Robert Proudfoot

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.

John Bongaarts is an accomplished AI technology and product strategist with over 15 years of experience leading high-impact initiatives across Fortune 500 companies and high-tech industries, including semiconductor, aerospace, transportation, and music technology. As the Founder of Chiptown Consulting and Strategic Advisor at Audialab, Inc., he helps organizations unlock business value through responsible AI practices and cutting-edge technology solutions. With a strong background in generative AI product management and AI governance frameworks, Bongaarts is known for driving organizational change, advancing ethical AI deployments, and aligning technology strategies with business objectives. His extensive experience at National Instruments, where he held senior leadership roles including Chief AI Technology Strategist, reflects his ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable strategies that foster innovation, customer trust, and competitive advantage.

Mikhail Papovsky is a transformational leader, technologist, and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience driving strategic execution and digital transformation across industries. As the founder and CEO of Massaro, he has pioneered a disruptive consulting model that delivers breakthrough results in business optimization, mergers, technology implementation, and organizational change. With a deep expertise in aligning technology with business objectives, Mikhail has successfully led high-impact initiatives for Fortune 500 companies and emerging enterprises. A passionate mentor and advisor, he serves on multiple boards and is committed to fostering leadership, innovation, and meaningful connections. His guiding philosophy—"I look for wins in all business models"—reflects his dedication to helping organizations achieve sustainable success.

Gone are the days when Fortune 500 giants depended on traditional consulting firms, spending millions on reports outdated upon arrival. Today, global leaders from automotive to insurance and energy are turning to AI-powered platforms like FifthRow, dramatically cutting strategy execution timelines from months to mere days—or even hours. Take the Fortune 500 automotive leader that needed rapid validation of new business models. Instead of waiting months for static consultant reports, FifthRow leveraged real-time data to deliver actionable insights ten times faster at a fraction of the cost, accelerating market entry and competitive advantage. Similarly, a major insurance firm transitioned from slow, consultant-led productivity assessments to FifthRow’s dynamic, AI-driven approach. The result? Two to three times productivity improvements and continuous, adaptive strategy execution that immediately responds to market shifts. For a prominent French energy company, the move from traditional consulting to FifthRow's AI-driven strategy led to rapid identification of lucrative market expansion opportunities. Rather than relying on dated insights, the company adapted strategies in real time, resulting in quicker, more profitable growth. These stories aren’t isolated—they signal a fundamental shift from static strategy decks to adaptive, real-time strategy execution powered by AI. Companies embracing this transition aren't merely saving money; they’re redefining agility, reclaiming valuable time, and positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation.

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.

I am excited to share my executive biography, showcasing my journey in program and project management, agile leadership, and digital transformation across Fortune 500 companies and global enterprises. My passion for mentorship, innovation, and strategic execution has driven significant business success, and I look forward to collaborating with like-minded professionals.

Gabriel J. Paoletti, P.E., is a highly accomplished engineering consultant and business advisor with over 45 years of experience in technology and renewable energy systems. Renowned for his expertise in electrical engineering, power systems, and strategic business growth, he has played a key role in developing innovative solutions, optimizing operational efficiency, and driving market expansion for Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. An award-winning leader, Gabe has been recognized for pioneering advancements in electrical power distribution and has delivered insightful presentations at major industry conferences. With extensive international experience and a commitment to integrity, strategic planning, and customer satisfaction, he now seeks board and advisory roles where he can leverage his technical expertise and leadership to help organizations scale and succeed.

Talbot Stark leverages his extensive executive leadership experience in Fortune 500 companies and startups to provide strategic insights, drive innovation, and deliver high-value contributions as a Board Member and executive coach. With a proven track record in global markets, institutional sales, and leadership development, he has successfully guided top executives across industries, equipping them with the skills and strategies needed for long-term success. As the Founder and CEO of **ExecPathfinders LLC**, Talbot combines his deep expertise in financial strategy, corporate governance, and executive coaching to foster growth, enhance leadership effectiveness, and empower organizations to navigate complex business landscapes.

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.

Millicent Fortunoff is a distinguished leader in strategic communications, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and social impact, recognized for her ability to integrate ethical business practices with purpose-driven initiatives that enhance corporate reputation and drive meaningful change. With over two decades of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, she has developed and executed high-impact campaigns in ESG, DEI, and crisis management. A former journalist, her expertise in media relations has secured global earned media coverage, amplifying the reach of her clients’ missions. As a Trustee of Union Theological Seminary and an advisor to a 2020 U.S. presidential campaign, she continues to influence corporate and social policy at the highest levels while remaining actively engaged in New York City’s arts and philanthropic communities.

Julie Peck is a seasoned executive with extensive expertise in financial, IT, and operational audit, as well as cybersecurity and enterprise risk management. With a distinguished career spanning Fortune 500 companies, a "Big 4" accounting firm, and global manufacturing and financial services organizations, she has consistently been selected to lead critical initiatives and drive transformation. Known for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and ability to build high-performing teams, Julie has played a pivotal role in strengthening internal controls, enhancing cybersecurity frameworks, and optimizing risk management programs. Her career includes leadership roles at Nouryon, Gardner Denver (now Ingersoll Rand), Johnson Controls, Fiserv, Deloitte & Touche, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Julie holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, a BBA from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and multiple professional certifications, including CPA, CISA, and CISSP.

Aparna Srinivasan is a seasoned technology executive and product strategist with over 25 years of experience driving innovation, business growth, and digital transformation across Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups. With expertise in digital commerce, AI/ML, blockchain, and financial risk analysis, she has successfully led product initiatives generating over $500 million in annual recurring revenue. A visionary leader, Aparna has reported to the C-suite, presented to board members, and co-owned P&L responsibilities, demonstrating her ability to scale businesses, develop market-leading strategies, and foster high-performing teams. Passionate about mentoring women in technology and advocating for STEM education, she is actively seeking board opportunities where she can leverage her expertise in product innovation, financial strategy, and executive leadership to drive meaningful impact.

I’m thrilled to share my professional biography that captures my journey across strategy, product management, and innovation. With 15 years of experience in high-growth environments and a passion for building engaged teams, I’m excited about creating meaningful impact in the businesses and industries I serve.

Janice Fischer is a globally recognized executive with over three decades of experience in leading complex transformations and driving operational excellence within Fortune 500 companies. Renowned for her no-nonsense, results-driven approach, Janice has built a distinguished career specializing in strategy, business transformation, and enterprise operations across industries such as technology, risk management, and cybersecurity. She has a proven track record of delivering multimillion-dollar projects, creating value, and driving revenue growth while ensuring operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. With a deep expertise in areas like cloud solutions, security, compliance, and M&A, Janice has consistently demonstrated her ability to tackle complex business challenges, transforming organizations through strategic planning and hands-on execution. Her leadership spans a wide range of senior roles, including serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at IBM Cloud, where she successfully improved the company’s security posture and led innovative projects, including the launch of "Cloud for Financial Services." Janice’s strategic foresight and strong stakeholder management skills have been critical in guiding large-scale initiatives to successful completion. Her extensive international experience, managing multimillion-dollar portfolios and global teams, has made her a trusted advisor to C-suite executives worldwide. Whether leading transformation projects, optimizing operations, or overseeing risk management strategies, Janice’s focus remains on creating meaningful, sustainable change in every organization she works with.

Paul Hewitt is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in professional services and business development, specializing in helping organizations navigate complex challenges in security, risk, and compliance. As Senior Partner at Edgile-Wipro, Paul leads global initiatives that enable enterprises to harness cloud and cybersecurity solutions as strategic enablers of business growth. His career has been marked by successful transformations, from overseeing multi-million-dollar projects to driving operational excellence for Fortune 500 clients. Paul is deeply committed to delivering measurable business outcomes, fostering strong client relationships, and leveraging technology to drive long-term success.