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

Adrian Woolley is a seasoned technology executive with over 35 years of experience in business development, corporate strategy, and scaling companies in the technology and software services industries. He has a proven track record of leading business transformations, driving turnarounds, and executing strategic growth initiatives across global markets. Having played a pivotal role in multi-billion-dollar acquisitions and innovative product launches, Adrian brings deep expertise in M&A, AI, corporate strategy, and market expansion. With extensive international experience across China, Germany, the UK, and Europe, he has spoken at industry events on global strategy and technology innovation. Currently advising startups, he is now seeking board opportunities with midsized technology and software companies to leverage his leadership, strategic insight, and market expertise.

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.

Gvozden Dokic is a seasoned IT expert with a strong background in IT infrastructure, financial services technology, and strategic consulting. With over two decades of experience, he has successfully led technology implementations, optimized IT environments, and provided secure, cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes. As the owner of XOrca Inc., he specialized in tailoring IT strategies to meet the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring flexibility and efficiency. His tenure at Morgan Stanley further solidified his expertise in financial technology support, project management, and disaster recovery planning. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, along with industry certifications, Gvozden continues to be a trusted leader in delivering innovative IT solutions that drive business success.

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.

Chad Jackson is a seasoned financial services technology leader with a proven track record of driving digital transformation, optimizing operations, and building high-performing teams. As the Technology Advisory Leader at Accenture for U.S. financial services, he specializes in modernizing banking, insurance, and capital markets organizations through strategic reinvention and cutting-edge technology solutions. With deep expertise in cloud transformation, payments, legacy modernization, and enterprise architecture, Chad has successfully led large-scale initiatives that enhance competitive advantage and long-term efficiency. His leadership extends beyond execution, fostering collaboration among C-suite executives, technology teams, and industry partners to ensure sustainable growth and innovation in an evolving financial landscape.

Brian Lora is a transformational technology executive with a proven track record of driving innovation, scaling high-growth businesses, and leading digital transformation across SaaS, cloud computing, and data-driven enterprises. With extensive experience in executive leadership roles, including CTO, CIO, and CEO positions, he has successfully built and optimized technology organizations that align with strategic business objectives. His expertise spans commercial product development, enterprise architecture, DevOps, and data monetization, making him a key force behind groundbreaking advancements in the technology sector. Brian’s ability to bridge business strategy with technical execution has positioned him as a sought-after leader, guiding organizations through complex technological evolutions and delivering impactful, scalable solutions that accelerate business growth.

Bill Mayberry is a seasoned telecommunications executive with over 45 years of industry experience, including 30 years in wireless leadership, strategic planning, and consulting. His career spans key roles at AT&T Mobility, BellSouth, and MasTec, where he led large-scale network integration projects, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and drove business development initiatives. As a partner at Wireless Insiders Network (WIN), Bill advises small to mid-sized wireless companies, helping them forge strategic partnerships, optimize network strategies, and capitalize on emerging 5G opportunities. With international experience in China and India, leadership in academia, and a strong track record of innovation, Bill is now focused on board and advisory roles where he can leverage his expertise to help organizations navigate digital transformation and industry evolution.

Raj Vadi is a seasoned technology and security expert with over 30 years of experience bridging the gap between innovative solutions and real-world applications. Renowned for his expertise in application security, network architecture, and cloud solutions, Raj has led over 50 transformative security projects across diverse industries. His ability to simplify complex concepts, drive strategic growth, and mentor high-performing teams has earned him accolades, including the Radware Gold Club Award and multiple Technical Olympics Awards. Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, Raj is dedicated to leveraging technology to create meaningful impact while serving as a trusted advisor to enterprises and startups alike.

Ben Abrams, a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) based in Las Vegas, NV, is a dynamic leader known for his extensive expertise in cybersecurity, security engineering, and team development. With a proven track record of protecting company assets and reducing security risks, Ben specializes in building secure IT infrastructures and developing agile solutions to safeguard proprietary data. As the Owner & Principal Consultant of his tech consulting firm since 2003, and through his impactful roles at industry-leading companies like Doximity and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ben has saved millions in security costs, enhanced operational efficiency, and established best-in-class security protocols. A thought leader in the tech space, Ben is also a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from DevOps culture transformation to the evolution of cloud management, continually bridging the gap between technology and business strategies.

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.