Abraham Taherivand, Founder, entrepreneur, and executive coach with 25 years in tech, internet, and media. Passionate about creating solutions that make a positive impact, co-founded Wikidata, the first global structured knowledge database. Has worked in consulting, software engineering, and research, and previously served as Executive Director of Wikimedia Deutschland. Now speaks on innovation, digital transformation, and social change, mentors startups, and serves on advisory boards.

Annekathrin Grüneberg co-founded mujō in 2018, leading the development of compostable packaging made from brown algae, a project supported by a Federal Ministry of Education and Research grant. Since 2017, she has also been a Design Thinking Coach at the HPI Academy, conducting workshops for major corporations and educational institutions. With a background in Industrial Engineering and expertise in Chemistry and Process Engineering, she combines technical knowledge with design thinking to solve complex problems. Fluent in multiple languages, Annekathrin is dedicated to education and skill development, contributing as a co-editor of Future Skills and designing STEM workshops for young learners.

Banny is the founder and CEO of Global ChangeLabs, focusing on sustainable solutions for global challenges like climate change and biodiversity. With a background in architecture and design, he integrates systems thinking to address complex issues. He collaborates with organizations like the UN and the World Economic Forum to drive change. Banny also teaches at Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and developed the Systems Acupuncture methodology.

Benjamin Dirks is a freelance workshop designer and facilitator with over ten years of experience, specializing in creativity, team building, and personal development. He’s a certified LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator and Design Thinking coach, working with clients like SAP, Bosch, and Deutsche Bahn. Benjamin studied at the Hasso Plattner Institute and co-founded YESFOX to promote human-centered design. Previously, he was Head of Organizational Enablement & Learning Design at Forever Day One.

Caroline Szymanski is a coach and strategic innovation consultant with a PhD in cognitive and developmental psychology. Since 2012, she has been a freelance Innovation Consultant and Lecturer at the Hasso-Plattner-Institut, specializing in design thinking. Caroline has also worked as a Program Manager at HPI and as an Innovation Designer at PCH Innovations, leading user-centered design projects. With a background in Neurosciences and Medical Neurosciences, she combines academic expertise with practical experience to empower organizations and teams.

Dr. Barbara Oakley is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Oakland University and Michigan’s Distinguished Professor of the Year. Known for her groundbreaking research on neuroscience and social behavior, she is also a New York Times best-selling author, with books like A Mind for Numbers and Uncommon Sense Teaching. She co-teaches the globally popular Coursera course Learning How to Learn, which has over four million students. Dr. Oakley’s diverse background includes service as a U.S. Army Captain, work as a communications expert in Antarctica, and Russian translation on Soviet trawlers.

Dr. Basma AlBuhairan is the Managing Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia, driving innovation and supporting Vision 2030. With 25+ years of experience across healthcare, education, and business, she specializes in public-private partnerships and technology adoption. She holds a PhD in Patient Safety Policy and two Master’s degrees, and is a fellow of the Eisenhower Fellowships Organization.

Dr. Bodour is a gifted education expert with over 20 years of experience in the Ministry of Education. She holds a PhD in Special Education and currently lectures at the University of Bahrain. She has authored several books on creativity and gifted education and is an accredited trainer in Bahrain

Dr. Geraldine Townend is a published academic specializing in gifted and creativity education, with expertise in twice exceptionality. She lectures and conducts research at UNSW in the GERRIC, focusing on gifted education, learners with disabilities, and creativity. Her research aims to help gifted students reach their potential through the development of a positive academic self-concept. Dr. Townend supports both the intellectual and creative growth of gifted learners in education and beyond.

Dr. Ghadah Alarifi is the founding dean of the KAPSARC School of Public Policy, specializing in energy and sustainability policy. Previously, she was the Dean of the College of Business Administration at Princess Nourah University, where she also established the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. Dr. Alarifi has extensive experience in human capital development, focusing on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and social development. She holds a PhD in Management, an MBA in finance, and has completed executive courses at Harvard Kennedy School and INSEAD.

Dr. Halim Choueiry is a design thinker with over 30 years of experience and a Ph.D. focused on design thinking in the knowledge economy. He has served as Vice President of the International Council of Design and chaired Arts and Design Departments at various universities. Recently, he launched the Bahrain Knowledge Bay, a human-centered community project driven by strategic design. Dr. Choueiry frequently consults on creative strategies for business transformation and destination management.

Dr. Heidi Alaskary is a visionary executive with over 20 years of experience in transforming legal, economic, and social infrastructure. She currently serves as Senior Director for Performance Alignment, Customer Experience & Quality Assurance at Diriyah Company. Previously, she was the Senior Director for Diversity & Inclusion and International Relations at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City. Dr. Alaskary has been a key leader in Saudi Arabia's Special Olympics and research initiatives, working across public, private, and non-profit sectors to drive inclusive change.

Dr. Hosam Zowawi, Ph.D., is a clinical microbiologist and infectious diseases scientist focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and One Health. He leads the One Health AMR research group at KSAU-HS and previously headed the Rapid Diagnostics lab at the University of Queensland. Dr. Zowawi has advised on AMR strategies for the UK and Saudi Arabia and received multiple prestigious awards, including the Rolex Awards for Enterprise and the Tall Poppy Science Award.

Dr. Ibrahim Saad Almojel is the founding partner of Khwarizmi Holding, specializing in venture capital, private equity, and real estate investments in MENA. He serves on several boards, including Saudi National Bank and Saudi Telecom. Previously, he was CEO of the Saudi Industrial Development Fund, leading its transformation to align with Vision 2030. Dr. Almojel holds a PhD in Management Science from Stanford University.

Dr. Imfadi Abohula is a professor in Science & Environmental Education with 40 years of experience, including 15 years as a full-time educational consultant at the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba). Contributed to the development of Jordanian science textbooks and the creation of Jordanian National Teacher Professional Standards. Published around 40 papers in national and international journals and supervised over 30 master theses and PhD dissertations. Worked as an expert with the UNDP and is fluent in both English and Arabic.

Dr. Khaled, with a Ph.D. in Organizational Sociology, is the Head of Studies and Development Pathways. He has held key roles, including Shura Council member, Education Ministry Undersecretary, and Associate Professor at King Saud University. He has led projects in quality and excellence, contributed to national quality strategies, and published research presented at local and international conferences

Dr. Mahmoud Elsayed is a Senior Economist in the World Bank’s Education Global Practice. He is leading the World Bank education programs in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region. Dr. Elsayed is also supporting World Bank’s projects in Yemen and other MENA countries. He has extensive technical and operational experience on issues related to human capital development, education finance, education system performance, among others. Dr. Elsayed holds a master’s degree in public finance policy and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State

Dr. Margareta Drzeniek Hanouz is an economist and expert in competitiveness and global risks. She led the World Economic Forum's economics portfolio and authored key reports like The Global Competitiveness Report. She has worked with governments and businesses on high-growth strategies and developed projects with organizations like the OECD and WB

Dr. Mohamed Shaltout is an Associate Professor in Educational Technology and a consultant specializing in e-learning and digital content. He is an expert in integrating AI into education and holds certifications in Google UX Design and Adobe Video Design. Dr. Shaltout currently works as a consultant at the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity and lectures remotely at the Information Technology Institute in Cairo. Previously, he held roles at the Saudi Ministry of Education and Arab East Colleges, focusing on e-learning and content development.

Dr. Moudhi Aljamea is an expert in cybersecurity and AI with a PhD in Computer Security from King's College London. She is Group Vice President and Academy Dean at stc, becoming the first woman in an executive role at the company. Recognized by Forbes as one of the "Women Defining the 21st Century AI Movement," she specializes in cybersecurity and cyber warfare. Dr. Aljamea is also active in shaping education and leadership development, focusing on the digital economy.

Dr. Nazar M. Hassan is the Chief of the Natural Sciences Section at UNESCO Beirut and has been the Senior Science and Technology Advisor for the Arab States at UNESCO. He has initiated several STI networks to foster techno-preneurship in the region. With expertise in economic research and policy dialogue, he has supported the sustainable development efforts of developing countries. Dr. Hassan has a background in sustainable energy, systems optimization, and holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

An associate professor specializing in Giftedness, Creativity, and Leadership, With leadership experience at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University and Mawhiba. I hold a PhD from the University of Arizona and have led various gifted programs. I’ve attended international gifted programs and published research in top journals.

Steven Ney earned his doctorate in policy sciences at the University of Bergen’s Department of Comparative Politics. His career spans roles at research institutes like the LOS Center in Bergen, ICCR in Vienna, and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. He was an Assistant Professor at Singapore Management University and later held the Chair of Social Entrepreneurship at Jacobs University, Bremen. Since 2018, Steven has been with T-Systems International, designing co-creation processes for innovative digital products and strategies.

Dr. Szilvia Fodor, PhD, is an assistant professor at the University of Debrecen, specializing in educational, developmental, and organizational psychology. Her research focuses on positive psychology in gifted education, creative climate, and non-cognitive factors in talent support. She contributes to the European Talent Centre, Budapest, and coordinates the Hungarian Templeton Project for exceptional cognitive talents. Szilvia is also a regular lecturer at postgraduate programs and a member of both the ECHA Education Board and the WCGTC international committee.

Dr. Ziad Al-Drees, a cultural sociologist, served as Saudi Arabia’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO (2006–2016) and chaired the International Plan for Arab Culture Development. Founder of World Arabic Language Day, he currently leads the Abdullah bin Idris Cultural Center and holds key roles in cultural and educational foundations. His works include The Status of Patriarchal Authorities and Diplomatic Struggles.

Duaa is a Senior Associate Consultant at Bain & Company, driving transformative change across Saudi Arabia's sectors. She led the Saudi delegation at the 2024 G20 Youth Summit in Brazil, focusing on amplifying youth voices globally. Duaa holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and Engineering from KAUST and a Bachelor's in Organismal Biology from the University of Arizona. She is an alumna of the prestigious KAUST Gifted Student Program, awarded to the top 1% of Saudi students.

A civil engineer with three master’s degrees from MIT and Harvard, along with advanced leadership diplomas from Oxford and Harvard. He has over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors, institutional transformation, and development programs. A founder and member of prominent leadership councils, he serves as an advisor on labor market policies and economic development. He holds memberships in international boards such as Harvard and Oxford, chairs several local and regional development programs, and is a fellow at renowned institutions like Aspen and Brookings.

Experienced Senior Consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the management consulting industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Strategy Execution, Project Management, and Entrepreneurship. Strong consulting professional with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) focused in Finance and New Venture Management from the University of San Diego, School of Business Administration in the United States.

Eng. Wayal Alnajidi is a Director at PwC's Financial Services Consulting, specializing in national strategies and digital solutions that drive financial ecosystem growth. He has played a key role in shaping Saudi Arabia's National FinTech Strategy and the SAMA Regulatory Sandbox. With expertise in fintech innovation, SME financing, and policy development, Wayal advises both government and private sector clients. His work supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, promoting financial inclusion and technological transformation.

Fabian Behnke’s passion for user-centered insights as a catalyst for creativity and innovation began long before his formal studies in Design Thinking at the HPI D-School in 2011. His academic journey, which included Media, Psychology, Politics, and International Journalism, prioritized understanding the human experience, leading him to roles in UX research and civic participation. This focus on the user perspective guided him into international roles in user research and innovation consulting, where he coaches major clients on user-centered innovation strategies. With broad experience across multiple sectors, he now serves as a coach at the D-School, inspiring future generations to use Design Thinking for creative problem-solving.

Familusi Akin Babajide (FAB) is a Nigerian entrepreneur and Group CEO of The FAB Group, overseeing businesses in media, hospitality, entertainment, and fashion. He founded Under 40 CEOs, a pan-African platform supporting young entrepreneurs with mentorship and resources. Starting his entrepreneurial journey at 8 years old, FAB has become a prominent leader, hosting global events such as the Cannes Lions Festival. Through his work, he is dedicated to empowering Africa’s youth and marginalized communities to drive economic growth and innovation.

Galina Emelina, Innovation and creativity coach, trainer, consultant, and visual facilitator with a passion for mindfulness and personal growth. Empowering people through co-working and collaboration techniques, integrating yoga and Eastern philosophy into programs. This approach inspired "Yoga Thinking," offering holistic retreats and workshops for organizational and personal development, tailored to individuals, teams, and organizations. Also follows a calling as a singer-songwriter and DJ, collaborating on cultural projects with ecological and social impact.

Her Highness Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shalaan is a co-founder of AEON COLLECTIVE, cross-disciplinary Waqf that produces, curates and disseminates fact-based & culturally informed knowledge
around sustainability, actively building capacities for a dynamic
“knowledge community” through diverse initiatives.She also co-founded Aeon Strategy, advising on climate change policy, socioeconomic development, and sustainability. With over nine years of experience, she has deep expertise in international climate negotiations and policies. Mashael has co-authored several papers on climate change and regularly participates in global forums on climate targets and sustainability.

Her Highness Princess Noura bint Turki Al-Saud is the co-founder of Aeon Collective, a Waqf advocating for sustainable practices and inclusive development. She co-leads initiatives like Aeon Strategy, Aeon Placemaking, and Aeon Venture Studio, which focus on sustainable development and community-building. With nearly two decades of experience, she has been a leading voice in climate policy, energy security, and the Circular Carbon Economy in Saudi Arabia. She holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from Columbia University and has contributed to various think tanks and boards, including the IEA Energy Efficiency Advisory Board.

A serial entrepreneur and investor, he graduated in 2014 from Loyola Marymount University with a major in Entrepreneurship. He is the founder and CEO of Fayvo, a platform for saving and organizing favorite books, movies, music, and more. He also founded Entrepreneurship Vision, an NGO supporting entrepreneurs, and Barq, a platform for high-speed shipping services. Additionally, he is the founder of EL Domo, a venue for events, and a partner at ILSA Interactive, a software development company.

Kerem Alper is the Co-founder and CEO of Neol, an AI-driven platform that redefines collaboration and talent agility. With expertise in systems thinking and design, he aims to help organizations unlock their network potential. Previously, he co-founded ATÖLYE and worked at Google’s Nest Labs on digital experiences. Kerem holds degrees from Stanford University and has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Marco Vasconi is a Partner at Kearney's Public Sector Practice and a founding member of the Human Capital Development Center of Excellence. He focuses on helping clients in the education and labor sectors design inclusive labor markets and develop a resilient workforce with relevant skills to achieve socio-economic goals.

Maria Paula 'MP' Oliveira is a senior global business leader with 20+ years of experience in strategic planning, innovation management, and corporate development. She has established innovation hubs in LATAM, APAC, and MENA and led M&A deals worth over $1B. MP co-founded two Silicon Valley startups, one of which succeeded. Her expertise spans financial services, professional services, and payments, with a global reach across various regions.

With over 11 years of experience, Osama has served as a Human Resources Manager specializing in human capital. He has also worked as a part-time announcer on Saudi Arabia’s state-run TV channels and moderated numerous conferences. As an entrepreneur, Osama leads businesses in media production and translation. His distinguished bilingual voice is well-recognized at events and across major Saudi institutions.

Othman Almoamar is a regional advisor at Horizon Group and co-founder of EDAD. He currently chairs Y20 Saudi Arabia and serves as a board member for Saudi Youth Opportunities and Qayem. He has also worked as a senior advisor at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and previously held roles at MiSK Foundation and A.T. Kearney.

Patricia Keating leads strategic market engagement at PwC Ventures, helping clients scale high-impact ventures powered by world-class Scaleups. She advises on startup ecosystems and innovation consulting in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. As an entrepreneur, Patricia founded her own business in 2014 and launched Manchester's first privately funded tech incubator accelerator in 2017. She is an award-winning leader specializing in nurturing disruptive technology start-ups.

Mawhiba Consultant and Full Professor at King Saud University, with a PhD from Aston University, UK. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and has over 100 research papers, 6 book chapters, and 15 books published. His expertise spans network and cybersecurity governance, as well as knowledge society and sustainable development. Saad has consulted for organizations like the Saudi Communications, Space & Technology Commission and Saudi E-Government.

Prof. Ulrich Weinberg is the founding director of the HPI School of Design Thinking and a key advocate for Design Thinking in organizations worldwide. He previously taught computer animation at the Film University Potsdam and the Communication University of China. Weinberg founded TERRATOOLS, where his Terramap project in 1990 paved the way for Google Earth. He co-founded the WeQ Foundation and the Global Design Thinking Alliance, promoting innovation and educational reform.

Richard Gerver is an author, speaker, and expert on leadership and organizational transformation. Formerly a school principal, he works with global organizations like Visa, Microsoft, and Google. Twice named UK Business Speaker of the Year, he has spoken at TED and RSA events. Richard’s focus is on communication, empowerment, and impact, helping organizations embrace change and foster growth.

Robin Mehra developed the first Professional Development formats at the Hasso Plattner Institute, expanding these into various corporate-wide implementations. With experience in over 150 innovation projects, he has also taught at the D-School, Design Bauhaus University, and trained over 200 coaches. His work with startups and CEO support in restructuring has deepened his understanding of customer needs for tailored solutions. An economist, he graduated from the first cohort of the School of Design Thinking & IDEO.

A Saudi broadcaster currently presents the show MBC in a Week. Before joining MBC, she worked as a presenter and producer at Sky News Arabic. She earned her bachelor’s in communications and journalism in Montreal, followed by a master’s in media from Concordia University. In 2021, Taghrid began her acting career with roles in Studio 21 and Curfew

Will advises leading firms in fintech, pharma, healthcare, and e-commerce, helping them innovate and create new markets. He has led transformative initiatives for Fortune 50 companies, designing game-changing products and scaling digital transformation offices. As the founder of LeanWX NYC, he curated a global conference on the future of work, blending design thinking, product strategy, and complexity theory. Will has lectured at NYU’s Stern School of Business and spoken at major conferences like TEDX and SxSW.