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Keynote Speakers

Simon Prior

Head of Quality Engineering & Co- Chair of Disability Empowerment Colleague Network

easyJet

Simon Prior

Head of Quality Engineering & Co- Chair of Disability Empowerment Colleague Network

Topic: ''Testing SaaS - Quality in a "Buy not Build" World”

Synopsis: It may surprise some people as it’s not commonly talked about in the industry but not every company will develop its own IT systems. Not every company has an agile development culture, some have a culture of buying the best of the market solutions and integrate them together.
This brings about a very different challenge from a Quality Engineering/Testing perspective. Suddenly the value isn’t in having testers embedded in the sprints to ensure tests are written and automated before a release is marked as complete. It’s a scenario that has certainly opened my eyes and one that I am now comfortable with and am looking for ways to push the quality agenda forward.

Stuart Day

Head of Quality

Capital One
Co-Founder of Quality Talks & co-host of Quality Talks Podcast

Stuart Day

Head of Quality

Topic: “Leading by Example – The Power of Self-Care in Leadership ”

Synopsis: Leadership isn’t just about guiding and supporting others, it’s about taking care of yourself, too. So why do we as leaders so often neglect our own wellbeing to ensure others are ok? Prioritizing our own wellbeing is the key to sustaining effective leadership and empowering those around us, however it's not easy and is often something people struggle with. It's also a very important topic that does not get enough airtime which is why, in this keynote, we explore the vital intersection of leadership, wellbeing, and mental health. Drawing from real experiences and insights, we highlight the importance of leading by example, embracing vulnerability, and fostering supportive environments that encourage open communication. We will explore strategies to help build more self-awareness and practical ways to manage stress and own wellbeing, which enable leaders to create healthier, more resilient teams, whilst also ensuring that they do not forget about themselves. Come join us and support our goal to spread more awareness and open dialogue on this subject moving forward, for current and future leaders.

Chris Henderson

Quality Engineering Manager

Dunelm
Co-Founder of Quality Talks & co-host of Quality Talks Podcast

Chris Henderson

Quality Engineering Manager

Session Speakers

Hemanshu Chauhan

Director of Quality Engineering (Head of QA Architecture)

DWS Group

Hemanshu Chauhan

Director of Quality Engineering (Head of QA Architecture)

Title: Role of GenAI in Quality Engineering adoption

Abstract: Generative AI (GenAI) is emerging as a transformative force across industries, and its impact on quality engineering (QE) is poised to redefine the way organizations approach software development and testing. This session explores how GenAI is accelerating the adoption of modern QE practices and see potential use-cases of infusing GenAI in quality assurance / quality engineering.

Shipra Nirola

Director of Delivery , Customer Success- EMEA

Evotix

Shipra Nirola

Director of Delivery , Customer Success- EMEA

Title: "OKRs in QA & TestOps: Driving Quality & Efficiency in B2B SaaS"

Abstract: Why This Topic is Crucial for B2B SaaS QA?
In B2B SaaS, quality is not just about fewer defects—it’s about ensuring seamless customer experience, uptime, and scalability while delivering continuous releases. Traditional QA metrics (e.g., # of test cases executed) don’t reflect business impact in a SaaS world.
By leveraging OKRs (Objectives & Key Results), B2B SaaS companies can align QA & TestOps with:
✅ Customer Retention & Expansion – Stability & performance drive customer satisfaction.
✅ Release Confidence in CI/CD – Speed & reliability are critical for frequent deployments.
✅ Scalability & Resilience – Ensuring product reliability across multiple customer environments.
This session will show how to define, track, and implement OKRs that drive impact for B2B SaaS quality teams.
Takeaways for the Audience: How to Define OKRs that Drive Business Value in B2B SaaS
Real-World Examples of OKRs that Improve Product Quality & Customer Retention
How to Integrate OKRs into CI/CD & Agile Testing.

Maria Cotone

Head of Delivery Management

Ki Insurance

Maria Cotone

Head of Delivery Management

Topic: ''Scaling teams, not just code: growing high performing teams”

Synopsis: TBC

Richard Adams

Head of Digital Architecture

London North Eastern Railway

Richard Adams

Head of Digital Architecture

Title: "Skills for the future and how you keep yourself employable while facing a tsunami of change"

Abstract: TBC

Sureka Jawahar

Director (Global) / Head of QA

Condé Nast

Sureka Jawahar

Director (Global) / Head of QA

Topic: "Bridging the Gap - Integrating Quality Engineering into DevOps

Synopsis: As organizations embrace DevOps for faster software delivery, ensuring quality at speed becomes a major challenge. Traditional Quality Assurance (QA) often operates in silos, leading to bottlenecks, late-stage defect detection, and slower release cycles. This session explores how Quality Engineering (QE) can seamlessly integrate into DevOps to enable continuous testing, automation, and proactive defect prevention.
We will discuss the Shift-Left and Shift-Right approaches, embedding automated testing into CI/CD pipelines, and leveraging AI-driven test automation to enhance efficiency. Attendees will gain insights into best practices, tools, and frameworks that help bridge the gap between Development, Testing, and Operations. The session will also cover key quality metrics, test data strategies, and real-world case studies of successful QE-DevOps integration.
By making quality a shared responsibility, organizations can accelerate release cycles without compromising reliability. Whether you're a tester, DevOps engineer, or software leader, this session will provide actionable strategies to build a high-velocity, high-quality DevOps pipeline. Join us to learn how to transform testing from a bottleneck into a DevOps enabler and drive faster, defect-free releases!

Mibin Boban

Head of Quality Engineering

Government Digital Service

Mibin Boban

Head of Quality Engineering

Topic: ''Testing AI: Because AI Won’t Test Itself!”

Synopsis: AI is transforming industries, but as its complexity grows, so do the challenges of ensuring its reliability. Who will test AI? How do we validate its decisions? Can we prove its efficiency and monitor its behavior over time? Unlike traditional software, AI is probabilistic, ever-learning, and often a black box—which means conventional testing methods aren’t enough.
In this talk, we unpack the best practices and strategies for testing AI, ensuring it remains trustworthy, explainable, and resilient in real-world applications.

Gaurav Mathur

Software Testing Professional Leader

Independent

Gaurav Mathur

Software Testing Professional Leader

Topic: ''Humans and AI Agents collaboration in Software Testing ”

Synopsis: Software development and testing continues to get transformed by AI. How are humans and AI agents driving enhanced productivity across the SDLC. Join the session to learn about the emerging software workforce models, the benefits they can deliver and the key risks that need to be carefully managed.

Valerie Kontor

Founder

Black in Fintech

Valerie Kontor

Founder

Topic: “Getting Inclusion Right: There's a Price for Missing the Mark.”

Synopsis: "Innovation without inclusion is a half-measure. Getting inclusion right in tech isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a market necessity. While the industry has successfully digitised solutions to many of our daily challenges, it must move beyond replicating legacy systems to create products that serve all consumers—or risk becoming obsolete in a rapidly evolving global economy. This session will explore the current state of tech as a whole before honing in on fintech’s unique challenges and opportunities.

Michelle Christmas

Head of Test

Aviva

Sergei Suverev

Head of QA

Sweatcoin

Sergei Suverev

Head of QA

Topic: “Challenges with Ads Testing in Mobile App”

Synopsis: TBC

Gek Yeo

Head of Quality Assurance

AICPA

Gek Yeo

Head of Quality Assurance

Topic: "From Clicks to Code: Transforming Manual Testers into Automation Experts”

Synopsis: Introduction (3 minutes)
We'll start by discussing the importance of automation in enhancing testing efficiency and improving software quality. I'll share my personal experience on how I have transformed manual testers to automation testers in a few organisations for different product tyepes. How automation transformed our organisation’s testing process and the positive impact it had on productivity.
Why Automation? (4 minutes)
Discover the benefits of automation, including reduced manual effort and increased accuracy. I'll provide real-world examples from my own projects to illustrate these advantages.
Getting Started (5 minutes)
I'll share practical tips on how to begin your automation journey, including resources and training that helped me.
Making the Transition (5 minutes)
We'll discuss practical steps and real-world examples to help you move from manual to automation testing. I'll share my personal transition story, highlighting the challenges I faced and how I overcame them.
Overcoming Challenges (3 minutes)
Address common obstacles such as time management, resistance to change, and imposter syndrome. I'll emphasize the importance of community and mentorship, sharing how these elements played a crucial role in my journey.
Conclusion (2 minutes)
Automation is about enhancing your testing capabilities. This talk aims to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in this evolving field. I'll leave you with a call to action to continuously learn and experiment with new tools and techniques.

Bharti Lim

Group Security Strategy Manager

Computacenter

Bharti Lim

Group Security Strategy Manager

Topic: "Sustainable high performance with Secure Base Leadership”

Synopsis:Diversity in software development is crucial for several reasons. It brings together a variety of perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions. A diverse team can better understand and address the needs of a wider range of users, ultimately resulting in products that are more inclusive and effective. Additionally, a diverse workforce fosters a culture of creativity and collaboration, enhancing problem-solving abilities and increasing overall productivity. Embracing diversity not only benefits the team but also improves the quality and success of software products.

Mahul R

CTO

RIIDE DAPP

Mahul R

CTO

Topic: ''QE mindset and how to unlock its potential”

Synopsis:TBC

Suresh Chandra

Quality Engineering Expert

Independant

Suresh Chandra

Quality Engineering Expert

Topic: "The importance of ensuring individual team plans align to the overall value the business is committed to deliver”

Synopsis: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into software testing is transforming the way organizations ensure quality, efficiency, and reliability in their software products. This presentation explores the pivotal role of AI in automating repetitive testing tasks, enhancing test coverage, and identifying defects with unprecedented accuracy. By leveraging machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, AI-powered testing tools can analyze vast amounts of data, predict potential failure points, and generate intelligent test cases.
We will delve into real-world applications of AI in areas such as test case generation, anomaly detection, and root cause analysis, showcasing how these technologies reduce manual effort, accelerate release cycles, and improve overall software quality. Additionally, the presentation will address challenges such as data dependency, model interpretability, and the need for skilled AI-testing professionals.
Attendees will gain insights into the future of AI-driven testing, including the potential for self-healing systems and continuous testing in DevOps pipelines. This session is designed for software testers, QA engineers, and decision-makers seeking to harness AI to stay competitive in an increasingly fast-paced digital landscape. Join us to discover how AI is reshaping software testing and paving the way for smarter, more efficient quality assurance practices.

Korkor Mensah

Quality Assurance Manager

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated

Korkor Mensah

Quality Assurance Manager

Title: "Navigating QA - Excelling in Software Testing Without a Traditional IT Background"

Abstract: Breaking into the tech industry without a computer science degree can be daunting, especially in a dynamic field like Quality Assurance. In this session, Korkor Mensah shares her journey into QA, where she now leads a team of seven QA analysts across multiple projects in a multinational organization.
She will explore the strategies she used to bridge technical skill gaps, build credibility as a QA leader, and successfully navigate cross-functional collaboration. Attendees will gain actionable insights on leveraging transferable skills, overcoming imposter syndrome, managing diverse teams, and driving software quality in complex systems.
This talk will empower professionals, regardless of their background, to confidently navigate their own QA careers, break through industry barriers, and thrive in software testing.

Gary Shannon

Talent & Community Director

Optimal

Gary Shannon

Talent & Community Director

Topic: "The Power of Community ”

Synopsis: TBC

Bharathi S

Test Manager

Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

Bharathi S

Test Manager

Topic: "Lean Six Sigma in Action: Driving Quality and Efficiency in Testing”

Synopsis: Ready to take your testing to the next level?
What if you could achieve faster, more efficient testing—without compromising quality? Lean Six Sigma isn’t just for manufacturing: it’s the key to transforming your software testing processes. In this session, we’ll show you how to bring Lean Six Sigma principles to life, driving measurable improvements in speed, collaboration, and product quality.
Here’s what you’ll take away:
Cut out inefficiencies that slow down your testing, delivering results faster
Supercharge team collaboration, ensuring smoother workflows and quicker releases
Leverage data-driven decisions to continually refine and improve your testing process
Ready to break free from bottlenecks, improve defect management, and deliver better software at lightning speed? Learn how Lean Six Sigma in Action can optimise your testing processes and deliver exceptional results, every time.

Al Lines

Vice President of Application Development

Citi

Al Lines

Vice President of Application Development

Topic: "Is AI the answer?”

Synopsis: "How has ai been impacting us QA. Who can we harness this for good (and bad!) Will it mean AL is replaced by AI

Gita Malinovska

Head of QA

JAJA Finance

Gita Malinovska

Head of QA

Topic: "AI in Testing”

Synopsis: TBC

Chituru Chinwah

Principal SDET

The Economist

Chituru Chinwah

Principal SDET

Topic: "Distributed load testing with Artillery & AWS”

Synopsis: TBC

Ibironke Yekinni

Director of Product Engineering

Remita

Ibironke Yekinni

Director of Product Engineering

Topic: "The 2P's and a C of a Quality Product”

Synopsis: In the new AI drive tech ecosystem, quality means much more than test execution; rather, it relies on the right people, effective processes, and a strong culture. This session will consider how high-performance teams are created, how well-structured yet flexible processes drive product quality, and how a culture of quality ensures that testing is not a stage but an integral part of software development.
The Takeaways for the Attendees:
People: Develop testers and empower them to act as quality advocates.
Process: A tad bit of structure, with storage amounts of agility and craziness.
Culture: Instilling a quality mindset throughout development, product, and business teams.
I believe this topic intersects well with my experience as a QA leader, Career Doctor, and Advocate for Product Quality Engineering, and it should help the audience.
If you need to give me a title, that can be Founder, Testify Limited, and Global Community Director, TestarsQuarter

Vitalis A. Ouma

Head of Software Testing and Quality

Equity Bank limited

Vitalis A. Ouma

Head of Software Testing and Quality

Topic: People skills (Tech stack and transferrable skills) and recruitment in the QA & testing career ladder”

Synopsis: This topic will discuss the importance of interpersonal skills and technical expertise, along with transferable abilities, plays a crucial role in advancing a career in Quality Assurance (QA) and testing. As professionals navigate the various levels of the QA career ladder, they must not only be adept in their specific tech stack—such as programming languages, testing frameworks, and automation tools—but also excel in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. These people skills enable QA testers to effectively work alongside developers, stakeholders, and other team members, fostering a productive work environment. Additionally, transferable skills like analytical thinking and attention to detail are essential for adapting to changing technologies and methodologies within the industry. Together, these elements form a well-rounded profile for anyone looking to thrive in the QA and testing field.

Workshop Speakers

Jayasri Banala

Senior Associate - Test Engineer

Kainos

Jayasri Banala

Senior Associate - Test Engineer

Topic: "AI in testing: The future is NOW ”

Synopsis: Here I'll explore the growing role of AI in software testing, its impact on efficiency

Bharathi Sudanagunta

Test Manager

Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency

Bharathi Sudanagunta

Test Manager

Title: "Strategies for Building a Strong Testing Team Culture"

Abstract: Building a strong testing team culture is paramount for achieving success in today's dynamic software development landscape. Join us for a workshop focused on fostering collaboration within testing teams. Participants will gain insights into strategies for promoting trust, communication, and continuous learning. Through engaging discussions and practical activities, attendees will learn how to enhance team dynamics and address challenges. Whether you're a seasoned manager or a new professional, this workshop will provide valuable tools for cultivating a positive and high-performing testing team culture.

Luke Henry

Head of Testing Quality and Transition

University of Wolverhampton

Luke Henry

Head of Testing Quality and Transition

Topic: "People, Process, and the Culture Between: Rethinking How We Test”

Synopsis: Behind every flaky test, broken process, or failed strategy is one common thread: people. In this fast-paced, interactive workshop, we’ll explore how the human side of testing often gets overlooked in the name of process and tools. You'll reflect on your team’s current reality, cut through unnecessary complexity, and uncover the cultural blockers that quietly erode quality. Leave with practical ideas to simplify, align, and humanise your approach to testing—without needing a reorg or a new framework.

Stuart Day

Head of Quality

Capital One

Stuart Day

Head of Quality

Title: "The Quality Coach: Testing & Quality Leadership In Today's World"

Abstract: Last year at NTSC, Stuart and David gave a talk about the many different styles of leadership, what the role of a quality coach is and the value they can bring to organisations and how we need to continually adapt our style to be successful in todays faced paced technology driven world.
This year they return to bring this to life more in the form of an interactive workshop. In this workshop attendees will learn more about these different styles of leadership, in what situations to apply them, along with learning more about the role of a quality coach and practicing some coaching skills. So why not come along…..they promise it will insightful and a lot of fun 😊

Learning outcomes:

Understanding coaching vs leadership

What are the different styles of leadership and when to apply them

What are the coaching skills to become a quality coach and how to apply them

Practicing some coaching skills to take away for your use with your teams

David Noorshargh

Principal Quality Engineer

Dunelm

David Noorshargh

Principal Quality Engineer

Understanding coaching vs leadership

What are the different styles of leadership and when to apply them

What are the coaching skills to become a quality coach and how to apply them

Practicing some coaching skills to take away for your use with your teams

Dr Ioannis Kypraios

Affiliate Professor in AI and ML

Northeastern University

Dr Ioannis Kypraios

Affiliate Professor in AI and ML

Topic: ''Cloud State Of Play”

Synopsis: In this talk, Richard will provide an update on the latest technologies affecting the IT industry and how these impact your business, when/how to adopt them and what's been shaping the industry, over the past 18 months or so.
The talk will focus on recent developments in the DevOps and Software Engineering space, as well as covering the recent explosion in the Generative AI market, how we got here, where we are and what's coming down the line.
From his customer engagements, field experience and strategy and planning discussions, Richard will provide some key takeaways for the future of Software Testing and advice on how to deal with major system outages.

Aleena Annie

Lead Product Owner

Lloyds Banking Group

Aleena Annie

Lead Product Owner

Topic: "Evaluating Performance of ML Models from a GenAI Lens”

Synopsis: TBC

Parveen Khan

Quality Practice Lead

CFC

Parveen Khan

Quality Practice Lead

Title: Demystifying Cross Functional Requirements for Team Implementation Cross-functional requirements (CFRs)

Abstract: In this workshop, I would like to elaborate on why it is essential to consider testing for cross-functional requirements and introduce an approach to continuous testing of all cross-functional requirements and make it a part of the process. I will cover how to uncover different CFRs, including those really vague ones, and therefore aid in continuous testing and building quality into the software. This workshop provides the tools and techniques to introduce and implement CFRs within your teams or organizations. I will share how to create your own CFR template and I will share the knowledge you need to facilitate your own sessions with your teams

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