Miami Herbert Lecture Series
Cobb Leadership Lecture Series
Over the years, the Cobb Leadership Lecture series, which happens annually, has provided an opportunity for our students and other members of the community to hear from some of the nation's most distinguished leaders.
History of the Cobb Lecture Series
On May 9, 1986, Ambassador Sue Cobb gave a 50th birthday gift to her husband, Ambassador Chuck Cobb. That gift was a $50,000 endowment gift to Miami Herbert Business School that would finance an annual lecture on leadership from one of America's most distinguished leaders.
Ambassador Sue Cobb's objective was that the Cobb Leadership Lecture would invite transformative public figures from all walks of life who were experts on leading. That objective has been fulfilled as the University of Miami students and faculty, as well as the greater Miami community have received superb lectures from some of this nation's most successful leaders.
Past Speakers
General Keith Alexander (Ret)
October 24, 2024
GEN (Ret) Keith Alexander is a four-star general with a 40-year military career, culminating in the role of the Director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and Chief of the Central Security Service (CSS) from 2005-2014. He holds the distinction of serving in this role longer than any other director. While serving as the NSA Director, he was appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress to be the first Commander to establish and lead the U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). He held this role from 2010-2014, establishing and defining how our nation is protected against cyber-attacks.
Charles H. Rivkin
April 12, 2023
Charles H. Rivkin is Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the leading advocate of the global film, television, and streaming industry. Current MPA members include Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Prior to joining the MPA, Rivkin served as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business (2014 – 2017) and as the United States Ambassador to France and Monaco (2009 – 2013).
Indra Nooyi
April 25, 2022
Indra K. Nooyi served as CEO and chairman of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2019. Her prescient strategic thinking, insight into consumer behavior, and wisdom on managing a vast, global workforce make her one of the world’s most sought-after advisors to entrepreneurs, executives, and governments. She is also revered as a role model for women and immigrants, and celebrated for her empowering messages on inclusivity. In this Cobb Leadership Lecture, Nooyi discusses "My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future."
Paula Kerger
Paula Kerger, president and CEO of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) for the past 15 years, discussed issues of leadership, developing media literacy, and the network’s mission to serve the public good.
Stephen A. Schwarzman
September 17, 2020
Stephen A. Schwarzman, co-founder of the investment firm Blackstone, shared insights on the economy and tips for business owners, the role of entrepreneurs, and the current trade relationship between the United States and China.
Paul Polman
March 3, 2020
Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, shared how business strategies that foster inclusion, diversity, and green business practices are the most likely to succeed in the changed world economy.