Technology & AI

Andreas Welsch — Global AI Strategist, Keynote Speaker & Trusted Advisor to Business Leaders Andreas Welsch is an internationally recognized authority on artificial intelligence and one of today’s most sought-after keynote speakers for business and technology audiences. With over two decades of global leadership experience—most recently as Vice President at SAP—Andreas has helped Fortune 500 companies cut through AI hype to deliver measurable business outcomes. He is the Founder of Intelligence Briefing, the best-selling author of The AI Leadership Handbook, and a leading voice on AI strategy, adoption, and transformation. At the heart of Andreas’s work lies a clear value proposition: he helps business leaders understand how to apply AI responsibly, effectively, and profitably. He addresses the real questions facing executives and decision-makers today: How do we turn AI into business value, not just experimentation? How can we prepare our workforce for AI-powered transformation? What practical steps can we take to avoid ethical, operational, or financial pitfalls? Andreas’s keynotes are known for their clarity, strategic relevance, and deep insight. Drawing from more than two decades in the software industry and his role as a trusted advisor to senior executives, his presentations go beyond theory to offer real-world frameworks and practical steps tailored to leadership audiences. He introduces leaders to the growing landscape of AI agents, leading hybrid teams of humans and AI, and AI-driven business models, explaining not only what’s next—but what matters most and why. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice and a Top 10 Thought Leader in Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and Agentic AI by Thinkers360, Andreas brings credibility and a global perspective to every stage. He has appeared in CIO.com, VentureBeat, and InformationWeek, and serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of AI, Robotics, and Workplace Automation. He is also an adjunct professor at West Chester University, where he teaches future leaders about streamlining business functions and processes with AI. Whether advising boardrooms or delivering compelling mainstage keynotes, Andreas empowers organizations to lead with confidence in the era of AI. For audiences looking for clarity, action, and strategy—not hype—Andreas delivers a transformative experience that answers the ultimate question: What’s in it for my business? Popular Topics Include: Agentic AI: What Leaders Need to Know About the Next Generation of Intelligent Systems From Hype to Outcome: Leading AI with Purpose and Precision Building Trust in AI: How to Prepare Your Workforce for Intelligent Automation Ideal for: Executive Summits, C-Suite Strategy Offsites, AI & Innovation Conferences, Industry Forums, Leadership Retreats

Alison McCauley: Championing human potential in the age of artificial intelligence Alison McCauley is a pioneer in human-centered change, known for translating emerging technologies into strategies that empower individuals and future-ready organizations. A social scientist by training and digital transformation strategist by profession, she brings nearly 30 years of experience guiding executives through waves of tech disruption—with a sharp focus on the human dimensions of innovation. As Founder and CEO of Unblocked Future, Alison leads a consultancy that helps organizations not just keep up with emerging technologies like AI and blockchain—but drive purposeful adoption that aligns with their values and goals. She works at the forefront of responsible innovation, helping leaders and teams harness technology to amplify human capabilities, not replace them. Alison has spent more than a decade working alongside pioneers in artificial intelligence, giving her a rare, insider perspective on how AI is evolving and how organizations can prepare. Her insights are grounded in deep research and hands-on experience, making her a trusted voice for navigating today’s digital transformation. She is the author of the best-selling book Unblocked: How Blockchains Will Change Your Business, published by O’Reilly Media, and her work has been featured in respected outlets like Harvard Business Review and Forbes. As a LinkedIn Top Voice, she brings clarity and accessibility to even the most complex tech topics. Her executive education course on LinkedIn has been taken by over 100,000 learners worldwide, a testament to her skill in distilling emerging tech trends into practical, relatable learning. Whether speaking in boardrooms or on global stages, Alison is known for her clear, engaging style and actionable takeaways. A sought-after keynote speaker, she has captivated audiences at events such as the Aspen Institute’s Ideas Festival, Columbia University’s Global Freedom of Expression, and the Social Impact Summit at SXSW. Her talks tackle the pace and promise of AI head-on, offering practical strategies for individuals and institutions to navigate—and shape—the future. At the heart of Alison’s work is a single mission: to help humanity harness the opportunities of AI while ensuring its ethical and responsible development. She invites her audiences to become active participants in the digital future, not passive observers.

Meet Didem Ün Ateş Didem Ün Ateş is an internationally recognized expert in AI, Generative AI, and Responsible AI, with over 25 years of experience in technology strategy, innovation, and business transformation and 13 years in AI. As the Founder and CEO of LotusAI Ltd, she advises global Private Equity firms, Hedge Funds, and other Financial Services firms—including Goldman Sachs Asset Management and its portfolio companies—on AI strategy & adoption, responsible AI operationalization, and talent transformation. An Advisor and Generative AI Council Member at Goldman Sachs Value Accelerator, Didem also serves on the Board of the Edge AI Foundation and Wharton AI Studio, shaping the future of AI strategy and governance. Her thought leadership and contributions to responsible, inclusive AI have earned her multiple industry accolades, including Tech Women 100 Champion and Trailblazer 50. Previously, as VP of AI Strategy & Innovation at Schneider Electric, she spearheaded Generative AI strategy, implementation, and ROI analyses across 20 internal functions and 130,000 employees. At Microsoft, she played a pivotal role as part of company’s first Business AI Solutions at Microsoft Research, which then became Microsoft’s first AI SaaS Platform (Power Platform), driving enterprise AI growth. She also helped with the OpenAI Partnership and led Microsoft’s Responsible AI initiatives in their sales organization. Didem is a passionate advocate for AI for Good and has led diversity-focused AI programs, including ‘Alice Envisions the Future’ and ‘Girls in AI Hackathons’, empowering the next generation of AI leaders. A University of Pennsylvania and Columbia Business School alumna, Didem is a World Economic Forum Fellow and a Forbes Tech Council member, regularly speaking at global conferences on AI transformation, responsible AI, and AI upskilling/reskilling. She is an engaging and insightful speaker who bridges the gap between cutting-edge AI technology and responsible, inclusive leadership, making AI innovation both impactful and compassionate for organizations worldwide.

Meet Paul Gibbons Paul is the author of Adopting AI, called the 2025 AI book of the year. “Few books so artfully blend the optimism of Kurzweil with the caution of Bostrom with the pragmatism of Mollick.” — (Linus Caldwell, Alphaverse Capital) He has a global reputation as a scholar on the human side of technology—leadership, culture, digital transformation, and talent. Technology adoption, says Paul, isn’t a technology problem, it is a human problem – even more so with artificial intelligence. He has helped household names such as Microsoft, Comcast, Zappos, Shell, BP, HSBC, Barclays, PwC, KPMG, and Kaiser Permanente navigate their trickiest human capital challenges and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and The Financial Times. Paul brings clients real solutions, not management myths and pseudoscience. He challenges leaders to go beyond orthodoxy, received wisdom, and feel-good statements such as “change is the only constant” or “embrace change”—inviting them to look deeply at their own leadership capabilities. In the 2000s, Paul’s leadership consulting firm, Future Considerations, was ranked the top leadership boutique by Leadership Excellence magazine. In 2020, Paul polled at #3 in a ranking of the most influential speakers on organizational culture; in 2007, he was ranked the #2 CEO coach in the UK by CEO Magazine. In 2017, Paul was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in the UK. Paul has degrees Organizational Psychology, Philosophy, and Molecular Biology, and graduate study in Economics and Neuroscience. He has taught leadership, sociology, business ethics, and organizational change as an adjunct professor at several business schools in the US and UK. Though European, Paul lives in Colorado with his two sons and competes at the highest level internationally at in bridge and poker.

Meet Libby Jackson Libby Jackson OBE is one of Britain’s leading experts in human spaceflight, having spent nearly two decades working at the forefront of the field. Space was a childhood passion and after completing degrees in physics at Imperial College and astronautics and space engineering at Cranfield University, she has worked in the space industry ever since, joining the Science Museum in March 2025 as Head of Space. Libby spent seven years working at the European Space Agency’s Mission Control for the International Space Station in a number of roles including her dream job as a Columbus Flight Director. In 2014 she joined the UK Space Agency, where she managed the UK’s hugely successful education and outreach programme for Tim Peake’s Principia mission to the International Space Station. Over two million students took part in the activities, with one in three UK schools participating. As Head of Space Exploration she managed the UK’s activities and investments, coordinating research and industrial activities in human and robotic missions, including activities on the International Space Station and missions to the Moon and Mars. Libby joined the Science Museum in March 2025, where she plays a key role in the museum’s space-related public engagement activities while supporting the museum’s curators to acquire new space technologies for the national collection and deepening the museum’s relationships with space agencies around the globe. Libby was awarded an OBE in the 2023 New Year’s Honours list for her services to the Space Sector, and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Kent in 2021. Libby is a frequent contributor on television and radio, regularly contributing to news and science programmes. Past credits include Stargazing Live and Astronauts: Do You Have What It Takes? Libby is passionate about sharing stories of human spaceflight and encouraging young people to follow their passions in life. Her first book, A Galaxy of Her Own: Amazing Stories of Women in Space was published in 2017, and her second, Space Explorers in 2020. Both are available in physical, digital and audio editions from all good bookshops.

Jennifer Willey –  Creator of ‘Fearless in 5′ Jennifer Willey is the Founder and CEO of Wet Cement, a certified woman- and disability-owned business dedicated to building fearless and confident teams and inclusive cultures where innovation and growth thrive. Through global keynotes, workshops and leadership programs, Jennifer has empowered thousands of professionals worldwide on nearly every continent. She is the creator of the Fearless in 5 microlearning series, providing career-enhancing tips for time-starved professionals, and is currently publishing a book called “Fearless in 5: A Women’s Guide to Confidence, Communication and Courage.” A recognized expert in women’s leadership, Jennifer collaborates with global companies and associations including Walmart, Aflac, Medline, Wesco and the DPAA to tackle systemic barriers, transform culture and create actionable strategies for fostering gender equity. Jennifer’s career spans over two decades as a recognized strategy, sales and marketing executive for innovative technology, media and advertising companies, including Yahoo, AOL, pwc, WebMD and The Trade Desk. Before transitioning to corporate leadership, Jennifer was an award-winning journalist, serving as a TV news anchor and reporter for ABC and CBS affiliates, where she mastered the art of storytelling, presence and audience engagement. She first learned how to command a room when she was initially certified as a Fitness Instructor more than 30 years ago–and today, she still combines her love of empowering and motivating others to achieve their potential by teaching at Crunch Fitness. She is member of the National Speakers Association and will apply for her CSP in 2025, the Central New Jersey Chapter of the Society for Human Resources Managers (SHRM) and Diversity Alliance for Science, where she co-chairs a supplier-to-supplier leadership initiative. Beyond her corporate impact, Jennifer is deeply committed to philanthropy and advancing women. She serves on the Leadership Advisory Council for Executive Women of New Jersey, is a faculty member of the WBENC SAGE programs, training female founders, and is a mentor circle leader for NextUp, guiding rising female executives in leadership. Wet Cement proudly supports the non-profit Working for Women, helping underprivileged women gain economic independence. Jenn was also the founding chairperson of the WebMD Women’s Leadership Network and a founding member of the AOL Women’s Network. She previously served on the Board of the Alliance for Women in Media. Jennifer is proud Wet Cement earned an Ecovadis Silver Award in 2025, placing them in the top 15% of companies globally when it comes to sustainability. Jenn graduated from Cornell University with a degree in Communications, and earned her Diversity and Inclusion certificate from eCornell. She is a proud mom of two and lives in New Jersey with her husband of 25 years, who was her videographer at her first job. Achievements Founder of Wet Cement’s Advance Women at Work and Advance Women at Work Japan Inaugural Recipient of the “Driver of Diversity” Awards, by Captivate Awarded Princeton Mercer Regional Chamber’s Women of Achievement for 2023 Featured Speaker 2022, International Women’s Day Global Organization Award-Winning Sales, Marketing + Strategy Executive and Journalist Professional Appointments/Volunteer Work Gender Equality Advisor and Subject-Matter Expert for the global industry trade organization, the Digital Place-Based Ad Association (DPAA); Co-creator and Advisory Board Leader of its Women’s Leadership Initiative, WE.DOOH: 2018-Present Innovation, Inclusivity + Gender Equity Advisor for Comexposium Japan: 2019-Present Advisor, committee member and sponsor of the non-profit Working for Women: 2019-Present Event Host / Moderator + Founding member of the Enrichment Committee for Impact100 Jersey Coast, a philanthropic organization for women Expert sales and communications trainer for female entrepreneurs for UBS’ non-profit Project Entrepreneur program NextUp Mentor Circle Leader for Executive Women Executive Mentor for female leaders in technology and healthcare through Csweetener Founding chairperson of the WebMD Women’s Leadership Network Founding member of the AOL Women’s Network Former Board of Directors and Programming Chair, Alliance for Women in Media New York

Katie Prescott – Award-Winning Tech Journalist & Broadcaster, Times Technology Business Editor Named Tech Commentator of the Year at the 2024 UK Tech Awards, Katie Prescott is one of the UK’s best-known technology and business journalists – a familiar writer and voice to millions as The Times Technology Business Editor and, before that, a Senior Lead Business Presenter for Radio 4’s Today Programme and a Business Correspondent across BBC News. For readers, listeners and viewers across Times platforms. Katie reports on the dynamic changes across the tech, media and telecoms sectors and their impact on business and our everyday lives, particularly in relation to Artificial Intelligence. She’s a weekly columnist for the newspaper’s award-winning business section and hosts some of the major events staged by The Times. Alongside The Sunday Times’ West Coast Correspondent, Danny Fortson, Katie hosts The Times Tech podcast. Each week sees a fresh interview with pioneers in tech, from the brightest start-ups to the tech giants, as Katie and Danny chronicle the AI revolution. Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Sam Altman at OpenAI are just some of the senior tech leaders she has spoken to. Katie is a highly accomplished Keynote Speaker, Moderator and Event MC at events such as London Tech Week, the AI Summit and Retail Week. Clients have included Dell, The Investment Association, Accenture, Innovate Finance, the British Chambers of Commerce, The Airport Operators Association and the Institute of Chartered Accountants. She is well placed to host and facilitate at conferences and other events requiring her expertise in technology, artificial intelligence, the metaverse, business, finance, media, digital disruption and cyber security. At the BBC, Katie worked across all the corporation’s major news outlets as the on-screen face and voice explaining and analysing the tumultuous changes wrought by COVID-19, the European debt crisis and new technology. She has travelled extensively for her work, from Tanzania and Rwanda to China and America as well as working as a journalist in the BBC’s New York Bureau. Katie is writing a book about Tech Entrepreneur Mike Lynch, to be published by Pan Macmillan later this year. She has a degree in Modern Languages from Oxford and lives in London with her two children.

Eric Ries: Entrepreneur, Author, and Lean Startup Pioneer Eric Ries is an entrepreneur and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup, which has been translated into nearly thirty languages. He is the creator of the Lean Startup methodology, which has become a global movement in business, practiced by individuals and companies around the world. His most recent book, The Startup Way, offers a fresh perspective on how modern companies use entrepreneurial management to transform culture, grow revenues, drive innovation, and poise themselves to take advantage of the enormous opportunities of the twenty-first century. He has founded a number of startups including IMVU, where he served as CTO, and he has advised on business and product strategy for startups, venture capital firms, and large companies, including GE, where he partnered with them on the FastWorks program. Eric served as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Harvard Business School, IDEO, and Pivotal and he is the founder and CEO of the Long Term Stock Exchange. In 2015, he ran a Kickstarter campaign to produce The Leader’s Guide, which went on to become one of the top Kickstarter book campaigns of all time. Eric lives in San Francisco with his wife and two children.

About Lara Lewington Lara is a TV presenter, journalist, and documentary maker specialising in lifestyle technology. She co-presents the BBC’s flagship technology show, Click (BBC One / BBC News). Having studied AI Ethics, and with a passion for people’s understanding artificial intelligence’s possibilities and limitations, she’s become a leading commentator across the media. Lara has presented the BBC Panorama programme Beyond Human: Artificial Intelligence and Us and Tonight: Healthy Ageing for ITV1 and has written numerous articles on the topic. Lara has appeared as an expert across a range of outlets including ITV’s Lorraine, BBC1’s The One Show, ITV’s Good Morning Britain, and has fronted several documentaries for Radio 4 including “A Documentary: By ChatGPT”. Her other passion for living our healthiest lives for longer has seen her not only often wear an array of trackers, but also make a lot of content on longevity and health innovation. Her BBC documentary, “Forever Young?” saw her quest to separate science from snake oil, unravelling the real evidence of how we may be able to increase our “healthspans”. Before joining Click in 2011, Lara’s media experience was vast and varied. She started out as a reporter for Channel Five, interviewing the biggest stars in the world, and fitting in a few gadget reviews for the channel when she had time. She was the technology columnist for the UK’s biggest selling weekly magazine, Woman, for four years, and has written for many other publications.

Riaz Shah: Pioneering Business Transformation With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Riaz Shah has established himself as a leading authority in business growth and transformation. His extensive experience encompasses leadership coaching, navigating digital disruption, and interpreting global megatrends, positioning him as a trusted advisor for organizations aiming to excel in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Professional Trajectory During his 27-year tenure as a partner at EY, Riaz held pivotal roles, including Global Learning Leader and Managing Partner of London Assurance. His strategic contributions in quality assurance and technology consulting were instrumental in shaping EY’s global operations. Notably, Riaz spearheaded educational initiatives that impacted more than 400,000 employees, equipping them with the skills necessary for the future of work. Academic Contributions In his current role as Professor of Practice for Innovation & Leadership at Hult International Business School, Riaz mentors senior executives on navigating complex global trends such as digital disruption and megatrends. His commitment to fostering innovation and leadership prepares leaders to approach the future with confidence and agility. Key Achievements Order of the British Empire (OBE): In 2023, Riaz was honored with an OBE by King Charles III for his significant contributions to education. Educational Transformation at EY: He led the development of the EY Tech MBA, a groundbreaking program designed to equip professionals with advanced technology and leadership skills, thereby future-proofing the workforce. Leadership Philosophy Riaz’s approach to leadership is characterized by the integration of data-driven insights with personalized case studies. He delivers interactive presentations that not only inform but also inspire action, encouraging leaders to cultivate creativity and drive innovation within their teams. Areas of Expertise Emerging Technologies: Analyzing global trends with a focus on digital transformation and demographic shifts to help businesses stay competitive. Business Innovation & Creativity: Assisting companies in fostering environments where creativity leads to sustainable growth. Leadership in a Changing World: Empowering leaders to develop resilience and adaptability in the face of uncertainty. Future of Work: Providing insights on adopting flexible work structures and leveraging automation in the digital age. Growth Mindset Development: Promoting continuous learning and adaptability as cornerstones of leadership. Managing Generational Diversity: Offering strategies to create inclusive workplaces that value diverse perspectives. Commitment to Social Impact Beyond his corporate and academic endeavors, Riaz is dedicated to social impact through education. As the Founder and Chair of One Degree Academy, he strives to deliver high-quality education to children in underserved areas of London, reflecting his belief in education as a catalyst for societal change. Riaz Shah’s multifaceted career as a business leader, educator, and innovator underscores his commitment to empowering organizations and individuals to navigate and thrive amidst change.

Ida Kymmer: Global Business Strategist, Keynote Speaker, and Emerging Tech Expert Ida Kymmer is a writer, keynote speaker, and international business strategist with expertise in emerging technologies, innovation, and business development. She has spoken at world-renowned events such as the World Economic Forum, SXSW, Gitex, TechBBQ, Deloitte Innovation Day, Next in Vogue, and many more. With a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies, Ida publishes Tech for War and Peace, a weekly newsletter covering technology in war and peace contexts. Her areas of focus include innovation, sustainability, disinformation, creativity, global inclusion, defence, and peace tech. Ida has lived in nine countries and speak in five languages (Swedish, Korean, English, German, and Serbian-Croatian). Ida’s experience in emerging technologies is extensive: she worked with Dexter Studios in South Korea to develop 3D screens for the SLS Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, and was involved with developing 3D musicals and early VR applications for architectural renderings. From 2021 to 2023, Ida was the Director of Global Affairs at Journee, working with brands like BMW, H&M, Clinique, and Shiseido to shape the future of immersive technology and commerce. Today, Ida is the Director of Business MENA, for Infinite Reality. She also consults for companies in the creative industries of tech, fashion, and art on innovative solutions as well as acting as a startup judge for Vinnova and Hub71.

Sol Rashidi: Trailblazing Leader in Data, AI and Innovation With a pivotal role in launching IBM’s Watson in 2011, a groundbreaking application of Artificial Intelligence on a global scale, Sol Rashidi has consistently been a trailblazer in the ideation, conceptualization, design and development of Data & AI applications. Boasting over three dozen large-scale implementations and a remarkable record, Sol holds eight granted patents, with 21 filed, and has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including being recognized as one of the “Top 100 AI People” in 2023. Sol’s impact is evident in her presence on the “Global 100 Power List” for consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023), recognition as one of the “Top 20 CDOs Globally” in 2022, and being named “Chief Analytics Officer of the Year” in 2022. Further, she earned the “Isomer Innovators of the Year” award for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, 2023) and has been acknowledged as one of the “Top 100 Innovators in Data & Analytics” from 2020 to 2023. Adding to her achievements, Sol was listed among the “Top 100 Women in Business” in 2022. Her other accolades include: “Top 75 Innovators of 2023,” “Top 65 Most Influential Women in 2023,” and earning the title of “Forbes AI Maverick of the 21st Century” in 2022. Additionally, she has been honored with the “Top 10 Global Women in AI & Data” award in 2023, the “Top AI 100 Award” in 2023, and inclusion in the “50 Most Powerful Women in Tech” in 2022. Throughout her career, Sol has held significant C-Suite positions in Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, including roles such as Chief Analytics Officer at Estee Lauder, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Merck Pharmaceuticals, EVP and Chief Data Officer at Sony Music, Chief Data & AI Officer at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and Senior Partner leading the Digital & Innovation Practice at Ernst & Young. Her impactful tenure at IBM as Partner leading Watson Go-To-Market further solidifies her expertise in the field. Now serving as an advisor, consultant, and fractional CDO & CAIO, Sol is dedicated to assisting companies in advancing their business objectives. As a global keynote speaker, she leverages her technical expertise and storytelling abilities to articulate the business value of data, AI, and technology. Her Amazon bestselling book, Your AI Survival Guide: Scraped Knees, Bruised Elbows, and Lessons Learned from Real-World AI Deployments, is made for business leaders without a technology background. Sol’s hallmark is simplifying the complex and helping leaders realize that innovation doesn’t always require cutting-edge solutions but often involves cutting through the noise.