Recorded Live at ASTA 2025, keynote speaker Jim Knight dives into leadership and organizational culture through his signature “edutainment” style—a high-energy blend of music, education, and hospitality. Knight is a professional speaker, writer, and former Head of Training and Development for over two decades at Hard Rock International, which he calls one of the "greatest cultures in the history of culture."

Jim stresses that the most important responsibility of any leader is hiring the right person. Too often, leaders get distracted by product, pricing, or aesthetics, while the true differentiator is the human element. He recommends evaluating candidates through the Three C’s:

1. Competence – Can they do the job?

2. Character – Are they kind, respectful, and easy to work with?

3. Culture Fit – Do their values align with the organization?

Leaders who fail to make employees feel seen, heard, and appreciated, he warns, will continue to struggle with turnover.

Jim Knight, a renowned keynote speaker, author, and training and development expert, teaches organizations of all sizes how to attain their own “rock star” status.  https://www.knightspeaker.com/