Who’s on Our Radar for HR & People Strategy Programming
Your HR and people culture strategy is already in motion — the right speaker can bring it to life with insights your teams will carry long after the event ends. Whether you’re planning an executive offsite, a culture summit, or an HR leadership conference, these three speakers offer timely, research-backed perspectives on AI, performance, and the future of work.
Keep these in mind for your upcoming programming, or pass them along to a colleague who’s in planning mode!
1. Iliana Oris Valiente – AI Strategy, Borderless Work & the Future of Human Potential
Iliana Oris Valiente helps leadership teams make sense of what’s next. Her keynotes blend real-world business strategy with bold insights on AI, borderless work, and how organizations design a future humans actually want to live in.
From decoding digital nomads inside your own workforce to live demos of Laila—her own AI twin—Iliana’s sessions challenge conventional thinking and equip teams to act with clarity. Her three-layer framework (Foundation → Applications → Human Experience) is used by C-suite leaders and innovation teams to cut through the hype and confidently deliver ROI. She’ll also release her new book based on The Potted Plant Theory next spring—a neuroscience-based framework for understanding who thrives in high-change, high-mobility environments.
Recent Rave Review: “Of all the AI thought leaders I’ve seen on stage in the past three years, Iliana delivered one of the most breathtaking presentations. She posed a powerful question: “Is AI built for humans, or to further advance tech?” Her perspective was both refreshing and deeply human-centered.“
For Teams Navigating: AI strategy and implementation, distributed work, digital trust and identity
Best For: C-suite and senior executive offsites, HR and innovation leaders, global talent strategy
2. Dr. Shawna Pandya – Success, Failure & Pushing the Limits
Dr. Shawna Pandya draws on her experience in extreme and operational environments to deliver grounded, high-impact insights for organizations supporting teams through rapid change, burnout, and shifting dynamics.
As Canada’s first named female commercial astronaut, Shawna brings a rare perspective on what it takes to push limits, stay focused, and remain adaptable under pressure. Her sessions help audiences rethink what’s possible in times of challenge and change—and leave with tools they can apply immediately.
Recent Rave Review: “Shawna, Canada’s first named female commercial astronaut, truly inspired me with her journey. My biggest “aha” moment was her quote, “You can be hard on yourself in a way that is destructive… or in a way that is productive.” The art of the debrief is something near and dear to event professionals but something that is so often overlooked.“
For Teams Navigating: New horizons, novel challenges, burnout, uncertainty and performance
Best For: C-suites, leadership, high-pressure environments requiring high performance, and teams looking for new insights
3. Sarah Baldeo – Technology, Innovation & the Neuroscience of Change
Sarah Baldeo delivers research-based, neuroscience-informed frameworks that help HR professionals and employees understand why people resist or embrace change—and how to build genuine adaptability and psychological resilience.
Baldeo bridges brain science and innovation to help teams translate neuroscience into practical strategies for resetting stress, fostering engagement, and thriving in complexity. Her sessions give teams both a framework and a shared vocabulary to talk about what’s really happening beneath the surface—at work and in learning. Her newest bestseller, 100 Ways To Future-Proof Your Brain in the Age of AI, is part neuroscience manual, part reinvention playbook.
Recent Rave Review: “Sarah was committed to delivering an informative and engaging presentation. She made AI accessible for our audience, equipped them with practical knowledge, and brought humor to her inspiring keynote.“
For Teams Navigating: Organizational change, transformation, or restructuring; Post-merger culture shifts or role realignment; Cognitive overload, burnout, and decision fatigue; Rebuilding trust and clarity after uncertainty; Return-to-office tension or hybrid team integration
Best For: HR and People leaders designing future-ready teams; DEI & Culture leaders navigating resistance or re-engagement; L&D, Executives managing generational divides, change resistance, or innovation fatigue; Wellness & Benefits leaders
Bring Meaningful Programming to Your Next Event
The speakers above are available through National Speakers Bureau, with 50+ years of experience matching organizations with the right voices for their moments. Whether you’re building a full conference program or looking for one keynote that lands, NSB’s team can help you find the fit.
Contact NSB today to get personalized recommendations for your next HR or people culture event.
