Professional Development

A powerful storyteller with a powerful story to tell, Dr. Steve L. Robbins has an uncanny ability to inspire people even in the midst of disrupting and challenging the way they think about the world. Born in Vietnam, Dr. Robbins immigrated with his mother to the United States where they faced many challenges during a time when there was much anti-war and anti-Vietnamese sentiment.

Working through and rising out of the challenges of poverty, discrimination and the tough streets of Los Angeles, Dr. Robbins now brings insightful perspectives on issues of inclusion & innovation, leadership, and the power of caring.  Drawing upon a compelling life journey, his talks and workshops are filled with intriguing stories, laugh-out-loud humor and a keen understanding of human behavior.

Dr. Robbins uniquely knows how to simultaneously challenge and motivate people with a dynamic use of storytelling, humor and extensive knowledge of pertinent issues and concepts. The inclusive power of his message are why organizations like Coca-Cola, Disney, Ford Motor Company, Walmart, Lululemon, Pixar, NASA, The NBA,  Michelin, Bank of America, Mercedes-Benz,  and numerous others call on Dr. Robbins to inspire, educate and prepare their people for the exciting challenges of dynamic and diverse environments.

A thought leader and innovator, Dr. Robbins' unique, science-based approach to inclusion and diversity has captured wide acclaim from numerous audiences and organizations across the the world. His approach does NOT blame or point fingers. It uses neuroscience and the science of human behavior to encourage individuals and organizations to be more open-minded, mindful and intentional about inclusion and valuing people for their unique gifts, abilities and experiences.

Dr. Robbins earned an undergraduate degree in Communication from Calvin College, and his masters and doctorate in Communication Science from Michigan State University.  His background in communication, social-psychology and cognitive neuroscience drives his work with individuals and organizations – the core of the work is about understanding human behavior and leveraging human differences in an ever-changing, fast-paced 21st world.

James is a rare mix of management consultant, change specialist, adventurer and motivational speaker. James helps turn busy and over-worked managers into inspirational leaders.

Rowena Crosbie is President of Tero International. Since 1993, Tero has earned a distinguished reputation as a premier research and corporate training organization with thousands of graduates from more than 40 countries. Crosbie has authored several articles, many published in International Journals and Magazines and she is currently collaborating on a book titled Powering Down to Power Up, which addresses the unique risks of misalignment in business communication in a high tech, interconnected world. She was honored as the Woman of Influence Business Owner of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record in 2009 and was named Executive of the Year by Executive Women International, Iowa Chapter, in 2004.

Sue Jones has 25 years of experience creating strategic HR programs and services to effect positive change in organizations. She is an innovative HR leader whose experience spans large companies ($4,500 Million, 100,000 employees) to smaller business ($2 Million, 12 employees). Sue has worked in a variety of different industries and is adept with transferring her knowledge, skills and abilities across several different channels of business. Sue is a Veteran of the US Navy and has a Bachelors Degree in Business Management from Lesley College and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University. Sue is actively involved in both local and national organizations and has supported the growth of Human Resource Professionals as a member of SHRM since 1994.

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.

Sal Silvester is an author, speaker and consultant who works with leaders and their teams to accelerate culture change and business results as demonstrated in his popular book "Ignite! The 4 Essential Rules for Emerging Leaders". He is founder and president of 5.12 Solutions Consulting Group. Since 2001, senior leaders and HR professionals have called on 5.12 Solutions Consulting Group to help them ignite the potential of their people through Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Team Building and Corporate Training. You can learn more about Sal and his team at www.512solutions.com.

Shaunti Feldhahn is a popular public speaker, research analyst and best-selling author with 2 million copies of her books sold in 22 different languages. Shaunti holds a Master in Public Policy with a concentration in business from Harvard University, and worked on Wall Street as an analyst and on Capitol Hill before becoming a surprise bestselling author and relationship researcher. This wife of attorney-entrepreneur Jeff Feldhahn and mother of two, now applies her analytical skills to uncovering and passing along the startling research of what men and women each privately think in the workplace but rarely share; perceptions that often fundamentally affect their colleagues.

Elizabeth Moore is the Vice President of Development of Holmes Corporation and manager of the SHRM Learning System. She has over 25 years of combined Product Management, Project Management, and training and development experience.  She has managed the design and development of SHRM certification and education courses for over 10 years, working directly with HR experts, employers, educational partners, instructors and students from around the globe. Elizabeth’s insights and expertise have helped shape the SHRM Learning System into the premier HR Certification preparation resource and advanced the careers of thousands of HR professionals worldwide.