Nalin Theodore is a recent graduate of Christopher Newport University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies. During his time at CNU, Nalin was actively involved in the Presidential Leadership Program, Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honor Society, Residence Life, and the Men’s Ultimate Frisbee Team. Nalin’s interest in sustainability grew through his involvement in student-led environmental initiatives and his work as a Reuzzi Student Ambassador. In this role, he used his strengths in communication, storytelling, and video production to create engaging promotional content that raised awareness of Reuzzi’s sustainable solutions and encouraged more environmentally conscious choices among college students. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management at George Mason University while working as a Sales Consultant at Safford Subaru Manassas. Nalin is passionate about using communication, leadership, and creative media to strengthen communities and make sustainability more accessible and engaging. Outside of his professional and academic work, he enjoys volunteering in his community, creating videos, staying active, exploring the outdoors, and playing ultimate frisbee.

Nalin Theodore is a recent graduate of Christopher Newport University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Leadership Studies. During his time at CNU, Nalin was actively involved in the Presidential Leadership ... Show more

Sanad Alrashidi is a Saudi student of Economics at Boston University with a minor in Political Science. His interests sit at the intersection of communication, decision-making, and how people understand complex problems. He has worked on research related to AI-supported adaptive learning and has represented Saudi Arabia in international youth policy spaces, including the ECOSOC Youth Forum. His experience also includes innovation and technology-focused internships and a long-standing background in Arabic and English speaking, from school programs and Arabic performance work through Katabah to conference and policy settings. His work is driven by one question: how can people think more clearly in a world moving too fast?

Sanad Alrashidi is a Saudi student of Economics at Boston University with a minor in Political Science. His interests sit at the intersection of communication, decision-making, and how people understand complex problems. He has worked on research rel... Show more

Formal CV

Dr Deborah de Graaff is a celebrated Australian clarinettist, educator, music psychologist, and adjudicator, known for her dynamic artistry and deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. A winner of the prestigious ABC Young Performers Awards, Deborah has performed as a soloist and chamber musician on major stages nationally and internationally, including numerous ABC broadcasts and 14 acclaimed CD recordings.
Deborah earned her PhD from UNSW with pioneering research in expert practice and motivational music psychology—work that continues to influence teaching studios and conservatoria alike. A passionate educator, she has taught clarinet and chamber music at the Sydney Conservatorium High School, the Open Academy, and the University of Sydney, where she also supervised postgraduate research. Many of her students have gone on to win national competitions, scholarships, and professional positions in major ensembles.
Former artistic director of the touring ensemble Ku-ring-gai Virtuosi, she was a founding artistic director of SILO SOUNDS Inc. in Harden-Murrumburrah regional NSW, she brought elite-level classical music of excellence and youth and elders mentorship to her rural community.
Known for her insightful musical judgment, warmth, and inspiring presence, Deborah is a highly respected adjudicator and mentor, uniquely bridging performance excellence with psychological insight and pedagogical rigour.
She delights that many previous students are working professionally as clarinet players and educators.

___________

alternate

About Deborah de Graaff, a Personal Profile

Clarinetist Educator Communicator:
Australian clarinetist Deborah de Graaff is acclaimed for her expressive artistry, distinctive voice in chamber music, and deep commitment to teaching and audience engagement. A musician of rare depth, Deborah has combined a rich performing life with a thoughtful, communicative approach to repertoire — from classic masterpieces to new commissions.

A Life Shaped by Music:
Growing up immersed in the world of opera and song, Deborah was profoundly influenced by her mother, contralto Lauris Elms. This early exposure to lyricism, tone, and storytelling continues to shape her sound — one that is vocal in colour, expressive in phrasing, and consistently grounded in musical intention.

Her performances are known for their luminous tone, architectural clarity, and emotional directness, traits particularly evident in her acclaimed recordings of the Brahms clarinet works and other core repertoire. Whether in concerto, chamber music, or solo recital, Deborah’s playing invites listeners into a world where each phrase breathes and each curve of line is compellingly articulated.

​Championing Clarinet Repertoire:
Deborah’s large discography and concert career has reflected both masterworks of the clarinet literature and thoughtful explorations of new and rare gems. Her recordings are celebrated for their: Artistic depth and expressive range. Clarity of musical structure. Deep empathy with composers’ intentions

Teacher & Mentor
As a dedicated educator, Deborah brings the same musical sensitivity and analytic insight to the studio as she does to the stage. Her teaching is characterised by:
A focus on sound quality and expressive intention
Clear, structured pedagogical approaches to technique and musicianship
Encouragement of personal musical voice alongside disciplined craft
University students, young professionals, and community musicians alike value her clarity, patience, and mentorship.

​

Connection & Communication
Whether through live concerts, recordings, masterclasses, or online media, Deborah believes strongly in connecting with audiences — helping listeners hear with fresh ears and experience music as a living, breathing art.

She has appeared as a featured artist and speaker at festivals, conferences, concert series, and educational forums, and is regularly invited to adjudicate, lecture, and lead workshops.

​

Behind the Music
When she isn’t playing or teaching, Deborah can often be found:
Mentoring with young people and exploring new repertoire with collaborators
Somewhere in the garden nurturing trees and growing fruit
Listening deeply to everything from lieder to chamber music and podcasts on the environment and world politics
Sailing, boating, varnishing, painting and building
​Walking Harry-dog through bushland or open rural fields with er wonderful wife
Keeping in touch with her talented inspiring young people and students

Formal CV Dr Deborah de Graaff is a celebrated Australian clarinettist, educator, music psychologist, and adjudicator, known for her dynamic artistry and deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. A winner of the prestigious AB... Show more

Salma Mohammed Salem Al Ketbi is an Emirati educator and researcher specializing in Arabic language curricula. She serves as a Vice Principal and is recognized as one of the leading education professionals in the UAE.

She is the recipient of the Mohammed bin Zayed Award for Best Teacher, named Best Teacher in the Arab World, and is the first Emirati teacher to enter the Guinness World Records for a world-first innovation in creative writing.

She has led several impactful educational initiatives, including the “International Teachers Knowledge Fund Platform” and the Tokkatsu Project, both focused on teacher development and student character building. She has also contributed to national programs supporting reading, writing, and student assessment preparation.

Salma has participated in various research projects and conferences locally and internationally, contributing to curriculum development and educational innovation.

She believes education is a key driver for shaping the future and is committed to empowering teachers and students to become lifelong learners and active contributors to society.

Salma Mohammed Salem Al Ketbi is an Emirati educator and researcher specializing in Arabic language curricula. She serves as a Vice Principal and is recognized as one of the leading education professionals in the UAE. She is the recipient of the M... Show more

Nathan Egge is an engineering manager at Google. He is co-chair of the RISE Project Technical Steering Committee.

Nathan Egge is an engineering manager at Google. He is co-chair of the RISE Project Technical Steering Committee. Show more

A seasoned ERP Analyst with extensive experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and AX. With a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from The Ohio State University, Jody brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving to every project.
Over the course of two decades, Jody has supported and led ERP implementations, system optimizations, and process improvements across diverse industries—including government and multiple manufacturing specialties, including fire apparatus and recreational vehicles. Her expertise spans financial systems analysis, supply chain management, change management, and user training for organizations ranging from 120 to 600+ users.
As a dedicated leader in the Dynamics community, Jody serves as a co-lead for the Ohio D365F&O-AX User Group and Dynamic Minds, and is a frequent speaker at DynamicsCon Live and other industry events. Passionate about leveraging technology to streamline operations, Jody thrives on transforming complex challenges into efficient, user-friendly solutions.

A seasoned ERP Analyst with extensive experience in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations and AX. With a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from The Ohio State University, Jody brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solvi... Show more

Here’s the updated version:

Jason Meekma is the Executive Director of Focus on Community, Inc., a Racine, Wisconsin nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance use and inspiring healthy life choices. With more than 20 years of experience working with youth and communities, Jason has led coalition initiatives, youth development programs, family-centered strategies, and community partnerships grounded in practical, community-driven solutions. He brings a people-first perspective to his presentations, combining real-world experience with an engaging, approachable style.

Jason also explores how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can strengthen community and prevention work without replacing human judgment, local knowledge, or authentic community voice. Through interactive presentations, live demonstrations, and honest conversation, he helps audiences consider both the possibilities and responsibilities of using AI in their work. Whether discussing prevention, coalition development, youth engagement, or technology, Jason invites participants to think differently and leave with ideas they can put into practice.

Here’s the updated version: Jason Meekma is the Executive Director of Focus on Community, Inc., a Racine, Wisconsin nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance use and inspiring healthy life choices. With more than 20 years of experience working w... Show more

Eraina Ferguson is a special needs advocate, journalist, and TEDx event curator, and TEDx speaker. Her company, My Good Life, enables families of children with special needs to live their best life despite their circumstances. Her recent monologue, Listen to Her, was read by actress Marla Gibbs and featured at the WACO Theatre’s 50in50 event. Her writing has been featured on NBC Universal, Red Tricycle, LA Parents Magazine, and the LA Times. Eraina lives in California with her husband and children.

Eraina Ferguson is a special needs advocate, journalist, and TEDx event curator, and TEDx speaker. Her company, My Good Life, enables families of children with special needs to live their best life despite their circumstances. Her recent monologue, L... Show more

Dr Yousif Abdelrahim is an Assistant Professor at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University and a researcher specialising in culture, social values, organisational behaviour, and management in emerging economies. His work examines how informal institutions, social norms, trust, and cultural values influence individual and organisational outcomes. He has published research on education, management, workplace behaviour, and socio-cultural dynamics, with a particular interest in the Middle East and developing countries. Dr Abdelrahim's research seeks to bridge local insights and global theory while providing practical implications for educators, leaders, and policymakers. He regularly presents research at international conferences and is committed to advancing culturally informed approaches to education and organisational development.

Dr Yousif Abdelrahim is an Assistant Professor at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University and a researcher specialising in culture, social values, organisational behaviour, and management in emerging economies. His work examines how informal institutions... Show more

I manage and mentor cross-functional teams of both junior and senior professionals, ensuring clear communication and strong alignment across all levels. By combining this leadership with my background as a Strategy Manager and Senior Program Manager, I translate complex business goals into structured, securely executed initiatives. My experience as a Cybersecurity Practitioner ensures that these programs are resilient by design, allowing me to build capable teams that effectively bridge the gap between long-term strategic growth and real-world risk management.

I manage and mentor cross-functional teams of both junior and senior professionals, ensuring clear communication and strong alignment across all levels. By combining this leadership with my background as a Strategy Manager and Senior Program Manager,... Show more

I created Maddie's Hot Take - as social media profile with millions of views, and a Substack with over 40,000 followers.

I'm on national television almost every day as a Democratic strategist or political analyst - and I make a habit out of walking straight into the lion's den.

I spent over a year as a liberal debater on right-wing news channels, and I love to share what I've learned about politics, human nature and bringing people together. I've debated Scott Jennings on CNN and many prominent primetime news anchors. I have always been invited because I treat people with respect and kindness -- and I know how to be myself in difficult and stressful situations.

I'm also an attorney and jury consultant, specializing in human behavior and choice theory.

I wasn't always good at public speaking - but I wanted to share my thoughts and ideas so badly with the world, that I had to train myself how to do it. As a neurodivergent person in this space, I think I have a lot to offer folks who might struggle, just like I did.

I created Maddie's Hot Take - as social media profile with millions of views, and a Substack with over 40,000 followers. I'm on national television almost every day as a Democratic strategist or political analyst - and I make a habit out of walkin... Show more

Dr. Andrei Nutas is a seasoned Test Architect and QA Team Lead with over 12 years of professional experience in which he designed, implemented, and supervised the development of automation solutions and transformed the quality process of various clients. In addition, he is an experienced speaker for both academic and business conferences.

He holds a PhD in AI Ethics and is currently completing an Executive Master in Digital Transformation at ESSEC Business School.

Dr. Andrei Nutas is a seasoned Test Architect and QA Team Lead with over 12 years of professional experience in which he designed, implemented, and supervised the development of automation solutions and transformed the quality process of various clie... Show more

Dr. Erica Lamm-Denny spent 14 years as a full-time communication professor before moving into the world of instructional technology. In this role, she has presented at UPCEA’s Digital Teaching and Learning conference; Pellissippi State Community College Distance Learning Conference; Online Learning Consortium Accelerate conference; and will be presenting at the Educause Immersive and Experiential Learning in Online Environments Symposium and the Elon University Teaching and Learning Conference in August. In her prior career as a communication professor, she presented frequently at the National Communication Association conference and the International Listening Association conference. She also presented original research at the American Educational Research Association and National Association for Gifted Children, and that co-authored research was published in the Journal of Advanced Academics in 2024.
Erica earned her BA in communication from Luther College; her MA in communication from the University of Maryland; her PhD in communication from the University of Maryland; and her MBA from Concordia University, Nebraska. She most recently taught full-time at Concordia University, Nebraska, and currently still teaches as an adjunct online for a few universities, from the bachelor’s level through doctoral level, including directing dissertations.

Dr. Erica Lamm-Denny spent 14 years as a full-time communication professor before moving into the world of instructional technology. In this role, she has presented at UPCEA’s Digital Teaching and Learning conference; Pellissippi State Community Coll... Show more

Gifty is a consultant with 30 years of experience in education. An Academic Head and school leader, a PhD candidate in leadership, Sustainability & Governance and an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration. Cambridge International examinations specialist. NaSIA-trained inspector. Proven track record in instructional leadership, staff development, school operations, and parent engagement.

Gifty is a consultant with 30 years of experience in education. An Academic Head and school leader, a PhD candidate in leadership, Sustainability & Governance and an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration. Cambridge International examinations ... Show more

Michelle Koyaro Matengo is an Urban Development Specialist and Research Manager with over five years of experience in participatory research, climate resilience, urban health, and community development in Kenya's informal settlements. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning, a Postgraduate Diploma in Psychological Counselling, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Climate Change and Adaptation.

Her work focuses on generating evidence to inform inclusive urban policy and practice, with expertise spanning climate adaptation, housing, livelihoods, mental health, and Nature-based Solutions. Michelle has led and contributed to multidisciplinary research and implementation projects in partnership with local communities, government institutions, universities, and international organizations, translating research into practical interventions that strengthen community resilience.

Beyond research, Michelle is a mental health advocate committed to integrating psychosocial well-being into climate action. She has championed community-led initiatives that create safe spaces for young people through art therapy and climate resilience programming. She is also experienced in mixed-methods research, data analysis, knowledge translation, and communicating complex evidence through accessible visual and policy products.

Her research interests include climate adaptation, urban health, informal settlements, mental health, and participatory approaches to generating evidence for equitable urban policy and practice.

Michelle Koyaro Matengo is an Urban Development Specialist and Research Manager with over five years of experience in participatory research, climate resilience, urban health, and community development in Kenya's informal settlements. She holds a Bac... Show more

Founder & CEO, OpenShare
Ph.D. in Computer Science and Technology, Tongji University. His research centers on open-source ecosystem data and quantitative contribution evaluation via algorithms like OpenRank. Previously served as Community Manager at the Alibaba Open Source Program Office, with deep industry experience governing large-scale open-source communities.

Founder & CEO, OpenShare Ph.D. in Computer Science and Technology, Tongji University. His research centers on open-source ecosystem data and quantitative contribution evaluation via algorithms like OpenRank. Previously served as Community Manager at... Show more

Andrea Palumbo è avvocato e si occupa di privacy, cybersecuirty e diritto delle penale dell'informatica e dell'impresa, materie nelle quali svolge anche attività di consulenza e formazione presso imprese e pubbliche amministrazioni. E’ spesso relatore a convegni e conferenze specialistici sui temi legati al mondo ICT.

Andrea Palumbo è avvocato e si occupa di privacy, cybersecuirty e diritto delle penale dell'informatica e dell'impresa, materie nelle quali svolge anche attività di consulenza e formazione presso imprese e pubbliche amministrazioni. E’ spesso relator... 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

For over 20 years, Alena has built technical solutions that inform decisions and solve problems across diverse industries. She enjoys both the creativity of programming and the thrill of solving a puzzle. As a leader in the community, a technical trainer, and a mom, she is passionate about providing the tools and mindset required for everyone to learn and succeed.

For over 20 years, Alena has built technical solutions that inform decisions and solve problems across diverse industries. She enjoys both the creativity of programming and the thrill of solving a puzzle. As a leader in the community, a technical tra... Show more

Deanna Marshall, known professionally as Deanna Be, helps organizations and professionals build the thinking skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.

As the founder of the learning design consultancy, ChangeHarvest, she creates engaging learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic decision-making. Throughout her career as a learning designer and program facilitator, Deanna has helped more than 450 professionals across healthcare, SaaS, and sales strengthen their skills; improving productivity by 17–26% and achieving 93% on average in assessment scores.

Bringing a Master of Arts in Adult Learning & Leadership and nearly a decade of experience designing and leading workplace learning initiatives, Deanna partners with organizations, conferences, and professional communities to deliver workshops and keynote presentations that are interactive, actionable, and relevant.

Deanna Marshall, known professionally as Deanna Be, helps organizations and professionals build the thinking skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work. As the founder of the learning design consultancy, ChangeHarvest, she create... Show more

Hi there !
For the past five years, I've been on a rewarding journey as an engineering manager—leading teams, learning continuously, and striving to make work just a little more human (and fun!).
Before stepping into management, I rolled up my sleeves as a 3D developer then a full stack engineer, building web and mobile experiences and solving bugs :)

Today, I have the joy (and sometimes the challenge!) of managing both a vibrant team of software engineers and a dynamic group of RPA engineers. My mission? To design reliable and scalable systems and to foster a culture where experimentation is encouraged and where everyone feels they’re in the right place.

People, communication patterns, and the ever-evolving world of work fascinate me. I’m especially intrigued by how AI will reshape our jobs.

At PayFit, I’m currently navigating our transition to Domain-Driven Design while experimenting with team topologies, the 360 impact on the organization business, people and tech wise is fascinating.

I believe in tackling technical debt gracefully and my goal is to do so while delivering business value and empowering teams to take ownership and make decisions.

More than happy to share my learnings and acquire new ideas on the way!

Hi there ! For the past five years, I've been on a rewarding journey as an engineering manager—leading teams, learning continuously, and striving to make work just a little more human (and fun!). Before stepping into management, I rolled up my sl... Show more

Daniel Bonatti é cientista político e mestre em Gestão de Políticas Públicas, com trajetória de mais de 14 anos dedicada à modernização do Estado e à inovação na gestão pública. Atualmente, dirige a Diretoria de Mobilidade Interna da Secretaria de Gestão e Governo Digital do Estado de São Paulo, onde conduz a reestruturação da frota pública e a consolidação da Política de Mobilidade Interna, pautada em eficiência, sustentabilidade e transformação digital. Sua atuação combina visão estratégica, experiência administrativa e compromisso com a construção de um governo mais ágil e orientado a resultados.

Daniel Bonatti é cientista político e mestre em Gestão de Políticas Públicas, com trajetória de mais de 14 anos dedicada à modernização do Estado e à inovação na gestão pública. Atualmente, dirige a Diretoria de Mobilidade Interna da Secretaria de Ge... Show more

Daina is a Senior Developer Relations Engineer at Anaconda, where she creates technical content and speaks at conferences to bridge divides between the people who build Python infrastructure and the developers who rely on it. With a background spanning data science, library science, and astrophysics she brings a uniquely interdisciplinary lens to open source community building and technical education, along with a belief that the best technical work happens at the intersection of disciplines.

Daina is a Senior Developer Relations Engineer at Anaconda, where she creates technical content and speaks at conferences to bridge divides between the people who build Python infrastructure and the developers who rely on it. With a background spanni... Show more

Tristan Repolusk is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Digital Humanities, University of Graz. He holds a master's degree in Mathematics and a PhD in computer science. His research interests comprise digital humanities, the application of artificial intelligence for the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage, document analysis and retrieval, digital corpora and editions, and the encoding and digitization of historical and contemporary Chinese musical notations.

Tristan Repolusk is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Digital Humanities, University of Graz. He holds a master's degree in Mathematics and a PhD in computer science. His research interests comprise digital humanities, the application of... Show more

مرام قدومي قيادية تربوية ومعلمة لغة عربية أمتلك خبرة تزيد على عشرين عامًا في التعليم الدولي ، في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. أشغل حاليًا منصبًا قياديًا في المدرسة العالمية الأمريكية. أقود أقسام اللغة العربية والدراسات الإسلامية وكذلك المبادرات الثقافية من مرحلة الروضة حتى الصف الثاني عشر. أؤمن بأن اللغة العربية هي أداة للتفكير وبناء الهوية والانفتاح على العالم، وأركز في عملي على توظيف الأدب والثقافة لتعزيز التعلم العميق وتنمية مهارات التفكير النقدي لدى الطلبة. )، أسهمت في إنشاء مبادرات تربوية تهدف إلى الارتقاء بتعليم اللغة العربية في البيئات التعليمية الدولية. وكذلك الأمر بالنسبة لتدريس برنامج اللغة والأدب في مدارس منهاج البكالوريا الدولية

مرام قدومي قيادية تربوية ومعلمة لغة عربية أمتلك خبرة تزيد على عشرين عامًا في التعليم الدولي ، في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة. أشغل حاليًا منصبًا قياديًا في المدرسة العالمية الأمريكية. أقود أقسام اللغة العربية والدراسات الإسلامية وكذلك المبادرات الث... Show more

Howard Bennett Esbin, PhD, has 25+ years senior management, cross-sector, international experience. He returned to university and completed a doctorate in education in his 40s. As founder of Heliotrope Imaginal. his work has explored human development, self-awareness, imagination, and creativity for over two decades .

His writing has been published by Education Canada, UNESCO. the ILO (International Labour Organization) regarding the future of learning, human capability, and workforce development in an era of rapid technological change..

Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and educational practice, his current work examines how imagination contributes to self-awareness, agency, judgment, empathy, future thinking, and Human-AI collaboration across the lifespan.

More specifically, Dr. Esbin has innovated a suite of innovative human development resources employed in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa within both education and business settings.

Howard has worked with students, educators, professionals, and organizational leaders in diverse settings ranging from middle school to graduate education and workforce development. He is currently advancing practical approaches to strengthening uniquely human capabilities for an AI-mediated future.

Howard Bennett Esbin, PhD, has 25+ years senior management, cross-sector, international experience. He returned to university and completed a doctorate in education in his 40s. As founder of Heliotrope Imaginal. his work has explored human developm... Show more

Jessica Womack is a belonging and continuous improvement leader who works with schools and districts to strengthen discipline systems and support student engagement. Her work focuses on examining how classroom environments, adult decision-making, and system design influence student outcomes.

She partners with site and district leaders to improve consistency across classrooms, reduce discipline referrals, and align practices within a multi-tiered system of supports. Jessica is a trained mediator and brings a systems-focused approach to supporting school climate and student services.

Her doctoral research examined discipline disparities in rural schools, with a focus on how leadership decisions, instructional practices, and school structures shape student experience and access to learning. She developed the ART of Belonging framework to support reflection on awareness, relationships, and system alignment as part of continuous improvement efforts.

Jessica Womack is a belonging and continuous improvement leader who works with schools and districts to strengthen discipline systems and support student engagement. Her work focuses on examining how classroom environments, adult decision-making, and... Show more

Professor of Practice | Corporate Governance| Organizational Transformation|Leadership|Talent management
Independent Director | Executive Coach | Author | Forbes Columnist
UAE
📧 pochinokm@gmail.com | +971 52 300 9280
Brief profile
Global business leader and professor of practice with over 20 years of international experience in corporate governance, organizational behavior, leadership development and large-scale transformation. Brings a rare combination of hands-on business leadership, governance experience, academic depth and coaching practice — a mix enabling students and executives to develop sound judgment, leadership maturity and decision-making in complex and uncertain environments.
Academic Appointments
• Visiting professor of Pleakhanov University, Dubai
• Professor of business practice, Skolkovo School of Management, Matena Business School (Armenia)
• Teaching experience: 15+ years (high and exective education)
Teaching areas
• Personal strategy and career development
• Talent management and HR
• Organizational behavior and leadership
• Change management
• Teaming
• Future readiness and resilience
• Managing mind to achieve great results

Professional Experience
• Independent director and Board advisor (public and private companies)
Award: Best Independent Director of Russia, 2023
• Senior leadership roles: Auriga (IT), TNK-BP (oil and gas), Philips (consumer electronics), Sberbank (fintech)
• Vice President of Workforce, Sochi 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Led workforce strategy for 75,000+ employees and volunteers
• IOC Expert (People management and executive coaching)
Tokyo 2020, PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2019, Baku 2019, Sarajevo 2018, Paris 2024
Publications
• Author of 3 books on leadership
• Forbes columnist (governance, leadership, organizational change)
Education
• PhD, Applied Mathematics & Computer Science, Moscow State University
• Corporate MBA, INSEAD
• Strategic HR Certification, Thunderbird School of Global Management
• Strategic Innovation in Business, Oxford Saïd Business School
• Prosci Change Management Certification
• Neurochangesolutions
• Certified in Game Change Index, Immunity to Change (Robert Kegan), Leadership Maturity Framework (Susanne Cook-Greuter), Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder-Centered Coaching, Team Coaching (David Clutterbuck), TMSDI, and other methodologies. Additionally certified in the HeartMath Coherence Approach, integrating heart-focused practices into leadership and resilience training.
Languages
English (fluent) | Russian (native)

Professor of Practice | Corporate Governance| Organizational Transformation|Leadership|Talent management Independent Director | Executive Coach | Author | Forbes Columnist UAE 📧 pochinokm@gmail.com | +971 52 300 9280 Brief profile G... Show more

Mustafa Olgun is a Resource Development Coordinator at IHH, where he plays a vital role in building strategic partnerships and securing funding to support a wide range of humanitarian initiatives. With a strong focus on resource mobilization, he designs and implements proposals and outreach strategies that effectively engage diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration across teams and communities.

He is also the founder of Qarint, an innovative online platform dedicated to providing accessible English language learning opportunities to individuals seeking to improve their skills. Mustafa holds a degree in Communication from Marmara University and is currently pursuing a Marketing Master at Bilgi University, combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience to drive impact in both nonprofit and educational projects.

Through his work, Mustafa is committed to creating sustainable solutions and building meaningful relationships that advance the mission of IHH and Qarint.

Mustafa Olgun is a Resource Development Coordinator at IHH, where he plays a vital role in building strategic partnerships and securing funding to support a wide range of humanitarian initiatives. With a strong focus on resource mobilization, he desi... Show more

Mark Feldstein spent 20 years as an award-winning on-air investigative correspondent at CNN, ABC News and various local television stations.
On assignment, he was beaten up, subpoenaed and sued in the U.S.; detained and censored by government authorities in Egypt; and escorted out of the country under armed guard in Haiti.
His exposés led to resignations, firings, multimillion dollar fines and prison terms — and more than 50 journalism awards, including two George Foster Peabody medallions, the Columbia-DuPont baton, the national Edward R. Murrow broadcasting prize and nine regional Emmys.
As a scholar, Feldstein has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals. His book "Poisoning the Press" earned top academic awards for research and was selected by The Washington Post and other newspapers as a best book of the year.
Feldstein is regularly quoted as a media analyst by leading outlets in the U.S. and abroad, and has testified as an expert witness on First Amendment issues before Congress and in court, most recently on behalf of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
He has traveled to more than 30 countries and lectured around the world on investigative reporting, censorship, freedom of the press, and journalism history and ethics.

Mark Feldstein spent 20 years as an award-winning on-air investigative correspondent at CNN, ABC News and various local television stations. On assignment, he was beaten up, subpoenaed and sued in the U.S.; detained and censored by government a... Show more