Speaker

Emily Maina

Emily Maina

Founder & Digital Marketing Strategist: Inspiring Success through AI-Driven Insights, Dynamic Public Speaking, and Expert Training in Digital Marketing, Linux, and Career Development.

Nairobi, Kenya

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Emily Maina is a certified AI trainer, speaker, and founder of Pemanis Solution—an AI-powered marketing and automation agency based in Nairobi, Kenya. With a background in digital strategy and tech empowerment, she helps professionals, developers, and SMEs unlock the full potential of AI tools for content creation, DevOps, and productivity.

Emily has spoken at Microsoft’s Global Power Platform Bootcamp, International Women’s Day Kigali, and numerous DevOps and AI summits across Africa. Her work is rooted in making complex technologies easy to apply in business and software development. Through her workshops and trainings, she equips diverse communities with the skills to innovate, automate, and thrive in the AI era.

Area of Expertise

  • Business & Management
  • Government, Social Sector & Education
  • Information & Communications Technology
  • Media & Information
  • Region & Country

Topics

  • Harnessing AI for Digital Marketing Success
  • Staying ahead of digital marketing trends
  • Startup Innovation & Creativity
  • Technology Startups
  • Digital strategy and Transformation
  • Small Business Digital Marketing
  • ​​​​​​​The Generative AI LLM Revolution (ChatGPT)
  • Black Women Entrepreneurs
  • Women entrepreneurs
  • Startup Growth
  • chatgpt
  • Enterpreneurship
  • Generative AI Use Cases
  • AI for Startups
  • AI for everyone
  • Chatgpt for daily lives
  • AI for Communications
  • Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency and Growth
  • GNU/Linux SysAdmin
  • Linux
  • linux embedded
  • Ubuntu
  • linux administration
  • linux commands
  • Soft Skills
  • 🙋 Soft skills for developers
  • devops soft skills
  • Effective Communication
  • Business Communications
  • Strategic Communication
  • Intelligent and Secure communications
  • Women in Leadership
  • Leadership
  • Female Leadership
  • strategy and leadership
  • Leadership development
  • Microsoft Synapse
  • soft skills

Tailored for Impact: Dynamics 365 Solutions Transforming Agriculture, Retail & Finance in East Afric

How can we move from imported systems to truly impactful solutions that serve our local industries?

In this dynamic session, we unpack how Dynamics 365 when tailored strategically can unlock real value for some of East Africa’s most vital sectors: Agriculture, Retail, and Finance.

With real-world demos and relatable industry stories, you’ll discover:

🌽 Agriculture: How field agents use Dynamics 365 Field Service + Power Apps to track farm inputs, monitor yields, and predict buying patterns in co-ops.

🛒 Retail: How SMEs streamline inventory, POS, loyalty, and customer behavior insights using Business Central and Customer Insights—without expensive integrations.

💸 Finance: How microfinance and SACCOs leverage Dynamics 365 and Power BI to automate client onboarding, credit scoring, and compliance with local regulations.

💡 Learning Outcomes:
Learn how to customize Dynamics 365 for underserved industries in East Africa

Explore AI & Power Platform use cases for smallholder farmers, retail owners, and micro-finance teams

Walk away with ready-to-implement frameworks for process automation and customer engagement

Understand the importance of local relevance when configuring business apps

Why This Session Is Unmissable:
“Technology must speak the language of our land.”

This session cuts through the complexity and focuses on what really works in our fields, shops, and financial institutions. It brings together the Power Platform, AI, and industry-specific extensions in a clear, digestible format that leaves attendees with tools, ideas, and blueprints to implement back at their workplace.

We’ll also explore how Dynamics 365 can integrate with mobile money, offline-first apps, and local APIs, making these systems truly usable and scalable in Kenya and East Africa.

Tags
Dynamics 365 for Agriculture

Retail Digital Transformation

Financial Automation with Dynamics 365

East African Use Cases

Industry-Specific Customizations

Field Service + Power Apps

Power Platform Local Integrations

Business Central & Power BI

LLMs & Natural Language Processing – Unlocking the Future of AI Communication

Large Language Models (LLMs) are revolutionizing the way we interact with AI, transforming industries from customer service to enterprise automation. This session will break down how LLMs work, explore their real-world applications, and address key challenges like bias and hallucinations. Attendees will gain insights into the evolution of NLP, emerging trends in multilingual and domain-specific models, and practical use cases in recruitment, HR tech, and corporate training.

Why This Session?
With hands-on expertise in AI-powered recruitment solutions and corporate training, I bring a practical perspective on integrating LLMs into business processes. My experience delivering global lectures for Microsoft Azure Developers and AI communities makes me an engaging and insightful speaker.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Understand the core workings of LLMs (GPT, BERT, etc.)
✅ Explore real-world applications in content creation, HR tech, and automation
✅ Learn about key challenges in LLM adoption, including bias and security risks
✅ Discover future trends in multilingual and domain-specific models.

AI-Powered Digital Marketing: Real-World Applications & Business Impact

AI is reshaping how businesses engage audiences, automate processes, and drive growth. This session is designed for developers, AI enthusiasts, and business professionals eager to bridge AI technology with practical applications.

We’ll explore how AI-powered tools like OpenAI’s models, Gemini, and NLP are transforming digital marketing and customer engagement through:

✅ AI-driven content generation & personalization
✅ Chatbot development for real-time customer interaction
✅ Predictive analytics for smarter decision-making
✅ AI in lead generation & audience targeting

This is a hands-on session featuring real-life case studies from e-commerce, finance, and SMEs, showcasing how AI is boosting sales, optimizing campaigns, and enhancing user experiences.

- Why This Matters
AI isn’t just for tech giants—businesses of all sizes can leverage it for better marketing strategies, automation, and ROI. This session provides practical takeaways that attendees can implement immediately.

- About Me
I’m a digital marketing strategist and AI entrepreneur, running Pemanis Solution, an AI-powered digital marketing agency. I specialize in integrating AI into business strategies to enhance engagement, automation, and results.

Having spoken at Microsoft Power Platform events, IWD panels, and AI summits, I’m passionate about empowering businesses and professionals to harness AI’s full potential.

I’d love to bring this knowledge to the Global AI Bootcamp community and contribute to impactful discussions. Looking forward to the opportunity!

Beyond the Sale: 5 AI-Powered Customer Moments that Drive Loyalty with Dynamics 365 in East Africa

(Hands-on, solution-driven, with real-world Kenyan & East African case studies)

In East Africa’s fast-changing market, it’s no longer enough to make a sale, you have to make it memorable. In this session, we’ll reveal how to use Dynamics 365 Sales, Customer Insights, and the Power Platform to craft 5 AI-powered customer experiences ("moments") that consistently build loyalty, trust, and repeat business.

Forget theory, this is a step-by-step, demo-rich session that equips you to:

🔹 Turn CRM data into action with AI-driven next-best actions
🔹 Personalize follow-ups using Power Automate flows
🔹 Predict customer needs with Dynamics 365 Copilot
🔹 Create seamless engagement across WhatsApp, SMS, and email
🔹 Align sales and support teams around one powerful customer view

We’ll also spotlight real Kenyan and East African use cases; from agribusinesses improving field sales, to retail brands increasing reorders through customer sentiment analysis. Whether you're a CRM consultant, business leader, or tech pro, you'll walk away with a customer engagement blueprint you can deploy immediately. No code required!

🌍 Why This Session Is a Must-Attend:
This session delivers what our region needs most: practical, contextual, and fast-to-implement solutions that unlock the real power of Dynamics 365. We’ll bridge global tech with local realities; low conversion rates, missed follow-ups, and underutilized CRM systems using tools that many teams already have, but aren’t maximizing.

From Chaos to Clarity: Supercharging Business Efficiency with AI and the Power Platform

In today's fast-paced digital economy, businesses are under pressure to streamline operations, improve team productivity, and automate repetitive tasks without increasing budgets or headcount.

In this power-packed session, we’ll explore how AI and Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents, AI Builder) integrate seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Azure to build intelligent solutions in real time.

Through live demos and real-world African use cases, you'll learn how to:

Automate business workflows with zero code

Build AI-powered apps and chatbots

Turn data into decisions with AI Builder and Power BI

Boost productivity using Microsoft 365 integrations

Whether you're a developer, analyst, or non-tech leader, this session will leave you inspired and equipped with practical tools to drive immediate impact.

Key Takeaways
How to build AI-powered business apps and bots in under 15 minutes

Top 3 Power Automate flows every SME should implement today

How to integrate Azure AI services into your Power Platform solutions

Tools and templates to deploy instantly across HR, Sales, and Customer Support

Demo: Automating an employee onboarding workflow with AI + Microsoft 365

Soft Skills for Tech Professionals: Mastering Communication, Leadership & Growth

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, technical expertise alone isn’t enough - soft skills are the key to thriving in the industry. Whether you're a developer, IT professional, student, or job seeker, the ability to communicate, collaborate, and lead effectively can set you apart and unlock new career opportunities.

As a seasoned speaker on leadership and soft skills, including at RenderCon 2024, I’ll share practical insights and real-world strategies to help attendees:

✅ Master effective communication for teamwork, presentations, and stakeholder engagement
✅ Build confidence and leadership skills to take on bigger roles
✅ Develop problem-solving and adaptability skills to navigate challenges
✅ Enhance networking and personal branding for career growth

Through interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and actionable takeaways, this session will empower attendees to Redefine Possible in their tech careers.

- About Me
I’m a digital marketing strategist, AI entrepreneur, and leadership speaker with experience in mentoring professionals and business owners on AI, digital growth, and career development. Having spoken at Microsoft Power Platform events, RenderCon 2024, and global AI summits, I’m passionate about helping tech professionals develop both technical and soft skills to accelerate their success.

I’d love to bring this knowledge to the Redefine Possible community and inspire attendees to leverage soft skills for career advancement. Looking forward to the opportunity!

Microsoft Power Platform: Driving Innovation with Real-World Success

Join me at the Global Power Platform Bootcamp 2025 as I unveil the transformative power of Microsoft’s Power Platform! In this engaging session, I’ll take the audience on a journey through real-world examples, actionable insights, and advanced techniques that highlight the platform’s unparalleled potential to solve complex business challenges.

🌟 What You’ll Gain:

A deep dive into the seamless integration of Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power Virtual Agents within your existing ecosystem, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365.
Proven strategies to scale solutions while ensuring top-notch governance, security, and compliance.
Inspiring stories of how businesses like yours have fostered a culture of low-code adoption, achieving unmatched efficiency and innovation.

Let’s connect, learn, and empower the global Power Platform community. I look forward to making this session an unforgettable part of the Global Power Platform Bootcamp 2025!

Empowering African Women in AI and Entrepreneurship: Winning Strategies for Success

Join me on a transformative journey as we explore how African women are redefining possibilities in AI and entrepreneurship. This session will equip you with actionable strategies to overcome challenges, leverage emerging opportunities, and ignite lasting impact.

Key Highlights:

Breaking Down Barriers:

Learn how to navigate societal biases and access funding through innovative financing models.

Discover ways to bridge the digital divide by leveraging mobile technology for business operations.

Building Resilience:

Understand the importance of mentorship networks—how they can help you stay motivated during tough times.

Explore real-life examples of Kenyan entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled their businesses using digital platforms.

Innovative Solutions with AI:

Dive into case studies where AI has been used to solve unique African challenges—such as healthcare access or education disparities.

Engage in interactive brainstorming sessions on applying AI solutions to local problems.

Future-Proofing Your Venture:

Get insights into upcoming trends that will shape the future of work for African women in tech.

Learn how to position your business for success by integrating sustainable practices and inclusive technologies.

Winning How-To’s:

How to Secure Funding: Tips on crafting compelling pitches that attract investors interested in supporting female-led ventures.

How to Build a Strong Network: Strategies for creating mentorship circles that foster growth and collaboration among women entrepreneurs.

How to Leverage Digital Tools Effectively: Practical advice on using social media platforms, e-commerce sites, and fintech solutions efficiently.

This session is designed not only as an inspiration but also as a practical guide filled with actionable advice from someone who has walked this path successfully. https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymaina1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymaina1/

oin me at the Dubai Summit, a free Microsoft AI Community Conference, where I will lead an engaging session on leveraging OpenAI and Microsoft technologies such as Azure, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform to deliver robust enterprise solutions. With extensive experience in participating in Power Platform events and a proven track record of empowering businesses through AI transformation using the Microsoft suite, I will guide you through real-life examples that illustrate how these technologies can solve complex business challenges.

Session Overview (Intermediate):
In this session, we'll take a deeper dive into advanced AI solutions that go beyond basic concepts. You'll learn how to implement enterprise-level solutions using Dynamics 365, Power Platform, or AI. Key topics include:

Integrating OpenAI with Azure: Explore how to harness the power of OpenAI within Azure for enhanced data analysis and automation.

Dynamics 365 Integration: Discover strategies for integrating D365 with AI tools to streamline business processes and enhance customer engagement.

Power Platform Innovations: Learn how to leverage Power Apps, Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow), and Power BI to create intelligent workflows that drive business efficiency.

Case Studies & Real-World Success
C.H. Robinson: Used Microsoft AI to cut email quote times from minutes to just 32 seconds - a boost in productivity by 15%1.

Air India: Managed over four million customer queries with automated sessions reaching up to 97% efficiency using Azure AI1.

Growth from Previous Experience
My journey with the Microsoft suite has been marked by continuous growth in delivering innovative solutions across various industries. From automating workflows with Power Platform tools like Cineplex did - saving over thousands of hours annually - to enhancing decision-making capabilities through integrated analytics within Dynamics 365. I have helped businesses transform their operations effectively.

Whether you're looking to refine your skills in delivering cutting-edge AI solutions or seeking practical advice on implementing enterprise-level projects using D365, Power Platform, or Azure combined with OpenAI capabilities. This session promises an enriching experience filled with real-world applications and expert guidance based on my past successes in leveraging these technologies for tangible business outcomes.

Empowering Cybersecurity Teams: Leveraging Soft Skills to Drive AI and Automation Success

In today’s cybersecurity landscape, the combination of AI, automation, and human-centric leadership is transforming how teams defend against emerging threats. This session explores the crucial role of team leadership and soft skills—like communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability—in the successful adoption of AI-driven cybersecurity strategies. Drawing from real-world case studies, I will share practical examples of how effective leadership and collaboration have enhanced AI initiatives, enabling teams to proactively manage risks and navigate adversarial AI threats.

Through a series of examples, I’ll illustrate how cybersecurity leaders can foster a culture of innovation, bridge technical and non-technical teams, and drive seamless implementation of predictive AI and automation tools. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for leading high-performing teams, navigating change, and building resilience in a world where technology alone cannot fully secure the organization.

Empowering Remote Teams: Leadership, Soft Skills, and Secure Digital Collaboration in the Modern Era

ABSTRACT
In this talk, I will share insights from my journey as a startup founder and digital marketing strategist focused on building resilient, high-performing teams. Centered around team leadership and essential soft skills, this session will explore how to empower digital teams with secure workflows, agile collaboration strategies, and the human skills crucial for a high-trust work culture.

Attendees will learn how to bridge technical and human elements to foster team accountability, communication, and adaptability—crucial qualities for navigating today’s remote and hybrid environments. I’ll present practical examples and case studies to illustrate techniques for leading virtual teams and ensuring secure collaboration without sacrificing efficiency or morale.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR ATTENDEES:

1. Practical strategies for balancing security and collaboration in digital environments.
2. Leadership insights to build trust, accountability, and adaptability within remote teams.
3. Real-world applications of soft skills that drive team performance in agile, secure settings.

Empowering Teams for Successful Trino Deployments: Leadership & Soft Skills in Data Engineering

Successful Trino deployments demand more than technical know-how; they require strong leadership and well-honed soft skills to foster collaboration, enhance team communication, and streamline data workflows. This session will explore how effective team leadership and soft skills are essential in driving impactful Trino projects from deployment to optimization.

Drawing from practical experience, I’ll share real-life examples of guiding data engineering and analytics teams through complex Trino deployments, addressing common challenges like aligning team priorities, ensuring clear communication across disciplines, and building trust among data professionals and engineers. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to leverage leadership and soft skills in enhancing their Trino workflows, whether they’re scaling data lakehouse environments or implementing data governance practices.

AUDIENCE TAKEAWAYS
1. Effective Communication Techniques: Learn how to foster open dialogue and clear communication between data scientists, engineers, and analysts to create a cohesive deployment environment.
2. Leadership Strategies for Trino Projects: Discover actionable approaches to leading cross-functional teams through Trino’s technical demands, from setup through optimization.
3. Promoting Team Cohesion and Trust: Understand how to build trust and accountability within data engineering teams, encouraging shared responsibility and continuous improvement in Trino workflows.

Prompt Engineering Methodologies

Maximize Your AI Impact with Expert Prompt Engineering Methodologies

Join me for an engaging session on "Prompt Engineering Methodologies", where I will guide you through the essential techniques for mastering prompt design to unlock the full capabilities of AI models. As an experienced computer scientist and AI specialist, I will share practical insights and actionable strategies that can significantly enhance your AI interactions and outcomes.

In this session, you will learn:

* The core principles of effective prompt engineering
* Techniques for crafting prompts that drive accurate and relevant AI responses
* Real-world applications and case studies demonstrating the power of prompt engineering
* How to troubleshoot common prompt-related issues and refine your approach

Benefits of having me as your speaker:
- Expertise: With my background in AI, Linux administration, and DevOps, I offer a deep understanding of how prompt engineering integrates with advanced technologies.
- Practical Insights: I provide actionable strategies and real-world examples, ensuring you gain practical skills you can immediately apply.
- Dynamic Presentation: My engaging public speaking style will make complex concepts accessible and inspire you to innovate with AI.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your AI capabilities and achieve exceptional results with expert prompt engineering techniques!

Leading High-Performance Teams in Cloud Transitions: A Strategic Guide to Integrating Apache Ignite

Transitioning to a high-performance, Ignite-enabled hybrid cloud environment requires more than technical expertise—it demands cohesive leadership and robust team collaboration. In this session, we’ll delve into how to lead cross-functional teams through the complex process of integrating Apache Ignite for data-intensive applications in hybrid and cloud environments. We’ll cover real-world strategies for navigating both the technical and human aspects of this transformation, including aligning teams, fostering trust, and enabling efficient communication between developers, architects, and operations teams.

Through practical examples, I’ll share best practices for balancing technical goals with team dynamics, troubleshooting Ignite challenges collaboratively, and building a culture of innovation that drives ongoing success. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights on how to lead teams that not only adopt Apache Ignite but also optimize its potential in cloud deployments.

AUDIENCE TAKEAWAYS:
1. Strategies for Effective Cross-Functional Collaboration: Learn how to bring together diverse teams to work seamlessly on Ignite implementation projects.
2. Fostering Resilience in High-Stakes Deployments: Discover soft skills like adaptability and empathy that help teams stay aligned during complex cloud transitions.
3. Actionable Troubleshooting Techniques: Understand how to collaboratively solve common Ignite challenges in hybrid environments, creating a supportive problem-solving culture.

Team leadership & soft skills

Join me, as I explore the essential qualities of effective team leadership and the importance of soft skills in today's fast-paced business world. Drawing from my experience as an entrepreneur and digital marketing strategist, I’ll share insights on fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment, enhancing communication and emotional intelligence, and driving team performance through empathy and strategic thinking. Learn how to lead with confidence, inspire your team, and cultivate a culture of continuous growth and success.

Unlocking the Digital Future: A Business Odyssey Through AI in Marketing

This session offers businesses a journey through the exciting landscape of Artificial Intelligence and its transformative power in marketing. Attendees will explore how AI is revolutionizing customer engagement, content creation, and data analytics, unlocking new possibilities for growth and success. Dive into real-world case studies, hands-on demonstrations, and actionable insights that will equip your business for the digital era.

"AI-Driven Solutions: Transforming Digital Marketing Challenges into Opportunities"

Embark on a digital journey like no other as we uncover the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming marketing challenges into boundless opportunities. Our world-class workshop session delves deep into the heart of modern marketing, where AI-driven solutions are redefining strategies, unlocking new heights of success, and paving the way for unprecedented growth.

Join us and immerse yourself in a dynamic learning experience where the latest in AI technology meets the art of digital marketing. Led by industry experts, our session offers practical insights, real-world case studies, and hands-on demonstrations that will revolutionize your approach to marketing.

Discover how AI can tackle common marketing hurdles, from audience targeting and engagement to analytics and beyond. Gain actionable strategies that can drive tangible results and elevate your brand to new heights. Don't miss this opportunity to harness the power of AI and propel your marketing strategies into the future.

aMP Hammamet 2025 Sessionize Event Upcoming

September 2025 Hammamet, Tunisia

Dynamics User Group Kenya | East Africa Regional Meetup Sessionize Event

July 2025 Nairobi, Kenya

AI Community Conference - AICO Tunisia Sessionize Event

May 2025 Carthage, Tunisia

Empower and Evolve: Redefine Possible Sessionize Event

April 2025

Global AI Bootcamp 2025 - Nairobi Sessionize Event

March 2025 Nairobi, Kenya

International Women's Day Kigali 2025 Sessionize Event

March 2025 Kigali, Rwanda

Global Power Platform Baku 2025 Sessionize Event

February 2025

RenderCon Kenya 2024 Sessionize Event

October 2024 Nairobi, Kenya

Emily Maina

Founder & Digital Marketing Strategist: Inspiring Success through AI-Driven Insights, Dynamic Public Speaking, and Expert Training in Digital Marketing, Linux, and Career Development.

Nairobi, Kenya

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