Meet the Speaker
INSPIRATION
AFAF IBRAHIM
Emotional Intelligence Expert
Afaf Ibrahim (DBA Candidate), a Senior HR Consultant is a leading authority in Leadership and Human Resources, renowned for her expertise in both corporate and government sectors. She is a GENOS EI-certified practitioner, NLP and Life Coach, and the founder of Emotional Intelligence Australia. As a Partner-Consultant with the Queensland Educational Leadership Institute (QELI), she specializes in enhancing organizational performance and competitive advantage. Recognized by CIO VIEWS Magazine as one of the top ten most influential people in coaching and training in 2023, Afaf is also the author of Al Masdar: The Bridge to Excellence. With a strong background across banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing, she excels in talent acquisition, workforce planning, engagement, case management, and learning and development, delivering impactful results at both strategic and operational levels.
INGO-HEINZ NEETHLING
Whole-brain Leadership Specialist; Global Applied Creativity Expert and Sought-after International Presenter
Ingo-Heinz Neethling is a senior trainer and consultant at the Kobus Neethling group. Heinz is also the COO at the Applied Creativity Institute for applied creative business development. Heinz is also a shareholder and master trainer at Solutionsfiding, facilitating practitioner training both locally and internationally on the NBI battery of thinking instruments. Heinz holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Marketing) and a postgraduate degree, a MA in Leadership and Organization Studies, he is also a PhD student in Leadership and Organization studies at the University of Southern Maine. As a consultant and trainer for KNG, Heinz’s areas of specialisation include training, coaching, business development, facilitation, and conflict resolution. Internationally, he has trained, facilitated workshops, and presented projects in countries such as India, Namibia, Sudan, Canada, the USA, and the UAE (Dubai).
KAREN HODGES
Human Potential Developer; International Author and Presenter on the 8-Dimensional Brain and Applied Creativity
Karen Hodges is a passionate leader dedicated to helping individuals discover their potential and achieve their goals. As a registered NBI whole-brain practitioner and master trainer, she works with companies to enhance communication, tap into diverse thinking styles, and drive organizational success. With over a decade of experience in the corporate, public, and educational sectors, Karen delivers highly interactive sessions tailored to each organization's needs. She holds degrees in Applied Psychology and has received the Excellence in Creativity Award and the Beyonder Award. Karen has worked with global organizations such as WHO, Barclays, and Cognizant, and is a regular keynote speaker at international conferences.
ERIK GUZIK
Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship, World Leader in Creativity/AI Research; Can AI be as Creative as Humans?
Erik holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with research interest in entrepreneurship, the economic microfoundations of creativity and the underlying conditions supporting regional and national innovation. He previoucly taught within the Gabelli School of Business at Roger Williams University and as Associate Professor at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) and the University of Montana Western. He also served as Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies Program at USAO, and since 2016, has launched and led PatientOne, a national researcher on the topic of Creativity and AI
ARPAN ROY
Amazon Best Selling Author
Accomplished author of the Amazon best-seller 'A Servant's Heart-Leadership That Inspires,' showcasing his expertise in leadership and inspiring countless readers. Having co-authored the book 'Success Uncovered' with distinguished writers like Dr. John Demartini, Arpan Roy has earned global recognition. His contributions were acknowledged with the prestigious '100 Top Training and Development Minds-Global' award at the World HRD Congress 2018, solidifying his impact on the international stage. Arpan is driven by a profound purpose - to enable others to realize their peak potential. His mission focuses on empowering leaders to engage, inspire, and empower those around them. Through his extensive experience with global corporate organizations and small to medium businesses, Arpan shares powerful leadership insights that contribute to the creation of a culture of high performance and collaboration.
LIESL SCHOONWINKEL
Whole-Brain Master Trainer, International Author, and Sought-after Presenter at Global Conferences on Creativity and Innovation
Liesl believes that the success of any organization is driven by the individual contributions of its employees. As a registered Whole-Brain Master Trainer and accredited Creativity Specialist, she focuses on developing individuals to enhance their careers and contribute to organizational success. Through tailored learning experiences, Liesl delivers engaging, interactive presentations that address client-specific needs, fostering practical understanding and skill development. She also offers career guidance, has co-authored Taking You Beyond, and runs community programs to uplift education. Liesl serves as a corporate trainer, coach, career counselor, keynote speaker, and MC at various events.
LEE KITCHEN
5-star Innovation Catalyst, Keynote Speaker, Workshop Leader, Culture Change Agent, Design Thinking Trainer, and 32-year Disney Veteran
Lee Kitchen, Lead Innovation Catalyst, Magical Dude Consulting Lee is a 5-star Innovation Catalyst, Keynote Speaker, Workshop Leader, Culture-Change agent, Design Thinking Trainer, Avengers and Stars Wars fanboy and overall MAGICAL DUDE! Lee brings a wealth of experience as a Certified Master Facilitator and long-term innovation agent. During his 32 years at The Walt Disney Company, he helped create some of their most impactful marketing campaigns, memorable guest experiences and real-time operational efficiencies. Now he offers his magic and wisdom in a mix of training, interactive workshops, facilitated idea sessions and inspiring keynotes both in person and virtually, around the world.
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CELIA TORRES-VAILLANUEVA
Board Chair; Lawyer; Author; Former Scientist; Impact Entrepreneur
Celia has over 15 years of experience in commercial, intellectual property, and contract management across aerospace, defense, government, energy, research, and academia. A lawyer admitted in Australia and the Philippines with a PhD in biomedical sciences, she combines technical, legal, and strategic expertise to lead teams and support their growth. She currently chairs the board of Community Health Pharmacy, guiding its efforts to provide affordable healthcare, and serves as an independent director on other boards, specializing in governance and risk management. As founder of Career Transformation Ventures, Celia mentors migrants, women, and diverse professionals to boost their leadership presence. Her mission is to make a positive impact on organizations and people.
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