Law & Regulation

Legal experts and regulators who drive the discourse in law, governance, and policy-making, shaping the legal landscape with their knowledge and experience

Nigel Sinclair

Nigel Sinclair

Nigel Sinclair began his journey in England, where studying at Monkton Combe sparked a strong interest in history and the arts under the guidance of teachers like Richard Blake. After completing a degree in law and economics at Cambridge in 1969, he continued his studies at the Institute of Criminology before joining Denton, Hall & Burgin. In 1979, during a period of rising oil prices, he opened offices for the firm in Dubai and Sharjah, gaining experience in addressing complex business and legal challenges. This broadened his perspective and shaped his approach to problem-solving. He later earned an LLM from Columbia University in New York, passed the California Bar exam, and opened a Los Angeles branch for the firm, where he would build a long-term career and personal life.

By the early 1980s, he had become well known in Los Angeles, gradually shifting into entertainment law. He represented a growing roster of actors and directors, and in 1989 co-founded Sinclair Tenenbaum & Co., which helped transform the international financing and distribution of independent films. Projects such as Hamlet, Braveheart, 1492, and Green Card showed how ambitious productions could thrive outside the traditional studio system.

In 1996, he transitioned from law to producing, co-founding Intermedia Films and producing titles like Sliding Doors, Hilary and Jackie, The Wedding Planner, The Quiet American, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, and Iris. After taking the company public in 2000, he co-founded Spitfire Pictures in 2003, producing music documentaries such as Masked and Anonymous, Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who, and No Direction Home: Bob Dylan.

He later founded Exclusive Media, producing films including Rush, End of Watch, Snitch, and Parkland. In 2014, he co-founded White Horse Pictures, producing acclaimed documentaries like The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years, Pavarotti, The Apollo, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, Lucy and Desi, Beach Boys, and Stax: Soulsville U.S.A..

His work has received Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Emmys, Grammys, and a CBE. With a lasting commitment to storytelling and cultural history, Nigel Sinclair continues to create films that leave a meaningful legacy.

Nigel Sinclair began his journey in England, where studying at Monkton Combe sparked a strong interest in history and the arts under the guidance of teachers like Richard Blake. After completing a degree in law and economics at Cambridge in 1969, he ... Show more

Vajira Samaratne

Vajira Samaratne

Vajira Samaratne's practice serves startups, nonprofits, private companies, investors, and public companies, offering practical legal guidance tailored to each organization’s structure and goals. He works closely with clients on regulatory compliance, contract review, mergers and acquisitions diligence, employment matters, securities issues, and risk management. His role often involves facilitating transactions, supporting strategic decisions, and helping clients navigate complex legal requirements with clarity and confidence.

His professional experience includes drafting and negotiating agreements, advising boards and leadership teams, managing financing activities, structuring acquisitions, and overseeing day-to-day legal matters. He takes a steady and methodical approach to legal work, ensuring that business operations remain compliant while supporting long-term growth. His focus is on helping clients understand their options so they can make informed decisions that align with both legal obligations and business objectives.

From a young age, he was drawn to the legal field by an interest in fairness, advocacy, and structured problem-solving. He values the logic and strategy involved in legal analysis and appreciates the responsibility that comes with advising clients on important matters. The profession also offered an opportunity to build a stable and respected career while continually learning and adapting to new challenges.

Working with clients across many industries is an important part of his professional fulfillment. Each client brings different concerns, regulations, and priorities, which require careful listening and industry-specific understanding. This exposure allows him to broaden his knowledge and provide advice that reflects both legal principles and real-world business needs.

His success is grounded in his ability to analyze complex issues, develop practical solutions, and communicate clearly. Clients value his straightforward explanations, which help them stay informed and comfortable throughout the legal process. He is known for a strong work ethic, careful attention to detail, and effective time management, especially when handling multiple matters at once. Integrity and professionalism guide his work, fostering trust and long-term client relationships. He also remains committed to ongoing legal education and research to stay current with evolving laws and regulations.

Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, cooking, reading fiction and nonfiction, and staying active through running and pickleball. These interests support balance and reflection, contributing to his focused and thoughtful approach to his practice as Vajira.

Vajira Samaratne's practice serves startups, nonprofits, private companies, investors, and public companies, offering practical legal guidance tailored to each organization’s structure and goals. He works closely with clients on regulatory compliance... Show more

Alexandre Ferreira

Alexandre Ferreira

Meu nome é Alexandre e sou co-fundador do Lean Coffee Brasília, escritor, professor, e especialista em educação de filhos e relacionamentos familiares. Além dessas atividades, também pratico jiu-jitsu, karatê e boxe.

Minha trajetória profissional é marcada por uma ampla e diversificada experiência. Já atuei como gerente de projeto, gerente de contrato, auditor, coordenador de auditoria, e Scrum Master. Ao longo dos anos, formei diversos times de gestores e funcionários em Scrum e metodologias ágeis, contribuindo significativamente para a evolução profissional de muitos.

Minha formação acadêmica inclui pós-graduação em Governança em Tecnologia, MBA em Auditoria Interna, MBA em Gestão de Operações e Serviços, e graduação em Tecnologia em Processamento de Dados, além de uma pós-graduação em Redes de Computadores. Além disso, sou graduando em Psicanálise e Teologia. Esse conjunto de qualificações me permite abordar temas complexos com profundidade e clareza.

Sou autor de vários livros, que refletem tanto minha paixão pela escrita quanto meu compromisso com a disseminação do conhecimento. Entre minhas obras estão:

Amores Perdidos: Contos e Poesias de um Coração que Transborda Sentimentos
Auditoria com a Utilização de Métodos Ágeis e Uso de Analytics: Metodologia Ágil a Serviço da Auditoria
Pai de Multidões: Cura e Libertação na Paternidade
Casei de Novo e Agora?: Os Meus, os Dela e os Nossos
Então Você Quer Ser um Scrum Master?
Do You Want to Be a Scrum Master? (English Edition)
Histórias Não Contadas do Banco
Reuniões Ágeis
Minha abordagem combina rigor técnico com uma visão prática e acessível, o que torna minhas palestras informativas e envolventes. Estou confiante de que minha experiência e habilidades podem agregar valor ao seu evento, proporcionando aos participantes insights valiosos e aplicáveis.

Meu nome é Alexandre e sou co-fundador do Lean Coffee Brasília, escritor, professor, e especialista em educação de filhos e relacionamentos familiares. Além dessas atividades, também pratico jiu-jitsu, karatê e boxe. Minha trajetória profissional ... Show more

Pavel Yosifovich

Pavel Yosifovich

Pavel Yosifovich is a renowned author, developer, and expert in Windows Internals, system programming, and software development. With extensive experience in low-level programming, he has authored several highly regarded books, including Windows Internals, Part 1 (7th Edition) and Windows 10 System Programming. His works provide deep insights into Windows architecture, kernel-mode development, and debugging techniques, making them essential resources for developers, security researchers, and IT professionals.

Beyond his books, Pavel is also known for his contributions to the developer community through training, blog posts, and technical talks. He offers in-depth courses on TrainSec, where students can learn Windows Internals, debugging, and system programming directly from his expertise. His writing style balances technical depth with clarity, making complex topics accessible to both beginners and experienced programmers. Whether delving into kernel drivers, Windows debugging, or modern programming languages, Pavel’s books and courses serve as authoritative guides for those looking to master Windows and programming.

Pavel Yosifovich is a renowned author, developer, and expert in Windows Internals, system programming, and software development. With extensive experience in low-level programming, he has authored several highly regarded books, including Windows Inte... Show more

Ester Díaz

Ester Díaz

Especialista en fortalecimiento organizacional integral, con más de 19 años de experiencia en gestión de proyectos de alto impacto empresarial enmarcado en calidad, producción, arquitectura, gobernanza y gestión de datos.
Sólido conocimiento en implementación de Sistemas de Gestión, Control de Riesgos, Auditoría normas ISO (27001-2, 9001, 14001 y 45001), Planificación estratégica, construcción y control de indicadores de desempeño, públicos y privados.
Amplia experiencia en coordinación de equipos de trabajo interdisciplinarios, nacionales e internacionales, modelado y mejora de procesos, PMO, gestión documental y visualización de datos para tomar decisiones.
Realización de pasantías, capacitaciones y relatorias en el ámbito de especialización.
Dentro de los principales logros se encuentran la creación y puesta en marcha del primer Depto. de calidad del INE -Chile, la creación del primer Código de Buenas Prácticas Estadísticas de Chile, reactivación del Sistema Estadístico Regional Valparaíso, ser parte del equipo técnico fundador de consultores en DATAMET, consultora freelance en SEGDA México y CTO en IDÓNEA, primera consultora en Chile en abordar la protección de datos personales desde la perspectiva técnica y legal con un foco interdisciplinario.

Especialista en fortalecimiento organizacional integral, con más de 19 años de experiencia en gestión de proyectos de alto impacto empresarial enmarcado en calidad, producción, arquitectura, gobernanza y gestión de datos. Sólido conocimiento en impl... Show more

James Cretella

James Cretella

James Cretella is an attorney and partner at Blank Rome, a national law firm serving clients across the country. He has been practicing law for more than 21 years, beginning his legal career after graduating cum laude from Brooklyn Law School in 2004. He previously earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Villanova University in 2001.

He represents banks, private lenders, commercial finance companies, and factors in negotiating and documenting secured finance transactions. He works closely with lenders of different sizes and supports them through every stage of a deal. His practice involves asset-based and cash flow facilities, hybrid financing structures, receivables finance and factoring, notification and non-notification arrangements, actual sale and participation models, lender finance from both the lender and borrower sides, recurring revenue-based credit lines for SaaS and subscription-driven companies, as well as supply chain, channel, and purchase order finance. He also handles Article 9 foreclosure sales and regularly advises on workouts, intercreditor matters, warehouse lines, and transactions involving unique borrower profiles.

Jim Cretella's experience spans staffing, technology, FinTech, healthcare, real estate, government contracting, transportation, and energy. He supports middle- and upper-middle-market clients with asset-backed lending, factoring transactions, inventory finance, supply chain finance, and various trade finance structures, including off-balance sheet receivable purchase facilities and purchase order financings.

He serves as outside counsel to smaller private lenders, preparing front-end documentation for factoring, ABL, and recurring revenue transactions, while also advising on broader legal needs. He additionally represents smaller lenders in negotiating their own credit facilities and in portfolio purchases and sales.

He is active in the Secured Finance Network and was named to its 40 Under 40 list in 2016. In October, he moderated a session on lender finance in Dallas that explored structuring, underwriting, risk, M&A considerations, and developments in private credit. He also participates in the International Factoring Association and will attend its 2026 conference, where he will co-present the Factoring Essentials class.

James Cretella has co-authored articles for The Secured Lender and Financier Worldwide Magazine and mentors junior associates. He formerly served on the board of the Adam J. Lewis Academy and donates regularly to charities, including his church and educational institutions. He enjoys baseball and football and will celebrate his 20th wedding anniversary in 2026. 

James Cretella is an attorney and partner at Blank Rome, a national law firm serving clients across the country. He has been practicing law for more than 21 years, beginning his legal career after graduating cum laude from Brooklyn Law School in 2004... Show more

Stephen Monro

Stephen Monro

Stephen Monro is an attorney in Washington State with many years of experience in law, construction, and real estate. He established the Monro Law Firm and Platinum Law Group and is admitted to practice in all Washington State Courts as well as the Western and Eastern District Federal Courts. In addition to his legal career, he holds licenses as a general contractor, real estate broker, and IRS tax preparer. For over 25 years, he has also provided pro bono services, representing individuals who would otherwise lack access to legal support, with a focus on civil litigation, personal injury, and property matters.

He was born in Seattle, Washington, in 1952. After completing his early education, he attended Central Washington University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. He later received a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles, and went on to complete a Master of Business Administration from the Same Institution.

Before practicing law, he served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. His service instilled discipline, confidence, and leadership, qualities that supported his transition into the legal field and the management of his firms.

He began practicing law in 1996 and has represented clients across Washington in both state and federal courts. Over time, his practice has operated under the Law Office of Stephen K. Monro, the Monro Law Firm, and Platinum Law Group. He is also active in professional organizations, including the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington State Association for Justice, and the American Association for Justice.

His background as a general contractor provides firsthand knowledge of construction projects, property disputes, and contracts. As a licensed real estate broker, he brings additional insight into sales transactions, contracts, and disclosures. These combined skills allow him to approach client matters with both legal and practical understanding. He also offers mediation services, with most disputes resolved efficiently and at reasonable costs.

Outside of his profession, he enjoys fishing, camping, and traveling by RV. He raises horses, including rescues, and values the preservation of wildlife and natural habitats. With nearly 50 years of marriage, the family continues to provide a strong foundation for his life and career.

Through his dedication to law, construction, real estate, and service, Stephen Monro has built a career defined by responsibility and commitment.

Stephen Monro is an attorney in Washington State with many years of experience in law, construction, and real estate. He established the Monro Law Firm and Platinum Law Group and is admitted to practice in all Washington State Courts as well as the W... Show more

Andrew Byer

Andrew Byer

Andrew Byer, Attorney, was born in 1962 in Jersey City, New Jersey, into a family enriched by his Italian immigrant mother's heritage. This bicultural environment, which included significant time spent in Italy, ingrained a deep appreciation for diverse cultures, influencing his aspirations and later career in international law. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Columbia University, graduating in 1984, and his global perspective was further enhanced by a semester abroad in France.

After completing his Juris Doctor at Syracuse University College of Law in 1987, Andrew began his legal career in South Florida. His initial role was as Lease Administrator and Legal Counsel at Miracle Marketplace in Coral Gables, where he honed his skills in commercial law by managing lease negotiations and tenant relations.

In 1990, Andrew's career path shifted toward international business when he assumed the role of Director of Operations for Maria Pia, an Italian shoe manufacturer, in closing its U.S. operations. His fluency in Italian and comprehensive legal knowledge were crucial in overseeing the orderly shutdown of the company's American presence. He continued to build on this international experience from 1991 to 1994 as General Counsel and Director of International Sales at Intracorp, Inc., a firm that developed video gaming software. In this role, Andrew was pivotal in securing licensing deals with Hollywood studios, allowing for the creation of video games based on popular films, which dramatically expanded the company’s reach into global markets.

In 1994, leveraging his extensive legal and international business experience, Andrew founded the Law Offices of Andrew Byer. His practice specializes in helping European companies enter and thrive in the U.S. market, offering legal guidance and strategic business insights. His multilingual skills and deep understanding of cross-border transactions made his firm a valuable asset to its clients.

Driven by his love for high-quality audio, Andrew opened Magnum Opus Audio in 2007, a Fort Lauderdale boutique specializing in high-end audio and home theater systems. As the retail landscape evolved, he shifted his entrepreneurial focus to real estate, founding AJ&J Holdings, LLC, and later Bozhlona, Inc. in 2024, focusing on property management.

Outside his professional life, Andrew is an active philanthropist, mainly engaged in animal welfare and community service initiatives. Today, Andrew Byer significantly contributes to his industry and community, utilizing his vast experience in law, business, and real estate.

Andrew Byer, Attorney, was born in 1962 in Jersey City, New Jersey, into a family enriched by his Italian immigrant mother's heritage. This bicultural environment, which included significant time spent in Italy, ingrained a deep appreciation for dive... Show more

Angel DeBlasio

Angel DeBlasio

Angel DeBlasio is a New York native whose life reflects steady dedication to education, career, and family. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University’s Honors College, graduating summa cum laude while working full-time. Her ability to maintain high academic standards while managing professional responsibilities shows the level of focus and discipline that has guided her journey.

During her time at the university, she worked full-time at a Palm Beach law firm, gaining valuable experience in legal procedures and professional communication. The position required her to stay organized and dependable, qualities that became central to her work ethic. This early exposure to legal practice helped her build a strong foundation in the field.

After completing her studies, she returned to New York and continued her legal career at an international law firm in Manhattan. Working under a senior partner, she handled complex legal matters in a demanding environment. The experience broadened her knowledge of corporate law and strengthened her ability to operate in a high-pressure professional setting.

In 2004, she married and soon welcomed their daughter. Shortly before their daughter’s first birthday, the family moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where they built a home and settled into a community that supported their growing needs. She chose to step away from her professional role to focus on motherhood, household management, and her children’s development, using the same structure she had practiced throughout her academic and legal career.

Their daughter is a two-time Junior Olympian in Taekwondo and is training to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games. Their son, who began with baseball and track, is now a registered amateur boxer. She actively supports their training, education, and day-to-day routines.

She enjoys Pilates and has a personal interest in fashion and shopping. For over 20 years, she has supported causes related to multiple sclerosis, honoring the memory of her mother-in-law, who passed in 2024.

Angel DeBlasio and her husband will celebrate 22 years of marriage in January 2026. Through each chapter, she continues to lead her family with consistency and care.

Angel DeBlasio is a New York native whose life reflects steady dedication to education, career, and family. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice from Florida Atlantic University’s Honors College, graduating summa cu... Show more

Andrew DeMuth

Andrew DeMuth

Passionate about all things leadership, Andrew speaks throughout the country to both public and private sector audiences. His philosophy centers around the concept that, as leaders, we owe our people nothing less than the most exceptional leadership possible.

For the past eight years, Andrew has served with the Attorney General’s Office as the manager of the law enforcement DNA collection program known as CODIS, overseeing the process for more than 500 participating law enforcement agencies. Before that, he served with a municipal police department for 25 years with 18 of those years in various leadership roles.

Andrew is a graduate of the IACP Command and Leadership Academy and the basic and advanced Penn State Police Executive Development programs. He has a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Andrew is a recipient of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice Excellence in Leadership Director’s Award and numerous other awards throughout his career, including the Medal of Valor from the New Jersey State PBA.

Passionate about all things leadership, Andrew speaks throughout the country to both public and private sector audiences. His philosophy centers around the concept that, as leaders, we owe our people nothing less than the most exceptional leadership ... Show more

Basant Mounir

Basant Mounir

Basant Mounir is a Senior Data Scientist at the Central Bank of Egypt, Industry Expert & Mentor for MIT ADSP, AI Advisor, Angel Investor, and Speaker. She thrives on collaborating with stakeholders to bring their vision to life, learning whatever it takes to deliver the end-to-end product that revolutionizes their workflows. Mounir is an active community builder; she founded an award-winning data science school at her IEEE branch, and most recently, co-hosted Egypt's first GenAI agent hackathon. A global thinker, Mounir travels across Africa, Europe, the US, and Japan to work with and learn from their data communities.

Basant Mounir is a Senior Data Scientist at the Central Bank of Egypt, Industry Expert & Mentor for MIT ADSP, AI Advisor, Angel Investor, and Speaker. She thrives on collaborating with stakeholders to bring their vision to life, learning whatever it... Show more

Petro Kostiv

Petro Kostiv

Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen. The experience of adapting to a new culture and language taught him resilience, independence, and compassion for others pursuing better opportunities. This personal journey later shaped his mission as a legal professional, enabling him to help clients navigate complex transitions with empathy and precision. Having visited over 150 countries, Petro has developed a profound understanding of diverse legal, social, and economic systems.

He speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Ukrainian fluently, and also reads and converses in German and Mandarin. Petro’s education mirrors his international outlook. He earned a B.A. with honors in history from the University of California, Berkeley, with a focus on Latin American political and economic development. He then obtained an M.A. in political science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School, where he earned a certificate in international law.

During his studies, Petro worked at the Supreme Court of Argentina, where he observed constitutional and administrative law in practice. He also pursued a B.S. in Aviation and a certificate in U.S. Aviation Law from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, complemented by IATA training in aviation safety and compliance. After several years in international legal research, Petro founded Kostiv & Associates, a global law firm with offices across Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, Baltimore, and Miami.

Petro’s practice encompasses immigration, business, and aviation consulting, providing clients with comprehensive cross-border legal support. He has appeared before federal courts, embassies, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, advising thousands of individuals and businesses. As a licensed commercial pilot and FAA-certified flight instructor, Petro combines legal knowledge with aviation expertise, enabling him to provide exceptional insight on matters involving regulatory compliance, aircraft finance, and aviation insurance.

As managing partner, Petro Kostiv leads his firm with integrity, strategic vision, and a focus on client-centered results. He also teaches and lectures internationally, having designed a U.S. Legal System course for Kiev University of Law. His humanitarian work includes supporting orphanages and disaster relief programs in Africa and Latin America. As president of the Ukrainian American Bar Association, Petro continues to advocate for legal reform, global cooperation, and the empowerment of future legal professionals.

Petro Richard Kostiv was born in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States at the age of eighteen. The experience of adapting to a new culture and language taught him resilience, independence, and compassion for others pursuing better opportunities... Show more

Nandini Harihareswara

Nandini Harihareswara

Nandini Harihareswara is a Digital Finance, FinTech, Digital Development and Inclusive Digital Economies expert. She previously served as Senior Advisor on Inclusive Digital Economies, Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment for the UN Capital Development Fund. She also served as the Digital Finance Regional Technical Specialist from 2015-2019, responsible for the creation & implementation of the UNCDF Digital Economy Strategy in Zambia and Malawi. She also helped to author the Inclusive Digital Economies and Gender Equality Playbook, launched in 2021. In these roles, she worked with more 20 FinTechs, Banks, Telcos and e-commerce companies to successfully increase their women customers and partner MSME businesses, and increase their financial return on investment.

She was a founding member of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Digital Development Division. Prior to working for the Digital Development team, Nandini worked as an Investment Officer for the USAID Development Credit Authority Office, and a Presidential Management Fellow at the US Department of Transportation as well as the Urban Transport Division of the World Bank.

She is the author of numerous publications on the intersection of finance, technology and international development. Nandini has an MBA and a Masters in International Trade and Investment Policy from the George Washington University. She also holds a BS in Psychology and a BA in Political Science from the University of California at San Diego.

Nandini Harihareswara is a Digital Finance, FinTech, Digital Development and Inclusive Digital Economies expert. She previously served as Senior Advisor on Inclusive Digital Economies, Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment for the UN Capit... Show more

Josh Hankins

Josh Hankins

Josh Hankins is a seasoned IT professional and leader with nearly 30 years of experience. In 1996, he started as a network engineer and transitioned to the cybersecurity field 10 years later. Beginning 2006, he worked in various cybersecurity roles, such as: a security architect, analyst, engineer and incident handler. These roles spanned businesses ranging from a Fortune 500 financial institution, a credit card processor and a global consulting company. Next, he served 9 years as the Director of Security & Incident Response for a data analytics subsidiary for the 5th largest retailer in the world. During this time, Josh successfully built and matured several cyber security programs, such as: Vulnerability Management, DevSecOps, Cyber Risk Metrics, and Incident Response for both on-prem & the cloud, respectively. Before returning to his consulting roots, as a Consulting CISO at CBTS, Josh served as the Americas Chief Technical Security Officer for a global SaaS security & compliance vendor. Here, he assisted customers in achieving their strategic business goals in a secure manner. He holds many industry certifications (a CISSP and 3 different GIAC designations.) Josh frequently presents at conferences across North America, the UK, and Europe. Lastly, he volunteers his time by mentoring others and serving on the board for a local startup.

Josh Hankins is a seasoned IT professional and leader with nearly 30 years of experience. In 1996, he started as a network engineer and transitioned to the cybersecurity field 10 years later. Beginning 2006, he worked in various cybersecurity roles, ... Show more

Michael Sewall

Michael Sewall

Michael Sewall is a distinguished 13-year veteran of law enforcement, renowned for his expertise in combating internet crimes against children (ICAC). As a proven leader in this critical field, he has spearheaded major operations that have successfully rescued countless children from online dangers, demonstrating unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

Throughout his career, Michael has been deeply immersed in thousands of ICAC investigations, honing investigative techniques that have set benchmarks for digital forensics and child exploitation prevention. Nationally recognized as a premier trainer, he has empowered law enforcement agencies across the country with specialized training programs, equipping officers with the tools to navigate the evolving landscape of online threats.

Driven by a profound passion for online safety and digital citizenship, Michael Sewall extends his impact beyond the badge through engaging keynote speeches and workshops. He has delivered insightful talks to parents, educators, and corporate leaders, fostering awareness and actionable strategies to safeguard families in the digital age. His dynamic presentations blend real-world experience with practical guidance, inspiring audiences to prioritize child protection in an interconnected world.

Michael Sewall's dedication to justice and education continues to shape safer online environments for generations to come.

Michael Sewall is a distinguished 13-year veteran of law enforcement, renowned for his expertise in combating internet crimes against children (ICAC). As a proven leader in this critical field, he has spearheaded major operations that have successful... Show more

Hunter Storm

Hunter Storm

CISO, Advisory Board Member, Security Operations Center (SOC) Black Ops Team member, Systems Architect, and Keynote Speaker with deep expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. I guide organizations through complex technical, strategic, and operational challenges, drawing on experience in global Fortune 100 enterprises, including Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab, and American Express; aerospace and high-tech manufacturing leaders such as Alcoa and Special Devices (SDI); and leading technology services firms such as CompuCom.

Subject Matter Expert (SME) with top tier expert networks, including GLG (recognized top 1% expert), AlphaSights, and Third Bridge. Trusted advisor to Fortune 100, Big Tech, executives, global technology leaders, institutional investors, high-growth startups, leading analyst firms, and global research organizations. I provide insight at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, quantum, intelligence, and strategy.

ACHIEVEMENTS
- Mensa
- Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions in AI, cybersecurity, quantum
- Trusted contributor to FS-ISAC, ANSI X9, NIST, & Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C), shaping policy, standards, strategy at the highest levels.
- Advisory Board: Texas A&M School of Computer Science - advising on curricula and strategic initiatives in AI, cybersecurity, quantum
- Originator:
Hacking Humans | The Ports & Services Model of Social Engineering framework
The Storm Project | AI, Cybersecurity, Quantum, & the Future of Intelligence
Discrimination by Design | The First Forensic Mapping of Digital Repression Architecture

Decades in high-stakes arenas where precision outweighs publicity, from Fortune 100 boardrooms to war rooms, have honed my ability to help leaders navigate complexity, mitigate risk, and make the right calls when there is no margin for error.

Fusing technical mastery, operational agility, and executive insight to craft innovative solutions that anticipate threats, I protect critical assets and redefine what organizations can achieve. My work spans security initiatives, strategic intelligence, and policy advisory, where accuracy and foresight are crucial. Known for unparalleled problem-solving and strategic vision, bringing ingenuity, discretion, and balance to every challenge. Operating where complexity meets ambiguity, turning uncertainty into strategic advantage, I thrive where impact and ethics entangle.

I solve problems most won’t touch - with precision, discretion, and operational clarity. I partner with leaders to solve the unsolvable and shape the future at the intersection of technology, strategy, and high-risk decision making.

CISO, Advisory Board Member, Security Operations Center (SOC) Black Ops Team member, Systems Architect, and Keynote Speaker with deep expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum technologies. I guide organizations through complex technical, strategic... Show more

Chase Carlton

Chase Carlton

Chase Carlton is the CEO of Fenix Cyber Solutions, where he helps organizations cut through complexity in cybersecurity and technology management. A seasoned IT leader and consultant, he’s known for translating technical challenges into practical strategies that business leaders can act on. Chase has spoken to audiences ranging from startup founders to industry professionals on topics such as AI security, cyber risk, compliance, and protecting critical data; always with a focus on clarity, candor, and real-world action.

Chase Carlton is the CEO of Fenix Cyber Solutions, where he helps organizations cut through complexity in cybersecurity and technology management. A seasoned IT leader and consultant, he’s known for translating technical challenges into practical str... Show more

Matthew Searle

Matthew Searle

Matt has worked with Oracle technology since joining Oracle UK as a consultant in 1998, working as a bespoke developer, then moving into technical and functional consultancy within eBusiness Suite, and now works with Oracle Fusion Applications across all streams.

Matt currently serves on the Board of the UK Oracle User Group as a non executive Director and member advocate for Oracle Applications (both Applications Unlimited and Oracle Fusion Applications).

Away from the Oracle world, Matt is an experienced non executive Director, primarily within the not-for-profit / membership body space. Matt served on the Board of The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (the UK's voice of modern work, and memcom Membership Body of the Year 2021) between 2015 and 2021, twice serving as Deputy Chair of the Board and became Chair during the COVID-19 pandemic as the self-employed faced unprecedented challenges. As part of this role, Matt joined the Business Action Council, which united the UK's leading entrepreneurship organisations together as part of an emergency response to the pandemic, streamlining the voices of more than 500,000 businesses across every sector and region within the United Kingdom to provide Government with a coherent perspective of expert, holistic advice to protect business resilience and restore confidence. Matt has been interviewed for the Financial Times, The Times, The Telegraph, The Sunday Times, Freelancing Matters magazine, as well as on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 4, and on Sky News.

Matt has worked with Oracle technology since joining Oracle UK as a consultant in 1998, working as a bespoke developer, then moving into technical and functional consultancy within eBusiness Suite, and now works with Oracle Fusion Applications across... Show more

Andrew Lemon

Andrew Lemon

Andrew Lemon is the founder of Red Threat Security where he serves as the lead over Penetration Testing and Red Teaming. Lemon honed his hacking skills through years of incident response against APT groups that target the Hospitality, Legal, Oil and Gas, and Critical national infrastructure industries. Lemon used the Tools, Techniques and Procedures he learned from state sponsored entities as a spring board to develop his Companies Methodology for adversarial emulation. This methodology has enabled his team to compromise a variety of targets, such as airports, utilities companies, oil tankers and drilling rigs, and gain physical access to hardened targets like ISP data centers, Chemical Production facilities, and Cash Depositories.

Andrew Lemon is the founder of Red Threat Security where he serves as the lead over Penetration Testing and Red Teaming. Lemon honed his hacking skills through years of incident response against APT groups that target the Hospitality, Legal, Oil and ... Show more

Meredith Barges

Meredith Barges

I'm a bird conservationist specialized in bird-friendly building policy development, research, and advocacy. I help governments appreciate the complex lives of birds and how our decisions about buildings and nighttime lighting affect avian populations. In 2023, I co-led a statewide campaign to pass Public Act No. 23-143, Connecticut's “Lights Out bill,” which requires CT state agencies to turn off unnecessary lights by 11pm for birds. As a policy researcher at the Yale Bird-friendly Building Initiative, I co-authored 'Building Safer Cities for Birds: How Cities Are Leading the Way on Bird-Friendly Building Policy." I routinely testify and submit public comments on municipal and institutional lighting plans. I hold an MA in cultural history from the University of Chicago and an MDiv in religion & ecology from Yale University.

I'm a bird conservationist specialized in bird-friendly building policy development, research, and advocacy. I help governments appreciate the complex lives of birds and how our decisions about buildings and nighttime lighting affect avian population... Show more

Simon Heimler

Simon Heimler

Full-stack developer and software architect from Germany, started creating software in 2001, professionally since 2007.

The focus my last years was on topics like metadata, data, APIs, LC/NC platforms, cloud development - creating standards, libraries, protocols, frameworks and platforms that provide interoperability and automation.

I'm a generalist at heart and love to constantly learn about new technologies and concepts, building and creating innovative solutions!

Full-stack developer and software architect from Germany, started creating software in 2001, professionally since 2007. The focus my last years was on topics like metadata, data, APIs, LC/NC platforms, cloud development - creating standards, libr... Show more

Jakob Østergaard Nielsen

Jakob Østergaard Nielsen

Jakob Østergaard Nielsen is a highly skilled and experienced IT architect known for his structured approach and extensive experience in Microsoft infrastructure.
His technical and operational experience includes Security and Identity, Microsoft 365/Azure, Microsoft Purview, Governance, Risk Management and Compliance - helping organizations succeed with ISO27001, NIS2, GDPR, SWIFT, and more.

Jakob Østergaard Nielsen is a highly skilled and experienced IT architect known for his structured approach and extensive experience in Microsoft infrastructure. His technical and operational experience includes Security and Identity, Microsoft 365... Show more

Julian Coccia

Julian Coccia

Passionate about Open Source license compliance. Developed global Open Source processes and tools at Ericsson. Co-founded and developed the core technology at FOSSID. Driving the Project Office at the Software Transparency Foundation to drive SBOM adoption. Leading the technology at SCANOSS.

Passionate about Open Source license compliance. Developed global Open Source processes and tools at Ericsson. Co-founded and developed the core technology at FOSSID. Driving the Project Office at the Software Transparency Foundation to drive SBOM ad... Show more

Keith Stouder

Keith Stouder

Keith Stouder is a respected data privacy, protection, and governance leader. He has over 27 years of experience and is currently the Vice President of Data Privacy and AI Governance at ACT, a prominent educational assessment organization.

Keith has shown a strong commitment to advancing data privacy and ethical information management throughout his career. In the mid-1990s, he became a trusted expert in the changing digital landscape. His leadership in enterprise architecture, risk management, and data privacy has been key in shaping privacy and governance strategies for various organizations, from innovative startups to global companies.

Keith is known for creating strong privacy frameworks, aligning data governance with business goals, and fostering a culture of accountability and trust. His strategic vision and practical skills continue to drive effective, compliant, and innovative data practices in a growingly complex regulatory environment.

Keith Stouder is a respected data privacy, protection, and governance leader. He has over 27 years of experience and is currently the Vice President of Data Privacy and AI Governance at ACT, a prominent educational assessment organization. Keith h... Show more

Antara Mane

Antara Mane

Antara is a multidisciplinary Cybersecurity Leader, Red Teamer, Strategist, and Product Innovator, known for delivering secure, scalable, and business-aligned solutions across BFSI and enterprise sectors. As SecureNexus Vertical Lead at XBiz TechVentures, she heads a 25+ member cybersecurity team and drives end-to-end execution of projects spanning red teaming, GRC audits, DevSecOps, cloud hardening, and application security.
She has conducted over 200 VAPT assessments across web, mobile, APIs, network, and cloud environments, and built platforms like ASM, SCA, and CSPM to shift clients from reactive to proactive security. Her expertise extends to phishing simulations, malware assessments, and incident response evaluations.
Beyond hands-on execution, Antara shapes business strategy by planning the annual cybersecurity roadmap, scaling service offerings, mentoring talent, and aligning internal processes to standards like ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, IRDAI, RBI, HIPAA, and NIST. She played a key role in achieving CERT-IN empanelment and in building proactive GRC maturity models with cyber risk scoring, threat profiling, policy authoring, and audit frameworks.
A respected thought leader and speaker at OWASP AppSec, DevSecCon, and InfosecGirls, Antara contributes actively to the security community via Medium and GitHub. Her leadership spans technical depth, client advisory, board-level risk communication, and enterprise-grade product development.
Her philosophy: “Security isnʼt a checkbox — itʼs a culture. And it must evolve faster than the threats it defends against.”

Antara is a multidisciplinary Cybersecurity Leader, Red Teamer, Strategist, and Product Innovator, known for delivering secure, scalable, and business-aligned solutions across BFSI and enterprise sectors. As SecureNexus Vertical Lead at XBiz TechVent... Show more

Nital Gosai

Nital Gosai

Nital Gosai is a powerhouse entrepreneur who has turned personal struggles into professional success, building multiple successful ventures while redefining what it means to be a South Asian woman in business today. As the founder of Gosai Law, a female-forward law firm, and the founder of tech company, Husmates, Nital has spent over 15 years breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.

Nital Gosai is a powerhouse entrepreneur who has turned personal struggles into professional success, building multiple successful ventures while redefining what it means to be a South Asian woman in business today. As the founder of Gosai Law, a fem... Show more

Vera Mafra

Vera Mafra

Verinha Mafra is a leader in technology, agility, and data, with over two decades of experience at Banco do Brasil, driving strategic projects and digital transformation. She led international initiatives, helped establish the bank’s artificial intelligence unit, and developed agile processes tailored for data science. Currently, she leads the implementation of agility, IT architecture, quality, and UX at BBTS. Verinha holds a Law degree, a postgraduate degree in Software Project Management, and is currently pursuing an MBA in Project and Agile Methodologies. She also holds certifications in AI and leadership from institutions such as MIT, Harvard, University of Chicago, PUCRS, and Insper. Since 2021, she has been a speaker and panelist at events such as Agile Trends and Banco do Brasil Digital Week (BBDW). She focuses on connecting people, processes, and technology to deliver real outcomes and strategic impact.

Verinha Mafra is a leader in technology, agility, and data, with over two decades of experience at Banco do Brasil, driving strategic projects and digital transformation. She led international initiatives, helped establish the bank’s artificial intel... Show more

Claudia Marcionni

Claudia Marcionni

🌟 Claudia Marcionni
Experta en Transformación Paradigmática, Innovación, Agilidad, Bienestar Organizacional y Liderazgo Evolutivo
Abogada, Enterprise Agile Coach, Coach Profesional y Educativa, Coach Ejecutiva y Corporativa, Neurocapacitadora y Educadora Emocional, Maestranda en Gestión Emocional y Bienestar en las Organizaciones, con más de 18 años de experiencia, Claudia Marcionni se ha consolidado como una referente en procesos de cambio, innovación y reinvención en organizaciones públicas, privadas y sociales.
Es creadora del método Efecto Paradigma®, un enfoque único para la transformación de modelos mentales y culturales en personas, equipos y organizaciones. Cofundadora de Coaches Ágiles® y actual líder de la Comunidad ITERA, Claudia ha desarrollado metodologías innovadoras aplicadas a la educación, el liderazgo y la gestión del cambio en entornos corporativos.
Su expertise integra transformación paradigmática y cultural, agilismo blando, neurociencias aplicadas, inteligencia emocional, metodologías ágiles (OKR, Scrum, gestión de proyectos) y diseño de estrategias de innovación y bienestar organizacional.
Ha sido reconocida con premios a la excelencia en coaching, training y consultoría, así como por su labor como speaker internacional y autora. Premiada como Mujer Líder en varias oportunidades. Con una con una Credencial de Honor en China. Y reconocida por su conferencia magistral en la Universidad de Harvard en el marco del V Congreso Mundial de Mujeres Líderes. Actualmente nominada a por su admirable trayectoria, excelencia y cualidades personales, así como por su visión regional y compromiso con la igualdad, como speaker de alto impacto en WEF Ecuador 2025.
Participa activamente en proyectos alineados con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) de la ONU, en especial ODS4 (Educación de calidad) y ODS3 (Bienestar y salud), colaborando con organizaciones internacionales e impulsando una visión integral del liderazgo evolutivo.
Actualmente es coordinadora del Directorio para Argentina de la Fundación CD y la iniciativa Mujeres Líderes América, Agente de Formación de Certificaciones Ágiles de Scrum Manager®, miembro de la Cámara de Comercio Latina en la Costa del Golfo, miembro de la Comisión de relaciones institucionales de la Asociación de emprendedores tecnológicos y embajadora de CEBEL Comisión Internacional por el Bienestar Laboral.
Es autora del newsletter “Bienestar Organizacional: la nueva evolución empresarial”,
Con una trayectoria que fusiona el pensamiento estratégico, la conciencia emocional y la innovación ágil, Claudia Marcionni lidera con una convicción: "Necesitamos liderar la transformación paradigmática para construir el futuro que queremos vivir."
Es conferencista de distintas temáticas, destacando sus recientes participaciones en el V Congreso Mundial de Mujeres Líderes celebrado en la prestigiosa Universidad de Harvard. En el IV Congreso Internacional Líderes Hispanos en Rapa Nui - Isla de Pascua y en el Congreso Internacional de Mujeres Líderes en la Universidad Internacional de Florida (FIU).

🌟 Claudia Marcionni Experta en Transformación Paradigmática, Innovación, Agilidad, Bienestar Organizacional y Liderazgo Evolutivo Abogada, Enterprise Agile Coach, Coach Profesional y Educativa, Coach Ejecutiva y Corporativa, Neurocapacitadora y Ed... Show more

Daniel ONeil

Daniel ONeil

Daniel O’Neil is the CEO and co-founder of PrivacyLabs, a cybersecurity marketplace and consulting startup. Daniel has worked as a Probabilistic Risk Analyst and Software Architect for Probability Management where he developed solutions for communicating uncertainty and risk. He was a contributor to The OPEN Group OPEN FAIR standard and the primary developer of the OPEN FAIR Risk Analysis Tool. Daniel has an Economics degree from San Jose State University.

Daniel O’Neil is the CEO and co-founder of PrivacyLabs, a cybersecurity marketplace and consulting startup. Daniel has worked as a Probabilistic Risk Analyst and Software Architect for Probability Management where he developed solutions for communica... Show more

Alec Foster

Alec Foster

Alec Foster is Chief Prompt Engineer & Responsible AI Lead at MMA Global, co-leading its AI Leadership Coalition and overseeing all AI initiatives. He drives internal AI upskilling for MMA's entire workforce, AI product development, governance frameworks, and revenue-generating opportunities to position MMA as the leading industry association on AI in marketing.

Alec’s academic foundations—an M.St. in AI Ethics from the University of Cambridge and a CIPP/US privacy certification—inform his ethical approach to AI and marketing. He has developed machine learning models to streamline consumer arbitration and serves on boards of algorithmic accountability nonprofits. Beyond MMA, Alec designs large-scale immersive art experiences and teaches electric hydrofoil lessons in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Combining marketing strategy with rigorous ethics, Alec stands at the intersection of innovation and integrity, guiding organizations to harness AI responsibly.

Alec Foster is Chief Prompt Engineer & Responsible AI Lead at MMA Global, co-leading its AI Leadership Coalition and overseeing all AI initiatives. He drives internal AI upskilling for MMA's entire workforce, AI product development, governance framew... Show more

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