Media & Information

Esteemed specialists working in the fields of media education, digital media, multimedia and radio services

Ted Neward

Ted Neward

Ted is a big geek. See http://www.newardassociates.com/#/bio for more

Ted is a big geek. See http://www.newardassociates.com/#/bio for more Show more

Jason Rivera

Jason Rivera

Jason Rivera is a Collaboration Architect in the Philadelphia area and author of Building Solutions with the Microsoft Power Platform. Jason is the organizer of M365 Philly and the Tri-State Office 365 User Group (https://www.meetup.com/tsspug/) which both typically meet in Malvern, PA. Jason has been a long time blogger (https://sharepointlessons.wordpress.com/), writing about various topics in SharePoint, Power Platform, AI, and the Microsoft Cloud.

Jason Rivera is a Collaboration Architect in the Philadelphia area and author of Building Solutions with the Microsoft Power Platform. Jason is the organizer of M365 Philly and the Tri-State Office 365 User Group (https://www.meetup.com/tsspug/) whi... Show more

Guillermo Fisher

Guillermo Fisher

Guillermo Fisher is a fractional CTO/CISO and engineering leadership coach with two decades of experience in driving organizational innovation, developing information security programs, and cultivating high-performing software engineering teams. Having held pivotal leadership positions such as Senior Vice President of Engineering at Untapped and Director of Infrastructure at Handshake, Guillermo brings a wealth of strategic insight and a proven track record of success in steering organizations towards excellence. He has captivated audiences at AWS re:Invent, the Atlanta AWS Summit, Hampton Roads DevFest, RevolutionConf, and Diversitech Fest.

Guillermo Fisher is a fractional CTO/CISO and engineering leadership coach with two decades of experience in driving organizational innovation, developing information security programs, and cultivating high-performing software engineering teams. Havi... Show more

Chad Gerber

Chad Gerber

Recognized for platinum and gold-selling records across diverse musical genres and labels, Chad Gerber's innovative spirit extends to multiple pending patents in AI, mixed reality, and telecommunications, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology. Notably, he shared insights on artificial intelligence at forums in Washington, D.C., and Brazil, underscoring his expertise in this evolving field and made appearances discussing mixed reality technology on the BBC.

Growing up in Montana, Gerber's early years were marked by a deep intrigue with communication technologies. His childhood experimentation with radio equipment subtly hinted at an innate curiosity and knack for innovative exploration.

His artistic ventures include appearances on esteemed platforms like the Vans Warped Tour, along with tours throughout the US and EU, where his presence among a vibrant community of artists and fans left an enduring impact. Gerber's career signifies a seamless blend of artistry with inventive exploration, leaving an indelible mark in both creative and technological realms.

Throughout his career, Gerber has curated a diverse portfolio, ranging from music compositions featured in film and television to collaborations with major labels that have yielded gold and platinum records, solidifying his stature within the music industry. His accomplishments have been recognized with an induction into the Marquis Who's Who Publications.

Known for his enigmatic approach, Gerber operates his electronic music persona under the alias Woodrowgerber, leaving an imprint atop underground cyberwave and synthwave charts while effortlessly transitioning into the mainstream spotlight.

His invention of virtual reality music technology, highlighted by appearances discussing technology on the BBC and forums in Washington, D.C., exemplifies his dedication to redefining collaboration. Gerber's captivating presence on global tours underscores his ability to traverse diverse musical terrains, leaving an enduring impact on audiences worldwide.

Chad Gerber's narrative epitomizes a relentless quest to expand the horizons of creativity, artistry, and technological innovation, transcending boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of interdisciplinary exploration.

Recognized for platinum and gold-selling records across diverse musical genres and labels, Chad Gerber's innovative spirit extends to multiple pending patents in AI, mixed reality, and telecommunications, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boun... Show more

Aileen Villanueva Lecuona

Aileen Villanueva Lecuona

I’m a Software Engineer, Google Developer Expert (GDE), and community builder based in Mexico. My work centers around JavaScript, web development, and emerging AI tooling. I use AI as a tool in my engineering workflow, helping me prototype rapidly and take my ideas further. I'm highly interested in the future of interaction design and building interfaces where users and agents work side-by-side. Outside of work, I actively organize tech communities in Mexico. Whether I'm running a meetup, hosting a workshop, or speaking at a conference, my goal is to create approachable spaces for anybody to learn and share knowledge

I’m a Software Engineer, Google Developer Expert (GDE), and community builder based in Mexico. My work centers around JavaScript, web development, and emerging AI tooling. I use AI as a tool in my engineering workflow, helping me prototype rapidly an... Show more

Armand Brière

Armand Brière

Working full-time on developing and integrating AI solution for our clients. Machine learning expert and Cloud DevOps Engineer.

Master's degree specialized in artificial intelligence and bachelor degree in software engineering.

Working full-time on developing and integrating AI solution for our clients. Machine learning expert and Cloud DevOps Engineer. Master's degree specialized in artificial intelligence and bachelor degree in software engineering. Show more

Chinedu Otutu

Chinedu Otutu

I am a software engineer focused on building and scaling production-grade digital systems. My work spans designing, deploying, and maintaining high-performance applications with an emphasis on reliability, scalability, and real-world impact.

I have hands-on experience implementing AI-driven solutions and architecting backend systems that move from prototype to production. I’m particularly interested in building intelligent systems that deliver measurable business value while remaining cost-efficient and resilient.

Beyond my core engineering work, I actively share insights on practical AI implementation, system design, and emerging technologies, contributing to conversations around building production-ready solutions in fast-growing markets.

Outside of technology, I am passionate about physical wellness and discipline, which I believe directly translates into consistency and high-performance in engineering practice.

I am a software engineer focused on building and scaling production-grade digital systems. My work spans designing, deploying, and maintaining high-performance applications with an emphasis on reliability, scalability, and real-world impact. I hav... Show more

Alejandra Ben Fernández

Alejandra Ben Fernández

Data Analyst with experience in People Analytics, BI, and Data Engineering. Passionate about transforming data into impactful decisions using tools like Power BI, SQL, Python, and Azure. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Data Science (UNIR) and part of the organizing team at Power Platform Madrid. I gave my first technical talk at W4TT, co-presenting on AI in Power Query. Committed to continuous learning and sharing knowledge within the tech community.

Data Analyst with experience in People Analytics, BI, and Data Engineering. Passionate about transforming data into impactful decisions using tools like Power BI, SQL, Python, and Azure. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Data Science (UNIR) a... Show more

Manuela Raidl

Manuela Raidl

Manuela Raidl is a Change and Communication Manager who helps organizations navigate complexity and transformation with clarity, empathy, and purpose.

Her journey into change work began through agile. What started with becoming a Scrum Master evolved into a broader focus on how teams and organizations adapt, learn, and grow. Today, Manuela sees agility not just as a framework, but as a mindset that underpins successful change.

Over the past year, she has spoken at several conferences across Europe, sharing practical insights on topics such as cultural challenges and team development. Whether working with engineers or executives, Manuela builds bridges between strategy and people – turning change initiatives into real, lived progress.

Manuela Raidl is a Change and Communication Manager who helps organizations navigate complexity and transformation with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Her journey into change work began through agile. What started with becoming a Scrum Master evol... Show more

Dr. Ryan Rad

Dr. Ryan Rad

Dr. Ryan Rad is an AI researcher, professor, and industry advisor with over 15 years shaping how artificial intelligence is built, taught, and deployed. He holds faculty positions at Northeastern University and the University of British Columbia, where he has designed curricula and graduate programs in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Generative AI, and Data Science—reaching thousands of students across six universities and online. His industry work spans research, engineering, and leadership at startups and tech giants including Microsoft, scaling AI solutions across 40 countries for Fortune 500 companies.
A sought-after speaker with 50+ international talks and tens of top-tier peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Rad's research focuses on resource-efficient generative AI for edge deployment. He is the author of The Agentic AI Book—distilling years of building, teaching, and deploying AI into actionable insights—and shares AI perspectives on his YouTube channel.

Dr. Ryan Rad is an AI researcher, professor, and industry advisor with over 15 years shaping how artificial intelligence is built, taught, and deployed. He holds faculty positions at Northeastern University and the University of British Columbia, whe... Show more

Bertrand Delacretaz

Bertrand Delacretaz

Bertrand Delacrétaz has spent more than 40 years building software that matters, notably for the Swiss Federal Parliament, the Swiss Television (RTS), and for Adobe, where he served as Principal Scientist before retiring in early 2026. A 14-year Apache Software Foundation Board member and open-source champion, he's been a regular conference speaker for over two decades. His motto: technology should serve people, not the other way around.

Bertrand Delacrétaz has spent more than 40 years building software that matters, notably for the Swiss Federal Parliament, the Swiss Television (RTS), and for Adobe, where he served as Principal Scientist before retiring in early 2026. A 14-year Apac... Show more

Aura Buison

Aura Buison

Aura Buison was a CPA back in the Philippines. Her early career was spent working as an auditor at PwC. She later transitioned and became a Consultant/Solutions Architect for Axapta 3.0 until the latest version D365 F&O. She has over 20 years of experience in F&O Finance, and Project Management and Accounting modules.

Currently a Solutions Architect at Kroll.

Aura Buison was a CPA back in the Philippines. Her early career was spent working as an auditor at PwC. She later transitioned and became a Consultant/Solutions Architect for Axapta 3.0 until the latest version D365 F&O. She has over 20 years of expe... Show more

Ricky van Rijn

Ricky van Rijn

Practice Lead Java with over 10 years of hands-on java development experience. He is passionate about Software Development (Java, C++, Python), Robotics, IoT, Cybersecurity, opensource software and loves tech gadgets. Ricky is a speaker on conferences like Code&Comedy, DevSecCon, JFall, Devoxx UK and has a background as a lecturer on an University of Applied sciences. Besides all that Ricky is a Fitness and Martial Arts instructor and enthusiast.

Practice Lead Java with over 10 years of hands-on java development experience. He is passionate about Software Development (Java, C++, Python), Robotics, IoT, Cybersecurity, opensource software and loves tech gadgets. Ricky is a speaker on conference... Show more

Arun Gupta

Arun Gupta

Arun Gupta is a globally recognized expert in developer relations, open source strategy, and go-to-market innovation. With over 25 years of experience at Intel, Apple, Amazon, and Red Hat, he’s built developer communities that drive adoption and aligned DevRel with product, marketing, and sales to create lasting champions. Arun advocates mindfulness, kindness, and developer empathy as the foundation of modern DevRel.

He chaired the CNCF and OpenSSF governing boards, leading ecosystem growth and open source security initiatives. Arun also helped Fortune 100 companies embrace open collaboration through founding multiple open source program offices. A global speaker and author, Arun has keynoted in 50+ countries, is a Docker Captain and Java Champion, and founded Devoxx4Kids USA. He actively supports initiatives like TEDAI and the UN’s Tech Over Hackathon.

Arun Gupta is a globally recognized expert in developer relations, open source strategy, and go-to-market innovation. With over 25 years of experience at Intel, Apple, Amazon, and Red Hat, he’s built developer communities that drive adoption and alig... Show more

Ramit Paul

Ramit Paul

As a Senior Manager at Protiviti, I leverage my 12+ years of experience in ERP consulting to deliver hands-on application expertise to key stakeholders. I am a Microsoft MVP (Business Application) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with a proven track record of implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations solutions across diverse industries.

I am passionate about streamlining business processes, enhancing service innovation, and enabling customer value. I have successfully led and contributed to multiple projects involving finance, operations, supply chain, and retail modules, using agile methodologies and Six Sigma tools. I am also skilled in Microsoft products and business analysis, and I constantly seek to expand my knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of Microsoft Dynamics 365.

As a Senior Manager at Protiviti, I leverage my 12+ years of experience in ERP consulting to deliver hands-on application expertise to key stakeholders. I am a Microsoft MVP (Business Application) and a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with a proven tra... Show more

Leszek Michalak

Leszek Michalak

For over nine years, Leszek Michalak has been a data professional within large-scale corporate environments. His career trajectory began in data analysis, evolved through business intelligence development, and for the past five years, has been focused on specialization in data engineering.

He operates at the intersection of managing complex legacy systems and architecting modern data solutions. His main focus is designing and implementing systems with thoughtful architecture, operational simplicity, and unwavering reliability.

For over nine years, Leszek Michalak has been a data professional within large-scale corporate environments. His career trajectory began in data analysis, evolved through business intelligence development, and for the past five years, has been focuse... Show more

Piotr Zaniewski

Piotr Zaniewski

An active contributor to open source, content creator on Medium and YouTube, focusing on practical, scalable solutions in cloud-native environments. DevOps and Platform Engineering practitioner and advocate.

An active contributor to open source, content creator on Medium and YouTube, focusing on practical, scalable solutions in cloud-native environments. DevOps and Platform Engineering practitioner and advocate. Show more

Marcin Zajkowski

Marcin Zajkowski

Marcin Zajkowski's journey with Umbraco (.NET, Open Source) began back in 2008 while he was doing an internship in Microsoft. Today he works with the leading UK/Worldwide Umbraco Gold Partner - Novicell - as Senior Solution Architect and Country Manager in Poland. Marcin is also responsible for organizing Umbraco PL Festival as well as the Poland Umbraco Meetup group + together with his colleague Callum Whyte, he is hosting umbraCoffee LIVE on YouTube, where they're chatting about what happened in the community / Umbraco in each following week.

Besides Umbraco, Marcin is also a co-owner and CTO/CKO in a programming school for children - WOW School - where he is also teaching young minds how to code (Umbraco included! ;)).

Marcin Zajkowski's journey with Umbraco (.NET, Open Source) began back in 2008 while he was doing an internship in Microsoft. Today he works with the leading UK/Worldwide Umbraco Gold Partner - Novicell - as Senior Solution Architect and Country Mana... Show more

Torsten Ahlemeyer

Torsten Ahlemeyer

Torsten Ahlemeyer has been realizing billing, workflow, ticket and master data applications in major projects for over 20 years. The business informatics graduate started out as a developer and then made a name for himself as a project manager in software development in the field of international projects. The Microsoft technology from the operating system to the programming languages was used in all projects in the same way as the MS SQL server (SSAS, SSIS, SSRS, ...). As an IT consultant, Torsten Ahlemeyer helps customers of arelium GmbH mainly in the role of project manager, but also as an architect, DB consultant or T-SQL specialist in the implementation of complex database projects.

Torsten Ahlemeyer has been realizing billing, workflow, ticket and master data applications in major projects for over 20 years. The business informatics graduate started out as a developer and then made a name for himself as a project manager in sof... Show more

Deepti Bahel

Deepti Bahel

Deepti Bahel is a seasoned Senior Business Intelligence Engineer with over 12 years of experience transforming complex data into meaningful, actionable insights. With a Master’s in Business Analytics from Purdue University and a strong background in BI tools like Power BI, Tableau, and Looker, Deepti has led analytics transformations at companies like Intuit, Google, Wayfair, and Hanna Andersson.

As a kidney transplant recipient and health coach, Deepti brings a unique perspective to healthcare analytics—combining deep technical knowledge with a mission-driven approach to improving patient outcomes through data.

She specializes in building self-service BI platforms, streamlining data pipelines using tools like Superglue, Databricks, and Snowflake, and bridging the gap between technical teams and non-technical decision-makers. Her recent work focuses on embedding analytics into operational workflows through interactive apps powered by Streamlit and AI-driven assistants.

Deepti is also an active mentor, speaker, and advocate for data equity in healthcare, featured by media outlets like India Currents and KnowFix News, and regularly invited to speak at data and health tech panels.

Deepti Bahel is a seasoned Senior Business Intelligence Engineer with over 12 years of experience transforming complex data into meaningful, actionable insights. With a Master’s in Business Analytics from Purdue University and a strong background in ... Show more

Melanie Suzanne Wilson

Melanie Suzanne Wilson

Melanie Suzanne Wilson is now available as a keynote speaker, emcee, or facilitator.

Melanie shares insights about personal branding, sustainable lifestyle, networking, diversity, inclusion, and confident public speaking.

Melanie Suzanne Wilson founded The Motivate Collective, a wellness discussion provider. Melanie hosted podcast recordings with acclaimed experts, storytellers, and advocates.

Melanie has been a speaker for more than a decade and a half. Melanie learned presentation techniques from her grandparents, Gary Wilson OAM and the late Elizabeth Wilson OAM.

She is available now in Sydney, regional NSW, further locations in Australia, and internationally.

Melanie Suzanne Wilson is now available as a keynote speaker, emcee, or facilitator. Melanie shares insights about personal branding, sustainable lifestyle, networking, diversity, inclusion, and confident public speaking. Melanie Suzanne Wilson... Show more

Wendy Bolívar

Wendy Bolívar

Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and multilingual professional with over 20 years of experience unlocking growth for individuals and Fortune 500 companies. Passionate about empowering professionals—particularly women in their 30s and 40s—to navigate career transitions, refine their executive presence, and gain clarity for purposeful advancement. Expert in combining data-driven strategy with behavioral coaching techniques to drive both personal transformation and business conversion.

Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and multilingual professional with over 20 years of experience unlocking growth for individuals and Fortune 500 companies. Passionate about empowering professionals—particularly women in their 30s and 40s—to navigate c... Show more

Heather Cook

Heather Cook

Heather Cook is Principal PM Manager for the Microsoft 365 Customer Advocacy Group within Microsoft’s Collaborative Applications and Platform Group. She leads engagement, evangelism, and growth strategies, building programs and connections between Microsoft and its global community. A former Microsoft MVP for Microsoft 365 Apps and Services, Heather brings over two decades of experience as a marketing executive for leading tech companies and as Founder of Creative Maven, her impact consultancy. As a consultant, executive event producer, and fractional Chief Marketing Officer, she has delivered thousands of events, campaigns, and experiences across high‑tech and entertainment. Heather is a seasoned keynote speaker, moderator, and host, and an avid writer who publishes Maven Musings on LinkedIn and her cultural Substack, Heddas Mix Tape. Her Microsoft origin story is featured in The Women of Microsoft. Based in Marina del Rey, California, she travels globally to speak on healthy workplaces, power skills, community, and inclusion.

Heather Cook is Principal PM Manager for the Microsoft 365 Customer Advocacy Group within Microsoft’s Collaborative Applications and Platform Group. She leads engagement, evangelism, and growth strategies, building programs and connections between Mi... Show more

Thomas Heinrichs

Thomas Heinrichs

Thomas is Smart Automation Lead at Miragon. For over six years he has been helping organizations digitize their processes in a structured way, automate them with purpose, and transform them sustainably.
His experience spans classical process management, methodical training in BPM, and the architecture of complex automation solutions in large organizations. As a Solution Architect he designs scalable process architectures, integrates heterogeneous system landscapes, and ensures that functional and non-functional requirements receive the same attention as governance, compliance, and operations. He regularly shares his practical insights at conferences and industry events.

Thomas is Smart Automation Lead at Miragon. For over six years he has been helping organizations digitize their processes in a structured way, automate them with purpose, and transform them sustainably. His experience spans classical process managem... Show more

Elizabeth Guevara

Elizabeth Guevara

Claudia Elizabeth Guevara Urbina, M.A., is a Mexican and internationally recognized speaker known for her ability to translate complex topics in technology and artificial intelligence into clear, practical, and motivating ideas.

She is a mentor/trainer for the BécALAS program and the Lorna Rojas Foundation, united with heart; an associate, volunteer, and speaker at WOMCY; a speaker at Talent Land 2025 and 2023; a panelist for the International Women Who Inspire Forum 2024 and 2025 and ITGAM, among others; and a judge at entrepreneurship events at AUEH. She holds a degree in Administrative Informatics, a master's degree in Business Administration, a diploma in women leaders, and several certifications in marketing, artificial intelligence, and emotional intelligence. With over 25 years of experience as a strategist, mentor, and creator of educational content, her most recent project is Sabiduría en Línea (a program airing Mondays at 7:00 pm on Radio Canacope). Constantly updating her skills, she recently participated in the 1st [event/conference/etc.]. Generation of the “Back to Lead” Program of Santander, Momlancers and Victoria 147 (Agile methodology training).

Her most recent conference was: "Freedom Begins When We Think" at the Honorable Congress of Tlaxcala (2026).

Passionate about the human impact of technology, she demonstrates that innovation is most powerful when it integrates generations and talent. As a mentor to women in technology and entrepreneurship. Elizabeth is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap through hands-on training and support in the use of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and sustainable business models.

Through her venture, Venta Casa México, where she serves as Director of Business Development, she integrates technology with human development, offering both traditional and digital real estate services. She provides comprehensive 360° services, implementing digital tools to accelerate property sales and rental transactions.

💫 Mtra. Claudia Elizabeth Guevara Urbina -
Mexicana y conferencista internacional reconocida por su capacidad de traducir temas complejos de tecnología e inteligencia artificial en ideas claras, prácticas y motivadoras.
Mentora/Capacitadora para el programa BécALAS y la Fundación Lorna Rojas unidos con el corazón, asociada, voluntaria y speaker en WOMCY, conferencista en Talent Land 2025 y 2023, panelista para el Foro Internacional Mujeres que Inspiran 2024 y 2025 e ITGAM, entre otros, jurado en eventos de emprendimiento en AUEH. Licenciada en Informática Administrativa con maestría en Administración de Negocios, Diplomado en mujeres líderes y varias certificaciones en mercadotecnia, inteligencia artificial e inteligencia emocional, más de 25 años de trayectoria como estratega, mentora y creadora de contenidos educativos en su proyecto más reciente: Sabiduría en Línea (programa lunes 7:00 pm a través de Radio Canacope) y en constante actualización acaba de formar parte de la 1ra. Generación del Programa “Back to Lead” de Santander, Momlancers y Victoria 147 (formación en metodología Ágil).

Más reciente conferencia es: "La Liberta empieza cuando pensamos" en el H. Congreso de Tlaxcala. (2026)

Apasionada por el impacto humano de la tecnología, demostrando que la innovación es más poderosa cuando integra generaciones y talento. Como mentora de mujeres en tecnología y emprendimiento, Elizabeth se dedica a cerrar la brecha de oportunidades a través de capacitación práctica y acompañamiento en el uso de inteligencia artificial, herramientas digitales y modelos de negocio sostenibles.

Desde su emprendimiento Venta Casa México como directora en Desarrollo de Negocios, integrando el uso de la tecnología con el desarrollo humano, inmobiliaria tradicional y digital que ofrece servicios 360° implementando servicios digitales para acelerar los cierres de negocio en venta y renta de propiedades.

Claudia Elizabeth Guevara Urbina, M.A., is a Mexican and internationally recognized speaker known for her ability to translate complex topics in technology and artificial intelligence into clear, practical, and motivating ideas. She is a mentor/t... Show more

Dan Mazzella

Dan Mazzella

Dan has been building software since before the dot-com days, responsible for the modernization, site reliability and greenfield projects, as well as responsible for hiring software and devops engineers at various stages and skill levels, from junior to architect level. He has built a career at TRIRIGA, IBM, Wipro, and now as the Global Director of Software for Arcadis, a leading design, consultancy, engineering, project and management services across every phase of asset creation and management for projects all around the world.

Dan has been building software since before the dot-com days, responsible for the modernization, site reliability and greenfield projects, as well as responsible for hiring software and devops engineers at various stages and skill levels, from junior... Show more

Grace Okubo

Grace Okubo

Grace Okubo uses strategic foresight to tackle complex problems for organisations.

Grace Okubo uses strategic foresight to tackle complex problems for organisations. Show more

Pierre Fervel

Pierre Fervel

Développeur fullstack senior & game dev

Fullstack avec 10+ ans d'expérience : Java Spring Boot, Angular/TypeScript.
Game dev passionné : Godot (C#/GDScript), game jams régulières (Global Game Jam, Ludum Dare).

Conférencier : DevFest Strasbourg, BreizhCamp. Talks internes

Mission : lier expertise pro et passion jeux vidéo pour des projets et des architectures résilientes sous pression 🎮💻

Développeur fullstack senior & game dev Fullstack avec 10+ ans d'expérience : Java Spring Boot, Angular/TypeScript. Game dev passionné : Godot (C#/GDScript), game jams régulières (Global Game Jam, Ludum Dare). Conférencier : DevFest Strasbour... Show more

Ilana Gasa

Ilana Gasa

Ilana Gasa is a Zimbabwean digital rights researcher, advocate, and youth leader working at the intersection of freedom of expression, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and media resilience. She is the founder of the Digital Defense Blueprint (DDB), a youth-led initiative, and an awardee of the Freedom of Expression (FOX) Fellowship project supported by DW Akademie and Spaces of Solidarity.

Her work through the Digital Defense Blueprint is grounded in participatory research and creative advocacy, including policy research on “Surveillance and the Self” with Policy Lab Africa, the Free2Express public awareness campaign, and ongoing initiatives that promote media freedom, digital safety, and inclusion. Through DDB, she equips young people and women journalists with practical tools to counter misinformation, navigate online harassment, and protect data in increasingly surveilled digital spaces.

She is an Internet Society Early Career Fellow (Alumni), and ITU-certified in Emerging Technologies and Human Rights Online. Ilana is committed to building inclusive, youth-driven, and rights-centered digital futures across Africa.

Ilana Gasa is a Zimbabwean digital rights researcher, advocate, and youth leader working at the intersection of freedom of expression, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and media resilience. She is the founder of the Digital Defense Blueprint (D... Show more

Hendrika Willemse-Vreugdenhil

Hendrika Willemse-Vreugdenhil

From World Champion Karate to Sales Powerhouse: Now the go-to performance strategist for ambitious IT/Tech companies who want to be extraordinary!

Here’s the journey so far:

I started on the tatami, not in a business school.

As a 3x World Champion and 2x European Champion in karate, I trained to perform under pressure.
Where precision, discipline, and resilience weren’t optional. They were survival.
That mindset didn’t stay in sport. It became my edge in business.

I brought that exact mindset into Tech.

Over the past 23 years, I’ve sold over €150M in revenue, built and sold companies, and led high-performing teams.
By 27, I achieved financial freedom. At 35, I smashed quota during maternity leave.

Not because I did more… But because I did what mattered, with brutal clarity.

That’s what separates ordinary performance from extraordinary outcomes.

Today, I’m a keynote speaker and performance strategist for ambitious Tech companies.
I speak at global sales kickoffs, customer events, leadership summits, offsites, and high-growth team events.
Delivering bold, empowering, no-fluff talks that shift mindset and spark real action.
No sugarcoating. Just power, clarity, and practical frameworks that stick.

My approach blends performance psychology, sales strategy, storytelling that sells, and systems that scale. So teams don’t just get inspired, they get transformed.

I’m the author of High Performance Lifestyle, High Performance Sales, Kick-Ass, and I created The Kata Playbook: a high-performance operating model that helps teams think, train, and perform like elite athletes.


Because extraordinary isn’t an accident, it’s trained and build!

I work with founders who are scaling fast and hungry for clarity, CROs who want execution over excuses, sales leaders ready to build extraordinary teams, corporate teams stuck in the hustle cycle, and companies ready to ditch mediocrity and build legendary performance cultures.

You can work with me through speaking, accelerators, crafting extraordinary content, or by grabbing one of my books.


At Playbook.fm, my partner in crime and I dive deep with IT leaders and experts to uncover what it really takes to build next-level MSPs and IT service providers. Together, we’re shaping the ultimate performance playbook.

If you’re done with “good enough” and ready to train, think, and lead like an elite, let’s talk!

Because ordinary is forgettable.

And you weren’t built for that.

You were built for more. For impact. For extraordinary!

H ✌🏻

From World Champion Karate to Sales Powerhouse: Now the go-to performance strategist for ambitious IT/Tech companies who want to be extraordinary! Here’s the journey so far: I started on the tatami, not in a business school.
 As a 3x World Ch... Show more

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