Finding Forward Speaker Series
Explore timely, thought-provoking conversations that break through polarization and move us toward shared understanding — one topic at a time.
Explore timely, thought-provoking conversations that break through polarization and move us toward shared understanding — one topic at a time.
If polarization hinders connection, Finding Forward helps restore it. This speaker series brings thought leaders together for real conversations on tough topics - helping us build trust, foster empathy and move forward together.
While these events are a starting point, our hope is that Finding Forward creates space for broader community dialogue. Only by talking with — not past — one another can we begin to break down the walls that divide us.
Finding Forward is a partnership between the University of St. Thomas and the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Thursday, Feb. 5
Renowned futurist and author Ulcca Joshi Hansen will visit St. Thomas to discuss her recent book, "The Future of Smart," and how schools must shift their education strategy to cultivate uniquely human skills like empathy, creativity and critical thinking.
To watch the recordings below, please submit your email address for access to the video, if prompted.
Under Reeve's leadership, the Minnesota Lynx have become one of the dominant franchises in the WNBA with four championships — tied for the most in the WNBA. She's coached some of the most famous players in WNBA history, and been a strong voice for gender equality and the role that sports can play in eliminating discrimination.
Recorded November 2025.
Has the media played a role in deepening today's divide in public discourse? What role can it play in healing that rift? These are questions explored with two of Minnesota's most influential media members: Duchesne Drew, President of Minnesota Public Radio, and Steve Grove, CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Recorded September 2025.
A conversation with legendary entrepreneur Richard M. Schulze that reveals how strong relationships, deep listening and bridging differences are essential to cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and fueling innovation.
Recorded April 2025.
A conversation with Rabbi Sharon Brous that explores connection and community in a divided society, including solidarity across different faiths.
Recorded March 2025.
A conversation with Dessa on the power of storytelling, collaboration... and cocktails. Hear an excerpt from Dessa's new book, Bury the Lede: A Cocktail Book.
Recorded November 2024.
A conversation with Reverend Tony Lowden on championing unity and common ground in a time of political and ideological division in the United States.
Recorded October 2024.
A conversation with author Colum McCann on peacemaking, grieving and storytelling.
We are grateful for financial support from the Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation that made this event possible.
Recorded September 2024.
A conversation with Vikings star Josh Metellus, executive performance coach Cindra Kamphoff and Coach Johnny Tauer on how grit and resiliency help create sustained well-being in a world of uncertainty.
Recorded May 2024.
Finding Forward with Duchesne Drew & Steve Grove
Sept. 30, 2025
A conversation with two Minnesota influential media members, Duchesne Drew, President of Minnesota Public Radio, and Steve Grove, CEO and Publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune about the growing challenge of polarization in our communities. Through their unique leadership roles in public media, journalism and higher education, they explored how storytelling and civic dialogue can help us bridge deepening divides and rebuild public trust at a time when confidence in media is eroding and various institutions face growing economic and political challenges.
Finding Forward with Richard M. Schulze
April 25, 2025
A conversation with legendary entrepreneur Richard M. Schulze on the power of connection and community in the entrepreneurial world. Through Schulze's stories and experience of building successful companies, Mr. Schulze reveals how strong relationships, deep listening and bridging differences are essential to cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets and fueling innovation.
Finding Forward with Rabbi Sharon Brous
March 17, 2025
A conversation with Rabbi Sharon Brous and President Vischer that explores connection and community in a divided society, including solidarity across different faiths. Themes align with those in Rabbi Brous's book, The Amen Effect: Ancient Wisdom to Heal Our Hearts and Mend Our Broken World, which touches on the importance of investing in relationships of shared purpose and building communities of care.
Finding Forward with Dessa
November 20, 2024
A conversation with Dessa on the power of storytelling, collaboration... and cocktails. Listen to Dessa's talk with Director of the Luann Dummer Center for Women Dr. Elizabeth Wilkinson and hear an excerpt from Dessa's new book Bury the Lede: A Cocktail Book.
Finding Forward with Reverend Tony Lowden
October 23, 2024
A conversation with Reverend Tony Lowden on championing unity and common ground in this time of political and ideological division in the United States.
Finding Forward with Author Colum McCann
September 24, 2024
A conversation on peacemaking, grieving and storytelling. We are grateful for financial support from the Mike & Linda Fiterman Family Foundation that made this event possible.
Finding Forward with performance coach Cindra Kamphoff, Vikings safety Josh Metellus and Coach Jonny Tauer
May 30, 2024
Finding Forward welcomes certified performance consultant and author of Beyond Grit, Cindra Kamphoff, PhD, for an event dedicated to mental health and resilience. She was joined in conversation by University of St. Thomas Psychology Professor and Men's Basketball Head Coach, Johnny Tauer, PhD., and Josh Metellus, safety for the Minnesota Vikings to discuss how grit and resiliency help to create sustained well-being in a world of uncertainty.
Finding Forward with Ryan Long
April 10, 2024
Ryan Long, President, Xcel Energy Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, discussed challenges and opportunities in the transition to carbon-free energy.
Long was joined in conversation by Mahmoud Kabalan, PhD, a pioneering St. Thomas engineering professor and founding director of the Center for Microgrid Research. Walker Orenstein, energy, natural resources and sustainability reporter for the Minnesota Star Tribune, moderated the conversation.
Finding Forward with Justice Alan Page
March 14, 2024
Former Minnesota Viking and retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page joined St. Thomas President Rob Vischer for a discussion on the importance of working together across differences and building trust amid the culture wars.
Finding Forward with Christopher J. Waller
February 22, 2024
Christopher J. Waller, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, shared his thoughts on the current state of the economy, the importance of transparency and potential moves the Fed might make to help manage inflation.