Hi! I'm Manika Jain, a passionate Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase in their London office. My journey began at Delhi Technological University (India), where I majored in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with a minor in Computer Science Engineering.

My professional narrative unfolds with diverse experiences, including impactful roles at JPMorgan, Samagra, the University of British Columbia as a MITACS Globalink Researcher, and the University of Arizona. Each role has provided me with a platform to apply and implement the profound knowledge gained from my academic endeavors.

Beyond the workplace, I am deeply committed to amplifying the presence of women in STEM-related fields. As a proactive member of globally recognized coding communities, I actively contribute to initiatives aimed at fostering diversity and inclusivity in the tech space. Currently serving as the Chapter Lead at Women Who Code, Delhi, I am dedicated to elevating the representation of women in technology, working towards a more balanced and equitable industry.

I am proud to have emerged as the international winner at the JPMorgan Code for Good 2021 hackathon. Additionally, I have been honored with scholarships that reflect my dedication to advancing women in technology, including the Class of 1959 Scholarship in 2020, Nutanix Advancing Women in Technology Scholarship and Micron URAM Global Scholarship in 2022, Women in Product Scholarship in 2021 by WiP, and the Grace Hopper Conference Scholarship by AnitaB.org Institute in 2021.

As a dedicated advocate for diversity in technology, I seek to inspire others by sharing her experiences and insights.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the celebration of women in technology at IWD 2024. Thank you for considering my proposal, and I look forward to the possibility of being part of this empowering event.

Hi! I'm Manika Jain, a passionate Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase in their London office. My journey began at Delhi Technological University (India), where I majored in Electrical and Electronics Engineering with a minor in Computer Science Engin... Show more

Musa-Iman is a software & AI/ML engineer and founder of AgroLati Systems Ltd., specializing in edge-first IoT systems, applied AI/ML models, and resilient infrastructure tailored to local realities. His work includes custom AI software for enterprise clients, and building systems that address foundational gaps in technology ecosystems of emerging markets. Combining product development, strategic leadership, and hands-on engineering, he tackles complex, real-world problems. Through AgroLati, he develops context-aware agritech infrastructure that integrates AI-driven insights to improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and crop productivity, contributing to food security. He shares part of his journey publicly to inspire the next generation of builders creating high-impact solutions for emerging markets.

Musa-Iman is a software & AI/ML engineer and founder of AgroLati Systems Ltd., specializing in edge-first IoT systems, applied AI/ML models, and resilient infrastructure tailored to local realities. His work includes custom AI software for enterprise... Show more

N.J. Robinson is an Air Force Veteran, IT leader, and dynamic speaker with over 20 years of experience developing leaders in technology-driven environments. As Chief Servant Leader and President of Hi-Tech Leadership LLC, he partners with tech professionals to expand leadership capability, strengthen influence, and build transformational, high-performing teams.

N.J.’s engaging keynotes, presentations, and workshops equip leaders with practical frameworks to improve employee experience, strategy execution, and effective communication. His work blends real-world leadership experience with actionable insights that help organizations elevate performance while navigating change and complexity.

N.J. serves on HDI’s Conference Advisory Board and provides career mentorship to underserved professionals across the United States. He holds an MBA from George Washington University and maintains PMP, Security+, and ITIL certifications. He is a proud husband to his high-school sweetheart and the father of four sons.

N.J. Robinson is an Air Force Veteran, IT leader, and dynamic speaker with over 20 years of experience developing leaders in technology-driven environments. As Chief Servant Leader and President of Hi-Tech Leadership LLC, he partners with tech profes... Show more

A go-to-market content strategist and communication expert helping tech organizations break through the noise of sameness. By discovering and articulating what makes companies and their offerings genuinely different, Iva implements that message across marketing and sales.

For 20 years, Iva has worked in communications spanning journalism, storytelling, content marketing, and copywriting, serving Microsoft partner organizations and individuals.

Her framework-driven approach specializes in narrative discovery, differentiation, and thought leadership, replacing generic messaging with strong positioning, sharp points of view, and marketing that wins attention and new deals. Iva integrates AI into workflows, but only when it actually makes sense.

She works remotely with teams across the globe (mainly in the EU and US), is active in communities like IAMCP and The WIT Network, and lives in one of the world's most beautiful corners, Croatia, with two teens and two cats.

A go-to-market content strategist and communication expert helping tech organizations break through the noise of sameness. By discovering and articulating what makes companies and their offerings genuinely different, Iva implements that message acros... Show more

Samah Alafeef

Founder and CEO of Metanoia Training and Consulting

Project Management Professional and Regional Officer of the International Federation of Global and Green Information and Communication Technology (IFGICT).
Samah Alafeef a computer engineer brought a broad range of technical and data management skills to her extensive work experience. Samah holds a master's degree in Project Management Engineering and a diploma in Humanitarian Logistics and Supply chain. The combination of managerial and technical skills she has in both the Humanitarian and Commercial sectors enabled her to serve as a consultant in various aspects related to management and technology. Samah is a PMP® certified, Risk RMP ® certified, Agile ACP certified, certified Microsoft innovative educator, and certified green IT professional. She is coaching people and organizations to develop their professional images, being agile, and jump to a higher professional level.

Samah Alafeef Founder and CEO of Metanoia Training and Consulting Project Management Professional and Regional Officer of the International Federation of Global and Green Information and Communication Technology (IFGICT). Samah Alafeef a compu... Show more

Paola Gabriela Zaragoza Cardenales is a New York-barred attorney and academic specializing in intellectual property and corporate law. She holds an SJD from Indiana University, an LLM from UC Berkeley, and a JD-BBA from the University of Puerto Rico. She founded Zaragoza Cardenales LLC, offering legal services to entrepreneurs, and teaches at the University of Puerto Rico. 

Paola Gabriela Zaragoza Cardenales is a New York-barred attorney and academic specializing in intellectual property and corporate law. She holds an SJD from Indiana University, an LLM from UC Berkeley, and a JD-BBA from the University of Puerto Rico.... Show more

Making things happen.

Alexander Gribenko is the VP of Business Development at Larch Networks.
An effective professional with over 20 years of experience in the software, telecom, and broadcast industries,
he has served in key leadership roles including CTO, CPO, COO and Head of Operations.
Alexander brings deep expertise in bridging technical operations with business development to the open networking ecosystem.

Making things happen. Alexander Gribenko is the VP of Business Development at Larch Networks. An effective professional with over 20 years of experience in the software, telecom, and broadcast industries, he has served in key leadership roles i... Show more

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

Arne Kittler is co-founder of Hey Clarity, where he helps scale-ups and corporates build product organizations that really work. His approach centers on Contextual Product Leadership – adapting his work as a consultant, coach, or interim leader based on what each organization needs.

With over 25 years building digital products and 15 years leading product organizations as VP Product at XING and CPO at Facelift, Arne now partners with leaders and teams to find clarity about their direction, organization, and ways of working.

He is also co-founder of Product at Heart, one of Europe's leading product conferences.

Arne Kittler is co-founder of Hey Clarity, where he helps scale-ups and corporates build product organizations that really work. His approach centers on Contextual Product Leadership – adapting his work as a consultant, coach, or interim leader based... Show more

Pierre DeBois is the founder and CEO of Zimana, an analytics services firm that helps organizations achieve profitability improvements in marketing, Web development, and within their business operations. Zimana has provided services for businesses from many industries. Pierre’s articles are among CMSWire's Top 10 Digital Marketing Articles for 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Pierre has provided digital marketing and analytic workshops. His first major workshop was for the City of Chicago Treasurer’s Office as part of the 2014 Small Business Expo (SBE). He has also conducted several workshops since the 2014 SBE, including the following:

• A general marketing workshop and panel for General Assembly in Chicago
• CivicBLUE workshops for BlueLacuna, a business incubator in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago; CivicBLUE explained the importance of data science for developing community solutions
• The DX Summit, a marketing conference hosted by CMS Wire in 2015, 2016, and 2017
• R programming workshop at Interop ITX in Las Vegas
• Analytics workshop for Content Marketing World in Cleveland (2017).
• Google Analytics and R programming at Indy.Code and Nebraska.Code, developers conferences in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Council Bluffs, Iowa (Omaha), respectively.
• Sentiment Analysis at O’Reilly OSCON in Portland Oregon (2018).
• Tensorflow in R Programming; A Primer at DevFest KC 2019, Kansas City, MO.
• Tensorflow in R Programming; A Primer at Tom Tom AML, Charlottesville, VA
• Exploratory Data Analysis in R Programming, CodeMash, Sandusky, OH
• Juneteenth Conference (online)
• Signals, Cheetah Digital Media (online)
• CodePalousa, Louisville, KY (online)
• IndyCode, Indianapolis, IN - 2022
• CXSummit, Simpler Media, Austin, TX -2023
• Conversion Conference, Las Vegas, NV 2023
• Content Marketing World, Washington, DC 2023
• Marketing Analytics and Data Science conference, Washington, DC 2023
• CodeMash, Sandusky, OH 2024
• CommerceNow24 (online webinar), 2024
• Black Is Tech conference, Houston, TX 2024

His workshops have covered the gamut of business, data science, and programming topics, with a focus on JavaScript frameworks, Google Analytics, and R Programming.

Pierre is also an analytics tech and business intelligence writer. He has contributed articles to CMS Wire and ITProToday. He is also an associate editor of business book reviews for Small Business Trends, as well as credit as a technical editor for two Pearson/Que digital marketing publications.

Pierre has been featured in the Chicago Sun-Times, and was a presenter for the Google Get Your Business Online program. He successfully brought the program back to Gary Indiana in 2017.

Pierre is a Prairie View A & M University graduate (mechanical engineering) and a Georgia Tech graduate (MBA). He is a native of Gary, Indiana, serving small businesses and organizations throughout the United States.

Pierre DeBois is the founder and CEO of Zimana, an analytics services firm that helps organizations achieve profitability improvements in marketing, Web development, and within their business operations. Zimana has provided services for businesses fr... Show more

Gerrit Tamboer, Chief Evangelist at TrueFullstaq, CNCF Ambassador and co-founder of (formerly) Fullstaq, brings a strong technical background to his leadership role. With extensive experience in Kubernetes implementations, Gerrit has transitioned from hands-on technical work to strategic oversight, now focusing on spreadsheets and presentations. In addition to his duties as Chief Evangelist, he also serves as a business consultant, guiding clients as they evolve from managing technical logistics to developing strategic initiatives.

Gerrit Tamboer, Chief Evangelist at TrueFullstaq, CNCF Ambassador and co-founder of (formerly) Fullstaq, brings a strong technical background to his leadership role. With extensive experience in Kubernetes implementations, Gerrit has transitioned fro... Show more

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

Most founders are stuck building a job for themselves, not a company. Chris Wiser builds systems that buy back time, drive relentless revenue, and leverage the next frontier of technology: the AI-First Economy.

As a 2x Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, Chris specializes in transforming stagnant companies into high-margin, scalable engines. His philosophy is simple: think bigger, execute faster, and automate the mundane. After hearing Chris speak, audiences walk away with practical frameworks they can immediately apply to scale revenue, remove themselves as the bottleneck, and build infrastructure that actually supports growth.

Chris brings over 30 years of experience in the technology industry and has scaled and sold his own MSP. In the last three years alone, he has driven 2,416% revenue growth in a tumultuous industry, earning multiple top-tier recognitions, including multiple 2CCX awards and two appearances on the Inc. 5000 list, including a top-ranking finish. His impact extends beyond business, with a scholarship established in his honor at his alma mater.

Chris’s work today centers on execution, not hype:
1. AI Profit Systems – Through AI Profit Machine, Chris helps business leaders move past the noise and build real AI infrastructure. His “Business-in-a-Box” model and embedded dev teams allow founders to launch high-ticket AI advisory services and turn AI into a true profit center.

2. Scale & Sales Psychology – As the Founder of 7 Figure MSP™, Chris has coached over 1,500 MSP owners, rebuilding their B2B sales processes for the modern era and helping them stop playing small.

3. Thought Leadership – Chris is a 10x best-selling author, with every book reaching the #1 spot on Amazon, including Making Your First $1 Million with AI and upcoming work focused on digital safety and the next generation of technology leaders.

Chris’s insights and commentary have been featured on:
- The Entrepreneurs Radio Show
- School for Startups Radio
- SmallBizAmerica Radio
- National television including ABC, FOX, CNBC, and NBC

He is known for being polarizing - and he wears it as a badge of honor. Chris challenges founders to become true leaders, not just high-level “doers.” He believes industries are disrupted by execution, not consensus, and that real growth requires confronting uncomfortable truths.

Whether speaking on stage, leading high-level coaching ecosystems, or hosting private experiences like the AI Profit Machine House at SXSW, Chris’s mission remains singular: create millionaires and change lives through ruthless execution.

When he isn’t supporting his favorite racing teams, rooting for the Green Bay Packers, or speaking on stage, Chris lives in Austin, Texas, where he enjoys spending time with friends and family.

If you’re looking for fluff, Chris is not your speaker.
If you’re ready to scale, dominate your market, and lead with AI - he is.

Connect with Chris:
https://profitmachine.ai
https://7figuremsp.com
https://thewisercompanies.com

Most founders are stuck building a job for themselves, not a company. Chris Wiser builds systems that buy back time, drive relentless revenue, and leverage the next frontier of technology: the AI-First Economy. As a 2x Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, Chri... Show more

Aaron Rhodes: Speaker & Leadership Culture Coach

Aaron Rhodes is a dynamic speaker, transformative coach, and passionate leader in workplace culture. With a deep belief in the ripple effect , the idea that small, intentional changes can create profound, far-reaching impact Aaron inspires organizations to foster cultures that empower individuals and transform communities.

His journey began in Tanzania, where he worked on clean water initiatives, hygiene education, and addressing food scarcity. Witnessing the life-changing effects of sustainable processes, Aaron became driven to help organizations cultivate healthy cultures. This passion evolved into a mission: to build workplaces where employees thrive, creating a ripple effect that extends into homes and communities.

For over 15 years, Aaron has partnered with teams and leaders to identify, implement, and coach the five processes that drive thriving cultures. His vision is clear: healthy workplace cultures lead to strong families and vibrant communities.

Aaron says, “My greatest titles aren’t speaker or leader they’re Husband and Father.” He and his wife, Hannah, share a love for exploring new cooking recipes and shopping for sneakers. Their son, Zane, is an athlete who enjoys sports and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

When you work with Aaron, you’ll experience his authentic passion for building meaningful connections and his commitment to helping you create a workplace culture that inspires growth, trust, and lasting impact.

Aaron Rhodes: Speaker & Leadership Culture Coach Aaron Rhodes is a dynamic speaker, transformative coach, and passionate leader in workplace culture. With a deep belief in the ripple effect , the idea that small, intentional changes can create pro... 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

With over 25 years of expertise in the Business Central domain, Christian has led transformative projects, optimizing processes and driving growth. His mission is to create value-driven work environments that empower teams. He has also created and hosted numerous events and learning environments for internal and external developers, helping them update and expand their skills.

As an accomplished speaker, Christian has shared insights at international conferences, including Directions EMEA and BCTechDays. His sessions or workshops provoke viewpoint shifts, offering strategic frameworks to keep organizations competitive in a dynamic landscape.

Beyond technical skills, Christian’s education in Design Thinking, Theory U, and Future Leadership equips him as a certified Organizational Designer. His holistic approach blends creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking to drive impactful change, even in complex situations where no prior knowledge exists.

Connect with Christian to explore innovative solutions and elevate your organization’s potential. 🎙️🚀

With over 25 years of expertise in the Business Central domain, Christian has led transformative projects, optimizing processes and driving growth. His mission is to create value-driven work environments that empower teams. He has also created and ho... 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

Omeka Lucas is a leadership strategist, advisor, and founder of Opulent Thrive. Her career spans more than two decades across finance, leadership, and business, built without a straight path or perfect timing. She has led teams, made high-stakes decisions, and navigated seasons of pressure, responsibility, and reinvention—all while continuing to perform. Omeka speaks from lived experience, not theory, on what it takes to lead when life doesn’t cooperate. Her work centers on clarity, resilience, and disciplined leadership under real-world conditions. She is known for her grounded presence, honest perspective, and ability to help women recognize that power doesn’t always look polished—but it is earned, sustained, and real.

Omeka Lucas is a leadership strategist, advisor, and founder of Opulent Thrive. Her career spans more than two decades across finance, leadership, and business, built without a straight path or perfect timing. She has led teams, made high-stakes deci... Show more

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

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

Ted Oshman, who also practices professionally as Theodore Oshman, is a veteran trial attorney and legal strategist with more than 40 years of experience representing individuals harmed by corporate negligence, defective products, and medical malpractice. He is the owner and principal attorney of The Oshman Firm, a nationally active plaintiff litigation practice based in New Jersey and New York City. Since beginning his legal career in 1984 and assuming firm ownership in 1985, he has secured over $500 million in recoveries for clients involved in complex mass tort and catastrophic injury matters.

His academic background includes earning an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Rochester. This scientific foundation enabled him to analyze medical records, technical data, and expert testimony. He later earned a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School and completed additional coursework at the New York University School of Professional Studies to expand his professional and business knowledge. He is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey and has represented clients nationwide.

Ted Oshman began practicing law with The Oshman Firm and its predecessor entities in 1984. From the start, his practice focused on cases involving negligence, defective products, unsafe pharmaceuticals, environmental contamination, and medical errors. In 1985, he assumed ownership of The Oshman Firm and has remained in that role for more than four decades, maintaining active involvement in case development and litigation strategy.

Under his leadership, the firm has handled environmental litigation, medical malpractice, pharmaceutical and medical device litigation, and personal injury law. The Oshman Firm has been appointed as lead counsel or co-lead counsel in numerous mass tort litigations. He has also served in court-designated leadership roles, including liaison counsel and positions on Plaintiffs’ Steering Committees in Multi-County Litigations involving drug product liability and medical device claims. In 2019, the firm was named “Best Lawyers Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report.

His litigation results include over $55 million recovered in the Roundup litigation, more than $40 million recovered in the transvaginal mesh litigation, and a $42 million cash payment with a structured annuity in a medical malpractice case involving failure to monitor labor progress properly. Outside of legal practice, Ted Oshman holds leadership roles in Naliboki Enterprises, LLC, Sonaro Realty Corp., NeoVC, and eMatrix Energy Systems, Inc., while remaining active in philanthropy and family life with his wife, Anne, and their three children.

Ted Oshman, who also practices professionally as Theodore Oshman, is a veteran trial attorney and legal strategist with more than 40 years of experience representing individuals harmed by corporate negligence, defective products, and medical malpract... Show more

Francis Walsh III has dedicated his professional life to leading and strengthening a long-established American logistics company. As chairman and chief executive officer, he oversees a nationwide operation that has continued to expand since 1952 while remaining focused on the fundamental work of hauling freight, protecting shipments, and supporting customers who depend on reliable performance.

He leads a third-generation, family-owned business operating across transportation, logistics, supply chain, and storage from its headquarters in New Jersey. The organization provides integrated services that address the full range of supply-chain needs, built on reliability, coordination, and disciplined execution.

His connection to the industry began early in life. Raised in a family deeply involved in transportation and logistics, he was exposed to the realities and pressures of the business from a young age. Warehouses, terminals, trucks, and schedules were familiar parts of daily experience, shaping an understanding of how decisions made at the executive level affect people working throughout operations.

When Francis joined the company full-time in February of 1994, he brought practical knowledge developed through years of observation and hands-on involvement. Rather than stepping into leadership removed from daily operations, he learned the business by engaging directly with its many functions. Over time, he advanced through every level of the organization and ultimately assumed leadership following more than four decades of family stewardship. He views employees as an extension of family and clients as long-term partners, reflected in relationships that have endured for decades.

That operational foundation continues to guide his leadership approach. As a former airline executive, he evaluates growth and strategy with an operator’s mindset, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and accountability. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its national network of facilities, equipment, and transportation assets while maintaining consistent execution.

A defining focus of his leadership has been cargo security. As supply-chain risks have grown more complex, Walsh has invested in systems, training, and procedures designed to safeguard customer assets. These efforts have contributed to industry recognition and supported a reputation for dependability, even during periods of widespread disruption.

Beyond daily operations, he remains committed to community involvement and philanthropy, guided by values shaped early in life and carried forward with his family. For Francis Walsh, leadership is rooted in preparation, steady judgment, and responsibility, with decisions made to endure over time rather than serve short-term interests.

Francis Walsh III has dedicated his professional life to leading and strengthening a long-established American logistics company. As chairman and chief executive officer, he oversees a nationwide operation that has continued to expand since 1952 whil... Show more

Alexander Ryan is the CEO of Ryshe and serves on the AI Board of Advisors for a major university. With a deep background in cloud computing and software engineering, he focuses on cutting through the noise to help businesses understand how artificial intelligence can actually work for them.

Alexander specializes in bridging the gap between complex technical strategy and practical, on the ground execution. When he isn't leading Ryshe or advising on AI curriculum, you can find him exploring the Michigan food scene or testing the limits of home automation.

Alexander Ryan is the CEO of Ryshe and serves on the AI Board of Advisors for a major university. With a deep background in cloud computing and software engineering, he focuses on cutting through the noise to help businesses understand how artificial... Show more

Kenneth Krogh Rodum is a Power Platform architect with over 12 years of experience working with Microsoft technologies. Since Power Platform’s launch in 2018, he has specialized as a developer and architect, leading Power Platform initiatives and helping organizations unlock the full potential of low-code solutions. Kenneth is passionate about combining Power Platform with the broader Microsoft 365 ecosystem to create seamless, innovative experiences that deliver real business value. When he’s not architecting solutions, he’s sharing insights and best practices to help others build smarter, more connected applications.

Kenneth Krogh Rodum is a Power Platform architect with over 12 years of experience working with Microsoft technologies. Since Power Platform’s launch in 2018, he has specialized as a developer and architect, leading Power Platform initiatives and hel... Show more

Principal Consulting Manager at Zühlke, helping organizations navigate the complexity of product development for cyber-physical systems and the application of new technologies by bridging the gap between high-level strategy and execution/development by applying systems-approach.

With a background in Industrial Engineering (BSc), Product Management for Technology Products (MSc) and PhD candidate in Systems Thinking, Réka made it her mission to transform ambitious, but too high-level ideas into systems that truly create value. Her work includes industries as diverse as industrial robotics, consumer products, automotive, and energy—proving that systems thinking in product development is not just a tool but a universal language for tackling complexity. She introduces system approach already on the business level, which seamlessly can be translated to systems engineering.

At her core, she is passionate about making systems thinking accessible, practical, and downright exciting. She is here to challenge the status quo, inspire new ways of thinking, and show how embracing systems can lead to groundbreaking innovation

Principal Consulting Manager at Zühlke, helping organizations navigate the complexity of product development for cyber-physical systems and the application of new technologies by bridging the gap between high-level strategy and execution/development ... Show more

Aarno is a co-founder and partner of VSHN - The DevOps Company in Zürich, Switzerland. He has been working on DevOps and Platform engineering using Kubernetes and open-source software for over ten years.

Aarno is a co-founder and partner of VSHN - The DevOps Company in Zürich, Switzerland. He has been working on DevOps and Platform engineering using Kubernetes and open-source software for over ten years. Show more

A reference in the world of design and product, creator of La Conf Qui Tue Le Game, and a key contributor to the rise of user- and product-centered culture at France Télévisions for over 10 years, Michael Baeyens (“Mitch”) is currently National Director of Product and Design Practices at eXalt, leading a community of more than 200 product and design professionals (since June 2024).

Following the success of Human After All — closing keynote at UX Conf 2023 (800+ attendees) and subsequently performed 8 times across France for a total audience of over 3,500 — Mitch established himself as a distinctive voice on the ethical, cultural and strategic impacts of AI, drawing a parallel between the career of Daft Punk and our relationship with automation, robotics and generative systems.

Since then, he has created and delivered two major conferences:

UI0 – Interface Zero: The Rise of Invisible Products in the Age of AI,
an exploration of how AI agents are reshaping product design by shifting from user-facing interfaces to products designed for agent-consumers. The talk examines the deep impact of this paradigm shift on design and product roles, methods and responsibilities. UI0 has been presented more than 16 times across France and internationally (including LPC Paris and PMF Zurich), reaching over 8,000 attendees and generating more than 8,000 video views.

FAMOUS – Lessons Learned on Brand, Values and Resilience from the Most Iconic (and Maybe the Most Underrated) Product of Our Times (FLUPA 2025),
a cultural and strategic analysis of Taylor Swift’s career as a product ecosystem, extracting concrete lessons on brand consistency, long-term vision, value systems and resilience that modern product teams can apply to their own work.

Recognized for mastering the art of storytelling, Mitch brings audiences along through a distinctive mix of sharp insight, humor, personal anecdotes and pop culture references. Sitting at the intersection of strategic planning, design leadership and product expertise, he delivers talks that are both intellectually rigorous and highly engaging — making him an unmissable speaker on the future of product, design and culture in the age of AI.

A reference in the world of design and product, creator of La Conf Qui Tue Le Game, and a key contributor to the rise of user- and product-centered culture at France Télévisions for over 10 years, Michael Baeyens (“Mitch”) is currently National Direc... 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

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