Profiles in Leadership

Key TakeawaysTammy transitioned from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship after experiencing career dissatisfactionShe advocates for treating your career like a business and becoming the "CEO of you"Mindset shifts around failure, optimism, and finding joy are crucial for career fulfillmentOrganizations need to focus on employee aspirations, not just engagement, to unlock potentialTopicsTammy's Career JourneyGrew up in small-town New Jersey with modest beginningsStarted in temporary services industry at 18, without college degreeRose through corporate ranks to C-suite roles on Wall StreetExperienced "mid-career funk" despite outward successLeft corporate world at 40 to start her own businessCareer Transformation InsightsImportance of "power base" - network of influential contactsValue of taking on "third rail projects" - high-risk, high-reward initiativesFocusing on making "stars into superstars" rather than trying to fix underperformersGiving immediate, actionable feedback to develop team membersMindset and Leadership PhilosophyBecoming a "short-term pessimist to be a long-term optimist"Viewing failure as a necessary part of the path to successChoosing joy and focusing on what energizes youEmbracing your unique perspective as a leadership strengthOrganizational Leadership ChallengesFive generations now in workforce simultaneouslyNeed for reverse mentoring programsImportance of leadership development, especially for middle managersFocus on tapping into employee aspirations, not just engagement

Chris Hoekstra, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT Chris received his PhD in biomedical informatics from Oregon Health & Science University, School of Medicine, his Masters of Science and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Pacific University and undergraduate degree in biology from Willamette University. He is board certified in orthopedics and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. Additionally, he completed a post-doctoral fellowship in clinical informatics through the National Library of Medicine. He has worked as a physical therapist, clinic director, Health IT consultant, and more recently Chief Clinical Transformation Officer for Therapeutic Associates Inc. In that role he has overseen the company’s strategy related to the use of organizational data in business and clinical decision making, clinical and business information systems selection and optimization, quality improvement efforts, and value-based care initiatives. With Hychara Health, Chris oversees product development, program and project management, and sales and marketing strategy. Additionally, he has worked with company subject matter experts to create an advisory services practice. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology of the Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, where he teaches courses in organizational behavior and qualitative research. He also continues his research focused on usability and end-user adoption of health information technology. Additionally, he is a member of a multi-disciplinary AHRQ and NLM- funded research team with research focused on establishing safe training and effective use of medical scribes. Chris has dedicated his career to improving clinicians’ and business leaders’ use of information in their daily decision making. His work and research focus on refining a sociotechnical framework that integrates information systems with organizational strategy, team dynamics, workflow design, and information visualization to allow practices and providers to thrive in the changing value-based healthcare landscape. Outside of his professional work, Chris has been active as a youth football coach for > 14 years, a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for nine years, and most recently an operations officer with a Military Police battalion of the Tennessee State Guard. Additionally, he has served on numerous community and professional advisory boards.

My exploration of power began with Plato's philosophies in school and deepened through my university studies in political science and law, and a PhD in international relations.As a young girl, I was attracted to all things martial and loved playing with guns together with the boys in my neighbourhood. In my teens, this changed as I not only started to prefer going out to dance with the boys, but also started less martial activities like Yoga and meditation, and became involved in the peace movement. Like many in my generation, I was concerned by the Cold War and in search of better ways to secure peace than through weapons and “mutual assured destruction” - MAD. So when choosing my path for university, I decided to study political science, and in particular security studies. I wanted to understand how power operated in the world of politics, and how to make security policy more secure. I had the privilege of studying arms control negotiations while doing an internship at the United Nations in Geneva, and wrote my master’s thesis on the psychological aspects of these negotiations. I approached my PhD. questioning the “guns and bullets” mainstream approach to security policy. Awarded a scholarship in security studies, I focused on a theme that was the opposite of guns and bullets: how civil society organisations in the East and West worked together to influence intergovernmental relations and played an important role in the peaceful end of the Cold War. During my PhD, a fellowship at Harvard introduced me to visionary leaders, united by their habit to think beyond what seems possible and their desire to make a meaningful difference. A life-shaping experience.My career started in development cooperation, first as policy expert and programme manager at the European Commission and later as manager in consulting. This work allowed me to see both the power dynamics of large organisations and the challenges of change. I explored why some organisations we were supporting were able to change, while others remained stuck in old, often wasteful patterns. This curiosity lead me to study organisation development and leadership, and finally into coaching, and to my work at the European Investment Bank, where I served for 17 years in a range of roles dealing with personnel and leadership development, coaching, and organisational change.

Dr Bernie Mullin is a groundbreaking sport and entertainment industry executive who's turned around franchises, set all-time revenue and attendance records, and generated $1.5+ billion in revenues for brands from the NFL to the US Open Tennis with his agency, Aspire Marketing Group. He was CEO of NBA and NHL teams and CMO of the NBA. He's also a globally acclaimed speaker, podcaster, author, and humanitarian who has served on multiple boards, including the United Way; YMCA; and Make a Wish Foundation. His The Aspire Difference Foundation (TADF) focuses on supporting single parents with preschool children. All net proceeds from his consulting, podcasts and books go to support TADF. His new book is Reimagining America’s Dream: Making It Attainable for All Learn more at: www. berniejmullin.com

I'm a trauma therapist specialising in supporting entrepreneurs to increase profit and decrease anxiety. From being stripped of every strand of hair on my body to losing my ex to suicide 3 weeks after breaking up, I was forced to use trauma-healing to sustainably build my business. While there are a lot of 'trauma-informed' and 'body-based practitioner' coaches in the industry, none of them do it by merging body-based tools, the nervous system AND business strategy. I can help your audience combine the nervous system with business strategy to increase profit and decrease anxiety - even when traditional methods haven’t worked.

Kathleen K Mairella PT DPT MA FAPTAEducation:Degree: Doctor of Physical TherapyInstitution: MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA Major; Physical TherapyDate: May 2006Degree: Master of ArtsInstitution Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY Major: Movement Science and EducationDate: May 1992Degree: Bachelor of ScienceInstitution: Boston University, Boston MA Major: Physical TherapyDate awarded: May 1978Employment and Positions Held:Professor Emerita, Rutgers University, 2022-presentDirector of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor, Rutgers University, School of Health Professions, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Newark NJ, 2016-2022Assistant Professor, Rutgers University, School of Health Professions, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Newark NJ, 2014-2016Assistant Director of Clinical Education and Assistant Professor, Rutgers University (University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey prior to July 1,2013), School of Health Related Professions, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Newark NJ , 2006-2014Physical Therapist, Brookdale Physical Therapy, Nutley, New Jersey, 2007-2008Instructor, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/School of Health Related Professions, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Newark, New Jersey, 2004-2006Adjunct Instructor, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey/School of Health Related Health Professions, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Newark, New Jersey, 2002-2004Practice Development Facilitator, Atlantic Health System/Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown NJ, 2001-2002Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, Fairleigh Dickinson University Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Morristown NJ, 1999-2001Adjunct Instructor. Fairleigh Dickinson University Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Morristown NJ, 1999Adjunct Instructor, Union County College Physical Therapist Assistant Program, Plainfield NJ, 1997-2000Physical Therapist, ARC Essex School, Livingston, NJ 1999Rehabilitation Supervisor, JerseyCare HomeHealth and Hospice, Belleville, NJ, 1995-1998 Physical Therapist, Independent Practice, Home Care, Nutley NJ, 1991-1995Adjunct Instructor, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, 1991-1992Staff Physical Therapist, The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood, NJ, 1985-1986Staff Physical Therapist, Welkind Rehabilitation Hospital, Chester, NJ, 1983-1984Senior Physical Therapist, Neuroscience Team, Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC, 1982-1983Staff Physical Therapist, Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC, 1981-1982Staff Physical Therapist, Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, 1980-1981 Staff Physical Therapist, New Jersey Rehabilitation Hospital, East Orange, NJ, 1978-1980Membership in Scientific/Professional Organizations:American Physical Therapy Association: 1976-presentChair, House of Delegates Reference Committee, 2025Member, House of Delegates Reference Committee 2023-2024 Chair, House Special Committee on Bylaws, 2019-2021 Bylaws Review Task Force, 2018-2019Director, Board of Directors, 2009-2017Board work assignments:APTA Committees and Task Forces:Best Practices in Clinical Education Task Force, chair 2016-2017Leadership Development Committee, chair 2013-2017Executive Committee, elected 5th member 2015-2016Recruitment and Retention of Early-Career Members Task Force, member 2014- 2016Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, member, 2012-2015 Finance and Audit Committee, member 2011-2013Member Engagement and Leadership Development Task Force, chair 2011- 2013Physical Therapy Classification and Payment Task Force/ Alternative Payment Task Force, chair 2013-2014, member 2012-2013CSM Review Work Group, member 2011-12Task Force on Governance Review, member 2009-2011Committee on Referral for Profit, liaison, 2009-2011Physical Therapist Centralized Application Service Advisory Group, liaison 2009- 2011Board Workgroups:Strategic Planning Board Work Group, chair 2013-2017Criteria for House Motions from the Board of Directors, member 2014-2015, Governance Proposal Board Work Group, member 2011-2013Board Work and Information Management Board Work Group, member 2011- 2012Board Workgroup on Board Performance Evaluation, member 2009-2010 Components:Student Assembly, 2011-2014Chapters:Maryland (2016-2017, 2010-2011), Nebraska (2015-2017), Nevada (2016-2017), Idaho (2011-2016). Texas (2014-2016), New York (2013-2015), Michigan (2010- 2014), Wisconsin (2011-2014), New Mexico (2009-2013), North Dakota (2009- 2011), Utah (2009-2010)Sections:Education (2014-2017), Women’s Health (2015-2017), Geriatrics (2015-2016), Pediatrics (2009-2012)Councils:Chapter President Council, liaison 2011-2014APTA Mentorship Program, 2005-2010 (program discontinued) Committee to Approve the House of Delegates Minutes, 2007CEO Search Committee, 2007Committee on Chapters and Sections. 2004-2007, Chair 2006 Education Strategic Planning Group, 2004American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts 2022-present Chair, Bylaws Rev

Key TakeawaysCareer reinvention is increasingly necessary due to longer lifespans, changing job markets, and ageismSuccess in later-career transitions requires self-knowledge, persistence, and leveraging one's "superpower" skills/experienceNetworking and thought leadership are crucial for accessing the "hidden job market" where 80% of hiring occursOlder professionals have advantages like neuroplasticity, "just thinking" problem-solving, and empathy from life experienceTopicsJohn Tarnoff's Background30+ year career as entertainment industry executive and film producerTransitioned to career coaching in 2012 after a TEDx talk on transformationNow focuses on helping mid-career professionals (45-55+) navigate career changesChallenges for Older WorkersAgeism and bias in hiring practices, especially for those 60+Difficulty recovering from job loss/layoffs as companies reorganizeNeed to work longer due to increased longevity and reduced retirement savingsErosion of traditional career paths - average job tenure now only 3-5 yearsKeys to Successful ReinventionSelf-reflection to identify one's "superpower" - unique skills, experience, valuesReconciling past failures/regrets to move forward without baggagePersistence and opportunism when pursuing new directionsMaintaining curiosity and a growth mindset to continue learningFocusing on being "useful" rather than chasing a dream jobEffective Job Search StrategiesBuild robust LinkedIn profile articulating your value propositionNetwork to build a community of shared professional interestsEngage in thought leadership by sharing expertise and insightsTarget the "hidden job market" of referral-based hiring (80% of jobs)Spend time daily/weekly on networking and community-buildingAdvantages of Age and ExperienceNeuroplasticity allows continued learning and growth"Just thinking" - intuitive problem-solving from years of experienceIncreased empathy and wisdom from life experiencesPotentially greater risk tolerance due to life/career accomplishmentsHigher success rates for older entrepreneurs vs youngerLeadership PhilosophyServant leadership and "leading from behind" are most effectiveListening is the essence of good leadershipFocus on supporting and developing team members

Martin GonzalezMartin is the creator of Google’s Effective Founders Project, a global research program that uses people analytics to uncover what makes the best startup founders succeed and shares their success formula with the world.Martin is the creator of Google’s Effective Founders Project, a global research program that uses people analytics to uncover what makes the best startup founders succeed and shares their success formula with the world.He has run leadership courses for thousands of funded tech startup founders across more than seventy countries in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. He is a frequent lecturer on entrepreneurship, organization design, and people analytics at Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD.Martin is a principal of organization and talent development at Google. He works with Google’s senior leaders to shape team culture, develop their people, and expand their leadership, so they can build cool things that matter. In his ten years there, he’s worked with leaders across Google Research, DeepMind, Technology & Society, Responsible AI, Pixel, Fitbit, YouTube, Search, Maps, Android, and Chrome, to name a few.In 2023, The Aspen Institute recognized him as a First Movers Fellow, honoring his pioneering work at Google. The following year, in 2024, he received the Thinkers50 Radar Award, a prestigious recognition that identifies up-and-coming thinkers whose ideas are predicted to make an important impact on management thinking in the future.Prior to Google, he was a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group and a product manager at Johnson & Johnson.Martin has studied organizational psychology and behavioral science at Columbia University and the London School of Economics. He’s a serial immigrant, having lived and worked in New York, Jakarta, Singapore, Taipei, and Manila, where he is originally from. Today he lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Bea, and three kids: Noelle, Jaime, and Andrea.

Alan Balavender, PT, MSPresidentPhysical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers After earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Therapy (PT) from Quinnipiac University, Alan launched his PT career in outpatient orthopedics. He oversaw a multispecialty facility that provided a range of PT services. He accepted a clinical position with Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers (PTSMC) of Waterbury. In 2000, he purchased the practice, which he has since expanded to over 30 locations throughout Connecticut. Alan then created PTSMC’s unique partner model to support clinic ownership by physical therapists while limiting the risk associated with having a successful business in the extremely competitive healthcare environment. Alan is devoted to private practice, with a vision to foster a company focused on improving the quality of people’s lives by providing unmatched experiences, clinical excellence, and lifelong relationships.

Margot Machol Bisnow spent 20 years in government, including as an FTC Commissioner and staff director of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers. For the last 10 years, she has spoken to parent groups about raising creative, confident, resilient children who achieve their dreams. She served as an Advisor to EQ Generation, an after-school program in New York City that gives children the skills to succeed; on the Advisory Board of the MUSE School in Malibu, that prepares young people to live consciously through passion-based learning; and on the Board of Spark the Journey in Washington DC, that mentors low-income high school students to achieve college and career success. Her new book is Raising an Entrepreneur: How to Help Your Children Achieve Their Dreams – 99 Stories from Families Who Did. Learn more at raisinganentrepreneur.com.

Dennis Stevens is a visionary leader and seasoned consultant with over three decades of experience at the intersection of technology innovation and organizational leadership. Beginning his career in the United States Marine Corps, Dennis honed an appreciation for what can be accomplished with well-formed teams, clarity of purpose, and effective leadership. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found multiple companies, including Responsive Software Solutions, Synaptus, and Knowledge in Process, where he integrated software solutions with business strategies and spearheaded significant business transformation initiatives. In 2011, Dennis co-founded LeadingAgile, where he solidified his reputation for innovative problem-solving and scalable business solutions. He led over 150 transformations, demonstrating his ability to drive sustainable and meaningful organizational changes. His pioneering work in Agile transformations and AI integration has positioned him as a thought leader in creating resilient and adaptable organizations. Dennis' latest venture, OrgWright, founded in 2024, focuses on guiding organizations through the rapidly evolving digital landscape. OrgWright's mission is to build leadership teams that craft dynamic organizations, enhancing adaptability and strategic execution. Dennis has identified four key conditions vital for fostering a culture of adaptability: Informed Awareness, Coherence, Purposeful Direction, and Strategic Empowerment. These principles, grounded in his extensive experience and management literature, ensure that organizations not only adapt to changes but lead in innovation and strategic execution. Dennis is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, known for his insights on overcoming common pitfalls in organizational transformation, the importance of executive buy-in, and the future of work in the age of AI. His approach moves beyond isolated team successes, addressing the critical need for executive leadership to foster environments where true scalability and adaptability can thrive.

Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr., is the founder and CEO of Elation Physical Therapy, an international best-selling author,and a respected advocate for inclusive healthcare. His book, Shantay You Stay: A Healthcare Provider’sGuide to LGBTQ+ Inclusive Practices, provides critical insights for practitioners, further establishing himas a leader in LGBTQ+ patient care.A native of the Texas Rio Grande Valley, Dr. Rivera began his academic journey at SouthwesternUniversity in Georgetown before moving to Houston in 2003 to complete a Master’s in Physical Therapyat the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. He subsequently earned two doctorates—aDoctor of Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University in Utah and a PhD in Health Studies fromTexas Woman’s University in Denton—solidifying his expertise in healthcare.In 2014, after working for approximately 10 years in the Memorial Hermann Health Care System, Dr.Rivera founded Elation Physical Therapy, a Certified Minority and LGBT Business Enterprise® with threelocations across Greater Houston, providing compassionate and affirming care. Known for pioneering theELATION protocol, a specialized post-operative care program for gender-affirming surgeries, Dr. Riverahas positioned Elation Physical Therapy as a leader in LGBTQ+ healthcare.Dr. Rivera’s outstanding contributions to healthcare and his commitment to inclusivity have earned himand the practice numerous prestigious awards:• 2024 American Physical Therapy Association Private Practice Section’s Community ImpactAward• 2024 U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency’s Minority HealthProducts and Service Firm of The Year Award• 2024 Small Business Administration Houston District Small Businessperson of the Year• 2022 U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Dream Big LGBTQ+-Owned Business Achievement Award• 2022 Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s LGBTBE® Certified Business of the YearAward• Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 (2020), Top 10 Largest Houston-area LGBTQ+-OwnedBusinesses (2018-2023)Dr. Rivera is also deeply engaged in community service. He currently serves on the Board of Directors forthe Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, where he supports initiatives to foster growth andinclusion for LGBTQ+ businesses. He has a longstanding commitment to LGBTQ+ youth advocacy andserves on the Board of Directors as the Treasurer at Out for Education (OFE), one of the nation’s mostsuccessful LGBTQ+ scholarship foundations.Dr. Rivera’s dedication to healthcare innovation, community involvement, and advocacy continues toshape the future of inclusive, affirming physical therapy and rehabilitative care.

Tony Martignetti is a trusted advisor, leadership coach & facilitator, best-selling author, podcast host, and speaker. He brings together over 25 years of business and leadership experience and extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate through change and unlock their true potential. He has been recognized by Thinkers360 as one of the Top 10 Leadership Coaches and by LeadersHum as one of the Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023. Before becoming the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Partners, Tony was a finance and strategy executive with experience working with some of the world's leading life sciences companies. Along his journey, he also managed small businesses and ran a financial consulting company.Tony hosts The Virtual Campfire podcast and is the author of "Climbing the Right Mountain: Navigating the Journey to An Inspired Life" and the co-author of "Secrets of Next-Level Entrepreneurs." He has been featured in many publications, including Fast Company, Forbes, Life Science Leader, and CEO Today.

Dr. Rebekah Griffith, The ED DPT, specializes in care in the Emergency Department. Dr. Griffith believes physical therapist practice in the Emergency Department is a critical way to move upstream in healthcare that supports patients during their most critical moments. She is the author of Top of Scope: The Emergency Department Physical Therapist Handbook. She is a board certified neurologic clinical specialist and a fellow in training at Regis University. She serves her profession as the incoming APTA Colorado President but her real life's work is raising her 3 spectacular children.

Leland McCluskey MD, FAAOS (Lee) Lee McCluskey is an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Columbus, GA where he practices at the St Francis Orthopaedic Institute. He is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Mercer University. Lee went to Vanderbilt University, Medical College of Georgia and Tulane University for Orthopaedic Surgery Residency. After completing an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgery Fellowship at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Lee returned home to practice over 30 years in his hometown. Lee has served for the past twenty years in many developing countries educating and working with Samaritans Purse and Steps2Walk. He is currently the Board Chair for Steps2Walk and is on the Board of Councilors for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has served as President of the Georgia Orthopaedic Society. Lee is married to Suzanne McCluskey and has four adult sons.

’m Dom. I’m a wilderness guide, and the creator of VIVIFY.I’m on a mission to foster regenerative leadership, blending personal vitality and ecological harmony. I strive to empower individuals to live and lead in ways that enhance their own aliveness and presence and create a deep and lasting relationship with the more-than-human world.​I’ve had a foot in two worlds for a decade - I’ve led wilderness immersions in remote locations including Patagonia and Alaska, and and I’ve held leadership roles at climate-tech companies, serving as Chief of Staff at Terramera and Head of Product at Solara Energy. In a past life, I was also Captain of the Stanford University Golf Team.My work is inspired by the Animas Valley Institute, where I trained in the Yearlong Soulcraft Immersion with Bill Plotkin. I’ve also completed coach training with the Conscious Leadership Group.I live for movement in the mountains - I’ve skied on the tallest peaks of the lower 48, completed a solo traverse of the Southern Sierra High Route, and ridden dogsleds across the Boundary Waters.

Scott Mautz is CEO/Founder of Profound Performance™, a keynote, workshop, and training company that helps business leaders become even better, more inspired versions of themselves. He’s a former senior executive of Procter & Gamble, where he successfully ran several of the company’s largest multi-billion-dollar businesses. He’s an award-winning, bestselling author, popular course instructor on LinkedIn Learning, and faculty at Indiana University’s School of Business for Executive Education. His latest book is The Mentally Strong Leader: Build the Habits to Productively Regulate Your Emotions, Thoughts, and Behaviors. Scott is a speaker and trainer commonly described as “riveting” (despite his daughter’s utter disbelief of that description). His one-of-a-kind blend of business experience, research, storytelling, tools, sprinkles of humor, and hi-octane delivery opens hearts & minds.He applies his thunderous passion to help others become mentally stronger and achieve more (even in the face of challenges) - at work and in life. He prides himself on his “No-Diva” policy (being easy to work with), on coming across as authentic and as down-to-earth as he really is, and on being the absolute highest-value podcast guest he can be. He wants to understand your brand too, so he can help reinforce it as a guest on your show. Invite Scott on for an interesting conversation that will intrigue your listeners, not the canned spewing of book selling points.

Mike uses the platforms of business coaching and leadership training to fulfill his passion: helping others maximize their own personal and professional value. As a member of the 8150 Advisors team, Mike collaborates with private practice owners through strategic growth, creating next level leaders, operational efficiency, and team engagement. Several practices have doubled in practice value as result of their collaboration. Prior to joining the 8150 team, Mike helped Rock Valley Physical Therapy grow from 26 to 52 locations as their first VP of Growth & Development. New patient volumes increased 210% during his six-year tenure where he was responsible for de novo and mature clinic growth. While serving as Director of Operations for Proaxis Therapy, he was an integral leader in developing physician relations, operational excellence, and a five-star patient experience. Dedicated to life-long learning, Mike earned a BS from Mount Union College, an MDiv with Leadership Specialization from Indiana Wesleyan University, and a DPT from the Duke University School of Medicine. Mike is a Certified Coach and DISC Personality Assessment Trainer through the Maxwell Leadership Team. Mike began his career at the Ohio State University Sports Medicine Center where his experiences included consulting with the US Army Special Forces, treating a Masters champion and several NFL draft picks. He has served APTA and PPS as a Federal Affairs Liaison, APTA Delegate, PPS Impact Editorial Board Member, and PPS Annual Conference presenter. In addition to his business ventures, Mike serves part-time as the Partner Relations Manager for Zoe Empowers. Zoe is an empowerment-based program in India and nine African countries which transforms youth-led households to self-sufficiency in just three years. He has led several trips to Rwanda, Kenya, and Malawi to allow US partners to see the program’s impact. Mike lives in Iowa and enjoys time with his wife Kim (also a PT!), their four boys, and two dogs.

Derrick Mains as a guest for your podcast. Four time author, Emmy winner, host of The Process Fixer, serial entrepreneur, and CEO, Derrick has consulted on process optimization for hundreds of companies from Walmart to Exxon.American business culture often rewards stoic, strong man behavior where our emotions are checked at the door but it’s impossible to truly remove our human instincts and limbic responses. Derrick’s approach to process optimization and change management is centered in acknowledging and managing these human instincts. He believes that when we see, value, and empower employees as whole humans, they reflect that value back to the customer.A born storyteller, Derrick weaves history, psychology, philosophy, and lived experience into powerful conversation on how we can shape the human-centric workplace of the future.

America’s Leadership Authority” Dr. Derrick Noble has been helping business leaders take their leadership and communication skills to the next level of excellence for two decades. His passion has led him to support those from all walks of life to become more influential leaders and more confident communicators.Throughout his youth, Noble endured years of speech therapy for a severe stutter and speech impediment. Once quoted as stating he was “the least likely person to be a professional speaker,” Dr. Noble has since gone on to become an award-winning TEDx speaker, speech coach, and trainer. He now famously quips “At first, I couldn’t talk, and now they can’t shut me up!”Noble works directly with leaders, speakers, business owners, CEOs, non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies. His clients throughout the years include The United States Air Force, The United States Navy, The United States Forestry Service, The FBI, the City of Los Angeles, and so many more. In 2020, Noble was one of only 12 Black entrepreneurs admitted into the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Business Evolution Program – an intense 12-month program in which he was personally mentored by some of the most successful Black entrepreneurs in the city. In 2021, he was featured in the Los Angeles Business Journal as an influential African American business leader. He currently serves as the featured Leadership Expert for BizTV, a national broadcast network for entrepreneurs and business owners, and he hosts “The Dr. Derrick Noble Show” on KGGR of Dallas, TX – the largest Black-owned radio station in the US.In December 2022, Noble released his highly anticipated first book, Leadership Launch: Essential Skills for New Leaders. It quickly became an international best seller, and was designated as the #1 new business book worldwide within its first two weeks of availability. The book includes a foreword by Civil Rights hero Dr. Melba Pattillo Beals, a member of the Little Rock Nine, a group of African-American students who were the first to integrate Little Rock Central High School.Noble has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English - with a double minor in Speech Communication and Psychology - from Angelo State University (1994), a Master of Divinity degree from Morehouse School of Religion (1997 Class Valedictorian), a Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary (2008 Class Valedictorian), and completed Ph.D. coursework in Educational Curriculum at Emory University. Noble is an avid fan of the Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers and Dodgers; of classic jazz (particularly John Coltrane, Art Tatum, and Miles Davis), and also plays the jazz trombone himself. In addition, he is an ardent golfer, and loves watching classic martial arts movies.

Jordan Burton is a seasoned executive assessor and interviewing trainer with over 17 years of experience. He specializes in training top Venture Capital and Private Equity investors and high-growth companies in hiring the best talent.Jordan is the co-founder of Talgo, where he manages relationships with industry giants like Sequoia Capital, TH Lee and Palantir Technologies.Jordan is a former Partner at the renowned leadership advisory firm ghSMART and a former consultant at Bain & Company. He’s a graduate of Duke University and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.Check out the Talgowebsite for more info!Key Focus: Transforming hiring practices through world-class interviewing, exceptional candidate experiences, and innovative talent acquisition strategies.

Paul Epstein2x Bestselling author, The Power of Playing Offense andBetter Decisions Faster🚥 Success Magazine Top Speaker that Gets Results🚥 Former NFL & NBA Executive and WHY Coach of the 49ers🚥 Set an all-time Super Bowl revenue record🚥 Took a Jerry Maguire leap from sports, to graduate from career to calling🚥 Advisor to Fortune 500’s, Pro Athletes, and High Growth Founders🚥 Led a $3B leadership development laboratory🚥 Featured in USA Today, ESPN, NBC, Entrepreneur, and Fox Business🚥 Clients range from Zoom, Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, and NASA to the Lakers and Cowboys🚥 Proudest titles: father, husband, son, Trojan, and Wolverine🚥 Bacon lover, just don’t make it too crispy🚥 Got married on the field of Levi’s Stadium (her idea, I swear!)

Dr. Michael Mayrsohn was raised in a household where discussions about private practice in physical therapy were routine. He graduated from Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management in 2008 and earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Stony Brook University in 2012. Dr. Mayrsohn is board certified in Orthopedics and holds extensive training as a manual therapist. He joined Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy in 2014 as a staff physical therapist at the Garden City office. At that time, Metro operated 5 locations with fewer than 50 employees. Today, Metro has expanded to 45 locations with over 700 employees and 400 providers, establishing itself as one of the largest private practices in the region.Since assuming the role of CEO in 2016, Dr. Mayrsohn's leadership has guided Metro through 25 acquisitions, and the opening of 15 Denovo locations since 2017. Recognizing the importance of strong leadership, he launched an emerging leadership program in 2019 aimed at nurturing leaders within the organization. The ongoing program spans one year, with an average class size of 30 participants. Dr. Mayrsohn envisions Metro becoming a top-performing PT company nationally and aims to be an influential leader in the field.

John Rossman is the author of four books on leadership and business innovation including the best seller The Amazon Way and Big Bet Leadership. He is an early Amazon executive who played a key role in launching the Amazon marketplace business in 2002. Today he is a leading keynote speaker on leadership for innovation and transformation. John is an operator and builder whose love is diving into business problems and customer needs designing innovative solutions and business models and creating durable enterprise value. He has served as the senior technology advisor at the Gates Foundation and senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile.His new book, Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era, is an actionable playbook for senior leaders to succeed at complex transformations.John is the founder of Rossman Partners, a strategy & leadership solutions firm.

Melanie is the Founder of Leaders Who Fiction, an online book club and community that offers a unique way for people to acquire and develop leadership qualities through reading and discussing novels.On this fast-growing platform, leaders meet on the last Wednesday of each month for intellectual, business-oriented conversations centered around a selected novel.Melanie is also the Co-Founder of Strategic Piece, where she works with C-suite executives at growth-stage companies to deliver exceptional revenue growth by bringing together their marketing, sales, and service teams around an information-driven customer experience built on the HubSpot platform.She has been an entrepreneur for almost a decade and witnessed a great deal of what works and doesn't work in leadership and how reading fiction equips leaders with the skills they need to achieve their professional goals.

Kristi Henderson is a healthcare leader, digital health pioneer, and clinician who advanced from a practicing nurse practitioner to CEO and is recognized as an industry thought leader for technology-forward healthcare companies. She has a proven track record of optimizing and executing profitable growth strategies, driving strong business operations, and leading differentiated clinical products and services. She is a cultivator of high-performing teams with a keen understanding of drivers of growth, profitability, and equity value creation, who also fosters a civic-minded culture resulting in a high level of collaboration and commitment. She is experienced in leading and scaling high-growth companies and owning & driving P&L results in geographically dispersed, multi-state, multi-site businesses. She boasts health leadership experience in academic and national nonprofit health systems as well as big tech and public pay/provider organizations, including two Fortune 5 companies. She is the CEO of Confluent Health, a national value-based musculoskeletal health company, where she is responsible for expanding their nationwide services through the growth of community-based physical therapy clinics, workplace services, and virtual/digital solutions using the highest skilled therapists and innovative clinical pathways that optimize the latest in personalization and technology. ​ She was most recently the CEO of MedExpress and Optum Virtual Medical Group at United Health Group with former leadership roles at Amazon, Ascension Health, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She has a proven track record of delivering successful programs at scale that improve health and save money. She is known for her ability to execute and sustain these models in advance of them becoming an industry standard as evidenced by her first launch of a telehealth program in 2003 which is recognized as one of only two of HRSA’s Centers of Excellence. She is the immediate past chair for the American Telemedicine Association. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and remains active in healthcare education providing guest presentations and serving as an adjunct faculty member. She is an honorary Dean at the University of Washington School of Nursing and an adjunct faculty member in Population Health at the Dell Medical School at the University of Texas-Austin.She has testified before multiple U.S. Senate committees and given numerous presentations across the country, including a TEDx talk, to advance telehealth policy and share innovative new models of care. A few of her other leadership roles include service as an executive board member for the Association of American Medical Colleges Telehealth Committee, advisor for the National Quality Forum’s telehealth committee and co-chair of the Telehealth Committee for the American Nurses Association. Henderson received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she was recognized as the 2019 Distinguished Alumna from the School of Nursing. She maintains national certification as a family and acute care nurse practitioner.

Randy Carr is President and CEO of World Emblem, the largest emblem and patch producer in the world. The south Florida-based company produces 250 million products per year including embroidered patches and emblems for sports headwear, footwear, sports garments, uniforms, and other apparel. Mr. Carr has made a significant impact on the embroidery industry by investing in the latest equipment and state-of-the-art technology. With 1,000+ employees and an impressive lineup of over 1,450 cutting-edge embroidery machines., World Emblem is able to manufacture and deliver large-scale projects in as little as 24 hours to clients including New Era, Aramark, Cintas, Perry Ellis, and Levi’s. Under his leadership, World Emblem is also committed to sustainability and utilizes resource-saving materials and methods including LED lighting, translucid roof panels, pollutant-free Madeira premium threads, and lean manufacturing to minimize waste and maximize productivity. Mr. Carr has been CEO of World Emblem for more than 20 years. He began his career at the family-run company as an apprentice to his father Jerold Carr, who started the company in 1993.

About Aneace HaddadAs a seasoned C-Suite Executive Coach and McKinsey-certified Senior Advisor, Aneace Haddad brings a wealth of experience and transformative insights to the realm of executive leadership. With over 1,800 hours of certified coaching, impacting over 300 individual senior leaders and aiding 100 top teams across 15 diverse industries globally, Aneace has become a trusted guide in steering executive teams to new heights.In his 40s, Aneace grappled with the challenges of dismantling silos and fostering team cohesion. This pivotal period marked a relentless pursuit of operational excellence, laying the groundwork for a deeper exploration into the essence of leadership. Recognizing the nuanced dynamics of human behavior as the key to overcoming obstacles, Aneace transitioned into his 50s armed with a profound understanding of the critical challenges senior leaders face.Now, in his 60s, Aneace harnesses the opportunities and challenges presented in midlife to help executives unlock new energy and potential within themselves and their teams. His coaching style is shaped by a global perspective, combining proven leadership models with real-world insights from cross-cultural experiences and various life stages.Aneace's impact is vividly illustrated by testimonials from industry leaders. Terence Lyons, CEO of TSC, acknowledges Aneace for re-creating their company, shifting the focus to people, team, and culture. Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer at Grab, highlights Aneace's ability to draw from rich personal experience, making coaching sessions enjoyable and effective. Khairul Mohamad, GM at Petronas, emphasizes Aneace's role in reshaping his leadership approach and achieving goals.As a guest on various podcasts, Aneace shares his wisdom on embracing change, redefining leadership through authentic self-rediscovery, and the pinnacle of leadership excellence. His insights and tools, such as "The Profound Impact of 'Being' Over 'Doing' in Leadership" and "Secret Saboteurs: Self-Reflection Tool for Empowerment," showcase his commitment to providing actionable strategies for personal and professional growth.

BRAD ZIMMERMAN has been helping CEOs Create Exceptional Cultures... since 1992.He believes there is unlimited potential in the human spirit and that we all adopt beliefs that can limit our potential. Gaining access to this potential unleashes personal and organizational growth. He turned to organizational coaching more than 30 years ago following a successful career in sales and operations. Since then, he has helped over 10,000 leaders in businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations develop cultures that transform work environments so people grow and the organizations thrive.

Carmen’s parents were her role models, and through them, she learned early on about the resilience, strength, and struggles embodied by women of color, who encountered constant micro-aggressions and racism, and about the critical role supportive fathers play in raising a budding feminist. Over the course of her 25-year career in philanthropy, she has worked hard to successfully galvanize funders, donors, policymakers, and grassroots activists to forever change lives, systems, and communities for good. She is particularly passionate about building prosperity for women and girls of color and firmly believes in the ineffable power a sisterhood holds to support, nurture, and amplify one another – this is why she always makes a point of collaborating with other women in philanthropy to inspire and guide each other. She is presently a fellow in the Aspen Institute and the Neighborhood Funder’s Group Philanthropy Forward initiative, and was recently invited to join Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Membership. In August 2021, she was thrilled to take on the role of Founding President and CEO of a ground-breaking new foundation, Women’s Foundation of the South. Founded by and created for women and girls of color in the South, WFS boldly revolutionizes gender and racial justice in the Southern U.S. and beyond. WFS is dedicated to building the health and well-being, wealth and legacy, and power of womxn of color and girls in the South. So far, WFS has succeeded beautifully: WFS has already raised over $6M and provided $350k in grants to 52 women-of-color-led nonprofits in the South. She continues to count on sisterhood – womxn who approach philanthropy as a partnership. These networks have expanded her knowledge, connections in the field, and relationships with various players. Given the political divisiveness that now reigns in our country, and the assault on the agency of a womxn’s body with Roe v Wade overturned, reproductive rights at risk, and with the social justice movement still cresting, the work of WFS has never been more important. To transform lives - of 2.5 million womxn in the South, at that - Women’s Foundation of the South believes that women-of-color-led organizations are where you should place your trust and investment. Carmen is a proud mother of three young adults, and she lives in New Orleans with her husband and family, where they delight in the vibrant culture of the city. She was named one of the Top Women Leaders of Louisiana for 2024.

Bridgit Finley, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT is the founding partner for Physical Therapy Central and is a partner in Confluent Health. She currently serves as Vice-President, Clinic Expansion & Optimization at Confluent Health. Physical Therapy Central is a rapidly growing private practice located in Oklahoma with 51 locations. Bridgit opened the first clinic in 2004 in Norman, Oklahoma and by 2015 had sixteen location throughout Oklahoma. In 2015, PT Central partnered with Confluent Health and a year later partnered with Redbud Physical Therapy which has 14 locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 2020, Janie Taylor stepped in as the CEO for PT Central and Redbud PT.

Senior Vice President, State and Local PolicyTom Wickham, former Parliamentarian of the U.S. House of Representatives, serves as senior vice president of State & Local Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Wickham leads the Chamber’s new division that monitors state and local policy developments and coordinates state and local policy advocacy strategies within the existing Chamber framework.As a nonpartisan House official for over 25 years, Wickham provided essential guidance to leadership, committees, and members as part of the development and execution of legislative strategy. In leading an office that reviewed every measure that came before the House, he has a command of a broad range of subject matters covering all aspects of government policy. During numerous high-profile legislative events, Wickham counseled speakers of the House, vice presidents, and countless members and senators on their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.As editor of many procedural manuals and practice books, Wickham’s scholarship on the Constitution and the rules of the House have been recognized around the world. He has represented the U.S. in dozens of countries and parliaments, including multiple delegation trips to Europe and Africa. His editorial credits include the House Rules and Manual, House Practice, and the Precedents of the U.S. House of Representatives.Wickham’s expertise is recognized by national leaders of both parties. Upon his retirement as parliamentarian in 2020, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “Tom Wickham is a master of House rules and procedure, whose incisive legal acumen and absolute professionalism have strengthened the People’s House and benefited the American people whom we serve. In his 25 years of distinguished service, Tom upheld the great constitutional underpinnings of the historic role of parliamentarian with excellence and integrity.” Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy remarked in a tribute on the House floor, “I speak for all Republicans when I commend Tom for his professionalism, sound judgment, and steady demeanor in carrying out his duties.”Wickham is a native of Epworth, Iowa, and a graduate of the University of Iowa and the University of Iowa College of Law. His early jobs included stints as a Wisconsin Dells tour guide, gas station cashier, fast-food worker, and mail clerk in his family’s small business. He enjoys hiking, especially up Old Rag Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park. He and his wife, Heather, have two adult children and reside in Burke, Virginia.

Dallas Burnett, a dynamic and engaging speaker, brings a wealth of real-world experience to the stage. From the musical vibes of Nashville to the strategic boardrooms of innovative companies, Dallas has a unique ability to connect with his audience. He is more than just a speaker; he's a problem-solver who understands the challenges of entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal growth. With his down-to-earth approach and relatable humor, Dallasdoesn't just share his journey — he invites you to find inspiration in your own, offering practical insights and strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

I am a physical therapist at heart and CEO & owner of Motion and Therapy Partners INC. At Motion, I own and operate physical therapy clinics in Minnesota and Utah. In that role, I develop strategy for growth while maintaining quality, culture and mission at the forefront of decisions.I am also the owner & CEO of Therapy Partners, a MSO (managed service organization) that operates the infrastructure of 60+ clinics across the midwest. This delivers back end solutions of billing, RCM, credentialing, contracting, EHR, IT, etc - we package it all for clinics to be autonomous and independent. I completed my doctorate at University of Colorado-Denver. Became board certified in orthopedics (OCS), and did my fellowship in manual therapy (AAOMPT). I teach at the University of Minnesota in their DPT program, and teach and host post doctoral residents that we host in our clinics. I continue to work with USA ski and snowboard when able as medical staff, and have an awesome wife who approves the insanity above and an amazing kiddo and puppy to take on the world's adventures with.

Scott Curley, from an early age, was challenged by life and experienced a roller coaster ofhardships (including abuse, drug addiction, prison, and homelessness) yet he managed to usethose experiences as a vehicle for personal growth while building a better version of himself.Scott is now the CEO of one of the largest and nationally recognized tax resolution firms and is anauthor, a keynote speaker, and a mentor. He aims to help others identify their strengths andpurpose through the transformational power of storytelling. He embodies how it ispossible to turn life’s hardships into opportunities. He offers tips on becoming successfulby leveraging life's challenges and using them as catalysts for growth and positive transformation.His story sparks meaningful and wonderful conversations that could ultimately stimulate anintrospection that will help others to identify and recognize their own internal greatness... whichhe passionately believes we all possess. With his extensive experience as a CEO as well as being a prodigy salesperson, he helps business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals grow and identify opportunities by thinking outside of traditional boxes.Scott is also the author of a rapidly selling autobiographical book: ABSOLUTION: The DarkPath to Light chronicles his life journey through tragedies into triumphs.

Dianne V. Jewell, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA BiosketchDianne V. Jewell, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA is President and CEO of the Sheltering Arms Corporation and Hospitals.Dr. Jewell has been a physical therapist for 35 years, having practiced in acute hospital, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, outpatient and community health settings in Richmond, VA. She also held an appointment for 11 years as Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Additional adjunct teaching affiliations include the Doctor of Physical Therapy programs at the University of Tennessee Health ScienceCenter, the University of Vermont, Arcadia University and Mary Baldwin University. Prior to joining Sheltering Arms, she focused her efforts on rehabilitation technology as a consultant and then as Director of Clinical Practice, Outcomes and Education at WebPT (Phoenix, AZ).Dr. Jewell completed her BA at Williams College (1984), her MSPT at Boston University (1988) and her transitional DPT at VCU (2008). She obtained her PhD in health services research and organization also from VCU (2003). She has published multiple peer‐reviewed articles and is author of Guide to Evidence‐Based Physical Therapist Practice, 5th edition (Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2022).Dr. Jewell currently chairs the Sheltering Arms Institute Board of Managers. She previously served for 12 years on the Sheltering Arms Corporation and Hospitals board of directors, chairing the board for two and half of those years. Additional leadership service includes the boards of directors of the PCPI Foundation (Chicago, IL), the American Physical Therapy Association (Alexandria, VA) and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Chicago, IL).She resides in the City of Richmond with her husband of 32 years, Capt. Darl (“Deuce”) W. Jewell, Jr. He is a retired 41‐year veteran of the Richmond Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

Heather Dominick is the founder of A Course In BusinessMiracles. Since 2010, she has taught thousands of HighlySensitive Entrepreneurs and Leaders from around theglobe how to release life-long limiting beliefs, overcomefears and develop new leadership skills in order to excel inbusiness and life by doing things differently to createmore impact and more income. An exceptional facilitatorand teacher, she is known for creating a safe, sacredenvironment for true transformation whether deliveringtraining online or in-person.Heather is a woman who is impressively successful, andhighly sensitive. A former high school drama teacher whocollaborated with none other than Bette Midler. Agraduate of NYU where she received her first coachtraining. Heather is the author of DIFFERENT: The HighlySensitive Leadership Revolution, which highlights themost common secret concerns of highly sensitive peopleand brings a fresh, empowered perspective, with doableactions designed to strengthen readers into highlysensitive entrepreneurs and leaders.Heather is also the winner of the 2015 Best of ManhattanCoaching Award and creator of the 2014 Stevie Awardwinning virtual event, A Course In Business Miracles:21-Day Discovery Series that attracted close to 6,000official registrants from all around the world including:Iceland, Nigeria, Russia, Asia, South America, Australia,Europe and the U.S.She has appeared on Lifetime Television and has beenpublished in numerous books including Stepping Stonesto Success alongside Deepak Chopra.

DR. JOSH FUNK, DPTFounder / CEOA lifelong athlete, Dr. Josh Funk became interested in becoming a physical therapist when going through PT as a D1 lacrosse player at Ohio State. After avoiding shoulder surgery for a torn labrum and rotator cuff, Josh has been entrenched in the world of physical therapy and sports performance. Over the years, he has continually developed his knowledge base and expertise as a physical therapist, and as a business owner. A Montgomery County resident, Josh is heavily involved in all areas of the community throughout the DMV.Dr. Josh Funk was born and raised in Montgomery County, MD and attended Poolesville High School. Josh went on to play Division 1 lacrosse and earn a B.S. degree from The Ohio State University before earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from the University of Maryland-Baltimore. It was a little over 3 years after graduating from Maryland, that Rehab 2 Perform was founded in late 2014.Dr. Funk is committed to ensuring that Rehab 2 Perform is one of the most well-run and well-known health care companies in the country. Dr. Funk has immersed himself in business programs and community initiatives over the past few years in his efforts to ensure that the team and clients of Rehab 2 Perform are receiving everything they need to be at their best. Of note, he completed two business accelerator programs with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is a Goldman Sach's 10,000 Small Businesses Graduate, and a Fellow of the Birthing of Giants program. It is his goal to push Rehab 2 Perform to the forefront of the community through innovation, progressive business operations, strategic growth and clinical excellence.

Bonnie Monteleone is the co-founder and Executive Director for the Plastic Ocean Project, Inc. based in Wilmington, NC. Her research engages citizen science with school-age children to university graduate students and to date has assisted over 130 UNCW students in Directed Independent Studies (DIS)on plastic related research projects.. She co-created the course "Plastic Marine Debris Field Studies" at UNCW and has received several conservation awards for her innovative research and outreach on marine plastic pollution. She was a co-investigator on the NOAA funded research project “Microplastic Ingestion in the Black Sea Bass, Centropristis striata.” She has also co-authored five scientific publications related to plastic pollution. Ms. Monteleone is also an accomplished artist who integrates the plastic she has collected from the world's oceans (near 10,000 nm) into modern artistic masterpieces and is currently producing a full-length feature documentary titled, If the Ocean Could Talk – A Voice for the North Atlantic. In 2017 she received the Governors Award for Environmental Communication, received the 2019 YWCA Women of Achievement for her environmental work, and a NC Coastal Federation Pelican Award in 2019.

Jim is the founder and Chairman of Afterburner Inc., a prominent management consulting and leadership training firm consisting of over 80 accomplished military professionals, both current and former. Having served as an F-15 Fighter/Instructor pilot in the U.S. Air Force, he established Afterburner in 1996. Jim is also the author of seven insightful books covering a spectrum of topics, from leadership and management development to veteran career transition. He stands as a globally acknowledged thought leader in agile continuous improvement, a pivotal aspect of Afterburner's acclaimed Flawless Execution methodology.Utilizing Flawless Execution, Jim and his Afterburner team collaborate with numerous global corporations to foster results, bridge execution gaps, and expedite their individual, team, and organizational performance.Afterburner's excellence has been lauded with six Inc. Magazine's fastest growing company awards, and inclusion in Forbes Magazine's Small Giants List. They've engaged with 85% of the U.S. Fortune 50 and numerous Global 1000 corporations spanning 24 countries. The impactful work of Afterburner has graced esteemed publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Financial Times, Newsweek, and Meetings and Conventions Magazine. Their insights have also been featured on prominent national media networks including CNN, Fox News, CNBC, and Bloomberg News.Moreover, Jim holds the esteemed position of Co-Founder and former Chairman at Advanced Care Partners, an expeditiously advancing home healthcare company dedicated to the care of our nation's medically fragile children since 2010. The company has consistently secured a spot on Inc. Magazine's list of fastest growing companies each year since 2016 (6x). In a recent milestone, Advanced Care Partners joined forces with a leading private equity firm in the healthcare sector to propel their growth into the future.With a keen interest in start-ups, Jim is an active investor and board member in several ventures. Presently, he is actively seeking to expand his footprint in the realm of private equity, leveraging his expertise to guide companies through Afterburner Capital.

Steve is the Founder of Elevation Project, which collaborates with elite organizations, communities, and institutions to build high-performance teams and systems.Steve has prepared triathletes for the Kona Ironman, boxers for world title fights, and the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.He was the first full-time American performance specialist in the English Premier League, leading the Sport Science efforts for Everton Football Club, facing teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea.Steve is an expert physical therapist, sports scientist, movement specialist, and director of high performance — he supported Matt Fitzpatrick for the 2023 PGA Championship and US Open.Beyond sport, he has coached executive VPs at Stanley 1913, performance directors at the Phoenix Suns, helped the Colorado Rapids(MLS) develop organizational identity, and has given keynotes on collaboration at Fuel50 and WebPT.

About Denise DupréDenise is the founder and managing partner of Champagne Hospitality, a hotel design and development company, and Couture Harvest, a collection of vineyards in the Champagne and Burgundy regions of France. Her hotels have earned their place among the best in the world, and received top honors from prestigious travel and lifestyle critics, including Forbes, Conde Nast, Travel and Leisure, and TripAdvisor, and her wines are the same, with the most recent “Brand of the year" award from La Revue du Vin de France for Leclerc Briant, the Champagne house established in Epernay, France in 1872 which has experienced an incredible metamorphosis in the past decade under her leadership.

ROBERT GLAZER is the Founder andChairman of the Board of global partnermarketing agency, Acceleration Partners.A serial entrepreneur, award-winningexecutive, bestselling author, and keynotespeaker, Bob has a passion for helpingindividuals and organizations build theircapacity and elevate their performance.Under Bob’s leadership, AccelerationPartners has become a recognized globalleader in the affiliate and partnershipmarketing industry, establishing best-in-industry processes for client acquisition,retention, culture and service.Bob’s writing reaches millions of peoplearound the globe each year who resonatewith his topics, which range fromperformance marketing andentrepreneurship to company culture,capacity building, and leadership.Worldwide, he is also a sought-afterkeynote speaker by companies andorganizations on subjects related tobusiness growth, culture, buildingcapacity and performance.Outside of work, Bob can likely be foundskiing, cycling, reading, traveling,spending quality time with his family oroverseeing some sort of home renovationproject.#1 Wall Street Journal, USA Today and international bestselling author of six

Zach Montroy is a change agent and leadership team coach who has spent two decades in executive roles, honing his expertise in organizational strategy, people operations, people leadership and scaling companies.With a passion for helping leaders expand their impact and build trust, Zach draws from his extensive experience to help companies align their mission and values with their strategy.Over the last five years, Zach has focused his efforts on helping entrepreneurs scale and grow their businesses, bringing his knowledge and insights to bear on the stickiest issues facing high-growth organizations. With a deep understanding of the importance of both strategy and culture ni achieving sustainable growth, Zach helps companies create high-functioning, high-impact organizations through his innovative approach to leadership.As a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, Zach is known for his ability to distill complex concepts into actionable insights that help businesses achieve their goals. Whether you're looking to scale your business, build a high-performance team, or expand your impact as aleader, Zach's expertise and passion for organizational strategy make hmi na invaluable resource for any entrepreneur or business leader looking to take their organization to the next level.

Rupal M Patel, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Therapy at Texas Woman’s University (TWU) in Houston, Texas. Dr. Patel received her PhD in Health Promotion and Wellness from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah in 2016, her MS in PT from TWU in Houston in 1991 and her BS in PT and biology from TWU in Denton in 1990. Her research streams include reduce risk factors for diabetes among an at-risk population, social and structural determinants of health and their impact on rehabilitation outcomes, factors influencing health behaviors among populations, and issues related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in physical therapy. Besides her DPT teaching responsibilities, Dr. Patel also mentors PhD students during their didactic and dissertation phases. Service is part of Dr. Patel's life work and passion. She has been an active member of the APTA since 1988 and has served in various roles at the component and national level over the past 30 years. She was elected to national office to the APTA Nominating Committee in 2017 and served a chair in her final year (2020). Dr. Patel is a founding and current member of the APTA's Council on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Wellness, the Academy of Prevention and Health Promotion Therapies (APHPT), a board member and DEI Committee Co-Chair of the Physical Therapy Learning Institute (2018-present) and a board member of Empowering Women as Leaders, Inc. Houston Chapter (2023 – present). Dr. Patel currently serves as: the Federal Advocacy Liaison (FAL) for the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT), the co-chair of the APTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation (ALI) Research Committee, a member of the ACAPT NEDIC PT Education and Advancement Pathway Task Force. She was recently elected to serve as chief delegate for Texas to the APTA House of Delegates (2024 – 2027) and has been appointed as the FAL for the APTA Academy of Education (2024). Leadership is a verb - defined by your actions, rather than a noun - defined by your title is a philosophy that Dr. Patel lives by in her ongoing service and leadership journey. Dr. Patel has presented at national and state physical therapy, public health, and rehabilitation conferences, has delivered one of the This I Believe speeches for The Graham Sessions, and also has appeared on numerous podcasts and national panels.

Mosongo Moukwa is a seasoned executive and consultant who has dedicated his career to helping companies thrive by commercializing new technologies, diversifying their product offerings, and entering new markets.Across thirty-plus years in leadership, Mosongo has applied his unique talent for identifying leadership gaps and developing the talent and culture necessary for success. He helps solve important innovation challenges that hold organizations back by unleashing the collective creativity of their people.As a thought leader in leadership development and organizational change, Mosongo has shared his insights such as leadership demystified with Human Capital, and panel discussions on neuroscience, project management, and business moderated by Wanda Curlee of American Public University. His articles have appeared in Business Today, The Journal of Creative Behavior, Crain’s Cleveland Business, R&D Innovator, and he is a regular contributor to Business Standard.Mosongo serves as the President at Hathaway Advanced Materials and has held leadership positions in R & D and operations at some of the world’s most respected brands, including vice president, global technology at SC Johnson; vice president, global technology at Reichhold; vice president, technology at Asian Paints; director of technology at Avient (formerly PolyOne); and chief, global R & D at PCBL (formerly Phillips Carbon Black Ltd.).

Therese B. Pandl, RN, MN, MBA, FACHEExecutive SummaryTherese is a healthcare executive, with over 35 years of progressive leadership in large, complex health care systems. Successful record of achievement in building integrated systems of care, advancing physician alignment, improving clinical delivery systems as well as developing successful risk-based payment models. She has led strategic growth initiatives including multiple physician integration initiatives, alignment of independent hospitals, development of a provider-sponsored health plan as well as service line expansions. Operationally, Therese drove a division structure to reduce redundancies, increase efficiency and reduce costs across the continuum. Therese is recognized for developing teams that produce significant results while maintaining effective board, physician, and staff relationships. Passionate about coaching to enhance leadership capacity, driving improvements in safety, quality, and affordability.Professional Experiences• HSHS: Eastern Wisconsin Division President and CEO• HSHS: President and CEO St. Vincent Hospital and St. Mary’s Medical Center• Columbia St. Mary’s: Executive Vice President and COO; Executive VP of Hospital Operations; EVP Ozaukee Region• St. Mary’s Hospital, Ozaukee: Senior VP and COO.• St. Mary’s Milwaukee: Vice President of Operations; Vice President of Patient Services, Director Special Projects, and Education; various clinical leadership positions Key Career Accomplishments• Achieved highest performing division within system as Division President and CEO, drove performance of 4 hospitals including the partner relationship with an integrated physician clinic with over 400 providers (Prevea Health) and minority affiliation with a fifth hospital. Grew revenue and operating margin by over 35% over the 11 years served.• Served on system-wide strategy team and led various system initiatives including clinical and operational improvements.• Developed financial integration and partnership models with large multi-specialty physician group and separately with a progressive medical oncology group.• Led initiative to implement EMR in division, which was later adopted and installed across the system.• Developed strategic partnerships with regional hospitals through minority equity investments and service line strategies to coordinate care in broader market.• Created Division structure for all 4 hospitals to function cooperatively with a single executive team, shared management, spreading expertise to drive highly reliable patient care, providing standardized, high quality support to each facility. Reduced management structure by over 50%.• Implemented service line structure across the division, with vision, strategic plan and dashboards for each line. Growth and performance improvement demonstrated in each line.• Led development of provider-sponsored health plan in partnership with well-respected existing insurer to leverage their infrastructure. Previously served as president of hospital-physician organization, which contracted with managed care to drive appropriate payment protocols.• Developed designated Children’s hospital within a hospital, achieving significant community support through a successful multi-million-dollar capital campaign with Aaron Rodgers as Honorary Campaign Chair.• Designed and delivered regional system agenda for performance improvement, including quality & safety, executive sponsor for LEAN program, data- driven efficiency processes and improving patient satisfaction.• Oversaw major facility construction projects including replacement hospital, inpatient tower additions, ambulatory surgery centers, physician clinics, etc. totally over $800 million.• Chaired Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) board, served on multiple committees and received WHA Distinguished Service Award.Education• MBA University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, 1992• MN Master of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle Washington, 1979• BSN University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 1976 Certifications, Honors and Affiliations• Fellow American College of Healthcare Executives• American Hospital Association – Regional Policy Board- 2018 to 2020; Governing Council for Metro Areas 2011-2014• Medical College of Wisconsin- Green Bay Campus Community Advisory Board 2015-2019• St. Norbert College Schneider School of Business Advisory Council 2015-2020• Congregation of St. Agnes Sponsorship Board, Fond du Lac, WI. Jan. 2015-2018• Prevea Health, Board of Directors 2009- 2020• Nicolet National Bank, Board of Directors, 2010- 2016

Sharon Dunn, PT, PhD, is the Dean of the School of Allied Health Professions, Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, and Vice Chancellor of Academic Administration at LSU Health Shreveport. She graduated in 1987 with a BS in PT from LSU, a MHS in 1996, and she earned her PhD in Cellular Biology and Anatomy in 2006, also from LSU Health Shreveport. Sharon’s research interests include conservative clinical approaches to the management of common musculoskeletal conditions and translational research of applied mechanical loading to healing tissue to determine dosing effects the ultimate functional and biomechanical tissue integrity. Dr. Dunn previously served on the PT faculty and as program director, teaching professional issues, anatomy, biomechanics, and orthopaedic PT. Her clinical practice and board specialty is in the area of orthopaedics. Throughout her career, Dr. Dunn has been professionally engaged in efforts to promote public policies to enhance the public’s access to high quality health services and excellence in practice delivery. She is a past-president of the American Physical Therapy Association and has significant experience in health policy and collaborative approaches to health delivery. She advocates for a team-based approach and patient-centered management for better health outcomes in our communities.

Ellen Connelly Taaffe is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Kellogg School of Management, where she teaches Personal Leadership Insights and is the Director of Women's Leadership Programming. Ellen designs and delivers the Kellogg Women's Leadership Seminar series, the signature program for female students across Kellogg's Full-time, Evening/Weekend, and Executive MBA programs. Prior to her academic, governance, and coaching career, Ellen spent 25 years with Fortune 500 companies holding the top brand management post at divisions of PepsiCo, Royal Caribbean, and Whirlpool Corporation. She built world-class brands, led multi-billion-dollar portfolios with P&L responsibility, launched new businesses, led turnarounds, and merged businesses and cultures post-acquisition. In her upcoming book, The Mirrored Door: Break Through the Hidden Barrier that Locks Successful Women in Place (October 10, 2023 / Page Two), Ellen uses her vast experience to help women understand and navigate through internal and external obstacles to create the future career they desire.

Ryan Lavarnway is a former Major League Baseball catcher, currently working as a keynote speaker and leadership coach. Over his fifteen-year career, Ryan represented eight different teams in the Major Leagues, including the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. He also proudly represented Israel internationally in both the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics, which earned him recognition in the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.Ryan began his journey to the majors as a standout at Yale University. In 2007, he became the NCAA batting champion by hitting an impressive .467 and set a new Ivy League record with a 25-game hitting streak. He also holds the Ivy League all-time career home run record with 34.Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2008, Ryan quickly established himself as a powerful hitter, being named to multiple minor league All-Star teams and earning Minor League Offensive Player of the Year twice.After his big-league debut in 2011, Ryan continued to excel on the field, setting multiple MLB and franchise records. Internationally he earned MVP recognition for his play in the World Baseball Classic and was named to be the first ever captain of Team Israel ahead of the 2023 European Championships.Ryan Lavarnway is a dynamic coach and speaker with a wealth of experience to draw upon. He brings a unique perspective to his work, combining his passion for baseball with his personal journey and experiences. He is an engaging and entertaining speaker who connects with his audience on a personal level, leaving a lasting impact on all who hear him speak.