Manufacturing & Industrial Materials

A roster of manufacturing and materials specialists at the forefront of innovation in the production and utilization of industrial materials

Maristela de Carvalho

Maristela de Carvalho

Analista de Políticas Sociais, vencedora do Prêmio Espírito Público, engenheira e mestranda em Psicologia pela UnB. Egressa, ex-coordenadora e pesquisadora do Programa LideraGOV. Com 11 anos de experiência em políticas públicas relacionadas a trabalho, emprego, gestão governamental, educação e liderança, também atuou por outros 10 anos com automação industrial e mercado de energia. Com ampla experiência em relações internacionais, já integrou Assessorias Internacionais em diversas pastas governamentais, com destaque para o papel de Assessora Especial para Assuntos Internacionais no Ministério da Educação, onde contribuiu para o aprimoramento da educação e a promoção de boas práticas globais. Além disso, dedica-se à construção de redes estratégicas, é facilitadora de processos de transformação governamental, free-la no LA-BORA!gov e entusiasta da formação de lideranças públicas. Une competências técnicas à paixão por pessoas e inovação no serviço público.

Analista de Políticas Sociais, vencedora do Prêmio Espírito Público, engenheira e mestranda em Psicologia pela UnB. Egressa, ex-coordenadora e pesquisadora do Programa LideraGOV. Com 11 anos de experiência em políticas públicas relacionadas a trabalh... Show more

Freddy Alvarado

Freddy Alvarado

Freddy Alvarado es Ingeniero en Sistemas Computacionales, con Maestría en Administración de Negocios y actualmente cursa una Maestría en Inteligencia Artificial.

Es especialista en Inteligencia Artificial aplicada a los negocios, con enfoque en automatización, analítica avanzada e IA agéntica para la toma de decisiones empresariales. Cuenta con especialización en Transformación Digital y Machine Learning por el MIT, y un Diplomado en Ciencia de Datos por la Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI).

Es CEO fundador de IA NOVUS, empresa dedicada al desarrollo de soluciones de Inteligencia Artificial y formación ejecutiva, ayudando a organizaciones a acelerar su transformación digital. Ha trabajado con empresas de los sectores agroexportador, industrial y minero del Perú.

Como expositor, comparte casos reales, demos aplicadas y enfoques prácticos para implementar IA en la empresa, desde modelos predictivos hasta agentes inteligentes integrados a sistemas ERP.

Cuenta con la certificación “Anaconda - Python in Excel” y lidera la comunidad “IA en Excel” en LinkedIn.

Freddy Alvarado es Ingeniero en Sistemas Computacionales, con Maestría en Administración de Negocios y actualmente cursa una Maestría en Inteligencia Artificial. Es especialista en Inteligencia Artificial aplicada a los negocios, con enfoque en au... Show more

Andrzej Strzala

Andrzej Strzala

A data engineer by passion, an architect and tech lead by profession, and, more recently, a blogger in my spare time. I have over a decade of experience. I specialize in designing robust data architectures, getting the most out of modern tools such as Microsoft Fabric, Azure, and Power BI. I help organizations understand their data and translate it into concrete business insights.

A data engineer by passion, an architect and tech lead by profession, and, more recently, a blogger in my spare time. I have over a decade of experience. I specialize in designing robust data architectures, getting the most out of modern tools such a... Show more

Robert Triggs

Robert Triggs

Rob Triggs is a Revenue Architect for Microsoft partners, known for helping firms turn inconsistent sales into structured, predictable growth. After building and scaling a Microsoft partner to a top-tier position in Canada and through acquisition, he now works with partners to fix the real issues behind stalled growth: lead generation, Microsoft co-sell, pipeline conversion, founder dependency, and weak deal execution.

A key focus of his work is helping partners apply Microsoft Copilot AI across the sales cycle to improve efficiency, strengthen execution, and win more deals.

His sessions are practical, direct, and built on real-world experience inside the Microsoft ecosystem.

Rob Triggs is a Revenue Architect for Microsoft partners, known for helping firms turn inconsistent sales into structured, predictable growth. After building and scaling a Microsoft partner to a top-tier position in Canada and through acquisition, he... Show more

Joanna Montgomery

Joanna Montgomery

Joanna is an interaction designer, entrepreneur, and thought leader in human-centred technology. She is best known as the creator of Pillow Talk, the world’s first IoT product designed to help families feel emotionally connected across distance, now used in over 80 countries worldwide.

With over a decade of experience at the intersection of tech and intimacy, Joanna now runs and advises companies on designing digital products that prioritise empathy, trust, and human connection.

Known for her honest, no-fluff approach, she speaks globally on the future of emotionally intelligent tech.

Joanna is an interaction designer, entrepreneur, and thought leader in human-centred technology. She is best known as the creator of Pillow Talk, the world’s first IoT product designed to help families feel emotionally connected across distance, now ... Show more

Michael Stahnke

Michael Stahnke

Michael is VP of Engineering at Flox. Prior to this, he held senior engineering leadership roles at CircleCI and Puppet. He has a demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and organizations, as well as conduct research on engineering effectiveness, authoring the State of DevOps Reports from 2018-2022 as well as contributing several other industry publications. Michael is obsessed with the intersection of the business and engineering with ROI as a key driver behind efficiencies and automation. Michael has been a speaker at DevOps and Automation events since 2007. In 2005, he authored a book on OpenSSH He also founded the package repository Extra Packages for Enterprise Linux (EPEL) and contributes to several open source projects.

Michael is VP of Engineering at Flox. Prior to this, he held senior engineering leadership roles at CircleCI and Puppet. He has a demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and organizations, as well as conduct research on engineering effect... Show more

Alagar raja Govindasamy

Alagar raja Govindasamy

Alagar Raja Govindasamy is a visionary engineering executive with over 22 years of experience leading innovation, R&D, and product development in the automotive and HVAC electronics industries. Renowned for his ability to merge AI/ML technologies with practical engineering solutions, he has consistently delivered transformative results across global operations.
Currently serving as Senior Manager of Electronics (Global) – R&D at Dorman, Alagar spearheads initiatives in Model-Based Design (MBD), AI-driven reverse engineering, and ADAS sensor technologies, driving up to 95% improvement in quality and 40% reduction in design cycles. His leadership extends to establishing world-class engineering centers, managing global teams, and developing proof-of-concept tools that enhance connectivity and streamline product lifecycles.
Throughout his career at Dorman, he has held progressive leadership roles from Director of Electronics (Global) to Engineering Leader, where he led new product development for critical automotive systems, including electronic power steering, climate control, and smart vehicle interfaces, generating over $100M in revenue.
Earlier, Alagar held key technical and managerial positions at Bosch, Trane, Visteon, and Mindstorm, where he built test automation labs, led complex validation projects, and developed embedded systems for global OEMs.
A PMP-certified professional, Alagar also holds certifications in Artificial Intelligence for Business Strategy, Six Sigma Green Belt, and ASQ Software Testing and Project Management. Recognized multiple times for leadership and innovation, he is celebrated for establishing Dorman’s world-class design center and delivering safety-critical products to the market.
Alagar earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics from Madurai Kamaraj University, India.

Alagar Raja Govindasamy is a visionary engineering executive with over 22 years of experience leading innovation, R&D, and product development in the automotive and HVAC electronics industries. Renowned for his ability to merge AI/ML technologies wit... Show more

Michael Mueller

Michael Mueller

Michael Mueller is a transformation expert with 20+ years of experience leading organisations through major technological shifts. In 2023, he co-founded re:cinq, dedicated to AI Native Transformation, helping businesses move beyond AI adoption to fundamentally reimagining how they operate. He is the co-author of From Cloud Native to AI Native, a guide for leaders navigating the AI era.

Michael Mueller is a transformation expert with 20+ years of experience leading organisations through major technological shifts. In 2023, he co-founded re:cinq, dedicated to AI Native Transformation, helping businesses move beyond AI adoption to fun... Show more

Callum Griffith

Callum Griffith

Callum Griffith is the Founder & CEO of Composite, a performance-led Webflow studio that builds websites as measurable growth systems for B2B tech and enterprise teams. His work focuses on one problem: marketing teams that can't move fast enough because their website requires a developer to change anything.
Largely self-taught, Callum started his career at 18 in Los Angeles and built Composite over nearly eight years from freelance hustle to a studio that has launched 50+ websites for high-growth and enterprise organisations. He's known for a direct take on the industry — that most websites fail because they optimise for aesthetics over outcomes, and that the gap between "website builder" and enterprise web platform has already closed, whether the dev community accepts it or not.

Callum Griffith is the Founder & CEO of Composite, a performance-led Webflow studio that builds websites as measurable growth systems for B2B tech and enterprise teams. His work focuses on one problem: marketing teams that can't move fast enough beca... Show more

Ruthann Savage

Ruthann Savage

Ruthann Savage is the founder of Savage Dynamic Consulting, where she helps organizations turn strategy into movement. Known for her diagnostic clarity and ability to translate complexity into execution, she advises companies on how to improve performance by aligning leadership, talent, and process.

Her work spans Fortune 100 environments and founder‑led firms, where she is called in when execution stalls, growth slows, or leaders need sharper traction. Ruthann’s approach blends organizational psychology, process architecture, and practical performance engineering-helping teams reduce churn, accelerate decisions, and strengthen accountability.

She also guides leaders through the human side of emerging technologies, including how AI reshapes capability, alignment, and culture. A published author and professional speaker, Ruthann is recognized for challenging assumptions, provoking clarity, and helping leaders build systems that work in the real world. Whether supporting post‑M&A integration or advising on workforce strategy, her message remains consistent: performance improves when people, process, and leadership move in the same direction.

Ruthann Savage is the founder of Savage Dynamic Consulting, where she helps organizations turn strategy into movement. Known for her diagnostic clarity and ability to translate complexity into execution, she advises companies on how to improve perfor... Show more

Sofia Lescano Carroll

Sofia Lescano Carroll

Passionate about mathematics and logic, I am a backend developer with a Computer Science Engineering degree and international speaker since 2020. Argentinian and Spanish, I lived in many countries and speak five languages. I strongly believe in diversity in tech and started giving conferences to act as a role model for women. Outside work, I love dancing, and travelling and have two wonderful cats.
I have been giving conferences since 2020 in French and English (but also speak Spanish and Portuguese).
I have been to major events like SymfonyCon, SymfonyLive, ForumPHP among others.
Check my personal blog for full references https://soflesc.github.io/

Passionate about mathematics and logic, I am a backend developer with a Computer Science Engineering degree and international speaker since 2020. Argentinian and Spanish, I lived in many countries and speak five languages. I strongly believe in diver... Show more

Brackly Murunga

Brackly Murunga

Brackly Murunga is a Machine learning researcher with a professional background in applied data science and machine learning with a career spanning half a decade in multiple industries including Tech, FMCG and Fintech.

He was the Lead AI/ML Engineer at Phindor LTD before transitioning to BAT Kenya as a data scientist. He currently is a portfolio data scientist at M-KOPA.

Brackly Murunga is a Machine learning researcher with a professional background in applied data science and machine learning with a career spanning half a decade in multiple industries including Tech, FMCG and Fintech. He was the Lead AI/ML Engine... Show more

Vaughan Proctor

Vaughan Proctor

With over 20 years of experience in solution selling and channel management. Vaughan has been involved in demand and supply planning with Netstock for the last 10 years and is passionate about building strong relationships and adding value to both partners and their customers.

With over 20 years of experience in solution selling and channel management. Vaughan has been involved in demand and supply planning with Netstock for the last 10 years and is passionate about building strong relationships and adding value to both p... Show more

Aymen Chelbi

Aymen Chelbi

Solution Architect Dynamics 365 FnO et Power Platform, certifié Microsoft. Passionné par l’automatisation et l’IA appliquée aux solutions ERP, j’accompagne mon entreprise dans la modernisation de leurs processus métiers. Actif dans la communauté Microsoft, je partage régulièrement des insights sur l’intégration intelligente entre IA, Power Platform et Dynamics 365.

Solution Architect Dynamics 365 FnO et Power Platform, certifié Microsoft. Passionné par l’automatisation et l’IA appliquée aux solutions ERP, j’accompagne mon entreprise dans la modernisation de leurs processus métiers. Actif dans la communauté Micr... Show more

Kody Hartlaub

Kody Hartlaub

Kody Hartlaub is an internationally recognized performance specialist in the mental architecture of champions. He works exclusively with elite athletes, Olympic contenders, world-class competitors,
and high-performing organizations—including professional athletes on the Philadelphia Phillies, world champions pursuing their next title, Olympic-stage athletes, Division 1 programs, and corporations like L'Oréal—to unlock performance at the highest level.
In less than a decade, Kody has executed a complete program turnaround at the college level, taking a Division 3 athletic program from last place to top-tier status in under a year. He's guided a two-
time world champion through his pursuit of a third championship. He's positioned Olympic-level athletes for international competition. He's embedded himself in locker rooms and boardrooms where the margin of error is zero, and results are the only currency that matters.
His work is about diagnosis and execution. Kody identifies the psychological architecture underneath performance: the belief systems, decision-making patterns, emotional regulation, and mental discipline that separate champions from competitors. He rebuilds that architecture from the foundation up, then ensures it performs under pressure, when it counts most.
Kody holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and is completing his master's in sport performance and psychology. More importantly, he is personally mentored by Ben Newman, one of the five most respected performance coaches in the world. He has been selected as a judge for the International Globee Awards for Excellence: a distinction reserved for the elite practitioners in his field.
As founder of KHP Coaching, creator of the Diamond Leadership Architecture framework, and architect of the KHP1 performance community, Kody doesn't build athletes. He builds champions who know exactly who they are, what they're capable of, and how to deliver it when the stakes are highest

Kody Hartlaub is an internationally recognized performance specialist in the mental architecture of champions. He works exclusively with elite athletes, Olympic contenders, world-class competitors, and high-performing organizations—including profess... Show more

Luca Zarantonello

Luca Zarantonello

General Manager of Coesiva, a strategic consulting firm working with Italian manufacturing SMEs. I help business owners and managers identify where their time is wasted and how applied AI can remove that friction — not as a tool, but as a method.

I built a personal AI assistant with 60+ specialized skills that runs my daily workflow: email triage, delegation tracking, meeting prep, daily planning. Not to work more — to stop doing what didn't require my expertise.

12+ years advising organizations from CNA (Italy's largest artisan confederation) to multinationals (Generali, Epasa-Itaco, Regione Emilia-Romagna).
Certified Temporary Manager. Currently speaking on AI adoption patterns in Italian SMEs.

General Manager of Coesiva, a strategic consulting firm working with Italian manufacturing SMEs. I help business owners and managers identify where their time is wasted and how applied AI can remove that friction — not as a tool, but as a method. ... Show more

Rebecca Solano

Rebecca Solano

Rebecca is a hands-on, human-centered, collaborative organizational change leader interested in developing great teams and culture, co-creating large-scale strategic vision, driving value nimbly, and a believer in integrating change strategies to develop organizational resiliency and competitive edge. She has 5+ years in cross-industry OCM for ERP implementations and tech adoption, as well as over 10 years in strategic and business communications, including 6 years of bilingual business communication & advocacy.

Rebecca is a hands-on, human-centered, collaborative organizational change leader interested in developing great teams and culture, co-creating large-scale strategic vision, driving value nimbly, and a believer in integrating change strategies to dev... Show more

Diana Elizabeth León De La Cruz

Diana Elizabeth León De La Cruz

Ingeniero industrial y de Sistemas, con 19 años de experiencia en el sector Agroindustrial para la exportación
Gerente de Planta de la empresa SOMEREX S.A en Perú.
He tenido a cargo el diseño, implementación y puesta en marcha de proyectos de construcción de plantas procesadoras de productos congelados; así como la implementación de sistemas de Gestión de Seguridad Alimentaria, ISO, Responsabilidad social y Sistema de Gestión en Control y Seguridad y de la cadena de suministro.

Reconocida como Microsoft Office Specialist Excel 2019 Expert y cuento con la especialización en Business Analytics con Excel y Power BI

Cofundadora de las comunidades de Datos Data Latina y Power Platform Perú

Ingeniero industrial y de Sistemas, con 19 años de experiencia en el sector Agroindustrial para la exportación Gerente de Planta de la empresa SOMEREX S.A en Perú. He tenido a cargo el diseño, implementación y puesta en marcha de proyectos de cons... Show more

Joshua Johnson

Joshua Johnson


Joshua Johnson is an American technology executive who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries, a company founded in September 2017 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, specializing in sustainable AI innovation to address environmental challenges through ethical, eco-friendly artificial intelligence solutions focused on accessibility, privacy, and open-source technologies. As CTO since the company's inception, Johnson architects next-generation emerging technologies and AI solutions, leading TREE Industries' efforts to integrate sustainability first principles into AI development for global problem-solving, including advancements in voice-powered tools, 3D avatars with open-source AI assistants, and collaborative virtual beings. His notable public contributions, documented since 2017, include spearheading the release of TREE's first video game, Ultimate Disc Golf, in December 2019; developing a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI in February 2020; creating the first 3D avatars integrated with the Mycroft AI assistant in March 2021; launching a desktop control skill for Mycroft AI in June 2021; and developing BlenderGPT, an AI tool for generative 3D modeling, which was featured in NVIDIA's 2023 SIGGRAPH keynote, all emphasizing ethical and environmentally conscious tech innovation. Johnson is further distinguished in the field by his role in collaborations, such as TREE Industries' partnership with Fable on AI-driven projects, and his co-founding of Geppetto AI to advance real-time AI applications.

Joshua Johnson's early career in the technology sector began with roles focused on web development and software engineering, laying the foundation for his later work in AI and sustainable technologies. Alongside his role at TREE Industries, he founded and continues to lead eClarity Web Solutions, where he serves as CEO, assisting businesses and individuals in developing modern content management system (CMS)-powered websites. In this position, Johnson specialized in technologies such as Joomla!, CSS, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, Flash AS3, and HTML5, gaining expertise in web design and development over several years.These early experiences honed his skills in programming and digital solutions, enabling him to tackle more complex technical challenges in subsequent roles. Although specific timelines for his initial positions are not widely documented, his work at eClarity represented a key period of skill development in software engineering and client-facing tech services before transitioning to executive leadership in AI innovation.

Leadership at TREE Industries

Joshua Johnson was appointed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries upon its founding in September 2017, where he has led the technical direction since inception. In this executive role, Johnson has focused on initial team-building efforts and aligning the company's technological vision with sustainable AI goals aimed at addressing environmental challenges through ethical and eco-friendly solutions. Key leadership milestones under Johnson's tenure include overseeing the expansion of research and development (R&D) activities from 2018 onward, such as the company's joining of the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce in February 2018 to foster industry collaborations and the development of innovative AI tools, including a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI in February 2020. By 2021, his strategic guidance contributed to further R&D growth, exemplified by the creation of 3D avatars integrated with Mycroft AI in March 2021, the release of a desktop control skill for Mycroft AI in June 2021, and the prototyping of an AI virtual being capable of real-time 3D art generation in August 2021 as part of TREE Industries' entry into The Culture DAO. These efforts highlight Johnson's role in hiring key engineers and forming partnerships with environmental and tech organizations to scale sustainable AI initiatives. Johnson's strategic initiatives have emphasized eco-friendly practices, including the implementation of sustainable operations in data centers and AI development processes, though specific budgets remain undisclosed in public records. His leadership has driven organizational growth, positioning TREE Industries as a leader in green AI technologies headquartered in Washington, Missouri.

Innovations in AI Sustainability

As CTO of TREE Industries, Joshua Johnson leads efforts to integrate sustainability principles into AI development, focusing on ethical and eco-friendly artificial intelligence solutions.

Key Projects and Initiatives:

Joshua Johnson has led several AI-driven projects at TREE Industries since joining as CTO in 2017, aligning with the company's vision for sustainable AI innovation to address environmental challenges through ethical and eco-friendly solutions. One notable initiative is the development of Ultimate Disc Golf, a video game incorporating AI and machine learning elements, launched in December 2019. This project aimed to advance accessible gaming technologies while exploring AI applications in simulation and real-time environments, with Johnson discussing its integration of AI for enhanced user experiences during a 2020 podcast interview. The effort contributed to TREE Industries' broader portfolio in ethical AI for entertainment, though specific environmental impact metrics were not publicly detailed. In 2021, Johnson oversaw the creation of DeepSpeech-based automatic speech systems for games, focusing on open-source AI to enable voice interactions in virtual environments. This initiative sought to promote affordable and privacy-focused AI tools, developed as part of TREE's commitment to socially responsible technology, with outcomes including prototypes for real-time 3D art creation. The project underscored ethical considerations in AI deployment for gaming industries.[More recently, in 2024, Johnson collaborated with Fable on an AI project bringing the Sam Altman saga to life through advanced chatbots, emphasizing innovative storytelling via eco-friendly AI practices. According to a Forbes article, these chatbots represented non-traditional applications, highlighting TREE Industries' role in sustainable AI collaborations that minimize computational waste. The partnership demonstrated measurable advancements in ethical AI for narrative simulations. Additionally, under Johnson's leadership, TREE Industries advanced the Unreal Agent plugin in 2025, an open-source AI copilot for Unreal Engine 5 that automates tasks like level design and content generation to optimize development workflows. This tool aims to reduce energy-intensive manual processes, supporting green AI goals through efficient, real-time integrations, with its GitHub release fostering community-driven sustainable innovations.

Industry Influence:

Joshua Johnson has exerted influence in the sustainable AI sector through his thought leadership and participation in high-profile industry events. As CTO of TREE Industries, he spoke at the AI Film and Games Festival in San Francisco in 2023 and GatherVerse Summit 2025.This engagement underscores his role in promoting ethical AI practices that align with environmental goals, as TREE Industries emphasizes "Sustainability First" in its operations. In advisory capacities, Johnson serves as the Interoperability Committee Lead at The Culture DAO since April 2022, contributing to standards development in emerging technologies, including AI interoperability that supports sustainable applications. Johnson's contributions extend to open-source initiatives that advance sustainable AI tools. Under his technical guidance at TREE Industries, the company developed and released open-source projects such as 3D avatars integrated with Mycroft AI, a voice-powered virtual production tool using Unreal Engine and open-source AI, and a desktop control skill for Mycroft, all launched between 2020 and 2021 to make advanced technologies more accessible and environmentally responsible. These efforts have been adopted in communities focused on conversational AI, promoting energy-efficient offline processing solutions that reduce computational waste. Additionally, TREE's early involvement in open-source speech systems like DeepSpeech has influenced game development and AI applications with lower environmental footprints.Through these activities, Johnson has shaped industry discussions on sustainable AI, as evidenced by his commentary in media outlets like Forbes, where he highlighted innovative AI collaborations that prioritize ethical and eco-friendly advancements. His work has contributed to TREE Industries' promotion of AI adoption among local businesses via chamber of commerce memberships, fostering wider sectoral shifts toward sustainability.

Joshua Johnson is an American technology executive who serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of TREE Industries, a company founded in September 2017 and headquartered in Washington, Missouri, specializing in sustainable AI innovation to addr... Show more

Javi Hernández Braña

Javi Hernández Braña

Today's complex environment demands leadership that not only understands change but thrives on it. I collaborate with #teams and #organizations to develop an #agile culture centred on adaptability and continuous learning, ensuring they are fully prepared to adapt and excel in ever-evolving circumstances.

Today's complex environment demands leadership that not only understands change but thrives on it. I collaborate with #teams and #organizations to develop an #agile culture centred on adaptability and continuous learning, ensuring they are fully prep... Show more

Sandro Meier

Sandro Meier

Sandro Meier has over 15 years of experience in software engineering at the intersection of hardware and software. Since 2017, he has been deploying autonomous robots into real-world, safety-critical environments, where failures are physical, not virtual.
At Gravis Robotics, his team builds the foundations that allow autonomous excavators to operate reliably in remote locations. His work focuses on applying proven DevOps practices (CI/CD, observability, and resilience) to robotic systems that must withstand harsh environments and zero-downtime expectations.
Sandro believes that high-performance robots are built on the same principles as high-performance software systems: A solid platform as a foundation and high quality software craftsmanship on top.

Sandro Meier has over 15 years of experience in software engineering at the intersection of hardware and software. Since 2017, he has been deploying autonomous robots into real-world, safety-critical environments, where failures are physical, not vir... Show more

Maximilian Marschall

Maximilian Marschall

One of Austria’s first five Kubestronauts. Enthusiastically immersed in the ever-evolving world of technology, he finds joy in pushing boundaries and continually venturing into uncharted territories. His current focus centers around Kubernetes, platform engineering, and the realm of automation, with a particular penchant for Kubernetes and ArgoCD to streamline and optimize processes. In the fascinating journey of technology exploration, his homelab has flourished, expanding to a scale that rivals the capabilities of some enterprise-level cloud infrastructures.

One of Austria’s first five Kubestronauts. Enthusiastically immersed in the ever-evolving world of technology, he finds joy in pushing boundaries and continually venturing into uncharted territories. His current focus centers around Kubernetes, platf... Show more

Nils Rhode

Nils Rhode

Nils is a Chief Technology Officer with extensive experience in leading digital transformation initiatives and delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions in cloud and SaaS environments. He possesses expertise in AWS and serverless technologies, with a strong understanding of cloud computing, streamlining processes, and increasing efficiency for clients. Nils has an huge background leading multiple global teams and excels in technology strategy, solution engineering, and agile product management. Nils has a successful track record of delivering Go-Lives for SaaS applications and has led several organizational and technology transformation programs.

Nils is a Chief Technology Officer with extensive experience in leading digital transformation initiatives and delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions in cloud and SaaS environments. He possesses expertise in AWS and serverless technologies, wi... Show more

Richard Teachout

Richard Teachout

Rich currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Ashley Furniture Industries, where he leads a global technology organization spanning platforms, infrastructure, data, architecture, development, and emerging technologies. In this role, he sets enterprise-wide technology vision and execution across international operations, aligning AI, data, and digital platforms with manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, warehouse, retail, and customer experience at global scale. His focus is on building resilient, scalable systems and high-performing teams that translate advanced technology into durable business advantage.

Previously, Rich served as Chief Technology Officer at El Toro, where his work contributed to multiple patented, 100% cookie-free advertising technologies, including IP Targeting and Mobile Ad ID Targeting—innovations that helped define a new category of privacy-forward, data-driven advertising.

Rich brings over 30 years of experience across a wide spectrum of technical disciplines, with deep expertise in software engineering, data platforms, distributed systems, and applied AI. He has worked in more than a dozen programming languages, across nearly all major database technologies, and in environments ranging from early-stage innovation to highly regulated, enterprise-scale ecosystems... In short: A problem solver. His years of experience with AI has transformed operations from KTLO to Automations with Agentic capabilities. He is known as a hands-on technology leader, working directly with engineers while maintaining responsibility for long-term strategy, governance, and execution.

A defining theme of Rich’s career is the intelligent connection of data, processes, and people. He has led initiatives that embed AI and machine learning into core business workflows—enabling predictive insight, automation, and adaptive systems that operate across organizational and geographic boundaries. His approach emphasizes practical, scalable AI focused on real-world outcomes.

Beyond enterprise technology, Rich has founded, operated, and advised multiple businesses across diverse industries including manufacturing, logistics, entertainment, and large-scale infrastructure operations. He has contributed to multiple patents and serves in advisory and board roles, applying systems thinking well beyond traditional software environments.

Rich is known for his energy, curiosity, and ability to translate technical complexity into real-world outcomes, combining deep technical credibility with executive leadership and a bias toward execution.

Rich currently serves as Chief Technology Officer at Ashley Furniture Industries, where he leads a global technology organization spanning platforms, infrastructure, data, architecture, development, and emerging technologies. In this role, he sets en... Show more

Srikanth Kappagantula

Srikanth Kappagantula

Cloud, Data, AI & GenAI Leader | Enterprise Solutions Architect | Solution Strategist
A seasoned technology leader with 25+ years of experience in advisory, solution architecture, and delivery excellence across financial services, asset management, telecom, retail, and manufacturing. Expert in cloud adoption, landing zone design & transformation, data modeling, modernization, analytics, AI, and GenAI adoption, driving enterprise-wide operational efficiency, governance, and innovation.

Proven ability to partner with CXOs to translate strategic objectives into scalable, secure, and high-performance cloud and data platforms, embedding automation, predictive analytics, and AI/GenAI capabilities to enable real-time insights, revenue optimization, and portfolio intelligence.

Cloud, Data, AI & GenAI Leader | Enterprise Solutions Architect | Solution Strategist A seasoned technology leader with 25+ years of experience in advisory, solution architecture, and delivery excellence across financial services, asset management, ... Show more

Russ Abrams

Russ Abrams

Russ Abrams is a seasoned expert in transforming processes and driving efficiency across industries, including mining, manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, information systems, retail, and government. With extensive experience as a Technology and Lean Sigma Master Black Belt consultant and a track record of applying Lean methodologies to significant telecom companies, Russ brings a unique depth of expertise to the modern workplace.

Certified in Change Management by PROSCI and a Microsoft Certified Trainer specializing in AI, Power Platform, and Power BI, Russ blends traditional Lean Six Sigma principles with cutting-edge digital tools to achieve impactful results. He has led corporate process transformations nationwide, championing initiatives that streamlined operations and enhanced customer experience. Now, through Power Lean Sigma, he enables everyone in the organization to tackle real-world challenges, automate tasks, and drive measurable improvements.

As a Master Black Belt in Lean Sigma (certified at IBM), Russ has developed and executed strategies that consistently deliver cost savings and increased customer satisfaction. Beyond his professional achievements, Russ is an Army Veteran, a dedicated father to his comical 14-year-old son and his energetic 2-year-old bulldog, and a passionate volunteer, inventing adaptive devices to support children with disabilities.
Connect with Russ: LinkedIn | Russ@PowerLeanSigma.com

Russ Abrams is a seasoned expert in transforming processes and driving efficiency across industries, including mining, manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, information systems, retail, and government. With extensive experience as a Technolo... Show more

Ahmik Hindman

Ahmik Hindman

Ahmik Hindman, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience in the industry, demonstrates unwavering commitment to driving enterprise-wide success through proactive change management and strategic initiatives. As a Senior Network & Solution Consultant at Rockwell Automation, he specializes in industrial automation control systems (IACS), with a focused expertise in networks and cybersecurity. His leadership is further exemplified by his role as Chair of the Idaho State University ESTEC Industrial Cybersecurity Engineering Technology Advisory Committee, where he contributes to advancing industrial cybersecurity—a domain critical to modern infrastructure. Confident in his ability to deliver exceptional results, Ahmik Hindman is poised to bring excellence to any organization he engages with.

As a resourceful and technically sophisticated professional, Ahmik has excelled in various facets of the industry, encompassing industrial software programming, control systems industrial hardware, IoT integration, virtualization, IACS network design, and IACS security. His abilities as an articulate communicator and skilled negotiator have enabled him to secure new business opportunities and design cost-effective technical solutions that foster growth and innovation.

Ahmik has been instrumental in driving IT/OT management initiatives that transform organizations and enhance productivity, particularly in underperforming areas. His approach to IT/OT leadership seamlessly blends technical expertise with strategic insight, ensuring alignment with corporate goals. With a credible history of strategic thinking and business acumen, he has contributed to measurable improvements in operations across diverse corporate structures. His strategies reflect an adherence to industry trends and best practices, making him a recognized leader in implementing transformative change.

Ahmik is also highly sought after as a consultant and speaker due to his domain expertise in industrial cybersecurity and networking. He has assisted customers in the following areas:
- Secure Remote Access to OT environments
- iDMZ (Industrial Demilitarized Zone) design
- ICS/OT networking best practices
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for OT with Single Sign-On (SSO) to multiple identity providers
- Zero Trust principles for ICS/OT environments
- ICS/OT system hardening and attack surface reduction
- Intrusion Detection for OT through OT-specific Network Detection and Host Detection Intrusion Systems (NDIS and HDIS)
- Incident response for OT environments

Beyond his professional achievements, Ahmik's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and an MBA with a focus on Information Technology. His dedication to lifelong learning is evident through an array of certifications, including CISSP, CCSP, CCNA, Security+, Fortinet Certified Associate, and four ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity certifications. These qualifications underscore his commitment to professional growth and expertise in cybersecurity and network solutions.

Adding to his technical prowess, Ahmik possesses intangible qualities such as an engaging and collaborative management style and exceptional foresight in navigating operational risks. These attributes enable him to drive sustainable growth and innovation in today's fast-paced technological landscape. His ability to balance technical mastery with visionary leadership positions him as a standout professional in his field.

Ahmik Hindman, a seasoned expert with 30 years of experience in the industry, demonstrates unwavering commitment to driving enterprise-wide success through proactive change management and strategic initiatives. As a Senior Network & Solution Consulta... Show more

Tim Steiner

Tim Steiner

I am Lead Software Architect at the Schunk Group and design modern, scalable software solutions that address complex requirements in industry and business.

With my many years of experience in software development and architecture, my focus is on .NET technologies, cloud solutions with Microsoft Azure, and the development of powerful web applications. Since 2020, I have been recognized as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for IoT and AI – a recognition of my deep expertise and commitment to the international developer community.

My passion is combining stable software architecture and modern cloud technologies to create solutions that are reliable, secure, and sustainable. I work with great teams who use their creativity and professionalism to implement new ideas and thus create real added value for our customers.

👉 My goal: to combine technical excellence with practical solutions – for future-proof software and successful digital transformation.

I am Lead Software Architect at the Schunk Group and design modern, scalable software solutions that address complex requirements in industry and business. With my many years of experience in software development and architecture, my focus is on .... Show more

Benjamin Krah

Benjamin Krah

Benjamin Krah is a Senior Architect at Provectus Technologies and an expert in hybrid infrastructure and Microsoft 365 services with a focus on Windows Server and Exchange Online.

He supports companies from various industries and in different sizes, such as healthcare, regulated, non-profit and manufacturing in developing a cloud adoption strategy and enabling the infrastructure for introducing cloud services.

With +20 years of experience in on premises infrastructures and Microsoft Cloud services, Ben has deep technical expertise in numerous products and technologies and loves sharing his knowledge by writing blogs, concepts and documentations as well as speaking at events.

He also has a strong expertise in Microsoft licensing and helps companies with optimizing their licensing strategy and usage.

Benjamin Krah is a Senior Architect at Provectus Technologies and an expert in hybrid infrastructure and Microsoft 365 services with a focus on Windows Server and Exchange Online. He supports companies from various industries and in different size... Show more

Andreas Spanner

Andreas Spanner

Andreas is leading the Intelligent Edge and MSR vertical related topics for Red Hat across Asia Pacific. His hands-on experience in startups as well as large scale enterprise transformation programs has given Andreas a solid understanding of business drivers and value creation. Andreas has worked on a wide range of initiatives across different industries in Europe, North America and APAC including full-scale automotive JIT/JIS production systems modernisation, and ERP migrations.

Andreas is leading the Intelligent Edge and MSR vertical related topics for Red Hat across Asia Pacific. His hands-on experience in startups as well as large scale enterprise transformation programs has given Andreas a solid understanding of business... Show more

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