Forward-Led: Leadership That Builds Futures - Session 2

Great economies don’t just grow—they are led. In this fireside chat, we’ll sit down with Jay Bailey, President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, to explore the vital connection between visionary leadership and sustained regional prosperity.

From Atlanta’s historic legacy of Black enterprise to today’s innovation-driven economy, Jay brings a bold perspective on how intentional leadership drives opportunity, equity, and transformation—particularly in communities too often left behind.

This session will explore how leaders:

• Influence economic ecosystems beyond policy and politics

• Create infrastructure that enables entrepreneurship to thrive

• Inspire trust, collaboration, and long-term investment