Leaders Unscripted
Leaders Unscripted is a student-led speaker series that brings authentic leadership stories to the heart of the Neeley School. Each conversation goes beyond the highlight reel to explore real moments of failure, growth and pivotal choices: the experiences that shape how leaders show up in the world.
Real conversations. Real leaders. Real growth.
Built by students, for students, Leaders Unscripted creates space for open dialogue, personal reflection and meaningful connection. Every event is designed and produced by a team of student ambassadors who select the speaker, craft the format and guide the discussion from start to finish.
The goal is simple: help business students grow as values-based leaders who learn from one another, ask better questions and build the confidence to navigate what comes next.
Come hear from Daniel Palos
Date: 9/29/26
Time: 4- 5 p.m.
Location: Shaddock Auditorium
Partner
Daniel is a tax director in the Dallas tax practice with over 15 years of experience servicing private companies of all sizes.
Daniel specializes in tax compliance, consulting, and structuring with respect to the entire lifecycle of a business, from the initial purchase, or start-up, through the growth period, to the initiation of the exit strategy or maturity phase. His experience includes IPOs involving the Up-C structure used to take U.S. tax partnership public and the relevant accounting and tax nuances. He services clients in a variety of industries, including services, construction, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
He brings a trusted business advisor mindset when serving his clients with the goal to understand their business strategy, pain points, and priorities, and offers a unique experience rooted in understanding his client’s financial statement process and the importance of related considerations, such as systems, internal controls, budgeting, and the implementation of new accounting pronouncements.
Daniel received a BS in Accounting and a Masters of Taxation from Southern Methodist University in 2010. He is also a certified public accountant and a member of the Accounting Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Daniel leads the Dallas chapter of PwC’s Latino Inclusion Network and is the Tax Market Champion for the Dallas office. He resides in Dallas with his wife Amanda and their four daughters
Why Students Love It
- Come Hear Stories: Leaders get real about the moments that shaped their careers – from failures and turning points to lessons learned the hard way.
- Ask What Really Matters: Student moderators guide the conversation with candid, thoughtful questions that open the door to honest leadership insight.
- Connect with Leaders: Each event ends with casual networking, giving students a chance to build relationships in a relaxed, come-as-you-are environment.
How It’s Student-led
Student ambassadors drive the experience from beginning to end.
They:
- Choose themes and invite speakers
- Host and moderate conversations
- Coordinate logistics and the run-of-show
- Shape the atmosphere, from audience engagement to event flow
If you’re a Neeley business student looking for hands-on experience and direct access to industry leaders, consider joining the team.
Become a Student Ambassador
As a Leaders Unscripted Student Ambassador, you’ll help shape the series by selecting speakers, guiding conversations and supporting event planning and production. This opportunity gives sophomore and junior Neeley students hands-on experience, meaningful professional connections and the chance to help build a signature Neeley tradition focused on authentic conversations about leadership and life.
Key Contact:
Associate Professor