An evening with Chris Cassidy, Navy SEAL, former NASA astronaut, and national civic leader.

October 8, 2026

We are pleased to welcome Chris Cassidy, whose career has spanned some of the most demanding environments on Earth and beyond. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a master’s degree in ocean engineering from MIT, Cassidy served as a Navy SEAL for more than a decade, deploying to Afghanistan and the Mediterranean and earning multiple combat awards, including the Bronze Star with combat “V.” Selected by NASA in 2004, he flew three space missions, commanded the International Space Station, served as NASA’s Chief Astronaut, and accumulated 378 days in space and more than 54 hours across 10 spacewalks. Following his NASA and Navy career, Cassidy served as President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, helping steward the stories and values of America’s highest military honor. His extraordinary path brings a powerful perspective on courage, service, teamwork, and leadership when the stakes are highest.

Registration will open on August 18, 2026.

A conversation with Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.), Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Bestselling Author, and Vice Chair, Carlyle.

December 3, 2026

Retired four-star U.S. Navy Admiral James G. Stavridis has spent his career leading through some of the world’s most complex challenges. During four years as Supreme Allied Commander at NATO, he oversaw operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, and the Balkans, as well as counter-piracy efforts off the coast of Africa. He also led U.S. Southern Command, directing military operations across Latin America. Today, Stavridis is Partner and Vice Chairman of Carlyle, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Rockefeller Foundation, and Senior Military Analyst for CNN. A former dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, he holds a PhD in international relations and is the New York Times bestselling author of sixteen books on leadership, character, risk, maritime affairs, and global affairs. Drawing on decades of command, diplomacy, scholarship, and public service, Stavridis offers an extraordinary perspective on building trust, making consequential decisions, and navigating a world defined by uncertainty and change.

Registration will open in September 2026.

Charlie Baker, NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor in conversation with Martha Sheridan, the President & CEO of Meet Boston.

February 5, 2026 

NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker joined Meet Boston President and CEO Martha J. Sheridan for a candid Leadership Forum conversation about leading through the most challenging moments of the pandemic. They reflected on fundamentals that are easy to overlook when pressure is high: deep listening, staying grounded in purpose, and remembering that every decision lands on real people with real lives and livelihoods affected by the outcome. Guests left with a clear reminder that durable leadership is not measured by avoiding disagreement, but by building trust, finding common ground, and moving forward together when it matters most.

New York Times bestselling Author, Historian, National Book Award Winner, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Nathaniel Philbrick in conversation with Jeff Draeger, President and CEO of the USS Constitution Museum.

November 13, 2025 

Award-winning author and historian Nathaniel Philbrick joined USS Constitution Museum President & CEO Jeff Draeger for an engaging look at how iconic Americans met defining leadership moments. Philbrick reminded us that history only makes sense in hindsight. Leaders like George Washington and Joseph Warren faced uncertainty and had to stay grounded while creating enough clarity to act. Guests left with a timely reminder that history is not just something we remember, but a guide for how to think and choose when our own paths are unclear.

Astronaut and Retired U.S. Navy Captain Sunita L. Williams in conversation with Meghna Chakrabarti, WBUR Award-Winning Journalist and Host of NPR’s On Point

September 2, 2025 

NASA astronaut and Needham native Sunita “Suni” Williams and award-winning WBUR journalist Meghna Chakrabarti led an insightful conversation on preparedness, resilience, and leading when plans change. Drawing on spaceflight and test-pilot experiences, Williams emphasized rigorous training, checklists, and trust in the team, reminding us that “no matter what spacesuit you wear,” leadership begins with character, competence, and care for others. Their insights offered clear takeaways on staying calm under pressure, learning fast, and keeping mission and people at the center.

See the Forum Highlighted in Boston News.

Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Executive Director of Home Base, in conversation with Colonel (Ret.) Eric DiNoto

April 8, 2025

Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond and Colonel Eric DiNoto shared a candid and compelling discussion on leading through crisis and transformation. From battlefield decision-making to building Home Base’s national model for veteran care, their insights underscored the importance of resilience, growth, and staying mission-driven.

Commander Crystal L. Schaefer, 78th Commanding Officer of USS Constitution in conversation with Ann Lagasse, Co-Principal of Ocean Havens

February 6, 2025

In a powerful opening session, Commander Crystal Schaefer, the current Commanding Officer of USS Constitution, joined Ann Lagasse, Co-Principal of Ocean Havens, to reflect on leadership organizations and communities that honor history. Their conversation explored courage, mentorship, and the responsibility of paving the way for others.