UCSD - University of California - San Diego

02/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/05/2026 04:08

UC San Diego Extended Studies Welcomes Tech Evangelist Guy Kawasaki

Published Date

February 05, 2026

Article Content

Change is inevitable. What comes next does not have to be guesswork.

This winter, UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies will debut UC Your Future, a bold new masterclass created for individuals navigating transition and ready to move forward with intention.

Designed to empower adults ages 45-60 years and older to navigate mid-life transitions, explore personal growth, and reimagine their next chapter, the immersive program begins with a public keynote event featuring innovation leader and bestselling author Guy Kawasaki on Monday, Feb. 23.

"UC Your Future was created for a moment many mid- to late-career adults find themselves in but rarely have the space to fully reflect on," said Ed Abeyta, the Associate Dean for Education and Community Outreach at Extended Studies. "It's an invitation to pause, reconnect with purpose, and approach what comes next with both curiosity and confidence."

A voice of reinvention takes the stage

To mark the launch of UC Your Future, Extended Studies will welcome Kawasaki for a special keynote event at UC San Diego Park & Market in downtown San Diego. A New York Times bestselling author, Apple Fellow, and Chief Evangelist of Canva, he is known globally for helping individuals rethink what is possible during moments of disruption and opportunity.

"What matters is not the path you start on. It's about seizing serendipitous good fortune…and running with it," said Kawasaki in his newest book, "Wiser Guy: Life-Changing Revelations and Revisions from Tech's Chief Evangelist." "Just keep your eyes open, and never let go of your curiosity."

Drawing from the book, which includes stories and insights from his Remarkable People podcast, Kawasaki's keynote blends humor, candor, and hard-earned wisdom as he reflects on navigating change, embracing reinvention, and moving forward with purpose.

"Guy Kawasaki is a natural choice to help launch UC Your Future," said Andrew Waltz, Director of Arts Management within the division. "He brings authenticity, insight, and generosity of perspective to conversations about change. He also has an extraordinary ability to meet people where they are while encouraging them to think expansively about what's possible."

Guiding the conversation will be Rebecca Smith, distinguished educator, community catalyst, and lead architect of UC Your Future. Smith brings decades of experience supporting adult learners through transition and transformation, making her the ideal moderator for this timely, inspiring dialogue.

All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of "Wiser Guy," and participants enrolled in UC Your Future will receive two tickets to the keynote as part of their program experience.

Learning with purpose, community, and momentum

Beyond a single event or learner cohort, UC Your Future reflects the division's commitment to lifelong learning and holistic support throughout life's pivotal moments. By combining academic insight, wellness-centered practices, and peer connection, the program fosters a sense of belonging and momentum that extends well beyond the classroom.

"At Extended Studies, we believe learning should help people feel more connected to themselves, to one another, and to the world around them," Waltz said. "UC Your Future embodies that belief by creating space for reflection, dialogue, and meaningful growth during times of transition. Guy Kawasaki's keynote will give attendees insights into the powerful transformation tools they already possess and help activate them."

Led by industry-leading instructors, each session blends guided reflection, facilitated discussion, and practical insight, creating space for participants to step back, take stock, and move forward with intention.

"So often, transitions are approached as something to 'get through,' rather than something to learn from," said Abeyta. "This program creates a supportive environment where people can reflect honestly, learn alongside others, and discover new energy for the paths ahead."

Learn more and register

Enrollment for UC Your Future is now open. Space is limited to preserve the intimate, cohort-based experience.

To learn more about the program, visit UC Your Future.

To secure tickets for the keynote event taking place on Monday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m., visit the Guy Kawasaki: Writing Your Story Forward page.

Related content

UC Your Future

UC Your Future is a three-day, cohort-based experience built around reflection, connection, and clarity. Participants join a small, guided group and engage in conversations and activities designed to help them reset, recalibrate, and reimagine what lies ahead.

Across the three days, participants will explore how to:

  • Build meaningful, supportive networks
  • Strengthen wellbeing during times of change
  • Reignite curiosity, creativity, and purpose
UCSD - University of California - San Diego published this content on February 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 05, 2026 at 10:08 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]