Dwane Lay
Chief Innovation OfficerGBS Worldwide
Dwane Lay leads GBS Worldwide’s Experience, Systems & Agentic Design practice, designing processes and maximizing technology investments for talent acquisition teams. He combines AI with process and design thinking to fix how talent systems function, not how they look on paper.
Dwane is known for turning complex technology into practical, people-centered solutions that produce measurable results. Grounded in Lean Six Sigma and real-world execution, his approach cuts through hype and stays focused on what works. Author of Lean HR and a featured keynote speaker at global talent and technology conferences, Dwane brings practical frameworks that organizations can implement immediately.
Born and raised in St. Louis, MO, Dwane works with his wife Crystal (CEO, GBS). Their blended family includes two daughters, two sons, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. Outside of GBS, he is an Adjunct Professor of International Business at Maryville University and has served in numerous volunteer roles with the Special School District of St. Louis.
8:15 a.m.–8:30 a.m. PT —
12:20 p.m.–1:00 p.m. PT —
Fresh perspectives, big ideas, and maybe a little sass — Luc, Mick, and Reagan are here to spill the secrets of what really grabs the attention of early-career talent. From social media vibes to internships that don’t suck, this panel dives into what makes new grads say “yes” (or “meh”) to a company. TA leaders will leave with actionable tips, fresh ideas, and a few laughs about the quirks of recruiting the next generation.
1:10 p.m.–2:00 p.m. PT —
The talent landscape is evolving fast, and recruiters are facing new challenges every day. From AI in hiring and competitive candidate markets to smarter pipelines and better tools, staying ahead requires both strategy and agility. This panel brings together industry leaders to discuss the top issues recruiters are navigating right now — what works, what doesn’t, and practical ways to drive results.