Business & Management

Professionals who specialize in the organization and oversight of business activities, as well as focus on planning, directing, and controlling company operations

Christian Wastlhuber

Christian Wastlhuber

Actually, I'm an Egyptologist and should (probably) be looking for mummies. However, I've preferred to use the last 16 years to find people who are still alive.

I started out as a sourcer in a recruitment consultancy, worked for a long time in tech start-ups and scale-ups both as a hands-on recruiter as well as in leadership roles and founded my own company, The UnleashPeople, together with a business partner at the beginning of 2024.

My focus is on data-driven recruiting processes and strategies, employer branding and a bit of workforce planning. For me, all of this is always under the banner of an excellent candidate experience.

Actually, I'm an Egyptologist and should (probably) be looking for mummies. However, I've preferred to use the last 16 years to find people who are still alive. I started out as a sourcer in a recruitment consultancy, worked for a long time in tec... Show more

Sandra Pretzer

Sandra Pretzer

Sandra has her roots in online marketing and key account management and has worked in these areas as a teamlead in startups in an international environment. In 2016, she discovered OKR as her “gateway drug” to the world of agility and took on the role of OKR Master within the company. Excited by this new take on team dynamics and collaboration, she made herself redundant by digitizing and optimizing her job and went into freelancing in 2019. Since then, she has been supporting teams and organizations of all sizes with OKR introductions, developing and working with strategy and corporate goals, developing effective collaboration models and coaching team leads in their role.

Sandra has her roots in online marketing and key account management and has worked in these areas as a teamlead in startups in an international environment. In 2016, she discovered OKR as her “gateway drug” to the world of agility and took on the rol... Show more

Jeremy Andrews

Jeremy Andrews

Jeremy has been a contributing Drupal core developer since 2002, and helped establish Drupal as a successful CMS through the early popularity of his technical blog, KernelTrap.org. From his home in Tuscany, Italy, where he lives with his wife and two children – or from his sailboat – he nurtures and oversees a worldwide team of highly respected developers and infrastructure experts.

Jeremy has been a contributing Drupal core developer since 2002, and helped establish Drupal as a successful CMS through the early popularity of his technical blog, KernelTrap.org. From his home in Tuscany, Italy, where he lives with his wife and two... Show more

Thomas Louvigné

Thomas Louvigné

Work in agile since 9 years. Certified SM, PO, SAFe & org-topologies.
Organise the parisian meetup "eXtreme Agilité".
Work at OCTO-Technology.

Work in agile since 9 years. Certified SM, PO, SAFe & org-topologies. Organise the parisian meetup "eXtreme Agilité". Work at OCTO-Technology. Show more

Mary Njoki Waweru

Mary Njoki Waweru

Mary Waweru is an AI trainer and strategist with a background in digital marketing. She helps SMEs integrate AI into their businesses to enhance efficiency, engagement, and growth. A thought leader in AI adoption, she has hosted multiple webinars and LinkedIn events, driving conversations on AI literacy and business transformation. Mary is also involved in AI policy discussions, advocating for accessible and ethical AI adoption.

Mary Waweru is an AI trainer and strategist with a background in digital marketing. She helps SMEs integrate AI into their businesses to enhance efficiency, engagement, and growth. A thought leader in AI adoption, she has hosted multiple webinars and... Show more

Radoslav Gatev

Radoslav Gatev

Radoslav Gatev is an experienced solution architect and consultant, specializing in designing and building complex solutions in Microsoft Azure.

His expertise lies in crafting highly performant and resilient applications that maximize the efficiency of the cloud for companies worldwide, ranging from startups to enterprises. Radoslav is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for Microsoft Azure, recognized for his ongoing contributions to the community. With an unwavering passion for staying at the forefront of technology, he embraces the cutting-edge and constantly seeks innovative approaches.

Radoslav Gatev is an experienced solution architect and consultant, specializing in designing and building complex solutions in Microsoft Azure. His expertise lies in crafting highly performant and resilient applications that maximize the efficie... Show more

Grace Okubo

Grace Okubo

Grace Okubo uses strategic foresight to tackle complex problems for organisations.

Grace Okubo uses strategic foresight to tackle complex problems for organisations. Show more

Emily Hemingway

Emily Hemingway

Emily Hemingway is the Founding Executive Director of TechSTL and the Wedge Innovation Center. A 20-year veteran in building innovation ecosystems around the country, Emily is driving economic growth across the St. Louis metro by catalyzing tech jobs, tech startups, and tech innovation. She is the lead organizer for STL TechWeek.

Emily Hemingway is the Founding Executive Director of TechSTL and the Wedge Innovation Center. A 20-year veteran in building innovation ecosystems around the country, Emily is driving economic growth across the St. Louis metro by catalyzing tech jobs... Show more

Ricardo Amaro

Ricardo Amaro

Ricardo Amaro (Ph.D. in Information Science & Technology) is the Software Engineering Manager for Native Linux Integrations at Elastic, where he operates at the intersection of the Linux Kernel (eBPF), Cloud-Native Security, and Agentic AI. Previously, as a Senior Engineering Manager at Acquia, he architected large-scale software delivery platforms, managing a fleet of over 22,000 Linux nodes and 50+ Kubernetes clusters.

A dedicated "Scholar-Practitioner," Ricardo serves as a Visiting Lecturer at Técnico University (Lisbon), a Researcher in DevOps and AI at INESC/INOV and is the President of the Portuguese Drupal Association. With a diverse career leading engineering and operations teams across South Africa, Germany, and the United States, he is a staunch advocate for digital rights and the transformative power of Open Source communities.

Involved with Linux since the 1990s, Ricardo is an expert and active contributor in the Cloud-Native ecosystem, specializing in Kubernetes, OpenTelemetry, and building production-grade AI architectures.

Ricardo is co-author of the book "Seeking SRE", addressing the use of Machine Learning for SRE, published by O'REILLY in 2018. His published scientific articles include:
"DevOps Metrics and KPIs: A Multivocal Literature Review". ACM - Computing Surveys (2024);
"Capabilities and metrics in DevOps: A design science study". Information & Management (2023);
"DevOps benefits: A systematic literature review". Software: Practice and Experience (2022);
"Capabilities and Practices in DevOps: A Multivocal Literature Review". IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering (2022).

Ricardo Amaro (Ph.D. in Information Science & Technology) is the Software Engineering Manager for Native Linux Integrations at Elastic, where he operates at the intersection of the Linux Kernel (eBPF), Cloud-Native Security, and Agentic AI. Previousl... Show more

Clive Akporube

Clive Akporube

Clive Akporube is a cybersecurity architect and builder focused on developing systems that transform how security capability is created and validated. He is the founder of KERNEL, a platform designed to move cybersecurity beyond passive learning by enforcing execution, exposing real-world weaknesses, and producing measurable operational skill.

He previously co-founded CYVANT, where he led the design of adversary simulation systems and automated security workflows for enterprise environments, translating offensive security research into practical, developer-ready defenses. He has also led large-scale technical training initiatives, including directing the Africa pilot of the Google × GOMYCODE BuildWithAI program, where he trained developers in applied AI systems using tools like Gemini and Vertex.

Clive Akporube is a cybersecurity architect and builder focused on developing systems that transform how security capability is created and validated. He is the founder of KERNEL, a platform designed to move cybersecurity beyond passive learning by e... Show more

Patrice Fornalik

Patrice Fornalik

Depuis près de 30 ans, Patrice Fornalik vit, observe et accompagne des transformations managériales, culturelles et organisationnelles dans des contextes exigeants. Entrepreneur, formateur, coach et auteur, il s’intéresse à une question simple en apparence mais décisive en pratique : comment faire évoluer un collectif sans lui faire perdre ce qui le fait tenir. Agiliste dans l’âme et créateur de l’approche SteadyChange, il partage des repères concrets pour changer sans casser la confiance, le sens, l’identité collective, ni renoncer à des approches frugales. Auteur de La résistance au changement n’existe pas ! et de Ta gueule, c’est Agile !, il a également contribué à quatre ouvrages sur l’agilité et le leadership.

Depuis près de 30 ans, Patrice Fornalik vit, observe et accompagne des transformations managériales, culturelles et organisationnelles dans des contextes exigeants. Entrepreneur, formateur, coach et auteur, il s’intéresse à une question simple en app... Show more

Rutuja Pawar

Rutuja Pawar

Rutuja is a Data & AI Consultant with a background in Computer Science and a Master’s in Data and Knowledge Engineering. With nearly nine years of experience, she has managed a diverse portfolio of leading industry clients while working across analytics, visualization, and AI strategy roles. She has led data initiatives, delivered BI solutions, and driven GenAI implementations across multiple business domains. Beyond her consulting work, Rutuja is a mentor and Design Thinking coach, and an experienced public speaker who translates complex technical challenges into human-centered solutions.

Rutuja is a Data & AI Consultant with a background in Computer Science and a Master’s in Data and Knowledge Engineering. With nearly nine years of experience, she has managed a diverse portfolio of leading industry clients while working across analyt... Show more

Luisa Escalona

Luisa Escalona

With nearly 18 years in the software industry, Luisa has evolved from being passionate about writing great code to focusing on building and nurturing high-performing teams. A Certified Encouragement Consultant and Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, she brings together deep technical expertise and a talent for fostering human-centered growth.

Since 2019, Luisa has delivered engaging talks and hands-on workshops that inspire teams and individuals to achieve their full potential. Her unique approach empowers organizations to drive both technological innovation and positive, sustainable change through collaboration and impactful leadership.

With nearly 18 years in the software industry, Luisa has evolved from being passionate about writing great code to focusing on building and nurturing high-performing teams. A Certified Encouragement Consultant and Empowering People in the Workplace F... Show more

Denyse Drummond-Dunn

Denyse Drummond-Dunn

Denyse Drummond-Dunn is a leadership speaker, author, and former Global Head of Consumer Excellence at Nestlé.

Across 125+ markets and cross-functional environments, Denyse has worked with professionals who carry strategy into execution, often without formal authority.

Denyse teaches practical tools that turn strong work into recognised impact: decision-ready communication, stakeholder traction, and reputation-building that feels authentic.

Her sessions are known for clarity, energy, and immediate application, especially for mid-level leaders who feel overworked, overlooked, and stuck despite delivering exceptional results.

Denyse Drummond-Dunn is a leadership speaker, author, and former Global Head of Consumer Excellence at Nestlé. Across 125+ markets and cross-functional environments, Denyse has worked with professionals who carry strategy into execution, often wi... Show more

Henri Werner

Henri Werner

B2B companies in industry and tech have been losing deals for the wrong reason. Henri Werner spent the last 3 years figuring out why.

Across 35+ projects with market leaders in manufacturing, automotive, food production and technology, Henri has helped them rebuild how they position and communicate their value — generating significant contract volumes for clients in the process.

His conclusion: most B2B companies in industry and tech don't have a pricing problem. They have a communication problem they've been calling a pricing problem for years.

B2B companies in industry and tech have been losing deals for the wrong reason. Henri Werner spent the last 3 years figuring out why. Across 35+ projects with market leaders in manufacturing, automotive, food production and technology, Henri has h... Show more

Godhuli Das

Godhuli Das

Godhuli is an ERP and CRM enthusiast who works at the intersection of enterprise systems and applied AI. She is currently an Oracle Finance Functional Consultant at one of the Big4's and previously worked at multiple MNCs as an ERP Consultant. She holds an MTech in Computer Technology from Jadavpur University, with research in machine learning, deep learning, and computational biology. An active community volunteer and tech event host from Kolkata and Bangalore, she enjoys building collaborative spaces and exploring how ML models move from research into real production pipelines. She is also nurturing WallWonders, a mural venture inspired by her mother’s dream.

Godhuli is an ERP and CRM enthusiast who works at the intersection of enterprise systems and applied AI. She is currently an Oracle Finance Functional Consultant at one of the Big4's and previously worked at multiple MNCs as an ERP Consultant. She ho... Show more

Yaron Flint

Yaron Flint

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

Sam Cranford

Sam Cranford

Long-time agile jiggler, eXtreme programmer and agile catalyst, amateur bon vivant. Bilingual EN/FR - fr_US

Long-time agile jiggler, eXtreme programmer and agile catalyst, amateur bon vivant. Bilingual EN/FR - fr_US Show more

Felicia Pressley

Felicia Pressley

Felicia Pressley is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Purple Orchid Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses strengthen their HR strategy and operations. She is a Strategic Human Resources Advisor with over 10 years of experience supporting organizations across construction management, hospitality, property management, and retail.

Felicia partners closely with business owners and leaders to enhance day-to-day HR operations, mitigate risk, and build strong, people-centered workplace cultures through customized HR solutions. Her approach blends strategy, compliance, and practical execution to meet organizations where they are and support sustainable growth.

She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management and is SHRM-CP certified through the Society for Human Resource Management. Known for her proactive and collaborative style, Felicia brings thoughtful insight and innovation to every engagement. Her goal is to help organizations align people, performance, and culture so leaders can focus on growing their business with confidence.

Felicia Pressley is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Purple Orchid Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses strengthen their HR strategy and operations. She is a Strategic Human Resources Advisor with over 10 year... Show more

Lokendra Singh Rathod

Lokendra Singh Rathod

Hi, I'm Lokendra Singh Rathod, a passionate Dynamics 365 Business Central Consultant at Indid Consulting Private Limited in Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India. I specialize in automating BC environments and leveraging AI for efficient operations. Holding the Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Business Central Developer Associate (MB-820) certification, I'm deeply enthusiastic about emerging technologies, and I love driving innovative solutions that help small business partners save time and costs in their implementations. I enjoy sharing practical insights to empower consultants, developers, and ISVs in the BC ecosystem—follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @DynamicsSinghh, where I post daily about BC technology and AI.

Hi, I'm Lokendra Singh Rathod, a passionate Dynamics 365 Business Central Consultant at Indid Consulting Private Limited in Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India. I specialize in automating BC environments and leveraging AI for efficient operations.... Show more

Ming Johanson

Ming Johanson

Ming Johanson works with businesses across the globe from training social media to managing (with her team) complex digital strategies that deliver tangible and desirable financial returns. She is dedicated to shaping the landscape for leaders to adapt their management, sales and marketing culture to fit into the modern day world of hyper-connectivity.

Recently recognised and awarded for her ongoing contribution to the technology industries in the 2019 Women In Technology Tech [+] 20 Awards. Ming is a passionate mental health Ambassador for R U OK? Day, a co-facilitator in Startup Weekend Perth and a regular Australian Media Commentator as a Tech Evangelist on a range of topics in Mental Health, Social Media & Technology. 

Ming Johanson works with businesses across the globe from training social media to managing (with her team) complex digital strategies that deliver tangible and desirable financial returns. She is dedicated to shaping the landscape for leaders to ada... Show more

Michael Hidalgo

Michael Hidalgo

Michael Hidalgo has spent more than 25 years leading, building, and speaking. He has spoken to over 50,000 people, from intimate C-suite retreats to audiences of 2,500+.

He is a GiANT-certified 5 Voices Guide and award-winning author of two books. Michael has led fast-growing organizations and served as an advisor to the Denver Mayor's office and the Colorado Governor. His film school and screenwriting background means his keynotes aren't talks, they are experiences.

His past clients include Alvarez & Marsal, Canes Midstream, ATD, InTempo Software, along with corporate leadership teams across multiple industries.

Michael Hidalgo has spent more than 25 years leading, building, and speaking. He has spoken to over 50,000 people, from intimate C-suite retreats to audiences of 2,500+. He is a GiANT-certified 5 Voices Guide and award-winning author of two books... Show more

Joel Silverstone

Joel Silverstone

Joel brings 25 years of global experience, supporting Fortune 500 companies and thousands of participants. He specializes in empowering leaders and teams with effective communication skills, fostering more impactful collaboration and motivation. His expertise lies in enabling individuals to authentically influence others towards deeper business relationships, fostering trust and enhancing engagement.

Joel thrives to lead engaging and interactive sessions based on 'Learn, Laugh, and Do!'

When you communicate effectively, people feel heard, seen, and understood- mutual respect is created, and you start connecting and unlocking the motivators for you and the other.

Drawing from his background as a former professional actor and improviser- Joel brings unique tips and activities for everyone to practice and implement.

You can listen to or watch Joel as the host of "The Great Canadian Leadership" and "This Feels Right" Podcasts and YouTube – interviewing leaders and experts on influencing and communications skills."

Joel brings 25 years of global experience, supporting Fortune 500 companies and thousands of participants. He specializes in empowering leaders and teams with effective communication skills, fostering more impactful collaboration and motivation. His ... Show more

Rick McCutcheon

Rick McCutcheon

As a 12-time Microsoft Dynamics MVP, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise with others and contributing to the growth and success of the Dynamics 365 community. As the host of PartnerTalks.com, a weekly LinkedIn interview show, I chat with Business Executives from the Microsoft Community about their insights, ideas, and best practices. PartnerTalks.com has reached over 270 episodes and is now in its fifth year of production, attracting a global audience of professionals who want to learn from the experts and stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

As a 12-time Microsoft Dynamics MVP, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise with others and contributing to the growth and success of the Dynamics 365 community. As the host of PartnerTalks.com, a weekly LinkedIn interview show, I chat with Busin... Show more

Dan Reus

Dan Reus

Dan Reus believes innovators and ecosystem builders can get much more impact by focusing on how to best engage stakeholders with content, calls to action, and activities that iteratively build capacity. As Founder and Chief Instigator of Openly Disruptive, he and his team help visionary leaders build transformational systems for innovation. Dan has over 20 years experience helping Fortune 100 firms, startups, and ecosystem builders use these approaches to connect with new and existing customers, partners, opportunities, technology and ways to operate in sectors from deep tech to consumer products and services. Dan is based in St Louis and says, “The future will be what we make it!”

Dan Reus believes innovators and ecosystem builders can get much more impact by focusing on how to best engage stakeholders with content, calls to action, and activities that iteratively build capacity. As Founder and Chief Instigator of Openly Disru... Show more

Mike de Jager

Mike de Jager

South African born, UK resident, Mike is a Mechanical Design Engineer & spent 20 years as a Draughtsman in the Dairy industry, a Project Technician & ran the drawing office for NCD/Clover Dairies. At Toyota, he worked as a mechanical designer in body in white. He moved to the UK in 2001, spent 7 years creating & designing 3D technical models.
He continued his studies in IT & enhanced his developer & web design skills at Halesowen College.
At age 50, in 2008 Mike jumped tracks & began a new career as IT Manager & NAV implementation project leader for SSI Schaefer in Andover, England. With the NAV project successfully implemented, he moved to Evosoft as support office manager, then to Sci-Net in Oxford as a consultant & then to KPMG for a three year corporate engagement.
As the Dynamics 365 Solution Architect for Experience/GCC for almost 3 years - now Global Solutions Architect for Dynavics, Mike has implemented multiple D365 solutions for a range of customers in a variety of industries in the UK.

South African born, UK resident, Mike is a Mechanical Design Engineer & spent 20 years as a Draughtsman in the Dairy industry, a Project Technician & ran the drawing office for NCD/Clover Dairies. At Toyota, he worked as a mechanical designer in body... Show more

Nacho Dolz

Nacho Dolz

I define myself as a technologist by nature, passionate about marketing, innovation, and both artificial and generative intelligence.

I believe that curiosity, teamwork, and ingenuity are just as important inside the office as they are outside of it.

Always with professionalism, initiative, flexibility, and a lot of passion.

Beyond work, I enjoy staying active: I run regularly, I am a diving enthusiast, and I love solving escape rooms (the more challenging, the better).

I define myself as a technologist by nature, passionate about marketing, innovation, and both artificial and generative intelligence. I believe that curiosity, teamwork, and ingenuity are just as important inside the office as they are outside of ... Show more

Jason van Brackel

Jason van Brackel

Jason van Brackel is an engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton and the founder (and former organizer) of Kubernetes Philly. Passionate about solving real-world problems with software development and Kubernetes, he regularly shares his expertise—whether he’s guiding teams at work or streaming live coding sessions. When he’s not tinkering with cloud-native tools, you’ll find him spending time with his kids or occasionally taking a spill off his skateboard.

Jason van Brackel is an engineer at Booz Allen Hamilton and the founder (and former organizer) of Kubernetes Philly. Passionate about solving real-world problems with software development and Kubernetes, he regularly shares his expertise—whether he’s... Show more

Mette B. Lorenzen

Mette B. Lorenzen

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

Nicolas Ploquin

Nicolas Ploquin

Nicolas, Lean addict, coauteur de "Culture Kaizen", ex Scrum Master, ex Chef de projet, ex développeur.
J'oppose l'agilité aux méthodes agiles.
Ma vision de l'agilité, c'est le Lean.

Nicolas, Lean addict, coauteur de "Culture Kaizen", ex Scrum Master, ex Chef de projet, ex développeur. J'oppose l'agilité aux méthodes agiles. Ma vision de l'agilité, c'est le Lean. Show more

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