The Milken Institute, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank based in Los Angeles, is known for its annual conferences about California. Every year, the institute has brought together influential leaders to examine the range of opportunities and challenges facing the state. Irvine was a sponsor of this year’s conference.

At the all-day event held earlier this month, after sessions on a range of issues – including education, energy and the state’s finances – the focus of the conference turned to leadership. In a panel discussion moderated by Irvine President and CEO Jim Canales, several California leaders from the business, nonprofit and educational sectors offered their thoughts about what inspires them about California today and how leaders can build and shape investments in its future.