Informed, attentive and nimble moderators can turn an interesting conversation into an unforgettable session.
Justin Louis | June 16, 2025
Photo: Stern Speakers & Advisors exclusive client Bina Venkataraman interviewing Michael Pollan.
Whether planning an agenda with fireside chats or a panel discussion at your next event, an informed and engaging moderator can make the day memorable for audiences of any size.
The Value of a Phenomenal Moderator
A memorable moderator:
Stern Speakers & Advisors represents thought leaders who are not only exceptional teachers, but also adept and entertaining conversation facilitators. They’ll apply their expertise to important conversations on topics including emerging tech and AI, society and cultural changes, politics and more. Click the moderator cards below or here to see them in action.
Janine Zacharia (Stanford) is a full package and an event organizer’s dream. Her unique blend of rich storytelling, business acumen, deep knowledge of foreign policy and emerging technologies, and rare ability to activate stimulating conversations sets the stage for balanced, intelligent discussions that engage both panelists and audiences.
Eli Lake is a renowned journalist, host of the wildly popular Breaking History podcast and geopolitical analyst who leads nuanced and thought-provoking discussions on current affairs and how they relate to history.
Jonathan Zittrain, Ph.D., is the director of Harvard Law School’s Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society. An expert on the governance of future technology, Zittrain approaches moderation differently than most. He fosters dynamic, organic conversations, encouraging panelists to rethink established viewpoints and adapt to unfolding dialogues. He truly elevates panels from ordinary to extraordinary.
Azeem Azhar (Exponential View) is a futurist and technology analyst who leads conversations on the important tech and energy trends of tomorrow while revealing the actions leaders can take to prepare today.
Gideon Lichfield is a tech expert, futurist and former editor-in-chief of Wired who holds an unparalleled, deep-seated knowledge of the technological landscape. As a journalist of nearly 30 years who helped build one publication from scratch and has led two others, he is an engaging storyteller who helps audiences weave the takeaways of the meeting into acts of leadership both large and small.
Chris Painter is an award-winning, globally recognized expert on cybersecurity. One of the world’s most knowledgeable experts on cybercrime, cyber policy and cyber diplomacy, he helps audiences understand threats, assess risks and establish policies.
Jason Pontin is a visionary futurist and venture capitalist who helps organizations successfully navigate technological and cultural changes. When convening conversations about computing, energy, life sciences and health care, his knowledge of the landscape is deep, making him not only a highly sought after moderator, but also a valued panelist and keynote speaker.
Desmond U. Patton is the Penn Integrates Knowledge University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania as well as the School of Social Policy & Practice’s chief strategy officer. He leads accessible, important conversations about some of today’s most pressing issues at the intersection of society and technology, such as how aggression and violence impact youth online.
Bina Venkataraman is an acclaimed journalist, author and futurist who explores advancements in emerging technologies, public health and climate change. Her conversations leave audiences with tools for imagining and creating a better future.
Barbara Wixom, Ph.D., is a principal research scientist at MIT’s Center for Information Systems Research who explains data and analytics strategy in a way that is engaging and thought provoking. When facilitating conversations, she simplifies the often-complicated conversations about data and AI to help audiences learn how to maximize their data and AI investment returns.
Ruchika T. Malhotra is an award-winning inclusion strategist and bestselling author who helps organizations embrace collaboration to create a culture of innovation, inclusion and trust. The conversations she guides show leaders how to transition from intention to impact.
Alison Fragale, Ph.D., (UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School) is the bestselling author of “Likeable Badass” and a leading organizational psychology researcher who provokes meaningful conversations about power, status and influence.
Nelson Repenning, Ph.D., is the faculty director of the MIT Leadership Center and co-author of “There Has Got to Be a Better Way” (August 2025). As a moderator, he uncovers business processes and design work that is both effective and engaging.
Gianpiero Petriglieri, M.D. is an award-winning professor of organizational behavior at INSEAD and an authority on how humanizing leadership can foster engaging, inclusive and innovative workplaces. He excels at facilitating memorable conversations about relationships at, with, and beyond work.
Elissa Epel, Ph.D., is Vice Chair for Adult Psychology at UCSF and teaches leaders how to apply research-backed science to scalable interventions that bolster organizational resilience. For conversations on wellness, longevity and aging well, Epel is a great synthesizer of knowledge from across scientific disciplines, leaving audiences with effective, practical strategies.
A nimble, talented moderator can make an event thought-provoking and meaningful. Stern Strategy Group connects you with renowned thought leaders whose insights, strategies and management frameworks help organizations fuel growth and disruptive innovation to better compete in a constantly changing world. Let us arrange for these esteemed experts to advise your organization via virtual and in-person consulting sessions, workshops and keynotes.
