Profiles in Leadership

Former leadership coach to IBM's top executives, Head of Organization Development at Honeywell, and fellow with McKinsey's Change Center, Todd has taught world leaders at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, developed doctoral students at Columbia University, and trained tens of thousands of leaders globally to “Get to Candor”.As the founder of Holzman Leadership, a global consultancy, Todd's Real Work Process has been used by numerous Fortunate 500, FTSE 100, and Global 2000 companies to transform their leaders, cultures, and business results.Todd holds a B.S. in Industrial Labor Relations (Cornell), an M.A. in Organizational Psychology (Columbia), and an Ed.M. in Leadership & Adult Development (Harvard).

Amy Lafko is a leadership and organizational design expert, mainstage speaker, author, and facilitator. Known for her “People First” method, she brings a step-by-step process to put employee engagement and empowerment into practice. Having spent 20+ years in healthcare leadership roles, her work is inspired by her personal transformation as a leader.  That inspiration and her energy is multiplied every time she assists someone with their own shift in mindset and intentions.  Her book, People First: A Proven Method for an Exceptional Healthcare Practice was an Amazon bestselling new release. In addition to founding Cairn Consulting Solutions, LLC and being certified in TTI Success Insights DISC, Driving Forces and Emotional Intelligence, Amy has earned her MSPT from Ithaca College, her MBA from Loyola University of MD. 

Dr. Laura is a professional speaker and organizational psychologist who inspires driven self-starters to transform theirrelationship with themselves to accomplish more than ever while making everything easier! While sharing revelationson radical self-acceptance she uniquely leverages humor to resonate with audiences. She is an approachable, funny,warm, alluring, optimistic, curious and delightful speaker and guest! Even as a USA Today and Wall Street JournalBest-selling author, Dr. Laura doesn't fit the typical "academic" personality of her PhD peers.Some of her noteworthy achievements include being hired by NASA to transform culture following the Columbiaaccident, working with Disney to lead radical shifts in performance management for their leaders, and inspiringYahoo's global teams to seek transformation from the inside-out.Fun is always abounding in Dr. Laura's life; so when she's not serving a mass self-acceptance movement you can findher water skiing, floating in a sunny pool (likely on a large peacock floatie), playing with her dogs, Grace andJackson, singing while playing her beautiful grand piano, or diving deeper into her own consciousness to livelife most fully.

Bill is a world-renowned keynote speaker, business owner, and partner at the Institute for Health and Human Potential (IHHP). Over the last 30 years, he's worked with leaders and high-pressure performers around the world — from the U.S. military and Olympic athletes to executives at global organizations like IBM, Marriott and Rolls Royce. As a partner at IHHP — one of Profit Magazine's fastest 100 growing companies — Bill has access to insights gained from monthly surveys of 40,000 people. Years of studying how people perform under pressure has led him to formulate a radical new method for building high-performing leadership teams, which he explores in his upcoming book The Last 8%.

Rebecca Shaddix is a seasoned marketing executive and go-to-market strategist with a proven track record of driving significant revenue growth across various industries. With a unique background that combines deep technical expertise, data-driven marketing, and empathetic leadership, Rebecca has led high-growth companies in education, healthcare, and SaaS to impressive success. Her approach is rooted in a research background, allowing her to blend analytical thinking with creative marketing strategies.  As a Forbes contributor and recognized thought leader, Rebecca brings insights into the societal impacts of technology, particularly in areas such as AI's role in solving global issues and fostering diversity in tech. Her ability to align technology-driven solutions with broader missions while driving substantial business results sets her apart in the marketing and leadership landscape.

Claudia Longo is a dynamic leader and social entrepreneur whose journey is one of resilience and purpose. A former Division 1 athlete, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at 18, just months before beginning her collegiate soccer career at the University of Washington. Despite this challenge, she returned to the field, playing several successful seasons for the Huskies while earning her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience. After graduating, Claudia turned her experience into action, founding MS, I'mpossible, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering young adults living with MS. Through community support and financial aid programs, the organization provides critical resources to those navigating life with the disease. Claudia is also the Managing Director at BoardReady, where she plays a pivotal role in increasing diversity of thought in corporate boardrooms. Under her leadership, BoardReady has expanded its reach, helping companies build stronger, more forward-thinking boards. Her influence extends beyond boardrooms and nonprofits – in 2024, Claudia took the TEDx stage, sharing her insights on how to create change from challenge. Recognized for her impact, she has received numerous accolades, including being a Seattle Kraken Hero of the Deep nominee and receiving the Wayne Gittinger Inspirational Award at the Seattle Sports Star of the Year event. 

Jimmy McKay and I sit down and discuss what I have learned doing interviews for my Podcast over 8 years and more than 235 interviews.  He wanted me to rank my top 10 impactful moments but I just couldn't do it because there are so many to choose from.  So I picked 10 I thought were great and didn't rank them but shared them as they were profound to me.  Jimmy was a pioneer in Podcasting and has shared some of his knowledge with me as I launched my show.  He has done exceptionally well and embraced those of us who have tried to follow in his footsteps.  It was an honor and pleasure to sit down with him and share ideas and experiences.

Franklin J. Rooks Jr. is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (“PCPS”), where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Health Science and a Master of Physical Therapy Degree. After graduating from PCPS, he earned a Master of Business Administration (“MBA”), with a concentration in finance, from DrexelUniversity, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Along with his college roommate, he went on to be a founding partner of PRO Physical Therapy, an outpatient physicaltherapy business based in Wilmington, Delaware. At the time that it was sold to the private equity firm KRG Capital, the business had 18 locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. After selling PRO Physical Therapy, Mr. Rooks earned his juris doctor degree from Delaware Law School. He is licensed topractice law in the State of New Jersey and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Mr. Rooks also represents healthcare providers in breachof contract matters and also provides general legal advice pertaining to contracting and compliance with federal and state regulations. Since 2009, Mr. Rooks has been an operating partner of Shore Capital Partners, a private equity firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors for Therapy Partners Group, a portfolio company of Shore Capital with 137 outpatient physical therapy clinics primarily located throughout California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. After graduating from law school, he and his partner from PRO PhysicalTherapy purchased a single-office occupational medicine business from a hospital system in Delaware. Mr. Rooks and his partner grew the occupational medicine businessto five locations and in 2015, sold it to In-Tandem Capital Partners, a New York-based private equity firm. In 2018, Mr. Rooks and a partner acquired a durable medical equipment business in New Jersey. In 2023, after tripling the business's EBITDA, Mr. Rooks and his partner sold the DME business to a strategic acquirer.  He is currently a partner with Iterum Physical Therapy, and outpatient physical therapy business with locations in Florida and Delaware.Mr. Rooks resides in Chester County, Pennsylvania.   He is married withthree children, 2 sons, one daughter 

Israel David Duran, compelling speaker andbusiness growth partner, has empowered countless entrepreneurs worldwide to unleash their potential.After a transformative car accident in 2018, Duran dedicated himself to serving others, guiding them to personal and professional growth. He inspires purposeful leaders to build profitable businesses that impact the world.As a sought-after speaker, Duran's dynamic stagepresence motivates audiences to embrace theirpurpose and drive. With his guidance, individualslearn to share their stories effectively, enhancingcredibility and fostering personal growth.

DanJ.Berger(www.danjberger.com) is an Israeli-American entrepreneur, author, and community builder dedicated to fostering connection and belonging. His book,The Quest: The Definitive Guide to Finding Belonging(Forbes Books), cements his place as a thought leader on this essential human need. As the founder of Social Tables, an award-winning event design software company acquired by Blackstone-owned Cvent for $100 million,Danrevolutionized the events industry, helping people connect at scale. A recipient of multiple awards including the Pacesetter Award from the Events Industry Council, he now leads Assemble Hospitality Group, reimagining corporate retreats to cultivate belonging and transform team dynamics.An avid community builder,Danfounded the Idaho Israel Alliance, a nonprofit combating antisemitism in the wake of the October 7 attacks in Israel. He also spearheaded a prominent Idaho men's group and is an active participant in YPO and Tiger 21. He holds an MBA from Georgetown University and lives in Boise, Idaho with his wife and daughter.  

Dan Rootenberg is the CEO of Spear,  which he co-founded in 1999, working out of a small treatment room in midtown Manhattan. He had a singular vision for combining clinical excellence with a five-star customer service experience. Spear has since grown to 55+ locations throughout NYC, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey and CT, employing over 950+ people currently and is continuing to expand further.Dan's focus on organizational leadership has resulted in several honors and recognitions from business, medical and academic institutions. Dan is an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® New York finalist, National Entrepreneur of the month winner and an Olympic Team medical coordinator. Spear has been named to the Inc5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America seven times, received Columbia University's Award for Leadership in Clinical Education twice and has been named by SmartCEO magazine as a Future50 company five times.Dan has been honored with the National Practice of the Year award twice, by two industry leading organizations.Prior to Spear, Dan played pro baseball on three continents.  In the summer of 2021, Dan traveled to the Olympic Games in Tokyo as a team PT and medical coordinator as well as fulfilling that role in Major League Baseball's World Baseball Classic tournament held in Seoul, Tokyo and Jupiter, FL.Dan also served on the Board of Directors of Peter Stuyvesant Little League and the Bonnie Youth Club, two organizations devoted to teaching children lifelong values, self-worth, and responsibility through baseball. Dan has made numerous guest spots on Sports Talk radio, and was featured in the award-winning documentary “Holy Land Hardball”. Dan now plays tennis in his free time and lives in NYC with his wife and three children..

Interview on Profiles in Leadership with Rebecca FitzsimmonsOutlineIntroduction and Background of Rebecca Fitzsimmons Rebecca Fitzsimmons, founder of Tactical Harmony, an online business focused on holistic leadership and mindset strategies.Rebecca shares her background, starting from her upbringing in a small town in northeastern Ohio, her degree in forensic and investigative science, and her internship with the FBI.Rebecca explains her transition from forensics to becoming an NCIS Special Agent, detailing her 13.5 years with NCIS and her roles in criminal investigations, counter-terrorism, and counter-intelligence.She discusses her decision to leave NCIS after nearly 15 years to explore new sectors and eventually start her own business.Rebecca's Journey from NCIS to EntrepreneurshipRebecca elaborates on her reasons for leaving NCIS, including her desire to serve in a different sector and her leadership experience.She describes her transition to a technology company and her current role as an entrepreneur running Tactical Harmony.Rebecca emphasizes the importance of holistic leadership, which involves leading oneself and others in a comprehensive way.She highlights the components of holistic leadership, including emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and self-regulation.Holistic Leadership and Mindset StrategiesRebecca defines holistic leadership as a whole-person approach to influencing and inspiring oneself and others.She explains the importance of leading by example and the role of emotional intelligence in building strong relationships.Rebecca discusses the power of mindset, stating that it is the starting point for achieving greatness and that thoughts determine feelings and actions.She shares her belief in the transformative power of gratitude practices and how it can positively impact one's biochemistry and neural pathways.Client Profiles and Gratitude PracticesRebecca describes her typical clients, which include ambitious professionals, aspiring leaders, and businesses looking to enhance their mindset and leadership skills.She explains the concept of gratitude practices, advising clients to think of three things they are grateful for each morning and evening.Rebecca emphasizes the importance of feeling the emotion associated with gratitude to create positive biochemical changes in the body.She shares her own experience of initially dismissing gratitude practices and how it eventually became a transformative part of her routine.Resilience and High-Performance HabitsRebecca discusses the importance of building resilience through continuous hard work and incremental improvement.She introduces the concept of Kaizen, focusing on getting 1% better each day, and compares it to the analogy of turning a tractor slightly to achieve greater distance.Rebecca highlights the significance of raising standards and maintaining high-performance habits, such as physical exercise, mind-body-spirit nourishment, and focusing on high-impact activities.She emphasizes the need for self-care and the benefits of incorporating fun and enjoyable activities into daily routines.Spirituality and Self-Care in LeadershipRebecca explains the role of spirituality in holistic leadership, describing it as connecting to one's truth and highest self.She shares her personal practice of meditation and how it helps her achieve coherence between her heart and brain, leading to peak performance.Rebecca discusses the importance of self-care and how it contributes to being the best version of oneself.She describes her approach to self-care as a harmony rather than a balance, allowing for flexibility based on different life demands.Legacy and Personal GrowthRebecca talks about the concept of legacy and its importance in leadership.She explains the process of identifying one's values, mission, and vision, and how it ties into the legacy one wants to leave behind.Rebecca emphasizes the need for continuous personal growth and the role of coaching in helping leaders understand themselves better.She shares her experience of witnessing clients' transformations as they explore and nourish their personal growth.Client Relationships and Keynote SpeakingRebecca discusses the varying lengths of her client relationships, ranging from short-term engagements to long-term collaborations.She explains how her work with clients often starts with addressing their immediate needs and then evolving into more comprehensive support.Rebecca expresses her passion for public speaking and her plans to focus more on keynote speaking in the future.She mentions her goal of speaking internationally and the energy she derives from engaging with audiences hungry for growth and development.Tactical Harmony Podcast and Future PlansRebecca provides an overview of her Tactical Harmony podcast, which she started last year and has been a solo show so far.She plans to introduce guests in 2025 and aims to balance short, digestible episodes with longer, in-depth conversations.Rebecca describes her approach to creating content that is easy to fit into busy schedules and targets high performers.She shares her process of recording episodes based on her intuition and the topics that resonate with her at the moment.

BobKaplan just brought out a new book, GRAPPLING: Leaders Striving To Improve. It's short stories, fictionalized cases, meant to bring executive coaching to life, which is often a struggle, a wrestling match with yourself. GRAPPLING is a novel approach to writing about leadership and self-improvement, and very readable.Bob's previous book is Fear Your Strengths—What You're Best At Is Probably Your Biggest Problem. He is founder and president ofKaplanDeVries, a leadership-consulting firm. Learn more at KaplanDeVriesand http://kaplandevries.com/booksBobhas a bachelor's degree in English and a doctorate in organizational behavior from Yale, and lives in New York City with his wife, Becky. 

NeilTrickettis a physical therapist, and private practice marketing expert. Neil built a 7 figure PT practice with his wife, Amy, in which he transitioned out of in 2010. He then founded Practice Promotions, and has built that to be one of the largest multi-7 figure marketing agencies in North America, specializing in Rehabilitation. Neil's passion is for helping practice owners scale their business by leveling up their marketing systems and websites. Neil's company, Practice Promotions, currently services over 1200 clinic locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Adrian Koehler, the no-nonsense leadershipengagement expert and Senior Partner at Take NewGround, is the go-to guide for fast-moving leaders.Dedicated to breaking through barriers, he spendshis time helping entrepreneurs and enterpriseleaders cut through the noise and createtransformative outcomes. Adrian coachesexecutives globally, encouraging authenticleadership and fostering courage for meaningfulchange. His passion for human performance has ledhim to diverse contexts, from Fortune 500organizations to startups and healthcare, makingAdrian a catalyst for real talk and impactful results.Adrian Koehler extends his influence beyond theboardroom as the co-host of "Raising The Bar" and"The Naked Leadership Podcast." Drawing on hisbackground in philanthropy, ministry, activism, andmedicine, he thrives in difficult conversations andengaging complexity, challenging listeners to liveauthentically. Currently residing in the heart ofHollywood, with his children Scout and Charli, Adrianis on a mission to inspire authentic leadership, urgingindividuals to raise the bar in both personal andprofessional realms.

John D. Marvin is a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed columnist, and influential leader dedicated to empowering others to unlock their full potential. As President and CEO of Texas State Optical, John has cultivated a thriving business network while spearheading initiatives in health and wellness consulting and eyecare partnerships. With a steadfast commitment to personal growth, John has spent years studying the transformative power of mindset and the “inner game” in achieving success. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Through his unwavering dedication to making a difference, John D. Marvin epitomizes the essence of leadership and empowerment, making him a compelling guest for any podcast seeking to inspire and motivate their audience. TSO brings in around 110M$ in revenue annually.      

Nancy is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner atRallyday Partners, a private equity firm built byfounders for founders, focused on lower middlemarket growth companies.Nancy's experience as an entrepreneur informs her role as an investor at Rallyday Partners. Nancy and thefounding team at Rallyday wanted to build the private equity firm that they would have wanted to partnerwith on their own entrepreneurial journeys. In practice, this involves a multi-stakeholder approach and anintense focus on purpose, culture, leadership development alongside the typical focus on growth and financialreturns. Rallyday's purpose statement is to Empower leaders to go even bigger, create the most value for themost people, and share in the experience of a lifetime. As Managing Partner, Nancy leads efforts to identifynew investment opportunities and guides value creation efforts in partnership with portfolio companyleadership teams. Nancy leads Rallyday's investments in Highbar Health, Livefront, Nimble Gravity, andKicksaw and supported Pyx Health to a successful exit in 2023.Nancy is a 35 year + veteran of the telecommunications and IT infrastructure industry. She has spent herentire career building and growing service-focused organizations demonstrating the power of people in atechnical world. A longtime leader in Denver's tech industry, she co-founded ViaWest in 1999 and served as itsPresident & CEO, successfully scaling the company to become one of the largest colocation and cloudproviders in the industry. In 2017, the company was acquired by GI Partners for $1.675 billion and combinedwith Peak10, another IT infrastructure powerhouse. Now called Flexential, the company is a leading providerof data center solutions spanning colocation, connectivity, cloud, managed solutions and security services.Nancy served as chair of the board until the end of 2024.Previously, Nancy served as president of Shaw Business Infrastructure Services, a division of ShawCommunications (NYSE:SJR). Nancy held founder and executive leadership positions with numeroustechnology companies, including TSC, ConferTech International, ITC, RMI.net and Intrepid Communications,where she enabled significant growth while maintaining a deep customer-centric focus. She has raised over$1.1B in equity during her career and consistently provided strong returns to her shareholders.Nancy is a passionate supporter of the Colorado entrepreneurial community as well as furthering theparticipation and advancement of women in computer science. She serves on the boards of the NationalCenter for Women and Information Technology, where she is chair; Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network; EspireDental; Highbar Health; Livefront; Nimble Gravity; and Kicksaw and formerly served on the NationalCybersecurity Center as well as the University of Denver Board of Trustees.Nancy has received numerous accolades for her visionary leadership and, in 2016, was honored with theinaugural Colorado Governor's Citizenship medal for Growth and Innovation, which recognized her as anentrepreneur with exceptional ingenuity who seeks to inspire and create new possibilities for others. She alsowas selected as the 2016 EY Entrepreneur of the Year in Technology Services for the Mountain Desert Region.Nancy has also been recognized in the global technology community when she received the CanadianGovernor General's Medallion in recognition of her distinguished track record building technology businesses.Nancy embraces the best of Colorado by spending time with family including her beloved black lab, Brooklyn,in the mountains skiing, cycling and hiking. A native of Toronto, Nancy received a Bachelor of Arts degree fromQueens University in Canada. Michelle Collie is a Physical Therapist and business owner who grew her company from one location to 35 and has now partnered with RallyDay to continue growth in the the Northeast United States.  She has been a Board Member of the American Physical Therapy Private Practice Association and has received numerous awards as a Best Employer!  Her company is now Highball Health.

Lawrence Armstrong is the chairman of Ware Malcomb, a leading design firm that he helped grow from 3 offices to over 46 offices globally. He started at the company in 1984 and eventually purchased it from the founders in 1992. As an architect and artist, Lawrence has leveraged both his creative and strategic skills to drive the firm's success.Balancing Creativity and Business @ 3:28Lawrence believes it's important for architects and designers to develop both their creative and business skills. He advocates for "whole brain" thinking, drawing inspiration from Renaissance figures like Leonardo da Vinci who excelled in diverse domains. Lawrence's own background as an internationally exhibited artist has complemented his work as a business leader.Scaling and Integrating a Geographically Distributed Firm @ 7:00Under Lawrence's leadership, Ware Malcomb expanded from 3 offices to over 46 offices across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a "one team" culture and consistent service delivery across the distributed offices, leveraging centralized resources and collaborative processes.Developing Future Leaders @ 9:35Recognizing the need for strong leadership as the company scaled, Lawrence focused on building a leadership development program to identify, train, and mentor the next generation of leaders at Ware Malcomb. This included executive coaching, mentorship, and creating opportunities for emerging leaders to take on greater responsibility.Philanthropy and Community Engagement @ 43:34In addition to his work at Ware Malcomb, Lawrence has been actively involved in addressing homelessness in his local community of Orange County, California. He helped launch a program called "United to End Homelessness" that has housed over 1,100 people through innovative approaches like landlord incentives.Reflections on the Creative Process @ 48:55As Lawrence transitions from CEO to Chairman, he is spending more time pursuing his passion for art and creativity. He discusses the iterative, collaborative process of writing his new book "Layered Leadership" and is open to the possibility of future writing projects, though he is focused on the current book launch for now.

Steve is a top talent strategist and leadership expert with 30+ years of experience. He famously led LinkedIn's early hyper-growth phase as its first CHRO, building its world-class company culture from scratch, and scaling the organization from 400 to 4,000 employees in 3.5 years.       As one of the most provocative global thought leaders on the future of work, Steve is hired not only by F500 companies but by entire countries to help them navigate the talent landscape. His clientele spans all the way from Google, X, Slack, BBC, and Intel, to the City of Lisbon, which hired him to develop the startup incubator Unicorn Factory.      His award-winning book Workquake is considered a game changer for leaders and organizations on the future of work in a post-COVID world. He has also written for Forbes and Inc., will soon be writing for Business Insider, and frequently appears on Bloomberg and CNBC to talk about the evolving nature of work, talent management, the Big Resignation, and successful leadership.  He is regularly asked for advice by legacy institutions like Harvard, as well as top VCs and management firms including Accenture, Deloitte, and McKinsey, and today sits on the board of three corporations. 

 Twanda E. Young, a retired US Army Brigadier General and the author of the inspiring leadership books "Destiny Exposed: Leading Ladies" and "Dare to Lead Differently…16 Bites for Bold Leaders."Her  background includes more than three decades of expertise in top executive leadership positions within the military, as well as a strong proponent for enabling executive leaders to realize their full potential and alter their mentality.The founder and chief executive officer of LT3 Leadership Solutions, a company that specializes in the management of conflicts and the development of leaders.

KENNEDY I. HAWKINS, MBA, JD, LLM Has been a  CEO | COO | PRESIDENT| VICE PRESIDENT He orchestrated Transformational growth and was a turnaround healthcare leader with a proven track record of growing a “mom & pop” healthcare startup by increasing revenue 2,614% and shepherding its evolution into a complex, nationally recognized organization. The company was the Recipient of multiple “Oregon Top Workplace,” “Best of the Willamette Valley,” and Innovation awards. He drove the successful acquisition and integration with one of the largest publicly traded companies in the Physical Therapy industry USPH. A servant leader, public speaker, and recognized thought leader with multi-dimensional background at the intersection of business, law, and taxation.  He is currently the Director-Executive of the Development Center at Willamette University Atkinson Graduate School of Management And is the owner of Kennedy Hawkins Consulting which provides Fractional Or Interim CEO/COO | Managing Director | Management Consultant servicesHe is the former President/CEO of PT Northwest which he held for 21 years which is now part of US Physical Therapy.  He took the organization from 3 service locations to 27 including 12 outpatient facilities, 2 hospitals, 3 universities, 3 minor league sport teams and 6 high schools.He built a national clinical learning community involving organizations like Intermountain Healthcare, Advent Health, Boston University, Mountain Land Rehabilitation, Hartford Healthcare, and University of Pittsburg Medical Center He has a long history with National Association of Rehabilitation Agencies including be the Past President of the organization. 

Laura Hassner, MBA, is a faculty member at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, and is the Executive Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at UC Berkeley and the co-founder and co-director of the Berkeley Changemaker program, a set of courses that shape tomorrow's leaders through critical thinking, collaboration, and communication with guest faculty like Secretary Janet Yellen. Today, Laura is known for helping women align their startups with larger social missions to close the gender gap in raising capital. An expert in turnarounds, she is a former Big Five consultant and financial advisor. She has also taught in a highly-challenged urban school and spent a decade innovating new products and programs for a national nonprofit."

STACEY HANKE.The way we communicate has changed because the way we work has changed.Organizational success requires leaders to overcome the modern distractions that steal employee attention, compete with organizational priorities and challenge authentic connections. To effectively increase sales, drive productivity, and improve engagement, leaders must influence action.Stacey's interactive, humor-filled keynote offers audiences the skills to immediately transform how they connect and engage. Her transformative approach to communication provides clear steps to earn trust, gain credibilityand create accountability in every interaction – from hallway conversations to high-stakes presentations.Her wealth of experience, research and expertise makes Stacey the sought-after authority on influential communication strategies. Captivating insights guide sales professionals, executives and leaders to cut through the noise that leads to distractions. Practical techniques ensure every conversation inspires action, accountability and memorability long after every interaction.As a CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, Stacey guides audiences to:→ Influence others even when not present;→ Connect through meaningful experiences that influence listeners to act;→ Build a consistent personal brand that differentiates you from the competition; and→ Connect, communicate and influence listeners, Monday to Monday®.Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the skills to elevate your ability to communicate, connectand influence.

JameySchrier, DPT, is a best-selling author, speaker, and CEO of Practice Freedom U, a business coaching and training company designed for physical therapists. He is a former private practice owner, and his book, The Practice Freedom Method, has helped scores of physical therapists treat less, earn more, and enjoy the life they deserve. After selling his practice, he began teaching other owners and their teams his proven business methodology to create successful private practices. He has assisted hundreds of owners in achieving financial prosperity and freedom and is on a mission to help hundreds, if not thousands, more.

Wendy Gonzalez is the CEO of Sama, the mission-driven provider of accurate artificial intelligence data for 25% of Fortune 50 companies. As CEO, Wendy closed the largest round of financing for a woman-led AI infrastructure company and led the company to recognition on the Forbes AI 50 list and the Inc. 5000 list for two years. A study by MIT found that Sama, a Certified B Corp, has hired over 55,0000 people in Africa and paid wages 4x higher than competitors. Today, Wendy and her team of data experts continue to transform the artificial intelligence industry through high-quality training data and the removal of dangerous biases from ML algorithms.

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 Review Task Force 2023-2024Assembly Representative, 2024American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey: 1978-80, 1983-2022 Delegate to APTA House of Delegates, 1998 -2004, 2008-2009, 2018-2022 Chief Delegate, 2004-2008Federal Affairs Liaison, 2018-2019Alternate delegate, 2017-2018Legislative Committee, 1998-2018Legislative Advisory Panel, 2007-20182009 Annual Conference Committee, 2008-2009, chairMembership Chair, 2005-2007 Executive Committee, 1996-2005 President, 2001-2005 President-elect, 2000-2001 Vice-president 1998-2001 Secretary 1996-1998Direct Access Task Force, Chair, 1996-1999Home Health Special Interest Group Workgroup 1997APTA Private Practice Section, 2000-presentAPTA Private Practice Section, Graham Sessions Planning Committee, 2021-presentAPTA Academy of Leadership and Innovation (formerly Health Policy and Administration Section), 2003-presentAcademy of Physical Therapy Education, 1999-2002, 2004-presentAmerican Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 1994-2002, 2010-present APTA Orthopedics Section, 2007-2018APTA Section on Women's Health, 2002-2004, 2009-2011, 2016-2018APTA Section on Research, 2012-2015APTA Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section, 2010-2012APTA Neurology Section, 1980s, 1993-1998, 2000-2003APTA Health Policy Section, 2002-2003APTA Section on Administration, 1998-1999APTA Home Health Section, 1993-1999New York New Jersey Clinical Education Consortium, 2006-2014, 2016-present Home Health Assembly of New Jersey, 1996-1998National Head Injury Foundation Workgroup, Washington DC, 1981-1983American Physical Therapy Association, District of Columbia Chapter Continuing Education Chairperson, 1982Service to the University/College/School on Committees/Councils/Commissions: SchoolRutgers University SHP Committee on Faculty Development, September 2015-September 2018Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ) SHRP Faculty Chair, September 2012-September 2014Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ) SHRP Committee on Committees, 2012-2014Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ) SHRP Committee on Admissions and Academic Standing, 2011-2014Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ) SHRP Committee on Curriculum Review, 2007-2010 DepartmentRutgers University SHP Newark DPT Curriculum Committee, 2015-2022, Chair January 2022- July 2022Rutgers University SHP Newark DPT Orientation Committee Co-chair, 2016-2021Rutgers University SHP Newark DPT Awards and Scholarship Committee, 2017-2022 Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ) SHP Newark DPT Admissions Committee 2002-2019Rutgers University (formerly UMDNJ) SHP Newark DPT Program Student Activities Committee, Faculty Liaison, 2006-2019Honors and Awards:Catherine Worthington Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association, 2023Lucy Blair Service Award, American Physical Therapy Association, 2019Outstanding Service Award, American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey, 2013 President's Award, American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey, 2008, 2006, 1999Peer Reviewed Publications:Sack S, Radler DR, Mairella KK, Touger-Decker R, Khan H, Physical therapists' attitudes, knowledge, and practice approaches regarding people who are obese, Phys Ther; 89(8):804- 15, 2009

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.