Connexions: SLC Live

Wade Bicknell, Chief Information Security Officer discusses emerging cyber threats, lessons from recent incidents, and steps societies can take to protect their brands and data. They also explore the approach CFA Institute is taking to use AI responsibly and what it means for society leaders.

Peter Watkins, Guillermina Pagaza from CFA Society Mexico and Bobby Lee from CFA Society Malaysia dig deeper into the ways societies can help students and emerging professionals navigate the journey from classroom to career. Learn how university partnerships, mentoring, practitioner engagement, competitions, and career-focused programs are developing future talent, building professional networks, and creating  pathways into the investment profession.

Natalie Barron and Lori Tabb of Momentum Partners, along with Laura Carney from CFA Society Los Angeles recap the live Peer Exchange, where society leaders identified challenges, shared expertise, and made practical connections across the global network. Hear how the session worked, what it revealed about shared needs and solutions, and which takeaways societies can put to use locally.

Join Nikolaz Foucaud and Moe Khuen for a behind-the-scenes look back at the formation, growth, and objectives of Institutional Solutions. They discuss  what they've learned from employers and institutional clients, and how they're building scalable solutions that address workforce development, private markets, and emerging topics such as ethical AI. 

Chris Wiese, CFA, Managing Director, Education, and Anne Falghren, Senior Head, CFA Program unpack how CFA Institute is evolving its education portfolio to meet changing learner and employer needs. They'll discuss how skills-based learning, localized offerings, certificates, and continued CFA Program innovation are expanding access, enhancing relevance, and preparing investment professionals for success in a rapidly changing global profession.

Join Cassandra Calpe from CFA Institute and José Segarra Silva, CFA, from CFA Society Mexico as they consider how societies and volunteers can amplify the CFA Institute and society brand through authentic storytelling and  social media engagement. Hear practical approaches for turning members into ambassadors, increasing visibility, and creating content and experiences that strengthen trust and engagement in local markets.

Join Presidents Council Chair Pieter van Putten, CFA, Odrée Ducharme, CFA, and Charles Wu, CFA, to understand how the Presidents Council serves as convening voice for society leaders. Learn how the Council is working to elevate local society perspectives, share global insights with CFA Institute leadership and the Board, and strengthen two-way communication and action across the society network.

Selma Laklai, Director of Member Value, Angela Sam, Director, Membership Marketing & Engagement, and Sarah Belenkin-Martin, Director, Society Relations, talk about the future of membership and how CFA Institute plans to meet the evolving needs of members and professionals. Explore emerging pathways into the profession, the distinctions between membership classes, and how societies can strengthen engagement, retention, and long-term community growth by delivering meaningful value throughout the member journey.

Craig Dellorso of RSM and Peggy Hoffman of Mariner Management explore the technology trends reshaping membership organizations—and in turn, the member experience—from AI and automation to digital modernization and governance. They discuss which changes matter most and what society leaders should prepare for over the next three to five years.

Moe Khuen, Director of Society Technology Operations, is back as your host for another season of Connexions: SLC Live! This year, Moe reports live from the 2026 Society Leadership Conference in London, bringing you the best ideas, conversations, and memorable moments from across the global CFA Society community.

Attending in person? Tune in for a recap of anything you missed between sessions and coffee runs. Following from your local society? Get an inside look at all the action.

New episodes arrive October 21. Subscribe now so you don't miss one, and share the Connexions website with colleagues...

In this special episode of SLC LIVE, recorded at the 2025 Society Leadership Conference in Lisbon, moderator Julie Emerson leads a dynamic conversation with CFA Institute leaders Randi Tobler, CFA, Paul Moody, and Chris Wiese, CFA. Together, they explore how CFA Institute is setting the standard across membership, industry partnerships, and education.

Discover how the organization is evolving to deliver deeper member value, strengthen partnerships with employers and regulators, and modernize the CFA Program through skills-based learning. The discussion also unveils details on the new associate membership class, launching in 2026, and what it means for societies as strategic...

In this episode, we sit down with Presidents Council Representatives (PCRs) Pieter van Putten, Barbara Mainzer, Nerina Visser, and Abishek Lookner to explore how the Presidents Council connects CFA societies around the world. Our guests share insights into the PCRs' mission, how they collaborate with society leaders, and what's top of mind for them as they prepare for their upcoming retreat in Lisbon. Tune in for real-world examples of volunteer leadership in action—and learn how you can get involved in shaping the future of the CFA community.

Guests Chris Wiese, CFA, and Anne Fahlgren join us to unpack one of the most significant evolutions in the CFA Program—its shift toward skills-based learning. Together, they explain what this approach means, how it differs from traditional knowledge-based learning, and why it's essential to the future of professional education in finance.

Chris and Anne share insights into the market signals and employer feedback that prompted this transformation, outlining how the CFA Institute is integrating job-relevant skills while maintaining the program's hallmark rigor and depth. The discussion explores how new assessment formats and curriculum design balance technical ma...

Join guests Sarah Belenkin-Martin and Randi Tolber, CFA, for a candid conversation about how CFA Institute is evolving the value it delivers to members and Charterholders. In this episode, we explore the organization's renewed focus on enhancing the member experience—what's working, what's next, and where opportunities still exist.

Our guests discuss the insights driving the Associate membership class, what this new structure means for members, societies, and the broader CFA community, and how local societies are leading the way in creating meaningful, replicable member value. From new engagement strategies to surprising local initiatives, this conversation connects th...

In this episode, Peter Watkins joins us to discuss how CFA Institute's University Relations team is fostering meaningful connections between societies, universities, and the next generation of investment professionals.

Peter walks through his team's structure and goals, outlining the many ways they engage with university communities worldwide—and why those relationships are so vital to the Institute's mission and long-term growth. The conversation highlights standout examples of successful society outreach initiatives, lessons learned from diverse markets, and strategies that societies can adapt to strengthen their own university partnerships.

Listeners will come away with practical, actionable id...

Guests Olivier Fines, Andrew Craine, and Rhodri Preece join us to discuss what's ahead for CFA Institute's Research, Policy, and Advocacy (RPC) work—and how societies can play a powerful role in amplifying its impact locally and globally.

The conversation highlights the upcoming pipeline of RPC and advocacy-related content, offering a look at the themes and initiatives shaping the next phase of CFA Institute's policy influence and thought leadership. Olivier and Rhodri also share how societies can effectively leverage RPC insights, data, and publications to advance meaningful dialogue in their own markets and strengthen alignment with the In...

Guests Doug Cohen, Alyson Corrigan, and Stephanie Field join us to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way CFA societies engage members, create content, and operate efficiently. Drawing on examples from recent pilots and society feedback, they share where AI tools are already making a difference—and where the most promising opportunities lie ahead.

The conversation examines CFA Institute's approach to evaluating and responsibly implementing AI technologies, emphasizing the balance between innovation, sustainability, and ethical governance. Our guests discuss how the organization is weighing both the risks and rewards of AI, ensuring new tools enhance—not comp...

In this special conversation, Marg Franklin, CFA, Marshall Bailey, CFA and Heinz Hockmann, PhD, share their perspectives on how CFA Institute is evolving to meet the needs of a rapidly changing financial world.

Drawing on themes of exploration and adaptation, Marsh reflects on the Institute's legacy of discovery and how it continues to shape the organization's mission to serve society and advance the investment profession. Marg then expands on how the 2030 strategy empowers CFA Institute, its members, and societies to lead with purpose—strengthening the long-term value of the charter while preparing for emerging market and technological di...

Guests Katrina McKee and Emily Lau join us for an inside look at the next phase of CFA Institute's global brand campaign, "Set the Standard." Building on the momentum of the first wave, this conversation explores how the campaign reflects the organization's heritage, mission, and modern relevance in a changing professional landscape.

Katrina and Emily share the story behind the brand—from its origins and evolution to how "Set the Standard" captures the spirit of today's CFA community. They discuss how societies can engage with the campaign through assets, partnerships, and local activations.

Kicking Off FY26: Highlights and the Road Ahead

In this special kickoff episode of Connexions: SLC Live, Randi Tolber, CFA, Julie Emerson, and Liz Oakland reflect on the past year's accomplishments across CFA Institute's global network of societies and look ahead to what's next. From advocacy efforts and industry conferences in emerging markets to innovative and impactful projects, the conversation shines a spotlight on how societies are creating member value worldwide.

The episode also previews key priorities for FY26, including how we're advancing our membership strategy, how we're developing the long-term funding model, and how...

Tom Berry, Chief Marketing Officer, and Ivy Xu, Senior Director of Product Marketing & Customer Experience will explore the future priorities for Marketing & Customer Experience, including analytics, channels, and experiences. Discover what we've learned about our customers over the past year and how it's shaping our approach. We'll also dive into insights from our brand refresh and discuss how we're adding value for charterholder members. Plus, get top tips for societies on building a strong brand together.

What does successful employer and institutional outreach look like? How can societies and CFA Institute work together to pursue our mission? Join Dana Day, Managing Director of Business Development at CFA Institute and Syn Nee Chow, Executive Director of CFA Society Malaysia as they discuss the latest trends from employers and institutions and how our portfolio meets their needs. Hear case studies highlighting successful partnerships between CFA Institute and societies that can serve as a model for your own outreach.

Tune in as Delme Thompson, Head, Global Event Solutions at CFA Institute and Fred Pinto, CFA, CEO of CFA Society Toronto dive into how audience preferences have shifted post-pandemic and the innovations they're seeing in live and virtual events. Hear what's working (and what's not) at the local level, and how programming has grown their audience base. Plus, get their top tips for creating world-class events. Delme will share what to expect at the return of CFA Institute's flagship conference in May.

Join Chris Wiese, CFA, Managing Director of our Education division for a deeper dive into the latest research on adult learning and to see how the CFA Program and our certificates portfolio are evolving to meet the needs of diverse learners. He will discuss the opportunities we see in AI and community engagement. Gain valuable tips for incorporating these insights into the PL-eligible content and exam prep resources you develop.

Chris references this video in the podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ySpuPMzfz0&t=59s

Join a discussion with Sarah Maynard, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at CFA Institute for a brief background on the DEI Code. She'll be joined by Jo-Ann Hajdamacha, Executive Director of CFA Montreal, who will touch on what it took for her society to become a signatory. Then, hear from Lisa Carroll, Executive Director of CFA Society Australia, for a discussion on how the code was adapted to reflect the needs of the Australian market.

Explore how the conference theme, "Inspiring Innovation: Shaping Tomorrow Together," is reflected in the priorities for Global Society Relations and Operations with Julie Emerson, Head of Global Society Relations, and Stephanie Field, Senior Director, Global Society Operations. Delve into plans for global training, advancements in our tech offerings, and how we see the support model evolving. Learn how to enable collaboration and content sharing within the network through webinars and shared services, and don't miss our guests' insights into quick wins for societies to implement this year, based on a global perspective across segments and regions.

Dive into the workings of the Presidents Council with Presidents Council Chair Pieter van Putten, CFA, and Board of Governors member Jennifer Garbowicz, CFA, CIPM. Pieter provides an overview of the Council's composition, subregional representation, and how PCRs collaborate with CFA Institute. Our guests highlight the Council's priorities for the year and the benefits for societies. Finally, Pieter and Jen reflect on the qualities of an effective PCR and their personal takeaways from their volunteer service.

An engaging fireside chat hosted by Odrée Ducharme, CFA, Presidents Council Representative, featuring president and CEO Marg Franklin, CFA, and our new Board of Governors Chair, Marshall Bailey, CFA.

Connections SLC Live! That's right—your go-to podcast for society leaders and support staff is back for its third season, and this time, we're recording live from Montreal at the Global Society Leadership Conference.

This season, we're bringing you all the latest news, info, and insider updates straight from the Global SLC. Whether you're in the office or on the go, stay connected with everything happening in a convenient, easy-to-digest format!

So, don't miss out! Subscribe or follow the podcast feed to get it sent right to your device starting on October 17th.

Three guests—Janet Li from CFA Society Hong Kong, Charles Wu from CFA Society Sydney, and Kingpai Koosakulnirund from CFA Society Thailand—share their experiences attending the 2023 APAC Society Leadership Conference in Bangkok. The guests discuss key takeaways, including insights on leadership, engaging with PR, and overcoming challenges. They highlight the importance of building a supportive global network among CFA society leaders and share strategic opportunities and challenges discussed during the conference. The episode also touches on the theme of building community for impact and influence, with a playful mention of the energetic performance by one specific society on stag...

In this episode Moe Khuen, interviews two CFA Institute leaders, Dana Day and Brenda Hou. Dana, Global Managing Director of Business Development, shares her experience of returning to CFA Institute after an absence and highlights the organization's resilience during challenging times. Brenda, Head of Global Partnerships and Client Solutions, discusses the expansion of CFA Institute's learning products globally, including certifications in ESG investing, data science, and private markets. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building a community for impact and influence, with examples of successful collaborations between CFA societies and the Institute in different regions, such as programs in...

Three special guests: Susan Spinner, CEO of CFA Society Germany, Ashraf El-Khatib Vice President of CFA Society Egypt, and Maja Vlejo, President of CFA Society Croatia, join Moe Khuen to discuss their experiences at the EMEA SLC conference. Highlights include the well-composed panels, diverse and engaging sessions, and the impact of CFA scholarships. Ashraf emphasizes the importance of networking and job opportunities for members, citing examples from Egypt. Maja discusses the significance of returning to operational and governance excellence to add value to members. Susan shares her insights on the strategic board session at the conference, emphasizing the importance...

Three society Presidents from the Americas region share valuable insights into the conference and their takeaways as leaders from different society segments. Kwame Boateng of CFA Society Okanagan represents a local society. Kanna Sriskanthan, of CFA Society Stamford, represents a member society and Odrée Ducharme from CFA Society Montreal, represents a professional society. This episode offers a unique and informative perspective for the audience, providing valuable insights into the topics of delivering value to members, identifying strategic opportunities or challenges and how each leader plans to discuss these topics with their respective boards.

Paul Andrews talks about the newly launched Research and Policy Center at CFA Institute, which aims to be a strong voice for change in the industry. The center will focus on transforming information into action and influence, and will serve as a "think and do tank."

Chris Wiese and Ivy Xu join us to discuss a variety of topics related to the CFA Program, which has seen the expansion of eligibility requirements and a focus on curriculum. The changes have been well-received, with third-year students surpassing fourth-year students in the program and performing as well as recent graduates. Ivy talks about the new candidate experience, which has been introduced to provide support for candidates. Society plays an important role in this experience, and further enhancements are being made to the candidate experience strategy.

Tom Berry talks about CFA Institute's brand positioning, value, and awareness. The brand refresh is focused on adapting the brand for the digital future and extending its reach into new audiences and markets. The podcast also mentions the completion timeline for the brand rollout and the need to provide societies with tailored resources and assets for implementation.

Stephanie Field & Rachel LeWitt provide an overview of the Higher Logic platform and CFA Institute's community strategy, explaining how the platform allows society leaders to connect globally and share best practices. They emphasize the need for society leaders to utilize the platform to both connect with other leaders and enhance their ability to serve their members and candidates.

Julie Emerson, the newly appointed Head of Global Society Relations and Operations at CFA Institute, discusses her excitement about the opportunities and potential for growth within the society network. She also highlights the importance of connecting society leaders and leveraging their expertise to benefit CFA Institute. The podcast mentions the launch of the Higher Logic Society leadership community as a platform for peer-to-peer connections and knowledge sharing. Additionally, Julie mentions the possibilities of co-curating content with societies and engaging smaller cohorts to have a greater impact in local markets.

Randi Tolber and Jennifer Taylor talk about the FY24 (and beyond) membership strategy vision. They discuss the results of a survey conducted to understand member needs and identify areas for improvement. The survey revealed that members struggle to find high-quality resources to stay up-to-date in a fast-changing industry. They also found that member satisfaction is below that of other professional associations. The podcast highlights the importance of delivering value to younger members and emphasizes the value of society membership.

In this podcast episode recorded at the 2023 AMER Society Leadership Conference, Moe Khuen interviews Sue Thompson and Marg Franklin about their careers in the finance industry. They discuss their humble beginnings and how they found their way into the investment business. They also talk about the lack of female representation in the industry and the importance of having role models and allies. Patty Dunn is highlighted as an influential figure for both Thompson and Franklin.