Speakers

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.

Chris Ford is a business leader at Capco and a trusted advisor to financial services organizations. He began his career in the mid-1990s, working with Canadian banks to establish the first telephone banking and call center infrastructure for RBC. With extensive experience in the financial services sector, Chris has a proven track record of driving innovation and operational efficiency. His expertise in banking technology and customer service has made him a valuable asset in helping organizations navigate the evolving landscape of financial services. Chris’s strategic insights and leadership continue to influence the development of effective solutions for clients in the 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.

As an educator, consultant, and speaker, I bring over a decade of experience in leadership development, team building, and organizational communication. My passion lies in helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through targeted leadership strategies and fostering stronger team dynamics. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Communication and an MBA with a management focus, I've spent my career working with both academic institutions and corporate clients, developing and delivering cutting-edge courses on leadership, communication, and organizational effectiveness. As the author of multiple books and the designer of over 11 online courses with over 600,000 views on LinkedIn Learning, I am deeply committed to empowering leaders and teams with the tools they need to thrive in today’s complex environments. Let’s work together to build better leaders, better teams, and better organizations.

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.

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.

I am a seasoned expert in data analytics, AI strategy, and business transformation, currently serving as the lead for Data & AI Technology at Accenture Switzerland. Over the years, I have honed my skills in creating innovative solutions that merge the power of generative AI, advanced analytics, and cloud architectures to drive business value. My career spans pivotal roles at pmOne and Teradata, where I successfully led teams and designed cutting-edge data warehousing and business intelligence strategies. My work is deeply rooted in helping organizations modernize their data infrastructures, improve strategic planning, and harness AI-driven insights to achieve transformative growth. I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology to create meaningful business impacts, always focusing on pragmatic, scalable solutions that align with both current and future industry trends.

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.

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.

As the Director of Content at Starweaver, I lead the creation of engaging learning experiences by collaborating with subject matter experts, instructional designers, and multimedia specialists. I oversee teams to produce high-quality audio and video content, shaping our instructional design and quality standards to inspire a global audience. I also support senior leadership in promoting the brand and aligning with strategic goals. With over 30 years of experience as a Leadership Effectiveness Coach, Consultant, and Speaker, I’ve helped individuals and corporations enhance leadership skills. My career spans major international airlines, a European regional carrier, and an aerial emergency services provider, setting strategic direction in commercial aviation.

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.

Dan is a seasoned professional in the banking and financial services industry, recognized for his ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive innovation in career management. As a global leader, he has demonstrated success in formulating and executing strategies, managing large-scale transformations, and overseeing P&L responsibilities. His expertise spans consulting, complex services, software, and hardware sectors, where he has consistently delivered results by aligning business goals with operational excellence. Dan's collaborative leadership style has enabled him to foster high-performing teams, navigate industry challenges, and implement solutions that drive growth and efficiency. His broad experience positions him as a key contributor to organizational success in dynamic, fast-paced environments.