deliver at Scale and Business and Leadership Advisor, in conversation with Beth Apillanes, Manager of Enterprise Information Technology Services at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Executive Chair at Innovate@UCLA, and Marina Kernes, Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Metrolink. The conversation explored how change alone is not inherently valuable, but becomes meaningful when reinforced through consistent action and mindset shifts. Christine encouraged attendees to rethink traditional networking by building authentic “professional friendships” grounded in positivity, shared growth, and meaningful conversations about impact and results. She also discussed the importance of redefining current roles before resigning, emphasizing the mental shift required to create opportunities within existing environments. The session further highlighted strategies for effective leadership, including prioritization, empowering teams to perform at their best, and understanding the distinction between mentors and sponsors. Christine concluded by encouraging attendees to approach leadership and personal development with resilience, self-awareness, and intentionality.

Summer CxO Exchange at Intuit Dome (August 20, 2026)

Innovate@UCLA hosted its 2026 Summer CxO Exchange on August 20 at Intuit Dome, bringing together more than 45 technology leaders for an evening of executive discussion, peer connection, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most innovative sports and entertainment venues.

The evening featured a panel discussion, “Lessons from Private Equity: Technology-Led Value Creation,” moderated by Trent Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer, Cie and Programs Committee, Innovate@UCLA, with Ali Bajwa, Managing Director at Platinum Equity, and John Kalka, Managing Director at Clayton, Dubilier & Rice. The conversation examined how technology has become a critical lever for value creation, including how private equity leaders evaluate technology opportunities, prioritize initiatives, and use AI and digital transformation to drive operational efficiency, scalability, and measurable business outcomes.

The program also featured a Q&A with George Hanna, Chief Technology and Digital Officer for the LA Clippers and Intuit Dome. George offered an eye-opening perspective on the role of data and technology in centering the fan experience rather than simply the ticket holder, while providing insight into the technology and infrastructure supporting the experience at Intuit Dome.

Beyond the discussions, attendees had the opportunity to experience Intuit Dome from behind the scenes, including a tour of the venue’s premium clubs, state-of-the-art locker rooms, and iconic player tunnel. The evening concluded with dinner and executive networking, creating additional opportunities for leaders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build meaningful connections.

A special thank you to our sponsors, IMPEX Technologies, Starburst, and Info-Tech Research Group, for helping make the event possible.

Innovate@UCLA extends its appreciation to Greg Moore, VP, CIO, KB Home and Programs Vice-Chair, Innovate@UCLA for co-chairing the event, as well as to all of the speakers, attendees, and partners who contributed to an engaging evening focused on technology, innovation, and the future of business.

WIT Virtual Session #2 – The Nonlinear Career: Thriving in the Age of Agentic Work (September 1, 2026)

Innovate@UCLA hosted a WIT virtual session featuring Nadia Hansen, Global AI GTM Leader & Industry Advisor for Public Sector at Salesforce, moderated by Beverly Macy, an educator at UCLA and member of the Executive Leadership Awards (ELA) Committee at Innovate@UCLA. The conversation focused on Nadia’s personal career journey and how professionals can better navigate an increasingly nonlinear, technology-driven workforce while adapting to the rapid growth of AI. Hansen challenged the myth of “overnight success,” emphasizing that careers are often nonlinear and shaped by personal failures, pivots, and unexpected opportunities. A central theme of the conversation was “skill stacking,” combining diverse skills to build a unique professional identity as professionals are ultimately selling a brand, an idea, or themselves. The discussion also addressed growing concerns around AI and job displacement, with Hansen highlighting the importance of unique human characteristics like empathy, judgment, and contextual understanding. She encouraged attendees to think ahead about what their roles might look like in five years, emphasizing that the future of work is not about humans versus AI, but about how people can grow alongside technology and use it to enhance what they already do. Nadia closed by emphasizing the importance of thoughtfully integrating AI into the workplace, recognizing where technology can add value while allowing human judgment to lead where it matters most. She also discussed personal branding as understanding the unique value one brings to a community. Ultimately, she encouraged attendees to build responsible AI literacy by understanding its appropriate use, privacy and security risks, and limitations, while thinking intentionally about their careers as a series of nonlinear possibilities rather than a single, fixed trajectory.