BEYOND THE FRONTIER
PIONEERING THE FUTURE

June 11-12, 2025

New York City, US

June 11-12, 2025

New York City, US

BEYOND THE FRONTIER

PIONEERING THE FUTURE

June 11-12, 2025

New York City, US

June 11-12, 2025

New York City, US

big ideas in the big apple

We’re not just watching the tech revolution—we’re shaping it.

BEYOND THE FRONTIER is where the sharpest minds in AI, climate tech, robotics, and deep tech come to collide, connect, and build what’s next.

But we’re not just talking tech—we’re talking humanity.

Health, wellbeing, purpose, and presence in a world being redefined by machines.

Two days. Two iconic NYC venues. One summit designed to spark real momentum.

Two Iconic NYC Spaces

Two Iconic NYC Spaces

We’re hosting BEYOND THE FRONTIER across two of New York’s most distinctive venues—each chosen for its atmosphere, energy, and alignment with what this summit is all about.

Day one kicks off at Newlab in Brooklyn’s Navy Yard—once a shipyard, now an innovation hub where startups and technologists shape the future. The perfect stage for bold ideas and breakthrough conversations.

Day two lands us in Microsoft’s Soho building. Fast-paced sessions flow into a rooftop sunset party, turning connections into momentum.

It’s not just the summit’s finale—it’s the start of what’s next.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL SUMMIT

Designed to Break the Mold

Expect sharp, unscripted conversations that skip the fluff and spark real thought.

Ideas That Build Futures

We go beyond theory. Expect insights from those actually building, scaling, and leading.

Designed for Decision-Makers

Our guests don’t just clap. They invest, build, and lead frontier projects around the world.

It’s a Community, Not a Crowd

Walk in as a guest, walk out as a collaborator.

THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU IF…

You’re building the next thing.

You’re an investor, founder, or policymaker with skin in the game—ready to learn, connect, and shape the next decade of tech. You’re not looking for just another summit. You want signal, access, and real-world conversations that shift your thinking.

You care about more than scale.

You’re a conscious builder. A creative mind. A strategist with a soul. You believe in growth with intention. You’re done with hype. You want substance, vision, and people who bring both brains and heart to the table.

the hosts

We are a global collective of tech leaders, founders, investors, and creatives redefining what leadership looks like today.
With deep ties across Europe and Silicon Valley, we blend ambition with wellbeing to build what truly matters.

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YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP.
ONE SHARED STAGE.

SplitX and Frontier Collective have been longtime collaborators—supporting each other’s work, exchanging ideas, and building aligned communities.

This summit is the first time we’re officially co-creating an event from start to finish.

BEYOND THE FRONTIER brings our shared vision to life.
A joint effort. A global gathering. And just the beginning.

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Speakers

Mike Pell

Envisioneer, Director at Microsoft Garage | Microsoft

Norma A. Padrón, Ph.D.

Vice President | J.P. Morgan

Sahil Jain

Vice President of Strategy | Newlab

Ravi Sarkar

Enterprise CTO | Microsoft

Dr. Eric Solomon

CEO | The Human Operating System

Alexander Fleischer

Executive Director, Ventures & Innovation Ecosystem of Applied Innovation Exchange | Capgemini

Murat Aktihanoglu

Co-Founder & Managing Partner |  Remarkable Ventures

Tonya Sitko

Chief Executive Officer | HSG

Daniel Baruch

Executive Director, ClimateTech | Commercial & Investment Bank | J.P. Morgan

Vijay Gurbaxani

Taco Bell Endowed Professor of Technology Management |  Founding Director, Center for Digital Transformation | The Paul Merage School of Business | University of California, Irvine

Jennifer Weng

Design Director & Head of Ventures NA | Frog

Tiya Gordon

Co-founder & COO | it’s electric

Yumi Kimura

Founder & CEO of LEAD Tech, Inc. | Organizational Futurist | AI x Knowledge Strategist

Michael Gold

Founder & CEO, Horseman.ai| AI & AR/VR Innovator, Educator & Investor

Robin Wood Sailer

Ecosystem Consultant, Innovation and Transformation Branch | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Co-Founder | Le Labs Group, Venture Partner | Helena Capital

Jade Scipioni

Senior Reporter/Journalist, Host, Author | (Past CNBC)

Toni Thai Sterrett

Artist & Founder | Bad Grrls Creative Club

Samantha G. Wolfe

Founder & CEO PitchFWD

Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW

President, National Organization for Women, Founder/CEO | Equity Bound Solutions LLC.,
Mental Health & Gender Equity Expert

Amy Peck

Founder & CEO | EndeavorXR

Ryan Wang

Investor | Outpost Capital, Co-founder | Zebra Labs

Natalie Monbiot

Founder of Virtual Human Economy | Ex Strategy & Futures at Samsung

 

Lucas Rizzotto

Award-Winning Inventor | Viral Artist | TED Speaker | Advisor

Dug Song

Co-founder & Former Chairman & CEO | Duo Security

Stewart Smith

Co-founder, Advanced Projects Group (Apogee)

James Gregson

VP, Brand & Creative | ex-LEGO, ex-WPP

Dan Burgar

Founder & CEO | Frontier Collective

Armando Matijevich

Founder & CEO | SplitX

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Speakers

Mike Pell

Envisioneer, Director at Microsoft Garage | Microsoft

Norma A. Padrón, Ph.D.

Vice President | J.P. Morgan

Sahil Jain

Vice President of Strategy | Newlab

Ravi Sarkar

Enterprise CTO | Microsoft

Dr. Eric Solomon

CEO | The Human Operating System

Alexander Fleischer

Executive Director, Ventures & Innovation Ecosystem of Applied Innovation Exchange | Capgemini

Murat Aktihanoglu

Co-Founder & Managing Partner |  Remarkable Ventures

Tonya Sitko

Chief Executive Officer | HSG

Daniel Baruch

Executive Director, ClimateTech | Commercial & Investment Bank |J.P. Morgan

Vijay Gurbaxani

Taco Bell Endowed Professor of Technology Management |  Founding Director, Center for Digital Transformation | The Paul Merage School of Business | University of California, Irvine

Jennifer Weng

Design Director & Head of Ventures NA Frog

Tiya Gordon

Co-founder & COO | it’s electric

Yumi Kimura

Founder & CEO of LEAD Tech, Inc. | Organizational Futurist | AI x Knowledge Strategist

 

Michael Gold

Founder & CEO, Horseman.ai| AI & AR/VR Innovator, Educator & Investor

Robin Wood Sailer

Ecosystem Consultant, Innovation and Transformation Branch | United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Co-Founder | Le Labs Group, Venture Partner | Helena Capital

Jade Scipioni

Senior Reporter/Journalist, Host, Author | (Past CNBC)

Toni Thai Sterrett

Artist & Founder | Bad Grrls Creative Club

Samantha G. Wolfe

Founder & CEO |  PitchFWD

Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW

President, National Organization for Women, Founder/CEO | Equity Bound Solutions LLC.,
Mental Health & Gender Equity Expert

Amy Peck

Founder | CEO EndeavorXR

Ryan Wang

Investor | Outpost Capital, Co-founder | Zebra Labs

Natalie Monbiot

Founder of Virtual Human Economy | Ex Strategy & Futures at Samsung

Lucas Rizzotto

Award-Winning Inventor | Viral Artist | TED Speaker | Advisor

Dug Song

Co-founder & Former Chairman & CEO | Duo Security

Stewart Smith

Co-founder, Advanced Projects Group (Apogee)

Dan Burgar

Founder & CEO | Frontier Collective

James Gregson

VP, Brand & Creative | ex-LEGO, ex-WPP

Armando Matijevich

Founder & CEO | SplitX

sponsors & partners

Your Journey Beyond the FrontieR

TICKETS & AGENDA

June 11–12 — Full Summit Access (Best Value)

Two days. Two iconic venues. One stacked experience.

This pass gets you everything: the full summit at Newlab with evning networking reception, the exclusive sessions at Microsoft Soho, and the closing rooftop gathering you’ll still be talking about weeks later.
Real access. Real conversations. Real momentum.

Limited availability. Premium energy. This is the one.

Only 100 available.

June 11 — Summit Day 1 @ Newlab

Hosted at Newlab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, this day brings together 250+ founders, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers for a deep dive into frontier innovation. The program features panels, fireside conversations, and keynotes exploring topics like AI in enterprise, climate tech, mobility, robotics, ethical leadership, and the future of brands.
Throughout the day, there’s space to connect—with thoughtful networking, breakout moments, and unexpected encounters.
We’ll wrap with an evening reception—good people, good music, and room to keep the conversations going.

Includes networking reception from 5–7:30 PM.

June 12 — Summit Day 2 @ Microsoft

At Microsoft’s Soho HQ, we shift into a more focused, high-trust setting.
This day brings together a smaller group of leaders for fast-moving panels, future-shaping insights, and bold conversations across deep tech, investment, AI, wellbeing, and the human side of innovation.

We’ll close the day with a rooftop gathering—city views, great people, and the kind of energy that stays with you long after the summit ends.

Limited to 100 guests. Intimate by design. Rooftop closing party included.

June 10 — VIP Dinner

An exclusive, invite-only evening with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders shaping what’s next.

Great food, bold conversations, and the kind of energy you can’t fake.

Location revealed to confirmed guests. Limited seats available.

Limited seats available.

Leave your email to get a full agenda.

EXPECT MAGIC.

IT’S KIND OF OUR THING.

EXPECT MAGIC.

IT’S KIND OF OUR THING.

TWO BOLD TECH COMMUNITIES

This isn’t just an event. It’s a vision—brought to life by Frontier Collective and SplitX.

We’re hosting a 2-day experience that brings together the world’s sharpest founders, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers to shape the next wave of frontier innovation.

Expect deep conversations, unexpected moments, and people you’ll still be texting in five years.

FAQ

This summit is for founders, investors, creatives, corporate leaders, and policymakers working at the forefront of innovation.
If you’re building bold ideas—or supporting those who are—you belong here

Yes. You can purchase a Day 1 pass for Pioneering The Future at Newlab in Brooklyn for $250. This includes access to all programming and the evening networking reception on June 11.
To attend both days—including VIP sessions, curated outdoor activities, and the rooftop reception—choose the All Access Pass.

Your ticket grants access to all sessions, programming, and receptions scheduled for your selected day.
Catering is included. Please note: the VIP Dinner on June 10 is a separate ticketed event.

Smart casual attire is recommended. Choose something polished yet comfortable—you’ll be networking, attending sessions, and spending time both indoors and outdoors.

Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable. If you need to update attendee information, contact us and we’ll assist.

This is an in-person experience designed for high-trust, real-time conversations. There will be no livestream. Select sessions may be recorded and shared with attendees post-event.

All attendees must have a ticket. If your colleague or team member would like to join, they’ll need to register separately.

Yes. A detailed agenda and venue guide will be shared with all registered attendees via email and Luma prior to the event.

 Yes. Event photography and light media coverage will take place. By attending, you consent to being photographed or recorded.

Mike Pell, Envisioneer, Director, The Microsoft Garage - NYC

Author “Visualizing Business”, “The Age of Smart Information”, and “Envisioning Holograms”   
 
Bold, insightful, and uncompromising, Mike Pell is widely recognized as a world-class Designer and industry thought leader in the fields of Innovation, Visualization, and Data + AI. 
 
Pell currently leads The Microsoft Garage in New York City, where he regularly disrupts the thinking, strategy, and business models of the world’s top companies and organizations. 
 
His evolution from intrepid entrepreneur, to VC-backed startup veteran, to corporate man for Adobe and Microsoft has given him a unique perspective on how to combine business, design, and technology to create breakthrough experiences.  
 
Learn more at https://Mike-Pell.com

Vice President at J.P. Morgan focused on the Innovation Economy, supporting deep tech entrepreneurs at the earliest stages—from quantum computing to robotics and AI.

Economist and entrepreneur with deep expertise in emerging technologies and their commercialization at scale, particularly in enterprise software, healthcare analytics, and AI.

Previously founded EmpiricaLab, an enterprise analytics platform transforming workforce training in healthcare, backed by Techstars and Mount Sinai Innovation Partners.

Career spans national data science initiatives, academic research, and corporate strategy.

Former faculty at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University.

Currently serve as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Yale Ventures, Venture Partner at No Border Ventures, adjunct faculty at the New York I-Corps Hub, and board member at Consilium Bots, a nonprofit applying AI to education policy across Latin America.

Sahil Jain, Vice President of Strategy, Newlab

Sahil Jain is a chemical engineer who has spent a significant portion of his career over the last 10 years at the intersection of corporate innovation and technology development within the energy sector. He started his career at LanzaTech and Shell, across different market sectors including LNG (for heavy duty transportation applications), Gas-to-Liquids, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). After working across these new markets and technology spaces at Shell, he helped build the corporate innovation practice at a major FMCG company, called Reckitt, to co-develop novel consumer products in the public health category (for brands like Lysol and Mucinex, to name a few) with early-stage technology companies. Sahil joined Newlab in 2021, a venture platform designed to accelerate the commercialization of critical technologies through place-based ecosystems that align infrastructure, capital and strategic partners. At Newlab, Sahil leads market development and growth, helping structure the foundational public-private partnerships that catalyze Newlab to expand into new locations and sector verticals.

Ravi Sarkar is Enterprise CTO at Microsoft. In this role, he leads the technology strategy & innovation, oversees the architecture and engineering of business solutions across the cloud & AI product stack for certain segments of the industry.

With over two decades of expertise in enterprise software product design, architecture and engineering as well as deep expertise in AI + data-driven systems, Web3 and distributed cloud computing, Ravi is a recognized fintech leader and influencer. He has designed new product categories, driven hypergrowth, and architected some of the most complex money transaction systems for tier one banks.

Ravi is a recipient of the Microsoft Technology Solution Achievers award and a former winner of the IBM Champions Award for innovation and financial technology research.

Ravi frequently speaks at industry events and conferences. He actively advises early-stage startups as well as the enterprise CIO/CTO peer community in NYC. Additionally, he is a contributor and speaker for the Green Software Foundation, working actively on a mission to reduce global carbon emissions associated with software.

Dr. Eric Solomon, CEO, The Human Operating System

Dr. Eric Solomon has worked at the convergence of marketing, technology, and psychology for nearly 30 years. He began his career as an academic, earning a PhD in cognitive science with a focus on AI and ML. Transitioning to business, Eric led research and strategy for agencies before taking up senior leadership positions at YouTube, Spotify, Google, Instagram, and Bonobos (owned by Walmart), where he served as their Chief Marketing Officer. Currently, he is at the helm of The Human Operating System, an advisory platform dedicated to integrating human-centric strategies across all business units.

Alexander Fleischer Executive Director, Ventures & Innovation Ecosystem of Applied Innovation Exchange, Capgemini

Alexander Fleischer is the Executive Director Ventures & Innovation Ecosystem of Capgemini’s Applied Innovation Exchange. His role entails connecting and partnering with startups, venture capital firms, accelerators and incubators in emerging technologies to find the most innovative ideas solving the global challenges that Capgemini’s corporate clients will face in the next decade. He also is an ambassador for technologies like VR, AR and AI within and outside Capgemini.

Alex has 13 years of innovation, strategy, digital transformation and leadership experience from different industries and worked in Germany, Hungary and the US. He started his career in Telecommunications and worked in consulting before he joined Capgemini in May 2022. Alex has a bachelor’s degree in International Business and a master’s degree in Corporate Strategy and Service Management from an international program across Germany, Chile and India.

Murat Aktihanoglu, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Remarkable Ventures

Murat Aktihanoglu is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Remarkable Ventures, Remarkable Ventures Climate and ERA in New York City with over 375 early-stage investments in tech and climate companies since 2011.

Tonya Sitko, Chief Executive Officer, HSG

Tonya Sitko has more than two decades of executive experience in pivotal roles across the defense, space, and technology sectors, bringing a systems-level approach to operational transformation, regulatory compliance, and scalable enterprise growth.

HSG’s clients include NASA, the U.S. Department of Interior, and the Environmental Protection Agency, and state/local water authorities. Under Mrs. Sitko’s leadership, HSG has expanded its role as a trusted partner in energy efficiency planning, spaceport planning, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, regulatory permitting, environmental remediation, and occupational health and safety support. These services underpin mission success for clients operating in high-risk, high-stakes environments – including launch operations at Kennedy Space Center and the U.S. Space Force’s Cape Canaveral Spaceport. 

Prior to HSG, Mrs. Sitko served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer at SMX and held senior roles at Trident Technologies and GaN Corporation. Her career includes extensive programmatic leadership on critical Army modernization and Department of Defense initiatives.

Mrs. Sitko holds a BS in Computer Information Systems and Economics from the University of North Alabama and an MBA in Information Systems from the Florida Institute of Technology, both summa cum laude. A respected leader known for aligning mission execution with enterprise discipline, Mrs. Sitko is a strong advocate for data-driven operations, environmental resilience, and the integration of regulatory excellence into national security and space programs.

Daniel has spent his career at the nexus of energy markets, investments, innovation and climate strategy. He currently serves as the Executive Director of ClimateTech Investments & Innovation at J.P. Morgan in NYC, driving strategic investments and partnerships with cutting-edge companies across the ClimateTech ecosystem across Carbon, Built Environment, GridTech, Data Analytics, Adaptation & Resilience, Geospatial, Geothermal, AI-enabled solutions, among others.

 

Daniel’s background also spans across physical and financial energy commodity markets, with experience in natural gas & power at Morgan Stanley, crude oil & NGLs at Glencore, and multi-asset alternative investments at AllianceBernstein. Prior to J.P. Morgan, Daniel served as the Vice President of Climate Strategy at Moody’s, and Director of Global Energy Markets & Business Development at Ursa Space, a satellite geospatial intelligence startup.

 

Daniel also serves on the:

  • Advisory Board of the SecondMuse Scale for ClimateTech Accelerator
  • Investor Advisory Board of NREL’s ClimateTech Industry Growth Forum (IGF)
  • Strategic Advisory Council of the University of Colorado’s Global Energy Management Program

Vijay Gurbaxani, Taco Bell Endowed Professor of Technology Management, Founding Director, Center for Digital Transformation, The Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine

Vijay Gurbaxani is the Taco Bell Endowed Professor in Technology Management and the Founding Director of the Center for Digital Transformation at The Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine.  He is a distinguished scholar and expert on the critical areas of digital transformation, the strategic impact of artificial intelligence on business, and the economics of digital technology. Driven by a commitment to impactful research and education, Vijay’s work examines how organizations can harness technology to generate value and successfully adapt to the profound shifts in the digital economy. His insights have informed leaders globally, encouraging a thoughtful and effective adoption of technology to capitalize on its potential and maintain a competitive edge.

Jennifer Weng, Design Director & Head of Ventures North America, Frog

Jennifer is a design director and Head of Ventures for North America at frog. Her expertise is in building and launching products & businesses that create impactful human-centered experiences. She has delivered award-winning products across industries in consumer retail, healthcare, financial services, sustainability, etc. — building, nurturing, and leading teams across research, design, and strategy to deliver solutions to complex problems that benefit our planet and humans. She has partnered with Fortune 100 corporations as well as startup ventures, and guest critiques at the Parsons School of Design.

tiya gordon, Co-founder & COO, it's electric

Tiya holds 20 years experience in design, leadership, and operations across a range of disciplines for some of the country’s top firms and institutions. She is now venturing to spend the next 20 years building companies that use design to wage war against the Climate Crisis.

Tiya’s work has received the industry’s top accolades, including The National Design Award from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; the SXSW Innovation Award for Urban Infrastructure; the Inaugural Cannes Gold Lion for Creative Data; the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at the Cannes Film Festival; the designation of second most innovative design firm in the world; the 2023 Innovation by Design Award by Fast Company; the 2023 Next Big Thing In Tech: and the 2024 Keeling Curve Prize.

Yumi Kimura, Founder & CEO of LEAD Tech, Inc. | Organizational Futurist | AI x Knowledge Strategist

Yumi Kimura is a visionary entrepreneur and global expert in AI-driven knowledge management, organizational strategy, and the future of work. She is the Founder & CEO of LEAD Tech, Inc., a U.S.-based enterprise intelligence company specializing in relationship analytics, knowledge mapping, and Organizational Network Analysis (ONA). Under her leadership, LEAD has been recognized by Wharton People Analytics and Columbia University for its pioneering work in workforce optimization and behavioral AI. The platform has been installed by over 2,000 companies, with paying customers including a Fortune 500 tech giant and one of the world’s top three global consulting firms.

As the founding Country Manager of Meitu Japan, Yumi built and led the company from the ground up—driving localization, product adaptation, and market entry in one of the world’s most challenging consumer environments. At a time when no Chinese B2C tech company had succeeded in Japan, her team achieved 33% market penetration, laying the groundwork for Meitu’s international expansion and contributing significantly to its $4.5B IPO—the second-largest tech IPO in Hong Kong after Tencent—and 1B+ global downloads.

Yumi conducts research in AI and knowledge management at Columbia University, with a focus on digital transformation and change management to drive operational efficiency. She has guest lectured at institutions such as Washington University’s Olin Business School and continues to shape global dialogue around human capital, AI, and the infrastructure of modern knowledge economies.

Her mission is to redesign how enterprises discover, develop, and deploy talent — making invisible knowledge visible, and creating systems where brilliance doesn’t go unnoticed.

Michael Gold, Founder & CEO, Horseman.ai | AI & AR/VR Innovator, Educator & Investor

Michael Gold has been working in the 3D space since 2015, with AR / VR productions featured at Sundance, SXSW, SIGGRAPH, and Lincoln Center. 

He teaches graduate courses in AI to 3D artists at the School of Visual Art and invests both directly and through Red Beard Ventures. 

Previously, Michael has founded numerous ventures in the frontier tech space, led spinoffs for NYU’s AR / VR research lab as the Entrepreneur in Residence, and worked as a technical director for brands including HBO, Target, and Starbucks.

He is currently working on a new venture, horseman.ai, that deploys ai-powered mobile kiosks.

Robin Wood Sailer, Ecosystem Consultant, Innovation and Transformation Branch, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) / Co-Founder, Le Labs Group / Venture Partner, Helena Capital

Robin Wood Sailer is a venture partner at Helena Capital, the co-founder of Le Labs Group and an ecosystem consultant with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Previously, she worked at CBS News, Bloomberg News and The Wall Street Journal | Barron’s Group. She has produced award winning programming for digital news, broadcast television, audio, mixed reality and ~100 news making events during her time at Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal and Le Labs. She was part of the team that built the original Bloomberg Events division. The business was incubated at Bloomberg Ventures. At the Wall Street Journal, she was part of the team that produced WSJ Tech Live in Laguna and Hong Kong as well as the Future of Everything Festival. At Bloomberg and at the Wall Street Journal, she oversaw the curation of founders and investors who participated in the shark tank inspired startup showcases that were embedded in technology focused conferences. At Dow Jones — when the pandemic shut down in person events — her business unit participated in Prehype’s accelerator program to launch a virtual event business. She also started and ran the custom and brand events business. Currently she advises founders, investors and executive leaders on storytelling, strategic partnerships and business development. Le Labs’ clients and partners have included Fortune 500 companies, founders, investors and non-profits. She is on the board of the New York Financial Writers Association and Sticks and Stones Studio, an arts education program in Oregon.

Jade Scipioni, Senior Reporter/Journalist, Host, Author (Past CNBC)

Over the last decade, I interviewed thousands of subjects from all walks of life, from CEOs to athletes to every day newsmakers both famous and infamous.

My journalism career at Court TV began covering courtroom trials. I loved every minute. I still remember getting my first major “on the ground” assignment as rookie; the Anna Nicole Smith paternity case (yes, the one where the judge cried in court). That story took me on the road to Fort Lauderdale and the Bahamas for weeks. After that, I was at the OJ Simpson robbery case in Vegas (seeing OJ in court gave me chills as I remember watching the trial with my dad as a kid).

A few years later, I was recruited to CBS News’ ‘The Early Show,’ where I covered big stories like Captain Phillips, the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’, Drew Peterson, the 2008 financial crisis and presidential election.

A few years later, I was back at Court TV (now called In Session) for the relaunch under CNN’s HLN brand. There, I was recruited to be a special projects producer, working on long form packages and key interviews. In 2011, I was the lead content producer for the Casey Anthony trial and Michael Jackson’s wrongful death trial. I spent several months in both Orlando and Los Angeles covering the trials in their entirety. I also scored our network a one-on-one sit down with Casey Anthony’s attorney, Jose Baez a few weeks before the trial.

After In Session, I came back to New York City to try something new; I took a job with Bloomberg News. While international business news was new for me, I enjoyed the challenge. Two years later, I landed at FOX Business as a reporter.

At FOX Business, I landed on-camera interviews with major CEOs from Tyson Foods, General Mills, Anheuser-Busch, Aramark and Epic Records. I also interviewed a slew of athletes from Joe Montana, Rob Gronkowski, Chris Paul, Brett Favre, Drew Brees, Emmitt Smith, Tony Hawk, Simone Biles and Maria Sharapova. My top one-one-one celebrity interviews include Martha Stewart, Steve Harvey, Drew Barrymore, Christie Brinkley and Montel Williams.

Currently, I’m a senior reporter for CNBC Make It, where I work on in-depth profiles on top CEOs, celebrities and athletes. Top interviews include Ray Dalio, John Mackey, Jeff Immelt, Dwayne Johnson, Patrick Mahomes, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Shaquille O’Neal and Serena Williams.

Toni Thai Sterrett, Artist & Founder, Bad Grrls Creative Club

Toni Thai Sterrett is a multifaceted creator. A filmmaker, photographer, digital creative and web3 founder of Bad Grrls Creative Club. She’s a 2022 Artist In Resident at The Greene Space (NYPR/WNYC/NPR).

She’s spoken at CES, Cannes Film Festival, Consensus, Miami tech week and more. She co-produced and co-starred in the Gotham Award nominated film, August The First. She’s directed for Pantene, Clinique, Nissan, KMart, BET etc. a list of celebs & was chosen by Ava Duvernay as Vibe’s Next Female Filmmaker.

Her photography work has been recognized by Time Magazine , Revolt, Yahoo Finance, on the Apple App Store , etc. she’s also hosted conversations for Amazon, Bumble, Coindesk, Will Packer Productions, SXSW, HBO, Walmart, and Showtime.

She guest lectures at Parson’s School of Design, Columbia University’s MFA film, and SVA (School of visual arts) creative MFA programs and she’s a member of Forbes BLK & a16z’s Cultural Leadership Fund’s #CLFSquad

Samantha G. Wolfe, Founder & CEO, PitchFWD

Samantha G. Wolfe is the Founder and CEO of PitchFWD, an award-winning strategic brand consultancy for emerging technology products and services. Sam is known worldwide as a bleeding-edge tech translator across 20+ industries. As an Adjunct Professor at NYU’s Steinhardt School, she has created 5 original classes including ‘Avatars, AI Agents, and Virtual Humans,’ ‘Marketing Emerging Technologies,’ and the upcoming ‘Business of Innovation.’ Sam has co-authored 2 books, including ‘Marketing New Realities’ and ‘Metaversed: See Beyond The Hype’ and wrote a chapter in ‘Convergence’ focused on Augmented Reality & Brands. She is one of the Hosts of ‘The Internet of Senses’ Podcast, with her interviews focused on the forefront of sight technologies. In addition, Sam recently launched an emerging tech accelerator and an invite-only event series called ‘Inspiring Innovation.’ Across it all, Sam is known for her down-to-earth approach and her infectious enthusiasm. For more details, go to samanthagwolfe.com

Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW, President, National Organization for Women, Founder/CEO, Equity Bound Solutions LLC., Mental Health & Gender Equity Expert

Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW, is a trailblazing advocate, international speaker, strategist, and leader who made history as NOW’s second African American President in 2020. As Founder/CEO of Equity Bound Solutions LLC, she creates equitable solutions for organizations by blending equity, mental health wellness, and social justice principles. With over two decades of experience advocating for AI & digital safety, mental health, and gender equity, Christian has drafted significant
legislation, co-authored policy surveys, and launched transformative initiatives. Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW, is a formidable advocate, international speaker, strategist, and leader who made history as the second African American President of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 2020. As the Founder and CEO of Equity Bound Solutions LLC, she is committed to creating equitable solutions for organizations by effectively blending principles of equity, mental health wellness, and social justice.
With over two decades of experience, Christian has a proven track record advocating for AI and digital safety, mental health, and gender equity. She has been instrumental in drafting vital legislation, co-authoring impactful policy surveys, and spearheading transformative initiatives, including “Unlock the Future,” the “Feminist State of the Union,” the “Feminism NOW Podcast,” and her children’s book “No Hug Today,” which empowers young children by teaching them about consent and self-advocacy.
Through her powerful media presence and advocacy work, Christian has positioned herself as a leading voice in policy development and international speaking engagements, earning significant recognition from prominent media outlets such as Forbes, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and MSNBC, including Unlock the Future, Feminist State of the Union, the Feminism NOW Podcast, and her children’s book No Hug Today, which teaches young kids about consent and self-empowerment. Her advocacy through media appearances, policy development, and
international speaking engagements has earned her features in prominent media outlets like Forbes, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and MSNBC.

Amy Peck, CEO, EndeavorXR

Amy Peck is the CEO of EndeavorXR, a leading global XR strategy & consulting firm. She is one of the world’s foremost experts on immersive technology, the Metaverse, Web 3.0 and Blockchain. She is a recognized futurist and thought leader, and speaks globally on emerging technology and innovation. She advises Fortune 500 companies, government entities, digital media/production companies and tech startups on The Metaverse, XR strategy, tech-forward digital transformation and the Future of Work.

Amy was recently named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech for 2023 and Top 100 Women of The Future which is also being published as a book and series of NFTs. Amy is an angel investor and a Venture Partner at the CRXR Accelerator. She holds multiple Advisory Board roles, and is Co-chair of Prospera Women, a global organization supporting female-led startups. 

Amy works tirelessly to instill a positive vision of future tech and to inspire action on a global level.
Her own personal mission is to see technology accessible to all – fundamentally improving every aspect of our lives and elevating the way we work, learn, communicate and play.

Ryan Wang, Investor at Outpost Capital, Co-founder at Zebra Labs

Ryan Wang is globally acknowledged as a visionary technology futurist and esteemed business executive, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Spatial Computing, and Frontier Technology sectors.

Ryan holds a distinguished position as Co-founder and General Partner of Outpost Capital, a trailblazing cross-border early-stage venture fund established in 2015, with a primary focus on frontier technology investments across the United States and Asia. He also serves as Managing Partner at Solaris Venture Partners, a San Francisco based private equity firm providing management and advisory services to global capital and corporate clients in the Artificial Intelligence sector.

In 2020, Ryan co-founded Zebra Labs, a music entertainment company creating new IPs and content with cutting edge technology in metaverse and AI.

With over a decade of active engagement in the tech sphere, Ryan has forged significant collaborations with industry giants and fortune 500 companies and governments, serving in capacities such as advisor, consultant, or partner.

Before venturing into the technological domain, Ryan amassed extensive experience and built a comprehensive and successful career in investment banking, working with Citigroup and Societe Generale in New York City. Ryan holds a Master of Science degree from NYU, and has taught lessons at multiple universities including USC, UW and NTU.

Natalie Monbiot pioneers ethical approaches to AI that extend human capabilities rather than replace them. As Founder of Virtual Human Economy (VHE), she develops and implements strategies for AI technologies that allow people to expand their reach while maintaining control over their digital identity.

Previously, as a founding executive at Hour One, Natalie helped create one of the first commercially successful AI avatar companies, pioneering a system where real people could be compensated for their digital likenesses. This work established her as a leader in creating ethical frameworks for AI representation.

Natalie’s TEDx talk, “Can your ‘digital twin’ be trustworthy?”, addresses the practical challenges of maintaining authenticity and trust when using AI to represent humans in digital spaces.

Before 2019, Natalie worked as a digital media executive shaping innovation for brands including Samsung, BMW, and Sony.

Natalie’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and MIT Technology Review. She speaks regularly at major technology conferences including Web Summit, SXSW, and Fortune Brainstorm AI, focusing on tangible approaches to developing AI that enhances human potential rather than diminishing it.

 Lucas Rizzotto is a real-life mad scientist, award-winning creative technologist & filmmaker from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Featured at TED’s keynote, Lucas’s inventions have been seen by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Covered everywhere from TMZ to BBC, he mixes world-class innovation work with documentary filmmaking, creating inventions that aren’t just award-winning breakthroughs in their own right, but also deeply relatable stories that people can connect to.

Over the years Lucas has premiered several award-winning interactive narratives at film festivals Where Thoughts Go (Tribeca Film Festival, 2018),  Flat Earth VR (Sundance Film Festival) / Rocket, by Pillow (SXSW, 2024). His recent Instagram webseries (A Robot’s Guide to Happiness) was the first piece of short-form video to be featured at a major film festival (Tribeca 2025). On top of this innovative storytelling work, he’s also created several successful startups like Pillow, a Mixed Reality app designed to be played lying down in bed, changing the role new technologies can play in our lives.


Today Lucas continues to create amazing inventions online while pushing his storytelling capabilities to new heights, working on his viral Instagram series while creating live performances where he can control the phones of the entire audience.

Dug Song, Co-founder & Former Chairman & CEO, Duo Security

Dug Song is co-founder and former chairman & CEO of Duo Security, Michigan’s first tech unicorn and multibillion venture-backed acquisition. As a founder and funder, Dug is a champion for growing community wealth — economic, social, cultural, and environmental — to build a more just and inclusive future for all.

Dug is heavily involved in the global startup community and fostering entrepreneurship in Michigan as an active investor, advisor, and board member. He is co-founder/chair of the Michigan Founders Fund, helping entrepreneurs turn business success into positive community impact, and serves on the boards of the Detroit Regional Chamber and the US Department of Commerce’s National Advisory Council for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, with a focus on racial justice and economic equity.

In 2020, Dug and his wife started the Song Foundation to invest in the innovative people and organizations improving the quality of life for all in Southeast Michigan. Song also serves on the executive board of the Wallace House Center for Journalists, and on the national advisory board for Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Co-founder, Advanced Projects Group (Apogee)

Stewart Smith (https://stewartsmith.io) is an award-winning creative technologist, artist, writer, and speaker. He’s led innovation teams across ten time zones, and wields wisdom accrued from his years with Google, Amazon, and Unity. Educated as a graphic designer (MFA, Yale University), his work is multi-disciplinary by nature and has spanned quantum computing, artificial intelligence, spatial computing, aerospace, and fine art. He recently co-founded the Advanced Projects Group (https://apogee.nyc—an enigmatic organization creating magic with companies you’ve heard of for projects you wouldn’t believe. 

James gregson, VP, Brand & Creative | ex-LEGO, ex-WPP

You won’t find the standard portfolio school origin story here—instead, picture a Syracuse University student athlete who abandoned his advertising design degree for computer animation and minor in painting, yet somehow kept a stash of his favorite ads burned onto CDs like other kids collected baseball cards. This unconventional beginning shaped James Gregson into a creative marketing leader who transforms brand narratives into cultural moments that resonate.

His foundation was built in New York’s agency environment, where he developed communication strategies for New Balance, Mercedes-Benz, and Atari. This experience catalyzed an entrepreneurial chapter as he founded his own marketing consultancy, guiding global brands and media personalities through five formative years that shaped his approach to platform strategy and audience engagement.

At LEGO, James evolved from digital community architect to senior creative executive, leading multi-disciplinary teams responsible for global marketing initiatives. Working alongside entertainment partners like Disney and Minecraft, he refined the art of translating established properties into brand experiences that connect across generations and platforms.

As VP of Creative & Communications at OLIPOP, James architected the visual identity and storytelling approach that helped position this better-for-you beverage challenger among established category leaders, earning recognition from Ad Age and other industry publications.

Today, as an independent consultant, James applies his comprehensive expertise to brands navigating complex challenges—from strategic brand positioning to implementing emerging AI technologies into marketing and creative workflows to enhance rather than replace the human elements of marketing.

An Adweek Creative 100 honoree with roots in London, James brings this distinctive viewpoint—coupled with the grounding influence of raising three spirited children—to his approach to brand storytelling that balances innovation with authentic human connection.

You can find/follow James on X and LinkedIn.

Dan Burgar, CEO & Founder, Frontier Collective

Dan Burgar is an innovator with a bold vision within this technological revolution, VR, AR, Spatial Computing, and Frontier Tech. He firmly believes in the transformative power of collaboration, inclusivity, and diversity as essential ingredients for a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world. Dan’s dedication to creating space for innovation and ecosystem building is not just about advancing human experiences; it’s about reshaping our future. As a leader behind Frontier Collective, Dan is the CEO and co-founder, spearheading Vancouver’s movement into a new era of innovation. Under his leadership, Frontier Collective has been a catalyst for change in the region. Frontier Collective is orchestrating the vision of a state-of-the-art 150,000+ Sq Ft Innovation Hub, a melting pot of cutting-edge technologies and creative minds, setting a new standard for ecosystem building, advocacy, and placemaking. Frontier Collective has also focused on telling the story globally to help bring investment in to the city. Dan’s efforts have transformed Vancouver into a global powerhouse in the VR and AR sectors, boasting the world’s highest concentration of 3D talent. His influence extends far beyond Canadian borders, significantly impacting the virtual and augmented reality landscapes worldwide. Co-founding Shape Immersive, Dan has left an indelible mark in spatial computing, leading a company known for pioneering VR/AR + 3D development. His work has fostered collaboration with iconic brands like Redbull, Sephora, the Olympics, Disney, Star Atlas, and RTFKT studios, blending technology with creativity to push boundaries. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Technology & Innovation, a BIV Top Forty Under 40, and a BC500 leader, Dan is a well-respected thought leader. His insights have illuminated the pages of AdAge, TechCrunch, Betakit, VR Scout, DailyHive, and BC Business. Dan’s expertise and vision have been featured in Forbes, CTV, CBC, and Business in Vancouver. A global speaker, Dan has shared his wisdom at prestigious venues like the Web Summit, Collision Conference, SXSW, Annecy Festival France, TED Conference, AWE, AWE EU, and SXSW Sydney. His role as an advisor and mentor to burgeoning startups and entrepreneurs underscores his commitment to fostering diversity in the tech world. Dan Burgar hope is to build a future where technology enhances life and unlocks our full potential. @dburgar on Twitter

Armando Matijevich, Founder & CEO, SplitX

Armando Matijevich is a venture and community builder with 15 years in tech, spending the last nine shuttling between Silicon Valley and Split, Croatia. He founded SplitX, a frontier-tech hub where 500+ leaders—collectively representing $3.2B in networth—pair breakthrough innovation with intentional well-being.

He recently launched the Got Fyaka? newsletter, sharing the no-nonsense wellness rituals that have sustained his health and productivity throughout his career.