Interpersonal (Behavioral)

James is a rare mix of management consultant, change specialist, adventurer and motivational speaker. James helps turn busy and over-worked managers into inspirational leaders.

Dr. David S Cohen, Ed. D. has a vision: organizations that thrive by living their values in good times and especially VUCA times. David's first career was in elementary and high school education, where he built a reputation for building school communities based on purpose and social responsibility. Thirty-three years ago, David transitioned to corporate consulting. As a consultant, David earned a reputation as a contrarian consultant because he does not always follow what is popular in his chosen field. David works with leaders helping them understand what is and what is not necessary to build an active and positive organization. He helps leaders' step into life's challenges, inspiring them to create a sustained approach through a values-based focus, resulting in better business results. David has had the privilege of partnering with firms across five continents and all business sectors. Additionally, he has worked with governments, from the local to the federal levels, and not-for-profits.

He has taught at Queens University School of Labour Relations and the executive education program at the Schulich School of Business, York University. Currently, he teaches organizational development at Durham College. David earned his doctorate from Boston University in Humanistic and Behavioural Studies. During that time, he also completed independent studies at the Harvard School of Education, where he was a teaching assistant.

David is a keynote speaker, educator, disruptor, facilitator, team builder, and executive coach. He has authored two books and numerous articles in professional journals.

• The Talent Edge: A Behavioral Approach to Hiring, Developing, and Keeping Top Performers (John Wiley and Sons, August 2001)
• Inside the Box: Leading With Corporate Values to Drive Sustained Business Success (Jossey-Bass September 2006)

When David is not travelling, he is hanging out with his five grandchildren, when possible, attending Toronto Raptor's games, or relaxing with family and friends.

David is honored to be recognized by the GlobalGurus30 as one of the top 30 GlobalGurus in Organizational Culture.

Jeff Bulanda currently leads the Foundations, College, and Coaching strategy for Amazon Career Choice, Amazon’s education benefit for its frontline workforce. Prior to this role, he was the global leader of AWS re/Start, a cloud computer workforce development program, and was a Senior Specialist within Amazon’s Global Talent Management organization. Before joining Amazon, Jeff was school social worker and then a social work professor; his tenure in academia included one year as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Sierra Leone.

I have been with KFC YUM! Brands for over 20 years. I spent my first 6 and a half years with YUM! Finance. In 2010 I changed course and followed my passion and joined the KFC Foundation. At that time, we were a staff of two with one program. Over the past 14 years I have been blessed to play a significant role in growing the KFC Foundation from a staff of two to a staff of seven and from one program to eight…eight program opportunities for KFC restaurant employees. The work we do as a Foundation is like no other and the impact, we make on KFC restaurant employees and their communities is tremendous. I look forward to being a part of the continuing growth of the Foundation, improving and adding to our programs and celebrating more team members... as they become their best selves!!

As an employment attorney, former litigator, and (recovering) human resources professional, Alice brings a wealth of real-world experience and knowledge regarding current workplace dynamics and critical issues facing employers. Alice is a dedicated SHRM volunteer leader having served on the SHRM Labor Relations Special Expertise Panel for five years and as the SHRM New Mexico Legislative Director for seven. Alice is a frequent, enthusiastic national speaker on employment law and public policy related topics. She is also the wife of an active-duty Air Force pilot and is a passionate and knowledgeable advocate regarding the unique employment challenges facing military spouses.

Dr. Yuvay Ferguson has a proven track record of consulting with global corporations to provide strategy around preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Her research centers on generational cohorts which gives her insight into how the characteristics of the groups impacts workplace culture and dynamics. Having recently served as an Assistant Dean and Associate Professor of Marketing at Howard University’s School of Business before starting her consulting business, she holds a Bachelors degree in International Marketing from Howard University, a Masters Degree in Strategic Communication from American University, and completed her Ph.D. in Advertising at the University of Texas at Austin.

Melissa began her career in Big 4 accounting before transitioning to HR leadership at a rapidly expanding firm, experiencing a tenfold growth. Over 20 years, she has excelled in spearheading leadership development, performance management, team building, training, and employee engagement initiatives. Through her Inspire Big Dreams company, Melissa offers corporate training, leadership coaching, speaking, and consulting to enhance careers and leadership skills. She empowers executives, entrepreneurs, and companies to evolve by shifting their mindsets, strategizing, fostering employee relationships, preventing burnout, and amplifying leadership.

Melissa began her career in Big 4 accounting before transitioning to HR leadership at a rapidly expanding firm, experiencing a tenfold growth. Over 20 years, she has excelled in spearheading leadership development, performance management, team building, training, and employee engagement initiatives. Through her Inspire Big Dreams company, Melissa offers corporate training, leadership coaching, speaking, and consulting to enhance careers and leadership skills. She empowers executives, entrepreneurs, and companies to evolve by shifting their mindsets, strategizing, fostering employee relationships, preventing burnout, and amplifying leadership.

As a business, product, and technology leader, Delphine Carter uses transformational change and agile practices to solve complex business challenges. She is the founder and CEO of Boulo, an innovative recruitment platform that matches experienced female candidates, who also happen to be mothers or caregivers, with progressive companies. Delphine is on the Board of Storytellers Live, Vestavia Lacrosse Organization, and is a Women’s Foundation Fellow. She was recently named Top Birmingham Woman and nominated for CEO of the Year by the Birmingham Business Journal.

Miguel is the Chief Belonging Officer of MJA & CO, a Minority-owned consulting firm helping leaders leverage DEI as a catalyst to improve recruitment, engagement, and retention.  Recognized as a LinkedIn's Top Voice in Racial Equity, Top 15 Champion of Diversity by Diversity Global Magazine, a Top 100 Executive by Diversity MBA Magazine, and featured as an Inclusion Innovator by SHRM.

Miguel served as the first civilian Chief of D&I in the history of the US Coast Guard.  He started his career as diversity recruiter and for over a decade held several leadership positions in 3 major Federal Departments. Miguel is a TEDx speaker, featured at the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and Telemundo.

 You can learn more about him by visiting www.migueljoeyaviles.com

Miguel is the Chief Belonging Officer of MJA & CO, a Minority-owned consulting firm helping leaders leverage DEI as a catalyst to improve recruitment, engagement, and retention.  Recognized as a LinkedIn's Top Voice in Racial Equity, Top 15 Champion of Diversity by Diversity Global Magazine, a Top 100 Executive by Diversity MBA Magazine, and featured as an Inclusion Innovator by SHRM.

Miguel served as the first civilian Chief of D&I in the history of the US Coast Guard.  He started his career as diversity recruiter and for over a decade held several leadership positions in 3 major Federal Departments. Miguel is a TEDx speaker, featured at the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and Telemundo.

 You can learn more about him by visiting www.migueljoeyaviles.com