Meet Your Instructors
Learn from the people shaping the AI era
Our instructors are active professionals driving AI adoption in leading companies. They know what it takes to succeed and will guide you through the same steps they use to get results.

How Phlare teachers future-proof your success
AI-first curriculum
Courses are designed specifically for the AI economy, focusing on critical skills needed today.
1:1 mentorship & coaching
Learn faster with individual coaching, office hours, and feedback directly from experts.
Active industry professionals
Learn from leaders in the thick of the tech boom so you get the most up-to-date knowledge.
Career-aligned learning paths
Become irreplaceable with personalized courses built around your goals and current skill level.

Richard Erschik
I am a seasoned educator, instructor, presenter, podcaster, and bestselling author with decades of experience helping people develop the skills needed to succeed in a fast-changing world. With 12 years of Toastmasters leadership, I bring approachability and fun to teaching and learning. I have written and self-published 12 books, including "Your Career Advantage" for students, " Google Something Every Day" for seniors, and " Online Webinars that Pay!" for presenters. I have also taught thousands of learners across various industries through my engaging, results-driven training programs. As an early adopter and trainer of AI tools, I have developed and delivered highly rated classes such as "AI and ChatGPT for Beginners", "AI & ChatGPT for Book Writing", " AI & ChatGPT for Realtors," and "AI and ChatGPT for Trade Show Exhibitors." My teaching style is conversational, hands-on, and supportive—giving attendees not just knowledge but the confidence to put AI and ChatGPT to work immediately in their professional and personal life. When you attend my sessions, you’ll gain not only the technical know-how but also the insights of a veteran educator who believes learning should be practical, engaging, and fun.

Constance Quigley
Dr. Constance Quigley is an entrepreneur, AI ethics consultant, business strategist, and award-winning author dedicated to helping leaders and organizations integrate artificial intelligence with integrity. She believes technology should amplify human potential—never replace it—and works with entrepreneurs, executives, and teams to design ethical, future-ready strategies that spark innovation and build trust. Whether writing, speaking, consulting, or teaching, her mission remains consistent: to empower people to lead boldly, think critically, and shape a future where progress and principles move in harmony. Professional Background Dr. Quigley holds a Doctorate in Business Management with a specialization in Organizational Leadership, along with an MBA. She has spent years helping leaders and organizations navigate transformation across corporate strategy, ethical AI integration, leadership development, and creative brand growth. Her career includes advising executives, building strategic roadmaps, and guiding organizations through digital transformation with a focus on ethics, accessibility, and human-centered innovation. She has worked across multiple industries—including technology, education, creative arts, healthcare, and entrepreneurship—giving her a multidisciplinary perspective that informs her teaching and consulting. As an author and speaker, she shares insights on purpose-driven technology, leadership excellence, and practical strategy design. Her blend of academic rigor, hands-on consulting experience, and creative problem-solving enables her to help individuals and organizations build systems that last, lead, and inspire. Certifications & Professional Development My Story My journey has never fit into a single box. It has unfolded at the intersection of two worlds : business and caregiving, strategy and service, innovation and humanity. Long before AI ethics and executive consulting became central to my work, the realities of healthcare shaped me, supporting family members with disabilities and developing a deep understanding of what compassionate, consistent care truly demands. In many ways, caregiving was my first education in leadership. As I built my career in business, strategy, and technology, I never stepped away from healthcare; I carried it with me. I worked across both paths in tandem, designing strategic roadmaps and guiding organizations through digital transformation, while also managing complex care plans, advocating within healthcare systems, and completing advanced training through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the American Caregivers Association. These parallel experiences formed a unique foundation: analytical enough to navigate corporate structures, and human-centered enough to understand the weight of real-world impact. While academia often rewards specialization, my life required integration. My roles as consultant, strategist, educator, and caregiver each informed the rest. Supporting individuals in vulnerable moments taught me that leadership is never abstract; it is personal, relational, and deeply grounded in empathy. Working in AI and organizational strategy reinforced that systems must be built ethically and with intention, because real people live with the consequences. Today, my work bridges both worlds. I help leaders adopt ethical AI, strengthen organizational culture, and innovate responsibly, guided by the same principles I learned through caregiving: protect dignity, promote clarity, build structures that support people, and ensure that progress never comes at the cost of humanity. Every chapter of my life has led me to one conviction: When technical innovation and human compassion move together, we build a future that truly serves people.

Alexandra Morales
I specialize in making complex concepts, like Artificial Intelligence, accessible and equitable for everyone. My background in STEM education is dedicated to a single goal: demystifying the future. Let's build a smarter world together. Don't just watch AI, understand it!

Charles Zimmerman
Charles Zimmerman – AI Learning Instructor With over two decades in digital learning and LMS enablement, I’ve built a career around making complex systems simple, useful, and engaging. From implementing large-scale platforms like Thought Industries and Oracle Learn to mentoring administrators and creators through MyLearn.me, I’ve seen firsthand how technology can unlock potential—when people understand how to use it. As an AI instructor, my focus is on bridging the gap between curiosity and capability. Whether you’re a beginner exploring your first AI prompt or a mid-level learner building your first automation, I want to help you connect the dots between what’s possible and what’s practical. My lessons move from nano learning to macro learning—quick wins that build toward lasting understanding. You’ll find resources, discussions, and downloads that help you get started today. Together, we’ll make this whole AI “thing” more digestible, useful, and, yes—fun. I too am a lifelong learner, so I invite your feedback, updates, and questions.

Chinaza Imala, MBA
Chinaza Imala is an AI Adoption Trainer and Consultant dedicated to helping professionals and organizations embrace artificial intelligence with confidence, strategy, and impact. As the founder of nazAi Edge , Chinaza delivers adaptive training that empowers executives, analysts, healthcare professionals, educators, and creatives (just to name a few) to integrate AI tools into their workflows—boosting efficiency, reclaiming valuable time, and unlocking innovation. He is also a Creative Partner at Head AI, the World's First AI Marketer. Certified by ServiceNow as an IT Leadership Professional, his client portfolio includes professionals at leading organizations such as Oracle, Getty Images, and Eaton , where he has guided them through cautious and effective AI adoption strategies tailored to their industries. Known for blending data-driven decision-making with human-centered insight, Chinaza ensures that AI becomes a practical enabler rather than a disruptive challenge. With an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management and a background in Engineering , Chinaza has built a multidisciplinary career across Africa, North America, and Europe , giving him a global perspective on technology adoption and change management. Chinaza is also the Producer of Nazalytics , a podcast recognized by Professors in North America and Europe as a valuable resource for students learning about innovation & technology management and digital transformation. As a cautious AI adoption advocate , Chinaza combines technical expertise, global experience, and a passion for education to help organizations harness AI responsibly and sustainably. His media contributions and training sessions reflect his mission: to make AI adoption accessible, ethical, and transformative for all.

Dr. Devon Madon
Hi, I’m Devon Madon. I teach people how to understand, explain, and use AI in real-world contexts—whether that’s in the courtroom, the classroom, or the shop floor. I come to this work with a PhD in Literature from Loyola University, years of teaching experience, and hands-on expertise as both an educator and a business owner. I co-own Madon Sheet Metal, a union fabrication company in Chicagoland, where I’ve seen firsthand how technology and trades intersect. I also work as an AI analyst and evaluator, partnering on projects with Google Gemini, Meta, and GlobalLogic, where I focus on how large language models learn, reason, and interact. My passion is making AI clear, accessible, and practical. I’ve co-authored articles for Law360 on explaining LLMs to juries, spoken at conferences like SMACNA, and I’m developing plain-language guides to help lawyers, educators, and professionals use AI responsibly and effectively. At the heart of my teaching is this belief: AI isn’t magic, it’s a tool. And when you understand it, you can use it to amplify—not replace—your human skills like judgment, creativity, and communication. Keywords: AI education, lifelong learning, legal technology, large language models, LLMs, trades education, communication, expert witness, AI literacy, teaching AI.

Dr Kolawole Akinbaleye
Dr. Kolawole Akinbaleye is an Adjunct Professor and seasoned Program Manager with over 15 years of experience leading global initiatives in program management, AI adoption, SAP implementation, and large-scale technology transformation. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as Deloitte, Chevron, Apple, and National Grid, driving enterprise change and digital innovation. With a PhD in Management Information Systems and multiple professional certifications, Dr. Akinbaleye bridges academic excellence with real-world practice. His expertise spans program governance, cloud solutions, AI strategy, and compliance delivery, making him well-positioned to equip learners with future-ready skills.

Laurie Dougherty
Laurie Dougherty is an experienced facilitator, instructional designer, and leadership trainer who helps organizations turn meetings into productive, engaging, and results-driven conversations. As founder of Dougherty Inc. Facilitation and Training, she has taught hundreds of professionals practical tools for collaboration, decision-making, and strategic planning. A certified ToP® (Technology of Participation) facilitator and approved Social Styles trainer, Laurie’s methods are grounded in participation, inclusion, and real-world results. She has worked extensively with government agencies, nonprofits, universities, and utilities—helping teams improve communication, trust, and follow-through. Her sessions are known for being interactive, approachable, and easy to apply—transforming how people work together every day.

Jessica O’Dell
Jessica is a passionate educator and innovative instuctional designer and certified teacher with over a decade of experience in k-5 teaching, curriculum development, and technology integration. She holds a specialist degree in education, blending pedagogical expertise with digital fluency. Jessica has designed inclusive, data-informed learning experiences using many different instructional designs. Her work spans differentiated instruction for neurodivergent learners, remote learning modules, and professional development for educators.

Kay Stoner
I'm a seasoned technologist, working in information applications since 1992. Over the years, I have championed accessibilty initiatives at a leading Financial Services and since 2000 led search programs at multiple multinational corporations. I've been in the business of connecting people with the information they need to work better, live better, and be better for over 30 years, and now I'm active in the AI space. I've been working daily with generative AI since late 2023, specializing in building teams of AI personas, specially configured to collaborate with each other and people to achieve amazing results. Generative AI is a fantastic thought partner. It's not just about automation and transactions. It's also a secret weapon for ideation, creativity, and unpacking issues that keep professionals and organizations blocked by old information and outdated structures. By unlocking the power of AI through personas, self-defensive prompting techniques, and establishing your clear executive presence, you can realize the kinds of results that have eluded you for too long. Get the help you've always wanted - and needed - with AI... like you've never seen it.

Minerva Singh
I’m a Cambridge PhD Data Scientist working at the intersection of AI, sustainability, and geospatial intelligence to solve real-world environmental and social challenges. At the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship (University of Oxford), I build AI pipelines and decision-support tools to unlock actionable insights from complex data. This includes developing NLP workflows and chatbot solutions for corporate ESG and CSR reporting, analyzing climate risks in coastal megacities, and mapping drivers of social impact and business resilience. My academic journey spans an MPhil from Oxford and a PhD from Cambridge, where I pioneered machine learning applications to quantify deforestation and biodiversity loss in Southeast Asia. I combined satellite imagery, LIDAR, and ecological data to influence forest policy and conservation planning in Cambodia and the Philippines. Over the last decade, I’ve: Designed machine learning workflows to analyse global biodiversity risk. Created geospatial models to assess land cover and climate change impacts on agriculture and infrastructure (University of Cambridge, Imperial College London) Led NLP and AI-based research into corporate climate strategies and sustainable development trends (Imperial College London, Oxford University) Used R, Python, Google Earth Engine, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP) to build scalable environmental models Developed computer vision solutions for canopy health, forest cover loss, and PDF/text extraction (Oxford University) Supported LLM and Langchain-based tools for ESG analysis and social impact tracking Advised governments, NGOs, and startups on integrating AI for nature-based solutions, climate adaptation, and risk financing Secured over £300,000 in funding as PI or co-PI, including the prestigious Imperial College Research Fellowship I work across sectors—academia, policy, private, and nonprofit—and enjoy translating deep technical insights into meaningful environmental outcomes. Research- https://scholar.google.com/citations? user=jyWeOkEAAAAJ&hl=en Github- https://github.com/Jojo666/openai-to-z-challenge

Arbaz Khan
Hello, I am Arbaz Khan , a Computer Science Engineer. I have experience in IoT, Python, Data Science , and learning New Technologies. Also, I am good at C, C++, JAVA. I love to Automate things like Home Automation and other tasks using Python Programming Language. I'm also running my own startup named GetSetCode were We are working on innovative real-time projects related to AI, ML, IOT, Automation, and Robotics.

Lambros Lazopoulos
Lambros Lazopoulos is a course creation consultant, educator, and entrepreneur who has taught more than 80,000 students worldwide through over 40 online courses . With a background in medicine and a passion for business, Lambros helps individuals and companies transform their knowledge into profitable online programs. He has worked with authors, coaches, and SaaS companies to design, launch, and scale courses that not only educate but also drive growth and community engagement. Through his own brands and platforms, Lambros has mastered the full process from course design and filming to marketing funnels and student acquisition. His mission is to empower creators to turn their passions into sustainable income and to help businesses use education as a powerful growth tool.

Philip Teale
Hello, I'm Philip Teale , and I help finance, accounting and financial planning professionals thrive in the age of AI. For the past 10 years , I've been at the forefront of digital and tech solutions within the financial services sector, and have seen firsthand how much revenue and attention are wasted on manual, repetitive tasks. My mission with Phlare.org is simple: to bring you the practical, proven strategies and tools you need to stop doing the "administrivia" and start focusing on high-value growth. I understand that for an accounting firm or financial planner, every hour is precious. My courses are specifically designed to tackle the most arduous, time-consuming parts of your business, such as client onboarding, compliance checks and data entry. Imagine reclaiming 20% or even 30% of your team's day. That’s not a pipe dream; it's the realistic outcome of implementing smart AI and automation . For senior leaders at larger institutions, these courses provide a critical framework for scalable efficiency, reducing operational costs, and future-proofing your business against market pressures. I focus on showing you exactly how to save time and money by turning inefficient workflows into automated powerhouses. In my courses, you won't just learn about the technology; you’ll learn how to implement it to generate tangible returns. I translate complex concepts into clear, actionable steps, ensuring that whether you’re a partner at a firm or a department head at a bank, you can immediately apply these solutions to boost your firm's revenue and free up your most valuable resource - your attention . Let's work together to automate the mundane so you can dedicate your expertise to strategic client service and business growth. I look forward to helping you transform your business with the power of intelligent automation.

Justin Von Braun
I train and build generative AI systems that think, adapt, and create. With a foundation in IT systems, cybersecurity, and creative automation, I focus on designing intelligent AI workflows that merge artistry with engineering. My work blends prompt design, model refinement, and multi-tool integration across platforms like ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion, and ComfyUI — empowering individuals and teams to take creative control over AI-driven visual storytelling. Through Prompt Lab, I’ve built a global learning community dedicated to teaching the principles of cinematic AI art and regenerative design — helping users move from curiosity to professional-grade results. My mission is to make advanced AI artistry and workflow automation accessible to everyone, regardless of background or skill level. Certified through IBM, Google, CompTIA, and Infosec in areas spanning Generative AI, Cybersecurity, IT Fundamentals, and Prompt Engineering, I bring a technically grounded approach to creative AI development, focusing on ethical, scalable, and visually expressive outcomes.

Jesse Hart
Bridging Traditional Compliance Excellence with AI Governance Innovation For 26+ years, I've been at the forefront of IT compliance in regulated industries—from navigating FDA consent decrees to leading $1B+ digital transformations. Today, I'm pioneering the next frontier: AI governance and compliance. My journey began in traditional IT compliance, working with pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Genzyme, and Gilead Sciences. I've led teams through FDA regulatory actions, managed 200+ global application transitions during the Novartis-Alcon separation, and delivered zero-paper manufacturing initiatives while maintaining full GxP validation. The AI Governance Pivot In March 2025, I made a strategic transition into AI governance consulting, recognizing that the regulatory landscape was shifting dramatically. Since then, I've developed 100+ comprehensive, scalable AI governance templates (70+ AI-specific), including framework-specific solutions for: What Makes Me Different I bring a rare combination: deep regulatory expertise from 26+ years in FDA-regulated environments, combined with cutting-edge AI governance knowledge. I understand both worlds—traditional compliance officers speak my language, and I can translate emerging AI risks into actionable compliance frameworks. Current Focus As an AI Governance Consultant at Tech Jack Solutions and Director of Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs at ClinCapture, I am able to help organizations implement high-risk AI systems while maintaining regulatory compliance. I actively contribute thought leadership through LinkedIn articles and monthly contributions to The FDA Group newsletter, reaching 10,000+ industry executives.

Isabella Maldonado
Isabella is an ecommerce founder and leading voice in marketing and AI innovation, shaping how global brands harness technology to influence culture. She has collaborated with Ferragamo , Dior and UN / UNESCO , advising both heritage houses and high-growth startups on AI strategy, branding, and PR. Her work consistently delivers measurable impact, from viral posts reaching 400K+ impressions overnight and 7K+ clients acquired in under three months , to email campaigns achieving rare 65%+ open rates . Through her influential blog and community on TikTok and LinkedIn, Isabella decodes the intersection of marketing, technology, and creativity, future-proofing brands and building a world where human creativity is amplified by AI.

Kirsch Mackey
Kirsch Mackey is an AI and Engineering Systems Architect who helps engineers and tech companies turn their ideas into clear, scalable products and training. He works across AI engineering, hardware, firmware, and technical education, giving him a rare ability to bridge complex engineering with practical, real-world application. At StarLoom Labs https://www.linkedin.com/company/starloom-labs, he contributes AI engineering and systems design. He also runs HaSofu, where for more than four years he has built hardware, firmware, and software solutions while creating training content for professionals in engineering and technology. His freelance work includes marketing copy for SaaS and AI tools, translating technical products into language that resonates with customers. Kirsch previously taught electronics at the University of Arkansas, bringing industry experience into courses on circuits, semiconductors, and electromagnetic fundamentals. Before that, he worked as a Senior Electrical Engineer at Intel, and as Senior Field Application Engineer at JITX (SaaS startup), supporting advanced electrical hardware design tools and collaborating directly with engineers in the EDA space. His work combines engineering depth with clear communication, helping teams build better technology and explain it just as well.