Ugly Talk: The ROI of Living Your Brand

Kris Harvey

Founder & Creative Director@Kris Averi

Kris Harvey is the Founder and Creative Director of Kris Averi, an inclusive fine jewelry brand specializing in bespoke engagement rings and heirloom-quality custom jewelry handcrafted in NYC. Inspired by nature, spirituality, storytelling, and human connection, Kris founded the brand in 2017 with a heart-centered approach focused on deeply understanding each client’s story and translating their vision into timeless, one-of-a-kind heirlooms. As a queer designer, Kris is passionate about creating celebrated spaces for all expressions of love, identity, and devotion. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, British Vogue, and worn by artists including Cyndi Lauper.

Glenn Johnson

Marketing Consultant/Fractional CMO

Glenn Johnson works with brands, startups, and founders to address their marketing and branding needs. “From 0-1, to pivot and growth, from idea to production, from packaging to sales strategies, key markets and comp set research and who to work with, I craft a plan and a strategy to get it done. I help brands build their business, for me, Ugly Talks is about the story and the lessons.” A former VP/Creative Director at a Madison Avenue agency specializing in luxury and bespoke audiences, he brings expertise across multiple verticals. As a category-agnostic brand storyteller, he helps founders define their mission, vision and develop their brand business.

Angela Chuang

Founder & Creative Director@a/c space

Angie Chuang is the founder of a/c space, a menswear brand shaped by her Taiwanese-American heritage, New York sensibility, and commitment to craftsmanship. A Parsons School of Design–trained designer, she brings more than a decade of experience from Coach, Theory, and Brooks Brothers. Through a/c space, Chuang creates thoughtful, versatile menswear rooted in fit, quality, and intentional design. Produced in New York City's Garment District, the brand champions local manufacturing, responsible production, and the artistry of small-batch makers.

Ayanna Dutton-Diaz

Founder@AD Consulting

Ayanna Dutton-Diaz is a brand strategist, speaker, and Founder of AD Consulting. She works with founders and multi-hyphenate leaders ready to stop limiting themselves to one identity and build a brand that finally reflects who they actually are. Drawing on 15+ years inside global brands including LinkedIn, Meta, and Cadillac, she equips leaders with the clarity and language they need to find their through line and build presence that opens doors. Past stages include Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women x Brooklyn Public Library LevelUP, LinkedIn x Cannes Lions, The One Club for Creativity, Luminary, and The Female Quotient. She co-founded Non-Corporate Girls™ and writes The Aya Brand on Substack. Whether through keynotes, workshops, or panel moderation, she leaves every room with something they can use.