Tag: high-performance teams
Michael Kadel: Transformational Financial Services Executive Driving Strategic Growth and Culture Evolution
Michael Kadel is a transformational financial services executive with over 25 years of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and culture evolution. A visionary leader in banking, fintech, and organizational transformation, he has successfully led large-scale teams, executed high-impact growth strategies, and played a pivotal role in multiple mergers and acquisitions. His expertise spans Retail, Business, and Digital Banking, Private and Commercial Banking, and Wealth Management, with a strong focus on client experience, talent development, and technology integration. A servant leader committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Michael fosters high-performance cultures that prioritize innovation, engagement, and long-term success. His ability to align strategy with execution has consistently delivered measurable results, making him a trusted leader in financial institutions and board governance.
Adam Rynd: Experienced Business Leader, Investor, Real Estate Advisor, and Entrepreneur
Adam Rynd is a seasoned business leader, entrepreneur, and investor with a proven track record of success across real estate, retail, technology, and finance. As the Owner and Designated Broker of Coldwell Banker Cascade Real Estate, he has built the firm into the premier brokerage in Central Washington, overseeing more than $300 million in annual transactions. In addition, he leads WOODIN ENTERPRISES LLC, a thriving retail business portfolio that has achieved consistent 35%+ annual revenue growth. With prior leadership roles at Salesforce and Microsoft, Adam has extensive experience in sales, contract negotiation, marketing strategy, and operational management. His ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, combined with his commitment to innovation and community impact, has made him a driving force in every industry he operates in.
The Art of Building and Sustaining High-Performance Teams
Building and sustaining high-performance teams in project management requires more than just technical expertise—it demands strong leadership, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment. Without direct authority, project managers must rely on communication, trust, and people skills to guide their teams effectively. A key component of this is investing in meaningful training opportunities that align with individual growth and career development, ensuring that team members feel valued and equipped for success. Beyond training, transparency, active listening, and an open-door policy create a culture of collaboration and innovation. When leadership is authentic and teams feel safe to take risks, performance flourishes, leading to increased loyalty and long-term success. However, sustaining this high-performance culture requires ongoing effort—complacency can lead to decline. Effective leaders continuously engage with their teams, encourage feedback, and nurture an environment where everyone works towards a shared vision.
Shanna Weber: Executive Leadership & Financial Services Strategist
Shanna Weber is a dynamic executive coach, leadership strategist, and financial services expert with a proven ability to transform teams, drive strategic growth, and cultivate high-performance cultures. As the Founder and CEO of Prima Consulting, she empowers leaders to elevate their impact through executive coaching, leadership development programs, and culture-building initiatives. With over 23 years of experience in financial services, including leadership roles at Charles Schwab and Janus Henderson Investors, Shanna has led large-scale business transformations, spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives, and developed enterprise-wide strategies that drive measurable success. A sought-after speaker and mentor, she is dedicated to helping professionals unlock their leadership potential and create workplaces where employees thrive.
Joseph Stark: International Payments Sales Executive
Joseph Stark is a seasoned financial services executive with a distinguished career in international payments, sales management, and product strategy, driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth and expanding market presence for global financial institutions. As Head of Banks Account Management and Sales for Visa Direct at Visa, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening key banking relationships, optimizing transaction flows, and expanding cross-border payment solutions. His leadership at Earthport contributed to a 40% business growth, leading to its acquisition by Visa, while his tenure at Standard Chartered Bank and JPMorgan Chase showcased his ability to drive profitability, regulatory compliance, and innovative financial product development. With deep expertise in global banking networks, strategic sales execution, and high-profile industry engagement, Stark continues to shape the future of digital payments and financial technology.
Gregory G. Lee | Experienced Sales and Marketing Executive | Board Advisor | Business Growth Strategist
Gregory G. Lee is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in the manufacturing, automotive, trucks/trailers, and aftermarket components industries. Known for his ability to drive revenue growth, optimize sales teams, and execute strategic market expansions, Greg has successfully led high-performing teams across private equity and corporate environments. His expertise spans sales management, business development, P&L oversight, and global dealer channel management. With a strong track record in organizational restructuring and customer engagement, Greg is now seeking board advisory roles where he can leverage his extensive experience to help companies scale, optimize operations, and achieve sustainable growth.
Jerry Elliott: Transformative Leader in Telecom, Technology, and Media
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.
Julie Peck: A Proven Leader in Financial, Operational, IT Audit and Cybersecurity.
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.
Mark A. Potter: Executive Leader with Expertise in Media, Content Production, and Digital Transformation
Mark A. Potter is a seasoned executive with over 40 years of experience in media, content production, and digital transformation. Known for his integrity and leadership, he has successfully driven business turnarounds, strategic growth, and the development of high-performance teams. Mark has a proven track record of transforming organizations, including leading HudsonYards Studios through a successful business overhaul and acquisition, as well as playing a pivotal role in the digital transition at industry giants like Kodak. With deep knowledge of media, publishing, and technology, he excels at building relationships, executing growth strategies, and communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels. As he moves into the next chapter of his career, Mark seeks to remain active in the business community by leveraging his diverse skill set and extensive network to contribute to dynamic and growth-oriented organizations.
Michael Bordainick: A Visionary Leader Driving Innovation and Growth
Michael Bordainick's executive journey is defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for leadership. He consistently demonstrates the ability to align core business functions—ranging from marketing and sales to product development and customer service—around a unified, purpose-driven vision. His leadership style focuses on cultivating high-performance teams that are both results-oriented and motivated by a shared sense of mission. Michael's expertise in driving digital transformations and innovative marketing strategies enables organizations to meet evolving market demands while ensuring sustainable growth. His ability to navigate complex business landscapes, coupled with his focus on fostering talent and building inclusive, performance-driven cultures, has been a hallmark of his career. This steadfast dedication not only highlights his track record of delivering exceptional results but also underscores his ability to drive both personal and organizational success, making him a respected leader across industries.
Building Superb Teams in an Age of Stupid:Avoid the Lie That’s DEI
In the quest to build high-performing, high-trust teams, the secret lies in one principle: always hire for excellence. While diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and demographics can enhance innovation and decision-making, it should never outweigh the fundamental need for A-players. Diversity is a strength when it aligns with excellence, not as an end in itself. As a six-time CEO with experience leading startups and growth companies, I’ve seen firsthand how hiring for Intelligence, Initiative, Integrity, and Intensity—or as some call it, Merit, Excellence, and Intelligence (MEI)—creates thriving teams and cultures. Embrace a welcoming, inclusive environment that nurtures talent from all backgrounds, but never sacrifice excellence in the name of diversity initiatives that dilute your team’s capabilities. Excellence isn’t just a hiring principle—it’s the foundation of success.
Brian Van Haaften: Driving Growth by Impacting People, One Person or Situation at a Time.
Excited to share my professional biography! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible teams across industries to create impactful growth, build high-performing teams, and connect talent with opportunity. Here is my biography.
Mary Pat Fernald: Driving Transformative Growth with Strategic Insight, Financial Expertise, and Unyielding Commitment to Excellence.
I’m excited to share my journey and experiences as outlined in my biography. Over the years, I’ve built a strong reputation for driving transformation and achieving results, leveraging my extensive background in corporate strategy and M&A execution. My approach to leadership focuses on fostering transparency, adaptability, and innovation, all while managing high-performance teams to navigate complex challenges. I’m passionate about strategic thinking and communication, which has helped me become a trusted partner in guiding organizations to new heights. My track record in financial management and stakeholder engagement underscores my commitment to steering organizations towards long-term success. I invite you to explore my full biography to learn more about how I’m shaping the future of leadership and strategy.
Darryel A. Picou: Turning Promises into Reality through Unwavering Commitment.
I am thrilled to share my latest professional biography, which highlights my extensive experience and accomplishments in the sales industry. With over 30 years of experience, I have dedicated myself to driving sales performance, leading high-performing teams, and fostering strong business relationships. From my current role as Director of Sales at Intelligent Design Manufacturing to my previous leadership positions at Elevated Link and Amano Pioneer Eclipse, my career has been shaped by a commitment to turning promises into reality through unwavering dedication. My focus has always been on strategic sales planning, solution selling, and team building, consistently aiming to exceed expectations and achieve growth. Passionate about mentoring and personal development, I look forward to continuing this journey of excellence and innovation. Feel free to connect with me to learn more about my professional journey and how I can contribute to your organization’s success!
Building High-Performance Technical Teams: Lessons from the Frontline
In today’s fast-paced tech industry, building high-performance technical teams is crucial to staying ahead of the competition. Drawing from my experiences at Wiz and Palo Alto Networks, I’ve learned that success hinges on three key elements: strategic recruitment, dynamic team management, and a culture of continuous innovation. Here’s a deep dive into these essential components and how they can be harnessed to create unstoppable technical teams.
Strategic recruitment focuses on finding candidates who not only have the technical skills but also align with the company’s values and culture. Dynamic team management involves clear communication, empowerment, and continuous learning to foster collaboration and growth. Cultivating a culture of innovation and excellence encourages experimentation, recognizes achievements, and promotes a collaborative environment. By focusing on these key areas, leaders can assemble teams that exceed expectations and drive their organizations to new heights. At Wiz and Palo Alto Networks, I’ve seen firsthand the power of these principles in action, leading to teams equipped to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Mike Cowles
Excited to share the impressive journey of Mike Cowles, a seasoned executive officer, board member, and advisor with a remarkable history of building high-performance teams and driving value creation across various industries. Currently, Mike is recognized for his strategic leadership in managing SAP’s $600M Financial Services P&L, leading Rainmaker through significant transactions, and doubling Logically’s revenue run rate within 18 months. His expertise spans sell-side transactions, enterprise value creation, acquisitions, integrations, and business transformations, all while maintaining a focus on key metrics to maximize enterprise value. With a solid foundation in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida and a wealth of experience from leading roles at Ariba, SAP, and Accenture, Mike continues to be a pivotal figure in the business world.