Profiles in Leadership

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.

Andy Moye is a seasoned commercial leader and corporate development executive who has worked across the molecular diagnostics, biotechnology and life sciences industries. He is currently Chief Executive Officer at Paige and previously served as Chief Commercial Officer, where he led the company’s clinical sales and commercial strategy, including the U.S. launch of Paige Prostate, the first and only AI-based pathology product to receive FDA approval for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) use in detecting cancer in prostate biopsies.

Previously, Moye served as Head of Commercial Operations in North America and Latin America for the Digital and Computational Pathology division of Philips, delivering significant growth in both markets for the emerging business. Moye has also served in executive roles at leading healthcare companies, including Ontada, a division of McKesson, Caris Life Sciences, and WaferGen Bio-systems, now part of Takara Bio. Prior to joining the industry, Moye served as a Lieutenant and flight officer in the U.S. Navy, completing missions in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Europe, and South America. He received a Ph.D. in health economics from Walden University, MBA from the University of Florida and B.S. in physiology from the University of Arizona.

Maureen is a Leadership Coach and Consultant who works with high-potential individuals and teams who want to lead with greater purpose,
influence and effectiveness.
Maureen’s results-based approach to coaching ensures that she and her clients go beyond having ‘nice conversations’ to instead create real
and lasting transformation around clearly established goals.
Maureen measures her own success by witnessing her clients become the very best version of themselves, at work and in life.
Maureen had a dynamic and fulfilling 25-year career in advertising working at global shops such as McCann, Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey and,
most recently, mcgarrybowen, where she was MD, Head of Account Services.
Maureen was fortunate to partner with some of the biggest and best marketers in the world, including Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Kraft,
General Mills Inc, Novartis, Burger King, and United Airlines where she was developing effective campaigns.
Maureen was equally passionate about maximizing the impact and effectiveness of her teams through ongoing leadership training and
development.
Maureen currently coaches individuals, groups and teams to accelerate their growth, realize their potential and live and work with greater
purpose and passion.
Maureen is originally from the Midwest and has been happily living in and around New York City for over 25 years. She now resides in Locust
Valley, Long Island with her husband Robert, their 11-year-old daughter, Charlotte, one fish, two guinea pigs and, most recently, an adorable
mutt named Togo.
Maureen is co-authoring a book called Peak Performance (Mindset Tools for Entrepreneurs) that launches by the end of June 2022
 

Leader of Leaders, Harmony Coach, Executive leader, Success Consultant…

I’ve been called many things.

Ultimately, they all mean the same thing. I transform how executives define and create life success. The work I do is a calling. One that I’m honored to live out. There was almost a time that didn’t happen. We all have experiences that define us, set us on a different path, or elevate our vision for life.

I had mine at 38.

Sitting at the doctor’s office, patiently waiting to hear how great I was, he handed me a prescription that offered a life sentence. One, I knew I was self-imposed.

I had a decision to make.

Accept my “fate” or refuse his diagnosis and create the life I knew I was meant for.

I chose the latter and I’m here to help my clients do the same.

With over 30 years of experience from combat in Iraq to the corporate boardroom, I use my personal and professional experience to transform how leaders lead, how executives live, and how we all create a lifestyle where success and harmony coexist. Fifteen years ago, I made a decision that would change my life. I dove into personal development, made consistent healthy decisions, and mended relationships that I thought were lost. All of those changes led me to create a business that has changed the lives of thousands globally.

In my corporate consulting, I am a sought-after expert for building and scaling results-driven teams. I believe hiring the right people, equipping them with the tools they need to be successful, and then holding them accountable for results is the secret to exceptional business success. I help teams create culture by attracting top talent, intentional onboarding, and rigorous top-grading which are critical for winning with people.

Through my personal coaching with CEOs, Executives, and future leaders, I focus on helping create the same harmony in life that they’ve created in business.

David is the founder of Breathe Your Truth – and project dedicated to using the breath to improve health and performance.  

He fuses wisdom teachings, modern science, adult learning theory, and clinical experience to coach people individually, and to teach others to do the same. He is passionate about stretching his own thinking.

Past lives:  Executive Partner and Director of Clinical Education at Therapeutic Associates, TAI BreathWorks designer.

He is currently a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists, and holds breath work certifications through Better Physiology, Professional School of Behavioral Health Sciences, The Oxygen Advantage, and The Boston Center for Health Psychology and Biofeedback.

He is a Holden Qi Gong and Les Mils RPM instructor certifications. College All-American swimmer. Physical Therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy from Andrews University.

David Deppeler, PT, DSc

Dom’s Bio:
Domenic Fraboni is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and COO of The Mobility Method LLC. He earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences in Rochester, MN in 2018. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and regularly lobbies on behalf of MN and CA for increased reimbursement for preventative and rehabilitative care. For the past decade, Domenic has been an avid coach, unified partner, and volunteer coordinator for Special Olympics, and has assisted in coordinating events nationally for the NCAA and APTA. Since 2020, Domenic has acted as the Chief Operations Officer for The Mobility Method LLC where he is helping to create access to good, reliable, and affordable health and rehab information to all people through development of the Jen Health Platform. Domenic believes that true human healing happens through empowering individuals to independence in their health and wellness journey. As COO of The Mobility Method LLC and co-host of The Optimal Body Podcast (with his wife Dr Jen Fraboni), he always hopes to continue to get this message of empowerment out to the masses.

Dr Domenic Fraboni PT DPT

Jen's Bio

Dr. Jen Fraboni, PT, DPT, is an internationally-renowned physical therapist who specializes in helping people overcome chronic pain and maximize physical performance. As the founder of the new platform and app, “Jen.Health,” she brings a unique, whole body approach to strength, mobility and pain-free living. In 2019, Jen was named one of the top 50 most influential healthcare professionals. Jen’s easily accessible approach has garnered her more than half a million followers on social media and millions of views of her health and fitness videos. Jen has been featured in Shape Magazine, Self Magazine, Men’s Fitness and Muscle and Fitness and in 2020, graced the cover of Oxygen Magazine. During the pandemic, she helped ease back pain with her feature on Good Morning America and NBC. Dr. Jen is the co-host with her husband, who is also a Doctor of Physical Therapy, to a popular podcast called "The Optimal Body Podcast.”

Evan Nierman, who is offering organizations and individuals a rare behind-the-scenes look into how they can rebrand and elevate themselves above the brutal aftermath that unfolds once their reputation has been slammed by the public. 

With over 30 years of experience in communications and two game-changing books on crisis PR, Evan is a recognized voice in the industry. He is the founder and CEO of Red Bayan, a global PR firm specializing in crisis prevention and management. Evan has been featured as a regular guest on numerous major media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. His TEDx Talk on how storytelling is key to keeping businesses afloat amidst the 24/7 news cycle and cancel culture has garnered over 68,000 views. In his upcoming book, "The Cancel Culture Curse: From Rage To Redemption In A World Gone Mad." 

One of Evan's most prominent areas of expertise is tapping the power of storytelling as a brand-building necessity. In today's world, where a single wrong word or action can lead to immediate disastrous consequences, it is crucial to ensure that your story is a truthful one. Evan's approach of "Press the Truth®" has helped countless clients navigate high-pressure situations, handle crises with grace, and deal with the life-altering effects of what’s been popularly coined “Cancel Culture.”

Cris is the Chief Executive of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators and the Director of Saint George Consulting, a boutique advisory agency specialising in strategy, management, governance, membership and allied health. 

His career has focused on service-based organisations across a variety of sectors including healthcare, finance and professional sport.  He has in-depth leadership experience, knowledge and governance exposure of high-performing, effective and relevant service-based organisations with an Asia-Pacific footprint. 

Cris has held senior positions at the Bob Jane Corporation, St Kilda Football Club, CPA Australia, Australian Physiotherapy Association and Advent Health.

His current Board portfolio includes:

• Chairman of BMS Risk Solutions (Affinity)
• Non-executive Director of Osteopathy Australia
• Non-executive Director of American Physical Therapy Association
• Standards Council – Exercise and Sports Science Australia
• Clinical and Community Council – South East Melbourne Primary Health Network
• Member - Doctor of Physiotherapy Course Advisory Committee, University of Melbourne

In addition, he is the former Chairman of the Allied Health Professions Australia.

Cris has completed a Bachelor of Applied Science, Graduate Diploma in Sport Business, an MBA, the AICD Company Directors course, the Executive Program in International Management at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and Delivering Value Through Digital program at the University of Oxford.

Jan Jensen is in her 24th season with the Iowa women’s basketball team and her 20th as associate head coach. Jensen has helped guide Iowa to 20 postseason appearances, including 17 NCAA Tournament berths. With Jensen on staff, the Hawkeyes have claimed four Big Ten Tournament and two Big Ten Regular Season titles.  Most recently, Jensen and the Hawkeyes won the Big Ten Tournament Championship in 2023 and made it to the Final Four and competed in the Championship Game, becoming the 2023 NCAA National Runner Up.

A nationally-known presence on the recruiting trail, she serves as the recruiting coordinator and also works with the post players. Under her tutelage, ten Hawkeyes have claimed a total of 20 All-Big Ten honors, including seven first team selections. Jensen also guided Megan Gustafson to the first consensus National Player of the Year honor in Big Ten history. Jensen was also integral in recruiting current Hawkeye star, Caitlin Clark. Clarkholds numerous National Point Guard of the Year awards, All American honors, B1G Ten Player of the Year awards and was most recently named the unanimous 2023 National Player of the Year.

The Kimballton, Iowa, native Jensen graduated from Drake in 1991 with a degree in Public Relations. She left as one of the most prolific women’s basketball players in Drake history and is one of only two Bulldog student-athletes to have her number retired in the Knapp Center.

Off the court, Jensen is active in her community. Jensen has co-chaired record-setting United Way Fundraising campaigns, served on the boards of the United Way, Shelterhouse and Iowa City Community School District Foundation. Her recognitions include the 2007 United Way Volunteer of the Year, a Corridor Business Journal Woman of Influence in 2014, and was one of five honorees to receive the 2020 LGBTQ Legacy Leadership award by Des Moines Magazine and One Iowa. 

Jensen is a sought-after speaker that uses her unique experiences as a former athlete, current coach, and busy mom to engage and motivate audiences from sports arenas to corporate board rooms, to any town hall, or banquet venue. She and her spouse, Julie Fitzpatrick, have a son, Jack, and a daughter, Janie