Mike Aitken is Executive Vice President, HR Professional Solutions at SHRM, following 15 years of leading SHRM’s successful advocacy programs as Vice President of Government Affairs.  

Mike is a leading authority on the issues important to the human resource profession and drives SHRM’s membership vision, ensuring excellent member experiences, and implementing the organization’s newly developed business strategy.

He applies his proven model of engagement to shape the future of work, workers, and workplaces. He is an expert relationship-builder across diverse constituencies and stakeholders, always seeking out the “win-win” in every situation.

As a member of SHRM’s executive team, Mike also plays a key role in setting the strategic direction of the organization, offering important counsel on SHRM’s educational programs and professional development opportunities.

Before joining SHRM in 2003, he spent 14 years with the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR), which represents more than 23,000 HR professionals at over 1,900 higher education institutions. 

In 2015 and 2016, Mike served as an employer representative on the U.S. delegation to the International Labour Conference.

Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of San Diego.

There are many motivational speakers, and then there is the one, the only, the incomparable Dr. Willie Jolley. He has been described simultaneously as one of the best speakers in the world, a world class award-winning singer, a best-selling author and #1 Rated Radio personality.

Dr. Willie Jolley has achieved remarkable heights in his career, having come from the humble beginnings of being a fired nightclub singer, who was replaced by a karaoke machine! He had a setback but turned it into an amazing comeback story. He has gone on to be named “One of the Outstanding Five Speakers in the World” by the 175,000 members of Toastmasters International. (Only 50 people have ever achieved this honor, including Nelson Mandela, Margaret Thatcher, General Colin Powell and Zig Ziglar).  In 1999 Toastmasters International also named him “Motivational/Inspirational Speaker of the Year!”  In 2003 he was named “A Black History Maker of Today” by the McDonald’s Owners of America.  

In 2005 Dr. Jolley was inducted into the prestigious Speaker Hall of Fame (CPAE – Council of Peers Award of Excellence) after having achieving the distinction of Certified Speaker Professional by the National Speakers Association. He holds the distinction of being the first African American to be elected President of the National Speakers Association DC Chapter and first African American to be elected to the National Board of NSA. In 2007 he was named “Business Leader of the Year” by the Future Business Leaders of America.  In 2010 Dr. Jolley 2012 he was the recipient of the Ron Brown Distinguished Leadership Award. In 2013 he was named, “One of the Top 5 Leadership Speakers” by Speaking.com and “The Business Leader of the Year” by The Business Ad Hoc Committee.  In 2015 Dr. Jolley was chosen to replace the legendary Zig Ziglar on the National Get Motivated Tour. For over twenty years Zig Ziglar and General Colin Powell were the featured speakers, and when Mr. Ziglar died Dr. Jolley was the unanimous choice to replace him! And in 2017 Dr. Jolley was named “A Legend Of The Speaking Industry” by the Veteran Speakers Association.

Dr. Willie Jolley uses his public platform to pursue his mission of empowering and encouraging people to rise above their circumstances and maximize their God given potential!  He now hosts the #1 Self Help Show in America on Sirius XM Radio, where he interviews the best and brightest thoughts leaders in America.  He is also the host of the top rated Willie Jolley Motivational Minute Radio Show on WHUR FM where he precedes the Steve Harvey Morning Show each weekday morning.

Dr. Jolley has been featured on two national PBS Specials, one has gone on to become the bestselling youth motivational program for PBS. The other is a top seller on How To Turn Setbacks Into Comebacks. His TED talk is also a popular message on transformation. Dr. Jolley has been featured in many markets with his daily TV Show, Live Better with Willie Jolley, sponsored by McDonald’s.  Dr. Jolley also has been featured on a series of financial management programs sponsored by the State Department Credit Union.

 Many people in the corporate world know him as the speaker Ford Motors called on in 2006 when they were on the brink of bankruptcy. He worked with them in 2006, 2007 and 2008.  And in 2009, Ford was the only one of the Big Three Automakers to reject a government bailout and go on to Billion Dollar profits! After his historic work with Ford Motors he was featured in many national newspapers and success magazines, including The Washington, Success Magazine and Selling Power Magazine. He has gone on to become a favorite speaker for many Fortune 500 corporations, including GM, Walmart, Verizon, Marriott, Hyatt, Prudential and Comcast. Plus, he often speaks globally for audiences such as The World Conference of The Million Dollar Roundtable, Johnson and Johnson of Dubai, Prudential of Malaysia, Coca Cola South Africa, Sagicor Insurance in Jamaica, Amway Australia, Neways New Zealand and First Bank of Nigeria.  

No matter the venue, from his exciting One Man Show that was recently recorded for a national television special, to his Get Motivated tour appearances, to his #1 Rated Sirius/XM radio show, Dr. Willie Jolley keeps it moving with high energy and enthusiasm, as he delivers nuggets on how every person can live a better life, one day at a time!

Dr. Willie Jolley is the author of several international best-selling books including It Only Takes A Minute To Change Your Life, A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback, Turn Setbacks Into Greenbacks, An Attitude of Excellence, which was endorsed by Dr. Stephen Covey, or being featured on the front of the top selling Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul II, he has built a reputation for being captivating, compelling and life changing!  

Dr. Jolley holds a Doctorate of Ministry Degree in Faith Driven Achievement from the California Graduate School of Theology, a Master’s Degree in Theology from Wesley Theological seminary and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from The American University.

Dr. Jolley resides with his family in Washington, DC.

Sel is an HR Professional, Business & People Leader, Speaker, and seasoned entrepreneur. Sel started her career in HR over 20 years ago and launched her first business wattsnext Group in 2007 with the vision to disrupt the HR industry and create great workplaces across the globe.

wattsnext is based in Brisbane and New York and partners with Founders & CEO's of small to medium businesses and fast growth startups to create high performing and engaged teams and cultures.

Sel has developed and led her own team of HR professionals, supporting them to not only be successful within wattsnext but to continue to advance their careers and personal lives beyond wattsnext, which has led to the launch of her most recent business The HR Linc.

The HR Linc is a membership and community created to disrupt and advance the professional development of sole charge HR professionals in the small to medium business sector.  Our mission is to elevate HR to have a valued seat at the table whilst connecting and growing our members through experiential learning.

The Unconventional Life vlog is Sel’s way of sharing her journey of expanding her brands globally, chasing a dream and living a ‘no plan b’ life.  She is passionate about people choosing the life they really want and gives value to her audience through her vulnerable and engaging style.

Sel also allocates time to coaching Founders, CEO’s and startup entrepreneurs.   She is known for her progressive and real approach to HR and her raw and honest shares of her experience as a Leader.

Sel is a mother to three sons who are learning a lot about resilience, gratitude, never settling and striving for their dreams with everything they have!

You can learn more about Sel’s background, experience, many ventures, and accomplishments here www.sue-ellenwatts.com.