Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Gilles Brieux

Gilles Brieux

Convaincu des valeurs que véhicule l’agilité, je donne mon énergie pour accompagner des équipes et des organisations désirant se transformer.

Convaincu des valeurs que véhicule l’agilité, je donne mon énergie pour accompagner des équipes et des organisations désirant se transformer. Show more

John Phillip

John Phillip

John Phillip graduated from Coventry University and is now based in London. He works as a developer at Cheap Essay Writing UK, a company known for providing essay writing services UK to which students can trust. The team delivers clear, original academic work that meets university standards. Outside of work, John enjoys learning new technologies and improving his coding skills. Students can access quality essay writing help at affordable prices.

John Phillip graduated from Coventry University and is now based in London. He works as a developer at Cheap Essay Writing UK, a company known for providing essay writing services UK to which students can trust. The team delivers clear, original acad... Show more

Shahan Ahmed

Shahan Ahmed

Currently working in Conduent. My focus on HIPPA regulations compliances!

Currently working in Conduent. My focus on HIPPA regulations compliances! Show more

Arianne Jennings

Arianne Jennings

Dr. Arianne Jennings, LCPC, is a licensed mental health practitioner and public health consultant born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential by addressing their behavioral and social issues. Dr. Jennings loves working with professionals with anxiety, depression and undergoing various life transitions. She has spent her career supporting the people who give so much of themselves to others: therapists, leaders, caregivers, educators, and organizations. Her mission is simple—to create spaces where helpers can breathe, reset, and thrive. Dr. Jennings has facilitated specialized trainings in trauma-informed care, clinician wellness, and organizational consulting.

Dr. Arianne Jennings, LCPC, is a licensed mental health practitioner and public health consultant born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She is passionate about helping others reach their full potential by addressing their behavioral and social issues. Dr... Show more

Brieanna Lightfoot Smith

Brieanna Lightfoot Smith

Through her signature R.E.S.T.™ framework, Brieanna Lightfoot Smith helps audiences release perfection, reclaim purpose, and rebuild rhythm so they can live and lead from a place of Freedom, Flow, and Fulfillment.

Through her signature R.E.S.T.™ framework, Brieanna Lightfoot Smith helps audiences release perfection, reclaim purpose, and rebuild rhythm so they can live and lead from a place of Freedom, Flow, and Fulfillment. Show more

Yanyi .

Yanyi .

Yanyi is the author of Dream of the Divided Field (One World 2022), The Year of Blue Water (Yale 2019), and the writing advice column The Reading (2020– ). He teaches poetry in the MFA Program at Warren Wilson College and at large. In 2023, he founded the Asian American Literary Archive.

Yanyi is the author of Dream of the Divided Field (One World 2022), The Year of Blue Water (Yale 2019), and the writing advice column The Reading (2020– ). He teaches poetry in the MFA Program at Warren Wilson College and at large. In 2023, he founde... Show more

Kira Buckley

Kira Buckley

A wellbeing guide. Kira Buckley is an integrative medicine practitioner, writer, and ceremonial guide whose work sits at the intersection of somatics, ancestral intelligence, nervous system regulation, and cultural repair.
With a background as a former educator and over a decade of clinical and experiential work in acupuncture, herbal medicine, somatic therapy, and ritual facilitation, Kira speaks to what happens beneath behavior—where the body carries stories that language, systems, and family structures often fail to name.
Her talks explore themes such as:
The inherited costs of caretaking, productivity, and “being strong”
Rest as a physiological and cultural recalibration—not a luxury
How grief, burnout, and chronic symptoms are often signals of misalignment rather than pathology
Reclaiming authority from external validation, tradition, and transactional love
The body as a living archive of ancestral memory and future possibility
Kira is known for her grounded presence, sharp insight, and ability to translate complex somatic and spiritual concepts into language that is accessible, embodied, and actionable. She does not offer platitudes or performance healing—she invites people into honest self-contact, practical integration, and courageous choice-making.
Whether speaking to educators, healers, creatives, caregivers, or organizational leaders, Kira’s work leaves audiences with more than inspiration—it leaves them with permission and tools to live in deeper alignment with their bodies, boundaries, and truth.

A wellbeing guide. Kira Buckley is an integrative medicine practitioner, writer, and ceremonial guide whose work sits at the intersection of somatics, ancestral intelligence, nervous system regulation, and cultural repair. With a background as a for... Show more

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert

Samuel Tolbert is a mindset strategist, leadership development expert, and founder of Elevated Thoughts Academy, where belief reconstruction meets real-world leadership transformation.

With a background spanning college athletics, military service in the U.S. Navy, organizational leadership, and executive coaching, Samuel brings a rare depth of lived experience to every stage he steps on. His journey—from losing a basketball scholarship, to global military service, to navigating homelessness and identity loss—became the catalyst for his life’s work: helping individuals and organizations close the gap between who they are and who they’re called to become.

Samuel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, with advanced training in leadership coaching, mentoring, and organizational change. He is also the author of Potential to Purpose: The Power of Intentional Thinking, a transformational work that explores how belief systems, identity, and internal alignment shape performance, culture, and outcomes.

Through proprietary frameworks such as the Thought Seeking Model (TSM) and the Move & SOAR (MV-SOAR) Model, Samuel equips leaders, students, and organizations to move beyond surface-level motivation into sustainable, identity-rooted growth. His work has been delivered across universities, schools, workforce programs, faith-based organizations, and corporate environments.

Samuel is known for a speaking style that is honest, structured, and disruptive—in the best way. He doesn’t inspire people to try harder; he helps them think differently so leadership, confidence, and clarity emerge naturally.

Samuel Tolbert is a mindset strategist, leadership development expert, and founder of Elevated Thoughts Academy, where belief reconstruction meets real-world leadership transformation. With a background spanning college athletics, military service... Show more

Nidhi Chanani

Nidhi Chanani

Nidhi Chanani is an award-winning author and illustrator of over a dozen books. She was born in Kolkata, India and raised in California. She holds a degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2012 she was honored by the Obama Administration as a Champion of Change. Her graphic novels include Pashmina, Jukebox, Super Boba Café and the Shark Princess series. She also has a number of picture books including I will be fierce, Strong, Binny’s Diwali, What Will My Story Be and Quiet Karima. When she’s not making books Nidhi loves to travel and has visited 20 countries. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. nidhichanani.com

Nidhi Chanani is an award-winning author and illustrator of over a dozen books. She was born in Kolkata, India and raised in California. She holds a degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2012 she was honored by the Ob... Show more

Nina Rodriguez

Nina Rodriguez

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "fix", but something to tend, honor, and integrate, her work invites more honest conversations about loss and life after it.

The GRIEF AND LIGHT podcast has surpassed 100 episodes and has received multiple recognitions, including Ear Worthy’s Best Independent Podcasts of 2026 (“Best Life Lessons”), TalkDeath’s Best of 2025 (Readers’ Choice, Best Podcast), a Women Who Podcast Award (2025), and a Women Podcasters Award nomination (2026).

An experienced and sought-after speaker, Nina presents on grief, grief literacy, resilience, sibling loss, and post-traumatic growth. She has spoken at the University of Miami, the Latinas in Podcasting Virtual Summit (2025), and at events co-created with Reimagine, including a three-part series exploring sibling loss, grief and podcasting, and accessible pathways to grief support. Her talks are known for blending emotional depth with practical insight, cultural fluency, and an unwavering respect for lived experience.

Nina’s work is deeply personal. After the sudden and unexpected death of her only sibling, Yosef, in 2019, she launched GRIEF AND LIGHT in 2023 as an honest exploration of grief, meaning-making, and growth after loss. Today, she serves as a grief-informed guide and space-holder, committed to helping individuals and communities live more fully in the “and”, where grief and joy coexist.

She leads the Get Griefy Small Business Collective Podcasters Network, supporting independent creators in building sustainable, grief-informed platforms, and has hosted Reimagine’s Room for Grief gathering on multiple occasions. Nina is also a member of RedBoxMe, a collaborative platform with Cartier at the intersection of philanthropy, art, leadership, and culture, where she brings grief literacy as a lens for connection, empathy, and dialogue.

Nina is a regular contributor to Get Griefy Magazine, writes the Substack Resting Grief Face by Grief and Light, and is a co-author of Resilient A.F., Vol. 2: Stories of Resilience (2025). She is a graduate of Megan Devine’s Grief Care Professional Certificate Program.

In addition to her grief-focused work, Nina brings over a decade of experience in communications, strategy, and sales across fintech, real estate, and higher education, infusing professionalism, empathy, and clarity into every room she enters.

Based in Southeast Florida, Nina welcomes aligned speaking engagements, collaborations, and conversations, virtually and in person.

Learn more via griefandlight.com

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "f... Show more

Kharisma Johnson

Kharisma Johnson

Kharisma Johnson is a confidence, communication, and execution speaker who helps vision-driven individuals move from ideas to impact. Her flagship keynote, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, is designed to inspire clarity, confidence, and momentum across audiences. With a background in communications and storytelling, she blends mindset, clarity, and practical tools—including AI as a modern support system—to help people take action before they feel fully “ready.”

Her work speaks to students, entrepreneurs, creatives, and organizations navigating growth, self-belief, and execution at every stage. Through her signature message, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, Kharisma challenges audiences to think beyond limits, trust their voice, and turn bold vision into confident action.

Kharisma Johnson is a confidence, communication, and execution speaker who helps vision-driven individuals move from ideas to impact. Her flagship keynote, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, is designed to inspire clarity, confidence, and mome... Show more

Christina Aldan

Christina Aldan

Christina Aldan is a brand strategy consultant, keynote speaker, trainer, and mentor. She offers businesses brand consulting and creative content for everyday media. With over 18 years of experience in the digital realm, Christina is highly regarded for her approach to business, partnering with clients to find unique strategies that ensure their goals are met. Christina builds connections through her keynote addresses, training workshops, and technological education. She uses these tools to help individuals and businesses cultivate value in everyday media. Christina has delivered talks on all 7 continents, presenting training workshops for the Microsoft MVP community, Las Vegas Raiders, Yale School of Public Health, international corporations, and conferences worldwide. Christina uses her charisma and expertise to inspire others by mentoring women in business like herself. She also has sat on state and local boards supporting women in tech, entrepreneurship, mental health, and children with learning disabilities.

She is the recipient of the Las Vegas Women in Tech Community Service Award, the Distinguished Woman of the Year Award in STEM. Learn more at: Luckygirliegirl.com.

Christina Aldan is a brand strategy consultant, keynote speaker, trainer, and mentor. She offers businesses brand consulting and creative content for everyday media. With over 18 years of experience in the digital realm, Christina is highly regarded ... Show more

Helen Millar

Helen Millar

From self-sabotage to global impact, Helen Millar has emerged as a maverick transformation coach and entrepreneur who doesn't just talk about change—she embodies it. With nearly two decades of international coaching experience, an award-winning acting career, and a profound journey of personal healing, Helen has become a sought-after guide for business leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs and pattern disruptors ready to revolutionise their inner and outer worlds.
Her credentials speak volumes: She is a regular speaker at Oxford, Cambridge, and London Business Schools, amongst other places, featured on the Discovery Channel across three continents, and founder of Heart Healer Ltd, Helen Millar and Hearty. But Helen's true power lies in her ability to bridge seemingly disparate worlds—corporate strategy and spiritual wisdom, psychological insight and business acumen.
Having transformed her own life from multiple suicide attempts, ill health and poverty consciousness to creating a thriving portfolio, doing work she loves helping people transform, and traveling the world. Helen understands that transformation is not a linear path but a courageous leap of faith. Her approach combines the latest psychological acumen, ancient wisdom teachings, emotional intelligence, and quantum physics into a unique methodology she calls “Head to Heart Living” and “Head to Heart Leadership”.
For those ready to stop playing small, and seeking more authenticity, Helen offers a radical solution to complete recalibration.

From self-sabotage to global impact, Helen Millar has emerged as a maverick transformation coach and entrepreneur who doesn't just talk about change—she embodies it. With nearly two decades of international coaching experience, an award-winning actin... 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

Sonia Daniels, Ph.D.

Sonia Daniels, Ph.D.

Most organizations don’t fail because of poor leadership or lack of talent. They fail because their systems quietly work against their intentions.

I’m a Ph.D.-trained organizational systems expert and founder of a successful operating company. I work with senior leaders when strategy is clear, people are capable, and execution still isn’t happening.

My keynotes help organizations:
-Understand why execution breaks down even in high-performing cultures
-Replace blame and burnout with system-level clarity
-Build human-centered structures that actually support follow-through
-Leaders bring me in when initiatives stall, transformations lose momentum, or “alignment” hasn’t translated into results. I translate complexity into shared language teams can use immediately—without oversimplifying or shaming.
-Audiences include executive teams, leadership cohorts, government agencies, and professional associations navigating complex change.

Typical outcomes: Greater clarity around where work gets stuck, a shared framework for diagnosing execution problems, and practical next steps leaders can act on after the event—not just inspiration that fades by Monday.

Most organizations don’t fail because of poor leadership or lack of talent. They fail because their systems quietly work against their intentions. I’m a Ph.D.-trained organizational systems expert and founder of a successful operating company. I w... Show more

LaShawnda Rodgers

LaShawnda Rodgers

LaShawnda Rodgers is a visionary leader in change management, DEI, and leadership development, standing at the forefront of organizational transformation. As the Founder and Principal Consultant at Rodgers Global Leadership Consortium, she brings over 20 years of experience in guiding multi-million-dollar global projects, technical consulting, coaching, career growth, and stakeholder management.

LaShawnda’s expertise extends into the realms of data science and technology, where she has successfully led initiatives that leverage data-driven insights to enhance customer engagement, leadership development, and employee experience. Her technical acumen is complemented by her role as a Microsoft Partner and a member of Microsoft’s Black Partner Initiative, where she collaborates on innovative solutions and strategies.

In her capacity as Vice President of Community Outreach for Blacks in Technology, LaShawnda partners with organizations to increase African American representation in the technology fields. She is also a Founding Member of Tech Ladies, mentoring and equipping women with the tools to advance their careers in tech. Her efforts have empowered many professionals to confidently negotiate their salaries, articulate their value, and achieve their desired career outcomes.

LaShawnda’s commitment to creating equitable, inclusive work environments has led to significant increases in profitability for organizations. Her recognition with the 40 Under 40 Award and features on platforms like Hired.com, Mentor Me Tech Summit, and Power To Fly underscore her impact as a thought leader dedicated to uplifting individuals and businesses alike.

When she is not speaking, consulting, or coaching, LaShawnda enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and spending time with her family.

LaShawnda Rodgers is a visionary leader in change management, DEI, and leadership development, standing at the forefront of organizational transformation. As the Founder and Principal Consultant at Rodgers Global Leadership Consortium, she brings ove... Show more

Michelle Storm

Michelle Storm

Michelle is a portfolio careerist who intentionally lives on cross-boundary intersections, bringing together innovation, creative expression, and human well-being. As an Innovation Designer and Human Well-Being Insight Designer, she explores how people live, work, and thrive, translating complex insights into meaningful everyday practices and solutions. Her work as a Vision-to-Experience Curator connects ideas to real-world impact, helping individuals and organizations bring purposeful concepts to life.

She has led workshops, trainings, and sessions focused on leveraging creativity and technology to drive innovative thinking, collaborating with diverse teams to tackle complex challenges. Committed to building bridges between different perspectives, she thrives on turning bold ideas into actionable strategies that yield meaningful, sustainable impact in both the short and long term. Her aim is always to bring people together in ways that spark self-discovery, creative expression, and personal liberation—ultimately empowering every individual to step fully into their potential.

Alongside these roles, Michelle is an author, artist, and podcaster, using storytelling and creative expression to explore themes of purpose, resilience, and modern innovative work. Her multidisciplinary path reflects a commitment to curiosity, integrity, and designing a life that aligns with her values, vision of success, and purpose.

With experience across multiple sectors and creative fields, Michelle brings a grounded, integrated perspective to conversations about wellness, innovation, and entrepreneurship, offering insights shaped by both lived experience and intentional design.

Michelle is a portfolio careerist who intentionally lives on cross-boundary intersections, bringing together innovation, creative expression, and human well-being. As an Innovation Designer and Human Well-Being Insight Designer, she explores how peop... Show more

Cade Bradford Knudson

Cade Bradford Knudson

Cade Bradford Knudson is a financial professional with tremendous experience managing multi-million dollar portfolios for various clients across the broader financial industry. While working for hedge funds, he has learned various skills, including quantitative analysis, relative valuations, and macroeconomic analysis. He spends a significant amount of time analyzing financial trends, valuing different companies, and looking for investment opportunities on behalf of his clients. He also keeps his eyes open, learning from some of the top professionals in the industry, and applying everything he knows to his own career. This steady approach helps him focus on process, risk control, and clear communication.

Cade Knudson of Denver set his sights on the business world early. He noticed how people around him made decisions and looked for small ways to practice those habits. He graduated toward the top of his class in high school and went on to one of the top colleges in the country. In college, he took numerous business courses, held part-time jobs that taught accountability, and followed through on internships he used to network. Because the business world is incredibly competitive, particularly for those who want to work in equities, he aimed to build simple routines he could repeat—read carefully, test assumptions, and explain conclusions plainly.

After he finished college, he spent several years working. He wanted to apply what he learned, refine judgment, and earn trust with results. The hours were long, but the lessons were practical. By learning how to take lessons from the school and apply them in real life, he built many essential skills that he continues to use. He also got to work with various business clients, continuously generating positive returns on their behalf. That record helped him gain admission to one of the top graduate programs in the country and confirmed the value of preparation and steady execution.

He decided to go back to graduate school and attend DU. There, he distinguished himself from a lot of his peers, graduating magna cum laude from the program. The recognition opened doors, but the habits behind it mattered more: careful research, clear writing, and attention to risk. He immediately garnered the attention of some of the top firms in the industry, which allowed him to land an exceptional job. In his current role, he moves projects from planning to delivery, aiming for straightforward memos and measured position sizing.

Working with different teams has been an essential part of his development. He has shown an ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds, which helps him consistently meet deadlines and requirements for client deliverables. He tries to listen first, ask specific questions, and keep meetings centered on next steps. When results arrive, he reviews what worked, notes what did not, and adjusts his process.

Service is part of his week. Cade Knudson of Denver regularly donates to a safe house for domestic violence victims in Denver. He also supports a food bank in the Rocky Mountains. Many people in the area do not have access to a steady supply of fresh food, and he helps the organization maintain resources so neighbors can count on a nutritious meal. These efforts are practical and local, focused on steady help rather than headlines.

Outside of work, he spends time outdoors. Denver offers easy access to mountains, and he takes advantage of that. During the winter, he often skis at nearby resorts. As seasons change, he turns to fishing and fly fishing for quiet and patience. He also spends time with family and friends exploring some of the Rocky Mountains’ most beautiful hiking and biking trails.

Even though his job is demanding, he tries to gather with loved ones during the holidays and check in during the year. He enjoys mentoring people interested in finance, sharing simple practices that helped him start. The goal is consistent: do the work carefully, keep learning, and humbly serve clients and the community. This path continues to guide Cade Bradford Knudson in the financial sector.

Cade Bradford Knudson is a financial professional with tremendous experience managing multi-million dollar portfolios for various clients across the broader financial industry. While working for hedge funds, he has learned various skills, including q... Show more

Vaishnavi Venkata Subramanian

Vaishnavi Venkata Subramanian

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

Harrison Crawford, LPC, LIAC

Harrison Crawford, LPC, LIAC

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

Luís Miguel Cerqueira

Luís Miguel Cerqueira

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

Natália Granato

Natália Granato

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

Gemma Astafanous

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

Jay Patel

Jay Patel

Cindy Gross

Cindy Gross

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

Philippe Paulus

Philippe Paulus

With over 25 years of experience in managing projects, products, teams, and organizations, I support startups, SMEs, and large corporations in their transformation.

🚀 My expertise: helping organizations and teams achieve greater impact through agile practices.

💡 What I offer:
✅ Organization Coaching: Assisting companies in overcoming obstacles, clarifying their operations, and creating an environment conducive to autonomous, aligned, and resilient teams.
✅ Team Coaching: Strengthening team cohesion and collective resilience, improving interactions, and establishing solid agile practices for sustainable adaptability.
✅ Initiating and Supporting Agile Transformations: Starting a transformation process, stabilizing it, or correcting it in case of difficulties.
✅ Coaching & Supporting Key Roles: Scrum Masters, Product Owners, RTE, PM, STE... to help them become true agents of change.
✅ OKR Expert (certified OKR Master): Training and support to align strategy and execution while ensuring robust implementation.
✅ Training in the SAFe® 6.0 framework in French:
🎯 Leading SAFe®
🎯 SAFe® Agile Product Management
🎯 SAFe® Lean Portfolio Management
🎯 SAFe® Product Owner / Product Manager
🎯 SAFe® Release Train Engineer

🎤 Speaker: Agile en Seine, Agile Tour Rennes, Nantes, Clermont-Ferrand, Printemps Agile de Caen

📢 Want to discuss your organizational challenges? Let's talk!

🌍 Founder of transformationagile.com

#Agility #Coaching #Transformation #Resilience #SAFe #Scrum #Kanban #OKR #AgileAtScale #Startup #SME #LargeCorporation

With over 25 years of experience in managing projects, products, teams, and organizations, I support startups, SMEs, and large corporations in their transformation. 🚀 My expertise: helping organizations and teams achieve greater impact through ag... Show more

Anthony Chinweuba

Anthony Chinweuba

Anthony Chinweuba is a Youth Policy and Development Communicator with a strong track record of designing, coordinating, and advocating for youth-centered programs across Nigeria. With a background in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and strategic communications, he specializes in translating complex policy frameworks into relatable, actionable messages that empower young people to engage, influence, and lead.

Anthony’s career cuts across grassroots community work, nonprofit development, and digital engagement. He has led and supported initiatives focused on education access, employment readiness, digital inclusion, and civic engagement—working with local youth networks, donor-funded programs, and impact-driven NGOs. His storytelling approach blends data with lived realities, making him a go-to collaborator for youth advocacy campaigns and development projects that need visibility, clarity, and strategic influence.

Currently, he’s focused on building coalitions around youth digital skills, policy inclusion, and capacity development—particularly in underrepresented communities across Nigeria's Southeast.

Anthony believes in amplifying youth voices through policy briefs, community dialogues, and digital media. He is also exploring opportunities for collaborative advocacy, volunteer engagements, and policy innovation that put young people at the center of Nigeria’s development agenda.

Anthony Chinweuba is a Youth Policy and Development Communicator with a strong track record of designing, coordinating, and advocating for youth-centered programs across Nigeria. With a background in project management, monitoring and evaluation, and... Show more

David Emenyi

David Emenyi

My name is David Emenyi. I am one of Africa's top Business Strategists & Consultants, as well as "West Africa’s first and currently only official Grant Cardone Licensee".

I am a strategist, creative thinker, coach, keynote speaker and highly passionate about making a difference in the lives of people via the various training platforms I engage.

I currently serve as Head of Business Services & New Product Experimentation at Start Innovation Hub, Lead Strategist for The Deliberate CEO International and I'm a choice consultant for various brands on brand strategy, effective sales/product development/training, and digital marketing strategy.

My superpower is developing "10X Strategies" tailor-made for you so you can begin producing 10X results. I simply won’t rest, stop or quit until we get the desired results!!! This is my commitment to the world.

My name is David Emenyi. I am one of Africa's top Business Strategists & Consultants, as well as "West Africa’s first and currently only official Grant Cardone Licensee". I am a strategist, creative thinker, coach, keynote speaker and highly passi... Show more

Vivian Acquah

Vivian Acquah

👋 Hello! I'm Vivian Acquah, a Certified Inclusion Strategist (CDE®), Certified ESDP, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Nominee for European Businesswoman 2023 (ESDP). I'm also a passionate advocate for topics related to inclusion, in particular neurodiversity, and a transformational speaker, facilitator, and trainer.

🔎 Background Information
After becoming a mother, I transitioned from a Finance/IT consulting career to inclusion consulting. I promised my son (Orlando) and future generations to create thriving workplaces for EVERYONE.

Today, I am the founder of Amplify DEI and the co-founder of Global Inclusion in Practice, where I operate as an Inclusion Coach and Consultant.

💼 What
Employees are the foundation of any organization. I support managers in engaging, energizing, and keeping their team members safe and sustainably, leading to increased revenue for your company. I also perform workplace audits to uncover stress points and identify wins, and I consult on strategies to improve your organization's workplace wellness.

🚀 How
I use a holistic approach to build sustainable employability. I consider all wellness and well-being elements, including physical, mental, career, social, community, and financial wellness, while purposefully incorporating fairness and inclusion.

👣 Your Next Step
Ready to make your organization a better place to work and be a part of? I offer services in English and Dutch, including interactive (online) keynotes, training, workshops, and strategy development. Learn more about the impactful Amplify Empathy with Virtual Reality training via bit.ly/amplifyempathytraining.

📞 Call to Action
Whether you're looking for inspiring workshops/training or an interactive keynote speaker, I'm just a DM and a call away. Don't forget to visit my LinkedIn Recommendations to see what others say about my workstyle/trainingstyle. Book me as a speaker/trainer at bit.ly/vivaspeak or email info@amplifydei.com.

👋 Hello! I'm Vivian Acquah, a Certified Inclusion Strategist (CDE®), Certified ESDP, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Nominee for European Businesswoman 2023 (ESDP). I'm also a passionate advocate for topics related to inclusion, in particular neurodiversity... Show more

Melanie Deziel

Melanie Deziel

Melanie Deziel is a dynamic keynote speaker, award-winning author, and Creative Systems Architect who helps individuals and organizations turn scattered ideas into structured strategies. With a background in journalism, content marketing, and storytelling, Melanie has spent over a decade helping businesses create more effective, scalable, and sustainable creative systems. Now, she applies those same skills to her work as an advocate for late-diagnosed autistic women, bringing clarity and structure to complex and often misunderstood topics.

Melanie is the author of "The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas," a book that has helped thousands of marketers, entrepreneurs, and content creators develop a system for consistently producing high-quality ideas, and "Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust," which teaches communicators how to build trust in a skeptical consumer environment. As a sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes and workshops for organizations like Google, H&R Block, and many others, equipping teams with the tools to streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, and maximize creative output.

In her role as a Creative Systems Architect, Melanie specializes in helping teams and individuals build repeatable processes for content creation, communication, and brand storytelling. Her unique ability to deconstruct complex problems and develop structured solutions makes her a trusted advisor for businesses looking to scale their creative efforts without sacrificing quality. She also offers coaching for professionals looking to turn their expertise into proprietary frameworks, helping them develop intellectual property for books, talks, courses, and digital products.

Beyond her work in marketing and creativity, Melanie is a passionate advocate for late-diagnosed autistic women, a mission inspired by her own autism diagnosis at age 31. She speaks to educators, employers, and general audiences about the ways autism presents differently in women and girls, why so many go undiagnosed, and how we can create more inclusive systems to support neurodivergent individuals. Her newsletter, The Late-Diagnosed Diaries, explores the experiences of women who discover their autism in adulthood, and she is currently writing a book on the topic.

Whether speaking about content marketing, storytelling, creative systems, or autism advocacy, Melanie is known for her engaging style, research-backed insights, and highly actionable takeaways. Her presentations blend expertise with personal experience, ensuring that audiences leave feeling both informed and inspired.

To book Melanie for your next event or to learn more about her work, visit MelanieDeziel.com

Melanie Deziel is a dynamic keynote speaker, award-winning author, and Creative Systems Architect who helps individuals and organizations turn scattered ideas into structured strategies. With a background in journalism, content marketing, and storyte... Show more

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