As a servant technology leader with over 18 years experience, He is the organizer of DevOps meetup and annual conference DevOpsDays Singapore and holds Bachelors in Computer Science. He has worked with some of the world’s largest names in banking, technology, and other industrial era companies, advising on their digital transformation strategies. Architect, Open Source contributor and Public Speaker. Sergiu was selected on the list of Top 100 Fintech mentors in Singapore.

As a servant technology leader with over 18 years experience, He is the organizer of DevOps meetup and annual conference DevOpsDays Singapore and holds Bachelors in Computer Science. He has worked with some of the world’s largest names in banking, te... Show more

I'm a seasoned economist with over 10 years of experience in auditing, accounting, and management control. His career spans various industries, where he has excelled in financial diagnostics, internal control systems, and process optimization. Francisco has a strong background in financial analysis, risk assessment, and strategic planning, complemented by advanced expertise in tools like Power BI, SQL, and SAP. Currently, he is a financial advisor, assisting companies in achieving sustainable growth through tailored financial strategies.

I'm a seasoned economist with over 10 years of experience in auditing, accounting, and management control. His career spans various industries, where he has excelled in financial diagnostics, internal control systems, and process optimization. Franci... Show more

Kalyan Gottipati is a seasoned Vice President and Principal Solution Architect at Citizens Bank, where he has pioneered significant advancements in digital banking technology. With over 16+ years of experience in the tech industry, Kalyan specializes in digital transformation, software architecture, and cloud solutions, focusing on creating innovative, customer-centric digital services.

Kalyan holds several patents, including a Dynamic UI framework that has revolutionized user interaction in financial services.

Kalyan is an active member of IEEE and serves on the Arizona Technology Council Cyber Security. He regularly shares his insights as a keynote speaker at international tech conferences and contributes to various professional publications.

Kalyan's commitment to technology and education is demonstrated through his mentorship of upcoming engineers and involvement in community-oriented tech initiatives, making him a driving force behind innovative solutions that advance the financial sector and tech industry alike.

Kalyan Gottipati is a seasoned Vice President and Principal Solution Architect at Citizens Bank, where he has pioneered significant advancements in digital banking technology. With over 16+ years of experience in the tech industry, Kalyan specializes... Show more

Fullstack Developer specializing in scalable, high-performance, and secure applications with Next.js, .NET, and Azure. Passionate about software architecture and cloud technologies, I help businesses build modern and robust solutions.

Currently an AML/CTF Analyst at Vodacom RDC, I integrate security and compliance into my development workflows, especially for FinTech and Cloud-Native applications. I speak about secure development, performance optimization, and DevOps best practices on Azure.

🎤 Talks & Conferences:

✔️ Securing Web Applications with Next.js & Azure
✔️ Building High-Performance APIs with .NET & PostgreSQL
✔️ Fullstack Development: Balancing Performance & Security

Fullstack Developer specializing in scalable, high-performance, and secure applications with Next.js, .NET, and Azure. Passionate about software architecture and cloud technologies, I help businesses build modern and robust solutions. Currently an... Show more

Johan Öbrink started his IT career in the mid 80:s programming his VIC20. Today he is a Digital Strategist at SEB and is frequently seen on TV4 as an expert on digitalisation, IT security and the effects of technology on humans and society. He is also one of the founders of The Open School Platform which has, among other things, rendered him being reported to the police for suspected, illegal hacking.

Johan Öbrink started his IT career in the mid 80:s programming his VIC20. Today he is a Digital Strategist at SEB and is frequently seen on TV4 as an expert on digitalisation, IT security and the effects of technology on humans and society. He is als... Show more

Following a career in Capital Markets and Fintech, Ori shifted his focus into the NFT market, resulting in becoming the ideator and President behind NFT BAZL. Ori is armed with extensive financial experience, having worked at both Goldman Sachs and TD Securities, in addition to serving as the Head of Corporate Development at GDA.
He has set out to bring the digital world into antiquated sectors, constantly working to bridge the gap between the real world and the blockchain, focusing on creating investment grade digital assets that are accessible by the masses.
Ori's core strength is his forward-looking and solutions focused mindset. He marries practicality with innovation, bringing a big-picture, entrepreneurial framework to original projects.

Following a career in Capital Markets and Fintech, Ori shifted his focus into the NFT market, resulting in becoming the ideator and President behind NFT BAZL. Ori is armed with extensive financial experience, having worked at both Goldman Sachs and T... Show more

James Francis: Pioneering Human-Centric AI and Transformative Investment Solutions
James E. Francis is a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader at the nexus of artificial intelligence, finance, and ethical technology. His groundbreaking initiatives are redefining investment management and AI development with a commitment to human-centric innovation.
As the founder of Paradigm Asset Management, Francis has overseen the management of over $7 billion in assets for institutional clients worldwide. Paradigm’s hallmark is its innovative "Collective Intelligence" methodology, which integrates human expertise with advanced data analytics and agile software. This approach delivers unparalleled customization, performance, and cost efficiency for wealth advisors, family offices, and institutional investors alike.
Francis is also the driving force behind Artificial Integrity, a pioneering framework that transcends traditional AI ethics. With a focus on empowering human potential, Artificial Integrity envisions AI systems that go beyond risk mitigation to actively promote human values, creativity, and decision-making. This forward-thinking initiative is reshaping how we design AI to enhance humanity’s capabilities and sustain societal progress.
In addition, Francis founded BlackChat AI, a dynamic platform at the intersection of AI and societal engagement. BlackChat AI provides tools and resources to help individuals and communities navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI, with a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and dialogue.
A proud alumnus of Morehouse College, Francis is actively engaged with leading organizations such as the Partnership on AI, Black in AI, and the Council of Institutional Investors. His unique expertise in AI, finance, and ethical technology makes him a sought-after voice in shaping the future of technology and its societal and economic impacts.

James Francis: Pioneering Human-Centric AI and Transformative Investment Solutions James E. Francis is a visionary entrepreneur and thought leader at the nexus of artificial intelligence, finance, and ethical technology. His groundbreaking initiativ... 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

Highly experienced Platform Engineering Business Leader and Security professional with over 25+ years of expertise in protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Proven track record of delivering successful projects across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology.

Edge MLOPS / Security Experience Highlights:

Innovation Leadership: Pioneered Edge First ML Inferences private clouds, and Kubernetes solutions for a leading technology company. Currently exploring Privacy Federated SLM Fine-tuned GPT innovation and its potential in the global enterprise space.

Engineering and Technical Acumen: Proficient in creating and leading extensive 1500+ engineering teams dedicated to major digital transformation endeavors for clients, especially in Cloud-Native Application Modernization, Platform Engineering, and DevSecOps.

Cloud Security: Led global cloud security portfolio, modernizing legacy security products to cloud-native technologies (Containers/Kubernetes/Serverless). Managed a team of 1400 global engineers, driving growth from $350M to $1.4Billion in company valuation.

Consulting Experience: Executed risk assessments and solution delivery initiatives for top-tier clients, generating $4-5 million in revenue projects. Provided strategic guidance on security and threat risk mitigation, improving client security maturity based on NIST CSF/NERC/FFIEC standards.

OT Security: Worked with a global healthcare company to deliver AI-models on the Edge, protecting sensitive patient data across 5000 hospitals. Developed model licensing stores for OTA updates and ensured IP security, ensuring stringent FDA Class 3 security certification requirements.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Excel at closing the gap between technical solutions and business requirements, adept in liaising with board members, senior business leaders, and critical stakeholders to synchronize enterprise ambitions with technological ventures.

Strategic Partnership Building: Established history of leading GTM strategy, solution sales, and businessdevelopment through strategic collaborations with public cloud vendors and prominent cloud offering firms.

Highly experienced Platform Engineering Business Leader and Security professional with over 25+ years of expertise in protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Proven track record of delivering successful projects a... Show more

40+ years in IT covering a wide spectre of platforms, technologies, subject areas and roles. My main experience is within architecture and development on EPM and RDM/MDM and as a leader of projects and people, small and large.

40+ years in IT covering a wide spectre of platforms, technologies, subject areas and roles. My main experience is within architecture and development on EPM and RDM/MDM and as a leader of projects and people, small and large. Show more

Mike is the Founder and CEO of NTM Advisory, with over 15 years of experience across both Consulting and Industry. He is known for his ability to navigate complexity and lead diverse teams, particularly in the financial services, healthcare, and retail sectors. Mike's expertise spans Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, and IT Risk Advisory, honed during his decade long tenure at PwC. He is adept at designing security and privacy programs and has practical experience implementing and operating them as a former CISO.

Mike holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Notre Dame and a Global Executive MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. He holds the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification and is in the process of obtaining the Certified CISO credential. He also holds the ITIL Foundations certification, and previously held the AWS Solutions Architect and CAPM certifications, demonstrating his commitment to excellence in multiple domains.

Mike lives near Boulder, Colorado and enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and 3 kids.

Mike is the Founder and CEO of NTM Advisory, with over 15 years of experience across both Consulting and Industry. He is known for his ability to navigate complexity and lead diverse teams, particularly in the financial services, healthcare, and reta... Show more

I am Clas Beese, an experienced freelance journalist and content creator for fintech with a deep understanding of the financial technology industry. Since the beginning of 2024, I have been self-employed and dedicated to my passion: creating high-quality journalistic content on fintech, digitalisation and innovation in the financial sector.

With almost 15 years of experience in the fintech world, I have extensive knowledge in fintech content creation. My professional background includes producing industry events, management roles and managing a limited company. I also founded a fintech startup. And made a mess of it. Today, I focus entirely on producing informative and engaging content for digital and print media, newsletters, social media and podcasts.

My strengths are strategy, performance-orientation and imagination, which help me to successfully shape my work as a freelance content creator. With a background in business administration and several business start-ups, I have commercial qualifications and entrepreneurial experience.

I am Clas Beese, an experienced freelance journalist and content creator for fintech with a deep understanding of the financial technology industry. Since the beginning of 2024, I have been self-employed and dedicated to my passion: creating high-qua... Show more

Jessilyn Persson is a wealth coach, speaker, and author who specializes in helping high-achieving couples and women take control of their financial futures. After overcoming burnout and workplace challenges, Jessilyn and her husband built a successful real estate business, transforming their financial journey into a life of freedom and abundance. Now, she shares her expertise through engaging keynotes, offering practical strategies for aligning wealth goals, strengthening relationships, and creating financial independence.

With over two decades of experience in the corporate and public sectors, Jessilyn empowers her audiences to shift their mindsets, embrace the power of choice, and build a wealth strategy that works for their unique goals. Her inspiring talks provide actionable steps for achieving financial freedom, reducing stress, and designing a life by choice—not by chance.

Jessilyn Persson is a wealth coach, speaker, and author who specializes in helping high-achieving couples and women take control of their financial futures. After overcoming burnout and workplace challenges, Jessilyn and her husband built a successfu... Show more

https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienpetre/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/damienpetre/ Show more

Vishal Chawla: Cybersecurity Visionary Committed to Protecting Our Digital World

With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, Vishal Chawla has dedicated his career to safeguarding businesses and society from the escalating threats posed by cybercriminals. As the Founder and CEO of BluOcean Cyber, Vishal was driven by a vision to create a future where trust, security, and resilience are at the heart of technology. His mission is clear: to use his expertise, deep research, and forward-thinking strategies to help businesses not just defend against cyber threats, but to anticipate and outsmart them.

Vishal’s approach to cybersecurity is rooted in understanding the mindset of cybercriminals. He believes that to effectively combat digital heists, we must “think like a cybercriminal to beat them at their own game.” This perspective has shaped the innovative strategies and solutions that BluOcean Cyber offers today, earning recognition from major organizations and securing partnerships with global Fortune 100 companies. His work has directly impacted industries such as financial services, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing, where he has helped firms build robust cybersecurity programs tailored to withstand sophisticated cyberattacks.

Before founding BluOcean Cyber, Vishal held transformative leadership roles at Deloitte, PwC, and Grant Thornton, where he not only led cybersecurity practices but also redefined how businesses approach cyber risk management. These roles equipped him with the unique ability to advise companies on how to protect their most valuable assets, ensuring business continuity, customer trust, and compliance with global regulations.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Vishal serves as a strategic advisor to cybersecurity startups and BluVentures Investors, advocating for a proactive approach to cybersecurity that emphasizes understanding and mitigating business risks. His thought leadership is widely recognized through his contributions to The Wall Street Journal, MIT Review Magazine, and other leading publications, where he discusses pressing cybersecurity challenges and solutions.

Vishal’s passion extends to speaking engagements, where he shares insights on topics like cyber risk management, business continuity, and proactive defense strategies. His presentations, including “Think Like a Cyber Criminal to Protect Your Business in the Age of Digital Heists,” offer practical, cutting-edge advice to help organizations outsmart cyber threats.

If you seek a passionate, knowledgeable speaker who is committed to securing the digital future and equipping businesses to withstand and overcome the dangers of cybercrime, Vishal Chawla is the expert you need.

To learn how BluOcean Cyber can partner with you to secure your business, schedule a consultation at calendly.com/bluocean.

Vishal Chawla: Cybersecurity Visionary Committed to Protecting Our Digital World With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, Vishal Chawla has dedicated his career to safeguarding businesses and society from the escalating threats posed by ... Show more

Com sólida carreira em Segurança da Informação, Vinicius Fritzen atuou em multinacionais e instituições financeiras como Banco Mercantil e Cresol - onde sustentava todo o ecossistema antifraude.
Especialista em Prevenção a Golpes e Fraudes, é reconhecido por seu networking, visão estratégica e habilidades de comunicação entre diferentes times, agindo como um importante elo entre o Negócio, Canais Digitais e Segurança. Premiado por promover um aculturamento mais amplo -e então assertivo- sobre Segurança da Informação nos diferentes setores e equipes, aborda com descontração temas relevantes de prevenção a golpes e fraudes digitais.

Com sólida carreira em Segurança da Informação, Vinicius Fritzen atuou em multinacionais e instituições financeiras como Banco Mercantil e Cresol - onde sustentava todo o ecossistema antifraude. Especialista em Prevenção a Golpes e Fraudes, é recon... Show more

Global Audit and Risk Leader with over 18 years of experience in internal auditing, cybersecurity, technology risk, and enterprise governance within banking, capital markets, and multilateral development institutions. Proven track record of leading strategic audit transformations, driving innovation in risk-based audit methodologies, and advising C-suite executives and Boards. Currently serving as Chief Information Technology Auditor at the African Development Bank Group, with direct involvement in institutional governance, strategic planning, and oversight of a multinational audit team. Known for championing technology integration in audit, promoting agile methodologies, and strengthening organizational resilience.

Global Audit and Risk Leader with over 18 years of experience in internal auditing, cybersecurity, technology risk, and enterprise governance within banking, capital markets, and multilateral development institutions. Proven track record of leading s... Show more

Justin Hunsaker is a Lead Consultant of John Polk & Associates with over 20 years of people management experience. He won the Barlow Monarch Innovation Honorable Mention for KeyBank’s Small Business Review and regularly achieved an impressive 90% employee engagement rate. Justin earned an Executive Master’s of Technology Management from the University of Pennsylvania and the Wharton School. Throughout his career, Justin has launched new products and coached associates at all levels at multiple Fortune 500 banks and several FinTechs.

Justin is a highly skilled workshop facilitator and consultant, with a passion for human-centered design that he applies to improve all aspects of his coaching. For over five years, he taught and developed content for the "Creating Effective Presentations" workshop for Capital One.

With John Polk, Justin is on a mission to rid the world of poor presentations and empower leaders with the tools they need to communicate their ideas effectively. Justin teaches workshops and consults with corporations and individuals on a variety of topics, including presentations, communication and influence, people management, product management, and career transitions.

Justin Hunsaker is a Lead Consultant of John Polk & Associates with over 20 years of people management experience. He won the Barlow Monarch Innovation Honorable Mention for KeyBank’s Small Business Review and regularly achieved an impressive 90% emp... Show more

IT consulting and corporate professional with strongly positive attitude and significant experience
- Business intelligence modeling, using various tools, with 10+ years of finance industry knowledge
- Strong business orientation and strategic sense with hands-on experience in building and managing very efficient teams, leading successful organization wide projects, acting as key player and facilitator of significant organizational changes
- Embracing and interested in advanced technology and analytical methods used to create real value in organization’s decision making process
- More than a decade of development experience in databases and object oriented programming, using tools like Microsoft SQL Server, .NET, Oracle, Informatica, Business Objects and Tableau

Fluent with English and using German as a working language. I'm also experienced in holding lectures, conference presentations as well as trainings.

Interested in B- and C-level positions in banking, and CTO and similar roles in other industries.

IT consulting and corporate professional with strongly positive attitude and significant experience - Business intelligence modeling, using various tools, with 10+ years of finance industry knowledge - Strong business orientation and strategic sens... Show more

As a Cybersecurity Specialit at Discover Financial Services, I leverage my 21+ years of experience in the IT industry to protect the company's assets and data from cyber threats. I have a strong background in Cyber Risk Assessment, Data Obfuscation, and project management, with certifications such as CISSP and SAFe6 Agilist.

As a Cybersecurity Specialit at Discover Financial Services, I leverage my 21+ years of experience in the IT industry to protect the company's assets and data from cyber threats. I have a strong background in Cyber Risk Assessment, Data Obfuscation, ... Show more

Líder de agilidad en una compañía del sector seguros y coordinador de la comunidad de práctica ágil a nivel corporativo en un grupo financiero regional. Con experiencia como Product Owner, Scrum Master, Agile Coach y actualmente como Chapter Lead, ha acompañado procesos de transformación desde distintos niveles. Es coach ontológico profesional y Agile Coach certificado, con un enfoque que combina agilidad, estrategia y desarrollo de liderazgo desde una mirada crítica y evolutiva del rol del agilista.

Líder de agilidad en una compañía del sector seguros y coordinador de la comunidad de práctica ágil a nivel corporativo en un grupo financiero regional. Con experiencia como Product Owner, Scrum Master, Agile Coach y actualmente como Chapter Lead, ha... Show more

Shachi Sayata is a distinguished financial technology professional and Vice President at Barclays Investment Bank, renowned for her expertise in quantitative risk management and technical product development. At Barclays, Shachi spearheaded the development of an innovative margin model for managing large-scale interest rate derivatives portfolios exceeding $1 billion in market value. Her work has significantly enhanced the bank's risk management capabilities, setting new standards for precision and reliability in derivatives trading.

Prior to her tenure at Barclays, Shachi led the design of a sophisticated risk management system for Credit Default Swap (CDS) Index Options at ICE Clear Credit. This groundbreaking initiative enabled secure and efficient clearing of complex credit derivatives, ensuring market stability and revolutionizing risk management in the credit derivatives market.

Shachi's contributions extend to developing a cross-asset margining model aligned with the International Swaps and Derivatives Association's (ISDA) Standard Initial Margin Model (SIMM). Her work has revolutionized managing cross-asset risks, accommodating the intricate interrelationships between asset classes such as FX, equity, commodity, and credit.

Shachi's visionary leadership and innovative approach have established her as a trusted leader in financial technology, consistently driving high-impact initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and market stability.

Shachi Sayata is a distinguished financial technology professional and Vice President at Barclays Investment Bank, renowned for her expertise in quantitative risk management and technical product development. At Barclays, Shachi spearheaded the deve... Show more

Jamie Trull is a Financial Literacy Coach and Profit Strategist who helps small business owners understand the finance side of their business. Prior to becoming an online entrepreneur, Jamie spent her career rising in the ranks of Finance Leadership in the Coca-Cola System. After leaving the Corporate world in search of a more balanced and fulfilling life, Jamie leveraged her background and her CPA designation to serve women-owned businesses as a Virtual CFO. Recognizing that there was a lack of truly accessible and understandable financial education resources for small business owners, Jamie pivoted her business toward creating resources to help fill that gap and impact more people. Today Jamie has helped tens of thousands of business owners feel more confident about their finances through her resources and programs.
Jamie recently founded a second business, Power in Numbers, which is a marketplace designed to allow small business owners to access digital products and services offered by a variety of financial professionals.

Jamie Trull is a Financial Literacy Coach and Profit Strategist who helps small business owners understand the finance side of their business. Prior to becoming an online entrepreneur, Jamie spent her career rising in the ranks of Finance Leadership ... Show more

Krishna Mula is a seasoned Engineering Leader with over 13 years of experience driving innovation in financial technology, secure transaction systems, and AI-based fraud prevention. With a background in both Computer Science and Business Administration, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic insight to solving complex challenges in digital finance.

His core expertise spans AI-powered transaction security, platform architecture, DevSecOps, and cloud-native engineering. Krishna has led the design and deployment of high-impact solutions that have resulted in measurable outcomes, including a 70% increase in system resilience, 60% improvement in deployment cycles, and significant reductions in operational risk.

He has spearheaded digital transformation initiatives across critical infrastructure environments, architecting scalable systems that enhance uptime, streamline transaction validation, and ensure regulatory compliance. His work in financial systems engineering has enabled the seamless integration of transaction security and AI-driven fraud prevention into core platforms, enhancing system integrity, reducing risk, and improving real-time decision-making.

An active voice in the FinTech and engineering communities, Krishna contributes to top-tier publications and is recognized for his insights on secure systems design, intelligent automation, and financial data infrastructure. He holds several industry certifications and is committed to advancing innovation in financial security through cutting-edge technologies and collaborative leadership.

Krishna Mula is a seasoned Engineering Leader with over 13 years of experience driving innovation in financial technology, secure transaction systems, and AI-based fraud prevention. With a background in both Computer Science and Business Administrati... Show more

Darrell B Howell is a highly accomplished and results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with over two decades of experience guiding financial operations and fostering business growth in a wide range of industries. Throughout his career, he has successfully led numerous financial transformations, implemented effective cost-saving strategies, and expanded companies from single locations into multi-million-dollar enterprises. His ability to strategically navigate the complexities of corporate finance has made him a sought-after leader in industries such as construction, real estate, technology, service franchises, and roofing.

One of his core strengths is his extensive experience in financial leadership. Darrell has a proven track record of overseeing all aspects of corporate finance, including Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A), budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting. His ability to manage and optimize financial processes has consistently led to increased profitability and operational efficiency within the organizations he has served. His leadership skills are complemented by a keen understanding of how financial decisions impact business performance, positioning him as a strategic partner in the success of any enterprise.

Howell is also recognized for his exceptional ability to drive process improvements. He has streamlined financial operations across various companies, implementing internal controls and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. His work at Kenco Distributors & Entities is a prime example of how he improved financial operations, resulting in more productive auditor relationships and overall operational efficiency. His analytical thinking and ability to foresee financial trends have helped businesses thrive in competitive markets, making him a key player in the growth of multiple companies.

In addition to his technical expertise, Darrell Howell has demonstrated a strong business acumen that spans multiple industries. He expanded Bluebird Roofing's commercial division, increasing the company's annual target revenue from $28 million to $40 million in just one year. His leadership also extended to service franchises, as seen in his successful expansion of a Pizza Hut franchise from one location to ten across three states. This accomplishment not only highlighted his ability to manage rapid growth but also resulted in significant sales increases, demonstrating his capacity to lead large-scale operations with success.

Education has played a crucial role in Darrell's journey to becoming a successful CFO. After finishing high school, he focused on taking business courses, eventually concentrating on accounting and management. He graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Management. His time at the university holds special significance, as it was during this period that he met his wife, whom he married in June 1990. In pursuit of further academic growth, he earned a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University. His education has provided a solid foundation for his career in finance, equipping him with the skills to navigate complex financial landscapes.

Beyond his professional achievements, Howell is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. His faith plays a significant role in his life, and he actively gives back to his local community. He serves as the treasurer for Donelson First Baptist Church, where he applies his financial expertise to support the church's operations. Additionally, he and his family are devoted to volunteering with Gobble Gobble Give every Thanksgiving, ensuring that those in need within their community can enjoy a warm holiday meal. His dedication to philanthropy has also left a lasting impact on his children, as he instills in them the importance of giving back and being active members of their community.

Through Darrell B. Howell's remarkable financial leadership, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to his career and his community, he continues to make a lasting impact on the organizations he leads and the lives he touches. His passion for business and philanthropy reflects his holistic approach to success, making him a well-rounded and respected leader in his field.

Darrell B Howell is a highly accomplished and results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with over two decades of experience guiding financial operations and fostering business growth in a wide range of industries. Throughout his career, he has suc... Show more

15 years between IT and Business, handling Innovations in Banking

15 years between IT and Business, handling Innovations in Banking Show more

Chigozie Madubuko is the Backend Engineering Team Lead at Kora, a leading fintech company dedicated to building scalable payment infrastructure and breaking down financial barriers across Africa. At Kora, Chigozie focuses on designing and optimizing robust backend systems that power seamless and efficient payments, enabling businesses to transact effortlessly.

Beyond Kora, Chigozie is actively shaping the future of banking through Open Banking Nigeria. Collaborating with international and local industry players, he has helped develop Open Banking standards and specifications that provide would secure access to customer financial data for financial institutions.

In addition to his work in fintech and banking, Chigozie also guides aspiring engineers on ADPList, sharing expertise in software development, scalability, and career growth

Through his work in fintech infrastructure, Open Banking, and mentorship, Chigozie is driving financial innovation, inclusion, and talent development across Africa.

Chigozie Madubuko is the Backend Engineering Team Lead at Kora, a leading fintech company dedicated to building scalable payment infrastructure and breaking down financial barriers across Africa. At Kora, Chigozie focuses on designing and optimizing ... Show more

John has been in the world of card present and card not present for the last 20+ years. John has partnered and implemented B2C and B2B global payment solutions with some of the most influential software companies (including Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, Epicor, Intuit, Eci Solutions, McKesson, and NCR, etc.) in the world.

John has a strong background in Microsoft F&O and BC payments, Marketplaces, mobile payments, Installment payments, PCI, VISA VMPI, PSD2, GDPR, e-wallets, ACH, tax management, Card Account Updater, Level 2 & 3, and end to end encrypted payment solutions.

John has been in the world of card present and card not present for the last 20+ years. John has partnered and implemented B2C and B2B global payment solutions with some of the most influential software companies (including Microsoft, Oracle, Salesfo... Show more

Paril Ghori is a results-driven Data Scientist with a proven track record in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and MLOps, specializing in financial analytics, anomaly detection, and predictive modeling. With expertise in Apache Spark, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and cloud computing (AWS, Databricks, Azure), Paril has delivered impactful AI solutions that drive business efficiency and innovation.

Paril has built anomaly detection models that saved thousands of manual hours and identified financial anomalies worth millions of dollars. His predictive modeling expertise has led to an 80% accurate business lead forecasting system, empowering organizations to make data-driven strategic decisions. He has also spearheaded the development of AI-powered sentiment analysis for earnings call transcripts, helping businesses understand market impact on stock prices.

Beyond modeling, Paril has optimized MLOps pipelines, automated cloud-based analytics, and developed scalable anomaly detection frameworks to support multiple business cases. His work on NLP-driven customer insights and marketing mix models has directly increased ROI and operational efficiency.

Passionate about innovation, Paril thrives at the intersection of AI, cloud computing, and business intelligence, continuously pushing the boundaries of data science to create real-world impact.

Paril Ghori is a results-driven Data Scientist with a proven track record in machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and MLOps, specializing in financial analytics, anomaly detection, and predictive modeling. With expertise in Apache Spark, PyTorch, Te... Show more

Zack Shelton brings a distinctive perspective to the technology sector, shaped by an unconventional journey that began in professional kitchens. His foundation as a chef instilled crucial skills in process optimization, team coordination, and delivering excellence under pressure—capabilities that would prove invaluable throughout his career evolution.
Moving from the culinary world to customer-facing design, he applied his creative expertise and attention to detail in creating custom countertops. This role merged his understanding of practical workflows from his chef experience with the technical precision required in custom design. Combining these skills enhanced his ability to translate complex customer requirements into precise technical specifications while focusing on practical functionality.
His progression into industrial engineering and continuous improvement was a natural evolution, drawing on his experience in optimizing workflows from both kitchen management and custom design. This background developed into a Continuous Improvement Change Agent role, where he led business transformation initiatives that bridged operational challenges with technological solutions. His diverse experience proved particularly valuable in understanding how processes impact people at every level of an organization.
His transition into development within the finance sector leveraged his comprehensive background in process optimization and systematic thinking. In this role, he specialized in creating solutions that streamlined financial operations through innovative technology and automation applications, drawing on his experience managing complex workflows from his culinary and manufacturing backgrounds.
Currently serving as a Solutions Engineer at SHI, he focuses on Data and AI initiatives, bringing together his multifaceted experience to deliver comprehensive solutions. His unique career path, from Professional and long-term care kitchens and manufacturing to advanced technology implementation, enables him to approach AI and data challenges with a holistic perspective that considers both technical capabilities and practical business applications.
This diverse background provides him with a distinctive ability to bridge the gap between traditional business operations and emerging AI technologies, making complex concepts accessible to diverse audiences while delivering practical, results-driven solutions that genuinely work in real-world environments.

Zack Shelton brings a distinctive perspective to the technology sector, shaped by an unconventional journey that began in professional kitchens. His foundation as a chef instilled crucial skills in process optimization, team coordination, and deliver... Show more