I’m thrilled to announce that we’ll be welcoming Madeleine Albright and Erik Weihenmayer as guest speakers at Citrix Synergy 2019 in Atlanta. As the first female U.S. Secretary of State and the first blind person to summit Mount Everest, both of these visionaries have made it their life’s work to chart a way forward where no path existed.
Dr. Albright and Mr. Weihenmayer embody that elusive quality that keeps some people moving forward despite obstacles, transcending challenges that would stop others in their tracks. I’m looking forward to sharing their stories as part of our Super Session series, one of the newest hallmarks of Synergy. Customers have told me they’re always thought-provoking talks, and I’m sure this year’s discussions will spark reflection long after Synergy has ended.
Madame Secretary
Professor, ambassador, New York Times bestselling author and chair of the Albright Stonebridge Group, a global strategy business, Madeleine Albright rose to become the most powerful woman in the history of the U.S. government when she was named the first female U.S. Secretary of State in 1997. As the nation’s top diplomat, she’s been on the front lines of global security and in her latest book, Fascism: A Warning, she is sounding the alarm about the erosion of democracy and the role of technology in the fragmentation of society.
Dr. Albright is also famous for using jewelry as a diplomatic tool. She wore an antique snake pin after Saddam Hussein called her a serpent at the U.N., and a small bug pin after the Russians were discovered eavesdropping on the State Department. She is revered as a feminist icon by her students and packs auditoriums whenever she gives a talk. Synergy won’t be any different, and I hope you’ll join us.
The No Barriers Life
Erik Weihenmayer is a personal inspiration. You may not be aware of all of his many accomplishments, but I promise that, after hearing him speak at Synergy, you will never forget him.
Erik lost his vision at age 13. Determined to overcome a challenge that might discourage others, he went on to college, then to teach, and later, to find freedom through mountain climbing. After reaching the peak of Everest, which landed him on the cover of Time magazine, he climbed the highest peaks on seven continents and, for good measure, kayaked through the Grand Canyon. For more than 30 years, he has single-mindedly pursued a life of purpose, finding strength in adversity. At Synergy, he’ll share his philosophy for moving beyond your comfort zone to reach goals and talk about collaboration and the transformative power of teamwork.
These two incredible people could not have walked more different paths but share the distinction of being leaders who serve others. I’m looking forward to sharing their wisdom and inspiration as part of a stellar lineup of programming that I hope you won’t miss. Take a look at what’s coming: www.citrixsynergy.com.
