Reta Jo Lewis

Building Bridges: The Power of Bipartisan Collaboration. Drawing from her experience working across party lines in Congress, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and multiple presidential administrations, Reta Jo Lewis shares key insights into effective bipartisan negotiation. In an era of deep political divisions, she explains why finding common ground is not only possible but essential for economic stability and national security. As the first U.S. government official to lead a subnational engagement office within the U.S. State Department, she uniquely understands the role of state and local leaders in fostering bipartisan solutions that drive economic growth and strengthen diplomatic ties. With real-world examples, including her leadership at EXIM in gaining bipartisan support for critical industries, she outlines actionable strategies for business and political leaders to foster collaboration, drive results, and make lasting impact.

Thriving in Uncertainty: A Roadmap for Global Leadership and Economic Growth. With the world rapidly evolving, companies and governments must adapt—or risk being left behind. In this compelling talk, Lewis reframes uncertainty as an opportunity, offering a strategic outlook on global economic trends and how U.S. businesses can remain competitive. She highlights how international markets are moving forward with or without U.S. engagement, and why proactive leadership, strategic partnerships, and a global mindset are critical for success. Her tenure at the German Marshall Fund, one of the foremost think tanks promoting transatlantic relations, has given her a deep understanding of how global partnerships drive economic resilience and security. Through her deep expertise in trade finance, she provides audiences with tangible steps to navigate geopolitical uncertainty and leverage global opportunities in a shifting economic landscape.

The Future of Global Trade: Partnerships, Innovation, and the Evolving Role of the Private Sector. What does the future hold for U.S. businesses and their role in global commerce? With a robust understanding of the intersection between economic and national security, Reta Jo Lewis offers a forward-looking perspective on emerging trends, from reshoring and supply chain resilience to the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. She discusses how U.S. companies can strengthen global trade relationships, capitalize on new markets, and respond to the competitive challenges posed by China and other global players. This speech is ideal for leaders and decision makers who want to stay ahead of the curve and understand the next phase of international trade and economic diplomacy.