Humanities & Social Sciences

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

Astrid Bin

Astrid Bin

Astrid is an artist and designer who works in music technology. She makes software and hardware systems for creative expression, taking on thorny technical and cultural challenges. She speaks about music technology, culture, and design, and all the places those encounter her myriad of special interests.

Astrid is an artist and designer who works in music technology. She makes software and hardware systems for creative expression, taking on thorny technical and cultural challenges. She speaks about music technology, culture, and design, and all the p... Show more

Bri Williams

Bri Williams

Bri Williams helps leaders speak confidently.

She ensures your voice is heard, your contributions are known, and your value is undeniable within your organization through public speaking and leadership development.

An international speaker, she has delivered talks worldwide to culturally diverse audiences in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.

She brings 20 years of experience in talent, learning, and development within financial services and IT industries, from graduate programs to leadership development.

Her talks help emerging leaders develop unshakeable speaking confidence and skills for:
🟢 Internal and external meetings
🟢 Presentations and Training
🟢 Media
🟢 Events

Her clients are regularly featured in the media, including CNN, Reuters, Bloomberg, COP26, and Macy's, at top industry events or making waves internally with their teams and stakeholders.

Bri has been featured on Thrive Global, International Women's Day and is the in-house communication expert for the wellness app LiveMore.

✔️ 94% of hosts book Bri to speak again.
✔️ 93% of her audience rates her talks as Actionable, Engaging, Inspiring, and Relevant.

Australian-born 🇦🇺 and after a decade of living in London 🇬🇧 Bri is now based in the South of France 🇫🇷 (…if you can't pick the accent!) and loves living between the mountains and the sea, but is always happy to speak at your in-person event or deliver virtually.

Bri Williams helps leaders speak confidently. She ensures your voice is heard, your contributions are known, and your value is undeniable within your organization through public speaking and leadership development. An international speaker, sh... Show more

Alena Holligan

Alena Holligan

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

Veronika Ilina

Veronika Ilina

I believe that effective communication helps us all live our best work lives. With over 10 years of experience focused on communication between people and companies, I’m always happy to share my expertise with the tech community.

I believe that effective communication helps us all live our best work lives. With over 10 years of experience focused on communication between people and companies, I’m always happy to share my expertise with the tech community. Show more

Kelly Cuesta

Kelly Cuesta

Kelly, multi-award winning Brand Marketing and Communications leader in tech, excels in driving DEIB.
With vast experience in Spain and the UK, she's led teams for major clients and focused on organisational culture at Ingram Micro.
Her commitment to DEI is evident in her role as the founder of Latinas In Tech Madrid, mentoring young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Kelly, multi-award winning Brand Marketing and Communications leader in tech, excels in driving DEIB. With vast experience in Spain and the UK, she's led teams for major clients and focused on organisational culture at Ingram Micro. Her commitmen... Show more

Isam Vaid

Isam Vaid

Dr. Isam Vaid is a devoted public health scientist, practitioner, and researcher focused on preventing, detecting, and treating chronic diseases, particularly heart disease and stroke, and their associated risk factors. His extensive experience includes addressing health issues and disparities affecting specific populations concerning health conditions, health outcomes, and premature mortality. Driven by a commitment to good health, Dr. Vaid maintains a comprehensive skill set as a public health scientist. This includes keeping abreast of current literature, conducting critical research and analyses, preparing analytical and internal technical reports, designing training protocols, and implementing systems approaches to enhance administrative functions.

Throughout his career, Dr. Vaid has also deeply engaged in public health initiatives at the intersection of public health, faith communities, and religious values. This critical area of public health, which closely ties with social determinants of health, has been significantly enriched by his decades of experience in interfaith collaboration within community and academic settings. Here, he focuses on deep learning, bridge-building, peace initiatives, and fostering inclusive communities among people of different faiths or those without a faith affiliation.

Dr. Vaid has been recognized with numerous honors throughout his career, including Outstanding Contributions to the Employment of Disabled Persons and Outstanding Performance and Lasting Contributions. His dedication to volunteerism is equally significant to his professional endeavors; he is an avid proponent of environmental justice, recognizing its critical overlap with social justice. Dr. Vaid has led humanitarian relief efforts for domestic and international disasters and ecological conservation projects. Outside his professional life, he enjoys engaging in outdoor activities, profoundly appreciates the arts, and relishes personal and interfaith travel across the globe.

Dr. Isam Vaid is a devoted public health scientist, practitioner, and researcher focused on preventing, detecting, and treating chronic diseases, particularly heart disease and stroke, and their associated risk factors. His extensive experience inclu... Show more

Matt Treadwell

Matt Treadwell

I started off my career as an academic librarian many moons ago and information has been the golden thread that has connected all my subsequent roles.

I have worked in a range of customer focused information governance, representation, and cybersecurity roles building up a portfolio of skills that can help any business soar. My approach is people centred and tailored to your specific needs, so any engagement will always start with a conversation focussed on understanding the challenges you face. Any package of services delivered will then be driven by your unique requirements and based on a detailed risk assessment and analysis of your business needs.

I am a lifelong humanist and support a range of charities focused upon on ethical, rights and equalities issues.

I started off my career as an academic librarian many moons ago and information has been the golden thread that has connected all my subsequent roles. I have worked in a range of customer focused information governance, representation, and cyberse... Show more

Anthony Ikubuwaje

Anthony Ikubuwaje

I am a legal researcher and technology law specialist with expertise in artificial intelligence regulation, data protection, and digital governance within common-law systems. I hold an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Leicester and an LLB from the University of Abuja.

My work examines how emerging technologies such as AI-driven decision-making, automated systems, and large-scale data processing interact with legal accountability, privacy rights, and regulatory compliance. I am the author of Basic Principles of Contract Law in Nigeria and Artificial Intelligence and the Law in Nigeria: Foundations, Regulation, and Practice, and my writing is aimed at legal practitioners, policymakers, regulators, and technology professionals.

I regularly engage in academic presentations and seminar-style lectures and am keen to contribute to professional discussions, panels, and speaking engagements on the future of law, technology, and innovation.

I am a legal researcher and technology law specialist with expertise in artificial intelligence regulation, data protection, and digital governance within common-law systems. I hold an LLM in International Commercial Law from the University of Leices... Show more

Samantha Ridgway de Lory

Samantha Ridgway de Lory

Samantha is a visionary who bridges the gap between ancient wisdom, modern medicine, and artificial intelligence. As the founder of Manifesting Desires, she specializes in "Human Architecture"—optimizing the physical and digital environments where we live and work. Uniquely, she is a pioneer in "Persona Engineering," having developed proprietary frameworks to architect Custom AI Agents that mimic human empathy and intuition. She teaches leaders how to build "teams of teammates" that include both humans and AI, fostering a symbiotic relationship between biological and digital consciousness to solve complex health and business challenges.

Samantha is a visionary who bridges the gap between ancient wisdom, modern medicine, and artificial intelligence. As the founder of Manifesting Desires, she specializes in "Human Architecture"—optimizing the physical and digital environments where we... Show more

Jake Truemper

Jake Truemper

Jake is an innovation-minded leader, teacher, and visual thinker whose passion is to make humans more human. He is a regular speaker at colleges, meetups and conferences. Jake has led Experience Design initiatives for more than 60 businesses across a variety of industries, including everything from fortune 500 companies to startups. Jake has built human-centered design practices for multiple prominent agencies and is currently Co-Founder of his own Human-Centered Design consultancy.

Jake is an innovation-minded leader, teacher, and visual thinker whose passion is to make humans more human. He is a regular speaker at colleges, meetups and conferences. Jake has led Experience Design initiatives for more than 60 businesses across a... Show more

Elle Younker

Elle Younker

Marine Corps Veteran, Storyteller, and Hackivist disrupting power-based violence through online access to education and community care with over eighteen years experience in the technical and operational program management of space and military intelligence federal contracts in the United States.

I made a promise to support and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I take that VERY seriously, and will fight for your right to hate me. I will not, however, tolerate acts of violence directed at individuals for simply taking up space, acts of coercion through threats of violence, or any attempt at using violence as a way to maintain power. I will speak out and take the defense for any victim of violence (in all of its forms) and all individuals impacted by the use of power-based violence.

I believe in the power of storytelling energy as a renewable resource capable of magic, the kindness of strangers, and ability to overcome hardship through communal care. I use the arts of satire, drag, and boudoir performance to make light of extremely controversial and traumatic but historical events that surround United States Post World War II Military History.

Marine Corps Veteran, Storyteller, and Hackivist disrupting power-based violence through online access to education and community care with over eighteen years experience in the technical and operational program management of space and military intel... Show more

Marina Hrvacanin

Marina Hrvacanin

I spent fifteen years mastering how people actually consume content. I build stories that sell to the distracted, from scroll-stopping social lines to large-scale e-commerce campaigns.

I study what catches the eye, what keeps it, and how language can make brands feel current without chasing trends.

I speak about writing for new audiences and new media, where attention is short, expectations are high, and authenticity alone isn’t enough.
My topics explore how to translate human behavior into clear, relatable communication that cuts through noise and earns response.

I spent fifteen years mastering how people actually consume content. I build stories that sell to the distracted, from scroll-stopping social lines to large-scale e-commerce campaigns. I study what catches the eye, what keeps it, and how language... Show more

Phillip Poynton

Phillip Poynton

I'm a seasoned and certified recruiter with over 18 years experience in the business. For the past 7 years I have been solely focusing on recruiting top Salesforce talent and have built a reputation of being Poland's leading Salesforce Recruiter.

I'm a seasoned and certified recruiter with over 18 years experience in the business. For the past 7 years I have been solely focusing on recruiting top Salesforce talent and have built a reputation of being Poland's leading Salesforce Recruiter. Show more

Dr. Carol Tinga

Dr. Carol Tinga

Carol Tinga is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, Canada. She earned her PhD at OVC, focusing on owner-companion rabbit relationships and rabbit welfare. Her research examined the use of human-animal relationship scales for rabbit owners, risk factors for relinquishment and abandonment, and recent trends in domestic rabbit intake and management at shelters and rescues in Canada and the USA. Currently, Carol is preparing four open-access publications based on her thesis, presenting findings at conferences, and supporting organizations that care for rabbits. Additional upcoming papers will address access to veterinary care, challenges of rabbit ownership, owners’ favourite rabbit behaviours and their significance, and the validation of a third relationship scale. Vespa, a remarkable lop-eared rabbit, inspired her PhD. Before her doctoral studies, Carol completed an MSc in epidemiology, exploring how veterinary students and recent graduates perceive their technical and professional skills. She now shares her home with Ellie and Coco, a bonded pair of free-range rabbits affectionately known as “the hooligans,” adopted after they were abandoned outdoors.

Carol Tinga is a Postdoctoral Scholar at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, Canada. She earned her PhD at OVC, focusing on owner-companion rabbit relationships and rabbit welfare. Her research examined the use of human-animal... Show more

Sagar Kesarpu

Sagar Kesarpu

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve technical problems. I am a tech enthusiast with a keen interest in cloud computing, open source and emerging technologies. With a curiosity-driven mid set and a commitment to continuous learning, I enjoy exploring the latest trends, sharing knowledge and contributing to tech communities.

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and solve technical problems. I am a tech enthusiast with a keen interest in cloud computing, open source and emerging technologies. With a curiosity-driven mid set and a commitment to contin... Show more

Vanina Romero

Vanina Romero

I was on television at 6. Produced my first event at 11.
I’ve been in this game for a while—and I’ve never stopped watching how humans behave when the cameras are off.

Today, I lead CDH Tech Global, based in Miami and working worldwide.
I speak at conferences, lead trainings, and collaborate with governments, creative teams, marketing leaders, and C-Level decision makers who are done with recycled strategies.

I’ve received international awards in innovation, strategy, and creativity, across diverse industries and cultural contexts.

💔 Human connection, tech & emotional dynamics

Ghosting (emotional, professional, cultural)

Broken bonds and the role of tech

Love in the age of algorithms

Honest communication vs. branded connection

How we treat each other when the spotlight’s gone

🧭 MICE, events, audiences & the new consumer

Event formats that actually work (the rest are noise)

What’s really shifting in MICE & business travel

Innovation in events: from spectacle to substance

The new consumer and their precision bullshit filter

Audiences that evolve faster than your strategy deck

I’ve spoken at:
SITE Global, DisruptFest, Wonder Women Tech (California), Marketing Day Digital (closing keynote), WIN Mastermind, and more.
Also featured in media like EBTV, LATV, Sonríe Miami, and digital platforms.

I don’t speak to entertain.
I speak to move something.
And when that happens, the event doesn’t end when the lights go off.

I was on television at 6. Produced my first event at 11. I’ve been in this game for a while—and I’ve never stopped watching how humans behave when the cameras are off. Today, I lead CDH Tech Global, based in Miami and working worldwide. I speak ... Show more

Joselyn Carvalho

Joselyn Carvalho

Joselyn’s work bridges clinical practice, creative expression, and research, with a focus on serving inner-city communities in Boston, Cambridge, and Brockton. She has facilitated expressive arts programs in hospitals, museums, schools, and nonprofits—using storytelling, visual arts, and poetry to foster connection, voice, and emotional healing. As a national and international speaker, Joselyn has presented on mental health, expressive therapies, and community-based healing across conferences and institutions. She is the author of a published thesis and a debut poetry book, A Voice Written Through Graffiti, which explores narrative as a form of resistance, reflection, and restoration.

In parallel, she leads The Wellness Portfolio, a mental health and consultation space offering expressive arts resources, seasonal toolkits, workshops, and culturally responsive programming for individuals, communities, and organizations. Her work is grounded in the belief that healing happens through voice, visibility, and the stories we choose to tell.

Signature Topics:
Storytelling as a Healing Practice
Creative Arts for Community Wellness
Culturally Responsive Mental Health
Trauma-Informed Expressive Therapy
Empowering Youth through Art & Voice

Joselyn’s work bridges clinical practice, creative expression, and research, with a focus on serving inner-city communities in Boston, Cambridge, and Brockton. She has facilitated expressive arts programs in hospitals, museums, schools, and nonprofit... Show more

Alexandra Hartman

Alexandra Hartman

Alexandra “Allie” Hartman is a change strategist, organizational psychologist and AI transformation leader who helps organizations make better decisions in environments where technology moves faster than understanding. She serves on the ACMP Global Board of Directors, is the Founder and Principal of The Change Curiosity Lab and leads AI Transformation and Change at AgileOne, where she equips practitioners and leaders with practical, curiosity-driven tools to navigate AI-enabled work.

Allie’s career spans enterprise transformation and human-centered design. She brings a rare blend of change management, AI, psychology, business analytics and project management to her work, along with advanced certifications including CCMP™, MCMP™, Prosci, Kotter and Agile Change Leadership.

Her frameworks are grounded in data and built for real-world pressure: reducing cognitive overload, strengthening leadership credibility and accelerating adoption of AI and digital capabilities. She translates complex technology into clear, human-centered action and supports teams through the messy middle of change.

Across her work, Allie focuses on one core idea: curiosity is not a soft skill. It is a practical leadership system for an AI-native world.

Alexandra “Allie” Hartman is a change strategist, organizational psychologist and AI transformation leader who helps organizations make better decisions in environments where technology moves faster than understanding. She serves on the ACMP Global B... Show more

Diane Darling

Diane Darling

Diane Darling is a consultant, keynote speaker, instructor, and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in researching, developing, and educating on the role of professional networking strategies in individual career development and business performance.

Considered a trailblazer in the field of social networking, she was commissioned by McGraw-Hill to pen the authoritative book on networking in 2003, titled The Networking Survival Guide - a feat accomplished prior to the advent of social media giants such as Facebook or LinkedIn. The book proved to be immensely popular, with a second printing ordered within just 90 days of its release. Her works have collectively been translated into nine different languages, attesting to their global impact and appeal.

Today, she remains deeply passionate about writing and channels this passion through her newsletter, The Net Effect.

Diane Darling is a consultant, keynote speaker, instructor, and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience in researching, developing, and educating on the role of professional networking strategies in individual career development and busines... Show more

Steffen M. Schumacher

Steffen M. Schumacher

Steffen M. Schumacher is an expert in communication, education, and sustainability based in Kiel, Germany. As a systemic Coach, consultant, speaker, and founder, he supports companies in their journey toward sustainable transformation. His focus is on fostering communication and educational processes to enable change at every level.

His mission is to make people visible—on equal footing, whether in professional contexts, within teams, or on stage. With years of experience as a teacher and a hands-on practitioner, he creates spaces for knowledge sharing and drives sustainable change processes that work from the inside out.

Through his start-up, ID4C.org, he connects personal and organizational development to achieve sustainable business goals through the intrinsic motivation of employees. As a speaker, he inspires audiences with insights on communication and sustainability, regularly sharing his expertise in professional publications.

Steffen M. Schumacher is an expert in communication, education, and sustainability based in Kiel, Germany. As a systemic Coach, consultant, speaker, and founder, he supports companies in their journey toward sustainable transformation. His focus is o... Show more

Traci Adedeji

Traci Adedeji

Traci Adedeji, CPCU, ARM, API, AIDA, is a nationally recognized insurance leader, educator, and keynote speaker known for blending expertise, empowerment, and real-world insight. With nearly 40 years in the industry, she helps audiences navigate the intersection of risk, leadership, technology, and human behavior with clarity and humor.

As President of Positive Paradigm Group and VP of Advisor Services at Litmus Risk Solutions, Traci drives transformation across personal lines advisory, digital innovation, and client experience. She’s also a sought-after CliftonStrengths coach who has facilitated sessions for organizations including Meals on Wheels, United Way, the Rhode Island Bar Association, the RI Black Business Association, and the Audubon Society.

A frequent speaker at conferences such as In2Risk, CPCU Society events, and leadership summits nationwide, Traci is known for inspiring professionals to lead boldly, embrace change, and unlock their superpowers.

Traci Adedeji, CPCU, ARM, API, AIDA, is a nationally recognized insurance leader, educator, and keynote speaker known for blending expertise, empowerment, and real-world insight. With nearly 40 years in the industry, she helps audiences navigate the ... Show more

Nicholas Lavery

Nicholas Lavery

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a series of curriculums on leadership, resilience, and goal achievement. As one of the most sought-after speakers and mentors in the country, Nick and his team of assets share valuable insights on discipline, work ethic, and teamwork, in turn empowering others to unlock capacity and increase capability. 

Nick has a long and distinguished list of military awards, but to name a few, he has been awarded the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star with Valor, three Bronze Stars for service, the Bruce Price Leadership award, and the Special Operations Command Excalibur award. 

Nick is the best selling author of Objective Secure- the battle-tested guide to goal achievement, and most significantly, he is a proud husband and father of two boys. 

Nick Lavery (pronounced Nick Lay-Very) is an active-duty Green Beret in the United States Army Special Forces and the founder & CEO of Precision Components LLC.  After a life-altering injury sustained in combat, he transformed his challenges into a s... Show more

Darryl Kanouse

Darryl Kanouse

Darryl Kanouse has led enterprise-scale data science, AI/ML, and analytics product development at global organizations including AWS, Amazon, Canva, and Activision. For over two decades, he has built and scaled data systems and capabilities that enable large, complex organizations to make better decisions, optimize performance, and operate with precision at scale. Throughout his career, Darryl has built cross-functional teams that bridge engineering, product, analytics, and business strategy, focusing on structural alignment over strict process.

In recent years, Darryl has evolved his work in systems thinking to focus on the structural foundations of organizational success. As a Viability Architect, he identifies and addresses the underlying causes of dysfunction: misaligned feedback loops, boundary ambiguity, and resource allocation failures. His systems-level approach helps executive teams move beyond surface-level fixes to implement durable, high-leverage structural change.

Darryl Kanouse has led enterprise-scale data science, AI/ML, and analytics product development at global organizations including AWS, Amazon, Canva, and Activision. For over two decades, he has built and scaled data systems and capabilities that enab... Show more

Ifeanyi Idiaye

Ifeanyi Idiaye

I am a passionate data scientist and software developer with a strong background in machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, dashboards, graph data science, and full-stack development. I thrive on turning data into actionable insights and creating software solutions that drive business success.

Awards:
* Google Developer Expert in AI
* Winner: International Data Visualization Competition
* Top Contributor: AA Idea Rally
* Hall of Famer: Hacktoberfest

I am a passionate data scientist and software developer with a strong background in machine learning, data visualization, natural language processing, dashboards, graph data science, and full-stack development. I thrive on turning data into actionabl... Show more

Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera

Luis Herrera is a highly skilled and accomplished human resources leader with a deep background in developing and implementing global HR strategies. Luis has demonstrated his ability to align HR initiatives with business goals throughout his career, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within organizations. His leadership style focuses on creating positive, engaged workforces while driving operational success, and he is known for his strategic approach to managing human resources in diverse and challenging environments.

Luis has accumulated extensive international experience, working in China, Brazil, Mexico, the UK, Canada, South Korea, and Germany. His exposure to different business cultures and regulatory environments has shaped his ability to craft HR solutions that work across regions while supporting the broader objectives of global organizations. His expertise in tailoring HR practices to meet the needs of diverse markets has been a key factor in his success as an HR leader.

Over the years, Luis Herrera of Racine has built expertise in various industries, including high-tech manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, supply chain, and food production. His background spans B2B distribution, transportation, and foundry operations, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how HR can impact different sectors. Luis has also specialized in mergers and acquisitions, employee relations, talent management, and organizational development, helping companies improve their HR functions and drive significant growth and transformation.

Luis earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southern Illinois University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. These academic credentials have helped him hone his leadership and strategic management skills, providing a strong foundation for his successful HR career.

Before transitioning to human resources, Luis served in the United States Marine Corps, where he developed discipline, leadership, and adaptability—traits integral to his approach to HR leadership. His time in the military shaped his values, instilling a sense of duty, responsibility, and resilience that guided his career.

Luis’s professional journey began at Motorola, Inc., where he worked as an HR Business Partner and Manager. At Motorola, he gained valuable experience aligning HR strategies with business objectives, laying the groundwork for his future roles. He then moved to Kellogg Company, where he served as Senior HR Business Partner and Senior Employee Relations Consultant. Luis worked with Kellogg’s global workforce in this capacity, helping the company adapt its HR strategies as it grew internationally.

In 2005, Luis joined Grainger Industrial Supply as Senior HR Manager, overseeing HR operations at 13 distribution centers across the U.S. and Mexico. He was instrumental in developing strategies to improve employee engagement, streamline operations, and drive performance. Luis led the company’s shift toward a “pay for performance” culture, which impacted the organization’s HR practices and employee performance.

Luis's next career milestone came at Navistar, a global manufacturer of trucks and defense vehicles, where he served as HR lead for the Components Division. While at Navistar, he was selected for a six-month assignment in China to oversee the launch of a joint venture with Janghui Automotive Corporation. This role allowed Luis to develop HR strategies for the new venture, manage expatriate infrastructure, and handle HR due diligence for several acquisitions.

In 2015, Luis joined Brunswick, a leading manufacturer in the marine industry, as HR Director. There, he managed HR for a division with $750 million in revenue across six locations in the U.S. and Canada. Luis led efforts to improve employee engagement, reduce turnover, and enhance productivity. His leadership contributed to Brunswick’s recognition as an “Employer of Choice” at three locations, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating a positive workplace environment.

Luis later worked at Wheels, Inc., a fleet management company, as HR Manager and Strategic HR Business Partner. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he was critical in ensuring a smooth transition to remote work and implementing employee health and safety measures. He also led the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, helping create a more inclusive work culture that supported employee well-being.

At Hendrickson International, a global leader in commercial vehicle trailer and suspension manufacturing, Luis served as HR Director. He managed HR for eight U.S., Canada, and Mexico locations, focusing on leadership development, talent acquisition, and employee engagement. His efforts to enhance the company’s HR function helped Hendrickson maintain a competitive edge in a dynamic labor market.

Luis’s most recent role was Senior HR Director at Reynolds Consumer Products, where he led HR for the Hefty Waste & Storage and Hefty Tableware business units. He worked to drive employee engagement and retention while ensuring alignment with the company’s core values. His strategic leadership in this role helped maintain a positive and productive workplace culture.

Outside of his professional career, Luis is deeply involved in volunteer work. Since 2016, he has volunteered with the "By the Hand" organization, supporting at-risk youth in Chicago through educational programs and mentorship. Luis also participates in volunteer projects in northern Michigan, where he helps maintain Boy Scout facilities, ensuring these spaces remain functional and accessible.

Luis enjoys various activities that help him relax and recharge in his time. He has a passion for welding, home brewing, and gardening, which allow him to explore his creativity and unwind. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as scuba diving, cycling, and kayaking, which help him maintain a healthy work-life balance and energize him for personal and professional challenges.

Luis Herrera is a highly skilled and accomplished human resources leader with a deep background in developing and implementing global HR strategies. Luis has demonstrated his ability to align HR initiatives with business goals throughout his career, ... Show more

Werner Van Zyl

Werner Van Zyl

The speaker is passionate about the intersection of behavioural science and technology. Extensive experience of applying insights from cognitive science to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, he offers a unique perspective on how developers, managers and leaders can navigate the human and technical challenges of the modern world. His work focuses on making complex systems—from teams to organisations—more predictable and aligned with human behaviour, offering actionable strategies to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The speaker is passionate about the intersection of behavioural science and technology. Extensive experience of applying insights from cognitive science to leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving, he offers a unique perspective on how developers, m... Show more

Sydney Parriott

Sydney Parriott

Sydney Parriott, MA, CCC-SLP, MBA, is a well-recognized communication expert and founder of Speak Like a Professional. A former Kansas State Champion and Top-12 National Finalist in Informative Speaking, Sydney now brings the same energy and mastery of message design to her work as a licensed speech-language pathologist.

Drawing on nearly a decade of clinical experience, she helps professionals, executives, and organizations master the mechanics and mindset of effective communication. This includes everything from vocal power and body language to emotional regulation and audience connection. Sydney’s approach blends science, psychology, and strategy to make communication not just a skill, but a competitive advantage.

Whether speaking on stage or consulting behind the scenes, Sydney empowers every audience to find their authentic voice and use it with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Sydney Parriott, MA, CCC-SLP, MBA, is a well-recognized communication expert and founder of Speak Like a Professional. A former Kansas State Champion and Top-12 National Finalist in Informative Speaking, Sydney now brings the same energy and mastery ... Show more

Lars Fjelddalen

Lars Fjelddalen

Lars Fjelddalen is a leader and Senior Manager specializing in data and analytics at Sopra Steria. He seamlessly bridges the worlds of business and art by showing how thinking differently and embracing art can elevate productivity and creativity.

Lars Fjelddalen is a leader and Senior Manager specializing in data and analytics at Sopra Steria. He seamlessly bridges the worlds of business and art by showing how thinking differently and embracing art can elevate productivity and creativity. Show more

Byron Hopkins

Byron Hopkins

Byron Hopkins is a globally recognized Chief Wellness & Performance Strategist, Psychotherapist, and Best-Selling Author of Mental Health Is a Lie: Why You Haven’t Healed Yet—And the Missing Piece No One Taught You. A decorated U.S. Marine turned transformational speaker and coach, Byron blends neuroscience, psychology, and spirituality to help people unburden emotional weight and rise into their highest, most healed selves. Through his signature framework, SoulScience: Alchemy™, and his R³ Method—Recognize, Reframe, Release—Byron helps individuals and organizations bridge the gap between mental health and emotional intelligence.

His approach is simple: he doesn’t just help you heal—he enables you to rise by rewiring your mind, healing your heart, and launching your legacy. At the heart of his work is W.H.O.L.E. (We Heal Out Loud Every Day), a global movement helping people transform pain into power through practical tools, embodied healing, and authentic connection.

Byron Hopkins is a globally recognized Chief Wellness & Performance Strategist, Psychotherapist, and Best-Selling Author of Mental Health Is a Lie: Why You Haven’t Healed Yet—And the Missing Piece No One Taught You. A decorated U.S. Marine turned tra... Show more

Arthit Suriyawongkul

Arthit Suriyawongkul

I'm a PhD candidate in topic of AI governance at Trinity College Dublin, funded by Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real). I also volunteer for Thai Netizen Network, a digital civil rights group based in Bangkok, and help maintain SPDX system bill of materials projects.

My interest is in software engineering standards and how it can facilitate interactions between the technical layer and the legal layer for an accountable AI. Part of my PhD work is around system trustworthiness and accountability vocabulary.

I'm a PhD candidate in topic of AI governance at Trinity College Dublin, funded by Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally-Enhanced Reality (d-real). I also volunteer for Thai Netizen Network, a digital civil rights group based in ... Show more

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