Dylan Smith Dylan Smith, a 23-year-old CEO, is passionately committed to serving and supporting individuals who face challenges similar to those he encountered in his childhood. Adopted twice and misdiagnosed with ADHD when he actually had dyslexia, Dylan's journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Despite not attending college, he has built a successful business and now travels across the country, speaking at business conferences, schools, and events for education professionals, parents, and children. His story inspires many, showcasing the power of perseverance and the importance of understanding and support for those with learning differences. Kevin "Kev" Jordan Kevin "Kev" Jordan is the CEO of MAXXX Performance, where sports, mental health, and innovation intersect. With over a decade of leadership experience, he is passionate about strategic excellence and transformative leadership. At MAXXX Performance, his expertise in behavioral health drives the mission to enhance mental fitness through sports technology and AI, while fostering a culture of diversity and collaboration where every perspective adds value. Kelly Roach Kelly Roach is a former NFL cheerleader and Fortune 500 executive who became one of the only female founders in the online business space to grow her company from zero to eight figures—without debt, investors, or outside funding. She now empowers thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide to achieve financial independence and lifestyle freedom through her coaching and programs. An 11x international best-selling author, Top 20 podcast host, and philanthropist, Kelly has been featured on ABC, NBC, Fox, and Forbes. She has received numerous accolades, including #287 on the Inc. 5000 list, The Stevie Awards Woman of the Year, TITAN CEO of the Year, and Inc.’s Best in Business. Her mission is to show others that it’s possible to build sustainable success on your own terms.

Igor Buchatskiy Buchatskiy is an accomplished executive leader with a proven record of driving growth and innovation across FMCG, agribusiness, and food production industries. With extensive experience as a CEO, VP, founder, and former strategic consultant at McKinsey and Bain, he has led organizations to achieve significant top- and bottom-line success. Known for his strategic vision and hands-on leadership, Buchatskiy continues to share valuable insights from his journey in building and scaling high-performing, purpose-driven companies. Carolyn Dewar Carolyn Dewar is a Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company’s San Francisco office and co-leads the firm’s CEO Excellence practice, where she advises Fortune 100 CEOs on how to lead effectively through pivotal transitions and challenges. With decades of experience in leadership strategy and organizational transformation, she helps top executives strengthen their impact and drive sustainable success. A sought-after thought leader, Carolyn has published over 30 articles in the Harvard Business Review and McKinsey Quarterly and frequently delivers keynotes on leadership and CEO effectiveness. She also founded and teaches in McKinsey’s master classes for current and aspiring CEOs, sharing insights drawn from extensive research and her work with the world’s most influential leaders. Jeffrey “JJ” Madison Jeffrey “JJ” Madison is a Harvard-educated airline pilot, flight instructor, mentor, and author with nearly three decades of aviation experience. Since earning his pilot’s license in 1995, he has logged over 1,500 hours of dual instruction and flown into more than 250 general aviation airports across the continental U.S. In addition to being a certified helicopter pilot, JJ is widely respected for his expertise in aviation safety and human factors. As the author of YIKES! 100 Smart Pilots and the Dumb Things They Did Yet Lived to Tell About ’Em, JJ shares real-life lessons drawn from his extensive analysis of NASA safety reports—the only expert in his field to do so specifically for the pilot community. All proceeds from his book support aerospace scholarships through the Victor Kilo Fund, a nonprofit he co-founded with his wife to empower Civil Air Patrol squadrons, under-resourced flight schools, and STEM programs nationwide.

Jill Robin Payne Jill Robin Payne, MA, LPC-S, LCDC, is a licensed professional counselor with more than 40 years of experience in the mental health field. She is dedicated to helping individuals form deeper, more meaningful connections through effective communication. With a background in psychology and recreational therapy, Jill's mission is to equip people with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges while fostering positive, healthy relationships. She is the creator of Bempathy, a unique communication style that combines empathy with playful banter to encourage authentic, reciprocal engagement. Jill advocates for the importance of good communication as the foundation for personal, professional, and societal well-being. Mike Gentile Mike Gentile is the CEO of CISOSHARE, where he leads initiatives focused on advancing cybersecurity readiness and workforce development. With over 25 years of experience as a cybersecurity founder and leader, he is dedicated to fighting cybercrime while fostering a more equitable ecosystem for learners, employers, and communities. A recognized entrepreneur, Mike co-founded and successfully exited Delphiis, a pioneering GRC security company, and coauthored The CISO Handbook and CISO Soft Skills. His leadership has earned him recognition on the OC500 list of Orange County’s most influential business leaders, as well as finalist honors for multiple entrepreneurship and leadership awards, including the EY Entrepreneur of the Year and OCTANE’s Outstanding Small Company CEO. Andrew Cannon Andrew Cannon is the creator of the EQJOY card game and co-founder of EQJOY Co., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping children build emotional intelligence through play. His work with EQJOY reflects his belief that emotional awareness and empathy are essential life skills that can and should be nurtured from an early age. Through engaging, play-based learning, Andrew empowers children to better understand and express their emotions, setting the foundation for stronger relationships and personal growth. In addition to his work with children, Andrew is the founder of The Art and Science of Joy, an initiative focused on helping adults cultivate deeper happiness and fulfillment in their daily lives.

Melissa Bernstein Melissa Bernstein is an entrepreneur, creative visionary, and mother of six, best known as the cofounder of Melissa & Doug, a billion-dollar toy company, and Lifelines, a wellness brand that offers sensory products designed to reduce stress and promote well-being. She also serves as the Entrepreneur in Residence for the Inner MBA certification program—created by Sounds True, LinkedIn, and Wisdom 2.0—and co-founded Duke University’s Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs program. In addition, she is the author of LifeLines and Practice Makes Purpose, both centered on creativity, purpose, and emotional wellness. Dr. Harry Cohen Dr. Harry Cohen is a psychologist, executive coach, restaurateur, and author of Be The Sun, Not The Salt, a simple yet powerful guide to becoming your best self, uplifting others, and leading with positivity. A native of Buffalo, New York, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cornell University and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Driven by a lifelong curiosity about what makes people successful and fulfilled, Dr. Harry has dedicated his career to helping others live and lead with intention and warmth. In addition to his work as an author and coach, Dr. Harry owns The Black Pearl, a restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he applies his leadership principles in real time. His 2015 TEDx Talk introduced “Heliotropic Leadership,” the idea that people, like plants, naturally move toward positive, life-giving energy—a concept that inspired his latest book.

Kim Mack Kimberly (Kim) Mack is the Founder and Principal of HR Reinforced, bringing over 30 years of Human Resources leadership experience across industries such as life sciences, finance, SaaS, and private equity. Known for elevating HR from a support function to a strategic business driver, she partners with executives and founders to build people-focused systems that enhance growth, strengthen culture, and ensure compliance. In 2020, Kim launched HR Reinforced to offer fractional CHRO services and strategic HR solutions for fast-growing and regulated organizations. Her accomplishments include developing modern compensation models, scaling HR operations for FDA-regulated biotech firms, and leading initiatives that improved engagement while cutting costs. Alex W1se Aleksandr is a serial entrepreneur, artist, and community builder whose ventures bridge creativity, business, and wellness. Known as MR W1SE, he began his entrepreneurial journey at 14, expanding his family’s apparel business in Ukraine before founding the logistics company DVL Express in the U.S. in 2011. Under his leadership, DVL Express became a top-rated workplace, earning recognition from the Chicago Tribune and Top Workplaces USA. After overcoming burnout and undergoing a personal transformation, Aleksandr launched the W1SE (World Initiative for Sustainable Earth) ecosystem—a movement uniting business, art, and holistic living. His ventures include W1SE Records, W1SE Fashion, W1SE Wellness, W1SE Experiences, and W1SE Retreats, as well as the W1SE TR1BE community hub in San Diego and a Web3 initiative called the W1SE Network State. Paul Powell After taking over his family’s business, Paul Powell experienced a dramatic financial downfall—losing the millions he had earned from the sale of his successful investment practice. While it was a devastating loss at the time, Paul now considers it one of the greatest turning points of his life. That moment of hardship became the catalyst for personal transformation, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose that continues to guide his journey today.

Felida Villarreal Felida Villarreal is the President and CEO of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), a nonprofit that helps low-income and underemployed residents of the Rio Grande Valley train for high-demand, high-wage careers. VIDA offers industry-focused education, financial assistance, and career support for adult learners, including parents and first-generation students. Over the past 30 years, VIDA has helped more than 6,000 people complete training programs, achieving a 96% persistence rate. Her leadership has earned national recognition and support from organizations like Texas Mutual Insurance, AEP Foundation, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries, Fast Company and Nonprofit PRO and was one of only nine programs nationwide chosen for the U.S. Department of Labor’s PACE evaluation. Danny Tomsett Danny Tomsett is the founder and CEO of UneeQ, a company dedicated to humanizing artificial intelligence through lifelike digital human avatars. With decades of experience in technology and innovation, Danny built UneeQ to help organizations across industries create more meaningful, human-centered interactions powered by AI. UneeQ’s digital humans are designed to assist in diverse fields—from helping students with their studies and training sales professionals in realistic simulations to providing patients with compassionate, accessible guidance about their medications. Through this work, Danny continues to push the boundaries of how AI can enhance communication, learning, and care by making technology more empathetic and engaging. Calvin Wilder Calvin Wilder is the Founder and CEO of SmartBooks and author of The Financial Operating System. With over 25 years of experience helping businesses take control of their finances and boost profitability, he shares his expertise on the Empowering Healthy Business and Marketing Agency Power Hour podcasts. A lifelong entrepreneur, Calvin sold a company he started at a Barnes & Noble coffee counter to Staples by the age of 30.

Michelle Zahoransky Founded in 1995 as a homework assignment at Hodges University, Michelle Zahoransky’s MaidPro franchise has grown into one of the top-performing home service businesses in the country. Under her leadership, it has become the highest revenue producer in the MaidPro franchise network, expanding into two new divisions that offer carpet, upholstery, tile, and window cleaning services. With offices across six Florida counties—including Naples, Fort Myers, and Fort Lauderdale—Michelle oversees a 58-person team, leading operations, marketing, and strategy with a focus on innovation, quality, and improving clients’ quality of life. Jon Grishpul Jon Grishpul is the Co-CEO of GreatBuildz.com, a free service that helps homeowners find reliable, pre-screened general contractors. With deep experience in construction and renovation, he has built a platform centered on transparency and trust. GreatBuildz connects users only with thoroughly vetted contractors and features BidCompareAI, an AI-powered tool that reviews contractor bids to expose hidden costs, inconsistencies, and pricing issues—helping homeowners make confident, informed decisions. Beyond matching, the company also offers expert Remodeling Advisors and personalized guidance throughout the renovation process. Jon also serves as Co-CEO of MaxableSpace.com, a platform for designing and building accessory dwelling units (ADUs), advancing his mission to make home improvement simpler, smarter, and more accessible. Andrew Cannon Andrew Cannon is the creator of the EQJOY card game and co-founder of EQJOY Co., a nonprofit dedicated to helping children develop emotional intelligence through play. Believing that empathy and self-awareness are vital life skills, he designed EQJOY to teach kids how to understand and express their emotions in fun, engaging ways—building stronger connections and emotional resilience from an early age. He is also the founder of The Art and Science of Joy, an initiative helping adults cultivate greater happiness and fulfillment. Through tools like the Joy Barometer and the Year of Joy community, Andrew provides spaces for people to explore what brings them joy and to build more meaningful, connected lives. Across all his work, his mission is clear: to empower people of all ages to live with more awareness, empathy, and joy.

John Whitt John is a certified business and executive coach trained in the FocalPoint Model, where he helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and leaders achieve lasting success through the power of Generous Activity—a philosophy that blends business growth with purposeful giving. His coaching emphasizes that generosity, when integrated into business strategy, not only fuels profitability but also creates more meaningful impact and fulfillment. George Pesansky George Pesansky is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in operational excellence, executive coaching, and performance optimization. Throughout his career, he has helped individuals and organizations unlock their full potential by fostering clarity, focus, and results-driven strategies that turn goals into measurable success. His work emphasizes sustainable growth through personal and organizational alignment. Beyond his professional achievements, George is the founder of Capacity2Care, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering top performers to give back in meaningful ways. Rather than simply donating time, Capacity2Care encourages “superperformers” to contribute their skills and expertise to help charities achieve greater impact and operational effectiveness within their communities. Ron Konezny Ron Konezny has been a pioneer in the Internet of Things (IoT) long before the term existed. As the CEO of Digi International, he leads the company in integrating hardware excellence with advanced software, connectivity, and exceptional service. Under his leadership, Digi’s IoT innovations power a wide range of industries—from smart farming, cities, and infrastructure to electric vehicles, clean energy, intelligent manufacturing, and life-saving medical devices. Even creative endeavors like synchronized drone shows benefit from Digi’s technology. Security and resilience are central to Digi’s mission, supported by multi-layered protections across hardware, software, and monitoring systems. He’s also leading innovation in AI at the edge, where devices make real-time decisions without depending on central systems.

Dr. Jason R. Williams Dr. Jason R. Williams is the Founder and Director of Interventional Oncology and Immunotherapy at the Williams Cancer Institute, where he leads groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment. A board-certified radiologist, researcher, and professor, Dr. Williams is internationally recognized as a pioneer in immunotherapy, particularly in the field of intra-tumoral interventions—an approach that directly targets tumors to stimulate the body’s immune response. He made medical history by performing the world’s first ablation procedure combined with an intra-tumoral injection of immunotherapy agents, transforming ablation itself into an immune-activating treatment. Cynthia Rivard Cynthia Rivard is an environmental advocate by passion and a business strategist by profession. Throughout a long career in executive leadership, her intuition has been a driving force and has brought her to author two books focused on leadership for these turbulent times. She believes that leadership at a micro level is the path to healing humanity and that each person’s sphere of influence will multiply as their compassion grows. Lance Morgan Lance Morgan is the founder of College Funding Secrets, a company he started more than a decade ago to help families uncover smarter, more strategic ways to pay for college. As a father of five, he experienced firsthand the growing concern of affording higher education and left a career in IT to explore financial strategies that could make a real difference. Through his research, Lance discovered that traditional college savings plans often backfire—reducing eligibility for financial aid—while more advanced financial strategies, like leveraging other people’s money at low interest rates, could create lasting wealth through uninterrupted compounding.

Cas Holman Cas Holman is the founder and chief designer of Heroes Will Rise, a global toy company known for imaginative playsets like Rigamajig, used by organizations such as Google, Disney Imagineering, and the LEGO Foundation. A former Professor of Industrial Design at RISD, her work has inspired teams at leading companies like Nike and been featured in spaces such as NYC’s High Line and the Liberty Science Center. Building her company from a small rural workshop in upstate New York without investors or a traditional business plan, Cas champions creativity, curiosity, and human-centered design—proving that purposeful, playful innovation can drive meaningful and sustainable growth. Lesley Goth, Psy.D. Lesley Goth, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of Denver Family Counseling Services in Denver, Colorado, with more than 21 years of experience. A survivor of sexual assault herself, she specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for trauma survivors and also works with individuals facing PTSD, CPTSD, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, religious trauma, and substance abuse. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Skidmore College and a Psy.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology. Driven by her own journey, Goth founded her practice to support others in navigating and overcoming trauma. Clementine Schouteden Clementine Schouteden is the founder and CEO of Kavee, an award-winning global brand revolutionizing small pet care. A former McKinsey consultant with a PhD in Genetics, she combined her scientific expertise and entrepreneurial vision to design safe, modular habitats that enhance the well-being of guinea pigs and rabbits. What began as a personal frustration as a pet parent has grown into a seven-figure, bootstrapped e-commerce success story—proving that even niche communities deserve thoughtful, high-quality solutions. Under Clementine’s leadership, Kavee has evolved into an international company that empowers pet owners through innovative products, education, and community advocacy.

Ismael Wrixen Ismael Wrixen is the CEO of ThriveCart, a leading no-code sales platform that powers over 65,000 businesses and has generated more than $6 billion in sales. With over 15 years of experience in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship, he has built and scaled multiple ventures alongside co-founder Thomas Smale. At ThriveCart, Wrixen focuses on creating simple, scalable tools—including high-converting checkouts, affiliate management, and the Learn+ LMS—that help creators and entrepreneurs grow efficiently without added complexity. Known for his data-driven, customer-first approach, he rejects traditional “success tax” models and emphasizes that “we succeed when our customers succeed.” Now, Wrixen is leading ThriveCart into an AI-powered future, developing tools that let users build courses, funnels, and campaigns just by describing their goals. Christian Brown Christian Brown is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Glewee, an all-in-one influencer marketing platform that connects over 5,000 brands with 15,000+ influencers to run influencer, UGC, gifting, and affiliate campaigns. Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in Marketing & Advertising, Christian has played a key role in shaping how modern brands build authentic connections with audiences through the creator economy. As both a thought leader and practitioner, Christian has written and contributed to publications such as AdWeek, DigiDay, and Forbes, offering insights into the evolution of the creator economy from a Gen Z perspective. Through his leadership at Glewee, he continues to drive innovation at the intersection of technology, marketing, and culture—empowering creators and brands to collaborate seamlessly in today’s digital landscape. Heather DeSantis Heather DeSantis is the Founder and CEO of Publicity for Good, an award-winning purpose-driven PR firm helping CPG and mission-based brands share their stories with the world. Named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Nominee and featured in major outlets such as Entrepreneur, Fox News, and Business Insider, Heather leads with a heart for social impact and empowerment through storytelling.

Pam Meissner Pam Meissner, CFO and COO of Cathcap, is widely recognized as a “profitability detective” who helps entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs uncover hidden profit opportunities and build systems that drive clarity, cash flow, and growth. A CPA who forged her own unconventional path beyond traditional accounting, she has spent decades guiding leaders across industries from legal to manufacturing. Her strategic, practical approach empowers businesses to scale sustainably while breaking through financial ceilings. Resilient and purpose-driven, Pam continues to lead with strength after being recently widowed, while also celebrating her son’s college graduation and her daughter’s advocacy through marathon fundraising for autism research. Mark Harris Mark Harris is a serial entrepreneur and innovator passionate about improving human performance and workplace safety. As the CEO of HeroWear, he leads a diverse team of engineers, designers, ergonomists, and manufacturing specialists to develop cutting-edge exosuits that enhance the health, safety, and productivity of material-handling workers across industries. He continues to serve on the company’s Board of Directors. Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Mark is a dedicated mentor and advisor, supporting Nashville’s startup community through accelerator programs, investment groups, and his role on Vanderbilt University’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Council. Geoff Tuff and Steven Goldbach Geoff Tuff and Steven Goldbach are renowned strategy and sustainability leaders at Deloitte, recognized by Thinkers50 for their innovation in leadership and transformation. Geoff, a Principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, drives global sustainability initiatives for clients in energy, resources, and industrial sectors, emphasizing adaptability and resilience over rigid strategy. Steven, who leads Deloitte’s U.S. Sustainability practice after serving nearly a decade as Chief Strategy Officer, helps organizations stay ahead of change through agility and purpose-driven transformation. Together, they co-authored the Wall Street Journal bestselling books Detonate and Provoke and co-host the leadership podcast Provocateurs: Profiles in Leadership, where they share practical insights on navigating disruption and driving sustainable growth.

Ricky Blair Ricky Blair is a British entrepreneur, speaker, and thought leader in education, leadership, and youth development. Renowned for his 100% staff retention rate, Ricky later advised Colliers’ global leadership team on employee engagement and retention strategies. His expertise also earned him an invitation to 10 Downing Street in 2014 to advise then–Prime Minister David Cameron on entrepreneurship and supporting young founders. Today, Ricky leads Platform Seven, a mentorship and education company helping students and young professionals bridge the gap between college and the real world. His work centers on leadership, mental health, and addressing the post-college depression crisis. A sought-after speaker in the U.K. and U.S., Ricky is also the author of The Junkyard Dog, an inspiring memoir about overcoming academic struggles to build multi-million-dollar businesses. Ryan Rottman Ryan Rottman is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of AthleteAgent.com, a groundbreaking sports tech platform. In his role, Ryan oversees business operations, strategic partnerships, and platform development, helping expand the site’s reach across professional leagues and enhance its database of verified athlete and team contacts. Before stepping into the tech and sports business world, Ryan built a successful career in entertainment, starring in films such as Billionaire Boys Club, The Open Road, and a variety of Hallmark originals, as well as television series like 90210(CW), The Middle (ABC), and The Lying Game (ABC Family). His background in production and storytelling has been instrumental in shaping AthleteAgent.com’s user experience and brand identity. Dr. Hany Demian Dr. Hany Demian is a physician, innovator, and founder of Praesentia Healthcare and the CEO of BioSpine Institute, specializing in regenerative and pain medicine. A Harvard-trained leader and Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University, he’s redefining modern healthcare by blending science, empathy, and innovation. His mission: to move medicine from managing pain to restoring healing, presence, and purpose.

Lee Barkalow Lee Barkalow is the Co-Founder and CEO of The CurEnt Group (TCG), a company dedicated to creating exceptional cultural, entertainment, and travel experiences for private clients and global brands. Before launching TCG, he built and successfully exited a hospitality company and later co-founded NOVA, a members-only lifestyle community that operates alongside TCG. With a career foundation at WME and Paradigm, Lee brings over a decade of experience across music, entertainment, and experiential ventures, blending creativity and strategy to craft unforgettable experiences. Rob Meyers Rob Meyers is the strategic force driving Versus’ evolution into a global creative and production studio. With over two decades of experience in production, brand development, and leadership, he has led the company through significant growth—tripling its team size, expanding internationally, and launching new divisions such as Versus Originals. As Managing Director, Rob blends hands-on leadership with visionary strategy, ensuring that Versus’ success is rooted in both business excellence and creative integrity. Beyond building a thriving company, Rob is deeply committed to cultivating a strong, people-first culture. Guided by his “4 C’s” framework—Curiosity, Conversation, Culture, and Community—he fosters an environment where collaboration and innovation flourish. Pam Minteer Pam is an accomplished Human Resources executive with over 30 years of experience, including 20 years in senior HR leadership roles across sports and entertainment, mining, and manufacturing. She spent 10 seasons as Head of HR for the Pittsburgh Pirates—serving under both the McClatchy and Nutting ownership groups—and coordinated volunteers for the 2006 MLB All-Star Game. Now a consultant, Pam helps small to mid-sized organizations achieve their strategic HR goals with expertise spanning compliance, policy development, labor relations, talent management, and organizational culture.

BAM Franklin Bryan, also known as BAM, is the Founder and CTO of BAM.eco, an innovative e-commerce and advertising platform modeled after an Amazon FBM franchise. A lifelong entrepreneur and visionary, he has built ventures focused on collaboration and community empowerment, including BAMcircle.net, a wealth-sharing network, and CrenshawBoulevard.com, where he’s known as the “Mayor of Crenshaw.” Currently authoring his third book, Caught Up in Capitalism, Bryan draws on his journey from humble beginnings in Watts, California, to becoming a respected leader guided by mentors such as Emmitt McHenry and Abe Thompson. His story embodies resilience, purpose, and the belief that anyone can rise to make a difference. Dr. Greg Hammer Greg Hammer, MD is a recently retired professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, pediatric intensive care physician, pediatric anesthesiologist, wellness and mindfulness lecturer, and the author of GAIN without Pain: The Happiness Handbook for Health Care Professionals and co-author of the book A Mindful Teen: Helping Today’s Teenagers Thrive through Gratitude, Acceptance, Intention, and Nonjudgment Adam Port Adam Port is a renowned photorealist artist celebrated for his lifelike portraits and deep ties to sports culture. He gained early acclaim at age 22 when his hyperrealistic work earned him an NBA licensing deal and later a partnership with the Basketball Hall of Fame, where he painted Michael Jordan and other legendary inductees. Over his 25-year career, Port’s art has been featured in galleries, museums, and private collections, with highlights including his acclaimed Art of the Sole series, which celebrates sneaker culture through meticulous, detail-rich renderings that take hundreds of hours to complete. His work has supported major charities, been showcased on national television, and continues to bridge the worlds of fine art and sports with authenticity, precision, and passion.

Ken Belson Ken Belson rejoined The New York Times’s Business section in 2023 to write about the business of sports after spending 14 years in the Sports department, primarily covering the N.F.L. Belson reports on the teams and personalities of the N.F.L., including finances, stadiums, medical issues, lawsuits and more. He lives in New York with his wife. You can follow him @el_belson on X. Scott Allen Curley Scott Allen Curley is an author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker whose journey from addiction, homelessness, and prison to building multimillion-dollar companies showcases remarkable resilience. He is the co-founder and CEO of FinishLine Tax Solutions, one of the largest tax litigation firms in the U.S., where he has helped more than 25,000 clients nationwide. He also founded Innovatum Tax Group and created CommitCon 2026, a business conference designed to empower entrepreneurs. Hannah McGough Hannah McGough is a creative strategist, producer, and brand architect with over a decade of experience leading omnichannel marketing, creative production, and brand development for global beauty brands and fast-growing startups. As Chief Marketing Officer at Blank Beauty, a pioneering beautytech company powered by AI, robotics, and zero-inventory infrastructure, she’s helping shape the future of personalized products—beginning with nails. Before joining Blank Beauty, Hannah founded Sunshine Creative in Los Angeles and later launched Banana Brands, where she provided fractional CMO-level support to emerging DTC and retail brands. Known for building from the ground up—campaigns, partnerships, departments, and momentum—Hannah blends creativity with strategic precision.

Jim Eckes With decades of experience in telecom, Jim Eckes is the leader of TieTechnology, where he focuses on building custom VoIP phone solutions to help businesses better serve their customers. He has built a career on creating meaningful partnerships and leveraging his expertise to bring legacy telecom systems into the future. Jim is also reinventing the customer experience by integrating telecom with AI in a way few have considered. His approach challenges long-standing industry norms, emphasizing that AI is only effective when the foundation—the phone system itself—is modern, reliable, and built to support innovation. Joe Mindak Joe brings over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience across marketing, publishing, events, music, and e-commerce, combining creative vision with a passion for community-driven business. As the founder of seven ventures—including hMAG (Hoboken Magazine), Castle Point Brewer/Hoboken Ale, and Pregifting—he has built companies grounded in authentic connection and shared purpose. His pivotal insight came when a single introduction led to a $100K agency deal, inspiring the creation of Nolodex, where he now leverages his strategic and relationship-focused leadership to transform networking into real, measurable business growth. Scott Nelson Scott Nelson, a former professional baseball umpire who spent five years in the minor leagues and three in Major League Baseball, transformed adversity into entrepreneurial success after his unexpected release from the sport in 2001. Drawing on the resilience built during his baseball years, he entered the apparel industry in 2009 and launched Local Team Shop in 2012, leading it to impressive growth—including securing a pilot program with Walmart involving 11 Supercenters and 51 schools in his first week. Married to his longtime partner and a proud father of three, Scott’s journey reflects perseverance through setbacks, innovation during challenges like COVID-19, and the relentless drive to build and scale a standout brand in the local sportswear market.

George Cray George Cray, founder of GCH Technologies, has spent his career shaping the evolution of telecom—from landlines to cellular and now AI. Through his company, he focuses on strengthening the digital infrastructure that keeps businesses running, customers connected, and data secure, turning often unseen technology into indispensable progress. Luca Zambello Luca Zambello is the Founder and CEO of Jurny, the first agentic AI operating system designed to transform the hospitality industry. A three-time founder with over 12 years of experience, he previously scaled a hospitality startup to 300+ Airbnbs across six cities, giving him firsthand insight into the industry’s challenges. His work and expertise have been featured in outlets such as Entrepreneur, CNBC, Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance, The Wall Street Journal, and Skift, and he has been recognized as one of Los Angeles’ notable entrepreneurs. An early believer in AI, Luca was experimenting with specialized AI agents for hospitality long before the concept became mainstream. He often draws on lessons from industries like aviation to illustrate how AI will reshape every customer-facing business. As a thought leader, he regularly speaks on the future of AI in hospitality, positioning Jurny not just as a property management system, but as a comprehensive operating system for the industry. Kevin "Kev" Jordan Kevin "Kev" Jordan is the CEO of MAXXX Performance, where sports, mental health, and innovation intersect. With over a decade of leadership experience, he is passionate about strategic excellence and transformative leadership. At MAXXX Performance, his expertise in behavioral health drives the mission to enhance mental fitness through sports technology and AI, while fostering a culture of diversity and collaboration where every perspective adds value. Previously, as CEO of Adaptive Behavioral Services, Inc. (ABS), Kevin expanded telehealth services across Western Pennsylvania with a focus on strategic communication and operational excellence. Certified as an NFL Player Representative, he remains deeply committed to advancing both sports and mental health, inspiring others to join him in making mental fitness accessible to athletes everywhere.

Dylan Smith Dylan Smith, a 23-year-old CEO, is passionately committed to serving and supporting individuals who face challenges similar to those he encountered in his childhood. Adopted twice and misdiagnosed with ADHD when he actually had dyslexia, Dylan's journey has been marked by resilience and determination. Despite not attending college, he has built a successful business and now travels across the country, speaking at business conferences, schools, and events for education professionals, parents, and children. His story inspires many, showcasing the power of perseverance and the importance of understanding and support for those with learning differences. Jason Saltzman Jason Saltzman is a serial entrepreneur and investor, best known as the founder and CEO of Relief, a fintech platform that automates debt reduction for consumers. He previously founded Alley, a nationwide coworking community in partnership with Verizon, and SeamlessDocs, a gov-tech company acquired by Kofile. A longtime Techstars mentor and former U.S. State Department entrepreneurship advisor, Jason has dedicated his career to building mission-driven ventures that empower people and communities. Now based in Miami, he plays an active role in supporting the city’s growing innovation ecosystem through initiatives like MIT REAP Miami. Beyond business, Jason has a passion for storytelling and global entrepreneurship—producing a documentary with Entrepreneur magazine that highlights Kuwait’s emerging startup scene and the universal drive to innovate and create impact. Stephen Scoggins Stephen Scoggins is a renowned entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and creator of the LionLamb Operating System—a framework empowering leaders to achieve lasting success without sacrificing peace, purpose, or people. Rising from homelessness to building multiple nine-figure businesses, he embodies resilience, redemption, and faith in action. As founder of Unstoppable Solutions and host of the BUILD with Stephen Scoggins podcast, which has earned over 48 million views, he integrates business strategy, emotional mastery, and faith-based principles to help others lead authentically and overcome adversity. Featured in major outlets like Forbes, Entrepreneur, and USA Today, Stephen advises Fortune 500 executives and inspires entrepreneurs to align with their purpose, heal from within, and create legacies of enduring impact.

Rome Madison Rome Madison is a dynamic speaker, author, and podcaster who empowers people to build confidence, overcome fear, and pursue bold goals with unwavering determination. A pioneer in the precision medicine industry, he draws on his experience leading startups, navigating corporate challenges, and shaping the future of healthcare. Raised on welfare in Texas, Rome’s relentless drive led him from hand-copying medical textbooks he couldn’t afford to selling The Precision Medicine Podcast to NeoGenomics for $70 million. With executive experience, a Business Strategy certification from Harvard Business School Online, and appearances on over 50 media outlets, he inspires audiences to crush their goals, conquer imposter syndrome, and bet on themselves to create lasting success. Ankit Mahadevia Ankit is a biotech entrepreneur, CEO, board member, and author of Quiet Leader Loud Results, recognized for transforming cutting-edge science into successful companies. Over his career, he has co-founded nine biotech ventures, served as a physician, investor, advisor, and policy contributor, and helped drive three IPOs, five mergers and acquisitions, and the development of multiple therapeutics—including one FDA-approved drug and another nearing approval. Now leading Curie.Bio, Ankit focuses on helping early-stage biotech founders grow, secure funding, and scale for long-term success. With decades of experience across startups, big pharma, and healthcare consulting, he champions a model that turns promising ideas into transformative outcomes and empowers the next generation of biotech leaders—especially those who lead with quiet confidence—to achieve bold results. Christin Kingsbury Christin Kingsbury is a devoted wife, mother of two, and a founding partner of PLACE, a leading business tech platform for top real estate agents nationwide. She runs a top-producing real estate team and owns multiple real estate ventures, including brokerages, title companies, rental properties, and even a mobile home park. Passionate about financial freedom, Christin teaches others how to eliminate debt, create multiple streams of income, and build generational wealth. She believes that changing the way people think about money can break cycles of poverty, and through her businesses, she helps fund financial education and opportunities for at-risk youth.