Today, Shawn is a beacon of hope and resilience. Through sobriety he has transformed his life in remarkable ways. He is a decorated ultra runner, pushing his physical limits in grueling races that test his endurance and mental fortitude. His passion for fitness extends to the gym, where he hones his strength and discipline.

Shawn is also the host of the podcast, I Am Redemption. The podcast aims to give others a platform to share their own stories of redemption and triumph, fostering a sense of community and understanding among those who have faced similar struggles.

His work has been funded by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), and the US Army Research Institute. He has provided cognitive security awareness training to the NASA Kennedy Space Center, DARPA, MIT, US Army DevCom, the NATO Cognitive Warfare Working Group, and Black Hat USA.

He holds a PhD in Cognition, Perception, and Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and SANS certifications in mobile device analysis (GMOB), security auditing of wireless networks (GAWN), digital forensic examination (GCFE), and GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC).

Earning her PhD in Psychology, Abbie became a Professor of Psychology at 23 and now serves as Director of Education at Social-Engineer, LLC, specializing in behavior analysis. She contributes regularly to Forbes and Apple News and has been featured on BBC News, WIRED, and Forbes Breaking News.

As an active member of internationally recognized research groups, Abbie was honored as Reviewer of the Year for her significant contribution to the academic community. Additionally, she is an author, expert consultant, coach, and a TEDx speaker.

Work In Progress Book

Virtual Sapiens comes as an evolution of Rachel’s combined work as founder of Choreography for Business, a nonverbal communication consulting firm as well as a faculty member with Mobius Executive Leadership and as a leadership presence facilitator with Ariel Group. Rachel has worked with leaders from GE, BCG, Pfizer, Accenture, McKinsey, HBS and more.

With the increased dependency of video events as a way to connect and drive impact across organizations, Rachel and her team at Virtual Sapiens are excited to open up a world of access when it comes to one of the most human, and most important skills in business – communication.

Driven by ambition, Judd achieved remarkable professional success at a young age—but it came at a cost. His journey toward success led to increasing isolation, prompting him to seek therapy and explore human connection theory. This transformative experience not only helped him realign with his core values and embrace vulnerability, but also enhanced his leadership skills. As he grew into a more authentic leader, he cultivated a thriving company culture that empowered his team and improved overall performance.

Today, Judd is a sought-after speaker on authenticity and resilient workplace culture. He hosts the podcast Behind the Armor and is the bestselling author of the award-winning children’s book series, Sterling the Knight. Through his CURE framework, he empowers organizations and leaders to adapt, innovate, and thrive. Judd’s mission is to share his insights and experiences to help other companies, unlock their superpower, and harness the transformative power of vulnerability.

Born in California and raised in Kansas, Barry has a BS from Baker University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. She’s worked as a corporate executive, an independent consultant focusing on business ethics and corporate responsibility, and an adjunct professor. She is currently running for US Congress.

Barry has served on several boards and has been an invited speaker for numerous organizations and events. She is married to Bruce Barry, and they share their home with two rescue pups, Winslow and Natasha.

His upcoming book, “Tell Me Everything,” offers practical communication strategies for law enforcement, sales, and negotiation professionals. Brad holds a master’s degree in criminology and was previously honored as the U.S. Secret Service Special Agent of the Year for his outstanding contributions to combating crimes against children.

Previously, Rachel served as Director of Business Operations and Strategy at Activision Blizzard, where she developed a comprehensive vendor management program and oversaw key information security initiatives. Her ability to evaluate, negotiate, and manage complex contracts ensured risk mitigation and supported the organization through periods of growth and transformation.

Rachel’s passion for empowering others extends beyond her corporate roles. As a Marketing Director for ISACA Baton Rouge, she worked to advance education in information security and audit. She has also contributed as an Advisory Board Member for the EBR Career & Technical Education Center, helping to prepare students for careers in high-demand industries.

An advocate for thought leadership, Rachel co-hosts The Coffee Table Talks, a live-stream series exploring the cybersecurity industry’s evolving landscape. Her work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, collaboration, and the development of future leaders in technology.