Redefining Global Business and Preparing Students for the Future with Honeywell
The Eller College of Management Partnerships Office (EPO) recently partnered with Honeywell Aerospace to host a day of conversation, learning, and networking centered on the future of global business, technology, and talent. Through three dynamic panel discussions, a keynote address, and an interactive reception, students gained firsthand insights from Honeywell leaders and Eller faculty on the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s business landscape.
The event opened with the panel “Redefining Global Business and Supply Chains”, moderated by Matt Hashim, MIS department head. Panelists included Brian Baughman and Rene Ramirez from Honeywell, along with Ken Gyure, senior lecturer in MIS and Seokjun Youn, assistant professor of MIS. The discussion addressed Honeywell’s biggest challenges in navigating the global business landscape, how companies measure their impact across supply networks, and what global businesses will need to succeed over the next decade.
Following the panel, Ben Driggs, chief commercial and strategy officer at Honeywell, delivered the keynote address. He shared an inside look at Honeywell Aerospace and its global operations while also offering a personal perspective on his career journey. Driggs encouraged students to embrace the unexpected, noting how unplanned opportunities often lead to meaningful growth.
The second panel, “Talent, Tech, and Transformation”, moderated by Anastasiya Ghosh, associate dean of partnerships at Eller, brought together Honeywell executives Carly Blankenship, Ben Driggs, and Todd Giles, with Dean and Halle Chair in Leadership, Karthik Kannan. Together, they discussed how academia and industry can keep pace with rapid technological change, what true transformation looks like when research and business align, and the critical skills and mindsets the future workforce must develop.
The final panel, “Real-world Ready: Stories from Honeywell’s Immersion Learning Projects”, highlighted student voices. Moderated by Neelakshi Mohta, senior director of business transformation at Honeywell, the discussion featured Desirae Hoaglin and Isaac Larson, who shared their experiences with Honeywell’s immersion learning program. Joined by Mike Rafko of Honeywell, the group reflected on lessons learned, skills gained, and challenges faced throughout their projects.
Throughout the day, panelists offered students practical advice—from how to stand out in the interview process to the importance of lifelong learning and curiosity. The program closed with a networking reception, giving students the chance to connect one-on-one with Honeywell leadership, as well as a Honeywell-themed quiz where attendees tested their knowledge and won prizes.
By bridging industry expertise and academic insight, the event not only highlighted the evolving demands of global business but also underscored the opportunities for Eller students to be at the forefront of innovation, transformation, and leadership in their future careers.
