Katherine Druckman is a senior technologist, speaker, and longtime advocate for open ecosystems. Currently Head of Community and Partnership Engagement at JetBrains, she specializes in developer experience, combining software ecosystem strategy, content strategy, and community building, grounded in a foundation of hands-on software engineering experience and proven leadership. She is a long-time open source advocate, developer, and podcaster, and is currently the host of the Reality2.0 podcast.

Katherine Druckman is a senior technologist, speaker, and longtime advocate for open ecosystems. Currently Head of Community and Partnership Engagement at JetBrains, she specializes in developer experience, combining software ecosystem strategy, cont... Show more

Matthew Christiansen is the founder and former CEO/CTO of Bright Bridge Web, a certified Google Developer Expert, software engineer, community leader, and full stack engineer who is all-in on everything AI. He is a Co-Organizer of the Google Developer Group (GDG) Salt Lake City and the official Angular Community Meetup, where he helps build and inspire developer communities through talks, workshops, and mentoring.

As a featured speaker at conferences including DevFest Salt Lake City, Denver Dev Day, and West Slope Startup Week, Matthew presents on topics ranging from Web Frameworks to DevOPs and AI, helping developers bridge practical implementation with cutting-edge innovation. He also serves as a trainer and presenter at GDG events, delivering hands-on sessions in Generative AI and Google technologies.

Matthew co-produces and co-hosts the DevLife Podcast, a community-driven show featuring conversations with programming experts, business leaders, and fellow community members about software, growth, and the developer journey.

Professionally, Matthew is a lead implementer of many languages/frameworks in large-scale system designs at Limble, where he works with teams in building scalable, maintainable micro services and front-end. Matthew has deployed and shepherded deploys at large Enterprise scale. His previous experience as CTO of Bright Bridge Web includes leading tech teams, scaling business, and delivering 180+ apps for Fortune 500 companies and bestselling authors.

Matthew plans to continue long-term as a conference speaker and community educator, advancing the developer ecosystem through ongoing talks, workshops, and real-world implementations of software of all kinds. Beyond the keyboard, he’s often found rock climbing, playing League of Legends, riffing on guitar, or exploring big ideas with his community.

Matthew Christiansen is the founder and former CEO/CTO of Bright Bridge Web, a certified Google Developer Expert, software engineer, community leader, and full stack engineer who is all-in on everything AI. He is a Co-Organizer of the Google Develope... Show more

Heather Wilde is known as the "Unicorn Whisperer" for her work guiding startups through critical growth phases. As a former CTO, founding team member of Evernote, and co-author of the bestselling "Birth of a Unicorn", she brings 20+ years of technology leadership to the emerging AI-agent economy.
In 2026, Heather helps leaders navigate the transition to agentic organizations at FireworksAI— where AI agents handle execution while humans master governance, judgment, and ethical oversight. Her keynotes on human-AI collaboration, agentic product design, and startup scaling in the AI era have been featured at CodeMash, The Lead Developer, and corporate leadership programs worldwide.
Heather's work spans startup coaching, executive development, and thought leadership on the future of work. She regularly contributes to Inc.com on leadership and remote work, and her award-winning writing has appeared in Mashable, BBC News, the Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. She lives in Las Vegas and works with clients across North America, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Heather Wilde is known as the "Unicorn Whisperer" for her work guiding startups through critical growth phases. As a former CTO, founding team member of Evernote, and co-author of the bestselling "Birth of a Unicorn", she brings 20+ years of technolo... Show more

Chad Gerber is a 10x platinum and gold-selling artist, founder, patented inventor, and communication systems builder focused on the future of AI, infrastructure, and human connection.

Before moving into advanced communications and AI systems, Gerber built his career in music, production, and creative development, working on projects that reached platinum and gold status. That background in sound, latency, signal flow, and human interaction eventually evolved into a deeper focus on how communication itself functions under pressure.

He is now the founder of ShadowGen, an AI-native communication platform designed for unreliable and bandwidth-constrained environments, and Meloscene, an immersive collaboration platform exploring the future of remote presence and digital interaction.

Gerber’s work sits between culture and infrastructure. His talks explore AI, communication breakdown, future systems, creativity, defense, immersive media, and how emerging infrastructure will reshape the way humans connect, collaborate, and operate.

He has spoken on AI and future communication systems in Washington D.C. and internationally, with appearances including the BBC. His perspective combines real-world creative experience, startup building, communication infrastructure, and future-focused thinking in a way that is both accessible and highly relevant to modern audiences.

Chad Gerber is a 10x platinum and gold-selling artist, founder, patented inventor, and communication systems builder focused on the future of AI, infrastructure, and human connection. Before moving into advanced communications and AI systems, Gerb... Show more

Jordan Powell is a Developer Productivity Engineer at Nx who specializes in optimizing developer workflows, improving build performance, and enhancing software quality at scale. With extensive full-stack engineering experience building enterprise applications, he brings a deep understanding of both technical implementation and developer experience challenges. As a Google Developer Expert, Jordan stays at the forefront of industry trends and actively shares his expertise through mentoring, open-source contributions, and community engagement. His passion for automation and testing drives his commitment to reliability, readability, and performance in software development. Beyond his technical work, Jordan serves as co-founder and CEO of Dream On: Global, a non-profit dedicated to inspiring individuals to pursue their dreams, demonstrating his commitment to making meaningful impact both within and beyond the tech community.

Jordan Powell is a Developer Productivity Engineer at Nx who specializes in optimizing developer workflows, improving build performance, and enhancing software quality at scale. With extensive full-stack engineering experience building enterprise app... Show more

Carolina Cruz is the investigative reporter for Telemundo Responde covering the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College Chicago and an Associate Degree in Communications from Prairie State College in Illinois. She is an Emmy award winning broadcast journalist with more than 15 years of experience in the industry who has been published in the Midwest, Florida, and Central Texas before moving to the DC region. Among friends, she speaks with pride about her Puerto Rican and Mexican roots. She has dedicated a large part of her professional life to helping others find a place where they can practice journalism.

Carolina Cruz is the investigative reporter for Telemundo Responde covering the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia College Chicago and an Associate Degree in Communicatio... Show more

Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo, widely known as "Opomulero," is a distinguished leader in the African digital landscape with over two decades of expertise in internet governance and community empowerment. A visionary strategist operating from the grassroots, he serves as the ICANN At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) Representative for Africa and is the Vice President of the Internet Society (ISOC) Nigeria Chapter.

A trailblazer in the technical community, Adebunmi was the first African to serve as Vice-Chair of the Chapter Advisory Council (ChAC). As CEO of DNS World Media and Communications, Managing Director of KOBOKINGs Limited, and President, Success Bridge Community Development Foundation, he leverages technology to drive the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and poverty reduction strategies. From his base in a rural area, he provides free digital empowerment to citizens through two specialized online radio stations.

A recipient of the ICANN Paul Muchane Fellowship Award, Culture Ambassador and Digital Activist, Adebunmi is also an accomplished poet, researcher, and sportsman, dedicated to bridging the gap between global technology and local culture.

A polymath, and a champion for local content and global inclusion, connect with him on https://akinbo.ng.

Adebunmi Adeola Akinbo, widely known as "Opomulero," is a distinguished leader in the African digital landscape with over two decades of expertise in internet governance and community empowerment. A visionary strategist operating from the grassroots,... Show more

Staff Engineer at AXA France, specialized in front-end development, I aim to solve problems before they even arise!
Passionate about new technologies and debate, I host the podcast "C'est Pas Le Sujet" ("That’s Not the Point").
I constantly try to share my knowledge and challenge it by speaking at numerous events (keynotes, conferences, meetups, etc.) and teaching in several engineering schools.

Staff Engineer at AXA France, specialized in front-end development, I aim to solve problems before they even arise! Passionate about new technologies and debate, I host the podcast "C'est Pas Le Sujet" ("That’s Not the Point"). I constantly try to ... Show more

Amit Grinvald is a keynote speaker, moderator, and communication strategist who works with leaders and experts across corporate, startup, and investor environments to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction in high-stakes situations.

Over the past decade, he has worked with everyone from Fortune 500 executives and award-winning founders to Olympic medalists and aerospace engineers. His clients include leaders from organisations such as Microsoft, NVIDIA, Deloitte, Capgemini, Red Hat, Rolls-Royce, and Johnson & Johnson.

His work in the venture ecosystem spans both founder and investor perspectives. He is a mentor with Google for Startups and the Startup World Cup, and has supported companies through €60M+ fundraising rounds.

Amit regularly hosts and leads conversations at international conferences, including TED, SXSW London, and South Summit. He is also the founder and long-time lead organiser of TEDxUNYP, one of Europe's most recognised TEDx events, with multiple TED Editor's Picks and several talks ranked among the global Top 100.

His sessions are practical, interactive, and built for the room in front of him, whether that room is full of engineers, executives, or first-time speakers. Attendees leave with tools they can use in their very next meeting, pitch, or presentation.

Amit Grinvald is a keynote speaker, moderator, and communication strategist who works with leaders and experts across corporate, startup, and investor environments to communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction in high-stakes situations. ... Show more

With a broad, multidisciplinary background in software development, architecture, product ownership, and marketing, Fernandez is a gifted technology leader. He holds degrees in informatics and computer science and a Master’s in Finance, which shaped his combined expertise in technical and business realms.

Over the past 20 years, Fernandez has overseen more than 250 projects across four continents and 25 countries, delivering technical solutions in content, commerce, mobile, and martech for some of the world’s most renowned companies. From writing code as a developer and designing systems as an architect to training teams, serving as a CTO, advising global enterprises, defining product roadmaps, and developing marketing strategies, he has taken on nearly every role in technology and digital innovation.

Fernandez has led multicultural teams of managers, content experts, engineers, strategists, and architects (he is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and English). His professional mission is to constantly close the gap between business vision and technical execution. His work in media, retail, banking, hospitality, telecoms, and technology has given him a comprehensive view of the possibilities and challenges businesses face in the digital age.

Currently serving as Executive Director of Technology in VML, Fernandez is focused on the future of content, marketing, and automation platforms, investigating how companies can produce, distribute, and profit from emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, composable architectures, and data-driven personalization.

With a broad, multidisciplinary background in software development, architecture, product ownership, and marketing, Fernandez is a gifted technology leader. He holds degrees in informatics and computer science and a Master’s in Finance, which shaped ... Show more

Deepak Wadhwani is a New Delhi-based speaker and entrepreneur known as the Business Buddha — a philosophy built on a simple premise: ambition guided by awareness, and calm as a leadership strategy, not a compromise on it.

As a speaker, Deepak has taken the stage at TEDx with "The Art of Persuasion," a talk built around a counter-intuitive idea — that real influence comes not from being louder, but from being clearer. He regularly speaks at business forums, leadership events, and entrepreneur communities on persuasion, conscious leadership, and the discipline of staying still in fast-moving industries. His talks are conversations, not performances — reflective, direct, and built around the question rooms full of business owners are usually too busy to ask themselves.
He is also a frequent voice on podcasts, where his unscripted, in-conversation style has become one of his most recognized formats — long-form discussions on business, persuasion, and leadership where the value lies in honest thinking rather than rehearsed answers.

Alongside his speaking work, Deepak is the founder of Natraj Home Furnishings and serves as India Growth Director for The Alternative Board (TAB), where he advises CEOs and business owners directly. He also runs the Chirag Foundation, a nonprofit established in memory of his late brother.

His core message across stages, podcasts, and boardrooms remains the same: build without noise. The most important decisions are rarely made in urgency — they're made in stillness, after the noise settles.

Deepak Wadhwani is a New Delhi-based speaker and entrepreneur known as the Business Buddha — a philosophy built on a simple premise: ambition guided by awareness, and calm as a leadership strategy, not a compromise on it. As a speaker, Deepak has ... Show more

Hello! I'm Masuma Shariff, a cybersecurity professional at Advania through the Early Years Program. I'm currently expanding my expertise by learning to use Microsoft Purview, Entra ID, and the Defender suite.

I'm passionate about empowering women in tech, which has led me to deliver two TEDx talks on ‘Women in Tech’ [which you can watch here; https://www.ted.com/talks/masuma_shariff_the_power_of_technology_for_women?subtitle=en] and become an active member of the Advania Women’s Network.

Looking ahead, I aim to advance my expertise in cybersecurity, take on leadership roles, and inspire more women to join the tech industry.

Hello! I'm Masuma Shariff, a cybersecurity professional at Advania through the Early Years Program. I'm currently expanding my expertise by learning to use Microsoft Purview, Entra ID, and the Defender suite. I'm passionate about empowering women ... Show more

Robyn Sayles is the founder of Launching Your Success, a brand strategy practice built for professionals who never fit the mold and stopped trying to. Through her signature Brilliant Weirdo Brand Archetype system, she helps entrepreneurs, creatives, and unconventional leaders turn their so-called “too-much-ness” into a strategic advantage.

A self-described professional instigator, Robyn brings two decades of brand strategy experience to the stage with a delivery style that’s equal parts TED Talk and stand-up set. She developed eight proprietary brand archetypes, built an AI-powered brand audit system from scratch, and authored “The Professional Weirdo’s Survival Kit,” a field guide for anyone who’s been told to tone it down and decided to turn it up instead.

She’s a podcast host, guest, conference speaker, and contributor to The Podcast Academy community, including work related to the Ambie Awards. Her sessions blend improv-trained spontaneity with sharp strategic insight, giving audiences frameworks they can actually use, not just inspirational quotes for their phone wallpapers.

Suggested Session Topics
• Brand Strategy for Misfits: “Too Much” Is Your Competitive Advantage
• The Brilliant Weirdo Brand Archetype: Building Brands That Are Bold AND Smart
• Improv Is a Business Skill
• AI-Powered Brand Strategy: Building Systems That Actually Sound Like You

Robyn Sayles is the founder of Launching Your Success, a brand strategy practice built for professionals who never fit the mold and stopped trying to. Through her signature Brilliant Weirdo Brand Archetype system, she helps entrepreneurs, creatives, ... Show more

Rahul Bhattacharya is a design educator, writer and curator working across visual culture, pedagogy, and technology. His practice spans design, writing, and curation, with a sustained engagement in art history, semiotics, and the politics of form. He writes across academic research, editorial platforms, and long-form reflections on visual culture, performance, and emerging technologies, while his curatorial work extends into public space through exhibitions, workshops, and performance platforms. He is a co-founder of the Kolkata International Performance Art Festival and Nine Schools of Art, both grounded in collective learning and co-creation.

As Assistant Dean, Communication Design, at UID Gandhinagar, he leads curriculum design and academic strategy, building transdisciplinary frameworks that connect design, culture, and critical thinking. His work with AI through dotai develops systems that act as analytical and ethical companions, foregrounding interpretation, memory, and cultural specificity. Through teaching, tool-building, and collaborative labs, his practice focuses on how designers think, decide, and work within evolving technological conditions

Rahul Bhattacharya is a design educator, writer and curator working across visual culture, pedagogy, and technology. His practice spans design, writing, and curation, with a sustained engagement in art history, semiotics, and the politics of form. He... Show more

Cameron is a podcast strategist and awards analyst with nearly a decade in audio. He's helped 100+ brands develop podcasts, spoken at Podcast Movement multiple times, and been cited by Forbes, Podnews, and RadioInfo for his work on podcast awards.

Cameron is a podcast strategist and awards analyst with nearly a decade in audio. He's helped 100+ brands develop podcasts, spoken at Podcast Movement multiple times, and been cited by Forbes, Podnews, and RadioInfo for his work on podcast awards. 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 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 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

I make the complex simple for developers. Focused on cloud, AI, and generative AI, I connect with developers communities, share stories, and spark innovation that drives real outcomes. With two decades in tech and developer relations, I stay hands-on and constantly explore emerging technologies – bringing fresh insights to every talk, workshop, and interaction. I thrive on building global programs, mentoring teams, and empowering developers to succeed.

I make the complex simple for developers. Focused on cloud, AI, and generative AI, I connect with developers communities, share stories, and spark innovation that drives real outcomes. With two decades in tech and developer relations, I stay hands-on... Show more

Rex Rainey is a creative director, designer, and illustrator based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He specializes in branding, UX design, and illustration. Since 2005, he's combined these skills to develop creative solutions that are engaging, exciting, and effective.

Rex Rainey is a creative director, designer, and illustrator based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He specializes in branding, UX design, and illustration. Since 2005, he's combined these skills to develop creative solutions that are engaging, exciting, a... Show more

Maurice Cherry is an award-winning creative visionary who works as a writer, designer, strategist, voice actor, and storyteller. As principal and creative director of Lunch, the award-winning multidisciplinary studio he founded in 2008, he empowers creative brands to craft resonant narratives and forge meaningful connections with diverse audiences, particularly underrepresented communities. Lunch has collaborated with industry leaders such as Facebook, Mailchimp, Vox Media, NIKE, and The City of Atlanta, among others.

Maurice is a pioneering digital creator, best known for Revision Path, the groundbreaking podcast that made history as the first podcast inducted into the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). His innovative projects also include the Black Weblog Awards, 28 Days of the Web, The Year of Tea, and the design anthology RECOGNIZE, each reflecting his commitment to amplifying diverse voices and fostering creative communities.

His design work, advocacy, and projects have garnered acclaim from leading organizations and publications, including Apple, Adobe, NPR, Forbes, and Fast Company. Most recently, in 2025, he was honored as one of the Eames Institute's Curious 100, recognizing his innovative contributions to reframing perspectives, amplifying voices, and inspiring action. He served as the Maryland Institute College of Art's 2021 William O. Steinmetz designer-in-residence, and in 2018, he received the Steven Heller Prize for Cultural Commentary from AIGA, was named one of GDUSA’s “People to Watch,” and was included in The Root 100, their annual list of the most influential African-Americans ages 25 to 45. That same year, Creative Loafing Atlanta recognized him as one of their Influentials in the fields of business and technology. Earlier in his career, Maurice was named one of Atlanta’s “Power 30 Under 30″ in Science and Technology by the Apex Society and was selected as one of HP’s “50 Tech Tastemakers” in collaboration with Black Web 2.0. He is also a valued executive member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

Maurice’s approach to design strategy, problem solving, and his foundation in analytical thinking stems from his studies at Morehouse College, where he earned a degree in Mathematics.

Maurice Cherry is an award-winning creative visionary who works as a writer, designer, strategist, voice actor, and storyteller. As principal and creative director of Lunch, the award-winning multidisciplinary studio he founded in 2008, he empowers c... Show more

With 16 years in product development and platform engineering, I lead teams in building scalable systems. Currently focused on a media platform enhancing delivery workflows. Known for migrating legacy systems to modern architectures, integrating best practices in DevOps and CI/CD. Passionate about fostering collaborative environments and driving strategic initiatives for industry leadership.

With 16 years in product development and platform engineering, I lead teams in building scalable systems. Currently focused on a media platform enhancing delivery workflows. Known for migrating legacy systems to modern architectures, integrating best... Show more

Wouter De Bruycker is an SEO expert with professional experience in the industry since 2009. He graduated with honors in Graphic & Digital Media and first worked as a web developer and digital strategist before - armed with this technical knowledge - diving further into Search Engine Optimization.

SEO is one of his professional passions, as shown by the fact you'll often find him at national and international conferences where he likes to share his knowledge and cases with an audience. He has spoken about SEO at events such as the Digital Content Marketing Congress, Ondernemen In Vlaanderen, SEO Vibes on Tour, SEO Benelux, DrupalCamp London, DrupalCon Amsterdam and DrupalCon Prague.

In his spare time Wouter co-founded a small craft beer company called "René" and enjoys watching (and endlessly debating) movies.

Wouter De Bruycker is an SEO expert with professional experience in the industry since 2009. He graduated with honors in Graphic & Digital Media and first worked as a web developer and digital strategist before - armed with this technical knowledge -... Show more

Arjun Sharda is the 15-year-old Executive Director of TLEEM (Arabic: تعليم), Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit with over 4,000 K-12 and college student members from 11 countries through 37 clubs. Aside from TLEEM, he's been programming for over seven years and has written for outlets such as the Washington Post and the Austin-American Statesman. He has received recognition from Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas State Board of Education.

Arjun Sharda is the 15-year-old Executive Director of TLEEM (Arabic: تعليم), Texas's largest K-12 networking nonprofit with over 4,000 K-12 and college student members from 11 countries through 37 clubs. Aside from TLEEM, he's been programming for ov... Show more

I’m a website developer and WordPress enthusiast from Uganda. I have a strong passion for sharing knowledge and excel at creating visually appealing websites that combine design and coding expertise. I’m also a multilingual translator and skilled technical writer, making complex concepts easy to understand for a global audience. I’m committed to ensuring quality through rigorous system testing for top-notch performance. My dedication to excellence and active involvement in the tech community make me a valuable contributor to the ever-changing digital landscape. I’m a digital artisan shaping user-friendly experiences and bridging language gaps.

I’m a website developer and WordPress enthusiast from Uganda. I have a strong passion for sharing knowledge and excel at creating visually appealing websites that combine design and coding expertise. I’m also a multilingual translator and skilled tec... Show more

I help companies build repeatable Developer Relations programs that consistently drive measurable user acquisition, product adoption and tie to business outcomes.

Kevin Blanco is a Senior Developer Advocate and growth strategist with over 16 years in tech leadership. Distinguished as one of the leaders who deeply understand advanced technical concepts, PLG, GTM, and Enterprise + Partner Strategies. Kevin understand how developer adoption compounds into B2B & B2D pipelines and structure programs to capture that value.

Kevin has established himself as the go-to keynote speaker for developer conferences worldwide, having delivered 60+ impactful presentations at premier events including Google Cloud Next, DevRelCon, DrupalCon, All Things Open AI, and multiple developer conferences across North America and LATAM. Known for his ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable insights, he connects deeply with technical audiences through engaging storytelling and practical frameworks. His presentations consistently drive measurable increases in product adoption and community engagement, making him a sought-after voice for events focused on developer relations, AI integration, and product-led growth strategies.

From shaping AI strategies at IBM Watson to building scalable cloud solutions for Google, Microsoft, and Nintendo, Kevin has a proven record of driving innovation and delivering measurable results. His rare combination of technical knowledge, storytelling expertise, and data-driven growth strategies enables him to craft video content that not only educates but also accelerates user acquisition and product adoption.

As a Google Developer Expert and Google for Startups Mentor, he advises Seed to Series A AI-focused startups on product strategy, sustainable scaling, and leveraging Google's ecosystem of resources and networks.
As a Google Certified Educator and Trainer and Certified Blackmagic Trainer for DaVinci Resolve, Kevin demonstrates exceptional teaching capabilities across both technical education and professional video production.

Speaker at Featured Events:

- Google I/O
- Google Cloud Next
- DevRelCon
- DrupalCon
- All Things Open AI
- Nerdearla
- KubeCon
- DevRelX Summit
- Techstars Founder Catalyst
- Google DevFest Montreal
- Google DevFest Calgary
- Google DevFest New York

Certifications and Recognitions:
- Google Developer Expert
- Google Innovator
- Google Champion
- Google Certified Educator/Trainer
- Google Certified Cloud Architect
- Blackmagic Design Certified Trainer
- Davinci Resolve Certified Editor
- Davinci Resolve Certified Colorist

I help companies build repeatable Developer Relations programs that consistently drive measurable user acquisition, product adoption and tie to business outcomes. Kevin Blanco is a Senior Developer Advocate and growth strategist with over 16 year... Show more

Dushyant Kanungo is a UX leader, author, and public speaker based in Indore, India, with over 20 years of experience in digital product design, UX strategy, and user-centered innovation across web and enterprise platforms.

As Director of UX at Galaxy UX Studio / Galaxy Weblinks, he leads UX strategy, research, and design delivery for global, cross-domain products and services. He is the author of "UX Decoded" and host of the UX Banter podcast. Dushyant is an active mentor on ADPList, recognized as a Top 1% Mentor in Design (February 2025), and has delivered 100+ mentorship sessions to designers worldwide.

His speaking engagements span UX India, AI for Developing Nations Forum, IIM Indore, and international conferences, focusing on topics including high-stakes UX, AI ethics, inclusive design, and enterprise UX strategy.

Book
UX Decoded: Think and Implement User-Centered Research Methodologies, and Expert-Led UX Best Practices
Published on Amazon (Kindle & Print editions)
https://www.amazon.com/Decoded-Implement-User-Centered-Methodologies-Expert-Led-ebook/dp/B09YNRJBWP

A practical guide for UX professionals focusing on user-centered research methodologies, identifying user pain points, overcoming biases, and implementing industry-accepted approaches to product thinking and user-centric design.

Conference Talks & Presentations

How To End The World With Bad UX
UX India 2024, Bengaluru (TED-like breakout session)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_ISCqY84mI
Exploring how poor UX in critical systems can have catastrophic real-world impact, with examples from AI and enterprise software.

The Future of UX: Voice Commands, AI, Smart Cars, and Inclusive Design
Jagran Lakecity University, Bhopal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSExx7miH9c&t=8s
This talk ponders upon what the future might hold for user experience designers and people using new technologies. Voice commands to AI, Smart cars, and Inclusive design. There are so many opportunities that we can learn and grow with.

Information Architecture: Strategy & Selling IA
Conference presentation
https://youtu.be/B3v--B7xyxU?si=EiVWAlBiAJx6VY1o
A presentation on Information Architecture deliverables and strategy for selling IA to stakeholders.
Slides: http://www.slideshare.net/dushyantmk/information-architecture-deliverables

How UX Design Matters: Common-Sense-Driven Design Can Save Your Life (and Money)**
IIM Indore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtywioFf0HU&t=35s
An example-based take on why common-sense-driven design is more likely to save your life (and money).

HCI Presentation Excerpt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bs-EK0Jj1Y&t=90s
An HCI presentation excerpt.

Reshaping UX with AI-Infused Design Systems
Gitex Series 2023, Dubai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_tdxW9Dpig
Interview discussing AI, design systems, and scaling UX for large organizations.

Dictating Terms – UX for AI & UX by AI**
Conference talk focusing on AI, UX for AI products, and AI's impact on UX practice.

AI, Equity, and Inclusion Panel
AI for Developing Nations (AIFOD) Vienna Summit 2025 at the United Nations
Panel discussion about AI in developing nations and technology transfer.

Podcast & Media Appearances

UX Banter (Host & Creator)
Ongoing UX podcast series
https://www.youtube.com/@uxbanter/videos
Sharing perspectives on UX careers, usability, design culture, and interviewing industry guests. Featured episode includes Neal Foard on authenticity in branding.

The UX Growth Podcast – Season 2, Episode 6
https://www.theuxgrowth.com/episodes/dushyant
A conversation on how UX careers actually grow in the real world: why 'common-sense' UX beats rigid checklists, how to keep learning, and what makes portfolios and case studies feel genuine.

Design Critique: Products for People Podcast
Episode: "Interview: Dushyant Kanungo on Enterprise UX"
Discussing enterprise UX, employee experience, and his book "UX Decoded."

Interviews & Features

The Inside Scoop — Dushyant Kanungo
ADPList (Amazing Together, Medium) – March 1, 2022
https://medium.com/amazing-together/the-inside-scoop-dushyant-kanungo-11e16a2fa454
Profile-style interview covering his journey as a UX evangelist, his role at Galaxy Weblinks/Galaxy UX Studio, mentoring on ADPList, teaching UX, and his approach to scaling and leading a 55-person design team.

“Moving Beyond Data Fairness"
AI for Developing Nations Forum (AIFOD) – October 2025
https://af.net/news/moving-beyond-data-fairness/
Quoted and profiled proposing "energy-style" data fairness ratings for AI systems, transparency in geographic and demographic bias, and certification frameworks starting with advisory AI before critical healthcare systems. Emphasizes employment impact as a certification dimension and urgency for Generation Alpha/Beta native AI users.

Published Articles

Medium (Galaxy UX Studio)
https://medium.com/@kanungo.dushyant2412

Awards & Recognition

ADPList Top 1% Mentor in Design – February 2025
https://adplist.org/community-certifications/top1percent-feb-2025-design-e7122b
Recognized as one of the top 1% mentors in Design expertise on ADPList, acknowledged for inspiring mentees and democratizing mentorship.

ADPList 100 Mentorship Sessions Achievement
https://adplist.org/certifications/253144
Awarded for completing 100 mentorship sessions as Director UX at Galaxy UX Studio.

Speaking Topics

- High-stakes UX and the real-world consequences of bad design
- AI ethics, fairness, and UX for AI products
- Enterprise UX and employee experience design
- Information architecture strategy and stakeholder communication
- Inclusive design and designing for emerging technologies
- Design leadership, DesignOps, and scaling design teams
- The future of UX: voice interfaces, smart systems, and accessibility

Current Role

Director of UX
Galaxy UX Studio / Galaxy Weblinks, Indore, India

Leading UX strategy, research, and design delivery for global, cross-domain products and services. Responsible for advocating evidence-based, accessible, and ethical UX practices within product teams and client organizations.

Previous Experience

- Former Head of UX / Senior Business Analyst at Rakuten Symphony (InnoEye)
- UX and business analysis work for enterprise clients including Santander UK
- 20+ years of experience in digital product design and UX strategy

#Contact & Links

Medium: https://medium.com/@kanungo.dushyant2412
UX Banter (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@uxbanter
ADPList Profile: https://adplist.org (search "Dushyant Kanungo")
Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Decoded-Implement-User-Centered-Methodologies-Expert-Led-ebook/dp/B09YNRJBWP

Location: Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Available for: Conference speaking, panel discussions, workshops, podcast interviews, mentoring programs

Dushyant Kanungo is a UX leader, author, and public speaker based in Indore, India, with over 20 years of experience in digital product design, UX strategy, and user-centered innovation across web and enterprise platforms. As Director of UX at Gal... Show more

Anil is an award-winning senior product, tech, and AI leader with over 15 years of experience managing large-scale enterprise platforms and consumer-grade products. He has a proven track record in leading high-performing teams through strategy, development, and change management.

Anil specializes in AI/ML initiatives, including conversational search, recommendation systems, and Generative AI, delivering significant business impact across various industries. His industry expertise spans telecom, media, education technology, and HR.

Professionally, Anil has held key roles at Amazon and Capgemini, driving AI-powered solutions, improving product adoption, and enhancing customer satisfaction. His AI/ML product strategy leadership has led to notable achievements in marketing, sales, and customer care platforms.

Anil is an official Forbes Technology Council member. He has been honored with several prestigious awards, including recently the top AI 75 leader.

Anil is an award-winning senior product, tech, and AI leader with over 15 years of experience managing large-scale enterprise platforms and consumer-grade products. He has a proven track record in leading high-performing teams through strategy, devel... Show more

I'm a developer, technical team leader, and architect. I started a career before StackOverflow existed. For over 17 years, I've been creating systems close to the business process. I believe that Event-Driven Architecture and Event Sourcing are great ways to achieve that.

I'm an active open-source developer active especially in the Event Driven space (I was working on tools like Marten, EventStoreDB, and now Emmett). I'm sharing my journey and findings on my blog https://event-driven.io and practical samples at https://github.com/oskardudycz.

I'm a developer, technical team leader, and architect. I started a career before StackOverflow existed. For over 17 years, I've been creating systems close to the business process. I believe that Event-Driven Architecture and Event Sourcing are great... Show more

I'm a Frontend Developer and the Founder of Hirelyze AI, an AI-powered platform helping job seekers build stronger, ATS-friendly resumes and improve their chances of landing interviews.

Over the past few years, I've worked across frontend engineering, AI-powered products, SEO, and SaaS, building applications that prioritize performance, accessibility, and exceptional user experience. I specialize in React, Next.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, Tailwind CSS, and modern web technologies, with a passion for turning ideas into products people genuinely love to use.

As the builder behind Hirelyze AI, I've expanded beyond frontend development into AI product development, technical SEO, growth strategy, and startup execution. I enjoy sharing the lessons learned from building products from the ground up—what works, what doesn't, and how developers can create software that delivers real business and user impact.

I'm a Frontend Developer and the Founder of Hirelyze AI, an AI-powered platform helping job seekers build stronger, ATS-friendly resumes and improve their chances of landing interviews. Over the past few years, I've worked across frontend engineer... Show more

Engin Eser is Co-Founder of Event Punks GmbH, a Creative Tech Studio that transforms business challenges into playable experiences. From gamified recruiting and immersive brand activations to game-based training and edutainment, built on platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft, and the Web.

On the Microsoft side, Engin is a Microsoft MVP and Power Platform practitioner with a strong focus on Power Apps Code Apps, Copilot extensibility, and AI Agent development. He builds solutions that bridge the gap between low-code and pro-code and believes that great technology should feel less like a tool and more like an experience.

He speaks at international conferences about gamification, UX-driven app design, and the future of immersive digital experiences.

Engin Eser is Co-Founder of Event Punks GmbH, a Creative Tech Studio that transforms business challenges into playable experiences. From gamified recruiting and immersive brand activations to game-based training and edutainment, built on platforms li... Show more

Jason specializes in brand strategy, corporate identity systems, and brand architecture for organizations navigating growth and change. He helps companies clarify their structure, unify sub-brands, and build design systems that scale across teams, channels, and markets.

With decades of experience leading rebrands, product launches, and multi-channel campaigns, Jason brings a strategic yet creative approach to solving complex brand challenges. He has partnered with corporations, startups, and nonprofits alike, blending structure with personality to ensure brands are both organized and human.

A Louisville native, Jason has led award-winning projects recognized with Gold ADDYs, AIGA Louisville’s Best of Branding, and the organization’s only Visionary Award. He was also named one of Business First’s 20 People to Know in Advertising.

Jason’s talks explore branding as an essential business function that drives clarity, culture, and growth. He speaks on topics including brand architecture for growing companies, agile creative process, and how to align legacy with evolving markets.

He has presented at CreativeMornings, AIGA Louisville, AAF, and on panels covering branding, AI, and leadership.

Jason specializes in brand strategy, corporate identity systems, and brand architecture for organizations navigating growth and change. He helps companies clarify their structure, unify sub-brands, and build design systems that scale across teams, ch... Show more