Journey to Generative AI

Don is the Managing Partner at Storm Reply, an AWS Premier Consulting Partner specializing in governing, planning, and building data and cloud solutions on AWS. He has over 25 years of experience in providing consulting services to organizations and businesses seeking to use data and technology as differentiators and catalysts for growth. Don's passion is to "guide clients to define and execute digital transformation strategies that leverage data, user experience, and cloud technologies." He leads the expansion of Storm Reply, AWS' 2022 System Integrator Partner of the Year in EMEA, into North America, serving multiple industries including automotive, manufacturing, financial services, and professional services. Previously, Don was a Partner and Vice President at Valorem Reply, where he led the digital strategy and customer success teams, focusing on developing relationships, growing revenue, and servicing strategic clients and partners with Microsoft cloud solutions. Don, lives in Northbrook, IL, and is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan and DePaul University. He is married and has two grown children, both recent college graduates.

Jeff is currently the Chief Revenue Officer at CrateDB where he has over 24 years of executive experience in the data, software, mobile, IoT and cloud computing industries. During this time, he has worked at companies such as MongoDB, Red Hat, Microsoft, along with numerous start-ups. This has given him a passion for empowering and enabling developers to create and build mission critical applications with sophisticated, powerful features, such as real-time collaboration, analytics, AI, data synchronization, and much more. CrateDB is Jeff’s 9th technology start-up where he has specialized in helping companies not only adopt these innovative technologies but realize all the value and benefits, they promise. After spending time in Seattle, Phoenix, Chicago, Silicon Valley, he is now back in Phoenix enjoying the sun almost every day.

Brendan Conrad has over two decades of technical leadership expertise in application architecture, development, and technical sales, focusing on real-time analytics, digital transformation, and automation. He designs and leads transformative solutions that optimize data pipelines and leverage cutting-edge technologies for real-time decision-making, business intelligence, application architecture frameworks, and observability. Brendan architects and delivers scalable, secure solutions for enterprise clients, driving multi-million-dollar revenue growth. His expertise in data management, workflow automation, and distributed system integration makes him a trusted advisor, consistently guiding clients to achieve impactful results.

Ken Kazinski is the manager of Abbott Laboratories Attack Surface Management team and has over twenty years of experience in the field of cybersecurity. His current cybersecurity focus is in application security, which is enhanced with his substantial knowledge of system security in both government regulated and non-regulated industries. These environments have provided him with a deep contextual understanding on the impact of security in a variety of organizational environments. In his role at Abbott, Ken provides leadership, program vision, and integration guidance on attack surface areas, including Threat and Vulnerability Management, Application Security, Cloud Security, Mobility, and Brand Reputation. As an Air Force veteran with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Ken has used both his professional and educational experience to create critical application security programs at multiple Fortune 100 companies. Prior to joining Abbott, Ken managed application security for Johnson Controls, Power Solutions division. His professional and military experience has provided him with the opportunity to work and live in multiple countries around the world.

Manu Cyriac is a seasoned technology executive with close to 15 years in digital transformation, software engineering, and technology optimization. He has a proven track record of driving innovation and efficiency for some of the most well-respected brands in the industry. As Head of Digital Product and Software Engineering at Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Manu has played a pivotal role in scaling digital platforms, optimizing technology investments, and enhancing customer experiences. His leadership has been instrumental in driving traffic and growth through digital channels by incorporating innovative digital strategies. Previously, Manu held key leadership positions at various Fortune 500 companies worldwide, successfully leading several business transformation programs and strategic initiatives.

Leo Burnett Worldwide believes in using creativity to drive dynamic business change for its clients. Through a HumanKind approach to marketing, the agency puts a brand's purpose at the center of communications to transform human behavior. Part of the Publicis Groupe, Leo Burnett Worldwide is one of the world's largest agency networks with 85 offices and more than 8,000 employees. The global agency works with some of the world's most valued brands including Coca-Cola, Fiat, Kellogg's, Kraft, McDonald's, Nintendo, P&G, Samsung and Tata among others.

Aditya Kaushal is a visionary Technology Executive and Senior Data Analytics professional with a proven history of driving digital transformation for Fortune 100 organizations. Expertise in designing scalable enterprise architectures and AI/ML initiatives has enabled him to deliver multi-million-dollar business value, including a notable 80% reduction in processing time for global operations. A strategic partner to C-suite stakeholders, Aditya excels at leading $50M+ programs and fostering governed, data-driven cultures. His leadership extends to managing high-performance Centers of Excellence and mentoring top-tier talent to achieve organizational excellence. Currently, he serves on the Chicago CDAO Governing Body and as Co-Chair of the Chief Architecture Network Chicago Chapter. Aditya’s core strengths lie in bridging the gap between robust data engineering and executive business outcomes, ensuring innovation remains balanced with rigorous governance and security.