Thought Leaders

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

BEN BAKER

FOUNDER, BEN BAKER STUDIOS

“Mr. President, it’s great to see you today; here is the plan.” Those are words I have spoken to the past five American Presidents and many other world leaders as a photographer trusted to create iconic images that will stand the test of time. How did a kid from a...

INNOVATE™ South Africa

KGOMOTSO LEKOLA

KGOMOTSO LEKOLA

FOUNDER & GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, BT INDUSTRIAL GROUP

We have to rethink our national strategy for growth, meaningful economic participation of blacks and job creation; it’s not just about funding and quality of education. I argue that South Africa is a sleeping giant ready to take on the world; we may just be waiting for the right moment...

INNOVATION Quebec

PIERRE FITZGIBBON

LE MINISTRE DE L’ÉCONOMIE, DE L’INNOVATION DE L’ÉNERGIE, MINISTRE RESPONSABLE DU DÉVELOPPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUE RÉGIONAL ET MINISTRE RESPONSABLE DE LA MÉTROPOLE ET DE LA RÉGION DE MONTRÉAL

En lançant la Stratégie québécoise de recherche et d’investissement en innovation 2022-2027 (SQRI2 ) et en créant la fonction d’innovateur en chef, notre gouvernement s’est engagé à faire de l’innovation le cœur du développement économique du Québec au cours des prochaines années. Plus que jamais, nous voulons soutenir tous ceux...

INNOVATE™ Alberta

REENA SAHNEY

OWNER & FOUNDER, JIVA CONSULTING

Alberta has a rich history of entrepreneurialism originating in the oil and gas industry. From the first discovery of oil around 1900 to the rapid growth starting in the middle of the 20th century, fossil fuels have been the economic engine of the province. With one of the largest reserves...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

MATTHEW UNGER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Have you ever experienced the sinking feeling of discovering that your identity or credit card information has been stolen? I have. As a technologist, this experience led me on a personal journey to create new standards of trust, security, accountability, and privacy for every individual, every business, every transaction. While...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

Christine Schyvinck

Christine Schyvinck

President And CEO, Shure Incorporated

Business leaders choose different paths that eventually lead them to their present positions. Each individual journey can provide unique perspectives for unlocking success at their organizations. I’m proud of the path I chose, because it enabled me to immerse myself in the vision established by our Company’s founder, S.N. Shure,...

INNOVATE® Northern Virginia

JOHN WASSON

CHAIR AND CEO, ICF

When I joined ICF in 1987, I believed deeply in the power of data to help organizations make better decisions. I’ve held onto that belief as I’ve watched wave after wave of technological change reshape how institutions operate. Today, advances in AI and analytics are accelerating the pace of change...

INNOVATE® Nashville

LARISSA MARSHALL

DIRECTOR OF PRACTICE INNOVATION AT POLSINELLI

Innovation in the legal industry can often feel counter-intuitive. After all, law is built on precedent, on looking backward to go forward. A cornerstone of the profession is to manage risk and reduce uncertainty, adding additional tension to innovation and experimentation. And yet, the legal industry finds itself amid some...

INNOVATE™ Stockholm

PATRIK STRÖMBERG

PHD MBA, CEO AT ANACARDIO

I have spent my entire career in Stockholm’s vibrant Life Science innovation space, with renowned universities, great scientists, and companies. After attaining a PhD in Biochemistry from Karolinska Institutet, I have held various positions within R&D and corporate development at Astra Zeneca and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi), such as Vice...

INNOVATE® Austin Volume 2

Tommy Hodinh

Tommy Hodinh

Chairman & CEO MagRabbit, Inc.

On March 8th, 1965 I watched the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade land on the beach of DaNang, Vietnam. As a 14-year-old Vietnamese teenager, I had lived my entire life under the threat of war. With the arrival of 2000 U.S. Marines that day, I had my first taste of hope....

INNOVATE™ Estonia

TÕNU ESKO & MIHKEL TAMMO

VICE RECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT & HEAD OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The development of research-intensive entrepreneurship in Estonia requires much more than researchers’ good ideas. How can we overcome systemic challenges and find opportunities to transfer research-based solutions from universities into business? The worlds of research and entrepreneurship do not always align. Only around 10% of the population is said to...

INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2

DIRAJ PERKASH GOEL

FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER, GETFRESH VENTURES

“To create a successful business, it’s crucial to understand the human condition in the buying process.” As an investor and operator, I’ve discovered a pivotal truth: any business holds the potential to generate $10M in revenue. Yet, a significant portion of enterprises stumble before reaching this milestone. The common pitfall?...

INNOVATE® Chicago Vol.1

JOAN M. STELTMANN

JOAN M. STELTMANN

FOUNDER AND CEO, BOUNCE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

FOUNDER AND CEO, BOUNCE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION CHANGING OUR MINDSET WILL MOVE THE PRIVATE AND SOCIAL SECTORS CLOSER TOGETHER – ENHANCING BOTH. If you still say “Non-Profit”, it’s time to upgrade your thinking to “Not for-Profit”. Why? It conveys purpose and intention, without placing limitations on outcomes. For social service organizations,...

INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2

Fred Niemans

FRED NIEMANS

PRESIDENT, WORLD TRADE CENTER ANTWERP

 It’s not the strongest species that survives, nor is it the most intelligent one. It’s the species that has the ability to cope with drastic changes. That’s Darwinism in a nutshell. His ‘survival of the fittest’… also applies to the corporate ecosystem. Agility reduces fragility: the companies and organisations that...

VOICES of the Future

CARA DE LANGE

THE FUTURE IS SOFTER

In the evolving corporate world, Cara de Lange stands out as a change-maker, TEDx speaker, author of ‘Softer Success,’ host of the Work Reset Revolution podcast, and a burnout researcher, advocating a shift from traditional corporate success to prioritizing employee well being. As the founder of Softer Success, Cara developed...

INNOVATE® Washington DMV Edition

SHADMAN HOSSAIN

MANAGER OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICE, CGI FEDERAL

At its core, blockchain technology is about giving people control over their own data and assets, and enabling them to transact with one another in a transparent and secure way. By giving people control over their own data, we can create a more fair and just society where individuals have...

Global Innovation Spotlight

LAUREN S MOORES

PHD DIGITAL INNOVATION LEADER, TEACHING FELLOW AT HARVARD BUSINESS ANALYTICS PROGRAM, USA FOR UNHCR

Digital transformation is a 20th century phenomena. As an early adopter of new technologies – and the digital age – I quickly embraced digital data structures and tend to think in data matrices, looking for the data keys to join data and discover new patterns. When I look to create...

INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2

THERESA A LYONS

FOUNDER, LYONS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

A LEGACY IN THE MAKINGOur clients are the heartbeat of our existence. They remind us why we chose this path. They are the reason we fight, innovate, and care. We carry their battles as if they were our own because, in truth, they are. The discipline of law falls under...

INNOVATE® Milwaukee

BEN KERFORD

STRATEGIC EXECUTIVE AT 7RIVERS

Innovation is often misunderstood as a pursuit of the latest technology, but in reality, it’s about solving meaningful problems in new ways. It’s about leveraging data, AI, and strategic thinking to drive real business value. Throughout my career, from consulting to leading 7Rivers, I’ve focused on not just embracing change...

VOICES of the Future

DR. CORRIE BLOCK

COACHING SUCCESS

In a world yearning for guidance, Dr. Corrie Block emerges as a lighthouse of hope and transformation. Our conversation, steeped in the urgency of our era, unveils a brilliant mind and a visionary heart. As we delve into his insights, it becomes clear that Dr. Block doesn’t just see the...

INNOVATE® Phoenix

Todd Sanders

President & CEO - Greater Phoenix Chamber

Todd Sanders President & CEO – Greater Phoenix Chamber Every morning, as the sun rises above the mountains and the early morning city lights glitter with flashes of orange, we all wake up with a new chance—a fresh opportunity. Each sunrise in Phoenix, Arizona is the start of a new...

INNOVATE™ Adelaide

LITSA ADAMOU

HOUSE INSPECT AUSTRALIA WESTERN ADELAIDE

Building and construction are one of the largest industries in Australia, and women account for only 12.9% of its current workforce, with only 2.5% actively working in a trade. It is no secret that women are traditionally underrepresented in the construction industry, but in 2023, these percentages seem unacceptable. As...

INNOVATE™ Bristol & Bath

Paul O’Collins

Paul O’Collins

Head Of Innovation, Business West

Innovation means different things to different people. For me it’s not about petri dishes and lab coats, it’s about the process through which great ideas are turned into tangible, measurable value. It’s an iterative process. It’s not just about having the idea, but about taking the necessary practical steps to...

INNOVATE® South Florida

MELISSA MEDINA

CEO & PRESIDENT, eMERGE AMERICAS

Innovation has been a foundational principle I’ve seen throughout my life. As the first-generation daughter of immigrant parents from Cuba, I learned early on from my parents and grandparents how creative, innovative thinking can help me navigate everyday obstacles and unpredictable circumstances. This drive to continuously innovate and think bigger...

BEN BAKER

FOUNDER, BEN BAKER STUDIOS

“Mr. President, it’s great to see you today; here is the plan.” Those are words I have spoken to the past five American Presidents and many other world leaders as a photographer trusted to create iconic images that will stand the test of time. How did a kid from a...

KGOMOTSO LEKOLA

KGOMOTSO LEKOLA

FOUNDER & GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR, BT INDUSTRIAL GROUP

We have to rethink our national strategy for growth, meaningful economic participation of blacks and job creation; it’s not just about funding and quality of education. I argue that South Africa is a sleeping giant ready to take on the world; we may just be waiting for the right moment...

PIERRE FITZGIBBON

LE MINISTRE DE L’ÉCONOMIE, DE L’INNOVATION DE L’ÉNERGIE, MINISTRE RESPONSABLE DU DÉVELOPPEMENT ÉCONOMIQUE RÉGIONAL ET MINISTRE RESPONSABLE DE LA MÉTROPOLE ET DE LA RÉGION DE MONTRÉAL

En lançant la Stratégie québécoise de recherche et d’investissement en innovation 2022-2027 (SQRI2 ) et en créant la fonction d’innovateur en chef, notre gouvernement s’est engagé à faire de l’innovation le cœur du développement économique du Québec au cours des prochaines années. Plus que jamais, nous voulons soutenir tous ceux...

REENA SAHNEY

OWNER & FOUNDER, JIVA CONSULTING

Alberta has a rich history of entrepreneurialism originating in the oil and gas industry. From the first discovery of oil around 1900 to the rapid growth starting in the middle of the 20th century, fossil fuels have been the economic engine of the province. With one of the largest reserves...

MATTHEW UNGER

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Have you ever experienced the sinking feeling of discovering that your identity or credit card information has been stolen? I have. As a technologist, this experience led me on a personal journey to create new standards of trust, security, accountability, and privacy for every individual, every business, every transaction. While...

Christine Schyvinck

Christine Schyvinck

President And CEO, Shure Incorporated

Business leaders choose different paths that eventually lead them to their present positions. Each individual journey can provide unique perspectives for unlocking success at their organizations. I’m proud of the path I chose, because it enabled me to immerse myself in the vision established by our Company’s founder, S.N. Shure,...

JOHN WASSON

CHAIR AND CEO, ICF

When I joined ICF in 1987, I believed deeply in the power of data to help organizations make better decisions. I’ve held onto that belief as I’ve watched wave after wave of technological change reshape how institutions operate. Today, advances in AI and analytics are accelerating the pace of change...

LARISSA MARSHALL

DIRECTOR OF PRACTICE INNOVATION AT POLSINELLI

Innovation in the legal industry can often feel counter-intuitive. After all, law is built on precedent, on looking backward to go forward. A cornerstone of the profession is to manage risk and reduce uncertainty, adding additional tension to innovation and experimentation. And yet, the legal industry finds itself amid some...

PATRIK STRÖMBERG

PHD MBA, CEO AT ANACARDIO

I have spent my entire career in Stockholm’s vibrant Life Science innovation space, with renowned universities, great scientists, and companies. After attaining a PhD in Biochemistry from Karolinska Institutet, I have held various positions within R&D and corporate development at Astra Zeneca and Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi), such as Vice...

Tommy Hodinh

Tommy Hodinh

Chairman & CEO MagRabbit, Inc.

On March 8th, 1965 I watched the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade land on the beach of DaNang, Vietnam. As a 14-year-old Vietnamese teenager, I had lived my entire life under the threat of war. With the arrival of 2000 U.S. Marines that day, I had my first taste of hope....

TÕNU ESKO & MIHKEL TAMMO

VICE RECTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT & HEAD OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The development of research-intensive entrepreneurship in Estonia requires much more than researchers’ good ideas. How can we overcome systemic challenges and find opportunities to transfer research-based solutions from universities into business? The worlds of research and entrepreneurship do not always align. Only around 10% of the population is said to...

DIRAJ PERKASH GOEL

FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER, GETFRESH VENTURES

“To create a successful business, it’s crucial to understand the human condition in the buying process.” As an investor and operator, I’ve discovered a pivotal truth: any business holds the potential to generate $10M in revenue. Yet, a significant portion of enterprises stumble before reaching this milestone. The common pitfall?...

JOAN M. STELTMANN

JOAN M. STELTMANN

FOUNDER AND CEO, BOUNCE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

FOUNDER AND CEO, BOUNCE CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION CHANGING OUR MINDSET WILL MOVE THE PRIVATE AND SOCIAL SECTORS CLOSER TOGETHER – ENHANCING BOTH. If you still say “Non-Profit”, it’s time to upgrade your thinking to “Not for-Profit”. Why? It conveys purpose and intention, without placing limitations on outcomes. For social service organizations,...

Fred Niemans

FRED NIEMANS

PRESIDENT, WORLD TRADE CENTER ANTWERP

 It’s not the strongest species that survives, nor is it the most intelligent one. It’s the species that has the ability to cope with drastic changes. That’s Darwinism in a nutshell. His ‘survival of the fittest’… also applies to the corporate ecosystem. Agility reduces fragility: the companies and organisations that...

CARA DE LANGE

THE FUTURE IS SOFTER

In the evolving corporate world, Cara de Lange stands out as a change-maker, TEDx speaker, author of ‘Softer Success,’ host of the Work Reset Revolution podcast, and a burnout researcher, advocating a shift from traditional corporate success to prioritizing employee well being. As the founder of Softer Success, Cara developed...

SHADMAN HOSSAIN

MANAGER OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICE, CGI FEDERAL

At its core, blockchain technology is about giving people control over their own data and assets, and enabling them to transact with one another in a transparent and secure way. By giving people control over their own data, we can create a more fair and just society where individuals have...

LAUREN S MOORES

PHD DIGITAL INNOVATION LEADER, TEACHING FELLOW AT HARVARD BUSINESS ANALYTICS PROGRAM, USA FOR UNHCR

Digital transformation is a 20th century phenomena. As an early adopter of new technologies – and the digital age – I quickly embraced digital data structures and tend to think in data matrices, looking for the data keys to join data and discover new patterns. When I look to create...

THERESA A LYONS

FOUNDER, LYONS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

A LEGACY IN THE MAKINGOur clients are the heartbeat of our existence. They remind us why we chose this path. They are the reason we fight, innovate, and care. We carry their battles as if they were our own because, in truth, they are. The discipline of law falls under...

BEN KERFORD

STRATEGIC EXECUTIVE AT 7RIVERS

Innovation is often misunderstood as a pursuit of the latest technology, but in reality, it’s about solving meaningful problems in new ways. It’s about leveraging data, AI, and strategic thinking to drive real business value. Throughout my career, from consulting to leading 7Rivers, I’ve focused on not just embracing change...

DR. CORRIE BLOCK

COACHING SUCCESS

In a world yearning for guidance, Dr. Corrie Block emerges as a lighthouse of hope and transformation. Our conversation, steeped in the urgency of our era, unveils a brilliant mind and a visionary heart. As we delve into his insights, it becomes clear that Dr. Block doesn’t just see the...

Todd Sanders

President & CEO - Greater Phoenix Chamber

Todd Sanders President & CEO – Greater Phoenix Chamber Every morning, as the sun rises above the mountains and the early morning city lights glitter with flashes of orange, we all wake up with a new chance—a fresh opportunity. Each sunrise in Phoenix, Arizona is the start of a new...

LITSA ADAMOU

HOUSE INSPECT AUSTRALIA WESTERN ADELAIDE

Building and construction are one of the largest industries in Australia, and women account for only 12.9% of its current workforce, with only 2.5% actively working in a trade. It is no secret that women are traditionally underrepresented in the construction industry, but in 2023, these percentages seem unacceptable. As...

Paul O’Collins

Paul O’Collins

Head Of Innovation, Business West

Innovation means different things to different people. For me it’s not about petri dishes and lab coats, it’s about the process through which great ideas are turned into tangible, measurable value. It’s an iterative process. It’s not just about having the idea, but about taking the necessary practical steps to...

MELISSA MEDINA

CEO & PRESIDENT, eMERGE AMERICAS

Innovation has been a foundational principle I’ve seen throughout my life. As the first-generation daughter of immigrant parents from Cuba, I learned early on from my parents and grandparents how creative, innovative thinking can help me navigate everyday obstacles and unpredictable circumstances. This drive to continuously innovate and think bigger...

INNOVATE® Ecosystems