Written by Colin McEvoy | November 4, 2026 | SHARE
During a visit to Mastercard’s New York City offices, more than three dozen Lehigh students heard how leaders in business, government and philanthropy built their careers and how they approach challenges ranging from artificial intelligence to humanitarian crises.
Lehigh University students gained firsthand insights into global business, leadership, and international affairs from prominent executives and influential leaders during a visit to Mastercard’s New York City offices this month.
More than three dozen Lehigh students heard from leaders in the worlds of business, technology, government, philanthropy and media, offering opportunities to explore career pathways and discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing the global community.
“The Mastercard visit was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had at Lehigh,” said Ashutosh Talekar, who is pursuing a master’s degree in Financial Engineering. “It broadened my perspective beyond finance, connecting the global economy with governance, democracy, and humanitarian action, and encouraged me to consider my career within a wider global context.”
The Oct. 9 visit, which also included students from Georgetown University, was a Career Trek organized by Lehigh’s College of Business, with support from the Office of International Affairs (OIA). Career Treks are experiential learning and networking trips that take students directly to major business centers and employer headquarters.
Navigating a Changing World
The event brought together leaders from a range of professional backgrounds to explore the intersection of business, technology, policy and international affairs.
Discussions touched on the challenges of navigating an increasingly fragmented international order, declining trust in institutions, and the rapid evolution of technologies such as artificial intelligence. Students also gained perspectives on the role of leadership in addressing complex global challenges and shaping the future.
The event was moderated by Rich Verma ’90, Mastercard’s Chief Administrative Officer and a former U.S. Ambassador to India. A Lehigh alumnus, Verma was the university’s inaugural President’s Distinguished Fellow and regularly collaborates on educational opportunities for Lehigh students with Bill Hunter, Director of the LU/UN Fellowship office.
Insights from Global Leaders
In addition to Verma and Murphy, speakers included:
Ciarán Donnelly, Senior Vice President for Crisis Response, Recovery & Development (CRRD) at the International Rescue Committee
Heather Gerken, President of the Ford Foundation
Mike Kuiken, Vice Chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission
Susan Muigai, Chief People Officer at Mastercard
Tim Murphy, Vice Chair of Mastercard
Stephanie Ruhle, Senior Business Correspondent at MS NOW
Greg Ulrich, Chief AI & Data Officer at Mastercard
Throughout the event, students explored issues spanning international relations, economic development, humanitarian challenges, technological innovation and the evolving global political landscape. The discussions offered perspectives on how organizations and institutions respond to a rapidly changing world, including the opportunities and uncertainties associated with emerging technologies and the importance of international cooperation.
Technology and Leadership Lessons
Professional development and leadership were also central themes of the visit, with discussions exploring the skills and qualities needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Topics included the importance of embracing unfamiliar opportunities, building meaningful professional relationships, and remaining open to constructive criticism. Students also explored how qualities such as humility, adaptability, kindness and trust can contribute to effective leadership and long-term professional success.
The event provided students with an opportunity to consider how their academic experiences might translate into careers across different industries and how their professional ambitions could intersect with broader global challenges.