I love teaching machines to understand language.
I help them learn to speak, find information in texts, and create sentences.
I also enjoy making music and playing board games.
I’m passionate about platypuses, dinosaurs, and Doctor Who.
I don’t always look up, but when I do, it’s to admire the stars.

I love teaching machines to understand language. I help them learn to speak, find information in texts, and create sentences. I also enjoy making music and playing board games. I’m passionate about platypuses, dinosaurs, and Doctor Who. I don’t a... Show more

Kashif Khan is a co-chair of CNCF TAG Infrastructure and maintainer of the CNCF project Metal3.io for 6 years. He works as an open source Architect for Ericsson Software Technology, Finland. He holds a PhD in Computer Science. Kashif is a research and open source enthusiast and his current area of interest is kubernetes deployments on baremetal systems in distributed cloud scenarios.

Kashif Khan is a co-chair of CNCF TAG Infrastructure and maintainer of the CNCF project Metal3.io for 6 years. He works as an open source Architect for Ericsson Software Technology, Finland. He holds a PhD in Computer Science. Kashif is a research an... Show more

Kirstie Whitaker is the Executive Director of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS). At BIDS she supports the delivery of innovative open source software and infrastructure to benefit science and society, including through the Jupyter and Scientific Python communities. She is the founder of The Turing Way, a collaboratively created guide for reproducible, inclusive, collaborative, and ethical data science. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience (2012) and is a Fulbright Scholarship alumna.

Kirstie Whitaker is the Executive Director of the Berkeley Institute for Data Science (BIDS). At BIDS she supports the delivery of innovative open source software and infrastructure to benefit science and society, including through the Jupyter and Sc... Show more

Olga Dobzhynska leads Employer Branding in tech and works with global teams across Europe and beyond. She helps fast-growing companies answer the hard questions: Who are we, really? What do we stand for in practice? And how do we prove it to candidates and employees? Olga specializes in values discovery, EVP positioning, and culture storytelling for distributed teams — translating leadership intentions into behaviors, rituals, and messaging that make sense across different countries and mindsets. She’s also a lecturer and practitioner who treats employer brand like a product: built on insight, tested in reality, and improved continuously.

Olga Dobzhynska leads Employer Branding in tech and works with global teams across Europe and beyond. She helps fast-growing companies answer the hard questions: Who are we, really? What do we stand for in practice? And how do we prove it to candidat... Show more

Surfforce, London's Calling, Dreamforce, YeurDreamin and a few others conferences and I would like to repeat this experience and I hope that the attendees will learn something new, which they will use back home.

Surfforce, London's Calling, Dreamforce, YeurDreamin and a few others conferences and I would like to repeat this experience and I hope that the attendees will learn something new, which they will use back home. Show more

En sus inicios lideró la guerra de las colas de los 90, reposicionando en el liderazgo a la hasta entonces desaparecida Pepsi. Este logro fue resultado de aplicar creatividad y esfuerzos comerciales que revolucionaron las técnicas de promoción y venta en nuestro país.

Luego impulsó los cambios en Bieckert, tomando más de 20 puntos de participación del líder del mercado. En esta ocasión la segmentación y los cambios en la distribución fueron las claves para lograr el éxito.

Cerrando el ciclo de bebidas recaló en IVESS dónde la necesidad era “un cambio total”, pasar de una cultura de reparto y monoproducto a una de venta profesional multiproducto, logrando vencer las barreras del cambio que colocan las personas cuando están en un negocio rentable con una marca líder.

El siguiente paso fue desarrollar planes comerciales innovadores en Arcor directamente desde el área de RRHH comercial, la función era desarrollar la máxima potencialidad a través de planes de seguimiento que involucraban la capacitación y mejora continua...

El punto en común de esta primera etapa era enseñar a las compañías de consumo masivo a brindar servicio y potenciar los procesos de calidad. En la segunda la misión fue despertar a las empresas de servicios hacia la necesidad del consumo masivo, adaptación al cambio y creatividad.

Así fueron Hartford Life, Liberty, BNL, Lloyds Bank, Banco Galicia, AFJP Prorenta y Citibank, los primeros beneficiados a través de los servicios de consultoría y capacitación.

Han pasado más de veinte años y con servicios de excelencia acompañó importantes emprendimientos de capacitación a empresas como: Sancor Seguros, Neoris, Automóvil Club, AGFA, Telecom, Calsa, AUDI, Carrefour, VW, Philis Morris, DHL, YPF, Exxon Mobil, Du Pont Pionner, John Deere, Manpower, Fibertel, Toyota, Peugeot, Novartis, Unilever, Accenture, ACARA, Energía San Juan, Shell, San Cristóbal y muchas más.

También trabaja con empresas en el exterior y acreditó experiencia como profesor de la UBA y USAL en Negociación, Ventas, Liderazgo, Coaching y Creatividad.

En sus inicios lideró la guerra de las colas de los 90, reposicionando en el liderazgo a la hasta entonces desaparecida Pepsi. Este logro fue resultado de aplicar creatividad y esfuerzos comerciales que revolucionaron las técnicas de promoción y vent... Show more

Joris Quarshie is an Events and Programs Officer at Open Knowledge Impact Foundation, where he leads the planning and execution of impactful programs that promote open knowledge, community engagement, and digital inclusion. He works closely with diverse stakeholders to design initiatives that empower contributors, strengthen collaborative networks, and advance access to free and open information across communities.

Joris Quarshie is an Events and Programs Officer at Open Knowledge Impact Foundation, where he leads the planning and execution of impactful programs that promote open knowledge, community engagement, and digital inclusion. He works closely with dive... Show more

Pionero de UX en Argentina. Fundador de Kambrica, consultora de UX estratégico. Desde 1996 ha trabajado en más de 1000 proyectos para más de 40 industrias. Fue docente en 11 universidades y orador en más de 30 conferencias en 24 países. Creador de Experience Decisión Making, sistema que integra teoría de la decisión a los procesos de UX. Mentor de profesionales que quieren dar el salto de ejecutores a líderes.

Pionero de UX en Argentina. Fundador de Kambrica, consultora de UX estratégico. Desde 1996 ha trabajado en más de 1000 proyectos para más de 40 industrias. Fue docente en 11 universidades y orador en más de 30 conferencias en 24 países. Creador de Ex... Show more

Swapna Chimanchodkar is an accomplished transformation leader with nearly two decades of experience enabling sustainable business impact for global organizations through process excellence, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation. She has successfully led strategic initiatives spanning process and IT transformation, enterprise data strategy, and automation integrating technologies such as AI/ML, RPA, Gen AI, and advanced analytics to solve complex business challenges.
In her current role as Director at UBS Financial Services, Swapna drives large-scale transformation and integration programs across various areas of the bank. She oversees strategic integration, data modernization, and digital and process improvement initiatives, collaborating closely with senior leadership and cross-functional global teams.
A certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Swapna brings a unique combination of analytical rigor, strategic insight, and change management expertise to every engagement. She has been instrumental in designing target operating models, and implementing automation frameworks that deliver measurable efficiencies.
As a thought leader, Swapna regularly contributes to industry dialogue. She served as a keynote speaker and panelist at the NexGen Banking Summit USA 2024, discussing AI-driven business innovation and data-led digital transformation in the banking sector.

Swapna Chimanchodkar is an accomplished transformation leader with nearly two decades of experience enabling sustainable business impact for global organizations through process excellence, data-driven decision-making, and digital transformation. She... Show more

With a background spanning marketing, business, and organizational psychology, I have spent more than ten years helping multinational organizations navigate digital transformation, operational complexity, and organizational change.

My work focuses on the architecture of human systems and the conditions that determine whether technology translates into business value.

As Founder, CEO, and Strategic Advisor at Belltrix, I help leaders uncover the organizational dynamics that shape decisions, incentives, collaboration, and ultimately the success or failure of transformation initiatives.

I believe that when numbers fail to explain what is happening, the problem is rarely the data itself. More often, it is the system that produces it.

I believe that when numbers fail to explain what is happening, the problem is rarely the data itself. More often, it is the system behind it.

With a background spanning marketing, business, and organizational psychology, I have spent more than ten years helping multinational organizations navigate digital transformation, operational complexity, and organizational change. My work focuses... Show more

Nick Nisi is an elite software engineer who is a veteran of open source web development, a lover of karaoke, an advocate for diversity in tech, a conference organizer extraordinaire, a lover of new experiences, and a beacon of expertise, kindness and hope for his development team.

Nick Nisi is an elite software engineer who is a veteran of open source web development, a lover of karaoke, an advocate for diversity in tech, a conference organizer extraordinaire, a lover of new experiences, and a beacon of expertise, kindness and... Show more

100% agile DNA, boosted with Solution-Focus brief coaching, narrative practices, MGT3.0, Host-Leadership, Heart of Agile, I'm currently on the road to my new life, 100% focused on my NGO Agility With No Borders (www.awnb.org). Our mission is to help people achieve financial, social and professional autonomy, using the best practices of agile culture, enhanced by our dialogic signature. On our agenda: employability, social & eco-responsabile agile micro-entrepreneurship, development of essential 21st century skills (critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, leadership, resilience... and AI). www.awnb.org.

100% agile DNA, boosted with Solution-Focus brief coaching, narrative practices, MGT3.0, Host-Leadership, Heart of Agile, I'm currently on the road to my new life, 100% focused on my NGO Agility With No Borders (www.awnb.org). Our mission is to help ... Show more

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨
I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our connections in remote environments from a DEIB and neuroaffirmative standpoint. I have led tech teams, where I discovered that each brain processes and collaborates from different parameters. My passion lies in designing inclusive environments—not by correcting people, but by configuring teams to learn better together

As a gifted AuDHD girly 💅🏼 I bring a unique perspective that bridges neuroscience, communication, and technology. My talks inspire audiences to rethink collaboration, embrace neurodiversity, and foster truly inclusive cultures in both remote and in-person settings. I am committed to sharing actionable insights that help organizations unlock the full potential of their teams by understanding how our brains work and how we can design environments where everyone thrives. And have fun. Fun is key, neuroscience says.

Hi! I'm Caro 🧠✨ I've spent the las 10 years in HR & Leadership, with a background in communications & design and a loud curiosity abput how the uniiverse works. So, for the past two years I have been researching the brain, decision-making, and our... Show more

Coach professionnel, j’accompagne depuis plus de 15 ans managers, équipes et organisations à franchir des caps, en gardant l’humain et le vivant au cœur de l’action.

Mon approche s’appuie sur l’agilité, le coaching intégral et une inspiration tirée de la culture chinoise : écouter les cycles, cultiver l’équilibre, avancer avec justesse. J’aide les collectifs à retrouver du sens, à renforcer leur cohésion et à évoluer dans un environnement en mouvement.

J’installe des espaces de confiance, où chacun peut questionner ses repères et s’aligner avec ses aspirations.

J’allie écoute, transmission d’outils concrets et attention à ce qui fait vivre l’équipe, pour révéler le potentiel collectif.

J’accompagne les leaders à incarner une posture authentique, ancrée dans la réalité et attentive à l’équilibre humain.

Osez avancer autrement : mon accompagnement est une invitation à expérimenter, à progresser et à faire grandir le collectif, en lien avec le vivant.

Coach professionnel, j’accompagne depuis plus de 15 ans managers, équipes et organisations à franchir des caps, en gardant l’humain et le vivant au cœur de l’action. Mon approche s’appuie sur l’agilité, le coaching intégral et une inspiration tiré... Show more

Ingeniero de Software con formación académica en antropología y ciencias sociales. Interesado en las posibilidades que ofrece la inteligencia artificial generativa y el desarrollo de aplicaciones orientadas mejorar la experiencia de los seres humanos con los sistemas computacionales.

Ingeniero de Software con formación académica en antropología y ciencias sociales. Interesado en las posibilidades que ofrece la inteligencia artificial generativa y el desarrollo de aplicaciones orientadas mejorar la experiencia de los seres humanos... Show more

Malcolm McAuley has been involved in the Dynamics 365 CE/CRM space for over 15 years. Malcolm also spent 18 years in the not-for-profit sector. He's fulfilled various roles both as a customer and a consultant and has worked with many organizations to identify opportunities where Dynamics 365 CE/CRM, Microsoft 365 and Power Platform tools can increase organizational efficiency and maximize data insight so companies are making decisions on what is actually happen instead of what they think is happening in their business. In his role as Microsoft Solutions Practice Lead at C5 Insight, Malcolm guides and supports the Dynamics and Microsoft 365 teams in their pursuit of delivering excellence to our clients. He also holds a strong interest in empowering others to building authentic connections through networking, and has recently released a self-constructed keynote address on the topic. Malcolm, his wife of 20 years, and two teenage boys reside near Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.

Malcolm McAuley has been involved in the Dynamics 365 CE/CRM space for over 15 years. Malcolm also spent 18 years in the not-for-profit sector. He's fulfilled various roles both as a customer and a consultant and has worked with many organizations to... Show more

Author of "Programming LLMs with Azure Open AI" (Microsoft Press, 2024), Francesco is currently Chief Technology Officer at Crionet, a primary sport-tech firm, where he started writing software and algorithms at the venerable age of 12. He coordinates a team of 30 developers and data scientists doing applications primarily on the .NET stack. As an entrepreneur, he founded Youbiquitous, a data analysis and software factory working primarily on the Python stack for major public Italian companies and universities, and KBMS Data Force, a startup in Digital Therapy and intelligent healthcare, where he serves as CTO.

Author of "Programming LLMs with Azure Open AI" (Microsoft Press, 2024), Francesco is currently Chief Technology Officer at Crionet, a primary sport-tech firm, where he started writing software and algorithms at the venerable age of 12. He coordinate... Show more

Social Engineering Trainer & Consultant - Cyber Risk GmbH

Christina Lekati is a psychologist and a social engineer.
Christina has participated in penetration tests, law enforcement & corporate training, high-value target & corporate vulnerability assessments, and more.
She is working with Cyber Risk GmbH as a lead intelligence analyst & social engineer. In addition to her social engineering work, she is conducting Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) assessments to help organizations and high-value individuals identify and manage risks.

Social Engineering Trainer & Consultant - Cyber Risk GmbH Christina Lekati is a psychologist and a social engineer. Christina has participated in penetration tests, law enforcement & corporate training, high-value target & corporate vulnerability... Show more

Amber Vanderburg is a multi-award winning businessperson, keynote speaker, author, and founder of the international learning development company, The Pathwayz Group, which has led 800,000+ learners in more than 75 countries in action-focused learning journeys. Amber's history in talent development includes authoring top-reviewed online learning courses for platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Lecturio, and PluralSight, acting as Director of a national education leadership company, and coaching with professional sports team academies in Asia. In 2022, she published her first business adventure book "Uniquely Better" about building higher team performance.

Speaking engagements:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMNcx7Jwk9Sp6WxuvrfOOBqdP9440SKl0

Amber Vanderburg is a multi-award winning businessperson, keynote speaker, author, and founder of the international learning development company, The Pathwayz Group, which has led 800,000+ learners in more than 75 countries in action-focused learning... Show more

Candice Grobler is the founder of Candid Collab, a systems-savvy community consultancy helping solo founders and stretched teams build community-led marketing engines that scale revenue.

After a CPTSD diagnosis and a “you’re unemployable” jab from a well-meaning manager, Candice left the cubicle grind to forge a new model: one where neuro-spicy, outside-the-norm entrepreneurs could thrive through mentorship, scrappy systems, and candid community.

Today, she’s a sought-after mentor and speaker known for transforming sticky-note chaos into streamlined workflows and turning feast-or-famine floundering into steady, soul-aligned revenue. Her live talks, workshops, and interviews blend radical candour with practical playbooks, because life’s too short to build someone else’s empire (or burn out building your own).

Candice has helped dozens of founders grow recurring revenue, reduce burnout, and build communities that market for them, without agency retainers, bro-marketing gloss, or a selling out.

Candice Grobler is the founder of Candid Collab, a systems-savvy community consultancy helping solo founders and stretched teams build community-led marketing engines that scale revenue. After a CPTSD diagnosis and a “you’re unemployable” jab from... Show more

After studying law and earning master’s degrees in political science and Chinese, Armony launched her first business in 2007 to create her own job following an illness. Since then, she has been working to promote digital accessibility through conferences, training sessions, writing a book, contributing to book chapters, and authoring articles…

After helping to draft version 3 of the General Framework for Improving Accessibility (RGAA), she joined the working group updating the technical framework for RGAA 5.

Armony has founded and led several companies, the most recent being Koena, but she now operates as a freelancer under the brand Itsula. She offers expertise, auditing, strategic consulting (multi-year digital accessibility plan), and training in digital accessibility and text simplification using the European Easy to Read (ETR) method.

After studying law and earning master’s degrees in political science and Chinese, Armony launched her first business in 2007 to create her own job following an illness. Since then, she has been working to promote digital accessibility through confere... Show more

Parul is a highly experienced keynote speaker with a flair for making DEI talks exciting again. She delivers informative and engaging talks on neurodiversity, sometimes with a bit of a twist; by using concepts from nostalgic video games!

Parul has delivered keynote talks at LeadDev London, Leeds Digital Festival, Manchester Tech Festival and RecFest.

Parul is a highly experienced keynote speaker with a flair for making DEI talks exciting again. She delivers informative and engaging talks on neurodiversity, sometimes with a bit of a twist; by using concepts from nostalgic video games! Parul ha... Show more

Prayer Chinaza Nwagboso is a Nigerian humanitarian leader, social entrepreneur, and global advocate advancing equitable access to education, gender equality, and sustainable community development across underserved and crisis-affected regions.
She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Naza Agape Foundation, a multi-country nonprofit organization committed to delivering tuition-free education, humanitarian support, and livelihood opportunities to vulnerable children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and women. Since its establishment in 2018, the foundation has impacted over 20,000 beneficiaries across Africa and Asia, supported by a growing network of more than 500 volunteers worldwide.
Nwagboso’s work is distinguished by her grassroots-to-global approach, having initiated education programs within internally displaced communities in Northern Nigeria, creating access to structured learning where none previously existed. Her model integrates education, welfare, and empowerment, aligning with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Her impact has received international recognition, with features by leading global media platforms including BBC News Africa and BBC Pidgin, highlighting her work in expanding educational access and restoring dignity to displaced and underserved populations.
As Co-founder of Girlified, Nwagboso leads innovative solutions addressing period poverty and environmental sustainability, producing eco-friendly menstrual products and supporting thousands of girls to remain in school with dignity.

She serves in global leadership and advocacy capacities, including as a State Chair within the G100 SDG Wing Nigeria and a Cabinet Minister of the Republic of Women (ROW), contributing to international dialogues on inclusive development, women’s empowerment, and social justice.
A graduate of Covenant University with a background in Mass Communication, Nwagboso is also a published author of “Victory at Last: How I Conquered Low Self-Esteem,” a work reflecting her commitment to personal transformation and youth empowerment.

Her contributions have earned her international awards and recognitions, positioning her as one of the emerging voices in Africa’s next generation of humanitarian and development leaders.
Driven by a vision to build scalable, tuition-free education systems across Africa, Prayer Nwagboso continues to lead initiatives that bridge systemic gaps, empower communities, and create sustainable pathways for future generations.

She's passionate the girl child education and desires to build tuition free schools in Africa.

Prayer Chinaza Nwagboso is a Nigerian humanitarian leader, social entrepreneur, and global advocate advancing equitable access to education, gender equality, and sustainable community development across underserved and crisis-affected regions. She i... Show more

Bryan is not your average speaker. He is a professor, worked as a consultant, authored two international bestseller books, serial entrepreneur and now with a mission: to teach 1 million innovators by 2027.

He has built companies in 6 countries, and trained 40,000+ leaders.

He’s also a former professional racquetball player turned mathematician, a United Nations professional who speaks four languages.

A researcher who has published on innovation, alignment, and social-media addiction. He’s co-created books with 50+ experts worldwide, including the international bestsellers CYCLES and The Generative Organization.

Bryan has lived on a beach with startups, painted huts in Africa, and sat in boardrooms on five continents. Wherever he goes, it’s people first: show up, do the work, keep your word.

Core belief: innovation isn’t about tools or technology. It’s about helping people believe they can make things better.

Bryan is not your average speaker. He is a professor, worked as a consultant, authored two international bestseller books, serial entrepreneur and now with a mission: to teach 1 million innovators by 2027. He has built companies in 6 countries, a... Show more

Dr. Kendra Pöhlmann, Dr. der Wirtschaftswissenschaften mit den Schwerpunkten Strategie und Nachhaltigkeit. Als wiss. Mitarbeiterin, Dozentin und Speakerin liegt ihr die nachhaltige Unternehmensentwicklung insbes. von, mit und für Frauen am Herzen.

Dr. Kendra Pöhlmann, Dr. der Wirtschaftswissenschaften mit den Schwerpunkten Strategie und Nachhaltigkeit. Als wiss. Mitarbeiterin, Dozentin und Speakerin liegt ihr die nachhaltige Unternehmensentwicklung insbes. von, mit und für Frauen am Herzen. Show more

Je porte la conviction que l’être humain est naturellement enclin au travail bien fait, à la coopération et à la croissance — à condition d’évoluer dans un environnement qui nourrit son propre écosystème autant que celui qui l’entoure, qu’il soit social ou environnemental.
Je défends l’idée que l’humain ne doit jamais être une variable d’ajustement dans nos organisations, mais un véritable moteur de développement. Chaque collaborateur mérite d’être considéré comme un être en devenir, et non comme un simple rouage productif.

Docteur en cristallographie, j’ai construit mon parcours au sein de grands groupes pharmaceutiques, où j’ai contribué au développement scientifique et organisationnel en tant que manager d’équipe puis Transformation Leader.
J’ai accompagné de nombreuses équipes dans leur transition vers des pratiques managériales plus inclusives, délégatives et vertueuses.

Chez Sanofi, j’ai animé pendant plusieurs années le Management Lab, un espace d’exploration et d’apprentissage dédié aux pratiques managériales innovantes, notamment au travers d’ateliers immersifs. J’y ai également fondé la ludothèque interne, aujourd’hui riche de plus de 400 jeux d’édition.

Pour approfondir ma compréhension de l’humain et des dynamiques collectives, j’ai suivi une formation exigeante de 18 mois (JBS Lyon – Coach&Team) en coaching individuel, d’équipe et d’organisation, intégrant la sociologie, la psychologie humaniste et l’analyse transactionnelle. Je suis par ailleurs accrédité aux outils psychométriques MBTI et Process Com.

Co‑créateur du jeu professionnel Les Aventuriers de la Draille®, Facilitateur Chaos Fertile® et Ambassadeur Burni Bornes®, je conçois également des jeux d’édition sur mon temps personnel.

Enfin, je pratique l’Aïkido depuis l’âge de 6 ans et la méditation de pleine conscience depuis dix ans, deux disciplines qui nourrissent profondément ma vision du leadership, du jeu et de la relation à soi et à l’autre.

Je porte la conviction que l’être humain est naturellement enclin au travail bien fait, à la coopération et à la croissance — à condition d’évoluer dans un environnement qui nourrit son propre écosystème autant que celui qui l’entoure, qu’il soit soc... Show more

Ana helps creators and founders build from alignment not performance.

Ana helps creators and founders build from alignment not performance. Show more

David Lohner is an educationalist and learning experience designer with many years of experience in media education at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His affiliations include the National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik), the German Association of Academic and Educational Developers (dghd) and the [[notizlab]].
A key focus for him is the promotion of individual skills development. In his work, he combines sociocultural, pedagogical and technical perspectives to design effective and sustainable teaching and learning processes in the digital age. In addition, he conducts research on topics relating to digital higher education, the design of learning and knowledge processes, and concepts of digital note-taking and personal knowledge management.

David Lohner is an educationalist and learning experience designer with many years of experience in media education at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). His affiliations include the National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik), the... Show more

Kurtis’ book, “Cyber Recon: My Life in Cyber Espionage and Ransomware Negotiation” (Wiley, 2025), is an exposé of the private cyber espionage industry and the economic impact of cyberattacks on the US economy.

Kurtis Minder is the founder of GroupSense, a leading provider of digital risk solutions. He built a robust cyber reconnaissance operation that protects some of the world’s largest enterprises and government organizations. Having exited GroupSense in 2025, he now consults for cybersecurity technology companies and serves as a cyber board advisor.

Kurtis is a recognized expert in ransomware response, having served as the lead negotiator in some of the largest ransomware, breach, and data extortion cases globally. His experiences and insights are captured in his book, Cyber Recon, which explores the high-stakes world of cyber threat actor engagement and ransomware response.

He holds a FEMA certification in Critical Infrastructure Protection and actively contributes to public good projects. He is the program lead for RAPIDS, a regional initiative based in Grand Junction, Colorado, focused on measuring and managing the health of the Colorado River through innovative technology and data collaboration.

Kurtis is consistently tapped to lead discussions and keynotes for enterprises and organizations like Wired, the New York Independent Bankers Association, The International Bar Association. Trellix, The State of California, The State of Pennsylvania, RSA Conference, DEFCON, and many others.

Kurtis’s work has been featured in major media outlets, including The New Yorker, Fortune, VICE, WIRED, CNN, and Good Morning America, among others.

Kurtis’ book, “Cyber Recon: My Life in Cyber Espionage and Ransomware Negotiation” (Wiley, 2025), is an exposé of the private cyber espionage industry and the economic impact of cyberattacks on the US economy. Kurtis Minder is the founder of Group... Show more

Matthew Castilla is a professional musician turned Technology professional. Starting with music degrees, life took a turn and shifted his journey in a completely unexpected direction. Matt is currently a Staff Software QA Engineer working for Intuit Mailchimp. He has also served as a lead for the Atlanta portion of the black ERG called HUES. In addition to this work, he currently reports to the company’s senior leadership team as a co-founder and member of its DEI committee. He has authored articles on cultural change, taught courses on ethnographic material surrounding music, and spoken as a spiritual advisor to communities in need.

Matthew Castilla is a professional musician turned Technology professional. Starting with music degrees, life took a turn and shifted his journey in a completely unexpected direction. Matt is currently a Staff Software QA Engineer working for Intuit ... Show more