The inaugural In Conversation With event took place in person on 24 March 2025 at the Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney.

The UNSW Business School event provided a rare opportunity to hear from one of the world’s most influential economic leaders, Secretary Janet Yellen, the first woman to serve as the United States Secretary of the Treasury (2021–2025) and Chair of the US Federal Reserve (2014–2018). Secretary Yellen shared her insights on financial markets, policymaking, and the future of global economic governance.

Secretary Yellen has played a critical role in US economic policy, overseeing major initiatives, including pandemic recovery measures and international tax reform. In academia, she distinguished herself at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, contributing influential research on labour markets and the intersection of macroeconomics and unemployment. Her public service career spans decades, including serving as President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco from 2004 to 2010, and as Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Clinton, where she consistently advocated for policies balancing economic growth with labour market stability.

On 26 March 2025, UNSW awarded Secretary Yellen an Honorary Doctorate Degree, UNSW’s highest honour, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to economics, academia, and public service. Read more about her achievements and honorary degree, or view the BusinessThink feature article based on her conversation with UNSW Sydney Chancellor David Gonski.