Concurrent Session

Michael Walters is the CHRO for Samsung Semiconductor, a multi-billion dollar provider of leading edge memory solutions and chip manufacturer that powers the critical industries such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and hyperscale datacenters.  He leads all talent related functions for this business and oversees their community relations initiatives.  Michael has served in HR leadership roles in a wide variety of industries to include United Health Group, Microsoft, Roper Technologies, and Nielsen Entertainment

Michael has taught HR management at the University of Washington for twelve years and is a frequent speaker at SHRM events across the country. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor's in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles. 

Michael Walters is the CHRO for Samsung Semiconductor, a multi-billion dollar provider of leading edge memory solutions and chip manufacturer that powers the critical industries such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and hyperscale datacenters.  He leads all talent related functions for this business and oversees their community relations initiatives.  Michael has served in HR leadership roles in a wide variety of industries to include United Health Group, Microsoft, Roper Technologies, and Nielsen Entertainment

Michael has taught HR management at the University of Washington for twelve years and is a frequent speaker at SHRM events across the country. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor's in psychology from University of California, Los Angeles. 

Chad Sorenson relies on his 30 years of business and HR experience and 14 years on non-profit boards to develop tailored programs for businesses in industries ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to non-profits. Adaptive HR Solutions, founded by Chad in 2008, offers consulting services, leadership development, training programs, keynote addresses, and HR audits.

Chad served as the 2021-2022 President of the HR Florida State Council and President of SHRM Jacksonville in 2015 and 2016. His keys to success are Devotion to God, Dedication to Family, Continuous Service, Lifetime Learning, and Always Remembering to Laugh.

Anthony an attorney that helps employers with legal issues affecting the workplace, including matters concerning the rapidly evolving subject of employee privacy. In particular, he assists employers with compliance with a variety of privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act. When providing guidance to clients related to legal issues concerning electronic employment data, Anthony draws on his prior professional experience as a software engineer. Anthony is a member of Fisher Phillips’ Privacy and Cyber Practice Group. He also frequently presents and authors articles on topics related to employment and privacy laws.

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.

Bill Curtis-Davidson is the Director of the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT), a policy initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. PEAT helps to create a future where accessible technology is standard in all workplaces. Bill advocates for equity, inclusion, and accessibility in public and private sector efforts to develop policies, standards, and practices. He advises the Georgia Tech Human-Computer Interaction Degree Program, serves as a ForHumanity Fellow and Certified Auditor in Disability Inclusion & Accessibility, and is a member of the Partnership on AI’s Global Task Force on Inclusive AI.

Known as the Boss Whisperer®, psychotherapist, corporate executive, executive coach, researcher, professor, speaker, and author, Dr. Laura Crawshaw specializes in researching and coaching abrasive leaders. She has served an international clientele of employers, including over 40 Fortune 500 companies, United Nations organizations, and NASA. She published her first book, Taming the Abrasive Manager: How to End Unnecessary Roughness in the Workplace, in 2007. Dr. Crawshaw founded The Boss Whispering Institute in 2009, whose mission is to stop suffering in the workplace caused by abrasive leaders through research and training.  Her new book is Grow Your Spine & Manage Abrasive Leadership Behavior: A Guide for Those Who Manage Bosses Who Bully.

Dr. Jolene Church is a renowned expert in organizational leadership and human resources, with over 25 years of experience. As a sought-after speaker and founder of DJC Coaching, Consulting and Training, LLC, she specializes in cultivating workplace cultures that harmonize technology with human connection. Dr. Church holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and is recognized for her innovative strategies in integrating emotional intelligence and empathy into modern workplace practices. Her insights are pivotal for organizations navigating the challenges of digital transformation. Dr. Church combines real-world experience with a deep understanding of the dynamics of empathy and connection in the workplace.

Carney uses his over 30 years of experience across business, IT, and HR to be a trusted advisor as the CHRO for Carter Bank.

And Paul isn't just all talk; he’s penned his wisdom into his insightful book, Move Your Æ(ash): Know, Grow, and Show Your Career Value. The book launched in 2018 and quickly found its place on the desks of many ambitious professionals. Paul's expertise is not limited to HR alone; he
earned respected accreditation from the Blockchain Council as a Certified Prompt Engineer™ and earned the prestigious Level 2 Award in Wine from WSET.