Humanities & Social Sciences

Esteemed speakers contributing their insights into human culture, behavior, and societal development

Roman Rackwitz

Roman Rackwitz

Roman Rackwitz is an international authority in the field of gamification and intrinsic experience design. Already recognized as one of the top 10 experts worldwide in 2012, Rackwitz develops, communicates and advises government institutions and commercial enterprises worldwide with the school of thought of 'non-Skinnerian gamification'. He is also regularly invited as an expert in media such as TV, radio and print.
In addition to the consulting company Engaginglab and the software Tabi, Rackwitz founded CBO Media, a publisher that focuses on topics related to behavioral economics in order to bring this knowledge to the board levels of companies in a practical way.

Roman Rackwitz is an international authority in the field of gamification and intrinsic experience design. Already recognized as one of the top 10 experts worldwide in 2012, Rackwitz develops, communicates and advises government institutions and comm... Show more

William Shackelford

William Shackelford

Corporate Career
I had an amazing 30-year career as a corporate trainer and speaker. Through my company, IEC Enterprises, I trained over 10,000 public and private sector employees on topics including communication skills, conflict management, team building, problem-solving, and leadership.

Connecting The Dots
One day, it dawned on me that I was applying many of the tips and tools from my training to raising my children—and they worked extremely well. These techniques helped me develop a unique and successful parenting style. I realized that there were valuable lessons here that I wanted to share with others.

Adulting and Parenting Work
In 2019, I expanded my training focus to the adulting and parenting arena with the publication of my book, “Growing Into Your Parenting Role” (Mountain Arbor Press). Since then, I’ve blogged extensively on these topics, been featured as a guest on various adulting and parenting podcasts, conducted engaging webinars, and developed skills-based training programs based on the concepts, tips, and tools in my book.

In 2021, I founded the Adulting and Parenting Academy (AP Academy) with a mission to help young adults build strong, fulfilling relationships that last. The Academy now houses all my adulting, parenting, and personal growth consulting.

Corporate Career I had an amazing 30-year career as a corporate trainer and speaker. Through my company, IEC Enterprises, I trained over 10,000 public and private sector employees on topics including communication skills, conflict management, team b... Show more

Afolake Odubote

Afolake Odubote

As a dynamic Product Designer and Product Owner, I’ve led the end-to-end design and strategy of transformative digital products across Africa, US and in the UK. I previously served as a Product Designer at Torus Mara, where I crafted inclusive fintech and crypto payment experiences that power economic freedom. I also lead product at Lovebox Africa, a tech for good platform reimagining community giving. From scaling early concepts into polished, user-centered platforms to overseeing agile product teams, my work reflects a deep commitment to intentional design, cultural relevance, and high-performance product systems. I’m passionate about creating scalable solutions that solve real-world problems while enabling underserved users to thrive.

I’m also an open-source contributor with Women Coding Community, where I volunteer and collaborate on inclusive tech solutions, and a design mentor at Veet, empowering aspiring designers and product owners across the globe. My prior speaking engagements span product strategy, design systems, tech-for-good, and community-led innovation. I bring fresh, global insight into building cross-cultural, impact-driven digital products, and I’m driven to share this knowledge to inspire the next generation of product leaders. Whether on stage or in workshops, I deliver talks that prompt, equip, and empower audiences to build boldly and build products that solve real life problems.

As a dynamic Product Designer and Product Owner, I’ve led the end-to-end design and strategy of transformative digital products across Africa, US and in the UK. I previously served as a Product Designer at Torus Mara, where I crafted inclusive fintec... Show more

Dr. LaGrande Mason Jr PhD

Dr. LaGrande Mason Jr PhD

Dr. Mason is a Psychologist/ Life & Relationship Coach and author in private practice in Los Angeles california
Dr Mason was the CEO of HALO a nonprofit organization that was active in the Healthy Relationships Marriage & Families programs from 2003-2014.
Because of his expertise on the dynamics of healthy relationships and family Dr Mason is a consultant an invited speaker, lecturer to universities and churches and guest expert appearing on radio, Television and podcasts.
Dr. Mason is member of various professional mental health associations is an advocate on the importance of mental health awareness and education
He resides in his native city of Los Angeles with his bride Sonja of over 50 years.

Dr. Mason is a Psychologist/ Life & Relationship Coach and author in private practice in Los Angeles california Dr Mason was the CEO of HALO a nonprofit organization that was active in the Healthy Relationships Marriage & Families programs from 200... Show more

Mala Mahadevan

Mala Mahadevan

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient of the PASSion award for being an outstanding volunteer. She is a featured blogger on sqlservercentral.com and also blogs frequently at curiousaboutdata.com. She is active on twitter as @sqlmal.

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient o... Show more

Michael Ronen

Michael Ronen

Michael Ronen is a leader in immersive design and creator of the Play Economy Framework, helping companies blend technology, empathy, and play to innovate faster and more effectively. With over 20 years of experience, Michael’s engaging, fun, and comedic speaking style has made him a favorite among executives and startups alike, driving real-world success from 0 to 1 through rapid product development and team alignment.

Michael Ronen is a leader in immersive design and creator of the Play Economy Framework, helping companies blend technology, empathy, and play to innovate faster and more effectively. With over 20 years of experience, Michael’s engaging, fun, and com... Show more

Curtis Cox

Curtis Cox

Curtis Cox is a seasoned Career Brand Strategist and the founder of Curtis Careers, a leading career consulting platform dedicated to helping professionals and businesses elevate their brands, scale their careers, and unlock new opportunities. With deep expertise in career branding, professional development, and career scaling, Curtis has guided countless individuals in navigating career transitions, building powerful personal brands, and positioning themselves as leaders in their industries.

Through Curtis Careers, Curtis provides strategic career coaching, workforce development solutions, and executive branding services tailored for millennial professionals, corporate teams, and entrepreneurs. His mission is to equip individuals with the tools to thrive in competitive job markets and achieve long-term career success.

As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, Curtis shares valuable insights on career growth, professional branding, and networking. Whether hosting workshops, leading career-focused discussions, or delivering impactful keynote talks, he is dedicated to empowering professionals to turn ambition into achievement.

Curtis Cox is a seasoned Career Brand Strategist and the founder of Curtis Careers, a leading career consulting platform dedicated to helping professionals and businesses elevate their brands, scale their careers, and unlock new opportunities. With d... Show more

Nadiyah "Essence" Vance

Nadiyah "Essence" Vance

Nadiyah uses her nickname "Essence," as an author. She is a motivational speaker, facilitator of self-help, and trauma-informed literature. She uses her experience as a community-based nonprofit worker, a social worker, a parent facilitator, a former correctional officer, and a child and family services worker to help people undo the thinking of their past to open new doors to a brighter future. She has over 15 years of experience in the human services field and has experience as an individual and group counselor.

Nadiyah has a B.S. in Human Services from Chestnut Hill College and is currently pursuing her Master's in Theology at Trinity Evangelical University and her MSW at West Chester University. She served as an officer of the court in Philadelphia, PA, working with incarcerated fathers for several years as a correctional officer. Nadiyah is a motivational speaker who assists people in being confident about themselves and their overall abilities using the existential perspective, Satir model, and the Bowen Systems family theory.

Nadiyah addresses the issues that people struggle with within themselves as parents and individuals such as depression, PTSD, Intergenerational patterns, work/life stress, abuse (sexual, mental, physical, verbal), forgiveness, societal judgments, and resilience. She uses her life experiences to give examples of resilience and perseverance to show the ability to be able to create the life that one deserves as portrayed in her literary works, "Layers of a Single Mother...my Past is not my Present," and "Believe in yourself," which can be found on her website www.everythingessencewix.org.

Nadiyah is the Chair of the "Dream IT Be It," program for young women in Philadelphia, PA, for Soroptimist International SI Five Points Magneta where she volunteers to prepare them for college and career readiness.
She is a survivor of domestic violence which was the inspiration for her book production. She writes about her struggles as a single parent and the mistakes and triumphs of parenthood through the experience of Adverse Childhood Experiences from intergenerational patterns, and helps families process the loss of loved ones with her bereavement book "Sister My Sister".

In her workshops, she helps to reframe the thinking of parents and professionals alike to promote happiness, and holistic living mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The workshops consist of a lecture, visual aids, individual/group participation through genogram diagrams, polls, self-reflection, and self-awareness exercises. The takeaways will be parental resources for self-care, management of stress-related issues mental/emotional wellness, an awareness of behavioral patterns in children, and an awareness of intergenerational patterns.

email - contact@everythingessencewix.org
website - www.everythingessencewix.org

Nadiyah uses her nickname "Essence," as an author. She is a motivational speaker, facilitator of self-help, and trauma-informed literature. She uses her experience as a community-based nonprofit worker, a social worker, a parent facilitator, a forme... Show more

Laura Durieux

Laura Durieux

Laura Durieux, a passionate developer with over six years of experience, is a graduate of Haute École Albert Jacquard in Web Design and Development. As a freelancer, she creates tools, websites, and consults in the medical field. A two-time gold medalist at WorldSkills Belgium and Medal of Excellence recipient at EuroSkills 2021, she also trained in Tokyo, developing Tabasco Japan's website in 2020. Since 2023, Laura shares her expertise on Twitch, hosted On est pas des iencli on RTBF, and has delivered talks across Europe on tech and women’s contributions to computing history.

Laura Durieux, a passionate developer with over six years of experience, is a graduate of Haute École Albert Jacquard in Web Design and Development. As a freelancer, she creates tools, websites, and consults in the medical field. A two-time gold meda... Show more

hOrO mO X

hOrO mO X

hOrO mO X's conceptual work explores eastern contemplative philosophies and contemporary digital technologies.
In 2004, he developed the concept of AI-proof art, or art that resists machine learning algorithms by employing true quantum randomness. This concept later evolved into the OArt paradigm which aims to conceive digital and mind-bound AI-proof defence devices able to withstand AI singularity.
His current work utilizes biocomputers, addressing ethical considerations around the use of human brain organoids.

hOrO mO X's conceptual work explores eastern contemplative philosophies and contemporary digital technologies. In 2004, he developed the concept of AI-proof art, or art that resists machine learning algorithms by employing true quantum randomness. T... Show more

Katie Rose Kaufman

Katie Rose Kaufman

Katie Rose Kaufman is a seasoned Senior Release Train Engineer and program leader with a dynamic career spanning multiple industries, including tech, entertainment, and healthcare. A systems thinker and change agent, Katie Rose specializes in navigating complex transformations, streamlining processes, and driving alignment across cross-functional teams.

Passionate about career development and leadership, Katie Rose is also a dedicated mentor and career coach, sharing insights on agile methodologies, program management, and professional growth. Recognized as a top career guidance expert (featured on a Times Square billboard!), Katie Rose is committed to helping others build meaningful careers through strategic advocacy, mentorship, and practical guidance.

With a unique blend of fine arts and tech experience, Katie Rose brings a fresh perspective to leadership, adaptability, and innovation in the modern workplace.

Katie Rose Kaufman is a seasoned Senior Release Train Engineer and program leader with a dynamic career spanning multiple industries, including tech, entertainment, and healthcare. A systems thinker and change agent, Katie Rose specializes in navigat... Show more

Zach Stone

Zach Stone

Zach Stone has been a group process facilitator for 17 years. He has trained over 15,000 individuals from over 27 countries in behavioral science theory and practice. He co-founded a firm that uses techniques to rebuild war zones for organizational dynamics. He embedded with high-pressure organizations as a consultant in public transportation, healthcare, and emergency services for 8 years before becoming a full-time agilist. He has been a featured speaker or keynote for the International Trauma Conference, Apple, the Department of State-Sponsored Programs, the Association for Continuing Higher Education, Wharton Business School, and others.

Zach has worked in the private, public, non-profit, and quasi-governmental sectors supporting agile teams across the entire SDLC. He works for Elsevier as a Principal Delivery Manager supporting 30+ teams.

Zach Stone has been a group process facilitator for 17 years. He has trained over 15,000 individuals from over 27 countries in behavioral science theory and practice. He co-founded a firm that uses techniques to rebuild war zones for organizational ... Show more

Kay Emerson

Kay Emerson

Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant management, financial oversight, and civic service training, she is committed to driving impactful change in underserved populations. Kay holds an MS in Human Service and a BA in Psychology, positioning her as a trusted leader in fostering financial fidelity, compliance, and organizational engagement.

As the founder and CEO of SheRen Consulting, a BIPOC and woman-owned business, Kay offers specialized consulting and training services aimed at empowering organizations to achieve their goals while addressing systemic inequities.

SheRen Consulting is known for its tailored approach to policy advocacy, operational support, and comprehensive training. Their methods engage participants in "head and heart work," combining strategic knowledge with personal reflection to inspire meaningful change. By blending practical tools with emotional and ethical engagement, SheRen Consulting ensures that leaders and teams are equipped to drive both organizational success and community impact.

Kay Emerson, MS, brings over 15 years of expertise in public administration, focusing on improving health equity, education, and economic mobility, particularly for marginalized communities. With a strong background in program development, grant mana... Show more

Bernd Joussen

Bernd Joussen

Mit über 20 Jahren Führungserfahrung in Top-Unternehmen kombiniere ich Business, Produktmanagement und IT-Expertise zu praxisnaher Beratung – immer auf Augenhöhe

Was mich auszeichnet
Verständnis für Führung: Ich spreche die Sprache von IT, Business und Strategie und kenne die Dynamiken von Startups, Mittelstand und Konzernen.
Strategischer Brückenbauer: Wo Zusammenarbeit stockt, setze ich an und schaffe verbindende Lösungen.
Schnelle Empathie & frischer Humor: Meine Kunden schätzen, wie rasch ich Empathie entwickle und mit überraschenden Perspektivwechseln Impulse gebe.

Mit über 20 Jahren Führungserfahrung in Top-Unternehmen kombiniere ich Business, Produktmanagement und IT-Expertise zu praxisnaher Beratung – immer auf Augenhöhe Was mich auszeichnet Verständnis für Führung: Ich spreche die Sprache von IT, Busine... Show more

Troy Walker

Troy Walker

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

Vadim Deylgat

Vadim Deylgat

Vadim discovered his passion for business analysis at the intersection of his training as psychologist and his deep interest in information technology. With years of business and IT experience in his backpack, he now focusses on training & coaching best practices to the analysts at Colruyt Group IT, and on building a thriving BA community where knowledge sharing is second nature.

Vadim discovered his passion for business analysis at the intersection of his training as psychologist and his deep interest in information technology. With years of business and IT experience in his backpack, he now focusses on training & coaching b... Show more

Jennifer Fidder, M.A., CPT, CTRLPrac.

Jennifer Fidder, M.A., CPT, CTRLPrac.

Jennifer Fidder is a dynamic social psychologist, educational scientist, and certified hypnotist who specializes in helping individuals harness the power of their minds to achieve personal and professional success. With a passion for making complex psychological principles accessible, Jennifer empowers her audience to understand how their thoughts and behaviors shape their outcomes. Drawing from her background in fitness and holistic health, she also emphasizes the powerful connection between mind and body, helping individuals build resilience, manage stress, increase mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being.

As a speaker and trainer at conferences, events, and retreats, Jennifer blends cutting-edge science with practical strategies, teaching attendees to break through mental barriers, become more confident communicators, and step into their roles as effective leaders. She also offers tools for stress management and well-being, encouraging participants to take a balanced approach to both mental clarity and physical health. Whether she’s presenting on overcoming imposter syndrome, mastering self-confidence, or enhancing leadership skills, Jennifer provides actionable insights that attendees can immediately apply to their lives.

With nearly 20 years of experience working with professionals across various industries, Jennifer is known for her engaging, interactive style and ability to create transformative experiences. Her sessions leave participants feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to take control of their mindsets, unlock their potential, and thrive in any environment.

Jennifer offers her workshops, seminars, trainings, and speeches locally in the U.S. as well as in Europe. (in English and German)

Jennifer Fidder is a dynamic social psychologist, educational scientist, and certified hypnotist who specializes in helping individuals harness the power of their minds to achieve personal and professional success. With a passion for making complex p... Show more

Philipp Baron Freytag von Loringhoven

Philipp Baron Freytag von Loringhoven

He is an expert in data-driven marketing and customer insights with over 20 years of experience using data to optimize marketing and sales strategies. His focus is on helping companies ask the right questions and turn data into real competitive advantages—moving beyond mere performance metrics to well-founded strategic decisions.

He has built marketing teams in 42 countries, developed the CRM strategy for a leading automotive aftermarket player in the EU, and scaled digital business models for SMEs based on data. His approach combines marketing, data analytics, and strategy to enable data-informed decisions that drive both short-term efficiency and long-term effectiveness.

With his own MATCH framework, he emphasizes a holistic approach to marketing analytics. Rather than relying on isolated metrics or platforms, he integrates multiple analytical methods to precisely understand the impact of marketing initiatives. Finding the right balance between attribution, marketing mix modeling, lift analyses, qualitative insights, and message analytics is, in his view, the key to making sound decisions.

As a speaker and host of the dataengage.io podcast, he shares hands-on experience to make data-driven marketing strategies tangible. His goal is to help organizations generate real value from their data—without getting lost in isolated figures or short-term KPIs.

He is an expert in data-driven marketing and customer insights with over 20 years of experience using data to optimize marketing and sales strategies. His focus is on helping companies ask the right questions and turn data into real competitive advan... Show more

Alessandra Reß

Alessandra Reß

Seit 2018 arbeitet Alessandra Reß im E-Learning-Support verschiedener rheinland-pfälzischer Hochschulen, seit 2024 an der Hochschule Koblenz. Ihre Schwerpunkte liegen in den Bereichen OER, KI und digitale Barrierefreiheit. Daneben ist sie als Autorin und Redakteurin tätig.

Seit 2018 arbeitet Alessandra Reß im E-Learning-Support verschiedener rheinland-pfälzischer Hochschulen, seit 2024 an der Hochschule Koblenz. Ihre Schwerpunkte liegen in den Bereichen OER, KI und digitale Barrierefreiheit. Daneben ist sie als Autori... Show more

Sabrina Mazzola

Sabrina Mazzola

Intersectional journalist (female, first family academic living with disability and migrational background) who turned into a Scrum Master and Diversity Trainer (with 3 years of practice) loves to entertain you with humor and a holistic, positive perspective. After 20 years in journalism and being a leader for 3 years, I realized that my mindset was always agile and I went into IT in 2022. Being there, I saw that all things revolve around two things: psychological safety and belonging.

Intersectional journalist (female, first family academic living with disability and migrational background) who turned into a Scrum Master and Diversity Trainer (with 3 years of practice) loves to entertain you with humor and a holistic, positive per... Show more

Anders Wengelin

Anders Wengelin

From market communication and digital development to business strategy and organizational change over one and a half decades. The common denominator is helping people in organizations come together to solve the right problem and navigate uncertainty. I specialize in complex aware methodology, sensemaking, and non-linear change.

As an entrepreneur, I run Friktion, a boutique management consultancy with employees in Malmö and Stockholm, Sweden, and Münich, Germany, helping organizations direct their creativity towards solving the right problems in strategy, change, and agile. As a consultant, I help leaders navigate uncertain markets and transform their organizations to become or stay relevant.

I love speaking about complexity, sensemaking, complex problem-solving, methodology for non-linear change, strategy, and organizational transformation.

I value diversity, transparency, equity, and the ambition to leave the planet a better place than we found it.

From market communication and digital development to business strategy and organizational change over one and a half decades. The common denominator is helping people in organizations come together to solve the right problem and navigate uncertainty.... Show more

Jaïs Elalouf

Jaïs Elalouf

Jaïs Elalouf
Passionate about alternative culture and ecology, he is running Lucydelic the first digital media dedicated to alternative pop culture and the awakening of the mind. An art magazine talking about psychedelia, society, lifestyle, music, consciousness with regular podcasts and an online boutique https://lucydelic.com/

For 25 years he’s been the head of the Ping pong music PR content agency for the Ninja Tune label and developing 800 artists, among them Bonobo, Santigold, Gotan Project, Salif Keita, Gonzales, Bicep… He has produced over 200 events from clubbing to festivals and conventions, public or private. https://pingpong.fr

Also known as DJ OOF he mixes art, music and video and played over 500 Cinemix audiovisual shows (Montreux, Burning Man, Cannes…), currently being VJ of France’ National Audiovisual Institute (INA). Oof has directed 70 movies that features his own shootings and found footage, creating a sweet retro atmosphere with electronic and groovy beats. https://oof.cx

He's developing a Psychedelic Art Center reuniting his art collection, one of the largest worldwide on the topic, in immersive physical spaces and on the Metaverse. Jaïs has curated 80 exhibitions so far at the request of museums and cultural institutions. https://psychedelick.com

Jaïs Elalouf Passionate about alternative culture and ecology, he is running Lucydelic the first digital media dedicated to alternative pop culture and the awakening of the mind. An art magazine talking about psychedelia, society, lifestyle, music, ... Show more

Sonia Cavalliere

Sonia Cavalliere

I am part of Avanade Change Enablement team in Avanade Italy manly focused on Change Management and Digital Strategy projects.

As an expert in Innovation and Generative AI, I am passionate about driving transformative solutions that empower businesses and individuals to achieve more. My work focuses on exploring and leveraging the potential of cutting-edge technologies, with a particular emphasis on Microsoft Copilot and its integration into real-world applications.

I thrive at the intersection of technology and strategy, continually seeking ways to harness AI advancements to solve complex challenges and deliver measurable impact.

I am part of Avanade Change Enablement team in Avanade Italy manly focused on Change Management and Digital Strategy projects. As an expert in Innovation and Generative AI, I am passionate about driving transformative solutions that empower busin... Show more

Paul Kühn

Paul Kühn

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs

Wie sehen wünschenswerte Zukünfte aus? Wie können wir eine lebensdienliche Wirtschaft und nachhaltige Gesellschaft gestalten? Welchen Beitrag kann Bildung leisten, um die Krisen unserer Zeit zu bewältigen?

Als Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter im Bereich der Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs unter der Leitung von Prof. Dr. Silja Graupe an der HfGG suche ich nach wirkungsvollen Antworten auf diese Fragestellungen. Mich beschäftigen insbesondere die Zusammenhänge und Potenziale zwischen Transformativer Bildung, Zukünftebildung und Futures Literacy. Mithilfe der 4FutureLabs forsche ich zu diesen Themen in der Hochschulbildung im Bachelor & Master, in der Schulbildung und in zivilgesellschaftlichen Kontexten.

Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter Zukünftebildung und 4FutureLabs Wie sehen wünschenswerte Zukünfte aus? Wie können wir eine lebensdienliche Wirtschaft und nachhaltige Gesellschaft gestalten? Welchen Beitrag kann Bildung leisten, um die Krisen unsere... Show more

Michał Borkowski

Michał Borkowski

With over 10 years of experience, he worked in backend, infrastructure, architecture, a bit of frontend and team leadership. He chooses the best tool for the job when needed, but likes it when the problem is solvable without leaving the terminal. He automates stuff for fun - at work, at home and in Minecraft. He'd like to be able to do everything: weld, sew, sculpt, build mud huts and autonomous robots.

With over 10 years of experience, he worked in backend, infrastructure, architecture, a bit of frontend and team leadership. He chooses the best tool for the job when needed, but likes it when the problem is solvable without leaving the terminal. He... Show more

Dhruvil Anil Darji

Dhruvil Anil Darji

I’m excited to share a transformative idea that reimagines how we engage with books in today’s ever-evolving, AI-driven world. As technology continues to reshape our lives, we now have an opportunity to enhance one of humanity’s oldest and most cherished pastimes: reading.

Imagine a personal, interactive AI-powered companion that doesn’t just help you read but elevates the experience to something immersive and dynamic. Here's how:

Interactive Engagement: The AI acts as a conversational friend, responding to your thoughts and questions as you read. It mirrors the tone and style of the book, whether suspenseful, adventurous, or reflective, making you feel as if you're conversing with a character or narrator from the story.
Seamless Switching Between Reading and Listening: With adaptive voice narration that matches the book's mood, readers can effortlessly toggle between reading and listening. Whether it's a suspenseful cliffhanger or a serene reflective moment, the AI brings the pages to life.
Smart Context Awareness: The AI tracks your progress and context within the book, tailoring its insights and interactions. It avoids spoilers, highlights key themes, and keeps curiosity alive, ensuring that every moment with the book feels deeply personal and engaging.
This idea represents a bold step toward the future of book consumption, blending the timeless joy of reading with the cutting-edge possibilities of artificial intelligence. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about creating a companionable, immersive experience that resonates with each reader uniquely.

I’m excited to share a transformative idea that reimagines how we engage with books in today’s ever-evolving, AI-driven world. As technology continues to reshape our lives, we now have an opportunity to enhance one of humanity’s oldest and most cheri... Show more

Svea Vikander

Svea Vikander

Svea Vikander is a researcher and media producer specialising in minority journalism, trauma, and storytelling. An award-winning writer with a background in psychology, she studies journalist safety at the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, and is part of the Media, War, and Conflict (MEKK) research group at OsloMet. Her work also explores how Artificial Intelligence is shaping media, particularly in investigative journalism.

She is unintelligible (yet deeply emotional) in seven languages, and—depending on the day—can be found researching media ethics, producing Indigenous films, or struggling valiantly to make language say the unsayable/write an email. Her work has appeared in The Rumpus, This Magazine, The Toronto Star, and the CBC, and has been reported on in The San Francisco Chronicle and The New York Times.

Svea comes from a creative lineage that includes an Oscar-winning actress, a human rights journalist, and a 17th-century woman beheaded for witchcraft. She lives in Oslo.

Svea Vikander is a researcher and media producer specialising in minority journalism, trauma, and storytelling. An award-winning writer with a background in psychology, she studies journalist safety at the University of the Basque Country, Bilbao, an... Show more

Umakant Kulkarni

Umakant Kulkarni

I am a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer Science at Purdue University. I am advised by Prof. Sonia Fahmy at PurNet Lab. Before joining Purdue, I worked as a Software Engineer at Microsoft, with primary focus on software development, architecture designing and building automation infrastructure for Affirmed Networks' Cloud Native 5G Mobile Core solution. Prior to that, I earned my master’s in Computer Systems Networking & Telecommunications from Northeastern University, Boston, MA.

My research focuses on 5G core networks, Wi-Fi networks, and cloud-computing, leveraging learning-based techniques to optimize their performance. Currently, I am working on reinforcement learning (RL) and large language models (LLMs) to enhance 5G cellular network efficiency amd management.

Research Interests
• Cellular Networks • Cloud Computing • Network Security
• Wi-Fi Networks • Reinforcement Learning • QoE • LLMs

I am a fifth-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer Science at Purdue University. I am advised by Prof. Sonia Fahmy at PurNet Lab. Before joining Purdue, I worked as a Software Engineer at Microsoft, with primary focus on software developm... Show more

Jamie Lewis Smith

Jamie Lewis Smith

Jamie Lewis Smith, PhD (aka, the NeHRd Lady) is passionate about making people managers suck less by providing simple, science-backed actions to transform them into empowering leaders (aka Servant Leaders)! She is the founder and CEO of Pixel Leadership Group, a team of “nerdy, but fun” executive coaches, psychologists, and data analysts who are on a mission to combat toxic cultures and supercharge employee engagement by bridging the gap between the science and practice of leadership. By offering a structured, data-driven methodology to coaching that can be applied at scale, Pixel creates real, sustainable change that turns managers into talent maximizers, builds people-centric organizational cultures, and fosters employee thriving. Jamie has spent her career as a psychologist, human resources leader, coach, and advisor across private sector, nonprofit, and government agencies, working extensively in the technology, higher education, and healthcare industries. She is a contributing member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a published author, and an international speaker on the topics of leadership, assessment, and employee retention.

Jamie Lewis Smith, PhD (aka, the NeHRd Lady) is passionate about making people managers suck less by providing simple, science-backed actions to transform them into empowering leaders (aka Servant Leaders)! She is the founder and CEO of Pixel Leaders... Show more

Anne Goldberg

Anne Goldberg

I'm 72 and I've been teaching seniors how to use smartphones in private and group classes since 2013 in South Florida. I'm a senior teaching seniors! I've just written my book, Take This Phone and Shove It! A Frustrated Senior's Guide to Smartphones. I'm an author, speaker, teacher and muse to seniors. I want all elders to know they are old enough to have a past and young enough to have a future - at any age!

I'm 72 and I've been teaching seniors how to use smartphones in private and group classes since 2013 in South Florida. I'm a senior teaching seniors! I've just written my book, Take This Phone and Shove It! A Frustrated Senior's Guide to Smartphones.... Show more

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