Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Nils Knoth

Nils Knoth

Nils Knoth ist wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter und Doktorand an der Universität Kassel im Projekt Komp-HI sowie Research Fellow im KI-Campus Forschungskolleg KI-Kompetenzen. In seinen Forschungsprojekten beschäftigt er sich vor allem mit Themen der digitalen Medienkompetenz (Digital Literacy) im Allgemeinen, sowie der KI-Kompetenz (AI Literacy) als spezifischerem Untersuchungsgegenstand. Neben der Forschung zur Messbarkeit von AI Literacy interessiert er sich auch für experimentelle Designs, in denen die pädagogische Wirksamkeit von KI-basierten Lernwerkzeugen evaluiert wird.

Nils Knoth ist wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter und Doktorand an der Universität Kassel im Projekt Komp-HI sowie Research Fellow im KI-Campus Forschungskolleg KI-Kompetenzen. In seinen Forschungsprojekten beschäftigt er sich vor allem mit Themen der di... Show more

Yevgen Nebesov

Yevgen Nebesov

Yevgen Nebesov is a systems architect based in Bruchsal, Germany. He provides consultancy services to companies across various sectors, including railways, defence, logistics, medical devices, and retail. His expertise spans software architecture, organization design, team leadership, and business analysis.

His consultancy focuses primarily on managing the complexity arising from intertwined uncertainties across technical, operational, and political domains within organizations.

Yevgen is the author of two practical frameworks:
- “Sociotechnical Engineering” — an approach that applies classical Systems Engineering principles, such as requirements elicitation and requirements-driven design, to sociotechnical systems, including software development projects.
- “The Architecture of Power” — a framework for structural change designed for people with or without formal authority.

Yevgen Nebesov is a systems architect based in Bruchsal, Germany. He provides consultancy services to companies across various sectors, including railways, defence, logistics, medical devices, and retail. His expertise spans software architecture, or... Show more

James McSill

James McSill

James McSill é consultor internacional, editor, escritor (MAIS DE 40 LIVROS PUBLICADOS) e especialista em Storytelling com mais de 50 anos de experiência profissional. Fundador do McSill Story Studio, atua em projetos de comunicação, inovação, aprendizagem e desenvolvimento organizacional em diversos países.
Ao longo da carreira trabalhou com milhares de profissionais, gestores, empreendedores e autores, ajudando organizações a utilizar narrativas estratégicas para gerar influência, alinhamento e resultados. Nos últimos anos passou a concentrar-se na integração entre Storytelling, Inteligência Artificial e transformação organizacional.
A partir de setembro de 2024 liderou um processo intensivo de adoção de IA que permitiu expandir operações internacionais, acelerar a produção de conteúdos em múltiplos idiomas e criar novos modelos de negócio, culminando na fundação da Square4, uma rede global focada em negócios, aprendizagem, publicação e desenvolvimento de oportunidades internacionais.
Atualmente divide o seu trabalho entre o Reino Unido, Portugal, Brasil e Ásia, explorando aplicações práticas da Inteligência Artificial em ambientes empresariais reais.

James McSill é consultor internacional, editor, escritor (MAIS DE 40 LIVROS PUBLICADOS) e especialista em Storytelling com mais de 50 anos de experiência profissional. Fundador do McSill Story Studio, atua em projetos de comunicação, inovação, aprend... Show more

Mable Amuron

Mable Amuron

Mable Barbara Amuron is a researcher examining the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital culture, and society, with a focus on misinformation and disinformation. Drawing on her editorial and literary background, she investigates how AI systems shape the creation and perception of information online. Her work explores the risks of AI-driven mis/disinformation, such as deepfakes, automated content, and
algorithmic amplification, and their effects on public trust and democracy. Through interdisciplinary research, Mable analyses the ethical, social, and technical dimensions of emerging technologies while advocating for transparency, accountability, and equitable access to information. Her expertise spans
misinformation studies, election analyses, AI and society, and research communication, combining critical analysis with ethical storytelling to promote informed and resilient communities.

Mable Barbara Amuron is a researcher examining the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital culture, and society, with a focus on misinformation and disinformation. Drawing on her editorial and literary background, she investigates how AI sys... Show more

Ceri Newton-Sargunar

Ceri Newton-Sargunar

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping people at all levels work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she's poised to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to leaders who care about a more effective approach.

As a qualified coach, and a team dynamics & systemic interventions consultant with more than a decade of hands-on experience working with senior leadership teams in government, large multinational private and public organisations and fledgling start-ups, Ceri is at her best when she's helping you and your people find some calm in the chaos.

Tea in hand, Ceri works globally and is continually delighted to speak with audiences worldwide, mostly about the beautiful intermingling of behavioural science and hopeful future-focused transformation.

She also loves researching and talking about brains - because once a nerd, always a nerd...

Ceri is an interactions specialist, chaologist and trainee neuroscientist, adept at helping people at all levels work together more effectively. With a background in teaching, she's poised to make evidence-based research accessible and useful to lead... Show more

Alex Vidal

Alex Vidal

I teach humans and organizations how to use AI. And I teach AIs how to teach humans.

As founder of Mindmakers, I build adaptive learning technology that adjusts to each learner in real time. Whether you're upskilling 10 employees or teaching 1,000 students, no more one size fits all.

My background combines Psychology and Computer Science, which means I think about how people actually learn, not just how to ship features. I've been teaching AI and data science for a decade with thousands of learners.

I teach humans and organizations how to use AI. And I teach AIs how to teach humans. As founder of Mindmakers, I build adaptive learning technology that adjusts to each learner in real time. Whether you're upskilling 10 employees or teaching 1,000... Show more

Nita Chakrabarty

Nita Chakrabarty

Why This Speaker Belongs at Technical Conferences
Most technical conferences focus on systems, infrastructure, and performance — yet few address the human operating system behind the work.
Founders, engineers, and startup leaders operate under relentless pressure while managing stress, emotional suppression, communication breakdowns, and high-stakes decisions. Scaling a company requires more than technical intelligence. It requires nervous system resilience, emotional regulation, and the ability to lead and relate to other humans effectively.
As a former tech consultant turned matchmaking, dating, and relationship coach, I work with high-performing men — founders, CEOs, developers, and executives — to strengthen the internal systems behind sustainable success and fulfillment. My work blends behavioral psychology, neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and modern relationship strategy to help leaders improve clarity, communication, and emotional intelligence without burning out or sacrificing what matters most.
In an era where AI is accelerating everything externally, my talks address the one thing technology cannot optimize: the human capacity for connection.

Nita Chakrabarty is a matchmaking, dating, and relationship coach for high-performing and successful men, and the founder of MAGNETIC — the world's most intelligent matchmaking and relationship platform for ambitious men.
She is known for blending behavioral psychology, nervous system regulation, and modern relationship dynamics to help high-achieving leaders build emotional intelligence, meaningful partnerships, and long-term fulfillment — in both life and love.
MAGNETIC is a venture-backed startup supported by Audos, an entrepreneur platform backed by investors and founders behind Skype, BarkBox, Ro, and Oscar Health.
With a background in executive consulting and over a decade of experience in somatic therapy, breathwork, and trauma-informed coaching, Nita bridges modern leadership with neuroscience and relational intelligence. Her clients include founders, CEOs, developers, and executives seeking greater clarity, resilience, and emotional depth.
She speaks internationally on emotional intelligence, modern masculinity, nervous system regulation, conscious relationships, and the future of human connection in an increasingly technological world.

🔵 Talk Topics

Emotional Intelligence for Founders & Engineers
Nervous System Regulation Under Startup Pressure
Modern Masculinity & High-Performance Relationships
Human Connection in the Age of AI
Burnout, Stress & the Internal Operating System

Why This Speaker Belongs at Technical Conferences Most technical conferences focus on systems, infrastructure, and performance — yet few address the human operating system behind the work. Founders, engineers, and startup leaders operate under rel... Show more

Eszter Iványi

Eszter Iványi

Eszter Iványi, with 5+ years in asset management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Coaching from ELTE University, she combines corporate expertise with coaching principles to drive organizational change and professional development.

Eszter Iványi, with 5+ years in asset management and a Postgraduate Certificate in Business Coaching from ELTE University, she combines corporate expertise with coaching principles to drive organizational change and professional development. Show more

Paul Cieslar

Paul Cieslar

Après 10 ans à fournir des solutions dans le Product Management et dans le Process management, j'aide aujourd'hui les managers à sortir la tête de l'eau et (re)prendre plaisir dans le travail.

Après 10 ans à fournir des solutions dans le Product Management et dans le Process management, j'aide aujourd'hui les managers à sortir la tête de l'eau et (re)prendre plaisir dans le travail. Show more

Lea Hildermeier

Lea Hildermeier

Lea Hildermeier ist Projektmanagerin im HFD/CHE und dort u.a. für den Think Tank "Well-Being und Mental Health im digitalen Zeitalter an Hochschulen" zuständig. Zuvor studierte sie Anglistik, Erziehungswissenschaft und Psychologie an der Universität Bielefeld.
Als DigitalChangeMaker der Kohorte 2024 engagierte sich Lea in den Bereichen studentische Partizipation, Student Wellbeing und dem Einsatz von Künstlicher Intelligenz in der Hochschulbildung. Seit September 2024 engagiert sich Lea im Common Grounds Forum, damit junge Menschen ihre Stimme in bildungs- und digitalpolitischen Anliegen einbringen können.

Lea Hildermeier ist Projektmanagerin im HFD/CHE und dort u.a. für den Think Tank "Well-Being und Mental Health im digitalen Zeitalter an Hochschulen" zuständig. Zuvor studierte sie Anglistik, Erziehungswissenschaft und Psychologie an der Universität... Show more

Polly Oberman

Polly Oberman

Seit 2022 Sprecherin des Fachausschusses „Selbstlernkurse“ der Gesellschaft für Schlüsselkompetenzen
Seit 2022 TU Darmstadt, Hochschuldidaktische Arbeitsstelle
2. Staatsexamen in Deutsch, Philosophie, Ethik
M.A. Germanistische Sprachwissenschaft
1. Staatsexamen
Weiterbildung zur Schreibberaterin und Schreibtrainerin an der TU Darmstadt

Seit 2022 Sprecherin des Fachausschusses „Selbstlernkurse“ der Gesellschaft für Schlüsselkompetenzen Seit 2022 TU Darmstadt, Hochschuldidaktische Arbeitsstelle 2. Staatsexamen in Deutsch, Philosophie, Ethik M.A. Germanistische Sprachwissenschaft ... Show more

Sana Talwar

Sana Talwar

Sana Talwar is a Product Security Engineer at ServiceNow. She works in application security and AI risk, and has experience in offensive security and penetration testing. She focuses on improving how teams build secure software at scale. Sana also teaches and mentors new talent through talks, workshops, and community work. She supports students, early career engineers, and security teams working toward stronger and more inclusive practices.

Sana Talwar is a Product Security Engineer at ServiceNow. She works in application security and AI risk, and has experience in offensive security and penetration testing. She focuses on improving how teams build secure software at scale. Sana also te... Show more

Ewa Hutmacher

Ewa Hutmacher

Ewa Hutmacher works with CEOs and executive teams in situations where direction is still forming and decisions need to hold. Her work focuses on strategy facilitation, organizational identity, culture and leadership behavior, and on how decisions are made in everyday practice.

Ewa works across industries where strategy, culture and leadership meet — surfacing what is often left unsaid and helping teams work through the tensions that shape direction. She contributes to conversations on leadership behavior, culture and decision-making in talks and panel discussions.

Ewa Hutmacher works with CEOs and executive teams in situations where direction is still forming and decisions need to hold. Her work focuses on strategy facilitation, organizational identity, culture and leadership behavior, and on how decisions are... Show more

Abena Camara

Abena Camara

Safiyatou “Abena” Camara

Executive Director & President, WONTANARA Inc
Co-Founder • Cultural Arts Master • Business Consultant • Youth Development Specialist

Abena Camara is a business consultant, cultural arts leader, and third-generation cultural bearer with nearly a decade of experience helping creatives and community-driven organizations build sustainable, funded work. She serves as Executive Director and President of WONTANARA Inc, where she leads arts education, community programming, and organizational strategy rooted in West African cultural traditions.

Immersed in cultural arts since age three, Abena brings over 20 years of professional artistry, 15 years of intensive West African cultural training, and deep lineage-based knowledge passed down through master teachers, historians, griots, and elders. Her grandfather founded the first performing company in Guinea, West Africa, and helped introduce West African master artists to the United States—a legacy Abena continues through WONTANARA’s programs and global partnerships. Her multidisciplinary training spans West African dance, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and music composition and production, allowing her to bridge tradition and innovation with integrity.

Alongside her artistic leadership, Abena brings strong business and funding expertise. While pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Georgia State University, she served as an executive intern for a popular men’s grooming company, helping generate $1.1 million in revenue within its first year. That experience launched her career as a consultant, where she has spent nearly nine years advising organizations on operations, funding strategy, and growth.

Through WONTANARA Inc and her consulting work, Abena has secured over $200,000 in grants and sponsorships, including support for WONTANARA Percussions, the world’s first Black-owned instrument factory based in Africa. She has also led the development of WONTANARA Festival, securing city-wide sponsorship and building a thriving cultural platform. Her consulting practice maintains a 92% client retention rate, and she has helped more than 10 clients secure government funding within their first year of business.

Abena’s work sits at the intersection of creativity, community, and capital. She is passionate about demystifying funding systems and empowering creatives and community leaders to move from passion projects to sustainable, paid impact—without compromising their values.

Safiyatou “Abena” Camara Executive Director & President, WONTANARA Inc Co-Founder • Cultural Arts Master • Business Consultant • Youth Development Specialist Abena Camara is a business consultant, cultural arts leader, and third-generation cul... Show more

Hervé Tran

Hervé Tran

Je suis coach pro systémique, coach agile, facilitateur et formateur.
Après de nombreuses années à travailler dans des environnements complexes à forte interactions humaines, je suis persuadé que la collaboration est la clef des grands enjeux de demain.

Très impliqué dans les communautés agile et tech Lyonnaise, j'anime les Agile Playgroung à Lyon et je contribue à l'organisation de la conférence Agile Lyon.

Je suis coach pro systémique, coach agile, facilitateur et formateur. Après de nombreuses années à travailler dans des environnements complexes à forte interactions humaines, je suis persuadé que la collaboration est la clef des grands enjeux de dem... Show more

Aline Eid Galante

Aline Eid Galante

Aline Eid Galante é mestre em Administração pela Unicamp, com pesquisa voltada à gestão do tempo, trabalho digital e impactos das tecnologias no cotidiano. Atua na Diretoria Executiva de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação (Detic) da Unicamp com iniciativas relacionadas à transformação digital do trabalho, organização de processos e estruturação do trabalho colaborativo em ambientes digitais.

Sua atuação conecta temas como futuro do trabalho, design de serviços, organização do trabalho digital, colaboração e uso estratégico de ferramentas digitais para apoiar equipes e melhorar a experiência de trabalho. Também atua como instrutora e conteudista em ações de capacitação voltadas à organização do trabalho, planejamento pessoal e gestão do tempo.

Atualmente, pesquisa como as transformações digitais impactam a forma de trabalhar, colaborar e utilizar o tempo nas organizações, com foco em modelos mais humanos, sustentáveis e eficientes de trabalho digital.

Aline Eid Galante é mestre em Administração pela Unicamp, com pesquisa voltada à gestão do tempo, trabalho digital e impactos das tecnologias no cotidiano. Atua na Diretoria Executiva de Tecnologia da Informação e Comunicação (Detic) da Unicamp com i... Show more

Daniel Antonio García Escobar

Daniel Antonio García Escobar

My name is Daniel Antonio García Escobar, I am 33 years old, and I go by the alias Dialéktico. I am an enthusiast of many disciplines and activities that have brought to life the still young project dialektico.com, my science communication website focused on machine learning topics.

Academically, I am a biomedical engineer with a focus on computing and mathematics, and currently a master’s student in Data Science at the University of Guadalajara. Professionally, I work as a Senior Data Scientist with more than nine years of experience in business intelligence, in both national and international companies. I also serve as a volunteer Communications Coordinator at AMEA, the Mexican Agency for Antarctic Studies.

I am a lover of literature, with several science fiction short stories published in magazines and books; a musician, gamer, and philosopher. My goal is to help people understand the theoretical foundations that underlie all the emerging magic of artificial intelligence.

My name is Daniel Antonio García Escobar, I am 33 years old, and I go by the alias Dialéktico. I am an enthusiast of many disciplines and activities that have brought to life the still young project dialektico.com, my science communication website fo... Show more

Giselle Sandy-Phillips

Giselle Sandy-Phillips

Giselle Sandy-Phillips is a Leadership and Workforce Communication Strategist, education doctoral scholar, award-winning author, and speaker who helps leaders navigate what technology alone cannot solve: the human side of change.

Her perspective was shaped long before the boardroom. From military leadership to managing complex government initiatives involving competing priorities and diverse stakeholders, Giselle learned that even the best strategies fail when people don't understand one another. Over the last two decades, she has helped leaders turn complexity into clarity by building trust, strengthening communication, and bringing people with them through transformation.

As the founder of World of Consulting LLC, Giselle equips leaders with practical tools to lead across generational differences, evolving technologies, and shifting workplace realities. Her work is rooted in a question that has never been more relevant to education: How do we prepare people, not just systems, for an AI-enabled future?

As a doctoral scholar in educational leadership and the award-winning author of Thriving in the Modern Workplace: A Gen Z Guide to Success, Giselle bridges research and real-world practice to help audiences move from uncertainty to action. Known for her engaging storytelling, interactive approach, and immediately applicable strategies, she challenges leaders to rethink communication not as a soft skill, but as the leadership practice that determines whether trust is built, change takes hold, and innovation succeeds.

Giselle believes the future of education will not be determined by the technology we adopt. It will be determined by our ability to help people adapt, connect, and move forward together.

Giselle Sandy-Phillips is a Leadership and Workforce Communication Strategist, education doctoral scholar, award-winning author, and speaker who helps leaders navigate what technology alone cannot solve: the human side of change. Her perspective w... Show more

Kenneth Taiwo

Kenneth Taiwo

Kenneth Olajide Taiwo is a teenager brand designer, photographer, content creator and a writer. He's currently a graduand of the University of Medical Science, Ondo on his Final Industrial Training program. He is passionate about bringing creative imaginations to reality by creating virtually stunning , detailing and eye-catching designs that helps brands grow. He's with up to four years of consistent practice, continuous skill sharpening, and business development experience in the creative field. He's has worked and currently works with alot of brands of different Niches including an arm of the Federal Government of Nigeria. He is the CEO of Kenot Pixels (a graphic design brand), and the founder of CreativeCue with Kenot (a creative show). He stands for maximizing everything around him for creativity.

Kenneth Olajide Taiwo is a teenager brand designer, photographer, content creator and a writer. He's currently a graduand of the University of Medical Science, Ondo on his Final Industrial Training program. He is passionate about bringing creative im... Show more

Daria Rudnik

Daria Rudnik

Daria Rudnik is a Team Architect and Executive Leadership Coach — and the author of CLICKING, a practical framework for building high-performing teams that don't depend on the leader to function.
A former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte professional with 15 years of international experience in tech and telecom, she has helped leaders across six continents navigate financial crises, wars, and COVID-19.
Today she works with executives and HR leaders who are building teams that can perform — and hold together — in an AI-driven world.

Daria Rudnik is a Team Architect and Executive Leadership Coach — and the author of CLICKING, a practical framework for building high-performing teams that don't depend on the leader to function. A former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte profess... Show more

Diana López Luna

Diana López Luna

Diana López Luna is an accomplished and experienced data professional as well as a first-generation college graduate and queer Mexican daughter of immigrants. In 2021, she made a bold career transition from a low-paying role in academia and broke into the data & analytics field. Through strategic career upskilling, networking, and relentless determination, Diana now has a proven track record in data modeling, business intelligence/dashboard reporting, data quality assurance, mentorship, and team leadership. Diana is also highly proficient in SQL, Looker/LookML, Snowflake, and various other data tools/skills.

Diana has firsthand knowledge of what it takes to break into the data industry without a traditional tech background and is passionate about accelerating the path to a fulfilling career in data and/or tech, particularly for Latinos, first and second-generation immigrants, and women of color. This has led Diana to establish Casa Luna Career & Wealth, which provides career, business, and financial education/coaching services. Diana is also the Founder of the Latinas in Data & Analytics organization, which provides a community space for Latinas in the data industry to connect, inspire, and elevate one another.

Diana López Luna is an accomplished and experienced data professional as well as a first-generation college graduate and queer Mexican daughter of immigrants. In 2021, she made a bold career transition from a low-paying role in academia and broke int... Show more

Bruno Gonçalves

Bruno Gonçalves

Bruno Gonçalves is an author, public speaker, corporate trainer, and consultant specializing in Generative AI, Blockchain Analytics, and Machine Learning. He has a diverse background that spans academia and industry, having previously served as a Data Science fellow at NYU's Center for Data Science while on leave from his tenured faculty position at Aix-Marseille Université. Bruno earned his PhD in the Physics of Complex Systems in 2008. He later focused his research on applying Data Science and Machine Learning to the large-scale analysis of online human behavior. In 2019, he founded his consulting firm, Data For Science, Inc., where he helps companies leverage the latest AI technologies and get up to speed on the most recent technologies.

Bruno Gonçalves is an author, public speaker, corporate trainer, and consultant specializing in Generative AI, Blockchain Analytics, and Machine Learning. He has a diverse background that spans academia and industry, having previously served as a Dat... Show more

Mala Mahadevan

Mala Mahadevan

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient of the PASSion award for being an outstanding volunteer. She is a featured blogger on sqlservercentral.com and also blogs infrequently at curiousaboutdata.com.

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient o... Show more

Michael Vukelic

Michael Vukelic


Michael – Professional Bio:

Michael Vukelic is a professional speaker bringing a rare blend of corporate experience, deep personal transformation, and cutting edge inner work to high achieving professionals. Through his proprietary Generational Freedom Protocol he supports leaders and teams break free from inherited limits, reactive patterns, and emotional barriers that quietly erode performance, culture, and pipeline. Drawing on certifications and coaching, advanced studies in metaphysical philosophy and more than a decade in professional Hypnosis and mindset re-patterning, Michael delivers practical, neuroscience aligned strategies that create calm under pressure, and more cohesive, resilient teams. His keynotes combine real world stories, actionable tools, and grounded inspiration to engage the heart and mind.

Michael Vukelic
Outrageous Success LLC
2112 Broadway St NE
Minneapolis, MN. 55413
773.899.1881

Michael – Professional Bio: Michael Vukelic is a professional speaker bringing a rare blend of corporate experience, deep personal transformation, and cutting edge inner work to high achieving professionals. Through his proprietary Generational ... Show more

Beth McDonough

Beth McDonough

Beth McDonough is an author, keynote speaker, recovery advocate and reconstruction of life strategist.

She guides people through their lowest moments to rebuild what stands next after public collapse, when visibility is high, consequences are real, and the path forward is unclear.

Beth is a living case study in recovery, resilience and reconstruction. She occupies the space between catastrophe and comeback.

An investigative journalist for 30 years, Beth covered disasters until she became one. Two highly publicized DUIs. Fired twice. First by the newsroom, then by society. Her work speaks to people whose mistakes live online permanently.

Beth understands what it takes to recreate a life while the world watches, because she did the work on herself first. She is the case study. Alcohol took her down once, an invisible illness tried to again. The breakdown became her blueprint for showing others how to re-emerge structurally stronger than before, from the inside out, when willpower isn’t enough.

Beth shares an original message for audiences hungry for something stronger than motivation and more compassionate than discipline.

Beth developed the STILL STANDING™ method, a five-step framework that treats recovery & resilience like reconstruction projects for life AFTER impact. The approach is evidence-based, trauma-aware, shame-informed and pressure tested.

Before her collapse, Beth documented some of the most defining breaking news events of our time:
• 9/11 terrorist attacks
• Oklahoma City bombing
• I-35W Minneapolis bridge collapse
• Prince’s sudden death
• Escape of kidnapped teen Jayme Closs
• Civil unrest following George Floyd’s death in police custody: Beth was wounded by gunfire while reporting

Her work has appeared on CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX News along with countless podcasts, newspapers, magazines and talk shows.

She’s earned multiple Emmy Awards, a national Edward R. Murrow Award, the prestigious duPont- Columbia Journalism Award for coverage of George Floyd’s death and the racial reckoning that followed.

Beth authored two memoirs, STANDBY and STILL STANDING, one book opens the wound. The second shows the rebuild. She's also been featured in a Lifetime documentary with survivor advocate Elizabeth Smart called, “Smart Justice: The Jayme Closs Case.”

Beyond the newsroom, Beth channeled her love for animals into owning a dog daycare before returning to journalism with renewed perspective.

Today, she lives in southern Utah desert surrounded by red rock mountains. Sharing life with her rescue weiner dog, she continues to tell stories about resilience, redemption, reinvention and reconstructing a life after a career spent in the fast lane.

Beth McDonough is an author, keynote speaker, recovery advocate and reconstruction of life strategist. She guides people through their lowest moments to rebuild what stands next after public collapse, when visibility is high, consequences are real... Show more

Abdul Ahad

Abdul Ahad

With over seven years of experience across multiple industries and countries, Ahad is a seasoned data practitioner specializing in building data infrastructures from scratch for Small Medium Organisations. Recognizing the importance of the human element in technology, Ahad emphasizes on bringing the attention back to the human instead of another tool.

In November 2024, Ahad will deliver a TEDx Talk at TEDxEindhoven 2024 on "Karma Democracy," discussing how incentivising humans could be the key to a better democracy and leveraging technology to scale this idea.

With over seven years of experience across multiple industries and countries, Ahad is a seasoned data practitioner specializing in building data infrastructures from scratch for Small Medium Organisations. Recognizing the importance of the human elem... Show more

Andrew Ecker

Andrew Ecker

Andrew Ecker is an author, certified peer support specialist, White Bison recovery coach, and nationally recognized speaker specializing in mental health, recovery, community wellness, and the transformative power of rhythm and sound. As the co-founder of Drumming Sounds, Andrew has helped facilitate more than 5,000 wellness-based events for healthcare organizations, tribal communities, treatment centers, schools, corporations, and conferences across the United States.

Drawing from over two decades of recovery and lived experience overcoming generational substance use disorder, incarceration, trauma, and mental health challenges, Andrew brings a unique blend of evidence-based practices, Indigenous-informed perspectives, and practical wisdom to his presentations. His work explores the intersections of neuroscience, recovery, identity, community connection, and experiential wellness.

Andrew is the creator of the Drumming Sounds Protocol, an evidence-based group drumming intervention designed to support mental health, stress reduction, team cohesion, and social connection. He has presented for healthcare systems, behavioral health organizations, universities, tribal nations, government agencies, and national conferences, and has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and nationally syndicated television.

Born from the Apache and born to the Irish, Andrew's work is deeply influenced by his exploration of Indigenous identity, ceremonial introduction, and community-centered healing. He is the author of The Sacred Seven, a contemporary framework for self-identity, belonging, and personal transformation.

Whether speaking to clinicians, educators, leaders, recovery professionals, or community members, Andrew combines compelling storytelling, research-informed insights, humor, and experiential learning to create presentations that inspire meaningful personal and organizational change.

Andrew Ecker is an author, certified peer support specialist, White Bison recovery coach, and nationally recognized speaker specializing in mental health, recovery, community wellness, and the transformative power of rhythm and sound. As the co-found... Show more

Otman Nouinou

Otman Nouinou

Otman Nouinou is an AI entrepreneur, university professor, executive advisor, and international speaker with more than 25 years of experience in technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

He advises organizations across Europe and the Middle East on artificial intelligence, leadership, governance, and organizational transformation. His work focuses on helping businesses move beyond AI experimentation and build practical, scalable, and trusted AI capabilities that create measurable value.

As the founder of multiple technology ventures, Otman combines deep expertise in AI, enterprise architecture, and software engineering with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, executive leadership, and business transformation. He regularly speaks on AI adoption, AI agents, human-AI collaboration, trust, and the organizational changes required to successfully integrate AI into modern enterprises.

Alongside his entrepreneurial activities, he teaches AI and innovation at university level and coaches executives, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams on transformation management, strategic growth, and navigating the opportunities and challenges created by emerging technologies.

His mission is to help organizations build environments where humans and intelligent agents work together effectively, responsibly, and at scale.

Otman Nouinou is an AI entrepreneur, university professor, executive advisor, and international speaker with more than 25 years of experience in technology, innovation, and digital transformation. He advises organizations across Europe and the Mid... Show more

Olivier MY

Olivier MY

I am an expert in executive and managerial coaching, specializing in agile approaches, organizational design, and team dynamics. Trained as an electronics engineer and holding advanced certifications in leadership and coaching, I combine technical expertise with empathy to transform professional environments. For over ten years, I have been guiding individuals and organizations toward greater adaptability and humanity, firmly believing that well-being is essential to performance. My work has significantly improved operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and interpersonal relationships. Committed to continuous learning, I have authored several books, spoken at conferences across France and internationally, and host the podcast Change and Chill — expanding my influence on personal and organizational change.

I am an expert in executive and managerial coaching, specializing in agile approaches, organizational design, and team dynamics. Trained as an electronics engineer and holding advanced certifications in leadership and coaching, I combine technical ex... Show more

Ken Armstrong

Ken Armstrong

Ken Armstrong is an editor and narrative coach on Bloomberg's global investigations team. He's won Pulitzers for investigative and explanatory reporting, and shared in two staff Pulitzers for breaking news. Other awards include a Peabody for radio and the National Magazine Award for feature writing. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Paris Review and This American Life. He co-wrote the story that became the Netflix series, "Unbelievable." He was the McGraw Professor of Writing at Princeton and co-authored the book, "Scoreboard, Baby," winner of the Edgar Award for nonfiction. At the Chicago Tribune he co-wrote a series that helped prompt the governor to halt executions and commute 167 death sentences.

Ken Armstrong is an editor and narrative coach on Bloomberg's global investigations team. He's won Pulitzers for investigative and explanatory reporting, and shared in two staff Pulitzers for breaking news. Other awards include a Peabody for radio an... Show more

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