I was on television at 6. Produced my first event at 11.
I’ve been in this game for a while—and I’ve never stopped watching how humans behave when the cameras are off.

Today, I lead CDH Tech Global, based in Miami and working worldwide.
I speak at conferences, lead trainings, and collaborate with governments, creative teams, marketing leaders, and C-Level decision makers who are done with recycled strategies.

I’ve received international awards in innovation, strategy, and creativity, across diverse industries and cultural contexts.

💔 Human connection, tech & emotional dynamics

Ghosting (emotional, professional, cultural)

Broken bonds and the role of tech

Love in the age of algorithms

Honest communication vs. branded connection

How we treat each other when the spotlight’s gone

🧭 MICE, events, audiences & the new consumer

Event formats that actually work (the rest are noise)

What’s really shifting in MICE & business travel

Innovation in events: from spectacle to substance

The new consumer and their precision bullshit filter

Audiences that evolve faster than your strategy deck

I’ve spoken at:
SITE Global, DisruptFest, Wonder Women Tech (California), Marketing Day Digital (closing keynote), WIN Mastermind, and more.
Also featured in media like EBTV, LATV, Sonríe Miami, and digital platforms.

I don’t speak to entertain.
I speak to move something.
And when that happens, the event doesn’t end when the lights go off.

I was on television at 6. Produced my first event at 11. I’ve been in this game for a while—and I’ve never stopped watching how humans behave when the cameras are off. Today, I lead CDH Tech Global, based in Miami and working worldwide. I speak ... Show more

Quinn Grace is a Data Scientist who:
* Is very Autistic, but pretends not to be for survival
* Loves anime and gaming
* Made the SA National debating team twice and the Western Cape provincial debating team four times

Quinn Grace is a Data Scientist who: * Is very Autistic, but pretends not to be for survival * Loves anime and gaming * Made the SA National debating team twice and the Western Cape provincial debating team four times Show more

Joselyn’s work bridges clinical practice, creative expression, and research, with a focus on serving inner-city communities in Boston, Cambridge, and Brockton. She has facilitated expressive arts programs in hospitals, museums, schools, and nonprofits—using storytelling, visual arts, and poetry to foster connection, voice, and emotional healing. As a national and international speaker, Joselyn has presented on mental health, expressive therapies, and community-based healing across conferences and institutions. She is the author of a published thesis and a debut poetry book, A Voice Written Through Graffiti, which explores narrative as a form of resistance, reflection, and restoration.

In parallel, she leads The Wellness Portfolio, a mental health and consultation space offering expressive arts resources, seasonal toolkits, workshops, and culturally responsive programming for individuals, communities, and organizations. Her work is grounded in the belief that healing happens through voice, visibility, and the stories we choose to tell.

Signature Topics:
Storytelling as a Healing Practice
Creative Arts for Community Wellness
Culturally Responsive Mental Health
Trauma-Informed Expressive Therapy
Empowering Youth through Art & Voice

Joselyn’s work bridges clinical practice, creative expression, and research, with a focus on serving inner-city communities in Boston, Cambridge, and Brockton. She has facilitated expressive arts programs in hospitals, museums, schools, and nonprofit... Show more

Alexandra “Allie” Hartman is a change strategist, organizational psychologist and AI transformation leader who helps organizations make better decisions in environments where technology moves faster than understanding. She serves on the ACMP Global Board of Directors, is the Founder and Principal of The Change Curiosity Lab and leads AI Transformation and Change at AgileOne, where she equips practitioners and leaders with practical, curiosity-driven tools to navigate AI-enabled work.

Allie’s career spans enterprise transformation and human-centered design. She brings a rare blend of change management, AI, psychology, business analytics and project management to her work, along with advanced certifications including CCMP™, MCMP™, Prosci, Kotter and Agile Change Leadership.

Her frameworks are grounded in data and built for real-world pressure: reducing cognitive overload, strengthening leadership credibility and accelerating adoption of AI and digital capabilities. She translates complex technology into clear, human-centered action and supports teams through the messy middle of change.

Across her work, Allie focuses on one core idea: curiosity is not a soft skill. It is a practical leadership system for an AI-native world.

Alexandra “Allie” Hartman is a change strategist, organizational psychologist and AI transformation leader who helps organizations make better decisions in environments where technology moves faster than understanding. She serves on the ACMP Global B... Show more

Diane Darling is a consultant, keynote speaker, instructor, and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in researching, developing, and educating on the role of professional networking strategies in individual career development and business performance.

Considered a trailblazer in the field of social networking, she was commissioned by McGraw-Hill to pen the authoritative book on networking in 2003, titled The Networking Survival Guide - a feat accomplished prior to the advent of social media giants such as Facebook or LinkedIn. The book proved to be immensely popular, with a second printing ordered within just 90 days of its release. Her works have collectively been translated into nine different languages, attesting to their global impact and appeal.

Today, she remains deeply passionate about writing and channels this passion through her newsletter, The Net Effect.

Diane Darling is a consultant, keynote speaker, instructor, and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in researching, developing, and educating on the role of professional networking strategies in individual career development and busines... Show more

Steffen M. Schumacher is an expert in communication, education, and sustainability based in Kiel, Germany. As a systemic Coach, consultant, speaker, and founder, he supports companies in their journey toward sustainable transformation. His focus is on fostering communication and educational processes to enable change at every level.

His mission is to make people visible—on equal footing, whether in professional contexts, within teams, or on stage. With years of experience as a teacher and a hands-on practitioner, he creates spaces for knowledge sharing and drives sustainable change processes that work from the inside out.

Through his start-up, ID4C.org, he connects personal and organizational development to achieve sustainable business goals through the intrinsic motivation of employees. As a speaker, he inspires audiences with insights on communication and sustainability, regularly sharing his expertise in professional publications.

Steffen M. Schumacher is an expert in communication, education, and sustainability based in Kiel, Germany. As a systemic Coach, consultant, speaker, and founder, he supports companies in their journey toward sustainable transformation. His focus is o... Show more

Joe Azzopardi (PhD) is a keynote speaker who helps leaders understand and navigate generational tension in the workplace. He delivers high-impact sessions that unpack why teams misfire across age groups and what leaders can do to strengthen retention, collaboration, and performance. Drawing on cutting-edge generational research and practical frontline insights, Joe equips audiences with actionable tools to lead and communicate effectively across the generations.

Joe Azzopardi (PhD) is a keynote speaker who helps leaders understand and navigate generational tension in the workplace. He delivers high-impact sessions that unpack why teams misfire across age groups and what leaders can do to strengthen retention... Show more

Traci Adedeji, CPCU, ARM, API, AIDA, is a nationally recognized insurance leader, educator, and keynote speaker known for blending expertise, empowerment, and real-world insight. With nearly 40 years in the industry, she helps audiences navigate the intersection of risk, leadership, technology, and human behavior with clarity and humor.

As President of Positive Paradigm Group and VP of Advisor Services at Litmus Risk Solutions, Traci drives transformation across personal lines advisory, digital innovation, and client experience. She’s also a sought-after CliftonStrengths coach who has facilitated sessions for organizations including Meals on Wheels, United Way, the Rhode Island Bar Association, the RI Black Business Association, and the Audubon Society.

A frequent speaker at conferences such as In2Risk, CPCU Society events, and leadership summits nationwide, Traci is known for inspiring professionals to lead boldly, embrace change, and unlock their superpowers.

Traci Adedeji, CPCU, ARM, API, AIDA, is a nationally recognized insurance leader, educator, and keynote speaker known for blending expertise, empowerment, and real-world insight. With nearly 40 years in the industry, she helps audiences navigate the ... Show more

Jessica Katz is passionate about the development of consent-filled environments, accelerating organizational growth, and enhancing effective leadership. She leverages her deep expertise in navigating complex, non-traditional relationships to revolutionize the world of work and champion diversity of thought. Specializing in establishing clear boundaries and effective communication, she provides strategic guidance to leaders tackling challenging workplace dynamics, ensuring mutual respect and maximizing productivity within their teams.

Jessica Katz is passionate about the development of consent-filled environments, accelerating organizational growth, and enhancing effective leadership. She leverages her deep expertise in navigating complex, non-traditional relationships to revoluti... Show more

Celina is a software developer, educator, and artist based in Argentina. She teaches private programming classes and hands-on workshops where she helps beginners build confidence with technology from the very first step. Her work blends technical depth with a strong understanding of how people learn, especially those with little or no digital background.

She has experience in backend development, educational tools, and introductory programming training. Across all her projects, she focuses on clarity, accessibility, and meaningful learning experiences. Celina is passionate about bridging the gap between technical knowledge and human understanding — whether through teaching, building tools, or creating content for new learners.

Outside of engineering, she explores dance and visual arts, which influence her creative approach to problem-solving and communication. She believes that technical work benefits from intuition, empathy, and the courage to experiment.

Celina is a software developer, educator, and artist based in Argentina. She teaches private programming classes and hands-on workshops where she helps beginners build confidence with technology from the very first step. Her work blends technical dep... Show more

I am a passionate data scientist and software developer with a strong background in machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, dashboards, graph data science, and full-stack development. I thrive on turning data into actionable insights and creating software solutions that drive business success.

Awards:
* Google Developer Expert in AI
* Winner: International Data Visualization Competition
* Top Contributor: AA Idea Rally
* Hall of Famer: Hacktoberfest

I am a passionate data scientist and software developer with a strong background in machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, dashboards, graph data science, and full-stack development. I thrive on turning data into actionabl... Show more

Hi! I'm Smile :D!

I'm a curious and driven problem solver who enjoys building smart, efficient solutions that improve how things work behind the scenes.💡 I find real satisfaction in digging into complex issues, streamlining processes, and writing clean, reliable code that makes a difference.

I enjoy working with others and believe some of the best ideas come from collaboration 💙 but I’m just as comfortable rolling up my sleeves and tackling things on my own. I thrive in environments where I’m challenged, surrounded by great people, and always learning something new.📚

For me, it’s all about learning, growing, and making things better together. ✨🚀

Hi! I'm Smile :D! I'm a curious and driven problem solver who enjoys building smart, efficient solutions that improve how things work behind the scenes.💡 I find real satisfaction in digging into complex issues, streamlining processes, and writin... Show more

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating for ethical AI design, she has a focus on building inclusive technology that brings positive societal impact.

Micaela Dixon is a Senior Product Designer for AI & Growth at Picsart. As an AI Product Designer, Micaela is skilled in navigating challenges like data collection, model training and ensuring transparency in user interactions through UX. Advocating f... Show more

I spent several years working in large companies in different areas (business development, marketing, sourcing, organization, digital innovation) measuring myself in different fields, from software simulation and validation, to strategic sourcing and finally to organizational methodologies. In these experiences I was able to put into practice what I learned in my studies and learn new things using my ability to see and my propensity to think out of the box. Now is the time to help companies improve themselves by providing them with an external, competent and sometimes visionary, point of view. That's why I decided to take care of companies, and even before the people who make them live, from outside as a consultant.

I spent several years working in large companies in different areas (business development, marketing, sourcing, organization, digital innovation) measuring myself in different fields, from software simulation and validation, to strategic sourcing and... Show more

I am passionate about empowering Women in Technology, a champion of Neurodiversity, Accessibility, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and improving culture in the workplace. I love supporting women in technology and working towards creating impact and giving back to their communities in a small way.

I am passionate about empowering Women in Technology, a champion of Neurodiversity, Accessibility, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and improving culture in the workplace. I love supporting women in technology and working towards creating impact and gi... Show more

Nonso Ohakwe is the Business Operations Manager at Waza, a fintech infrastructure company powering cross-border B2B payments and liquidity for African businesses. At Waza, he leads critical work across partner onboarding, compliance, OTC readiness, and cross-functional execution—ensuring partners are onboarded with speed, structure, and scale.

Nonso’s professional journey spans fintech, legal-tech, policy, and social impact. He has worked with over a dozen justice-focused startups across Nigeria, helping them define their customer segments, validate solutions, and launch to market. As a facilitator at Hill’s Justice Entrepreneurship School, he has coached startups tackling issues from land transactions and domestic violence to electoral accountability and legal transparency.

Throughout his career, Nonso has been deeply invested in systems-thinking, strategy, and building operational frameworks that scale. He’s led initiatives on KYC/KYB compliance flows, managed multi-stakeholder partnerships, and advised founders on process automation and market positioning. His work often blends legal insight with operational execution and strategic storytelling.

Whether he’s onboarding fintech partners, coaching startup founders, or scaling internal systems, Nonso brings a structured, mission-aligned, and detail-driven approach to every room he walks into.

Nonso Ohakwe is the Business Operations Manager at Waza, a fintech infrastructure company powering cross-border B2B payments and liquidity for African businesses. At Waza, he leads critical work across partner onboarding, compliance, OTC readiness, a... Show more

Tori Brenneison is a senior software developer and former art historian whose mission in life is to serve as a warning to others. With her background in enterprise software development and technical education, Tori has built a reputation for modernizing solutions, developing impactful web applications, and mentoring the next generation of developers. Beyond her technical skills, she is deeply committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and servant leadership in the tech community.

Tori’s wide-ranging experience and dynamic teaching style make her a compelling conference speaker and workshop facilitator. When she's not at her keyboard, you might find her hiking, petting strange cats she found on the street, or admiring her collection of midcentury bakeware. Best to approach her in the wild with a sacrificial cup of coffee, and be forewarned: she's a hugger.

Tori Brenneison is a senior software developer and former art historian whose mission in life is to serve as a warning to others. With her background in enterprise software development and technical education, Tori has built a reputation for moderniz... Show more

Indra is a postdoctoral fellow in applied mathematics at the University College Dublin, Ireland, working on all things "dynamical systems". He takes a computational approach to tackle complex problems, and his current research is focused on understanding collective behaviour exhibited by coupled neurons. He is an avid Python user and has been a speaker at multiple Python-related conferences before. More information can be found in his website: https://indrag49.github.io/.

Indra is a postdoctoral fellow in applied mathematics at the University College Dublin, Ireland, working on all things "dynamical systems". He takes a computational approach to tackle complex problems, and his current research is focused on understan... Show more

Kevin Smyth has a PhD in genetics and has helped thousands of scientists communicate their work. He is now building AI tools for science communication.

Kevin Smyth has a PhD in genetics and has helped thousands of scientists communicate their work. He is now building AI tools for science communication. Show more

DeAngelo Burse is a behavioral scientist, TEDx speaker, and author whose groundbreaking work explores how humans can actively shape their lives within the constraints of nature and nurture. Through his pioneering Nature, Nurture, Nimble framework, he masterfully blends social psychology, narrative identity, and behavioral flexibility to guide individuals and organizations from stagnation to flourishing.

As the creator of the Design-You Method™ and author of Yours to Design: Constructing a Life That Is Meaningful, DeAngelo transforms complex behavioral insights into powerful, accessible tools for transformation. His unique approach integrates psychology, philosophy, and psychotherapy to help people overcome limiting environments, unhelpful inner narratives, and inherited psychological patterns that hold them back.

DeAngelo brings exceptional depth to his role as an adjunct professor of psychology, teaching across diverse disciplines—social, personality, and theology-integrated psychology—at respected institutions including Montreat College and Abilene Christian University. His academic rigor seamlessly translates into real-world application, making him a sought-after speaker whose sessions are renowned for their clarity, inspiration, and transformative impact.

His thought leadership extends from TEDx Southlake to keynote engagements at healthcare giants like Atrium Health and international summits in Canada. Whether addressing corporate leaders, students, or healthcare teams, DeAngelo's presentations consistently deliver science-backed strategies for personal growth, purposeful leadership, and narrative transformation.

Through his podcast Social Curiosity, DeAngelo explores the compelling stories, mindsets, and psychology behind human behavior and transformation, further establishing himself as a passionate communicator who empowers others to become transformative agents in their own lives and organizations. His innovative approach helps audiences reframe identity, ignite intrinsic motivation, and become catalysts for meaningful change in an ever-evolving world.

DeAngelo Burse is a behavioral scientist, TEDx speaker, and author whose groundbreaking work explores how humans can actively shape their lives within the constraints of nature and nurture. Through his pioneering Nature, Nurture, Nimble framework, he... Show more

Harrison Crawford, LPC LIAC - Harrison has worked in the field of mental health for 15 years and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with additional licensure focused on addictive disorders. Harrison has a passion for working with fathers through direct services and helping systems implement gender-responsive and trauma-informed programming. Harrison completed his graduate work at Argosy University in Phoenix, earning Master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Sport-Exercise Psychology. Harrison lives in Gilbert, Arizona with his wife, Jenna, and two children, Grayson and Kinsley.

Harrison Crawford, LPC LIAC - Harrison has worked in the field of mental health for 15 years and is a Licensed Professional Counselor with additional licensure focused on addictive disorders. Harrison has a passion for working with fathers through di... Show more

Phil Ledgerwood’s resumé looks like seven other people’s resumés stitched together. He has baked bagels, guarded Clint Black’s town home, cooked for a gourmet food shop, freed stuck college students from elevators, managed printing plates for packaging, and served as a linguist in the Air Force. He taught himself HTML when the Netscape browser was still a thing, and the rest is history.

Phil is a twenty-year veteran of the software development industry in the Kansas City area. If you’re in the Kansas City area, he is two degrees of separation away from any programmer you know and has probably worked for, at, or with your company.

When the agile movement hit town, Phil knew a good thing when he saw it and became an early adopter of first wave agile practices. He has used these practices to ideate, build, and complete software projects ranging from loan forecasting to routing irrigation trucks to managing pharmacies to predictive lead generation to selling teddy bears. When people ask what vertical his company serves, he says, “Yours.”

Phil has incorporated Lean methodologies into software development just like his father used to do in manufacturing. When he partnered with Travis Dietz to start Integrity Inspired Solutions in 2012, they laid the foundation in Lean to make the custom software development enterprise more humane, predictable, and focused on the success of everyone involved.

A regular speaker at developer, Lean, and Agile conferences, Phil has a passion for taking his company’s ways to other companies whether they create software or not. He loves to see them transform from a collection of interactions riddled with disappointments and broken promises to team-oriented relational companies enjoying newfound trust, joy, efficiency, and success. Several companies from all over the world in all different industries contract Phil to help coach them through their own journeys. He also hosts the successful "Agile Bites" podcast.

When he’s not helping project managers learn predictive metrics or helping developers write customer-focused features, he’s enjoying a wide array of highly geeky hobbies including fantasy and sci-fi novels, gaming, and teaching Filipino stick fighting. His main hobby is making the world a better place for everyone who has to share the planet with him, and the engine for that is love.

Phil Ledgerwood’s resumé looks like seven other people’s resumés stitched together. He has baked bagels, guarded Clint Black’s town home, cooked for a gourmet food shop, freed stuck college students from elevators, managed printing plates for packagi... Show more

Luís Miguel Cerqueira is a Program Manager and communicator passionate about shaping the future of work. With a career built across Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, and Program Management in tech, he currently leads initiatives that connect purpose, people, and performance across international teams. Known for his sharp storytelling and human-centered approach, Luís challenges traditional views on hiring, leadership, and career development — inspiring organizations to build spaces where belonging drives results. A Toastmasters speaker and creative strategist, he turns complex ideas into relatable stories that move people to think, feel, and act differently.

Luís Miguel Cerqueira is a Program Manager and communicator passionate about shaping the future of work. With a career built across Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, and Program Management in tech, he currently leads initiatives that connect... Show more

I work as a Cloud Platform Engineer at iFood, integrating the SRE (Site Reliability Engineering) ecosystem and providing cloud infrastructure resources to over 5,000 developers. I currently participate in the Platform project, contributing to the development of the internal engineering platform. In this context, I use technologies such as Golang, microservices, Temporal Workflow, and infrastructure as code.

I have extensive experience in Cloud Native technologies, cloud computing, and microservices-oriented architectures. My expertise includes migrating workloads to containers, implementing CI/CD (Continuous Integration and Delivery) pipelines, orchestrating and defining applications in Kubernetes, and applying observability practices, including traces, logs, and metrics. I have extensive experience in infrastructure as code, process automation, and DevSecOps practices, focusing on adopting standards for provisioning, configuring, and maintaining scalable and secure platforms.

I was one of the people responsible for building the Celeste Platform—Magalu Cloud's internal infrastructure platform. In this project, I led the implementation of the observability solution, encompassing over 30 services and enabling AZ/DC for customers.

I am a CNCF Ambassador and Docker Captain, actively involved in open source projects such as Kubernetes, and promote the dissemination of Cloud Native technologies through articles, lectures, workshops, and technical events. I also participate in the organization of DevOpsDays Belo Horizonte.

I work as a Cloud Platform Engineer at iFood, integrating the SRE (Site Reliability Engineering) ecosystem and providing cloud infrastructure resources to over 5,000 developers. I currently participate in the Platform project, contributing to the dev... Show more

Gemma Astafanous works at the intersection of human performance and embodied intelligence. With a background in corporate project leadership, she bridges structured, results-driven approaches with somatic practices that help people move beyond stress and mental overload into clarity, creativity, and grounded presence.

Her work combines breathwork, movement, and nervous system regulation to create practical tools for developers, leaders, and innovators navigating high-pressure environments. For Gemma, embodiment is about “debugging the noise” — learning to listen to the body’s signals as another system of intelligence, just as vital as logic and code.

Through global workshops, coaching, and group programs, she has supported individuals and teams in releasing unproductive patterns, strengthening resilience, and showing up with authenticity and impact. Splitting her time between the UK and Mexico, Gemma brings a grounded yet human-centered perspective to tech spaces, making wellbeing as integral as performance in building the future.

Gemma Astafanous works at the intersection of human performance and embodied intelligence. With a background in corporate project leadership, she bridges structured, results-driven approaches with somatic practices that help people move beyond stress... Show more

Meet Robert McNair, the high-energy public speaker with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Robert's dynamic presentation skills and deep knowledge of cloud technology make him one of the most sought-after speakers in the field.

As a software developer, Robert quickly rose to become a respected leader in the industry. With his extensive experience in successful cloud migrations and implementations, Robert has established himself as a true expert in the field.

But what really sets Robert apart is his unique ability to make complex technical concepts easy to understand for all audiences. With his motivational speaking style, he inspires and connects with audiences in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

Robert's dedication to excellence has led him to become John Maxwell Certified in effective communication and leadership. This training has given him a unique perspective on the importance of cloud technology and its impact on the future.

Whether speaking at conferences, workshops, or corporate events, Robert's passion for technology and his engaging personality make him a crowd favorite. He is dedicated to educating others on the latest trends and innovations in cloud technology, and his commitment to excellence is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who hear him speak.

Book Robert for your next event and experience the energy and expertise that have made him a top speaker in the IT industry.

Meet Robert McNair, the high-energy public speaker with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Robert's dynamic presentation skills and deep knowledge of cloud technology make him one of the most sought-after speakers in the field. As a s... Show more

Lorne Epstein, SHRM-SCP, MSOD, is a social scientist, keynote, and Vistage speaker who consults with senior leaders on improving decision-making outcomes by reducing biases. Over 60,000 professionals have taken his workshops worldwide. He has been quoted in Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Christian Science Monitor, and other publications. His research focuses on improving decision-making and reducing the impacts of bias in the workplace. Lorne has been leading experiential workshops since 1993. His book, You're Hired! Interview Skills to Get the Job has been downloaded over a half-million times worldwide. Lorne is currently studying cognitive neuroscience at the master’s level at George Mason University. He was admitted to the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Psi Chi, The National Honor Society of Psychology.

Lorne Epstein, SHRM-SCP, MSOD, is a social scientist, keynote, and Vistage speaker who consults with senior leaders on improving decision-making outcomes by reducing biases. Over 60,000 professionals have taken his workshops worldwide. He has been qu... Show more

Ricky Tucker is a Senior UX/UI designer for Louisiana's Office of Technology Services. In addition to contributing to the state's Design System, Pelican, he works daily with state agencies to develop digital products with the goal of improving the lives of Louisiana residents. Ricky holds certifications from Meta and Google, as was well as the W3Cx Introduction to Web Accessibility certificate.

Ricky Tucker is a Senior UX/UI designer for Louisiana's Office of Technology Services. In addition to contributing to the state's Design System, Pelican, he works daily with state agencies to develop digital products with the goal of improving the li... Show more

Cindy Gross is a leadership clarity coach who helps women and non-binary leaders in tech lead with courage, clarity, and confidence. A former Microsoft data and cloud architect with 25+ years in enterprise tech, she knows firsthand what it means to thrive in high-pressure, male-dominated environments—while carrying the emotional labor of being “the only one.”

Now, as the founder of Befriending Dragons, Cindy supports underestimated leaders who are ready to stop shape-shifting to survive and start leading from their full selves. She blends systems thinking, equity-centered coaching, and lived experience to help clients navigate burnout, bias, and big decisions with grounded insight and practical strategy. Her work invites leaders to reclaim their voice, set powerful boundaries, and lead in ways that are both effective and deeply aligned.

Cindy’s keynotes and workshops have sparked reflection and change in tech teams, leadership cohorts, coaching communities, and public sector organizations. She speaks with sharp insight, mythic perspective, and deep compassion for what it really takes to lead when the system wasn’t built for you. Her message is simple and powerful: you’re not broken. You get to lead as your full self—and when you do, you change everything.

Cindy Gross is a leadership clarity coach who helps women and non-binary leaders in tech lead with courage, clarity, and confidence. A former Microsoft data and cloud architect with 25+ years in enterprise tech, she knows firsthand what it means to t... Show more