AM Sessions
Andrew Adeniyi, Founder & CEO, AAA Solutions
Andrew is a first-generation Nigerian American from South Bend, Indiana, and the CEO & Founder of AAA Solutions; a consulting firm that provides workplace culture and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) consulting and training services.
Andrew obtained his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. He then went on to complete his Master of Science from Michigan State University in Management, Strategy & Leadership. Lastly, Andrew received a certificate in DEI in the Workplace from The Muma College of Business at The University of South Florida.
With over 10 years of executive level management experience, Andrew has helped dozens of clients improve their employee engagement and create a sense of belonging within their organizations.
Andrew currently resides just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife and three children. He published his first book titled The Circle of Leadership in the Summer of 2020. The book serves as an entrepreneurial framework on how to create and leverage culture. Andrew released his second book titled The Building Blocks of Belonging in January 2024. The book explores the intersection of workplace culture and DEI.
The Art of Storytelling: Learn to Captivate and Influence Others Through Stories & Statistics
In today’s data-driven corporate landscape, leaders face a critical challenge: How do you move beyond spreadsheets and metrics to truly connect, inspire, and drive organizational change? “The Art of Storytelling helps leaders bridge the gap between statistics and compelling human narratives. Participants will walk away with the ability to turn information into inspiration, data into dialogue, and metrics into meaningful movement.
Session Learning Objectives:
- Unpack why stories matter and the science behind stories
- Learn storytelling frameworks that resonate with diverse audiences
- Develop techniques to craft stories that elevate organizational culture
Tim Schumer, Principal Consultant, Next Level Human Capital Chief Leader Boss
Tim Schumer is the creator of Chief Leader Boss, an entrepreneurial management framework born from his 25-year career, offering a realistic, results-driven approach to management and team development. Passionate about empowering leaders and fostering high-performing teams, Tim brings a wealth of real-world experience and innovative strategies to every engagement. Founder of Next Level Human Capital, Tim is dedicated to transforming organizations through leadership development, HR innovation, and team-building excellence.
As a seasoned professional with a unique blend of military and corporate experience, Tim has successfully built HR functions, designed impactful management training programs, and led global initiatives to enhance team dynamics.
Chief Leader Boss: A Management Framework to Unlock Your Manager’s True Potential
Are You Ready to Unlock Your Manager’s True Potential?
Imagine walking into your next team meeting with a powerful blueprint that transforms how you develop, support, and elevate your management talent – turning underperforming managers into strategic assets that drive your organization forward.
This is where Chief Leader Boss comes in – a fresh, innovative approach that gives you a clear blueprint for understanding and developing your managers.
Beyond the typical management theory, this framework offers a practical lens to view your team’s potential and:
- Reveals the hidden strengths of your management team
- Pinpoints exactly where each manager can grow
- Creates personalized development paths that are practical
SESSION LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
In this eye-opening session, you’ll learn how to:
- Identify the three critical manager types in your organization
- Rate your management talent with precision
- Apply the Framework to your organizational development planning
Who should attend?
Anyone struggling with difficulties in poor management performance; identifying the right managers for the job; or creating an organizational development plan to align training based on individual needs.
Dr. Lynn Johnson, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP; Senior Business Consultant, Triumphant HR Solutions
Dr. Lynn Johnson is a passionate advocate for people and leadership with over two decades of experience. She is dedicated to empowering leaders to lead with caring and compassion, creating positive and impactful workplace environments. In 2019, she founded Triumphant HR Solutions, offering tailored services to small and medium-sized organizations. Specializing in leadership, employee engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Dr. Lynn transforms organizations into “best places to work.” She is also the author of “Who Cares: A Leader’s Guide to Enhancing Employee Engagement,” which explores innovative strategies for engaging employees. Her unwavering commitment to authenticity and collaboration sparks meaningful conversations and inspires lasting change in all her endeavors.
Additionally, Dr. Lynn is the President of the Greater Orlando Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Chapter.
Empowered to Rise: Harnessing Resilience for Leadership Success
Explore how resilience fuels effective leadership by providing the tools to overcome obstacles, spark innovation, and inspire others to thrive. This session will equip you with practical strategies to turn challenges into opportunities, reignite your passion for leading, and cultivate a thriving team, even in the most demanding circumstances.
Session Learning Objectives:
- Learn strategies to build personal resilience and stay energized during challenging times.
- Discover how to foster resilience in your teams to drive engagement and performance.
- Gain tools to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth and innovation.
Tanya Zion, Business Manager, Engagement Services, AAIM
Tanya joined AAIM in 2021 and is responsible for overseeing Employee Opinion and Engagement Surveys and Affirmative Action Plans for AAIM Members.
Tanya is a results-driven leader with extensive experience in operations, change management, employee engagement, sales operations, and people development serving both Fortune 500 companies and startups across a broad range of industries. She specializes in process improvement, change management, and cross-functional team integration within the clients she serves. Her success in these areas has led her to be a sought-after resource.
Tanya’s broad career experience is perfectly fitted for the requirements of businesses. Her career began in the telecommunications industry selling and implementing over $5MM in services for projects of varying size. She was promoted to a regional sales trainer where she launched three regional training hubs and was responsible for double digit sales growth through competitive replacement and new opportunity generation within the telecommunications industry. Her passion for entrepreneurial ventures led her to the executive suite of a startup business which resulted in acquisition by a Fortune 500 company. Additionally, she has helped businesses achieve triple-digit year-over-year growth, launched products internationally, and managed broad-scale systems integrations within matrix organizations. Tanya has spent the last 10+ years consulting a variety of clients in the areas of strategic planning, change management, people development, information technology, and executive management. Tanya brings this wealth of experience and knowledge to each of her valued clients.
Tanya holds a B.S. in Business Administration Indiana State University and a J.D. in Health Care Law from Indiana University. In addition, she holds a Yellow Belt in Lean Six Sigma and a certification in Mindfulness.
“Mind the Gap!” How to Create a Highly Engaged Multigenerational Workforce
Bridging generational differences in the workplace is key to fostering collaboration, productivity, and employee satisfaction. This seminar explores strategies to engage and motivate a diverse workforce by understanding the unique values, communication styles, and expectations of different generations. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to create an inclusive, high-performing work environment where every generation thrives.
Session Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key characteristics, values, and work preferences of different generations in today’s workforce.
- Develop communication and leadership strategies that foster collaboration and engagement across generational divides.
- Implement best practices to create an inclusive workplace culture that leverages generational strengths for business success.
PM Sessions
Tracey Wik, Senior Training Facilitator, AAIM
Most people dread Monday mornings. Tracey Wik helps managers and employees love them.
With over two decades of talent management experience, she doesn’t just help leaders manage their careers; she helps them reimagine what’s possible. Her work is less about organizational charts and more about human potential. Tracey sees beyond spreadsheets and sees stories. She transforms workplaces from soul-crushing machines into engines of human possibility. Her expertise spans organizational development, business strategy, and creating cultures where people don’t just survive work— they thrive in it.
As a human capital industry speaker and writer, she covers topics related to strategy, culture, women’s entrepreneurship, and disruptive talent management practices. Previously, Tracey was a partner for an international firm that provided people analytics and consulting services to organizations in the private and public sectors. She is a founding board member of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Institute at DePaul University, the Nation’s first comprehensive institute for women business founders.
When not working, Tracey enjoys being outdoors with her husband, teenage daughter, and two water dogs.
Transformative Leadership: My 1%
Picture a tightrope walker, gracefully balancing between stability and chaos. That’s modern leadership – but instead of a safety net, you’ve got quarterly targets below. Transformative leadership isn’t about grand sweeping actions or dramatic overhauls. It’s about mastering the art of contradictions: being vulnerable and strong, structured and adaptable, visionary and present.
“My 1%” introduces a radical idea: that micro-movements in how you lead – tiny adjustments in self-awareness and emotional intelligence – can send ripples throughout your entire organization. Like compound interest for your leadership capacity, these small daily choices accumulate into profound change.
Session Learning Objectives:
- By the end of this session, participants will learn game changing, emotional intelligence micro-practices to harness the creative tensions of today’s workplace to build their leadership capabilities.
- By the end of this session, participants will understand the hidden cost of “common sense” and discover how overplaying their strengths can lead to disengagement and poor performance.
Michael Maciekowich, National Director, Astron Solutions
Michael F. Maciekowich is a National Director for Astron Solutions. His areas of expertise include the development, design, and implementation of executive, physician, & employee base pay systems, short- & long-term incentive programs, sales incentive programs, and performance management systems in all industries.
Michael has over 40 years of consulting and industry compensation experience. Before Astron, Michael worked for numerous consulting firms such as The Hay Group, Towers Watson, Adams, Nash & Haskell, and the Omni Group. He began his career in 1978 at Zenith Electronics, continuing his career at Honeywell and the American Hospital Association before moving into consulting.
Michael is a sought-after speaker in total rewards program design. He has presented at national ASHHRA (American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration) and WorldatWork conferences, as well as numerous local ASHHRA & SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) chapters. His topics include current trends in compensation program design, design & utilization of gamification strategies in employee engagement, creative performance management program design, customer satisfaction-driven rewards systems, and Compensation 101 for Beginners.
Michael is an active member of WorldatWork, the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration, and the Society for Human Resource Management. He is also a member of various local & state human resource associations across the country. Michael received a lifetime achievement award from WorldatWork.
Michael received bachelor’s degrees in political science and philosophy from Loyola University of Chicago and a master’s degree in industrial relations, from Loyola University of Chicago, Quinlan School of Business.
Michael can be followed on LinkedIn
The Shift in the Political Climate and Its Impact on 2025 Compensation Planning
This session will review how the shift in the political climate going into 2025 has impacted compensation program design and planning. This session will review the results of a client survey conducted in Q1 2025 as well as Astron’s current activity in response to the new political climate.
Session Learning Objectives:
Focus will be on a survey of clients conducted in Q1 2025 on:
- Has the change in Washington DC altered previously approved 2025 compensation budgets.
- What revisions, deletions and/or additions is your organization considering for 2025.
- Has your organization considered developing formal career path programs and pay transparency policies or has the change in Washington resulted in a delay on such programs for 2025.
- Has the potential for increased lack of employees or the potential for higher inflation due to Washington DC policies altered your 2025 compensation budgeting.
Steve Hughes, Principal, Hit Your Stride; Speaker, Author
Steve Hughes is an award-winning speaker who helps people look and sound smart when they talk. He’s the author of Captivate and has been featured on NPR, BBC Radio, KMOV, and in The Wall Street Journal. He’s a former owner of a 50-person ad agency in Clayton and today he works with companies large and small, top law firms, national associations, and leading universities. Steve holds a BA in French Literature and European History from the University of Kansas and an MBA in Marketing from Washington University where he was awarded the prestigious Olin Cup. When he’s not speaking, he can be found attempting home improvement projects and training for the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Improvisational Leadership
As you go about your day-to-day activities, there’s no script for how each moment plays out.
You need to improvise every step of the way. But what if you were able to lead people so that every action you took made them feel listened to and valued? What if you could bounce back and flourish no matter what came your way? You can. All it takes is a simple shift in mindset and changing two words in your vocabulary. In this hands-on session, you will learn how to harness the untapped EQ you already possess and channel it towards new and exciting ends. Borrowing insights from positive psychology, improv performers, and the science of happiness, you’ll walk away empowered and inspired to elevate your leadership and generate tangible results. Here’s your chance to invigorate (or create) a culture that everyone wants to be a part of, and no one wants to leave.
Session Learning Objectives:
Attendees will discover how to:
- Think better on your feet.
- Elevate the way people see you.
- Make decisions with more conviction.
- Create a more positive and inclusive environment.
Nicole Ursch, MBA, O.D.; Principal, Actionable Insights, LLC
Nicole Ursch, MBA, O.D., is the owner of Actionable Insights, LLC, whose mission is to transform organizations and strengthen individuals with insights fueled by action. Since 2018, Nicole has been an Emotional Intelligence practitioner, specializing in training and 1:1 coaching where she guides individuals to harness their Emotional Intelligence to drive their professional success and add measurable value to their organizations. Nicole also develops and implements other forms of impactful programs to foster professional growth and enhanced organizational effectiveness, and recently became a Motivational Maps Consultant.
Nicole has an undergraduate degree in K-12 Vocal Music Education, a Master’s in Business Administration, and completed her post-graduate work in Organizational Development.
The Emotionally Intelligent Leader
Multiple studies over the past three decades indicate that a high level of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is linked to traits needed for effective, transformational leadership. In this presentation, attendees will receive an overview of the 16 elements of Emotional Intelligence and learn how successful leaders leverage their EQ to enhance their performance, and the performance of their teams.
Session Learning Objectives:
- By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify and summarize the 16 elements of Emotional Intelligence and understand how they relate to successful leadership.
- By the end of the session, participants will be able to evaluate how their personal engagement with Emotional Intelligence influences their leadership effectiveness and the overall performance of their teams.
Heath Luehmann, Senior Training Facilitator, AAIM
Heath is a seasoned growth coach and leadership consultant with expertise in human growth and development. He specializes in helping individuals and organizations achieve transformative and sustainable change. Originally from Minnesota, Heath has called the St. Louis area home since 2001, bringing over two decades of experience to his work. He is professionally trained and certified through the Townsend Institute and is an active member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), ensuring his approach meets the highest industry standards. Based in Chesterfield, Missouri, Heath and his family are deeply involved in their community, committed to contributing to the positive initiatives and opportunities shaping the St. Louis region.
Empowered to Rise: Harnessing Resilience for Leadership Success
Explore how resilience fuels effective leadership by providing the tools to overcome obstacles, spark innovation, and inspire others to thrive. This session will equip you with practical strategies to turn challenges into opportunities, reignite your passion for leading, and cultivate a thriving team, even in the most demanding circumstances.
Session Learning Objectives:
- Learn strategies to build personal resilience and stay energized during challenging times.
- Discover how to foster resilience in your teams to drive engagement and performance.
- Gain tools to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth and innovation.