In today’s hyper-literal world, where media often shapes how communities are perceived, the roles actors choose matter more than ever. Acclaimed actor Wood Harris reflects on the intentional decisions behind his career—from portraying a freedom fighter in his new film One Battle After Another to redefining the Black family dynamic in Netflix’s Forever. In this candid fireside chat, Harris explores how today’s political and cultural climate influences the projects he takes on, why disrupting stereotypes is essential, and how artists can use their craft to perpetuate truth and ensure that powerful, authentic images are represented on screen.

What if the future isn’t random—but cyclical, predictable, and already unfolding in front of us? In this provocative keynote, Joseph Anthony draws on the Strauss-Howe generational theory to reveal the hidden rhythms of history and the pivotal role Millennials and Gen Z are destined to play as today’s Hero Generation. With powerful historical parallels and urgent modern implications, this talk challenges emerging leaders to break the cycle of power and oppression, police their own influence, and lead from a place of empathy, accountability, and long-term vision. Because the first step to changing the future… is changing ourselves.