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Lights, Camera, HR Take Action!
Arkansas SHRM 2025 HR Conference & Expo • October 8-10 • Rogers, Arkansas

Conference Presented By:
Mobile site sponsored by: Thank you to BCBS for sponsoring HR2025

Keynote Details

Putting Your Mask on First: HR for HR

The role of a HR professional has become increasingly difficult and complex. HR teams routinely tackle staffing shortages, employee burnout and disengagement, DEI pressure and criticism, and intensifying compliance and regulatory challenges—all while trying to foster a positive organizational culture. These heightened demands have taken a toll on HR professionals, contributing to higher rates of anxiety and depression than the general population.

Key Objectives

• Understanding Health Trends: Detail the causes and consequences of the distressing health and wellness trends impacting HR professionals. • Building Resilience: Outline why emotional intelligence is essential for building resilience and coping with the intense pressures of the HR role. • Cultural Transformation: Demonstrate how HR professionals can foster a culture of wellbeing to boost employee engagement and high performance.

Jarik Conrad

Managing Director at Human Like Me

Dr. Jarik E. Conrad, SPHR, SHRM-CSP, NACD.DC, is a sought-after speaker on the present and future of work. He has been recognized on multiple occasions as one of the world’s top “people practitioners” in the annual HRD Global 100 and was named a top 100 HR Influencer by Engagedly. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, two master’s degrees from Cornell University, and a Doctor of Education from the University of North Florida. In addition to senior HR certifications, he holds certifications in emotional intelligence, intercultural sensitivity, plant-based nutrition, and weight management, as well as a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) corporate directorship certification. As Managing Director of Human Like Me, he draws from an interdisciplinary background to help solve the most enduring challenges faced by people and organizations. He previously served as the VP of Human Insights at UKG. He also served as the Executive Director of the company’s global think tank, The Workforce Institute. He is the author of two award-winning best-selling books, The Fragile Mind and In Search of Humanity. A strong advocate for health and wellness, he appeared in the documentary Eating You Alive and designed, led, and published a clinical trial on emotional intelligence education and plant-based nutrition while serving as a research collaborator with the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Conrad is currently an advisory board member for the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA), as well as the Fowler Business School at San Diego State University (SDSU). He is also a member of the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations (CREIO), which brings together leading scholars and thought leaders to explore recent advances in emotional intelligence.

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Date:

Category: Diversity & Inclusion


Please Note: Speakers and topics are subject to change without notice.

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