Peter Ward is CEO of SoHo Dragon, a New York–based Microsoft Partner — though he began as a CTO and never entirely stopped behaving like one.

While much of the technology industry focuses on what’s new, Peter is more interested in what works. He has spent years helping organizations implement Microsoft cloud solutions by mastering proven capabilities and executing them without unnecessary drama.

A co-author of four SharePoint books and author of Leadership in a Zoom Economy with Microsoft Teams, Peter continues to contribute to GitHub and remains closely involved in Azure and Microsoft 365 delivery. He has a mild distrust of unnecessary complexity, a preference for projects delivered on time and on budget, and a habit of asking what organisations are really trying to optimize.

He believes most expensive technology mistakes look impressive at the time — and that simplicity is still enterprise IT’s most underused advantage.

Other traits
- Good O365 trainer and motivator
- Good at thinking on my feet in meetings or complex situations
- I find myself often being able to get to the heart of the issue whilst not ruffling too many feathers
- Love yoga, vegetarian food, and reading Malcolm Gladwell books

www.sohodragon.nyc
www.wardpeter.com

Peter Ward is CEO of SoHo Dragon, a New York–based Microsoft Partner — though he began as a CTO and never entirely stopped behaving like one. While much of the technology industry focuses on what’s new, Peter is more interested in what works. He h... Show more

I went from writing my first lines of code to co-founding INTELLI-T, and somewhere along the way, I discovered that the hardest bugs to fix aren't in your codebase. They're in how developers think about their craft and their career. I help developers grow beyond the keyboard: navigating interviews, stepping into leadership, and building the career they actually want. At INTELLI-T, we bring that same mindset to .NET projects, turning great developers into trusted partners for our clients.

I went from writing my first lines of code to co-founding INTELLI-T, and somewhere along the way, I discovered that the hardest bugs to fix aren't in your codebase. They're in how developers think about their craft and their career. I help developers... Show more

I help teams modernize apps and platforms in the Microsoft ecosystem—Azure, GitHub, Power Platform, and identity (Microsoft Entra)—with a bias toward real-world constraints and practical outcomes. I’ve spent 20+ years building and advising solutions across manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, and financial services.

My sessions are story-driven and demo-heavy: less “cloud mythology,” more “here’s the pattern, here’s the pitfall, here’s the fix.” Recent topics include practical GPT/agent builds, Microsoft Fabric in real workloads, secure identity, and modern delivery pipelines.

Based in Milwaukee, available nationwide—and frequently in Europe (Nordics/Baltics, incl. Stockholm & Riga). I’m also the creator of the biweekly LinkedIn newsletter Tech Trekking, connecting emerging tech to what actually works in the field

I help teams modernize apps and platforms in the Microsoft ecosystem—Azure, GitHub, Power Platform, and identity (Microsoft Entra)—with a bias toward real-world constraints and practical outcomes. I’ve spent 20+ years building and advising solutions ... Show more

Ashraf Ghonaim is a Strategic Management Consultant and his core areas of expertise are: Strategy Management, Performance Measurement, Process Improvement and Data Analytics.

Ashraf holds a Computer Engineering degree and an MBA degree in Strategic Management with special emphasis on IT-Business Strategic Alignment using Balanced Scorecard. He is also a certified Balanced Scorecard Professional, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management Professional (PMP).

Ashraf is the leader of Toronto Fabric & Power BI User Group and he has been a Microsoft MVP in Data Platform (Fabric & Power BI) since 2018. He is also a Microsoft Certified Trainer MCT and he teaches Fabric and Power BI courses at the University of Calgary. Ashraf is a co-author of 2 books about Power BI and Microsoft AI and he is a frequent community events organizer and speakers around Fabric and Power BI.

Ashraf Ghonaim is a Strategic Management Consultant and his core areas of expertise are: Strategy Management, Performance Measurement, Process Improvement and Data Analytics. Ashraf holds a Computer Engineering degree and an MBA degree in Strategi... Show more

Paresh Motiwala ​PMP; a Fabric enthusiast and a Data Platform Manager has led several large SQL implementations, migrations and upgrades.
He was selected as a "Speaker Idol" finalist for the PASS Summit 2018. He also runs DBA VUG, Houston Area SQL Server User Group and Boston BI User Groups.
He has managed multi terabyte OLTP databases. He has also been a Senior SQL DBA and a Solutions Architect in Fortune 100 companies. He also helps organize and speaks at many PASS Summits, SQL Saturdays, Azure Bootcamp and User Groups. He is certified in Big Data Analytics and FinTech(MIT) Project manager, Public Speaker, an avid singer, cook, open networker, and stand-up comedian. He teaches public speaking, debating, interviewing and group discussion skills. He also mentors DBAs and children around the globe via www.circlesofgrowth.com

Paresh Motiwala ​PMP; a Fabric enthusiast and a Data Platform Manager has led several large SQL implementations, migrations and upgrades. He was selected as a "Speaker Idol" finalist for the PASS Summit 2018. He also runs DBA VUG, Houston Area SQL ... Show more

Josh Luedeman is a Principal Solution Architect and Technology Strategist at Microsoft, where he drives strategy and execution for data, analytics, cloud architecture, and governance at enterprise scale. With more than a decade of hands-on experience across application support, database administration, business intelligence, and cloud modernization, Josh helps organizations across industries—including higher education, consulting, manufacturing, and software development—design and migrate complex analytics workloads to Microsoft Azure with confidence and agility. A recognized voice in the data community, he regularly speaks at industry events such as Microsoft Ignite, Live! 360, PASS Summit, SQLSaturday, and other technical conferences, and co-hosts the technical series Tales from the Field, where he explores real-world patterns and best practices with peers. His work blends deep technical expertise with practical insights that empower teams to harness the full value of cloud-native data platforms, analytics, and governance in pursuit of measurable business outcomes.

Josh Luedeman is a Principal Solution Architect and Technology Strategist at Microsoft, where he drives strategy and execution for data, analytics, cloud architecture, and governance at enterprise scale. With more than a decade of hands-on experience... Show more

Modern Workplace Consultant at ENCAMINA, with over 10 years of experience in the technology sector, specialized in collaboration, productivity, and the adoption of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Copilot, helping organizations apply technology through a practical, people‑centric approach.

Co‑founder of the Microsoft Speakers Hub en Español community, organizer of Global AI Valencia, and administrator of the “Copilot y M365 en español” community, promoting knowledge sharing and responsible AI adoption within the Modern Workplace.

Modern Workplace Consultant at ENCAMINA, with over 10 years of experience in the technology sector, specialized in collaboration, productivity, and the adoption of Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Copilot, helping organizations apply technology through a ... Show more

Mou Rakshit is a Senior Manager of Data, AI & Analytics Engineering at Accenture/Avanade and a Principal Data & AI Solution Architect specializing in building modern, unified, AI-ready data platforms using Microsoft Fabric and Databricks. She leads enterprise-scale data strategy and platform architecture initiatives that enable organizations to move from fragmented analytics environments to governed, high-performance lakehouse ecosystems.

Her work focuses on designing scalable medallion architectures, implementing robust governance models, enabling real-time intelligence, and operationalizing AI and advanced analytics across the enterprise. Mou bridges executive strategy with hands-on technical execution, ensuring that modern data platforms are production-ready, resilient, and aligned to business outcomes.

She holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Wayne State University and a Master’s in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan.

A Databricks Champion and frequent industry speaker, Mou shares practical frameworks and real-world lessons on architecting unified data foundations that power AI at scale.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mourakshit/
https://credentials.databricks.com/profile/mourakshit34507/wallet

Mou Rakshit is a Senior Manager of Data, AI & Analytics Engineering at Accenture/Avanade and a Principal Data & AI Solution Architect specializing in building modern, unified, AI-ready data platforms using Microsoft Fabric and Databricks. She leads e... Show more

My work operates at the intersection of large-scale digital infrastructure and population health transformation — designing AI-enabled, cloud-native systems that translate intelligence into real-world outcomes at a national scale.

My areas of focus include:

• High-reliability, cloud-native platforms powering mission-critical retail and healthcare ecosystems
• Multicloud architecture optimization for resilience, cost efficiency, and continuous availability
• AI-driven engineering systems — from agentic automation to intelligent incident response
• Retail-integrated digital health and care delivery models that bridge predictive insight with physical fulfillment

Across two decades, my work has progressively evolved from digital health foundations to architecting infrastructure capable of delivering preventive care, diagnostics, and essential services to millions — demonstrating how software engineering leadership can directly shape societal outcomes.

I actively contribute through mentoring, research publications, industry talks, and open-source initiatives focused on scalable AI systems, digital health innovation, and resilient infrastructure design.

📩 Connect: poreddykapil@ieee.org

My work operates at the intersection of large-scale digital infrastructure and population health transformation — designing AI-enabled, cloud-native systems that translate intelligence into real-world outcomes at a national scale. My areas of focu... Show more

10x certified Microsoft Expert and MCT with 5 years of experience in Microsoft technologies. Active public speaker, blogger, and code snippet author with countless public contributions, prominent both on LinkedIn and GitHub. I thrive on hyper-optimizing applications and tackling challenges at the forefront of technology, ensuring that global clients harness the full potential of both Low Code (with Microsoft Power Platform) and full-stack web development solutions with AI-assisted development to drive their business. Whether it’s simplifying complex workflows or building hyper-optimized applications, I’m always seeking smarter ways to get things done. I’m also deeply committed to empowering others. Teaching and mentoring aren’t just things I do - they’re at the heart of what drives me.

At Clouds On Mars, my role as Tech Lead involves driving solution architecture and development of countless enterprise projects in Power Platform, Azure services, and TypeScript (React)/Python web-based projects.

10x certified Microsoft Expert and MCT with 5 years of experience in Microsoft technologies. Active public speaker, blogger, and code snippet author with countless public contributions, prominent both on LinkedIn and GitHub. I thrive on hyper-optimiz... Show more

Architect, engineer, designer, speaker, writer - professionally I've worn many hats spanning diverse business domains and tech stacks, and know a new challenge awaits!

Conferences allow me to share my experiences and insights to help you navigate our constantly-changing technical landscape with confidence. Though implementations differ, the underlying solutions - and problems within - often repeat. My goal is to share what I've learned so you can recognize patterns and make better decisions in your own work.

Architect, engineer, designer, speaker, writer - professionally I've worn many hats spanning diverse business domains and tech stacks, and know a new challenge awaits! Conferences allow me to share my experiences and insights to help you navigate ... Show more

In over 25 years of consulting Oliver has focused on successful data culture in enterprises, based on modern data platform architectures and embedded in effective governance.
Important goals for such a vision are successful creation of business value, collaboration in complex, international projects and teams, as well as adoption into the business processes after go-live.

In over 25 years of consulting Oliver has focused on successful data culture in enterprises, based on modern data platform architectures and embedded in effective governance. Important goals for such a vision are successful creation of business val... Show more

I speak to leaders and teams navigating fragmented data, manual processes, and growing organizational complexity who want systems they can rely on, not workarounds.

As Data and Automation Director, I partner with executive leadership on enterprise data strategy, AI governance, and analytics infrastructure across multi-state operations. Over the past 6 to 12 months, I designed and implemented a full AI governance framework for my data and automation team — and am currently leading the initiative to scale it enterprise-wide.

With over 15 years of experience leading teams and operations, including more than 6 years owning enterprise data architecture, analytics platforms, and automation, I am known for simplifying complex environments, reducing unnecessary tools, and establishing clear standards so reporting holds up in real-world use.

Generating $250K+ in new recurring annual ROI per quarter through automation and process elimination, compounding to over $1M in recurring annual ROI while eliminating 19,000+ manual hours per year across three divisions.

Audiences value my ability to translate technical complexity into practical, executive-relevant guidance that resonates with both leadership and practitioners. My sessions are grounded in real enterprise experience and focus on decision confidence, adoption, and sustainable operating models.

In addition to my full-time role, I lead A River of Data, advising founders, CFOs, and operators on data, automation, and AI strategy. Available for sessions in English and Spanish.

I speak to leaders and teams navigating fragmented data, manual processes, and growing organizational complexity who want systems they can rely on, not workarounds. As Data and Automation Director, I partner with executive leadership on enterprise... Show more

Especialista FinOps con 7 años de experiencia liderando implementaciones técnicas, operaciones en la nube (AWS, AZURE, GCP) y gestión de soporte técnico para clientes de diferentes sectores, resolviendo casos técnicos con la colaboración de equipos internos y externos. Ganadora de la presea Jóvenes con Valores, y del primer lugar del premio Daniel Cosío Villegas, autora de 7 libros sobre tecnología y FinOps. Cuenta con todas las certificaciones de la FinOps Foundation

Especialista FinOps con 7 años de experiencia liderando implementaciones técnicas, operaciones en la nube (AWS, AZURE, GCP) y gestión de soporte técnico para clientes de diferentes sectores, resolviendo casos técnicos con la colaboración de equipos i... Show more

Since discovering Power BI in 2018, Chris Cusumano has focused on using data to simplify work, not complicate it. He’s helped teams across airline operations, engineering consulting, auto repair, and SaaS turn fragmented data into clear, usable insights through well-structured models, intuitive visuals, and practical analytics.

In 2026, he joined Microsoft as a Senior Data Engineer, leveraging Power BI, Fabric, and AI data agents to drive internal reporting.

Since discovering Power BI in 2018, Chris Cusumano has focused on using data to simplify work, not complicate it. He’s helped teams across airline operations, engineering consulting, auto repair, and SaaS turn fragmented data into clear, usable insig... Show more

Sr Cloud Architect | AWS Community Builder | AWS New Voices Speaker

Sr Cloud Architect | AWS Community Builder | AWS New Voices Speaker Show more

Open source, cloud-native, and AI strategist driving ecosystem growth for the Linux Foundation and CNCF. I design engagement models that bring the world's largest companies into community governance and turn complex technical needs into sustainable revenue. Actively shaping the intersection of AI and cloud-native infrastructure through conformance, policy, and adoption frameworks. Financially rigorous, equity-minded, and backing the movement across Latin America and underserved communities.

Open source, cloud-native, and AI strategist driving ecosystem growth for the Linux Foundation and CNCF. I design engagement models that bring the world's largest companies into community governance and turn complex technical needs into sustainable r... Show more

I am a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft focused on Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, and enterprise AI agents. I support organizations in designing secure, scalable copilots that enhance productivity and modern collaboration.
Previously a Microsoft 365 consultant specializing in SharePoint, Teams, and the Power Platform, I am passionate about emerging digital experiences at the crossroads of AI, automation, Digital Twins, and immersive collaboration.

I am a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft focused on Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, and enterprise AI agents. I support organizations in designing secure, scalable copilots that enhance productivity and modern collaboration. Previously a ... Show more

Several years working in Business Intelligence across startups, Big 4 consultancy, and as a remote contractor. Currently freelancing for clients ranging from small shops to multinationals, working daily on Data Engineering, ETL, SQL, and Power BI/SSAS development. I am speaking at events both in Italy and across Europe.

Co-leader of Power BI User Group Italy, the largest Italian BI and Data community. For the community I manage social channels, organize events across Italy and in Switzerland (Ticino Data Conference), and present technical sessions.

Certified in Power BI (PL-300) and Fabric (DP-600 | DP-700).

Several years working in Business Intelligence across startups, Big 4 consultancy, and as a remote contractor. Currently freelancing for clients ranging from small shops to multinationals, working daily on Data Engineering, ETL, SQL, and Power BI/SSA... Show more

I prepare teams for the new paradigm: one where humans and AI agents work together, building responsible products.
An Agile practitioner since 2010, I created AIAD (AI-Agent Iterative Development), an open-source framework for orchestrating software development with AI agents. LCA certified and trainer in Eco-designed Product Management, I advocate for tech that performs AND respects its limits.
My credo: a developer's value no longer lies in their ability to write code, but in their ability to express a precise intent and validate a result — including its impact.
📘 Author of Mieux collaborer en 100 jours (Better Collaboration in 100 Days)
🎓 Creator of CertifAgile.fr (free certification)
🔧 Creator of the AIAD framework
🌱 LCA Certified • Eco-designed PM Trainer

I prepare teams for the new paradigm: one where humans and AI agents work together, building responsible products. An Agile practitioner since 2010, I created AIAD (AI-Agent Iterative Development), an open-source framework for orchestrating software... Show more

Tobias Brennecke is an independent Trainer, Workshop Facilitator, and Clean Language Coach dedicated to the human side of IT. After 15 years in software architecture, DevOps, and Domain-Driven Design, he is convinced: IT projects don't fail because of technology, but due to misaligned communication.

With his "Love. Language. Leadership." framework, Tobias bridges the gap between Business and IT. The goal: To create a "Secure Base" using his expertise in attachment theory and Clean Language. He helps teams replace contempt with curiosity, enabling a leadership style characterized by exquisite listening and inquiry. This creates a safe space for self-efficacy and innovation, preventing burnout and increasing retention. It empowers people with the tools they need to thrive personally and as a whole organization.

🏳️‍🌈 Love. Language. Leadership. 🎤 Speaker & Facilitator 🧠 Clean Language Coach

Tobias Brennecke is an independent Trainer, Workshop Facilitator, and Clean Language Coach dedicated to the human side of IT. After 15 years in software architecture, DevOps, and Domain-Driven Design, he is convinced: IT projects don't fail because o... Show more

Having started my career as a hands-on software engineer, which I never truly enjoyed. I transitioned to working with people who work with technology. I set out on a mission to help organizations create the right environment where their employees can perform to the max of their abilities and grow beyond their current aspirations. A mission I am still pursuing more than a decade later.

Having started my career as a hands-on software engineer, which I never truly enjoyed. I transitioned to working with people who work with technology. I set out on a mission to help organizations create the right environment where their employees can... Show more

Chez Ekité, je suis consultant en efficacité organisationnelle, proche du terrain. J'accompagne des organisations et des personnes à générer de l'impact, à créer de la valeur, à optimiser leur collaboration et leur amélioration continue. Je facilite la prise de recul grâce à une posture intègre.

Je connecte des entreprises de la tech et des experts talentueux grâce au cabinet de recrutement que j'ai cofondé avec mon associée Catherine, My Lovely Jobs.

Je suis engagé dans plusieurs initiatives associatives :

Nord Agile, pour promouvoir la démarche agile
Keikenchiba, pour favoriser les échanges autour de l’efficacité des organisations.

J’anime régulièrement un podcast et des talks pour partager ma passion pour la culture agile et la tech afin d'explorer de nombreuses thématiques associées à ces univers.

Chez Ekité, je suis consultant en efficacité organisationnelle, proche du terrain. J'accompagne des organisations et des personnes à générer de l'impact, à créer de la valeur, à optimiser leur collaboration et leur amélioration continue. Je facilite ... Show more

Ana Inés Urrutia de Souza is a Microsoft MVP, AI for HR expert, and member of the Harvard Advisory Council. With a background in psychology and over a decade of experience in HR technology, she helps organizations modernize people operations using tools like Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Microsoft Copilot. Ana is an international speaker, co-host of the D365 Community Call, and an active voice in the global HR tech space. Her work bridges strategy and implementation, with a focus on making AI practical, human, and useful

Ana Inés Urrutia de Souza is a Microsoft MVP, AI for HR expert, and member of the Harvard Advisory Council. With a background in psychology and over a decade of experience in HR technology, she helps organizations modernize people operations using to... Show more

Anil is an award-winning senior product, tech, and AI leader with over 15 years of experience managing large-scale enterprise platforms and consumer-grade products. He has a proven track record in leading high-performing teams through strategy, development, and change management.

Anil specializes in AI/ML initiatives, including conversational search, recommendation systems, and Generative AI, delivering significant business impact across various industries. His industry expertise spans telecom, media, education technology, and HR.

Professionally, Anil has held key roles at Amazon and Capgemini, driving AI-powered solutions, improving product adoption, and enhancing customer satisfaction. His AI/ML product strategy leadership has led to notable achievements in marketing, sales, and customer care platforms.

Anil is an official Forbes Technology Council member. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including recently the top AI 75 leader.

Anil is an award-winning senior product, tech, and AI leader with over 15 years of experience managing large-scale enterprise platforms and consumer-grade products. He has a proven track record in leading high-performing teams through strategy, devel... Show more

Artem Lajko, certified CNCF Kubestronaut and Head of Platform Engineering, specializes in Kubernetes scalability and GitOps-driven workflows. He is the author of Implementing GitOps with Kubernetes and an IT freelancer writing for various publishers. As a Platform Engineering Ambassador, he supports companies and the community in adopting Platform Engineering, Internal Developer Platforms, and related technologies. Passionate about Open Source, he helps organizations choose the right tools, driving tech adoption and innovation.

Artem Lajko, certified CNCF Kubestronaut and Head of Platform Engineering, specializes in Kubernetes scalability and GitOps-driven workflows. He is the author of Implementing GitOps with Kubernetes and an IT freelancer writing for various publishers.... Show more

Andrew’s extensive knowledge has been built from personal experiences with a wide range of companies. His Engineering background has been provided opportunities to work in a variety of operational and management roles. Projects have ranged from new implementations, special projects, and upgrades through to streamlining business operations. 24 years of Business Central and NAV experience means that he can provide a variety of perspectives when working with clients.

Andrew has continued his commitment to continuous learning personally and professionally. To support the end users and partners that we work with, he is a MCT, DCP (Dynamics Certified Professional), MCP and Professional Engineer.

He has helped clients get the most out of their BC/NAV systems, through integrations, upgrades, and extensions that allow them to deal with their changing business environments. These projects range from integrations, financial operations, rentals, distribution and manufacturing.

Andrew’s extensive knowledge has been built from personal experiences with a wide range of companies. His Engineering background has been provided opportunities to work in a variety of operational and management roles. Projects have ranged from new i... Show more

Chris Gardner is a Senior Products and Platform Engineering Manager for Accenture, the Chairman of the DevSpace Technical Conference and a regular coder. Tortured by years of contracts that valued buzzwords over results, Chris has developed a true passion for finding solutions that fit the problem, not the technology of the week. Chris received his M.S in Computer Science, B.S. in Mathematics, and B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and is currently a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer, Professional Developer, Information Technology Professional and Trainer.

Chris Gardner is a Senior Products and Platform Engineering Manager for Accenture, the Chairman of the DevSpace Technical Conference and a regular coder. Tortured by years of contracts that valued buzzwords over results, Chris has developed a true pa... Show more

Collin Newberry, Director of DevSecOps at Yahara Software and author of The DevOps Problem, has been in the technology field for nearly two decades.

As a Sergeant operating under 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the U.S. Army Mr. Newberry’s experience encompassed the installation, maintenance, management and security of networking systems and satellite communications on a global scale.

Since joining the private sector Mr. Newberry’s experience has expanded to the management of international security and compliance initiatives for Fortune 500 companies, designing and securing DevSecOps pipelines and the modernization of traditional infrastructure to adopt cutting edge tactics and technologies leading to his current role where he oversees DevSecOps and IT strategy.

Collin Newberry, Director of DevSecOps at Yahara Software and author of The DevOps Problem, has been in the technology field for nearly two decades. As a Sergeant operating under 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) in the U.S. Army Mr. Newberry’... Show more

Benjamin Igna is the founder of Stellar Work, a consultancy helping engineering organizations rethink developer experience, productivity, and team design in the age of AI. On the Stellar Work Podcast, he sits down with some of the most compelling voices in tech and management to explore what great engineering leadership actually looks like. Beyond consulting, Ben is an active angel investor through Misty Mountain Ventures and the Association of Industrial Engineers Germany (VWI), backing early-stage founders coming out of university and helping them turn bold ideas into real companies.

Benjamin Igna is the founder of Stellar Work, a consultancy helping engineering organizations rethink developer experience, productivity, and team design in the age of AI. On the Stellar Work Podcast, he sits down with some of the most compelling voi... Show more