Dr. Shawn DuBravac is former chief economist of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the U.S. trade association representing more than 2,000 consumer electronics companies, which owns and produces the world’s largest gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. In his role as CTA’s chief economist, DuBravac provided crucial economic analysis to association and industry leaders regarding future economic activity and the relative health of the technology industry. He also contributes research on technology trends that underpin the industry.

Tom Wheeler is a businessman, author, and was Chairman of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) from 2013 to 2017. For over four decades, Wheeler has been involved with new telecommunications networks and services. At the FCC he led the efforts that resulted in the adoption of Net Neutrality, privacy protections for consumers, and increased cyber security, among other policies.

Erik Peterson sits at the intersection of global economics, geopolitical changes, and future trends. His riveting presentations are eye-opening glimpses into how we can and should address some of the most challenging global issues of our time. He maps the key long-range trends transforming the opportunities and risks and traces the simultaneous and significant global shifts in the areas of population, resources, technology, economy, security, and geopolitics. He untangles these complex trends for audiences and examines the real-world implications—both present and future.

Dr. Michael S. Piwowar served as a Commissioner at the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from August 15, 2013 to July 6, 2018. Previously, Dr. Piwowar was the Republican chief economist for the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where he was the lead Republican economist on the four SEC-related titles of the Dodd-Frank Act and the JOBS Act. He also worked on a number of important SEC-related oversight issues under the jurisdiction of the Committee, such as securities, over-the-counter derivatives, investor protection, market structure, and capital formation. During the financial crisis and its immediate aftermath, Dr. Piwowar served in a one-year fixed-term position at the White House as a senior economist at the President’s Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) in both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama Administrations. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Dr. Piwowar is an economic outlook and financial policy keynote speaker, addressing fiscal trends, investments, and regulation.

General John Allen is one of the nation’s most legendary military leaders and most respected thought leaders on U.S.-global engagement. When President Obama created the appointment of special envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, General Allen was the first American tapped to confront the Islamic State terror group. Widely hailed as a strategic thinker and a true battlefield leader, Gen. Allen is one of the nation’s foremost experts on the geopolitical relationships between U.S. and Asia and the Middle East. A unique combination of warrior and diplomat, Allen shares awe-inspiring stories of the challenges facing our nation, the keys to combating the enemy, and the leadership lessons that can be applied to today’s business environment.

Chike Aguh (Chee-kay Ah-Goo) works across sectors on creating a future of work for all. He is the inaugural Head of Economic Mobility Pathways for the Education Design Lab where he focuses on creating innovative models to bring together higher education and employers to create a future of work for all. He is also a Technology and Human Rights Fellow at the Harvard Carr Center for Human Rights Policy where he is writing a book on the future of work and racial inequality. He previously worked as a senior principal at McChrystal Group, and the firm's director of strategy. In this role, he worked with colleagues on the McChrystal Group’s Solutions Team to create and deliver new offerings that help organizations better implement their strategies. Additionally, Chike writes and speaks nationally on the future of work and served as the McChrystal Group’s subject matter expert.

Ken Schmidt is the legendary former director of communications strategy for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. He played an active role in one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history, and his vision helped transform Harley into one of the world’s most dominant brands. He is widely known as a provocative and engaging thought leader. Funny and energetic, he shares stories of how to compete with weapons stronger than price, build a fanatically vocal customer base, create a passionately loyal corporate culture, and develop leaders who inspire and motivate.

Mark Esper has led a distinguished career as a visionary leader, innovator, reformer, and change agent with a proven record of accomplishment in a wide range of roles and organizations. He attributes his success to the importance he places on character and values, coupled with boundless energy and a can-do spirit that puts the organization and its people first, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. A graduate of some of the nation’s top schools, Esper has led military organizations as small as platoons and companies, and as large as the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. His private sector experience includes service as a senior executive in a Fortune 100 company and as a leader in major trade associations that represent a range of businesses and industries. He has an intimate understanding of the Executive Branch, Congress, and American politics, and has built a broad network of relationships globally. Mark Esper will offer any audience an array of insights, ideas, forecasts, and strategies that can help them improve as individuals and teams.

Kostya Kimlat is known as “The Business Magician” — a world-renowned speaker, entertainer, and thought-leader. Kostya reveals the secrets that make magicians the ultimate masters of perception—empowering professionals to communicate more effectively with customers, clients, and coworkers. Kostya is the founder of See Magic Live, which trains and books magicians for events virtually and around the world. His company’s local team began serving as the magicians for the NBA’s Orlando Magic in 2010. Kostya fooled the famous Vegas duo, Penn & Teller, on their hit CW TV show, “Penn and Teller: Fool Us” and became the closing act for their show at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. In 2020, he pivoted his business and has now also performed for thousands of virtual audience members.