North Texas business leaders and students gained direct perspective on navigating change, advancing with AI and leading in today’s evolving financial landscape.
April 09, 2026
By Shelby Northrup
Content Creator, Neeley Communications
The TCU Neeley School of Business welcomed Mike Freno, chairman and CEO of Barings LLC, to campus for the Tandy Executive Speaker Series, a premier event that connects North Texas business leaders and students with some of the nation’s most influential executives. Freno joined TCU Neeley John V. Roach Dean Craig Crossland for a fireside-style chat on leadership, resilience and the future of asset management.
Rescheduled from January due to a winter storm, the event marked the final Tandy Executive Speaker Series event of the semester, drawing a highly engaged audience from across the region.
Freno opened the conversation by reflecting on his path from accounting to leading a global investment firm, emphasizing the role curiosity played in shaping his leadership. Quoting Albert Einstein, he said, “I have no special abilities, I am only passionately curious,” explaining that this mindset enabled him to explore opportunities, adapt to change and grow into leadership.
Throughout the discussion, Freno underscored the importance of building a strong foundation across business functions before stepping into leadership roles. A deep understanding of how an organization operates, he said, leads to stronger decision-making and greater clarity in complex environments.
The resilience needed to work through high-pressure situations comes from maintaining perspective and identifying priorities. “Dealing with [stress] is half the battle. Focus on what’s important and rule out the others, because there’s so much noise out there in the world,” he said.
The conversation also explored emerging trends shaping the financial services industry, including the growing role of artificial intelligence. Freno and Crossland discussed AI’s influence on productivity, decision-making and talent expectations, particularly within finance.
Freno remarked that “the A in AI stands for augmented. If it gives you an answer, can you use that answer and decipher something from it? We’re just trying to all be better at the jobs we currently have,” highlighting both the potential and complexity of integrating AI into business processes, especially in the financial services space.
Audience members echoed the value of these insights.
“It was interesting hearing what he sees on the horizon of new talent mixed with AI and productivity means, and where the industry is going, how consolidation will be a big factor in the next few years,” said Sean Nolan, associate relationship manager at Frost Bank.
As the discussion concluded, Freno reflected on leadership and the importance of a work-life balance. He introduced the concept of “confident humility,” describing it as the ability to lead with conviction while remaining open to learning and input from others. This approach, he noted, has shaped how he navigates both professional and personal responsibilities. “The job is taxing. When people say you have to have balance, it’s just doing the best you can,” he said. “I’m a husband and a father first. This is what I do, it’s not who I am.”
Students in attendance also highlighted the value of engaging directly with industry leaders.
“It’s important to make connections with people, knowing how these people got to where they are and gaining a new perspective on something,” said Alexa Escalera, senior finance major at Neeley.
The event reinforced Neeley’s commitment to connecting students and professionals with influential leaders who are shaping the future of business. By sharing perspectives on leadership, resilience and innovation, Freno provided attendees with practical insights and inspiration to apply in their own careers, demonstrating the lasting impact of thoughtful dialogue and proving worth the wait.
