2025 Speakers

Brian is Google’s Chief Talent and Learning Officer. Responsible for building a vibrant, inclusive culture that accelerates the growth of Google’s business and talent, he oversees onboarding, training, leadership development and talent management for 180,000 “Googlers” in more than
60 countries. In 2017, Brian founded The Google School for Leaders, the company’s first-ever enterprise leadership development center of excellence, which has reached 30,000 leaders to date.

Prior to joining Google, Brian founded and led gothamCulture, a New York City-based organizational development firm specializing in leadership and culture transformation. Brian advised C-level leaders from American Red Cross, British Airways, JetBlue Airways, Kulula Airlines, Lockheed Martin, Marriott International, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Oppenheimer Funds, South African Airways, U.S. Department of Defense and Virgin America. In 2014, Inc. Magazine named gothamCulture as
one of America’s fastest growing companies.

Previously, Brian led organizational development for JetBlue Airways. Brian helped shape the company’s distinctive culture from the ground up and contributed to the company’s massive growth as a member of the original start up team. Prior to that, Brian held positions at Continental Airlines and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Brian serves on several Boards including The Gansevoort in New York City, Global Airlines, Lift, and Bideawee, one of the country’s first animal rescue organizations. Brian holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Communications, an M.S. in Organizational Change Management, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology. He lives in New York City with his partner and 10-year-old dog, Alfred.

Lorraine Stomski, Ph.D., is the Chief Talent Officer at Walmart, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the company’s workforce. With a profound commitment to driving organizational excellence, Lorraine spearheads Walmart’s talent strategy, focusing on leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and employee engagement. Before joining Walmart, Lorraine brought her expertise to various high-profile roles in the industry, demonstrating a consistent ability to innovate and inspire. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, which underscores her deep understanding of the science behind effective human capital management. Lorraine is renowned for her strategic vision and her ability to cultivate a thriving corporate culture that aligns with Walmart’s mission to create a workplace where associates can unlock their full potential. In addition to her professional achievements, Lorraine is an advocate for lifelong learning and mentoring, often sharing her insights through speaking engagements and thought leadership. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment continues to position Walmart as a leader in the retail industry.

Sandra Humbles is a visionary leader with over 30 years of distinguished experience, currently serving as Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Learning Officer since 2021. She is the driving force behind the launch of an innovative and personalized learning and development framework, empowering every J&J employee to thrive in their careers.

Before assuming her pivotal role as Johnson & Johnson’s first Chief Learning Officer, Sandra Humbles served as the Vice President of Global Education Solutions for MedTech. In this capacity, she refined her expertise in pioneering learning strategies and global education, leaving an indelible mark on the MedTech industry. Her contributions shaped the educational landscape and propelled professional growth on a global scale.

Today, Sandra Humbles leads a global team devoted to shaping the future of L&D. Her forward-thinking leadership stands as the vanguard, ensuring that learning becomes a driving force behind the organization’s success.

Sandra Humbles’ unwavering commitment to professional growth and development within Johnson & Johnson is a testament to her dedication to nurturing a workforce that is both skilled and passionate. She envisions a future where learning and development seamlessly integrate into the Johnson & Johnson’s DNA, enabling every individual to thrive. Her legacy is one of transformation, where learning and progress go hand in hand, driving both individual success and the achievement of J&J’s vision to blend heart, science & ingenuity to profoundly impact health for humanity.

Brandon Carson is Starbucks’ vice president of learning, leadership, and cultural experiences. In his role, Brandon is responsible for global partner (employee) learning and cultural experiences and their corresponding strategies.

Prior to Starbucks, Brandon led the talent development strategy and the academic degree programs for Walmart. Other career highlights include leading learning at Home Depot and Delta Air Lines as well as leadership roles at Apple and Yahoo!

Brandon has authored two books, Learning in the Age of Immediacy, and L&D’s Playbook for the Digital Age both from ATD Press. In 2020, he founded L&D Cares, a nonprofit that provides no-cost mentoring, coaching and resources for talent professionals. Brandon holds an M.Ed in Educational Technology, a BA in Business, and certification in advanced analysis. He has one daughter, Hannah, who lives in Santa Cruz, CA. His favorite hobbies include travel and street photography and collecting vinyl. Brandon’s favorite Starbucks drink is an iced grande caramel macchiato with soy milk, extra caramel, and vanilla sweet cream cold foam.

Anandi Shankar is the Global Head of Learning at Unilever, a prominent multinational consumer goods company. With an exceptional track record in the fields of organizational development and talent management, Anandi brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative strategies to her role. She leads Unilever’s learning and development initiatives worldwide, driving growth and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the organization. Anandi’s passion for empowering individuals and teams is matched by her commitment to creating inclusive, diverse learning environments that cater to a global workforce. Her strategic vision and hands-on approach have helped Unilever achieve its business goals while nurturing the next generation of leaders within the company.

Roger Carillo is a seasoned executive with a proven track record in driving transformative change and fostering employee growth. In his role as Senior Vice President of Global Talent, Learning, and Organization Effectiveness at Mondelez, Roger spearheads the development and implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance organizational capabilities and drive high performance. With a strong background in human resources and organizational development, Roger focuses on nurturing talent, promoting a culture of continuous learning, and optimizing business processes to ensure a competitive edge for the company. Throughout his career, Roger has been recognized for his innovative approach to talent management and his ability to lead cross-functional teams in dynamic, global environments. He is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces where employees can thrive and contribute their best. His leadership and vision are instrumental in supporting Mondelez’s mission to empower people and deliver sustainable growth.

Victoria Feldman is an accomplished professional with over a decade of experience in learning and development strategies. As the Head of Learning and Development at Amazon, she spearheads initiatives to nurture talent and cultivate a culture of continuous growth within the organization. Victoria’s expertise lies in designing innovative training programs that empower employees to reach their full potential. With a keen focus on leveraging technology and data-driven insights, she ensures that Amazon remains at the forefront of employee development practices. Victoria is dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments that foster collaboration and drive business success.

Johann Laville is a seasoned leader in learning and development, currently serving as the Chief Learning Officer at Merck. With over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, Laville has demonstrated a profound commitment to fostering organizational growth through continuous learning initiatives. Throughout his career, Laville has been at the forefront of designing innovative learning strategies that align with Merck’s mission and vision. He is deeply passionate about leveraging technology and data-driven insights to optimize learning experiences and enhance employee performance. Prior to joining Merck, Laville held various senior leadership positions in global learning and development, where he successfully spearheaded large-scale learning transformations and talent development programs. Laville holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from a prestigious institution and is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences, sharing his expertise on topics such as workforce development, learning analytics, and organizational effectiveness. As the Chief Learning Officer at Merck, Johann Laville continues to drive a culture of learning excellence, empowering employees to thrive in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

Martin Stöckl is the Senior Vice President and Head of Leadership & Talent Development at Airbus, where he is responsible for fostering a strong culture of leadership and cultivating top talent across the organization. With over two decades of experience in human resources and organizational development, Martin has established himself as a thought leader in talent management and leadership training.

Before joining Airbus, Martin held several key HR positions in various global companies, where he demonstrated a consistent track record of driving strategic initiatives that empower employees and enhance organizational performance. His expertise lies in designing comprehensive talent strategies, implementing leadership development programs, and creating inclusive work environments that support innovation and growth. Martin holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology and is known for his ability to inspire teams and guide leaders through complex challenges. His passion for developing people and promoting diversity has earned him a reputation as a strategic partner and a champion of positive organizational change. In his free time, Martin enjoys mentoring young professionals, staying updated on industry trends, and participating in community service initiatives.

Alexandra Halem is the Head of Learning for MGS at Mars, a globally recognized expert in organizational learning and development. With a robust track record of leading transformative educational initiatives, Alexandra brings a wealth of experience to her role, driving impactful strategies that foster continuous improvement and employee growth. Her commitment to creating dynamic learning environments helps to unlock potential and cultivate a culture of innovation within the organization. Known for her strategic thinking and strong leadership, Alexandra is dedicated to ensuring that Mars remains at the forefront of industry advancements, while empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. She holds advanced degrees in education and organizational development and is a passionate advocate for inclusive learning and mentorship.

Katie Lackey serves as Vice President of Global Learning and Talent Management at Honeywell, a multinational conglomerate known for its cutting-edge technology and solutions across various industries. In this role, Katie leads the development and execution of strategic initiatives to cultivate a high-performing, inclusive, and skilled workforce across Honeywell’s global operations. With a strong background in human resources and organizational development, she leverages her expertise to drive employee engagement, professional growth, and talent optimization. Katie is known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. She is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within Honeywell, ensuring the company’s talent strategy aligns with its business objectives. Prior to her current position, Katie held various leadership roles in talent management and organizational effectiveness.

Jeff is Chief Learning Officer at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), overseeing the company’s learning and leadership strategy and execution. Jeff believes we have a special responsibility in the healthcare sector to stay on the cutting-edge – our skills, capabilities and performance directly translate to the medicines and therapies we deliver for our patients.

Prior to BMS, Jeff led learning, organization development and talent teams at Medtronic and Deloitte. At Medtronic, Jeff led learning and development evolution and supported the company’s multi-year culture change journey. At Deloitte, Jeff oversaw various functions including executive development, leadership development and performance management and related talent practices. Earlier in his career, Jeff advised Fortune 100 companies in the pharmaceutical and entertainment sector on human capital matters.

Jeff has a M.A. in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, and a B.A. in Psychology and French from Susquehanna University, where he served as a Presidential Fellow and was a member of the Honors program.

Jeff regularly speaks on topics related to talent, learning and innovation – having shared the stage with leading academics, NFL coaches and prominent educators. Jeff’s work has also been featured in publications such as People & Strategy and Harvard Business Review. Jeff’s professional affiliations include the Society for Industrial-Organizational Psychology (SIOP).

Jeff is engaged in community service, having recently served on the board of Heights Philadelphia, a leading non-profit focused on college success, economic mobility and workforce success.

Jeff lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife and two school-aged daughters.

Shannon Custard serves as the Global Head of Learning at IKEA, where she leads the development and implementation of learning strategies across the organization. With a focus on fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, Shannon spearheads initiatives to enhance employee skills and align learning programs with IKEA’s global business objectives. With over 15 years of experience in learning and development, Shannon has a track record of successfully driving transformational change through educational programs in diverse, multinational settings. Her passion for creating inclusive, engaging, and impactful learning experiences is reflected in her commitment to developing scalable solutions that empower IKEA’s workforce. Shannon holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She is recognized for her strategic vision, leadership, and ability to inspire teams to achieve their full potential. Outside of her professional role, Shannon is an advocate for lifelong learning and enjoys mentoring emerging leaders in the field.

Ryan Smith is the director of leadership and career development at T. Rowe Price, a global asset management company, and is the driving force behind the organization’s leadership, career, and management development philosophy and strategy. His unwavering passion and extensive experience are channeled toward developing opportunities for senior successors, career mobility, high-potential leaders, and managers. Ryan’s collaborative approach with key stakeholders has led to the development and implementation of T. Rowe Price’s innovative and practical framework for enabling careers and developing leaders today and in the future.

Before joining T. Rowe Price, Ryan was the director of leadership and development at Truist Leadership Institute. At Truist, Ryan was responsible for operationalizing and strategizing leadership programs to foster transformational behavior and support inclusive environments. During his 15-year tenure with Truist, Ryan led leadership and professional development by shaping, influencing, and executing the organization’s learning strategies for 45K+ employees using innovative adult learning theories and blended learning solutions. Ryan’s collaborative nature enabled him to design and implement modern executive and mid-level leadership programs and shape the next generation of leaders by developing an aspiring leader program.

Ryan earned a B.S. and M.S. in industrial and organizational psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and is certified in the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-I 2.0), Situational Coaching, Change Style Indicator®, situational leadership, and consultative skills.

Ryan’s commitment extends beyond his professional life. He is deeply passionate about creating equitable access to quality leadership development and financial education, a commitment he demonstrates through his involvement in the Junior Achievement program. In his leisure time, Ryan enjoys exploring new places with his wife, Kimberly, and their two energetic boys, Tyler and Jayden. The Smith family shares a love for food and often embarks on culinary adventures, with Ryan being the designated comfort food chef. His family also describes him as a football fanatic (Roll Tide, Hail Commanders) and a smooth wedding dancer.