(NOTE: This event will be offered both in-person and online. Please select the ticket type that reflects how you will attend.)
Think business acumen is only for corporate HR? Think again. Join a Chief People Officer and Chief Financial Officer for a fast-paced, interactive session.
Using a real-world case study, they will answer 9 practical questions on how HR can speak the language of finance, confidently influence decisions, and build strategic cross-functional partnerships.
Whether in a for-profit or non-profit, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to optimize your role as a true HR business partner.
Learning Objectives (3-4 bullet points):
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
· Speak the language of finance
· Influence business decisions with confidence
· Build stronger, more strategic partnerships across functions
Paul Butler
Newleaf Training Development
Through Newleaf Training and Development, Paul has partnered with 332 HR teams across nine countries and 31 states to deliver staff training and leadership development solutions that foster sustainable organizational benefits.
Prior to launching Newleaf in 2006, Paul served as a Regional Finance Director for Marriott International and Hilton International, where he collaborated with excellent HR business partners. He first came to the U.S. as Director of Financial Services for Hilton Honors and is a member of CIMA and a CGMA.
An engaging and humorous speaker, Paul is committed to inspiring people with practical principles for professional and personal life. Originally from England, he became a U.S. citizen in 2024 alongside his wife, and they have two adult children.
Paul recently wrote his first book, Business Financial Intelligence—A Mindset and Skillset Few People Have and All Organizations Need, published by Scholars Gate.
Michuan Fleming
Chief People Officer, AbilityFirst
Michuan Fleming is a Chief Executive leader with more than 17 years of experience driving organizational excellence across nonprofit, corporate, manufacturing, and service sectors. As Chief People Officer at AbilityFirst, she leads strategic initiatives focused on people, risk management, safety, and organizational transformation.
Throughout her career, Michuan has partnered with executive teams and boards to align workforce strategy, operational performance, and mission-driven outcomes. Her expertise spans human resources, organizational development, compliance, change management, mergers and acquisitions, and leadership development. She holds SPHR, SHRM-SCP, and PHR certifications and is currently completing her MBA at the University of Arizona.
A wife and proud mother of four, Michuan is passionate about leadership both at work and at home. When she's not advancing organizational impact, she enjoys cheering on track and field and basketball athletes and is always eager to learn something new.
Carl Gayden
Chief Financial Officer, AbilityFirst
Carl D. Gayden is a financial executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the nonprofit, public, private, higher education, and philanthropic sectors.
He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of AbilityFirst, where he leads financial strategy, operational performance, and long-term sustainability initiatives that advance the organization’s mission.
Previously, Carl served as Interim CFO of Beyond Impact (formerly Tides Advocacy), CFO of LA Family Housing, and Head of Finance and Operations at Snap Foundation. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at First 5 LA, the San Francisco Housing Authority, the University of San Francisco, and the University of California, Davis.
Known for building high-performing finance organizations, Carl combines analytical rigor with strong interpersonal leadership to drive sustainable results and strengthen accountability. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and an MBA from the University of San Francisco. He is married and has one son.
Additional Event Details
7:20 AM Registration & Networking
7:30 AM Breakfast & Introductions
7:45 AM Legal Update
8:00 AM -9:00 AM Program and Q&A
Cancellation & Credit Policy:
Please note that all program registrations are non-refundable. However, if you are unable to attend, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future program of equal or lesser value, provided that the request is submitted prior to the scheduled event date. Credit requests made after the program date will not be honored.
This event is pending for 1.25 credit hours for both HRCI & SHRM credits.
