Speakers

David Rowan

Founding UK Editor-in-Chief of WIRED and author of the bestselling book Non-Bullshit Innovation (Penguin), is today’s leading speaker on how emerging technologies will impact business — and how leaders should prepare now.  David has been a technology columnist for The Times, GQ, Condé Nast Traveller and The Sunday Times, and at WIRED he got to know the founders of tech giants such as WhatsApp, LinkedIn and Spotify. And he is still searching for the future.

Rahaf Harfoush

Rahaf is a Digital Anthropologist and New York Times Best-Selling Author. 
She is an innovation, digital cultures, and future of work expert that equips organizations with the tools they need to succeed in a world of disruptive change. Rahaf partners with the world’s leading companies to help high-performing teams become more resilient, creative, adaptive, and engaged.

Dr Sinéad Devine-French

Sinéad is a chartered psychologist and public speaker who is passionate about proactive approaches which support people and organisations to positively improve psychological wellbeing, relationships, resilience and performance. With a career which has spanned the private, statutory, voluntary and educational sectors, Sinéad has a strong interest in the use of cognitive and behavioural approaches to enable sustainable change.

Dave Bloor

Dave Bloor is Director of Digital, Data and Technology at VWV. An experienced technology and digital transformation leader, he has over 20 years of experience in delivering agile, innovative, and resilient technology solutions that enhance the client experience, improve operational efficiency, and support business growth across a diverse range of industries. His previous experience includes roles at Ford, Screwfix, Clarks, and Foot Anstey LLP.

He is passionate about leveraging technology as a catalyst for positive change, enabling organisations to achieve their strategic objectives, adapt to evolving customer needs, and create a competitive edge in the market. With a strong background in business analysis, Agile practices, technology adoption, project and programme management, software engineering leadership, and lean thinking, he is committed to coaching and mentoring others to develop their skills and capabilities.

James Faulconbridge

James Faulconbridge is Professor of Management at Lancaster University Management School. His research focuses on professional service firms, and in particular the adoption of artificial intelligence in firms. James has completed extensive research in several professional service sectors including advertising, accounting, architecture, executive search and law. Most recently, James is part of the Technology in Professional Services (TiPS) project that is supporting accounting and law firms to accelerate the adoption of new technologies through effective management practices – see https://tipsaccelerator.co.uk/

Susan Glenholme

Susan Glenholme, Managing Partner at Debenhams Ottaway, is a passionate advocate for innovation and excellence in law firm management. Since taking on the role of Managing Partner in 2018, she has implemented a forward-thinking strategy focused on clear objectives and innovation. Under her leadership, a strong business support team has been established, equipping the firm with operational excellence and insights to drive the firm’s future success. Susan's positive, supportive leadership style and commitment to excellence have earned her recognition as Business Leader of the Year at the St Albans Chamber of Commerce Business Community Awards and she is also a finalist nominee for Female Business Leader in the upcoming 2024 National Business Women's Awards.

Derek Southall

Derek Southall, is a high profile and very well connected figure in the legal technology, innovation, knowledge management and digital marketplaces and was recently described as the “Doyen of legal IT and Innovation”. Derek spent nearly 25 years in a range of leading strategic roles for a top 50 global law firm, for most of this time as a Partner and Head of Strategic Development and subsequently as Head of Digital and Innovation. During this time he was ranked by the FT as one of the top three most innovative lawyers in the UK in its first study into the legal market.

He chairs and was one of the founders of the Legal IT Innovators Group which plays a key role in driving ahead technological thinking and change for the good of the legal profession.