Speakers

Alex Cowan is a faculty member at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, where he teaches product design and digital development. He has delivered online courses to over 500,000 students. Before his teaching career, Alex founded and sold two companies, and he remains active in advising and investing in digital ventures. His work on Hypothesis-Driven Development is widely recognized and used by both practitioners and educators in new product and venture creation. Alex’s blend of entrepreneurial experience and academic expertise equips his students with the skills needed to innovate and succeed in the dynamic business landscape.

Nagy has extensive experience in the rapidly evolving technology landscape, spanning Financial Services, Telecommunications, and Consultancy & Service industries. He is skilled in navigating all phases of the business cycle, including periods of high growth, economic downturns, and major transitions. His expertise also extends to organizational transformations and acquisition integrations (M&A). Nagy’s broad industry knowledge and ability to adapt to change have made him an asset in successfully managing complex business challenges. With a proven track record of leadership, he has driven innovation and growth across various sectors, helping organizations align their technology strategies with overall business objectives to stay competitive in fast-paced markets.

Kelley O’Connell is an internationally renowned author, with one published book and over a dozen titles available on the LinkedIn Learning platform. She partners with organizations of all sizes to drive change through knowledge and empowerment, building a devoted following worldwide. With more than 25 years of experience in Project and Program Management, as well as Business Leadership, Kelley is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach. Her expertise in fostering leadership development and enhancing organizational effectiveness makes her a valuable asset in the industry. Kelley's passion for empowering individuals and teams has established her as a leading voice in the field of professional development.

Paul Siegel is an accomplished entrepreneur and "venture execution expert" with extensive experience across various business domains. His diverse background includes IT services, financial and professional development, healthcare devices and services, online retail, and HR and talent management. Paul has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation within these sectors, leveraging his expertise to execute successful ventures. His strategic approach combines deep industry knowledge with a focus on operational excellence, enabling him to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful results. With a commitment to fostering collaboration and building high-performing teams, Paul is dedicated to transforming ideas into successful business outcomes and enhancing the overall value proposition for stakeholders.

Vikas Sharma is a Senior Partner at Ernst & Young, specializing in Digital Transformation and Big Data Platform Program Management. His expertise spans various domains, including digitization, social media strategy (both internal and external), social analytics, process and workflow re-engineering, and technology portfolio rationalization. Vikas has a proven track record of driving successful digital initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and business performance. He plays a critical role in helping organizations navigate the complexities of digital transformation, leveraging data and analytics to inform strategic decisions. His leadership and insights make him a key contributor to advancing innovative solutions in the consulting landscape.

Anuj Dhall is a partner at Price Waterhouse Cooper, specializing in Financial Services Technology. He has extensive experience working with companies like BMO and CIBC, leading teams in developing technology strategies and solutions for key customer-facing channels, including Internet, mobile, call centers, branches, and ATMs. Anuj's expertise lies in aligning technology initiatives with business goals to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. He plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation within the banking sector, ensuring that financial institutions leverage innovative technologies to meet the evolving needs of their clients. His leadership in technology strategy makes him a valuable asset in the financial services industry.

Anupam Singhal leads the Banking, Financial Services & Insurance unit at Tata Consultancy Services and oversees key customer relationships. With a career spanning three decades, his passion for innovation and problem-solving has driven him to create intelligent business models that enhance customer experiences. Anupam believes that TCS’s contextual knowledge and thought leadership lead to superior business outcomes. He builds agile teams that reimagine customer journeys and transform legacy businesses into modern enterprises. His initiatives have led to TCS being recognized as a “Digital Innovator.” Anupam is an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s AMP program and holds a master’s in Business Administration and a bachelor’s in Engineering. He also serves on the National Board of Directors for NPower, promoting technological equity.

Jean-Michale Ares has held prominent leadership roles in technology and operations, serving as the Chief Technology and Operations Officer at BMO Financial Group and the Global CIO at The Coca-Cola Company and GE Power Systems. He began his career as a consultant with McKinsey & Company, where he gained valuable insights into various industries. With a strong background in driving innovation and operational excellence, Jean-Michale has been instrumental in implementing technology strategies that enhance organizational efficiency and performance across multiple sectors. His extensive experience positions him as a key leader in navigating the evolving landscape of technology and operations in the financial and consumer goods industries.