Join The Advisor Team
More

Tag: Startups

Mikhail Papovsky | Visionary Technologist, Strategic Leader, and Transformation Architect

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.

Alan E. Waite | Visionary Leader in Executive Coaching, Project Management, and Strategic Change

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.

Kyle Clark, Ph.D. | Expert in Materials Innovation, Process Development & Manufacturing Scale-Up

Kyle Clark, Ph.D., is an accomplished materials and process engineering leader with over 11 years of experience driving scalable manufacturing innovations. Specializing in process development, automation, and cost reduction, he has successfully transitioned operations from pilot production to full-scale industrial manufacturing. With expertise in materials science and strategic problem-solving, Kyle has led major process optimizations, vendor negotiations, and equipment integrations across global markets, including Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, France, and Spain. A skilled communicator and cross-functional leader, he has a proven track record of enhancing production efficiency, reducing defects, and delivering multi-million-dollar cost savings. Passionate about innovation and operational excellence, Kyle is now seeking board and advisory roles to leverage his experience in helping businesses scale and succeed.

Ben Nobles: Transformational Healthcare Executive & Strategic Board Advisor.

With over 35 years of experience in the healthcare industry, I’ve dedicated my career to building high-performing teams, driving commercialization strategies, and fostering strong company cultures. As a board member, advisor, and executive leader, I thrive on delivering breakthrough growth and creating lasting impact. If you’re looking for strategic leadership in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences, I’d love to connect. Here is my biography.

Dr. Andrew S. Nevin | Global Economist, Strategic Advisor, and Brain Health Advocate

Dr. Andrew S. Nevin is a globally recognized economist, strategist, and thought leader with over 40 years of experience spanning finance, economic policy, neuroscience, and corporate governance. As the Research Professor and Inaugural Director of the Brainomics™ Venture at the Center for BrainHealth, University of Texas at Dallas, he pioneers research on the economic value of brain health and its impact on productivity and human flourishing. A Rhodes Scholar with a PhD in Economics from Harvard University, Dr. Nevin has held executive leadership roles across PwC, McKinsey & Company, and United Family Hospitals, shaping global economic policies and corporate strategies. He has advised multinational corporations, financial institutions, and policymakers, particularly in Africa, where he has been instrumental in driving economic transformation and governance reforms. A prolific speaker and media contributor, he has delivered hundreds of engagements worldwide and authored influential publications on economic development, financial sustainability, and corruption. With his unique blend of academic excellence, strategic vision, and leadership experience, Dr. Nevin continues to shape the future of brain health, economic policy, and corporate innovation.

Sheena Shones | Dynamic Financial Executive & Strategic Growth Leader

Sheena Shones is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of expertise in financial strategy, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. As a Controller, she has successfully led organizations through financial transformations, post-acquisition integrations, and strategic growth initiatives. Her deep knowledge of GAAP compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and process improvement enables her to optimize financial health and drive business success. With experience spanning manufacturing, service, crypto, AI, and clean energy industries, Sheena is passionate about leveraging technology and data-driven insights to enhance decision-making. She is actively seeking board opportunities where she can apply her expertise in financial leadership, strategic planning, and business transformation to help companies scale and thrive.

Aparna Srinivasan: Visionary Technology Executive, Product Innovator, and Board Advisor

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.

Jarom Smith: Innovating to Solve Problems and Empower People.

With over 30 years of experience in software engineering, I’ve had the privilege of solving complex problems, leading high-performing teams, and driving impactful results across healthcare, e-commerce, and startups. From building scalable SaaS applications to improving database performance by 833x, my journey has been fueled by a passion for innovation and helping others succeed. Here is my biography.

Scott Green: Transformational Leader in IT Services and Strategic Business Development

Scott Green is a seasoned executive with over four decades of experience in IT services and strategic business development. Renowned for his expertise in scaling businesses, market strategy, and leveraging disruptive technologies, Scott has led transformative initiatives across Australasia and North America. From driving the expansion of startups to steering large-scale operations as an executive director at Datacom, his leadership has consistently delivered innovative solutions and sustained growth. A passionate advocate for governance and community engagement, Scott continues to leverage his extensive experience to contribute to organizations seeking strategic insight and operational excellence.

Eric Grott: Transformational Financial and Operational Leader

Eric Grott is a dynamic executive with over 25 years of experience driving financial excellence, operational efficiency, and strategic growth across startups, manufacturing, distribution, and medical device industries. Known for his ability to deliver transformative results, Eric has led multimillion-dollar initiatives, streamlined operations, and embedded data-driven decision-making practices to create scalable success. Currently serving as CFO/COO of Power/mation, Eric has been instrumental in aligning organizational strategies, achieving record growth, and enhancing profitability, all while maintaining a hands-on, collaborative leadership style. His commitment to innovation and value creation makes him a sought-after leader in the business landscape.

Michael Schenian: Visionary Leader in Manufacturing and Strategic Growth

Michael Schenian is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of expertise in manufacturing, strategic planning, and business development. As the President of Industrial Works, he has driven the company's success through innovative leadership, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to fostering growth. Renowned for his ability to align big-picture strategies with actionable goals, Michael is a visionary leader who mentors the next generation of professionals while contributing to the advancement of the manufacturing sector. With a strong foundation in process optimization, cost reduction, and contract negotiation, he is now leveraging his experience to support organizations seeking guidance in achieving sustainable success.

Naveed Usman: Visionary Leader in Digital Strategy and Business Development.

I’m excited to share my professional journey, highlighting over 25 years of experience in digital strategy, business development, and leadership. From founding the Usman Group to mentoring small businesses and supporting nonprofits, I’ve dedicated my career to driving impactful growth and meaningful change. Here is my biography.

Michael Belko: Visionary Leader in Renewable Energy and Business Transformation

Michael Belko is a transformative leader with over 35 years of experience driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and innovation across industries such as renewable energy, manufacturing, and real estate. As a proven C-suite executive, he has successfully led organizations through complex transitions, established high-performing teams, and delivered measurable results, including securing multimillion-dollar contracts and launching new business lines. Known for his collaborative leadership style and strategic foresight, Michael is passionate about fostering company culture, aligning goals with execution, and building sustainable success for the organizations he serves.

Mike Harrigan: Pioneering Innovator in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure; Driving the Transition to a Sustainable Future Through Innovation, Leadership and Partnerships.

As someone passionate about driving innovation in the electric vehicle industry and beyond, I invite you to learn more about my journey and contributions. From co-founding startups to advancing EV infrastructure, I’ve dedicated my career to building a sustainable future. Here is my biography.

Pras Murthy: Building Businesses with Strategy, Integrity and Innovation.

I’m excited to share my professional journey and experiences as a co-founder and CFO of Doctor Multimedia. From building a thriving Mathnasium franchise to leading a multimillion-dollar digital marketing firm, I’ve always embraced challenges with strategic thinking and innovation. My passion for entrepreneurship and operations continues to drive me toward new opportunities to make an impact. Here is my biography.

Chris Heaton: Senior Director, Business Development, and Aerospace & Defense Expert

Chris Heaton is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in aerospace and defense technology, known for his ability to drive business growth and innovation. He has led multi-million-dollar capture efforts, managed strategic planning, and built high-performing teams across technical domains, with a focus on technology insertion, R&D program transitions, and business development within the Department of Defense (DoD) and national security sectors. At StethX Microsystems Inc. and Engeniusmicro, LLC, Chris guided startups and established companies through critical growth stages, ensuring on-time, on-budget execution while navigating federal contracting complexities. His strategic vision has fostered strong partnerships with industry leaders, suppliers, and federal agencies, contributing to market success and revenue growth. Chris’s technical expertise, including several patents and publications in high-frequency MEMS and optical systems, has earned him recognition as a trusted advisor to both government and commercial clients. Committed to giving back, he volunteers in at-risk schools and coaches youth sports. Chris’s unique blend of technical skill, strategic leadership, and entrepreneurial drive continues to make a significant impact in the aerospace and defense sectors.