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

Steven Hall is an accomplished executive leader with 25 years of experience in operations, supply chain management, and strategic growth within the consumer products and transportation industries. With expertise in finance, P&L management, and global logistics, he has successfully led multimillion-dollar operations, driving cost reductions, process improvements, and market expansion. His leadership in supply chain optimization, vendor negotiations, and data-driven decision-making has resulted in significant business transformation and profitability. With international experience across China, India, Vietnam, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, Steven brings a global perspective to operational efficiency and business development. Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement, he is actively seeking board opportunities to leverage his expertise in helping organizations scale, streamline operations, and achieve long-term success.

Brian Dakin, PMP, CIPM, is a seasoned leader in project management, data privacy, and technology solutions within the life sciences industry. As the Principal of Rhombus Consulting, he has driven strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and data governance for pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations. In his role as President and Head of Operations for a trusted third-party entity, he has led efforts in patient de-identification, achieving HIPAA and SOC2 Type 2 compliance while increasing revenue and profitability. A thought leader and member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Brian also developed **On The Ball Theory**, a framework designed to help individuals unlock their potential and achieve meaningful personal and professional goals. His extensive experience, combined with his commitment to innovation and mentorship, has positioned him as an influential figure in both corporate leadership and personal development.

Vivek Nadadur is a dynamic supply chain and strategy executive with a proven track record of leveraging data, AI, and digital transformation to drive business growth and operational efficiency. With extensive experience across global organizations like Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, and PepsiCo, he has successfully optimized supply chain processes, implemented enterprise-wide digital strategies, and led large-scale business transformations. His expertise in data analytics, strategic planning, and technology-driven solutions positions him as a leader in navigating the complexities of modern supply chains. Committed to innovation, mentorship, and collaboration, Vivek continues to drive impactful change, empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly digital world.

Liv Isham is a transformational leader with over a decade of experience in corporate strategy, market analysis, and organizational development. As Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at Point B, she drives enterprise-wide strategic planning, breaking down silos and aligning teams around key business initiatives. With a background spanning consulting, sustainability, and military leadership, she combines analytical expertise with human-centered design to mobilize teams for impact. Holding advanced degrees from Texas McCombs, Johns Hopkins, and West Point, Liv is also a published thought leader in sustainable business strategy. Passionate about empowering mission-driven organizations, she excels in bridging strategy and execution to create lasting change.

I’m excited to share my professional executive biography, which highlights my experience in finance, risk management, executive leadership, and strategic business development. Over the years, I’ve worked with global institutions, academia, and corporate executives, helping organizations navigate financial complexities while mentoring the next generation of finance professionals.

Alan E. Waite is a visionary executive, strategist, and leadership expert with over four decades of experience spanning government, education, entrepreneurship, and organizational transformation. As the CEO of Praxis Consulting, Inc., he has pioneered innovative methodologies, including Transformational Project Leadership (TPL) and Integrity-Centered Decision-Making (ICDM), to drive sustainable change and ethical decision-making in business and government. A seasoned educator, Alan serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, shaping future leaders in project management and organizational leadership. His extensive career includes consulting for Fortune 500 companies, co-founding an environmental technology firm, and leading nonprofit initiatives to support addiction recovery. An accomplished author and speaker, Alan has contributed to historical and business publications, with his latest book, To a Moral Certainty, set for release in Spring 2025. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in German, he brings a global perspective to leadership, strategy, and governance. Dedicated to integrity, mentorship, and transformational change, Alan seeks to leverage his wealth of experience to help organizations innovate and grow with purpose.

Piyush Ranjan Satapathy is a seasoned product management and technology executive with over 21 years of experience driving innovation across the technology, finance, and retail industries. With expertise in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and cloud computing, he has led the development of scalable, high-impact products and strategic business solutions at organizations like Unqork, Bloomberg LP, FreeWheel, and Analytic Partners. Piyush has a proven track record of executing go-to-market strategies, optimizing data-driven decision-making, and fostering digital transformation. As a thought leader and entrepreneur, he now advises retail clients through his consulting firm while actively seeking board opportunities to leverage his expertise in corporate governance and strategic growth. With a global perspective and a deep understanding of emerging technologies, Piyush continues to shape the future of AI-driven innovation and executive strategy.

Brently L. Cooper is an accomplished technology executive with over 35 years of experience in product development, business transformation, and engineering leadership. With a distinguished career spanning Fortune 500 companies, he has played a pivotal role in shaping global IT hardware solutions, leading high-performing teams, and driving innovation. Brently has held executive roles at Dell EMC, overseeing next-generation server development and managing strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Intel and AMD. His expertise in corporate strategy, product development, and global operations has positioned him as a key driver of technological advancements. As the founder of BC Consulting, LLC, Brently continues to provide expert guidance to organizations navigating complex engineering and business challenges. Passionate about innovation and operational excellence, he is now seeking board roles where he can leverage his vast experience to help companies scale, optimize, and thrive in an evolving technology landscape.

Jeff Barela is a seasoned entrepreneurial leader with over 25 years of experience in database marketing, CRM, and SaaS, known for his ability to build, scale, and successfully exit a profitable marketing technology company. With deep expertise in strategic planning, finance, operations, legal, and sales, he takes a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to business growth and innovation. His leadership in AI-driven marketing technology, agile software development, and stakeholder engagement has positioned him as a trusted advisor in the industry. Currently, Jeff is seeking strategic advisory or part-time consulting opportunities where he can leverage his extensive experience to drive impactful results in the marketing technology sector.

Tracey Johnson is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in veterinary operations, marketing, and customer service, recognized for her strategic approach to driving organizational growth and enhancing community impact. Throughout her career, Tracey has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering teams and improving operational efficiency, making significant contributions to both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. With a deep understanding of leadership, client relations, and organizational effectiveness, she has successfully implemented innovative solutions that optimize operations and elevate customer service standards. Tracey’s passion for community service is also evident through her active involvement in various board roles, where she has worked to strengthen local organizations and support their mission-driven goals. As she transitions into consulting, Tracey is eager to share her wealth of knowledge and experience, helping teams and organizations thrive through thoughtful leadership and actionable strategies.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my 35+ years of experience in national security, strategic communication, and organizational leadership. My journey has taken me from combat deployments and intelligence operations to leading high-impact policy initiatives and running a successful consultancy. Whether in government, academia, or private industry, my mission has always been clear: delivering solutions that drive meaningful impact.

Dale E. Luddeke is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of leadership experience in federal government, information technology, and business development. Renowned for his expertise in strategic growth, operational efficiency, and team leadership, Dale has successfully driven multi-million-dollar initiatives, expanded market presence, and optimized business performance across various organizations. His ability to navigate complex government and defense sectors, coupled with a deep commitment to mentorship and service, has made him a trusted leader in both corporate and advisory roles. A passionate problem-solver with a strong vision for sustainable growth, Dale continues to leverage his experience to guide organizations toward long-term success.

Carol Trotter is a seasoned financial executive and business leader with a strong background in accounting, resource planning, and budgeting. As Co-founder of Elevate Pros, Inc., she leverages her CPA and PMP certifications to help businesses optimize financial operations, align resources strategically, and drive operational efficiency. With over two decades of experience across various industries, Carol has held key leadership roles in finance, consulting, and corporate strategy, consistently delivering solutions that enhance fiscal stability and organizational growth. Her collaborative approach, combined with her deep expertise in program budgeting and process optimization, makes her a trusted partner for businesses seeking to strengthen their financial foundation and achieve long-term success.

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.

Joseph Daddario is a dynamic and results-driven senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading retail operations, driving profitability, and executing strategic growth initiatives in highly competitive markets. As a proven leader, he has successfully managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, optimized business performance, and fostered high-performing teams that deliver exceptional customer experiences. His expertise spans retail leadership, financial performance, strategic planning, and market expansion, with a track record of implementing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and revenue growth. With a strong focus on collaboration, customer engagement, and transformational leadership, Daddario continues to shape the future of retail through his visionary approach and commitment to excellence.

With over 30 years of experience, Rolf Schultz is a dynamic executive known for his ability to transform organizations through strategic vision, digital innovation, and operational excellence. From leading omnichannel transformations at The RoomPlace and Academy Sports + Outdoors to enhancing digital strategies at Galls, LLC, Rolf has consistently delivered measurable growth and bottom-line impact. As the founder of Personal COO and a dedicated board member, Rolf combines his expertise in strategic planning, e-commerce, and leadership development to drive success for businesses of all sizes. His commitment to mentoring, collaboration, and creating lasting value makes him a trusted advisor and catalyst for growth.