Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Shanne Sowards

Shanne Sowards

Shanne Sowards is the founder and Executive Director of Squires Empowering Young Dads (SEYD), a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping, mentoring, and empowering teen and young fathers. With a deep passion for breaking cycles of fatherlessness, Shanne has built Squires into a trusted community resource where young dads can gain confidence, leadership skills, and a vision for healthy fatherhood.

Drawing from his own experiences as a young father, Shanne understands the unique challenges young dads face and has committed his life to ensuring they are not left behind. Under his leadership, Squires has developed innovative programs like The Knight Project, which combines personal growth with leadership development, giving young fathers opportunities to step into their roles as leaders in their families and communities.

Shanne is widely recognized as a passionate advocate, speaker, and mentor who believes that supporting young fathers strengthens families and transforms communities. His work has given countless young men the tools not only to graduate and achieve stability, but also to build lasting legacies as engaged, intentional dads.

Shanne Sowards is the founder and Executive Director of Squires Empowering Young Dads (SEYD), a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping, mentoring, and empowering teen and young fathers. With a deep passion for breaking cycles of fatherlessness... Show more

Chantal Matthews

Chantal Matthews

Chantal Matthews is a highly sought after Finance Director originally from South Africa but now residing in the UK. After selling her accounting practice, Chantal now focuses on helping companies and individuals manage their financial future with intention and focus. She has years of experience in various financial and management roles in a range of industries. She loves to explain financial fundamentals in an easy-to-understand manner and empower people to take control of their finances. She is also an international author and affectionately known as ‘Hippy Mother’ by her two children. When she’s not number crunching she enjoys time in nature walking her dog or potting in the garden all while devouring books through audible or the latest podcasts episodes.

Chantal Matthews is a highly sought after Finance Director originally from South Africa but now residing in the UK. After selling her accounting practice, Chantal now focuses on helping companies and individuals manage their financial future with int... Show more

Luca Fregoso

Luca Fregoso

Developing since the early 2000s, my passion for networking has led me to manage work teams, projects and training courses. Geek to the core, I am constantly on the lookout for tech news.

Developing since the early 2000s, my passion for networking has led me to manage work teams, projects and training courses. Geek to the core, I am constantly on the lookout for tech news. Show more

Niala Boodhoo

Niala Boodhoo

Niala Boodhoo is the host of Oh God Now What, a weekly podcast and Substack where she talks to religious and spiritual leaders about how to live with the news. A veteran journalist, you can hear her many Fridays hosting 1A's Friday News Roundup on NPR stations across the country. She also works for Religion News Service as their Live Journalism/Events Host and EP. She's worked for news organization including Axios, Reuters and her hometown paper, The Miami Herald.

Niala Boodhoo is the host of Oh God Now What, a weekly podcast and Substack where she talks to religious and spiritual leaders about how to live with the news. A veteran journalist, you can hear her many Fridays hosting 1A's Friday News Roundup on NP... Show more

Fernanda Ochoa O - Mi Vida con Ella Podcast

Fernanda Ochoa O - Mi Vida con Ella Podcast

I'm Fer Ochoa — a digital strategist, content creator, creative director, and audiovisual producer from Mexico, based in Utah, United States. Through my agency 91 Studio, I work with Latino entrepreneurs and business owners to take their brands to the next level — because I understand from the inside what it means to build something of your own in a country that isn't yours.
My story starts with a moment of deep clarity: recognizing my own talents and understanding that no one else was going to come build my dreams for me. Since then, I've dedicated my work to creating paths — for myself and for others.
I'm passionate about finding formulas, tools, and inspiration to help us become our best selves. That search led me to found Mi Vida con Ella ("My Life with Her"), a Spanish-language podcast built around deep conversations with women who have made hard decisions, built businesses, and reinvented themselves. A space created especially for Hispanic women who sometimes feel they don't belong or that their dreams aren't possible — and who need to hear that they are.
Beyond my digital work, I've spoken at local events in Utah, connecting closely with the needs of the Hispanic community and bringing messages of information, motivation, and possibility to those who need it most. For me, the greatest achievement isn't a number — it's the real connection with my community.

I'm Fer Ochoa — a digital strategist, content creator, creative director, and audiovisual producer from Mexico, based in Utah, United States. Through my agency 91 Studio, I work with Latino entrepreneurs and business owners to take their brands to th... Show more

Alexandra Zakharova

Alexandra Zakharova

Alexandra Zakharova is a Senior Partner Solution Architect AI and Apps at Microsoft working closely with partners on AI adoption across the Microsoft Data and AI Platform. She has more than ten years of experience at the intersection of data artificial intelligence and human skills.
She has delivered over three hundred talks and training sessions worldwide and teaches at Sorbonne Nouvelle University. She is also a published author and frequently speaks about how data and AI professionals can remain relevant creative and irreplaceable in an AI driven world.

Alexandra Zakharova is a Senior Partner Solution Architect AI and Apps at Microsoft working closely with partners on AI adoption across the Microsoft Data and AI Platform. She has more than ten years of experience at the intersection of data artifici... Show more

Chris Hetzler

Chris Hetzler

Hello! I'm a Solution Architect at Eide Bailly LLP, a top-notch accounting and business advisory firm, and a proud Featured Fabric Partner. I love working with clients and teams to craft and deliver innovative solutions to business challenges using Microsoft technologies and platforms.

With over 20 years of experience in software engineering, I hold master's degrees in both software engineering and data science. I'm also certified in over 20 industry areas, including Microsoft Solution Architect certifications for Azure, Power Platform, and Dynamics.

My expertise spans across Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Dynamics, Microsoft Fabric, Power Platform, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Development frameworks, tools, and DevOps, as well as major open-source development platforms. I specialize in designing and implementing no-code, low-code, and custom solutions, and I thrive on leading and collaborating with both on-shore and off-shore development teams to drive innovation and deliver customer value.

I'm known for my exceptional communication skills, which allow me to connect with both technical and non-technical audiences at all levels. I've had the pleasure of presenting at several industry conferences, including the Fabric Community Conference, Microsoft Ready, Microsoft Convergence, and StarWest / East.

In my spare time, I enjoy indulging in my interests in U.S.A. Swimming, space exploration, science, engineering, and Lego. I'm passionate about creating software that solves real problems and makes a positive impact.

Hello! I'm a Solution Architect at Eide Bailly LLP, a top-notch accounting and business advisory firm, and a proud Featured Fabric Partner. I love working with clients and teams to craft and deliver innovative solutions to business challenges using M... Show more

Erik Thorelli

Erik Thorelli

Erik Thorelli is an Engineering Leader at Cisco Meraki, leading the mobile engineering organization. He's been developing React and React Native apps for almost a decade, from startups to corporates and across sectors (defense, pharma, green, fintech, networking, and IoT)...and seen some stuff. Erik teaches courses and lectures at universities, workshops, conferences, and local tech meetups.

Erik Thorelli is an Engineering Leader at Cisco Meraki, leading the mobile engineering organization. He's been developing React and React Native apps for almost a decade, from startups to corporates and across sectors (defense, pharma, green, fintech... Show more

Sahar Burair

Sahar Burair

Sahar is a Head of Section and Humanities/Geography educator with over 8 years of experience across UAE schools. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Business Administration, researching how artificial intelligence can strengthen strategic human resource management in educational institutions. Beyond the classroom, Sahar runs @teacherofdubailife, a growing platform with 52K+ followers supporting educators building careers in the UAE, and regularly creates content on EdTech, teaching life, and career development in the region. Her work sits at the intersection of educational leadership, AI innovation, and workforce sustainability — bringing both academic rigor and on-the-ground school experience to conversations about the future of education.”

Sahar is a Head of Section and Humanities/Geography educator with over 8 years of experience across UAE schools. She is currently completing a Doctorate in Business Administration, researching how artificial intelligence can strengthen strategic huma... Show more

Lianna Adams

Lianna Adams

Lianna Adams is a Human-Centered AI Strategist, Digital Dignity Advocate, and Cognitive Culture Builder recognised by ForbesWeb3, Animoca Brands, and Open Campus as a 2024 Social Impact & Ethics leader — and named one of the Top 10 Rising Women in Crypto 2023.

She has spoken at the WEF in Davos 2024, COP28, TEDx Youth, NFTNYC (four consecutive years), the World Web3.0 & AI Summit, EmpowHer AI, and Web3 Amsterdam, among others.

Her work centres on one urgent question: what do we preserve of ourselves as artificial intelligence transforms how we think, create, and relate? Through keynotes, workshops, and consulting, she helps organisations and communities build cultures where technology amplifies human capability — without eroding cognitive autonomy, creative identity, or dignity.

She is the creator of the Human-AI Cognitive Toolkit — nine science-backed tools for cognitive wellness in an AI-saturated world — and host of The Human Strata, a podcast and newsletter exploring the human layer in the age of AI. She hosts the Wirex Podcast and has convened 80,000+ community participants across digital events since 2021.

Lianna is also the founder of the Digital Dignity Initiative, leads the annual #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, and has served as a Non-Executive Director at Mental Health Spaces Collective.

She is available for keynotes, panels, moderation, fireside chats, and workshops.

Lianna Adams is a Human-Centered AI Strategist, Digital Dignity Advocate, and Cognitive Culture Builder recognised by ForbesWeb3, Animoca Brands, and Open Campus as a 2024 Social Impact & Ethics leader — and named one of the Top 10 Rising Women in Cr... Show more

Kris Freedain

Kris Freedain

Kris Freedain (he/him) is the Senior Community Manager for the OpenSearch Project. He has decades of experience in tech, but finds connecting people to be the most fulfilling part of being a community professional.

Kris Freedain (he/him) is the Senior Community Manager for the OpenSearch Project. He has decades of experience in tech, but finds connecting people to be the most fulfilling part of being a community professional. Show more

Jessica Katz

Jessica Katz

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

Silvia Triboni

Silvia Triboni

Silvia Triboni is a lawyer with an MBA in Public Management from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. She has a degree in Sustainability and Human Responsibility from the University of Lisbon and in Coaching and Mentoring from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation.

She is a lecturer, consultant and journalist focusing on the theme of active longevity and intergenerational harmony in companies, in Brazil and Portugal, and has lectured in several countries. She is columnist and international correspondent for companies linked to the interests of people 50+, working in Brazil and Portugal.

An activist against ageism, she is director of the StopIdadism Association in Portugal.

A writer, she has launched the book Employability 50+ in Portugal and Brazil, which presents useful information and strategies for a successful career in maturity, and Intentional Longevity®, with a foreword by Dr Alexandre Kalache, a book aimed at encouraging the conscious construction of a life with purpose, healthy habits and choices.

In his Centenarian Expedition project, he has explored the Blue Zones® and other regions where their inhabitants are exceptionally healthy and long-lived, in order to publicise good practices to his audience.

Silvia Triboni is a lawyer with an MBA in Public Management from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation. She has a degree in Sustainability and Human Responsibility from the University of Lisbon and in Coaching and Mentoring from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation... Show more

Sarah Drasner

Sarah Drasner

Sarah is a Distinguished Engineer, and Area Tech Lead for AI and the Web Ecosystem for Chrome at Google. She's formerly Sr. Director of Engineering at Google, leading the Core Infrastructure teams that power Google apps (Search, YouTube, Workspace, Cloud, etc) on the Web, Android, iOS, Multiplatform, Experimentation, and Client Observability. She was Incident Commander for Core Developer Infrastructure at Google and led the Search mission for Core Developer, modernizing and innovating Google's internal tech stacks for the age of AI.

Sarah Drasner is an award-winning Speaker, and she was formerly VP at Netlify and Principal at Microsoft Azure. Sarah is an instructor at Master.dev, and has written two books.

Sarah is a Distinguished Engineer, and Area Tech Lead for AI and the Web Ecosystem for Chrome at Google. She's formerly Sr. Director of Engineering at Google, leading the Core Infrastructure teams that power Google apps (Search, YouTube, Workspace, C... Show more

Matt Stephenson

Matt Stephenson

Matt is a co-founder at IceGuard. He is also a founder of the Galaxy product at Starburst, and has lead infrastructure there for 4 years. His past includes working on deployment infrastructure at Amazon, Google App Engine and other GCP products at Google, and was a founder at Oracle Cloud of the Oracle Functions product. For fun, he flies airplanes, and builds The Man for Burningman each year.

Matt is a co-founder at IceGuard. He is also a founder of the Galaxy product at Starburst, and has lead infrastructure there for 4 years. His past includes working on deployment infrastructure at Amazon, Google App Engine and other GCP products at Go... Show more

Clara Arroyave

Clara Arroyave

Clara Arroyave is a bilingual keynote speaker with 15+ years at the intersection of real estate investment, coliving innovation, capital raising, and women’s leadership — bringing hard-won insights to stages across the US and Latin America.
MBA from Hult Business School

Clara Arroyave is a bilingual keynote speaker with 15+ years at the intersection of real estate investment, coliving innovation, capital raising, and women’s leadership — bringing hard-won insights to stages across the US and Latin America. MBA from... Show more

Rob Jackson

Rob Jackson

I'm Robert Azeem Jackson III, an Afrofuturist cultural strategist and data scientist, and founder of Cypher, a data sovereignty studio. I help founders and community entrepreneurs, and the municipal leaders who back them, build portable memory systems: systems that travel from one city to the next and stay owned by the people who built them. My clients learn to own the data their communities already hold, govern it on their own terms, and turn it into funding, infrastructure, and wealth that no platform can hold hostage. They walk in sitting on a story they can't prove and an asset that keeps getting overlooked in the rooms where money moves. They walk out owning it. In Moorestown, one elder's story became more than $350,000 in municipal and state funding for a neighborhood park. Since 2021, Cypher has helped partners raise over $1.5M and save more than $400K on compliance. The pain I help them avoid is the quiet one, watching their memory get extracted, digitized, and sold by someone else while they inherit nothing. The goal is sovereignty: a community that owns its story, carries it wherever it goes, and gets paid to keep it.

I'm Robert Azeem Jackson III, an Afrofuturist cultural strategist and data scientist, and founder of Cypher, a data sovereignty studio. I help founders and community entrepreneurs, and the municipal leaders who back them, build portable memory system... Show more

Shavana Peynado

Shavana Peynado

Shavana Peynado is a multi-award winning Software Developer, public speaker, DEI advocate. Coming from an Finance and Modern Languages background, learning to program during the pandemic, Shav is dedicated to giving back to the community, fostering psychologically safe spaces for women in tech and is actively involved in mentoring.

Shavana Peynado is a multi-award winning Software Developer, public speaker, DEI advocate. Coming from an Finance and Modern Languages background, learning to program during the pandemic, Shav is dedicated to giving back to the community, fostering p... Show more

Albane Veyron

Albane Veyron

Ancienne astrophysicienne aujourd’hui coach d'organisation, experte en engagement et coach professionnelle depuis plus de 8 ans. J’interviens auprès des entreprises pour les aider à se transformer et à renforcer l’engagement, tout en accompagnant individuellement dirigeant·es et particuliers dans leurs objectifs personnels et professionnels. TEDx speaker, je crée des conférences interactives en mobilisant les sciences humaines, une approche systémique et des expériences concrètes d’accompagnement en entreprise.
Mon objectif : faire bouger les lignes sur des sujets qui impactent profondément notre quotidien.

Ancienne astrophysicienne aujourd’hui coach d'organisation, experte en engagement et coach professionnelle depuis plus de 8 ans. J’interviens auprès des entreprises pour les aider à se transformer et à renforcer l’engagement, tout en accompagnant ind... Show more

Luisa Escalona

Luisa Escalona

With more than 18 years in the software industry, Luisa has evolved from being passionate about writing great code to focusing on building and nurturing high-performing teams. A Certified Encouragement Consultant and Empowering People in the Workplace Facilitator, she brings together deep technical expertise and a talent for fostering human-centered growth.

Since 2019, Luisa has delivered engaging talks and hands-on workshops that inspire teams and individuals to achieve their full potential. Her unique approach empowers organizations to drive both technological innovation and positive, sustainable change through collaboration and impactful leadership.

With more than 18 years in the software industry, Luisa has evolved from being passionate about writing great code to focusing on building and nurturing high-performing teams. A Certified Encouragement Consultant and Empowering People in the Workplac... Show more

Seun Faluyi

Seun Faluyi

With over a decade of experience in product management and software engineering, I contribute to innovation in AI-powered advertising at Smartly. My role emphasizes programmatic solutions, DSP integrations, and creative strategies, enabling impactful ad campaigns across diverse platforms.

Previously, at Remerge, I collaborated on DSP advancements that optimized programmatic advertising. Known for my analytical approach and dedication, I am motivated to elevate the ad tech ecosystem through collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies.

With over a decade of experience in product management and software engineering, I contribute to innovation in AI-powered advertising at Smartly. My role emphasizes programmatic solutions, DSP integrations, and creative strategies, enabling impactful... Show more

Carmela Maxell

Carmela Maxell

Dr. Carmela Maxell is a licensed mental health professional, professor, author, podcast host, proud mother of three, and woman of color dedicated to making psychology practical, accessible, and deeply human. She is the creator and host of the *Rooted & Rising* podcast, where she translates evidence-based mental health concepts into engaging conversations that help listeners navigate resilience, grief, relationships, leadership, identity, and personal growth.

Drawing on years of experience in behavioral health, higher education, and leadership, Carmela is passionate about bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and everyday life. Her work is grounded in the belief that meaningful conversations can change lives, and she strives to create spaces where people feel seen, challenged, and empowered to grow.

In addition to podcasting, Carmela is the author of *Bereavement*, a dystopian novel exploring grief, memory, and what it means to remain human in a society that regulates emotion. Whether speaking to students, podcast creators, professionals, or community audiences, she brings warmth, authenticity, humor, and practical insight to every conversation.

As a woman of color, educator, clinician, author, and single mother balancing multiple careers, Carmela brings a unique perspective on resilience, sustainable creativity, and building meaningful connections through storytelling. Her mission is simple: to help people—and the creators who reach them—build trust, foster authentic connection, and create lasting impact, one conversation at a time.

Dr. Carmela Maxell is a licensed mental health professional, professor, author, podcast host, proud mother of three, and woman of color dedicated to making psychology practical, accessible, and deeply human. She is the creator and host of the *Rooted... Show more

Simon Keller

Simon Keller

Fort de mon expérience en accompagnement de projets et d’équipes, j’ai décidé de m’engager dans le coaching et la formation, métiers tournés vers l’individu, le collectif, et le vivre ensemble.

J’agis pour une vie plus simple, plus humaine, plus respectueuse. Je suis profondément convaincu par le potentiel de chacun et que nous avons tous en nous la force de réaliser nos projets.

Fort de mon expérience en accompagnement de projets et d’équipes, j’ai décidé de m’engager dans le coaching et la formation, métiers tournés vers l’individu, le collectif, et le vivre ensemble. J’agis pour une vie plus simple, plus humaine, plus r... Show more

Alex Radu

Alex Radu

Alex is a VP Education and Community Manager for Engineering Practices, at JPMorganChase in Glasgow 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 the land of the unicorns 🦄. She is an international speaker, product community manager, former product and marketing manager for public cloud, software engineer and conversational developer, among other roles.

In her work as a creative technologist, she combines content, community and engineering, to help people and products grow. Her role acts as a navigator between product, design, engineering and customers, underpinned by data and feedback.

In her personal life, she loves languages, speaking 4, whilst learning her 5th, Korean, with a 1800+ day streak on Duolingo. Alex adores living in Scotland with her family, 6-year old husky, Kai, and 2-year old Maine Coon kitten, Marvin!

As a fervent advocate of diversity in tech, Alex supports various communities, such as codebar, AWS Community Builders, Aspiring Women Speakers, #IamRemarkable, GitHub Campus Experts, Women Techmakers and more!

Alex is a VP Education and Community Manager for Engineering Practices, at JPMorganChase in Glasgow 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 the land of the unicorns 🦄. She is an international speaker, product community manager, former product and marketing manager for publi... Show more

Thomas Chopin

Thomas Chopin

J’aide les équipes et les organisations, en France et particulièrement dans la région nantaise, à adopter l’agilité. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des dirigeants et des managers, je les aide à naviguer dans la complexité, à renforcer leur leadership et à structurer leur gouvernance en s’appuyant sur des outils agiles concrets et une prise de décision éclairée.
Je place l’humain au cœur des transformations, convaincu que l’amélioration continue est une opportunité pour chacun. J’encourage un apprentissage permanent et le développement de l’esprit critique, indispensables pour naviguer dans un monde en constante évolution. Mon rôle est d’ouvrir des perspectives, de challenger les certitudes et de créer des environnements propices à l’expérimentation et à l’adaptabilité.

J’aide les équipes et les organisations, en France et particulièrement dans la région nantaise, à adopter l’agilité. Spécialisé dans l’accompagnement des dirigeants et des managers, je les aide à naviguer dans la complexité, à renforcer leur leadersh... Show more

Simen Svenkerud

Simen Svenkerud

Simen Svenkerud is a Senior consultant at Webstep with extensive experience in data engineering , Data science and platform architecture. His career spans significant roles in major Nordic organizations, with particular expertise in regulated industries and complex data environments.
At Norwegian Air Shuttle, he is leading their data platform modernization initiative, implementing a group-wide data sharing solution and modernizing their data warehouse architecture.

Simen specializes in designing and implementing modern data platforms with a focus on security, scalability, and regulatory compliance.
His approach combines deep technical knowledge with practical business understanding, enabling him to deliver solutions that balance security requirements with operational efficiency. He works in transforming legacy systems and establishing robust data governance frameworks in enterprise environments. Simens started as Research methodologist and statistician. Moving though the roles working with data and moving down the stack. Having interacted with data and technology from multiple angles, provides him with several perspectives to draw upon in his talks.

Simen Svenkerud is a Senior consultant at Webstep with extensive experience in data engineering , Data science and platform architecture. His career spans significant roles in major Nordic organizations, with particular expertise in regulated industr... Show more

Adi Stein

Adi Stein

Meet Adi! Adi is a multi-disciplinary master: She manages the App & AI and cloud services across Southeast Europe, holds a degree in software engineering, launched startups, managing startups competitions, won global competitions and is a passionate innovator. This diversity gives her the unique ability to communicate complex technologies in a compelling way to tech and non-tech audiences alike and makes her a sought-after public speaker.

Adi is also a global speaker on AI technologies, developers productivity and entrepreneurship. She empowers companies and startups to innovate with generative AI for building cutting-edge applications at scale.

Adi has a wealth of experience in the tech industry, from corporate to startups, having held various roles in product management, software engineer, CEO, innovation, entrepreneurship, and AI domain. She previously worked as an innovation manager at Microsoft R&D CTO office, where she led market research and developed business models for new tech ventures. She also worked at Over.ai, which was acquired by Vonage, and as a product manager for AI products.

Adi is startups founder. Growing two ventures in the brain computer interface for gaming and wellness domain, ignited her mission to encourage more women to start their own ventures. Adi launched and managed Ben-Gurion University innovation hub for entrepreneurs, and in the last 7 years, she manages Merage alumni network (an Israeli network of 1000 startup CEOs selected to the prestigious Merage program) and the Merage startup competition (Granting $100K to entrepreneurs above the age 45 or women at any age), and volunteer in various women empowerment initiatives.

Adi is a dynamic and engaging speaker who is always willing to share her experiences and insights with others.

Meet Adi! Adi is a multi-disciplinary master: She manages the App & AI and cloud services across Southeast Europe, holds a degree in software engineering, launched startups, managing startups competitions, won global competitions and is a passionate ... Show more

Jason Wodicka

Jason Wodicka

Jason has spent almost twenty years in the tech industry. In that time, they've been a teacher, a test engineer, a development manager, a software engineer, and performed one ill-advised attempt at program management. Today they're working in engineering advocacy, helping people find new ways to think about our industry. They live with their husband in the drizzly paradise of Seattle. Ask them about board games, community-building, puzzle design, queer theory, or anything you're deeply excited by.

Jason has spent almost twenty years in the tech industry. In that time, they've been a teacher, a test engineer, a development manager, a software engineer, and performed one ill-advised attempt at program management. Today they're working in enginee... Show more

Stephen Parkins

Stephen Parkins

If you're comfortable with the status quo, you won't enjoy listening to Stephen Parkins.

Stephen is a seasoned innovation strategist, executive coach and business leader with over two decades of experience turning uncertainty into opportunity.

With a career spanning roles as an energy trader, global head of innovation, and startup founder, Stephen has worked with companies of all sizes - from agile one-person ventures, to European scale-ups, to multinational corporations with over 100,000 employees.

As the founder of Culturedge®, Stephen advises medium to large enterprises on building the structures and strategies they need to embed innovation, take manageable risks and achieve exponential growth.

As the co-founder of Strategy Quest, Stephen gives companies the opportunity to co-design AI-powered business simulations and wargames - to strengthen their resilience and decision-making under uncertain conditions.

Known for pushing boundaries and telling executives not what they want, but what they need to hear – Stephen has helped redesign flagship products like ABN AMRO Bank's Tikkie and established global innovation frameworks at organisations like SGS.

A polyglot and global citizen, Stephen has lived in five countries and speaks five languages, bringing an international perspective to every new challenge.

If you're comfortable with the status quo, you won't enjoy listening to Stephen Parkins. Stephen is a seasoned innovation strategist, executive coach and business leader with over two decades of experience turning uncertainty into opportunity. ... Show more

Amanda Hoffmann

Amanda Hoffmann

Speaker | Clarity & Decision-Making | Leadership & Organizational Dynamics

Amanda Hoffmann works at the intersection of decision-making, identity, and group dynamics—helping leaders and organizations see where certainty, assumptions, and “best practices” quietly distort how they think.

Her work introduces a different approach:

Why clarity—not confidence—is the foundation of good decisions

How high-performing leaders operate in misalignment without realizing it

What happens when teams confuse alignment with agreement

Why many goals are inherited, not chosen—and how that impacts performance

With 20+ years advising leaders across industries, Amanda blends systems thinking, behavioral insight, and real-world leadership experience to make complex ideas immediately usable.

She is the creator of:

The Core Alignment Model (CAM)

The Clarity System (clarity → agency → results)

And concepts such as the Borrowed Self Epidemic, and Judgment Jurisdiction

Her sessions are known for being:

Provocative without being performative

Intellectually rigorous, but accessible

Practical without relying on generic “best practices”

Audiences leave with something rare:
Not just answers—but better questions, clearer thinking, and the ability to make decisions with real intention.

Speaker | Clarity & Decision-Making | Leadership & Organizational Dynamics Amanda Hoffmann works at the intersection of decision-making, identity, and group dynamics—helping leaders and organizations see where certainty, assumptions, and “best pra... Show more

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