Advancing the state-of-the-art by bringing radical creativity and innovation to the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomy, software, cybersecurity, and real-time streaming data at scale in the Joint All-Domain (JADO/JADC2) battlespace.

Specializes in massively scaled, fully autonomous, all-domain swarm warfare ( UxS ).

Cohost of one of the world’s most popular and longest running AI podcasts. Making artificial intelligence practical, productive, and accessible to everyone.

Advancing the state-of-the-art by bringing radical creativity and innovation to the convergence of artificial intelligence, autonomy, software, cybersecurity, and real-time streaming data at scale in the Joint All-Domain (JADO/JADC2) battlespace. ... Show more

Digital marketing trainer, speaker, and practitioner focused on enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to scale using AI-driven marketing and data-backed strategies. With experience in training MSMEs, startups, and emerging entrepreneurs, I specialize in simplifying complex digital concepts into practical frameworks that drive real business outcomes.

My work revolves around integrating AI tools with branding, performance marketing, and content strategy—helping businesses unlock new growth opportunities. Through workshops, mentorship, and conferences, I actively contribute to building future-ready entrepreneurs who can leverage technology to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Digital marketing trainer, speaker, and practitioner focused on enabling entrepreneurs and businesses to scale using AI-driven marketing and data-backed strategies. With experience in training MSMEs, startups, and emerging entrepreneurs, I specialize... Show more

Jonny Selimović, a.k.a. his artist name, Jonny Music, is an Organ Cover Artist who has produced over 920 organ covers of popular tunes and soundtrack music and counting for over 10 years. For a long time, he's had a profound and long-lasting passion for music and its powerful effects on positively changing lives, including music/rhythm games like the Rock Band and Guitar Hero series. Bonus fact: He has two mascots representing his music artist brand: his ponysona, Silver Whistle, and his mouse fursona, Jonny Musemiš.

Jonny Selimović, a.k.a. his artist name, Jonny Music, is an Organ Cover Artist who has produced over 920 organ covers of popular tunes and soundtrack music and counting for over 10 years. For a long time, he's had a profound and long-lasting passion ... Show more

Dr. Sonya Andrew is a public administration scholar, researcher, and speaker whose work sits at a critical and largely unexplored intersection: how media shapes and distorts the delivery of public policy, particularly for Black and marginalized communities.

Drawing on her doctoral dissertation at the University of Southern California, Dr. Andrew makes the case that public policy has a media problem — and the field has been slow to recognize it. Her research traces how media narratives have historically undermined equitable policy implementation, from Jim Crow-era rhetoric to present-day communications failures in government institutions.

Her presentations challenge practitioners, academics, and policymakers to confront two urgent realities: the field needs rigorous research into how media influence public policy outcomes, and public agencies must build their own independent, well-resourced media arms if they want their work to reach and serve the people who need it most.

Dr. Andrew has delivered paid presentations for institutions, including California State University, Long Beach. She brings a rare combination of scholarly rigor, lived perspective, and actionable insight, making her a compelling voice for conferences, academic programs, government agencies, and policy organizations.

Dr. Sonya Andrew is a public administration scholar, researcher, and speaker whose work sits at a critical and largely unexplored intersection: how media shapes and distorts the delivery of public policy, particularly for Black and marginalized commu... Show more

Erin is a former tech executive and the founder of Fight Co.Lab, an innovative leadership platform exploring how ambitious leaders can redefine success, identity, and impact in the modern world of work.

She is the author of a forthcoming memoir with Simon & Schuster (slated for early 2027) about her career inside high-growth technology companies and the personal journey of redefining success on her own terms.

Prior to founding Fight Co.Lab, Erin held executive roles at some of the world’s fastest-growing technology companies, including Square (now Block) and Prosus/Naspers, one of the largest global technology investment firms. Her perspectives on leadership, career reinvention, and modern work culture have been featured by CNBC, Business Insider, and Newsweek.

Through Fight Co.Lab’s leadership programs and facilitation work, Erin convenes senior women leaders and executive teams from organizations including Reddit, The Washington Post, Mozilla, and The Honest Company to explore more intentional and human-centered approaches to leadership and success.

Erin is a former tech executive and the founder of Fight Co.Lab, an innovative leadership platform exploring how ambitious leaders can redefine success, identity, and impact in the modern world of work. She is the author of a forthcoming memoir wi... Show more

Bennett D. Bennett (he/him) is currently Cultural Strategy Director, US at GUT. In this role, Bennett oversees inclusion strategy and trend curation, ensuring GUT’s clients and teams meet the moment in multicultural, lifestyle, and entertainment projects. Bringing a multi-disciplined background, his past lives as a creative director, journalist, talent advocate, and content strategist combine to help future-forward brands create intentional, non-traditional campaigns and content.

A career-long advocate of talent equity for media professionals from marginalized groups, he’s a founder of the nonprofit 600 & Rising, and the inclusion summit Allyship and Action.
Bennett’s decade-plus in marketing and media have has included stints at Interbrand, BBDO New York, The Drum, Saatchi & Saatchi, and 22Squared. A 2013 MAIP Alum, Bennett’s been honored as a 2017 ADWEEK Young Influential and one of the 4As 100 People Who Make Advertising Great.

Bennett D. Bennett (he/him) is currently Cultural Strategy Director, US at GUT. In this role, Bennett oversees inclusion strategy and trend curation, ensuring GUT’s clients and teams meet the moment in multicultural, lifestyle, and entertainment proj... Show more

Daniel Bron is a builder, operator, and researcher focused on turning complex technology into real, valuable companies. An entrepreneur from an early age, he launched his first venture at 12 and has since built and scaled multiple businesses across marketing, design, development, fintech, and emerging technology.

Today, Daniel leads Fulcrum and Superposition Capital, where he works across research-led strategic advisory and investment. His work centers on understanding how systems actually function, identifying where leverage exists, and helping turn ambitious ideas into businesses, infrastructure, and execution that hold up in the real world.

Daniel has advised major brands and public institutions, including DeLorean and Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, and has spoken at the Javits Center in New York and the LA Convention Center. His edge is a combination of first-principles thinking, operational discipline, and the ability to move from insight to execution in complex, high-stakes environments.

Daniel Bron is a builder, operator, and researcher focused on turning complex technology into real, valuable companies. An entrepreneur from an early age, he launched his first venture at 12 and has since built and scaled multiple businesses across m... Show more

An award-winning bilingual journalist, TV personality, mom, speaker and Latina content creator featured on Good Morning America, Today, Despierta América, Hoy Día, CNN en Español and other shows, Jeannette Kaplun is the founder of bilingual lifestyle magazine Hispana Global, where she offers inspiration, tips and information in English and Spanish. Previously she cofounded multimedia parenting company Todobebé and was one of the first Latina mom bloggers. She was a Special Advisor to The Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell and was included in the Forbes #Next1000 2021 list. Her latest venture is Midlife Elevated, which hosts workshops for women over 40. Find her on social media @jeannettekaplun.

An award-winning bilingual journalist, TV personality, mom, speaker and Latina content creator featured on Good Morning America, Today, Despierta América, Hoy Día, CNN en Español and other shows, Jeannette Kaplun is the founder of bilingual lifestyle... Show more

Founder of Clair, the media that turns AI information into decisions. For over 20 years, I worked with major brands : CHANEL Renault, Schneider Electric on their digital transformation at DDB, BETC and Publicis. On stage, I explore the complexity of AI and translate it for those who need to decide.

Founder of Clair, the media that turns AI information into decisions. For over 20 years, I worked with major brands : CHANEL Renault, Schneider Electric on their digital transformation at DDB, BETC and Publicis. On stage, I explore the complexity of ... Show more

Charlene “Char” Holmes is a TEDx speaker, psychology-informed leadership strategist, and professional development coach who helps individuals and organizations move beyond stress-driven performance into sustainable growth.

Drawing from trauma-informed principles, psychology research, and lived experience, Char teaches leaders how the brain’s survival systems influence decision-making, leadership style, workplace culture, and long-term performance.

Her work focuses on helping professionals recognize when they are operating from “survival mode” and equipping them with practical strategies to shift into what she calls SurThrival Mode — a leadership framework centered on awareness, resilience, emotional regulation, and sustainable impact.

Char’s work has resonated across leadership, wellness, and transformation spaces, where she speaks on topics including trauma-informed leadership, mindset transformation, resilience under pressure, and creating psychologically safe environments that allow people and organizations to thrive.

Through her speaking, coaching, and media platform, Char continues to lead transformative conversations that reshape leadership from the inside out.

Charlene “Char” Holmes is a TEDx speaker, psychology-informed leadership strategist, and professional development coach who helps individuals and organizations move beyond stress-driven performance into sustainable growth. Drawing from trauma-info... Show more

Anca Platon Trifan is an AI strategist, technical producer, and founder of Tree-Fan Events Productions LLC. With over 20 years of experience in AV production, event technology, and systems design, she works at the intersection of software, operations, and human performance.

Her focus is practical AI integration. Not experimentation. Not surface-level prompt tricks. She helps business leaders and technical teams design structured AI workflows that reduce friction, compress decisions, and scale execution responsibly.

Anca leads AI workshops for enterprise teams, advises on automation and agent integration, and speaks internationally on strategic AI adoption. She also hosts the Top 5 industry podcast Events: Demystified, where she interviews founders and technologists building the future of intelligent systems.

Her approach blends technical precision with performance discipline through her #fit4events framework, emphasizing resilience, clarity, and execution under pressure.

Anca Platon Trifan is an AI strategist, technical producer, and founder of Tree-Fan Events Productions LLC. With over 20 years of experience in AV production, event technology, and systems design, she works at the intersection of software, operations... Show more

Scott Turman is an American technologist, author, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of BrightRay Publishing, a company that provides writing and publishing services for industry leaders. He is the host of the podcast Entrepreneurs, Executives, & Eccentrics.

Scott has authored or co-authored several books on business and technology, including Conversations That Convert: Why Your Company Needs a Podcast That Scales Your Brand and How to Build Your Brand with a Book.

Prior to founding BrightRay, Turman worked as a software engineer and technologist, designing cryptographic systems for organizations including NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Disney. He is based in Orlando, Florida.

Scott Turman is an American technologist, author, and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of BrightRay Publishing, a company that provides writing and publishing services for industry leaders. He is the host of the podcast Entrepreneurs, Executiv... Show more

I show CMOs and Marketing Leaders how to build world-class creative firepower without the overhead.
Straight from someone who’s spent 25 years ‘on the tools’ and scaling global agencies.

Hi, I’m Dan Day 👋

A creative business leader and founder who thrives on building ideas, brands, and the people behind them.

After nearly a decade bootstrapping and scaling Invisible Artists from a single desk into a global production powerhouse (working with brands like Spotify, Facebook, and The Body Shop), I realised that the "new age" of digital asset creation requires a different approach: agility over ego.

Now, through The Guroos, I help challenger brands and marketing departments get noticed.

📣 Creative Operations for CMOs: Plugging in world-class content through web, design, film, and animation experts exactly when your internal team needs the boost.

📣 Strategy for Heads of Marketing & PR: Navigating the "new age" (AI) of digital assets—ensuring your content isn't just "made," but made to move the needle.

📣 Support for Fractional Leaders: Acting as your dedicated creative arm so you can deliver big-agency results without the big-agency headcount.

📣 The Guroos Collective: Access to my hand-picked network of high-performing thinkers, makers, and doers in brand, design, and motion.

My career started in 1999 at DDB, dubbing tapes and teaching myself to edit after hours. That "scrappy" start still defines my work ethic today: a belief that the best advertising blends raw craft with commercial impact.

If you’re a CMO or Marketing Leader ready to turn your content into a competitive advantage, let's talk.

📧 dan@theguroos.com
The Guroos: Good people. Doing good work. For good brands. 🚀

I show CMOs and Marketing Leaders how to build world-class creative firepower without the overhead. Straight from someone who’s spent 25 years ‘on the tools’ and scaling global agencies. Hi, I’m Dan Day 👋 A creative business leader and founde... Show more

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity.

Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived in seven different cities, Lolu has experienced first-hand the complexities of personal and professional transitions. Her journey from finance to change management consulting has taught her one crucial lesson: change is about people.

With an MBA from Imperial College London and 18+ years of experience in the Big 4 leading teams and working with multi-national clients, Lolu brings hands-on expertise in people-centred change management. Her practical, jargon-free approach has helped organisations across finance, retail, government, and media navigate change successfully by putting people at the heart of change.

Known for her engaging #LoluLessons across social media, Lolu makes change management accessible, actionable, and human.

Lolu Olufemi a.k.a Lolu Lessons is a Change Management Speaker, Consultant and Coach, helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential to navigate change with purpose and clarity. Raised in Scotland, born in Nigeria, and having lived ... Show more

Growing up in a small business-focused family and small town in Ohio, Kelly learned her work ethic and customer-first style having worked in every role of the family's local clothing store and hotel. She would go on to amass 30 years of sales, marketing, and management experience focused on growing and leading people, cultivating unique cultures, and developing strategic long-term growth plans for a variety of industries, including two startups of her own. She spent a decade with one of the largest commercial roofing companies, where she helped transition the company to an ESOP before leading their sale to Private Equity as the first female CEO in the national roofing industry.

Since she has held various CEO and Board roles in and around the Building Services space, many backed by Private Equity, and led a dozen M&A transactions. Kelly's latest startup is Woman Up Holdings, which includes media, ecommerce, live programming and investments in female founders and female-led companies. She is the author of Why Assume The Position and is currently writing a life guide book for young female millenials and Gen Z, as well as co-authoring a Vietnamese cooking storybook. She is an active investor in female founder startups and leads discussions with female founders on growth, transition and exit strategies. She obtained her MBA at 50 while in a CEO role.

Kelly is the single mom of two young adult sons and an international high altitude trekker, having climbed Kilimanjaro, Whitney, Elbert, Patagonia's Torres Del Paine, the Haute Route, Corsica's GR20, Sleeping Indian in Jackson Hole, Mt Fuji Sea to Summit 2x, Rim2Rim Grand Canyon, Mt Muhabura Rwanda. She also is an avid skier since learning at 50, practices Yoga, French, tennis, reader and all-around adventureholic.

Growing up in a small business-focused family and small town in Ohio, Kelly learned her work ethic and customer-first style having worked in every role of the family's local clothing store and hotel. She would go on to amass 30 years of sales, market... Show more

Software Architect and Engineering Lead with 20+ years building and scaling web and mobile platforms. I specialise in JVM-based backend systems, mobile development (Android, Flutter), and the architecture that connects them.

Most recently, I led the architectural transition of a global online dating platform from legacy monoliths to .NET microservices with React frontends, while continuing to operate the existing JVM-based API platform serving over 1 billion interactions per month. I also introduced an AI-assisted software engineering program, integrating tools like Cursor and AI agents into team workflows. I lead distributed engineering teams, own DevOps pipelines, and bridge the gap between product strategy and technical execution.

My work spans hands-on development, system design, and team leadership, often all three simultaneously. I'm equally comfortable debugging a race condition in production, designing a multi-region deployment strategy, or mentoring engineers through a complex refactor.

I run my consulting practice through Ventego Creative, which has allowed me to work with organisations ranging from startups to enterprises including Vodafone, Citibank, Siemens, Cupid Media, Raygun, and DistroKid. I also maintain several open-source SDKs (Android, Flutter, Ruby, Python, Node) for Raygun's error tracking platform.

Beyond client work, I'm an active conference speaker (Droidcon, Android Makers, CFCamp, and others), a technology writer for European IT publications, and have been co-organising community meetup groups since the start of my career. I hold a Master's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science and am currently pursuing a Master's in Data Science.

Software Architect and Engineering Lead with 20+ years building and scaling web and mobile platforms. I specialise in JVM-based backend systems, mobile development (Android, Flutter), and the architecture that connects them. Most recently, I led t... Show more

Shirin is a thought leader, tech pioneer, and media innovator. As Founder of WhizGirls Academy and PlayWerks, she empowers young women to code, create, and lead with confidence. A TEDx speaker, USC professor, and award-winning visionary, Shirin inspires the next generation of innovators through technology, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.

Shirin is a thought leader, tech pioneer, and media innovator. As Founder of WhizGirls Academy and PlayWerks, she empowers young women to code, create, and lead with confidence. A TEDx speaker, USC professor, and award-winning visionary, Shirin inspi... Show more

Desirae (Des) Lee is a creative producer, multi-media artist, poet and filmmaker from Jacksonville, FL.

Des strives to create art which celebrates vulnerability, finds beauty amongst the mundane, and portrays Black people in diverse ways. She aspires to travel the world, tell honest stories and sprinkle stardust wherever she goes.

She is a Blackhouse Foundation Fellow, a Facebook SEEN initiative winner, and a Paul Robeson Awardee. She has had digital art installations exhibited up and down the east coast including the Anacostia Arts Center, Lycoming College, and Miami Soul Basel. She recently completed a film residency in Ghana through a partnership with the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD). She is also the grant recipient of several creative initiatives including Moment Invitational Film Fest, Late Fee Magazine photography grant, and the inaugural National Black Movie Day Scholarship.

Films directed by Des have screened at renowned national festivals including Martha's Vineyard African American Film Fest, Pan-African Film Festival, Afrikana Film Festival and the esteemed American Black Film Festival - New Voices Category.

When she’s not on set, her interests include poetry, fashion, travel and interior design. Des is an Alumnae of the University of Florida where she completed a unique program infusing photojournalism and innovation. Des holds an MFA in film from Howard University.

Desirae (Des) Lee is a creative producer, multi-media artist, poet and filmmaker from Jacksonville, FL. Des strives to create art which celebrates vulnerability, finds beauty amongst the mundane, and portrays Black people in diverse ways. She asp... Show more

Visionary leader and architect of innovative business models, Mauro Rojas brings over 23 years of experience in the creative industry. For nearly two decades, he has been at the helm of Eonminu® Brands Laboratory™, an initiative dedicated to redefining brand development through regenerative creativity, experimentation, and conceptual reinvention.

As founder and president of the Association of Entrepreneurs of Ecuador, Mauro actively fosters entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, solidifying his role as a key figure in Ecuador’s business landscape. His extensive portfolio spans multiple industries, featuring successful projects across diverse sectors. Currently, Mauro focuses on the knowledge economy and digital media, fields where his work continues to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Mauro has shared his projects and ideas on international platforms, including entrepreneurship conferences, art exhibitions, creativity workshops, and specialized publications. His insights have resonated with audiences in Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, Ecuador, the United States, Portugal, and Türkiye, highlighting his global influence.

Today, Mauro leverages his expertise as a business coach, brand strategist, executive mentor, entrepreneurship trainer, and digital artist, driving innovation and excellence. His commitment to redefining industries and creating avant-garde business solutions underscores his transformative approach.

Visionary leader and architect of innovative business models, Mauro Rojas brings over 23 years of experience in the creative industry. For nearly two decades, he has been at the helm of Eonminu® Brands Laboratory™, an initiative dedicated to redefini... Show more

Jasmine is a two time Emmy Award winning television producer, writer, and speaker who explores what it means to build a successful career that is both ambitious and sustainable.

With years of experience working in high-pressure creative environments, Jasmine brings a grounded, real-world perspective to conversations about leadership, growth, and self-trust. Her work focuses on helping professionals move beyond burnout-driven definitions of success and toward careers that support clarity, consistency, and long-term fulfillment.

Jasmine speaks candidly about navigating career evolution in real time—making aligned decisions, releasing all-or-nothing thinking, and learning to lead without self-abandonment. Her talks blend storytelling with practical insight, offering audiences tools to grow intentionally while staying connected to their values.

She believes the most effective leaders aren’t the loudest or the busiest—but the ones who know how to sustain themselves as they build.

Jasmine is a two time Emmy Award winning television producer, writer, and speaker who explores what it means to build a successful career that is both ambitious and sustainable. With years of experience working in high-pressure creative environmen... Show more

Having launched her career as a software engineer apprentice seven years ago, Eve now excels as a Cloud Engineer III at a NYC media giant. She has led high-profile cloud migrations and digital transformations across multiple organisations. As a Co-Organiser of DevOps Belfast, a Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, and BelTech curator, she empowers the tech community through speaking engagements, events, and initiatives focused on DevOps, AI, and women in tech.

Having launched her career as a software engineer apprentice seven years ago, Eve now excels as a Cloud Engineer III at a NYC media giant. She has led high-profile cloud migrations and digital transformations across multiple organisations. As a Co-Or... Show more

Tatyana Arrington is an entertainment journalist, on camera host, and founder of What The Film, a pop culture platform covering film, television, music, and cultural moments. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, BBC News, TODAY, Newsweek, Yahoo Entertainment, and more, and has interviewed talent including Michael B. Jordan, Halle Bailey, KeKe Palmer, and Edward Norton. Tatyana has hosted red carpets, live interviews, and panel discussions at major industry events and is known for her sharp cultural insight, engaging presence, and ability to lead dynamic conversations in live settings.

Tatyana Arrington is an entertainment journalist, on camera host, and founder of What The Film, a pop culture platform covering film, television, music, and cultural moments. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, BBC News, TODAY, Newsweek, Yahoo Enter... Show more

Third generation funeral director, award winning journalist

Third generation funeral director, award winning journalist Show more

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "fix", but something to tend, honor, and integrate, her work invites more honest conversations about loss and life after it.

The GRIEF AND LIGHT podcast has surpassed 100 episodes and has received multiple recognitions, including Ear Worthy’s Best Independent Podcasts of 2026 (“Best Life Lessons”), TalkDeath’s Best of 2025 (Readers’ Choice, Best Podcast), a Women Who Podcast Award (2025), and a Women Podcasters Award nomination (2026).

An experienced and sought-after speaker, Nina presents on grief, grief literacy, resilience, sibling loss, and post-traumatic growth. She has spoken at the University of Miami, the Latinas in Podcasting Virtual Summit (2025), and at events co-created with Reimagine, including a three-part series exploring sibling loss, grief and podcasting, and accessible pathways to grief support. Her talks are known for blending emotional depth with practical insight, cultural fluency, and an unwavering respect for lived experience.

Nina’s work is deeply personal. After the sudden and unexpected death of her only sibling, Yosef, in 2019, she launched GRIEF AND LIGHT in 2023 as an honest exploration of grief, meaning-making, and growth after loss. Today, she serves as a grief-informed guide and space-holder, committed to helping individuals and communities live more fully in the “and”, where grief and joy coexist.

She leads the Get Griefy Small Business Collective Podcasters Network, supporting independent creators in building sustainable, grief-informed platforms, and has hosted Reimagine’s Room for Grief gathering on multiple occasions. Nina is also a member of RedBoxMe, a collaborative platform with Cartier at the intersection of philanthropy, art, leadership, and culture, where she brings grief literacy as a lens for connection, empathy, and dialogue.

Nina is a regular contributor to Get Griefy Magazine, writes the Substack Resting Grief Face by Grief and Light, and is a co-author of Resilient A.F., Vol. 2: Stories of Resilience (2025). She is a graduate of Megan Devine’s Grief Care Professional Certificate Program.

In addition to her grief-focused work, Nina brings over a decade of experience in communications, strategy, and sales across fintech, real estate, and higher education, infusing professionalism, empathy, and clarity into every room she enters.

Based in Southeast Florida, Nina welcomes aligned speaking engagements, collaborations, and conversations, virtually and in person.

Learn more via griefandlight.com

Nina Rodriguez is the founder, executive producer, and host of GRIEF AND LIGHT, a respected platform amplifying griever voices, expanding grief literacy, and offering meaningful pathways forward. Rooted in the belief that grief is not something to "f... Show more

Kharisma Johnson is a confidence, communication, and execution speaker who helps vision-driven individuals move from ideas to impact. Her flagship keynote, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, is designed to inspire clarity, confidence, and momentum across audiences. With a background in communications and storytelling, she blends mindset, clarity, and practical tools—including AI as a modern support system—to help people take action before they feel fully “ready.”

Her work speaks to students, entrepreneurs, creatives, and organizations navigating growth, self-belief, and execution at every stage. Through her signature message, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, Kharisma challenges audiences to think beyond limits, trust their voice, and turn bold vision into confident action.

Kharisma Johnson is a confidence, communication, and execution speaker who helps vision-driven individuals move from ideas to impact. Her flagship keynote, Where Dreams Are Too Big to Fit on Paper, is designed to inspire clarity, confidence, and mome... Show more

Rafael Peña is a travel journalist, consultant, and cultural strategist whose work explores how destinations can tell deeper and more inclusive stories. His reporting has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Cruise Critic, Travel Noire, the Miami Herald, and others. Through his fieldwork, Rafael has documented the people and places shaping travel today and developed a clear perspective on how culture, representation, and visitor experience intersect.

Drawing on his background as a Black and Latino traveler with roots in the Dominican Republic, Rafael helps destinations and hospitality brands understand the expectations of modern, multicultural audiences. His consulting work guides DMOs and tourism teams in developing messaging, content, and on-the-ground experiences that feel authentic, community grounded, and relevant to a diverse global traveler base.

Rafael is also a sought-after speaker on content strategy, inclusive storytelling, and the evolving needs of BIPOC travelers. He works with PR, marketing, and destination leaders to strengthen traveler trust, expand representation, and design experiences that reflect the full cultural fabric of a place. Through his journalism and his speaking engagements, Rafael pushes the travel industry toward richer stories, better hospitality, and more intentional destination marketing.

Rafael Peña is a travel journalist, consultant, and cultural strategist whose work explores how destinations can tell deeper and more inclusive stories. His reporting has appeared in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Cruise Critic, Travel Noire,... Show more

Demi is a 2nd year PhD Student at University of Nottingham. Her PhD explores the development of scalable technologies to foster safe listening in music venues. With her background in Computer Science, she aims to understand the nature of sound exposure in music for event attendees. Her current projects include the development of a common data model to standardise the storage and analysis of sound level data, as well as the calculation of individual sound exposure for event goers using indoor location tracking.

Alongside her research endeavours, Demi seeks to gain a greater understanding of the intersections of research, technology and creativity in the 21st century. Through several years of writing, she has documented her computer science journey online and continues to share lessons from completing the PhD in the current day. Her current creative exploration involves the exploration of quiet leverage, which involves answering the question: What does it mean to build a meaningful career in your 20s? She explores this through written mediums and video formats (short and long form videos). She has grown an combined audience of over 3,000 followers ranging from LinkedIn, TikTok and X. She's incredibly skilled at sharing introspective ideas in a way that makes people feel seen and heard.

Demi is a 2nd year PhD Student at University of Nottingham. Her PhD explores the development of scalable technologies to foster safe listening in music venues. With her background in Computer Science, she aims to understand the nature of sound exposu... Show more

Sadie Peterson Hattan has spent more than 20 years helping B2B and SaaS companies figure out what to say, who to say it to, and how to make it matter.

Her background is in product marketing, messaging, and positioning, working closely with sales and marketing teams to turn complex products into clear, powerful stories.

Today, Sadie is the CMO at We-Connect.io, where she works hands on with teams trying to improve their outreach and start better conversations without sounding salesy or generic. Her work is rooted in real examples, real mistakes, and what she sees working right now across growing B2B teams.

As a speaker, Sadie shares practical ideas teams can use immediately, from tightening their messaging to rethinking how they show up in crowded inboxes. Her sessions are direct, thoughtful, and focused on helping people communicate more clearly and connect more effectively.

Sadie Peterson Hattan has spent more than 20 years helping B2B and SaaS companies figure out what to say, who to say it to, and how to make it matter. Her background is in product marketing, messaging, and positioning, working closely with sales a... Show more

Jon Rivers is the Co-Founder and COO of Marketeery, where he helps ERP and CRM partners, ISVs, and technology companies turn complex solutions into clear, compelling marketing that drives real pipeline. With 20+ years in the Microsoft and broader tech ecosystem, Jon focuses on the intersection of SEO, AEO, GEO, social media, and AI-driven search—and how those shifts are changing buyer behavior in the Dynamics channel.

Known as a pioneer in the Microsoft partner community, Jon leads go-to-market strategy at Marketeery across fractional CMO engagements and content-driven campaigns, with a sharp, performance-obsessed approach to improving traffic, engagement, and opportunities. He’s also a frequent conference and webinar speaker, regularly presenting at Directions North America, Community Summit, and Dynamics user groups and local chapters.

Jon Rivers is the Co-Founder and COO of Marketeery, where he helps ERP and CRM partners, ISVs, and technology companies turn complex solutions into clear, compelling marketing that drives real pipeline. With 20+ years in the Microsoft and broader tec... Show more

Dr. Amr Assad is a distinguished Academic Leader and Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Holding a PhD in Broadcasting from Cairo University, he has dedicated over two decades to excellence in teaching, research, and curriculum development within the field of mass media.

As a seasoned educator, Dr. Assad specializes in media literacy, digital storytelling, social media dynamics, and communication theory. He integrates advanced teaching methods and educational technologies to create engaging and inclusive learning environments to support diverse student populations in achieving academic excellence.

Throughout his career, Dr. Assad’s research has been published in reputable peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. His work explores valuable insights into social media usage, media ethics, and the impact of digital tools on communication practices. These contributions have significantly influenced academic discourse and the development of media curricula across multiple institutions.

Dr. Assad also actively participates in various scholarly and administrative committees, serving on the Program Academic Committee (PAC), Divisional Promotion Committee, and the Applied Media Industry Advisory Committee, among others, where he continues to integrate industry best practices and drive academic innovation.

Dr. Assad is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of communication professionals, providing personalized guidance, and nurturing an environment conducive to academic and professional success. He is open to connecting with fellow academics, industry professionals, and collaborators who share a passion for shaping the future of mass communication.

Dr. Amr Assad is a distinguished Academic Leader and Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at the Higher Colleges of Technology. Holding a PhD in Broadcasting from Cairo University, he has dedicated over two decades to excellence in teaching, res... Show more