Mihae Mukaida is an innovation leader turning wild ideas into world-first brand experiences. As SVP, Executive Director of Innovation at McCann NY, she blends AI, design, and storytelling to create work that redefines how people engage with brands, from an AI-powered batting cage teaching kids data literacy to F1’s first-ever bar serving drinks in shoes. Her projects span sectors and mediums, but share one aim: to spark wonder, shift perspectives, and push the edges of what’s possible.

Sylvia Heisel is a fashion technologist, designer, and creative consultant at the forefront of digital fashion, wearables, and sustainable innovation. As founder of HEISEL, a design lab for 3D-printed apparel and smart wearables, she explores the intersection of advanced materials, physical computing, and design innovation. Named one of the Top 100 Women in Fashion Tech and a frequent speaker at global tech and design events including CES, Premiere Vision, and the Global Additive Manufacturing Summit.

DesignOps London 2025 was a powerful reminder of the impact Design and Research Operations have on business success. The discussions challenged me to think bigger about how we align DesignOps with business goals, and I left feeling inspired to drive even greater focus on this within my role. A must-attend for anyone in the field!