Breakout Session

James Atkinson is the VP, Thought Leadership at SHRM, where he leads research teams uncovering key insights on the challenges and trends affecting HR and the workplace. James joined SHRM with more than 15 years of research, data, and product experience, having spent a decade in various leadership roles within the HR industry. Prior to SHRM, James was the Vice President of Data Products at Payscale, where he was responsible for the overall strategy, development, and delivery of data products for compensation professionals. He also spent 9 years at Gartner, finishing his tenure there as the Managing Vice President of Data Products for the HR research and advisory practice. Across his career, his teams have created award-winning research and data products for HR executives and their teams on topics including learning and development, total rewards, recruiting, talent management, HR strategy, HR technology, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This work has been featured in top business journals and media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.

James holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Ohio State University.

Bob Kelleher is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, and consultant on employee engagement, leadership, and workforce trends. Bob is the author of the bestselling book, LOUDER THAN WORDS: 10 Practical Employee Engagement Steps That Drive Results, CREATIVESHIP, A Novel for Evolving Leaders, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT for Dummies, and I-Engage, Your Personal Engagement Roadmap.   

Bob can be seen or heard on national media (most recently on CNBC, CBS, NBC News, Business Week, Forbes, and Fortune, and has presented to many of the world’s top companies

Bob is also the founder of The Employee Engagement Group, a global survey, products, assessment, consulting firm.  

Michael S. Cohen is a partner in Duane Morris’ Employment, Labor, Benefits and Immigration Practice Group.  Michael concentrates his practice in the areas of employment law training and counseling. He has trained and counseled employers throughout the country on subjects including harassment prevention; diversity, equity and inclusion; combatting implicit bias; performance management; discipline and discharge; hiring and recruiting practices; performance evaluations; FMLA, ADA and FLSA compliance; leave of absence policies; LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace; substance abuse testing; workplace violence; records retention; conducting background checks; and more. Michael also has conducted investigations into claims of harassment and discrimination and has drafted employee handbooks, employment agreements, non-compete agreements and post-termination agreements. Michael regularly conducts in excess of 200 trainings each year.  He has represented clients throughout the country in EEO and other administrative proceedings.

Michael has been cited as a national authority on employment issues by The New York Times, The Associated Press, USA Today, MSNBC.com, HR Magazine, SHRM On-Line, Employment Law 360, Inside Counsel Magazine, as well as many other publications. Michael serves as an Advisory Board Member of GenHERation and as a Board Member of Serve, Inc. Michael is a 1997 magna cum laude graduate of Temple University Beasley School of Law and a cum laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.

Kerri Nelson, Ph.D., is the Director of Mission Research at SHRM. She is responsible for leading, developing, and designing strategic, public-facing research that provides organizations, business leaders, and policymakers with evidence-based insights at the intersection of people and work. She also partners with public and private organizations to produce research related to work, worker, and workplace. Kerri has led research on a variety of topics including pay equity, skills-based hiring, untapped talent pools, workplace culture, and the global workforce. Her work has been featured in top news outlets, on podcasts and webinars, and on the Hill.

Joseph Grenny is a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including the communication classic, Crucial Conversations. His whose work has been used by nearly half of the Forbes Global 2000 and has helped millions of people achieve better relationships and results. He cofounded Crucial Learning, one of the world’s most respected learning and organization development firms, offering courses in communication, performance, and leadership.

Dr. Teresa Peterson is the Director of Learning and Development at The Noll Wilson Group, and the co-author of the Don’t Feed the Elephants workbook. With over 20 years of experience in teaching, facilitation, and leadership, Teresa specializes in designing and delivering transformative learning experiences that helps leaders show up more powerfully and teams work more effectively.

Teresa holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Northern Iowa and certifications in Conflict Resolution (Cornell University), Immunity to Change Coaching, and Appreciative Inquiry. Her deep expertise allows her to craft thoughtful, accessible programs that help individuals and teams surface hidden dynamics, build trust, and strengthen collaboration.

Known for her grounded presence, masterful facilitation, and ability to listen deeply, Teresa brings both clarity and care to her work. Whether co-creating learning content or leading interactive sessions, she equips leaders with the tools and confidence to tackle complex challenges and create lasting change.

Elaine Robinson Beattie is an executive leadership strategist, transformational speaker, and author with a distinguished track record of driving leadership excellence and organizational success. With over 30 years of experience in Fortune 500 executive leadership, she is a recognized expert in strategic leadership, executive presence, and inclusive team development.

Elaine's corporate journey began in the hospitality industry, where she rose to General Manager of a Fortune 500 company, overseeing multimillion-dollar operations and leading high-performing teams. Her ability to navigate complex corporate structures, cultivate high-impact leaders, and drive performance excellence has made her a sought-after thought leader in executive circles.

As the CEO of Women of Vision Leadership Institute, Elaine partners with organizations to develop inclusive leadership pipelines, equip executives with the skills to thrive in dynamic business environments, and foster workplaces that attract, retain, and advance diverse talent. She is passionate about empowering leaders—regardless of gender or background—to leverage their strengths, communicate confidently, and lead with influence and impact.

Elaine is the author of *Sis, You Earned It: A Guide to Leading as a Maverick with Grace* and the co-host of the **Lead(H)er Talks** podcast, where she shares actionable insights on leadership, executive presence, and navigating power structures—especially for women in leadership. Her dynamic and results-driven speaking style, rooted in real-world executive experience, makes her a powerful voice in leadership development.

Whether addressing C-suite executives, emerging leaders, or high-performing teams, Elaine delivers practical, high-impact strategies that inspire professionals to lead boldly, build thriving workplace cultures, and drive lasting organizational success.
 **Book Elaine for Keynotes, Workshops & Executive Coaching:** www.ElaineSpeaking.com 
**Connect on LinkedIn:** @ElaineRobinsonBeattie  
 

Matthew Kalb, CEM-AP, CMP, is an international CEM Instructor who facilitates interactive learning experiences through an evidence-based lens. A self-proclaimed bibliophile, he is committed to empowering leaders in the meeting and event profession to undergo mindset shifts, embrace deeper thinking, and champion authenticity and vulnerability. Outside of his professional pursuits, Matt is an enthusiastic scuba diver, globe-trotter, and a passionate advocate for all things related to the ocean.

Solveiga Jaskunas is a seasoned HR professional and career coach with over fifteen years of experience in nonprofit and for-profit organizations. She holds dual master’s degrees, in Industrial Psychology and Human Resources Management, as well as PHR and SHRM-CP certifications. As an immigrant to the United States, she overcame language barriers and numerous rejections before climbing the HR ladder to senior leadership roles. Her journey motivated her to mentor fellow immigrants and to start her own consultancy, which focuses on HR consulting, career coaching, training, speaking, and network referral services for organizations and individuals.  A graduate of DC SHRM's Senior Leadership program, Solveiga's passion lies in coaching immigrant professionals and in helping employers to make their workplaces more inclusive. She has also dedicated her time to aiding refugees, homeless children, and at-risk youth. Her story has reached a broader audience through speaking engagements domestically and internationally, in which she has shared her personal journey, offering hope and encouragement to other immigrant professionals. Her recent speaking event at the Expat Women Event and the Global HR Summit reached participants from more than 50 countries. She has spoken at national and international events as The Expat Women Summit March and October 2024, HR Global Summit, HR Week in Lithuania, SHRM, ILVW, HR Inside Track, APCDA, and more). Solveiga was recently featured in Security Magazine, as one of three leaders with distinct LinkedIn communication styles. For more information about Solveiga, visit her profile at (https://www.linkedin.com/in/solveigajaskunas/) or her website(https://www.immigrantvoiceinhr.com/)