Thought Leaders
INNOVATE® Blockchain
JEFF CRANE
CEO AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, NFT THE MOVIE, LLC
One HeartCreating an NFT movie masterpiece to document inspiring stories made through NFT technology requires a shared vision, goal, and a dedicated team. Blockchain technology may be new to the world, but proven leadership and purpose-driven teams remain the driving heart of success in this novel industry and space. As...
INNOVATE® Nashville
MARIA F. MCLENDON
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT FIRST SOUTH FINANCIAL
Every day, I’m reminded that the world of financial services is both exciting and challenging. We live in a time when consumers are flooded with options, yet too often, they’re still unsure where to turn for real guidance and personal connection. In my experience, the three biggest challenges facing our...
INNOVATE® Phoenix
Thiru Thangarthinam
CEO and Founder - MST Solutions
Introduction MST Solutions launched in October 2012. Our headquarters are in Chandler, Ariz., and we have two additional offices in India (Chennai and Trichy). We have 275 employees (75 in Chandler, and 200 in India). We’re the largest Salesforce partner in Arizona. From 2017 to 2018, we achieved 286% growth...
INNOVATE® Philadelphia: 250 Years of Innovation
SCOTT MAZO
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, UNIVERSITY PLACE ASSOCIATES
Since most people spend nearly 90% of their lives indoors, it raises a simple question: should the places where we work really be treated as commodities? I’ve never believed they should. The environments where people spend their days shape how they think, collaborate, and perform. Buildings should reflect that reality....
INNOVATE™ Bengaluru
Prof. Vijay Chandru
Mentor and Investor
Mentor and Investor “True tech innovation in India is happening in life sciences, nanoscience, chemistry, mechanical engineering and the like”, says Prof. Vijay Chandru, one of the earliest academics in India to move from an impressive career in academics to highly successful deep science entrepreneurship. “If you look at creativity...
VOICES of the Future
CAPITAL CLUB DUBAI
BRIDGING THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR
Capital Club Dubai is a hub of innovation and a crucible for visionary minds shaping the future. As I sit across from Hussain Sultan al Junaidy, the Chairman of this illustrious club, his eyes reflect profound optimism and a relentless drive to propel a business club and a global community...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
KIRSTY BISSET
MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAVEYOUHEARD DURBAN
I’m a serial tech entrepreneur with eight (8) businesses under my belt – one (1) of which I still own, two (2) of which have been successfully sold, one (1) which has failed, and four (4) in which I hold shares. With recognition from the likes of Fast Company, Destiny...
INNOVATE® New Jersey Vol.2
Dr. Susan Cole
President - Montclair State University
New Jersey has long been a destination for talented and ambitious people from all over the world. Its highly diverse population is a rich opportunity for employers, and Montclair State University plays a robust role in providing that population with an excellent higher education in a wide range of fields,...
INNOVATION Quebec
CHRISTIAN BLANCHETTE
RECTOR AT UQTR - UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À TROIS-RIVIÈRES / PRESIDENT OF UQTR
Since its creation in 1969, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) has been active in several cities of the surrounding regions of Mauricie, Centredu-Québec and Lanaudière. More than fifty years of regional presence have enabled the University to establish ongoing relationships with various social, economic and cultural sectors. The...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
VERN BICCUM
PRESIDENT, IRIDIA MEDICAL
In my experience, innovation is often misunderstood. It is frequently seen as relating only to what a business takes to market. Of equal importance is the application of how a business is run. Tapping into innovation can be a crucial process for improving the internal workings of enterprises. As entrepreneurs,...
INNOVATE™ Vancouver Vol.2
JEFF DESJARDINS
FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, VISUAL CAPITALIST
In the media landscape, technology has been the ultimate disruptor—creating several inflection points that have changed the scope of reach for content and business models. To put the evolution of our industry and its future roadmap into perspective, we can take a closer look at the three waves of media....
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
THE HON. STEVEN MARSHALL MP
MEMBER FOR DUNSTAN
My father was less than impressed with Andy Warhol’s art but as a furniture manufacturer competing against international businesses with much lower input costs he knew his business lived or died on its ability to continually innovate, to improve, to change. I took that lesson to heart and into government...
AI Québec
MADELEINE JEAN
ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PROMPT
In the field of artificial intelligence, the world of academic research has excelled in Quebec. It has produced renowned researchers and thinkers in operational research and, more recently, in deep learning. Our researchers are amongst the most cited in these fields. Graduate students from all over the world aspire to...
INNOVATE™ Oeiras
WYGROUP
SHAPED BY CURIOSITY
For the last 20 years, WYgroup has been one of the top leading players in digital marketing, technology, and creativity services in Portugal. We are currently the largest independent group for Marketing and Customer Experience Services in Portugal, with a collaborative framework of 7 companies that – together – can...
INNOVATE™ Adelaide
HITAF RASHEED
EVENTS SOUTH AUSTRALIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION
South Australia loves a party. We are the festival state – one proud to break new ground. Innovation is crucial when delivering major events, and so too is fostering a culture in which they continue to thrive. Our place as host of the best, brightest celebrations is directly linked to...
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® Northern Virginia
TODD STOTTLEMYER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ACENTRA HEALTH
Curiosity has shaped every meaningful stage of my career, pushing me to challenge assumptions and keep searching for better ways to serve people. Real progress tends to come from teams willing to challenge old assumptions and look at problems differently. Curiosity creates space for stronger ideas and fresh approaches to...
INNOVATE® Gaming & Esports
JOHN CASH, FOUNDER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PROFESSOR JCSU ESPORTS INITIATIVE
ServiceAt its essence is selflessly giving/providing necessities to others with no intent to benefit. Wow, this is how it resonated with me prior to my commissioning as a United States Air Force (USAF) Officer the Friday before a Mother’s Day graduation at Howard University. “I will support and defend the...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
GEERT VERACHTERT
DIRECTOR STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, GROEP VAN ROEY
“Our Iceberg is Melting”, the book by John Kotter on change management was given to me as a present from my mentor at Philips. I’ve always associated myself with the mindset of Fred the penguin: someone who creates a feeling of urgency by helping others realise why change is necessary...
INNOVATE™ Ottawa
Decades of ups and downs, helping others start companies, starting my own companies (and sometimes failing) has taught me the power of pattern recognition. It is key to both innovation and entrepreneurship because it is also at the core of being an early adopter and a connector. That was how...
INNOVATE™ Antwerp Vol.2
Filip Smet
CEO, Road21
Five years ago I founded Lemon, an all-round software development company. In the midst of the pandemic I founded Road21, an ecosystem of 30 technology companies, with my co-founder Fabian Van Kerckhove. Lemon is now part of the ecosystem and I’ve learned to go from quantitative growth to qualitative growth....
INNOVATE™ Stockholm
SAVERA FARIDOON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PLUTOVETS.
“Welcome to our women’s protection home.” Not a sentence a child should ever hear, but one I heard more than once growing up. As the eldest of three siblings in a destructive home, I was forced to grow up fast, becoming both caretaker and mediator between my siblings and our...
INNOVATE™ Estonia
KIRKE MAAR
HEAD OF AIRE CENTRE
Global competition is rapidly changing, requiring swift adaptation while simultaneously testing and implementing new solutions and smart cooperation models. To maintain and grow competitiveness in both European and global markets, we need a radical shift in mindset and the integration of innovation into everyday industrial operations. Innovation can no longer...
INNOVATE™ South Africa
ANA CARRAPICHANO
CEO & FOUNDER, MEDIOLOGY
MY PASSION FOR AFRICAThe streets of South Africa have something about them… a unique rhythm that is the heartbeat of our rainbow nation. With great natural beauty, cultural diversity, incredible resilience – South Africa is a land filled with vitality, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit. I work and live in...
JEFF CRANE
CEO AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, NFT THE MOVIE, LLC
One HeartCreating an NFT movie masterpiece to document inspiring stories made through NFT technology requires a shared vision, goal, and a dedicated team. Blockchain technology may be new to the world, but proven leadership and purpose-driven teams remain the driving heart of success in this novel industry and space. As...
MARIA F. MCLENDON
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER AT FIRST SOUTH FINANCIAL
Every day, I’m reminded that the world of financial services is both exciting and challenging. We live in a time when consumers are flooded with options, yet too often, they’re still unsure where to turn for real guidance and personal connection. In my experience, the three biggest challenges facing our...
Thiru Thangarthinam
CEO and Founder - MST Solutions
Introduction MST Solutions launched in October 2012. Our headquarters are in Chandler, Ariz., and we have two additional offices in India (Chennai and Trichy). We have 275 employees (75 in Chandler, and 200 in India). We’re the largest Salesforce partner in Arizona. From 2017 to 2018, we achieved 286% growth...
SCOTT MAZO
FOUNDER & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, UNIVERSITY PLACE ASSOCIATES
Since most people spend nearly 90% of their lives indoors, it raises a simple question: should the places where we work really be treated as commodities? I’ve never believed they should. The environments where people spend their days shape how they think, collaborate, and perform. Buildings should reflect that reality....
Prof. Vijay Chandru
Mentor and Investor
Mentor and Investor “True tech innovation in India is happening in life sciences, nanoscience, chemistry, mechanical engineering and the like”, says Prof. Vijay Chandru, one of the earliest academics in India to move from an impressive career in academics to highly successful deep science entrepreneurship. “If you look at creativity...
CAPITAL CLUB DUBAI
BRIDGING THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR
Capital Club Dubai is a hub of innovation and a crucible for visionary minds shaping the future. As I sit across from Hussain Sultan al Junaidy, the Chairman of this illustrious club, his eyes reflect profound optimism and a relentless drive to propel a business club and a global community...
KIRSTY BISSET
MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAVEYOUHEARD DURBAN
I’m a serial tech entrepreneur with eight (8) businesses under my belt – one (1) of which I still own, two (2) of which have been successfully sold, one (1) which has failed, and four (4) in which I hold shares. With recognition from the likes of Fast Company, Destiny...
Dr. Susan Cole
President - Montclair State University
New Jersey has long been a destination for talented and ambitious people from all over the world. Its highly diverse population is a rich opportunity for employers, and Montclair State University plays a robust role in providing that population with an excellent higher education in a wide range of fields,...
CHRISTIAN BLANCHETTE
RECTOR AT UQTR - UNIVERSITÉ DU QUÉBEC À TROIS-RIVIÈRES / PRESIDENT OF UQTR
Since its creation in 1969, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) has been active in several cities of the surrounding regions of Mauricie, Centredu-Québec and Lanaudière. More than fifty years of regional presence have enabled the University to establish ongoing relationships with various social, economic and cultural sectors. The...
VERN BICCUM
PRESIDENT, IRIDIA MEDICAL
In my experience, innovation is often misunderstood. It is frequently seen as relating only to what a business takes to market. Of equal importance is the application of how a business is run. Tapping into innovation can be a crucial process for improving the internal workings of enterprises. As entrepreneurs,...
JEFF DESJARDINS
FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, VISUAL CAPITALIST
In the media landscape, technology has been the ultimate disruptor—creating several inflection points that have changed the scope of reach for content and business models. To put the evolution of our industry and its future roadmap into perspective, we can take a closer look at the three waves of media....
THE HON. STEVEN MARSHALL MP
MEMBER FOR DUNSTAN
My father was less than impressed with Andy Warhol’s art but as a furniture manufacturer competing against international businesses with much lower input costs he knew his business lived or died on its ability to continually innovate, to improve, to change. I took that lesson to heart and into government...
MADELEINE JEAN
ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PROMPT
In the field of artificial intelligence, the world of academic research has excelled in Quebec. It has produced renowned researchers and thinkers in operational research and, more recently, in deep learning. Our researchers are amongst the most cited in these fields. Graduate students from all over the world aspire to...
WYGROUP
SHAPED BY CURIOSITY
For the last 20 years, WYgroup has been one of the top leading players in digital marketing, technology, and creativity services in Portugal. We are currently the largest independent group for Marketing and Customer Experience Services in Portugal, with a collaborative framework of 7 companies that – together – can...
HITAF RASHEED
EVENTS SOUTH AUSTRALIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTH AUSTRALIAN TOURISM COMMISSION
South Australia loves a party. We are the festival state – one proud to break new ground. Innovation is crucial when delivering major events, and so too is fostering a culture in which they continue to thrive. Our place as host of the best, brightest celebrations is directly linked to...
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...
TODD STOTTLEMYER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, ACENTRA HEALTH
Curiosity has shaped every meaningful stage of my career, pushing me to challenge assumptions and keep searching for better ways to serve people. Real progress tends to come from teams willing to challenge old assumptions and look at problems differently. Curiosity creates space for stronger ideas and fresh approaches to...
JOHN CASH, FOUNDER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PROFESSOR JCSU ESPORTS INITIATIVE
ServiceAt its essence is selflessly giving/providing necessities to others with no intent to benefit. Wow, this is how it resonated with me prior to my commissioning as a United States Air Force (USAF) Officer the Friday before a Mother’s Day graduation at Howard University. “I will support and defend the...
GEERT VERACHTERT
DIRECTOR STRATEGY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, GROEP VAN ROEY
“Our Iceberg is Melting”, the book by John Kotter on change management was given to me as a present from my mentor at Philips. I’ve always associated myself with the mindset of Fred the penguin: someone who creates a feeling of urgency by helping others realise why change is necessary...
Filip Smet
CEO, Road21
Five years ago I founded Lemon, an all-round software development company. In the midst of the pandemic I founded Road21, an ecosystem of 30 technology companies, with my co-founder Fabian Van Kerckhove. Lemon is now part of the ecosystem and I’ve learned to go from quantitative growth to qualitative growth....
SAVERA FARIDOON
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, PLUTOVETS.
“Welcome to our women’s protection home.” Not a sentence a child should ever hear, but one I heard more than once growing up. As the eldest of three siblings in a destructive home, I was forced to grow up fast, becoming both caretaker and mediator between my siblings and our...
KIRKE MAAR
HEAD OF AIRE CENTRE
Global competition is rapidly changing, requiring swift adaptation while simultaneously testing and implementing new solutions and smart cooperation models. To maintain and grow competitiveness in both European and global markets, we need a radical shift in mindset and the integration of innovation into everyday industrial operations. Innovation can no longer...
ANA CARRAPICHANO
CEO & FOUNDER, MEDIOLOGY
MY PASSION FOR AFRICAThe streets of South Africa have something about them… a unique rhythm that is the heartbeat of our rainbow nation. With great natural beauty, cultural diversity, incredible resilience – South Africa is a land filled with vitality, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit. I work and live in...