TEDxAl Wasl

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Adrian Hayes

  Adrian Hayes is an extreme adventurer, leadership coach, and former British Army Gurkha Officer. From Everest to the Poles and the Arabian Desert, he’s conquered the world’s toughest challenges, setting 2 Guinness World Records and starring in 3 documentaries. A sought-after speaker and executive coach for 18+ years, Adrian brings elite performance lessons from the field to the boardroom. He’s also a published author, TV commentator, and campaigner on global issues.

• Christian Jensen

  Christian Frost Jensen is an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Leader based in Abu Dhabi, driving transformation across government entities and major corporations in the GCC. With a career at the intersection of strategy, technology, and entrepreneurship, Christian helps established organizations adopt startup speed and mindset — delivering real innovation in real time. He’s led accelerator programs, AI initiatives, and corporate innovation sprints, and advised ministries on integrating emerging technologies that align with national and enterprise goals. His hands-on work goes beyond pilots — it builds sustainable innovation cultures that scale. Christian brings a global perspective, connecting ecosystems and offering organizations a clear path from challenge to execution.

• David Singleton

  David Singleton is a global strategist, transformational growth coach, and founder of Oraculi, a strategic advisory and leadership practice helping organisations and executives scale with purpose . With a career spanning 40 countries and brands like Hard Rock Café, Mercedes-Benz, and Al Tayer, he brings deep experience in leadership, culture, and business transformation. From boardroom dynamics to market entry and cultural alignment, David partners with C-suite leaders, startups, and legacy brands to build future-ready strategies and high-performing teams. His cross-sector expertise spans hospitality, tech, AI, private equity, and consumer brands. Oraculi provides executive coaching, team workshops, cultural diagnostics, and strategic advisory, all built to unlock sustainable growth and real impact.

• Emma Jordaan

  Emma Jordaan is a recognised thought leader in Cultural Intelligence, author of Dubai Decoded, and Founder & CEO of Infinite Consulting; a Dubai-based consultancy dedicated to helping global professionals and teams excel in multicultural environments. With over 20 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East, Emma partners with leaders to decode culture, foster inclusive teams, and enhance organizational performance in today’s global workplace. As a CQ Fellow, one of only 60 global experts and the sole representative in the GCC, she brings elite expertise in applying Cultural Intelligence to real-world challenges. Emma has delivered keynote speeches at high-profile events including Gitex and HRSE Dubai, and her insights have been featured in prominent Middle East business publications such as Gulf Business Leaders and Middle East Consultant Magazine. She is also the co-host of The HR & CQ Show podcast, where she explores the intersection of HR trends and cultural intelligence in the UAE.

• Joe Osawaye

  Joe Osawaye is a visionary entrepreneur and Chief Inspiration Officer behind the KIZA Group. With over 30 years across industries, Joe’s mission is rooted in celebrating African culture through food, lifestyle, and community. From launching the UAE’s first Pan-African restaurant to championing cultural diversity in business, Joe blends bold leadership with effortless charisma. He’s also an author, festival sponsor, and the driving force behind KIZA Dubai; a cultural hub where African art, music, and cuisine come alive. Beyond F&B, Joe leads ventures in real estate and bespoke fashion, building a global brand that connects people to the richness of African identity. His impact is felt far beyond the plate in every space where culture, elegance, and innovation meet.

• Nikki Rayment

  Nikki Rayment began her career in business and law but soon realized there was a bigger story she wanted to tell. Growing up surrounded by sport, particularly golf, she felt a deep connection to the game not just as a player but as a powerful tool for building relationships and inspiring change. Choosing to leave the legal profession, Nikki launched her own sports consultancy, partnering with an international sports management agency. Her work has always been rooted in creating meaningful connections and using sport as a platform to bring people together across cultures and industries. Today, Nikki is a sought-after MC and speaker who empowers audiences by sharing her personal journey of unmuting her voice and stepping fully into her authentic self. She encourages others to do the same, reminding us all that influence and impact begin the moment we choose to speak up and lead with purpose. Nikki’s story is a testament to the transformative power of sport as a catalyst for personal growth, leadership, and social change. She inspires leaders, professionals, and athletes alike to embrace their voice and use it to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

• Stephanie Martin

  Stephanie Martin is an international speaker, communication and education strategist, and published researcher With 20 years of experience across education, leadership, and public speaking, she is the founder of Edvance Consultants and SHESPEAKS™️ - a communication movement redefining how professionals lead and speak across industries. Her published work integrates communication psychology, culturally responsive practices and vocal strategy challenging surface-level trends and pioneering a new era of embodied leadership. Stephanie has collaborated with global brands including L’Oréal, Amazon, GESS and Walkers Global, with her ventures featured in Vogue UK, GQ and Shark Tank. Born to South African immigrants and raised within Western systems, her lived experience fuels a powerful mission: to help others reclaim their voice frequency and lead with clarity across borders, cultures and global contexts. Known for combining research-driven insights with sharp, real-world delivery, she empowers leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs to communicate with confidence, shift narratives, and drive meaningful action.

• Yuliia Paslon

  Yuliia Paslon (also known as Julia Paslyon) is a dynamic force in the hotel industry with over a decade of leadership in sales, marketing and brand development across some of the sector’s most iconic properties. From heritage-rich city hotels in Dubai to high-volume clusters in Moscow and leisure hubs in St. Petersburg, Julia has consistently driven commercial success and brand innovation. Currently leading Sales & Marketing at the first Radisson RED in the Middle East, she has helped pioneer bold initiatives including outside catering divisions, event concepts and entirely new revenue streams, scaling impact and engagement far beyond the traditional hospitality model. What sets Julia apart is her people-first, purpose-driven leadership style. Her approach is bold, curious and deeply human. A marathon runner and lifelong student of resilience and self-mastery, she brings the same energy to the workplace inspiring teams, creating meaningful experiences and embracing reinvention with humour and grit.