Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all parents. In a society where fathers are often unseen or undervalued in the parenting equation, Dr. Borland aims to spark a conversation about the importance of recognizing and supporting fathers in their parenting roles. Host of Gladverse TV, she is also a published author and writer, where she has been featured on television, radio, podcasts, and print.

Dr. Laura Borland, DSW, is a fatherhood advocate and founder of Dad-Ease, an ecosystem of solutions designed to promote parental parity. With a deep commitment to addressing the challenges faced by dads, she strives to create a more inclusive and sup... Show more

Maira Elahi is a Canada-based student researcher dedicated to leveraging technology, policy, and advocacy to serve and empower her community. Her work spans machine learning research in cancer detection, AI safety testing in collaboration with OpenAI, and the preservation of Global South dialects through AI language model training. Maira has founded her own startup, Tivea, through which she self-published books, built a brand image, and explored digital storytelling as a vehicle for social change. She has also worked on app development and conducted market validation research for a Canadian tech launch. Beyond tech, she co-created UNICEF Canada’s first TikTok account, served on World Vision Canada’s National Youth Council, and led creative campaigns for platforms like The Adroit Journal. She spearheaded a grassroots team in her city to educate youth on the intersection of civic engagement and social innovation.

Her unwavering commitment to innovating responsibly—with our collective humane interests at the forefront—and bringing youth into high-level decision-making spaces continues to drive her mission across disciplines. She believes that inclusive futures are built not just by experts in suits, but by young people with lived experience, vision, and the audacity to disrupt.

Maira Elahi is a Canada-based student researcher dedicated to leveraging technology, policy, and advocacy to serve and empower her community. Her work spans machine learning research in cancer detection, AI safety testing in collaboration with OpenAI... Show more

Rob Bayliss is passionate about automation, and has been building fast, reliable systems for state governments since 2017. He is passionate about performance, and once led an initiative to reduce the response times of Mass.gov by 50%, preventing downtime during the pandemic. In 2023, he co-founded Mighty Acorn Digital - an agency with the explicit goal of improving quality assurance and release processes for state and federal government organizations.

Rob Bayliss is passionate about automation, and has been building fast, reliable systems for state governments since 2017. He is passionate about performance, and once led an initiative to reduce the response times of Mass.gov by 50%, preventing down... Show more

Sam Kabert is a successful serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker. He is known for his ability to put together teams to execute the vision. He is the Author of the #1 Bestselling book SOUL/Life Balance, Founder of SwagWorx & Clone Yourself University, and hosts the Soul Seekr Podcast. Despite all of Sam’s ventures and business success and being recognized as one of Silicon Valley’s “40 Under 40” at just age 31 years old and “Rising Star” in the promotional products industry, he soon recognized that something was missing. Sam realized that despite his success, he was unhappy. This understanding catapulted him on his most recent exploration of his life’s purpose.

He is on a mission to bridge the gap between the way we conduct ourselves in business, mindful practices, how we communicate with everyone, especially oneself, all through prioritizing psychological safety and mental health first.

Sam Kabert is a successful serial entrepreneur turned spiritual seeker. He is known for his ability to put together teams to execute the vision. He is the Author of the #1 Bestselling book SOUL/Life Balance, Founder of SwagWorx & Clone Yourself Unive... Show more

Jasmine Fluker, a visionary in leadership and equity, spearheads transformative change through the Pivotal Paradigm Project. With over a decade of executive leadership, she's reshaping how we approach diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jasmine's dynamic blend of strategic problem-solving and community-driven initiatives electrifies audiences, inspiring them to challenge the status quo. Join her in paving the way for a future where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered.

Jasmine Fluker, a visionary in leadership and equity, spearheads transformative change through the Pivotal Paradigm Project. With over a decade of executive leadership, she's reshaping how we approach diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jasmine's dynam... Show more

Jörg Pareigis is an assistant professor in Business Administration and director of library as well as the head of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Karlstad University, Sweden. He has vast experience of developing open online graduate courses for lifelong learning based on strategically important research centres at Karlstad University. Jörg was a participant of FDOL and is since 2019 part of the organising team of Open Networked Learning.

Jörg Pareigis is an assistant professor in Business Administration and director of library as well as the head of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Karlstad University, Sweden. He has vast experience of developing open online graduate courses f... Show more

Troy Zakari Walker is a visionary leader whose work bridges corporate strategy with social impact. As President of Zakari Walker Group (ZWG) and CEO of Impact Nation Community Services, Troy heads a consulting firm and nonprofit organization that empowers underserved communities, strengthens organizational strategy, and drives economic and social transformation.

With over a decade of experience in behavioral health, reentry programming, and fatherhood advocacy, Troy is recognized for his trauma-informed, evidence-based practices that enable individuals and families to achieve lasting stability. At ZWG, he consults on program development, strategic planning, and grant writing, helping organizations secure essential funding and enhance operational efficiency. His entrepreneurial spirit has expanded ZWG's reach into real estate, film production, and exclusive events, fostering professional and community networking.

In the public sphere, Troy’s leadership extends to his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, where he advocated for social equity, economic opportunity, and systemic change. As a sought-after speaker, he shares insights on corporate strategy, innovation, and social responsibility, inspiring leaders to align their business goals with impactful community outcomes. Through his work, Troy Zakari Walker is committed to blending corporate success with social consciousness, positioning him as a transformative figure in business and social innovation.

Troy Zakari Walker is a visionary leader whose work bridges corporate strategy with social impact. As President of Zakari Walker Group (ZWG) and CEO of Impact Nation Community Services, Troy heads a consulting firm and nonprofit organization that emp... Show more

Secondary school teacher (mathematics & physics), Ph.D. in mathematics (with specialization in the teaching of mathematics at the university level)

Research Interests: instructional design of mathematics courses, mathematical sophistication & enculturation, mathematical beliefs, fostering giftedness, future skills, AI & data literacy

Secondary school teacher (mathematics & physics), Ph.D. in mathematics (with specialization in the teaching of mathematics at the university level) Research Interests: instructional design of mathematics courses, mathematical sophistication & encu... Show more

Jared is a grey/timber wolf furry and therian hailing from the GTA. A strong proponent for complete streets and neighbourhood density, Jared spends their time advocating in their community.

Jared is a grey/timber wolf furry and therian hailing from the GTA. A strong proponent for complete streets and neighbourhood density, Jared spends their time advocating in their community. Show more

Dr. Shindale Seale is a distinguished culture and leadership strategist who has captivated audiences across the nation with her transformative keynote presentations for the U.S. Navy, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Sempra Energy, Intuit, and numerous prestigious universities. A masterful communicator, Dr. Seale employs cutting-edge leadership and performance optimization concepts to help organizations identify, articulate, and achieve their cultural transformation goals.

With over three decades of leadership experience spanning corporate environments, academia, and the non-profit sector, Dr. Seale brings unparalleled depth to her speaking engagements on organizational culture, leadership development, and change management. Her expertise in business performance optimization, staff development, and creating sustainable and equitable working environments has established her as a thought leader in the field.

Dr. Seale's consulting practice extends across diverse sectors, including education, law, government agencies, law enforcement, military, utilities, emerging tech, and research organizations nationwide. Her groundbreaking research and consulting work on creating equitable solutions for marginalized groups have made her a sought-after subject matter expert and keynote speaker.

Beyond her speaking and consulting work, Dr. Seale demonstrates her commitment to community empowerment as the curator of the Inglewood Small Business Academy, providing vital resources for disadvantaged small business owners throughout Inglewood, California. As the inaugural Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Program Chair at the University of California Santa Cruz - Silicon Valley Extension, she developed and taught pioneering courses on DEI in workplace and academic settings. Dr. Seale continues to shape future leaders as a Professor at the University of Redlands, teaching Leadership, Organizational Change, and Business Communication.

In perhaps her most personal mission, Dr. Seale founded Our Community Mentors, a non-profit organization in South Los Angeles dedicated to providing academic, professional, and quality-of-life resources for marginalized communities.

Dr. Seale holds a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Change and Leadership and a Master of Education degree from the University of Southern California (USC), complemented by a Bachelor of Arts in Language and Linguistics from California State University at Dominguez Hills (CSUDH).

*Available for keynotes, workshops, and consultation on organizational culture, strategic leadership, and equitable change management.*

Dr. Shindale Seale is a distinguished culture and leadership strategist who has captivated audiences across the nation with her transformative keynote presentations for the U.S. Navy, American Dental Education Association (ADEA), Sempra Energy, Intui... Show more

Sharon Burstein is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and best-selling author, renowned for her dynamic approach to leadership development. As President and CEO of Sharon Burstein International, LLC, she has dedicated over three decades to empowering individuals and organizations through transformative keynotes, workshops, and signature events like Leadership Summit America and YOUniquely You!

With a focus on personal empowerment, team building, and personal branding, Sharon's engaging presentations blend humor, real-life stories, and actionable strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. Her book, Life Snacks for Women, offers bite-sized wisdom that inspires women to step confidently into leadership roles.

Sharon's expertise has touched thousands across education, healthcare, corporate sectors, and non-profit organizations, making her a sought-after speaker worldwide. Her mission is clear: to help others maximize their potential and leadership impact. Connect with Sharon today to elevate your journey towards leadership excellence!

Sharon Burstein is an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker, leadership trainer, and best-selling author, renowned for her dynamic approach to leadership development. As President and CEO of Sharon Burstein International, LLC, she has dedica... Show more

I'm a self-taught programmer passionate about coding craftsmanship.

I'm a former disability educator and caregiver, and a former event manager.

I love photography and artisan arts.

It is rumored I'm a decent poet.

I'm a self-taught programmer passionate about coding craftsmanship. I'm a former disability educator and caregiver, and a former event manager. I love photography and artisan arts. It is rumored I'm a decent poet. Show more

As the Transportation Theme Lead of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, Derald works to maximize the utility of public geospatial transportation information by making it easier to create, publish, discover, access, integrate, exchange, and analyze.

Derald has been a geographer with the Federal Government since 1996. He holds a Geography degree from Towson University, a Computer Science degree from Hood College, and is currently a PhD student in the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Derald’s geography career started at the GIS lab at Virginia Tech in 1992 where he digitized stream orders and soil types for the state of Virginia.

Starting in 1996 he worked as a cartographer at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Chart Division where he managed source data used in the construction of Nautical Charts.

Derald started at the USDOT in 2001; His early work focused on developing geospatial-transportation data, cartographic automation, and application development. He currently Leads the Transportation Theme of NSDI and chairs the Geospatial Transportation Subcommittee. The subcommittee is authorized by the Federal Geographic Data Committee and sponsored by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

As theme lead he helps maximize the benefit geospatial-transportation resources for the nation. Specifically, he coordinates the efforts of federal partners and facilitates their compliance with legislative and executive directives directed at improving geospatial data management.

As the Geospatial Transportation Subcommittee Chair, he facilitates cooperation and fosters awareness among federal, state, local, tribal, and private organizations to ease geospatial data discovery, collection, construction, publication, integration, analysis, and archival.

As the Transportation Theme Lead of the National Spatial Data Infrastructure, Derald works to maximize the utility of public geospatial transportation information by making it easier to create, publish, discover, access, integrate, exchange, and anal... Show more

Lauren, co-founder and COO of Betterment Works, is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and fun questions! She studied design and psychology, has been managing people, projects, and clients since 2005, and previously helped grow the largest LEGO-inspired learning through play company in the United States.

Her experience from a decade of working with kids, informs her perspective and focus on how play, curiosity, and inclusion can improve productivity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership. Lauren truly enjoys getting to meet and connect with others in fun and interesting ways.

Betterment Works is a playful professional development company on a mission to strengthen businesses and teams by helping people feel, connect, and do better at work. They break down complex ideas into accessible frameworks and practices that meet teams where they're at and empower them with the information, skills, and tools to get where they want to be. Play is an integral part of their facilitation and programming because it’s highly engaging and promotes authentic connection. In a playful environment, people can dive into challenging subjects, build soft skills, and also hopefully have fun doing it. Because happy people do better work.

Lauren, co-founder and COO of Betterment Works, is a process-driven problem solver who believes that curiosity, consistency, and connections are the greatest drivers of great things. She is also an extroverted Hufflepuff who loves puzzles, pizza, and... Show more

Richard Cheng is the founder of Agility Prime Solutions. Agility Prime Solutions provides transformative training programs in Agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban. A graduate of Virginia Tech and renowned Agile expert, Richard has presented keynote talks at conferences and events around the globe, authored publications on Agile and product management, and is a member of Mensa. Richard has extensive experience working with the federal government, large companies, small startups, non-profits organizations, and associations. In addition to being one of the few Certified Scrum Trainers (CST) accredited by the Scrum Alliance, Richard is also an Accredited Kanban Trainer (AKT), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Certified Scrum Professional (CSP), Kanban Management Professional (KMP), Certified LeSS Practitioner, Project Management Professional (PMP), and PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).

Richard Cheng is the founder of Agility Prime Solutions. Agility Prime Solutions provides transformative training programs in Agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban. A graduate of Virginia Tech and renowned Agile expert, Richard has presented keynote... Show more

Anu Smalley is the Founder and CEO of Capala Consulting where she specializes in Executive and Leadership Training, Coaching and Development and organizational agile journeys. She helps leaders identify ways to lead with agility and shift the leadership mindset to a more agile way. Anu is passionate about coaching and training others, dedicated to helping to achieve professional and personal success. Anu has established internal agile coaching Centers of Excellence for several clients to allow self-sustained coaching of their agile transformations. She has developed a coaching program specifically designed for evolving organizational leaders.
Anu is a dynamic Certified Scrum Trainer (CST), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Enterprise Coach (CEC), and a International Coaching Federation - Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with over 25 years working in Education, Software Development, Project Management, IT, and Consulting.
Anu regularly partners with Kate Megaw (ARCLight Agile) and together they are “Team KatAnu”, presenting at events, offering fun and engaging training in Agile Leadership, Facilitation and Scrum!
Anu@capalaconsulting.com | www.capalaconsulting.com
anu@katanu.com|www.katanu.com

Anu Smalley is the Founder and CEO of Capala Consulting where she specializes in Executive and Leadership Training, Coaching and Development and organizational agile journeys. She helps leaders identify ways to lead with agility and shift the leaders... Show more

Agile Consultant and management enthusiast who has worked with software development in the public sector in Brazil, adventured with startups, and collaborated in big companies, always disseminating pragmatic agile thinking, also an official Kanban Trainer and CEO at Synergyc.

Agile Consultant and management enthusiast who has worked with software development in the public sector in Brazil, adventured with startups, and collaborated in big companies, always disseminating pragmatic agile thinking, also an official Kanban Tr... Show more

Adolfo Neto is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Paraná since 2008. He is also the creator and co-host of the Elixir em Foco podcast, a podcast about Elixir and the BEAM in Portuguese.

Adolfo Neto is an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Paraná since 2008. He is also the creator and co-host of the Elixir em Foco podcast, a podcast about Elixir and the BEAM in Portuguese. Show more

Dr. Fabian Deitelhoff works as Head of IT at Sportnavi.de GmbH after completing his doctorate in “Source Code Comprehension”. He is also a founder in the field of digital education. His focus is on generative AI, low- and no-code and digital support for teachers and learners. He also works as a freelance author, lecturer and software developer in the .NET and web environment. You can reach him via deitelhoff.me or at fabian@deitelhoff.me.

Dr. Fabian Deitelhoff works as Head of IT at Sportnavi.de GmbH after completing his doctorate in “Source Code Comprehension”. He is also a founder in the field of digital education. His focus is on generative AI, low- and no-code and digital support ... Show more

How many times has your organization invested a multi-day retreat into only find yourselves addressing the same issues the following year? Such activities are meant to remove staff from their day-to-day work and come back refreshed and empowered. Let’s work together to create an unforgettable experience for your team with lasting results! In-person facilitation for retreats, work planning, teambuilding, and more. Focused in Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Available for virtual facilitation.

How many times has your organization invested a multi-day retreat into only find yourselves addressing the same issues the following year? Such activities are meant to remove staff from their day-to-day work and come back refreshed and empowered. Let... Show more

Hilary Walton, or Hils as she is called, is well known in the tech industry, with a diverse background in psychology, ICT & AI, risk management, and cybersecurity. She’s worked for some of the biggest names in the business, including Mi5 and the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

But that’s not all! Hilary is also an author, having penned a book on security culture that’s a must-read for anyone interested in the field.
When she’s not busy being a tech guru and mother of three, Hilary is a digital influencer who loves nothing more than sharing her digital culture ideas with the world.

You can catch her on her YouTube show and podcast, both called “Digital Culture Ideas”.

And if that’s not enough, she’s also active on various social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), and TikTok as @HilsWalton.

Join Hilary's free text tech-news service: Digital Culture Ideas & News Hub https://chat.whatsapp.com/DigitalCultureIdeasNewsService

Hilary's Digital Culture Ideas Show:
- YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4dwoi3AqnpBmiaWvkac76w
- Podcast on Spotify (and available anywhere else you listen to your podcasts) : https://open.spotify.com/show/3z4t5ZeAB4aSwr0ZeqtyaZ?si=b4a0a9a8894b43f5

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilswalton/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilswalton/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/HilsWalton
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hilswalton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HilsWalton
- Threads: https://www.threads.net/@hilswalton

Hilary Walton, or Hils as she is called, is well known in the tech industry, with a diverse background in psychology, ICT & AI, risk management, and cybersecurity. She’s worked for some of the biggest names in the business, including Mi5 and the Lond... Show more

In den vergangenen 30+ Jahren habe ich Wissenschaftsorganisationen aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven kennengelernt: als Studentin der Informatik, als studentische Hilfskraft in der Bibliothek, als interdisziplinär arbeitende Wissenschaftlerin, als Team- und Projektleiterin in der außeruniversitären Forschung, als berufsbegleitend Promovierende und berufsbegleitend Studierende, als Hochschullehrerin und (kurz) Professorin für Mediendidaktik, als Verwaltungsmitarbeiterin und Verwaltungskundin, als Organisationsberaterin und Koordinatorin für Organisationsentwicklung … Was mich an Hochschulen fasziniert ist ihre Vielfalt - die Vielfalt der Disziplinen, der Qualifikationen, der Perspektiven und insbesondere die Vielfalt der Menschen, die Hochschule zu dem machen, was sie ist.

In den vergangenen 30+ Jahren habe ich Wissenschaftsorganisationen aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven kennengelernt: als Studentin der Informatik, als studentische Hilfskraft in der Bibliothek, als interdisziplinär arbeitende Wissenschaftlerin, als T... Show more

Highly accomplished and seasoned Agile Transformation Coach, ICF Certified coach, framework agnostic Agile practitioner, Change Agent, Contributor, Trainer, Mentor, Speaker, Continuous Learner, community
volunteer/leader and avid reader with 15+ years of IT industry experience

LinkedIn profile :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaram-hegde-95b23921

Highly accomplished and seasoned Agile Transformation Coach, ICF Certified coach, framework agnostic Agile practitioner, Change Agent, Contributor, Trainer, Mentor, Speaker, Continuous Learner, community volunteer/leader and avid reader with 15+ yea... Show more

Seth B. Greenwald, PMP, MID, is a best-selling author, keynote speaker and presentation coach for project managers, engineering leaders and other technical professionals. After earning his Mechanical Engineering degree from The Cooper Union, Seth served as senior project manager for some of the largest engineering and construction firms in the country. He currently manages multiple civil works mega projects for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

As the owner of Creatively Speaking Inc., Seth has empowered countless individuals to advance their careers through effective communication. His public speaking programs 'Page to Stage' and 'Find Your Flow' have garnered widespread acclaim for their transformative impact on his student’s ability to craft highly memorable messages through the power of storytelling. Seth is a writer. His latest book, "Answering the Call of Your Creative Warrior" is the inspiring story of how he discovered his inner source of creative confidence which he frequently accesses to level up his leadership skills.

Seth currently serves as VPPR for Westchester Advanced Toastmasters and is the founding member of PMI-NYC Toastmasters. His dedication to the profession extends to serving as Secretary of the NYC chapter of National Speakers Association as well as being an active member of the Society of Military Engineers.

Seth enjoys traveling the world to collect inspiring stories to share with his local audiences.

Seth B. Greenwald, PMP, MID, is a best-selling author, keynote speaker and presentation coach for project managers, engineering leaders and other technical professionals. After earning his Mechanical Engineering degree from The Cooper Union, Seth ser... Show more

Heribert Nacken, Rektoratsbeauftragter für Blended Learning und Exploratory Teaching Space, Projektleiter Teilprojekt "Avatar basiertes Lehren und Lernen" im MyScore Projekt der RWTH Aachen

Heribert Nacken, Rektoratsbeauftragter für Blended Learning und Exploratory Teaching Space, Projektleiter Teilprojekt "Avatar basiertes Lehren und Lernen" im MyScore Projekt der RWTH Aachen Show more

Lia Fuziy
Professora do curso de Jogos Digitais na Faculdade Méliès e coordenadora do Game Dev Toolkit, um projeto focado na democratização do conhecimento sobre desenvolvimento de jogos. Lia é chair da IGDA São Paulo e possui ampla experiência como organizadora e palestrante em eventos.

Lia Fuziy Professora do curso de Jogos Digitais na Faculdade Méliès e coordenadora do Game Dev Toolkit, um projeto focado na democratização do conhecimento sobre desenvolvimento de jogos. Lia é chair da IGDA São Paulo e possui ampla experiência como... Show more

Fred is 61 years old and did have a lot of challenges in his life. He survived them with his mindset and is now actively working on it to let other benefit by his experiences, his story and help them to find the power within to thrive. He learned a lot of public speaking and mindset, before coming a Toastmaster in April 2019 in Rotterdam. He became the first President of 010 TMC in Rotterdam, and started to develop himself within the European Trainers Network and as mentor in the "Odyssey Project" for which he became Ambassador in January 2021 for District 59.
His intention is to start within the Accredited Speaker Program of Toastmasters and become an international Mindset speaker, trainer, mentor and coach.

Fred is 61 years old and did have a lot of challenges in his life. He survived them with his mindset and is now actively working on it to let other benefit by his experiences, his story and help them to find the power within to thrive. He learned a l... Show more

Chelsea Mendes is the founder of the Playing by the Rules Intellectual Property Symposium, a platform designed to educate creatives in the entertainment industry about protecting their intellectual property. As the first undergraduate student onboarded to OMBI Group, Chelsea has gained valuable experience in entertainment law. Her passion for advocacy also led her to become the co-chair of the Partnerships Committee for the Sports Business Conference at Spelman College, where she helped secure over $20,000 in sponsorships from major sports leagues like the NFL, MLB, and more. A political science major at Spelman College, Chelsea’s work at the White House further solidified her commitment to advocacy. Through her Symposium, she merges her legal expertise with digital tools to help creatives navigate the complexities of intellectual property protection, empowering them to safeguard their work in the digital age.

Chelsea Mendes is the founder of the Playing by the Rules Intellectual Property Symposium, a platform designed to educate creatives in the entertainment industry about protecting their intellectual property. As the first undergraduate student onboard... Show more

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like social anxiety, technology addiction, and workplace silos, creating spaces where meaningful relationships and collaboration can thrive.

A TEDx Speaker and co-author, Richard has shared his expertise on the power of human connection with audiences around the world. He has spoken at conferences, delivered workshops, and appeared on podcasts to inspire leaders and teams to prioritize connection in their personal and professional lives.

Richard is a faculty member at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and Rhodes Wellness College, where he integrates connection-building strategies into learning environments. His work in higher education emphasizes improving student success, staff collaboration, and institutional culture.

Certified in the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i 2.0) and as a Trust at Work® Practitioner, Richard blends research-backed insights with actionable strategies to help people foster trust, engagement, and emotional intelligence.

Through his work, Richard empowers individuals and organizations to unlock opportunities, strengthen relationships, and build thriving communities.

Richard Lee-Thai is the Founder and CEO of Excuses to Connect, a company dedicated to fostering cultures of connection in workplaces, higher education, and communities. His mission is to help individuals and organizations overcome barriers like socia... Show more

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 years experience leading and training in corporate, non-profit, and educational settings. She earned an M.Ed. in Multicultural Education in 2008.

In early 2020, Stefanie launched WNY People Development. In her role as Chief Empowerment Officer, she provides leadership training, coaching, and keynote presentations to grow the next generation of leaders. Her main areas of expertise are building high impact teams, first time/front line manager development, and engaging multigenerational workforces with a focus on millennial and Gen Z employees. Her facilitation style is interactive, full of movement, laughter, learning, and occasionally includes pom poms.

Stefanie has worked as an organizational consultant for Johns Hopkins University School of Education (Baltimore, MD), and served as the Director of Customized Training for Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC). Before starting her own company, she led the corporate training function at CastleBranch (Wilmington, NC).

Through WNY People Development, Stefanie has developed and facilitated leadership solutions for clients in varied industries including construction, healthcare, higher education, hospitality, human resources, manufacturing, municipalities, pharmaceuticals, real estate, and non-profit management. Her clients include Association Executives of NC, City of Wilmington (NC), Embassy Suites, HC Beauty, New Hanover County Schools, NC Realtors Association, NC SHRM, Port City Java, Resilience, UNCW, and Waffle House.

Her professional affiliations include SHRM, the Lower Cape Fear Human Resource Association, the Wilmington (NC) Chamber of Commerce, and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern NC and she was nominated as a YWCA Woman of Achievement in 2022 for her service as School Board Chair during the covid pandemic.

In her personal life, Stefanie's days are fueled by coffee, chocolate, yoga, new challenges, and building relationships; her passions are developing others, serving the community, the beach, Philly sports, travel, managing the chaos that comes with life, and kitchen dancing.

Stefanie Adams is a facilitator, keynote speaker, university instructor, former elected official, wife, and mother; for those who know her best, she is "Cheerleader Stef", which personifies her personality and leadership style. She has over 20 year... Show more