Joseph McClendon III

Joseph McClendon III is a renowned neuropsychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the world’s most dynamic performance speakers. For more than 35 years, he has helped individuals and organizations rethink how they approach mindset, performance, and results—bringing together neuroscience and practical application to drive meaningful change.

His work spans Fortune 100 companies, elite athletes, and global audiences, and includes collaborations with high-profile figures such as Forest Whitaker, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Pitbull, Nicole Scherzinger, and Usher. Joseph has also shared the stage with leading voices like Tony Robbins and Les Brown, regularly delivering high-impact presentations to audiences of 10,000 or more.

As the founder of the Neuroencoding Institute, Joseph developed the brain science-based system known as neuroencoding®, a methodology designed to help individuals reprogram how they think, respond, and perform—so they can consistently operate at their best, even in high-pressure environments. His work has influenced leadership development, resilience training, and performance coaching programs implemented by organizations around the world.

Joseph’s insights have been featured across major media platforms, including appearances on Extra and The Doctors, and in publications such as SUCCESS and O, The Oprah Magazine. He has also been invited to speak at institutions like Harvard University and has taught at the University of California, Los Angeles.

At National Comp, Joseph brings a high-energy, thought-provoking perspective on performance, resilience, and the power of mindset—setting the tone for conversations that will shape the future of the workers’ compensation community.

Eugene Soltes

Dr. Eugene Soltes is the McLean Family Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and the Founder and Director of the Integrity Lab. His work focuses on applying data and quantitative methods to assess organizational culture, conduct, and compliance program effectiveness. He is the author of Why They Do It: Inside the Mind of the White-Collar Criminal, co-author of Corporate Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions, and author of the forthcoming Paper vs. Practice: Why Compliance Programs Fail and How to Build Programs That Work.

At National Comp 2026, Dr. Soltes will examine how digital workflows, coordinated networks, and emerging technology are changing the speed and scale of workers’ compensation fraud. Drawing on interviews with some of the most notorious white-collar criminals in history, he will explore why successful, well-intentioned professionals cross ethical lines and why understanding the psychology behind fraud is essential to detecting and stopping it.

Following his keynote, Dr. Soltes will join moderator William Zachry and a panel of investigative and claim leaders for a practical discussion on how fraud is evolving and what organizations can do to stay ahead of it. Panelists include Rich Ives, Senior Vice President of Business Insurance Claim at Travelers, and John Selleck, who leads Field Operations, Intelligence and Analytics at the National Insurance Crime Bureau after 21 years with the FBI.

Turbocharged Claims Closure: 60 Tips for Moving Workers Through the System Faster

Every stakeholder in the workers’ comp lifecycle—employer, adjuster, physician, attorney, and judge—has the power to either accelerate or stall a claim. Yet despite decades of reform efforts, the average open file in some states stretches to seven years, while others have proven that aggressive timelines work.

This rapid-fire keynote tackles the operational roadblocks that keep injured workers stuck in the system longer than necessary. Attendees will hear 60 concrete, actionable tips—from first report of injury to final resolution—drawn from every seat at the table.

Penn & Teller

National Comp 2026 will conclude in spectacular fashion as Penn & Teller headline The Grand Finale: Mix, Mingle & Magic! Bringing one of the most celebrated acts in entertainment to the heart of Las Vegas, this special closing event will deliver an unforgettable blend of wonder, laughter, and world-class showmanship—providing a memorable finale to two days of learning, networking, and industry insight.

For more than 50 years, Penn & Teller have been redefining live entertainment through their unique combination of illusion, comedy, audience participation, and unconventional thinking. Their distinctive approach has earned them a devoted following around the world and established them as one of the most influential and recognizable acts in modern magic.

Best known for their long-running Las Vegas residency and acclaimed television series Penn & Teller: Fool Us, the duo has entertained millions through live performances, television appearances, bestselling books, and international tours. Their contributions to the entertainment industry have earned widespread recognition, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a lasting legacy as one of Las Vegas's most iconic headliners.

Penn & Teller will help close National Comp 2026 with an experience that is uniquely Vegas—combining entertainment, surprise, and shared moments that attendees will be talking about long after the conference ends.