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Experts in their fields.
Pioneers of the next big thing in their industries.
Leaders who define the future.
Practitioners and practical fanatics when it comes to the work they do.

We’re proud to present the curators of select Impact’24 thematic tracks.

Magdalena Namysłowska

BIO

In 1996 she graduated from the Medical Academy in Warsaw and a year later she started working at the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, in the Department of Affective Disorders, thanks to which she gained a broad knowledge of depressive disorders. In 1999 she received her first, and in 2002 her second degree of specialization in psychiatry. Four years later she received a certificate in psychotherapy awarded by the Psychotherapy Section of the Polish Psychiatric Association. In the same year she also defended her doctoral thesis entitled:

The marital relationship picture of a person suffering from affective disorders and her spouse.

She worked at the Day Care Department of affective disorders for 2 years as the head of the department.

Today she co-founded the Warsaw Psychotherapy and Psychiatry Center. She is an author of many scientific publications.

She also takes active part in specialized conferences – also as a speaker. In her work she deals with people suffering from depressive, affective, anxiety and eating disorders (including anorexia and bulimia). She provides medical consultations, individual psychotherapy and marriage therapies.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Magdalena Namysłowska

Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Warsaw Center of Psychotherapy and Psychiatry
Magdalena Namysłowska curates thematic track Mental Health & Wellbeing

Arek Szulczyński

BIO

The subject of the analysis of technological trends and consumer and their impact on development strategies I have been dealing with brands for over 21 years.

For 12 years I have been conducting lectures, workshops and training for cool people, and customers, among others Mastercard, Generali, Concordia, AmRest,
mBank, PKO BP, Bank PEKAO, Santander Bank Polska, Millennium Bank, BNP Paribas Bank Polska, ING Bank Śląski, Cooperative Banking Group, eService, Microsoft, Group BPS, Bank Pocztowy, BBC Poland, PGE, T-Mobile Poland,
Polpharma, Grupa Żywiec and Discovery Channel.

I also develop processes, systems, services and products in the methodology
Design Thinking.

I believe that the services we use and the systems in which we operate should be based on a deep understanding of the problems and needs of the people who
they use them. It should be valuable to them and useful. I believe that giving people that value is much needed today. And good. For people and for business.

Marketing & Digital Consumers

Arek Szulczyński

For 21 years I have been analyzing technological and consumer trends and their impact on brand development strategies.
Arek Szulczyński curates thematic track Marketing & Digital Consumers

Piotr Gąstał

BIO

He began his service in the GROM Military Unit in 1991 and held a number of positions in reconnaissance, operations division and combat teams. His duties included: section commander, group commander, deputy commander of the Unit, and commander-in-chief of JW. GROM. He participated in the formation of the Combat Boat Group and organized the Airborne Fire Support Guidance Group.

He repeatedly performed tasks outside the country (in Haiti, in Eastern Slavonia taking part in the operation to capture the first war criminal in Bakany, in Kosovo and Iraq where he performed combat operations together with US NAVY SEALS and US ARMY SF). He has completed many foreign and domestic specialized courses, including: Tactical Counterterrorism Units Course, Special Forces Officers Course at Fort Bragg (USA), Defense Resource Management Course at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey (USA), NATO Combined Special Operations Course in Oberammergau (Germany), Combined Fire Support Course – US Air Force in Spangdahlem (Germany) and Advanced Special Operations Course in Tampa (USA).

In addition to the above-mentioned courses, he completed, among other things, Postgraduate Studies at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey (USA) in 2008, where he defended his thesis on “Targeting civilians with indiscriminate Violence.” He holds a degree in political science and a postgraduate degree in national security from the University of Warsaw. During his service, Piotr Gąstal participated in many exercises, trainings and tactical workshops with partners from US, European and African special forces. He has repeatedly advised the Polish President, Prime Minister, the Ministers of National Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Police on security and terrorism issues. He has guest lectured at many Polish universities.

For his commitment to service, community service and international cooperation, Colonel Gąstal has been awarded many medals including: the Distinguished Service Cross for Bravery, the Iraqi Star, the Medal for Meritorious Service to the Police, the Pro Patria Medal, the Honorary Badge of Merit for Polish Culture and, at the request of the U.S. Congress, the U.S. flag.

Defence & Cybesecurity

Piotr Gąstał

Awarded colonel, who holds a degree in political science and a postgraduate degree in national security from the University of Warsaw.
Piotr Gąstał curates thematic track Defence & Cybesecurity

Ron Clark

BIO

Senior Advisor

Former Deputy Under Secretary of Homeland Security and Former White House National Security Council Director and Acting Senior Director

Ron brings over 25 years of national security experience ranging from service as a Deputy Under Secretary, to over a half decade in the White House with two Presidents, and leadership of units in combat overseas as a Marine Corps infantry officer.

As the former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Deputy Under Secretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate (renamed in 2018 as the Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)), Ron led 16,000 federal law enforcement, civilian and contracted personnel operating in 50 states and four territories, with an annual budget of $3.2 billion dollars. Ron focused on the protection of critical infrastructure (public and private), cybersecurity, counterterrorism and the integration of advanced national security technologies. As the Deputy Under Secretary, he led the offices of Cyber and Infrastructure Analysis, Infrastructure Protection, Biometrics and Identity Management and the Federal Protective Service. He also integrated the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications to create a holistic approach to infrastructure protection.

Ron previously served in the White House for over six years with President Barack Obama and President George W. Bush. With President Obama, he served in the White House on the National Security Council as a Director and later as acting Senior Director for Defense Policy and Strategy from 2009 to 2014.

Ron is a retired Marine Corps infantry and force reconnaissance officer who led units ranging in size from 40 to 7,200 personnel in combat overseas. He also served as a senior advisor to the Multi-National Forces Iraq Commander and to the Commander of U.S. Central Command.

Dr. Clark is an Adjunct Professor at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University whose current research focus is on the pandemic and resilience of vulnerable communities. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia specializing in military history, leadership and ethics. Ron participated in the NYC 9/11 Search and Rescue Operation and supported the launch of a Hurricane Katrina Emergency Operations Center in New Orleans. He serves on multiple boards and is also a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Ron is the recipient of numerous awards including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and two National Security Council Outstanding Service Awards.

Ron is the CEO of Spartan Strategy and Risk Management serving U.S. private sector clients with differentiated strategic insights into business environments. Spartan Strategy focuses on solving complex problems across the threat spectrum ranging from cybersecurity, to the application of innovative technological solutions and advanced manufacturing. He is also a Senior Advisor with Adelphi Capitol focused on strategic investments.

Ron received a B.A. from the University of Rochester, as well as two M.Ed. degrees and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. His late wife Dr. Shannon Kula was a Congressional Candidate and Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski.

Defence & Cybesecurity

Ron Clark

Senior Advisor. Former Deputy Under Secretary of Homeland Security and Former White House National Security Council Director and Acting Senior Director
Ron Clark curates thematic track Defence & Cybesecurity

Grzegorz Nawacki

BIO

An economic journalist for 19 years, he was editor-in-chief of Puls Biznes until April 2024. Currently, during a short break, he is checking out what it is all about making peons. A true fan of Polish entrepreneurs, sports and business, best when they appear together. Winner of journalism awards, initiator of the campaign Put yourself to Putin #jedzjabłka.

Sports & Tourism Marketing

Grzegorz Nawacki

An economic journalist for 19 years, always a great sports fan. Due to the combination of these passions, he has been exploring the secrets of sports business for years.
Grzegorz Nawacki curates thematic track Sports & Tourism Marketing