FEATURED SPEAKER OF THE DAY
20 Amazing & Diverse Speakers –FutureBizNow 2023 Conference
MORE FROM SPEAKERS’ CORNER
Mishka Nizar
Founder, Mirihana Legal
Mishka Nizar, author of “The Art of Artificial Intelligence,” is a dynamic leader pioneering the A.I. revolution. Her Law degree and boundless curiosity ignited a journey into A.I.’s transformative power. Orchestrating a global focus group, she captured 100 perspectives in 2020. Mishka’s profound A.I. research, specializing in machine learning, natural language processing, and data analysis, establishes her as an influential voice in the A.I. community. Her mission to explA.I.n A.I. in palatable, simple terms on her YouTube channel and through her guide empowers others to shape an inclusive A.I. landscape. Mishka illuminates pathways to comprehend and contribute to A.I.’s narrative, driving a brighter future.
Claudette Hutchinson
Chief Learning Officer, Andreaus Consulting
Claudette Hutchinson, CPTD, CTDP, is a talent development, learning, and performance expert. She collaborates with local, national, and global learning and development professionals to devise actionable strategies that produce skyrocketing results. Her superpower is engineering experiences that positively affect people’s bodies, brains, and behaviours, ultimately helping your organization exceed expectations and maximize output.
Claudette Hutchinson, C.T.P.D., C.P.T.D., is an internationally certified talent development professional with over 20 years of engineering transformative experiences for global communities. She devotes her expertise to serving the not-for-profit ecosystem. As a life-long learner and active volunteer Claudette currently sits on several boards and holds various positions on multiple committees in the people development space. She dedicates time to connecting, supporting, learning from, and educating people on elevating their community through culturally relevant education.
“Your people hold the key to unlocking your company’s potential. Their knowledge and expertise are irreplaceable assets that can help you overcome even the toughest challenges. When investing in their growth and development, you demonstrate your commitment to their success and your company’s future. Investing in your people is your choice; let your investment lead you to limitless possibilities.”
Lori Pelzer
CEO, Girlgobegreat Lifestyle Success Co, LLC
GirlgobegreatAI
Meet Lori Pelzer, a remarkable individual with an unwavering spirit of resilience; overcoming a slew of challenges— from teen pregnancy and poverty to rising to the top of her business career becoming a millionaire in her thirties where she carved her niche in the real estate industry, building a successful brokerage for 17 years from the ground up with her husband and brother before retiring in 2012.
Lori’s biggest test would come after loosing over $1 Million dollars of her assets, becoming homeless seemingly overnight during the 2008 US housing crisis. She reinvented her life again, representing what an inspiring woman leader looks like in action; and a dynamo in the world of entrepreneurship.
Lori has been for the past 10 years the CEO of Girlgobegreat a business training and development company for women entrepreneurs. She’s also the visionary behind GirlGoBeGreatAI, a startup tech initiative designed to help create fresh opportunities and profitability for underserved and underbanked women entrepreneurs.
A seasoned businesswoman with 25 years of experience she’s been seen on CBS, NBC, WACH FOX, FOX BUSINESS Affiliates, FLOW 98.7 including numerous magazines and radio. Lori has gained recognition as an International motivational & TEDx speaker and a highly sought-after business profitability coach, directly impacting over 10,000 women throughout various platforms. She’s the creator of “DEFY The Good” Podcast located on the Apple & Spotify platform.
Britney Cole
Vice President, and Head of the
Blanchard Innovation Lab
As Vice President of Innovation and the head of the Blanchard Innovation Lab and Experience Center, Britney Cole is a visionary leader who positively impacts lives through cutting-edge solutions that drive personal, professional, and organizational growth.
With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate training and leadership development, Britney is a highly sought-after consultant, speaker, and thought leader. Her mission is to help employees learn new skills, enable managers to lead their teams effectively, and assist executives in running their businesses. She is passionate about driving change and empowering individuals to reach their full potential and has a track record for creating innovative and impactful programs that achieve lasting results.
Consulting with the largest companies in world, she has made it her mission to understand how employees learn new skills, how leaders effectively manage their teams, and how executives run their businesses. With deep corporate learning and development experience, I have a keen sense of the skills needed to accelerate performance, inspire others, and spin up high-performing teams. As engineer turned designer to innovator, I’ve been able to create and implement award-winning solutions that not only deliver tangible business impact, but also (and most importantly) improve lives.
Taurea “Vision” Avant
Founder & CEO, Book Profits Club™ & Author Allstars™
Author
Taurea Avant founded Book Profits Club after seeing a number of authors who were struggling to achieve the success they deserved. They spent all of this time creating their book but made little money. She has been blessed to assist over 5000 individuals in writing books, which is wonderful, but I want to be accountable for assisting 100,000 people per year in genuinely building companies from their books!
Taurea Vision Avant is a remarkable individual whose journey from adversity to accomplishment is an inspiration. Graduating from Hampton University with a degree in Computer Science, she embarked on a path of resilience and determination.
Overcoming the loss of her parents to cirrhosis of the liver and stage 4 lung cancer, Taurea found a profound purpose.
In 2007, she relocated to Atlanta after a decade of entrepreneurial setbacks. Fueled by an unwavering spirit, Taurea began shaping her success story. A two-time TEDx speaker, she captured audiences with her powerful presence, sharing her narrative of triumph through life’s trials.
In 2014, Taurea discovered her mission: guiding speakers, coaches, and network marketers to become published authors. Her belief in the transformative power of words led to over 6,000 individuals realizing their authorial dreams. In 2019, she founded the Book Profits Club™, aiding authors not just in creating impactful books, but also in navigating marketing intricacies, thereby unleashing their book’s full potential.
In 2021, Taurea introduced Author Allstars™ Magazine, creating an optimal platform for authors to gain exposure, amplifying book sales, and expanding product and service reach. The magazine annually spotlights 50 authors, a testament to her commitment to fostering success.
Aisha Heywood
Founder/Director, Aspyre Analytics
With two decades of experience, Aisha Heywood stands as a seasoned wellness ambassador adept at offering clinical support and delivering education in post-secondary institutions. Simultaneously pursuing a Ph.D. at the esteemed University of Toronto, Mrs. Heywood is channeling her dedication to further academic excellence. Beyond her academic pursuits, she serves as the owner of Aspyre Analytics, a venture specializing in data analysis and program evaluation. In this role, Aisha aids companies in understanding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in their organization and enhancing their practices related to DEI through data analytics. Complementing her professional roles, she boasts an extensive volunteer history spanning 29 years. Throughout this time, Aisha has actively engaged with organizations dedicated to health, accessibility, as well as the empowerment of women and children.
MEET THE MEN OF FUTUREBIZNOW
Wayne Hinds
Founding Director | 2020 Insight Consulting | Author
Wayne is a specialist in technology with over twenty years of experience in the field of data and analytics. Recently published, his book “Reclaim Your Digital Gold” discusses data, artificial intelligence (AI), privacy, and the influence of social media. It is over 200 pages lengthy and packed with exciting and informative information about the value of your data, how it is being used to transform our world, and how you can reclaim your data power! He is enthusiastic about technological advancements, particularly those driven by data, analytics, and AI, and their influence on the future of business.
Errol Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur
Errol worked in multiple aspects of power generation, from Nuclear Engineering Power Construction, Thermal Power Maintenance, Production Planning, Engineering Planning, and Power Grid Transmission, to Project Planning and Scheduling on Special Projects at OPGs Corporate Head Office, 700 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada. A high point in Errol’s career with OPG was facilitating the development of the Cost and Scheduling Management System to manage the Used Fuel Storage Engineering and Construction Project with a $100 multi-million Capital Cost.
Errol is also a self-inspired researcher, philosopher, writer, mentor, moderator, and speaker. In November 2023, Errol hopes to bring nine books on happiness to the marketplace, including a “White Paper” that proffers that every nation should institute a Ministry of Happiness (MOH1) and a Minister of Happiness (MOH2) as the “highest value proposition” to facilitate the management of countries.
Henry Ogbuagu
Founding Partner, Vencapital LLC
Henry Ogbuagu is a partner at Vencapital, which runs a venture accelerator program to help women and minorities get into venture finance. Their objective is to aid in the development of a pipeline of diverse talent into the venture workforce.Vencapital was founded in order to expand the pipeline of diverse emerging fund managers. This aim is carried out through our fellowship program, which allows fellows to study, explore, and uncover new career paths in VC/PE.They are a major supporter of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and a strategic partner in the development of inclusive processes across venture businesses around the world.
James Watkins
President, JNubi Film & Entertainment
JNubi Film & Entertainment, Inc. was founded in 2017 with the goal of bringing about change in the entertainment industry.
James Watkins is a music industry veteran and the founder of JNubi Film & Entertainment, a company dedicated to bringing positive change to the entertainment industry.
Mr. Watkins started his musical journey at the age of eight, writing and recording his first song at just sixteen. His talent led him to tour with numerous top recording artists in the 1970s and 1980s, and he even sang professionally with Bill Pickney’s Original Drifters. In 2010.
He established his own recording label in Orlando, which earned Stellas and Texas Excellence Awards. Tionne Watkins (aka T-Boz), the lead singer of TLC, the well-known Atlanta group, is his daughter.
K.B. Beals-Sadlier
Owner, Brampton Buccaneers
K.B. Beals is a prominent entrepreneur and visionary leader renowned for his groundbreaking strides at the nexus of technology and sports. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Beals has consistently harnessed cutting-edge technology to reshape industries and inspire new horizons.
As the featured keynote speaker for the technology-in-business conference, his role as GM and CEO for the 2023-24 Allan Cup Hockey Season, in conjunction with his stewardship of pro hockey clubs in the ACH, and affiliations with Hockey Canada, OHA, and IHF, amplify his distinguished expertise. Mr. Beals’ transformative impact in athletic technology, paired with his strategic leadership, has revolutionized athlete performance, elevated fan engagement, and streamlined operational efficacy. His compelling presence and insights are poised to ignite dynamic discussions, propel innovation across sectors, and underline the pivotal role of technology in shaping the future of business.
Allister Coward
Executive Director, NPA Canada
Executive Director, Founder, National Policy Alliance Canada; Chairman of the NPA Canada, National Roundtable; Member of the Board of Directors for “The World Conference of Mayors”.
Allister Coward presently serves as the Managing Director and CEO of Allviziers Business Group, a corporation he solely founded in 2004 to provide small business development and income tax services to individuals and companies. Overseeing a group of certified professionals, Allviziers Business Group specializes in providing small business development services and business plans to clients that require the preparation of complex financial statements, corporate tax services, tax case preparations and representations for CRA tax appeal cases, tax consulting and tax planning services along with providing auditing services and business valuation services.
Dr. Abdoulaye Mbengue
CEO, Business Management Coaching LLC
Vice President for Africa of the World Conference of Mayors, Inc.
Dr. Mbengue has a doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership, a master’s degree in Applied Economics, and a master’s degree in Business Management. He is the author of the recently release book “Servant Leadership”. He is also a certified Executive and Business Coach with over 20 years of international business management experience in the United States, Africa, and the Middle East.
He is currently the Mayor John Smith Executive Leadership Institute’s Executive Director, the creator and CEO of Business Management Coaching LLC, and the President of Xelkom Group, LLC. He works with SMEs to develop and implement strategic plans. Dr. Mbengue also gives executive and business coaching to executives in the public and commercial sectors. He also mentors young professionals in order to assist them enhance their leadership and management skills.
Elias Puurunen
Founder, Tractus Events
Author
Elias Puurunen is the founder of Tractus Events and author of Memorable, Profitable, Virtual: How to Run Virtual Conferences, Conventions, and Trade Shows That Create Meaning, Value, and Lasting Connections. An early pioneer of digital event experiences, Puurunen has charted the essential musthaves and must-nots for a successful virtual event. Tractus Events has produced conferences, keynotes, workshops, and trade shows for organizations that need it done right the first time. Clients include Dolby, PharmaChoice, Passive House Canada, and 4point0. Learn more about Tractus Events at www.tractusevents.com.
Jimmy Davies
Founder, Every.Black LLC
Dr. Jimmy J. Davies holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan, with a minor in Physics and a minor in Land Surveying Topographical Drafting. He was awarded the prestigious honorary Doctorate of Professional Cosmetology degree in 2023 from the National Beauty Culturists’ League for exemplary technology assistant on the Save25LoganCircle.com Movement.
Mr. Davies, has provided computer software training and FileMaker Pro database development services for individuals, small businesses, major corporations and government agencies since 1988. He founded and launched Every.Black on 2018. The mission of Every.Black is to educate and inspire entrepreneurs to create wealth by leveraging technology. The mission is accomplished by teaching entrepreneurs how to use software applications that can be used in business and by providing ongoing global marketing and networking opportunities through weekly virtual mastermind meetings. Members learn from guest speakers and network with like-minded people from across the globe, including chapters in the Caribbean and Africa. Every.Black members are listed on the website (www.Every.Black).
Jean Pierre Philippeaux
Founder & CEO, Decrypting Crypto LLC
Jean Pierre Philippeaux is the Founder and CEO of Decrypting Crypto LLC, boasting an impressive 12-year experience in the world of Cryptocurrency and 7 years in Forex trading. With a proven track record of assisting numerous individuals in navigating the complexities of Crypto and Forex trading, he has established himself as a sought-after expert in the field.
Recognizing the pitfalls of relying solely on online resources, Jean emphasizes the importance of learning from a seasoned professional to avoid costly mistakes. His teaching approach revolves around fostering a strong understanding of the tools and techniques in Crypto and Forex, ensuring that his students can confidently navigate the markets even outside the classroom.
Through interactive and engaging classes, Jean encourages active participation from all his students, enabling them to grasp essential concepts effectively. His ultimate goal is to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to generate profitable income in the ever-changing market, regardless of its direction.
For more information about Jean Pierre Philippeaux and his comprehensive educational offerings, please visit https://www.patreon.com/Mbanker. Take the first step towards mastering Crypto and Forex trading under the guidance of a seasoned expert.
Dr. Jelani Clarke, Ph. D
Executive Director, DeSciWorld
Dr. Jelani Clarke holds a doctorate degree in Microbiology & Immunology from McGill university where he conducted research in the field of Neuroimmunology. He has also been a blockchain and crypto enthusiast since 2019. The melding of these passions has led him to build a career in the decentralized science (DeSci) space as an executive director at DeSciWorld and an active collaborator with a number of DeSci projects.
Quentin VerCetty
Founder & Director of AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives
Quentin VerCetty is a multi-award winning interdisciplinary storyteller renowned for being one of the world’s leading Afrofuturist a-r-tographers. Since developing traditional analog sculpting skills during his 2010 BFA OCADU Florence exchange program, he began honing a hybrid of 3D digital approaches with rapid prototyping during his 2020 MA at Concordia University. In 2021 -Toronto’s first monument of a person of African descent of freedom seeker, Joshua Glover, titled “Stepping Forward into History”.
Quentin VerCetty is the founder and steward of the Black Speculative Arts Movement Canada ®©™, and the founder and director of AstroSankofa A.I.® non-profit organization and collective focused on public intervention, and activation through art in community spaces both physically and virtually via web3 ventures. Through his work, he hopes to engage minds, inspire hearts, and help to make the world a better place not only for today but for many tomorrows to come.
Joel A. Freeman, Ph.D.
BH365 | A Solution to the Education Gap
For 20 NBA seasons, Dr. Freeman served as player development mentor and character coach for the Washington Bullets/Wizards – surviving six coaching and three GM changes (1978-1998). With travels to over 55 countries, Joel has worked with the Association of International Schools for Africa (AISA), traveling extensively throughout the continent of Africa and conducting a number of training events for educators, government, and business leaders. With over four decades of research (since 1980), Dr. Freeman has become a respected authority on Black History, creating the Freeman Institute® Black History Collection, which consists of over 3,000 authentic documents and artifacts (oldest piece dated 1553). Genuine items from his collection were showcased at the United Nations, NY headquarters in unprecedented back-to-back exhibitions on the Transatlantic Slave Trade, for three months in 2011 and also for three months in 2012 — with well over one million visitors.
David Kibuuka
Modernbatikartworkshops
In 1983, Kibuuka immigrated to Canada to finish his studies at the Ontario College of Art and Design.
Over the past 20 years, he has owned and operated art galleries in Toronto and Los Angeles. His loyal clientele consists of collectors from the business, sports and entertainment communities.
Kibuuka’s humanitarian efforts have also supported a worldwide fundraising effort by UNICEF from 1990-1993. Four of Kibuuka’s images decorated four greeting cards which were sold worldwide to benefit their Children’s Foundation. In 2005, collaboration between World Vision Canada, Artistic Canada and Kibuuka was formed to produce posters using Kibuuka’s images for the purpose of raising money to benefit the “Hope initiative”, which provides prevention,
care and advocacy programs for children and those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa. Kibuuka has also worked with Rotary club – Muyenga to fundraise for clean water in Villages in Uganda (East Africa).
His virtual gallery at www.zimbecollectioninteriors.com gives Kibuuka the time to follow his passion, teaching Modern Batik Art Technique to youth in communities’ outreach programs. His workshops have been held in the USA, Canada, Africa, Europe and in several Caribbean countries