Meet the Team
-
Ramy Nassar
FOUNDER
Ramy (he/him) is the founder of 1000 Days Out and author of the upcoming AI Product Design Handbook. With nearly 25 years experience in technology and as former Head of Innovation for Mattel, he leads presentations and workshops focused on disruption and strategic foresight with organizations around the world.
Ramy has led strategic foresight & planning initiatives with organizations including TD Bank, Rio Tinto, Genome Canada, Interac, Apple, Air Canada, Facebook, New Balance, Telus, CIBC, and the Federal Government of Canada.
Ramy teaches Design Thinking at McMaster University and in the Master's of Engineering, Innovation & Entrepreneurship program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Ramy is an award-winning speaker & facilitator at international events including World Usability Congress, IxDA, FITC, AI Everything, AI Business Summit, and World Mobile Congress. He is fluent in English, French, and German.
-
Aileen Nandy
CUSTOMER RESEARCH AND DESIGN STRATEGIST
Aileen (she/her) is a seasoned expert in customer research and design strategy, specializing in uncovering deep user insights and crafting impactful communication strategies. With a keen ability to ask the right questions, she helps teams reframe problems, identify opportunities, and explore innovative solutions.
Aileen has worked with Fortune 500 companies across a range of industries, leading research initiatives that inform product and service innovation. She has a passion for understanding human behavior and translating those insights into actionable strategies. Whether facilitating workshops or synthesizing complex data, Aileen ensures that the voice of the customer remains at the heart of every decision.
-
Rob Wray
AI & BUSINESS INNOVATION STRATEGIST
Robert (he/him) is a serial entrepreneur, AI innovator, and healthcare technology pioneer with a track record of building transformative companies where no playbook exists. With over two decades at the intersection of emerging technology and business strategy, he has spearheaded industry-first solutions across healthcare, telematics, e-commerce, and AI.
From launching one of the earliest mobile digital audio communities before the iPhone to pioneering IT solutions for medical practices before digital healthcare was mainstream, Robert has consistently been ahead of the curve. As the founder of Whitebox, he redefined e-commerce logistics and advertising. His teams secured $55M in venture capital and scaled to a 500-person team across multiple states.
Robert’s latest venture is an AI rapid prototyping lab developing groundbreaking applications, including a multi-system AI board of directors simulator already facilitating millions in business transactions. In healthcare, he collaborates with Hopkins Ventures and startups like CurieDx to advance smartphone-based diagnostics, driving the future of medical testing. A visionary strategist and builder, Robert continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI and emerging tech.
-
Vanessa Alvarado
UX/UI DESIGNER
Vanessa (she/her) is a creative force in UX/UI design, bringing concepts to life through stunning visual artifacts, interactive prototypes, and strategic design frameworks. With an exceptional ability to translate raw ideas - whether from post-it notes or impromptu brainstorming sessions -into tangible solutions, she plays a key role in shaping user-centered experiences.
Vanessa has collaborated with organizations across various industries to craft intuitive digital products that resonate with users. She thrives in fast-paced environments, balancing creativity with research-driven decision-making. Whether refining wireframes or designing high-fidelity interfaces, Vanessa ensures that every detail serves both form and function.
-
Iain Montgomery
CUSTOMER RESEARCH AND INNOVATION STRATEGIST
Iain (he/him) is a forward-thinking strategist with a passion for challenging conventional wisdom and helping organizations envision the future. Specializing in customer research and innovation strategy, he uncovers emerging trends, facilitates thought-provoking discussions, and guides teams toward transformative solutions.
With extensive experience working with clients across sectors, Iain excels at connecting insights to actionable strategies. His expertise spans exploratory research, strategic foresight, and innovation facilitation. A natural storyteller, he brings fresh perspectives to every engagement - whether through in-depth customer conversations, trend analysis, or lively debates over a well-earned pint (where his love for Burnley Football Club may surface).