Wellbeing means something different in every part of the world, but it has never been more important. Join us for Global Wellbeing: A Look Around the World at a Very Timely Topic, where we will explore how organizations across regions are redefining what it means to support their people. Hear fresh perspectives, discover inspiring practices, and take away ideas you can apply in your own workplace.

Date: Thursday, January 29 from 5:30-8pm

Location: Hub International, 1065 6th Avenue, 4th floor (Zoom too with participants visible)

Cost: Free for members, $25 for future members

Global SIG Contacts:

1. Steve Safier
1. sis2127@columbia.edu
2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevesafier/
2. April Brown
1. aprillbnyc@yahoo.co
2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-browne
3. Alexis Feldman
1. alexismfeldman@gmail.com
2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-feldman21/

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Speakers: Patricia Viotto, Simon Babraff, Vlad Gogish, & Kathleen Pike

1. Patricia Viotto
   

Patricia Viotto has spent over 27 years driving transformational change across global organizations, like Braskem Chemicals, International Paper, Votorantim Group, Unilever and Philips, focusing on leadership development, cross-cultural collaboration, strategic compensation, talent management and inclusive talent strategies. She was expatriated to the United States for five years to support the business transformation.

With extensive experience in cultural development and a deep understanding of the Latin American and North America markets, her career spans roles in Manufacturing, Consumer Goods and Financial Services companies, where she has led initiatives in human resources strategy, culture development, employee engagement, leadership development, executive mentoring and Communication. Patricia’s work is grounded in evidence-based practices and a deep understanding of the human dynamics that fuel organizational success.

Patricia is a distinguished professional in the field of Human Capital, working as a CHRO – Chief Human Resources Officer, known for her strategic insight and commitment to shaping the future of work. With a background in Business degree at Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado – Brazil, a Human Resources MBA at Fundação Getúlio Vargas – Brazil, CHRO Executive Program at Wharton, and Mentoring Certified at Universidad Anáhuac - México.

2. Simon Babraff

Simon Babraff is an accomplished human resources executive with over two decades of international experience driving organizational strategy and talent development across multiple continents. As Chief Human Resources Officer and Senior Vice President at Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), he oversees HR functions supporting eight diverse business groups and more than 50 subsidiaries across the Americas, spanning industries from food and infrastructure to energy, power, and mineral resources.

Since joining Mitsubishi Corporation in 2004, Simon has held a series of strategic global leadership roles, including General Manager of Human Resources in Johannesburg, where he led HR across nine African country offices during a period of significant portfolio growth and expansion. His earlier assignments in Tokyo and New York involved aligning business and HR strategies, leading international HR development, and shaping regional strategy for North American operations.

Simon is recognized for his ability to bridge cultures, integrate business and people strategies, and build resilient, future-ready organizations in dynamic global markets. 

3. Vlad Gogish

Vlad Gogish is a Senior Principal in Mercer’s Career practice, based in the firm’s Norwalk, Connecticut office. He advises organizations on a wide range of human capital issues, including rewards, talent strategy, and transformation. His expertise spans executive and broad-based compensation, performance management, skills-based talent practices, and organizational and HR transformation initiatives.

With nearly two decades of experience across global corporate HR and consulting roles, Vlad works with clients in high tech, financial services, and other industries to align people strategies with business goals. He is known for helping organizations strengthen the connection between rewards and performance through thoughtful incentive design and innovative talent practices.

Vlad has authored numerous articles, spoken at industry events, and contributed extensively to Mercer’s intellectual capital. His experience includes designing job architectures and compensation frameworks, developing partner compensation strategies for major professional services firms, redesigning performance management systems to enhance accountability and clarity, leading executive compensation projects to prepare companies for IPOs, and conducting executive talent assessments.

He holds an MBA in Finance and Economics from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

4. Kathleen Pike

As a globally recognized mental health expert, Dr. Pike joined One Mind as President and CEO of One Mind at Work in 2023 and became CEO of One Mind in 2024. Prior to joining One Mind, Kathy founded and directed the Columbia University World Health Organization Center for Global Mental Health and led the Center’s Mental Health + Work Design Lab where she provided thought leadership, content expertise, scientific research, and strategic guidance on advancing mental health at work. Dr. Pike holds a faculty appointment at Columbia University’s Department of Psychiatry and School of Public Health and continues to direct the Center’s Mental Health + Work Design Lab. Kathy has received multiple awards for her work advancing mental health including the 2021 American Psychological Association Award for Distinguished Contributions to the International Advancement of Psychology. A passionate beekeeper and cyclist, when not at work, Kathy can be found tending her apiary and cycling in beautiful places around the world.