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

I'm excited to share my professional journey and expertise in digital transformation, cloud technology, and payments infrastructure. Over the past 20 years, I've passionately worked to drive growth, technology, and leadership through strategic initiatives, operational excellence, and innovation. I invite you to learn more about my experience and vision—here is my biography.

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.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey in financial technology, risk management, and AI-driven compliance solutions. With over 25 years of experience in FinTech, Insurance Tech, and AI, I have worked with global financial institutions to drive innovation, enhance risk governance, and implement strategic transformation initiatives.

Lisa Hollingshead is a seasoned commercial lending executive with extensive experience in portfolio management, credit risk assessment, and relationship development. As Vice President, Portfolio Manager II at Community West Bank, she plays a pivotal role in managing loan portfolios, ensuring compliance, and fostering client relationships to support business growth. With a strong background in SBA, USDA, and EDA loan programs, Lisa combines financial expertise with a strategic approach to risk management and business development. Her commitment to customer service, teamwork, and operational excellence has made her a trusted leader in the financial industry.

Maryam Nourbakhsh is a seasoned project management leader with over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, specializing in strategic operations, clinical quality, and global regulatory compliance. She has a proven track record of driving complex initiatives, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing data-driven decision-making frameworks to enhance portfolio planning and operational efficiency. Currently serving as Director of Project Management at Bristol Myers Squibb, she spearheads innovative methodologies, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and ensures alignment with corporate objectives. With expertise spanning oncology, immunology, and hematology, Maryam has successfully led high-impact projects at leading pharmaceutical organizations, leveraging her knowledge in clinical trials, governance structures, and process improvement. Holding an MBA in Pharmaceutical Marketing and certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Change Management, she is a strategic thinker committed to innovation, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

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.

I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in program management, process improvement, and leadership development across multiple industries. With over 26 years of experience, my passion for mentoring, strategic execution, and operational excellence has driven impactful results in defense, aerospace, energy, and industrial sectors. As I continue to seek opportunities to contribute my expertise, I look forward to collaborating with organizations committed to growth and innovation.

Matt Tarzwell is a seasoned project manager and technology leader specializing in government IT modernization, with a proven track record of implementing large-scale digital transformation initiatives across multiple state agencies. With expertise in regulatory compliance, cloud computing, and data integration, he has successfully led high-impact projects that streamline operations, enhance digital services, and improve efficiency for millions of constituents. His leadership in initiatives such as Maryland’s Customer Connect project and Idaho’s statewide licensing system consolidation has set new benchmarks for innovation and effectiveness in public-sector technology. A strategic thinker with strong technical acumen, Matt excels in driving complex projects from concept to completion, ensuring seamless collaboration between stakeholders, executive leadership, and development teams.

I’m excited to share my professional executive biography, highlighting my journey in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and technology leadership. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible teams, lead high-impact initiatives, and drive innovation across industries.

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.

Ryan K. Stansfield is a seasoned leader with over 23 years of experience in small molecule drug discovery and development. Currently serving as Director of DMPK-Toxicology at 858 Therapeutics, he has successfully led teams through critical phases of drug development, including managing IND-enabling toxicology studies and building high-performing scientific teams. Stansfield is recognized for his deep expertise in ADME, safety pharmacology, and toxicology, as well as his strategic ability to drive projects from discovery to clinical trials. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional communication skills, collaborating across functions and ensuring timely, rigorous data to support regulatory submissions. With a proven track record in managing budgets, experimental design, and in-licensing diligence, Stansfield has contributed to the successful advancement of multiple therapeutic candidates.

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.

Leadership, Emergency Management, Healthcare Operations, Risk Management, Strategic Planning, Crisis Leadership, Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Business Process Improvement, Veteran Support, Organizational Resilience, Disaster Preparedness, Public Safety, Coaching and Mentorship, Executive Leadership

I am excited to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey in defense, counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), intelligence operations, and strategic leadership. With over 30 years of experience managing high-stakes security programs, integrating emerging technologies, and leading global initiatives, I am eager to apply my expertise to advisory and board roles that drive meaningful impact.

Sharon Crowder is a dynamic executive leader with a proven track record in project and portfolio management, business transformation, and strategic execution across global enterprises. Known for her ability to drive operational excellence, streamline project delivery, and lead high-impact initiatives, she has successfully built and restructured PMOs, rescued at-risk projects, and optimized vendor management processes to achieve significant cost savings and efficiency gains. With extensive experience engaging executive stakeholders and guiding organizations through complex change, Sharon has led large-scale transformations at PwC, King County, Visa, and Silicon Valley Bank, delivering measurable results that enhance business performance. Her expertise in developing innovative strategies, fostering collaboration, and implementing structured methodologies makes her a trusted leader in driving enterprise-wide success.

I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my 25+ years of experience in construction, energy efficiency, and strategic project management. I am passionate about driving operational efficiency, leading high-performing teams, and implementing sustainable business strategies. Whether in construction, manufacturing, or energy conservation, my goal is to enhance project execution, optimize costs, and support organizations in achieving long-term success.