Joe Lichtenberger is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience in structured trade finance, private equity, venture capital, and corporate finance. As the Managing Principal of Crescive Capital, he leads early-stage investments, financial consulting, and capital-raising initiatives, leveraging his deep expertise in strategic growth and value creation. His career includes leadership roles at Cargill, where he structured billion-dollar financing deals and pioneered innovative investment strategies, as well as experience in private equity and investment banking at firms like The Pritzker Organization and Bear Stearns. With an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a BBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, Lichtenberger is recognized for his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, optimize capital structures, and drive sustainable growth for high-impact businesses.

Rajeev Batra is a distinguished scholar, author, and thought leader in global branding, advertising management, and consumer psychology. Currently the S.S. Kresge Professor of Marketing at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, he has authored or co-edited eight books, including the award-winning The New Emerging Market Multinationals (2012), and published over 80 influential academic papers. His research on brand love, brand coolness, and global brand positioning has shaped marketing strategies worldwide. With prior faculty positions at Columbia Business School and visiting appointments at top global institutions, Batra has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named a Fellow of the Society for Consumer Psychology and multiple nominations for the “Best MBA Teacher” Award. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, advising leading multinational corporations on brand strategy and advertising effectiveness. A Stanford Ph.D. graduate, his work continues to define the evolving landscape of global marketing and consumer engagement.