CFA Institute to Convene “Thrive” Conference in Los Angeles on Human Performance, AI, and Investment Decision-Making

Featuring neuroscientist Dr. Hannah Critchlow alongside leading voices in investment, technology, and organizational leadership

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, will host its second “Thrive” conference on May 28, 2026, at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel, bringing together senior investment practitioners, researchers, and technologists to examine how human capability shapes outcomes in an era of rapid technological and market change.

Amid rising geoeconomic complexity and growing adoption of artificial intelligence, the conference will focus on a central question: how can investment organizations create the conditions for stronger decision-making and team performance?

The program opens with a keynote from Dr. Hannah Critchlow, an internationally recognized neuroscientist and bestselling author, whose work examines how brain science shapes behaviors and decision-making. Dr. Critchlow’s session will explore how cognitive processes influence performance in professional environments and how these insights can be applied to improve outcomes.

Sarah Maynard, ASIP, Global Senior Head, Inclusion at CFA Institute, comments:

“How we think, how we respond to uncertainty, and how we work together matter enormously to business leaders and those building strong teams. AI, geopolitical conditions, and market shifts are driving significant change in the investment industry. In volatile times, human judgement becomes even more important. Better outcomes depend on how people question assumptions, how they challenge each other, and how they engage with industry change. In a faster-moving environment, applying human capabilities effectively remains critical to sound and ethical-decision making.”

Speakers include Melissa Stolfi, Global Chief Operating Officer of TCW, and Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work, who will explore how investment organizations create effective workplaces and stronger teams, with perspectives on leadership, culture, and human capital performance. Delegates will also hear from Nikki Barua, CEO and Co-Founder of FlipWork, who will examine how human behavior shapes performance and how AI can enhance human capabilities in the workplace.

A fireside discussion with Jonathan Grabel, Chief Investment Officer of LACERA (Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association) and a closing keynote by Shari Slate of CalPERS will provide perspectives from large institutional investors on leadership, performance, and how workplace culture connects to outcomes in investee companies.

Event Details
Date: May 28, 2026
Location: Omni Los Angeles Hotel
Full agenda: https://www.cfainstitute.org/insights/events/2026/thrive-los-angeles-2026

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About CFA Institute

As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across 160 markets, CFA Institute has 8 offices and 157 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe on YouTube.