2025 PDD Speakers
Keynote: Chad J. Willett, MA/ SAG-AFTRA
Chad J. Willett (MA/ SAG-AFTRA) is a TEDx speaker, two time author (“Smash the Box” and “Rip Off the Rearview Mirror”), and creativity and innovation leader who leverages his acting background with his experience in working America to create one of a kind keynote addresses and workshops for his audiences. Chad has also worked for three fortune 500 companies (Manpower, ITT Technical Institute and the Washington Post) and is the founder of Broadway2LA Acting Studio. As for his acting credits, Chad was cast (Role- Bill Ryan/ Reporter) in the feature film, “Shirley” (Netflix- 2024) where he acted alongside Oscar-Winning actress Regina King and worked with Academy Award winner director John Ridley. In addition, he was featured in the hit film, “She’s All That” with Paul Walker. Chad is a member of Church of the Resurrection in New Albany, Ohio and has been involved with “Big Brothers, Big Sisters”, and a reading literacy program for adults. Finally, Chad is married to his wife Erika, and is a proud father to his baby girl, Scarlett.
Presentation: "Smash the Box"
“Smash the Box” by transforming your work environment into a culture of innovation. Groups that “Smash the Box” generate game changing ideas and execute on them which gives them an advantage over their competition. Is your team ready to take thinking outside the “Box” to the next level? Outcomes from this program include:
- “Culture of Innovation”- Reduce fear, perfection, negativity, and judgment (4 Walls) by transforming
the work environment into a culture of innovation. - Idea Generation- Generate game changing ideas in your area of expertise which gives you a creative
advantage over your competition. - Execution- Develop an innovation plan which puts your winning ideas into tangible and practical actions
which lead to results. - Embrace Mistakes- Adopt a “Fail Fast mentality which allows you to experiment and explore which are
the cornerstones of the creative process.
Keynote: Kayla McGuire
Kayla McGuire is a strategic advisor, leadership mentor, and founder of Kayla McGuire Consulting, LLC. With over 15 years of experience helping entrepreneurs build and scale mission-driven businesses, she brings a human-centered approach to leadership, team development, and emotional intelligence. A seasoned project management coach and content creator, Kayla shares practical tools and real-life insights through her talks, writing, and online platforms. Her work centers on helping leaders lead with clarity, self-awareness, and purpose. She lives in Bentonville, Arkansas with her daughter.
Presentation: "Leading with Emotional Intelligence: Unlocking Leadership Potential"
This keynote explores the powerful connection between emotional intelligence (EI) and effective leadership. Attendees will learn to identify and develop key EI competencies to enhance communication, collaboration, and decision-making. Kayla will share personal experiences, research-backed insights, and a practical roadmap to help leaders integrate emotional intelligence into their leadership approach. The talk is structured around five key components of EI: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen their leadership presence, build emotionally intelligent cultures, and lead with greater purpose and clarity. The session concludes with a reflective Q&A to deepen integration of the material and support next steps.
Keynote: Shelby McFarland
Shelby McFarland is a trailblazing woman entrepreneur with 13 years of experience in the dynamic world of marketing. With a relentless passion for innovation and a keen eye for trends, she has become a prominent figure in the marketing industry, setting new standards and redefining success. Throughout her illustrious career, Shelby has helped several small businesses increase their online branding by exceeding expectations. Her expertise spans a wide spectrum of marketing disciplines, including digital marketing, content strategy, social media management, SEO, and branding. In 2016, Shelby founded her own marketing agency, Shelby & Company, INC (rebranded in 2024 to The Marketing Broker). With her remarkable vision and strategic acumen, she transformed her startup into a thriving company. Under her leadership, Shelby & Company, INC has partnered with numerous clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them achieve unprecedented growth and brand recognition. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shelby is an avid traveler and a dedicated mother raising her daughter to believe that women can make a big difference in the world.
Presentation: "LinkedIn Professionalism Speaking Engagement + Headshots"
Shelby McFarland delivers a dynamic session on building and sustaining a professional, high-impact presence on LinkedIn. Tailored for project managers, this presentation covers how to craft a standout profile, highlight leadership and achievements, and strategically grow a professional network. Attendees will gain practical tips for sharing engaging content, positioning themselves as thought leaders, and maintaining professionalism in every interaction. The session concludes with actionable steps to audit and enhance LinkedIn profiles, empowering participants to strengthen their professional brand and connections.
Keynote: Melissa Bennett
A native Memphian, Melissa is a lover of all things music and BBQ. She currently calls Houston, TX home where she lives with her 2 pups, Linus & Lexi, where she has been for the last 10 years. She will be celebrating her 4th anniversary with PMI HDQ in August, but, prior to her time with PMI HDQ, she worked with an association management company for 8 years where she managed anywhere from 4-6 different local associations, including the PMI Houston Chapter, the Houston Chapter for ICF, and a handful of financial and commercial real estate associations. In addition to her experience in association management, Melissa also has previous experience working in Project Management in IT at a 15-site hospital in the Memphis area, and professionally, got her start with Enterprise Rent-A-Car immediately after graduating with a degree in Public Relations from the University of Memphis.
