Wes Shields, Principal and founder of Synthminds.AI, leads a team of 15 experts, propelling clients' AI strategies and objectives with ethical and innovative solutions. Under his stewardship, his full-service Artificial Intelligence agency provides bespoke services that exceed their strategic needs to an extensive list of clientele from academia to various industries including aviation, customer service, legal, marketing, logistics, education and technology. He was named one of the first 18 global “OpenAI Experts”, an endorsement awarded and recognized formally by OpenAI. Shields' exemplary work has earned him and his Synthminds team the "Expert-Vetted" AI Consultant accolade from Upwork, a title conferred on the top 1% of the 18 million professionals on the platform.

Recognized as an accomplished strategist and speaker in the field of AI, he is also the host of the popular podcast, 'How to Talk to AI.' He has a notable presence on Promptbase.com, the premier prompt sales marketplace, where his prompts rank him amongst the top 200 worldwide.

Shields possesses an impressive academic portfolio, holding an MS in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School, an MBA from the Mason School of Business at The College of William & Mary, and a BS in Economics from the esteemed United States Naval Academy. His contributions to academic research, particularly in the domains of complex network science and logistics technology integration, have been published and recognized, earning him graduate certifications from both the Kegan-Flagler School of Business at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the Naval Postgraduate School.

For more insights into his professional pursuits and areas of interest, visit https://synthminds.ai/.

Wes Shields, Principal and founder of Synthminds.AI, leads a team of 15 experts, propelling clients' AI strategies and objectives with ethical and innovative solutions. Under his stewardship, his full-service Artificial Intelligence agency provides b... Show more

I’m a marketing and brand leader with experience scaling companies like Kry/Livi, Red Bull, Burberry, and MR PORTER. I focus on building standout brands that drive growth—bringing marketing, product, and commercial strategy together to create real impact. Whether it’s go-to-market, positioning, or storytelling that converts, I know how to connect the dots and move fast.

I’m a marketing and brand leader with experience scaling companies like Kry/Livi, Red Bull, Burberry, and MR PORTER. I focus on building standout brands that drive growth—bringing marketing, product, and commercial strategy together to create real im... Show more

You need a speaker who doesn’t just hold attention-but electrifies a room. That’s me. I’m Karis Gill, multi–award-winning founder, storytelling strategies, and the go-to speaker for businesses ready to harness the neuroscience of storytelling to drive real action.

With over 100 high-impact workshops and keynotes delivered across industries, I bring high energy, sharp humour, and strategies that stick. My sessions are known for getting audiences laughing, scribbling furious notes, and walking away saying: “Why has no one taught us this before?”

Because no one teaches you how to sell, lead, or pitch through story. That’s where I come in. I show you the neuroscience and how the brain is wired for story, why decision-makers buy with emotion, not logic- and how to craft business stories that move people. This isn’t fluffy theory. It’s science-backed storytelling that gives your team an unfair advantage.

As a founder, I’ve generated multi–seven-figure revenues over the last 5 years, using the exact storytelling principles I now teach. Whether I’m delivering a keynote to thousands or running an intimate workshop for your team, my goal is the same: to make you better at storytelling than 99% of people you’ll ever meet.

If you're ready to stop sounding like everyone else and start speaking in a way that connects, converts, and compels- let’s talk.

You need a speaker who doesn’t just hold attention-but electrifies a room. That’s me. I’m Karis Gill, multi–award-winning founder, storytelling strategies, and the go-to speaker for businesses ready to harness the neuroscience of storytelling to driv... Show more

With over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology and business strategy, I specialize in harnessing cutting-edge innovations to solve complex challenges in the Pension Investment industry. As an AI Automation Coach, I’ve led transformative initiatives that have streamlined back-office and administrative operations—delivering measurable time and cost savings.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

- CIO Canada Award Winner (2023, 2024)
- Microsoft Power Champions – Enterprise Hackathon Winner

I’m passionate about driving AI-powered transformation through platforms like Microsoft Copilot and the Power Platform, enabling organizations to boost efficiency, ensure compliance, and embrace intelligent automation.

Beyond my professional role, I actively contribute to the Microsoft 365 ecosystem by speaking at official Microsoft and Power Platform Community Conferences, sharing insights and fostering innovation within the tech community.

With over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology and business strategy, I specialize in harnessing cutting-edge innovations to solve complex challenges in the Pension Investment industry. As an AI Automation Coach, I’ve led transfor... Show more

Paul is the Founder and CEO of Carbon Six Digital and Rubber Cheese. He is an Umbraco veteran of 14 years and somewhat of a lapsed developer. He likes to think outside the box, often coming up with creative technical solutions that clients didn’t know were possible. Paul oversees business development and people management at Rubber Cheese and Carbon Six but in his heart just wants to solve problems with tech.

Paul is the Founder and CEO of Carbon Six Digital and Rubber Cheese. He is an Umbraco veteran of 14 years and somewhat of a lapsed developer. He likes to think outside the box, often coming up with creative technical solutions that clients didn’t kn... Show more

Raksha S. Vashishta is a well renowned Fintech Product Leader and prominent WomenInTech speaker based in United States . With over 6+ years of experience across transportation, retail, and smart mobility sectors, she specializes in payment automation and financial technology innovation. At Verra Mobility, Raksha led groundbreaking projects including an in-house payment automation solution processing over million monthly in invoice volume and a transformative ERP implementation. Her previous role as a Payment Processing Specialist has showcased her ability to streamline financial workflows, reducing processing time by 40%. As a recognized voice at global WomenInTech conferences, Raksha advocates for technology-driven financial innovation while sharing insights on payment solutions, data analytics, and cross-functional collaboration in the evolving AI-powered payments landscape.

Raksha S. Vashishta is a well renowned Fintech Product Leader and prominent WomenInTech speaker based in United States . With over 6+ years of experience across transportation, retail, and smart mobility sectors, she specializes in payment automatio... Show more

Rebecca Barnes is a seasoned storyteller, publisher, and destination marketing expert with over 30 years of experience turning communities into compelling brands. As CEO of Imagine, a creative agency specializing in tourism marketing, author and publisher of destination lifestyle magazines, Rebecca has helped destinations—from heritage trails to wedding venues—craft narratives that resonate and drive results. Her work blends strategic insight with heart-centered storytelling, empowering destinations to connect with visitors on a deeper level. A dynamic speaker and lifelong advocate for meaningful travel, Rebecca shows tourism professionals how to go beyond the brochure and tell stories that leave a lasting impact.

Rebecca Barnes is a seasoned storyteller, publisher, and destination marketing expert with over 30 years of experience turning communities into compelling brands. As CEO of Imagine, a creative agency specializing in tourism marketing, author and publ... Show more

Allison Kozel is a seasoned educator, creative leader, and current district-level administrator with a passion for human-centered leadership. With a background that spans teaching, program management, and communications through work as a videographer aboard Princess Cruises, Allison brings a unique blend of strategic insight and heartfelt storytelling to her work. Her career took a transformative turn when she was forced to confront burnout head-on during her second year in district leadership—a moment that reshaped her perspective on wellness, balance, and what it means to lead sustainably.

Today, Allison uses her voice to advocate for the well-being of educators and administrators, weaving personal experience with practical tools that support healthier work cultures in schools. She believes that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury—it’s a leadership imperative.

Allison Kozel is a seasoned educator, creative leader, and current district-level administrator with a passion for human-centered leadership. With a background that spans teaching, program management, and communications through work as a videographer... Show more

I am a cybersecurity professional with a proven track record of identifying and securing vulnerabilities across several high-profile platforms, including Google, Facebook, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. My expertise in ethical hacking and cyber defense has earned me recognition at both national and international levels.

I have had the honor of being invited as a speaker by prestigious institutions and government bodies such as the National Informatics Centre (NIC), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Delhi University, IIT Delhi, and IIT Roorkee. In these engagements, I have shared my insights and expertise with senior scientists, government officials, and academic leaders.

My work in securing leading Indian banks—including Axis Bank, State Bank of India (SBI), and IndusInd Bank—demonstrates my commitment to enhancing cybersecurity in critical financial sectors. I have also collaborated closely with various government agencies to strengthen digital infrastructure and cyber resilience.

My contributions have been featured in prominent media outlets, including Dailyhunt News, and my recent session with NIC was broadcast live on DD News and is archived on the Government Webcast Portal.

I am a cybersecurity professional with a proven track record of identifying and securing vulnerabilities across several high-profile platforms, including Google, Facebook, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. My expertise in ethical ha... Show more

Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees arts and culture as a vehicle for social change - spearheading various cultural, brand, and social impact initiatives around the globe that aim to foster civic engagement, spark dialogue, and amplify communities.

She co-developed the Metaverse Music Festival aka MVMF, the first global music festival rooted in the metaverse; Co-produces Huellas Festival in Southern Spain; and contributes to a number of DAOs and creative communities in the Web3 ecosystem. Recently, she founded Web3 Uncut -- a dynamic tech lab building micro experiments to support creators on chain and a newsletter centering Web3 arts & culture.

You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @NatalieCrue.

Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees arts and culture as a vehicle for social change - spearheading various cultural, brand, and social impact initiatives around the globe that aim to... Show more

Cate Hollowitsch is the Chief Marketing Officer for Nesnah Ventures, a private equity firm. Cate is an energetic, results-driven marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record in all areas of marketing, including branding, innovation, and digital transformation. As an executive, she also has an extensive background in business acumen, value creation, and strategy for small to medium-sized businesses. Cate’s business success earned her a 2024 spot as one of 100 Titans of Industry for the state of Wisconsin. She is a 2024 TEDx Speaker and created the F.E.A.R. Framework™ for Selfless Leadership. She is also the author of Confidence Counts, and Mastering the Game of Office Politics and is an adjunct professor in digital marketing.

Cate Hollowitsch is the Chief Marketing Officer for Nesnah Ventures, a private equity firm. Cate is an energetic, results-driven marketing professional with more than 30 years of experience and a proven track record in all areas of marketing, includi... Show more

Elisha is a software developer with over 10 years of expertise, an accounting degree, a leader in the community and company, and a fully accredited information systems auditor. His main goals are to use cloud-based solutions, Linux, RISC-V, Python, and R coding to help the African populace. In addition to being the founder of the tech travel start-up Crestly Resorts, which uses cutting-edge tech in the tourist industry, I am a fantastic conference speaker who advocates for open-source solutions.

Elisha is a software developer with over 10 years of expertise, an accounting degree, a leader in the community and company, and a fully accredited information systems auditor. His main goals are to use cloud-based solutions, Linux, RISC-V, Python, a... Show more

Cory Lee has traveled across all seven continents and over 50 countries in his powered wheelchair while managing to run his travel blog CurbFreeWithCoryLee.com, where he shares his accessible — and sometimes not so accessible — travel adventures with others. Cory has also published a children’s book, “Let’s Explore with Cor Cor”, gained over 150,000 followers across his social media channels, hosts annual group trips, where his followers can join him in international destinations, and in 2022 he launched The Curb Free Foundation. This nonprofit provides wheelchair users with travel grants to go on their dream trip. As always, Cory’s goal is to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zones and see all of the beauty our world has to offer.

Cory Lee has traveled across all seven continents and over 50 countries in his powered wheelchair while managing to run his travel blog CurbFreeWithCoryLee.com, where he shares his accessible — and sometimes not so accessible — travel adventures with... Show more

Alejandro Moreno Lopez is a software engineer/architect who has worked in different roles, from pure development, to leading small and medium teams, to co-founding three different companies with different partners in technology, content management, marketing online and tourism. He's also been lucky enough to work and lead some of the biggest enterprise projects in Drupal like Royal Mail, Parcelforce, and BBC.

Alejandro Moreno Lopez is a software engineer/architect who has worked in different roles, from pure development, to leading small and medium teams, to co-founding three different companies with different partners in technology, content management, m... Show more

I am a versatile professional with a background in petroleum engineering and over a decade of experience in the technology industry. Currently working as a Quality Assurance Engineer at Viamo, a social enterprise.

In my position at Viamo, I work with and oversee the quality assurance process and collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish testing strategies and provide valuable feedback.

I write code in PHP/JS as a hobby.

I am a versatile professional with a background in petroleum engineering and over a decade of experience in the technology industry. Currently working as a Quality Assurance Engineer at Viamo, a social enterprise. In my position at Viamo, I work w... Show more

A technologist at heart, traveler at soul and a story teller by passion. I have worked my way up the corporate ladder in the IT Services ladder working across all major markets and continents.

A technologist at heart, traveler at soul and a story teller by passion. I have worked my way up the corporate ladder in the IT Services ladder working across all major markets and continents. Show more

I champion open-source technologies for the gaming industry at AWS, focusing on modernizing game infrastructures with containerization and cloud-native solutions. My expertise spans Kubernetes, Agones, and OpenMatch, helping developers enhance game server management and implement observability for large-scale deployments. I occasionally speak at industry events, sharing insights on cloud-native gaming challenges. Outside work, I enjoy travel, music, and family time.

I champion open-source technologies for the gaming industry at AWS, focusing on modernizing game infrastructures with containerization and cloud-native solutions. My expertise spans Kubernetes, Agones, and OpenMatch, helping developers enhance game s... Show more

Brian is a Senior Manager of Developer Relations at NetApp Instaclustr. Brian is an author, public speaker, father, tinkerer, and adventurer. When Brian is not working, you can find him spending time with his wife and 6 kids, camping/hunting, or traveling the world. Brian is ex-EMC, ex-VMware, and ex-AWS.

Brian is a Senior Manager of Developer Relations at NetApp Instaclustr. Brian is an author, public speaker, father, tinkerer, and adventurer. When Brian is not working, you can find him spending time with his wife and 6 kids, camping/hunting, or tra... Show more

I am a .Net programmer from Poznań. On a daily basis, I develop a system for managing thousands of hotels at Guestline, based on the latest capabilities of the Azure cloud. After work, I blog (http://michalbialecki.com), speak at conferences and record videos on YouTube. Plus I love traveling.

I am a .Net programmer from Poznań. On a daily basis, I develop a system for managing thousands of hotels at Guestline, based on the latest capabilities of the Azure cloud. After work, I blog (http://michalbialecki.com), speak at conferences and reco... Show more

Michelle Sahar is a dedicated cybersecurity policy specialist with extensive experience developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies. She provides expert consulting to clients, focusing on governance, AI, IoT/IT, and cloud security regulations. Her role involves crafting client-centered recommendations aligned with evolving regulatory landscapes and enhancing client partnerships with U.S. government agencies. In addition to her policy expertise, Michelle is a speaker and recently spoke at CES 2025, where she addressed key challenges in cybersecurity for smart cities.

Previously, Michelle operated at Independent Diplomat and supported efforts focused on global cybersecurity resilience by delivering strategic technology management solutions and conducting research for U.N. cyber working groups. Her work included advising developing states on cyber policy and enhancing international ICT and cybersecurity collaborations. As a Project Manager at the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Michelle addressed unemployment challenges in the cyber sector and led an international comparative research study on cyber regulations, resulting in a strategic shift in defining cyber roles and promoting cyber education.

Michelle holds a Master of International Affairs in Cybersecurity Policy and Innovation from Columbia University and a BA in Government from Reichman University. Her military background in the Israeli military, academic contributions at Reichman University, and UN work on cybersecurity matters further demonstrate her commitment and expertise in the field. She remains actively involved in the cybersecurity community through her work with non-profit organizations and professional associations, continually striving to advance cybersecurity and AI practices and policies.

Michelle Sahar is a dedicated cybersecurity policy specialist with extensive experience developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies. She provides expert consulting to clients, focusing on governance, AI, IoT/IT, and cloud security regulation... Show more

Android Engineer with more than 12 years of experience, Google Developer Expert for Android, mentor at Google for Startups Brazil and creator of Android Dev BR - the biggest Brazilian Android community out there!

Android Engineer with more than 12 years of experience, Google Developer Expert for Android, mentor at Google for Startups Brazil and creator of Android Dev BR - the biggest Brazilian Android community out there! Show more

Stephanie is a Forbes-featured author of the best-selling networking book, Confident Introvert and host of the podcast/event series, redefining what it means to be successful with less hustle and more fun, meaning and wellness, Holistic Ambition. Stephanie has helped thousands of people celebrate their strengths, step into their authentic confidence, and make meaningful connections through building out community over 1k in-person events at organizations like YPOSF, speaking at places like Harvard University, years behind-the-scenes at TEDx, and 1:1 coaching.

Stephanie is a Forbes-featured author of the best-selling networking book, Confident Introvert and host of the podcast/event series, redefining what it means to be successful with less hustle and more fun, meaning and wellness, Holistic Ambition. Ste... Show more

Quiana Berry is an international speaker, AI ethics advocate, and community builder with a background in anthropology and technology. With years of experience driving innovation in product development at Red Hat/IBM, she has worked across open-source communities, large enterprises, and tech ecosystems to ensure that agility leads to responsible and inclusive innovation.

Passionate about the intersection of AI, ethics, and diversity, Quiana has spoken at major conferences worldwide, including Open Source Summit and Linux Foundation events, sharing insights on ethical AI, inclusive Agile practices, and career growth in tech. She specializes in helping organizations navigate the challenges of Agile adoption, ensuring that Agile isn’t just about speed, but also sustainability, accessibility, and equity in tech.

Through her work, Quiana empowers organizations to break barriers, integrate ethical development, and embrace agility as a tool for driving innovation and inclusion.

Quiana Berry is an international speaker, AI ethics advocate, and community builder with a background in anthropology and technology. With years of experience driving innovation in product development at Red Hat/IBM, she has worked across open-source... Show more

An eternal learner and futurist. Lover of travel and discussions about all things related to technology and communication. Engaging in writing, speaking, and advocating for a quality culture and sustainable development. She can be found on the sky app, linkedin and substack @melthetechie

An eternal learner and futurist. Lover of travel and discussions about all things related to technology and communication. Engaging in writing, speaking, and advocating for a quality culture and sustainable development. She can be found on the sky ap... Show more

Soumyabrata is an AI enthusiast and software testing expert with over 10 years of experience in QA and a recent focus on integrating cutting-edge AI technologies into testing workflows. Passionate about leveraging AI to revolutionize software testing, he bridges the gap between theory and practice, empowering teams to achieve smarter, more efficient testing strategies.

Soumyabrata is an AI enthusiast and software testing expert with over 10 years of experience in QA and a recent focus on integrating cutting-edge AI technologies into testing workflows. Passionate about leveraging AI to revolutionize software testing... Show more

Vaibhav Chopra brings 15 years of experience in Platform Engineering, DevOps, and SRE. As an agile leader and DevOps technologist, he’s passionate about innovation and community engagement—whether it’s speaking at conferences or sharing insights through his blog. Currently, he leads the Platform Engineering Compute delivery unit at Expedia from India, driving excellence and operational efficiency at scale.

Vaibhav Chopra brings 15 years of experience in Platform Engineering, DevOps, and SRE. As an agile leader and DevOps technologist, he’s passionate about innovation and community engagement—whether it’s speaking at conferences or sharing insights thro... Show more

A passionate DevOps enthusiast, I thrive on engaging in transversal activities that prioritize stability. As DevOps Community Operation Sponsor, I have been at the forefront of driving significant technical and organizational transformations towards Cloud and distributed DevOps.
My commitment to ensuring the highest availability of our services is matched by my dedication to compliance, ensuring that all processes adhere to the strictest standards and regulations.

A passionate DevOps enthusiast, I thrive on engaging in transversal activities that prioritize stability. As DevOps Community Operation Sponsor, I have been at the forefront of driving significant technical and organizational transformations towards ... Show more

Mit über 20 Jahren Führungserfahrung in Top-Unternehmen kombiniere ich Business, Produktmanagement und IT-Expertise zu praxisnaher Beratung – immer auf Augenhöhe

Was mich auszeichnet
Verständnis für Führung: Ich spreche die Sprache von IT, Business und Strategie und kenne die Dynamiken von Startups, Mittelstand und Konzernen.
Strategischer Brückenbauer: Wo Zusammenarbeit stockt, setze ich an und schaffe verbindende Lösungen.
Schnelle Empathie & frischer Humor: Meine Kunden schätzen, wie rasch ich Empathie entwickle und mit überraschenden Perspektivwechseln Impulse gebe.

Mit über 20 Jahren Führungserfahrung in Top-Unternehmen kombiniere ich Business, Produktmanagement und IT-Expertise zu praxisnaher Beratung – immer auf Augenhöhe Was mich auszeichnet Verständnis für Führung: Ich spreche die Sprache von IT, Busine... Show more

Driven by a passion for solving complex infrastructure challenges, I've spent the last 8 years as a DevOps Engineer, specialising in workflow automation and pipeline optimisation. I believe Flyte is a game-changer for building scalable and reliable data and ML solutions. At KubeCon 2025 India, I'll demonstrate how Flyte can help you overcome common DevOps hurdles and accelerate your development cycles.

Driven by a passion for solving complex infrastructure challenges, I've spent the last 8 years as a DevOps Engineer, specialising in workflow automation and pipeline optimisation. I believe Flyte is a game-changer for building scalable and reliable d... Show more

Ramses "Rams" Meijer has demonstrated a profound capability to lead large-scale operations across the fintech and travel sectors, deftly managing extensive aspects of online technology, including product management, marketing, sales, analytics, and more. His expertise in guiding geographically dispersed teams toward rapid optimizations and strategic growth has made him a distinguished figure in these industries. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish WerkMagic in North Carolina, a full-service company specializing in property management, marketing, and consulting for short-term rental properties. As the CEO, his comprehensive understanding of sales, marketing strategies, and organizational leadership is propelling the company toward significant growth.

Before founding WerkMagic, Meijer built a robust career in hotel sales and marketing, spanning 14 years and including pivotal roles at prominent hotels such as the InterContinental in D.C. and Chicago, Omni Hotels in Dallas, and The Langham in Chicago. His extensive experience in this field is backed by a solid educational foundation from NHL Stenden Hotel Management School in The Netherlands, enhanced by a prestigious full-year internship at the Ritz-Carlton Company in the United States, where he earned multiple accolades for his performance.

Ramses, originally from Doetinchem, The Netherlands, is a polyglot fluent in English, Dutch, and German. He has lived in diverse cities across Europe and the USA, including Leeuwarden, Atlanta, Washington, DC, and currently Charlotte. He shares his life with his wife, April, their daughter, Maxime, and their two dogs, Riley and Remy. Actively involved in his daughter's academic and athletic activities, he coaches her YMCA volleyball and soccer teams, illustrating his commitment to family and community.

The Meijer family enjoys a dynamic and adventurous lifestyle, embracing travel and the great outdoors, with particular enjoyment in exploring the Carolina Mountains and annual skiing trips in Utah and Colorado. He is passionate about sports; having played soccer until his thirties, he then shifted to marathon running and triathlons, completing notable races such as the Chicago and Las Vegas marathons and the Louisville Ironman. Recently, he has taken up tennis and pickleball, participating in local leagues in Charlotte.

When he's not engaged in sports or spending quality time with family, Ramses Meijer indulges in DIY projects around the house. His recent projects include constructing a large composite deck, a yard fence, and various home improvements, showcasing his knack for hands-on tasks. Beyond personal and professional pursuits, he and his family are devoted to community service, actively volunteering and supporting local charities and initiatives, which reflects their deep commitment to contributing positively to society.

Ramses "Rams" Meijer has demonstrated a profound capability to lead large-scale operations across the fintech and travel sectors, deftly managing extensive aspects of online technology, including product management, marketing, sales, analytics, and m... Show more