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About the event
Cisco’s Internal Design & Research Conference - dzone
Event Outline: Cisco Design & Research Conference – dzone
Event Name:
dzone: Cisco’s Internal Design & Research Conference
Location:
Cisco Headquarters [TBD] – San Jose, California
Potential Dates:
Week of October 13 or October 20, 2025
Event Description:
Cisco’s dzone is a high-impact, internal conference that brings together designers, researchers, engineers, and cross-functional leaders from across the company. This immersive event is a celebration of creativity, experimentation, and collaboration—offering participants a space to explore emerging practices, challenge conventions, and reimagine the future of design and research at Cisco.
This year’s conference aims to spark imagination through storytelling, surprising collaborations, and fresh methodologies, reinforcing Cisco’s position as an innovation leader at the intersection of people, technology, and purpose.
Conference Theme (2025):
“The under-appreciated role of PLAY in our work.”
The program will center on how play, experimentation, and curiosity drive innovation and breakthrough thinking. Key sub-themes include:
- Case Studies on Innovation: Real-world examples of teams or organizations achieving bold results by challenging norms
- Surprising New Ways of Working: E.g., integration of AI into creative and research processes
- Unlikely Collaborations: Stories that highlight boundary-breaking, cross-functional teamwork
- Designing for the Unexpected: How a playful or exploratory mindset can unlock new solutions and experiences
What Cisco Is Looking For:
Cisco is seeking engaging, thought-provoking keynote speakers who can:
- Speak to the role of play in unlocking creativity and innovation
- Share bold case studies from design, research, tech, venture, or creative industries
- Explore emerging practices, especially around AI or cross-disciplinary approaches
- Inspire Cisco’s internal community of designers, researchers, and collaborators
Chief Troublemaker of Microsoft's AI Extensibility Program, Entrepreneur, Author, BIPOC Women in Tech Leader
Dona believes that you are one experiment away from being your most powerful self at work. And yes, in life!
Currently at her day job, she’s running 100 experiments as the Chief Troublemaker of the Microsoft AI and Copilot Extensibility Program. Her goal is that people all over the world can use Microsoft’s AI and Copilot programs to reason over their OWN data and truly make AI useful for their business.
Previously, Dona led the Accessibility tech program at Microsoft, implementing Generative AI in her products in an inclusive way. She also led the #WindowsInsiders program (20 million people globally) and worked on advocacy for the Metaverse via HoloLens and low-code development via Microsoft’s Power Platform.
Dona is also a keynote speaker (fave audience is corporate leaders like YOU), a multi-published author (it turns out fiction writing is useful in software!), the owner of the ethical luxury fashion brand called Prima Dona Studios, and she has recently become a wine bar co-owner and is studying to be a sommelier.
A few years ago, she was named one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Productive People and Cosmopolitan magazine's Businessperson of the Year for her multi-faceted (aka weird) life. And yes, she is always ready to get on a plane and come see YOU.
Format/Fee: Speaking Fee, plus RT Travel and Expenses and up to one night hotel. Travels from Seattle
Keynote (In-Person)✔️$10,000*
Keynote (Remote)✔️$10,000*
Panel (In-Person)✔️$10,000*
Panel (Remote)✔️$10,000*
* Negotiated to fit in budget
Dona is available for both weeks.
Speaker Highlights
Program Demo Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR-Q6cPiCvI
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/dona-sarkar
Suggested Topics:
“You Had Me at Data: Designing with AI Without Losing Your Soul”
AI can help us create better, faster—but how do we keep our integrity, creativity, and joy in the process? Dona shares real-world examples (and hilarious failures) from her time at Microsoft, showing how design and research teams can responsibly play with AI while staying grounded in human impact.
“Make Your Weird Work for You”
Part career story, part mindset workshop, this talk is a crowd favorite for multidisciplinary teams. Dona shares how embracing your quirks, following unlikely paths, and experimenting with your identity can unlock new career moves and collaborations across traditional boundaries.
Why Dona Is a Strong Fit for Cisco’s dzone Conference:
- AI, Design & Real-World Application: Dona doesn’t just talk about AI—she shows people how to actually use it. Her keynotes cut through hype and help cross-functional teams understand how to leverage AI playfully, creatively, and ethically.
- Built for Design + Research Audiences: As a longtime UX advocate, Dona deeply understands the mindsets of designers and researchers—and speaks their language. Her sessions are part storytelling, part toolset, and always energizing.
- Innovation Through Accessibility & Humor: Whether she’s talking about inclusive tech, unlikely career paths, or AI hallucinations, Dona blends cutting-edge insight with humor and humanity.
- Trusted by Cisco: As the origin point of this opportunity and a known presence in the Cisco ecosystem, Dona brings relational capital and context to the stage.
Highlights:
- Director of Technology at Microsoft Accessibility, leading inclusive innovation efforts globally
- Former Head of Advocacy at Microsoft AI, where she helped global audiences understand and adopt AI tools
- Speaker for audiences at SXSW, TEDx, DevIntersection, and 100+ conferences worldwide
- Author of several books
- Fashion Entrepreneur featured in Forbes and Harper’s Bazaar, building bridges between creativity and tech
- Named a Top 100 AI Voice by LinkedIn, recognized for her accessible approach to future tech
- Founder of “Prima Donas”, a platform for underrepresented professionals in tech
“If you’re looking for a speaker who’s 100% authentic, not afraid to engage in uncomfortable but highly necessary #RealTalk to get your audience thinking, Dona Sarkar is your answer. A powerhouse of a speaker, Dona always comes prepared with fresh ideas and actionable plans (read: homework!) to continue investing in themselves long after the event is over. Get ready to be volunTOLD, get out of your comfort zone, and discover how you can become a better human.” - Shona Bang, Global Head of Microsoft's Human of IT Program
"When Dona Sarkar speaks, something exceptional happens. She is a passionate presenter and changemaker who is making a remarkable impression globally. Single-handed, Dona is lifting up Everyone in the room and instilling in them the belief that they can and will do more. Her brave, no-nonsense approach is infectious and making a world of difference." - Tracy O'Connell, Director of European Sharepoint Conference ESPC
"As an Olympic athlete, I've listened to many motivational speakers. It's sometimes hard to find talks that really hit home specifically to me. Dona's presence in person and on stage grabbed me immediately. I knew she was someone I wanted to emulate and was further inspired after hearing her TEDxtalk about the Imposter Syndrome. She was engaging, relaxed and so genuine. Anyone who has taken a risk in life towards success can relate to her message of feeling like you don't belong or are not worthy. She uses her own successful career and personal experiences to illustrate how to combat these feelings and find power on the other side of it.
Every employee, college student, entrepreneur and athlete will be faced with Imposter Syndrome at some point in their lives, Dona Sarkar's message will prepare, normalize and inspire to conquer these feelings and teach them how to OWN their success!" - Katie Hoff, 3x Olympic Medalist & American Record Holder
Performance Duo, Improvisers, Comedians, Experts in Creativity, Risk-Taking, and Collaborative Imagination
Pinquelton Group was founded in 2018 by Andy Eninger and John Loos, two learning designers and facilitators who are partners in business, comedy, and life (yep, they’re married, which is why they often accidentally dress alike!)
What started 10 years ago as the critically acclaimed sketch and improv comedy duo Pinque Pony has evolved into a dynamic employee development business that marries decades of comedy performance, writing experience and sense of play with the duo’s 30+ years of combined corporate facilitation and storytelling experience. Eninger previously served as the head of the comedy writing program at the famed Second City theater in Chicago, while Loos was among their writing and improv faculty and helped put The Second City Network on the map with his viral comedy writing.
The Pinquelton Group specializes in workplace transformation, leadership, and innovation, helping corporations build inclusive cultures where all employees feel seen and valued.
Format/Fee: Speaking Fee, plus RT Travel and Expenses [for 2] and up to one night hotel. Travels from Los Angeles
Keynote (In-Person)✔️up to $10,000*
Keynote (Remote)✔️up to $7,500*
Panel (In-Person)✔️up to $7,500*
Panel (Remote)✔️up to $7,500*
* Negotiable
Availability TBC.
Los Angeles, CA
Speaker Highlights
Speaker Highlights - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsqdKz_oS2Q
Highlights:
- Co-founded by John Loos and Andy Eninger, longtime performers, comedians, and facilitators with deep roots in improv, satire, and collaborative storytelling
- Creators of “Rehearsing the Future,” an original performance-lecture that explores how teams work together through experimentation, feedback, and trust-building (source)
- Veterans of Second City and corporate facilitation, they translate the principles of performance into powerful metaphors for team dynamics and innovation (source)
- Known for blending humor, movement, and vulnerability, turning abstract ideas like "creative risk" and "emotional safety" into tangible experiences
- Facilitators and artists who help organizations navigate ambiguity and complexity through play and real-time co-creation
Why The Pinquelton Group for Cisco’s dzone:
- Directly aligned with dzone’s focus on PLAY: Every part of their process is rooted in improvisation, experimentation, and joyful discovery
- Makes the Intangible Feel Tangible: They use performance to explore trust, collaboration, and experimentation—giving form to creative dynamics often left unspoken
- A Fresh Format: Their session offers something different from a standard keynote—a hybrid of performance, reflection, and facilitated insight
- Relatable, Funny, and Deep: They bring levity and insight in equal measure—ideal for a team of designers and researchers looking for inspiration outside the typical leadership circuit
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Suggested Topics:
Will be fully customized and tailored for your audience
1. Rehearsing the Future: Performing Creativity in Real Time
This performance-lecture hybrid gives a behind-the-scenes look at how two artists transform vague ideas into creative output. Through improvisation, experimentation, and live dialogue, John and Andy reveal the building blocks of their collaborative process—mirroring how innovation actually unfolds on cross-functional teams.
2. The Risk Is the Reward: Creative Process as Experimentation
Every performance starts with a blank page and a gut feeling. This session demystifies how creative professionals embrace ambiguity, take playful risks, and iterate their way to clarity. A refreshing reminder that failure, friction, and surprise are essential to making anything worthwhile—whether it’s a product or a performance.
3. Listening Like an Artist: Crafting Connection Through Improv
What happens when we stop trying to control the outcome and just listen? This talk unpacks how improvisers co-create in real time—by tuning into emotion, body language, and nuance. John and Andy offer principles design and research teams can apply to build more attuned, flexible, and trust-driven collaboration.
Workplace Strategist | Author of The Good Enough Job | Former IDEO Design Lead | TED Speaker
Simone Stolzoff is a San Francisco–based author, speaker, and workplace strategist who helps organizations and individuals reimagine their relationship with work. With a background that blends design thinking, journalism, and social impact, Simone has emerged as one of the leading voices in the global movement for more human-centered work cultures.
A former design lead at the renowned innovation firm IDEO, Simone has advised leaders across sectors—including the U.S. Surgeon General’s Office, Google, Dropbox, and The Aspen Institute—on how to design systems, teams, and environments that support sustainable performance and personal well-being. He approaches workplace transformation through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating behavioral science, storytelling, and organizational design.
Simone is the author of the bestselling book The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work (Penguin Random House), which challenges the cultural norm of tying identity to occupation. The book was named one of the Best Books of 2023 by Apple and Amazon, and has become a go-to resource for teams seeking balance, belonging, and clarity in an age of burnout and overwork.
As a journalist, Simone’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED, and NPR, where he explores themes at the intersection of work, identity, and modern life. His TED Talk on untangling self-worth from job titles has been viewed over 1 million times, resonating with audiences navigating the complexities of the post-pandemic workplace.
Simone holds degrees from Stanford University and The University of Pennsylvania, and is currently a Fellow at the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative.
Format/Fee: Simone Travels from San Francisco; he many only need Mileage/Ground Reimbursement [saving cost on Flights, Hotel]
Keynote (In-Person)✔️$10,000*
Keynote (Remote)✔️$10,000*
Panel (In-Person)✔️$7,500
Panel (Remote)✔️$7,500
*Negotiable.
Simone is available for both weeks.
Speaker Highlights
How to Reclaim Your Life From Work | Simone Stolzoff | TED - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfKFbh8LPvU
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/simone-stolzoff
Suggested Topics:
How to Keep Your Work from Taking Over Your Life
From the moment we ask kids what they want to be, we tangle identity with occupation. But what if separating the two is the secret to a healthier relationship with work? In this engaging talk, Simone explores how to navigate the evolving world of work with intention—building sustainable productivity, setting boundaries, and inspiring the next generation to work well without being their work.
Designing a Career with Agency
In a world where the only constant is change, how do we take ownership of our professional paths? Based on his research and experience at IDEO, Simone shares how to approach your career like a design challenge—moving from rigid plans to iterative experiments that build skills, resilience, and purpose over time.
Why Simone Is a Strong Fit for Cisco’s dzone Conference:
- Reimagining Work with Empathy and Insight: Simone helps teams confront one of the most universal challenges—how to work without being consumed by it. His talks are timely, transformative, and deeply human.
- Design Thinking Meets Career Fulfillment: Drawing from his background at IDEO and The Good Enough Job, Simone brings a design-driven, experiment-based mindset to conversations about career agency and sustainable productivity.
- Ideal for Creative & Technical Professionals: Designers, engineers, and researchers will find practical inspiration in Simone’s frameworks for reclaiming autonomy and rethinking career identity.
- Grounded in Research, Delivered with Heart: Whether focusing on work-life boundaries or career prototyping, Simone’s sessions combine sharp storytelling with actionable ideas.
Highlights:
- Author of The Good Enough Job, named one of the Best Books of 2023 by Apple and Amazon
- Former Design Lead at IDEO, advising Fortune 500 clients on human-centered innovation
- TED Speaker on work identity and burnout, with 1M+ views
- Featured in The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR
- Speaker for Google, Dropbox, Stanford, The Aspen Institute, and more
- Fellow at the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative
"A timely, compelling case for designing work around our lives instead of squeezing our lives into the space around work. It’s a wakeup call for people who feel overworked and leaders who have lost sight of their humanity." - Adam Grant, Wharton
"Simone is a thoughtful, provocative, and engaging speaker. Our team couldn't get enough of him. They talked about how much useful knowledge, and perception-shifting data he shared — and he was very funny, too!" - CJ Jackson, Guild
Former NCAA Coach | Executive Leadership Strategist | Personal Brand & Networking Expert
Jennifer Magley is a Media Consultant specializing in connecting top talent with opportunities onstage, on camera, and in the boardroom. She has placed talent at Fortune-level companies and has a background in recruiting, partnership relations, and contract negotiations. As a Keynote Speaker and High-Performance Coach, she has spent over a decade helping successful people become unstoppable. She is a former NCAA Division I head coach and has received national media coverage, notably by USA Today, CNN, ESPN, Foundr Magazine, and US News & World Report.
Her newest book How to Be Queen-A Leadership Fable, about the power of imperfect leadership, is a top-selling book for Archway Publishing. In 2021 she was the Host for the United Nations Global Film Festival, Master of Ceremonies for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. She was named “Woman of the Year” by Pass The Torch for Women Foundation. Magley is an active community member and was a 2018 Make-A-Wish® America Honoree and former Board Member at non profits The Patachou Foundation and COBURN Place in Indianapolis, IN.
A Kansas native and former standout student-athlete, Magley is a proud IMG Sports Academy Alumni and University of Florida graduate. She was a scholarship athlete at IMG Academy under the direct tutelage of renowned tennis coach Nick Bollettieri. While at UF, she was the #1 Ranked NCAA Division I Singles player in the country, NCAA Team Champion, Four-time All-American, First Team ESPN The Magazine, Finalist for the Honda Award, and recipient of the Arthur Ashe Jr., Sports Scholar, and SEC Good Works awards. As a member of TEAM USA, Magley represented the United States in over 14 countries. Post graduation, she competed professionally on the WTA Tour before being named Associate Head Coach at Wichita State University.
Format/Fee: Speaking Fee, plus a $1,000 flat travel fee for Airfare/Ground, plus hotel (up to 2 nights)
Keynote (In-Person)✔️$10,000
Keynote (Remote)✔️$7,500
Panel (In-Person)✔️$7,500
Panel (Remote)✔️$5,000
Jennifer is available for both weeks. Jennifer is also available for Emcee'ing. If you need a high energy Emcee for this event, she would definitely be someone to consider.
Speaker Highlights
Speaker Intro Sizzle Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OduiB9ve94M
Emcee at Rally Innovation Conference - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrEYZRarxk0 [she is emcee'ing again this year]
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/jennifer-magley
Suggested Topics:
Maximizing Your Network and Personal Brand
In this 60-minute interactive session, we’ll identify what your brand is—and how to leverage it for more results with less effort. Attendees will walk away with specific tools for impactful networking, leaving lasting impressions, and creating meaningful, long-term relationships through personal collateral.
Play Bold: Reclaiming Confidence in Work and Life
When was the last time you took a professional risk—and enjoyed it? Jennifer shows how play and presence fuel confidence and courage in the workplace. This talk encourages attendees to get out of their own heads and into motion, redefining what it means to show up boldly.
Authenticity Is a Performance Strategy
You don’t have to “fit in” to stand out. Jennifer offers a powerful reframe of authenticity as a leadership strength—not a liability. Designed for high-performing individuals who want to lead with purpose and connection, this talk is part strategy, part soul.
Why Jennifer Is a Strong Fit for Cisco’s dzone Conference:
- Human-Centered and Tactical: Jennifer delivers high-energy, actionable content that helps individuals maximize their personal brand and influence—essential for emerging leaders in design, engineering, and research.
- Focused on Self-Leadership & Presence: For internal teams navigating hybrid culture and cross-functional collaboration, Jennifer equips them with tools to better communicate, connect, and advocate for themselves.
- Relatable and Inspirational: Her unique background—from elite athlete to coach to executive strategist—positions her to speak authentically to the confidence, clarity, and connection professionals need to grow in fast-paced environments.
- Not Theory—Tactics: Jennifer’s sessions are interactive and immediately usable, perfect for younger Cisco employees looking for real-world tools to grow their impact and visibility.
Highlights:
- Former NCAA Division I Head Coach, youngest in the country at the time
- Professional tennis player turned executive coach, working with leaders across industries
- Author of How to Be Queen, a guide to self-leadership and reclaiming confidence
- Featured in USA Today, Huffington Post, Bustle, Glamour
- Recognized by the NBA, Salesforce, and the National Diversity Council
- Sought-after workshop facilitator, known for her expertise in networking, personal presence, and bold self-advocacy
“Jennifer is an amazing public speaker! She spoke at several events focused on girls’ leadership while I was the Executive Director of the Indiana Commission for Women. Every time, she was engaging and captured everyone’s attention through her energizing style. Jennifer will deliver every time if you’re looking for a keynote speaker that provides motivation and inspiration.” - Kristin Garvey, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority
“I like what Jennifer Magley said when she went undefeated in the NCAA Tournament ‘If you try your best in everything you do, you leave yourself no room for regrets.’ That’s the spirit that defines true champions both on and off the court.” - President George Bush
Founder & CEO of NFNTE Capital, Co-founder of Catalyst Labs, Tech Innovator, Advocate for Human-Centered Innovation
Harold is the truest definition of a modern day multihyphenate. He is the Founder and CEO of NFNTE Capital, an entrepreneur services company designed to help entrepreneurs—aspiring and current—unlock the value of social capital, starting with their personal networks. As a serial entrepreneur, he has started businesses and secured partnerships over his nearly two decades of experience in business development, partnerships, and operations.
When he’s not building businesses, he’s creating community. Harold co-founded the first token-gated community for Black founders, funders, creators, and community leaders. He later co-founded Catalyst Labs, building the flagship curriculum from his experience as an entrepreneur.
Before launching NFNTE Capital, Harold raised more than $5M for his venture-backed startup, supporting brands like Pepsi and LIFEWTR, as well as athletes in the NFL, MLS, and NCAA.
He is also an educator, having authored A Kids Book About Blockchain to ensure that this revolutionary technology isn’t lost on the next generation. As a self-proclaimed “round character,” he proudly shares his experiences as a dad, a foodie, and his mental and physical health journey to inspire and engage others.
Harold believes that NFNTE Capital is the culmination of all the “dots” he’s been connecting since 2004, and he is excited to bring his newest vision to life.
Format/Fee: Speaking Fee, plus a $1,000 flat travel fee for Airfare/Ground, plus hotel (up to 2 nights)
Keynote (In-Person)✔️$7,500
Keynote (Remote)✔️$5,000
Panel (In-Person)✔️$7,500
Panel (Remote)✔️$5,000
Harold is available for both weeks.
North Carolina
Speaker Highlights
Speaker Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kRiXhvNvR4
Sloss Tech - Tech for Good Panel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS6ZoqsJWz8
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/harold-hughes
Speaker Keynote Video - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ACVf7287vUeO2EihDWpZFQ9rOsHRz_Wv/view?usp=sharing
Suggested Topics:
“The Currency of Connection: How Social Capital Powers Innovation”
In a world obsessed with AI and scale, we forget that people still build the future. Harold explores how authentic relationships—between colleagues, across teams, and within communities—drive trust, insight, and breakthrough thinking. He unpacks how social capital isn’t just soft skills—it’s a strategic advantage in tech-driven teams.
“Work-Life Balance is a Myth!”
The concept of work-life balance is everywhere—but it often feels impossible to attain. In this engaging and empowering talk, Harold dismantles the myth and reframes the conversation around Work-Life Prioritization. Through relatable stories and actionable advice, he shares how we can build responsible routines, set healthier boundaries, and adopt habits that lead to sustainable productivity—at work and at home.
Connected by Design: Where People and Technology Meet*
*Harold will customize a talk around the changing landscape and adoption of Technology and Connectedness works best by combining people with Tech.
Why Harold Is a Strong Fit for Cisco’s dzone Conference:
- Rooted in Community, Wired for Innovation: Harold merges deep technology expertise with a people-first perspective. As a founder and investor, he speaks directly to how belonging, trust, and identity fuel innovation.
- Speaks to the Heart of the Engineering Audience: Harold’s talks are grounded, relatable, and deeply motivational—perfect for emerging technologists navigating a rapidly changing industry.
- Social Capital as a Design Principle: He reframes “connection” as a business asset—demonstrating how relationships, inclusion, and community power both team performance and product insight.
- Not Just Inspiration—Tactical, Too: Harold doesn’t just uplift—he leaves teams with practical frameworks for building stronger internal networks and purpose-driven collaboration.
Highlights:
- Founder & Former CEO of Bandwagon, a blockchain-based identity company
- Creator of Black@, a platform supporting Black professionals in tech
- Featured in Adweek, CNBC, ESPN, and Forbes
- Sought-after speaker on belonging, innovation, and the future of identity in tech
- Investor in 20+ early-stage companies, many led by underrepresented founders
- Recognized by Nasdaq and Techstars for his leadership in tech and community-building
- Clemson University graduate and proud advocate for equity in entrepreneurship
“Harold’s willingness to be transparent about his journey really gave me permission to not be so hard on myself. His story about being creative in finding his first team member encouraged me to keep going but rest when I need to.” — Clark, Entrepreneur
“Harold Hughes’ presence at this summer’s Beyond Buckets SLCCE was nothing short of transformative. As a speaker, he captivated our students with his engaging storytelling and deep insights into the worlds of technology, angel investing, and the unique journey of being a Black founder. His ability to connect these complex topics with relatable experiences and accessible wisdom truly resonated with our audience. Harold’s passion for empowering the next generation shone through every word, motivating our students to explore new horizons and think beyond traditional career paths. His contribution was a crucial part of making this year’s event a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of listening to him.” — Michael King
8X Inc. 500 Founder | Top Growth Keynote Speaker | 2X Best-Selling Author | Named a Top 50 Thought Leader in Growth
Frankie Russo is a visionary in authenticity, imagination and growth. An entrepreneur with a proven track record for using innovative methods to unlock rapid growth. Russo has led multiple companies to remarkable growth landing on the Inc. 500/5000 list 8 years in a row, including 60X growth in three years of his tech company 360ia, leading to an acquisition by a Fortune 500 company.
Organizations that Russo has collaborated with who have embraced his “Love Your Weird” movement were able to adapt, innovate and grow through massive uncertainty and change. In his latest work Russo shares the critical unlocks for driving unprecedented and continuous growth by leading with authenticity, imagination and generosity.
He is the author of two best-selling books and a sought-after speaker known for transforming organizational cultures and inspiring individual and corporate growth. His keynote experiences are tailored, experiential, and full of actionable insights for fostering a culture of authenticity, imagination and collaboration to unlock breakthrough results and extraordinary transformation and growth.
Russo was also named Entrepreneur of the Year, Top 20 Under 40, and a Founders to Watch in 2019. In addition, he has been featured in many media outlets, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Time, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Inc. magazine. He has also earned many Addy and Telly awards for his work at Potenza, Inc.
Format/Fee: Speaking Fee, plus $2000 Flat Travel to cover RT Travel and Expenses, plus Hotel for up to 2 nights
Keynote (In-Person)✔️$10,000*
Keynote (Remote)✔️$10,000*
Panel (In-Person)✔️$10,000*
Panel (Remote)✔️$7,500*
*Negotiated to fit in to the budget
Frankie is available the week of the 13th and has one soft hold for the week of the 20th.
Speaker Highlights
Frankie Russo - Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXE-MmD6ZBI
Warsaw Growth Summit Event Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8SFyOqUOLc
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/frankie-russo
Suggested Topics:
Frankie will be sending fully customized topics my way next week.
Love Your Weird
Take your organization into a space where they feel free to dig into their early passions in order to foster authenticity, imagination, and, in turn sustainable growth. Starting with a personalized dive into your unique organizational challenges, this keynote leaves your people inspired, poised to collaborate, ready to compete with the market, and on fire to create something new.
Audience Takeaways :
- Harnessing Authenticity for Growth: Learn how encouraging employees to embrace their unique passions and talents can drive authenticity within your organization, leading to increased creativity and sustainable growth.
- Fostering Imagination and Collaboration: Discover strategies to cultivate an environment where imagination thrives and collaboration is natural, helping your team to compete more effectively in the market.
- Build A Culture of Continuous Growth: Gain tailored insights into addressing your organization's unique cultural challenges to harness the power of their collective ingenuity, leaving your team inspired and ready to execute innovative solutions that fuel continuous growth.
Generation A.I.
In this thought-provoking session, AI and growth expert, Frankie Russo, challenges the notion that artificial intelligence will replace us, arguing instead that AI offers an unprecedented opportunity to augment our human capabilities and drive transformational growth. Discover how tapping into your authenticity, imagination, and generosity - your "weird" - is the key to thriving in the machine age. Frankie shares inspiring examples of businesses and individuals harnessing AI to reconnect with their human supernatural qualities and achieve breakthrough results. You'll learn practical strategies to partner with AI tools as your "copilot" to enhance your own ideas and mission. Walk away with a roadmap to unleash your unique talents, out-innovate the future, and create a world where no one gets left behind.
Extraordinary Engagement
Explore the concept of embracing one's authentic self as the key to unlocking extraordinary engagement at work and in life. In this raw and honest session, Frankie Russo shares insights from his personal journey of overcoming addiction and rediscovering his true identity and purpose so you can learn how to fully embrace your unique qualities and passions to have a more fulfilling and impactful career. Through cultivating a culture of authenticity, imagination, and collaboration we all have the power to foster positive change within organizations. When everyone in an organization truly loves what they do, amazing outcomes emerge - teams are more motivated, productive and committed to the mission, leading to breakthrough results where passion, dedication and care shines through, leading to exceptional experiences and results that make a real difference.
Audience Takeaways:
1. The Power of Authenticity: Embracing authenticity is essential for personal growth and creating a culture of extraordinary engagement. By staying true to one's unique qualities, individuals can build credibility, spark novel thinking, and inspire others to bring their whole selves to work. When teams feel empowered to be authentic, it fuels their passion and unlocks their full potential to serve others.
2. Curiosity and Experimentation: Nurturing imagination and adopting an experimental mindset are crucial for driving creativity and overcoming challenges. Russo helps audiences tap into their inner child's boundless curiosity, celebrating progress over perfection and reframing failures as opportunities for growth. This mindset shift ignites fresh ideas and solutions that enhance service delivery.
3. Purpose-Driven Collaboration: Collaboration and a sense of purpose are at the heart of extraordinary engagement. By focusing on serving others and making a positive impact, individuals can find deeper meaning in their work. Building alliances with like-minded colleagues and prioritizing purpose and social impact can help sustain motivation and energy in the face of resistance to change. When everyone is united around a shared purpose they love, organizations can make transformational change that uplifts the customers and communities they serve.
Why Frankie Is a Strong Fit for Cisco’s dzone Conference:
- Innovation Through Identity: Frankie helps teams understand that the most sustainable innovations start with purpose. His talks unpack how aligning personal “why” with professional ambition fuels creativity and collaboration.
- Entrepreneurial Thinking at Scale: With over 20 years of experience building businesses, Frankie brings a raw and honest perspective on risk, iteration, and how “play” often shows up in the messiest parts of growth.
- Surprising Frameworks, Real Results: His Art of Why method helps individuals and teams break out of reactive cycles and build more intentional work cultures, grounded in clarity and meaning.
- Motivating for Cross-Functional Teams: Frankie speaks in a way that resonates across disciplines—from product to design to engineering—making his keynotes ideal for integrated internal audiences.
Highlights:
- 8X Inc. 500 Honoree, recognized for leading one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S.
- Founder of multiple ventures, including Potenza Inc. and 360ia, with successful exits
- Author of two best-selling books:
- Breaking WHY: A guide to hacking and rebuilding emotional intelligence for authentic leadership
- The Art of WHY: A framework for aligning personal purpose with business strategy
- Named a Top 50 Thought Leader in Growth
- Featured in Forbes, AdWeek, Business Report, Silicon Bayou 100
- Keynote speaker for global brands, including Google, Entrepreneurs' Organization, and major universities
"Frankie’s 'Love Your Weird' presentation offered our team transformative insights and practical strategies for creating a culture of Continuous Growth. His impact is long-lasting." -John Zeigler, Chief Marketing Officer, Sinclair Inc.
"Innovate South attendees loved Frankie's talk on 'Love Your Weird.' He inspires true leadership and a Growth culture." -Destin Ortego, Innovate South Conference
"Frankie’s speech was the highlight of our annual event, offering actionable inspiration and insights for their organizations." -Louise Leopold, Executive, Digital Dealer Conference
4x American Ninja Warrior | Biochemist Turned Fitness Coach | Founder of Strong Feels Good
Angela Gargano is a keynote speaker, 6x American Ninja Warrior, Miss Fitness America, 3x Covergirl biochemist-turned-coach, and founder of a global movement that’s helped thousands of women accomplish what once felt impossible—starting with their first pull-up.
After tearing her ACL live on national television, Angela didn’t just recover—she redefined herself. She turned a career-halting injury into a comeback story, launching a six-figure business rooted in resilience, adaptability, and bold action. She now brings that same battle-tested mindset to organizations and audiences worldwide.
Her signature RIGHT™ Framework helps individuals and teams break through fear, perfectionism, and burnout—teaching them how to navigate change, take aligned action, and build sustainable momentum even when things feel uncertain.
With a background in biochemistry and gymnastics, Angela brings both science and soul to her keynotes. Her talks are known for blending raw storytelling, contagious energy, and practical, actionable tools that leave lasting impact.
Angela’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Women’s Health, and Oxygen Magazine, and she’s spoken on stages across industries—from healthcare to tech to high-performance leadership. Whether she’s leading a room full of executives, entrepreneurs, or high-achieving women, her mission is clear: to help people stop waiting for clarity and start creating it.
Format/Fee: Speaking Fee, plus a $1,500 flat travel fee, plus venue city ground and hotel (up to 2 nights)
Keynote (In-Person)✔️$10,000
Keynote (Remote)✔️$7,500
Panel (In-Person)✔️$10,000
Panel (Remote)✔️$7,500
Angela is available both weeks.
Austin, TX
Speaker Highlights
Speaker Reel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHbmM_SBQiE
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/angela-gargano
Suggested Topics:
Note: These will be finalized once Angela shares her custom consideration. Suggested themes based on her current body of work include:
- "Strong Feels Good": Resilience, Play & Performance in High-Stakes Environments
How play, failure, and movement help unlock creative energy and focus in high-performance teams. - "The Science of Strength": Rewiring Mindsets for Innovation
Lessons from biochemistry, elite athletics, and recovery science that help you show up better—for your team, your work, and yourself.
Why Angela Is a Strong Fit for Cisco’s dzone Conference:
- Play as Resilience: Angela embodies the power of play, movement, and mindset as tools for growth. Her American Ninja Warrior journey is built on pushing boundaries, embracing failure, and finding joy in challenge.
- Human Performance Meets Innovation: With a background in biochemistry and a career in elite fitness and recovery, Angela bridges the gap between data, discipline, and physical design—offering fresh insight into how we train, focus, and recover.
- Reimagining Personal Limits: Angela’s story resonates with those looking to reframe discomfort and stress into creativity, problem-solving, and personal leadership—essential for design, research, and cross-functional teams.
- Energizing + Interactive: Her sessions are high-energy and leave audiences feeling empowered, connected, and ready to move (mentally and physically).
Highlights:
- 4x Competitor on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior
- Founder of Strong Feels Good, a science-backed strength coaching platform with thousands of members worldwide
- Biochemist turned coach, known for applying physiological and mental frameworks to personal and professional growth
- TEDx Speaker on overcoming imposter syndrome and redefining strength
- Featured in Women’s Health, Shape, Muscle & Fitness Hers
- Advocate for Women in STEM and Fitness, with programs that support body confidence and performance in high-pressure environments
“Angela is an innovative content creator who knows her audience inside and out. Her passionate dedication shines through in everything she does, and it’s always a rewarding experience to collaborate with her as we create fun and informative content for our Women’s Health platforms. I would thoroughly recommend working with Angela in any capacity.” - Amanda Lucci, Audience Engagement Manager, Women's Health Magazine
"Angela sure knows how to engage, entertain and inspire an audience! We invited her to come speak at our 2022 Women in Leadership Conference by EmpowHer and she brought the HEAT! Over 150 women were amazed by her story and ability to provide actionable steps that related to their lives. Since the event we have gotten countless positive feedback asking for her to come back. I would recommend Angela 1000x over to be a speaker. She not only provided valuable content but also helped us grow as a company." - Sam Conway, Founders, Konnecther Community for Female Entrepreneurs
Serial Maverick, Co-founder & CEO of La Familia, Model, Actress
Cheryl Campos is not just a founder or investor—she’s a first-generation Latina who turned systemic exclusion into a platform for empowerment. Born to immigrant parents and the first in her family to graduate from college, Cheryl’s path to becoming the Co-Founder and CEO of La Familia was anything but conventional. Her career began in traditional finance, took a bold pivot into venture capital, and ultimately led her to launch a nonprofit dedicated to closing the wealth gap in underserved communities.
Along the way, she earned degrees from Harvard University and Stanford’s MBA program, but more importantly, she built a voice that speaks authentically to those navigating identity, ambition, and impact. Whether she’s helping startups raise millions at Republic, mentoring student founders, or challenging who gets to lead in tech and finance, Cheryl brings an electric combination of empathy, intellect, and urgency. She is especially resonant with students forging their own paths and looking for real-world insight into purpose-driven leadership.
Format/Fee: Speaking Fee, plus RT Travel and Expenses, plus one night Hotel [traveling from Los Angeles].
Keynote (In-Person)✔️$7,500
Keynote (Remote)✔️$5,000
Panel (In-Person)✔️$7,500
Panel (Remote)✔️$5,000
Cheryl is available both weeks.
Speaker Highlights
Speaker Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL4iExw-toI
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/cheryl-campos
Suggested Topics:
How to Become a Serial Maverick
Understand the intra-, inter-personal, and group-level dynamics that are shifting in today’s world of work. Cheryl unpacks how embracing multiple passions, taking smart risks, and staying playfully curious can unlock unexpected career paths—and innovation for your team.
“Community” as a Superpower
The word community is everywhere—but what does it really mean? Drawing from her experience creating Republic’s Venture Partner Program and founding VCFamilia, Cheryl outlines the structure and psychology of thriving communities, and how teams at Cisco can use community as a design tool for scalable, inclusive impact.
Why Cheryl Is a Strong Fit for Cisco’s dzone Conference:
- Play as Catalyst for Innovation: Cheryl’s work in the startup and venture capital world centers on creative risk-taking, experimentation, and agility—core elements of play in a business context.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: As both a founder and investor, Cheryl builds and navigates diverse, boundary-crossing teams—from engineers to creatives to community stakeholders.
- Tech + Community Perspective: Her insights help teams understand how inclusive communities fuel innovation, particularly in early-stage technologies and emerging markets.
- Customizable Session: Cheryl is open to tailoring her talk with more technical depth for Cisco’s internal audience.
Highlights:
- Co-Founder of La Familia, a startup community supporting over 700 Latinx entrepreneurs across the U.S.
- Former Head of Venture Growth at Republic, a leading platform democratizing private investing
- Creator of the Venture Partner Program at Republic, which scaled outreach to thousands of underrepresented investors
- Founder of VCFamilia, the largest community of Latinx venture capitalists in the U.S.
- Featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Nasdaq, and Telemundo
- Speaker at SXSW, Techstars, and LTX Fest
- Latinx Startup Alliance’s 2023 Changemaker Honoree
- Harvard University graduate with a background in economics and government
Founder of Old Skool Cafe and Community Crusader
Teresa Goines is a visionary entrepreneur, social activist, and the driving force behind Old Skool Cafe, a groundbreaking violence prevention program that operates as a 1940s-style supper club in San Francisco. With a mission to provide at-risk youth with opportunities for employment, empowerment, and hope, Teresa has dedicated her life to transforming lives and communities through innovative and compassionate initiatives.
After working as a corrections officer and witnessing the systemic issues and lack of support for young people entangled in the criminal justice system, Teresa was inspired to create a solution that addressed the root causes of violence and recidivism. In 2004, she founded Old Skool Cafe, where youth aged 16-22 are trained in every aspect of the restaurant business, from cooking to customer service to management. This unique program not only equips them with valuable job skills but also instills confidence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging.
Under Teresa's leadership, Old Skool Cafe has grown from a grassroots initiative to a celebrated institution that has served over 800 youth, offering them a second chance at life. Her innovative approach has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as a CNN Hero and features in prominent media outlets such as Forbes Next 1000, World News, Steve Harvey, Rachel Ray, and The Huffington Post.
Teresa's work is fueled by her unwavering belief in the potential of every young person and her commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and violence. As a speaker, she brings her powerful personal story, insights on social justice, and practical strategies for community change to audiences nationwide. Her compelling narrative and proven track record make her an inspiring and authoritative voice on issues related to youth empowerment, social entrepreneurship, restorative justice, and community collaboration.
Format/Fee: Speaking Fee, plus RT Mileage/Ground Reimbursement [travels from San Francisco]
Keynote (In-Person)✔️$7,500
Keynote (Remote)✔️$7,500
Panel (In-Person)✔️$7,500
Panel (Remote)✔️$7,500
Still confirming availability
Speaker Highlights
Old Skool Cafe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m3QN-z47bA
CNN Hero: Teresa Goines - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6FKmqi2P98
Speaker Profile - https://www.gravityspeakers.com/speakers/teresa-goines
Suggested Topics:
Designing Second Chances: Innovation from the Margins
What if innovation didn’t start in a lab—but in a kitchen, on a stage, or in the heart of a young person given a second chance? Teresa shares how Old Skool Café uses play, mentorship, and creative business design to transform lives—and how these same principles can apply to product, team, and culture design.
Unexpected Teams: Building a Business With Purpose
In a world driven by structure and silos, Teresa shows what’s possible when radically different people come together under a shared mission. A moving look into how organizations can build culture through trust, collaboration, and values-driven design.
Why Teresa Is a Strong Fit for Cisco’s dzone Conference:
- Play as a Tool for Redemption and Innovation: Teresa redefines the concept of “play” through her transformative work with formerly incarcerated youth—designing a space where creativity, trust, and second chances fuel real change.
- Unlikely Collaborations, Real Impact: Through Old Skool Café, Teresa brings together chefs, mentors, designers, and justice-involved youth in a one-of-a-kind social enterprise—exemplifying the power of cross-functional collaboration that transcends traditional roles.
- Designing for Dignity: Teresa’s story is about designing systems—not just spaces—that empower people, build community, and inspire hope. Her work is a compelling case study in designing with purpose and humanity.
- Local Connection: As a Bay Area-based founder, Teresa offers a grounded, community-centered perspective that connects directly to Cisco’s regional and cultural context.
Highlights:
- Founder & CEO of Old Skool Café, a nationally recognized nonprofit supper club that trains and employs formerly incarcerated and at-risk youth
- Featured by CNN Heroes, Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, and the Obama Foundation
- TEDx Speaker on social impact through design
- 20+ year career in juvenile justice, youth development, and nonprofit leadership
- Consulted by Fortune 500s and city governments on designing second-chance systems and inclusive spaces
- Awarded the Purpose Prize Fellowship by Encore.org
"Teresa’s story alongside Old Skool Café is inspiring... Our team left with a positive call to action to give back and contribute to the community." - Mark Perez, Founding Partner, Virgo Investment Group
"Teresa Goines is a powerful and authentic speaker. She has a unique story to tell - of inspiration, innovation and impact - one that engenders feelings of connection, hope, and solidarity." - Julia Novy, Professor of the Practice, Stanford University