Trusted HR Leadership Experts

As a forward-thinking HR leader, I specialize in transforming cultures, scaling HR functions, and driving organizational growth in both startups and large enterprises. I leverage AI, automation, and HR technology to optimize talent strategies, workforce planning, and HR operations while strengthening employer brand and business impact. With deep expertise in HR operations, compliance, global talent programs, and compensation structures, I design data-driven, agile solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness, skills alignment, and workforce agility. My hands-on, technical approach enables streamlined processes, improved decision-making, and scalable HR frameworks. A specialist in change management, executive partnerships, and business-aligned HR strategy, I work closely with leaders to implement high-impact HR initiatives that drive performance, engagement, and innovation in fast-paced, evolving environments.

Jacqueline Twillie is a leadership strategist and negotiation expert who empowers underrepresented leaders, including women, to command their worth, lead authentically, and achieve results. Born near Louisiana’s bayou and now based in Brooklyn, she blends Southern warmth with urban grit, guiding professionals through complex corporate landscapes. Her philosophy: leaders should shape their environments rather than simply adapt. Through her consultancy, ZeroGap, Jacqueline conducts masterclasses, workshops, and coaching sessions that transform hesitant conversations into strategic opportunities. Her proven negotiation frameworks enable clients to speak up confidently, secure fair value, and step into roles that once seemed out of reach. Drawing on research and real-world application, her guidance resonates with emerging professionals and seasoned executives alike. Addressing the challenges historically excluded leaders face, Jacqueline encourages authenticity and fosters inclusive workplace cultures. Media outlets and publishers find her insights authoritative yet accessible—complete with data, examples, and practical strategies. She’s an ideal source on topics like pay equity, closing leadership gaps, and building resilient, people-centered organizations. Influenced by her own journey, Jacqueline learned perseverance in Louisiana and honed strategic skills in Brooklyn’s competitive climate. She helps others transcend obstacles, discover strengths, and redefine what it means to have a seat at the table. For professionals eager to level up, publishers seeking expert content, and media needing credible thought leadership on equity, negotiation, and inclusive leadership, Jacqueline Twillie stands ready. She equips leaders to embrace their power, negotiate what they deserve, and shape organizations for a more equitable future. Working with Jacqueline means tapping into expertise that yields lasting impact.

Ricci shares insights on the latest trends and best practices in marketing, LegalTech, strategy, and e-learning in various industry publications. His multifaceted experience allows him to discuss a broad range of topics, from both strategic and hands-on perspectives. Ricci is a seasoned marketing communications professional with over 20 years of experience helping people connect effectively with their audiences. He currently applies his expertise to learning technology and digital adoption strategy as part of the intellek.io team. Intellek provides robust and effective learning technology to support a diverse client base. Repeatedly named as the best LMS for law firms and legal professionals; alongside a broad eLearning content library, training and assessment creation tool, and a unique onboarding digital adoption platform.

I am Sri Chellappa, the CEO, President, and Co-Founder of Engagedly, an AI-enabled people strategy platform designed to revolutionize traditional performance appraisals. At Engagedly, I focus on simplifying performance reviews by integrating employee engagement and development, helping organizations build high-performing, people-centric cultures. With over 20 years of experience in software development, consulting, and organizational leadership, I have had the privilege of working with leading firms like EY and Capgemini. My career has taught me the immense value of investing in people—not just for their individual success but for the success of the organization as a whole. I am passionate about empowering employees to grow, stay engaged, and develop the skills they need to thrive and advance in their careers. My journey has been shaped by a diverse range of experiences that span technology, health IT, people management, and creative arts. As a filmmaker, I’ve written, directed, and produced six feature films that have been distributed globally on platforms like Netflix, NBCUniversal, Fox International, Showtime, and Amazon Prime. These experiences have fueled my ability to think strategically, lead creatively, and deliver impactful results. Career Highlights: Author: The Black Book of Agile Project Delivery with Distributed Teams, where I share my insights on managing distributed teams effectively. Film Industry Achievements: Writer, Director, and Producer of six feature films with international distribution across major platforms. I am passionate about creating engaged, agile organizations and leveraging my leadership skills to help employees and companies succeed together.

I’m Tawny Rodriguez, an award-winning HR leader with 13 years of experience in building and optimizing HR departments. As the Head of HR at Rowland Hall, Utah's top independent K-12 school, I work closely with leadership to implement strategies that align with goals and drive measurable results. My expertise spans talent acquisition to compliance, and I’m passionate about creating environments where people thrive and businesses succeed. I’ve been featured in top outlets like SHRM, U.S. News & World Report, HR.com, and Indeed, sharing insights on leadership, work-life balance, and the future of HR. Whether navigating complex HR challenges or discussing trends, I’m ready to provide valuable insights that help drive change and spark meaningful conversations.

Interdisciplinary Global Marketing and Human Resource Development (HRD) executive with over 20 years of experience scaling brand ecosystems across enterprise, high-growth, and startup environments – from Fortune 1 (Walmart) to VC- and PE-backed ventures. Adept at developing emotionally resonant, data-driven brand strategies that drive top-line growth, market share and long-term equity. Proven expertise leading cross-functional and regional teams, launching go-to-market strategies across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas, and overseeing portfolios with budgets up to $100MM. Known for transforming complex market insights into differentiated brand positioning, unifying internal culture with external messaging and operationalizing high-performing marketing infrastructures. Fluent in growth strategy, creative storytelling, product innovation alignment and maximizing ROI through global-local execution.

As an experienced HR Manager at ProProfs, I am passionate about building high-performing teams, fostering positive workplace culture, and aligning HR strategies with organizational goals. Throughout my career, I have honed expertise in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management, enabling me to drive both individual and organizational success. At ProProfs, I have successfully led initiatives such as: Streamlining hiring processes to attract top-tier talent. Developing training programs to boost employee skill sets and retention. Implementing HR technologies to enhance operational efficiency. I believe that the heart of any thriving business is its people, and I strive to create environments where employees feel motivated, valued, and empowered to excel.

From a past marked by transracial adoption, the loss of a parent, a traumatic assault, and teen incarceration, A. Margot Blair emerged with unwavering resilience, determined not to be defined by her hardships. Today, she is a respected Bible Teacher, Learning and Development Specialist at a technology company, Leadership Consultant, and Retreat Host. With over a decade of experience and currently pursuing her Doctorate in Leadership, she empowers women at the intersection of faith and leadership. As a trained and seasoned consultant, A. Margot coaches, mentors, and consults with women leaders across various sectors. Her expertise has fueled a 23-city tour, three professional development conferences, a $500K+ partnership portfolio, and the creation of seven personal and professional development resources—including books and courses. She has been honored as a Top 40 Under 40 Leader, a Top 35 Millennial Influencer, and the recipient of three state proclamations presented by Phoenix mayors. Her clients have included Comerica Bank, Grand Canyon University’s Honors College, and employees from LinkedIn, the Dallas Mavericks, ADP, Toyota, Prudential, and more. A former Forbes Business Coach and contributor, she teaches companies and leaders how to implement the blueprint that helped her build a thriving, multi-6-figure partnership portfolio. A. Margot’s work has been featured on The 700 Club, Fast Company, Esther Press, Lifeway, Goodwill AZ, Zapier, SCORE, and America’s Small Business Development Center. She is also a regular content partner for the YouVersion Bible App—with over 10 Bible plans—and a contributor to Esther Press, Journey Magazine, and other publications. Most importantly, A. Margot Blair is the wife of Vincent and the proud mother of her bonus children, Esaias and Alyvia, and her preschooler, Luke.

Anu Mandapati is a nationally recognized expert in leadership, culture, and organizational transformation. As a Fractional Chief Culture & Talent Officer, master-certified coach, and trusted advisor to boards and executive teams, she helps mission-driven organizations build workplaces where culture, leadership, and performance thrive. Anu has led culture and talent initiatives across industries — from professional services firms like PwC, to financial institutions like Quicken Loans (now Rocket Companies), to federal agencies like FEMA, and nonprofits like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She partners with leaders navigating pivotal moments of change — including M&A, leadership transitions, cultural misalignment, and shifts in business strategy. Named a a Top 100 People Leader, Culture Pioneer, and Visionary in Inclusive Talent Leadership, her work has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Inc., HR Daily Advisor, and Yahoo. She also serves on the teaching staff of Harvard Extension School and the People and Culture Strategy Institute. Known for her strategic insight, human-first approach, and ability to spark courageous leadership, Anu helps executives and teams create cultures that not only perform — but endure. 🎤 Media-ready topics she covers: + Leading through organizational change and uncertainty + Building aligned, high-trust executive teams + Culture as a business driver + Influence without authority + The future of leadership is human

Julie Catalano is a strategic and people-first Human Resources executive with deep expertise in scaling talent, culture, and leadership capability across high-growth and private equity–backed organizations. She has built a career driving meaningful change in fast-paced environments through workforce design, organizational development, M&A integration, and inclusive leadership. Known for translating complex business challenges into human capital strategies that work, Julie partners at the board and C-suite level to align people, culture, and performance. She is also a published thought leader on talent strategy, change management, and the evolving role of HR in business transformation.

Susan Andrews is a senior HR consultant with over 30 years of experience, specializing in HR functions, employee relations, and workforce strategy. At KIS Finance, she also helps clients navigate complex financial needs. With a deep understanding of risk management, compliance, and employment law, she has worked at board level, ensuring HR strategies align with business objectives. As a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD), Susan’s expertise includes designing reward and development strategies, implementing GDPR compliance, and managing complex employee relations issues. Outside of work, Susan enjoys horse riding, pilates, and reading.

Ritesh Seth, CEO and Co-founder of Empathy Employer, is a business leader and Organizational Culture Strategist. With over 15 years of experience guiding cross-functional teams across Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized businesses, and startups, Ritesh combines his business acumen with a passion for human resources to drive organizational excellence and employee well-being. Holding a Bachelor's in Marketing from Concord University and an MBA from Virginia Tech, Ritesh specializes in business strategy, employer branding, marketing, human resources, and leadership development. He is passionate about developing inclusive workplaces, leveraging data-driven insights to build positive organizational cultures that foster both employee satisfaction and business success. As the driving force behind Empathy Employer, Ritesh works at the intersection of business strategy and HR, developing innovative tools to assess and cultivate organizational empathy. He firmly believes that empathy is the bridge connecting people, purpose, and performance. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Ritesh continues to champion the idea that in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, empathy isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a crucial driver of innovation, employee satisfaction, and sustainable success.

A highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with a strong foundation in marketing and management, holding a double major in both disciplines. Experienced in human resources across non-profit and for-profit sectors, as well as in marketing, bringing a versatile skill set to any organization. Known for exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a dedication to continuous growth and learning. Passionate about driving efficiency, fostering positive workplace culture, and contributing to strategic business success through hard work and adaptability.

Desiree Russo is a Partner and Senior Vice President of Portfolio Operations at MasonMade Ventures, where she drives operational excellence across the firm's portfolio of critical infrastructure companies. With nearly two decades of experience in construction and facilities management, Desiree brings extensive expertise in scaling processes, managing operations, and delivering best-in-class service to clients nationwide. Before co-founding MasonMade, Desiree served as Partner and Vice President of Operations at CS Hudson, where she was instrumental in streamlining workflows, exceeding client expectations, and developing internal talent. Earlier in her career, she advanced steadily through leadership roles at a facility management company—starting as a Client Team Manager and ultimately becoming Director of Client Services. She began her professional journey at Empire Facilities Management Group, rising from Coordinator to Supervisor to National Account Manager. Desiree attributes her career growth to a strong work ethic, a focus on operational efficiency, and a people-first leadership philosophy. As a female leader in a historically male-dominated industry, Desiree is known for breaking norms and modeling an inclusive, collaborative. Her leadership is characterized by humility, active listening, and a commitment to continuous improvement—for individuals, teams, and the businesses she helps to scale. She is a two-time recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award, recognizing her consistent impact in building high-performing teams and lasting client relationships.