Humanities & Social Sciences

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

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

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

Lars van Rijn

Lars van Rijn

Lars van Rijn ist Bildungswissenschaftler und als wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter im LEAD:FUH-Projekt vorrangig zuständig für die Gestaltung und Bereitstellung von Weiterbildungsangeboten sowie die didaktische Integration von KI- und LA-Verfahren in Lehr-Lernprozesse. Fokus seiner Forschung sind das didaktische Design von KI und Learning Analytics in und deren Auswirkungen auf Bildungskontexte. Schwerpunktmäßig betrachtet er dabei die (Teil-) Automatisierung von Feedbackprozessen.

Lars van Rijn ist Bildungswissenschaftler und als wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter im LEAD:FUH-Projekt vorrangig zuständig für die Gestaltung und Bereitstellung von Weiterbildungsangeboten sowie die didaktische Integration von KI- und LA-Verfahren in L... Show more

Sanne Ziethen

Sanne Ziethen

Dr. Sanne Ziethen ist Kultur- und Geschichtswissenschaftlerin sowie Hochschuldidaktikerin mit Schwerpunkt auf partizipativer Lehrentwicklung, Transfer von Lehrinnovationen und digital gestützter Hochschullehre. Nach dem Studium der Kulturwissenschaften und Ästhetischen Praxis an der Universität Hildesheim und der Promotion in Kultur- und Geschichtswissenschaften war sie zunächst im Projektmanagement tätig, bevor sie in Lehre und Hochschulentwicklung zurückkehrte. Am Institut für Geschichte der Universität Hildesheim konzipierte und erprobte sie zahlreiche innovative Lehr-/Lernformate und wurde dafür mit dem Preis für hervorragende Lehre 2020/2021 der Universität Hildesheim ausgezeichnet.
Eine zentrale Linie ihrer Arbeit ist die systematische Verankerung von Lehrinnovationen in Organisationen („Transfer“): Im Projekt Digital C@MPUS-le@rning (2021-2025) verantwortete sie Transferstrategien, didaktische Beratung und Support, OER-Entwicklung sowie Kommunikations- und Vernetzungsaktivitäten. Sie initiierte das partizipative Format le@rningLOTSEN, in dem qualifizierte Studierende als hochschuldidaktische Multiplikator*innen Lehrende beraten und erfolgreiche Lehr-/Lernformate in die Breite der Universität tragen. Im Projekt "aLaZukunft" (Agile Lehrarchitektur für Zukunftsthemen) verantwortet sie Curriculums- und Studiengangsentwicklung und Transfer.
Didaktisch verbindet sie kultur- und bildungswissenschaftliche Perspektiven mit Ansätzen des transformativen Lernens, der Kompetenzorientierung und der partizipativen Curriculum- und Lehrentwicklung. Ihre Weiterqualifikation als eTrainerin, eLearning-Beraterin und eTutorin (FernUniversität in Hagen) fundiert ihre Arbeit an digitalen und hybriden Lehr-/Lernsettings sowie offenen Bildungsressourcen (OER).
Dr. Ziethen engagiert sich überinstitutionell u. a. im Hochschulforum Digitalisierung (HFD), in Weiterqualifikationsprogrammen der Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre sowie in der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Hochschuldidaktik (DGHD; AG Transfer; AG Transformatives Lernen und Nachhaltigkeit). Ihre Arbeit zielt darauf, innovative Lehrpraxis, studentische Partizipation und organisationale Entwicklung systematisch zu verbinden und nachhaltig in Hochschulen zu verankern.

Dr. Sanne Ziethen ist Kultur- und Geschichtswissenschaftlerin sowie Hochschuldidaktikerin mit Schwerpunkt auf partizipativer Lehrentwicklung, Transfer von Lehrinnovationen und digital gestützter Hochschullehre. Nach dem Studium der Kulturwissenschaft... 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

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

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

Khrystyna Kurganska

Khrystyna Kurganska

Khrystyna Kurganska is an entrepreneur, founder, and mental health advocate working at the intersection of business, social impact, psychology, sensory experience, and human recovery.
For more than 15 years, she has built businesses in perfumery, aroma marketing, and multisensory brand experience. Her professional background explores how scent, memory, environment, and emotion shape the way people feel, behave, connect, and recover.
Since 2022, she has led DOLADU, an NGO supporting psychological rehabilitation, psychosocial recovery, and reintegration for military personnel, veterans, their families, and people affected by war in Ukraine.

Khrystyna Kurganska is an entrepreneur, founder, and mental health advocate working at the intersection of business, social impact, psychology, sensory experience, and human recovery. For more than 15 years, she has built businesses in perfumery, ar... Show more

Pav Lertjitbanjong

Pav Lertjitbanjong

Pav Lertjitbanjong is a Decision Scientist and the founder of PAVNESS — Unbreakable Leadership Lab, a high-stakes performance training platform for the AI era.

She spent over 20 years inside Fortune 500 and global organizations, most recently as Head of Strategic Analytics at Adobe, advising senior leaders on the data, go-to-market & marketing strategies behind their highest-stakes decisions. The PAVNESS THINK Protocol is what emerged when she paired two decades of operator pattern recognition with Decision Science and stress-research-backed training in performance under pressure.

She holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, a BBA in Decision Science from the University of Kentucky, and is Stanford-trained in AI Leadership and Public Speaking. She's been featured in media e.g. New York Post, Yahoo Finance, MSN, and various thought leadership podcasts.

Based in Minnesota, but travel frequently to Bangkok Thailand, New York City and San Francisco Bay Area

Pav Lertjitbanjong is a Decision Scientist and the founder of PAVNESS — Unbreakable Leadership Lab, a high-stakes performance training platform for the AI era. She spent over 20 years inside Fortune 500 and global organizations, most recently as H... Show more

Daniel Lestón

Daniel Lestón

Daniel F. Leston is an engineer, policy expert, and author working at the intersection of technology, sovereignty, and development across Europe and Africa. An IBM alumni and former advisor to the Spanish Ministry of Science , he has spent two decades leading digital and energy transformation initiatives. Founder of Gurumbe Capital, he focuses on decentralized infrastructure and open-source models as tools for true strategic autonomy. He is based in Nairobi.

Daniel F. Leston is an engineer, policy expert, and author working at the intersection of technology, sovereignty, and development across Europe and Africa. An IBM alumni and former advisor to the Spanish Ministry of Science , he has spent two decade... Show more

Francesco Esposito

Francesco Esposito

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

Tess Gouws

Tess Gouws

Tess is a facilitator, coach, and experience designer who works at the intersection of people, technology, and business.

She's helped organisations untangle complex problems, from culture design and employee experience to customer journeys and leadership development. She's worked across telecoms, financial services, education, and SaaS, with everyone from junior managers to C-suite executives.

Her approach is curiosity-led and human-first. She designs and facilitates sessions that create genuine space for people to think, challenge, and move forward, guided by theory but never driven by it.

People leave her sessions equipped with clarity, confidence, and the curiosity to keep going long after they leave the room.

Tess is a facilitator, coach, and experience designer who works at the intersection of people, technology, and business. She's helped organisations untangle complex problems, from culture design and employee experience to customer journeys and lea... Show more

Moritz Schmid

Moritz Schmid

Moritz Schmid studiert Politikwissenschaft und Volkswirtschaftslehre an der Universität Regensburg. Seit April 2026 ist er Sprecher des Bayerischen Landesstudierendenrats und vertritt die über 400.000 Studierenden in Bayern. In dieser Funktion sind seine Schwerpunkte Künstliche Intelligenz, Nachhaltigkeit und die Zukunft der Lehre. Darüber hinaus engagiert er sich als Mitglied der Steuerungsgruppe des Zentrums Hochschule und Nachhaltigkeit Bayern (BayZen) – und hat mit CampusCar eine Carpooling-Plattform mitinitiiert, um Pendleremissionen an Hochschulen zu reduzieren.

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

Dr. Deitra C. Payne

Dr. Deitra C. Payne

Dr. Deitra C. Payne is a dynamic achievement and accountability coach, motivational speaker, and Founder and CEO of Fabulous Coaching, Training, and Productions, LLC, based in Arizona. With over 15 years of experience as a college and university professor teaching human resource management and business, Dr. Payne brings a powerful combination of academic rigor, real-world insight, and authentic storytelling to every stage.

An accomplished presenter, Dr. Payne has shared her expertise at CUPA-HR conferences, SHRM state chapters, and academic conferences nationwide. Her research paper, Broken: The Harmful Effects of Workplace Bullying, earned the Distinguished Paper Award at the 2015 Mustang Journal International Academic Conference — a testament to her commitment to creating healthier, stronger organizations and communities.

What truly sets Dr. Payne apart is her extraordinary personal story. Just two days after her father passed away on Thanksgiving in 2022, she lost her memory and her ability to speak. She fought her way back — and today stands before audiences as living proof that resilience is not just a concept, it is a choice. Her journey from crisis to triumph gives her message an authenticity that moves audiences to believe that if she can overcome such devastating challenges, they too can conquer whatever stands in their way.

Dr. Payne delivers powerful presentations on overcoming adversity, mindset shift, cultivating gratitude, purposeful living, resiliency, and building unshakeable confidence. Her style uniquely blends research-based insights with authentic humor and relatable storytelling — creating engaging experiences that resonate long after the applause fades.

Dr. Deitra C. Payne is a dynamic achievement and accountability coach, motivational speaker, and Founder and CEO of Fabulous Coaching, Training, and Productions, LLC, based in Arizona. With over 15 years of experience as a college and university prof... Show more

Parul Singh

Parul Singh

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

Bryan Cassady

Bryan Cassady

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

Stephane Beilles

Stephane Beilles

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

Kurtis Minder

Kurtis Minder

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

John Kingsford Amissah

John Kingsford Amissah

I am John Kingsford Amissah, a certified Data Analyst and Founder & CEO of StratIQ Consult, leading analytics-driven transformation and strategic advisory across Africa. I specialize in turning complex data into actionable insights using tools like Excel, SQL, Python, Power BI, Power Automate, etc.

With experience in telecommunications, insurance, and business development, I have led projects that improved decision-making, customer outcomes, and operational efficiency. I hold an MSc in Business Analytics from the University of Ghana.

I am passionate about empowering communities, building analytical capacity, and positioning data professionals as strategic voices in leadership.

I am John Kingsford Amissah, a certified Data Analyst and Founder & CEO of StratIQ Consult, leading analytics-driven transformation and strategic advisory across Africa. I specialize in turning complex data into actionable insights using tools like E... Show more

Lynda Williams

Lynda Williams

Lynda Williams spent a decade building an award-winning PR agency across South East Asia and Hong Kong. She led multi-generational teams, won international clients, and by every external measure — was at the top of her game. She also learned the hard way that resilience built on achievement rather than self-worth has a shelf life.
Now a Tranformation Coach, Key Note Speaker and host of the podcast P.S I Love Me, Lynda works with high-achieving individuals who are brilliant at performing — and ready to start leading differently.
Her keynote "Gen Z, Self-Worth and the Future of Leadership" is a straight-talking, deeply personal exploration of why Gen Z aren't the problem — they're the mirror. And what every leader in the room needs to look at before that mirror breaks.
Lynda brings rare credibility to this conversation — not as a theorist, but as someone who lived the old model, paid the price for it, and rebuilt from the inside out.

Lynda Williams spent a decade building an award-winning PR agency across South East Asia and Hong Kong. She led multi-generational teams, won international clients, and by every external measure — was at the top of her game. She also learned the hard... Show more

Lisa Lucas

Lisa Lucas

Travel and Tech writer who blends experience from journalism and as a senior marketer to make sense of how companies can manage change during tech transformations.

Travel and Tech writer who blends experience from journalism and as a senior marketer to make sense of how companies can manage change during tech transformations. Show more

Matthew Castilla

Matthew Castilla

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

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