Connexions: SLC Live

Protecting the Network: Cybsersecurity and Responsible AI for Societies

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.

Building Stronger Pathways from University to Career

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.

Turning Society Connections into Shared Solutions

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.

Building the Future of Institutional Solutions

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.

Skills, Localization, and Innovation in CFA Institute Education

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.

Telling Our Story: How Societies and Volunteers Can Strengthen the Brand

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.

From Local Insights to Global Action: Presidents Council Priorities for FY27

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.

The Future of Membership: Engaging Emerging Professionals and Growing the Community

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.

Technology Trends for Membership Organizations: What’s Changing and What Matters Most

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.

Season 5 Trailer: Connexions SLC Live from London

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 who aren't following the show yet.

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Partnering for Progress: How Societies Drive CFA Institute's Global Strategy

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 partners in shaping the future of the investment profession.

Inside the Presidents Council: How PCRs Strengthen the CFA Society Network

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.

From Knowledge to Capability: Embedding Skills-Based Learning in the CFA Program

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 mastery with practical application. Looking ahead, they discuss how a skills-based framework opens new possibilities for supporting members and Charterholders through ongoing professional development, and how societies can begin incorporating this mindset into their own programming. The conversation offers both a preview of what's to come and a call to action for societies ready to help shape the future of learning.

Evolving Member Value: Inside CFA Institute's Membership Strategy

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 the dots between today's membership experience and CFA Institute's 2030 vision. Tune in to understand how member value is evolving—and how you can be part of shaping what comes next.

Building the Pipeline: Strengthening University Connections Across the CFA Network

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 ideas for building collaborations, mobilizing volunteers, and measuring impact—plus a few "do-this-tomorrow" takeaways to help boards and staff get started. The discussion wraps with a look at upcoming resources and tools designed to make university engagement easier and more effective across the network.

Amplifying Advocacy: What's Next for Research, Policy, and Content at CFA Institute

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 Institute's RAS (Research, Advocacy, and Standards) objectives.

AI in Action: Harnessing Technology to Empower CFA Societies

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 compromise—the member experience. Listeners will gain practical guidance on how to start AI conversations within their own societies, what questions to ask, and where to find resources or support from CFA Institute. The episode closes with an inspiring look at how AI can strengthen collaboration, insight-sharing, and the collective impact of the global CFA society network.

Charting the Future: Leadership Perspectives on CFA Institute's 2030 Strategy

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 disruptors. Together, they discuss key takeaways from the recent Board of Governors meeting, the priorities guiding CFA Institute's future direction, and the vital role societies play in delivering value and defining the profession's next chapter.

Setting the Standard: The Next Wave of CFA Institute's Brand Evolution

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

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 we're enabling the network for success through technology and training. Our hosts close with a discussion about the regional Society Leadership Conferences, the theme, "The Evolution of Value," and how attendees can make the most of their time onsite. Chapters 00:00 Kickoff and Reflections on Past Achievements 05:00 Society Enablement and New Initiatives 10:00 Future Directives and Membership Changes 12:33 Society Leadership Conferences and Networking Opportunities

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