Conference Sessions & Speakers

MORNING KEYNOTE – Mission-First Leadership: Paving the Path for Others to Follow
Nick Lavery, Chief Warrant Officer 2 & CEO, Precision Components LLC

Through powerful storytelling and hard-earned lessons, Nick Lavery demonstrates how putting the mission above all else builds trust, unites teams, and drives results. This talk equips leaders with the mindset and tools to navigate adversity, lead with clarity, and inspire others to follow their example.

Learning Objectives:

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a series of curriculums on leadership, resilience, and goal achievement. As one of the most sought-after speakers and mentors in the country, Nick and his team of assets share valuable insights on discipline, work ethic, and teamwork, in turn empowering others to unlock capacity and increase capability. 

Nick has a long and distinguished list of military awards, but to name a few, he has been awarded the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor, three Bronze Stars for service, the Bruce Price Leadership award, and the Special Operations Command Excalibur award. 

Nick is the best-selling author of Objective Secure- the battle-tested guide to goal achievement, and most significantly, he is a proud husband and father of two boys.

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LUNCH KEYNOTE
Michael P. McMillan, President & CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis

Michael P. McMillan has dedicated his life to public service, with a profound impact on the St. Louis region as President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL). Since his appointment in 2013, McMillan has led the organization to historic growth and success. 

Under his leadership, ULSTL has expanded its annual budget from $15 million to over $50 million, increased service locations from 8 to 25, and broadened its outreach with over 60 programs and services that empower more than 200,000 residents each year. The St. Louis Urban League remains the largest in the country with the most clients served, staff, programs and locations. 

In 2024, McMillan oversaw seven groundbreaking projects that significantly expanded the League’s impact. He, along with his team, led the construction of the Urban League $10,000,000 Senior Living Building in Dellwood, addressing critical housing needs for seniors. 

Additionally, he secured a historic $25 million building donation from Centene, further enhancing the League's capacity to deliver community services in North St. Louis County, and spearheaded the groundbreaking of the Urban League Plaza, a new hub dedicated to empowering local communities. 

His leadership has been instrumental in forging key partnerships with local organizations and corporations, advancing the Urban League's mission of promoting economic empowerment, education, housing, jobs and advocacy. 

McMillan’s connection with the Urban League began as a youth volunteer at 16 years old, and his career ascended from there. Today, ULSTL continues its mission for African Americans and others in the region. Notably, ULSTL remains the first Urban League affiliate to be awarded and maintains a prestigious Five-Star Rating. 

Key milestones during McMillan’s tenure include the merger with Grace Hill Settlement House, resulting in a $38 million infusion for Head Start/Early Head Start programs and the creation of a Women’s Business Center. He also led the acquisition of the Victor Roberts Building, a former Sears department store, now transformed into ULSTL's new Regional Headquarters—a $40 million project revitalizing the African American community. 

McMillan’s leadership has shone brightest during times of crisis. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he orchestrated the state’s largest and most efficient emergency relief effort, distributing essential resources to over 250,000 families across 43 large-scale operations. His commitment to uplifting the community was also evident after the Ferguson crisis, where he established the Save Our Sons program, helping over 3,000 African American men secure employment, and oversaw the construction of the Urban League Community Empowerment Center of Ferguson, a symbol of hope and renewal on the site of a former QuikTrip. 

Before joining the Urban League, McMillan made history as the youngest person elected to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and later as the city’s License Collector. Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. McMillan has received hundreds of prestigious honors, including being recognized with the International Trumpet Awards, being the youngest member of the International Civil rights Walk of Fame and the St. Louis American Newspaper’s 2020 Person of the Year and most recently, being awarded the esteemed John W. Mack Medal of Honor at the National Urban League Conference. 

McMillan also serves on various influential boards, including Chairman of Harris Stowe State University, Chairman of the Community Connections Board of Enterprise Bank and a member of the St. Louis University, The Xernona Clayton Foundation, U.S. Bank, the St. Louis Sports Commission, Heat Up St. Louis/Cool Down St. Louis, the St. Louis Community Foundation, the Municipal Opera, the Boy Scouts of America’s Greater St. Louis Area Council, and the Simmons Bank Community Advisory Board. 

A graduate of Saint Louis University, McMillan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in African American Studies with a minor in Political Science, emphasizing Finance. His unwavering dedication to public service and community empowerment continues to drive the Urban League's mission forward, creating lasting positive change across St. Louis and beyond.

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Workforce Strategy Across Borders
Nalini Mahadevan, Principal Attorney, MLO Law LLC

This session explores how organizations can successfully navigate the complexities of hiring and managing talent across borders. From understanding compliance requirements and selecting accurate job titles to implementing best practices for onboarding and retention, attendees will gain clear, actionable strategies to strengthen their global workforce approach. The workshop blends practical guidance with proven strategies, equipping participants to confidently balance legal obligations with business needs in today’s competitive international talent market.

Learning Objectives:

Nalini S. Mahadevan is the Principal Attorney and Founder of MLO Law LLC, a woman-owned and woman-led law firm that has been serving individuals and businesses since 2003. Her practice focuses on Immigration, Estate Planning, and Business Law, representing a diverse client base that includes families, entrepreneurs, and corporate employers nationwide. Under her leadership, MLO Law has earned certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the City of St. Louis, as well as recognition as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

Nalini is licensed to practice law in Missouri, Illinois, Georgia, and New York, and serves clients through offices in St. Louis, Chicago, Atlanta, and New York. Her professional journey began in India, where she worked as a corporate attorney. After immigrating to the United States, she continued to expand her academic and professional credentials. She holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting and a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Mumbai. In the U.S., she earned an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and a JD from Saint Louis University School of Law. Nalini has also shared her expertise as an adjunct professor at SLU Law, teaching Immigration Law and Law Practice Management.

Beyond her law practice, Nalini is deeply committed to public service, mentoring, and community leadership. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Missouri Foundation for Health and has held several leadership roles with the Missouri Bar, including Chair of the Specialty Bar Division. She has also served on the boards of FOCUS St. Louis, the Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO), and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, where she was a member of the President’s Advisory Council. At AGCMO, she also chaired the Service/Supplier Provider Council. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, Nalini is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council at SLU Law and is active in professional organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Asian Chamber of Commerce. She is a founding member of the South Asian Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and co-founded the Immigrant Professional Women’s Network (IPWN-STL), a group dedicated to empowering immigrant women professionals.

Nalini is also an alumna of the 2014 FOCUS Leadership St. Louis program and the 2021 SBA Emerging Leaders Program. She serves as outside general counsel to the Phinix Group of Companies and is a dedicated mentor, working with SCORE, the St. Louis Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday initiative, and other professional development programs to guide entrepreneurs and young professionals.

Her leadership and contributions have been widely recognized. She has received the St. Louis Business Journal’s Most Influential Business Women Award, the Champions for Diversity and Inclusion Award, the YWCA Leader of Distinction honor, and was named to the Missouri Powerlist in Immigration Law. Under her leadership, MLO Law was recognized by AGCMO in both 2020 and 2023. Nalini was honored with the 2024 Community Advocate Award from Vitendo4Africa, and most recently, she received the 2025 Enterprising Women of the Year Award. In 2025, she was also invited to deliver the commencement address at Webster University’s George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology.

Known for her warm personality, sharp legal insight, and passion for education, Nalini is a frequent public speaker, blogger, and author, using every platform to empower others with knowledge and inspire positive change.

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Leading Challenging Stakeholders, Customers & Clients
Ozzie Lomax, PMI-RMP, PMP, MBAPM, CEO, Lomax Consulting Group

Join us for an interactive solution-based session on identifying and prioritizing Stakeholder needs for business projects, initiatives and assignments. We'll discuss how to confirm the correct deliverables, avoid over and under engagement of key stakeholders and give them the performance information they need, avoiding what they might consider project noise. We'll share best practices on changing requirements, resource conflicts and issue escalation. Finally, we'll share experiences with stakeholder agreements, meeting management and handoff/approval of final deliverables.

Ozzie Lomax is CEO of Lomax Consulting Group, a firm specializing in project management and Strategic Planning. He has provided consulting services for engineering, construction, military and financial firms. He worked in the energy field for Ameren and Kansas City Power & Light for 37 years in Engineering, Operations, Procurement, and Finance Senior management positions before leaving to focus on his Consulting Group.

He has been involved in launching project management initiatives at both previous companies.

He has taught for over 20 years at the corporate and University level at Washington University’s McKelvey School of Engineering and Southern Illinois University with a Scope & Risk Management instruction focus.

Currently, he sits on the Southern Illinois University – Carbondale School of Engineering Advisory Board and the Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville School of Business Project Management Advisory Board and has extensive community involvement roles.

Lomax holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and an MBA, Project Management concentration from Southern Illinois University.

He has a project success rate of 92%.

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Chaos to Cohesion: A Case Study in HR Strategies That Transformed a Dysfunctional Team
Katie Magoon, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, President/HR Consultant, People Solutions Center

Let's take a look inside a real-world example of a team plagued by conflict, disorganization, and poor collaboration. Through this interactive case study, attendees will practice diagnosing the root causes of dysfunction, explore strategic recommendations, and design actionable solutions for driving change. The session will also showcase proven HR tools, best practices, and key legal considerations that supported the transformation from chaos to cohesion, offering HR leaders practical insights they can apply to their own organizations.

Learning Objectives:

 
Katie Magoon has over 30 years of human resources experience including a Fortune 100 company. In 2016, she launched People Solutions Center an HR consulting firm for small to mid-size companies and non-profit organizations. The combination of her HR background, and practical experience allows her to advise leaders on how to best leverage their greatest asset – their people!

Katie and her team of consultants, provide strategic solutions to organizations across the United States. She is well recognized in her field and is a frequent presenter for several state level Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conferences and many SHRM chapters across the country. In addition, she consistently presents as an HR subject matter expert for many industry associations.

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Human First: The Heart of Modern Leadership
Steph Daiber, SPHR

Modern leadership is shifting from task management to a human-first approach, where people are valued as whole individuals rather than just resources. The heart of this style lies in empathy, authenticity, and purpose—building trust, fostering belonging, and empowering growth. For long-tenured leaders used to traditional methods, HR can play a pivotal role in this transition by offering coaching on emotional intelligence, creating safe peer learning spaces, embedding human-first behaviors into performance measures, and connecting leadership practices back to organizational purpose. By guiding leaders to balance results with relationships, HR helps cultivate workplaces where people and performance thrive together.

Learning Objectives:
•    Understand the Shift – Recognize why modern leadership requires moving from task-focused management to a human-first approach centered on empathy, authenticity, and connection.
•    Identify Key Behaviors – Learn practical human-first leadership behaviors – such as active listening, vulnerability, and coaching – that strengthen trust and engagement.
•    See HR’s Role – Understand how you (the HR Leader) can support and equip long-term leaders to embrace human-first practices through coaching, feedback, and recognition systems.
•    Commit to Action – Leave with clear, personal next steps to model human-first leadership in daily interactions, balancing results with relationships.

Steph Daiber is a seasoned people and culture strategist with a career dedicated to elevating leaders, shaping workplace culture, and aligning human capital practices with organizational goals. Known for her ability to balance business outcomes with a deep “human-first” mindset, Steph brings both strategic acumen and empathetic leadership to every role she serves.

With extensive experience engaging executives and HR leaders, Steph has led initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, drive employee engagement, and prepare organizations for the evolving future of work. She is particularly skilled at designing and facilitating executive roundtables, workshops, and development experiences that create space for authentic dialogue, collaboration, and growth. Steph’s facilitation style—anchored in the principles of Dale Carnegie and a commitment to authenticity—helps leaders move beyond transactional management into true people-centered leadership.

Steph Barron is a seasoned people and culture strategist with a career dedicated to elevating leaders, shaping workplace culture, and aligning human capital practices with organizational goals. Known for her ability to balance business outcomes with a deep “human-first” mindset, Steph brings both strategic acumen and empathetic leadership to every role she serves.

With extensive experience engaging executives and HR leaders, Steph has led initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, drive employee engagement, and prepare organizations for the evolving future of work. She is particularly skilled at designing and facilitating executive roundtables, workshops, and development experiences that create space for authentic dialogue, collaboration, and growth. Steph’s facilitation style—anchored in the principles of Dale Carnegie and a commitment to authenticity—helps leaders move beyond transactional management into true people-centered leadership.

Outside of her professional roles, Steph is deeply committed to ongoing learning and to sharing her insights with others. Whether through speaking or mentoring, she seeks to inspire leaders at all levels to embrace the heart of modern leadership: putting people first.

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Imperfect Conversations with Arduous People: Turning Tension into Connection in the Workplace
Darryl Diggs, Jr., Ed.D., Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility, Special School District of St. Louis County

Every HR professional knows that working with the public can be "complicated." From defensive employees resisting feedback to abrasive executives who dominate meetings, these challenging interactions don't just create stress—they ripple through your organization, impacting team morale, productivity, and culture in ways most leaders never measure.

What if the solution isn't avoiding these challenging individuals, but mastering the art of imperfect conversations with them?

Drawing from national workforce research, you'll discover the hidden organizational costs of avoidance versus the measurable benefits of skillful engagement. Most importantly, you'll leave with immediately applicable tools to turn your most dreaded workplace conversations into opportunities for trust-building and culture transformation.

Learning Objectives:

Dr. Darryl S. Diggs, Jr. is an experienced educational leader dedicated to equity, inclusion, and reaching our greatest collective outcomes. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and has served as a middle and high school administrator. Through his journey in advocacy, Diggs co-founded several organizations driven to connect educators to intentional support and gainful employment. Currently, Dr. Diggs is the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. His work is deeply connected to building inclusive learning environments, building leadership capacity, and building community. In 2024, Dr. Diggs received the Vocational Excellence Award from Missouri Baptist University and serves as the Vice President of Diversity and Workforce Readiness for SHRM of Greater St. Louis.

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The Power of Presence
Sarah Davidson, PHR, SHRM-CP, Vice President of Global HR & Partner, Roeslein & Associates, Inc.

The Power of Presence explores how nonverbal communication, word choice, and executive presence shape how others perceive and respond to us. Participants will learn practical strategies to strengthen confidence, communication skills, and influence while staying authentic. Through interactive exercises, they’ll practice techniques to project credibility, reframe language, and build stronger professional connections. By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with actionable tools to elevate their presence, enhance leadership impact, and more effectively showcase their capabilities in any setting.

Learning Objectives:

Sarah LeMoyne-Davidson is the Vice President of Global Human Resources and a partner at Roeslein & Associates, a leading international engineering, manufacturing, and construction firm. With 20 years of expertise in human resources strategy, Sarah is known for supporting growth-focused organizations, driving transformational change, and fostering inclusive, high-performance cultures.

In her role at Roeslein, Sarah leads comprehensive HR initiatives. She excels in navigating complex, multicultural environments and building agile teams that thrive in fast-paced markets. With a deep commitment to continuous improvement, Sarah champions innovative programs that empower, develop, and support talent. Her significant contributions at Roeslein earned her the 2020 Human Resources Award from the St. Louis Business Journal.

A passionate advocate for women, Sarah co-founded the Women in Canmaking Association (WICA), a global nonprofit dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting women in the canmaking sector. She also serves as President of the HR Executive Network of Greater St. Louis and as a Mentor for SHRM St. Louis, underscoring her commitment to advancing HR leadership and professional development.

Before joining Roeslein, Sarah held HR and Safety leadership roles across the Midwest's manufacturing, logistics, and environmental sectors. She holds an MBA from Saint Louis University and a B.S. in Management with a focus in Human Resources from Missouri State University, and holds her PHR, SHRM-CP, and SHRM California and AI micro-credential certifications.

Outside of work, Sarah is a dedicated mom to two daughters and is passionate about connecting with people and empowering them to reach their goals.

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The Biggest Promotion HR Will Ever Get: Using AI to Reclaim HR’s Real Work
Lauren Patel, Engagement Manager, AAIM Employers’ Association

HR professionals are hearing it everywhere: “AI is coming for your job.” And let’s be real — AI will eliminate a large share of HR’s tasks. But it won’t eliminate HR’s impact. In fact, it’s doing the opposite: clearing away repetitive, reactive work and creating the chance for HR to step fully into strategic leadership.

This session positions HR professionals as the builders of the future of work — not the ones buried by it. Through live, raw demos, you’ll see how AI can handle the noise, support you in moments of crisis, and surface insights that put HR at the center of business outcomes.

No hype. No doom-and-gloom. Just low- to no-cost solutions you can start using right away — on any platform, at any level of experience. Whether you’re just beginning to explore AI or already experimenting in your workflows, this session will show how those who lean in will step into what may be the biggest promotion of their careers.

Learning Objectives:

 
Lauren Patel is a strategist, trainer, and leader who helps organizations cut through complexity and turn artificial intelligence into practical, business-ready solutions. Known for her candid and approachable style, Lauren is driven by a clear principle: no matter what she’s training on, speaking about, or leading, it must connect back to measurable business results.

As a member of the leadership team at AAIM Employers’ Association, Lauren directs engagement, communications, and AI adoption for a diverse business community. She leads cross-functional teams spanning sales and communications, aligning their work to organizational goals for engagement, revenue, and member success. Her leadership blends big-picture strategy with practical action, encouraging teams to innovate while keeping every initiative tied to impact.

Lauren has been central to driving AI adoption among AAIM’s membership. She is responsible for championing Aaime Hart, a ChatGPT-powered HR assistant, and ensuring members can use it to solve everyday HR challenges. She also designed and launched AI in HR Week, a program bringing HR professionals through live, hands-on AI use cases, and facilitates AAIM’s ChatGPT-based curriculum for HR. These initiatives reflect her belief that AI isn’t about hype or fear — it’s about equipping HR with low- to no-cost tools they can use immediately.

Lauren also has deep roots in sales training and enablement, a discipline she continues to deliver today. Over her career, she has built sales programs that integrate skill development, coaching, and accountability. This sales foundation shapes how she approaches all her work, ensuring sessions are practical and tied directly to outcomes such as revenue growth, productivity, and retention.

Her career has also spanned leadership development, marketing, and business strategy, giving her a rare cross-functional perspective. Far from fragmented, this journey has made her a leader who knows how to connect silos, translate across disciplines, and speak the language of executives, HR professionals, and frontline leaders alike.
Lauren has also designed and delivered programs ranging from sales enablement to time management and improvisation. She is particularly passionate about helping professionals shift “weak language” patterns that undermine confidence and influence, strengthening the communication, leadership, and decision-making skills needed to advance.

As a speaker, Lauren is increasingly recognized for her voice on AI in HR and workforce transformation. She presents at SHRM conferences and professional HR forums, where her style is real, raw, and refreshingly practical. She acknowledges the fear that AI will replace many HR tasks while reframing it as an opportunity for HR to reclaim its real work: leading culture, strategy, and business outcomes.

Lauren earned her BFA in Musical Theatre from Lindenwood University, and while she doesn’t break into song during board meetings, a lyric or two sometimes sneaks into her workshops and keynotes — proof that learning is as much about engagement as it is about content. Based out of St. Louis, Missouri, Lauren’s mission is to elevate people to success through development — a commitment she brings to leaders, workplaces, and her most important role, raising her son, Oliver.

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The World is Changing – Here’s How We Lead Through It
Rachel Stuart, Human Resources Director, Adaptive Solutions Group

The workplace is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in technology, shifting work models, changing customer demands, and a growing need to develop talent and support the whole employee experience. In this session, we’ll explore ways to lead through these changes with clarity and confidence. We’ll start by breaking down the concept of change management, offering a straightforward framework you can actually use along with common pitfalls to avoid. We’ll finish with a focus on resilience, what it really means, how to build it personally, and how to strengthen it across your team or organization so you’re not just surviving the shifts, but thriving through them.

Learning Objectives:

Rachel Stuart is a strategic Human Resources leader with more than a decade of experience aligning people strategy with business growth. As HR Director at Adaptive Solutions Group, she has built HR functions from the ground up, led culture transformations, and advised executives on workforce planning. She is recognized for developing strong teams, mentoring managers, and helping guide her company to multiple Best Places to Work honors. Rachel is passionate about creating workplaces where people and organizations thrive.

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Upgrading Fair Chance Employment: New Tools for Success
Meredith Rataj, Director, Saint Louis University Transformative Workforce Academy (SLU TWA)

SLU’s Transformative Workforce Academy (SLU TWA) will equip human resource professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to implement fair chance employment to open and strengthen pipelines to new talent. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the “why” behind Fair Chance Hiring, highlighting not just the economic incentives for employers but also how welcoming policies contribute to long-term community wellbeing. The presentation will explore the “how” by sharing practical steps and best practices in an interactive format so teams can consider how to introduce fair chance hiring as an internal culture shift that supports all staff members throughout the process. Finally, SLU TWA will share how reentry organizations can partner to provide support throughout the process.

Learning Objectives:

Meredith Rataj is the program director for the Transformative Workforce Academy. Rataj previously worked in immigrant services for 15 years at St. Francis Community Services, as a licensed bilingual (in Spanish) marriage and family therapist and later as the director of Immigrant Services.

Entering the world of reentry services in 2022, she noted the similarities in systemic barriers for justice-involved and immigrant populations and wanted to be a part of building bridges of integration for all community members to feel welcome and to thrive.

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How to IGNITE Your Corporate Culture
Ryan Batchelor, Founder, Crux Leaders LLC

Positive corporate culture can be a challenge to build in this divisive world, but the IGNITE philosophy informs leaders exactly how to build that corporate culture and create momentum with their teams. The IGNITE philosophy provides leaders the tools they need to build effective teams and increase their mission accomplishment!

Learning Objectives

Ryan was born in Mobile, AL but spent all of his youthful years in Rogers, AR. In high school, he was involved in the Cross Country/Track program and various student organizations. Upon being awarded a Navy ROTC scholarship, he attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. In Dec. 1996, he graduated with a Bachelors in Civil Engineering, and was commissioned in the Navy the next day. Becoming a Naval Aviator, he deployed to both Japan and Bahrain as a P-3C pilot. Over the years, he executed a combination of tours involving both flying and program management with opportunities to lead multiple teams within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA).

Ryan first learned of leadership expert, John Maxwell, in 2011 and that was the catalyst for leadership growth and engagement since that time. In late 2020, Ryan was certified through Patrick Lencioni’s Organizational Health Company, The Table Group, to be a Working Genius facilitator. In addition, in 2021 he became a Change Your World facilitator for John Maxwell and in 2024 he completed a year-long certification program through The John Maxwell Company as a speaker, coach, and trainer. He has founded Crux Leaders, a leadership consultant organization, to help organizations embed leader development within their organizations and conquer their toughest challenges. Through these venues, he has been able to help multiple teams and organizations to enhance their productivity, grow their leaders, and be change agents. 

Since arriving in St Louis in Aug 2020, Ryan has worked hand-in-hand with Boeing St Louis to deliver F-15, F/A-18, T-7A, and MQ-25 aircraft and multiple weapons to the Department of Defense. In May 2024, he turned over command of DCMA Boeing St Louis and transitioned to NAVAIR working as an IPT Lead for PMA-268. He plans to retire in 2026 and pursue leadership consulting full-time and climb many mountains.

Ryan is married to the former Jennifer Wider of Elkhart, IN with whom he cares for their nine children: Grady, Ellison, Ridge, Hudson, Anders, Djoulieka, Caylor, Woudmica, and Ireland. Ryan and Jenny are involved in their local church, family activities, and non-profit organizations. Jenny is an on-line tutor and enjoys time with family and friends. Ryan enjoys backpacking, reading, and volunteering with various groups. He and some of his children have hiked approximately 400 miles of the Appalachian Trial and Ryan has climbed 26 mountains over 14,000 feet in Colorado and California!

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Inclusive Engagement
Jamal Cornelious, Chief Executive Officer, Mission Defined

Diversity of thought, perspective, and experiences are powerful advantages in the hands of a competent leader. This session will help leaders understand how to recognize and actively create space for team members who may have a “smaller voice” but who can make a massive impact.

Learning Objectives:

Jamal Cornelious is the CEO & Lead Executive Coach for Mission Defined, LLC. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Jamal works with Senior Executives, Emerging Leaders and their teams to navigate periods of transition and transformation. His mission is to help leaders understand and leverage their individual strengths to thrive in their professional and personal lives. 

Prior to becoming a full-time Executive Coach and Facilitator, Jamal served in senior positions in Marketing, External Engagement and Operations across a variety of industries, including Technology, Financial Services, Nonprofit, and Public Sector.

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Teetering on the Edge of Compliance: Balancing Conflicting Laws & Regulations Governing Your Workforce
Melissa Pesce, Shareholder, Ogletree Deakins
Sam Newman, Associate, Ogletree Deakins

Keeping up with current federal laws, regulations, executive orders and agency guidance can be a monumental task for employers. But federal compliance is only half the battle. State and local governments are also adding their own legal mandates that employers must follow. Many employers are faced with balancing differing standards and guidance under federal, state and local laws, which can render compliance complex and difficult. This session will focus on identifying and addressing some of the more complex issues facing employers today. We will explore best practices for addressing differences and conflicts in federal, state and local law, giving appropriate deference to agency guidance on enforcement of the law (including discussion of the Loper decision), and understanding how President Trump's executive orders impact employers' policies related to DEI and discrimination and harassment protections.

Learning Objectives:

Melissa Pesce is a shareholder with Ogletree Deakins in St. Louis. Melissa represents employers and management on employment law issues, litigation and advice and counsel related to multi-state compliance, leaves of absences, reasonable accommodations, and a host of other employment related issues.

Samuel Newman is an associate in the St. Louis office where his practice primarily focuses on representing employers in lawsuits involving claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, wrongful termination, trade secrets, and other employment-related claims.  In addition to litigating at the state and federal level, Sam represents employers in pre-litigation matters before administrative agencies and provides advice and counsel to employers, including drafting handbooks, personnel policies, and other employment-related documents.

Prior to joining Ogletree Deakins, Sam practiced Missouri Workers’ Compensation law for an insurance defense firm in St. Louis. Sam received his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law. While in law school, Sam served as an editor for the SLU Law Journal. Additionally, he gained experience interning for the Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, as well as a local civil plaintiff’s firm.

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More Than a Plan: Succession That Transforms People & Future-Proofs the Business
Betsy Grzybinski, CEO & Founder, One Percent Today

With 21% of the St. Louis workforce now 55 or older, the silver tsunami isn’t coming—it’s here. For the HR and business leaders facing this reality, succession planning doesn’t have to be complex, but it must be intentional. 

In this session, we’ll learn a practical and proven framework to assess readiness, identify critical roles, and build a future-focused leadership bench. And together, we’ll unpack what most organizations overlook: the power of aligning individual aspirations with business strategy through coaching, career clarity, and development that people believe in.

Because succession planning isn’t about filling roles, it’s about fueling growth from the inside out, so we’re not just preparing for who’s next, we’re elevating who they’re becoming.

Learning Objectives:

Betsy Grzybinski is a high-impact executive coach and leadership consultant with a passion for helping successful leaders unlock what’s next, not just in their business, but in themselves.

Early in her career, Betsy spent over a decade working with student-athletes and coaches at Lindenwood University. There she honed the skills of helping people develop in leadership, performance, and life skills. This experience built the foundation for her people-first coaching philosophy, one that guides her approach to developing others today.

As the founder of One Percent Today, Betsy’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that small, intentional shifts lead to exponential transformation. She partners with leaders to raise consciousness that shifts the way they influence, driving sustainable results through greater clarity, connection, and purpose, especially in times of change or complexity.

Betsy also serves as Director of People Operations at Lewis & Clark Capital, a private equity firm where she works closely with leadership teams across portfolio companies, bringing deep experience in leading through mergers and acquisitions, leadership transitions, and high-growth environments.

Betsy is proud to serve as President of the Board of Directors for the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA), a local nonprofit that empowers individuals with physical disabilities to find their inner athlete through adaptive sports and fitness.

She and her husband, Todd, love the excitement of chasing their seven kids around, especially from one hockey rink to another. Together, they enjoy traveling, staying active, and embracing the beautiful chaos of life’s everyday moments.

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Building Resilience into Workplace Culture: 5 Lessons from Elite Teams
Jason Fry, Trust & Leadership Coach, HealthyLeader

Discover five practical keys to building stronger, more adaptable teams in this interactive session. Drawing on lessons from elite sports teams, leadership coaching, and real-world business experience, you’ll learn how clarity, feedback, trust, and composure create a resilient workplace culture that thrives under pressure.

Learning Objectives:

Jason Fry (CoachJFry) is a certified Trust and Leadership Coach and a proven leader with over 15 years of experience spanning athletics, business operations, leadership development, and organizational growth. His career bridges the worlds of competitive sports, education, and corporate leadership, giving him a unique ability to develop both people and performance in any environment.

Jason’s journey began in athletics, where he spent more than a decade building Pure Sweat Basketball into one of the most recognized skill development programs in the nation. As the Relationship Manager and Director of Coaches, he oversaw the training and development of 66 coaches worldwide, supported athletes ranging from youth players to NBA professionals, and managed large-scale operations, budgets, and client relationships. His work emphasized not only the technical side of the game but also character development, accountability, and mentorship—values that continue to shape his approach to leadership today.

In addition to his athletic background, Jason served as a collegiate women’s basketball coach at Drury University, Missouri Baptist University, and Maryville University, where he helped athletes grow both on and off the court. These experiences reinforced his belief that leadership and personal development go hand-in-hand—whether leading a team to victory or guiding individuals toward personal and professional growth.

Jason’s leadership journey expanded into the corporate world as the Director of Operations for Precision Components and The FORGE. In this role, he managed multi-location operations, customer acquisition and retention strategies, P&L responsibilities, and cross-functional team development. He led a team of 25 subject matter experts while implementing systems that improved collaboration, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. His ability to balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational demands made him a key driver of organizational growth and performance.

As a WiLD Leaders certified Trust and Leadership Coach, Jason helps individuals and organizations develop the self-awareness, trust, and communication skills necessary to thrive in high-pressure, complex environments. His coaching philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, emphasizing authenticity, accountability, and the belief that great leaders create environments where others can succeed.

Beyond coaching and operations, Jason has served as an educator, designing curriculum that promotes health, resilience, and teamwork among students. Whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or locker rooms, his passion for helping others unlock their potential is the common thread that runs through his career.

Jason is married, with two awesome children (10yr/18yr), a loving wife, and is a proud Christian. You will find him hosting events outside, blending health, fitness, and leadership principles to better serve our communities.

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When HR Needs HR: Managing the Fire Within
Tammy Gillette, HR Consultant, 1 Elevate

HR is the person everyone turns to when they need help, when there is a problem to be resolved within the organization, or when someone is in an emergency. What happens when it's HR that has a fire? Who does HR turn to when they have an emergency? In this session, we'll compare firefighters to HR and use the F.I.R.E. acronym to provide insight into this challenging scenario.

Learning Objectives:

 
This session will shed light on the importance of being prepared for the fires that can occur on the job, understanding that avoiding these issues has greater ramifications that just stress. It will focus on practical tips that can be applied immediately.

Tammy Gillette is a seasoned HR Strategic Leader with over two decades of experience building people-first cultures. Known for driving organizational transformation across diverse industries, she has a proven ability to guide companies through significant change, from union contract negotiations and company acquisitions to implementing HR systems and resolving complex employee issues.