Colloquium 2025

Manuj Aggarwal is the founder and Chief Innovation Officer of TetraNoodle Technologies, an elite AI engineering company. With a remarkable track record of driving transformative change, Manuj, through TetraNoodle, has touched at least 10 million lives and generated over $500M in value through his expertise in technology and AI. He has shared his insights at the United Nations alongside distinguished figures like the Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winners, while President Obama and Bill Gates have recognized his work. With four AI patents to his name, Manuj is the perfect mentor to guide you through the transformative potential of AI and its benefits for businesses. Join us and discover the limitless possibilities of AI under the guidance of this visionary industry influencer.

Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi is a visionary AI & Workforce Transformation Strategist, Executive AI Advisor, and Global Speaker at the forefront of ethical AI integration and leadership development. As an award-winning Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University and Board Member of the American Society for Artificial Intelligence (ASFAI), Liz bridges cutting-edge technology with human-centered strategies to drive transformative change. She holds a BS in Information Systems from Syracuse University and an MMH in Services Marketing from Cornell University. A member of the Cornell University Council and President’s Council of Cornell Women, recognized among the Top 101 Women in AI Marketing, Liz has trained over 7,000 professionals in AI-driven leadership and ethical AI adoption. Her unique “1+1+AI = 10” framework demonstrates how human creativity, collaborative intelligence, and artificial intelligence can synergize to tackle global challenges. Liz’s expertise spans from her early career at tech giants Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and MICROS Systems, Inc. to leading high-stakes business transformations at Andersen. Her global perspective, shaped by her education at the United Nations International School, informs her comprehensive approach to AI strategy. A sought-after keynote speaker, Liz has addressed audiences at prestigious venues including S&P Global, NASDAQ, Compliance Week, and Cornell Tech. As Chair of ASFAI’s Ethics and Responsible AI committee, she is at the forefront of ensuring that AI development aligns with human values and promotes universal flourishing. She is currently co-editing “AI for Humanity: Human-Centered Strategies for Innovation and Impact” (working title), an anthology exploring AI’s ethical, strategic, and transformative impact across industries and society. Liz’s transformative journey from corporate success to completing a rigorous 10-day silent meditation retreat, and now as the “AI Whisperer,” uniquely positions her to guide MENSA members in reimagining their relationship with intelligence in the AI age. Her approach integrates diverse forms of wisdom, from analytical to spiritual, offering a holistic vision for human potential in a technologically advanced world.

Dr. Poynton is the founder and CEO of Omnipoynt Solutions, a full-service 4IR-technology strategy consulting and professional services firm in the aerospace & defense, national security and health & safety markets. He’s also co-founder and CCO of A3 Global, a next-generation company focused on the future of transportation.

Aaron has over 20 years of experience in business and government. He served for 10 years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain. He served in Special Operations pre-9/11 and was among some of the first NATO troops to enter Bosnia in 1996, attached to the British Army. Post-9/11, Aaron served to the Chemical Corps as an Officer and helped protect the U.S. from weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Aaron held several leadership positions, including executive officer and company commander. He is a graduate of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School at Ft Bragg, NC and Technical Escort School—the DOD’s elite CBRNe/WMD operator school.

After military service, Aaron worked in a variety of commercial leadership and executive roles. He led a U.S. sales team at Smiths Detection, a security technology division of Smiths Group plc, FTSE #82, and created and implemented global strategy. After Smiths, Aaron was the Director of Global Programs for Thermo Fisher Scientific, Fortune #119, at the Center of Excellence (COE). The COE led the effort to take traditionally lab-based technology into the field with innovation, miniaturization, and ease of use. Aaron also worked as a Senior Vice President at Federal Resources, a privately held and technically-focused business that is a prime vendor to the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, and he served as the Managing Director of FR International, Federal Resources’ international division. Aaron is also the co-founder and Managing Partner of Black Bear LLP, a global defense acquisition, technology and logistics firm. Aaron has conducted business in about 50 countries and has driven wins of over $1 Billion in contracts and revenue.

Dr. Poynton is a recognized expert in the fields of business and public administration as a Fulbright Specialist by the U.S. Department of State, and he is a Board Member at the United Nations Association, Washington DC Chapter. He has established relationships at the highest levels of the U.S. & international government and defense industry and he has developed strong and useful networks with customers, partners, and policy & decision-makers. Aaron served on a U.S. presidential campaign on the national finance committee and on a U.S. gubernatorial campaign on the national leadership team, finance committee, and as the national Chair of the Veterans’ Coalition.

Aaron earned a Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Baltimore and his dissertation was co-chaired by faculty from National Defense University. He has received an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business with a focus on global business and a concentration in strategy; he went on to conduct his post-graduate business studies at Harvard Business School and is a graduate of HBS’s Advanced Management Program. Aaron holds an MS in Project Management from George Washington University, a Master of Laws from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and a BA in Economics from the University of Maryland UMBC. He is also a graduate of the John’s Hopkins University Army ROTC program and Hult-Ashridge International Business School.

Aaron is the President of Harvard Business School AMP Foundation, a public charity (501c3) dedicated to providing educational opportunities and STEM scholarships.