What Does It Mean to be Human? An Exploration of Belonging in an Age of Hybrid Intelligence. | Jennifer Sertl, VP, Mktg, Circle Optics, Strategist, Futurist

Who Is Jennifer Sertl?Jennifer Sertl is an internationally recognized strategist, leadership coach, and marketing executive with more than two decades of experience across transportation, beauty, defense, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. She is actively consulting through her firm Agility3R, where she helps organizations and executives build strategic capacity through resilience, responsiveness, and reflection. Jennifer is also Vice President of Marketing at Circle Optics, a deep tech company pioneering stitch-free panoramic imaging systems for aerospace, defense, and robotics.Her consulting and executive advisory work spans global companies including Genesee & Wyoming Inc., Zotos International, TRACSIS, Fujifilm, and Optimax Systems Inc., where she delivers transformation through behavioral branding, system design, and narrative intelligence. Jennifer is affiliated with several innovation ecosystems—including the MARL Accelerator, Upstate Venture Connect, Luminate Accelerator, GENIUS NY, and Alley to the Valley—supporting founders and leaders as they navigate growth, alignment, and complexity.She is the designer and creative director of three thought leadership platforms:~ Studio A3R – her personal podcast, where she hosts thinkers and visionaries exploring the theme “The antidote to chaos is connection.”~ 360° Pulse Podcast – produced for Circle Optics, focusing on Wide Field of View Innovation~ Slow Drip Podcast – hosted by India Osborne, where Jennifer serves as creative director and co-producerJennifer personally hosts both Studio A3R and 360° Pulse, and brings a high level of strategic storytelling and philosophical depth to each.A seasoned facilitator, she previously led three executive roundtables for Vistage International, curating thought leadership for C-level executives. She currently teaches “Exploring Innovation” at Rochester Institute of Technology and has spoken on global stages including Sibos, Asian Banker Summit, and the New York State CIO Conference.She is co-author of Strategy, Leadership and the Soul and The Upstate Founders Playbook, and serves on multiple advisory boards focused on technology, ethics, and workforce development.Jennifer lives in Rochester, New York. When she’s not consulting or creating, she’s likely hiking, reading existential philosophy, or hosting intimate salons that foster connection across disciplines and generations.