Unlock Leadership Skills at NBCU Academy Summit 2024 | NBCUniversal

March 28, 2024

NBCU Academy creates a sustainable pipeline of access and opportunity to people across all genders, races, geographic and socio-economic backgrounds and perspectives.    

NBCU Academy, a free, award-winning education program will host their fifth  “Next Level Summit” on April 11, 2024 from 10am-2pm ET. The virtual training program, offered at no cost to students and early-stage professionals, allows attendees the opportunity to gain valuable insight from top executives, content creators and talent across NBCUniversal, Comcast and beyond.  

Agenda at NBCU Academy Next Level Summit: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential

Attendees can expect to hear from leaders at CNBC, NBC Sports, NBC Olympics, NBC News, MSNBC, Telemundo, NBCU Local Stations and more.  

Summit Opening Session: Welcome 

CNBC Correspondent Contessa Brewer welcomes a live student audience to CNBC’s global headquarters and its premier studios in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, for the kickoff to our all-day interactive event. 
 

Leading From Where You Are: Empowerment at Every Level 

Learning how to lead can empower you to achieve your goals, no matter where you are on your career path. You don’t need to hold a high-ranking position to have impact and influence in your company and community. Join our panel of dynamic leaders as they explore how adopting a leadership mindset can elevate your work. Gain insights on effective leadership strategies, including building relationships, overcoming obstacles, and inspiring those around you – all from your current position. 

Moderator: CNBC’s Fast Money Host Melissa Lee 

Panelists: 

1. KC Sullivan, CNBC President
2. Rashida Jones, MSNBC President
3. José Cancela, Telemundo Station Group President
4. Frances Berwick, Chairman, NBCUniversal Entertainment

Meet the Leadership Team Behind NBCUniversal's 2024 Paris Olympics Coverage 

With the Paris Olympic Games fast approaching, NBCU Academy takes you behind the scenes with the leadership team that makes NBCU’s massive coverage gold medal worthy. Learn how they’ll combine state-of-the-art technology and creative storytelling across multiple continents to cover the Games and introduce you to the greatest athletes in the world. 

Moderator: TODAY News Anchor & 3rd Hour Co-Host Craig Melvin 

Panelists:

1. Darryl Jefferson, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Engineering and Technology
2. Lindsay Schanzer, Senior Producer, NBC Sports
3. Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President, NBC Olympics Production

Leading in an A.I. World: Navigating New Technologies 

Artificial Intelligence, once confined to science fiction, now permeates every aspect of our world, revolutionizing the operations of media companies. As technology evolves daily, how can leaders navigate this new and challenging landscape? Learn from top experts who are pivoting and making strategic decisions in real time as A.I. rapidly changes content consumption and creation. 

The Power of Mentorship & Sponsorship 

Ask any leader about their secret to success, and most will attribute it to a great mentor or sponsor who guided them towards their goals. In this panel, dynamic leaders will unveil the keys to effective mentorship, fostering opportunities for real growth. Discover how to identify the right mentor or sponsor, become an invaluable guide for others, and learn how great leaders excel in both roles. 

Developing Your Leadership & Communications Style 

Strong leaders possess both effective communication and leadership styles. Join us for an enlightening discussion aimed at enhancing your ability to convey ideas and inspire others to action. Gain invaluable insights from top-notch communicators, including finance guru Suze Orman, alongside other influential figures from the business and media world.  

Moderator: MSNBC’s The Weekend Co-Host Alicia Menendez 

Panelists: 

1. Sohee Jun, Ph. D & Author, “The Inner Game: Secrets of High- Achieving Women for Navigating Work, Life and Mindset
2. Suze Orman, Best-Selling Author, Financial Icon & SecureSave Co-Founder
3. Craig Robinson, Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for NBCUniversal
4. Ashaki Rucker, SVP, Human Resources NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises & LATAM

Career Expo Highlights: From Classroom to Newsroom 

CAREER EXPO: Acing Your Leadership Interview 

As a future leader in the media industry, how can you excel in that job interview that will take you to the next level? Gain invaluable insights from our panel on impressing hiring managers, followed by the chance to put theory into practice through mock interviews guided by our experts. Come learn how to make a lasting impression. 

CAREER EXPO: Leading From The Classroom To The Newsroom 

The leadership skills learned as a student can carry you from the classroom to your first job. Determine your goals, identify your strengths, and discover your potential to be a leader from wherever you are. Hear from our panel and begin that journey now.  

How Do I register For NBCU Academy’s Next Level Summit: Unlocking Your Leadership Potential 

Sign up for the April 11 award-winning virtual summit HERE. 

What is NBCU Academy?  

NBCU Academy is a free, award-winning education program for developing new skills and advancing careers in journalism, media and technology. Through our multi-platform initiative — video tutorials, best practices articles, virtual summits and in-person panels — NBCU Academy provides tools and resources for journalists, content creators, media innovators, filmmakers and students. This includes partnerships with 45 academic institutions across the country: four-year universities, community colleges, tribal colleges, tech schools, PWIs, HSIs and HBCUs. NBCU Academy is part of Project UP, Comcast NBCUniversal’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.