Norman Badger has dedicated more than thirty years to building a career with Publix, the employee-owned grocery company in the United States. His professional journey reflects a commitment to steady growth and a focus on leadership. From his early days working in hourly positions to advancing into senior leadership, he has consistently shown dedication to his work and the people around him. Today, he serves as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, where he oversees the company’s stores and ensures that operational and service standards are maintained across the retail network.

Publix operates more than 1,400 stores in eight southeastern states, with the majority located in Florida, as well as in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. His career with the company began in 1995 as a front-service clerk in Aiken, South Carolina. After holding several hourly roles, he became a store manager in 2007, where he was responsible for budgets, staffing, customer service, and merchandising. In 2014, he was promoted to District Manager, overseeing multiple stores, guiding managers, and ensuring company policies were followed. By 2017, he was named Regional Director, where he managed several districts and focused on long-term planning, growth, and leadership development.

In 2020, Norman Badger, Publix, was promoted to Vice President of Product Business Development for the Bakery and Meat departments. In this role, he led efforts to expand product lines, strengthen supplier relationships, negotiate agreements, and improve merchandising and supply chain processes. His work focused on aligning customer needs with company goals. In 2024, he was promoted again to Senior Vice President of Retail Operations, where he continues to oversee store operations across all regions. His leadership encompasses supporting teams, driving operational consistency, and contributing to the company's long-term direction. He values the people he works with and is grateful for the opportunities he has received throughout his career.

He was born in Jacksonville, FL, and married his high school sweetheart in 2001. They have a son and have lived in several cities, including Atlanta, Charleston, and Raleigh, before moving back to Florida. Family is an integral part of his life, and they enjoy traveling and spending time together. Sports are another meaningful part of his personal life. He and his son are fans of the Steelers and Penn State, and they attend games every season as part of a tradition that strengthens their bond. In 2023, they traveled to Glendale, Arizona, to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the Eagles, an experience they both enjoyed. His son plays JV football in several positions and also participates in basketball. Watching him compete brings pride, and over time, he has collected keepsakes from their trips, each one representing a cherished memory of their shared experiences.

Norman Badger of Florida values both his professional achievements and his personal life, striking a balance between leadership responsibilities and the meaningful time he shares with his family.

Norman Badger has dedicated more than thirty years to building a career with Publix, the employee-owned grocery company in the United States. His professional journey reflects a commitment to steady growth and a focus on leadership. From his early da... Show more

Ho fatto lo sviluppatore full-stack per 14 anni, ad un certo punto ho scoperto l'agilità ed è nata una forte passione che mi ha portato ad approfondire i temi del coaching e della leadership.

Dopo un'esperienza da Scrum Master, oggi lavoro come consulente e accompagno le aziende e i team nel loro percorso di transizione verso uno sviluppo agile di prodotti.

Nel tempo libero mi piace camminare, suonare la chitarra e navigare sul web.

Ho fatto lo sviluppatore full-stack per 14 anni, ad un certo punto ho scoperto l'agilità ed è nata una forte passione che mi ha portato ad approfondire i temi del coaching e della leadership. Dopo un'esperienza da Scrum Master, oggi lavoro come co... Show more

I am a data-driven design strategist.
I specialise in transforming raw data into blueprints for intelligent, human-centred services and products. With a career spanning MI, data engineering and data solutions, I see data as a design tool that powers innovation. I champion a design philosophy that places human needs, ethical considerations and user control at the forefront of AI-driven automation.
I advocate for technology designed to enhance, rather than dictates human experience.

I am a data-driven design strategist. I specialise in transforming raw data into blueprints for intelligent, human-centred services and products. With a career spanning MI, data engineering and data solutions, I see data as a design tool that power... Show more

With over 25 years of expertise in IT Operations Management, Project Management, Technical Support, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), I specialize in leveraging technology to drive organizations toward their strategic goals. For more than 10 years, I have focused on Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power Platform, Microsoft Azure, and other Microsoft technologies, crafting innovative solutions that deliver exceptional customer experiences.

With over 25 years of expertise in IT Operations Management, Project Management, Technical Support, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM), I specialize in leveraging technology to drive organizations toward their strategic goals. For more than 1... Show more

Product Manager at Zenika and ex-Product Owner at Bedrock Steaming (45 million users in Europe), I've been helping various teams and companies for over 9 years to have a user-centered, impact and value-oriented product approach 🎯
Whether pre or post-Market Fit, B2C, B2B or B2B2C, my goal is to build a bridge between business challenges, user experience and technical teams to build an innovative, high value-added digital product 💪

Product Manager at Zenika and ex-Product Owner at Bedrock Steaming (45 million users in Europe), I've been helping various teams and companies for over 9 years to have a user-centered, impact and value-oriented product approach 🎯 Whether pre or pos... Show more

Chike is an expert in business and technology strategy, with over a decade of experience leading global, hybrid teams to deliver large-scale, high-value transformation programmes. He combines lean agile and design thinking to deliver results on client projects across multiple sectors. Chike advises business leaders on key technology trends, helps translate user needs into a bold vision and strategy for change, designs new business propositions, and defines a solutions portfolio and roadmap. He is passionate about solving complex challenges using innovative digital and data technologies. As an intrapreneur, he leads the Capgemini Invent UK Business Apps and Low Code No Code team.

Qualifications
Cambridge Judge Business School | Digital Innovation & Transformation
Imperial College Business School | MSc International Health Management
Kings College London | BSc Biomedical Sciences

Certifications & Accreditations
Microsoft Certified Power Platform Functional Consultant Associate
Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals
SAFe Agilist & Scrum Master

Chike is an expert in business and technology strategy, with over a decade of experience leading global, hybrid teams to deliver large-scale, high-value transformation programmes. He combines lean agile and design thinking to deliver results on clien... Show more

With 15+ years of experience in the ERP industry, I have progressed from support roles to becoming a Solution Architect, specialising in manufacturing solutions across diverse sectors including plastics, design-driven manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food & beverage. My passion lies in designing and implementing systems that not only streamline business operations but also enhance people's lives by reducing stress and enabling smarter, more efficient workflows. Witnessing the transformative power of technology in driving business growth is what fuels my dedication and passion to this field.
Academically, I hold a BA (Hons) in English Literature and am currently pursuing an MSc in Computer Science with a focus on AI. Alongside my academic endeavours, I maintain professional Microsoft certifications and continue to expand my expertise in the latest technological innovations.

With 15+ years of experience in the ERP industry, I have progressed from support roles to becoming a Solution Architect, specialising in manufacturing solutions across diverse sectors including plastics, design-driven manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, ... Show more

Mukul Goyal is a dynamic software engineer, digital developer, and senior manager at Quicktouch Technologies and QuickCampus, where he drives innovation at the intersection of education, enterprise, and emerging technology. He is also the founder of Dimraj Technologies, a mission-driven startup focused on building impactful AI-first solutions for education, law enforcement, and agriculture in Bharat.

With deep hands-on experience across Microsoft Copilot, Power BI, and Fabric, Mukul empowers students, educators, and professionals to boost productivity, automate reporting, and build agentic, AI-powered systems.

He is an active member of the Google AI and Microsoft AI ecosystems, and a SEBI-certified Investor Awareness speaker, often helping people understand both technology and finance with simplicity and clarity.

A tech + business visionary at heart, Mukul believes in bridging the gap between grassroots India and cutting-edge innovation. As a speaker, he combines real-world demos, storytelling, and community-driven energy to spark meaningful learning experiences.

Mukul Goyal is a dynamic software engineer, digital developer, and senior manager at Quicktouch Technologies and QuickCampus, where he drives innovation at the intersection of education, enterprise, and emerging technology. He is also the founder of ... Show more

Co-founder and CEO of COMPUTD BV, with a BSc in Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, followed by an MSc in Data Science for Decision Making.

My mission is the democratization of Digitalisation. I envision a future where the digital revolution is inclusive, and Data Science and AI are accessible to all, not just a privileged few. At COMPUTD, our approach is simple yet profound: We chart a clear path from point A to B, providing tools that grow with you, from a bike to an aeroplane.

I've had the privilege of collaborating with giants like Mercedes-Benz, Nike, VDL Nedcar, and Boels, delivering impactful solutions tailored to their needs. From creating an intelligent workforce scheduler for a smaller enterprise to transitioning another from outdated tables to a state-of-the-art Azure data warehouse, my journey has been about making AI and Data Science meaningful and actionable.

As we stand on the cusp of a digital era, I see Digitalization as the linchpin of future businesses. But it's essential to tread wisely, leveraging AI not just as a buzzword but as a genuine solution to real-world challenges. My expertise particularly shines in sectors like Customer Service, Automotive, and Retail.

Outside the world of algorithms and data, I'm an avid Dungeons & Dragons player, a dog enthusiast, and above all, a staunch believer in the potential of people. Let's connect, collaborate, and drive the digital future together.

Co-founder and CEO of COMPUTD BV, with a BSc in Data Science and Knowledge Engineering, followed by an MSc in Data Science for Decision Making. My mission is the democratization of Digitalisation. I envision a future where the digital revolution i... Show more

Thomas Scola, founder and CEO of The Bluefly Collective (Bluefly.io), brings over 20 years of industry expertise to digital solutions in Drupal and AI technologies. A former Acquia leader and pioneer of the Collaborative Impact Model, Thomas merges technical excellence with organizational innovation inspired by open-source principles. Since co-founding the Maine Drupal User Group in 2007, he has championed human-centric approaches that transform both technological implementations and organizational structures.

Thomas Scola, founder and CEO of The Bluefly Collective (Bluefly.io), brings over 20 years of industry expertise to digital solutions in Drupal and AI technologies. A former Acquia leader and pioneer of the Collaborative Impact Model, Thomas merges t... Show more

I'm a Bilingual Management Consultant, Business, and Executive Coach, with 20+ years of experience in the fields of Information Technology, Operations, and Marketing.
I help companies have successful projects, professionals with their personal brands, Millennials with their social communication, and Women in discovering their full potential.
I have extensive experience in building professional networks, I am known for the identification of opportunities, analyzing operations, and developing winning solutions.

I'm a Bilingual Management Consultant, Business, and Executive Coach, with 20+ years of experience in the fields of Information Technology, Operations, and Marketing. I help companies have successful projects, professionals with their personal brand... Show more

Rebecca Grier, Ph.D. is a behavioural scientist with 20 years experience in product development across various business sectors. Most recently she was the lead for Customer-Driven: EMEA at Microsoft, with the goal to change product making culture to be more customer obsessed. Previously she moved Ford to consider people with disabilities in the design of their autonomous vehicles and the US DoD to include user experience in testing of systems. She currently lives in Dublin with her husband and son.

Rebecca Grier, Ph.D. is a behavioural scientist with 20 years experience in product development across various business sectors. Most recently she was the lead for Customer-Driven: EMEA at Microsoft, with the goal to change product making culture to ... Show more

Abhijit Joshi is a seasoned Oracle Cloud ERP Transformation Professional with over 19 years of experience in ERP project execution and manufacturing operations. He has led more than eight enterprise-wide ERP transformations and numerous rollouts across the US, Canada, and India. With 14 years focused on Oracle ERP (Cloud and JDE) and five years in the manufacturing sector, Abhijit brings a rare blend of functional expertise and hands-on industry knowledge. At Deloitte Consulting, he has played pivotal roles in SCM transformation, data migration, solution design, and leadership across multiple sectors including food & beverage, pharma, and consumer goods. His certifications include Oracle Procurement Cloud, Inventory Cloud, and Manufacturing Cloud, and he holds an Executive MBA in Operations alongside a Bachelor’s in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering.

Abhijit Joshi is a seasoned Oracle Cloud ERP Transformation Professional with over 19 years of experience in ERP project execution and manufacturing operations. He has led more than eight enterprise-wide ERP transformations and numerous rollouts acro... Show more

Dillon TenBrink is a Distinguished Engineer at The Home Depot, where he leads enterprise-scale innovation across infrastructure, platforms, applications, and edge—helping shape how doers get more done through technology.

Dillon TenBrink is a Distinguished Engineer at The Home Depot, where he leads enterprise-scale innovation across infrastructure, platforms, applications, and edge—helping shape how doers get more done through technology. Show more

Turnage is the Founder and CEO of the Liv Group, a marketing and branding firm providing business solutions focused on business strategy, branding, and creative communications supporting professionals and businesses in learning their ‘Why’ telling their story to the world with his one-of-a-kind 7 Step Brand Map. Turnage is also a small business, executive, and pitch coach. Turnage's goal is to support others in creating the career path and businesses so they can live the life they want to Liv. The Liv Group has serviced over 100 businesses and professionals in 2024.

Turnage is the Founder and CEO of the Liv Group, a marketing and branding firm providing business solutions focused on business strategy, branding, and creative communications supporting professionals and businesses in learning their ‘Why’ telling th... Show more

25+ Years in the industry. Co founded a managed hosting business in China at the turn of the millennium before going on to spend time at AWS, Adobe and Versent. Earning trust one customer at a time.

25+ Years in the industry. Co founded a managed hosting business in China at the turn of the millennium before going on to spend time at AWS, Adobe and Versent. Earning trust one customer at a time. Show more

Wes Shields, Principal and founder of Synthminds.AI, leads a team of 15 experts, propelling clients' AI strategies and objectives with ethical and innovative solutions. Under his stewardship, his full-service Artificial Intelligence agency provides bespoke services that exceed their strategic needs to an extensive list of clientele from academia to various industries including aviation, customer service, legal, marketing, logistics, education and technology. He was named one of the first 18 global “OpenAI Experts”, an endorsement awarded and recognized formally by OpenAI. Shields' exemplary work has earned him and his Synthminds team the "Expert-Vetted" AI Consultant accolade from Upwork, a title conferred on the top 1% of the 18 million professionals on the platform.

Recognized as an accomplished strategist and speaker in the field of AI, he is also the host of the popular podcast, 'How to Talk to AI.' He has a notable presence on Promptbase.com, the premier prompt sales marketplace, where his prompts rank him amongst the top 200 worldwide.

Shields possesses an impressive academic portfolio, holding an MS in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, an MBA from the Mason School of Business at The College of William & Mary, and a BS in Economics from the esteemed United States Naval Academy. His contributions to academic research, particularly in the domains of complex network science and logistics technology integration, have been published and recognized, earning him graduate certifications from both the Kegan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the Naval Postgraduate School.

For more insights into his professional pursuits and areas of interest, visit https://synthminds.ai/.

Wes Shields, Principal and founder of Synthminds.AI, leads a team of 15 experts, propelling clients' AI strategies and objectives with ethical and innovative solutions. Under his stewardship, his full-service Artificial Intelligence agency provides b... Show more

I’m a marketing and brand leader with experience scaling companies like Kry/Livi, Red Bull, Burberry, and MR PORTER. I focus on building standout brands that drive growth—bringing marketing, product, and commercial strategy together to create real impact. Whether it’s go-to-market, positioning, or storytelling that converts, I know how to connect the dots and move fast.

I’m a marketing and brand leader with experience scaling companies like Kry/Livi, Red Bull, Burberry, and MR PORTER. I focus on building standout brands that drive growth—bringing marketing, product, and commercial strategy together to create real im... Show more

With over 13 years of experience at companies like Le Parisien, The Guardian, and Back Market, I specialize in customer monetization and revenue growth. My approach is driven by strategic thinking, project management, and a commitment to measurable impact.

As a non-engineer and early female pioneer in tech, I've built my career on self-confidence, intuition, and continuous learning.

I am passionate about mission-driven initiatives and believe in the power of diversity and empowerment to drive organizational success.

With over 13 years of experience at companies like Le Parisien, The Guardian, and Back Market, I specialize in customer monetization and revenue growth. My approach is driven by strategic thinking, project management, and a commitment to measurable i... Show more

You need a speaker who doesn’t just hold attention-but electrifies a room. That’s me. I’m Karis Gill, multi–award-winning founder, storytelling strategies, and the go-to speaker for businesses ready to harness the neuroscience of storytelling to drive real action.

With over 100 high-impact workshops and keynotes delivered across industries, I bring high energy, sharp humour, and strategies that stick. My sessions are known for getting audiences laughing, scribbling furious notes, and walking away saying: “Why has no one taught us this before?”

Because no one teaches you how to sell, lead, or pitch through story. That’s where I come in. I show you the neuroscience and how the brain is wired for story, why decision-makers buy with emotion, not logic- and how to craft business stories that move people. This isn’t fluffy theory. It’s science-backed storytelling that gives your team an unfair advantage.

As a founder, I’ve generated multi–seven-figure revenues over the last 5 years, using the exact storytelling principles I now teach. Whether I’m delivering a keynote to thousands or running an intimate workshop for your team, my goal is the same: to make you better at storytelling than 99% of people you’ll ever meet.

If you're ready to stop sounding like everyone else and start speaking in a way that connects, converts, and compels- let’s talk.

You need a speaker who doesn’t just hold attention-but electrifies a room. That’s me. I’m Karis Gill, multi–award-winning founder, storytelling strategies, and the go-to speaker for businesses ready to harness the neuroscience of storytelling to driv... Show more

+17 years of experience empowering companies in their technological transformation processes through the implementation and upgrade of their ERP and CRM systems, performing architectures, pre-sales as well as leading sales area of the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform, focusing on Dyn 365 F&SCM, Dyn 365 Business Central, Dyn 365 Sales, Dyn 365 Customer service among others, through creativity and collaboration, generating growth opportunities for companies in order to obtain a profitable and sustainable business.

Microsoft Dyn 365 Platform Technology Advisor | Sr Pre-sales Consultant & Dyn Business Central Architect | ERP & CRM Sales Manager + Empowering organizations to achieve their transformative purpose through the technology

+17 years of experience empowering companies in their technological transformation processes through the implementation and upgrade of their ERP and CRM systems, performing architectures, pre-sales as well as leading sales area of the Microsoft Dynam... Show more

Madison Rolley is a travel strategist and digital educator helping over 270,000 travelers move through the world with more clarity, strategy, and ease.

Through her short-form educational content and digital tools, she is redefining what modern, accessible travel can look like for a new generation.

Across Instagram and TikTok, Madison has built a highly engaged community of over 270,000 in under three years by focusing on clarity-first travel strategy, calm content, and high-impact systems.

Her short-form videos — which have helped hundreds of thousands plan trips for a fraction of the cost — have driven impressive traffic, including one TikTok video that surpassed 30 million views. One organic viral post sent thousands of visitors to a travel deal company’s website and social channels, resulting in 10,000+ new followers, 10,000+ email subscribers, a temporarily crashed site, and more than 30,000 new community members who now trust Rolley for travel insights and strategy.

Her flagship product, the Travel Tuesday Hub, organizes real-time global travel deals into a filterable, streamlined platform — giving users the ability to find and book smarter during the most competitive travel deal season. The Hub launched with over 500 paid users in its first campaign, entirely through organic content.

Her audience doesn’t follow her for aesthetics — they follow her because they trust her. Her work has been highlighted in Business Insider, Newsweek, The Washington Post, and more.

Since taking her first solo trip at 19 while studying abroad in the south of France, Madison has gone on to visit 20+ countries across three continents. Now 27, she continues to empower travelers around the world and lead by example — building tools, systems, and storytelling that are reshaping how modern travelers move.

Madison Rolley is a travel strategist and digital educator helping over 270,000 travelers move through the world with more clarity, strategy, and ease. Through her short-form educational content and digital tools, she is redefining what modern, ac... Show more

Dr. Thomas Gratzer is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience in both general and forensic psychiatry, primarily based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. He has worked at several prominent hospitals, including Psych Recovery, Regions Hospital, United Hospital, and Fairview University Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Gratzer regularly managed a caseload of 100 patients per week while conducting numerous forensic evaluations, balancing clinical care with specialized forensic expertise.

Dr. Gratzer's professional experience includes several key roles in psychiatry. From 1995 to 2002, he served as a Senior Forensic Psychiatrist at the Minnesota Security Hospital, providing crucial psychiatric care in a forensic setting. Additionally, he worked as a consulting psychiatrist for the Minnesota Department of Corrections at the Juvenile Detention Center from 1999 to 2015, providing mental health services to incarcerated youth. Dr. Gratzer also held the position of attending psychiatrist at United Hospital in St. Paul, focusing on patients with severe psychiatric disorders, until 2016.

In 1997, Dr. Gratzer was appointed medical staff president at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center, where he played a key role in policy-making and institutional management. Alongside his clinical practice, Dr. Thomas contributed significantly to education. From 2002 to 2021, he served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, teaching medical students, psychiatry residents, and law students. His influence extended to other institutions, where he lectured on topics related to forensic psychiatry and mental health.

Dr. Gratzer has been an active member of various professional organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Psychiatry and Law. His work on committees such as the Sex Offender Committee and the Psychopharmacology Committee reflects his ongoing commitment to advancing forensic psychiatry and improving mental health care within the criminal justice system.

Dr. Thomas Gratzer's background also includes a notable interest in computer science. In 1991, he won first prize at the Manitoba Science Fair and co-authored a book on the TRS-80 computer. His technical work led to developing the VP-Info database programming language, which sold over 100,000 copies.

Now retired, Dr. Gratzer remains involved in supporting mental health initiatives. He enjoys hobbies such as tennis, skiing, and travel.

Dr. Thomas Gratzer is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience in both general and forensic psychiatry, primarily based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. He has worked at several prominent hospitals, including Psych Recovery, Re... Show more

Cee Cee Crabtree
Web3 Creator | Metaverse Consultant | Digital Artist | Community Builder

Cee Cee Crabtree is a multidisciplinary creator at the intersection of Web3, AI, and digital art, with a passion for storytelling, technology, and community-driven innovation. As the founder of My Beautiful Life and the host of Metaverse Monday 365, Cee Cee explores the evolution of the Metaverse, blockchain-powered economies, and the future of digital identity.

With years of experience in NFTs, decentralized platforms, and social engagement strategies, she has built an audience through her authentic approach to content creation, blending fine art with digital experiences. Her expertise spans creator monetization, Web3 marketing, digital fashion, and immersive events, making her a sought-after thought leader in the space.

Beyond her own creative work, Cee Cee is a dedicated advocate for diverse representation in Web3, body positivity in digital spaces, and empowering creators to take ownership of their work through decentralized platforms. She is also actively involved in community education initiatives, helping newcomers navigate the complexities of blockchain technology, social token economies, and NFT ecosystems.

In 2025, Cee Cee continues to push boundaries in the Metaverse, collaborating with platforms, artists, and brands to redefine digital culture and the future of online expression.

Find her at:
🌐 mybeautifulnfts.xyz
📺 Metaverse Monday 365 | 🎤 Web3 Speaker & Host

Cee Cee Crabtree Web3 Creator | Metaverse Consultant | Digital Artist | Community Builder Cee Cee Crabtree is a multidisciplinary creator at the intersection of Web3, AI, and digital art, with a passion for storytelling, technology, and community... Show more

Cate Hollowitsch is the Chief Marketing Officer for Nesnah Ventures, a private equity firm. Cate is an energetic, results-driven marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record in all areas of marketing, including branding, innovation, and digital transformation. As an executive, she also has an extensive background in business acumen, value creation, and strategy for small to medium-sized businesses. Cate’s business success earned her a 2024 spot as one of 100 Titans of Industry for the state of Wisconsin. She is a 2024 TEDx Speaker and created the F.E.A.R. Framework™ for Selfless Leadership. She is also the author of Confidence Counts, and Mastering the Game of Office Politics and is an adjunct professor in digital marketing.

Cate Hollowitsch is the Chief Marketing Officer for Nesnah Ventures, a private equity firm. Cate is an energetic, results-driven marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record in all areas of marketing, includi... Show more

Eric Heyward is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur renowned for his expertise in business operations, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With a strong background in IT/Business leadership, he has demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in scaling start-ups, driving operational excellence, and fostering growth.

As a key leader of an eCommerce start-up, Eric played a pivotal role in building a scalable business operations infrastructure from the ground up. He spearheaded the establishment of robust organizational structures, enabling seamless growth and expansion. By driving talent acquisition strategies, Eric assembled high-performing teams to propel the company forward.

With a keen focus on driving results, Eric has led major technology and management consulting engagements for prominent companies, including Cox, Coca-Cola, Aflac, First Data, and Equifax. Through his strategic vision and hands-on approach, he consistently delivered exceptional value to clients while ensuring the seamless execution of projects. Eric's expertise in management consulting, combined with his proficiency in technology consulting, has enabled him to navigate complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions.

Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Talley & Twine Watch Company, Eric's entrepreneurial spirit shines through his ability to create and optimize business operations. Leading the daily operations of the largest Black-owned wristwatch brand, he has played a pivotal role in building a thriving e-commerce company. Eric has successfully developed and implemented robust processes and systems for marketing and product innovation, manufacturing/assembly, order fulfillment and logistics, inventory management, and financial controls. His strategic collaborations with partners have driven brand-building campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, and strategic partnerships, accelerating growth and customer loyalty.

Eric also serves as Chief Operating Officer of RenderATL, which is a testament to his multifaceted leadership abilities. At RenderATL, a unique and vibrant community where technology professionals come together to celebrate innovation and individuality, Eric leads the Sales, Marketing, and Operations departments. In this dynamic environment, he has fostered an atmosphere where authenticity thrives, and individuals can truly be themselves without feeling constrained by conventional norms. Eric's leadership has been instrumental in furthering the company's mission to create a space “where talent feels welcome.” He has not only driven the growth of the Sales and Marketing functions but has also optimized the operational aspects of RenderATL, ensuring that it remains a daily celebration of community and the diverse intersections that define its members. Eric's contribution to RenderATL underscores his ability to lead with innovation and inclusivity, making him a driving force behind the company's success.

Eric Heyward's entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional business operations acumen, and transformative leadership skills make him a sought-after professional in the industry. His ability to drive growth, navigate complex challenges, and inspire teams positions him as a catalyst for success in any entrepreneurial endeavor or organization seeking transformative leadership.

Eric Heyward is a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur renowned for his expertise in business operations, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With a strong background in IT/Business leadership, he has demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in scaling st... Show more

Francesco Gurnari is a talented Hair Stylist and Colorist based in Norwalk, CT, with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. He is known for creating modern, low-maintenance hairstyles that complement his client's lifestyles. Francesco specializes in both cutting and coloring for men and women, ensuring each client receives a look that enhances their natural features while being easy to maintain.

Francesco’s journey began with formal training at the Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy in Newtown, CT, where he gained a strong foundation in hairstyling. He continued to refine his skills at the Vidal Sassoon School and Nick Arrojo Academy in New York City. Francesco further advanced his expertise by completing the Goldwell Master Colorist Program, specializing in Balayage, a popular freehand coloring technique that produces natural, sun-kissed highlights. This combination of education and hands-on experience has allowed Francesco to offer various services, from precision haircuts to vibrant, expertly applied colors.

Known for his attention to detail, Francesco excels at creating precision cuts that suit each client’s face shape and preferences. His ability to customize color treatments is another one of his strengths, as he uses his deep understanding of color theory to create personalized looks for every client. Francesco is also skilled in color correction, providing fixes for hair dye mishaps or uneven tones while ensuring the health and integrity of the hair.

Francesco’s client-focused approach has helped him build long-lasting relationships with his clients. He takes the time to listen to their needs, offering personalized advice and recommendations to help them achieve their desired look. This dedication to client satisfaction has earned him a loyal following, with many clients returning regularly and referring their friends and family to him.

Outside of his work, Francesco is passionate about giving back to his community. He actively participates in charity events, offering his hairstyling services to needy people. Francesco Gurnari’s blend of technical expertise, creativity, and care for his clients has made him a trusted and respected figure in the beauty industry.

Francesco Gurnari is a talented Hair Stylist and Colorist based in Norwalk, CT, with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. He is known for creating modern, low-maintenance hairstyles that complement his client's lifestyles. Francesco sp... Show more

Anne is a service designer and creative strategist.
She is passionate about achieving sustainable growth by tackling complex systems and balancing the interests of organisations, customers, staff, and the planet. She helps organisations find the path from intention to delivery and learn to design for themselves.
She is a ‘design magpie’, sharing insights across sectors and pushing the boundaries of design by learning from other disciplines.

Anne is a service designer and creative strategist. She is passionate about achieving sustainable growth by tackling complex systems and balancing the interests of organisations, customers, staff, and the planet. She helps organisations find the pat... Show more

A technologist at heart, traveler at soul and a story teller by passion. I have worked my way up the corporate ladder in the IT Services ladder working across all major markets and continents.

A technologist at heart, traveler at soul and a story teller by passion. I have worked my way up the corporate ladder in the IT Services ladder working across all major markets and continents. Show more

Tim Bird is a Principal Software Engineer for Sony Corporation, where he helps Sony use Linux and other open source software in their products. Tim is the organizer of the Linux Boot-Time Special Interest Group and is involved with various Linux Foundation projects (including being a member of the LF board of directors). Tim created and continues to run the Embedded Linux Conference.

Tim has been working with Linux for over 30 years.

Tim Bird is a Principal Software Engineer for Sony Corporation, where he helps Sony use Linux and other open source software in their products. Tim is the organizer of the Linux Boot-Time Special Interest Group and is involved with various Linux Fou... Show more