Formerly WFD
The Digital
Exploration
Step into the future of digital innovation at our exclusive two-day Digital Exploration event in the heart of New York on June 5 & 6, 2024. Curated by Dr. Paul j. Bailo, Ph.D., MBA. MSW. Executive Leader at Yale, Columbia and NYU, this invite-only gathering promises an unparalleled experience that will redefine your digital strategy.
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Gain access to the intellectual powerhouse of Columbia University and engage with world-leading professors in niches that are set to revolutionize your approach to the digital landscape. This unique opportunity allows you to dive deep into cutting-edge insights, equipping you with the knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving business environment.
Immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience that goes beyond the conventional conference setting. Network with other senior-level executives at exclusive venues, fostering connections that could lead to significant business collaborations and career-boosting opportunities. This event is not just about learning; it's about forging meaningful relationships in an intimate and curated environment.
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Join us on this Digital Exploration, where innovation meets exclusivity, and where the future of digital strategy unfolds. Elevate your vision, expand your network, and position yourself at the forefront of industry leadership.
Our Amazing Speakers
Sheena Iyengar
S.T. Lee Professor of Business at Columbia | World Expert on Decision Making | TedTalk (4 Million Views)
Sheena Iyengar is the inaugural S.T. Lee Professor of Business in the Management Division at Columbia Business School, and a world expert on choice and decision-making. Her book The Art of Choosing received the Financial Times and Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year 2010 award, and was ranked #3 on the Amazon.com Best Business and Investing Books of 2010. Her research is regularly cited in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Economist as well as in popular books, such as Malcolm Gladwell’s Blink and Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance. Dr. Iyengar has also appeared on television, including the Today Show, the Daily Show, and Fareed Zakaria’s GPS on CNN. Her TED Talks have collectively received almost four million views and her research continues to inform markets, businesses, and individuals around the world. Sheena graduated with a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and received her Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Stanford University.
Lorraine Marchand
Adjunct Professor of Management and Board Member at Columbia University | Award Winning Author
Lorraine Marchand is a former executive for IBM Watson Health, Bristol Myers Squibb, IQVIA, Cognizant, Covance/Labcorp, and the NIH, she is also the co-founder of four startups. She is a highly accomplished and solutions-driven Product Development and Commercialization with multifaceted experience in P&L management, mergers and acquisitions, operations management, clinical development, product launch, and strategic planning. She has a proven
track record of success in leading capabilities and solution development, go-to-market strategy, business development, sales, and delivery. Lorraine is adjunct professor of management and serves on the advisory board of the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Management Program at Columbia Business School. She teaches at Yeshiva University and has taught at Princeton,
Rutgers and Columbia universities.
Kevin Benedict
Futurist | World Expert on the Future of Technology
​Kevin Benedict is an optimistic futurist, and passionate advocate for using technology for social good. He writes and speaks globally on emerging and disruptive technologies, business strategies and marketing trends. He has an unusual sense of humor and publishes on Instagram as futurist_humor. He is curious and loves communicating complex concepts and evangelizing best practices. He hosts a variety of online tv channels where he has interviewed hundreds of executives and thought leaders on industry trends and emerging technologies. He loves writing, is a social media expert, SAP Mentor alum, current SAP Influencer program member and global speaker on the deeper strategies of business and technology transformation.
Paul Johnson
Adjunct Professor of Finance at Columbia University | Founder of Nicusa Investment Advisors
Paul Johnson launched Nicusa Investment Advisors in 2012 to advise CEOs and Boards of Directors on dealing with operational and financial strategy, capital allocation, shareholder value creation, and corporate communications. Paul applies his 35 years of experience as an investment professional, combined with his 25 years as a business school professor, to help senior managers address these critical strategic issues. Paul is the founding partner and investment manager of Nicusa Capital Partners, a private investment partnership that he started in 2003. As an investor, Paul has invested in virtually all sectors of the economy. Prior to founding Nicusa, Paul was a Managing Director in the Equity Research Department of Robertson Stephens. In his 20 years as a sell-side research analyst, Paul analyzed all sectors of the technology industry and participated in more than 100 venture capital investments and investment banking transactions in his career. Paul is co-author with Paul Sonkin of Pitch the Perfect Investment, The Essential Guide to Winning on Wall Street, scheduled to be published in July 2017.
Dr. Ondrej Krehel
Lecturer in SPS in the ERM Program at Columbia University | CEO & Founder at LIFARS
Dr. Ondrej Krehel, CEO & Founder of LIFARS, is recognized world-wide for his Digital Forensic expertise and Ethical Hacking. He actively participates in high-profile engagements around the world, whereby his professional experience is leveraged to achieve the most rapid root-cause analysis and remediation. He is a former lecturer at FBI Training Academy and Chief Information Security Officer of IDT911, the nation’s premier identity theft recovery and data breach management service. Dr. Krehel previously led forensic investigations and cybersecurity consulting at Stroz Friedberg encompassing US government engagements and missions, including military cyber special operations. With two decades of experience in security and forensics. His work has received attention from CNN, ABC, BBC, NBC, Reuters, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Ondrej received his engineering degree in Slovakia, his M.S. in Mathematical Physics in Bratislava, and his Ph.D. in Computer Forensics from the Police Academy in Bratislava.
Dr. Melanie Brucks
Assistant Professor of Marketing at Columbia University | Outstanding recent research featured in BBC, New York Times, and CNN
Dr. Melanie Brucks is an Assistant Professor at Columbia Business School with an interest in the
cognitive and behavioral aspects of technology and innovation. She earned her PhD in Marketing
from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her research has been featured in various media
outlets including BBC, The New York Times, and CNN. Dr. Brucks teaches the Foundations of
Innovation course at Columbia.
Christopher Lowell
Founder at Putty Insurance | Former Managing Driector, Corporate Strategy at Liberty Mutual
Christopher is passionate about creating new growth opportunities that truly transform the insurance and financial services industry. Combining customer-centric design, business strategy, new technology, and emerging insurtech concepts, he innovates from within and expands the industry towards substantial new revenue streams. Most recently, Christopher led the creation of Putty Insurance (www.puttyinsurance.com) from ideation to launch. Putty is a brand new episodic insurance product focused on providing project-based liability insurance to handymen. These handymen typically do not purchase any insurance otherwise, so this creates a new market opportunity, rather than fighting for increased market share among incumbents. Christopher is at his best empowering high-performing cross-functional teams to challenge the status quo and build novel products and business models.
Steven Hartenstein
Leading Mind in Autonomic, Analytic, & Cognitive Solution Design
Steven Hartenstein brings over 40 years of expertise in implementing technology and processes to enhance the efficiency and profitability of Service Providers. Steven's notable achievements include founding and selling two customer-facing technology businesses, both acquired by renowned companies Capgemini and Microsoft. He is also a recipient of an Emmy Award.
Steven's career highlights span across various roles such as Entrepreneur, Senior Vice President of Sales, Senior Vice President of Solution Architecture, and Director of Research at Business Television-WEDU.
As an active member of the National Contract Managers association, Steven contributes to the modernization of government and defence procurement. He has also shared his insights through publications in NCMA Magazine and participated in government technology modernization research initiatives on automation and both AI and machine learning
Denny Daniel
Founder & Curator, The Museum of Interesting Thing | Hosting our Innovation Networking Session
The Museum of Interesting Things is a captivating traveling exhibition showcasing antiques and inventions. Founded by curator Denny Daniel, the collection spans over 300 items, each with a rich history. The museum offers live or virtual interactive presentations, covering themes from invention history to green energy. Dedicated staff and partnerships with antique dealers contribute to its diverse offerings. With eight educational specialties, the museum inspires curiosity, bridging the past with the present. As America seeks innovation, The Museum of Interesting Things serves as a reminder of the inventive spirit that shaped our world.
Previous C-Suite
Attendees
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Schedule
DAY ONE
Columbia University
8:30
Welcome to the Digital Safari
Columbia University - Faculty House
9:00
Mastering the Innovation Mindset
Lorraine Marchand, Adjunct Professor of Management, Columbia Business School
10:00
Fintech 2024
Paul Johnson, Adjunct Professor, EMBA, Columbia Business School.
CEO, Nicusa Investment Advisors
11:00
Coffee Break - Networking & Meeting Speakers
11:15
Innovation and Key Insights
Sheena Iyengar, S.T. Lee Professor of Business, Columbia University
12:15
Lunch - Executive Networking & Book Signing
13:15
Columbia University Campus Tour
14:30
Hybrid Innovation - Navigating Idea Generation, Selection, and Communication Across Virtual and Physical Spaces.
Melanie Brucks, Assistant Professor of Marketing at Columbia University
15:30
Technology Challenges in Transformation.
Ondrej Krehel, Adjunct Professor, Columbia Business School.
CEO & Founder at LIFARS
DAY TWO
Amelia.ai HQ | NYC
8:30
Welcome to Amelia AI HQ
9:00
Climate Change: Impact on Business - Navigating the Storm
Christopher Lowell, Founder at Putty Insurance Former MD, Corporate Strategy, Liberty Mutual
10:00
Essential Characteristics of a Futuristic Mindset
Kevin Benedict, Futurist
11:00
Coffee Break - Networking & Meeting Speakers
11:15
Predicting the Future Workshop
Kevin Benedict, Futurist
12:15
Lunch - Executive Networking
13:15
Financial District Tour with Julia Ryan
14:15
Eureka! The History of Invention
Denny Daniels, Founder of The Museum of Interesting Things
15:15
Coffee Break
15:30
Amelia AI Workshop and Interactive Demo
Steven Hartenstein, Autonomic, Analytic, & Cognitive Solution Design, Amelia.ai
17:00
Reception Drinks & Canapés
16:30
Reception Drinks & Canapés
The Experience
Embark on a two-day Digital Exploration designed exclusively for senior-level executives, offering a unique opportunity to explore the forefront of digital transformation. Hear directly from world-renowned professors shaping the future of innovation, engage in intimate discussions with industry leaders, and connect with fellow senior executives. Enjoy exclusive access to prestigious venues like Columbia University and the cutting-edge Amelia.AI Headquarters in NYC. This immersive experience goes beyond talks, providing the chance to participate in curated tours of both Columbia University and the vibrant city itself. Join us for an insightful and personalized journey at the intersection of academia and industry innovation.
The Delivery
Day One of our exclusive Digital Exploration unfolds at the prestigious Columbia University. Attendees will engage with leading professors, enjoying catered breaks in the extraordinary Faculty House. Personalized one-on-one time with speakers, along with signed copies of their books, adds a special touch. Lunchtime brings a private tour led by a professor, and the day concludes with a reception featuring drinks.
Day Two transitions to the cutting-edge Amelia.AI headquarters, immersing attendees in insights from industry leaders spearheading digital transformation globally. The day includes interactions with the future of AI, a city tour during lunch, and delightful catering, culminating in a networking reception with drinks. Join us for two days of unparalleled learning and networking at the forefront of innovation.
Venue
Columbia University
Step into the intellectual hub of Columbia University, our exclusive day one venue in the heart of New York City. Nestled in Morningside Heights, this iconic institution offers a unique and privileged environment, providing attendees with an intimate and immersive experience. With exclusive access to spaces not open to the public, participants can engage with Columbia's storied history and groundbreaking research, ensuring a day of inspiration and intellectual exchange like no other.
Amelia.Ai Headquarters
Embark on day two at the cutting-edge Amelia.AI office in the vibrant landscape of New York City. Situated in the heart of innovation, this exclusive venue promises a dynamic environment for our event. With privileged access to spaces not typically open to the public, participants can immerse themselves in the forefront of AI technology and collaborative breakthroughs, making day two an experience that seamlessly combines inspiration and practical insights.
This is an invite only event open to senior level executives heading up divisions in their organisations. Please only sign up if you have recieved an invite from our team. If you are interest and have not received an invite feel free to reach out at max@500talks.com.
