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Josh Linkner - New York Times Bestselling Author, Tech CEO & Investor
Josh Linkner is a unique blend of business acumen, artistic flair, and scientific innovation. As the founder and CEO of five tech companies, he has created over 10,000 jobs and achieved a combined exit value of over $200 million. Currently, he serves as the co-founder and Managing Partner of Muditā Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in groundbreaking technologies. Over the past 30 years, Josh has helped launch and scale over 100 startups, generating more than $1 billion in investor returns. His exceptional achievements have earned him the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award twice and the United States Presidential Champion of Change Award.
Beyond his business success, Josh has deep roots in jazz music. He has been playing guitar in jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and performed in over 1,000 concerts worldwide. His dual experiences in business and music have made him a leading expert on innovation.
As the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm, Josh is dedicated to helping leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.
Get excited for Josh Linkner, a proven business leader, accomplished jazz musician, and globally recognized innovation expert.
Beyond his business success, Josh has deep roots in jazz music. He has been playing guitar in jazz clubs for 40 years, studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, and performed in over 1,000 concerts worldwide. His dual experiences in business and music have made him a leading expert on innovation.
As the co-founder and Chairman of Platypus Labs, a global research, training, and consulting firm, Josh is dedicated to helping leaders Find A Way™ through creative problem-solving, inventive thinking, and ingenuity.
Get excited for Josh Linkner, a proven business leader, accomplished jazz musician, and globally recognized innovation expert.
Jenn Lederer - Award-Winning Storyteller and Keynote Speaker
Jenn Lederer is an award-winning keynote speaker based in NYC, with her work prominently featured by SiriusXM, Forbes.com, The Huffington Post, Inspiring Lives Magazine, and on stages at Yale, Twitter, and Google Headquarters in NYC.
Jenn's dynamic presence spans across the country and internationally, both in-person and virtually. She is a sought-after emcee and workshop leader, guiding audiences in answering the challenging question, “What do you do?” using her unique approach to educating, connecting, and engaging.
With over 15 years of diverse experience in the creative industry, Jenn has earned a BA in Dance from Point Park University, co-written an off-off-Broadway musical and an album, owned and operated a Talent Management company, and excelled in motivational speaking and business coaching.
Join us in welcoming Jenn Lederer, a versatile and inspiring keynote speaker ready to help you navigate and embrace change.
Jenn's dynamic presence spans across the country and internationally, both in-person and virtually. She is a sought-after emcee and workshop leader, guiding audiences in answering the challenging question, “What do you do?” using her unique approach to educating, connecting, and engaging.
With over 15 years of diverse experience in the creative industry, Jenn has earned a BA in Dance from Point Park University, co-written an off-off-Broadway musical and an album, owned and operated a Talent Management company, and excelled in motivational speaking and business coaching.
Join us in welcoming Jenn Lederer, a versatile and inspiring keynote speaker ready to help you navigate and embrace change.
Ruth Jacks - Executive Vice President, Head of Diverse Segments Commercial Banking Wells Fargo & Company
Ruth Jacks is the Executive Vice President and head of Wells Fargo’s Commercial Banking (CB) Diverse Segments team. She oversees a $200 billion loan portfolio, supporting diverse-owned and -led businesses across the U.S., including Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, Native American, Asian American, LGBTQ+, veteran, and women entrepreneurs.
With nearly 25 years of leadership experience, Ruth joined Wells Fargo in 2021 after successful tenures at Bank of America, Texas Capital Bank, and General Electric. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and has completed executive programs at the Graduate School of Banking and the Wharton School.
Ruth co-chairs the Commercial Banking DE&I council and is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She enjoys spending time with her wife, son, three grandsons, and three daughters adopted in 2023 after years of mentorship and foster care.
Join us in welcoming Ruth Jacks, a leader dedicated to growth and inclusivity in commercial banking.
With nearly 25 years of leadership experience, Ruth joined Wells Fargo in 2021 after successful tenures at Bank of America, Texas Capital Bank, and General Electric. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and has completed executive programs at the Graduate School of Banking and the Wharton School.
Ruth co-chairs the Commercial Banking DE&I council and is deeply committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She enjoys spending time with her wife, son, three grandsons, and three daughters adopted in 2023 after years of mentorship and foster care.
Join us in welcoming Ruth Jacks, a leader dedicated to growth and inclusivity in commercial banking.
Ashley Watson - World-Wide Vice President General Counsel MedTech Group - Johnson & Johnson
Ashley currently serves as Worldwide General Counsel for MedTech and Enterprise Privacy at Johnson & Johnson, leading the MedTech Legal Group and overseeing the Global Privacy Organization. She joined J&J in December 2018 as Chief Compliance Officer, bringing extensive global experience in compliance and legal roles.
Before J&J, Ashley was Senior VP and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Merck & Co., where she transformed the privacy program for GDPR readiness and modernized compliance practices. At Hewlett-Packard, she was named Compliance Officer of the Year in 2014 and held senior roles in the Law Department.
Ashley holds a BA in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a JD, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Before J&J, Ashley was Senior VP and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at Merck & Co., where she transformed the privacy program for GDPR readiness and modernized compliance practices. At Hewlett-Packard, she was named Compliance Officer of the Year in 2014 and held senior roles in the Law Department.
Ashley holds a BA in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a JD, magna cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Main Stage Speakers
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