Inside the Z-Suite

In this episode, we examine how retail real estate is evolving in a digital-first world and why physical stores still matter. Jason Richter, Managing Principal of Capricorn, shares insights on how brands and landlords are reimagining space, experience, and long-term value.

In this episode of Inside the Z-Suite, Dean Janet Lenaghan speaks with EY Partner Jessica Rodgers on leading risk in a fast-changing, non-linear world. Drawing on EY’s Global Risk Transformation Study, they explore how organizations can turn risk into a strategic advantage. Jessica shares insights on internal audit transformation, regulatory readiness, and governance in the age of AI.

In this episode of Inside the Z-Suite, Dean Janet Lenaghan speaks with Robert O. Mayer, Partner Emeritus of Prager Metis, about the changing landscape of the accounting profession. From firm mergers to the rise of private equity, Mayer shares insights on how these shifts are reshaping firm structures, client services, and career paths, along with what today’s professionals need to succeed in a rapidly evolving industry.

On this episode of Inside the Z-Suite, we’re joined by Carin Giuliante, Chair and CEO of Deloitte Tax LLP and proud Hofstra alumna, for a conversation on purpose-driven leadership, innovation, and the evolving future of the accounting profession.

As AI plays a growing role in decisions across healthcare, hiring, finance, and the legal system, concerns around fairness and accountability are rising. In this episode of Inside the Z-Suite, Hafiz Asif, PhD, Associate Professor at the Zarb School of Business, discusses his research on AI and ethics and what it takes to use emerging technologies responsibly.

In this episode of Inside the Z-Suite, we speak with Douglas L. Maine about one of the most remarkable business transformations in modern history—and what it reveals about today’s AI revolution. From helping lead MCI’s rise againstAT&T to advising CEOs navigating artificial intelligence, Maine shares lessons on disruption, innovation, and leadership in times of profound change.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the business of Broadway with Tony Award-winning producer Ken Davenport. From financing and marketing to the creative risks behind a hit show, Davenport shares how artistry and entrepreneurship intersect on the world’s biggest stage. With credits including Kinky Boots, Once On This Island, and A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Ken offers an insider’s look at what it takes to turn vision into standing ovations.

Private equity and digital assets are transforming the way capital flows and how investors approach investment. Nicholas Tsafos, CPA and Partner at Eisner Advisory Group and EisnerAmper LLP, joins us to talk about how private equity has evolved, why blockchain matters, and what strong leadership looks like in today’s fast-changing financial world.

In this episode, we delve into what it takes to drive performance improvement at scale with expert Neil Smith, Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company, who has over 30 years of experience leading global transformations for companies like Bank of America and is the author of the New York Times bestseller How Excellent Companies Avoid Dumb Things.

Corporate governance is the foundation of strong leadership—yet it’s often overlooked. In this episode, we sit down with Debra Sandler, a seasoned executive, board director, and Hofstra Trustee, to explore how effective governance shapes organizational integrity, resilience, and long-term success.

In this episode, we examine a topic that impacts everyone: supply chain management. What is it, and why has it become such a significant issue? To help us unpack it all, recognized expert Kaushik Sengupta, PhD, Associate Dean of Business Graduate Programs and Chair of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at the Zarb School of Business, will share insights into how businesses and customers can adapt to the growing web of tariffs, trade tensions, and disruptions that test the supply chain limits.

In this episode, we chat with Zarb alumnus and former Chair and CEO of Marcum LLP (now CBIZ), Jeffrey Weiner, one of the most influential leaders in the accounting industry. He'll share his career trajectory and insights into current issues in the profession, including the talent shortage, the CPA exam and requirements, the impact of AI in practice, mergers and monetization, and the future of accountancy.

Are there any signs of a more buyer-friendly housing market on the horizon? Join us as we explore the challenges and potential shifts in the American housing finance industry with investment expert and Hofstra Board of Trustees Member Edward Watson, who will discuss the impact of soaring interest rates, a shortage of affordable homes, and related issues impacting buyers, sellers, and homebuilders.

What is the difference between active and passive investing? Learn more about the current shifts in the US public equity market and how it will impact businesses and individual investors with industry expert and Hofstra alumnus Richard Gray, Chief Client Officer at Engaged Capital, a constructive activist fund where he is responsible for managing client relationships and new business development.

Entrepreneurs and business owners from all industries and sizes will want to take time for the 'Inside the Z-Suite' talk with labor and employment attorney Domenique Moran, a partner at Farrell Fritz, P.C., who will share insights on how to stay current with constant changes in employment law compliance. From workplace safety and equal pay issues to employment discrimination and disputes, Moran will cover the legal bases you need to know to manage your business effectively amid shifts in labor laws.

Explore the growing influence of biotechnology on Long Island with guest Andrew Whiteley, Vice President of Business Development and Technology Transfer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a center of excellence where scientists have achieved Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in medicine and genetics.  Whiteley will discuss the evolution of biotech and its impact on our daily lives, including groundbreaking research conducted in labs across the nation and region, as well as the multidisciplinary efforts required to bring innovations to the marketplace.

Learn about the evolution and impact of women in sports with former AHL Texas Rangers sports marketing director Lauren Hindman, Zarb Asst. Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, who will provide an in-depth look at the rise, challenges, and controversies facing women in sports, both on and off the field, including the Caitlin Clark effect. 

From rising price wars and theft to tariffs and integrating next-generation technology, Hofstra alumnus Kevin Kelly, Managing Director and Founder of KMK Advisors LLC, will discuss the pitfalls, progress, and outlook for retailers in an uncertain economic environment. With over 30 years of experience in retail, consumer markets, distribution, and manufacturing advisory services, Kelly brings valuable insights to the conversation with host Janet Lenaghan.

From organic food to fitness, global health and wellness has become big business over recent years with no signs of slowing. What are the trends that are driving market growth in this area? How is the industry regulated? And how can we make the right choices as consumers? These are just a few of the questions we’ll be covering with consumer market expert and executive Ellen Deutsch Harrison, Chief Strategy Officer at Nutrishus Brands Inc.

If you need an accountant don’t delay! Since 2020, there has been a mass exodus from the accounting profession, driven by factors such as retirement, work-life balance issues, and the perception of the job as a grind. However, national labor statistics project an upswing in employment for accountants and auditors through 2033—growth faster than average compared to other occupations. Joining us to provide expert insight into the evolving world of accounting is business strategist and financial advisor to CEOs, investors, and entrepreneurs Larry Charney, retired senior audit partner at Ernst & Young.

Joining us discuss our ever-changing work environment is commercial real estate executive and entrepreneur, Shegun Holder, Managing Director for First Street Capital and CEO and Co-Founder of WorkEverywhere, a startup company offering a business-to-business online service for property owners and enterprises to create a future-forward and sustainable work experience.

Our latest episode explores the rise of AI in the workplace and how employees can raise their AI know-how as industries worldwide integrate this new technology into traditional ways of doing business.

In this episode, we’re focusing on women making a mark in traditionally male-dominated fields.

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