Keynote

The Rise of the Digital Vanguard: Leading in the Age of Innovation
Opening Keynote

Tech Theater 1

Starts: September 25, 2025 9:00 am
Ends: 10:00 am
Sponsored by
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The Rise of the Digital Vanguard: Leading in the Age of Innovation

Abstract:

As technology continues to reshape industries at an unprecedented pace, a new wave of digital leaders—the Digital Vanguard—is emerging to navigate the complexities of the innovation era. This keynote session will explore what it takes to lead in a time defined by rapid technological advancements, evolving customer expectations, and global digital transformation. Thought leaders will discuss how to harness emerging technologies, foster a culture of innovation, and drive sustainable growth while addressing the challenges of security, scalability, and ethical responsibility. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to position themselves and their organizations at the forefront of the digital revolution.

Host

Bemi (Shola) Anjous

Chief Information Security Officer, Noble Corporation

Expertise in: Optimization and cost reduction, Outsourcing management and Shared Services, Financial and Technical transformation, OT/ Manufacturing security and compliance, Strategy and forecasting, Cyber-security expert OT Purdue segmented Architect / eSCADA / Honeywell / DCS Risk Assessment ISO 27001/27002/IEC62443/NIST/COBIT/SOX, Change and Communication Management, Disaster Recovery, Active Directory, Organization Management, Integration and Divestitures, Asset Management, Contract Negotiation, Process Improvement. Cyber Security & Compliance Management, Solution Architect, Financial Accounting, Budgeting and Forecasting, Acquisition Integration & Divestitures and IT Service Management. Enthusiastic leader who consistently meets commitments with integrity.

Speakers

Nikki Jackson

Chief Information Security Officer - Woodforest National Bank

A Certified Senior Level Executive with over 20 years of Information Technology, Security, Internal Audit, and Financial Services combined experience. Leading and providing oversight for many facets of security and technology domains, including Network & Information Security, Data Privacy, IT Asset Management, Third Party Risk Management, and Incident Response. Responsibility for compliance with many banking regulations, has led to extensive knowledge in various standards such as NIST, FFIEC, GLBA, and PCI DSS. As a trusted advisor in the industry, I participate in many professional organizations such TBA, IIA, ISACA, InfraGard, and FS-ISAC. Active on several advisory boards and leadership committees including Sam Houston State University, Sentinel One, and ISACA. Along with a passion to serve my organizations, diversity in the Cybersecurity industry has also become a passion. Therefore in 2023, I founded an organization called “AWIC”, Advancing Women in Cybersecurity. AWIC’s mission is simply to “Diversifying Cyber; One Woman at a Time” by offering women and young ladies from underserved schools and communities’ guidance and resources to excel in the Cybersecurity industry.

Diego Souza

Global Cyber Security Executive | Board Advisor | Global Chief Information Security Officer - PROGHoldings

As an Information Security Executive, Diego takes pride in protecting company data and operational technology from both internal and external threats. With hisy proven track record, he has successfully delivered global information security initiatives that have positively impacted businesses.

Daniel Johnson

Chief Information Security Officer, Prosperity Bank

I am first a husband and a father to a wonderful family. I am also an IT professional that turned a childhood love for playing video games into a career in the technology field. Early in my careeer, I had the privilege of being involved in the first high-speed cable modem deployment in Garland, TX. Since then, I've added a wealth of awesome experiences, contacts and knowledge. My specialty is in information security and cloud services, and I look forward to many years of new experiences to come.

Michael_S._Oberlaender

Michael S. Oberlaender

Global Security Thought Leader & Industry Leading 8x CISO Company Strictly Confidential

8x CISO / Global Security Thought Leader & Industry Visionary ✦ 25 ys experience as GLOBAL CISO ✦ 10 ys BOARD MEMBER ✦ ADVISORY BOARDS ✦ 3 x BOOK AUTHOR ✦ Editor-in-Chief ✦ 100+ thought leadership articles ✦ Creator of Security-by-Design ✦ Coined SecDevOps ✦ MS (PHYSICS, HEIDELBERG) ✦ CISSP ✦ CISM ✦ CGEIT ✦ CRISC ✦ CISA ✦ ACSE ✦ GSNA ✦ TOGAF ✦ CNSS4016 ✦ CDPP ✦ CDPSE ✦ Editor-in-Chief "My Take - Thought Leadership" weekly newsletter (https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7383180669151141888/) ✦ Author: PREMIER CISO - BOARD & C-SUITE: RAISING THE BAR FOR CYBERSECURITY - https://www.amazon.com/PREMIER-CISO-C-SUITE-RAISING-CYBERSECURITY/dp/B0DFVLJHB6/ ✦ Author: GLOBAL CISO - STRATEGY, TACTICS, & LEADERSHIP: How to Succeed in InfoSec and CyberSecurity - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851LZKF2/ ✦ Author: C(I)SO - And Now What?: How to Successfully Build Security by Design - https://www.amazon.com/SO-Successfully-Build-Security-Design/dp/1480237418/ ✦ QUOTES: Wall Street Journal, ComputerWorld, NetworkWorld, CSOOnline, SecurityMagazine, HelpNetSecurity, CIO, and many others. ➤CONTACT: michael.oberlaender@gmail.com / https://www.linkedin.com/in/mymso / @msoberlaender - or see me at the book signing!