Theme: IGNITE

TEDxBentleyU was established to spark open-minded conversation and foster diverse perspectives throughout the Bentley University community, where 94% of undergraduate students are pursuing business-related degrees. We believe in the incredible power of new ideas... because all it takes is a slight shift in one individual's perspective to inspire a great idea; one that blossoms into action and goes on to create positive change in our community.

TEDxBentleyU is a student-led initiative; a group of curious individuals, united by our collective desire to share “ideas worth spreading” and dedicated to bringing a memorable TEDx experience to our university's campus.

At our annual conference on April 2nd, a line-­up of 12 unique speakers will make the Wilder Pavilion stage come alive with their thought-provoking and diverse "ideas worth spreading" through talks and performances (of less than 18 minutes) to an audience of Bentley University students, alumni, and faculty. We chose "ignite" as the theme of this year's conference because we want to know; where does their SPARK come from? What initiative is at the root of their inspiration? What were the different factors, variables, and fundamental principles influenced the development of their idea, and what makes them unique? Our goal is for every TEDxBentleyU 2016 talk to IGNITE ingenuity, imagination, and vibrant discussion throughout the Bentley University community and the global TEDx community online.

Wilder Pavilion
Bentley University - 175 Forest Street
Waltham, Massachusetts, 02452
United States

Adam Payne

Doctoral Student, Professor, Musician

Adam served as host of the 2015 TEDxBentleyU conference and has been part of Bentley University community for over 12 years, where he currently a professor in the Management department. At the University of Pennsylvania, Adam is in the dissertation phase of his doctorate in organizational leadership and learning. As a musician, he has collaborated with Artists all over the globe, and lends his writing, production and vocal talents to projects across many genres including producing and composing the music for a documentary film about the Rwandan Genocide entitled ‘Coexist.’  Adam is also the founder of Benefit for Jane, a charity created in honor of his late parents that raises funds and awareness for kidney cancer.

Beth Monaghan

Co-Founder and CEO of Inkhouse

Beth Monaghan is the CEO of InkHouse, one of the fastest growing PR firms in the nation. Named a “Top Woman in PR,” Beth’s advocacy for workplace innovation and women’s equality has led to her being featured in Fortune Magazine, Harvard Business Review, NPR, and more. In 2014, Governor Deval Patrick appointed her to the Women in the Workplace Taskforce. Today, she sits on the boards for the Alliance for Business Leadership, and the Massachusetts Women’s Forum.

Divya Minda

Graduate Student at Bentley University

A business analytics expert, Divya joined Bentley’s master’s program in marketing analytics to follow her passion to study millennial consumers and design winning marketing strategies. Observant and curious, she relishes in finding hidden stories from data and loves exploring new avenues. Undoubtedly, she follows the saying, “life is beyond the comfort zone.” Divya thoroughly enjoys travelling, photography, and abstract painting, as well as connecting with people and sharing experiences.

Divya Rathi

Graduate Student at Bentley University

After running her family’s business for 5 years, Divya aimed to equip herself with further analytical skills through the Bentley master’s program so that she can develop progressive socio-economic business models. Divya believes in fighting odds and rising up; personal development occupies center stage in her life and has made her into a stronger person. Her story is not one about the “Art of Living,” instead she wants to share the “Art of Fighting” with her audience.

Eric Bloom

President of Manager Mechanics LLC

A former CIO, today Eric Bloom is the president and founder of Manager Mechanics LLC: a company specializing in leadership, business/soft skills, and productivity training. He is also an author, keynote speaker, nationally syndicated columnist, certified executive coach, adjunct research advisor for International Data Corporation, and the past president of National Speakers Association New England. He can be found at www.MrProductivity.com and on Twitter at @EricPBloom.

Halle Prentice

Senior Undergraduate Student at Bentley University

Halle is an undergraduate student in her last year at Bentley University, majoring in marketing with a minor in Mandarin Chinese. After graduation but before pursuing her other post-grad aspirations, she will be biking across the country to raise money for cancer and serve for one year in an under-resourced school. Whether she’s starting a food truck or establishing her own corporation, Halle aims to put both her degree and her skill set to use in the most creative and opportunistic ways possible.

Jim Pouliopoulos

Marketing Professor and Founding Director of Bentley University's Professional Sales Department

The director of Bentley's professional sales program, Jim Pouliopoulos, has been a marketing lecturer at Bentley for the past 13 years. With a passion towards helping companies increase their efficiency - Jim's teaching and consulting work is focused around developing strategic marketing, marketing research, sales effectiveness, and interpersonal communication skills to take business leaders' and their team's performances to the next level.

Nidhika Loomba

Graduate Student at Bentley University

Nidhika is a business analytics graduate student at Bentley University. Before coming to United States, she helped build up a startup e-commerce company for 4+ years as its supply chain manager. Apart from her professional life, Nidhika is passionate about dancing and believes that movement is her best form of expression. She has been trained in the Indian classical dance form and has rendered more than 100 stage performances in various countries.

Sanjay Patil

Graduate Student at Bentley University

With an MBA in finance already under his belt, Sanjay is currently enrolled in a dual degree program – simultaneously completing his marketing MBA alongside an MS in marketing analytics at Bentley University. Passionate about management, business, and analytics, he has a special interest in branding and advertising, with international work experience from India. Sanjay is a fervent reader and frequent blogger – spending most of his free time amidst the company of friends, books, articles, and music.

Sava Berhané

Associate Director of Bentley’s Center for Women and Business, regular contributor to Fast Company Magazine

Sava Berhané is a workforce analyst and the associate director of Bentley’s Center for Women and Business, where she leads its research efforts, is responsible for corporate outreach, and directs Gearing Up – a conference for women in the first decade of their corporate careers. Sava is also a regular contributor to Fast Company Magazine’s Strong Female Lead, Leadership, and Future of Work sections. She has a BA from Mount Holyoke College and a JD from Yale Law School.

Spencer Collier

CEO of Getfused, Inc. Digital Marketing Agency

The son of a retired logistics director at Kaman Aerospace, Spencer developed an interest in problem-solving early on in his life. When he was 17, Spencer founded Getfused, a digital marketing agency based out of Boston’s Fort Point. After years of determination, Getfused has been able to work with clients ranging from Harpoon Brewery to the New England Patriots. When he isn't spearfishing off the coast, Spencer is innovating and leading his company into new, exciting places.

Xia Xu

Graduate Student at Bentley University

Born and raised in China, Xia Xu is a Bentley graduate student in business analytics. Based on her academic studies and research in this field, Xia is proposing a new perspective on "big data" that puts consumers in the driver's seat. She believes that consumers can empower themselves by taking advantage of the analytics mechanisms behind-the-scenes to achieve a truer customized content experience.