Professional Development

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Candace Elaine Whirley
owner
SBG Services, LLC
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Buckle Up!  Be ready to be energized, interactive and entertained!  Candy has been a regular keynote and breakout session speaker for SHRM Conferences across the country and presented at the 2009 SHRM Annual Conference. When Candy speaks and shares her knowledge her participants always come away with the knowledge and skills they need to build and maintain better, more productive relationships, as well as a sense of purpose and direction.  

She brings a wealth of experience from many industries including: training, retail, customer service, restaurant, entertainment, management, and youth ministry.

Candy graduated Cum Laude from Missouri Western State College with a B.S. Degree in Speech Communications, with a Human Relations Emphasis, and earned her Master in Management from the University of Phoenix.

Follow Candy on Twitter @candywhirley.

 

SESSIONS:
Tuesday, June 24, 2014 - 7:00am to 8:15am
Brian Blasko
speaker-author-fun guy
Brian Blasko LLC
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Brian learned early in his teaching career that he had a knack for connecting with students in a way that was both fun and productive.  Not only did they connect with the course material being covered, Brian helped them become better students by sharing what it takes to be successful in life.  This ability was not lost on his mentor/college professor who urged him to take his show on the road.  His advice . . . “why limit yourself from impacting a handful of students when there are so many more people out there who could benefit from your positive message.”

Fast forward to today and you’ll find that Brian has become one of the most sought after speakers in the country having connected with thousands through his keynotes, seminars and books.  Known for his high-energy presentation, engaging style and infectious sense of humor, Brian’s thought-provoking messages have connected with organizations and audiences of all shapes and sizes . . . from Fortune 100 companies to Ma and Pa retail shops.  Brian loves them all.

Brian is also an author of two books, Cruisin' through Life at 35 MPH and Sending Signals.

Follow Brian on Twitter @bblasko.

SESSIONS:
Sherrin Ross Ingram
Chief Executive Officer
International Center for Strategic Planning
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Sherrin Ross Ingram, CEO of the International Center for Strategic Planning, is a Master Strategic Planning Facilitator and an Independent Corporate Board Director for companies in need of fresh strategies, an updated strategic plan, improved strategy execution, or restructuring to increase competitive advantage. She is a frequent speaker on strategy development, execution and leadership topics at business meetings and conferences around the world.
SESSIONS:
Randy G. Pennington
president
Pennington Performance Group
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Randy Pennington helps leaders deliver positive results in a world of accelerating uncertainty and change. His clients include many of world’s best-managed companies, associations, government agencies, and universities. Additionally, Randy serves as an adjunct instructor in the Cox Business Leadership Center at Southern Methodist University.

Randy is author of three books: Make Change WorkResults Rule!; and On My Honor, I Will . His ideas have been featured in leading media outlets including CNN, PBS, Fox News, ABC Radio Network, the BBC, Fast Company, and The New York Times. He is a contributor to CIO.com and the Huffington Post.

SESSIONS:
Monday, June 23, 2014 - 4:00pm to 5:15pm
Tina Thomas
author
Matrix Consulting
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Dr. Tina Thomas is an internationally renowned author and motivational speaker specializing in the field of self-development. Her endearing charismatic style has garnered Dr. Thomas a reputation of one of the most dynamic speakers on the circuit today. Her proven innovative programs enable people to quickly achieve their goals, be they business success, personal growth or that competitive edge. Dr. Thomas has been featured as a personality expert on ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC.

Dr. Thomas was propelled into the international spotlight when she was credited with cracking the code of human personality, a feat that has been referred to by some as the “Holy Grail of Psychology.” The significance of this psychological breakthrough is immense; in fact many feel it could revolutionize the entire thought process of how humans reach their potential.

Practicing what she calls the “magic” of science and psychology, Dr. Thomas has authored two game-changing books: A Gentle Path – A Guide to Peace, Passion and Power, is being revised and re-released as The Ultimate Edge — How to Be, Do and Get ANYTHING You Want. She also has a new book being published this year based on her research titled Who Do You Think You Are? — Understanding People from the Inside Out. As her first book was, this exciting new material is sure to be well reviewed, become a best seller and will be an outstanding companion to her speaking career.

SESSIONS:
David Sutherland
Co-founder and Chairman
Center for Military and Veterans Community Services (Dixon Center)
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Colonel David W. Sutherland is the co-founder and Chairman of the Center for Military and Veterans Community Services (Dixon Center) and actively contributes to numerous national veteran and military family committees and boards. Sutherland speaks in communities at universities, businesses and conferences around the country as a vocal advocate and leader for transformational change. He is a vocal advocate for our service members, military veterans, their families, and the families of our fallen.

Colonel Sutherland culminated his 29 years of service following Brigade Command, as the Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff with principle focus on Warrior and Family Support. By visiting hundreds of communities and assisting thousands of organizations, he created a nationwide network of support utilizing grassroots solutions for veterans and their families.

Awards and decorations include, among others, the Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge Second Award and Senior Parachutist Badge. He is also the 2008 Freedom Award recipient presented by the No Greater Sacrifice Foundation, the 2011 Meritorious Service Award recipient presented by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, and the 2013 Commitment to Service award presented by Give An Hour for his work on behalf of returning service members, veterans, military families and families of the fallen.

He holds a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in History and Economics and a Masters in Strategic Studies.

Team Sutherland’s roster includes Colonel Sutherland, his wife Bonnie and their two sons, Andrew and Patrick.

SESSIONS:
Monday, June 23, 2014 - 4:00pm to 5:15pm
Beverly Kaye
founder & chief executive officer
Career Systems International
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Dr. Kaye's name is recognized internationally as one of the most invested, knowledgeable and practical professionals in the areas of career development, employee engagement & retention, and mentoring. A dynamic and committed keynote speaker, Bev's presentations engage participants, stimulate learning and inspire action.
 
With her organization, Career Systems International, she has developed a powerful suite of talent solutions that continue to help organizations reduce costs associated with talent loss and underperformance. They are also designed to foster a culture of support for individuals, managers and leaders. Her clients, representing nearly 60% of the Fortune 1000 organizations, include such leaders as Covidien, HP, Ingersoll Rand, Morrison Healthcare, WW Grainger, and USAA.The resilient processes and offerings link directly to business strategies and increase productivity and profitability to deliver the best returns on investment.
 
Prior to earning a doctorate at UCLA, Dr. Kaye did graduate work in organization development at MIT Sloan School of Management and has taught executive seminars at UCLA and USC.
 
Bev has spent years researching corporate strategies for developing, retaining and engaging knowledge workers. Her book, Love 'Em or Lose 'Em: Getting Good People to Stay, coauthored with Sharon Jordan-Evans, has sold over 600,000 copies in 25 languages and has reached Wall Street Journal and Amazon best seller status. Their companion book, Love It, Don't Leave It: 26 Ways to Get What You Want at Work suggests that employee engagement is also the responsibility of the individual contributor. Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Employees Want coauthored with Julie Winkle Giulioni was published in 2012. Her most recent book is Hello Stay Interviews, Goodbye Talent Loss was published in 2015. These books are the foundation for Career Systems International's successful practice in career development, employee engagement and retention. Learn Like a Leader, edited by Dr. Kaye, offers rich lessons on learning to lead, overcoming setbacks, remaining open to change, mentoring, developing self-awareness and more. The Many Facets of Leadership was also edited by Dr.Kaye, and addresses leadership challenges as shared by some top thought leaders. Designing Career Development Systems was another classic book co-authored by Dr. Kaye.
 
In 2011, Bev was appointed to the Chief Learning Officer magazine’s Business Intelligence Board. In recognition for her ground-breaking and continual contributions to workplace learning over the past two decades, Bev received the 2010 Distinguished Contribution to Workplace Learning and Performance Award by the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). They also honored her as a “Legend” and pioneer in the area of career development in 2007.
 
She has also received many honors and awards including the National Career Development Award of the American Society for Training and Development. In 2011, CSI’s client NetApp, was honored for its retention effort with a clear $12 million bottom-line boost, as the Workforce Optimas Awardee for financial impact. Her organization also received the ASTD Best Practice Award for work with clients Bechtel, Chevron, Dow Corning, and First USA.
SESSIONS:
Lori Kleiman, SHRM-SCP
Personal Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Managing Director
HR Topics
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Been there – done that!  With 30 years of HR and business experience – Lori has walked in your shoes.  A recovered HR Generalist, she built a consulting company that she sold to Arthur J Gallagher after 7 years and then reinvented her current business – HR Topics -  training, speaking and developing content for HR professionals.  Lori delivers facts, tips, tricks and best practices in a way that appeals to human resource and business leaders: with a sense of humor, a bias toward actions that improve their operations right away, and practical resources and tools to support their progress.  As an annual speaker at the National SHRM conference, she has leveraged her masters in HR, SPHR and SHRM-SCP background to elevate the position of all HR professionals!

 

 

SESSIONS:
Brad Karsh
Founder and CEO
JB Training Solutions
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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.

SESSIONS:
Jennifer McClure
Personal Pronouns
She/Her/Hers
Job Title – CEO & Chief Excitement Officer
Unbridled Talent LLC & DisruptHR LLC
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Jennifer McClure is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and high-performance coach who works with leaders to leverage their influence, increase their impact, and accelerate results.

Frequently recognized as a global influencer and expert on the future of work, strategic leadership and innovative people strategies, Jennifer has decades of in-the-trenches leadership and executive experience working in and with startups, privately held companies, and Fortune 500 organizations in a variety of industries.

As a top-rated keynote speaker, Jennifer has shared her insights with thousands of leaders at conferences and corporate events around the world. Clients include Procter & Gamble, General Electric, IBM, SAP, Bloomberg, Charles Schwab, Stryker, LinkedIn, Notre Dame University, Society for Human Resource Management, Association for Legal Administrators, and Association for Talent Development.

In her informative and entertaining keynote programs and workshops, she shares a blend of research, best practices, case studies and storytelling which leaves audience members inspired and motivated to take action when they return to work.

Jennifer is also the Chief Excitement Officer of DisruptHR, a global community designed to move the collective thinking forward when it comes to talent in the workplace, and she hosts a weekly podcast – Impact Makers with Jennifer McClure – sharing conversations with practitioners, entrepreneurs, authors and speakers who are changing the world while building careers that they love, and lives that matter.

SESSIONS: