Interpersonal (Behavioral)

Sherry Gaugler-Stewart is the Director of Family and Spiritual Recovery at The Retreat in Wayzata, MN. She has worked with The Retreat's Family Program since its inception in 2005. Sherry is a certified Spiritual Director, a certified Structured Family Recovery® Counselor, a Nationally Certified Family Recovery Coach, and has been an active participant in family recovery since 1999. In addition to her work at with families and children, she has led spiritual retreats and workshops internationally, and is a meditation teacher. She speaks on the topic of family recovery regionally and nationally, as well as contributes to blogs and publications.

Maddy is a co-founder and CEO of Betterment Works. She is an impact-obsessed, life-long learner with a passion for leadership, data, and play.  As a neurodivergent executive, she is well-versed in the struggles of focus, productivity, time management, and leadership; and her facilitation and content are informed by that experience. Driven by a dedication to understanding and an unending belief in human betterment, Maddy envisions more empowering, engaging, and compassionate workplaces for all. Using play and analytics as the tools and her values as the compass, she pursues this vision relentlessly.

An expert in the practical applications of learning through play, Maddy facilitates playful professional development and consults on organizational betterment projects. When done well, playful environments provide low-risk, high-engagement opportunities for addressing complicated/nuanced subjects while building strong, trusting, and productive relationships. If people are able to play, they can more easily dive into co-creation, understanding, and progress. Maddy creates intentional spaces for shared learning and joyful practice that focus on areas of growth like leadership / team development, diversity and inclusion, organizational strategy, and communication.

Kris Krupka is an Advanced Certified Paralegal who has been employed with Baird Holm LLP in Omaha, Nebraska for over 24 years.  She works in the firm’s Labor & Employment section, primarily focusing on employment defense work involving employment litigation, tort and personal injury, and workers’ compensation.  She has a special niche regarding Emergency Crisis Response cases, assisting clients in protecting their workplaces and employees from disgruntled workers, customers, and patients. 

Bernadette Jones is a trailblazing HR leader with over 20 years of experience crafting "Culture-First" solutions across diverse organizations. As Human Resource Committee Chair at Richmond Art Center and Professional Development Chair for SHRM Northern California, she champions intentional inclusion and culture-first practices. Bernadette's innovative "Respect in the Workplace Starts With Me®" workshop series addresses crucial compliance and cultural issues. With SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications, she brings deep HR expertise to her roles. Bernadette's leadership in Visionova's participation in SHRM's National HR Registered Apprenticeship Program demonstrates her commitment to nurturing HR talent and enhancing workplace environments. Her work connects over 27,000 HR professionals across 16 SHRM chapters in Northern California.

Dr. Jessica Hicksted, is a resilient and innovative AuDhd woman. With a PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology, her research and advocacy serve as a beacon for inclusion and diversity. Dr. Hicksted illuminates the complexities of invisible disabilities, challenging stereotypes and championing workplace inclusivity. Her groundbreaking work includes the development of a pioneering survey, gauging the stigma surrounding invisible disabilities. By dissecting acceptance, ableism, and advocacy, she sheds light on dynamics affecting disclosure decisions in professional settings. Through her work, she emphasizes shifts in workplace culture, enhancing performance and satisfaction where every individual thrives.

Ms. Walters has more than 30 years’ combined experience in management, HR administration, employment law practice, and teaching.

She has presented at conferences across the country, been engaged as an expert witness, and testified before U.S. Congressional and state legislative committees on employment issues.

Her book, “From Hello to Goodbye: Proactive Tips for Maintaining Positive Employee Relations” is in its 2nd edition and was one of the SHRMStore’s “Great 8” best-sellers for eight consecutive years.

Today, Ms. Walters works as an independent consultant doing business as FiveL Company, “Helping Leaders Limit their Liability by Learning the Law.”SM

John works with leaders and teams to activate their DEI values, cultivate leaders within an organization, and unify teams. He is a changemaker who builds bridges and inspires genuine impact through his leadership and speaking!

John’s unique perspective in the diversity, equity, and inclusion conversation empowers leaders to use their own unique experiences to bridge divides. As an executive leader of an organization that works with dozens of cross-sector executives, John actively collaborates with professionals of diverse and divergent views to improve their city.

As a result of John’s work, people experience a real understanding of why bridge builders are needed and how to authentically be one. Palpable growth in organizations happen when this culture of belonging and leadership is cultivated with the tools and language John provides.
 

Dr. Diane Bergeron is a social-organizational psychologist and current Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership. She has consulted and worked with Fortune 500 companies. She earned her PhD at Columbia University. Her research and consulting areas include women’s leadership, workplace listening, and grief and bereavement in the workplace. Prior to graduate school, she spent two years volunteering in the Dominican Republic. Formerly, she was an associate professor in a business school at a research university. She took two years off work for a family sailing adventure. It was the best decision she ever made.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.

Dr. Michael Baran is the CEO of Iris Inclusion, a global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) firm. Dr. Baran draws on his own social science research to inform his DEI speaking engagements, writings, consulting, leadership development, and eLearning. After teaching at Harvard University, he has been supporting DEI in organizations for 20 years. His work has been covered in the New York Times, BBC, Forbes, CNN, NPR, and more.

His recent book, Subtle Acts of Exclusion, was named by Forbes as one of “The 11 Books To Read To Be A More Inclusive Leader” and has won several awards.