Stella Smiljkovic is CEO & Founder of Feedbacktime, where privacy-first technology drives human-centered transformation. Drawing from over 15+ years of experience in corporate innovation in the Automotive and Energy domain, she advises emerging tech leaders, startups and investment teams. She combines her engineering expertise with strategic foresight to help organizations navigate digital transformation. Her current focus includes cybersecurity, ethical tech development, and human-AI-hybrid workforces.

Stella Smiljkovic is CEO & Founder of Feedbacktime, where privacy-first technology drives human-centered transformation. Drawing from over 15+ years of experience in corporate innovation in the Automotive and Energy domain, she advises emerging tech ... Show more

Chris writes things.

Most of the time, he's writing code as a senior software engineer at his 9-5 working for SAS. Occasionally, usually late at night after his wife and three kids are asleep, it means writing fiction (often in the horror and fantasy space) as he prepares to launch his self-publishing author career.

Chris is passionate about helping people understand new or complex topics in ways that are engaging and entertaining, building software responsibly, and reminding engineers that curiosity and empathy are just as important as technical skill.

An extroverted engineer who genuinely enjoys speaking to a room full of people for 20+ minutes, Chris' presenting style has been described as "modern, with a TikTok flair" -- one of the greatest compliments he's ever received.

When he's not "writing things," you'll find him paying video games, reading fiction, or spending time with his favorite people (the aforementioned wife and three kids). he's also incredibly talented, funny, and a general pleasure to be around. And as an aside, he _insists_ that he did not write this bio.

Chris writes things. Most of the time, he's writing code as a senior software engineer at his 9-5 working for SAS. Occasionally, usually late at night after his wife and three kids are asleep, it means writing fiction (often in the horror and fant... Show more

Neha Lagoo Ratnakar is a tiny speaker with a big name and an even bigger message. Her talks are part wakeup call and part kick in the behind.

Neha’s bestselling book, Back on Your Feet (Goodreads 4.5, Amazon 4.7) has helped hundreds of women start their career comeback journey and she’s spent hours directly coaching them.

But throughout her career spanning 8 countries, and her work as the Head of Education at a non-profit in Europe, she was shocked to hear that it was difficult for leaders to bridge the gender numbers despite their best intentions.

So Neha made it her mission to help organisations bridge this gap and support women on their journey.

What she has to say may offend you, could provoke you, but will definitely make you think. If you’re looking for a keynote speaker who can talk from authentic global experiences infused with actionable insights, then Neha is your choice.

Neha Lagoo Ratnakar is a tiny speaker with a big name and an even bigger message. Her talks are part wakeup call and part kick in the behind. Neha’s bestselling book, Back on Your Feet (Goodreads 4.5, Amazon 4.7) has helped hundreds of women star... Show more

I am a senior AI business consultant and executive thought leader who helps leaders turn intent into funded value. Drawing on more than 25+ years in transformation, he coaches boards and C-suites to move beyond trend-chasing and build repeatable systems for AI success: pick problems that matter, integrate into the operating model, keep humans in the loop, govern with transparency, and measure value in real time.

My approach is business-first and no tool worship, no jargon. I partner with leadership teams to create a focused portfolio, stage-gates that “kill the hype,” and executive scorecards that show payback, IRR, and capacity unlocked. He helps organizations define new leadership roles for the AI era, stand up skilling paths, and align culture and incentives so adoption sticks.

I make AI decisions board-ready with clear strategy, visible risk controls, accountable owners, and results the P&L can see.

I am a senior AI business consultant and executive thought leader who helps leaders turn intent into funded value. Drawing on more than 25+ years in transformation, he coaches boards and C-suites to move beyond trend-chasing and build repeatable syst... Show more

2020-2026 Microsoft Regional Director
2015-2026 Microsoft MVP for Business Application

With experience in Microsoft Dynamics ERP (NAV/AX) that goes further back than anyone in Japan, Ryo has taken part in international projects in Japan and 33 other countries for 25 years, travelling enough miles to circle the globe some 90 times. He is continually involved with several international projects. Since 2018, we have been promoting projects in the area of ERP and CRM integration, low code and Power Platform. Other activities include contributing articles to Japanese IT media and serving on the executive committee of the Global IT Community.

He has made appearances at many related events as a speaker in Japan and abroad on the strength of his project experience, expertise in R&D for Dynamics 365, and the global network he maintains with Microsoft and other Dynamics partners. Have done more than 100 Microsoft Dynamics Projects, more than 750 Pre-Sales Activities, and more than 80 Microsoft Global Event Attendees.

At Kobe University, Ryo majored in multivariate analysis. Having experienced one of the biggest earthquakes in Kobe, he had participated in volunteer IT event activities in the Tohoku disaster area with other Microsoft MVPs and IT community leaders.
Loves Rugby and American football because he used to play.

Profile： bit.ly/Dynamics365JP

2020-2026 Microsoft Regional Director 2015-2026 Microsoft MVP for Business Application With experience in Microsoft Dynamics ERP (NAV/AX) that goes further back than anyone in Japan, Ryo has taken part in international projects in Japan and 33 ot... Show more

Shadrack Kiprotich is a 3X Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in Power Apps & Copilot Studio and a seasoned Power Platform Developer specializing in low-code, automation, and AI-driven solutions. With extensive experience architecting enterprise-grade applications at organizations in the healthcare, non-profits, banks and microfinance institutions, telcos, he has delivered transformative digital solutions that streamline operations, enhance collaboration, and integrate AI copilots into business-critical workflows.

As a Power Platform & AI Integration Lead, Shadrack has designed custom Copilot agents, automated end-to-end business processes with Power Automate, and deployed secure integrations with Dataverse, SharePoint, SQL Server, and external APIs. His expertise extends to implementing CI/CD pipelines, governance, and Application Insights monitoring for production-ready Copilot solutions.

Beyond enterprise delivery, Shadrack is an active community leader. He has trained 400+ professionals, mentored developers across Africa, spoken at international tech conferences, and led hands-on Copilot Studio workshops. He also contributes regularly to Microsoft tech communities, including Power Platform User Group Kenya, Experts Live, and the Microsoft Community Hub, where he shares best practices on Copilot, AI Builder, and Power Platform.

Shadrack is passionate about empowering organizations and individuals to adopt responsible AI and low-code technologies to drive digital transformation.

Shadrack Kiprotich is a 3X Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in Power Apps & Copilot Studio and a seasoned Power Platform Developer specializing in low-code, automation, and AI-driven solutions. With extensive experience architecting enterpr... Show more

Experienced domain architect and certified TOGAF practitioner, business-driven and technology-savvy, with a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that address complex business challenges and streamline IT and digital operations in alignment with long-term business strategies.

Proficient in designing enterprise solutions and guiding organizations through digital transformation to enhance business performance and maximize customer value.

Specialized in digital marketing, Adobe, Azure, Microservices, Domain-Driven Design, building technology initiatives and capabilities.

Experienced domain architect and certified TOGAF practitioner, business-driven and technology-savvy, with a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions that address complex business challenges and streamline IT and digital operations in al... Show more

Brian is the Director of Design and Delivery at DevObsessed, an IT services and consulting company based in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 18+ years of experience, he specializes in delivering user-centered solutions across industries such as retail, finance, government, and healthcare.

Brian is the Director of Design and Delivery at DevObsessed, an IT services and consulting company based in Omaha, Nebraska. With over 18+ years of experience, he specializes in delivering user-centered solutions across industries such as retail, fin... Show more

Lai Wai Kit is a cross-industry enterprise leader focused on transformation, ecosystem growth, and leadership at scale. He works with diversified organisations navigating strategic change, AI adoption, and business transformation, and writes about strategy, execution, and governance in complex enterprises.

Lai Wai Kit is a cross-industry enterprise leader focused on transformation, ecosystem growth, and leadership at scale. He works with diversified organisations navigating strategic change, AI adoption, and business transformation, and writes about st... Show more

Brooke is an Angular GDE, software engineer, Technical Program Manager, & community builder. She is the Director of the Angular Community Meetup & a co-producer/host of the Dev Life Podcast. Brooke has a strong passion for education & helping others find success in their developer journeys. Outside of programming, Brooke can be found following the sun and geeking out on Star Wars.

Brooke is an Angular GDE, software engineer, Technical Program Manager, & community builder. She is the Director of the Angular Community Meetup & a co-producer/host of the Dev Life Podcast. Brooke has a strong passion for education & helping others ... Show more

I am a DBA since 1997 and have worked with SQL6, 6,5 and upwards. My interest are merely platform based, but also interested in performance and monitoring. With the requirements changing I am working in DevSEcOps for SQL for my employer. Security is getting more focus. That means I am trying to setup builds that are secure by designed and securely designed. Tools help with that.

I am a DBA since 1997 and have worked with SQL6, 6,5 and upwards. My interest are merely platform based, but also interested in performance and monitoring. With the requirements changing I am working in DevSEcOps for SQL for my employer. Security is ... Show more

Microsoft infrastructure specialist with over 20 years of experience in implementing, operating, and securing complex IT environments for large organizations. Specialized in leading Microsoft 365 migration projects, delivering solutions that are both technically robust and aligned with strategic business goals.

In recent years, the focus has shifted toward cybersecurity, with deep expertise in Zero Trust architecture, Active Directory tiering and hardening, data loss prevention (DLP), and Microsoft Purview Information Protection.

Over the past year, particular attention has been given to data security in a Copilot-enabled environment. With Microsoft Copilot becoming a key part of the modern workplace, extensive experience has been gained in helping organizations manage the associated security and compliance risks ensuring that Copilot serves as a controlled and value-generating platform rather than a potential data exposure.

Combines strong technical capabilities with a solid understanding of regulatory requirements and operational practices across both public and private sectors. Supports organizations in navigating the evolving, AI-driven IT landscape with clarity, control, and confidence.

Microsoft infrastructure specialist with over 20 years of experience in implementing, operating, and securing complex IT environments for large organizations. Specialized in leading Microsoft 365 migration projects, delivering solutions that are both... Show more

Aryan is a senior security researcher specialising in the intricate dance of offensive evasion and defensive bypass. With nearly six years of focused experience, including a tenure with the Government of India, he dissects modern AV and EDR systems by targeting their core architectural assumptions on Windows and nix platforms. His deep work in malware development and low-level programming fuels the creation of advanced tooling for red team engagements, where he has successfully navigated fortified environments. An avid contributor to the community, Aryan has shared his findings at venues including WildWest Hackin' Fest, The Hack Summit, and CarolinaCon, and has led technical training sessions at BSides events. His research extends to pioneering fuzzing implementations and automation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in security research.

Aryan is a senior security researcher specialising in the intricate dance of offensive evasion and defensive bypass. With nearly six years of focused experience, including a tenure with the Government of India, he dissects modern AV and EDR systems b... Show more

I am an experienced software developer and engineering leader, who loves learning and sharing.

I am an experienced software developer and engineering leader, who loves learning and sharing. Show more

I am an Executive Program Manager and senior technology leader, responsible for leading large-scale modernization and digital transformation programs across the Welfare Public Administration domain. I oversee end-to-end program delivery with accountability for outcomes, budget, and execution across a broad portfolio. In this role, I coordinate multiple streams and cross-functional teams, guiding Program Managers, Solution Architects, and Engineering teams within the Digital Innovation Services area. Alongside program governance, I define and drive the technical strategy for the domain, setting standards, shaping solution directions and reference architectures, and enabling innovation to improve quality, speed, and sustainability of delivery.

With a strong academic foundation as a Computer Engineer with a Master’s degree from La Sapienza, University of Rome, I combine over a decade of hands-on technical expertise with proven leadership in complex enterprise environments. My professional background spans modern technology stacks, including microservices, cloud-native architectures, and the replacement of large-scale legacy systems, underpinned by a deep understanding of distributed systems and high-performance computing.

Earlier in my career, I contributed to internationally recognized research in distributed and adaptive systems, publishing an IEEE paper presented at the "Self-Adaptive and Self-Organizing Systems" Conference. I maintain active engagement in the technology community as a member of the .NET Foundation, Developers Italia, and the Associazione Nazionale di Crittografia "De Componendis Cifris," and I am a regular technical speaker at events such as SharpCoding, Codemotion, and DotNetCode.

I am also registered in the European Commission expert database for potential evaluation and advisory activities in areas related to digital transformation, interoperability, innovation, and public sector modernization.

In addition to my executive responsibilities, I am the owner and contributor of several open-source projects, available on my GitHub profile:

- https://github.com/engineering87
- https://engineering87.github.io

Passionate about innovation, I thrive at the intersection of leadership, technology, and community.

I am an Executive Program Manager and senior technology leader, responsible for leading large-scale modernization and digital transformation programs across the Welfare Public Administration domain. I oversee end-to-end program delivery with accounta... Show more

Lirone Glikman is an international speaker, bestselling author, and consultant on business networking and personal branding using AI, and business development for startups and high-tech companies. She has consulted and spoken to developers, founders, and women leaders in 28 countries, sharing her methodology for achieving business results through authentic connections.

She is the author of the amazon bestseller "The Super Connector's Playbook". With over 20 years of global experience across Europe, Australia, and the U.S., she brings both corporate and startup perspectives to the tech world. Lirone contributes to leading global magazines and serves as an executive director at a UN-affiliated NGO supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.

Lirone Glikman is an international speaker, bestselling author, and consultant on business networking and personal branding using AI, and business development for startups and high-tech companies. She has consulted and spoken to developers, founders,... Show more

Piyush Verma is a SaaS entrepreneur. Over the last decade, he has focused on and built software observability and big data SaaS companies.
Previously, he built a time series data warehouse capable of handling billions of cardinalities. In his past roles, he has worked as an SRE and CTO for consumer-facing software companies.

Piyush Verma is a SaaS entrepreneur. Over the last decade, he has focused on and built software observability and big data SaaS companies. Previously, he built a time series data warehouse capable of handling billions of cardinalities. In his past r... Show more

Kaustubh is a Senior Backend Engineer who has led multiple cross-platform initiatives at Mercari, Japan’s largest e-commerce marketplace. He has 6 research publications, in the domain of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Artificial Intelligence - all before AI was cool. He has a keen interest in B2B SaaS businesses, and ran a podcast interviewing startup founders in Japan.

He has presented at conferences, community events, and internal engineering training sessions on topics including software engineering, resilience, open source, and AI. Originally from India and now based in Japan, he enjoys exploring the intersection of technology, systems thinking, and human collaboration.

Kaustubh is a Senior Backend Engineer who has led multiple cross-platform initiatives at Mercari, Japan’s largest e-commerce marketplace. He has 6 research publications, in the domain of Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Artificial I... Show more

I'm a 27-year-old Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft with a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence from KU Leuven. I'm passionate about everything from data, cloud, and edge computing to machine learning and new technologies.

Outside of my day job, I enjoy contributing to open-source projects on GitHub, sharing knowledge through technical articles published on Microsoft Tech Community and Medium. Also, I try to stay active through sports. I’m always eager to learn, build, and connect with people who are passionate about technology and innovation.

I'm a 27-year-old Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft with a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence from KU Leuven. I'm passionate about everything from data, cloud, and edge computing to machine learning and new technologies. Outside of my ... Show more

Vitthal is a Staff Data Engineer and Software Architect with over 12 years of experience in designing scalable data pipelines, building AI-driven systems, and translating complex business needs into robust technical architecture. He holds deep expertise in data engineering, distributed systems, and backend frameworks. Outside of work, Vitthal is an avid cook, watch aficionado, and enjoys long drives, exploring cultures, and writing about tech & life.

Vitthal is a Staff Data Engineer and Software Architect with over 12 years of experience in designing scalable data pipelines, building AI-driven systems, and translating complex business needs into robust technical architecture. He holds deep expert... Show more

As a seasoned IT professional with over a decade of experience in system and network administration, I have honed an extensive skill set in managing and securing complex IT infrastructures. My expertise lies in Azure infrastructure management, server administration, and network security, underpinned by a strong foundation in various programming languages and platforms. I am recognized for my ability to develop and implement robust IT systems, ensuring optimal performance and security compliance. My role in supervising and mentoring teams has further enriched my leadership capabilities. With advanced degrees in Computer Science and Project Management, coupled with a suite of professional certifications from Microsoft and other leading institutions, I bring a blend of technical prowess, strategic planning, and project supervision skills. This unique combination enables me to contribute effectively to the evolving needs of dynamic IT environments.

As a seasoned IT professional with over a decade of experience in system and network administration, I have honed an extensive skill set in managing and securing complex IT infrastructures. My expertise lies in Azure infrastructure management, server... Show more

Ashwin Tahiliani is an Architect-Urban Designer by qualification, storyteller by passion and a founder by the pandemic!
In his previous life, he helped plan walkable neighbourhoods, a Ladakhi university and revival of urban lakes. But then the pandemic hit… and his projects went kaput :( With work at a standstill, he started on a journey called 'ATLASkeeda' - with a mission to tell stories from India and the world everyday.
Today, ATLASkeeda has evolved into a design studio, and with his team, he helps brands and people tell stories visually.
Funny, he was once introduced as a "drawer!"

Ashwin Tahiliani is an Architect-Urban Designer by qualification, storyteller by passion and a founder by the pandemic! In his previous life, he helped plan walkable neighbourhoods, a Ladakhi university and revival of urban lakes. But then the pande... Show more

I’m a UX strategy leader with two decades of experience building and transforming complex ecosystems across enterprise platforms, industrial systems, and digital transformation programs. I’ve led global UX teams, shaped enterprise design systems, and influenced product strategy where the cost of poor decisions is measured in millions—not pixels.

My work sits at the intersection of human behavior, trust, and business strategy—helping organizations move beyond usability and toward meaningful human-centered outcomes. I believe the future of UX is not about simplifying complexity, but helping people navigate it with confidence.

I’m passionate about redefining design’s role in the age of AI—where the real challenge is not better interfaces, but preserving trust, control, and human dignity.

I’m a UX strategy leader with two decades of experience building and transforming complex ecosystems across enterprise platforms, industrial systems, and digital transformation programs. I’ve led global UX teams, shaped enterprise design systems, and... Show more

Lavish, a DevOps Engineer from India, is an LFX Mentee who has significantly contributed to Kubernetes Reference Docs generator project. An active contributor to etcd, Kubernetes and part of the Kubernetes release team v1.32. He loves deep diving into distributed systems and creating articles on them. His best days are when he finds ways to create impact in the communities.

Lavish, a DevOps Engineer from India, is an LFX Mentee who has significantly contributed to Kubernetes Reference Docs generator project. An active contributor to etcd, Kubernetes and part of the Kubernetes release team v1.32. He loves deep diving int... Show more

Gabriele Fontana è Senior Software Engineer presso RedCarbon, con vent'anni di esperienza nella progettazione di architetture solide e sicure. Le sue radici tecnologiche affondano nei LUG dei primi anni 2000, tracciando un legame indissolubile con l'Open Source.

Le sue competenze abbracciano l'intero ecosistema software, dal Frontend al Backend fino ai database. Con un DNA radicato in Linux, è specializzato nella definizione di standard architetturali e pratiche 'Secure by Design'.

Promotore della Servant Leadership, rende semplici i sistemi complessi supportando e guidando gli altri, e partecipa attivamente alle community locali (PUG Torino, Go Meetup, Open Source Saturday).

Fuori dalla console, vive di sport e montagna — dove sperimenta infortuni fantozziani — e di enogastronomia, con l'ambizione, spesso fallimentare, di replicare a casa i piatti scoperti tra colline e cantine.

Gabriele Fontana è Senior Software Engineer presso RedCarbon, con vent'anni di esperienza nella progettazione di architetture solide e sicure. Le sue radici tecnologiche affondano nei LUG dei primi anni 2000, tracciando un legame indissolubile con l'... Show more

Thomas de Klerk works as a learning consultant and trainer at Info Support, where he spends much of his time helping people make sense of complex technology — including AI.
His background is not purely technical. Early in his career he trained as a teacher at university level, later specialising in Human Resource Development. That combination still shapes how he looks at technology today: not just in terms of what it can do, but how people think, learn and make decisions around it.
His work now sits somewhere between training, facilitation and experimentation. He designs workshops, learning journeys and the occasional escape room to explore how people actually work with tools like AI in practice.
He uses AI himself, daily — which is exactly why he keeps questioning what it does to his own thinking.

Thomas de Klerk works as a learning consultant and trainer at Info Support, where he spends much of his time helping people make sense of complex technology — including AI. His background is not purely technical. Early in his career he trained as a ... Show more

Shashank Karpal leads Education & Government Programs at KodeKloud, a widely trusted hands-on learning platform for AI-native DevOps and Cloud, used by 1.5M+ learners. He works closely with CIOs, platform engineering leaders, and L&D teams to design and scale upskilling programs that help organizations move from cloud-first foundations to production-ready AI capability.

His focus is measurable learning through zero-setup labs, AI playgrounds, and real-world, job-simulated projects that build practical skills in agents and RAG workflows. He also partners with universities and public-sector stakeholders to bring industry-relevant learning into curricula and workforce initiatives, aligning outcomes to roles, certifications, and employability.

Shashank holds an MBA in Marketing & Operations and a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Communication. He speaks regularly at AI, cloud, and developer forums on practical adoption, operating models, and the skills required to run AI safely at scale.

Shashank Karpal leads Education & Government Programs at KodeKloud, a widely trusted hands-on learning platform for AI-native DevOps and Cloud, used by 1.5M+ learners. He works closely with CIOs, platform engineering leaders, and L&D teams to design ... Show more

With over 20 years of experience in IT, I specialize in designing and leading data engineering and database platform solutions for regulated industries, including healthcare and life sciences. I build secure, scalable, and GxP-compliant data platforms across on-premises and cloud environments (AWS and Azure), leveraging technologies such as SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, and Azure Synapse.

My work focuses on data integrity, security, and regulatory compliance, implementing advanced controls aligned with GxP, HIPAA, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. I combine governance-first design with modern data engineering practices to enable organizations to transform complex data ecosystems into trusted, AI-ready platforms.

I am passionate about bridging compliance and innovation—helping teams design data platforms that not only meet regulatory standards but also power advanced analytics and AI-driven insights.

With over 20 years of experience in IT, I specialize in designing and leading data engineering and database platform solutions for regulated industries, including healthcare and life sciences. I build secure, scalable, and GxP-compliant data platform... Show more

Asrar Khan is a Product Marketing Lead at Google, driving ecosystem strategy and advocacy for the Google Developer Experts (GDE) Cloud & AI program. He oversees strategic engagement for more than 700 independent technical thought leaders across 70+ countries, specializing in building high-impact developer ecosystems and aligning external advocacy with core go-to-market and product priorities. Asrar has played a crucial role in establishing bi-directional pipelines that connect early-access technical creators directly with Google’s engineering organizations—translating community signal into product roadmaps across the Cloud and AI stack. Asrar champions the "Human Stack"—empowering world-class developers not just to consume technology, but to co-create its future.

Asrar Khan is a Product Marketing Lead at Google, driving ecosystem strategy and advocacy for the Google Developer Experts (GDE) Cloud & AI program. He oversees strategic engagement for more than 700 independent technical thought leaders across 70+ c... Show more

After a career with technical roles in defence, research, and banking, I created my own startup in the UK before moving to Spain to join Typeform as CTO. After the launch of Typeform V2, I left and worked for Kfund - a Madrid based VC - as an operating partner before being on the founding team of Bravo Studio.

After a career with technical roles in defence, research, and banking, I created my own startup in the UK before moving to Spain to join Typeform as CTO. After the launch of Typeform V2, I left and worked for Kfund - a Madrid based VC - as an operati... Show more