Office Hours with David Meltzer

Marianne Rombola Marianne Rombola is a Brooklyn-born, NLP-certified coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner whose work is shaped by deep personal resilience. Growing up with a handicapped mother, an emotionally abusive sister, and an emotionally distant father, she carried adult responsibilities early on. She later endured profound hardships, including the loss of her high school sweetheart, the impact of 9/11, a painful divorce, her younger daughter’s NF1 brain tumors, and her older daughter’s suicidal crisis—all while navigating high-pressure political and business environments that strengthened her intuition and inner clarity. As the founder of The Journey Within Practice, she blends grounded strength, spiritual depth, and Brooklyn honesty to support high performers through meaningful breakthroughs. Dave Aizer Dave Aizer is the Founder and CEO of DaveAizer.com, a public speaking and media training firm dedicated to helping professionals become confident and compelling communicators. With more than 25 years of on-camera experience, Dave has hosted for major networks including The CW, CBS, FOX Sports Florida, The Onion News Network, and Nickelodeon, where he led the iconic game show Slime Time Live. His extensive background as a TV host and keynote speaker shapes his practical, performance-driven coaching approach. Over the past decade, Dave has trained hundreds of entrepreneurs, executives, and media professionals, and has led workshops for organizations such as Bacardi, Postmates, Patron, Mass Mutual, and The American Cancer Society. Bernie Melanson Bernie Melanson is a retired Air Force veteran and servant leader whose life has been defined by resilience, purpose, and refusing to settle for less. His journey includes surviving a military helicopter crash on an 8,750-foot mountain—a moment that brought the fragility of life into sharp focus and sparked a profound personal transformation. Through deployments, transitions, and reinvention, Bernie learned that real change happens through small, intentional moments rather than grand gestures. Today, he channels those lessons into his work as a motivational speaker, trainer, and author of An Inspired Renewal and Minutes Matter. Bernie’s mission is to help people reclaim their focus, unlock their potential, and live lives that matter—with purpose and on purpose.

Renee Vee Renee Vee, CCC-SLP is a mindset and communication specialist, speaker, author, columnist, and Legacy Makers cast member whose work bridges education, leadership, and personal development. With more than 24 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, she has helped individuals and organizations strengthen communication, confidence, leadership, and culture. Known for her dynamic speaking style and relatable approach, Renee delivers transformational workshops and keynotes that inspire audiences to take action and communicate with greater authenticity and impact. Her passion for helping people think bigger and connect more meaningfully led her to co-found the Rich Thinking Conference in Philadelphia and launch The Rich Thinking Co-author book series—both designed to empower growth-driven individuals through mindset, networking, and storytelling. Shawn Casemore Shawn is a sales expert and professional speaker who motivates audiences to achieve higher levels of sales performance by providing actionable insights that can be applied immediately. He is the author of six commercially published books, including The Sales Multiplier Formula (2024) and The Unstoppable Sales Machine (2022), with a forthcoming book, The Unstoppable SalesSM Prospecting System (2025). Drawing on over 15 years of speaking experience, Shawn studies top sales performers to share fresh strategies for selling successfully in today’s economy. His keynotes and programs focus on creating an environment of Unstoppable SalesSM, empowering professionals and organizations to overcome obstacles, boost results, and cultivate sustainable sales growth. Mar Morabito Mar Morabito is an Amazon Best Selling Author, high-performance coach, serial entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and the creator of the 7 Rhythms of Sovereignty™. A transformational coach and speaker, she is devoted to guiding high-performing leaders beyond external achievement and into true internal sovereignty. Her work is rooted in her own powerful journey—overcoming trauma, addiction, and a complete collapse of her physical and mental health. Through this transformation, she developed the 7 Rhythms of Sovereignty, a framework that moved her from survival to deep alignment.

Deniz Kent Deniz Kent is the Co-Founder and CEO of Prolific Machines, where he conceived the company’s core optogenetic biomanufacturing technology, built a world-class leadership team, and secured more than $90 million from top-tier investors such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Ki Tua Fund, and Mayfield. A domain expert in optogenetics, single-cell RNA sequencing, iPSC differentiation, and AI-driven bioprocess optimization, Deniz earned his PhD from King’s College London, where he co-discovered a novel human liver stem cell population and led pioneering small-molecule screening work, resulting in multiple new discoveries and patents. His influence in the field is recognized globally—he is a member of Founder’s Pledge and has been appointed to the World Economic Forum’s Bioeconomy Initiative, reflecting his impact at the intersection of biotechnology, innovation, and global leadership. Terry Healey At age 21, Terry Healey survived a life-threatening cancer that left him with a permanent facial difference—an experience that could have defined his future. Instead, he used everyday moments of inspiration to fuel personal transformation, ultimately developing a practical framework built on four core principles for overcoming adversity and creating a more meaningful life. Today, he is an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist, delivering impactful programs to healthcare organizations, corporations, educational institutions, associations, and nonprofits across the country. His new book, The Resilience Mindset: How Adversity Can Strengthen Individuals, Teams, and Leaders, is designed for business professionals seeking purpose, cancer survivors, individuals with disabilities, or anyone navigating life’s challenges. Scott Arey Community Musician, founded by Scott Arey, is designed to help artists retain significantly more profit from their work. The platform produces collectible music cards for just $4 each, which artists typically sell for $20—allowing them to keep 75% of the profits. Unlike traditional merchandise providers, Community Musician supports creators at every level by offering small production runs starting at just 25 cards, making it accessible for emerging and established musicians alike. For fans who prefer a digital experience, Community Musician also offers a companion app that links each card to a unique user ID, granting access to a private music library. This hybrid physical-digital model creates a new, artist-centric way to distribute and monetize music.

Sam Gute Rogers Sam Gute Rogers is a self-mastery coach, creative entrepreneur, and founder of the Academy of Creatives and Pattern Break, a mindful tech brand focused on helping people use social media with intention. His journey took a dramatic turn at 19 when, while running a franchise, he landed in jail—an experience that shattered his ideas of success built on money, status, and achievement. That moment pushed him to confront who he truly was and sparked the inner transformation that now fuels his work. Today, Sam helps others create the same breakthrough by blending psychology, spirituality, and practical systems to overcome overthinking, release performance pressure, and build real confidence. He has spoken on international stages by age 24, addressing audiences of over 200 people, and spent time in Vietnam where he built a thriving community of more than 2,000 expats and digital nomads. Kelvin Davis Kelvin Davis is an author, model, and leading advocate for body positivity and modern masculinity. As the creator of Notoriously Dapper and author of Be a Good Man, Not a Nice Guy, he empowers men to embrace self-confidence, authenticity, and self-love. A former art teacher turned fashion trailblazer, Kelvin became one of the first Black big-and-tall models for GAP and Target and has collaborated with major brands like Nike, Reebok, and JCPenney. His work has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and HuffPost, where he champions inclusivity within the fashion industry.

Shawn Walchef Shawn Walchef is a restaurant owner turned media visionary who built a full-scale content studio inside his BBQ brand long before it became industry standard. Through his weekly podcast, he has interviewed top tech founders, hospitality leaders, and hundreds of entrepreneurs, giving him a rare cross-industry perspective on leadership, innovation, and growth. His approach transformed his slow-smoked BBQ business into a storytelling engine reaching millions. Shawn is best known for his mantra, “Be the Show, Not the Commercial,” a philosophy he applies to marketing, partnerships, and company culture. Beyond business, he openly shares his experiences with mental health, entrepreneurship, and fatherhood—using his platform to encourage resilience, honesty, and human connection in life and leadership. Nishit Mehta Nishit Mehta, founder of La Joya Jewelry, is a third-generation diamond industry leader with more than 30 years of experience, beginning his career in Hong Kong in 1992 as CEO of Diamart Ltd, where he grew the company into a strong seven-figure enterprise. His success led him to Gitanjali Gems Limited, where he helped drive global diamond revenue past nine figures, managed 112 U.S. jewelry stores, led the acquisition and integration of four Italian luxury brands, oversaw worldwide distribution, and launched a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Panyu, China. In 2013, he founded Azure Ltd, expanding into global direct-to-retailer supply, and later recognized the future of lab-grown diamonds, launching La Joya Jewelry to make ethical, heirloom-quality designs accessible and affordable. Today, Mehta is known as a pioneer of ethical luxury and a visionary reshaping the modern jewelry market. Russell Rogers Russell had authored five books and had launched them the previous year, back in June. The motive driving these literary endeavors was to inspire families to venture outdoors and engage in activities together. He firmly believed in the significance of establishing such habits early on in children's lives. Each book he wrote delved into the experiences of the first five years of a child's life. Motivated to make a great impact in society, he also launched Movetoday365. They do monthly walks and work on this to be supported in all 50 states.

Jamie Weeks Jamie Weeks is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and brand builder who excels at transforming early-stage concepts into industry-leading companies. Over the past decade, he has achieved three private-equity exits exceeding $100 million from businesses he founded, including building the largest Orangetheory Fitness franchise group in the U.S. and founding SweatHouz, the nation’s first private-suite contrast therapy brand, which is on track to surpass 250 locations by 2026. As founder of Founders Row, a hybrid private-equity and creative platform, Jamie partners with founders to scale distinctive brands across wellness, consumer services, and retail, leveraging his two decades of experience and more than 40 investments to provide strategic growth, operational expertise, and brand-driven expansion. Frederick Fisher Frederick Fisher, J.D., CCP, is a distinguished authority in Professional Liability with more than five decades of experience dedicated to advancing client financial security. A founding member and Past President of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), he has shaped industry standards through leadership, education, and advocacy, earning the prestigious PLUS Founders Award in 2019. Fisher has also served for over 30 years as Senior Technical Advisor on the International Risk Management Institute’s Professional Liability Insurance manual, contributes as faculty at the Claims College’s School of Professional Lines, and sits on the Editorial Board of Agents of America. Nik Agharkar Nik Agharkar, Esq. is a seasoned counselor with nearly 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth preservation, tax strategy, and legacy planning. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with dual degrees in Economics and Public Policy, he brings a rare combination of analytical expertise and a deep understanding of law, finance, and public systems to his work. Nik is particularly recognized for his ability to uncover overlooked provisions within the tax code, crafting creative and compliant strategies that reduce tax burdens and enhance long-term financial security. His approach often integrates sophisticated asset protection vehicles, making him a trusted advisor for clients seeking lasting, strategic financial solutions.

Greg Hawks Greg Hawks is a keynote speaker, author, and corporate culture specialist who inspires leaders and teams to Act Like an Owner. With more than 25 years of experience, he has partnered with organizations nationwide to strengthen culture, build trust, and activate genuine ownership mindsets across all levels of an organization. Before launching his speaking and consulting career, Greg spent a decade as Executive Director of a nonprofit, guiding teams through complex challenges and cultivating environments where people could excel. That foundation shaped his work with ESOPs, credit unions, Fortune 500 companies, and national associations. Known for his energetic delivery and practical insights, Greg equips executives and employees to re-engage, elevate accountability, and ignite sustainable growth. Kevin Lawrence Kevin Lawrence is a globally recognized growth advisor who has spent three decades helping companies scale from tens of millions to hundreds of millions in revenue. Working closely with CEOs and leadership teams across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, he created the Lawrence & Co Growth Management System—a proven framework for achieving consistent, sustainable growth. His insights come from real-world, hands-on experience inside high-performing organizations. Kevin is the author of Your Oxygen Mask First, which outlines seventeen essential habits for leaders to grow their companies while protecting their mental health and resilience. He contributed to the bestselling book Scaling Up and recently released The 4 Forces of Growth, a guide to avoiding common pitfalls and building companies that continue to scale year after year. Armine Alajian Armine Alajian is the Founder at The Alajian Group. Armine is an experienced CPA, with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting industry specializing in startups and business management. Those who work with her love how passionate she is about helping, problem solving and providing solution-based results, all while managing to put a strong emphasis on building accounting infrastructures, internal controls, financial reporting, and best practices.

Austin Boer After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, Austin co-founded SLEKE., a minimal phone designed to deliver essential communication and utility features in a completely distraction-free environment. Before launching SLEKE., Austin spent several years in China, where he taught English, operated an English school, and even created a bouldering brush for rock climbers with a friend. He later returned to the U.S., bringing his entrepreneurial experience and global perspective to the development of SLEKE. alongside one of his college friends. SLEKE. makes a smartphone which helps people interact in the real world while eliminating the most distracting parts of their devices. The phone includes communication & utility oriented features and excludes anything meant to pull us away from living our real lives. Dr. Tim Young Dr. Tim Young is an entrepreneur, speaker, and mentor who built a high performing practice and mentoring programs that together generated more than $25 million in revenue over his chiropractic career. A former bodybuilding champion and Navy veteran, he is the founder of Young Chiropractic and the Focus Foundations Mentoring Program, where he trains thousands around the world in the discipline and structure that create lasting success.

Len Ward Len is a former Wall Street VP who shifted from the fast-paced world of institutional equity trading to become a leading voice in digital marketing and artificial intelligence. His early career at Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse during the dot-com boom exposed him to the transformative power of emerging technology—an experience that ultimately inspired him to pursue entrepreneurship. After launching his own e-commerce business, he taught himself SEO, paid media, and digital growth strategies, building a deep understanding of how technology drives business performance. Today, Len leads the AI revolution at Commexis, an AI consulting and product development firm, where he helps companies navigate the rapidly changing landscape of automation, marketing innovation, and AI-driven operations. Amy Leneker Burnout is at a 10-year high, with more than half a million people leaving their jobs this year, and Amy Leneker—former C-suite executive and leadership advisor to Fortune 100 companies—believes the real solution isn’t just resilience, but rediscovering joy. After experiencing over 100 stress-induced panic attacks in three months, she realized that stress often hides behind ambition and passion, quietly undermining success. Now, Amy teaches practical tools to create healthier, happier workplaces, including her Un-Stressing Method, the ABC of Joy (Awareness, Breathe, Connection), and the Five Types of Stress. Her message is simple: joy isn’t fluff—it’s a strategic advantage that prevents burnout and helps people thrive. Kurt Hegetschweiler Kurt Hegetschweiler is the Founder of Builders Coach and a two-time bestselling author recognized as one of the leading experts in scaling residential construction businesses to seven-figure profits. With more than 20 years of experience across construction, franchise development, and business coaching, he has helped thousands of builders in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and the U.S. implement proven systems for growth. He is also the host of The Builders Coach Show, where he shares actionable strategies, real-world success stories, and insights that help builders achieve greater freedom and financial stability.

Antoine Tessier Antoine Tessier is the CEO of duPont Registry Group and brings more than 15 years of leadership experience across the luxury and technology sectors. Known for driving innovation and operational transformation, he has played a pivotal role in elevating brands and reshaping how luxury businesses engage with modern consumers. Before joining duPont Registry Group, Tessier spent over a decade at LVMH, most recently serving as Chief Technology Officer for the group. His tenure included roles such as CTO Americas for Louis Vuitton, where he led major digital, retail, and technological initiatives. His background blends deep technical expertise with a refined understanding of high-end consumer markets, positioning him as a transformative leader in luxury. Neha Kumar Neha Kumar is the co-founder and CEO of Full Glass Wine Co., a fast-growing parent company transforming the wine industry through innovative direct-to-consumer brands. With over 14 years of experience in startups, finance, and deal-making, she previously helped lead Create & Cultivate as COO & CFO through its successful private-equity acquisition. Neha also teaches finance at UCLA Anderson, where she has been a lecturer for more than nine years, and empowers high-net-worth women to invest confidently through the Women’s Abundance Collective. She holds degrees from UCLA and USC.

Farid Yaghoubtil Farid Yaghoubtil is the founding partner and owner of Downtown L.A. Law Group, one of California’s leading personal injury firms. A first-generation immigrant from Iran, Farid came to the U.S. as a child and quickly became his family’s translator and negotiator, helping his parents navigate daily challenges in a new country. Those early experiences ignited his passion for advocacy and inspired his lifelong dream of becoming an attorney—one committed to giving others the voice and representation his parents didn’t have. In 2011, Farid co-founded Downtown L.A. Law Group with two partners, starting out in a small library conference room armed with only a vision and strong guiding values. Today, the firm has grown into a powerhouse practice specializing in personal injury law and consumer justice. Dr. Ann Shippy Dr. Ann Shippy is a board-certified functional medicine physician and founder of Every Life Well and Every Baby Well. With years of experience working with patients to optimize health through personalized, science-based care, Dr. Shippy is a trusted authority in the field of functional medicine. She is passionate about helping people take a proactive approach to their health, particularly in areas such as fertility, pregnancy, and long-term well-being. Dr. Shippy’s work has been featured in various media outlets, and she frequently speaks at health and wellness events nationwide. Heather Parsons Heather Parsons is the Founder and CEO of Summit CFO, a Nashville-based fractional CFO firm that provides on-demand financial strategy and leadership for small-business entrepreneurs. With over a decade of experience in corporate accounting and business operations, including managing $200 million in annual spending at Fortune 100 companies and top accounting firms, Heather founded Summit to make high-level financial expertise accessible to everyday business owners. Inspired by her own experience running a real estate investment business, Heather saw how many talented entrepreneurs struggled—not for lack of ideas, but due to weak financial infrastructure and planning. Summit CFO fills that gap, offering services like cash-flow optimization, expansion strategy, and long-term financial frameworks.

Adiel Gorel Adiel Gorel is a leading real estate investment expert and the founder and CEO of ICG (International Capital Group) Real Estate Investments, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since 1987, he has helped tens of thousands of investors build financial security for retirement, education, and legacy wealth. He is also the author of five books, including the Amazon bestseller Remote Control Retirement Riches. A sought-after speaker and media presence, Adiel has lectured worldwide at companies like Stanford, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, and has been featured on Fox Business, ABC, NBC, Fortune, and Entrepreneur Magazine. His Public Television program, Remote Control Retirement Riches, is now in its sixth year, further establishing him as one of America’s top voices in real estate and financial freedom. Anna Murray Anna Murray is an award-winning tech entrepreneur, author, and digital strategist with over 20 years of experience in software development and digital transformation. She is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of SIX3RO, leading marketing and commercialization for its cutting-edge, quantum-secure technologies. Anna also founded emedia, LLC, one of the nation’s oldest women-owned web companies, providing software solutions and digital strategy for Fortune 500 companies and mission-driven organizations. Carrie Smith Trabue Carrie Smith Trabue is the Co-Founder and President of LawSphere, a new online community designed to support and connect lawyers. With seven years of experience as a trial lawyer and over 25 years as CEO of Carrington Legal Search, Carrie has gained deep insight into the challenges, goals, and aspirations of legal professionals nationwide. LawSphere was created from her passion to give back to the legal community and provide solutions to the issues she’s observed throughout her career.

Joshua Ishmael Vargas Joshua Ishmael is the founder of Love Changes, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending child abuse through awareness, healing, and community action. A survivor himself, Joshua transformed his personal trauma into a mission to build “Forever Homes” — safe, self-sustaining spaces where children can heal and thrive. His vision is simple but profound: to create a world where every child feels safe, seen, and free. Through poetry, empathy, and strategy, Joshua connects with people in their most vulnerable moments, helping them find words, healing, and hope. He believes empathy isn’t just a feeling but a powerful tool for transformation — one that, when paired with strategy, can change lives. Jacob Zuppke Jacob Zuppke is the CEO, President, and Board Member of Whisker, the leading innovator in connected pet care and the company behind Litter-Robot, Feeder-Robot, and Litterbox.com, serving over 1.25 million customers worldwide. Starting as employee #25 more than a decade ago, Jacob rose through the ranks by leading operations, marketing, and product development, helping shape Whisker into a category-defining brand. Today, he leads a team of about 100 product engineers focused on advancing the future of pet technology. As CEO, Jacob guides Whisker’s strategy and vision to create products that are as intuitive and enjoyable for humans as they are for pets. Shirin Behzadi Shirin Behzadi’s journey is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Born and raised in Iran, she witnessed the upheaval of regime change and war as a teenager and was even arrested at age 15 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard for speaking her mind. At 17, she arrived alone in the U.S., taking a job behind bulletproof glass at a Los Angeles gas station while earning her bachelor’s degree. Through perseverance, Shirin rose from CPA to CFO and eventually became CEO, navigating personal and professional challenges, including emergency brain surgery, while building her leadership career.

Kate Durand Kate Durand is the founder of YO BK, a premier yoga studio with locations in New York City and Miami, celebrated for its dynamic hot yoga and Pilates classes. With a mission to blend physical challenge with mindful practice, Kate has cultivated a community-driven environment where students are encouraged to transform both body and mind. Her expertise spans multiple disciplines, holding certifications in Power Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative Yoga, and Inferno Hot Pilates (Levels 1–3), allowing her to bring a well-rounded and inclusive approach to her teaching and leadership. Harry Massey Harry Massey is a visionary entrepreneur, inventor, and the founder of Energy4Life, a company at the forefront of physics-based bioenergetics. After spending nearly a decade bedridden following a near-fatal mountaineering accident, Harry used his understanding of energy-based science to rebuild his own health and transform his life. His work led to the creation of the world’s first wearable device that detects and corrects emotional energy imbalances using pulse signals and red light technology, marking a groundbreaking advancement in the integration of wellness and bioenergetics. Katie Lee Katie Lee is a restaurateur, entrepreneur, author, and innovator whose remarkable journey from high school dropout and recovering addict to acclaimed founder of Katie’s embodies resilience and reinvention. Launching her first restaurant in 2008, she helped spark the artisan Italian pizza movement in the Midwest. Today, Katie is revolutionizing the frozen food industry by merging authentic artisan craftsmanship with large-scale production, bringing the heart of handmade cuisine to homes nationwide. What began as a single neighborhood pizzeria has grown into a celebrated, 100% woman-owned culinary institution with three award-winning St. Louis restaurants and two more opening in 2025.

Jeff Burningham Jeff Burningham is a tech entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former Utah gubernatorial candidate who has built and invested in companies worth over $5 billion. He co-founded Peak Capital Partners and Peak Ventures, and currently mentors founders, teaches college courses, and hosts a podcast on human potential and entrepreneurship. Jeff’s latest book, The Last Book Written by a Human, explores how humanity can evolve with wisdom in the age of AI. As a serial entrepreneur and investor who’s launched billion-dollar businesses and run for public office, I bring a grounded yet visionary perspective on how to thrive amidst disruption. Seth Darmstadter Seth Darmstadter is a powerhouse litigator and Managing Partner at Raines Feldman Littrell LLP, known for handling high-stakes commercial disputes with sharp strategy and business insight. Based in Chicago, he’s built a reputation for resolving tough corporate conflicts and delivering fast results. Before joining Raines, he led the Chicago office of Michelman & Robinson LLP, chaired its national Class Action & Complex Litigation Practice, and served as General Counsel at Outcome Health during a major corporate crisis. He’s known for his bold approach, quick wit, and belief that success comes from work-life integration. Having managed over 1,000 “business divorces” — from startups to Fortune 500s — Seth is the go-to advisor for leaders facing high-pressure legal challenges. Dan Lazar Dan Lazar is a former professional athlete turned entrepreneur recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and featured on Shark Tank Romania, with one successful company exit. His journey began with a love for cars and sports, evolving into a disciplined tennis career that shaped his mindset for entrepreneurship. After earning a degree in International Business, he launched and scaled a tennis academy, eventually selling it for six figures. He later ventured into property development, completing $12M in real estate projects before facing — and overcoming — major financial losses that tested his resilience. Today, Dan leads a global sports infrastructure company specializing in air domes — a venture that started as a local solution for his tennis club and has since expanded across Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East, with ambitions to build inflatable habitats for the Moon and Mars.

Eric Frankel Eric Frankel is an innovative business leader with deep experience across traditional media and emerging technologies. He is the founder and CEO of AdGreetz, a company redefining marketing for an AI-powered world by enabling brands, agencies, and platforms to create and deploy personalized, data-driven video and display ads across more than 20 ad-tech and martech channels. AdGreetz is backed by high-profile investors, including former top executives from Disney, Fox, HBO, and CBS, as well as notable figures like former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. Before launching AdGreetz, Frankel spent over two decades at Warner Bros., where he served as President of Domestic Cable Distribution from 2000 to 2008. Neelakantha Bhanu Neelakantha Bhanu, the ‘World’s Fastest Human Calculator’ and developer of Bhanzu, a math educational platform which is designed for the 21st-century learner that empowers K-9 students to not just learn math, but to master it effectively and easily. Bhanzu was launched 18 months ago in the United States and they opened up their first physical learning center in the U.S. in the first week of September. Jay Frank Jay Frank is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and global citizen committed to creating meaningful impact through business. After years of searching for purpose, he discovered a way to align profit with purpose—using everyday transactions to help rebalance planetary inequities, one step at a time. A proud parent of two college-aged children, Jay approaches life with passion, humor, and a deep desire to move beyond talk and take real action toward the change we all seek.

Jacqueline Perez Jacqueline Perez is the founder and CEO of Kuel Life, a platform and community redefining midlife for women over 50. Through media, events, and storytelling, Jacqueline amplifies the voices of women in their second act and challenges cultural stereotypes about aging. A passionate advocate for visibility and empowerment, she inspires women to embrace midlife as a time of reinvention, purpose, and power. Steven Rivera Steven is the founder of MindfulWizard LLC, a published author, and a dedicated educator with two master’s degrees. He currently serves as a PBIS coach for the NYC Department of Education’s District 75, where he helps teachers and administrators develop behavioral support plans for some of the city’s most challenging students. His experience also includes working for three years in a juvenile detention center, where he supported incarcerated youth through mentorship and education. Evva Fenison Evva Fenison is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and founder of EvvaLution, a movement dedicated to empowering women to reinvent themselves with honesty, grit, and heart. After building and selling a multi-million-dollar company, surviving breast cancer twice, and rebuilding her life after divorce, Evva found her true purpose in inspiring others to rise. Her bestselling book and upcoming film explore themes of survival, legacy, and reinvention, blending her raw storytelling and sharp wit with hard-earned wisdom from a life of resilience and courage. For Evva, reinvention isn’t a theory—it’s her lived experience. She’s transformed pain into purpose, using her platform to help women heal, rediscover their strength, and start again.

Leah Hanes, Ph. D. Dr. Leah Hanes has led the Two Bit Circus Foundation (2BCF) since 2013, transforming it into a leading voice in the global STEAM education movement. Under her leadership, 2BCF has championed creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning for students worldwide. Her work in the field culminated in co-authoring Shaping the Future of Education with Nolan Bushnell. In addition to her ongoing leadership at 2BCF, Dr. Hanes now serves as CEO of Bushnell’s EdTech firm, ExoDexa, where she continues to pioneer new ways to engage students through interactive learning technologies. Peter Freund Peter Freund is the CEO of Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), which owns and operates 45 affiliated Minor League Baseball teams across North America. Freund is known for his forward-thinking approach to modernizing the MiLB experience—driving investments in cutting-edge ballpark upgrades, digital innovation, and community engagement initiatives that strengthen the bond between teams and their cities. Under his leadership, DBH has become one of the most influential organizations in the baseball industry, redefining how Minor League teams operate, connect with fans, and serve their local communities. Brendan Boyd Brendan Boyd is a digital media entrepreneur and strategist based in Miami, Florida, with deep expertise across fashion, marketing, and real estate. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for helping entrepreneurs and business owners amplify their brands and drive growth through innovative media strategies. As a speaker, podcaster, and media monetization coach, Brendan specializes in using podcasting as a powerful tool for visibility and revenue generation—often helping clients earn $30K–$50K in a single day from live podcast events. His mission is to empower creators and business owners to harness the full potential of media to grow, scale, and make a lasting impact.

John Gafford John Gafford is a luxury real estate entrepreneur, speaker, and host of the top 20 business podcast Escaping The Drift, which has over 3 million downloads. Known for his straightforward and empowering approach, he helps people break free from autopilot living and take control of their purpose and success. His upcoming book, Escaping The Drift: How to Make the World Happen For You, Not To You (Radius Book Group, November 2025), offers a bold roadmap for living with clarity, focus, and intention. A former contestant on NBC’s The Apprentice, John turned his national recognition into lasting success as the founder and CEO of Simply Vegas, one of the most successful independently owned real estate firms in the country. Emma Dunwoody Emma Dunwoody is a globally recognized Human Design expert, master coach, and behavioral specialist dedicated to helping people unlock their authentic potential. Her mission is to make this powerful system simple, practical, and accessible, empowering millions to align with their inner authority and live with purpose and flow. After struggling for nearly two decades with depression, panic disorder, and a sense of disconnection, Emma discovered Human Design and developed her unique approach—Transformational Human Design—which combines Human Design, The Gene Keys, and transformational coaching methods. Kate Yurenda Kate is a visionary film director, media producer, mindset coach, Qi Gong instructor, and speaker. She is currently releasing Keep it Real and producing Keep it Lit. Kate teaches with a fusion of Quantum healing, NLP, subconscious reprogramming, Law of Attraction, peak performance techniques, and guided meditation.

Kerim Kfuri Kerim Kfuri is the President and CEO of The Atlas Network, where he helps companies navigate the complexities of global supply chains in the face of shifting tariffs and trade wars. A trusted advisor to Daymond John and co-author of The New State of Supply Chain, he has launched more than 30 ventures spanning technology, retail, and real estate. With past leadership roles at NASD/FINRA, Accenture, and the SEC, Kerim brings deep expertise in both business and regulation. He is also the creator of the Seesaw Socio-Economics Theory, which helps forecast how trade policies and tariffs impact different sectors. Cristian Cibils Bernardes Cristian Cibils Bernardes, CEO and co-founder of Autograph, leads an AI-powered memories platform designed to help people capture and preserve their life stories in their own voice. Alongside co-founder Santiago Racca (CTO), Cristian created Walter, an emotionally intelligent AI biographer, who guides users through weekly phone conversations to reflect on their experiences. Autograph allows users to create lasting, voice-to-voice connections that can be shared across generations. The platform is offered as a subscription service at $30 per month, providing unlimited AI conversations, secure storage of memories, and sharing capabilities. Autograph has raised $2.6M from investors including NFX and Arielle Zuckerberg’s Long Journey Ventures, led by Cyan Banister. Martin Dubin Martin Dubin is a clinical psychologist, serial entrepreneur, and business coach who advises C-suite executives and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. He has founded multiple companies, including a multimillion-dollar healthcare business where he served as CEO, demonstrating a strong track record of leadership and innovation. As a former partner at talent firm RHR International, Dubin has worked directly with hundreds of senior executives from Fortune 500 companies, venture capital firms, and their portfolio companies, providing strategic guidance and executive coaching.