Cost vs. Talent: Managing the Balance – A Perspective from SHRM’s CHRO & CFO

Josh Conklin is a growth and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience in employee benefits, human capital strategy, HR technology, and risk management. He has led enterprise-level change across Fortune 500 companies, private equity–backed firms, and high-growth startups—driving stronger financial outcomes, smarter workforce strategies, and improved employee experiences through the use of data and technology.

A two-time Inc. 5000 founder, Josh now serves as National Growth Leader at Risk Strategies, where he leads innovation and growth across the firm’s employee benefits practice.

Jim Link is the Chief Human Resources Officer for SHRM. With more than 340,000 members around the world, SHRM is the largest HR professional association in the world and the leading voice for matters related to workers and the workplace. Prior to joining SHRM, Link’s career included roles of increasing responsibility across a variety of industries and companies including General Electric, the Pillsbury Company, Porsche Cars, and Randstad. While at Randstad North America, he led a global team of 150 HR professionals who were instrumental in transforming the company into an award-winning, inclusive, and sustainable global leader. Link consistently demonstrates dynamic and visionary thought leadership with a variety of presentations focusing on the interconnection between effective human capital management and business results. Using a data-driven, story-telling approach with his audiences, Link’s presentations weave together insights gleaned from a variety of sources to address the rapid and necessary changes required for tomorrow’s leaders to succeed. Typical topics Link addresses include the future of HR, global workforce dynamics, workplace evolution, emerging leadership trends, tech readiness, culture, employee and organization wellbeing, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation. Link has graced stages across diverse geographical landscapes, sharing his expertise with audiences in North America, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. As a sought-after speaker on the international stage, his insightful presentations delve into critical aspects of the contemporary workplace, including but not limited to inclusion, employee experience and engagement, organizational culture, benefits strategies, and mental health advocacy. His compelling discussions not only showcase his depth of knowledge but also reflect his commitment to driving positive change in society and business through the lens of empathy and civility. His ability to translate complex ideas into manageable outcomes, coupled with his passion for fostering inclusive and thriving workplace environments, positions him as a thought leader who leaves a lasting impact on audiences across the globe.

Jane Hadley is the Chief Financial Officer at SHRM, where she leads the Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, and Regulatory Compliance functions. With a focus on fiscal stewardship and strategic financial analysis, Jane is responsible for all aspects of financial management and plays a vital role in developing and implementing financial strategies that support SHRM’s mission and objectives. 

Bringing over twenty years of experience to SHRM, Jane has a proven track record of success in accounting, financial management and reporting. Prior to joining SHRM in 2022, she held key roles at non-profit organizations including the Pew Charitable Trusts as the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting, and at Autism Speaks as the Vice President, Controller.

Jane is a graduate of Villanova University, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and she is a certified public accountant.