Events
SVCE Events - Fall 2026
Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI: Toughness, Heart and Human Connection
Speaker: John W. Baird, PhD.
When: Monday, September 14, 2026
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00 p.m.
Where: SJSU Student Union Theater
Register here
Speaker bio:
John W. Baird, Ph.D.
As one of the premier executive coaches in Silicon Valley, John has coached CEOs and
Founders for over 25 years. He has founded three coaching firms, John built his career
working with top leaders at Fortune 500 companies like Apple, Nike, and eBay, as well
as fast-growing startups like Masterclass, DoorDash, and Remitly. He considers his
work at Apple during the early stages of iPhone development to be among his most impactful
and meaningful.
John is the author of Leading with Heart: Five Conversations That Unlock Creativity, Purpose, and Results, a WSJ Bestseller, and the forthcoming book, Tough Enough: How to Lead a Team to Greatness without Being a Jerk (releasing September 29, 2026).
John holds a PhD in Organizational Communication and Leadership from Purdue University. He spent 17 years on the faculty at San Jose State University in the College of Business and was named Outstanding Professor of the entire University during his time there.
He currently serves as Faculty in Residence at San Jose State University's Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, where he lectures and advises faculty, students, and campus leaders. He also serves on the San Jose State University Tower Foundation Board.
John’s latest project is launching ExecCoach On-Demand, an AI version of himself that can provide in-the-moment answers to leaders of all types. ExecCoach On-Demand is scheduled to go live mid-2026.
SVCE Events - Spring 2026
The Nuts & Bolts of Entrepreneurship
When: Monday, March 16, 2026
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00 p.m.
Where: SJSU Student Union Theater
Register here
Speaker bio:
Kanwal Rekhi
Legendary Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Angel Investor, VC, Mentor, and Co-founder
of TiE (the largest non-profit global network of entrepreneurs). He is credited with
being the first Indian-American founder & CEO to take a venture-backed company public
on NASDAQ. His recently published memoir titled "The Groundbreaker: Entrepreneurship
& the American Dream" has been widely praised by business leaders, investors, and
industry peers.
Pushing Boundaries: An Entrepreneur's Journey
When: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 6:00pm - 7:00 p.m.
Where: SJSU Student Union Theater
Register here
Speaker bio:
Vinita Gupta
Silicon Valley tech co-Founder/CEO, Writer, Nonprofits leader, and Bridge Champion.
Credited with being the first woman of Indian origin to take her company public in
the US. Her recently published memoir titled "The Woman In Deed: Road to IPO, Bridge Tables, and Beyond" has been widely praised by business leaders, authors, and industry peers.
SJSU Lucas College of Business Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Launch
When: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00 p.m.
Where: SJSU Student Union Ballroom C
Register here
Speaker bios:
Zain Zaidi
Co-founder and CEO of TransCrypts. Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree who has raised over
$18M in venture funding, with expertise in blockchain and enterprise infrastructure.
Sameer Saran
Founder and CEO of ParkStash. SJSU alumnus who bootstrapped his company to over $1M
in revenue and holds multiple patents and national innovation awards.
Angel Idusuyi
Co-founder of CreditCliq, launched while a student at SJSU and acquired in 2025. Currently
focused on AI development and global education access initiatives.
