TALI’s signature leadership conference returns to Pittsburgh Oct. 1, focusing on AI, influence, resilience and effective leadership in a changing world.
Pittsburgh, PA – The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) will bring together emerging leaders and professionals for its second annual conference, THRIVE: Advancing Leadership. Driving Innovation. Navigating Change. At a time when organizations are navigating rapid technological advancements, shifting workforce expectations, and increasing complexity, the conference will explore one critical question: What does effective leadership look like in this new era?
On Oct. 1, TALI will host THRIVE, a one-day immersive leadership conference designed to equip leaders with the tools, insights and connections needed to navigate today’s evolving workplace and lead with confidence. The 2026 conference will be held at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Pittsburgh, followed by an evening reception at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
“Leadership today requires adaptability, courage, strong relationships and the ability to lead through uncertainty,” said Evan Frazier, president and CEO of TALI. “Last year’s conference opened doors to many conversations around leadership. This year, we’re taking the conversation a step further. We want attendees to leave inspired and connected to lead boldly, innovate strategically and navigate today’s most pressing challenges.”
The 2026 THRIVE conference comes at a time when organizations nationwide are facing significant leadership challenges, including talent retention, succession planning and the need to prepare leaders for increasingly complex business environments. Through keynote presentations, interactive workshops and networking opportunities, THRIVE will explore how leaders can strengthen their influence, build trust, navigate uncertainty and leverage emerging technologies while maintaining a people-centered approach to leadership.
The conference will feature a powerful lineup of speakers and topics, including:
Keynote Speakers:
Raven Solomon
Author & Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®)
Raven Solomon is an author, internationally sought-after thought leader, and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP®) who helps organizations navigate generational change and build stronger, future-ready teams. Her engaging frameworks and practical insights have made her a trusted advisor to organizations including MetLife, NBC Universal, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Wells Fargo.
Jason Tinsley
Vice-Chairman, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Jason Tinsley is a Vice-Chairman for J.P. Morgan Private Bank as well as Chairman of the JPMorgan Chase Michigan Leadership Team. He previously was the Michigan Market Manager for more than 40 professionals who oversee more than $13 billion in assets under supervision. Jason has served on the boards of several community organizations. He is currently a board member of the Corewell Healthcare Foundation, Detroit Children’s Fund, Rocket Mortgage Giving Fund, Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA), Detroit Economic Club, Detroit Regional Chamber and the University of Detroit Jesuit High School & Academy, as well as a member of the Corewell Health Finance Committee.
Session Speakers:
Tamara Abney
Founder, Tamara Abney Professional Empowerment
Session: Leading with Presence: Aligning Authenticity, Image, and Leadership
Dr. Joshua Hartzell
Author & Certified Executive Coach
Session: Caring as a Leader: Setting the Stage for Thriving Through Innovation
Abdul Muhammad II
Founder & CGO, MDM Ventures
Session: From Hype to Human-Centered AI: A Leader’s Framework for Clarity, Creativity, and Confident Decisions
Krishna Pendyala
Founder & Chief Empowerment Officer, ChoiceLadder Institute
Session: Navigating Change: Thriving in Turbulence with Grace
Dr. Valerie Purdie-Greenaway
Professor, Department of Psychology, Columbia University & Affiliate Faculty, Management Division, Columbia Business School
Session: The Outsider’s Edge: Belonging, Trust, and Performance in an Age of AI and Uncertainty
Calvin Stovall
Director, Executive Programs, The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)
Session: The Power of Storytelling: The Art of Influential Leadership
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural conference and TALI’s expanding leadership development programs, THRIVE serves as a premier opportunity for leaders from across industries to connect, learn, and grow together.
Registration for the 2026 THRIVE Conference is now open. Early bird registration is available through July 15 for $375. Standard conference registration is $500. For more information and to register, visit here.
About The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)
The mission of The Advanced Leadership Institute is to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities by cultivating leadership through world-class executive education programs tailored to support, develop, and retain Black leaders and their allies. TALI equips participants with the strategies, insights and networks needed to thrive. Course content for TALI executive education programs is delivered through an academic partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, while additional leadership programming and events are developed and delivered by TALI and its network of industry experts. Programming is made possible through the support of major corporations and foundations in the Pittsburgh region, including Lead Founding Underwriters: BNY Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Richard King Mellon Foundation; Founding Underwriters: Eden Hall and Highmark Foundation; Excellence Partner: Henry L. Hillman Foundation; Lead Contributors: Giant Eagle Foundation and The Heinz Endowments; Contributors: The Buhl Foundation and The Pittsburgh Foundation; Presenting Sponsors: Giant Eagle, Highmark Health, PNC, UPMC; Gold Sponsors: American Eagle Outfitters, Buchanan, CNX, Covestro, Dollar Bank, Duolingo, Duquesne Light Company, FedEx Corporation, Koppers, PPG, and Wabtec; Silver Sponsors and Bronze sponsors, which can be found here.