Kushal Pokhrel is a globally engaged technology leader and applied AI researcher, bridging the domains of network engineering, cybersecurity, and intelligent systems. With a strong foundation in enterprise infrastructure and over five years of industry experience, he architects robust ICT solutions for Australian telecommunications and consulting sectors. Recognized as a Google Developer Expert in Machine Learning, he collaborates with leading researchers and institutions to develop and publish cutting-edge work in computer vision, generative models, and large language models—contributing to journals like Cybernetics and Systems and conferences such as ACIIDS and Springer LNCS. His academic journey, marked by distinction and awards, reflects his deep commitment to knowledge, earning him invitations as a guest speaker and mentor at institutional showcases. Kushal’s project portfolio spans medical AI systems, adversarial security for LLMs, and multimodal model evaluation—merging research precision with practical innovation. As a passionate educator and speaker, he empowers the next generation of data scientists through structured, real-world teaching. Driven by curiosity and purpose, Kushal consistently pushes the boundaries between academic excellence, open innovation, and scalable technological impact.

Kushal Pokhrel is a globally engaged technology leader and applied AI researcher, bridging the domains of network engineering, cybersecurity, and intelligent systems. With a strong foundation in enterprise infrastructure and over five years of indust... Show more

Ross is a technology and privacy specialist with over 20 years of experience navigating the complex intersection of innovation, governance, and cybersecurity.

With a background in Software-as-a-Service and more than a decade dedicated to governance consulting in privacy and security, Ross has helped organizations translate regulatory requirements into actionable strategies.

He is a passionate advocate for consumer cybersecurity and privacy rights, known for making even the most complex topics accessible and engaging.

Ross holds an MSc in the Management of Technology and Innovation and is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/E). He has additional certifications in ethical hacking and paralegal practice, and serves on the board of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.

Ross is a technology and privacy specialist with over 20 years of experience navigating the complex intersection of innovation, governance, and cybersecurity. With a background in Software-as-a-Service and more than a decade dedicated to governanc... Show more

Business Intelligence professional with 20 years experience in data analytics, including at a top Power BI Consultant, Fortune 200 company, and startup EPC. Combines business acumen with digital fluency and innovative mindset to improve data comprehension and facilitate data-driven decision making. Chaired Data Analytics Community at the Construction Industry Institute, featured in BD+C Magazine’s 40 Under 40, and active member of #SML.

Business Intelligence professional with 20 years experience in data analytics, including at a top Power BI Consultant, Fortune 200 company, and startup EPC. Combines business acumen with digital fluency and innovative mindset to improve data comprehe... Show more

Sven Seiler holds the position of Managing Director at Storm Reply GmbH, a trailblazer in the field of cloud software development and strategic cloud consulting. Built upon a solid academic foundation, he has spent several years delving deep into cloud computing, Internet of Things, and mobility technologies.

As the Managing Director of Storm Reply, he leads an array of teams that tackle various facets of software development and modernization, cloud migrations, and cloud consulting - all grounded in Amazon Web Services.

Outside of work, Sven is not only a co-founder and active participant in the AWS User Groups in Dortmund and Düsseldorf, but he also co-organizes the AWS Community Day DACH. In these communities, he enthusiastically shares his expertise and experiences with like-minded individuals. Moreover, he regularly participates in hackathons to evaluate and explore new technologies and forward-thinking topics, initiatives he organizes alongside his colleagues.

Furthermore, Sven is passionate about integrating cloud computing more effectively into academic education. He frequently supervises academic work on the subject and, in collaboration with Bochum University, organizes a "Cloud School." Through these efforts, he aims to shape the next generation of cloud experts and raise awareness for this pivotal technology.

Sven Seiler holds the position of Managing Director at Storm Reply GmbH, a trailblazer in the field of cloud software development and strategic cloud consulting. Built upon a solid academic foundation, he has spent several years delving deep into clo... Show more

With nearly two decades of experience in the technology industry, I have built my career at the intersection of cloud transformation, data strategy, and enterprise modernization. I have advised organizations across Europe and Latin America on how to leverage technology as a strategic enabler of growth, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

My background combines executive leadership with deep architectural expertise. I have led initiatives spanning modern data platforms, cloud-native architectures, hybrid and multi-cloud environments, and AI-driven transformation. I specialize in aligning complex technology landscapes with business priorities, governance frameworks, and scalable operating models.

Over the course of my career, I have taken on strategic and leadership responsibilities within global technology and consulting organizations, playing a key role in shaping cloud, data, and modernization strategies for enterprise clients while building and scaling high-performing technical teams.

Today, as Head of Data & AI at ENCAMINA, I define and lead the strategic direction of data and artificial intelligence team, ensuring technological excellence and measurable business impact while building high-performance teams prepared for the next wave of digital transformation.

With nearly two decades of experience in the technology industry, I have built my career at the intersection of cloud transformation, data strategy, and enterprise modernization. I have advised organizations across Europe and Latin America on how to ... Show more

As the Chief Learning Officer at StoryIQ, Diedre combines her love of data and strategic thinking with creating engaging learning experiences. With over eighteen years of teaching and facilitating experience, Diedre brings enthusiasm and a unique ability to make complex concepts accessible and relatable to all. Diedre’s expertise allows her to call upon a deep knowledge of communicating data and data-driven strategy to senior leaders and key stakeholders across industries and verticals.

As the Chief Learning Officer at StoryIQ, Diedre combines her love of data and strategic thinking with creating engaging learning experiences. With over eighteen years of teaching and facilitating experience, Diedre brings enthusiasm and a unique abi... Show more

Kieran is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architect with over a decade of Microsoft Business Applications delivery experience across enterprise clients in both the public and private sector.

As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Kieran supports organisations through digital transformation and the adoption of new Microsoft technologies, including AI-powered business applications and agents.

Kieran is a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Power Platform Solution Architect with over a decade of Microsoft Business Applications delivery experience across enterprise clients in both the public and private sector. As a Microsoft Certified Trainer, K... Show more

I work as a Solution Architect specializing in Data & AI, with solid experience in scalable architectures, governance, and digital transformation for large enterprises. I am a partner of belake.ai, an AI product that democratizes data access by generating insights through natural language.

My background includes leading technical pre-sales, designing complex cloud solutions (Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, AWS), and providing strategic support to executives in connecting data and artificial intelligence directly to business goals.

Driven by real impact, I believe data and AI are key tools to transform companies into more efficient, innovative, and competitive organizations.

I work as a Solution Architect specializing in Data & AI, with solid experience in scalable architectures, governance, and digital transformation for large enterprises. I am a partner of belake.ai, an AI product that democratizes data access by gener... Show more

Mette is a subject matter expert in stress prevention, delivering talks and workshops for international companies.

She is a certified mindfulness instructor, with "MBSR in Mind-Body Medicine" from Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, and trains weekly with Saki Santorelli, EdD, co-founder of mindfulness. This deep and ongoing practice shapes her grounded and profound approach to balancing and enriching The Good (Work)Life.

With a background as a cognitive psychotherapist, a Diploma in Psychology, and a Diploma in Vocational and Career Guidance, Mette brings deep insight and practical tools to her talks.

Her work is recognised by companies such as Vestas, IDEXX, and Umbraco – see website for all 25+ reviews.

She is the author of an illustrated book on stress prevention and a book on stress factors in our personal lives.

Known for making complex topics accessible, she also shares her expertise through free mindfulness tools and meditations on Spotify - see link - and deeper meditations on Insight Timer in English, German, Danish, and French.

Mette is a subject matter expert in stress prevention, delivering talks and workshops for international companies. She is a certified mindfulness instructor, with "MBSR in Mind-Body Medicine" from Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD, and trains weekly with Saki S... Show more

Dustin Domerese is a thought leader and technology innovator within the Microsoft ecosystem and delivers his vast technical experience in the CRM, ERP, and Software Development industries to business leaders, end-users, and technical leaders throughout the community. Working for Barclays, EMC2, HP, and Microsoft before his founding of multiple companies has provided a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise.

Dustin is a consultant for over three-hundred companies across a wide array of industries, he is a senior software developer and public speaker. As an entrepreneur, he has founded multiple technology companies in a variety of sectors. As a technology innovator Dustin has trained and worked with hundreds of partners in the Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, and SalesForce ecosystems. His company, Dynamic Consultants Group, has been a finalist in the Microsoft partner channel awards for empowering the Microsoft partner community and advises their clients on all things digital transformation and technology.

Dustin has been a speaker all over the world presenting many technology-focused sessions with Microsoft. As his hobby, Dustin is an accomplished musician, outdoor enthusiast, and a mostly terrible golfer.

Dustin Domerese is a thought leader and technology innovator within the Microsoft ecosystem and delivers his vast technical experience in the CRM, ERP, and Software Development industries to business leaders, end-users, and technical leaders througho... Show more

Ashleigh Pandora Steele is a force - unshakable, undeniable, and unforgettable. As a visionary strategist, dynamic speaker, and unapologetic trailblazer, she stands at the intersection of purpose and power, leading changemakers toward their next level of impact. Ashleigh is the Founder and CEO of The Opia Designs Company, a strategic growth agency that equips businesses, nonprofits, and personal brands with the clarity, confidence, and systems needed to scale beyond limits.

Ashleigh Pandora Steele is a force - unshakable, undeniable, and unforgettable. As a visionary strategist, dynamic speaker, and unapologetic trailblazer, she stands at the intersection of purpose and power, leading changemakers toward their next leve... Show more

Larry Mietus, Chief Excuse Obliterator (R) is the Founder of Speaking of Strategy. He is an engaging speaker, business consultant, author, podcaster, and educator with a wealth of practical, hands-on experience. His expertise encompasses leadership development, organizational design, employee engagement, and sales and marketing strategies. His clients run the gamut from "Mom and Pop" businesses to international enterprises. He is a frequent contributor on LinkedIn. Larry has also been quoted in HR Magazine, the most widely read and respected Human Resources publication in the world. He is a guest speaker for Vistage International, the world’s largest executive coaching organization. Larry is the author of “We Tried That Once” And Other Popular Excuses That Sabotage Business Success!

Larry Mietus, Chief Excuse Obliterator (R) is the Founder of Speaking of Strategy. He is an engaging speaker, business consultant, author, podcaster, and educator with a wealth of practical, hands-on experience. His expertise encompasses leadersh... Show more

Jessica Katz is passionate about the development of consent-filled environments, accelerating organizational growth, and enhancing effective leadership. She leverages her deep expertise in navigating complex, non-traditional relationships to revolutionize the world of work and champion diversity of thought. Specializing in establishing clear boundaries and effective communication, she provides strategic guidance to leaders tackling challenging workplace dynamics, ensuring mutual respect and maximizing productivity within their teams.

Jessica Katz is passionate about the development of consent-filled environments, accelerating organizational growth, and enhancing effective leadership. She leverages her deep expertise in navigating complex, non-traditional relationships to revoluti... Show more

Piyush Verma is a SaaS entrepreneur. Over the last decade, he has focused on and built software observability and big data SaaS companies.
Previously, he built a time series data warehouse capable of handling billions of cardinalities. In his past roles, he has worked as an SRE and CTO for consumer-facing software companies.

Piyush Verma is a SaaS entrepreneur. Over the last decade, he has focused on and built software observability and big data SaaS companies. Previously, he built a time series data warehouse capable of handling billions of cardinalities. In his past r... Show more

Shana is an accomplished Senior Architect with over 13 years of experience and a strong foundation in Cyber Security and Software development. She has successfully led and delivered complex, high-quality consulting and architecture projects, including systems of critical national importance. Shana has also played a pivotal role in architecting one of the largest cloud transformations and migrations in Europe and designed an award-winning CIAM solution for a major electricity system operator.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in technology, Shana has been instrumental in establishing and driving internal communities within the organisations she has worked for. She is dedicated to attracting, retaining, and promoting women in tech. Shana is also the founder of ArchitectHer, a community platform devoted to supporting, inspiring, and elevating women in technology architecture.

Shana is an accomplished Senior Architect with over 13 years of experience and a strong foundation in Cyber Security and Software development. She has successfully led and delivered complex, high-quality consulting and architecture projects, includin... Show more

Aashish Pahwa is an AI consultant and the founder of Koso.ai, where he helps companies rethink the way they work using practical AI, smart automation, and strategies that actually make a difference. He has built Koso.ai, Feedough, and more than twenty AI-powered digital products, drawing on his background as an AI generalist, domainer, and long-time digital marketer.

He also leads AI communities of over fifty thousand people who learn, build, experiment, and try to stay human while navigating the rise of intelligent technology.

You can find him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/okaashish and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aashishpahwa/

Aashish Pahwa is an AI consultant and the founder of Koso.ai, where he helps companies rethink the way they work using practical AI, smart automation, and strategies that actually make a difference. He has built Koso.ai, Feedough, and more than twent... Show more

A passionate DevOps enthusiast, I thrive on engaging in transversal activities that prioritize stability. As DevOps Community Operation Sponsor, I have been at the forefront of driving significant technical and organizational transformations towards Cloud and distributed DevOps.
My commitment to ensuring the highest availability of our services is matched by my dedication to compliance, ensuring that all processes adhere to the strictest standards and regulations.

A passionate DevOps enthusiast, I thrive on engaging in transversal activities that prioritize stability. As DevOps Community Operation Sponsor, I have been at the forefront of driving significant technical and organizational transformations towards ... Show more

Kaitlyn Daniel has been working in performance enhancement, mental toughness, leader development, and team building for over twenty years, seven of which were spent training soldiers in the US army.

After starting her own business in 2016, she continued to focus on leader development, resilience, and performance enhancement training in high stress industries like cybersecurity and first responders.

Kaitlyn Daniel has been working in performance enhancement, mental toughness, leader development, and team building for over twenty years, seven of which were spent training soldiers in the US army. After starting her own business in 2016, she ... Show more

Scott Chacon was the cofounder of GitHub; now cofounder and CEO of GitButler, a next generation version control client, based in Berlin. Scott helped grow GitHub from 4 cofounders to 450 employees over 8 years, eventually being acquired by Microsoft for $7.5 billion. Scott is also the author of Pro Git, published by Apress and found online at git-scm.com. In unrelated news, he holds a WSET Level 3 certification in Wines and Spirits and owns a dog rescue outside of Berlin.

Scott Chacon was the cofounder of GitHub; now cofounder and CEO of GitButler, a next generation version control client, based in Berlin. Scott helped grow GitHub from 4 cofounders to 450 employees over 8 years, eventually being acquired by Microsoft ... Show more

Jody Roberts is a technology entrepreneur who is passionate about solving social problems with the help of technology. He has over 20 years experience in the IT industry with deep specialization in data management across various platforms. He has received the Microsoft MVP award for data platforms for the last decade and continues to play a critical role in the building of technology communities across Africa and mentoring young professionals.

When he is not solving real world problems, he spends his free time doing CrossFit or mountain biking.

Jody Roberts is a technology entrepreneur who is passionate about solving social problems with the help of technology. He has over 20 years experience in the IT industry with deep specialization in data management across various platforms. He has rec... Show more

Yaron Flint is a published author and an accomplished business development and innovation expert with over 20 years of global experience at the intersection of innovation, business development, and networking. He has held senior roles in multinational corporations, global consulting firms, and private equity groups, driving innovation across sectors including Automotive, Industry 4.0, Smart Materials, Environmental, and Construction-tech.

Yaron blends deep cross-cultural and cross-sector expertise with a practical understanding of how organizations can embed innovation and build meaningful, trust-based relationships that enable transformation. His first book: "innovative business development - implementing transformation from within" - explored how corporations can onboard external innovation through a more structured and intentional approach.

A sought-after keynote speaker and strategic advisor, Yaron works with organizations worldwide to help them integrate external innovation and intentional connection into sustainable, high-impact growth.

Yaron Flint is a published author and an accomplished business development and innovation expert with over 20 years of global experience at the intersection of innovation, business development, and networking. He has held senior roles in multinationa... Show more

Mukund Hirani is the founder of RAXE, an AI Runtime security company building transparent, edge-first detection systems using embedding models. He began his career in cybersecurity and incident response, defending complex environments against nation-state threats across critical infrastructure and enterprise systems.

Mukund’s perspective bridges cybersecurity, applied machine learning, and product engineering, with a strong emphasis on systems that actually ship and hold up in production.

Mukund Hirani is the founder of RAXE, an AI Runtime security company building transparent, edge-first detection systems using embedding models. He began his career in cybersecurity and incident response, defending complex environments against nation-... Show more

Marie Wiese is a marketing strategist and founder of Marketing Copilot®. She is a Microsoft MVP in AI and host of the international podcast, Women Talk Tech and the podcast The Hot Seat for Microsoft Partners. Marie has worked in the technology sector for 35 years and focuses on marketing automation/CRM and the digital transformation of the sales and marketing functions. Marie helps Microsoft partners, ISVs and customers build demand generation programs for their organizations.

Marie Wiese is a marketing strategist and founder of Marketing Copilot®. She is a Microsoft MVP in AI and host of the international podcast, Women Talk Tech and the podcast The Hot Seat for Microsoft Partners. Marie has worked in the technology secto... Show more

Community Builder | People Leader | Value Maximizer | Agent of Change
Angela has been in the technology world for over 25 years, with her experiences including software developer, DevOps consultant, agile coach, business strategy solutions architect, Customer Success leader, and now VP of Product Delivery. She believes that everyone deserves strong, wholehearted leadership and approaches all of her roles with the goal of fostering an environment where people truly thrive. Whether leading in companies of 40 or 200,000, Angela has been dedicated to working with her fellow leaders to build a culture that values diversity, experimentation, continual improvement, while leveraging AI responsibly to boost productivity and business impact.

When not doing her “day job”, Angela loves playing board games, reading true crime and sci-fi, and is an avid gardener. She and her husband are constantly working on their 100 year old home in Oak Park, IL with the "help" of their 3 ornery chickens and rambunctious rescue dog named Sadie.

Community Builder | People Leader | Value Maximizer | Agent of Change Angela has been in the technology world for over 25 years, with her experiences including software developer, DevOps consultant, agile coach, business strategy solutions architect... Show more

Software Architect and Engineering Lead with 20+ years building and scaling web and mobile platforms. I specialise in JVM-based backend systems, mobile development (Android, Flutter), and the architecture that connects them.

Most recently, I led the architectural transition of a global online dating platform from legacy monoliths to .NET microservices with React frontends, while continuing to operate the existing JVM-based API platform serving over 1 billion interactions per month. I also introduced an AI-assisted software engineering program, integrating tools like Cursor and AI agents into team workflows. I lead distributed engineering teams, own DevOps pipelines, and bridge the gap between product strategy and technical execution.

My work spans hands-on development, system design, and team leadership, often all three simultaneously. I'm equally comfortable debugging a race condition in production, designing a multi-region deployment strategy, or mentoring engineers through a complex refactor.

I run my consulting practice through Ventego Creative, which has allowed me to work with organisations ranging from startups to enterprises including Vodafone, Citibank, Siemens, Cupid Media, Raygun, and DistroKid. I also maintain several open-source SDKs (Android, Flutter, Ruby, Python, Node) for Raygun's error tracking platform.

Beyond client work, I'm an active conference speaker (Droidcon, Android Makers, CFCamp, and others), a technology writer for European IT publications, and have been co-organising community meetup groups since the start of my career. I hold a Master's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and am currently pursuing a Master's in Data Science.

Software Architect and Engineering Lead with 20+ years building and scaling web and mobile platforms. I specialise in JVM-based backend systems, mobile development (Android, Flutter), and the architecture that connects them. Most recently, I led t... Show more

Chad Hester has more than 20 years of development experience and 10 years focused primarily on accessibility. He combines his experience with leadership of people, processes and projects together to provide you with expertise in implementing strategies to be a better developer for your company.

Chad Hester has more than 20 years of development experience and 10 years focused primarily on accessibility. He combines his experience with leadership of people, processes and projects together to provide you with expertise in implementing strategi... Show more

I am a Consultant in Data Engineering and Data Science, passionate about solving complex data challenges and enabling businesses to leverage the power of analytics. With over a decade of professional experience, I specialise in designing scalable data pipelines, optimizing work flows, and building predictive models that drive strategic decision-making.

I am a Consultant in Data Engineering and Data Science, passionate about solving complex data challenges and enabling businesses to leverage the power of analytics. With over a decade of professional experience, I specialise in designing scalable dat... Show more

Alice Meredith (SPHR|CCMP) brings over 30 years of leadership experience to her role as a speaker, evenly split between business leadership and HR leadership roles.

This balanced background is what makes her insights resonate with leaders across various industries.

Alice has been invited to speak by a range of high-profile US organizations, including Starbucks, Costco, UCLA, T-Mobile, and the U.S. Navy, attesting to her broad impact. More recently, her work has expanded into Europe, where she's had the privilege to engage with and speak to executive teams, managers, and individual contributors through keynotes and workshops across Ireland, Germany, France, England, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

She's known for her innovative leadership techniques, which she has distilled into over 30 leadership, change management, and HR online courses published on the popular tech learning platform, Pluralsight.

As a speaker, she shares actionable insights that help both emerging and established leaders, as well as individual contributors, better navigate the changing work environments they face.

Alice Meredith (SPHR|CCMP) brings over 30 years of leadership experience to her role as a speaker, evenly split between business leadership and HR leadership roles. This balanced background is what makes her insights resonate with leaders across ... Show more

As the founder of RSTech Softwares, an innovative IT solutions provider, I combine entrepreneurial drive with deep technical expertise. I’m passionate about helping businesses grow through technology, and my leadership in app development and IT services has helped various industries streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and scale efficiently.

Leading a talented team of professionals, I prioritize creating a collaborative environment where creativity and innovation thrive. I’m committed to continuous learning and fostering a workplace that supports professional development and teamwork.

Public speaking is another area where I find fulfillment. I’ve had the privilege of speaking at conferences and panels, sharing insights on how technology is reshaping industries, and motivating others to embrace the digital future.

I’m always open to connecting with entrepreneurs, industry peers, or anyone interested in technology and innovation. Let’s explore how we can shape the future of IT together!

As the founder of RSTech Softwares, an innovative IT solutions provider, I combine entrepreneurial drive with deep technical expertise. I’m passionate about helping businesses grow through technology, and my leadership in app development and IT servi... Show more

Steve Pereira has spent over two decades improving the flow of work across organizations. He’s worked through tech support, IT management, build and release engineering, and as a founding CTO for enterprise SaaS. After shifting to consulting large enterprises on value stream performance improvement, he created Flow Engineering to make value stream mapping simple, quick, and actionable. He serves as lead consultant for Visible Flow Consulting, as a board advisor to the Value Stream Management Consortium, Chair of the OASIS Value Stream Management Interoperability technical committee, and co-founder of the Flow Collective to bring flow-focused professionals together.

Learn more about his work at https://visible.is

Steve Pereira has spent over two decades improving the flow of work across organizations. He’s worked through tech support, IT management, build and release engineering, and as a founding CTO for enterprise SaaS. After shifting to consulting large en... Show more