Alon Schlesinger is a globally experienced executive with over 25 years of demonstrated international business history.
His background spans via the private sector business, from startups to Fortune 100 companies as well as governmental background as Advisor to V. Prime Minister.

Mr. Schlesinger expertise spans various regions including EU, ME and Asia having lived there for 10 years with proven achievements. He operates in the High-Tech and Investment sectors as well as Infrastructure & international projects.
He has previous experience from in the Aviation sector as commercial pilot and high-tech related activities in the sector.

Alon's expertise is in technology investments, Innovation adoption for companies, and strategic global cooperation.

Alon Schlesinger is a globally experienced executive with over 25 years of demonstrated international business history. His background spans via the private sector business, from startups to Fortune 100 companies as well as governmental background ... Show more

Josh Burgess is a FinTech founder and accomplished software engineer in EdTech who combines cutting-edge technical expertise with strategic entrepreneurial acumen to architect solutions. As the Founder and CEO of Mudget, Josh is pioneering an AI-powered bookkeeping and expense-tracking platform that empowers individuals to achieve financial control through data-driven insights and positive psychology.

With expertise spanning full-stack development, cloud architecture, and machine learning, Josh holds AWS certifications in Solutions Architecture, Development, and Machine Learning and more. His got-to tech-stack encompasses Golang, TypeScript, Python, Rust, AWS, Kubernetes, and React. Currently pursuing a Master's in Software Engineering from Penn State while drawing upon his Business Administration foundation from the University of Pittsburgh, Josh represents the intersection of academic rigor and real-world application. As a graduate of a startup accelerator program, he brings proven entrepreneurial methodology to the challenge of bridging complex technical innovations with transformative consumer experiences.

Josh has delivered compelling insights on expert panels about leveraging artificial intelligence to catalyze business growth and drive disruptive innovation. His authoritative perspective stems from intensive hands-on experience architecting AI-powered products that elegantly solve complex everyday challenges in FinTech and EdTech. Through Mudget, he exemplifies how sophisticated development practices and intelligent AI implementation can democratize financial tools for consumers.

Josh Burgess is a FinTech founder and accomplished software engineer in EdTech who combines cutting-edge technical expertise with strategic entrepreneurial acumen to architect solutions. As the Founder and CEO of Mudget, Josh is pioneering an AI-powe... Show more

Tanvi Mittal is an experienced QA professional with over 14 years in test automation, software quality, and DevOps practices. She has worked across enterprise and banking systems, solving complex testing challenges where reliability and compliance are critical. In recent years, Tanvi has focused on integrating AI into QA—pioneering self-healing frameworks, predictive defect analysis, and intelligent pipelines that reduce test maintenance and accelerate delivery. Beyond her technical expertise, she mentors professionals transitioning into AI-enabled QA careers and speaks about the evolving role of quality engineering. She is passionate about building resilient systems and empowering QA professionals to thrive in the AI era.

Tanvi Mittal is an experienced QA professional with over 14 years in test automation, software quality, and DevOps practices. She has worked across enterprise and banking systems, solving complex testing challenges where reliability and compliance ar... Show more

With nearly a decade of experience across sectors such as e-commerce, healthcare, gaming, open-source, and cybersecurity, within both large enterprises and agile startups, Shivam brings a creative, solutions-driven approach to complex challenges. Committed to community engagement, he actively mentors early-career cybersecurity professionals, judges prestigious tech awards, peer-reviews academic research, and contributes to tech-for-good initiatives with nonprofit organizations. He currently leads cloud security efforts at JPMorganChase, driving robust solutions to support the firm’s ongoing growth.

With nearly a decade of experience across sectors such as e-commerce, healthcare, gaming, open-source, and cybersecurity, within both large enterprises and agile startups, Shivam brings a creative, solutions-driven approach to complex challenges. Com... Show more

Seetaram Rayarao is a Vice President and Senior Lead Engineer at JP Morgan Chase with over 18 years of experience driving innovation in cloud computing, AI, and microservices. He leads transformative projects, including the LLM Suite, integrating Generative AI frameworks such as LangChain and LangGraph with enterprise cloud solutions to deliver scalable, AI-driven applications. A Delaware AWS Community Leader (AWS Builder) and active IEEE member, Seetaram has co-authored research papers in data science and is recognized for his contributions to fraud detection, cloud-native architectures, and performance optimization. Certified in AWS and Kubernetes, he frequently conducts workshops and mentors teams on building secure, reliable, and high-impact AI solutions.

Seetaram Rayarao is a Vice President and Senior Lead Engineer at JP Morgan Chase with over 18 years of experience driving innovation in cloud computing, AI, and microservices. He leads transformative projects, including the LLM Suite, integrating Gen... Show more

In addition to building strong partner relationships across the UK and EU, Phil is one of the leading Banking and payments experts at Yavrio.

Built on Open Banking technology, Yavrio delivers a comprehensive embedded banking solution for businesses—providing direct connections to over 10,000 banks globally, instant bank reconciliation, and the ability to make fast, simple payments both domestically and internationally—all within Business Central.

In addition to building strong partner relationships across the UK and EU, Phil is one of the leading Banking and payments experts at Yavrio. Built on Open Banking technology, Yavrio delivers a comprehensive embedded banking solution for business... Show more

Basant Mounir is a Senior Data Scientist at the Central Bank of Egypt, Industry Expert & Mentor for MIT ADSP, AI Advisor, Angel Investor, and Speaker. She thrives on collaborating with stakeholders to bring their vision to life, learning whatever it takes to deliver the end-to-end product that revolutionizes their workflows. Mounir is an active community builder; she founded an award-winning data science school at her IEEE branch, and most recently, co-hosted Egypt's first GenAI agent hackathon. A global thinker, Mounir travels across Africa, Europe, the US, and Japan to work with and learn from their data communities.

Basant Mounir is a Senior Data Scientist at the Central Bank of Egypt, Industry Expert & Mentor for MIT ADSP, AI Advisor, Angel Investor, and Speaker. She thrives on collaborating with stakeholders to bring their vision to life, learning whatever it... Show more

As a Digitalisation Expert within the Finance sector, my background spans over 6 years of dedicated experience in data analysis and visualization. Specializing in the development of user-friendly, visually engaging dashboards, my focus lies in enabling businesses to derive data-informed decisions. Proficiency extends to the utilization of essential tools like Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, and SQL, integral to my role in executing BI projects while adhering to agile and scrum methodologies. Proficiently operating both autonomously and as part of collaborative teams, my aim is to ensure optimal efficiency in project outcomes.

As a Digitalisation Expert within the Finance sector, my background spans over 6 years of dedicated experience in data analysis and visualization. Specializing in the development of user-friendly, visually engaging dashboards, my focus lies in enabli... Show more

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial services industry.

As Founder and Principal of The Real Wealth Coterie, a financial planning and wealth management firm, and Lazetta & Associates, a speaking and business consulting firm, Lazetta equips individuals and leaders to align their finances with their vision and values and achieve sustainable wealth. She is passionate about amplifying culture, talent, life, and money, and extends her expertise through public speaking, writing, consulting, and coaching.

Lazetta was named one of Crain's New York Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives and one of the top 10 of Investopedia’s 100 Top Financial Advisors for three consecutive years. Lazetta's national media presence includes TV appearances on NBC, CNBC, and CheddarNews and mentions in the WSJ, NY Times, LA Times, and Black Enterprise.

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial servic... Show more

Ghassan Barakat has demonstrated a rare ability to move between sectors such as finance, law, technology, and philanthropy, applying strategy while keeping community needs at the forefront. Whether launching startups, growing multi-million-dollar platforms, or supporting charitable initiatives, he has always emphasized systems that strengthen people's lives and leave a lasting legacy.

In 2022, Jason founded Nolos Cabinet Multidisciplinaire Inc., serving as Founder & CEO. Nolos was created to integrate FinTech, InsurTech, and LegalTech under a single platform. This venture aims to democratize financial and legal services, particularly for middle-class families. The company combines a Quebec-based legal firm, a notarial study, and a national financial MGA distributing solutions from Canada's leading institutions. With his leadership, Nolos has expanded through acquisitions and new partnerships. Among these was the acquisition of Skylegal in 2022, followed by creating a charitable foundation in 2023 to help families access justice and financial protection during estate and legacy planning. More recently, Jason acquired a technology firm that builds software for public and private organizations, further enhancing the B2B reach of the Nolos platform.

Before establishing Nolos, Ghassan gained experience as a Strategic Senior Consultant, working with Chubb Insurance and other major industry players. From 2003 to 2021, he was President and Principal Officer with AMF of La Capitale Services Conseils, where he grew assets under management from $300 million to over $3 billion, serving public sector employees with specialized solutions. In 2017, he became President of La Capitale Financial Security, where he expanded national operations for disability and personal finance services, redesigned compensation structures, and created an inclusive and high-performance culture. He also served as President of SSQ Financial Group Distribution, where he modernized retirement planning, oversaw post-merger alignment, and improved client experience and compliance.

Philanthropy has been a central part of Jason Barakat's life for over two decades. He has supported the Guignolet de Saint-Vincent de Paul tradition and contributed to various charitable efforts connected to public institutions and retirement planning. In 2021, he partnered with Peartree Canada to advance philanthropic planning for organizations and families. He later launched the Nolos Foundation, which is dedicated to expanding access to Justice & Family Legacy Planning. Jason is also a volunteer leader for nonprofit boards and interfaith humanitarian initiatives.

Jason studied at Concordia University, John Molson School of Business, focusing on finance, business law, and theology. He has also completed studies in securities, investments, estate planning, insurance, venture capital, and strategic philanthropy, earning certifications in these areas.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Ghassan Barakat is a devoted husband and father of two. His family provides daily motivation and guides his values of love, faith, and responsibility, shaping his personal and professional life. With empathy, service, and humility, he remains committed to leaving a legacy for his children, his community, and future generations.

Ghassan Barakat has demonstrated a rare ability to move between sectors such as finance, law, technology, and philanthropy, applying strategy while keeping community needs at the forefront. Whether launching startups, growing multi-million-dollar pla... Show more

I have a proven track record in transforming, scaling and managing large and distributed organisations operating in complex regulatory environments. What sets me apart is my ability to drive change at the intersection of business and technology. With a legacy of scaling engineering teams and managing complex transformations, I excel in integrating strategic thinking with hands-on expertise in AI, DevOps, and cloud solutions.

Over the last 15 years I have built and led engineering teams in Financial Services and Insurance, cloud infrastructure and startups. I also contributed to global communities such as Linux Foundation and Cloud Native Computing Foundation(CNCF), co-authored several research papers on AIOps and Decision Making and publicly spoken on different events such as Kubecon, Deloitte NextGen(AI) Cloud Transformation Summit and Cloud Native Days.

I have a proven track record in transforming, scaling and managing large and distributed organisations operating in complex regulatory environments. What sets me apart is my ability to drive change at the intersection of business and technology. With... Show more

Vijay Soni is an Expert Architect & Engineer at Discover's business technology department. He architected and designed Discover's cloud native Open banking and Click to Pay ecommerce Digital Wallet Payments platforms. He is seasoned software engineer and passionate about solving complex emerging finance, digital payment, identity and payment product problems using scalable, secure, future-proof and innovative approach. Vijay also led multiple EMVCo, eCommerce, Mobile SE/HCE Payments technology initiatives as lead architect and engineer. Vijay has worked on large industry led financial services & payments technology integration projects including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Click to Pay and FDX Open Banking integrations, Pay with Rewards, Contactless Mass Transit acceptance etc.

Vijay Soni is an Expert Architect & Engineer at Discover's business technology department. He architected and designed Discover's cloud native Open banking and Click to Pay ecommerce Digital Wallet Payments platforms. He is seasoned software engineer... Show more

Driven Economist 📈 with a Master in International Trade, deeply passionate about the fast-paced world of financial markets, trading, and investment banking. My experience in economy & finance education 📚, financial markets 📊, and asset management 💼 provides a strategic and well-rounded approach to navigating today's complex market conditions. I thrive on challenges 💪 and bring strong skills in team leadership 🧑‍🤝‍🧑, problem-solving 💡, and business development 💼 to every opportunity. From sales & trading📈 and real estate 🏠 to international trade 🤝, I've honed my adaptability 🔄 and time management skills ⏱️.
➡️ #Finance #InvestmentBanking #Trading #FinancialMarkets #Economics #InternationalTrade #MarketMaking #FinTech #Career #Networking #LetsConnect

Driven Economist 📈 with a Master in International Trade, deeply passionate about the fast-paced world of financial markets, trading, and investment banking. My experience in economy & finance education 📚, financial markets 📊, and asset management ... Show more

As Software Engineering leader, I bring over 20 years of expertise in enterprise architecture and digital transformation. By leading cross-functional teams, I enable the delivery of secure, scalable solutions that optimize operations and enhance client engagement. My efforts focus on integrating innovative technologies to align with strategic business goals, resulting in measurable outcomes for stakeholders.

With a strong foundation in business architecture and fintech innovation, I excel in modernizing platforms to meet evolving industry demands. Equipped with certifications such as TOGAF, I prioritize seamless system integration, cost efficiency, and regulatory alignment to drive long-term value for organizations. Passionate about solving complex challenges, I work collaboratively to empower teams and achieve sustainable success.

As Software Engineering leader, I bring over 20 years of expertise in enterprise architecture and digital transformation. By leading cross-functional teams, I enable the delivery of secure, scalable solutions that optimize operations and enhance clie... Show more

With her CPA firm The Dancing Accountant, Nancy has been on a lifelong mission to support small businesses and their communities – as well as educate the professionals who serve them. Known for her fun, personal and direct style, it’s no surprise she insists that the future of accounting is built on relationships.

She also runs the 'Ask a CPA' community: a non-judgmental, safe space for bookkeepers who want to learn more about preparing tax-ready books, collaborating with CPAs, booking complex accounting transactions, and breaking into advisory services.

Named one of the Top 10 ProAdvisors by Insightful Accountant, as well as one of Ignition’s Top 50 Women in Accounting, she writes an award-winning blog with insights and resources for business-owners and accounting professionals, and is an engaging speaker… and 60’s go-go dancer!

With her CPA firm The Dancing Accountant, Nancy has been on a lifelong mission to support small businesses and their communities – as well as educate the professionals who serve them. Known for her fun, personal and direct style, it’s no surprise she... Show more

Shadab Hussain is a global technology leader at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence , Blockchain, and Quantum Computing. As a Lead Engineer at MathCo, he spearheads innovations in Engineering and Generative AI, delivering transformative solutions that shape the future of enterprise technology.

He is the Co-founder of Quantum Computing India and previously served as a Developer Advocate at the London Stock Exchange Group, where he bridged advanced engineering with real-world application across global developer ecosystems. Recognized as a Google Developer Expert for AI/ML (GenAI) and an AWS Community Builder, Shadab also holds certifications in AWS Machine Learning Specialty and Google Cloud Machine Learning Engineering.

A TEDx speaker and active contributor to the Davos Digital Council, Shadab operates at the intersection of emerging technologies, policy, and innovation strategy. He has presented at premier global platforms including the Data Engineering Summit, Quantum Innovation Summit, Google Developer Groups (GDG), and AWS events, where he actively champions AI governance, workforce development, and national innovation ecosystems.

An accomplished author and researcher, Shadab is the co-author of a book on Quantum Computing in Finance, merging academic insight with practical execution. Through ongoing mentorship, technical workshops, and hackathon leadership, he plays a pivotal role in addressing the global AI & Quantum talent gap—particularly in the United States—and advancing the responsible deployment of frontier technologies.

Shadab Hussain is a global technology leader at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence , Blockchain, and Quantum Computing. As a Lead Engineer at MathCo, he spearheads innovations in Engineering and Generative AI, delivering transformative solution... Show more

Ed is a chartered accountant with over 25 years implementing finance systems for some of the biggest and smallest organizations in the world.
He is the founder and managing director of GK EPM an Oracle specialist consultancy.
Ed has experience running finance teams, managing large IT projects and delivering for the best Oracle partners.

Ed is a chartered accountant with over 25 years implementing finance systems for some of the biggest and smallest organizations in the world. He is the founder and managing director of GK EPM an Oracle specialist consultancy. Ed has experience runn... Show more

Natalie Cook is the founder of Finance Fight Club, an Outsourced CFO & Financial Services firm dedicated to empowering small business owners with financial clarity and strategic guidance. With extensive experience in financial management, Natalie has guided over 50 small businesses to transform their operations, achieve sustainable profitability, and build confidence in their financial decisions. Specializing in cash flow optimization, strategic planning, and due diligence for business transactions, she brings a unique blend of expertise and accessibility to her work.

A passionate speaker and educator, Natalie is known for breaking down complex financial concepts into practical, actionable insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Her recent engagements include workshops like the Small Business KPI Workshop and live sessions on cash flow management. As a trusted advisor, she helps business owners move beyond gut feelings to data-driven decisions.

Natalie is committed to making finance approachable, often drawing from her deep industry knowledge across professional services, construction, SaaS, and manufacturing. Outside of her professional life, she is dedicated to supporting small business communities and fostering financial literacy.

Natalie Cook is the founder of Finance Fight Club, an Outsourced CFO & Financial Services firm dedicated to empowering small business owners with financial clarity and strategic guidance. With extensive experience in financial management, Natalie has... Show more

Problem obsessed for +15 years, Grant's path to product started in traditional advertising before spending the last dozen years shaping digital products from startup to enterprise. Grant operates as Banking Strategist and Head Coach of Product Management for Ippon USA, a technology consultancy that supports digital transformation, data & cloud modernization and organizational change management. Recently Grant finds passion coaching regional & community banks on data & AI strategy.

Favorite successes -
1) taking a 2-sided market startup redesign from seed round to multi-million Series A;
2) reducing a community bank's account opening by more than 300% that helped support more than $1B in new assets; and
3) playing a leading role in a F500 bank's deployment and rollout of custom agent servicing app for +1500 agents.

Problem obsessed for +15 years, Grant's path to product started in traditional advertising before spending the last dozen years shaping digital products from startup to enterprise. Grant operates as Banking Strategist and Head Coach of Product Manage... Show more

Solutions Architect at PAYONE GmbH, FinTech, Payments, Speaker, Writing Blogposts, OpenSource, Husband & Father / Family, Cooking

Solutions Architect at PAYONE GmbH, FinTech, Payments, Speaker, Writing Blogposts, OpenSource, Husband & Father / Family, Cooking Show more

Soy un profesional en TI con amplia trayectoria en la gestión de proyectos de desarrollo de software y experiencia como Analista de Negocios, facilitando la conexión entre las necesidades del negocio y las soluciones tecnológicas. Durante los últimos 10 años he trabajado en el sector bancario, donde he tenido la oportunidad de liderar proyectos y procesos tecnológicos críticos, así como coordinar equipos multidisciplinarios y multirregionales. Tengo un profundo interés y una experiencia práctica sólida en análisis de datos así como en el diseño, entrenamiento y despliegue de modelos de machine learning y soluciones de IA generativa.

Soy un profesional en TI con amplia trayectoria en la gestión de proyectos de desarrollo de software y experiencia como Analista de Negocios, facilitando la conexión entre las necesidades del negocio y las soluciones tecnológicas. Durante los últimos... Show more

中文版

劉岦崱（Nils Liu）｜資深資料科學家／副理

劉岦崱現任於金融產業，專注於人工智慧與資料科學的應用與落地。他長期投入於生成式 AI、RAG/GraphRAG 檢索架構、智慧型代理（AI Agents）以及知識管理系統的設計，並結合雲端技術（GCP、Cloud Run、Cloud SQL）推動銀行內部數位轉型。
在專案中，他不僅重視技術創新，更強調合規、安全與可稽核性，致力於打造符合金融監管標準的 AI 解決方案。劉岦崱曾在銀行內部創新競賽中獲得第一名，並持續推動 AI Coach、智慧型客戶模擬與跨國 AI 平台等前瞻計畫。
他同時也是六項以上的人工智慧與金融科技專利的發明人，並持續分享在生成式 AI 與應用開發上的實務經驗。

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English below:

Nils Liu｜Senior Data Scientist / Deputy Manager

Nils Liu is a senior data scientist in the financial industry, specializing in applying AI and data science to real-world business challenges. His expertise covers Generative AI, RAG/GraphRAG retrieval systems, AI Agents, and enterprise knowledge management solutions, with strong integration of cloud technologies such as GCP, Cloud Run, and Cloud SQL.
Beyond technical innovation, Nils emphasizes compliance, security, and auditability, ensuring AI solutions align with strict financial regulations. He has led award-winning projects, including the development of an AI-driven knowledge system and AI Coach for sales training, and is driving initiatives for cross-border AI platforms.
As an inventor of multiple AI and fintech patents, Nils continues to share practical insights on Generative AI, enterprise adoption, and next-generation AI applications.

中文版 劉岦崱（Nils Liu）｜資深資料科學家／副理 劉岦崱現任於金融產業，專注於人工智慧與資料科學的應用與落地。他長期投入於生成式 AI、RAG/GraphRAG 檢索架構、智慧型代理（AI Agents）以及知識管理系統的設計，並結合雲端技術（GCP、Cloud Run、Cloud SQL）推動銀行內部數位轉型。 在專案中，他不僅重視技術創新，更強調合規、安全與可稽核性，致力於打造符合金融監管標準的 AI 解決方案。劉岦崱曾在銀行內部創新競賽中獲得第一名，並持續推動 AI ... Show more

Deborah A. Carroll is Director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on local government fiscal policy, specifically taxation, revenue diversification, and water pricing and affordability. Dr. Carroll has produced 75 scholarly publications and 25 white papers and technical reports reflecting more than $2.75 million in research funding. She has been invited to share her expertise with academic and practitioner audiences across the U.S. and in several other countries. Dr. Carroll began her career in public service as a budget and policy analyst for the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With a passion for applied research intended to inform public policy and improve public sector management, Dr. Carroll pursued her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which she completed in 2004 along with a Graduate Certificate in State and Local Taxation from the UWM Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business.

Deborah A. Carroll is Director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on local government fiscal policy, specifically taxation, revenue diversification, and water pricing and affordabilit... Show more

I am Innocent Kawooya, NIM, the CEO of HiPipo, where, for over the last 20 years, I have championed financial inclusion, digital innovation, women empowerment, and the creative economy across Africa. Through flagship initiatives such as the Include Everyone Program, Digital Impact Awards Africa, Women in FinTech Hackathon & Summit, 40 Days 40 FinTechs, and the Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit, I have worked to empower women, youth, cross-border traders, and grassroots communities.
HiPipo’s work has been strengthened and blessed with a long-term partnership with the Gates Foundation and collaborations with high-impact partners such as COMESA, helping us drive interoperability, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive trade across the region. I was honoured to receive Uganda’s National Independence Medal from His Excellency the President of Uganda and to be named FinTech CEO of the Year 2024 & 2025 (MEA Awards) for this work. Alongside finance, I am also a filmmaker and entrepreneur, committed to building Africa’s digital, cultural, and economic future. I previously served as Co-chair of the Mojaloop Community Council for two terms!

I am Innocent Kawooya, NIM, the CEO of HiPipo, where, for over the last 20 years, I have championed financial inclusion, digital innovation, women empowerment, and the creative economy across Africa. Through flagship initiatives such as the Include E... Show more

Over the course of his career, Craig Bonn has dedicated more than thirty years to developing strategies that help investors participate in opportunities outside of traditional markets. He focuses on alternative investments, private equity, and pre-IPO companies. Today, he is the Managing Partner of Harley Capital LLC, an independent broker-dealer, and the Managing Member of Edge Partners LLC, which organizes Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for accredited investors seeking access to late-stage private companies. His professional record includes exposure to various industries—technology, healthcare, energy, and consumer markets—and early involvement in companies such as Facebook, Databricks, and Anthropic.

Craig’s path began in New York, where he was born and raised, before pursuing his undergraduate education at the University of Hartford. Soon after completing his degree, he joined Lehman Brothers. Working at the firm placed him amid global financial activity, where he learned to evaluate risk, manage portfolios, and advise clients across diverse situations. While the environment was demanding and competitive, it also revealed to him the limitations of conventional financial instruments. He observed that not every client’s long-term goals could be met through traditional markets alone, which inspired him to look more closely at alternatives.

Guided by this insight, Craig established Harley Capital LLC. He aimed to create an independent, transparent, and long-term client service firm. Harley Capital grew into a boutique investment company, serving high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and trusts. Clients of Harley Capital benefit from carefully selected opportunities in areas such as private equity and pre-IPO investments, which are often beyond the reach of conventional investors. The firm emphasizes diversification, clear communication, and fiduciary responsibility as central to its mission.

Craig further extended his professional focus through Edge Partners LLC. At Edge Partners, he applies the SPV model to give accredited investors structured participation in pre-IPO and late-stage venture opportunities. Organized under a Delaware Series LLC, the firm is efficient and flexible while maintaining thorough due diligence. Edge Partners has prioritized investments in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and software, which are industries positioned for long-term growth. He oversees acquiring securities in private companies and holding them until liquidity events such as acquisitions or public offerings occur.

His approach to investing emphasizes three pillars: disciplined risk management, appropriate timing, and a long-term vision. Craig believes that successful outcomes require choosing companies with potential and structuring the investments to safeguard participants. His preference for SPVs reflects this philosophy, providing both access to growth and a framework that manages risk.

Beyond pre-IPO markets, Craig has been active in natural gas mineral funds, venture partnerships, hospitality REITs, and specialized financing. His involvement includes WhiteHawk Energy and investments in Outstanding Foods, Braemar Hotels and Resorts, Prospect Capital, and Urica Therapeutics. Each reflects his practice of assessing industries, market conditions, and company fundamentals before committing capital.

Craig has remained committed to philanthropy and community involvement outside his professional roles. He supports organizations such as Pink Aid and Fred’s Team, which fund cancer research and health initiatives. His contributions include both financial support and participation in awareness-building events.

Craig has lived with his wife in Westport, Connecticut, for over 25 years. He is a runner who has completed five marathons, including the New York Marathon. He also enjoys traveling and gaining perspective by engaging with different cultures and economies.

Balancing his career achievements with philanthropy and personal pursuits, Craig Bonn continues to follow a path that reflects dedication, long-term vision, and community engagement.

Over the course of his career, Craig Bonn has dedicated more than thirty years to developing strategies that help investors participate in opportunities outside of traditional markets. He focuses on alternative investments, private equity, and pre-IP... Show more

I'm Hernán. I'm 41. I’m a retired handball player, and totally into technology and cybersecurity.
I studied Computer Science, got a diploma in Cybersecurity Management, and I've been working in different areas of IT and cyber for the past 20 years.
I started out doing tech support for internet services, then worked as a systems auditor at PwC.
For 10 years, I led teams handling tech and operational risk management. My curiosity pushed me to explore other industries too — I took on cybersecurity roles, and then became IT Manager in the civil aviation sector in the public sphere, where I stayed for nearly six years.
Now I’m back to my first love — the financial world — and currently working as a CISO at a financial company.

And as a little "bonus track": I'm passionate about communication, so I went back to something I left hanging in my teens — in 2021, I graduated as a Professional Radio & TV Broadcaster from ETER School of Communication.

I'm Hernán. I'm 41. I’m a retired handball player, and totally into technology and cybersecurity. I studied Computer Science, got a diploma in Cybersecurity Management, and I've been working in different areas of IT and cyber for the past 20 years. ... Show more

Robert Nordlander has over 20 years of experience as a special agent with IRS-Criminal Investigation, where he chased tax evaders and money launderers around the world. He is currently the owner of a CPA firm that focuses on forensic accounting and resolving tough tax problems. He is an author of three books on criminal taxes and unpaid payroll taxes. Nordlander speaks on national stages on forensic accounting, tax resolution, and white-collar investigations.

Robert Nordlander has over 20 years of experience as a special agent with IRS-Criminal Investigation, where he chased tax evaders and money launderers around the world. He is currently the owner of a CPA firm that focuses on forensic accounting and ... Show more

Alistair started out as a Chartered Accountant, but always felt there was a more obvious and less bureaucratic way of delivering an outcome. He came across Agile in 2017 and never looked back. Here was a way of doing things and achieving results which confirmed what he had been trying to do all his life.

In 2003 Alistair and his wife decided that every year they would a) learn a new skill, b) do something new and c) go somewhere new. They are living proof that we can reclaim the natural agility we were born with.

Alistair started out as a Chartered Accountant, but always felt there was a more obvious and less bureaucratic way of delivering an outcome. He came across Agile in 2017 and never looked back. Here was a way of doing things and achieving results whic... Show more

Michelle Mitchell is the CEO and founder of Mitchell Consulting and the creator of The CEO Shift™, a leadership and delegation framework designed to help service-based business owners step out of bottleneck roles and lead with clarity and confidence.

After building her own accounting firm from a one-woman practice into a thriving, self-managing business, Michelle became a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach. She combines over 15 years of experience in financial strategy, operational efficiency, and leadership development with a relatable, down-to-earth teaching style that leaves audiences feeling empowered and equipped to act.

Michelle is known for turning complex topics—like delegation, financial systems, and team accountability—into practical tools leaders can apply immediately. Her sessions at Scaling New Heights, national podcasts, and industry conferences consistently earn top ratings for their actionable frameworks, interactive exercises, and genuine connection with participants.

Through her talks and programs, Michelle helps firm owners and service providers reclaim their time, build confident teams, and design businesses that thrive—without burning themselves out.

Michelle Mitchell is the CEO and founder of Mitchell Consulting and the creator of The CEO Shift™, a leadership and delegation framework designed to help service-based business owners step out of bottleneck roles and lead with clarity and confidence.... Show more

María Carrasco es doctora en Big Data y Finanzas Cuantitativas, con una sólida trayectoria en el análisis de datos financieros, estructuras algorítmicas y modelos predictivos aplicados a mercados reales. Su investigación doctoral se enfocó en el estudio empírico de las sonrisas de volatilidad en el mercado de opciones alemán (DAX) entre 2017 y 2022, utilizando herramientas como Python, Spyder y modelos de machine learning para el análisis de series temporales de alta frecuencia.

Ha trabajado integrando enfoques estructurados de datos con tecnologías modernas de inteligencia artificial y herramientas en la nube. Además, participa activamente en comunidades tecnológicas vinculadas al ecosistema cripto, blockchain y DeFi, y colabora en proyectos de innovación con impacto social en América Latina, promoviendo la participación de mujeres en STEM y liderando iniciativas de inclusión digital. Destaca su rol en COINTER, la primera cooperativa digital en blockchain, donde apoyó programas de mentoría y capacitación enfocados en la inclusión de mujeres en finanzas y tecnología.

Apasionada por traducir conceptos complejos en soluciones aplicadas, María combina la solidez académica con una visión práctica del uso de AI en entornos financieros y de datos masivos.

Cuenta también con experiencia en evaluación, sistematización y transversalización de género, apoyando procesos de capacitación, diseño de herramientas institucionales y consultorías orientadas a promover la igualdad y la equidad en políticas públicas y proyectos de desarrollo.

Reconocimientos y distinciones

•Capacitación para gerentes de cooperativas sobre Big Data y su impacto en la toma de decisiones en el sector financiero – Enfoque en cooperativas, 2025 | FACACH
Beca completa para asistir al Crypto Cities Summit, 2025 | Roatán
•Primer lugar en el programa de mentoría a COINTER, la primera cooperativa digital en blockchain, 2025 | IMPACT HUB
•Facilitadora de capacitación en Seguridad Básica en Bitcoin, 2025 | La Bitcoinera
•Facilitadora de capacitación en Aplicaciones Reales de Bitcoin en Honduras, 2025 | La Bitcoinera
•Facilitadora de capacitación en Introducción a Bitcoin y su importancia, 2025 | La Bitcoinera
•Conferencista invitada en “Building with AI”, 2025 | Google Developer Groups
•Ambassador’s Distinguished Appreciation Award, 2008 | Embajada de Estados Unidos en Tegucigalpa

María Carrasco es doctora en Big Data y Finanzas Cuantitativas, con una sólida trayectoria en el análisis de datos financieros, estructuras algorítmicas y modelos predictivos aplicados a mercados reales. Su investigación doctoral se enfocó en el estu... Show more