In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, the most effective leaders are those who amplify uniquely human qualities—empathy, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection. This session will explore how strengthening these human-centered skills empowers leaders to inspire teams, build trust, and drive lasting impact in the AI era.

Instructors: Sal Collemi, Alex Theis, Jon Lokhorst

Sal Collemi, CPA

Salvatore A. Collemi, CPA, is the Managing Member & Founder of Collemi Consulting & Advisory Services, LLC. Mr. Collemi brings nearly three decades of experience with U.S. and international financial reporting and professional standards, corporate governance and risk management practices of public accounting firms.

Collemi Consulting & Advisory Services, LLC’s mission is to promote and enhance audit quality to U.S. and international public accounting firms, law firms, valuation firms, standard-setters, regulators and other organizations that influence the public accounting profession.

His practice provides outsourced high-level strategic and technical guidance to external auditors, litigation attorneys, the C-suite, private equity, valuation experts and institutions that support the CPA profession. Services include a full range of U.S. and International accounting & auditing consultations, technical reviews of financial statements and workpapers, AICPA Peer Review & PCAOB Inspection preparation, performing internal inspections, customized CPE training, independence & ethics consultations, data analytics & data mining services, alternative practice structures (APS) compliance & due diligence services, etc. Mr. Collemi is also available as a keynote speaker at corporate retreats.

As a former Staff Accountant in the Division of Corporation Finance, a Technical Manager in the National Peer Review Program and external auditor at leading institutions such as the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, AICPA and several mid-size to large international public accounting firms, Mr. Collemi has demonstrated the impact of U.S. and International financial reporting, internal control systems and regulatory compliance acumen as they affect privately-held and publicly-traded companies

As a recognized SME on IFRS, Mr. Collemi was named by the AICPA as an official participant in the development and review of IFRS questions for the Uniform CPA Examination and served as the IFRS Expert-at-Large for the AICPA Board of Examiners Content Committee from 2011-2014. Mr. Collemi also served as AICPA liaison to the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Transnational Auditors Committee and Global Peer Review Subcommittee to assist in the development of their international quality assurance review program (Forum of Firms).

Alex Theis
Alex Theis helps people and organizations create a foundation for lasting improvement and success. With over 25 years of experience as an executive and leader, his seminars, workshops, and courses inspire people to break through barriers for both personal and professional growth.

His background includes working in the legal compliance field, leading large customer service teams, building dynamic sales and marketing departments, improving the overall customer experience, and increasing customer and client retention.

Alex’s innovative sales and marketing campaigns have created over $100 million in incremental revenue for his clients. His employee retention initiatives have reduced attrition dramatically and increased engagement and productivity measurably.

Alex uses his experience to teach proven strategies and simple, effective approaches that your organization can implement right away. He focuses on the core power skills needed to help your team stay competitive and engaged, including mindset and mental fitness, leadership, time management, stress management, creative problem solving, and stimulating imaginative sales and customer retention ideas.

Alex’s consultant business focuses on improving sales, culture, and retention. His podcast, Limitless, has been downloaded over six million times. He is also the author of four Amazon best-selling books, including Hiking the Timberline Trail: The Story of An Epic American Backpacking Trip. He is an avid backpacker and military dad.

Jon Lokhorst, CPA
Jon Lokhorst, CSP, CPA, PCC, is a leadership coach, corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and the author of Mission-Critical Leadership: How Smart Managers Lead Well in All Directions. He works with organizations to develop leaders everyone wants to follow, build teams no one wants to leave, and deliver exceptional results.

Jon’s background is well-suited to provide leadership training for CPAs and finance leaders, designed and facilitated by a CPA/finance leader. He is a frequent speaker for association events and has designed and/or facilitated several leadership academy programs. He’s also a regular contributor to association publications and blogs, including his Leadership Matters column for the Illinois CPA Society magazine, Insight.

Before launching Your Best Leadership LLC, Jon enjoyed a 30-plus-year career as a CPA, CFO, and organizational leader. He has a Master’s in Organizational Leadership and is recognized by the International Coach Federation as a Professional Certified Coach. He has also served as adjunct faculty in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University.

Jon is a member of the National Speakers Association and is a past President of the Minnesota chapter. He has earned the Certified Speaking Professional™ (CSP®) designation, a distinction held by less than 20 percent of NSA members. On a personal note, Jon loves grandparenting and being “Papa” to his four adorable littles, as he calls them.