In his global labor and employment practice, Mike assists clients with policy drafting, internal investigations, compliance advice, restructuring, management training, representation before administrative agencies, and, when necessary, litigation. For the past year, Mike has been imbedded with the legal department of a large international company providing global L&E support and leading internal investigations. He also spent six years in executive roles as Senior L&E Counsel and Director for a large public company. In those roles, he oversaw litigation, selected and managed outside counsel, and oversaw part of the company’s compliance function. Additionally, Mike conducted internal investigations and audit responses, trained management, managed a team of HR professionals, served as lead negotiator in collective bargaining, led the diversity and inclusion program, and represented the company before federal administrative agencies including the NLRB, EEOC, DOL, OFCCP, OSHA, and NRC.

Shayna Balch is a partner in both the Phoenix and Los Angeles offices. She represents employers in employment and labor litigation matters before federal and state courts as well as before administrative agencies. She handles matters across all facets of labor and employment law including employment discrimination, sexual harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, restrictive covenants, preventive counseling, employee training, personnel policies, and employment agreements. Shayna has represented clients before trial and appellate courts, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Arizona Civil Rights Division, and United States Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel (OSC).

Dr. Autumn Krauss is a Principal Scientist in SAP SuccessFactors’ Human Capital Management Research Team. In her role, she provides scientific support to SAP’s Well-being at Work Initiative focused on operationalizing a culture of well-being and purpose in organizations to enrich the employee experience and drive peak performance.

Previously, Autumn was the Chief Scientist at a global management consulting firm focused on well-being culture transformations. Her research programs have been funded by the SHRM Foundation, the CDC, and NIOSH, and she serves on the External Advisory Committee for the Total Worker Health Center of Excellence at the University of Colorado.

Dr. Wade Larson is a workforce consultant and human resources executive with 30-years of experience in strategy, leadership enablement, and talent management. His    expertise in HR and leadership helps organizations improve structures, culture, management, and leadership to achieve their goals. As an international speaker, published author, and professor, he strives to help others achieve the best versions of themselves. Wade has worked with hundreds of organizations and thousands of leaders to shift mindsets, innovate programs, and lead change that helps them do more, achieve more, and live their best lives.

G. Riley Mills is an Emmy Award-winning producer and writer, and the co-founder of Pinnacle Performance Company. He is the co-author of the book The Bullseye Principle and was included in the list of "Top Leadership Speakers" by Inc. Magazine. He presented his TEDx session "Are We Killing Communication" at the Shanghai American School and has guest-lectured at such institutions as the Columbia University, London Business School, Manchester United, and The Royal Household at Buckingham Palace. Mills has written about leadership and communication for Forbes, Fast Company, and Inc. Magazine. 

Renée is a bit of a tech addict who spends far too much time furiously investigating new opportunities and theories in the world of people & culture. She’s enthusiastic about the contribution that forward thinking leaders can make in ensuring that work is a place where people can be fulfilled, and have opportunities to learn, grow and develop.

Renée has worked in a variety of sectors, including non-profit, public and the private sector and has used social media to accelerate her career, particularly focusing on professional development and learning from the generosity of what others share. This has resulted in multiple trips to the United States to speak and be a part of blogging teams at large conferences and, given that she migrated to Australia 6 years ago, she credits much of her success to the power of an amazing support team and deciding to ‘suck it up’ and put herself out there.

Sandra Garcia has worked for General Motors for close to 21 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations and two certifications from WorldatWork (Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) and Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)). As GM’s Global Compensation Lead for Global Strategic Initiatives, she is regarded as a thought leader in global recognition and global service awards programs. Her role in GM’s new global recognition program (launched in August 2017) included research and development, leading the bidding process/vendor strategy, designing the new program and gaining leadership buy-in/approval. She also develops strategies and guidelines, training and communication content and participates in key decisions regarding global deployment.

Brenda S. Kasper is a founding member of Kasper & Frank LLP, a law firm representing California and multi-state employers for all of their human resources and employment law needs.  She regularly advises employers of all sizes on wage and hour compliance, leaves of absence, disability accommodation, reductions in force, terminations and discipline management, employment contracts, personnel policies, and hiring issues.  She also provides management and human resources training.  Brenda is a former HR director so her legal advice is practical, creative and tailored to each client’s needs.  She was the 2015 San Diego SHRM Board President, is an instructor for the HR Certification program at the University of California San Diego Extension and holds her SHRM-SCP and SPHR-California certifications.