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

Heather Brooke Roycroft is a dynamic and visionary leader in talent strategy and program management, with a proven track record of designing high-impact initiatives that drive employee engagement, retention, and business growth. With over 14 years of experience across global markets and industries, she brings a rare blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and people-first leadership. Known for her ability to align talent priorities with organizational goals, Brooke has led transformative programs at companies like Fortive and Equifax—delivering measurable outcomes and fostering cultures of innovation and inclusion.

Dr. Stephen M. Chang is a distinguished human geneticist with over 32 years of commercial experience in the life sciences, specializing in stem cells, cell and gene therapy, and drug development. He has co-founded multiple companies, including Orpheus Therapeutics, Legacy Therapeutics, Prometheus Therapeutics, and Princeton Drug Discovery, and serves on the boards of Orpheus Therapeutics and Histogen, Inc., where he is also Chairman and Acting CEO. Dr. Chang has held significant roles such as Vice President for Research & Development and Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at the New York Stem Cell Foundation, and Chief Science Officer and Vice President at Canji Inc./Schering Plough Research Institute. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and a B.S. in Zoology, Microbiology, and Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan. Throughout his career, Dr. Chang has co-authored over 30 published papers, filed more than 15 Investigational New Drug Applications with the FDA, and is an inventor on over 50 patents worldwide. He is recognized as a pioneer in commercial gene therapy technologies and induced pluripotent stem cells, with recent successful drug developments including Adstilirin™ (rAd-IFN/Syn3) for bladder cancer therapy and Intravail™ diazepam for epilepsy treatment. Dr. Chang also serves as Entrepreneur in Residence at Rutgers University and New York University, providing strategic guidance on genetic technologies and their market applications.

Bradley Herrup is a seasoned engineering leader with a track record of scaling high-performing teams, optimizing cloud infrastructure, and driving technological innovation. As a Senior Engineering Manager at AWS, he leads the EC2 Capacity team, managing critical infrastructure that powers the world's largest cloud computing platform. With over 15 years of experience in cloud computing, capacity planning, and software development, Bradley has successfully led global teams, launched revenue-generating products, and implemented efficiency improvements that have resulted in significant cost savings. His expertise in data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic execution has positioned him as a key driver of operational excellence and engineering innovation in the tech industry.

Sheridan Chambers is a seasoned entrepreneur, technology executive, and angel investor with a proven track record in building, integrating, and securing enterprise applications. As the founder of multiple successful companies, including Denim Group and BrandDefense, he has played a pivotal role in shaping cybersecurity and secure application development. With nearly three decades of experience, he has led organizations through growth, acquisition, and innovation, leveraging his deep expertise in business strategy and enterprise security. Most recently serving as Vice President of Integration & Strategy at Coalfire, Sheridan continues to influence the industry through investments, mentorship, and a passion for fostering technological advancements. Now based in San Antonio, Texas, he remains committed to supporting the next generation of startups while embracing new personal and professional endeavors.

Bobbi Alexandrova is an accomplished technology executive with over 25 years of experience leading distributed teams, driving software innovation, and delivering high-impact, scalable solutions across business intelligence, big data, and SaaS platforms. With a proven ability to align long-term strategic vision with tactical execution, she has played a key role in shaping mission-critical software systems while optimizing engineering processes for efficiency and growth. Currently serving as SVP of Software Engineering at Loopio and a Co-Founder and Technical Advisor at Virtual Athletics League, Bobbi is known for her expertise in cloud computing, data architecture, and software lifecycle management. Her leadership spans across major organizations, where she has transformed development frameworks, built high-performing teams, and successfully executed complex technology roadmaps. Holding an MBA from the University of Utah and a Master’s in Computer Science from Sofia University, she combines technical acumen with business insight to drive innovation and operational excellence in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Joel Frenette is an accomplished technology leader with over 22 years of experience driving innovation and executing large-scale IT initiatives across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and data analytics. As a dual MBA candidate with certifications including PMP, SMC, and ITIL, he combines technical expertise with strategic vision to lead high-impact projects that optimize business operations and enhance customer experiences. Currently a Senior Technical Program Manager at NextEra Energy, he spearheads multi-million-dollar AI-driven transformations while serving as a Fractional CTO for multiple organizations, implementing cutting-edge CRM, automation, and digital solutions. A skilled communicator and results-driven strategist, Joel consistently delivers cost-saving efficiencies, scalable technology solutions, and forward-thinking IT strategies that align with long-term business objectives.

With over 30 years of experience driving success in human resources and organizational strategy, Dan Krug has played a pivotal role in the evolution of major U.S. industries. Known for his integrity and passion for team building, he has led initiatives in succession planning, talent acquisition, and strategic planning, delivering measurable growth and operational excellence. As a trusted advisor and dynamic communicator, Dan bridges gaps across teams, inspiring innovation and fostering long-term success. His commitment to helping organizations adapt and thrive in competitive landscapes makes him a sought-after leader and board member.

Gavin Jones is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience in product management, operations, and business development across a wide range of industries, including tech, home services, and shared transportation. Known for his strong ethical foundation and commitment to excellence, Gavin has successfully led high-performing teams, managed product lifecycles, and driven strategic initiatives that have resulted in significant business growth and operational improvements. With an MBA focused on Entrepreneurship and Program Management, as well as certifications including PMP and Certified Scrum Master, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any organization. Gavin’s strategic vision and exceptional communication skills enable him to lead complex projects, foster collaboration, and deliver results that align with organizational goals. As an active advisor and passionate leader, he is dedicated to helping companies navigate challenges, avoid pitfalls, and build strong leadership teams to achieve long-term success.

Mentorship in the tech industry serves as a cornerstone for fostering growth, innovation, and leadership development. Nancie Calder's DUG Mentorship Program exemplifies the transformative impact of structured mentorship within the Dynamics 365 and Power Platform communities, highlighting the value of blending technical expertise with essential soft skills like communication and problem-solving. Mentorship not only accelerates career advancement but also cultivates personal growth and expands professional networks, preparing individuals to navigate the complexities of the tech world. As programs like these shape well-rounded professionals, they play a crucial role in building a new generation of leaders who will drive the industry forward.

Chase Corrello is a seasoned Senior Sales Operations Analyst with over eight years of experience driving data-driven strategies and process improvements across technology sectors. Known for his strong ethical standards and results-oriented approach, he leverages his expertise in sales forecasting, KPI reporting, and Go-To-Market strategies to help organizations streamline operations and exceed business objectives. Chase’s deep knowledge in sales operations and analytics, combined with his proficiency in tools like Salesforce, Power BI, and Snowflake Cloud, allows him to deliver actionable insights that empower C-level executives to make informed decisions. His ability to effectively communicate complex data and strategies to leadership teams ensures alignment and accelerates business growth.

I’m excited to share a bit about my journey across the entertainment, gaming, tech, and medical training industries, where I’ve had the privilege of pushing the limits of 3D content, real-time rendering, and virtual reality training. My experience spans from blockbuster films to advanced VR simulations, and I look forward to exploring new opportunities in these fields. Here is my biography.

Bob Feiner, Senior Vice President at Dell Technologies Services, leads a global network of over 22,000 agents, driving end-to-end support for Dell's Client Solutions Group. With a $1 billion scope spanning 150+ countries, Bob’s leadership has consistently earned top-tier executive ratings and numerous awards, showcasing his operational excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction. Over his career, he has spearheaded large-scale P&L management, strategic partnerships, and global service delivery, becoming a transformative force within Dell and the tech industry. With a strategic mindset and a passion for delivering exceptional results, Bob continues to shape the future of Dell Technologies Services.

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.

Diegane "DiDi" Dione stands at the forefront of digital transformation, merging technology and innovation to redefine industries. With a keen eye for emerging trends, DiDi has built a reputation as a versatile leader, successfully navigating the complex landscapes of robotics, IoT, AI, and fintech. His entrepreneurial journey, marked by founding and leading innovative ventures, coupled with his strategic investments in disruptive startups, showcases his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As a thought leader and mentor, DiDi continues to inspire and guide the next generation of innovators, driving forward a vision where human and machine capabilities harmoniously shape the future.