Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Jessica Ibarra

Jessica Ibarra

I’m a creative, people-first service and experience designer with 15+ years of transforming complex programmes into end-to-end services that leaders, boards, and delivery teams can understand, fund, and scale. I’m successful because empathy is where I start, not where I stop, to deliver quality products, services and experiences that make a positive impact.
My work bridges design thinking, service design, and systems thinking principles applied to AI enablement for products, workflows and teams. In practice, I lead service, experience, and learning design across tech-forward, AI-heavy programmes, often as the first and only designer in the room. In the past, I have helped several emerging teams and startups build a shared practice and find smarter, more inclusive ways through their most ambiguous challenges, so I’m confident as hire #1 or leading a growing team.

I’m a creative, people-first service and experience designer with 15+ years of transforming complex programmes into end-to-end services that leaders, boards, and delivery teams can understand, fund, and scale. I’m successful because empathy is where ... Show more

Priyant Banerjee

Priyant Banerjee

Priyant Banerjee is an AI/ML Research Intern at IIIT Hyderabad's CSTAR Lab, working on federated learning, multimodal AI security, and deepfake-resistant authentication systems. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (First Class Honours and Distinction) from Amity University Mumbai with a minor in Economics. He has authored more than 22 peer-reviewed publications and has presented research at WILL2025 (Kyoto University), TNKU, UNM and, visited as delegate to Harvard HPAIR. His current research focuses on privacy-preserving federated systems for cybersecurity applications, at the intersection of technical architecture and legal and policy constraints.

Priyant Banerjee is an AI/ML Research Intern at IIIT Hyderabad's CSTAR Lab, working on federated learning, multimodal AI security, and deepfake-resistant authentication systems. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (First Class Honou... Show more

Milan Cheeks

Milan Cheeks

Milan Cheeks is the founder and CEO of SELF Labs Inc., a technology company developing AI-powered products and infrastructure designed to improve how people live, work, create, and interact with technology.

He is leading the development of SELF OS, an AI-native operating environment designed to bring intelligent agents, decentralized applications, digital identity, and user-controlled computing into a unified ecosystem. He is also developing ESSENCE, a blockchain-based utility and economic layer intended to reward verified participation and contributions within the SELF network.

Through SELF Labs, Milan works across artificial intelligence, decentralized infrastructure, robotics, real estate technology, digital economies, and next-generation human-computer interaction.

His broader mission is to build technology that gives individuals greater ownership of their data, intelligence, devices, and economic value—helping move society from centralized digital platforms toward more personalized and user-owned technological systems.

Milan Cheeks is the founder and CEO of SELF Labs Inc., a technology company developing AI-powered products and infrastructure designed to improve how people live, work, create, and interact with technology. He is leading the development of SELF OS... Show more

Leah Zitter

Leah Zitter

Dr. Leah Zitter researches the neuroscience of human hacking. She holds a PhD in Research Psychology (behavioral neuroscience) and is CISSP-certified, with over a decade of experience researching and writing for FinTech and cybersecurity leaders including Google, AWS, and Yale Law School.

Reported by The Daily Mail to be the only female survivor of Judaism's most extreme religious community, Neturei Karta, Dr. Zitter draws on this lived experience alongside her doctoral training to bridge psychological deconditioning and cybersecurity. She is now building a specialized CogSec consulting practice, using her proprietary "As-Is" methodology to help organizations develop cognitive resilience against social engineering, deepfake scams, disinformation, and other human-centric threats.

Dr. Leah Zitter researches the neuroscience of human hacking. She holds a PhD in Research Psychology (behavioral neuroscience) and is CISSP-certified, with over a decade of experience researching and writing for FinTech and cybersecurity leaders incl... Show more

Micaela Dixon

Micaela Dixon

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. She defined "AI Growth Design" as a discipline, guest lectures at Goldsmiths and City, University of London, and speaks internationally on designing trust into AI products.

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

Soren Alexandersen

Soren Alexandersen

💭 Søren Friis Alexandersen is a renowned thought leader in the ERP space, known for his deep expertise and collaborative approach. He's far into his career's 3rd decade, and currently a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft in the Dynamics 365 Business Central engineering team, working on Microsoft's core business solution for SMBs, where his mandate is to rethink Finance through the lens of AI.

💡 With a distinguished standing in the community, Søren is celebrated not only for his technical acumen but also for his unwavering commitment to openness and continuous learning, always bringing in the human factor into technology.

👩🏼‍💻 Søren's is a strategist at heart, and his leadership is characterized by his ability to bridge the gap between complex technological concepts and practical, human-centered applications.

🦸🏼 As a lifelong learner, Søren continuously seeks new knowledge and perspectives, fostering a culture of growth and adaptability within his professional circles. He shares the broadly held view that technology can and should improve human lives through increased productivity, though he thinks a lot about what we will do with the productivity gain long term, and how we ensure AI in particular is fair, transparent, and accessible to all.

💭 Søren Friis Alexandersen is a renowned thought leader in the ERP space, known for his deep expertise and collaborative approach. He's far into his career's 3rd decade, and currently a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft in the Dynamics 365 Busi... Show more

Cynthia Lockrey

Cynthia Lockrey

Cynthia Lockrey helps leaders and organizations communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose. A former reporter and newspaper editor with more than 29 years of experience in public relations, crisis communications and leadership communications, she specializes in turning complex ideas into compelling stories that build trust, inspire action and create meaningful change. An engaging keynote speaker and corporate trainer, Cynthia has worked with organizations across North America and is consistently rated as a top conference speaker for her practical, story-driven presentations. Audiences appreciate her ability to simplify complex communication challenges into strategies they can immediately put into practice. Cynthia brings authenticity, empathy and humour to every presentation. Whether speaking about storytelling, leadership, advocacy or communication, she equips audiences with the tools and confidence to use their voice, strengthen relationships and create lasting impact.

Cynthia Lockrey helps leaders and organizations communicate with clarity, confidence and purpose. A former reporter and newspaper editor with more than 29 years of experience in public relations, crisis communications and leadership communications, s... Show more

Moritz Schmid

Moritz Schmid

Moritz Schmid studiert Politikwissenschaft und Volkswirtschaftslehre an der Universität Regensburg. Seit April 2026 ist er Sprecher des Bayerischen Landesstudierendenrats und vertritt die über 400.000 Studierenden in Bayern. In dieser Funktion sind seine Schwerpunkte Künstliche Intelligenz, Nachhaltigkeit und die Zukunft der Lehre.

Moritz Schmid studiert Politikwissenschaft und Volkswirtschaftslehre an der Universität Regensburg. Seit April 2026 ist er Sprecher des Bayerischen Landesstudierendenrats und vertritt die über 400.000 Studierenden in Bayern. In dieser Funktion sind s... Show more

Arjun Sharda

Arjun Sharda

Arjun Sharda is the 15-year-old Executive Director of TLEEM (Arabic: تعليم), Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit with over 4,000 K-12 and college student members from 11 countries through 37 clubs. Aside from TLEEM, he's been programming for over seven years and has written for outlets such as the Washington Post and the Austin-American Statesman. He has received recognition from Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas State Board of Education.

Arjun Sharda is the 15-year-old Executive Director of TLEEM (Arabic: تعليم), Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit with over 4,000 K-12 and college student members from 11 countries through 37 clubs. Aside from TLEEM, he's been programming for ov... Show more

Nyah Macklin

Nyah Macklin

Nyah Macklin is a seasoned researcher and speaker on topics around AI, ML, Ethics, Governance, and Responsibility. Nyah serves as a Senior Developer Advocate for Artificial Intelligence at Neo4j, specializing in context engineering, knowledge graphs, and AI-driven developer tooling where Nyah has built high-impact technical communities and led initiatives that advance a critical understanding of AI and its use cases. They are also the Founder & CTO of Afros in AI, a technical community dedicated to showcasing the multifaceted nature of artificial intelligence. Beyond Nyah's technical expertise, Nyah has a background in government leadership and technology policy, having served as Chief of Staff in the U.S. state government, where they helped shape tech-driven legislative initiatives and equity-driven legislation. When not immersed in their work, Nyah cares about empowering, teaching, and tutoring engineers, live-streaming technical deep dives, and building open-source tools that make software more accessible, explainable, and community-driven.

Nyah Macklin is a seasoned researcher and speaker on topics around AI, ML, Ethics, Governance, and Responsibility. Nyah serves as a Senior Developer Advocate for Artificial Intelligence at Neo4j, specializing in context engineering, knowledge graphs,... Show more

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

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

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

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

Peggy Haymes

Peggy Haymes

Being personally invited by the staff of grief pioneer Elisabeth Kubler-Ross to train with them and work with them in grief workshops. Working as a licensed therapist for over twenty years helping clients heal old wounds, navigate present stresses, and create new lives. Serving as a minister for over forty years, sitting by hospital bedsides or leading retreat groups. Talking over a cup of coffee as a business coach, helping leaders work more efficiently and authentically.

All of my different experiences have the same theme: being with people in those places and in those moments that matter. Those moments when everything has been turned upside down and you don’t know the next step to take or those moments when you realize that everything in your life is too much the same and that doesn’t work for you anymore.

These conversations have always fueled my work. Now I’m sharing that work with a wider audience through keynote speeches, seminars, and retreats, offering insights, inspiration, and tools.

Talking about things that matter can be challenging, reassuring (“You mean it’s not just me?”), surprising, funny, and joyful.

I’m here for all of it.

Being personally invited by the staff of grief pioneer Elisabeth Kubler-Ross to train with them and work with them in grief workshops. Working as a licensed therapist for over twenty years helping clients heal old wounds, navigate present stresses, a... 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

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

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

Ville Gullstrand

Ville Gullstrand

I inspire people to embrace the potential of today!

This is what it means to me, broken down word by word.

Inspire - This is the method I trust and believe in. By inspire first (the why), I'm confident people will find instructions after (the how).
People - I don't work with organizations. I work with people! We should listen to hear, not to be able to respond.
To embrace - For you to be fully motivated, I want you to drive your practice from within. For your own reasons. That's why it's important that you embrace.
The potential - This could be so many things! Productive ways of work, applications, methods and much more. I want you to reach your highest potential and be the best you.
Of today - Whatever potential is available, I want you to be inspired to embrace it. In an evergreen world, everything constantly changes. This keeps me on my toes and keeps you informed on the latest and greatest.

Blog: https://villezekeviking.com

I inspire people to embrace the potential of today! This is what it means to me, broken down word by word. Inspire - This is the method I trust and believe in. By inspire first (the why), I'm confident people will find instructions after (the h... 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

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