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

Maria Papacosta is a leading expert and researcher on Presence and Inspired Leadership and an acclaimed personal branding strategist. Her practical, high-energy talks and workshops provide tangible results that help people design a better version of themselves and excel in their work and life. Maria is the co-founder of MSC Marketing Bureau. Her branding strategies have helped some of the leading thinkers of our time to spread their messages and make an impact.

Maria holds a Specialization degree in Inspired Leadership from Case Western Reserve University in the US, an MSc in Strategic Marketing from Aston University in the UK and a BSc in Social Policy and Marketing from London Metropolitan University in the UK.

She is a Certified Visionary Leadership Coach (OKVLC), an NLP Associate Practitioner, and a certified Practitioner of the Global Leadership Assessment (GLA360 Assessment).

Maria is a TED and TEDx Speaker Coach & Curator and has delivered keynotes in Universities and Fortune500 companies around the world.

In 2021, 2022 and 2023 Maria’s Fast Track Strategy Workshop was ranked as #2 of the World’s Best Brand Development Programs by Global Gurus. Maria has been recognized in the Top100 Global Inspirational Leaders by PeopleHum (2021), Top50 Emerging Leaders by LeadersHum (2022), Top10 Global Thought Leaders in Personal Branding by Thinkers360, was a finalist for the 2021 Global Women in Leadership Award by She Inspires in the UK, and was awarded the 2022 CREA Global Award - a prestigious list of top entrepreneurs and thought-leaders who have used their initiative and creative vision to become true game-changers. Maria is also a LinkedIn Top Voice in Leadership Development.

Maria Papacosta is a leading expert and researcher on Presence and Inspired Leadership and an acclaimed personal branding strategist. Her practical, high-energy talks and workshops provide tangible results that help people design a better version of ... Show more

Valeria is a multilingual linguistic mediator, translator, and dedicated Agilist with a proven track record in fostering collaboration and driving digital transformation. Her diverse professional journey spans multiple fields and continents—from Europe to Asia—where she has successfully adapted Agile practices to varied cultural and organizational contexts.

Currently, Valeria is spearheading the implementation of Agile methodologies at one of Spain’s leading telecommunications companies, enabling teams to thrive in a fast-paced, digitally transforming environment. She excels at crafting tailored solutions that bridge cultural differences, fostering inclusivity, and maximizing the impact of Agile frameworks in multicultural settings.

Passionate about the intersection of agility and cultural diversity, Valeria brings a unique perspective that combines deep linguistic expertise with a commitment to continuous improvement and collaborative success.

Valeria is a multilingual linguistic mediator, translator, and dedicated Agilist with a proven track record in fostering collaboration and driving digital transformation. Her diverse professional journey spans multiple fields and continents—from Euro... Show more

Gianluca Amato, laurea in Scienze dell'Informazione e dottorato in Informatica, è professore di II fascia di Logica Matematica, presso l'Unversità degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara. In passato, sempre presso la stessa università, è stato ricercatore in Informatica. Geek già da tenera età, scrive la sua prima pubblicazione a 13 anni per la compianta rivista "MC Microcomputer".

Gianluca Amato, laurea in Scienze dell'Informazione e dottorato in Informatica, è professore di II fascia di Logica Matematica, presso l'Unversità degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" di Chieti-Pescara. In passato, sempre presso la stessa università, è stat... Show more

Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Reverend, Dr. Pamela Adams is the Director of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain at Delaware State University. A true Southern Belle at heart, she stands on the values of faith, family, friendship and fried chicken! She served proudly in the United States Air Force for 9 1⁄2 years, while simultaneously matriculating through Seminary and obtaining undergraduate, graduate and terminal degrees in Theology. An expert in the arena of spiritual rehabilitation with over 15 years of experience, she has received training in Clinical Pastoral Education and Family Advocacy at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital, as well as certification in Christian Counseling through the National Christian Counselors Association of Sarasota, Florida. Chaplain Pam also serves as Spiritual Advisor at the Maryland Center for Addiction Treatment. In this role, she oversees the spiritual aspect of treatment through group and individual sessions, weekly non- denominational worship services, and community engagement. She is also the Owner and Principal Facilitator for Faithful & Favored, Inc., a multi-platform lifestyle management firm providing spiritual and emotional maintenance. She has a great listening ear and is available to assist individuals and families on their spiritual and emotional journeys.

Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Reverend, Dr. Pamela Adams is the Director of Spiritual Life and University Chaplain at Delaware State University. A true Southern Belle at heart, she stands on the values of faith, family, friendship an... Show more

Design and research expert in developer experiences.

Design and research expert in developer experiences. Show more

Step into a journey of transformation where your potential is the compass and your growth is the destination. As an executive coach, business coach, facilitator, and storyteller, I am here not to spotlight myself, but to illuminate your path to leadership excellence.

Drawing from the esteemed Marshall Goldsmith executive coaching methodology, I guide leaders like you through a process rooted in courage, humility, and discipline. Together, we embark on a holistic journey where every challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, every setback a stepping stone to success.

In our collaborative coaching sessions, we don't just craft a plan; we co-create a roadmap to your best self. By delving deep, we uncover limiting beliefs, nurture positive behaviors, and foster a culture of vulnerability and growth. It's about embracing your vulnerabilities, seeking assistance when needed, and charting a course toward your aspirations.

If you're prepared to unlock your full potential, embrace change wholeheartedly, and carve out a path aligned with your deepest ambitions, I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we'll celebrate every milestone, navigate every challenge, and sculpt a future where your leadership shines brightly.

Step into a journey of transformation where your potential is the compass and your growth is the destination. As an executive coach, business coach, facilitator, and storyteller, I am here not to spotlight myself, but to illuminate your path to leade... Show more

I fell in love with tech trying to understand the minds working behind the code. I studied a master's in cognitive sciences applied to computational thinking, I also hold a master's in HR and currently, I am studying behavioral sciences through primatology (yes! monkeys).
The scientific approach has greatly benefited my partnering with tech leads, allowing me to collaborate with them in understanding their team's behavior from the roots of our humanity, avoiding clichés and abstract theories.

I fell in love with tech trying to understand the minds working behind the code. I studied a master's in cognitive sciences applied to computational thinking, I also hold a master's in HR and currently, I am studying behavioral sciences through prima... Show more

Administrador de Empresas, con Postgrado en Business Agility & Digital Transformation Management en Centrum PUCP y con Especialización en Gestión de Personas.

04 acompañando, trabajando y guiando a las personas hacia la Agilidad, operando como agente de cambio y colaborando en levantar impedimentos para la Transformación Cultural & Organizacional. Mi experiencia abarca sectores de Banca y Finanzas, Seguros y Retail, en países como Perú, México y Puerto Rico.

Administrador de Empresas, con Postgrado en Business Agility & Digital Transformation Management en Centrum PUCP y con Especialización en Gestión de Personas. 04 acompañando, trabajando y guiando a las personas hacia la Agilidad, operando como ag... Show more

Científico Forense con un enfoque especial en investigación, análisis de datos y seguridad de la información. He demostrado de manera consistente mi compromiso con el avance de la ciencia impartiendo platicas y talleres de manera accesible.
Destacando mis participaciones en eventos organizados por la Universidad de Guadalajara.

Tengo una iniciativa llamada Mictlan Forensic, la cual consiste a llevar platicas científicas dadas por expertos a puntos inusuales como lo son bares y parques.

Científico Forense con un enfoque especial en investigación, análisis de datos y seguridad de la información. He demostrado de manera consistente mi compromiso con el avance de la ciencia impartiendo platicas y talleres de manera accesible. Destacan... Show more

I have a background in economics and social entrepreneurship. I began my career working with a grassroots organisation in Calcutta, India, where I surveyed climate migration patterns and assessed the electrification needs of urban slum settlements. Previously, I held roles at organisations such as the Carbon Tracker Initiative (a London-based climate think tank), Agami (a non-profit based in India supporting innovation in law and justice ), and Ashoka Innovators for the Public (global philanthropy supporting social entrepreneurs around the world), where I focused on addressing systemic inequality, promoting social innovation, and shaping climate policy in South Asia.

My interest in critical minerals began during my Master’s studies in Ecological Economics, where I explored the just transition aspects of the Green New Deal.

I have a background in economics and social entrepreneurship. I began my career working with a grassroots organisation in Calcutta, India, where I surveyed climate migration patterns and assessed the electrification needs of urban slum settlements. P... Show more

I love mathematics, coffee, software and talking long walks off short piers.

I love mathematics, coffee, software and talking long walks off short piers. Show more

My background in UI/UX Design with 4+ years of experience enables me to bridge the gap between design and functionality, ensuring that the end product meets both user expectations and technical requirements. This multidisciplinary knowledge allows me to effectively collaborate with designers, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the development lifecycle.

My background in UI/UX Design with 4+ years of experience enables me to bridge the gap between design and functionality, ensuring that the end product meets both user expectations and technical requirements. This multidisciplinary knowledge allows me... Show more

Tech Entrepreneur who is passionate about building software that solves real problems.

Tech Entrepreneur who is passionate about building software that solves real problems. Show more

Fadi Khoury is a seasoned professional with a passion for innovation and a drive for excellence in the field of technology. Fadi is a distinguished Senior Director of Digital Transformation at Integral Tech Group, bringing over two decades of invaluable experience in the realm of Digital Transformation to his role. With a robust background in leading Agile transformations, Fadi has proven himself as a visionary at navigating complex digital landscapes and established himself as a dynamic leader and problem-solver.

Before his tenure at Integral Tech Group, Fadi served as an Agile Transformation Leader at Ford Motor Company, where his strategic insights and leadership played a pivotal role in driving organizational change and innovation. His tenure at Ford was marked by significant contributions to the company's Agile journey, setting the stage for streamlined processes and enhanced project delivery.

Prior to his role at Ford, Fadi held key positions in renowned institutions, including leading the IT Project Office at Ford Motor Credit Company, where he honed his project management skills and fostered a culture of excellence. His tenure as a Process Consultant at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange further enriched his expertise in optimizing IT processes, while his role as an Application Architect at Web Soft Corporation provided him with a deep understanding of software architecture and development.

Fadi's academic credentials further underscore his commitment to excellence. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Oklahoma City University, a Master of Science in Computer Science from Wayne State University, and a Doctorate in Management Information Technology from Lawrence Technological University. This blend of academic rigor and practical experience positions Fadi as a thought leader in the digital transformation space.

In his current role at Integral Tech Group, Fadi continues to drive digital innovation and transformation, leveraging his wealth of experience and expertise to help organizations navigate the complexities of the digital age. With a relentless focus on delivering value and driving change, Fadi Khoury remains at the forefront of shaping the future of technology-enabled business solutions.

Fadi Khoury is a seasoned professional with a passion for innovation and a drive for excellence in the field of technology. Fadi is a distinguished Senior Director of Digital Transformation at Integral Tech Group, bringing over two decades of invalua... Show more

Robert Batts III is a proud, married father of five children. He is a Fatherhood Specialist with Child Development Resources and has experience as a NRFA Panel 1 member, 24/7 Dad graduate and Legacy Dad alumni. His role with Child Development Resources’ Fatherhood FIRE Program allows him to live his passion which is helping others. Robert is a leader, mentor, and facilitator of “Great Dads” who he has successfully helped to become better communicators and committed fathers. Robert says that he does this by helping them to create “subtle shifts and tune ups or tuning out the ways we think.”

Robert Batts III is a proud, married father of five children. He is a Fatherhood Specialist with Child Development Resources and has experience as a NRFA Panel 1 member, 24/7 Dad graduate and Legacy Dad alumni. His role with Child Development Resourc... Show more

Em Wilson is a current member of the Air National Guard and a Senior People & Talent Specialist at CivicActions.

Em Wilson is a current member of the Air National Guard and a Senior People & Talent Specialist at CivicActions. Show more

Passionné de la technologie

Passionné de la technologie Show more

Humanist Engineer. Organizational Coach and Consultant. He is passionated about working with people where he finds generate organizations more agile and resilients.

Humanist Engineer. Organizational Coach and Consultant. He is passionated about working with people where he finds generate organizations more agile and resilients. Show more

Dr. Tia Murry is an influential leader and the Co-Founder of Veridian Christian University (VCU), where she focuses on blending faith with learning to empower students for impactful careers. Dr. Tia is also the Founder of FLI, LLC, where her transformative F.L.I. method (Forgive. Let Go. Initiate.) inspires women to lead balanced, purpose-driven lives. Dr. Tia has a proven record in driving strategic initiatives, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and developing sustainable growth strategies.

A sought-after International Speaker, Dr. Tia has delivered keynotes for universities, nonprofits, and conferences, including the renowned SpeakerCon stage with figures like Les Brown. Her bestselling book, F.L.I. Forgive. Let Go. Initiate., quickly became an Amazon Best Self-Help Short Read, chronicling her journey through personal challenges with courage and resilience.

Recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Tia has received numerous honors, such as the Women of Distinction by the United Nations Global Women Foundation, Women In Management Africa, Champion Leadership Award U.K., and the Lifetime Commitment to Community Service Award.

Dr. Tia's true joy lies in empowering women, advocating for economic advancement, and inspiring audiences through her talks on leadership, faith, and personal growth. Outside of her professional sphere, she is a devoted mother to Derrick, Tamia, and Jazmyn, and a proud grandmother to Amaiah. Her passion for inspiring transformation makes her an invaluable presence at events where she combines authenticity with actionable insights.

Dr. Tia Murry is an influential leader and the Co-Founder of Veridian Christian University (VCU), where she focuses on blending faith with learning to empower students for impactful careers. Dr. Tia is also the Founder of FLI, LLC, where her transfor... Show more

Doctoral researcher at the Department of Geoinformatics - Z_GIS of the University of Salzburg. Part of the research groups Risk, Hazard and Climate and EO Analytics. I focus on the analysis of big Earth observation data to map and monitor landscape dynamics and I am researching the bridge between EO data cubes and temporal GIS for spatio-temporal analyses. I use R for spatial data handling and analysis, automate EO workflows and for scientific writing and visualization.

Doctoral researcher at the Department of Geoinformatics - Z_GIS of the University of Salzburg. Part of the research groups Risk, Hazard and Climate and EO Analytics. I focus on the analysis of big Earth observation data to map and monitor landscape d... Show more

Aleksander Slominski is a Research Staff Member in the Hybrid Cloud Programming Models and Systems department at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center. He works on bringing serverless experience to running HPC and AI workloads in Kubernetes, particpate in open source serverless computing Knative project and presented about building Knative eventing applications during KnativeCon in Kubecon NA 2022. He organizes International Workshops on Serverless Computing (WoSC) to bring together researchers and industry practitioners to discuss their experiences and thoughts on future directions, talk slides are linked from: https://www.serverlesscomputing.org/workshops/

Aleksander Slominski is a Research Staff Member in the Hybrid Cloud Programming Models and Systems department at the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center. He works on bringing serverless experience to running HPC and AI workloads in Kubernetes, particpat... Show more

I’m a second year PhD student in the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University, Australia. Under the guidance of Professor Dianne Cook, Dr. Paul Harrison, Dr. Michael Lydeamore, and Dr. Thiyanga Talagala, my research focuses on developing a novel tool for visualizing how nonlinear reduction warps data. My research interests include computer vision, high-dimensional data visualization, and machine learning. I also find joy in coding and developing software packages.

I’m a second year PhD student in the Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University, Australia. Under the guidance of Professor Dianne Cook, Dr. Paul Harrison, Dr. Michael Lydeamore, and Dr. Thiyanga Talagala, my research foc... Show more

Magnolia Yang Sao Yia, dance artist and scholar, is a Ph.D. candidate in Critical Dance Studies with a Designated Emphasis in Southeast Asian Studies from University of California, Riverside. She holds a BFA in Dance and Minor in Asian American Studies from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her dissertation examines Hmong dance as a site of HMoob identity formation in the U.S. diaspora. Working from a transnational feminist and decolonial praxis, she imagines and works to activate a cultural politic of HMoob belonging and self-determination that is critical of colonial and imperial value systems, especially those that subjugate difference.

Magnolia Yang Sao Yia, dance artist and scholar, is a Ph.D. candidate in Critical Dance Studies with a Designated Emphasis in Southeast Asian Studies from University of California, Riverside. She holds a BFA in Dance and Minor in Asian American Studi... Show more

Especialista em Poder Legislativo e Direito Parlamentar pelo Instituto Legislativo Brasileiro do Senado Federal. Estrategista de Mandato político. Autor do livro Mandato de Valor e coautor do livro Processo legislativo integral + Vade Mecum Legislativo Distrital. Mais de 20 anos de experiência no Poder Legislativo. Atuou por dezesseis anos na Câmara dos Deputados na área de tecnologia onde teve muita vivência com o Poder Legislativo. Em 2013 ingressou por concurso público na Procuradoria Geral do DF. Em 2015, foi para a Câmara Legislativa onde atuou como Assessor Legislativo até 2023.
É professor, mentor, palestrante. Servidor de carreira da Procuradoria do DF.

Especialista em Poder Legislativo e Direito Parlamentar pelo Instituto Legislativo Brasileiro do Senado Federal. Estrategista de Mandato político. Autor do livro Mandato de Valor e coautor do livro Processo legislativo integral + Vade Mecum Legislati... Show more

Marie-Laurence est spécialiste en acquisition de talents chez Gologic, et démontre une passion profonde pour la compréhension du comportement humain. Détentrice d'un baccalauréat en psychologie et d'une expérience en santé mentale, Marie-Laurence a décidé de réorienter sa carrière vers les ressources humaines. Ayant complété une maîtrise en gestion des ressources humaines, elle est devenue une professionnelle RH polyvalente qui s'épanouit en contribuant activement à divers projets. Qu'il s'agisse d'implanter de nouveaux outils, d'élaborer des programmes et des politiques, d'animer des séances de formation ou de participer au marketing RH, Marie-Laurence adore relever des défis et aime apprendre à travers des expériences concrètes.

Marie-Laurence est spécialiste en acquisition de talents chez Gologic, et démontre une passion profonde pour la compréhension du comportement humain. Détentrice d'un baccalauréat en psychologie et d'une expérience en santé mentale, Marie-Laurence a d... Show more

I am a molecular biologist/computational biologist who stumbled upon a data analyst role. I wear three hats at work: I teach data science, genomics and evolution to undergraduates; I study patterns of genetic variation in small mammals to learn about their evolution and demography; I analyse and report on students' educational outcomes and factors that contribute to differential attainment of various groups of students across the entire institution. I also like to cycle.

I am a molecular biologist/computational biologist who stumbled upon a data analyst role. I wear three hats at work: I teach data science, genomics and evolution to undergraduates; I study patterns of genetic variation in small mammals to learn about... Show more

Natasha Welcome is a Professor, speaker, researcher, and education consultant. She is the founder of Metamorphosis Education Consultants which manages organizational transformation. She is a firm believer that business partners can synergize though they do not speak the same language. Therefore, she helps to bridge the language barrier to avoid employers dismissing highly -valued employees or partners because of their language barrier. Her model will help employers to reduce high turnovers and diminish division caused by 'language barriers.'
Her passion is English language acquisition and has served English Language Learners for over 20 years. She has taught English language learners from China, South Korea, Israel, Europe, and several Latin American countries, just to name a few. During her career as an educator, she spent 14 of those years at an International School. Her expertise in this area has emerged in her becoming a consultant to help the integration of English Language Learners in educational institutions and corporate organizations.

Natasha Welcome is a Professor, speaker, researcher, and education consultant. She is the founder of Metamorphosis Education Consultants which manages organizational transformation. She is a firm believer that business partners can synergize though ... Show more

Yujian Tang is a Developer Advocate at Zilliz. He has a background as a software engineer working on AutoML at Amazon. Yujian studied Computer Science, Statistics, and Neuroscience with research papers published to conferences including IEEE Big Data. He enjoys drinking bubble tea, spending time with family, and being near water.

Yujian Tang is a Developer Advocate at Zilliz. He has a background as a software engineer working on AutoML at Amazon. Yujian studied Computer Science, Statistics, and Neuroscience with research papers published to conferences including IEEE Big Data... Show more

I am Ilyar Jabari
I am 41 years old
I have 27 years of artistic activity
Calligraphic painting and graphics
I am a university professor in the field of art

I am Ilyar Jabari I am 41 years old I have 27 years of artistic activity Calligraphic painting and graphics I am a university professor in the field of art Show more