Analyst George Rogers returns as our Main Stage MC for UNLEASH America 2025: ‘Employees need us to lead with purpose in turbulent times’

We’re thrilled to welcome back George Rogers, Chief Culture Officer at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, as our Main Stage MC for 2025.

With his signature blend of warmth, wisdom, and high-energy storytelling, George has a unique ability to unite the room, spark powerful conversations, and challenge HR leaders to think bigger.

As we gear up for another game-changing event in Las Vegas, expect George to set the tone—bringing clarity, inspiration, and a touch of wildness to the stage.

I spoke to him to find out what the audience can expect.

UNLEASH America: ‘I connect and reconnect to people that feel like family and a team’

Get ready for heart, humor, and human connection from the man who champions authentic leadership.

George Rogers shares why UNLEASH America is more than just another conference — it’s a community. And this May in Las Vegas, George is back to lead us through it once again, as our returning Master of Ceremonies.

“What I’m really excited about, and what I really look forward to, is as soon as you come down the escalator and you see the welcoming committee you feel that catalyst for energy, connection, and inspiration,” he says.

It’s like no other event. In fact the first moment you land in Vegas and reunite with the people you haven’t seen all year, you feel that magic. You’re here to grow, learn, be inspired, and connect — and everything else just fades away.”It’s like no other event. In fact the first moment you land in Vegas and reunite with the people you haven’t seen all year, you feel that magic. You’re here to grow, learn, be inspired, and connect — and everything else just fades away.”

“This will be my third UNLEASH America — and HR leaders today are navigating so much — uncertainty, transformation, AI, burnout, expectation,” he says.

But when I’m on that stage, I want to remind them they’re not alone. That they’re seen. That there’s purpose in what they do.”But when I’m on that stage, I want to remind them they’re not alone. That they’re seen. That there’s purpose in what they do.”

"Employees need us to lead with purpose in turbulent times."

That word, purpose, is central to George’s message.

He believes true leadership is both courageous and compassionate — and cites a stat that drives him: 70% of employees who feel supported by their manager have no desire to leave.

“That’s the power of leadership,” he says. “That’s the power of peace.”

Peace, in fact, is an acronym George coined on the fly in a past UNLEASH keynote — inspired by NBA legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, no less. It still guides his philosophy today:

• P for Purpose-driven
• E for Empathetic
• A for Authentic
• C for Consistent
• E for Engaged

“An authentic leader brings peace. They’re a conductor of chaos — they don’t avoid hard moments, they orchestrate through them. Even when things fall apart, they help their teams find rhythm again.”

It’s no surprise George resonates so deeply with the UNLEASH audience.

His messaging — human, heart-led, hopeful — echoes the themes that drive our event: Real connection, practical inspiration, and bold leadership.

And this year, we have a renewed focus on “Authentic & Courageous Leadership”.

“I hope people leave each session not just with notes and ideas, but energy. Energy to keep doing what they do. Energy to lead with authenticity. Energy to remember why they started this journey in the first place.”

We’re counting down to welcoming George — and all of you — to Las Vegas for a transformative few days of insight, innovation, and inspiration.

So get ready. Bring your burning questions, and your biggest ambitions.

George Rogers will be waiting with the UNLEASH team.

🌟 Spotlight: Celebrating HR Innovation at the UNLEASH Awards

This year UNLEASH and Lighthouse are also partnering on the HR Tech Awards.

The awards programs recognize the best in breed of HR technology vendors and specialists.

Winners will be honored during a special ceremony at UNLEASH America 2025 in Las Vegas.

George and Lighthouse Research & Advisory Chief Research Officer Ben Eubanks will be crowning the industry’s best and brightest at 1:30 - 2:45, on Stage 1, Weds 7th May.

UNLEASH America 2025 – Join us

Want to be there, and learn about the future of HR tech innovation?

There’s still time to grab a pass for UNLEASH America 2025.