Jim Link

Jim Link

Chief Human Resources Officer

SHRM

Jim Link is the Chief Human Resources Officer for SHRM. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, 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.

Featured Sessions

Thursday, September 4, 2025
8:50 am
PDC Eligible

In an era of heightened political and social tensions, workplace civility has never been more critical. In this candid fireside chat, SHRM Chief Human Resources Officer Jim Link joins EBN’s Alyssa Place to explore how HR and business leaders can foster a culture grounded in respect, empathy, and open dialogue.

Jim will share actionable strategies for promoting civil discourse across teams—including the importance of active listening, collaboration, curiosity, and constructive feedback. The conversation will also cover how to set expectations for behavior, encourage civic participation without partisanship, and build training programs and policies that support a more inclusive and communicative workplace.

Key takeaways include:

  • Why civility is a foundational element of healthy workplace culture
  • How to practice and model effective, respectful communication
  • Ways leaders can support civic engagement while remaining neutral
  • Practical tools and approaches to foster empathy, trust, and collaboration

Join us for an inspiring and timely conversation on the power of words, actions, and leadership in shaping a more respectful workplace.