Schedule/Speakers
2023 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Achieve Positive Outcomes
Tracy Stock is one of the most in-demand and top-rated female speakers in North America today because of her ability to inspire behavior change and achieve positive outcomes— whether live or online. As a coveted Certified Speaking Professional® (CSP), Tracy holds the highest honor in the speaking profession, held by only 12 percent of speakers worldwide. It can only be earned by demonstrating exceptional speaking ability, outstanding business management, recognized ethics and integrity, and a proven track record of distinguished professionalism and success.
Her experience includes serving as a former director of learning and development Where Tracy was accountable for talent management and employee development, and parlayed her career to become an expert on workplace culture. With more than 20 years of speaking experience, her trusted clients include the U.S. Army, Motorola, Berkshire Hathaway, US Bank, True Value and Subway, to name a few.
In addition to keynote speaking, Tracy is also exceptionally talented as a consummate training professional, engaging workshop participants in interactive, fun and results-focused programs. She has a unique ability to connect with participants quickly, provide a warm and comfortable environment, encourage respectful discussion, and achieve expected learning outcomes.
Beyond engaging audiences, Tracy is also a prolific and best-selling author—now with five published titles including:
- HOLY COW! How to Create an Amazing Workplace that Steers Passion, Performance & Prosperity
- The One Choice Rule: Transform Your Life and Work by Changing Your Mindset and Behavior
- Tame the Turbulence! Avoid Losing It. Fly Through It.
- The Perfect Pair of Jeans: Design Your Life to Fit You. Dream It. Plan It. Live It.
- Conscious Choices: 10 Powerful Strategies to Grab Control and Transform Your Life
Tracy is a dynamic, passionate speaker who is committed to energizing workplace culture, enhancing employee engagement and empowering high performance—helping organizations, teams and individuals live more productive, passionate and purposeful lives. When looking for a memorable speaker who understands client’s needs, delivers on her promises, and drives energy and success.
April Simpkins, SHRM-CP, PHR
April is a dually certified HR Professional with 30 years of executive-level Human Resources experience. April is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Questco, a human resources services firm focused on supporting the HR needs of small- to mid-sized businesses. Prior to holding this role, April was a senior level HR consultant. During this time, she helped over 1000 business owners shape and develop their human capital.
April’s experience and expertise, coupled with her continued study of Human Resources trends, have made her a trusted advisor for many in the business community. It also led to an invitation to The Business Journal Leadership Trust, allowing April to share her expertise with leaders nationwide. She has been a requested presenter and guest speaker for organizations that include Harvard University Extension School, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, The Citadel, EEOC, and The National Urban League, to name a few.
April is a board member of the York County Regional Chamber and the SC Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). She also sits on the Duke Energy Advisory Board in the Upstate of South Carolina.
April chaired the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee for Greenville SHRM. In 2020 April received the Unsung Hero Award from Greenville SHRM for her exemplary leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She was the South Carolina Society for Human Resources Management Diversity Director from 2018 to 2020. Her service and commitment to the HR community and the profession’s advancement led to her selection as a member of the HR Advisory Board for Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. There, she works with a team of HR thought leaders charged with designing the human resources undergraduate and postgraduate degree curriculum and programs.
April has received many awards and honors for her business acumen. Her awards include The 2020 Women In Business Achievement Award from the Charlotte Business Journal, the 2018 Fort Mill/ Tega Cay Business Person of The Year Award from the York County Regional Chamber, and the Movers & Shaker Award given by Business Leader Magazine. In 2016, April was named one of Charlotte’s 50 Most Influential Women by Mecklenburg Times. In 2022 April was named to the impressive list of 100 Women to KNOW In America. In 2021 April received the prestigious WPO Presidents Award.
April is also an advocate for mental health. She became a more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter, Cheslie Kryst. Cheslie battled depression for many years. April, an ambassador for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), is committed to breaking the stigma of mental illness. April has shared Cheslie’s story emphasizing the importance of mental health on programs like Red Table Talk, CBS Mornings, and ExtraTV. She has also contributed to print media, including an article in the New York Times.
April is a classically trained pianist, an avid runner, athlete, mother, wife, and entrepreneur.
Mike Lee
Founder of MindShift Labs
In a world of disruption, change, and adversity Mike Lee helps individual contributors, leaders, and organizations activate the purpose-driven, future-focused, and heart-centered skills that drive engagement, win the war for talent and create cultures of belonging. He’s blended a diverse background of mindset, mindfulness, and high-performance to create a counter-cultural approach to the future of leadership.
Mike’s engaging, inspiring, and interactive programs at F500 companies and professional associations like Morgan Stanley, AmFam, Cisco, SHRM and IBM have earned rave reviews from bold and driven leaders. He’s delivered this approach through keynotes in packed ballrooms of a thousand where he’s shared the stage with cultural icons and speakers such Mike Tyson, Eric Thomas and Jesse Itzler, as well as, intimate workshops with 10-person senior leadership teams. Mike has been described as “the easiest and most conscientious speaker I’ve worked with”, “the perfect choice to kick off our event” and having “an impeccable ability to tell a story”.
For 15 years he worked with some of basketball’s elite earning testimonials from NBA players such as MVP Steph Curry. Through his experience building an international basketball brand from his college apartment, and growing it while battling anxiety and depression, Mike understands the challenges leaders face in this volatile, uncertain, and complex world. His unique combination of personal adversity and basketball background gives him the ability to connect in a vulnerable and authentic way with a diverse range of audiences from the stage.
Drawing on the latest research from neuroscience, sports psychology, and personal experience, he’s shared stories and practical exercises — across the world — to help people find their own inner power and poise to thrive in business and life. His latest book, The New Rules For The Future of Leadership, has been endorsed by the likes of Nieman Marcus Chief People and Belonging Officer and other Fortune 500 leaders.
2023 State Conference Summary Schedule Example
An example of our 2023 Making Waves In HR schedule is below! This is only an example, and the final schedule will be out later this year. Make sure you register, so you do not miss out on the Keynote speakers and concurrent presenters!