Christian K. Karl is a creative visionary who is committed to shaping education in the digital age. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he combines academic expertise with innovative approaches to rethink education and digitalization.

With his extensive experience in research and practice, he has designed numerous projects, publications, and interactive workshops that present complex topics such as digital transformation in an accessible and practical way. His combination of academia, practice, and creativity inspires others to actively transform education.

Christian K. Karl is a creative visionary who is committed to shaping education in the digital age. As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he combines academic expertise with innovative approaches to rethink education and d... Show more

Fatih Dagdelen is a Power Platform Architect and lecturer based in Germany, specializing in enterprise governance, architecture, security, and AI adoption within the Microsoft ecosystem.

He works in global enterprise environments, where he supports the design and operation of scalable Power Platform and Copilot strategies. His experience includes enterprise governance models, environment strategy, application lifecycle management, data security, Data Loss Prevention policies, compliance, and the controlled adoption of AI-powered solutions.

His key areas of expertise include:

• Enterprise-scale Power Platform governance
• Microsoft Copilot and AI agent strategy
• Copilot Studio and responsible AI adoption
• Environment strategy and application lifecycle management
• Data security, DLP, compliance, and access governance
• Operating models for scalable low-code and AI platforms
• Digital workplace transformation and user adoption

Fatih holds a Master of Arts in Digital Management and combines technical architecture experience with strategic business understanding.

In addition to his industry role, he works as a lecturer, teaching IT Service Management, cloud technologies, and digital transformation-related topics. His academic and professional background enables him to explain complex technical concepts in a practical, structured, and accessible way.

His work focuses on bridging the gap between business strategy, governance, and technical implementation, helping organizations build secure, scalable, and sustainable Power Platform and AI capabilities.

Fatih Dagdelen is a Power Platform Architect and lecturer based in Germany, specializing in enterprise governance, architecture, security, and AI adoption within the Microsoft ecosystem. He works in global enterprise environments, where he support... Show more

Thomas de Klerk works as a learning consultant and trainer at Info Support, where he spends much of his time helping people make sense of complex technology — including AI.
His background is not purely technical. Early in his career he trained as a teacher at university level, later specialising in Human Resource Development. That combination still shapes how he looks at technology today: not just in terms of what it can do, but how people think, learn and make decisions around it.
His work now sits somewhere between training, facilitation and experimentation. He designs workshops, learning journeys and the occasional escape room to explore how people actually work with tools like AI in practice.
He uses AI himself, daily — which is exactly why he keeps questioning what it does to his own thinking.

Thomas de Klerk works as a learning consultant and trainer at Info Support, where he spends much of his time helping people make sense of complex technology — including AI. His background is not purely technical. Early in his career he trained as a ... Show more

Edward Bezerra is the CEO and Founder of CertiVend, where he helps organizations strengthen cybersecurity, vendor risk management, AI governance, and third-party assurance through practical, business-focused security strategies.

With more than 30 years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Edward has held executive leadership positions for Fortune 500 organizations, including serving in infrastructure, cybersecurity, IT risk, and executive leadership roles with organizations such as AIG, Herbalife, K. Hovnanian, and Party City. Throughout his career, he has led global teams, managed multimillion-dollar technology and cybersecurity budgets, and developed enterprise security, governance, and risk management programs supporting complex business environments.

Edward is also the Founder of CertiVend Academy, where he works to bridge the gap between certification training and real-world cybersecurity experience by developing hands-on learning programs focused on practical skills that employers expect.

A frequent speaker, educator, and industry mentor, Edward enjoys sharing practical insights on cybersecurity leadership, governance, vendor risk management, AI governance, cloud security, data governance, career development, and building effective security programs. His presentations emphasize actionable guidance, real-world lessons learned, and strategies that security professionals can immediately apply within their own organizations.

Edward holds numerous industry certifications, including CCISO, ITIL Foundation, Microsoft, Citrix, and other technical certifications, and is currently completing his Doctor of Computer Science (Cybersecurity), with research focused on optimizing cybersecurity resource allocation within enterprise data centers.

Edward Bezerra is the CEO and Founder of CertiVend, where he helps organizations strengthen cybersecurity, vendor risk management, AI governance, and third-party assurance through practical, business-focused security strategies. With more than 30 ... Show more

Anthea Armar has been the person in the room with something to say and no voice to say it with. That experience shaped everything she does now.

She's the founder of Amarkai Group and creator of the A.C.T. framework, a psychology-first approach to speaking confidence. With over 20 years in learning and development, the last four have been focused specifically on one problem: why capable professionals freeze the moment visibility is required.

Anthea has worked with organisations including Network Rail and Women in Rail, delivering keynotes and programmes that address speaking anxiety at the root rather than layering technique on top of a problem that runs deeper.

Her talks are direct, story-led and built to give audiences a starting point they can act on immediately, not just a moment of inspiration that fades by Monday.

Anthea Armar has been the person in the room with something to say and no voice to say it with. That experience shaped everything she does now. She's the founder of Amarkai Group and creator of the A.C.T. framework, a psychology-first approach to ... Show more

Emanuel Toledo is a Data Scientist and holds a degree in Public Management, specializing in the implementation of artificial intelligence and the strategic use of data in organizations.

With over 15 years of experience in the public sector, he works on designing practical frameworks for AI adoption, addressing its limitations, risks, and challenges in real-world decision-making contexts.

He is the founder of Thinking Out!, a consulting firm focused on data analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, where he supports institutions and professionals in the effective integration of these technologies.

He is currently researching how the public sector can reduce its structural gaps and improve its capabilities through the strategic adoption of technology. As part of this work, he developed a digital transition approach adaptable to different types of organizations, aimed at effectively integrating data and artificial intelligence in real-world management contexts.

Emanuel Toledo is a Data Scientist and holds a degree in Public Management, specializing in the implementation of artificial intelligence and the strategic use of data in organizations. With over 15 years of experience in the public sector, he wor... Show more

Zack Knight is the founder of ATLVets (Advancing The Line for Veterans), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans successfully transition from military service to civilian life through leadership development, professional networking, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.
A former police officer, Army infantry officer, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and business leader, Zack has built his career around a commitment to service. Following a medical retirement from the military, he experienced firsthand many of the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life—redefining purpose, building new professional relationships, and navigating an unfamiliar path forward.
Rather than allowing those challenges to become obstacles, Zack transformed them into a mission. He founded ATLVets to provide veterans with the resources, connections, and support he wished had existed during his own transition. Today, the organization serves as a trusted community where veterans can find opportunities, develop professionally, and build meaningful relationships that extend far beyond their military service.
Through his leadership, advocacy, and dedication to helping others succeed, Zack has become a respected voice in the veteran and business communities. His work demonstrates that trust is not built through titles or credentials—it is earned through authenticity, shared experiences, and a genuine commitment to serving others.

Zack Knight is the founder of ATLVets (Advancing The Line for Veterans), a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans successfully transition from military service to civilian life through leadership development, professional networking, en... Show more

Yino Diaz is a Dutch-Colombian social entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Niños del Futuro, a community-driven organization in Medellín that helps young people build their futures through entrepreneurship, leadership, and opportunity.

After rebuilding his own life and moving to Colombia in 2019 to reconnect with his roots, Yino discovered that lasting transformation rarely begins with advice. It begins with experiences that change how people see themselves, others, and the world around them.

Over the past several years, he has developed initiatives including Chefs del Futuro, Barberos del Futuro, and Kicks4Kids, mentored vulnerable youth in Colombia and the Netherlands, coached adults searching for purpose, created the Between Worlds conversation card deck, and designed immersive experiences that connect volunteers, founders, educators, and organizations with communities they might otherwise never encounter.

His work sits at the intersection of leadership, service, storytelling, community building, and social entrepreneurship. Rather than delivering motivation or abstract theory, Yino shares practical frameworks shaped by years of building organizations where trust, belonging, and ownership become the foundation for lasting change.

Whether speaking to founders, educators, nonprofit leaders, governments, students, or corporate teams, Yino challenges audiences to rethink what leadership looks like in today’s world. His sessions combine powerful stories with practical tools that people can apply immediately to build stronger teams, more connected communities, and lives driven by purpose.

At the heart of every keynote is one central question:

How do we design experiences that transform people, not just inform them?

Yino Diaz is a Dutch-Colombian social entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Niños del Futuro, a community-driven organization in Medellín that helps young people build their futures through entrepreneurship, leadership, and opportunity. After rebu... Show more

Dr Mamet Amfo-Brobbey, EdD, is an educator, researcher, speaker, and founder of First Pick Education. With more than 20 years of experience in international education, she specialises in teaching and learning, learner agency, assessment, and educational leadership.

Her doctoral research explored the use of heutagogic instruction to foster learner agency and promote agentic engagement, examining how classroom design can empower learners to take greater ownership of their learning. A triple-science teacher, examiner, and staff trainer, she works with educators and school leaders to translate educational research into practical strategies that develop independent, self-directed learners.

Dr Amfo-Brobbey is also an award-winning public speaker and author, known for making complex educational ideas accessible, actionable, and impactful for teachers, leaders, and learners.

Dr Mamet Amfo-Brobbey, EdD, is an educator, researcher, speaker, and founder of First Pick Education. With more than 20 years of experience in international education, she specialises in teaching and learning, learner agency, assessment, and educatio... Show more

Marouaa Yakhlef is an AI and STEM Leader with over 17 years of experience in education, specializing in STEM education, robotics, educational technology, and innovative learning design. As a STEM Robotics Trainer of Trainers (TOT), she leads initiatives that integrate AI, emerging technologies, and project-based learning to create engaging and authentic learning experiences.

Throughout her career, Marouaa has supported educators and students in developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through technology-rich learning environments. She has led educational technology initiatives, innovation projects, and a podcast exploring emerging trends and best practices in education.

Her work also includes mentoring students and supporting participation in STEM, robotics, and innovation competitions, helping learners develop confidence, resilience, and a mindset of inquiry and innovation.

Marouaa is passionate about empowering students to move beyond knowledge acquisition and become creators, innovators, and solution designers. Her current focus is exploring how AI-supported inquiry and project-based learning can help students address authentic challenges and create meaningful impact within their communities.

Marouaa Yakhlef is an AI and STEM Leader with over 17 years of experience in education, specializing in STEM education, robotics, educational technology, and innovative learning design. As a STEM Robotics Trainer of Trainers (TOT), she leads initiati... Show more

Yigakpoa is an open-source advocate and technologist working at the intersection of open data, accessibility, digital equity, and sustainability. Her work focuses on building systems that make technology more inclusive, measurable, and impactful for communities often left out of digital transformation.

She has contributed to global open-source ecosystems through leadership and governance roles, including serving as Co-Chair of the Project Management team and a Maintainer within the Accessibility team at the CHAOSS Project, where she supported the development of frameworks for measuring the health, inclusivity, and sustainability of open-source communities.

As Chief Operating Officer at CLENT Africa, she works at the intersection of climate and technology, leveraging open data platforms and energy access tools to drive community-centered resilience and environmental justice across African contexts.

At OpenGov Africa, she leads strategy, designing and scaling systems that use open data to strengthen government transparency, civic participation, and accountability. Her work integrates digital infrastructure with grassroots governance, enabling citizens to actively engage with and shape public systems.

Beyond her organizational roles, Yiga is a global speaker and mentor, supporting marginalized individuals as they navigate pathways into technology and open-source ecosystems.

Yigakpoa is an open-source advocate and technologist working at the intersection of open data, accessibility, digital equity, and sustainability. Her work focuses on building systems that make technology more inclusive, measurable, and impactful for ... Show more

Charles Crosbie is a Senior Product Manager at the Terry Fox Research Institute, where he leads high-impact digital initiatives at the intersection of product strategy, advanced technology, and healthcare innovation. A seasoned speaker and thought leader, Charles excels at translating complex technical architectures, from AI frameworks to massive digital media and data infrastructure—into scalable, real-world solutions that drive meaningful organizational change.

With extensive experience addressing executive audiences and policy makers, Charles is a frequent voice at major industry events. His recent speaking engagements include executive roundtables and interviews at the Flower AI Summit in London, delivering keynotes on emerging technology trends, and serving as an expert panelist at a recent Innovation Summit on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Charles’s ability to bridge the gap between technical execution and high-level strategy has also made him a trusted presenter for government and diplomatic audiences, including past presentations for the Trade Commissioner Service Secretariat. He brings a pragmatic, forward-thinking perspective to every stage, empowering teams and stakeholders to successfully navigate the future of digital transformation.

Charles Crosbie is a Senior Product Manager at the Terry Fox Research Institute, where he leads high-impact digital initiatives at the intersection of product strategy, advanced technology, and healthcare innovation. A seasoned speaker and thought le... Show more

An expert with 20 years of experience as a leading specialist in national cybersecurity strategy and policy, has made significant contributions to the development of the Korean and international cybersecurity ecosystem. He is a pioneer and leader in software supply chain security and SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) policy and standardization. With extensive experience as the chief executive of 20 e-government security projects, he possesses a deep understanding of national infrastructure security. He played a pivotal role in cultivating top-tier white-hat hacker talent at the national level, successfully launching the 'Best of the Best (BoB)' program. As a pioneer in OT/ICS (Operational Technology/Industrial Control Systems) convergence security, he spearheaded the establishment of graduate programs and delivers influential lectures, contributing to the future development of industrial security.

- Member of Presidential Council on National AI Strategy Korea (Special Committee on Security)
- WG Leader, Korean Government-wide ‘SW Supply Chain Security TF’
- WG Chair, Korean MSIT's ‘SW Supply Chain Security Forum’ (Policy)
- Korean Financial Security Advisory Committee Member
- US CISA's SBOM Community Working Group Member
- Linux Foundation's OpenSSF Global Ambassador (1st Cohort)

An expert with 20 years of experience as a leading specialist in national cybersecurity strategy and policy, has made significant contributions to the development of the Korean and international cybersecurity ecosystem. He is a pioneer and leader in ... Show more

Rebson Mendes é Tecnólogo em Processos Gerenciais e mestrando em Administração pela UFRN. Atualmente, ocupa o cargo de Gerente Técnico na Empresa Gestora de Ativos do Rio Grande do Norte (EMGERN), onde lidera projetos focados em eficiência administrativa e governança pública. Sua formação académica inclui pós-graduações em Gestão Pública, Auditoria e Perícia Contábil. Com mais de 20 anos de experiência na área de tecnologia, é autor dos livros "Excel do Básico ao Dashboard" e "Governança na Prática: Como Estruturas Públicas Enxutas Podem Alcançar Alta Eficiência". Como educador e criador de conteúdo, acumula mais de 160 mil visualizações em seu canal no YouTube, onde promove a interseção entre tecnologia, gestão e agilidade.

Rebson Mendes é Tecnólogo em Processos Gerenciais e mestrando em Administração pela UFRN. Atualmente, ocupa o cargo de Gerente Técnico na Empresa Gestora de Ativos do Rio Grande do Norte (EMGERN), onde lidera projetos focados em eficiência administra... Show more

I am passionate about people and how design can enable transformation in organizations. I support innovation projects, digital product design, and service design.

My goal is to assist projects that impact people's daily lives. I have a strong interest in health-related topics, especially those involving patient experience and the organizational transformation of hospitals, as well as subjects related to public innovation and their impact on citizens' everyday lives.

I am passionate about people and how design can enable transformation in organizations. I support innovation projects, digital product design, and service design. My goal is to assist projects that impact people's daily lives. I have a strong inte... Show more

Gül Akcaova is the lead futurist at SURF - the cooperative for ICT in (higher) education and research in the Netherlands, and the National Education & Research Network. With a keen fascination for IT innovation in education and research, she explores in her role the potential impact of new technologies and emerging concepts on education and research. Her background in management studies provides her with the ability to approach developments from various angles.

Gül Akcaova is the lead futurist at SURF - the cooperative for ICT in (higher) education and research in the Netherlands, and the National Education & Research Network. With a keen fascination for IT innovation in education and research, she explores... Show more

I am an AI Product Manager / Team Lead at Natural Resources Canada working at the intersection of AI and GeoScience. I have a Master’s in Machine Learning from Mila and the University of Montréal, Canada.

In the past year, I have won the following awards:

* Winner of the Next Generation Leader of the Year award by The Women in IT Summit & Awards Series
* Rising Star awardee by Womxn in Data Science
* One of the awardees for WeaveSphere Developer 30 Under 30 of Canada
* Runner-up in the ‘Outstanding in AI - Young AI Role Model of the Year' - North America by Women in AI

During my time at Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Textract, I worked on Model-based Noisy Annotation Detection and Correction. Previously, I was a Machine Learning Engineer at a fast-paced startup, Shipmnts. There, in the span of 2.5 years, I built an AI-Powered Document Understanding Platform to automate paperwork involved in global supply chains. Prior to that, I was a Research Trainee at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) where I worked in the Smart-cities Mission of India. I hold a Bachelor’s in Information and Communication Technology from Ahmedabad University, India.

I am passionate about tech & community, and my journey has led me to become an international speaker, one of the youngest Google Developers Experts in AI and GCP around the globe. To date, I have spoken at 30+ conferences and have trained 40k+ professionals and students in ML, DL, TensorFlow, and GCP. I have always been curious about the human brain’s functionality and want to tweak its neural circuits! 🧠 👩‍💻

Talk to me about Technology, Finance, Art, Travel, and Entrepreneurship! 💖

Learn. Apply. Share. Repeat.

I am an AI Product Manager / Team Lead at Natural Resources Canada working at the intersection of AI and GeoScience. I have a Master’s in Machine Learning from Mila and the University of Montréal, Canada. In the past year, I have won the following... Show more

Tabbi Kinion transforms overwhelmed, newly minted managers into confident leaders through interactive leadership development training and coaching. Drawing from over two decades of hands-on leadership experience, she delivers practical experiences that unlock potential through powerful conversations and exercises rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Tabbi serves as faculty for the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium's Certified Public Manager program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a National Faculty Member for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Management Assistance Team, helping leaders across sectors create cohesive, high-impact teams without burning out.

Before launching her training and coaching practice in 2024, Tabbi served as Education Division Chief for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 2018-2023, leading 80+ staff across multiple facilities and programs, following 13 years as Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Statewide Education Coordinator. Her approach combines real-world leadership expertise with academic excellence, including her Certified Public Manager certification, a Master's of Arts in Biology from Miami University, and a Bachelor's in Natural Resources Management from Colorado State University.

Tabbi Kinion transforms overwhelmed, newly minted managers into confident leaders through interactive leadership development training and coaching. Drawing from over two decades of hands-on leadership experience, she delivers practical experiences th... Show more

Com mais de 32 anos de experiência profissional, atuando como developer, analista de negócio e gerente de produtos no início do e-commerce no Brasil, gerente de projetos, membro e gestor de PMO, PO, SM e AC.
Um dos principais responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento e evolução da primeira solução de e-gov para Compras Públicas do Brasil em 1999.
Atualmente é Sócio, Head de Projetos, Produto e Transformação na Hiflex Group, tendo atuado como agente de mudança implementando agilidade, PMO e VMOs, além de apoiar transformações organizacionais com o uso de abordagens híbridas, ágeis e enxutas de gestão.
Palestrante com mais de 200 palestras nos últimos anos em eventos nacionais e internacionais, autor de 9 livros com mais de 10k exemplares vendidos, incluindo 3 Best-Seller, dentre eles: Scrum e PMBOK unidos no gerenciamento de projetos, Scrum e Agile em Projetos – Guia Completo, PMO Ágil – Escritório Ágil de Gerenciamento de Projetos, Jornada OKR na prática, e Business Agility Inception, e o mais recente Do PMO ao VMO 2.0 - Para de começar projetos e comece a entregar valor.

Com mais de 32 anos de experiência profissional, atuando como developer, analista de negócio e gerente de produtos no início do e-commerce no Brasil, gerente de projetos, membro e gestor de PMO, PO, SM e AC. Um dos principais responsáveis pelo dese... Show more

Safiyatou “Abena” Camara

Executive Director & President, WONTANARA Inc
Co-Founder • Cultural Arts Master • Business Consultant • Youth Development Specialist

Abena Camara is a business consultant, cultural arts leader, and third-generation cultural bearer with nearly a decade of experience helping creatives and community-driven organizations build sustainable, funded work. She serves as Executive Director and President of WONTANARA Inc, where she leads arts education, community programming, and organizational strategy rooted in West African cultural traditions.

Immersed in cultural arts since age three, Abena brings over 20 years of professional artistry, 15 years of intensive West African cultural training, and deep lineage-based knowledge passed down through master teachers, historians, griots, and elders. Her grandfather founded the first performing company in Guinea, West Africa, and helped introduce West African master artists to the United States—a legacy Abena continues through WONTANARA’s programs and global partnerships. Her multidisciplinary training spans West African dance, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and music composition and production, allowing her to bridge tradition and innovation with integrity.

Alongside her artistic leadership, Abena brings strong business and funding expertise. While pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Georgia State University, she served as an executive intern for a popular men’s grooming company, helping generate $1.1 million in revenue within its first year. That experience launched her career as a consultant, where she has spent nearly nine years advising organizations on operations, funding strategy, and growth.

Through WONTANARA Inc and her consulting work, Abena has secured over $200,000 in grants and sponsorships, including support for WONTANARA Percussions, the world’s first Black-owned instrument factory based in Africa. She has also led the development of WONTANARA Festival, securing city-wide sponsorship and building a thriving cultural platform. Her consulting practice maintains a 92% client retention rate, and she has helped more than 10 clients secure government funding within their first year of business.

Abena’s work sits at the intersection of creativity, community, and capital. She is passionate about demystifying funding systems and empowering creatives and community leaders to move from passion projects to sustainable, paid impact—without compromising their values.

Safiyatou “Abena” Camara Executive Director & President, WONTANARA Inc Co-Founder • Cultural Arts Master • Business Consultant • Youth Development Specialist Abena Camara is a business consultant, cultural arts leader, and third-generation cul... Show more

Becky Pike Pluth is the CEO of The Bob Pike Group, where she has spent more than 20 years immersed in Creative Training Techniques, the participant-centered methodology built on how the brain actually learns. She has helped organizations including Target, Bose, Coca-Cola, FedEx, and Wells Fargo achieve real cost savings and training efficiencies, and she moves easily between classroom, virtual, and blended e-learning.
Named to Training Magazine's Top 40 Under 40, Becky is also one of fewer than 600 speakers worldwide to earn the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. She is the author of numerous professional development books and training resources, including Creative Training: A Train-the-Trainer Field Guide and Webinars with WOW Factor.cc

Becky Pike Pluth is the CEO of The Bob Pike Group, where she has spent more than 20 years immersed in Creative Training Techniques, the participant-centered methodology built on how the brain actually learns. She has helped organizations including Ta... Show more

Mi nombre es Brian y fundé WeCode (wecode.edu.uy) en 2020. Reinventamos la educación haciéndola divertida, actual y enfocada en las habilidades del futuro. Enseñamos programación, robótica y ahora también: IA. Dirijo un equipo de 45 personas, con las que cada año impactamos 2500 niños y niñas, en nuestras sucursales, en 20 colegios aliados y junto a Ceibal.

Mi nombre es Brian y fundé WeCode (wecode.edu.uy) en 2020. Reinventamos la educación haciéndola divertida, actual y enfocada en las habilidades del futuro. Enseñamos programación, robótica y ahora también: IA. Dirijo un equipo de 45 personas, con las... Show more

Giselle Sandy-Phillips is a Leadership and Workforce Communication Strategist, education doctoral scholar, award-winning author, and speaker who helps leaders navigate what technology alone cannot solve: the human side of change.

Her perspective was shaped long before the boardroom. From military leadership to managing complex government initiatives involving competing priorities and diverse stakeholders, Giselle learned that even the best strategies fail when people don't understand one another. Over the last two decades, she has helped leaders turn complexity into clarity by building trust, strengthening communication, and bringing people with them through transformation.

As the founder of World of Consulting LLC, Giselle equips leaders with practical tools to lead across generational differences, evolving technologies, and shifting workplace realities. Her work is rooted in a question that has never been more relevant to education: How do we prepare people, not just systems, for an AI-enabled future?

As a doctoral scholar in educational leadership and the award-winning author of Thriving in the Modern Workplace: A Gen Z Guide to Success, Giselle bridges research and real-world practice to help audiences move from uncertainty to action. Known for her engaging storytelling, interactive approach, and immediately applicable strategies, she challenges leaders to rethink communication not as a soft skill, but as the leadership practice that determines whether trust is built, change takes hold, and innovation succeeds.

Giselle believes the future of education will not be determined by the technology we adopt. It will be determined by our ability to help people adapt, connect, and move forward together.

Giselle Sandy-Phillips is a Leadership and Workforce Communication Strategist, education doctoral scholar, award-winning author, and speaker who helps leaders navigate what technology alone cannot solve: the human side of change. Her perspective w... Show more

Dr. Calynn Lawrence is a Chicago-based CEO, Founder, Social Scientist, and Trauma Specialist who advances equitable change by integrating trauma-informed, holistic wellness principles with corporate and civic leadership strategy. Across organizations and community systems, she helps leaders move from reactive culture to proactive, human-centered practices that support resilience, belonging, and long-term wellbeing.

In her work, Dr. Lawrence translates social science insight into actionable, values-driven leadership frameworks that strengthen decision-making, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness. She partners with executives, public sector leaders, and mission-driven teams to design programs and policies that reduce harm, improve relational trust, and create measurable pathways toward a more progressive, equitable world.

Dr. Calynn Lawrence is a Chicago-based CEO, Founder, Social Scientist, and Trauma Specialist who advances equitable change by integrating trauma-informed, holistic wellness principles with corporate and civic leadership strategy. Across organizations... Show more

Maya Moussly is a marketing and brand strategist and part-time university lecturer working at the intersection of industry and academia. She began her career in advertising, contributing to the development of many of Dubai's established brands as well as regional and international clients across MENA. For the past 18 years she has lectured across undergraduate and Executive MBA programmes at universities across MENA, reaching more than 3,200 students. Her pedagogical philosophy is straightforward: the educator is a guide on the side of the learner's journey. In a world where knowledge is increasingly free, the learning happens in the application. From flipped learning to problem-solving challenges to using technology to elevate higher order thinking, every session is interactive, engaging, and designed to make students think harder, not less.
How you use what you know is where learning is truly tested. That is where her sessions always go.
Think differently. Act clearly.

Maya Moussly is a marketing and brand strategist and part-time university lecturer working at the intersection of industry and academia. She began her career in advertising, contributing to the development of many of Dubai's established brands as wel... Show more

Akihiko Morita was a keynote speaker at the EMCC Global Annual Conference 2026, presenting “If AI Can Ask the Questions, What Is the Human Practitioner For?”, and a presenter at ICF Converge 2025 with “Beyond the Human Coach: AI, Wisdom Traditions, and the Future of Coaching.” He has also published two articles in the European Business Review.

He explores the impact of AI on how we work, live, and think, drawing on both Eastern and Western philosophies to provide thought-provoking insights and help leaders navigate an age of civilizational transformation.

As an ICF-certified Professional Coach (PCC), he has delivered over 3,000 coaching sessions in Japanese and English, supporting leaders and changemakers across global organizations.

As a former Board Director of the ICF Thought Leadership Institute (TLI) of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), he contributed to international conversations on coaching, generative AI, leadership, and the future of humanity.

With a Ph.D. in Social Thought and professional experience as a diplomat, UN official, NGO director, and executive coach, he brings an interdisciplinary and global perspective to the challenges of human transformation in a rapidly changing world.

Akihiko Morita was a keynote speaker at the EMCC Global Annual Conference 2026, presenting “If AI Can Ask the Questions, What Is the Human Practitioner For?”, and a presenter at ICF Converge 2025 with “Beyond the Human Coach: AI, Wisdom Traditions, a... Show more

Phil leads Business Transformation and guides teams through delivery excellence for Logisolve (a V-Soft Consulting Company), a national consulting firm with a wide variety of practice areas, including Public Sector. He has broad and deep experience in Product, Program, Project, and IT Management and Delivery across Financial Services, Banking, Manufacturing, Public Sector, Agriculture, Retail, and Media for 40+ years. He also mentors business leaders and MBA and undergraduate students in their personal and professional growth.

Phil leads Business Transformation and guides teams through delivery excellence for Logisolve (a V-Soft Consulting Company), a national consulting firm with a wide variety of practice areas, including Public Sector. He has broad and deep experience i... Show more

Dan Tudor is the Founder and President of Tudor Collegiate Strategies (TCS), a nationally respected athletic recruiting advisory firm that specializes in training college admissions and coaching staffs to communicate and recruit their prospects more effectively. Since 2005, Tudor has been called “America’s recruiting coordinator” thanks to his company’s cutting-edge strategies, research and advice to the college coaching community.

TCS publishes the popular Monday Morning Admissions newsletter and podcast, as well as the College Recruiting Weekly newsletter and podcast the country every week, boasting over 50,000 readers and listeners. Dan and his team speak regularly at college coach and admissions conventions around the country.

Dan Tudor is based in North Carolina, and can be reached by email at dan@dantudor.com.

Dan Tudor is the Founder and President of Tudor Collegiate Strategies (TCS), a nationally respected athletic recruiting advisory firm that specializes in training college admissions and coaching staffs to communicate and recruit their prospects more ... Show more

Shanell Guardo is a Principal TPM Manager at Microsoft, where she leads initiatives focused on AI enablement, platform reliability, and operational transformation across Azure engineering systems. Her work spans engineering leadership, cloud transformation, developer productivity, and scalable technology delivery in highly complex environments.

Prior to Microsoft, Shanell served as an officer in the United States Air Force, leading operational and technology teams supporting mission-critical healthcare and infrastructure systems. Her career has centered on solving complex problems, leading through ambiguity, and building systems that improve both operational outcomes and user experience.

Shanell is also the Founder and Managing Principal of KinTech LLC and founder of KinTrades, a workforce technology platform focused on expanding access to skilled trades careers through skills-first hiring, workforce innovation, and community partnerships.

She frequently speaks on AI adoption, engineering transformation, leadership, workforce innovation, and navigating career growth across technical and nontraditional paths. Shanell is passionate about helping organizations and individuals embrace change, lead with purpose, and create meaningful impact through technology.

Shanell Guardo is a Principal TPM Manager at Microsoft, where she leads initiatives focused on AI enablement, platform reliability, and operational transformation across Azure engineering systems. Her work spans engineering leadership, cloud transfor... Show more

Khrystyna Kurganska is an entrepreneur, founder, and mental health advocate working at the intersection of business, social impact, psychology, sensory experience, and human recovery.
For more than 15 years, she has built businesses in perfumery, aroma marketing, and multisensory brand experience. Her professional background explores how scent, memory, environment, and emotion shape the way people feel, behave, connect, and recover.
Since 2022, she has led DOLADU, an NGO supporting psychological rehabilitation, psychosocial recovery, and reintegration for military personnel, veterans, their families, and people affected by war in Ukraine.

Khrystyna Kurganska is an entrepreneur, founder, and mental health advocate working at the intersection of business, social impact, psychology, sensory experience, and human recovery. For more than 15 years, she has built businesses in perfumery, ar... Show more