Barry Conchie

Barry Conchie is Principal Leadership Consultant with Gallup. In his role, he directs Gallup's global research, education, and development work on leadership. He also provides analysis, in sights, and measurement for individual executives and leadership teams in the areas of recruitment, succession planning, personal and team growth, workplace and customer engagement, and performance management. His consulting insights help leaders and their teams apply their strengths to achieve organic growth for their organizations.

In addition to speaking and presenting on strengths and leadership, Conchie delivers many of Gallup University's leadership seminars. He designs curriculum for leadership programs that meet the development needs of Gallup's client organizations. He is also a key contributor to the Gallup/University of Nebraska-Lincoln MBA program in executive leadership.

Conchie's consultancy and teaching includes leading organizations in the healthcare, information technology, retail, financial services, manufacturing, public utility, automotive, and pharmaceutical industries in the United States, Europe, South Africa, and Asia-Pacific. He has consulted extensively for government departments in the United States and Europe, especially in the field of education.

Conchie is a motivational speaker who presents frequently to businesses, universities, and public-sector organizations. He uses humor and descriptive insights -- as well as case studies, research, and empirical evidence -- to engage his audiences. His sharp focus on measurement and outcomes, coupled with his simplified approach, clearly guide audiences to ask the right questions and take the right steps toward achieving sustainable improvements in performance.

A native of England, Conchie currently lives near Washington, D.C. with his wife, Nicola, and children, Amy and Thomas.

Barry Conchie will be signing his book at the Conference

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Joseph Michelli

Joseph A. Michelli, Ph.D., is an internationally sought-after speaker, organizational psychologist, and business consultant who has been described as “catching what is right in the world and playfully sparking people and businesses to grow toward the extraordinary.” In addition, Dr. Michelli writes bestselling books about enduring business principles.

Dr. Michelli transfers his knowledge of exceptional business practices through keynote presentations that explore ways to develop joyful and productive workplaces with a focus on the total customer experience. His insights encourage leaders and frontline workers to grow and invest passionately in all aspects of their life.

In addition to his dynamic and entertaining international keynote presentations, Dr. Michelli provides CEO consultation, Corporate coaching, Group facilitation and team-building strategies, Individual development planning, Creation of open management systems, and Customized management and frontline training programs.

Dr. Michelli‘s new book about the leadership and service excellence of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is titled The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Dr. Michelli believes his greatest accomplishment is his ability to learn from the laughter and humor of his children, Andrew and Fiona.

Joseph Michelli will be signing his book at the Conference

Mount Royal College

Harold Ford Jr.

Harold Ford, Jr. served Tennessee in the United States Congress for 10 years. Described by President Bill Clinton as “the walking, living embodiment of where America ought to go in the 21st century,” Ford is now a visting Professor of Public Policy at Vanderbilt University, Chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council and Vice Chairman of Merrill Lynch and Co., Inc.

Ford recently left Fox News to join NBC, where he can currently be seen analyzing the 2008 Presidential Election on David Gregory's "Race for the White House" (MSNBC, 6 p.m. EST). Being a Washington insider, he is able to provide unique commentary on the candidates, the issues, and how November's results will affect our nation.

During his 5 terms in the Congress, Ford’s focus was results. Having served on both the Financial Services and Budget Committees, his passion for free enterprise and balanced budgets and confidence in American ingenuity to overcome any foe bolsters his belief that America’s best days are in front of us. The challenge and opportunity to grow America’s economy, strengthen our moral stature and standing in the world, find ways to free us from our dependence on oil and modernize our military to better be able to fight the enemies of democracy and tolerance around the world continues to inspire his work today. He believes that government is most effective when it’s working for the betterment of everyone.

Ford is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he got his B.A . in American history, and the University of Michigan Law School. Ford also serves on the Pentagon’s Transformation Advisory Group (TAG), an assembly of current and former military commanders, political figures, academics and business leaders who advise the Pentagon on how to modernize our armed forces to meet and defeat 21 st century threats. Ford is also an overseer on the board at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Ford lives in Memphis and Nashville and has offices in New York and Nashville

Chippewa Valley
Technical College

Maricopa County
Community College District

Dallas County
Community College District