Which Macro Forces

Rafael LaRue, Chief Creative Officer and Partner at Livit Design, has over a decade of experience in design and innovation within the restaurant and hospitality sectors. His leadership has guided the development of hundreds of projects and numerous successful openings worldwide. Passionate about concept creation, Rafael merges creativity with strategic insights, focusing on sustainable, customer-centric brands and memorable experiences. His work integrates innovative design with a keen understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, driving engagement and profitability. 

Steven Van Belleghem is an expert in customer experience and digital transformation, specializing in the hospitality and culinary industries. As a bestselling author and keynote speaker, he helps businesses use technology to enhance customer engagement. Steven combines common sense, new technologies, and an empathic approach to help restaurants build lasting customer relationships and drive innovation. 

Ana Roš is a Slovenian chef and the owner of Hiša Franko, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Soča Valley. She is known for her commitment to using local, seasonal ingredients and prioritizing sustainability in her cooking. Ana’s approach is deeply connected to nature, with the restaurant closing in winter to follow the land’s natural rhythms. Her innovative work in the culinary world earned her the title of World’s Best Female Chef. 

Santiago Lastra, chef and founder of Michelin-starred KOL in London, celebrates Mexican culture through a contemporary lens while using British-sourced ingredients. Born in Mexico City and raised in Cuernavaca, Santiago’s journey began with a love for problem-solving, which evolved into a passion for cooking. His career highlights include working at Mugaritz, earning a Master's in Culinary Innovation, and hosting pop-ups in 27 countries, blending Mexican recipes with local ingredients.  

Gaggan Anand is a renowned chef known for reinventing Indian cuisine with his innovative approach. Originally from India, he gained global recognition with his Michelin-starred restaurant, Gaggan, in Bangkok. By blending traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques, he offers a unique dining experience that challenges culinary norms. Gaggan continues to inspire chefs worldwide, setting a high standard for creativity in modern Indian cuisine. 

Jim Stolze is a Dutch entrepreneur, speaker, and AI expert, recognized for his innovative work in technology and education. He is the founder of AI Academy, a platform dedicated to teaching artificial intelligence to professionals. Jim has been a driving force in bridging the gap between AI and practical applications. His passion for making AI accessible has positioned him as a leader in the field, helping businesses and individuals embrace the future of technology. 

Steven Van Belleghem is an expert in customer experience and digital transformation, specializing in the hospitality and culinary industries. As a bestselling author and keynote speaker, he helps businesses use technology to enhance customer engagement. Steven combines common sense, new technologies, and an empathic approach to help restaurants build lasting customer relationships and drive innovation. 

Rafael LaRue, Chief Creative Officer and Partner at Livit Design, has over a decade of experience in design and innovation within the restaurant and hospitality sectors. His leadership has guided the development of hundreds of projects and numerous successful openings worldwide. Passionate about concept creation, Rafael merges creativity with strategic insights, focusing on sustainable, customer-centric brands and memorable experiences. His work integrates innovative design with a keen understanding of market trends and consumer behavior, driving engagement and profitability.