What happens when you mix relentless drive, academic prowess, and an innate knack for reading people? You get Tara Furiani. She isn't just in the people business—she is the people business. With over two decades of transformative leadership under her belt, Tara shatters the conventional, often stodgy, paradigms of HR and corporate culture, bringing humanity back into the workplace.

Sporting dual Master's degrees in Psychology and Organizational Leadership, Tara's academic mettle is as rock-solid as her real-world chops. Her slew of advanced certifications isn't just for show; it’s her toolkit for crafting highly responsive, agile organizations. She’s been the mastermind behind multiple industry-defining shifts during her 13 years as a Chief People Officer for companies valued over $6 billion and employing more than 10,000 people worldwide.

But let's cut through the corporate jargon: Tara is a people champion. She fights for DEI not just as a buzzword but as a way of life, all the way from boardrooms on Earth to the realms of space, serving on NASA's DEI board. For Tara, equity isn't just a corporate initiative; it's a universal mandate.

Still think she’s all business? Think again. A mother of five and a doting partner, Tara knows the real-world application of work-life balance like no other. She's the driving force of her family and the beating heart of her home, roles she embraces with the same vigor as her corporate undertakings.

If you need further proof, lend an ear to her hit podcast, "Not the HR Lady," where she tackles the industry's stale narratives and offers fresh, often revolutionary, perspectives. And don't be fooled by the exec persona; she can drop a Dr. Dre lyric faster than you can say "organizational change."

When you partner with Tara Furiani, you’re not just getting a consultant or a thought leader. You’re aligning with a living, breathing catalyst for meaningful change—in your organization and in your life. Are you ready?

Learn more about Tara Furiani and Not the HR Lady by visiting: www.notthehrlady.com and subscribe to the show at www.youtube.com/c/notthehrlady.

What happens when you mix relentless drive, academic prowess, and an innate knack for reading people? You get Tara Furiani. She isn't just in the people business—she is the people business. With over two decades of transformative leadership under her... Show more

Passionate about tech and creativity. Graphic design roots, IT engineering background. Former marketing lead, now crafting frontend magic at Warner Bros Discovery. Embracing technology's limitless canvas to create captivating experiences!

Passionate about tech and creativity. Graphic design roots, IT engineering background. Former marketing lead, now crafting frontend magic at Warner Bros Discovery. Embracing technology's limitless canvas to create captivating experiences! Show more

Randolph West (they/them) writes about the Microsoft Data Platform, having worked with SQL Server since the late 1990s. When not writing about technology, you can see them acting on the stage and screen, or doing voices for independent video games. Former five-time Data Platform MVP and charter member of the Azure Data Community Advisory Board. Founder of the Calgary Data User Group. Connect with Randolph on Twitter, or buy their books on Amazon.

Randolph West (they/them) writes about the Microsoft Data Platform, having worked with SQL Server since the late 1990s. When not writing about technology, you can see them acting on the stage and screen, or doing voices for independent video games. F... Show more

Saj Zaman, the Founder of Finally Free Productions (FFP), boasts a wealth of experience in the technology industry as a serial entrepreneur and expert in scaling up businesses. With over a decade of experience, Saj has honed his skills in custom app, software, and game development, as well as blockchain development, catering to clients nationwide.

Under his leadership, FFP has achieved remarkable success, becoming a testament to Saj's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. Recognizing the immense potential for growth through mobile applications, he has guided countless business owners in establishing a strong presence in their respective industries. FFP prides itself on transforming clients' ideas into service apps that fuel business growth and deliver tangible results.

Saj's profound impact on the tech industry is further underscored by his dedication to designing sophisticated software and high-quality applications. Alongside his driven FFP team, Saj exemplifies a relentless pursuit of perfection in realizing clients' visions. By continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible, he is shaping the future of technology and making an indelible mark on the industry.

Saj Zaman, the Founder of Finally Free Productions (FFP), boasts a wealth of experience in the technology industry as a serial entrepreneur and expert in scaling up businesses. With over a decade of experience, Saj has honed his skills in custom app,... Show more

Ben Vanderberg is a Principal Platform Evangelist for Adobe Acrobat platform. For the last 15 years, he has worked with organizations to help drive automation and paperless technologies. With the release of the iPad and the iPhone, he helped publishing organizations drive cross-publishing to the web, mobile, and traditional paper. At Adobe, he has been helping drive innovation in documents through e-signatures (Adobe Sign) and document automation using Adobe Document Services. He is also working with many enterprise platforms, including SalesForce, Microsoft 365, AWS, Azure, and other platforms. Ben is also an editor and contributor to Adobe Tech Blog.

Ben Vanderberg is a Principal Platform Evangelist for Adobe Acrobat platform. For the last 15 years, he has worked with organizations to help drive automation and paperless technologies. With the release of the iPad and the iPhone, he helped publishi... Show more

From running street teams to making a music documentary, Christine spent most of my adolescence deeply entrenched in the music industry and went on to receive an undergrad degree in Music Business, followed by an MBA in Marketing and a Masters in Data Science. She managed to combine all of her passions into roles consulting and working with various music startups, venues, festivals, radio stations and labels bridging the gap between music, data & business. Originally from Baltimore, MD, USA, Christine spent 2 years in Stockholm most recently as the Head of Data & Insights for Universal Music Sweden and now calls London home working as the Director of Data & Insights for Global Marketing at Warner Music Group, where Christine use data to tell stories & help guide our artist's journeys.

From running street teams to making a music documentary, Christine spent most of my adolescence deeply entrenched in the music industry and went on to receive an undergrad degree in Music Business, followed by an MBA in Marketing and a Masters in Dat... Show more

Bringing people together is something that lives on through my workshops and training. Whether they take place online or on-premise, I facilitate workshops and learning experiences that focus on high participation, on learning by doing and verifying that the concepts are integrated. I use Live Online Learning Activities to ensure people get a chance to practice their understanding of the new concepts.

What better way is there to give meaning to what we say than to draw to make our thoughts explicit? When we add visual information to what we’re saying, suddenly our intention becomes much more precise, and we can begin to work on shared understanding. This is why I love bringing people in contact with the power of Visual Thinking, of getting back to our roots and using pen and paper to bring people closer together.

Stories are another option for bringing sensitive topics to the surface, which I recently started to explore through my self-development practice, as well as during numerous Around the world in (less than) 80 days workshops throughout the past years!

Bringing people together is something that lives on through my workshops and training. Whether they take place online or on-premise, I facilitate workshops and learning experiences that focus on high participation, on learning by doing and verifying ... Show more

I am a seasoned business analyst with over 14 years of experience bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions. Having started a career in quality assurance, [Your Name] transitioned into strategic business analysis, bringing a unique end-to-end perspective across project lifecycles.

With expertise in digital transformation, platform migrations, and enterprise-scale implementations, [Your Name] has successfully led initiatives across industries, including fitness, retail, e-commerce, and SaaS.

I am a seasoned business analyst with over 14 years of experience bridging the gap between business needs and technology solutions. Having started a career in quality assurance, [Your Name] transitioned into strategic business analysis, bringing a un... Show more

AI & Data leader with 14+ years of experience. Women in AI California State Ambassador. Talks about #AI in Life Sciences #Building solutions using Gemini #GenAI #Career in tech

AI & Data leader with 14+ years of experience. Women in AI California State Ambassador. Talks about #AI in Life Sciences #Building solutions using Gemini #GenAI #Career in tech Show more

build in public

build in public Show more

Sandy Hackett is a speaker, event host, and producer with decades of experience working in front of live audiences at corporate events, conferences, and theaters nationwide.
He specializes in audience engagement and communication, helping events stay energized, connected, and running smoothly from start to finish. Known for his ability to read a room in real time, Sandy brings a practical, experience-driven perspective on how people connect, respond, and stay present.
His work focuses on the human side of engagement—how communication, energy, and presence directly impact workplace culture, leadership effectiveness, and event success. Blending humor, insight, and real-world experience, Sandy delivers presentations that keep audiences fully engaged while creating meaningful, lasting impact.

Sandy Hackett is a speaker, event host, and producer with decades of experience working in front of live audiences at corporate events, conferences, and theaters nationwide. He specializes in audience engagement and communication, helping events sta... Show more

Naomi Beverly is the mother of 4 accomplished children who are all authors and who work together in their family business, Sound Design and Development, LLC.

They want to make creating web applications easy and accessible to anyone who wants to learn.

Naomi Beverly is the mother of 4 accomplished children who are all authors and who work together in their family business, Sound Design and Development, LLC. They want to make creating web applications easy and accessible to anyone who wants to le... Show more

Hello there! I'm Miguel, a web developer known for my passion for crafting user-centric web applications. With extensive experience in front-end technologies like React, Vue.js, and JavaScript/TypeScript, as well as a strong background in back-end development using Ruby on Rails and Node.js. Throughout my career, I've been deeply involved in all aspects of web development, consistently following agile/Scrum methodologies. My primary goal is to consistently deliver exceptional products that prioritize user satisfaction, and having a background as a Product Designer in the past, helps me to bring a keen eye for user-centric design principles and a deep understanding of user needs to every project. I also have past experience on the stages of TDC (The Developers Conference) in Sao Paulo and Florianópolis, and other smaller events in the region I live. I've given talks on various topics, including UX principles, Nielsen heuristics, pair programming, and pair design. Additionally, I actively participated in an internal training program at my company, where I focused on the intersection of code and design. I delved into essential aspects such as accessibility, responsiveness, and UX, along with diving into more technical topics like databases and programming as a whole.

Hello there! I'm Miguel, a web developer known for my passion for crafting user-centric web applications. With extensive experience in front-end technologies like React, Vue.js, and JavaScript/TypeScript, as well as a strong background in back-end de... Show more

Carolyn Finck is a psychologist, entrepreneur, author, and consultant specializing in health, well-being, multisensory experiences, and digital learning. After completing her PhD in Leipzig, she was Professor of Psychology at Universidad de los Andes (2007–2022) and continues as Adjunct Professor. She has published extensively in health psychology, psycho-oncology (including collaboration with IARC/WHO), multisensory experiences, and intercultural competence. She currently works in sound branding at Hooked Research Hamburg and as associated researcher at Hochschule Anhalt on collaborative online learning (COIL), inner development and social entrepreneurship, bridging research, sensory design, and digital education.

Carolyn Finck is a psychologist, entrepreneur, author, and consultant specializing in health, well-being, multisensory experiences, and digital learning. After completing her PhD in Leipzig, she was Professor of Psychology at Universidad de los Andes... Show more

Zhenhao Wen is a PhD student in Theatre and Dance at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research explores performance-as-research (PaR), intercultural embodiment, and diasporic memory in contemporary dance. Through improvisation and body-based inquiry, Wen examines how movement, rhythm, and affect can function as archives of emotion and decolonial resistance.

Zhenhao Wen is a PhD student in Theatre and Dance at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. His research explores performance-as-research (PaR), intercultural embodiment, and diasporic memory in contemporary dance. Through improvisation and body-based i... Show more

Prvi cosplay mi je bio 2014. godine kada sam pronašao ljubav prema prenošenju fikcionalnih likova u stvarnost. Redovni sam posjetitelj Sferakona od 2015. kada sam počeo i sudjelovati na cosplay natjecanjima. U svojoj cosplay povijesti držim nekoliko nagrada i više angažmana za različite događaje od kojih je najveći bio Gamers8 WCS gdje imam čast predstavljati hrvatsku uz Purple Toast u Saudijskoj Arabiji 2023. godine.

Prvi cosplay mi je bio 2014. godine kada sam pronašao ljubav prema prenošenju fikcionalnih likova u stvarnost. Redovni sam posjetitelj Sferakona od 2015. kada sam počeo i sudjelovati na cosplay natjecanjima. U svojoj cosplay povijesti držim nekoliko ... Show more

Aditi is a certified Agile Coach, Scaled Agilist, and Scrum Master with over 15 years of experience in the IT industry across India, South Africa, and Germany. She began her career as a developer, then moved into testing, and, driven by her people-oriented nature, transitioned into project and Agile leadership.
She specializes in facilitating hands-on Agile trainings and interactive games that help teams improve collaboration, ownership, and performance. Known for her enthusiasm and engaging style, she brings energy, creativity, and practical insights into every session. A professionally trained dancer with a passion for travel and art, she often draws inspiration from movement and storytelling to make Agile leadership tangible, memorable, and fun.

Aditi is a certified Agile Coach, Scaled Agilist, and Scrum Master with over 15 years of experience in the IT industry across India, South Africa, and Germany. She began her career as a developer, then moved into testing, and, driven by her people-or... Show more

Sonja Dalseth er redaktør og forlegger i Måken forlag. Hun er også oversetter.

Sonja Dalseth er redaktør og forlegger i Måken forlag. Hun er også oversetter. Show more

Mihaela Marija Perković is a versatile Croatian author, editor, journalist, translator, and entrepreneur with a deep passion for storytelling and speculative fiction. She holds degrees in English and Italian language and literature as well as journalism from the University of Zagreb. Perković is the founder and CEO of *Savarakatini*, a boutique business specializing in technical writing, copywriting, public relations, and workshops for startups.

Her creative achievements include winning the Croatian national SF award SFERA in 2021 for her novella *Teuta’s Boat*, a historical fantasy set in 3rd century BC Croatia. An active contributor to science fiction fandoms, she has served as PR manager and Chair for SFeraKon, Croatia's largest sci-fi convention, and held leadership roles in international events like the Helsinki Worldcon 2017. She was also the European GUFF delegate to Australia in 2013 and has been recognized with the European Science Fiction Society Award for Best Promoter in 2015.

Mihaela Marija Perković is a versatile Croatian author, editor, journalist, translator, and entrepreneur with a deep passion for storytelling and speculative fiction. She holds degrees in English and Italian language and literature as well as journal... Show more

I am passionate about market research, focusing on SME market segments and business ecosystems. My work revolves around need-based innovation, particularly within social entrepreneurship spaces, where I explore sustainable solutions that drive long-term impact.

With a keen eye for emerging trends, I specialize in identifying opportunities for social sustainability ventures. I bridge gaps between market needs and transformative innovations, and I thrive on fostering collaborations that create business models with lasting social value.

I am passionate about market research, focusing on SME market segments and business ecosystems. My work revolves around need-based innovation, particularly within social entrepreneurship spaces, where I explore sustainable solutions that drive long-t... Show more

Joanna White is a community connector who has spent her career building bridges between Huntsville’s creative and civic sectors. As the Managing Director of the Apollo Coalition, Joanna continues this work by creating ecosystems for human collaboration. The Coalition drives local innovation by funding the gener8tor Huntsville tech accelerator and supporting a product development program for student engineers, and by encouraging community connection through its signature events in Huntsville’s MidCity District.

Joanna White is a community connector who has spent her career building bridges between Huntsville’s creative and civic sectors. As the Managing Director of the Apollo Coalition, Joanna continues this work by creating ecosystems for human collaborati... Show more

Works as a Cloud Solution Architect. He is by training a professional developer started working since 2001. One of the early adopters of Azure. Have presented and worked since it's alpha days. Believes in OpenSource Learning.

Works as a Cloud Solution Architect. He is by training a professional developer started working since 2001. One of the early adopters of Azure. Have presented and worked since it's alpha days. Believes in OpenSource Learning. Show more

Sara supports organizations in their Agile journeys and product practices, as a coach or freelance manager.
She co-founded La Places des Grenouilles, an anti-sexist association, in 2021.
She is passionate about arts and words, diversity and inclusion, gastronomy and NVC.

Sara supports organizations in their Agile journeys and product practices, as a coach or freelance manager. She co-founded La Places des Grenouilles, an anti-sexist association, in 2021. She is passionate about arts and words, diversity and inclu... Show more

Ebony D. Britton is an educator of over 20 years, children’s author, and advocate for inclusive education. As an ESE teacher, she is deeply committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those on the autism spectrum and nonverbal learners.

Motivated by the lack of representation in children’s literature, Ebony began writing books that reflect the experiences of all children—especially those who are often unseen. Her work combines education and storytelling to promote empathy, inclusion, and meaningful connection in classrooms.

As a speaker, Ebony empowers educators and communities with practical strategies and heartfelt insight on creating inclusive environments where every child feels valued and understood.

Ebony D. Britton is an educator of over 20 years, children’s author, and advocate for inclusive education. As an ESE teacher, she is deeply committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs, including those on the autism spectrum and nonve... Show more

Teresa Potts is a Quality/Engineering Leader, certified Scrum Master, Agile Coach, and Quality Engineer. She has been in the software industry for over 18 years.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in music, she got into tech because someone took a chance on her. She took that chance and ran with it. She has worked in the insurance, marketing & advertising, real estate, and financial industries.

Once in the field, she earned an Associate’s degree in Computer Programming and a Master of Business Administration in Engineering Management. Always learning, she also earned a Scrum Master certification and Google Project Management certificate.

In 2025, she created her own tech consulting company, Stir the Pott Consulting, LLC. She currently works as an Agile Coach for Youngsoft Inc.

She enjoys being a part of tech groups in her community and beyond. She plays the viola in the Mason Symphony Orchestra, is a member of the Michigan Motor Maids (women’s motorcycle riding club), and is a dog owner. She volunteers as a Lucid Legend, author/editor for Kprofiles.com (kpop website), and Wikipedia for topics she cares about.

Teresa Potts is a Quality/Engineering Leader, certified Scrum Master, Agile Coach, and Quality Engineer. She has been in the software industry for over 18 years. After earning a bachelor’s degree in music, she got into tech because someone took a... Show more

Dawn Pfeifer Reitz is a communication strategist, leadership educator, and higher education leader who helps people transform expertise into influence. With more than three decades of experience in teaching, training, and organizational leadership, her work focuses on the power skills that drive professional success: communication, leadership presence, collaboration, and strategic thinking.

Dawn serves as an Associate Teaching Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and First Year Seminar Coordinator at Penn State Berks, where she leads curriculum innovation, faculty collaboration, and student success initiatives across programs.

Dawn is also the founder of DSPR Consulting, where she advises organizations and leaders on communication strategy, leadership development, and learning systems.

Known for translating research into practical tools, Dawn's sessions combine storytelling, frameworks, and real world application. She regularly speaks on communication for career readiness, leadership development, mentoring, and the role of communication in professional mobility.

Her work sits at the intersection of education, leadership, and workforce development, helping students, professionals, and organizations communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Dawn Pfeifer Reitz is a communication strategist, leadership educator, and higher education leader who helps people transform expertise into influence. With more than three decades of experience in teaching, training, and organizational leadership, h... Show more

Dr. Larry Stanleigh’s speaking presentations reflect over three decades of dental clinical and business ownership experience. Through lectures, workshops and team trainings, he uses the Discovery Insights system to bring solutions which help the dental team form stronger relationships (both with each other and patients) thus becoming more effective in their positions.
With a focus on practice culture, self-awareness and self-directed leadership, Larry’s programs help mindsets to evolve and practice culture to transform and strengthen.
An avid learner and life-long student, Larry is a dedicated general practitioner and an orofacial pain/TMJ consultant. Additionally, he runs Agility Guard, a sports performance mouthguard company.
Larry was a rock radio DJ on-air in Toronto (CJSW) from 1977- 1981. He is an award-winning writer/blogger and executive producer of the USNA: United States of North America graphic novel project. Larry is also an experienced emcee, a stand-up comic, and a recurring character in No Shirt, No Shoes, Pants Optional comedy podcast.

Dr. Larry Stanleigh’s speaking presentations reflect over three decades of dental clinical and business ownership experience. Through lectures, workshops and team trainings, he uses the Discovery Insights system to bring solutions which help the dent... Show more

Danielle Cooley has been working in design research and strategy for more than 18 years with such companies as Hyundai, Pfizer, Graco, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Fidelity, MasterCard, and more. She leads a bespoke consulting practice and speaks frequently at local, national, and international conferences.

Danielle Cooley has been working in design research and strategy for more than 18 years with such companies as Hyundai, Pfizer, Graco, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Fidelity, MasterCard, and more. She leads a bespoke consulting practice and speaks frequent... Show more

Andrew spent over a decade in Customer Service, IT Support, and Knowledge Management roles before transitioning to his dream job of being a writer, game designer, and professional Dungeon Master. He is now the owner of Quills & Quests where, through fiction writings and games, he explores heroism as a means of self-improvement, promotes mental health awareness, advocates for fair play, and fosters creativity.

Andrew hosts, writes, designs, and publishes his own Dungeons & Dragons adventures. He also provides various professional Dungeon Mastering services as well as interactive gaming experiences for individuals, groups, private parties or corporate events.

Andrew spent over a decade in Customer Service, IT Support, and Knowledge Management roles before transitioning to his dream job of being a writer, game designer, and professional Dungeon Master. He is now the owner of Quills & Quests where, through ... Show more

Peter Gallinari is a seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience in Information Technology, including more than 30 years in leadership roles specializing in Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Compliance. He possesses extensive industry expertise across the financial services, healthcare, and government sectors.
Throughout his distinguished career, Peter has held several high-profile positions, including:
• Chief Data Privacy Officer for the State of Tennessee
• Domain Information Security Officer for the State of Tennessee
• Chief Security Officer at GE Capital and GE IT Director of Operations
• Chief Security Officer overseeing security for three hospitals in New York
• Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Delivery Services at Merrill Lynch
• Data Privacy Program Manager for the State of North Carolina
His deep knowledge of regulatory compliance, such as GLBA, SOX, HIPAA, FERPA, FTI, CJIS, SSA, and the EU GDPR, along with PCI compliance for commercial operations, and data protection frameworks: ISO27001, SOC2 TYPE2, NIST.
Peter is a recognized subject matter expert in cloud compliance and governance solutions and is a frequent keynote speaker at Data Privacy and Cybersecurity conferences across both the public and private sectors. His insights and leadership have consistently driven the secure and compliant management of sensitive data in complex, high-stakes environments. He currently has a new book out on Amazon: The Sound of Governance: Rockin Privacy Across Sectors, and a weekly YouTube Channel: Rockin Data Privacy - Peter Gallinari

MUSIC RECORDING ARTIST BIO
🎹 Peter Gallinari – Official Artist Bio
Peter Gallinari is a veteran keyboardist, songwriter, and recording artist whose career spans over three decades of performing and recording alongside some of rock’s most iconic names. Known for his soulful playing, powerhouse stage presence, and deep musical versatility, Peter has built a reputation as a go-to collaborator in the world of classic rock and beyond.

He is currently touring with pop legend Tiffany, continuing a long line of high-profile performances that have included tours with Leslie West & Mountain, Richie Scarlet (of Ace Frehley’s Comet and Alice Cooper).
Peter’s studio and stage credits are a who’s who of rock royalty, including collaborations with:
• Mary Wilson (The Supremes), Ace Frehley (KISS), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N’ Roses), Fergie Frederiksen (TOTO), John Regan, (Ace Frehleys Comets, Peter Frampton, Stones)
• Anton Fig (David Letterman, KISS), Barry Lee Harwood & Derek Hess (Rossington Collins Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd)
• Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Rod Stewart), Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper), Kenny Aaronson (Bob Dylan, Hall & Oates)
• And many more, including members of Blue Öyster Cult & The Misfits.
In addition to his performance work, Peter is a proud member of the Hammond Family of Artists, recognized by the legendary Hammond Organ company for his musicianship and contributions to live music.
📡 Learn more and follow upcoming shows at:
🔗 www.petergallinarimusic.com

Peter Gallinari is a seasoned professional with over 50 years of experience in Information Technology, including more than 30 years in leadership roles specializing in Data Privacy, Cybersecurity, and Compliance. He possesses extensive industry exper... Show more