Matt Thornfield

Alfredo combines 20+ years of software engineering and Java experience together with 14+ years of teaching and technical training across academic and professional technology contexts. His work focuses on Java, software architecture, AI-assisted software engineering, and the human factors that shape effective engineering teams.

Since 2024, Alfredo has collaborated with Neueda as a Software Engineering Instructor, contributing to corporate technology training programmes connected with leading global investment banks. His delivery style is structured, practical, collaborative and deliberately attentive to each participant's learning needs. He is particularly effective with learners who need to connect modern engineering practices to real-world delivery contexts, including backend development, architectural boundaries, Agile teamwork, testing, and professional software quality.

A distinctive feature of Alfredo's teaching is the care he gives to personalised learner support. He pays close attention to each participant's pace, confidence, learning style and questions, creating a safe and constructive environment where people can grow technically, professionally and personally. This human, social, and empathetic dimension is central to his work and closely aligned with his doctoral research on communication skills, socio-emotional competencies, and human factors in software engineering education.

Alongside his corporate training work, Alfredo teaches software engineering at TecnoCampus and previously served as a Computer Science Professor at La Salle BCN, where he taught object-oriented programming and design, Android development, advanced operating systems, and operating systems administration. His university teaching reinforces his ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly, to build progressive learning paths, and to create a supportive environment where learners can ask questions, practice, receive feedback, and improve.

Alfredo is also a PhD Candidate in Education and Technology at UDIMA. His doctoral research explores empathy, active listening and assertive communication in Software Engineering Education, especially within Project-Based Learning contexts. This research complements his professional practice: he sees effective software engineering not only as a technical discipline, but also as a communication-intensive activity that depends on clarity, teamwork, ethical awareness, sustainability and shared understanding.

In addition, Alfredo is the author of HexaStock, a book and open engineering project that applies Domain-Driven Design, Hexagonal Architecture, testing, TDD, and specification-driven development to a realistic financial portfolio domain. It also reflects Alfredo's current work on AI-assisted software engineering, where precise specifications, architectural decisions and testable design artefacts become essential for high-quality implementation.

Angela is a cybersecurity expert with experience across a wide range of domains within cyber. Before joining Neueda Technologies, she was a Security Subject Matter Expert at Microsoft, where she led the technical implementation of IAM and threat detection and response workloads for governments and large international organizations. Currently, Angela is a Cyber Security Consultant at Neueda Technologies, leveraging her industry experience and technical expertise to support the development of training content within the cyber domain.

Specialisms include:

• Identity and Access management
• Cloud Security
• Vulnerability Management
• Email Security
• Endpoint Security

Daniel Devlin is a seasoned technical consultant, author, and instructor with a strong background in software development, cloud computing, and DevOps. With a passion for simplifying complex systems, Daniel has spent years documenting technical architectures for both developer and non-developer audiences. He specializes in crafting clear learning paths and delivering high-impact training that bridges the gap between code and communication.

Specialisms include:

• Java Development
• Cloud Computing (AWS)
• Node.js
• Technical Writing

Denise Ní Cheallaigh is a Senior Management Consultant with over 25 years of leadership experience in the Financial Services Industry. As a leadership and management specialist, she excels in dynamic coaching, facilitation, and delivering engaging behavioural training. Denise is known for her ability to drive organizational and behavioural change, improve team engagement and performance, and deliver strategic leadership and management training.

Her expertise extends across financial services and technology domains, having worked with high-profile clients such as Citibank, JPMorgan, INVESCO, HSBC, BNY Mellon, Dell Technologies, Technology Ireland, and Software Skillnet. Denise is also a certified practitioner with qualifications including Insights & Prince II Practitioner, an NUI Certificate in Training and Continuous Education, Certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and British Psychological Society accreditation (Level A&B).

Specialisms:

• Organizational & Behavioural Change Solutions
• Strategy Development & Delivery
• Leadership and Management Training
• Elevating Team Engagement & Performance
• Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal Skills & Social Capital Competencies
• Behavioural Profiling for Individuals and Teams
• Coaching & Development Programs
• 360° Performance Management

With over 25 years in AI innovation, Zöe has led the development of cutting edge technologies and built high-performing AI R&D teams, including an AI Centre of Enablement in a FTSE100 company. A thought leader in AI governance, Zöe has shaped AI policy, standards, and best practices. Zöe also brings extensive experience in designing and evaluating national innovation programmes and providing AI consultancy across private, public, and third sectors. Recognised as one of the Top 10 Leaders in AI in the UK in 2025.

With over a decade of experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning, Filipa Peleja specialises in translating data into actionable insights that drive business growth. Filipa Peleja has led data science teams across industries, academic institutions, and bootcamps, with a particular focus on telecommunications and retail.

At Neueda, she empowers teams to unlock the full potential of data by equipping them with practical tools and strategies in machine learning, modelling, and analytics. Her ability to bridge the gap between business and technical stakeholders ensures strategic alignment and effective execution. 

With domain knowledge in e-commerce, social analytics, and financial markets, Filipa helps organisations elevate their data maturity – enabling smarter decision-making and more impactful business outcomes through models, statistics, and visual insights.

Fiona Bradley draws on over 20 years of experience in leadership coaching, facilitation, and executive development across global banking and technology sectors. She has trained thousands of managers and leaders, helping them build the skills, behaviours, and confidence needed to lead high-performing teams and drive business results.

As a Neueda associate instructor, Fiona designs and facilitates impactful programmes that support leadership transitions, enhance management effectiveness, and cultivate strategic thinking. Her sessions are known for being highly engaging—whether delivered in person or virtually—and are tailored to the real-world challenges of today’s organisations.

Specialisms include:

• Leadership and Executive Coaching
• Management and Leadership Development for Banking & Tech Sectors
• Facilitation of Business and Leadership Skills Training
• Strategic Thinking and Organisational Planning
• Team Coaching and Group Dynamics
• Behavioural Change and Performance Enablement
• Coaching-Led Learning Experiences (Zoom, Teams, Webex)

Having grown and sold two digital agencies over a 25-year career, Gareth writes, speaks and consults on experience design, design thinking, strategy, innovation and product leadership.

He founded Fathom in 2011 as a dedicated user experience and service design agency and sold it to Low&Behold in 2021. Previously, he was the MD of Ionology, a leading digital strategy consultancy, headquartered in Belfast and with major clients in 15 countries. Prior to that, he was the MD of Tibus, one of the largest and most successful web development agencies in Ireland, from 2002 to 2009 when it was sold to UTV plc.

Gareth sits on the board of Dot IE, the Irish Domain Registry, and he is a former Board Member of the Irish Internet Association and the Chairman of WeddingsOnline.ie. He writes and lectures extensively on Internet-related matters, occupying regular columns in Silicon Republic, SyncNI and Business Eye.

Gareth currently judges Ireland’s Digital Media Awards and is a former judge of the eir Spider Awards, the DANI Awards, and the IIA Net Visionary Awards.

George Mount is a Microsoft Excel MVP, corporate trainer, consultant, and author specialising in modern Excel, data analytics, automation, and AI-powered business workflows. He is the founder of Stringfest Analytics and has trained professionals across banking, finance, accounting, healthcare, consulting, and corporate operations. 

George began his career as a financial analyst at a national specialty retail organisation, where he built financial models, automated reporting across hundreds of store locations, and analysed real estate portfolio profitability. He later moved into a business analyst role within a large regional healthcare system, developing executive dashboards, staffing optimisation models, and business intelligence solutions using Excel and related analytics tools. 

Since 2014, George has led Stringfest Analytics, a training and consulting practice focused on helping organisations modernise reporting, analytics, and automation workflows. He has delivered applied Excel and analytics training for major banks, financial institutions, and global technology organisations, with a focus on practical business application rather than abstract theory. 

George is the author of Advancing into Analytics and Modern Data Analytics in Excel with O'Reilly Media, a LinkedIn Learning instructor with more than 450,000 learners worldwide, and a regular speaker at industry events including the Global Excel Summit. His teaching areas include Excel, Power Query, Power BI, Python in Excel, Office Scripts, Power Automate, SQL, Tableau, VBA, and Microsoft Copilot. 

George is known for an approachable, engaging, and highly practical teaching style that grounds technical concepts in realistic business and finance scenarios, enabling delegates to apply skills immediately in their day-to-day work. 

Jack is a Data Science, Analytics, and Machine Learning Expert with extensive professional experience working with industry giants such as Google, Barclays, and Oliver Wyman. His expertise lies in designing innovative data solutions, building robust machine learning models, and applying statistical techniques to drive insights and optimize performance.

Jack specializes in leveraging core Python data stacks and a wide range of analytical tools to tackle complex problems across various industries. His technical proficiency, combined with a keen ability to tailor bespoke modeling and simulation approaches, makes him a versatile and highly effective data science consultant.

Specialisms include:

• Core Python Data Stack (pandas, numpy)
• Data Visualization (matplotlib, seaborn)
• Machine Learning (scikit-learn)
• Applied Bayesian Statistical Methods
• Bespoke Modelling and Simulation Approaches for Complex Systems Analysis
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Custom Analytical Solutions for Business Optimization
• Statistical Analysis and Predictive Modeling

John is a seasoned instructor with over 30 years of experience delivering technical training, having started his teaching career in 1994. With a background as both a software developer and consultant, John brings a practitioner’s insight to every session, making complex concepts accessible and practical.

John plays a key role in our early careers and graduate programmes, training new talent across a wide range of modern technologies. His expertise spans programming languages, database systems, cloud computing, and software development tools—equipping learners with the hands-on skills they need to thrive in real-world environments.

Specialisms include:

• Software Development (Java, .NET, Python)
• Cloud Computing and Cloud Native Application Development
• Relational and NoSQL Database Development
• Continuous Integration and Deployment
• Version Control (Git, GitHub, Bitbucket)
• Power BI and Data Visualisation
• Early Careers and Graduate Programme Training
• Practical, Hands-On Technical Instruction

Dr. Karl Thomas is a consultant, lecturer, leadership coach, trainer, and facilitator who brings a dynamic and innovative approach to learning and development. At Neueda, Karl works with high-performing professionals and emerging leaders to cultivate the mindset and skills needed for today’s fast-paced business and innovation ecosystems.

Karl’s work centres on helping leaders think differently—recognising the importance of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving as foundational capabilities for effective leadership and organisational success.

Specialisms include:

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Creative Problem Solving
• Leadership Development

Larry is an executive business coach, international trainer, facilitator, and lecturer with over 30 years of experience in the International Financial Services sector. Since 2014, he has been delivering training for Neueda, specialising in banking, operations, funds, markets, risk, and regulation.

Starting his career in retail banking, Larry has since served in roles as Treasurer, Director of Financial Markets and Head of Financial Institutions in Ireland for three European Financial Institutions (BBL, ING & BNP Paribas). He was previously Group NED of BNPP Securities Services Dublin and is currently the voluntary Chair of the Don Bosco Care charity.  

In addition to designing, delivering, and marketing courses on ESG, risk, and strategy within financial services, Larry also leads in-person, online, and hybrid graduate training programmes at Neueda for global organisations and delivers business and executive coaching in the private and non-profit sectors.

He offers a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and C-Suite-enabled approach to education and development at all levels within Financial Services. With a deep understanding of the global financial landscape, Larry equips learners with the insights and practical knowledge needed to navigate and succeed in complex financial environments.

Mark Richards is an experienced, hands-on software architect involved in the architecture, design, and implementation of microservices architectures and other distributed systems in a variety of technologies. He has been in the software industry since 1983 and has significant experience and expertise in application, integration, and enterprise architecture.

Mark is the founder of DeveloperToArchitect.com, a free website devoted to helping developers in the journey to becoming a software architect. In addition to hands-on consulting and training, Mark has authored numerous technical books, including his three latest books Fundamentals of Software Architecture, Software Architecture: The Hard Parts, and Head First Software Architecture that he co-authored with Neal Ford. Mark has spoken at hundreds of conferences and user groups around the world on a variety of enterprise-related technical topics and is widely known for his expertise in teaching complex architecture topics in a clear and understandable way.

Max Della Libera is an Associate Instructor at Neueda, where he has been delivering training since 2018 in areas such as Tableau, data visualisation, financial analysis, and more. With a strong background in analytics and data technologies, Max supports organisations in strategising and implementing powerful data solutions, including machine learning platforms and custom analytics frameworks.

He is passionate about demystifying data and empowering professionals to unlock its value through compelling visualisation and clear storytelling.

Specialisms include:

• Data Science
• Data Visualisation
• Data-Driven Storytelling
• Financial Analysis

Mike Weston-Burt is an AI eduTainer and freelance training specialist who has spent 40 years working with some of the world's most respected organisations, including the Big4. Over the course of his career he has transformed the skills and mindsets of more than 50,000 colleagues through high-impact learning programmes spanning leadership, technology, and organisational change. 

At 60, Mike reinvented himself as an AI specialist — a move that has become central to his story and his message. Rather than stepping back from the frontier, he stepped forward, building a freelance training empire focused on helping individuals and organisations understand, embrace, and unlock the power of artificial intelligence. 

Mike's delivery style sits at the intersection of education and entertainment. He combines decades of mastery in corporate training with cutting-edge AI expertise, translating complex concepts into clear, actionable insights that stick. Whether he's working with a boardroom or a breakout group, his sessions are energetic, practical, and designed to produce real change — not just awareness. 

He works best with professionals who are curious but uncertain, leaders who sense the urgency of AI but don't know where to start, and organisations ready to move from conversation to action. 

Nick has 25 years’ experience running large scale global training programs .

A qualified teacher, his career has seen him deliver training programs for major brands including Citibank, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls Royce and the BBC. Nick also teaches the most advanced courses in Cloud Computing for Amazon Web Services.

Specialisms include:
- Cloud Computing and Application Modernization
- DevOps

Pat brings three decades of hands-on experience in capital markets and financial technology to the classroom. Starting in the financial services industry in 1999, Pat has worked across the full stack of front-office engineering – from algorithmic trading systems and quantitative development to market risk management and data science.

Since 2005, Pat has been dedicated to graduate training, and as a full-time instructor since 2014, has built a reputation for preparing the next generation of software engineers to thrive in large corporate financial institutions. 

Pat's gift is demystifying Wall Street for engineers and turning abstract financial concepts and enterprise software challenges into tangible, career-launching knowledge. His teaching style is relentlessly practical and grounded in real-world expertise: a market shock, an earnings surprise, or a Fed decision becomes a teaching moment to illustrate technical and financial concepts in real time.

Every lesson is peppered with examples from real financial engineering challenges Pat has solved in production environments. As a result, Pat bridges the gap between code and practical application, ensuring learners can apply programming languages like C++ and Python to their daily work in the financial services industry.

He particularly enjoys instructing teams that are willing to engage deeply with complex systems and aren't afraid to ask hard questions, as well as practical-minded computer science graduates who are hungry to understand the financial domain they're entering.

When not teaching or building systems, Pat pursues a disciplined approach to competitive chess, performs classical guitar, and is a keen wildlife photographer. These pursuits share the same DNA as Pat's teaching philosophy: pattern recognition, precision, patience, and the discipline required to master complexity—whether that's a symphony, a chess endgame, or capturing that perfect moment in nature. 

Sandra is a globally experienced Trainer, Facilitator, Executive Coach, and Mentor with over 30 years of experience in learning and development. She has worked with global clients including Tier 1 Banks, technology companies, and professional services organisations, to deliver impactful learning solutions aligned with business strategy.

A passionate advocate for inclusion, Sandra helps individuals, teams, and organisations unlock their full potential through inspiring training and coaching that builds collaborative, inclusive cultures.

Sandra has delivered programmes across NAM, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM on topics ranging from Engineering & Operational Excellence to Women’s Leadership Programmes.

Known for her strong relationship-building skills and consultative approach, Sandra is a trusted partner/associate who consistently delivers high-impact results. 

Wei-Meng Lee is a technologist, author, and the founder of Developer Learning Solutions, a Singapore-based training and consultancy he has run for over 20 years. He has delivered training and spoken at conferences across the United States, Canada, and Europe, and specialises in helping engineering teams adopt emerging technologies – from AI and machine learning to cloud-native development and blockchain. He is known for distilling complex material into something teams can put to work immediately. 

In financial services, Wei-Meng has delivered a series of engineering programmes for a Tier 1 Bank in Guangzhou – most recently a three-week intensive in March 2026 covering Linux, Git, Java, Spring Boot, and networking, following an earlier programme in July 2025 and the data track of a programme in July 2024. This sustained relationship is part of a wider body of work that upskills developers within large, regulated organisations where production-readiness and reliability matter as much as the technology itself. He has also delivered blockchain and smart contracts training to financial services professionals through SMU's Advanced Certificate in Blockchain for Business Professionals and SIM's blockchain course series. 

Beyond delivery, Wei-Meng designs the curriculum he teaches. He developed the courseware and led training for The Data School at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (2019–2022) and The Go School at Ngee Ann Polytechnic (2020–2021) – building both programmes from the ground up across data science, Python, and Go programming. This dual role of architect and instructor runs through much of his work: courses are built around how developers actually learn, not how textbooks are organised. 

Wei-Meng holds academic appointments as Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Singapore University of Technology and Design Academy (SUTD), teaching GenAI and NLP, and as Adjunct Faculty at Singapore Management University Academy (SMU), where he is the principal instructor for the Advanced Certificate in Applied AI Programming – personally delivering 10 of the programme's 11 modules – and serves as an Appointed Examiner for the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy postgraduate programme. As an Associate Instructor at Neueda, he delivers training in full-stack development, data analytics, Docker, Kubernetes, machine learning, GenAI, and iOS to enterprise clients.

Other notable engagements include serving as the designated training provider for the US Army Signal Center of Excellence's iOS and Android programmes (with attendees from NASA, FBI, and the DoD), delivering iOS and Bluetooth Low Energy training for Widex – the world's sixth-largest hearing-aid manufacturer – and running iOS workshops across the ASEAN region for Apple Singapore. 

He is a prolific technical author with 25+ published books, including Hugging Face in Action (2025), DuckDB: Up and Running (2024), Implementing Statistics with Python (2024), Beginning Ethereum Smart Contracts Programming, and Python Machine Learning. He writes regular columns for Towards Data Science and CODE Magazine, and has a long-standing relationship with NDC – delivering training under the NDC Training banner before NDC pivoted to its conference business, speaking at NDC events in London, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Minnesota, and serving as the developer of the official NDC Conferences app used at their events worldwide. He was the keynote speaker at Apprise Conf 2023 in Oslo and has also spoken at Techorama Amsterdam. 

Wei-Meng works best with engineering teams who want to move quickly from concept to working code – whether that's modernising a Java/Spring Boot stack, getting hands-on with LLMs and RAG, or making sense of blockchain for the business. 

Yvonne will make your data sing, help you tell data-driven stories and support you in making better data-informed business decisions. Over 20 years experience in delivery of Digital Skills training, mentoring and consultancy.

Specializes in Data Analysis & Visualization, including, Excel, Power BI and Tableau.

Certified in:
• Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate
• Tableau Desktop Specialist