I’ve spent my career helping companies and leaders navigate complex people challenges with clarity, integrity, and practical strategy. With a deep passion for leadership development, global HR, and organizational transformation, I’m excited to continue applying my experience to help boards and companies grow stronger and more people-centered. Here is my biography.

In today’s fast-paced world of leadership and innovation, success hinges on more than talent—it requires a framework for execution. The ACT Leadership Model—Alignment, Clarity, and Transparency—offers a powerful, repeatable approach to leading teams, communicating ideas, and navigating change. By aligning goals, setting clear expectations, and fostering open communication, leaders can build trust and drive meaningful progress. Whether launching a new product or mentoring a team, this model ensures everyone is focused, empowered, and moving in the same direction.

Christopher Brueningsen is a nationally recognized education leader and strategic advisor with over three decades of experience transforming schools and empowering leadership teams. As Head of School at The Kiski School for more than 20 years, Chris led a sweeping institutional revitalization—raising over $60 million, advancing academic excellence, and fostering a culture of innovation. Known for his strategic foresight, collaborative leadership, and deep understanding of governance and philanthropy, he now consults with schools and nonprofit organizations worldwide, helping them navigate change, build capacity, and lead with purpose.

Janie Waldron, MBA, is a seasoned executive and board leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and strategic growth across multiple industries. As Chief Administrative Officer of SOLV Holdings and Board Chair of QuikCut LLC, Janie blends over 20 years of experience with a passion for leadership development, organizational transformation, and results-driven strategy. Known for her integrity, insight, and ability to build strong teams, she empowers companies to thrive through thoughtful planning, cultural alignment, and scalable innovation.

After more than 40 years in executive leadership roles across sales, marketing, and strategic growth, I’ve reflected on my journey, core values, and the incredible people I’ve worked with and mentored along the way. I'm now actively pursuing new board and advisory roles, and I’m excited to contribute my experience to organizations looking to grow and transform. Here is my biography.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, which highlights my 40+ years of experience in psychology, executive coaching, and organizational development. As I explore board service opportunities, I look forward to lending my expertise in leadership, team building, and strategic communication to mission-driven organizations.

Thrilled to share my professional journey as an executive coach, organizational psychologist, and passionate advocate for inclusive leadership and organizational transformation. I've had the privilege of working globally with remarkable teams and leaders, guiding strategic growth and fostering meaningful change. Here is my biography.

Many leaders find themselves busy every day, yet frustrated by a lack of real progress. In this article, Alec A. Gizzi explores how President Eisenhower’s time-tested matrix can help executives distinguish between what’s urgent and what’s truly important—transforming the way they prioritize, delegate, and lead. With real-world insights from his decades in the logistics industry, Gizzi shares how applying the Eisenhower Matrix can sharpen focus, reduce burnout, and drive meaningful results in even the most fast-paced environments.

I’m excited to share my professional executive biography, highlighting my journey in healthcare governance, business strategy, and patient advocacy. My passion lies in driving strategic growth, fostering leadership development, and improving patient care through governance excellence. As I continue serving on boards and expanding my impact, I welcome opportunities to collaborate with organizations seeking innovative leadership and transformative solutions.

Jerry Thompson is a transformative business leader who seamlessly blends corporate strategy with human empowerment, bringing over 25 years of executive and consulting experience to the forefront of organizational development. As the Founder and CEO of IMPowerU.io, he champions a people-first approach to business transformation, believing that sustainable success is rooted in the personal growth and well-being of individuals. His career spans global leadership roles across KPMG, Ingram Micro, Deloitte, and Arthur Andersen, where he led large-scale strategic initiatives and complex cross-border operations. With a unique blend of legal training, executive education, and coaching expertise, Jerry continues to drive innovation by aligning vision, systems, and culture—empowering both people and businesses to thrive together.

Lara Barlow is a seasoned executive leader with 25 years of experience in digital media, publishing, marketing, business transformation, and operations management. She has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, optimizing business operations, and leading high-performing teams in small to mid-cap companies across the digital publishing, media, and travel industries. As a former vice president at TVO and general manager & acting COO at Travelzoo, Lara has successfully led strategic turnarounds, expanded global partnerships, and executed digital-first initiatives that increased engagement and revenue. Her expertise spans fundraising, governance, digital marketing, and strategic partnerships, making her a valuable asset to companies looking to scale and innovate. With board experience at 360°kids, an international MBA in marketing and strategy from Schulich School of Business, and leadership training from Kellogg School of Management and the Richard Ivey School of Business, Lara is well-equipped for governance roles. She is fluent in English, proficient in Spanish, and has international experience across Europe and APAC, strengthening her ability to lead global business initiatives. Lara is now seeking corporate board opportunities where she can leverage her expertise in business transformation, operational strategy, and digital growth to help organizations scale, innovate, and achieve sustainable success.

Dr. C.J. Walker Waite, Ph.D., PMP, CCA, is a transformational project leader and strategic business consultant with over 35 years of experience driving organizational change and enterprise agility. As Executive Vice President of ThePraxisEdge.com, she has successfully led multi-billion-dollar digital transformation initiatives, guiding Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and multinational corporations through complex change landscapes. A former International Board Director of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Dr. Walker Waite is a globally recognized expert in governance, business strategy, and project leadership. A sought-after speaker and published author, she has delivered keynote presentations and contributed extensively to thought leadership in organizational transformation and business sustainability. Holding a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Development from The George Washington University, she combines academic rigor with real-world expertise to empower organizations to navigate change, optimize performance, and achieve long-term strategic growth.

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.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in human resources, leadership development, and strategic business transformation. Over the years, I've had the privilege of partnering with executives, mentoring leaders, and implementing HR strategies that drive organizational success and workforce engagement.

I’m excited to share my professional executive biography, reflecting my journey as an organizational psychologist, leadership consultant, and executive coach. With over 37 years of experience in leadership development, emotional intelligence, and workplace well-being, my passion lies in helping leaders and organizations thrive. My commitment to equity, mentorship, and transformative leadership continues to drive my work across industries.

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.