About the Program

Join the Robert Zicklin Center for Corporate Integrity for a special lunchtime conversation with David Gelles, award-winning journalist and author of the forthcoming book DIRTBAG BILLIONAIRE: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away.

In this engaging and informal discussion, Gelles will explore the remarkable story of Patagonia and its founder, Yvon Chouinard. Yvon is a climber-turned-entrepreneur who redefined what it means to run a responsible business. From pioneering sustainable supply chains to giving away company ownership to fight climate change, Patagonia has become a beacon of corporate activism and integrity in action.

Gelles, previously joined us to discuss his provocative book on Jack Welch, “The Man Who Broke Capitalism.” He now returns to Baruch with fresh insights from years embedded with Chouinard and the Patagonia team. The event will feature a conversational format, followed by audience Q&A.

Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off the semester with a timely and inspiring look at values-driven leadership in the business world. Free copies of the book will be distributed to students attending the event (limited quantity).

About the Speaker

David Gelles is a climate reporter for The New York Times, where he leads the Climate Forward newsletter and event series. His reporting spans the globe—from United Nations climate talks in Scotland and Egypt to environmental justice efforts in Louisiana and Puerto Rico.

Before joining the climate team, Gelles spent eight years as a business reporter at the Times, covering CEOs, tech, media, and Wall Street. He was the “Corner Office” columnist from 2018 to 2022. Prior to the Times, he reported for the Financial Times in New York and San Francisco.

Gelles is the author of:

• The Man Who Broke Capitalism (2022), a critical look at Jack Welch’s legacy
• Mindful Work (2015), which explores how meditation is transforming corporate America

He holds degrees from Boston University and the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, and lives in New York with his family.

Schedule

12:00 pm – Registration and Light Lunch

12:30 pm – Presentation

1:45 pm – Q&A 

Registration

Complimentary registration is required to attend this program. Register online, by phone or e-mail:

• Complete the online registration form
• E-mail us at ruzdo.srdanovic@baruch.cuny.edu