Business & Management

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

Brenton House

Brenton House

Brenton House helps business and technology leaders make practical decisions about AI. At IBM, he works as an advisor on automation and emerging technology, bringing 30+ years of experience across enterprise architecture, APIs, integration, and modernization, with a focus on how emerging AI capabilities connect to the systems organizations already run. His perspective is grounded in execution, governance, and business value rather than hype. A former VP at Software AG and an international keynote speaker, Brenton is known for making complex technology clear, useful, and actionable.

Brenton House helps business and technology leaders make practical decisions about AI. At IBM, he works as an advisor on automation and emerging technology, bringing 30+ years of experience across enterprise architecture, APIs, integration, and moder... Show more

Sven Leiß

Sven Leiß

Sven Leiß is a Senior Manager at MHP with a focus on secure platform architecture, cloud transformation and modern delivery operating models. He works with organizations that need to balance engineering speed with governance, security and long-term architectural resilience. His work covers platform engineering, sovereign AI patterns and future-ready delivery design.

Sven Leiß is a Senior Manager at MHP with a focus on secure platform architecture, cloud transformation and modern delivery operating models. He works with organizations that need to balance engineering speed with governance, security and long-term a... Show more

Sean Farmar

Sean Farmar

With over 25 years of experience, Sean Farmar specializes in providing simple solutions for complex business requirements applying SOA and distributed computing principles inspired by Udi Dahan.

Sean runs Bosca Software Solutions Ltd. a boutique consulting company providing management and technical consulting related to product software engineering, custom project delivery, and training.

With over 25 years of experience, Sean Farmar specializes in providing simple solutions for complex business requirements applying SOA and distributed computing principles inspired by Udi Dahan. Sean runs Bosca Software Solutions Ltd. a boutique c... Show more

Apurva Misra

Apurva Misra

Apurva Misra is a machine learning engineer, speaker, and founder of Sentick, where she helps growing companies unlock practical, ROI-driven AI solutions across automations, predictive analytics, and copilots.
She holds a Master’s from the University of Waterloo, where her research focused on detecting driver cognitive distraction; her work has been published in IEEE Access.
Apurva has spoken at industry events and advises startups on shipping AI safely and measurably, drawing on hands-on experience building production systems and a strong cloud/engineering background. In her free time, she is learning Spanish, and enjoys exploring hidden gem eateries, always eager to hear about new favourite spots!

Apurva Misra is a machine learning engineer, speaker, and founder of Sentick, where she helps growing companies unlock practical, ROI-driven AI solutions across automations, predictive analytics, and copilots. She holds a Master’s from the Universit... Show more

Edwin M Sarmiento

Edwin M Sarmiento

is the Managing Director of 15C, a consulting and training company that specializes in designing, implementing and supporting SQL Server infrastructures. He is a 12-year former Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master from Ottawa, Canada (but he’s originally from the Philippines) specializing in high availability, disaster recovery and system infrastructures running on the Microsoft server technology stack. His background in Unix has taken him to the world of DevOps and Docker to containerize SQL Server. He is very passionate about technology but has interests in music, neuroscience, social psychology, professional and organizational development, leadership and management matters when not working with databases.

Edwin lives up to his primary mission statement: "To help people and organizations grow and develop their full potential."

is the Managing Director of 15C, a consulting and training company that specializes in designing, implementing and supporting SQL Server infrastructures. He is a 12-year former Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master from Ottawa, C... Show more

Sushma Krishnamurthy

Sushma Krishnamurthy

Hi, I’m SK - CTO of InzpireU, Technology Innovator, and a lifelong believer in the power of mentorship to humanize learning.

With over two decades of experience at the intersection of engineering, AI, and digital transformation, my journey has always been guided by one core principle: Technology should amplify human potential, not replace it.

Why InzpireU?

InzpireU was born out of a bold vision - to make learning deeply personal, purposeful, and human again. In a world overwhelmed with content and chaos, we’re building a new kind of learning platform: AI-powered, but mentor-driven. One that champions accountability, guided growth, and impact.

Our mission?
To help people, especially those from underrepresented communities, not just learn more, but learn meaningfully - through mentorship, community, and personalized accountability.

My Tech Origin Story

Back in 2003, when AI was still a distant buzzword, I developed a neural network model for early cancer detection. It was personal. It was ahead of its time. And it gave me my first taste of how AI could change lives - not just systems. That experience became my blueprint for building tech with a soul.

From Engineer to Ecosystem Builder

Today, as a fractional technology leader, I help startups and purpose-driven organizations craft AI and data strategies that are scalable, ethical, and aligned with business impact. My sweet spot? Turning bold ideas into executables, and vision into value - all while staying rooted in the human experience.

Recognitions & Milestones:

🏛 Recognized by the DC Capitol for pioneering a mentorship-based learning model
🧠 Patent pending for our AI-powered goal accountability framework
📰 Featured as an AI Champion by Daily News Network
🎙 Interviewed on multiple tech and innovation podcasts for my work on AI with purpose

Beyond the Title

At heart, I’m an engineer. But my true calling is impact. Whether it’s mentoring non-tech women entrepreneurs through LaunchWise, or building community-based learning models with InzpireU, I believe in building technology that cares - and shares.

Let’s build a world where growth is human-first, learning is goal-driven, and mentorship is a way of life.
#HelpingBeyondTech

Hi, I’m SK - CTO of InzpireU, Technology Innovator, and a lifelong believer in the power of mentorship to humanize learning. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of engineering, AI, and digital transformation, my journey has alw... Show more

Leslie Martinich

Leslie Martinich

Leslie Martinich, a computer scientist who began her career writing operating systems, APIs, and advanced communication software, led her team to deliver the first commercial version of Remote Procedure Calls (RPC), ground-breaking technology allowing developers to create parallel and distributed programs. Her early work in Artificial Intelligence laid the groundwork for today's breakthroughs.

In the middle of her career, she made a pivotal realization: project failures weren't due to technical hurdles, but rather rooted in managerial and leadership challenges. Determined to rectify this deficiency, she built leadership programs which she presented across 6 continents (sorry, Antarctica!), focused on innovation and preparing effective leaders.

Leslie peppers her talks with stories from her career, real stories, hilarious stories, that developers relate to. She engages the audience with activities that they'll remember long after the talk. She cares deeply about the careers of her colleagues and friends; that’s why she helps leaders learn how to improve their skills in engagement, communication, and trust. Engaged, trusted leaders inspire teams, reduce turnover, deliver, and drive towards excellence in quality. And that’s a win!

Leslie Martinich, a computer scientist who began her career writing operating systems, APIs, and advanced communication software, led her team to deliver the first commercial version of Remote Procedure Calls (RPC), ground-breaking technology allowin... Show more

Edyta Gorzon

Edyta Gorzon

Edyta’s story with Microsoft technology has started in 2013. She helps organizations with digital transformation by developing change management strategies, guiding companies through the entire process, and training end-users on the practical use of Microsoft 365. She believes technology should be helpful to all users, regardless of their role in the organization or their technical abilities. Only then we can talk about the success of digitization. In addition to that Edyta is an active Microsoft Community Enthusiast. Since 2015 she organizes SharePoint Saturday Warsaw, now CollabDays Poland, co-hosts ACM Teams Europe, and speaks at Microsoft Community conferences.
Microsoft Most Valuable Professional M365 Apps & Services since 2019.

In her spare time, you can meet her reading a book, running, caring for friends, or with a suitcase at the airport. An empathetic extrovert by nature. 😉

Edyta’s story with Microsoft technology has started in 2013. She helps organizations with digital transformation by developing change management strategies, guiding companies through the entire process, and training end-users on the practical use of ... Show more

Lakeidra Smith

Lakeidra Smith

Lakeidra Smith is the founder of The Cyber Consultant, a boutique firm offering Human-Centered Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Solutions tailored for modern families and mission-driven firms. A published author and sought-after speaker, Lakeidra transforms complex digital threats into empowering knowledge. Her Cyber Curiosity framework invites a more mindful, resilient relationship with technology, anchored in curiosity, caution, and care.

Lakeidra Smith is the founder of The Cyber Consultant, a boutique firm offering Human-Centered Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Solutions tailored for modern families and mission-driven firms. A published author and sought-after speaker, Lakeidra trans... Show more

Maria Chec

Maria Chec

At OutSystems, Maria operates at the intersection of Platform Engineering, Developer Experience, and Product Operations. She leads initiatives spanning AI-native developer frameworks, company-wide DevEx measurement, and engineering storytelling.
With 10+ years in tech, Maria is known for turning complexity into clarity and strategy into execution.

At OutSystems, Maria operates at the intersection of Platform Engineering, Developer Experience, and Product Operations. She leads initiatives spanning AI-native developer frameworks, company-wide DevEx measurement, and engineering storytelling. Wit... Show more

Erika Chestnut

Erika Chestnut

Erika Chestnut is a transformational leader with over 25 years in the tech industry, fueled by a passion for people and a purpose to empower. Her journey is defined by a commitment to helping individuals and teams rethink leadership, culture, and communication to achieve peak performance and financial success. She equips others with practical tools and strategies to foster deeper connections, amplify performance, and create empowered, thriving environments.

Erika Chestnut is a transformational leader with over 25 years in the tech industry, fueled by a passion for people and a purpose to empower. Her journey is defined by a commitment to helping individuals and teams rethink leadership, culture, and com... Show more

Antonios Triantafyllakis

Antonios Triantafyllakis

I’m a strategic consultant, learning designer, and gamification expert with over 20 years of experience helping organisations drive social and environmental impact through experiential learning. I've had the privilege to work with over 40 organisations and train more than 2,000 individuals across three continents, creating transformative learning experiences that build 21st-century skills.

My work bridges gamification with sustainability, equipping purpose-driven organisations to achieve measurable impact through playful and experiential approaches. I’m passionate about fostering a world of equal rights and opportunities where diverse, active citizens work towards an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future.

If you’re a purpose-driven organisation, an educator, or a changemaker seeking to amplify your impact and cultivate future-ready skills, let’s explore how we can make a difference together. I’m ready to collaborate and bring lasting change. Let’s change the world together!

I’m a strategic consultant, learning designer, and gamification expert with over 20 years of experience helping organisations drive social and environmental impact through experiential learning. I've had the privilege to work with over 40 organisatio... Show more

Josh Hankins

Josh Hankins

Josh Hankins is a seasoned IT professional and leader with 30 years of experience. He started as a network engineer in 1996 and transitioned to the cybersecurity field 10 years later. Beginning 2006, he worked in various cybersecurity roles, such as: a security architect, analyst, engineer and incident handler. These roles spanned businesses ranging from a Fortune 500 financial institution, a credit card processor and a global consulting company. Next, he served 9 years as the Director of Security & Incident Response for a data analytics subsidiary for the 5th largest retailer in the world. During this time, Josh successfully built and matured several cyber security programs, such as: Vulnerability Management, DevSecOps, Cyber Risk Metrics, and Incident Response for both on-prem & the cloud, respectively. Before returning to his consulting roots, as a Consulting CISO at CBTS, Josh served as the Americas Chief Technical Security Officer for a global SaaS security & compliance vendor. Here, he assisted customers in achieving their strategic business goals in a secure manner. He holds many industry certifications (a CISSP and 3 different GIAC designations.) Josh frequently presents at conferences across North America, the UK, and Europe. Lastly, he volunteers his time by mentoring others and serving on the board for a local startup.

Josh Hankins is a seasoned IT professional and leader with 30 years of experience. He started as a network engineer in 1996 and transitioned to the cybersecurity field 10 years later. Beginning 2006, he worked in various cybersecurity roles, such as:... Show more

Margarita Neumueller

Margarita Neumueller

Margarita Neumüllers journey began in BI Consulting, where she spent several years mastering the Microsoft technology stack and solving complex data puzzles for diverse clients. In 2021, she joined ALDI SÜD, where she rapidly advanced through various pivotal roles.
Today, she serves as a Manager for Data & Analytics, acting as a Product Owner who bridges the gap between data engineering and global business goals.

Beyond her corporate responsibilities, she is a prominent voice in the tech community. As a frequent podcast guest and keynote speaker at international conferences, she shares her insights on data strategy and digital transformation.
Driven by a commitment to diversity and empowerment in the industry, she recently expanded her influence by joining the board of Women in Tech e.V. as its second member within the DACH area. In this role, she leverages her experience to foster an inclusive environment for the next generation of female leaders in technology.

Margarita Neumüllers journey began in BI Consulting, where she spent several years mastering the Microsoft technology stack and solving complex data puzzles for diverse clients. In 2021, she joined ALDI SÜD, where she rapidly advanced through various... Show more

Joseph Assaf

Joseph Assaf

Creative Leader | Advanced SAFe® Practice Consultant (ASPC) | Agile Trainer | Supporting leaders to iterate deliveries at scale.

Creative Leader | Advanced SAFe® Practice Consultant (ASPC) | Agile Trainer | Supporting leaders to iterate deliveries at scale. Show more

Jeffrey McGuire

Jeffrey McGuire

Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire, Partner at Open Strategy Partners GmbH, helps organizations grow at the intersection of open source software, business, and culture. He connects the value of technology to the people who need to know about them through inspiring conversations, keynotes, podcasts, and more.

His approach to technology marketing—sharing the human context of complex technology solutions, and celebrating the expertise and success of their creators—has left its mark in business and FOSS communities over the last 15+ years.

Jeffrey A. "jam" McGuire, Partner at Open Strategy Partners GmbH, helps organizations grow at the intersection of open source software, business, and culture. He connects the value of technology to the people who need to know about them through inspi... Show more

Mithun A. Sridharan

Mithun A. Sridharan

I'm Mithun A. Sridharan, an entrepreneur, author and keynote speaker on Strategy, Management Consulting and Digital Transformation. I'm a Forbes Technology Council Thought Leader and a Member of Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. As a strategy and technology executive, I advise senior leaders and corporations derive value from their strategic technology investment portfolios. I am a TEDx speaker and regularly share insights at industry conferences and corporate events. I have also contributed thought leadership to high-impact journals and magazines, such as the World Economic Forum, the American Banker, Wired, Bloomberg, etc. I hold an MBA from ESMT Berlin, a Master of Science from Christian Albrechts University of Kiel, both in Germany and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Madras, India.

I'm Mithun A. Sridharan, an entrepreneur, author and keynote speaker on Strategy, Management Consulting and Digital Transformation. I'm a Forbes Technology Council Thought Leader and a Member of Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. As a strategy... Show more

Joel Benge

Joel Benge

Joel Benge is a recovering cybersecurity analyst, speaker, author, and messaging consultant who helps highly technical people communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. He works with cybersecurity startups, engineers, and technical founders who are tired of being misunderstood, ignored, or oversimplified.

Joel is the author of Be a Nerd That Talks Good and the host of the “Nerds That Talk Good” podcast, where he interviews hackers, technologists, and builders about turning expertise into messages that actually land. His work focuses on practical frameworks—diagnostics, narrative structures, and game-based tools—that help smart people stay smart while becoming more effective communicators.

He has spoken at cybersecurity and tech events including DEF CON and CyberMarketingCon, and regularly runs hands-on workshops for technical teams who want to sharpen how they explain risk, systems, and ideas—without resorting to buzzwords or hype.

Joel Benge is a recovering cybersecurity analyst, speaker, author, and messaging consultant who helps highly technical people communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. He works with cybersecurity startups, engineers, and technical founders wh... Show more

David Gregory

David Gregory

David Gregory is a founder, builder, and storyteller working at the intersection of hospitality, tourism, food, business, and experience design.

He is the creator of IC Pasta, a dessert concept built around playful, memorable guest experiences, and the mind behind immersive projects that blend storytelling, hospitality, and real-world interaction. His perspective comes from building businesses, designing experiences, and paying attention to the details most people move past too quickly.

David speaks about what makes experiences feel real, why hospitality loses something when it becomes too polished or too rehearsed, how businesses can build something with a pulse instead of just a pitch, and why context matters more than most people realize. His work is rooted in real operations, guest psychology, storytelling, and the belief that people remember what feels human.

Whether he is talking about food, tourism, service, branding, or experience design, the thread is the same: what makes something worth caring about?

David Gregory is a founder, builder, and storyteller working at the intersection of hospitality, tourism, food, business, and experience design. He is the creator of IC Pasta, a dessert concept built around playful, memorable guest experiences, an... Show more

Vanessa Omeokachie

Vanessa Omeokachie

Vanessa Omeokachie is the founder and CEO of TravBudd. TravBudd is an Event (and experiences) Discovery + People Matching platform reimagining how people meet, connect, and engage with each other. Inspired by her own experiences with loneliness and social isolation, she started TravBudd to help foster genuine human connections through mutual interests and shared experiences. Ms. Omeokachie is a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and International Business.

Vanessa Omeokachie is the founder and CEO of TravBudd. TravBudd is an Event (and experiences) Discovery + People Matching platform reimagining how people meet, connect, and engage with each other. Inspired by her own experiences with loneliness and s... Show more

Tim Huff

Tim Huff

Tim Huff is a decorated combat veteran, certified executive coach, and award-winning CEO recognized for servant leadership and character. A graduate of the U.S. Army’s Ranger School, Tim served 14 years as an Infantry Officer, culminating in a year-long deployment to Afghanistan with the US Army National Guard as Chief of Operations for a brigade responsible for training and sustaining the Afghan National Army. For his leadership in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

After active military service, Tim made what he calls his ‘most extreme transition’… from command of over a dozen tanks and leading 100 troops, and a few months later, to a cubicle at The Walt Disney Company, managing spreadsheets. That moment reinforced in him that genuine leadership isn’t tied to uniforms, titles, or settings. It’s about character: the one constant that endures when pressure mounts. He later advanced in technology leadership roles with Macy’s, CRH Americas, and Owens & Minor, but his life took another defining turn in 2017 when he became the client of an executive coach. The experience gave him a profound sense of leadership freedom and clarity and set him on a new mission: to help leaders everywhere discover the same success based in character.

Today, Tim is the President of Turknett Leadership Group, a 38-year-old Atlanta-based firm trusted by Fortune 500 companies and global organizations. He is a Titan 100 honoree and recipient of the Servant Leader of the Year Award, recognized for his commitment to building leaders who live and lead with integrity, respect, and responsibility. In 2024, he extended that commitment in the most personal way, by donating a kidney to help save the life of a colleague.

Tim’s message is clear: skills can be taught, strategies can shift, but character is the bedrock of leadership. Whether on the battlefield, in the boardroom, or at the side of someone in need, it’s character that inspires trust, courage, and authentic leadership.

He lives in Cumming, Georgia with his wife, Kristin, and enjoys hiking in the North Georgia mountains where he finds both rest and renewal for his life of service!

Tim Huff is a decorated combat veteran, certified executive coach, and award-winning CEO recognized for servant leadership and character. A graduate of the U.S. Army’s Ranger School, Tim served 14 years as an Infantry Officer, culminating in a year-l... Show more

Katharina Covadonga Clören

Katharina Covadonga Clören

Hi there, my name is Katharina Covadonga Clören.
I discovered my passion for data analysis and reporting during my studies – quite unexpectedly, in a student job. That’s when I realized how much I enjoy analyzing complex patterns and bringing them to life through creative visuals. For me, data visualization is the perfect blend of analytical detective and creative artist: I love uncovering hidden insights and presenting them in a way that’s clear, engaging, and impactful.

For the past three years, I’ve been working as a consultant with a focus on Data Analytics and Data Storytelling. What fascinates me most is the incredible potential and variety that lies in good visualizations. Before starting my consulting career, I spent a year traveling around the world – driven by curiosity, a love for adventure, and an open mind for people, cultures, and new perspectives. That same openness shapes the way I work today: Data is everywhere, and it always tells a story – you just have to listen (and look) closely.

When I’m not building reports or analyzing data, you’ll find me moving (like yoga, bouldering or lifting heavy stuff), enjoying food from around the world, or exploring the planet.

Hi there, my name is Katharina Covadonga Clören. I discovered my passion for data analysis and reporting during my studies – quite unexpectedly, in a student job. That’s when I realized how much I enjoy analyzing complex patterns and bringing them t... Show more

Leadership Larry Mietus

Leadership Larry Mietus



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

Karl Lillrud

Karl Lillrud

Karl Lillrud is a globally acclaimed expert in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and business innovation, known for empowering audiences to transform challenges into opportunities. As one of the TOP10 AI Thought Leaders by Thinkers360 and ranked 11th among the world's TOP30 speakers by Global Gurus, Karl combines a wealth of knowledge with a dynamic, engaging speaking style that has captivated audiences across the globe.

With 28 years of experience, Karl has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies, groundbreaking startups, and global leaders to deliver transformative results. From driving e-commerce expansion in 12 countries for H&M to managing global technology migrations for clients like Tele2 and H&M, Karl’s career exemplifies innovation and impact at scale. His expertise spans industries such as AI, telecom, e-commerce, and customer experience, with projects that have reshaped organizational strategies and unlocked unprecedented growth.

A two-time TEDx speaker and best-selling author of nine books, including "AI: Your Second Brain—Evolve or Go Extinct," Karl demystifies complex topics, offering practical insights into leveraging AI, fostering innovation, and navigating the digital age. His accolades, including multiple global awards for leadership and innovation, underscore his authority and impact in shaping the future of technology and business.

Karl’s presentations are renowned for their actionable takeaways and transformative ideas. Whether addressing AI ethics, the future of work, or strategies for scaling businesses in an increasingly digital world, Karl delivers content that is tailored to resonate with each audience. His ability to translate technical complexity into relatable insights has made him a sought-after speaker at events such as the World Economic Forum, Seamless KSA, and other high-profile global stages.

By choosing Karl Lillrud for your event, you’re not just hiring a speaker—you’re bringing in a catalyst for inspiration, growth, and innovation. His proven track record of empowering organizations and individuals ensures your audience will leave equipped to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Karl Lillrud is a globally acclaimed expert in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and business innovation, known for empowering audiences to transform challenges into opportunities. As one of the TOP10 AI Thought Leaders by Thinkers360 ... Show more

Lorena Méndez Otero

Lorena Méndez Otero

¡Hola! Soy Mánager de Data & IA en Tokiota y una entusiasta de los datos.

Gallega de nacimiento y corazón, economista de formación, analista de datos de profesión y amante de la lectura, mascotas y de la buena comida por vocación 😉

Me gusta compartir mi conocimiento y experiencia con más personas y seguir aprendiendo día a día de mis compañeros y amigos/as que me inspiran a ser mejor persona y profesional.

Certificaciones de Microsoft:
- Fabric Data Engineer Associated
- Power BI Data Analytst Associate.

Certificaciones de Gestión de Proyectos:
- Scrum Master Certification (EuropeanScrum.org)

Otras certificaciones:
- Databricks Fundamentals.

¡Hola! Soy Mánager de Data & IA en Tokiota y una entusiasta de los datos. Gallega de nacimiento y corazón, economista de formación, analista de datos de profesión y amante de la lectura, mascotas y de la buena comida por vocación 😉 Me gusta c... Show more

Hernan Huwyler

Hernan Huwyler

Hernan Huwyler is a Global Risk Management Executive and the Academic Director at IE Law and Business School (Executive Education). With a dual background as an MBA and CPA, Hernan specializes in the intersection of Law, Technology, and Quantitative Risk.

He focuses on "translating" complex regulatory frameworks (EU AI Act, GDPR, ISO 42001) into actionable architectures for engineering and business teams. Unlike traditional compliance officers, Hernan advocates for data-driven risk management, moving beyond "heatmaps" to utilize Monte Carlo simulations, convolution models, and Python-based risk quantification.

Hernan has led Risk, Control, and Audit functions for major multinational corporations across Europe and the Americas. He writes and speaks extensively on Adversarial AI, Algorithmic Auditing, and the financial quantification of Cyber Risk. Past keynote venues include Risk Awareness Conferences (>2,000 risk managers), IIA and ISACA Summits, ProcureCom Europe, IKN Madrid, IE University, and closed-door sessions for international organizations and national regulators. Hernan’s talks consistently rank in the top 5% of conference feedback scores because he makes complex security requirements, business needs and regulations feel like a competitive advantage.

Speaking Topics:

AI Governance: Implementing ISO 42001 and navigating the EU AI Act.
Risk Quantification: Why "Impact x Probability" fails and how to use convolution models.
Adversarial AI: Balancing transparency with security to prevent data poisoning.
AI ROI: Risk-adjusted financial modeling for Generative AI deployments.

Ready-to-Submit Talk Proposals:

Session 1: The Technical/Quant Talk

Title: Kill the Heatmap: Quantifying AI Risk with Python & Monte Carlo Simulations
Abstract: Most organizations manage AI risk using colorful 5x5 "heatmaps." This is mathematically flawed and dangerous for high-stakes AI deployment. In this talk, we will ditch the gut-check methodology. I will demonstrate how to use convolution and Monte Carlo simulations to model the "tail risk" of AI hallucinations and regulatory fines. You will leave with a method to calculate the actual financial exposure of your models—no expensive GRC software required, just math and logic.

Session 2: The Governance/Security Talk

Title: The Transparency Trap: How to Audit AI Without Creating Vulnerabilities
Abstract: New standards like ISO/IEC 12792 demand AI transparency, but in the age of Adversarial Machine Learning, "oversharing" is a security vector. If you reveal your full architecture and training sources, you invite data poisoning and model inversion attacks. This session outlines a "Tiered Disclosure Architecture." We will discuss how to route specific data to auditors, regulators, and users differently, ensuring compliance with the EU AI Act without handing the keys to bad actors.

Session 3: The Business/Strategy Talk

Title: The Real Cost of Intelligence: A Risk-Adjusted Framework for AI ROI
Abstract: Companies are deploying Generative AI based on productivity hype, but they are ignoring the "OpEx Iceberg"—model drift, inference costs, and liability reserves. This talk presents a financial framework for calculating the true ROI of AI. We will cover how to factor in the "Risk Delta" (new risks vs. automated risks), calculate the Levelized Cost of AI (LCOAI), and determine when to build vs. buy based on process uniqueness. A session for leaders who need to justify the cloud bill to the CFO.

Hernan Huwyler is a Global Risk Management Executive and the Academic Director at IE Law and Business School (Executive Education). With a dual background as an MBA and CPA, Hernan specializes in the intersection of Law, Technology, and Quantitative ... Show more

Shelly Thomas

Shelly Thomas

Shelly Thomas is a licensed Professional Engineer, Microsoft Certified Trainer (pending), and founder of Building Beta Executive Coaching, where she helps C-suite leaders navigate AI transformation without losing their authority in the room.

Her professional foundation spans 20+ years across oil and gas, manufacturing, industrial distribution, and engineering. She managed Fortune 500 client relationships at Morton Salt's Industrial Division, directed a $550 million global eCommerce operation at Chart Industries, and has designed training programs for complex enterprise deployments including Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft 365 Copilot Agents, and Oracle.

Her coaching philosophy, you cannot automate what you cannot explain, shapes every training program she designs. She builds Microsoft 365 Copilot curriculum that meets executives where they actually are: time-starved, skeptical, and accountable for outcomes their boards can measure.

Shelly serves on the UAA College of Engineering Advisory Board, co-chairs Alaska's Women in Engineering Advisory Board across UAA and UAF, and hosts the Breaking Frozen Ground podcast focused on Alaska's engineering community. She currently holds dual roles as Senior Project Manager at Resource Data and founder of Building Beta Executive Coaching.

She is based in Alaska, and yes, she genuinely loves it there.

Shelly Thomas is a licensed Professional Engineer, Microsoft Certified Trainer (pending), and founder of Building Beta Executive Coaching, where she helps C-suite leaders navigate AI transformation without losing their authority in the room. Her p... Show more

Angela Virtudazo

Angela Virtudazo

Angela Virtudazo is a learning strategist and consultant with 14 years of experience designing and delivering training across industries, roles, and every stage of a career. She's the author of the upcoming book Start With Done: Plan Backwards. Finish Everything. — a backward-planning framework built for the complexity of real life, not just the workplace.

A TEDx facilitation coach and Navy spouse, Angela brings structured thinking to the places it's needed most: the messy, deadline-driven, deeply human work of running your life.

She is based in St. Louis.

Angela Virtudazo is a learning strategist and consultant with 14 years of experience designing and delivering training across industries, roles, and every stage of a career. She's the author of the upcoming book Start With Done: Plan Backwards. Finis... Show more

Mesut Durukal

Mesut Durukal

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lKTxhk1KEhXBw4kJRTBnHrfusn1S6-Yi/view?usp=share_link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lKTxhk1KEhXBw4kJRTBnHrfusn1S6-Yi/view?usp=share_link Show more

Adrian Sjøholt

Adrian Sjøholt

Senior Customer Relationship Management Consultant with a proven track record in the information technology and services industry. Since embarking on my CRM journey, I have participated in over a hundred CRM implementations across various industries and company sizes, ranging from a small workshop with just two users to large corporations with thousands of users.

I have been working with Dynamics Customer Engagement since 2019, acquiring extensive experience with its diverse modules:
- Dynamics Sales
- Dynamics Customer Service and Dynamics Contact Center (formerly Omnichannel)
- Dynamics Customer Insights - Journeys (formerly Marketing)

As both an Architect and CRM implementor, I have encountered numerous CRM systems and solutions, enabling me to craft tailored strategies for specific client needs. My mantra is to leverage standard solutions and processes whenever possible, ensuring the system remains user-friendly and efficient for end-users.

Senior Customer Relationship Management Consultant with a proven track record in the information technology and services industry. Since embarking on my CRM journey, I have participated in over a hundred CRM implementations across various industries ... Show more

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