Guiding Startup Triumph: The Vital Role of Independent Advisors and Platforms in Achieving Success

Michael Crystal is a seasoned leadership advisor, executive coach, and organizational strategist with over 30 years of global experience in financial services, insurance, advertising, and the wine industry. As the founder of Myriad Development, he has guided executives and organizations through transformational change, talent development, and strategic planning. A trusted advisor, he has coached Fortune 500 leaders, including executives featured in Fortune’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,” and has played a pivotal role in leadership development across diverse industries. In addition to his consulting work, Michael is an accomplished author, educator, and speaker, having taught at two graduate schools and delivered impactful presentations on change management and talent strategy. He currently serves on multiple boards, providing governance and workforce development insights while contributing to philanthropic initiatives such as The Honor Foundation and WeSpeak. Passionate about leadership excellence, Michael is dedicated to helping organizations cultivate strong, high-performing teams that drive sustainable success.

Seth Tillotson is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist dedicated to helping businesses unlock their full financial potential. As the CEO and Founder of **Your Business Consultation**, he specializes in identifying six-figure revenue opportunities without additional marketing spend, making him a trusted advisor to business owners seeking sustainable growth. With expertise spanning business consulting, property management, construction, and e-commerce, Seth has successfully launched and managed multiple ventures, demonstrating his ability to optimize operations and drive profitability. His strong leadership, strategic mindset, and results-driven approach make him a transformative force in the business world.

Shanna Weber is a dynamic executive coach, leadership strategist, and financial services expert with a proven ability to transform teams, drive strategic growth, and cultivate high-performance cultures. As the Founder and CEO of Prima Consulting, she empowers leaders to elevate their impact through executive coaching, leadership development programs, and culture-building initiatives. With over 23 years of experience in financial services, including leadership roles at Charles Schwab and Janus Henderson Investors, Shanna has led large-scale business transformations, spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives, and developed enterprise-wide strategies that drive measurable success. A sought-after speaker and mentor, she is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their leadership potential and create workplaces where employees thrive.

Ava Bakhtiar is a dynamic real estate broker and seasoned business consultant with a proven track record in strategic growth, brand development, and operational efficiency. With experience spanning real estate, marketing, and business development, she has worked with high-profile brands to drive engagement, optimize processes, and increase profitability. Her expertise in fundraising, software efficiency, and regulatory compliance has made her a trusted advisor in multiple industries. Armed with a strong background in media and communications, she seamlessly blends analytical insight with creative strategy to deliver innovative solutions. Known for her professionalism, results-driven approach, and ability to build lasting relationships, Ava continues to make a significant impact in both real estate and business consulting.

Christine E. Wright is a seasoned business strategist and customer experience executive with over 30 years of expertise in data analytics, AI-driven business models, and digital transformation. She has worked with Fortune 500 and 1000 companies across telecommunications, high-tech, retail, and financial services, helping them optimize customer engagement, drive revenue growth, and implement scalable business solutions. As a former executive at Teradata, Convergys, and Sprint, as well as the founder of Customer Contact Insights (CCI), Christine has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, pioneered AI and cloud-based customer strategies, and developed a patented customer lifecycle marketing framework. A recognized thought leader, public speaker, and board member, she continues to leverage her deep industry knowledge and strategic insights to drive innovation, business transformation, and operational excellence.

Richard Morgin is a hands-on and accomplished consultant with The Franchise Consulting Company, bringing extensive expertise in lead generation, franchise development, coaching, and closing. As a trusted advisor to executive leadership, he excels at dissecting complex financial and operational challenges, synthesizing data, and presenting strategic solutions that drive business success. With a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams, Richard fosters a results-oriented culture that maximizes efficiency and profitability. His forward-thinking leadership in controllership, financial planning, and internal audit has consistently delivered significant cost savings and operational improvements. Recognized for his ability to vet strategic plans, analyze financial assumptions, and present data-driven recommendations, he continues to be a key force in helping businesses navigate growth and transformation.

Malissa Clark is a distinguished expert in workplace psychology, performance enhancement, and employee well-being, bringing over 15 years of experience to organizations seeking transformative change. With a prolific background that includes 50 publications and a book, she blends scientific research with practical strategies to optimize workplace culture and productivity. Having presented at both private companies and public conferences, Malissa is a sought-after speaker known for her ability to translate complex psychological principles into actionable insights. Her international experience in the UK and Australia further enriches her global perspective on workforce dynamics. Passionate about fostering healthy and high-performing organizations, Malissa is eager to leverage her expertise in a board role to drive meaningful and sustainable business success.

Andrew Krebs-Smith is a seasoned entrepreneur and digital marketing expert with a successful track record of scaling businesses through innovative strategies. As the founder and CEO of Social Fulcrum, a performance marketing agency that specialized in Facebook advertising, he led the company to significant growth, increasing revenue by over 75% annually and securing an acquisition by Aisle Rocket in 2019. With a focus on operational excellence, he implemented the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®), which helped drive efficiency and fostered a high-performance culture. Now serving as a consultant and advisor, Andrew leverages his expertise to help other businesses optimize their digital marketing strategies and achieve sustainable growth.

Catherine M. White is a transformational business strategist with over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and consulting. As the Founder and CEO of Accelerated Results 365, she specializes in guiding businesses to achieve financial clarity, build productive teams, and drive sustainable growth. A sought-after speaker and author of Overcoming Roadblocks to Success, Catherine combines her deep expertise with a passion for empowering business owners to overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. Her innovative strategies and commitment to excellence have made her a trusted advisor and leader in the business consulting world.

Loralee Kicker is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic planning, business system optimization, and leadership development. Renowned for her tenacity and adaptability, she has consistently delivered results by driving revenue growth, maximizing profitability, and streamlining operations across diverse industries. With a focus on creating scalable strategies, Loralee empowers teams, fosters collaboration, and builds sustainable business growth. Her leadership approach, rooted in servant leadership principles and a deep commitment to client relationships, ensures the successful execution of business strategies that align with both company objectives and core values.

I'm excited to share my professional biography, reflecting over 38 years of experience across industries such as technology, healthcare, and biotechnology. My passion for strategic leadership, organizational growth, and transformative change drives my work as an executive business consultant.

I am pleased to share my executive biography, reflecting my journey in the IT industry, including my recent role as Regional VP at Logically and over two decades of experience building Cornerstone IT. Through board service, public speaking, and consulting, I aim to support organizations in leveraging technology for sustainable growth. Here is my biography.

Carly Sandstrom is a seasoned business and operations consultant with over 11 years of experience in helping companies streamline operations and drive growth. With a strong background in strategic planning, forecasting, and revenue operations, Carly has partnered with early-stage businesses to optimize customer relationship management (CRM) and operational workflows. Her expertise in Salesforce, Tableau, and data analysis has allowed her to implement data-driven strategies that enhance efficiency and deliver measurable results, including increasing revenue by 25% within just two months for her clients. Carly has also held leadership roles in top organizations such as ID.me and Skyword, where she led efforts in sales operations, vendor relationships, and organizational planning, contributing to substantial cost savings and improved business performance. Her passion for strategic decision-making, coupled with her ability to communicate complex data insights effectively, makes her a trusted advisor for companies seeking to scale and achieve their goals.

Eduardo Medellin is a seasoned leader in business development and financial management, with over 25 years of experience helping small and mid-sized businesses thrive through strategic planning, accounting clean-up, and cash management solutions. As the founder of Infinity Management DFW, Eduardo has driven growth for numerous companies by streamlining financial processes and creating targeted, results-oriented strategies. Fluent in both English and Spanish and with international experience in Mexico, he brings valuable cross-cultural insights and a strong commitment to operational excellence. Eduardo’s personal mission to "Help businesses grow" drives his work, making him a vital resource for organizations seeking sustainable success and financial clarity.

I’m excited to share my professional journey with you! With over 23 years of experience as a serial entrepreneur, inventor, and sleep authority, I’ve had the privilege of transforming businesses and advancing wellness through my work at Catapult bpm, T2 Consulting, and Sleepme Inc. My passion for optimizing consumer products and enhancing sleep science has driven me to consult for leading brands like Select Comfort and Sealy, while also earning recognition for my innovative patents and impactful public speaking. Through my work, I strive to empower individuals and businesses to achieve growth, leveraging evidence-based strategies and disruptive technologies to foster well-being and success.

Tania Sayegh Bartolini, J.D., M.A., stands out as a prominent attorney and business consultant with a proven track record of delivering strategic, legal, and business solutions across the private and non-profit sectors. Her 20+ years of experience have been marked by a dedication to integrity, excellence, and innovative problem-solving. As the founder of Business and Beyond, LLC, Tania's strategic acumen has empowered small businesses to double their revenue and profits, showcasing her ability to transform challenges into opportunities. Known for her exceptional communication skills, Tania excels at building strong partnerships, negotiating resolutions, and leading workshops that leave a lasting impact. Her comprehensive expertise in legal research, litigation, and regulatory compliance, paired with her ability to devise strategic solutions, makes her a sought-after leader in the field.