Entrepreneur & Thought Leadership Awards Judging Committee
Chair:
Atul Punj, Chief Executive Officer
IBSFINtech USA Inc., Bridgewater, New Jersey, United States
Atul Punj is a seasoned business leader with over 30 years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in digital transformation, global delivery, client engagement, and treasury management solutions. As the CEO of IBSFINtech USA, he spearheads the company’s expansion into the United States, driving the adoption of its cutting-edge Treasury Management System to revolutionize corporate finance operations. His leadership is centered on leveraging digital solutions to optimize financial performance, enhance compliance, and empower organizations to make real-time, data-driven decisions.
Throughout his distinguished career, Atul has led large-scale technology transformations, forged strategic partnerships, and successfully expanded businesses into new markets. His expertise spans across IT infrastructure, cloud computing, managed services, and cybersecurity, making him a key driver in the digital evolution of enterprise solutions. His leadership philosophy is rooted in fostering innovation, collaboration, and agility, ensuring businesses stay competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. Before joining IBSFINtech USA, Atul held leadership roles in top-tier global organizations, including Persistent Systems, Birlasoft, Wipro, and IBM. As AVP of Sales at Persistent Systems, he played a pivotal role in driving revenue growth, expanding client engagement, and delivering high-impact IT solutions. His tenure at Birlasoft as Head of North America Sales further solidified his expertise in IT outsourcing, cloud transformation, and enterprise solutions, where he built and nurtured relationships with Fortune 500 clients. During his time at Wipro and IBM, Atul successfully led global delivery and business transformation initiatives, managing complex digital engagements across industries. At IBM Global Business Services, he served as DGM and Director Representative for Sales Engagement, where he was instrumental in expanding market share, driving innovation, and ensuring seamless transition management for global enterprises. His tenure saw him leading high-impact initiatives in mobility, IT services, and cloud infrastructure, helping businesses modernize their technology ecosystems.
Committee:
Trent Allan, CEO
WayGrowth, WayGrowth, San Diego, California, United States
Trent is a business growth expert, someone with a unique set of skills that include technology (both Web2 and Web3), strategy, operations, and marketing. He has started, scaled and sold several well-known startups and knows what it takes to build companies from nothing, to something.
Kaladhar Bapu, Founder & Chairman
UMO Design Foundation, New York City, New York, United States
Kaladhar Bapu leads UMO Design, UXINDIA, and the 1 Million Women in Design movement. As an entrepreneur and design advocate, he empowers individuals and organizations to leverage design for innovation and social impact. He is committed to building a future where design is accessible and inclusive.
Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, VP, Decision Science Manager
Truist, Richmond, Virginia, United States
Jasmeet Bhatia works as VP, Decision Science Team Lead at Truist. He has 15 years of experience in the Financial Services industry and has led data science teams’ efforts to leverage advanced analytical techniques to understand customer journeys and build personalized solutions based on unique client needs.
Shireen Bojja, President
Voltek Ace, LLC, La Habra, California, United States
Shireen Bojja is the President of Voltek Ace. She has a master's in electrical engineering from California State University-Fresno and more than 15+ years of experience in the industry with expertise in design and manufacturing of public safety power electronics. She is an author, entrepreneur and an Award winning professional.
Shruthi Boosey, Managing Partner & Executive Director
Jana Consultants, JUS General Trading LLC & Truth Eventz, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Shruthi, a major in HRM, is a visionary entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in aviation, sustainability, and business innovation. She has been the CEO of a prominent GSA representing airlines like Delta, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International, SilkAir, and Sabena. The founder of the Jana Group, she has built a dynamic enterprise.
Nick Chandi, CEO & Co-Founder
Forwardly, Claymont, Denver, United States
Nick is the CEO and Co-Founder of Forwardly, the award-winning instant business payments provider for small businesses and accountants in the United States. As CEO, Nick oversees all levels of the organization. He is a serial entrepreneur and built and exited multiple successful businesses during his two decades in accounting technology and finance.
Sudhir Dorle, Project Manager
AMT Freight, Santa Ana, California, United States
Accomplished business leader with over 17 years of proven success in launching new ventures and delivering strategic solutions to enhance operations, processes, and quality functions. Recognized for transforming underperforming units into high-performing businesses, significantly increasing EBITDA margins. Demonstrates deep expertise in diverse customer segments and markets across the U.S.
Kinil Doshi, Senior Vice President
Citibank, Jersey City, New Jersey, United States
Kinil Doshi is a Senior Vice President at Citibank and a fintech expert with 22+ years of experience in risk management, compliance technology, and AI-driven financial solutions. A thought leader, mentor, and industry influencer, he has pioneered RegTech innovations, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global compliance transformations across banking and financial services.
Chris Erhardt, Business Consultant
LSPS Solutions, Dallas, Texas, United States
Chris Erhardt is a business and management consultant who helps companies streamline operations through AI and automation. He has founded several tech startups and currently works with municipal governments across Texas through LSPS Solutions, providing compliance, asset management, and digital transformation services.
Rob Franssen, Analytics Manager
Exxon Mobil, Houston, Texas, United States
Rob Franssen is a data analytics manager at a major energy company and has extensive experience in digital projects. He has led teams of product owners, data scientists, data architects, and developers in designing, developing, and implementing digital solutions for complex business problems.
Marcus Freed, CEO
Freedthinking, Los Angeles, California, United States
Marcus J Freed has been CEO of Freedthinking since 2010. He has 25 years in creative business training, coaching, and has expertise in marketing. Marcus is a bestselling author, and an international filmmaker - he brings this blend of unique skills to business.
Astrid Greve-Spencer, CEO, Founder
About Us Media LLC, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Astrid is CEO of About Us Media and a communications expert with 25+ years of experience in brand strategy, executive positioning, and media training. An award-winning former TV news producer, she helps mainly B2B leaders elevate their visibility through compelling storytelling, thought leadership, and strategic PR across industries.
Ekaterina Ivanova, Co-founder, COO
HistAI, San Francisco, California, United States
Ekaterina Ivanova co-founded HistAI, pioneering AI-driven oncology diagnostics that accelerate cancer detection. Previously, she led major global initiatives at Snapchat’s Spotlight. With a background in economics, she champions medical innovation, builds strategic partnerships, and mentors the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Sanjay Jain, Director
International Star Assistance Private Limited, Delhi, India
Insightful and Rich experience of 37 years in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, IT, Business Development, Startups and leading Businesses. Global perspective of Economics and Management. A keen Strategist and Performance monitoring professional.
Raj Jaiswal, Founder
Neyon Labs Inc., Jersey City, New Jersey, United States
Raj Jaiswal is the founder of Neyon Labs, developing AI-powered platforms and automation tools. With over a decade of engineering experience, he has held senior roles at GoPuff and Modivcare. A Brown University graduate, he founded his previous startup in last-mile logistics during his time there.
Sebin Joseph, 3DCP Specialist
Inventive X Design Build, Plano, Texas, United States
Mr. Joseph is a 3D Printed Construction specialist at Inventive X Design Build. Formerly Co-Founder and CTO of VON PERRY, he led the creation of the first custom-designed 3D printed home in the U.S. He now focuses on advancing 3DCP as a transformative building technology.
Ratan Lal, Preconstruction
HJ Russell & Company, Brookhaven, Georgia, United States
Ratan is a leader in the construction industry, specializing in project management and the integration of advanced construction technologies. He has over a decade of experience in commercial, industrial, renovation, data center, and heavy civil infrastructure projects. Ratan serves as a peer reviewer for several journals, contributing to the academic rigor of construction research.
Erica Leonard, Owner & CEO
Magical Dreamers Travel, Orlando, Florida, United States
Erica Leonhard is the CEO and co-founder of Magical Dreamers Travel, a fast-growing international agency. She also founded Spoon & Sprinkles, an award-winning dessert shop. With over 20 years of experience, she leads StriveHub Business and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs. She is a graduate of the Babson College program.
Tracy LLoyd, Director of Procurement
Shell Energy, Houston, Texas, United States
Tracy has worked in Supply Chain for over 20 years, currently serving as Director of Procurement for Strategic equipment with Savion, a Shell Portfolio Company. This current role puts her at the forefront of the energy transition for Shell developing and implementing strategy in the Onshore Power business.
Nitin Mahajan, CEO
88 Ventures US LLC, Dallas, Texas, United States
Nitin Mahajan is an ICT expert with 25 years of experience, blending technology, innovation, business strategy, and entrepreneurship. He has worked in over 20 countries and held leadership roles at Accenture and McKinsey. Currently, Nitin leads his own firm, driving growth and transformation in the tech industry.
Dhanabal Mani, Director, Relay Software Development
Megger, Midlothian, Texas, United States
Dhanabal Mani is the Director of Relay Software Development at Megger, with over 22 years of global experience in power systems, software innovation, and business development. An IEEE Senior Member, he has led advancements in relay testing, digital substations, and cloud-based protection solutions while actively contributing to industry research and standards.
David Mansi, CEO
ProcureSpark, San Francisco, California, United States
David is pioneering AI innovation within pre-construction, leveraging 15 years of experience across consulting and startups, alongside his MBA from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. David excels at turning complex challenges into scalable solutions through strategic insight and a sharp eye for transformative innovation.
Ramzy Merrach, Head of Innovation & Product Architect
City Global, Los Angeles, California, United States
Ramzy Merrach, born in France, has established himself as a dynamic and accomplished leader in the supply chain industry. With an impressive educational background, Ramzy graduated from UC Berkeley, where he earned a Master's degree in Management. This educational foundation equipped him with a solid understanding of business principles and strategic management.
Andrea Meyer, Consultant
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Andrea Meyer has worked on communications on the agency and client side of the business, combining CSR, PR, internal communications, and social media. Andrea has worked on many stellar brands, including Allstate, Cartier, Ipsos, Lucasfilm, Sony, Toyota, and Verizon. She graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Sociology.
Takahiro Morinaga, Co-founder
Trissino Inc, San Francisco, California, United States
Takahiro Morinaga worked as a marketer at Amazon Japan from 2017 to 2021. Since then, he has founded startups in Japan and the U.S. He is currently building his third startup, developing and offering an AI marketing agent.
Amin Muhammad, VP Corp Controller
Yesway Inc, Sachse, Texas, United States
Amin is a finance executive with 18+ years of global experience. At YESWAY, he leads finance transformation through AI and automation. His scalable RPA framework—adopted across organizations—has improved efficiency in accounts payable and journal processing. At Cacique Foods, he saved 3,000+ hours by implementing Medius, showcasing his impact in intelligent, tech-driven financial operations.
Jessica Noble, Transformation Leader
Huron Consulting Group, San Diego, California, United States
Jessica Noble is an industry-recognized Transformation & Experience Strategist who is passionate about helping companies define, design, and achieve their lofty visions for the future. Jessica was the founder of and Principle Strategist for Magnetic Experiences and currently a Digital Advisory Services leader at Huron Consulting Group.
Kelly Roark, CoFounder
StrateSpheric, New York City, New York, United States
Kelly is an entrepreneurial growth leader who’s commercialized emerging tech and products for brands like HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel and Trulia. She employs thought leadership to build market familiarity with new innovations, launching Stratespheric.com to help businesses with GTM and scaling of offerings that reimagine how people connect and do business.
Kimberly Sheeter, Writer
Embry-Riddle, Ormond Beach, Florida, United States
Kim Sheeter has crafted messages and campaigns for Disney, Siemens, Lockheed Martin and General Mills. She has collaborated with astronauts, celebrities, nonprofit founders, a governor, and a former president. Her work encompasses speechwriting, marketing, PR and philanthropy. She is currently a writer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a global tech educator.