About spark novus

Aby Varma is a global business and marketing leader, founder and principal of Spark Novus. A trusted advisor to CMOs on embedding AI responsibly and strategically, he enables marketers to future-proof their teams via AI adoption and achieve measurable business outcomes. Aby hosts the Marketing AI SparkCast podcast and leads the Marketing AI Pulse community, where marketing leaders exchange insights and accelerate impact. He is a member of the Forbes Communications Council, sharing perspectives on marketing transformation. He gives back as Head of Marketing for TEDxAtlanta, supporting ideas that inspire change

Matt is a seasoned digital leader with a track record of driving complex strategic engagements for top institutions. His expertise lies in integrating AI into existing strategies while seeking opportunities to transform organizations through AI-driven innovation. Matt has shared his insights with hundreds of marketers, showcasing the practical potential of AI beyond the hype. Previously, he led AI initiatives at a leading agency, developing custom AI solutions for clients. Matt's thought leadership is reinforced by his completion of an AI strategy program at MIT Sloan, further solidifying his expertise.

Michael Buchanan is a marketing operations leader and AI-powered growth strategist with 20+ years of experience driving demand for global B2B and B2C brands including Coca-Cola, Cox, NCR Voyix, and Sage. His expertise spans MarTech strategy, performance marketing, full-funnel demand generation, and CRM-powered personalization. As a former professor at Georgia Tech, he’s passionate about education and building future-ready marketing teams. Michael helps organizations modernize operations and scale impact through smart automation, cross-functional alignment, and real-world AI adoption.

Rhiannon is a project manager focused on helping teams integrate AI to simplify workflows, improve collaboration, and bring new creative potential. With hands-on experience leading marketing campaigns, building scalable content systems, and managing event production, she approaches AI adoption as a way to simplify operations and empower people. She leads high-impact projects that prioritize practical AI adoption, helping teams streamline and create with a human touch. Passionate about the future of work, she believes AI should empower people to work smarter and make creativity more accessible.

Teri is a marketing professional with a proven track record in strategic programs, including project management, community management, customer success, and sales enablement, all driving revenue growth. She leads key projects, optimizing workflows for seamless execution and impactful results. Teri also brings experience in community engagement and GTM initiatives, playing a key role in the acquisitions of Pardot by ExactTarget and Salesforce. Her blend of project management expertise, analytical acumen, and creative vision makes her a leader in the marketing industry.

Nicolette is a fearless leader in brand, marketing, and corporate communications, with deep expertise in strategy, growth, and change management. As a servant leader, she prioritizes technology adoption and integration, always with a human-first approach. Nicolette is passionate about the transformative potential of AI and believes that, when applied with the right intent, it can accelerate progress beyond what we imagine—enhancing reputation, expanding reach, increasing relevance, and driving revenue growth. Her ability to lead through change sets her apart as a true visionary in the industry.