Dr. Natalie Baumgartner is an engagement and culture thought leader and evangelist. She has spent her career translating engagement and culture research into SaaS based software, helping organizations to achieve high performance.

Dr. Baumgartner holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Strength-Based Psychology. She serves on several boards, including that of the Consulting Psychology division of the APA, and has long advised senior leaders on issues related to culture and engagement. Dr. Baumgartner is a popular speaker and regularly engages audiences on topics related to the employee experience – including a TEDx talk on the importance of culture fit.

Dawn Kelley is a certified HR Professional with 25+ years of experience, she is highly skilled in human resources management, employee relations, leadership development, coaching/ supervision, and agency operations.  Dawn has a reputation for being a strong, empathetic leader.  She has volunteered for the Society for Human Resources Management including creating test questions for the SHRM-CP exam, serving as a judge in the college games and spent several years serving on the Executive Board for Central Valley Human Resources Management Association, the local SHRM affiliate chapter.  She is the Human Resources Manager for City of Modesto.  

In 2021, Dawn spoke at SHRM 2021 in Las Vegas bringing forward a thoughtful intro to transgender in the workplace, “Coming of Gender”. Reviews of this session included, “Dawn was an engaging speaker! Very passionate about the subject. Dawn was funny too! Loved that she was transparent enough to share her story with the group! Great presentation!”

Most recently she provided sidebar insights on transgenderism in Chapter 11 Diversity and Inclusion for the SHRM Complete Study Guide authored by Sandra M. Reed and was a speaker on PCTY Talks podcast- https://pctytalks.podbean.com/e/championing-gender-equity-with-dawn-kelley/ with Shari Simpson.

In September 2018, Dawn was a featured TEDx speaker in the Central Valley presenting on Parental Resiliency. She was a guest on two (2) episodes the Therapists Uncut Podcast in 2020 and most recently took part in the My HR Journey Podcast (2021) with Steve Watson.

With a determination to meet people where they are, to help people be heard and to celebrate their accomplishments, she uses her power of persuasion to teach leaders that every voice matters.  Seeing that light bulb go off, that realization in their eyes…means the world.

“We are the voice of those unable to speak, the confidant to lighten the load and the professional to hold people accountable when their bias and judgement get in the way of respect in our workplaces.”

Christopher Patrick is a Principal in the Denver, Colorado, office of Jackson Lewis P.C. and is a member of the Firm’s Affirmative Action Compliance and OFCCP Defense Practice Group, Pay Equity Resource Group, and Corporate Diversity Counseling Group.

Christopher counsels on EEO compliance, affirmative action, pay equity, and diversity.  He also oversees the preparation of affirmative action plans, directs privileged pay analyses under state and federal laws, and defends employers in OFCCP audits. 

After spending more than a decade in talent management for the legal industry, Rachael founded Fringe Professional Development in 2017 with a singular goal: to help people communicate with each other more effectively at work. Today, Fringe is a full-service training and coaching company that’s dedicated to applying the science of how our brains work to its customized and progressive programming — all to help ambitious, high-achieving professionals excel in their careers. Rachael holds a certification in brain-based coaching from the NeuroLeadership Institute, as well as certificates in mediating disputes from the Harvard Law School of Executive Studies and women in leadership from Cornell University. Rachael is an active member of the Forbes Coaches Council and has had the opportunity to lead workshops for thousands of professionals and conference attendees around the globe.

Robin Lawton is a highly engaging, internationally top-ranked speaker.  Rob has been guiding leaders from industry, government, healthcare and education around the world since 1985. He coined the term “customer-centered culture” in his first book, Creating a Customer-Centered Culture: Leadership in Quality, Innovation & Speed (1993).  Rob’s work to infuse strategic systems thinking, rapid transformation, and the voice of the customer into his clients’ world has resulted in many earning industry awards and customer recognition for excellence. His fourth book, Mastering Excellence: A Leader’s Guide to Aligning Strategy, Culture, Customer Experience & Measures of Success, (2017), provides an in-depth road map for transformation leaders. Find Rob at www.C3Excellence.com.

Brad is the Founder and CEO of JB Training Solutions. An accomplished public speaker and executive coach, Brad has been featured on CNN, CNBC, and Dr. Phil, and has been quoted in: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Fortune, and USA Today. Brad is also the author of three business books including the critically acclaimed Manager 3.0: A Millennial’s Guide to Rewriting the Rules of Management, which you can read in Mandarin (assuming you can read Mandarin).

Prior to creating JB, Brad spent 15 years at advertising agency Leo Burnett in Chicago. Today, Brad presents for major organizations including Eli Lilly, Securitas, Top Tier Capital Partners, and Saint Laurent. When he’s not enjoying a robust buffet, you can find Brad playing racquetball or drafting the perfect fantasy football roster. Brad is left-handed.

Gary Ware, the Founder of Breakthrough Play is a corporate facilitator, keynote speaker, certified coach, and self-proclaimed Creative Catalyst. Gary has over 14 years of experience in the corporate word holding various leadership positions. Being a multifaceted individual Gary also comes with nearly a decade of experience as a performer in improv theatre. After experiencing burnout in his pursuit for success and happiness, he realized that what was missing was play. Committing to a life of play is what led Gary to discover his passion for facilitating. Gary uses the power of applied improvisation and other playful methods to assist people in unlocking creativity, confidence, and better communication. Gary was recently featured as one of the Top 100 HR influencers of 2020 by the Engagedly HR software platform. When Gary isn't leading workshops or speaking, you can find him learning magic or off an adventure with his wife Courtney and son Garrett.