Linda Sharkey Ph.D
Former Chief Talent Office and VP People Development at Hewlett Packard
Biography
Linda is a proven leader with experience in Fortune 10 companies building teams and driving talent development initiatives that support productivity and company growth. She has specific expertise in culture transformation, developing high potential leaders and building scientific and data supported talent processes that yield better leadership capability. She is an internationally recognized expert on global leadership development. Her co- authored book Winning With Transglobal Leadership was named one of the top 30 best business books for 2013. She also co-authored Optimizing Talent with Dr. Paul Eccher. Optimizing Talent is a groundbreaking work spelling out proven steps to build a talent rich organization. This book has been cited as a must read for every leader who knows talent is the real competitive advantage. Her latest book, The Optimizing Talent Workbook, will be out this spring. Sharkey is an inspiring keynote speaker at many national and international events. She is currently leading the Global HR Academy with the Conference Board, and she was a keynote speaker at the World Human Resources Development Conference in Mumbai, India. Linda was honored to be recognized at this conference with the “Super Women Achievement Award” for 2013. She has a reputation as a no nonsense executive coach that enables those she coaches to show measurable behavior change in the eyes of others. Linda currently is CEO of Tomlin and Associates. Additionally, Dr. Sharkey is a Founding Member of the Marshall Goldsmith Group, a premier executive coaching organization that shows measurable improvements in those they coach. Most recently, Linda was Chief Talent Officer and V.P., People Development at Hewlett Packard, responsible for establishing and driving the company’s talent management initiative, performance management processes, career development, executive staffing, coaching, employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion efforts. In this capacity she launched an executive development process that resulted in key actions to drive a high performance culture. She refocused the diversity efforts to be part of the mainline talent management initiatives and embedded them into the core processes of the company. Prior to HP, Linda was with GE and held numerous Senior Human Resources and Talent Management roles. She established a leadership development effort for GE Capital that became part of the Crotonville offerings and was named a best practice by CEO Jack Welch. She led several key cultural integrations and established a coaching process for executives, developed HR professionals as coaches and personally coached many senior leaders. Linda is widely published in the area of leadership development, culture change and executive coaching. She is frequently a keynote speaker at company events, Linkage, Talent Management Magazine conferences, Conference Board and the Organization Development Network. She holds a PhD in Organization Development from Benedictine University, MPA from Russell Sage College and a BA in History from Nazareth College. She is a past two term member of the Academy of Management Board for OD as the scholar practitioner. Board and Professional Memberships: Distinguished Fellow, Center for Global Leadership Development, The Marshall Goldsmith School of Business, Alliant UniversityAdjunct Professor – Benedictine University, Naperville, IllinoisExecutive Board Member of The Academy of Management Organization Development and Change DivisionFormer Advisory Board Member of CatalystFounding Board Member, Best Practices Institute Linda Sharkey, Ph.D.Dr. Sharkey is a trusted transformational expert and speaker. She is the co-author of The Future-Proof Workplace and specializes in helping businesses prepare for the future. She is also an HR Executive and Business Strategist with experience in Fortune 10 companies coaching and developing leaders and teams and driving talent development initiatives that support productivity and company growth. She is a founding member of the Marshall Goldsmith Group focused on helping successful executives become even more successful.
Speech Topics
How to Future Proof Your Workplace
How Leadership and Culture are Hardwired
AI and Human Resources - How to Leverage for Next Generation HR
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Linda Sharkey Ph.D's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Linda Sharkey Ph.D's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Linda Sharkey Ph.D for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Linda Sharkey Ph.D's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
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Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Linda Sharkey Ph.D through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Linda Sharkey Ph.D

Tom Gimbel
Tom Gimbel is a nationally recognized entrepreneur and careers expert who specializes in company culture, hiring and retaining top talent. He is founder and CEO of LaSalle Network, a staffing, recruiting and culture firm.
Fee Range: $7,000–$8,000
Travels From: IL

Ian Siegel
Ian Siegel is a top technology and entrepreneur keynote speaker and the co-founder and CEO of ZipRecruiter. Siegel has held leadership roles at several mid-level startups such as CitySearch, Stamps.com, Rent.com, and Pictage. He injects this entrepreneurial spirit into his audiences and leaves them with the tools to improve their bottom line.
Fee Range: $40,000–$70,000
Travels From: CA

John Boudreau
DR. JOHN BOUDREAU is recognized worldwide for breakthrough research on human capital, talent, and sustainable competitive advantage. Professor Boudreau’s field studies include the future of the global Human Resources profession, HR measurement and analytics, decision-based HR, executive mobility, HR information systems, and organizational staffing and development. Dr. Boudreau has published more than 50 books and articles, and his research has been featured in Harvard Business Review, the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and Business Week. Professor Boudreau serves as Research Director for USC’s Center for Effective Organizations and is a Professor, Management & Organization at Marshall School of Business.
Fee: $50,000
Travels From: NM
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