The Team
Bramuel Mwalo, a notable tech entrepreneur, with a flair for founding and scaling B2B technology enterprises. He is a big champion of Africa shaping its own technology future. Passionate about AI and data science applications, he has founded Syni.ai, an AI adoption support studio for enterprises that is simplifying how enterprises adopt AI. At Syni.ai, Bramuel leads the company’s vision and innovation strategy, driving the development of AI solutions that help enterprises adopt and scale emerging technologies.
Bramuel has degrees in Business Administration and Finance, and a specialization in Corporate Innovation from Stanford University. His achievements have earned him recognition as a World Economic Forum Uplink contributor, an MIT Solve Fellow, and a place in Kenya's "Top 40 Under 40," highlighting his influence in driving innovation and economic growth.
Bramuel has degrees in Business Administration and Finance, and a specialization in Corporate Innovation from Stanford University. His achievements have earned him recognition as a World Economic Forum Uplink contributor, an MIT Solve Fellow, and a place in Kenya's "Top 40 Under 40," highlighting his influence in driving innovation and economic growth.
Cheryl K. Goodman is a globally recognized technology executive, author, and keynote speaker at the forefront of artificial intelligence, robotics, and the future of work. With a career spanning CBS, Mp3.com, Qualcomm, and Sony Global, she has led hundreds of successful product launches and helped shape the evolution of AI-driven innovation in emotional intelligence, mobility, and beyond.
She currently serves as CEO of FindGood.tech, a consultancy focused on human-centered AI implementation, workforce transformation, and ethical tech deployment. At Syni.ai, Cheryl advises on fundraising and market positioning, helping strengthen the company’s profile with investors and partners.
Her bestselling book, How to Win Friends and Influence Robots, ranked #1 in Technology Culture, offers a sharp, accessible guide for non-technical leaders navigating the AI era. Through her Mind the Machine podcast and contributions to Forbes, she explores the intersection of technology and humanity, spotlighting AI stories of hope and resilience.
A frequent speaker and global lecturer, Cheryl continues to shape the conversation on responsible innovation, inspiring organizations to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing world.
She currently serves as CEO of FindGood.tech, a consultancy focused on human-centered AI implementation, workforce transformation, and ethical tech deployment. At Syni.ai, Cheryl advises on fundraising and market positioning, helping strengthen the company’s profile with investors and partners.
Her bestselling book, How to Win Friends and Influence Robots, ranked #1 in Technology Culture, offers a sharp, accessible guide for non-technical leaders navigating the AI era. Through her Mind the Machine podcast and contributions to Forbes, she explores the intersection of technology and humanity, spotlighting AI stories of hope and resilience.
A frequent speaker and global lecturer, Cheryl continues to shape the conversation on responsible innovation, inspiring organizations to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing world.
Dr. Laila Macharia is a legal scholar, investor, and board leader shaping Africa’s business and policy landscapes through cross-sector expertise in law, finance, and infrastructure. She is the founder and former CEO of Scion Real, an investment firm that structured transformative housing and urban development projects across Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Guinea. Earlier in her career, she practiced corporate law at Clifford Chance in New York, supporting multibillion-dollar securities programs across global exchanges.
She currently serves as Vice Chair of Centum Investments and sits on the boards of Absa Bank Kenya and Africa Digital Media Group, bringing strategic insight to some of East Africa’s most prominent institutions. A former Vice Chair of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), she has played a key role in shaping private sector policy, championing public-private partnerships, and advancing regional investment frameworks. At Syni.ai, Dr. Macharia drives strategy and partnerships to position the Lead.ai initiative as a leading platform for executive AI leadership development in Africa.
Dr. Macharia holds a doctorate in law from Stanford Law School, with additional degrees from Cornell Law School and the University of Oregon. Admitted to the bars of Kenya, New York, and Maryland, she lectures periodically at Princeton University and Strathmore Business School. A Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Africa Leadership Initiative and one of Kenya’s Top 100 Most Influential People, she continues to drive inclusive growth and innovation across the continent.
She currently serves as Vice Chair of Centum Investments and sits on the boards of Absa Bank Kenya and Africa Digital Media Group, bringing strategic insight to some of East Africa’s most prominent institutions. A former Vice Chair of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), she has played a key role in shaping private sector policy, championing public-private partnerships, and advancing regional investment frameworks. At Syni.ai, Dr. Macharia drives strategy and partnerships to position the Lead.ai initiative as a leading platform for executive AI leadership development in Africa.
Dr. Macharia holds a doctorate in law from Stanford Law School, with additional degrees from Cornell Law School and the University of Oregon. Admitted to the bars of Kenya, New York, and Maryland, she lectures periodically at Princeton University and Strathmore Business School. A Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Africa Leadership Initiative and one of Kenya’s Top 100 Most Influential People, she continues to drive inclusive growth and innovation across the continent.
Marion Mugwe is a Product Manager with 3 years of experience in both product management and quality assurance. She has a strong background in finance, holding a Master's and Bachelor's degree from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Marion's technical skills include JIRA, MS Excel, and project management, with professional experience at Xetova Inc and Metropol Corporation Limited.
At Syni.ai, Marion leads product development, overseeing the design and delivery of AI solutions that meet enterprise needs with precision and impact. She has been trained in information security and GDPR Data compliance by Compleye, a leading compliance automation company based in the Netherlands. With an analytical background in finance and financial engineering, Marion has evolved into a stellar product and project manager, demonstrating keen attention to detail and creativity in managing complex technology projects.
At Syni.ai, Marion leads product development, overseeing the design and delivery of AI solutions that meet enterprise needs with precision and impact. She has been trained in information security and GDPR Data compliance by Compleye, a leading compliance automation company based in the Netherlands. With an analytical background in finance and financial engineering, Marion has evolved into a stellar product and project manager, demonstrating keen attention to detail and creativity in managing complex technology projects.
Palesa Gaasenwe is a visionary Digital Transformation Leader and Futurist, currently serving as an Executive Partner at Gartner and the Managing Director at MetrixCloud. With over 15 years of experience in the ICT industry, Palesa has made significant impacts in both the public and private sectors, specializing in converting traditional businesses into digital enterprises. She is also the Vice President of Education at Toastmasters International, where she continues to inspire and guide future leaders.
Palesa's expertise spans Generative AI, Data Management, Leadership Development, Future Trends, Digital Transformation, and more. She is dedicated to helping organizations understand and implement emerging technologies to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Palesa's purpose in life is to always be a futurist, changing lives by being a catalyst of transformation. At Syni.ai, Palesa advises on go-to-market strategy, helping shape how the company positions and scales its AI solutions in the market.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Palesa holds a master’s degree in Information Systems and is currently pursuing an MBA. She is a member of the prestigious Golden Key Society at the University of Cape Town, recognizing her academic excellence and leadership.
Palesa's expertise spans Generative AI, Data Management, Leadership Development, Future Trends, Digital Transformation, and more. She is dedicated to helping organizations understand and implement emerging technologies to stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Palesa's purpose in life is to always be a futurist, changing lives by being a catalyst of transformation. At Syni.ai, Palesa advises on go-to-market strategy, helping shape how the company positions and scales its AI solutions in the market.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Palesa holds a master’s degree in Information Systems and is currently pursuing an MBA. She is a member of the prestigious Golden Key Society at the University of Cape Town, recognizing her academic excellence and leadership.
Karen Henken is dedicated to fostering organizational growth, social impact, and system change through social innovation and entrepreneurship. Since 2014, she has served as a Professor of Practice and Adjunct Faculty at the University of San Diego, where she teaches social innovation, entrepreneurship, design thinking, strategic management, social impact consulting, and social entrepreneurship at both the Kroc School of Peace Studies and the Knauss School of Business. Karen also shares her expertise as visiting faculty in Colombia, collaborating with CESA and Uniminuto universities.
In addition to her academic roles, Karen works with regional and global social enterprises, NGOs, and corporations to advance their success through sustainable business models. She serves on several boards, contributing her extensive knowledge and experience. As the founder and principal of Henken & Associates for over 20 years, Karen has helped businesses and nonprofits develop market opportunities, partnerships, growth strategies, and sustainable revenue models to expand their impact. At Syni.ai, Karen advises on partnerships for the Lead.AI initiative, guiding collaboration strategies that expand the program’s reach and impact.
Karen's career includes over 20 years in Silicon Valley as an executive in high technology management, where she launched and grew international operations and partnerships for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations. She holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA from Bowdoin College. Additionally, Karen is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, having conducted research in Japan and Colombia.
In addition to her academic roles, Karen works with regional and global social enterprises, NGOs, and corporations to advance their success through sustainable business models. She serves on several boards, contributing her extensive knowledge and experience. As the founder and principal of Henken & Associates for over 20 years, Karen has helped businesses and nonprofits develop market opportunities, partnerships, growth strategies, and sustainable revenue models to expand their impact. At Syni.ai, Karen advises on partnerships for the Lead.AI initiative, guiding collaboration strategies that expand the program’s reach and impact.
Karen's career includes over 20 years in Silicon Valley as an executive in high technology management, where she launched and grew international operations and partnerships for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500 corporations. She holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a BA from Bowdoin College. Additionally, Karen is a two-time Fulbright Scholar, having conducted research in Japan and Colombia.
Sonia Mfasoni is a partnerships strategist with a passion for connecting people, policy, and innovation to unlock impact at scale. With over 15 years of experience across Africa and the U.S., she has built a career at the intersection of business, development, and technology — helping organizations grow, governments modernize, and ecosystems thrive.
At Syni.ai, Sonia leads partnerships and external engagements, forging strategic alliances with enterprises, multilaterals, and ecosystem players to accelerate responsible AI adoption in Africa. Before Syni.ai, Sonia led global partnerships at Xetova, driving cross-border collaborations and high-level engagements with ministries, donors, and corporates. Her earlier career includes a decade at the Corporate Council on Africa in Washington, D.C., where she led U.S.-Africa trade missions, coordinated business summits, and connected Fortune 500 companies to African markets.
Sonia’s background blends international affairs and organizational leadership — and she brings a global lens to every engagement, with working experience across Africa and the United States. A natural ecosystem builder fluent in English, French, and Amharic, she is passionate about designing partnerships that spark transformation and create lasting value.
At Syni.ai, Sonia leads partnerships and external engagements, forging strategic alliances with enterprises, multilaterals, and ecosystem players to accelerate responsible AI adoption in Africa. Before Syni.ai, Sonia led global partnerships at Xetova, driving cross-border collaborations and high-level engagements with ministries, donors, and corporates. Her earlier career includes a decade at the Corporate Council on Africa in Washington, D.C., where she led U.S.-Africa trade missions, coordinated business summits, and connected Fortune 500 companies to African markets.
Sonia’s background blends international affairs and organizational leadership — and she brings a global lens to every engagement, with working experience across Africa and the United States. A natural ecosystem builder fluent in English, French, and Amharic, she is passionate about designing partnerships that spark transformation and create lasting value.
Madhushree Ghosh is a boundary-crossing writer, scientist, and social justice advocate whose work explores the intersections of food, identity, migration, and belonging. Her career spans molecular biology labs, global health innovation, and award-winning nonfiction, bringing intellectual rigor and lyrical storytelling to urgent cultural conversations.
Her debut food narrative memoir, KHABAAR: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory, and Family, was published by the University of Iowa Press to critical acclaim. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, Vogue India, The Washington Post, LA Times, Guernica, LitHub, BOMB, and more — earning a Pushcart nomination and a Best American Essays in Food Writing Notable Mention.
Alongside her literary work, Madhushree leads a distinguished career in oncology and infectious disease diagnostics in San Diego — bridging science with a deep commitment to equity and access. She has held editorial roles with Panorama and Del Sol Review, and mentors emerging writers through workshops including GrubStreet, Tin House, and Sirenland. At Syni.ai, Madhushree provides strategic advice on fundraising, guiding the company in aligning impact with sustainable growth.
With advanced degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, and executive management — and credentials from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Thunderbird, and Cornell — she brings an interdisciplinary lens to every space she enters. Whether writing, speaking, or leading in science, she remains committed to lifting voices and creating space for healing through food, truth, and community.
Her debut food narrative memoir, KHABAAR: An Immigrant Journey of Food, Memory, and Family, was published by the University of Iowa Press to critical acclaim. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, Vogue India, The Washington Post, LA Times, Guernica, LitHub, BOMB, and more — earning a Pushcart nomination and a Best American Essays in Food Writing Notable Mention.
Alongside her literary work, Madhushree leads a distinguished career in oncology and infectious disease diagnostics in San Diego — bridging science with a deep commitment to equity and access. She has held editorial roles with Panorama and Del Sol Review, and mentors emerging writers through workshops including GrubStreet, Tin House, and Sirenland. At Syni.ai, Madhushree provides strategic advice on fundraising, guiding the company in aligning impact with sustainable growth.
With advanced degrees in biochemistry, molecular biology, and executive management — and credentials from the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Thunderbird, and Cornell — she brings an interdisciplinary lens to every space she enters. Whether writing, speaking, or leading in science, she remains committed to lifting voices and creating space for healing through food, truth, and community.
”Bruce
”Advisory
Dr. Gavin Moss is a seasoned technology executive and business leader with over two decades of experience shaping digital transformation across Africa and the UK. He currently serves as Chief Information Officer for Treasury and Trade Solutions at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), where he leads enterprise-wide innovation to modernize infrastructure, scale digital platforms, and enable strategic growth. His career spans global roles in media, financial services, and entrepreneurship, with a reputation for solving complex challenges and building high-performing teams.
Before joining RMB, Gavin held several senior technology roles at Standard Bank, including CIO for Payments and Channels in Corporate and Investment Banking, and Head of IT Strategy and Enablement for Africa. He also served as Managing Director of Plus 27 Holdings, an entrepreneurial venture focused on real estate regulation and compliance. His background includes consulting and leadership roles at Adapt IT Holdings and Virgin Media, where he developed a strong foundation in IT strategy, operations, and systems design. At Syni.ai, Gavin advises on technology and innovation, strengthening the company’s digital infrastructure and product strategy.
Gavin holds a PhD in Business and Commerce from the University of Johannesburg, an MBA and multiple executive diplomas from Wits University, and certifications in project management, IT service management, and strategic planning. A lifelong learner and mentor, he brings a human-centered approach to leadership and is passionate about using technology to create inclusive, lasting impact across Africa.
Before joining RMB, Gavin held several senior technology roles at Standard Bank, including CIO for Payments and Channels in Corporate and Investment Banking, and Head of IT Strategy and Enablement for Africa. He also served as Managing Director of Plus 27 Holdings, an entrepreneurial venture focused on real estate regulation and compliance. His background includes consulting and leadership roles at Adapt IT Holdings and Virgin Media, where he developed a strong foundation in IT strategy, operations, and systems design. At Syni.ai, Gavin advises on technology and innovation, strengthening the company’s digital infrastructure and product strategy.
Gavin holds a PhD in Business and Commerce from the University of Johannesburg, an MBA and multiple executive diplomas from Wits University, and certifications in project management, IT service management, and strategic planning. A lifelong learner and mentor, he brings a human-centered approach to leadership and is passionate about using technology to create inclusive, lasting impact across Africa.