Adam Vibe Gunton

Adam Vibe Gunton’s journey from homelessness and heroin addiction to successful entrepreneur highlights the power of resilience and purpose. He is the founder of Recovered On Purpose and Behavioral Health Partners—two mission-driven companies transforming the addiction recovery landscape. In just the past 18 months, Recovered On Purpose has equipped thousands of individuals in recovery to share their stories and support prevention efforts, while Behavioral Health Partners has launched more than 80 recovery centers, scaled several nationwide, and generated seven-figure revenue in its first year. What sets Adam apart is his ability to combine lived experience with business acumen, building companies rooted in integrity, empathy, and meaningful impact. His work is especially relevant during Recovery Month, as he continues to show how personal healing can inspire broader social change.

Wendy Valentine

Wendy Valentine is the host of the top-ranked podcast The Midlife Makeover Show and an author. In her book, she reframes midlife as a powerful season of reinvention rather than crisis, drawing from her own journey of hitting rock bottom, buying an RV, and traveling across the U.S. She offers seven transformative steps for women seeking fulfillment—complete with practical tools, journaling prompts, and empowering strategies—to make personal growth accessible, inspiring, and even fun. Wendy’s life is a testament to resilience. Independent at 16, a young mother, and a survivor of abuse, she turned hardship into purpose, building a medical billing business after losing her ex-husband and becoming a single mother again. Her true transformation came in midlife as she battled illness, divorce, debt, grief, and depression—an experience that became the catalyst for rebuilding her life.

T. Renee Smith

T. Renee Smith is an Atlanta-based leader transforming how women define success, especially those who have spent years over performing and pushing themselves at any cost. As the founder of She Leads and She Loves™ and The CEO Life®, she blends business strategy with personal transformation to help high-achieving women build systems, wealth, and lives rooted in purpose and spiritual alignment. Her work supports women who want more than titles—they want wholeness, impact, and a life that feels true. Her expertise comes from lived experience, not theory. After reaching the height of corporate consulting, T. Renee lost everything—facing bankruptcy, prison, and a complete collapse of identity. She rebuilt her business, her family, and her health from the ground up, openly sharing her journey of healing her marriage and raising a thriving neurodivergent son

Ken Woodward

Ken Woodward's journey spans three decades of naval service and a transformative pivot to question-driven leadership. Beginning as a Submarine Radioman, Ken's 32-year Navy career evolved through teaching communications systems, contracting with the Navy, and ultimately serving as a Civil Servant acquisition professional in submarine imaging, mine warfare, and unmanned systems. In March 2025, Ken resigned from the Navy to pursue his true calling: Curated Questions, a coaching, consulting, and speaking venture that celebrates the transformative power of inquiry. This pivot represents more than a career change; it's a return to his authentic self. As a child, Ken flooded everyone with questions until embarrassment and fear of judgment silenced his natural curiosity. Years later, he rediscovered that questions are where learning and growth begin, leading to profound personal breakthroughs that saved his marriage and transformed his parenting.

Diana Mereu

Diana Mereu is a seasoned Healthcare and Life Sciences professional with more than a decade of experience, holding a MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, a Master’s in Public Health Management, and an Executive MBA. She advises startups and consults scale-ups in HealthTech, helping them navigate the complexities of the global health ecosystem while developing high-quality, deep-tech solutions that improve patient and consumer outcomes. As CEO of RASCI, Diana leads initiatives involving OTCs, food supplements, and medical devices, and as the Founder of HealthFluencer, she oversees all aspects of startup operations, team leadership, and investment strategy. Her creativity extends beyond her professional roles—reflected in her debut book On the LookOUT – for the better half, a personal manifesto centered on self-love and authentic expression.

Shawn Walchef

Shawn Walchef is a restaurant owner turned media visionary who built a full-scale content studio inside his BBQ brand long before it became industry standard. Through his weekly podcast, he has interviewed top tech founders, hospitality leaders, and hundreds of entrepreneurs, giving him a rare cross-industry perspective on leadership, innovation, and growth. His approach transformed his slow-smoked BBQ business into a storytelling engine reaching millions. Shawn is best known for his mantra, “Be the Show, Not the Commercial,” a philosophy he applies to marketing, partnerships, and company culture. Beyond business, he openly shares his experiences with mental health, entrepreneurship, and fatherhood—using his platform to encourage resilience, honesty, and human connection in life and leadership.

Marianne Rombola

Marianne Rombola is a Brooklyn-born, NLP-certified coach and Emotional Intelligence practitioner whose work is shaped by deep personal resilience. Growing up with a handicapped mother, an emotionally abusive sister, and an emotionally distant father, she carried adult responsibilities early on. She later endured profound hardships, including the loss of her high school sweetheart, the impact of 9/11, a painful divorce, her younger daughter’s NF1 brain tumors, and her older daughter’s suicidal crisis—all while navigating high-pressure political and business environments that strengthened her intuition and inner clarity. As the founder of The Journey Within Practice, she blends grounded strength, spiritual depth, and Brooklyn honesty to support high performers through meaningful breakthroughs.

Dave Aizer

Dave Aizer is the Founder and CEO of DaveAizer.com, a public speaking and media training firm dedicated to helping professionals become confident and compelling communicators. With more than 25 years of on-camera experience, Dave has hosted for major networks including The CW, CBS, FOX Sports Florida, The Onion News Network, and Nickelodeon, where he led the iconic game show Slime Time Live. His extensive background as a TV host and keynote speaker shapes his practical, performance-driven coaching approach. Over the past decade, Dave has trained hundreds of entrepreneurs, executives, and media professionals, and has led workshops for organizations such as Bacardi, Postmates, Patron, Mass Mutual, and The American Cancer Society.

Bernie Melanson

Bernie Melanson is a retired Air Force veteran and servant leader whose life has been defined by resilience, purpose, and refusing to settle for less. His journey includes surviving a military helicopter crash on an 8,750-foot mountain—a moment that brought the fragility of life into sharp focus and sparked a profound personal transformation. Through deployments, transitions, and reinvention, Bernie learned that real change happens through small, intentional moments rather than grand gestures. Today, he channels those lessons into his work as a motivational speaker, trainer, and author of An Inspired Renewal and Minutes Matter. Bernie’s mission is to help people reclaim their focus, unlock their potential, and live lives that matter—with purpose and on purpose.

Renee Vee

Renee Vee, CCC-SLP is a mindset and communication specialist, speaker, author, columnist, and Legacy Makers cast member whose work bridges education, leadership, and personal development. With more than 24 years of experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist, she has helped individuals and organizations strengthen communication, confidence, leadership, and culture. Known for her dynamic speaking style and relatable approach, Renee delivers transformational workshops and keynotes that inspire audiences to take action and communicate with greater authenticity and impact. Her passion for helping people think bigger and connect more meaningfully led her to co-found the Rich Thinking Conference in Philadelphia and launch The Rich Thinking Co-author book series—both designed to empower growth-driven individuals through mindset, networking, and storytelling.

Shawn Casemore

Shawn is a sales expert and professional speaker who motivates audiences to achieve higher levels of sales performance by providing actionable insights that can be applied immediately. He is the author of six commercially published books, including The Sales Multiplier Formula (2024) and The Unstoppable Sales Machine (2022), with a forthcoming book, The Unstoppable SalesSM Prospecting System (2025). Drawing on over 15 years of speaking experience, Shawn studies top sales performers to share fresh strategies for selling successfully in today’s economy. His keynotes and programs focus on creating an environment of Unstoppable SalesSM, empowering professionals and organizations to overcome obstacles, boost results, and cultivate sustainable sales growth.

Mar Morabito

Mar Morabito is an Amazon Best Selling Author, high-performance coach, serial entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and the creator of the 7 Rhythms of Sovereignty™. A transformational coach and speaker, she is devoted to guiding high-performing leaders beyond external achievement and into true internal sovereignty. Her work is rooted in her own powerful journey—overcoming trauma, addiction, and a complete collapse of her physical and mental health. Through this transformation, she developed the 7 Rhythms of Sovereignty, a framework that moved her from survival to deep alignment.

Deniz Kent

Deniz Kent is the Co-Founder and CEO of Prolific Machines, where he conceived the company’s core optogenetic biomanufacturing technology, built a world-class leadership team, and secured more than $90 million from top-tier investors such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Ki Tua Fund, and Mayfield. A domain expert in optogenetics, single-cell RNA sequencing, iPSC differentiation, and AI-driven bioprocess optimization, Deniz earned his PhD from King’s College London, where he co-discovered a novel human liver stem cell population and led pioneering small-molecule screening work, resulting in multiple new discoveries and patents. His influence in the field is recognized globally—he is a member of Founder’s Pledge and has been appointed to the World Economic Forum’s Bioeconomy Initiative, reflecting his impact at the intersection of biotechnology, innovation, and global leadership.

Terry Healey

At age 21, Terry Healey survived a life-threatening cancer that left him with a permanent facial difference—an experience that could have defined his future. Instead, he used everyday moments of inspiration to fuel personal transformation, ultimately developing a practical framework built on four core principles for overcoming adversity and creating a more meaningful life. Today, he is an author, keynote speaker, and business strategist, delivering impactful programs to healthcare organizations, corporations, educational institutions, associations, and nonprofits across the country. His new book, The Resilience Mindset: How Adversity Can Strengthen Individuals, Teams, and Leaders, is designed for business professionals seeking purpose, cancer survivors, individuals with disabilities, or anyone navigating life’s challenges.

Scott Arey

Community Musician, founded by Scott Arey, is designed to help artists retain significantly more profit from their work. The platform produces collectible music cards for just $4 each, which artists typically sell for $20—allowing them to keep 75% of the profits. Unlike traditional merchandise providers, Community Musician supports creators at every level by offering small production runs starting at just 25 cards, making it accessible for emerging and established musicians alike. For fans who prefer a digital experience, Community Musician also offers a companion app that links each card to a unique user ID, granting access to a private music library. This hybrid physical-digital model creates a new, artist-centric way to distribute and monetize music.

Sam Gute Rogers

Sam Gute Rogers is a self-mastery coach, creative entrepreneur, and founder of the Academy of Creatives and Pattern Break, a mindful tech brand focused on helping people use social media with intention. His journey took a dramatic turn at 19 when, while running a franchise, he landed in jail—an experience that shattered his ideas of success built on money, status, and achievement. That moment pushed him to confront who he truly was and sparked the inner transformation that now fuels his work. Today, Sam helps others create the same breakthrough by blending psychology, spirituality, and practical systems to overcome overthinking, release performance pressure, and build real confidence. He has spoken on international stages by age 24, addressing audiences of over 200 people, and spent time in Vietnam where he built a thriving community of more than 2,000 expats and digital nomads.

Kelvin Davis

Kelvin Davis is an author, model, and leading advocate for body positivity and modern masculinity. As the creator of Notoriously Dapper and author of Be a Good Man, Not a Nice Guy, he empowers men to embrace self-confidence, authenticity, and self-love. A former art teacher turned fashion trailblazer, Kelvin became one of the first Black big-and-tall models for GAP and Target and has collaborated with major brands like Nike, Reebok, and JCPenney. His work has been featured in major outlets including The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, and HuffPost, where he champions inclusivity within the fashion industry.

Shawn Walchef

Shawn Walchef is a restaurant owner turned media visionary who built a full-scale content studio inside his BBQ brand long before it became industry standard. Through his weekly podcast, he has interviewed top tech founders, hospitality leaders, and hundreds of entrepreneurs, giving him a rare cross-industry perspective on leadership, innovation, and growth. His approach transformed his slow-smoked BBQ business into a storytelling engine reaching millions. Shawn is best known for his mantra, “Be the Show, Not the Commercial,” a philosophy he applies to marketing, partnerships, and company culture. Beyond business, he openly shares his experiences with mental health, entrepreneurship, and fatherhood—using his platform to encourage resilience, honesty, and human connection in life and leadership.

Nishit Mehta

Nishit Mehta, founder of La Joya Jewelry, is a third-generation diamond industry leader with more than 30 years of experience, beginning his career in Hong Kong in 1992 as CEO of Diamart Ltd, where he grew the company into a strong seven-figure enterprise. His success led him to Gitanjali Gems Limited, where he helped drive global diamond revenue past nine figures, managed 112 U.S. jewelry stores, led the acquisition and integration of four Italian luxury brands, oversaw worldwide distribution, and launched a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Panyu, China. In 2013, he founded Azure Ltd, expanding into global direct-to-retailer supply, and later recognized the future of lab-grown diamonds, launching La Joya Jewelry to make ethical, heirloom-quality designs accessible and affordable. Today, Mehta is known as a pioneer of ethical luxury and a visionary reshaping the modern jewelry market.

Russell Rogers

Russell had authored five books and had launched them the previous year, back in June. The motive driving these literary endeavors was to inspire families to venture outdoors and engage in activities together. He firmly believed in the significance of establishing such habits early on in children's lives. Each book he wrote delved into the experiences of the first five years of a child's life. Motivated to make a great impact in society, he also launched Movetoday365. They do monthly walks and work on this to be supported in all 50 states.

Jamie Weeks

Jamie Weeks is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and brand builder who excels at transforming early-stage concepts into industry-leading companies. Over the past decade, he has achieved three private-equity exits exceeding $100 million from businesses he founded, including building the largest Orangetheory Fitness franchise group in the U.S. and founding SweatHouz, the nation’s first private-suite contrast therapy brand, which is on track to surpass 250 locations by 2026. As founder of Founders Row, a hybrid private-equity and creative platform, Jamie partners with founders to scale distinctive brands across wellness, consumer services, and retail, leveraging his two decades of experience and more than 40 investments to provide strategic growth, operational expertise, and brand-driven expansion.

Frederick Fisher

Frederick Fisher, J.D., CCP, is a distinguished authority in Professional Liability with more than five decades of experience dedicated to advancing client financial security. A founding member and Past President of the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS), he has shaped industry standards through leadership, education, and advocacy, earning the prestigious PLUS Founders Award in 2019. Fisher has also served for over 30 years as Senior Technical Advisor on the International Risk Management Institute’s Professional Liability Insurance manual, contributes as faculty at the Claims College’s School of Professional Lines, and sits on the Editorial Board of Agents of America.

Nik Agharkar

Nik Agharkar, Esq. is a seasoned counselor with nearly 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of wealth preservation, tax strategy, and legacy planning. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with dual degrees in Economics and Public Policy, he brings a rare combination of analytical expertise and a deep understanding of law, finance, and public systems to his work. Nik is particularly recognized for his ability to uncover overlooked provisions within the tax code, crafting creative and compliant strategies that reduce tax burdens and enhance long-term financial security. His approach often integrates sophisticated asset protection vehicles, making him a trusted advisor for clients seeking lasting, strategic financial solutions.

Greg Hawks

Greg Hawks is a keynote speaker, author, and corporate culture specialist who inspires leaders and teams to Act Like an Owner. With more than 25 years of experience, he has partnered with organizations nationwide to strengthen culture, build trust, and activate genuine ownership mindsets across all levels of an organization. Before launching his speaking and consulting career, Greg spent a decade as Executive Director of a nonprofit, guiding teams through complex challenges and cultivating environments where people could excel. That foundation shaped his work with ESOPs, credit unions, Fortune 500 companies, and national associations. Known for his energetic delivery and practical insights, Greg equips executives and employees to re-engage, elevate accountability, and ignite sustainable growth.

Kevin Lawrence

Kevin Lawrence is a globally recognized growth advisor who has spent three decades helping companies scale from tens of millions to hundreds of millions in revenue. Working closely with CEOs and leadership teams across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, he created the Lawrence & Co Growth Management System—a proven framework for achieving consistent, sustainable growth. His insights come from real-world, hands-on experience inside high-performing organizations. Kevin is the author of Your Oxygen Mask First, which outlines seventeen essential habits for leaders to grow their companies while protecting their mental health and resilience. He contributed to the bestselling book Scaling Up and recently released The 4 Forces of Growth, a guide to avoiding common pitfalls and building companies that continue to scale year after year.

Armine Alajian

Armine Alajian is the Founder at The Alajian Group. Armine is an experienced CPA, with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting industry specializing in startups and business management. Those who work with her love how passionate she is about helping, problem solving and providing solution-based results, all while managing to put a strong emphasis on building accounting infrastructures, internal controls, financial reporting, and best practices.

Austin Boer

Dr. Tim Young