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

Michel E. Spruance, M.Ed, ACC, is a seasoned executive leader and organizational strategist with a passion for designing human-centered systems that drive clarity, connection, and performance. With over three decades of experience spanning business operations, leadership development, and nonprofit innovation, Michel blends deep operational expertise with a calm, mission-driven presence. As founder and CEO of Badass Happy Human, she partners with high-impact organizations to elevate culture, strategy, and leadership through neuroscience-backed coaching and training. Michel is known for her ability to align purpose with practice—creating environments where people and organizations thrive.

Michael A. Cacouris is a seasoned financial executive with over 35 years of experience in corporate finance, investment management, and restructuring. With a strong foundation in both fixed income and equity markets, he has led financial turnarounds, scaled businesses, and optimized capital structures across financial services, manufacturing, and technology startups. As a former co-CEO, hedge fund leader, and municipal finance advisor, Michael brings a unique blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and risk management acumen to organizations seeking growth and stability. Fluent in French and Greek with international experience in Europe, he is a dynamic leader committed to driving financial and operational excellence.

Nick Van Roijs is a results-driven executive with extensive experience in manufacturing, automotive, and business development. As CEO and General Manager of Nooyen USA, he has led strategic growth initiatives, optimizing operations and strengthening the company’s market presence. With a Master’s in Management from Nyenrode Business University and a strong foundation in strategy and innovation, he excels in business development, operational efficiency, and leadership. His diverse experience in aftersales, product management, and customer service has shaped his ability to drive sustainable success. Fluent in Dutch and English, with international expertise, Nick is a dynamic leader committed to fostering growth and innovation in the manufacturing industry.

Viet Tran is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in the travel, hospitality, and immigration industries. As CEO of Trans Global Travel & Immigration LLC, he has successfully driven business growth through strategic planning, sales leadership, and customer-focused solutions. With expertise in optimizing operations, building high-value partnerships, and mentoring sales teams, Viet has established himself as a leader in international travel and mobility services. His ability to navigate complex markets, foster strong client relationships, and implement innovative strategies continues to shape his success in the industry.

Hans Dieltjens is a seasoned global executive with over 33 years of experience in the automotive, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. As the chief executive officer and president of TI Fluid Systems, he has led transformative initiatives, including the company’s strategic shift towards electrification, expansion in China, and a successful delisting at a 50% share price premium. With deep expertise in operational management, engineering, and sales, Hans has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, enhancing profitability, and optimizing global business operations. Fluent in Dutch, English, German, and French, he effectively navigates international markets, fosters high-performing teams, and cultivates strategic partnerships. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Hans is now seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his extensive leadership experience to drive business transformation and long-term success.

Andrew L. Hollenbeck is a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience in building and scaling SaaS, mobile, and cloud-enabled technology companies. As the President and CEO of Hollenco Inc., he has advised early-stage and public companies on product, revenue, and M&A strategy, including notable engagements such as IHS Markit's Telecom business and the successful divestiture of RootMetrics to Ookla. Previously, as Head of Conversational Messaging at Mailchimp, Andrew led the post-acquisition integration of Chatitive, driving significant growth in ARR and customer acquisition. His career also includes founding RootMetrics, where he pioneered wireless performance measurement solutions that became industry benchmarks. Throughout his career, Andrew has consistently demonstrated a commitment to customer-centric business strategies, cross-functional team leadership, and a vision for scalable growth across global markets. for 12 seconds Andrew L. Hollenbeck is a seasoned technology executive with over 30 years of experience driving growth in SaaS, mobile, and cloud-enabled companies. He has successfully led early-stage ventures to profitable enterprises—most notably as President and CEO of Hollenco Inc.—by developing innovative revenue, product, and branding strategies. With a proven track record in mergers and acquisitions, including key roles at Mailchimp and RootMetrics, Andrew combines global market insights with a relentless focus on customer needs. His dynamic leadership and clear communication have not only transformed companies but have also made him a sought-after strategic advisor and board member in the technology industry.

Greg Newbloom, CEO and founder of Membrion, Inc., is a visionary leader in clean technology with over a decade of experience driving sustainable innovation. Combining expertise in chemical engineering, business development, and strategic leadership, Greg has transformed Membrion into a market disruptor in industrial wastewater recycling, raising over $23 million and achieving commercial success. Recognized globally with honors such as the R&D 100 Award and AIChE’s 35 Under 35, Greg is dedicated to making sustainability irresistible by integrating innovation, inclusivity, and environmental impact into transformative industrial solutions.

Tom Schneider is a seasoned financial executive and strategic leader with a proven ability to drive profitability, operational efficiency, and business growth across multiple industries, including manufacturing, finance, e-commerce, and the outdoor sector. With extensive experience as a CEO, CFO, and board member, he has successfully led corporate turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, and financial restructurings that have resulted in significant revenue increases and EBITDA growth. Known for his analytical expertise, leadership, and ability to foster positive corporate cultures, Tom has played a pivotal role in transforming businesses through strategic planning, innovative financial modeling, and effective communication with executives, investors, and stakeholders.

Maria Gallahue-Worl is a seasoned executive with over 33 years of leadership experience in manufacturing, advanced materials, healthcare, aerospace, and product innovation. As the CEO of TenCate Protective Fabrics, she drives global strategy, operational excellence, and market expansion, ensuring the company remains a leader in high-performance protective textiles. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Solvay, where she led large-scale business transformations, turnarounds, and international growth initiatives across key markets in Europe, China, Japan, Brazil, India, and Korea. A strong advocate for women in manufacturing and defense, Maria is a sought-after speaker and mentor, dedicated to fostering leadership excellence and industry innovation. With expertise in corporate strategy, technical problem-solving, and global business development, she is committed to helping organizations navigate change and achieve long-term success.

James Massa is a dynamic and results-oriented executive with over 20 years of experience leading organizations across various sectors, including technology, biotech, AI, and non-profits. With dual degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science, Massa has successfully driven operational excellence, revenue growth, and market expansion, managing $500M P&Ls and overseeing teams of up to 400 members. His leadership has led to impressive outcomes, including up to 500% revenue increases, cost reductions, and enhanced profitability. A strategic thinker with expertise in AI, machine learning, and data science, Massa excels at navigating regulatory complexities, fostering partnerships, and leading transformative business initiatives that drive long-term success.

Todd Oseth is an accomplished C-level executive with over 20 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across industries such as semiconductors, SaaS, IoT, and enterprise storage. With a track record of launching new products that increased revenues by 30% and profits by 15%, he has led organizations ranging from startups to billion-dollar enterprises, managing teams of up to 2,000 people. Oseth has closed high-profile deals exceeding $100 million, including with global leaders, and has successfully implemented cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain to drive business transformation. As a visionary leader with a strong background in engineering, sales, and marketing, he brings deep industry expertise and a passion for innovation, guiding companies through rapid change, market expansion, and sustainable growth.

Jerry Elliott is a transformative business leader with a proven track record of driving exceptional financial performance and operational excellence across telecommunications, technology, and media industries. Known for turning around underperforming companies, he has successfully led organizations to industry-leading positions by implementing strategic growth initiatives, optimizing financial structures, and fostering high-performance teams. As President, CEO, and board member of multiple publicly traded and private equity-backed companies, Jerry has consistently delivered shareholder value through innovation, execution, and disciplined leadership. His ability to navigate complex business challenges, coupled with his deep expertise in finance, operations, and corporate strategy, has made him a sought-after leader in dynamic and high-stakes environments.

Kevin Jost is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and content strategist with a distinguished career spanning media, publishing, and the vehicle industries. As a founder, CEO, and editorial leader, he has consistently driven business transformation, launching and managing influential media brands while shaping industry discourse on emerging technologies. With expertise in editing, journalism, media relations, and product development, Jost has played a pivotal role in covering and advancing sustainable mobility, autonomous vehicles, and transportation innovation. His ability to bridge the gap between engineering and media has made him a respected authority in the field, influencing both industry professionals and consumers alike.

Paul Sieben is a dynamic executive leader with over five decades of experience driving business growth, operational excellence, and strategic transformation across healthcare, construction, and automation industries. A visionary strategist, he has successfully scaled companies, optimized financial performance, and guided organizations through complex transitions. With a deep expertise in stakeholder relations, P&L management, and risk mitigation, Paul has played a pivotal role in high-growth enterprises and board leadership. His ability to foster innovation, build strong teams, and navigate change makes him an invaluable asset to organizations seeking sustainable success. Currently serving on multiple boards, Paul is actively pursuing additional opportunities to leverage his expertise in governance, strategy, and business development.

Dennis Kraft is an accomplished cybersecurity leader with over 15 years of experience driving innovation and excellence across diverse sectors, including federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and entrepreneurial ventures. As the CEO of Cyberkraft LLC, he has transformed the organization from a startup into a leading cybersecurity training provider, delivering programs to thousands of professionals and forging key partnerships with industry and government entities. A former Army officer and experienced enterprise cybersecurity architect, Dennis holds certifications such as CISSP, CCSP, and CEH, along with a proven track record of strategic growth, compliance success, and operational leadership. His dedication to fostering secure, innovative solutions and empowering teams has established him as a trusted leader in the cybersecurity field.

John Cash, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Ur-Energy Inc., is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in the uranium industry. Known for his integrity, strategic vision, and deep technical expertise, Mr. Cash has played a pivotal role in advancing Ur-Energy’s corporate objectives, including the development and licensing of key mining projects. Under his leadership, the company has successfully navigated complex regulatory landscapes, fostered strong relationships with global investors, and positioned itself as a leader in the nuclear energy sector. His calm demeanor, coupled with his ability to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions, has earned him widespread respect among industry stakeholders and peers.