“Growth Culture” only becomes meaningful when leaders move it beyond jargon and into daily practice—where measurable progress and a healthy workplace environment reinforce each other. True growth is not just hitting financial targets but understanding performance through data, adapting to challenges, and communicating transparently across all levels. At the same time, culture drives how that growth is achieved: through engaged employees, consistent leadership, and an environment built on trust, accountability, and recognition. Whether in the public or private sector, organizations that intentionally align growth objectives with a strong, people-centered culture are better positioned to sustain performance, retain talent, and navigate change effectively.

I’m excited to share a deeper look into my professional journey, leadership philosophy, and the experiences that have shaped my 33-year career in the hospitality industry. Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading exceptional teams, driving operational excellence, and contributing to the evolution of some truly remarkable organizations. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, which reflects over 30 years of experience in construction, environmental consulting, and entrepreneurship. My journey has been defined by adaptability, leadership, and a passion for managing both people and projects across diverse industries. I look forward to exploring new opportunities to contribute at the board level and beyond.

Rebecca Edelman is a visionary executive and founder with over 20 years of leadership experience at the intersection of finance, education, and workforce development. As CEO of Caper Associates, she pioneers innovative programs that equip young people and professionals with practical skills for career and civic success. Known for her strategic mindset and operational expertise, Rebecca has driven transformative change in global financial institutions and nonprofit education settings alike, all while championing mission-driven initiatives that create lasting impact.

Joanna Lesniewski is a transformational executive known for her people-first leadership and strategic growth expertise. As Acting COO and SVP of Global Professional Services at Pivotree, she has successfully led large-scale organizational transformations, including M&A integrations and global restructures, while consistently improving operational efficiency and profitability. With a deep understanding of financial planning, cross-functional collaboration, and cultural transformation, Joanna empowers high-performing teams and builds inclusive environments where innovation and excellence thrive. Her ability to align big-picture strategy with day-to-day execution has made her a trusted leader in navigating complexity, fostering sustainable growth, and delivering meaningful impact.

Leonard Gooz is a globally recognized brand strategist and hospitality executive who currently serves as Global Brand Head for Hilton Hotels & Resorts. With a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and customer experience across Hilton’s flagship and extended-stay brands, Leonard brings over two decades of leadership spanning hospitality, consulting, and business development. His career reflects a passion for people, operational excellence, and building brands that resonate across cultures and markets. Known for his strategic clarity, collaborative leadership, and deep industry insight, Leonard continues to shape the future of hospitality by elevating guest experiences and delivering value to partners worldwide.

In the realm of corporate strategy, success often falters not from lack of ambition but from a failure to execute the basics well. Organizations frequently struggle with aligning teams, communicating goals, and adapting to change—issues that derail even the most well-intentioned plans. With studies suggesting that up to 90% of strategies fail, the path to achievement lies in clarity, focus, and simplicity. Leaders must ensure that goals are few, measurable, and tied directly to long-term vision, with teams empowered and aligned to act swiftly. Ultimately, mastering the fundamentals—doing “simple” better—can be the strongest strategy of all.

Mike Farmer is a visionary commercial leader with over 20 years of experience driving operational excellence, innovation, and growth in the building materials industry. As President of Commercial Operations at Builders FirstSource, he leads strategic initiatives across multi-family development, marketing, professional remodeling, and manufacturing. Known for his ability to scale operations and enhance customer experience, Mike has overseen transformative growth, including the widespread adoption of READY-FRAME® and nearly 100% business expansion at BMC. His leadership blends deep industry knowledge with a people-first mindset, shaped by an early career in human resources and fortified through executive education at Harvard and Wharton. Mike’s influence extends beyond the boardroom through his work with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and advisory roles supporting market innovation.

Sharol Wilson, MBA, is a seasoned Human Resources and Finance Executive with over 20 years of experience driving strategic growth and operational excellence across the staffing, manufacturing, food, and aerospace industries. As President of S. Wilson Staffing LLC, she has built a nationally respected firm known for connecting top-tier talent with Fortune 500 and 1000 companies. Sharol's expertise spans executive recruiting, financial management, and organizational development, supported by a strong foundation in compliance, data systems, and process improvement. Her ability to align people strategies with business objectives has made her a trusted leader, mentor, and change agent in both corporate and academic environments.

With over four decades of international leadership in horticulture and global supply chain management, Menahem Ganon is a results-oriented executive known for his strategic foresight, operational excellence, and people-first leadership style. Fluent in English and Hebrew, and experienced across markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, he brings a rare blend of cultural fluency and industry expertise. Menahem’s career reflects a deep commitment to integrity, collaboration, and driving meaningful growth across complex business environments.

Bruce Bantz is a visionary financial executive whose five-decade career has left an indelible mark on the world of structured finance and corporate leadership. From pioneering asset-backed securities at Citibank to launching billion-dollar securitization platforms in Europe, his strategic foresight and technical mastery have consistently driven innovation across global markets. Known for his integrity, adaptability, and decisive leadership, Bruce blends institutional rigor with entrepreneurial agility—making him a trusted advisor and transformational force for companies navigating growth, complexity, or change.

James W. Lakin is a visionary executive and accomplished entrepreneur whose career spans over three decades of transformative leadership across multiple industries. Known for his entrepreneurial grit, financial expertise, and unwavering ethical foundation, James has launched, scaled, and sold several successful businesses—from expanding a single donut shop into a multi-location enterprise to building a national travel guide company and leading a prominent real estate brokerage. As President of McGrew Color Graphics, he achieved the company’s first multi-million-dollar sale, driving growth that led to its acquisition by General Mills. Beyond his business ventures, James has dedicated his time to board leadership in corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service and community.

Robert Bacchioni is a seasoned financial and operations leader with over 10 years of experience in retail, technology, and finance. Currently serving as Manager II, Marketplace Risk at Walmart, he specializes in financial planning, risk management, and business technology integrations to drive operational efficiency and revenue growth. With a strong background in pricing strategy, marketplace performance, and financial forecasting, Robert has successfully led cross-functional teams to develop scalable solutions that enhance platform integrity and business sustainability. A data-driven strategist with a collaborative leadership style, he is now seeking board and advisory roles where he can leverage his expertise to help organizations optimize financial health, risk mitigation, and strategic growth initiatives.

Sarah Beaubien is a sustainability executive with over 16 years of experience driving impactful environmental and social change in the consumer packaged goods industry. As the **Impact & Sustainability Lead for the U.S. at Mondelēz International**, she leads cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability into corporate strategy, focusing on climate action, responsible sourcing, and human rights advocacy. With a history of leadership at **Clif Bar, Quantis, Tillamook, and Farmer Brothers**, she has built alliances across government, NGOs, and the private sector to implement sustainability solutions that create long-term business value. A respected thought leader and public speaker, Sarah is recognized for her ability to translate complex sustainability challenges into actionable strategies that drive measurable impact.

BJ Moore is a transformative technology and business leader with a track record of driving large-scale digital innovation, operational excellence, and organizational turnarounds. With over 26 years at Microsoft in executive roles and a tenure as CIO and EVP at Providence, he has led major cloud, AI, and enterprise modernization initiatives, elevating businesses from industry laggards to technology leaders. Recognized as an award-winning CIO and visionary strategist, Moore has successfully managed multi-billion-dollar P&L responsibilities, optimized large real estate portfolios, and spearheaded AI-driven healthcare advancements. His ability to bridge technology and business strategy, coupled with his expertise in financial management, cybersecurity, and enterprise operations, positions him as a sought-after executive ready to drive transformative impact in his next leadership role.

Deborah Kidd is a dynamic executive, attorney, and educator with expertise spanning the entertainment, music business, media production, and legal industries. As CEO of PopDaze Entertainment, she leads strategic growth initiatives while preserving the cultural legacy of past decades through immersive music experiences. With a background in entertainment law, she has represented artists, advised on intellectual property and business strategies, and played a key role in shaping legal frameworks for the industry. As an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, she mentors future leaders, equipping them with essential knowledge in music law and business. Her diverse career also includes media production, artist management, and corporate leadership, making her an influential figure in the evolving entertainment landscape.