School for Startups Radio

January 10, 2025 – Fantasy Sports Pioneer Larry Schechter and Neurodiversity at Work Ludmila Praslova

Larry Schechter – Fantasy Sports Expert and Author of The History of Fantasy Sports: And the Stories of the People Who Made It Happen
Larry Schechter is the author of the 2014 Amazon bestseller Winning Fantasy Baseball. He is regarded as one of the best fantasy baseball players in the world. Larry was a two-time winner of the CDM Sports national salary cap contest, defeating 7,500 teams in 2002 and 6,000 teams in 2005. He has competed in the two most prestigious experts leagues, winning the USA Today-sponsored LABR league three times and the Tout Wars experts league six times. One of his keys to success in fantasy baseball is attention to detail. He used that ability in researching, conducting interviews, and writing The History of Fantasy Sports. Larry is now retired and lives in Florida.Dr. Ludmila Praslova – Professor of Graduate Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Vanguard University and Author of The Canary Code: A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work
Ludmila N. Praslova, Ph.D. is named a member of Thinkers 50 2024 Radar, a global group of 30 management thinkers leaders whose ideas are most likely to shape the future of work. She is a Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at the Vanguard University of Southern California and regularly writes for Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Psychology Today, and Forbes. She is the first person to have published in Harvard Business Review from an autistic perspective. Dr. Praslova is a talent strategy expert with extensive experience in global diversity and neurodiversity. Her early experience in global diversity taught her the importance of creating culture-add work environments. However, the same experience and her continued career have shown that focusing on one aspect of diversity is not enough. Globally aware organizations are not always gender-inclusive, gender-focused advancement programs can exclude based on disability or socioeconomic origin, and neurodivergent people are often forgotten or segregated even in organizations considered champions of inclusion. As a first-generation academic and a neurodivergent woman, Dr. Praslova knows first-hand that single-focus “inclusion initiatives” leave people behind. However, the principles of creating culture-add organizations can be applied to building systems for intersectional and holistic inclusion. Her consulting is focused on creating organizational systems for supporting human dignity and well-being, and providing neuroinclusion training to organizations such as Amazon, Bank of America, and MIT. She has a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Akron and is a Senior Certified Human Resources Practitioner (SHRM-SCP). Dr. Praslova is an avid open-water swimmer, a gardener, and a poet.

January 8, 2025 - Tesla of Water & CES 2025 Best of Innovation Award Kevin Gast and Hidden Genius Betsy Wills

Kevin Gast – Co-Founder, CEO, & Chairman of VVater
Kevin Gast is the Co-Founder, CEO, & Chairman of VVater, a pioneering next-generation water treatment company dedicated to leveraging advanced technologies to address global water challenges across numerous industries. With over 20+ years of executive leadership experience, Kevin has managed cross-functional and international teams in more than 30 countries, bringing innovative solutions to sectors such as real estate, utilities, wastewater, oil & gas, food & beverage, defense, and beyond. Kevin has also held various executive positions in the pharmaceutical, hotel, and property development industries, expanding his expertise across multiple sectors. As the Chairman of another international conglomerate operating in construction, civil engineering, property development, hospitality, real estate, and pharmaceuticals—he was involved with thousands of projects spanning the globe, from mechanical engineering, geosynthetics, civil engineering, aquatic facilities and construction to industrial design. Kevin is an entrepreneur at heart, an avid investor, philanthropist, technologist, and futurist committed to providing humankind with sustainable and innovative solutions while delivering exceptional value to customers, partners, and investors. Kevin Gast, CEO of VVater (pronounced “Water”) is leading a breakthrough in water treatment technology that has just earned the CES 2025 Best of Innovation Award — one of the most prestigious honors in consumer technology. Kevin can share the journey behind this technology, how it’s addressing urgent global water challenges and the critical need for innovation in an industry facing a $630 billion overhaul. With a focus on sustainability and accessibility, Kevin offers a compelling perspective on the future of clean water solutions and VVater’s mission to deliver water for humankind.Betsy Wills – Cofounder of YouScience and Co-author of Your Hidden Genius: The Science-Backed Strategy to Uncovering and Harnessing Your Innate Talents
Betsy Wills is the cofounder of YouScience, a national online psychometric-assessment service. She is a regular guest lecturer at Vanderbilt University and at New York University Stern School of Business and has been a featured speaker for TedX Women. She is also the Director of Marketing and Branding at Diversified Trust, a wealth management firm. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice and the Music City Center Authority in Nashville, Tennessee. Betsy is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and holds a Master’s of Education in Human Resource Development from Peabody College. She lives in Nashville.

January 6, 2025 – Powerful Phrases Karin Hurt and Sign Here Alex Hamilton

Karin Hurt – CEO of Let’s Grow Leaders and Author of Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict: What to Say Next to De-stress the Workday, Build Collaboration, and Calm Difficult Customers
Karin Hurt helps human-centered leaders find clarity in uncertainty, drive innovation, and achieve breakthrough results. She’s the Founder and CEO of Let’s Grow Leaders, a global leadership development firm known for practical tools and techniques for human-centered leaders. A former Verizon Wireless executive with more than two decades of experience in sales, customer service, and human resources, Karin is known for growing courageous leaders, building great cultures, and inspiring high-performance teams. Since 2013, Karin and her husband, David have grown tens of thousands of leaders on every continent (except Antarctica) with their leadership development programs and keynotes. In addition to encouraging courage around the world, they also provide clean water to the people of Cambodia through their Winning Wells philanthropic initiative.Alex Hamilton – CEO of Radiant Law and Author of Sign Here: The Enterprise Guide to Closing Contracts Quickly
Alex Hamilton is a legal visionary and an authority on contracting improvements and legal tech. With a rich background in law and a career that includes working at renowned firms such as Norton Rose, Shaw Pittman (now Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman), and Latham & Watkins, he brings a wealth of experience to the table. Notably, he co-chaired the global Technology Transactions Group at Latham & Watkins and has negotiated some of the largest outsourcing deals worldwide. Creating commercial relationships is a critical business competence for the 21st century, but does the contracting process have to be so painful? With a focus on your day-to-day negotiated contracts, “Sign Here” offers a radical vision for fast and pain-free contracting. Building on principles of reasonable terms, smart automation, data-driven learning, continuous improvement, and taking a collaborative approach to accelerate the creation of long-term relationships, “Sign Here” is a practical guide to making your contracting fly.

December 18, 2024 – SupportLogic Krishna Raja and Cognito Forms Jennifer Dellacroce

Krishna Raj Raja – Founder & CEO of SupportLogic, Inc. and Author of  Support Experience. How Innovative Companies Are Using Artificial Intelligence to Win the Hearts, Minds, and Wallets of Customers
Krishna Raj Raja delves into how AI is helping companies strengthen customer loyalty – an increasingly essential strategy for growth in today’s competitive market. Krishna’s work reveals how AI is shifting the focus of customer support from reactive to proactive, predicting emotional escalations, and helping companies preemptively resolve issues. His innovative approach to AI redefines what it means to truly “listen” to customers. With over a decade of hands-on experience in AI and customer experience, Krishna’s background as a founder and engineer gives him a rare combination of technical and strategic insight. He’s led initiatives at SupportLogic that have transformed customer engagement for global brands like Salesforce and HPE, giving him an exceptional, real-world perspective on how AI can drive business success. One of the most interesting points Krishna addresses is the concept of “silent churn” – when a customer is unhappy but doesn’t voice it, leading them to eventually leave. AI can detect these signals early, allowing companies to take action before it’s too late. This would be an exciting topic to explore with your audience, particularly as more companies aim to focus on long-term customer retention rather than new acquisitions.Jennifer Dellacroce – President of Cognito Forms
Jennifer Dellacroce is the President and co-founder of Cognito Forms, a workflow productivity platform that enables non-developers to build applications for their organizations. She serves as a product expert with over 20 years of experience in software development. Jennifer is based in South Carolina, bringing experience from previous roles at notable IT consulting and web development companies. She holds a degree in Engineering from the University of South Carolina. With a robust skill set that includes web design, UI/UX and more, Jennifer contributes valuable insights to the industry. Jennifer’s commitment to technical excellence and continuous innovation has been crucial to Cognito Forms’ success. This dedication ensures the platform is consistently meeting users’ evolving needs.

December 16, 2024 – Corporate Espionage Robert Kerbeck and Side Road Link Forester

Robert Kerbeck – Corporate Spy and Author of Ruse: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street
Robert Kerbeck’s true crime memoir, RUSE: Lying the American Dream from Hollywood to Wall Street is the story of how a wannabe actor became the world’s greatest corporate spy. Frank Abagnale, author of Catch Me If You Can, said, “Kerbeck has mastered the art of social engineering, or what he calls ‘rusing’, and taken it to a whole new level,” while the New York Journal of Books wrote “Kerbeck’s astounding spy story is fraught with tension.” Robert’s previous book MALIBU BURNING: The Real Story Behind LA’s Most Devastating Wildfire, won a SoCal Journalism Award, the IPPY Award, and the Best of LA Award. Robert is also the creator and host of the Soho House Lit Salon @ Soho Malibu where recent guests have included ESPN sports media figure Stephen A. Smith and John Densmore from The Doors.Link Forester – Co-Founder & Principal at OnPointWealth and Author of The Side Road: Finding Joy and Purpose through the Twists and Turns of Life
Link Forester possesses a rare blend of humility, faith, and a good sense of humor — all of which have enabled him to grow through the trials of becoming a parent much earlier than planned, a risky career change, and the tragic death of a son. After graduating from Auburn University (B.S. Building Construction, 1987), Link began his career in sales at IBM. Five years later he took a leap of faith into the financial services industry, where he continues to lead a thriving financial planning and wealth management business. A native of Atlanta, GA, Link is an avid golfer and member of Perimeter Church. He and his wife Carla spend much of their free time on Lake Lanier with their three children, two daughters-in-law, three grandchildren, as well as their dog Bailey, their cat Boots, and plenty of good wine.

December 13, 2024 – Sex Talk Dr. Stephen Furlich and Trauma is a Catalyst Carrie Rickert

Dr. Stephen Furlich – Author of Sex Talk: How Biological Sex Influences Gender Communication Differences Throughout Life’s Stages
Dr. Stephen Furlich is the author of Nonverbal Epiphany: Steps to Improve Your Nonverbal Communication. He is also the best-selling author of a breakthrough book, Sex Talk: How Biological Sex Influences Gender Communication Differences Throughout Life’s Stages. He has taught and researched communication at the university level for over 20 years. He has taught a variety of communication courses with the main focus of better understanding oneself and others. Often, his research projects and the courses that he taught, complemented each other and lead into innovative directions. Dr. Furlich has been an associate professor at Texas A&M University since 2018 and served as an assistant professor there for five years prior to that. He has presented at many conferences, including: DFW Metroplex Linguistics Conference, Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education Conference, E-Learning Conference, National Communication Association Conference, Southern States Communication Association Conference, International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines, and International Conference of the American Pragmatics Association. Dr. Furlich, who was recently interviewed by One America News Network, has been published in numerous journals, including: Texas Speech Communication Journal, Kentucky Journal of Communication, The Florida Communication Journal, Journal of Applied Communication Research, Academic Exchange Quarterly, Journal of Integrated Social Sciences, and Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. His communication paradigm is from a receiver’s perspective. This places the emphasis on the listener to better understand from the speaker’s perspectives and as a speaker emphasizing understanding from the listener’s perspectives. Both of these become more challenging as differences increase between the speaker and listener. Dr. Furlich has become fascinated with technological advancements in science that have enabled a better understanding of communication. Without these scientific advances, understanding communication is quite limited. This line of research has inspired him to write this book to bring together many different scientific studies to better understand the role of biology with nonverbal communication cues. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education, a Master of Arts in Communication Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Tech University. He resides in McKinney, Texas.Carrie Rickert – Principal at Nomis Advisors and Author of Trauma is a Catalyst 
Carrie Rickert brings more than fifteen years of coaching experience, working with 300 CEOs and small business owners in deep-dive analysis for understanding their concerns, needs, and areas of improvement, for themselves and for their business. This, plus her own trauma recovery process makes her ideal to coach others going through their own post-acute trauma journey. Carrie has examined her own life, post-trauma, and wondered… now what? Through a lot of determination and resilience, she has created the life she wants to live. Carrie’s true passion is in helping others navigate their own murky waters – to provide support when it seems like there is no roadmap. Carrie has a BS in Clinical Psychology from Towson University and an MFS in Forensic Sciences from George Washington University. Carrie is the creator and host of the Podcast, Transformational Trauma and Healing.

December 12, 2024 - Adversity Advantage Chris Greco and Entrepreneurial Environmentalist Wayne Elliott

Chris Greco - Author of 8 Steps to Overcoming Everyday Adversity
 
Chris Greco is a dedicated father, husband, and CEO known for his faith, underdog grit, and perseverance. His boundless energy and core values approach have been instrumental in uniting organizations to achieve goals that once seemed unattainable. In 2023, as CEO, Chris successfully turned around a retail technology company, safeguarding employee jobs and delivering returns for investors. The former CEO of the largest food distributor in the US praised him, stating, “Greco took a company from nothing and turned it into an industry-wide success.” Earlier, in 2016, he led the growth of a mobile technology provider, culminating in a $1.3 billion exit. In 2008, he orchestrated a transformative go-to-market strategy for one of America's largest telecom providers, generating over 1,000 new subscribers daily during the competitive launch period of Apple’s technology. Chris’s extensive experience includes leadership roles at Fortune 500 firms such as AT&T, Sprint, Symantec, and Avast. At Symantec and Avast, he served as Vice President of Sales, domestically and internationally, driving growth and managing key partnerships. His tenure at these leading companies has equipped him with a deep understanding of technology and go-to-market strategy. Chris firmly believes that the foundation of any thriving organization, whether a family or a business, lies in its people and the unwavering trust they place in their leadership. He is committed to helping his team overcome adversity, whether facing everyday work challenges or life-changing events. Beyond his professional achievements, Chris serves as a Board Director, advisor to growth-stage companies, volunteer, and keynote speaker. He resides in Kansas City with his wife, two children, and their rescue dog.Wayne Elliott – Ship Recycling and Strauss Naturals Advocate
 
Wayne Elliott has been in the ship recycling business for 40 years. His company can take a 1000-foot-long ship and reduce it to a pile to reusable materials. He has grown into other areas such as battery recycling. He recounts his life-changing experience with SHD, a health supplement he stumbled upon after battling angina and its debilitating symptoms. Struggling with leg cramps, shortness of breath, night sweats, and chest pains, Wayne also grappled with anxiety and a lack of energy, resigning himself to the fate of heart-related issues that plagued his family. However, upon learning about SHD through a friend in Vancouver and being inspired by studies from renowned institutions like Harvard, Wayne decided to give it a try. Astonishingly, within two weeks of taking SHD, he noticed improvements in unexpected ways – his hearing returned, and his respiratory system cleared, leading to a significant boost in energy. Over the course of three months, Wayne transformed into a revitalized version of himself, feeling as energetic as he did decades ago. This transformation propelled him into a new phase of life where he actively engaged with others, becoming a spokesperson for Jim Strauss, the creator of SHD. Wayne’s involvement extended to radio shows and lectures, allowing him to share his incredible journey with thousands of people suffering from various health issues. His enthusiasm and dedication to natural health solutions led him to become a regular guest on radio networks in the USA and Canada, where he continued to spread the word about his positive experiences with SHD and its miraculous effects on individuals dealing with diabetes, heart disease, low energy, and clogged arteries. Wayne’s story highlights the power of painless, safe, and affordable health products, emphasizing the beauty of solutions that genuinely work. His gratitude towards Jim Strauss and the Strauss Heart Drops is profound, as he believes that without this intervention, he might not have been alive today, reinforcing the transformative impact of natural health remedies in the face of life-threatening conditions. Strauss Naturals is sponsoring the show with support for our radio-minute segments. Wayne says very simply that their products saved him. He became an advocate for the company and has been working with them for 29 years.

December 11, 2024 – Former Xero CEO on Change Steve Vamos and Triple Fit Strategy Mehak Gandhi

Steve Vamos – Former Xero CEO and Author of Through Shifts and Shocks: Lessons from the Front Line of Technology and Change
Steve Vamos is an author, speaker and advisor with over 40 years’ experience in the global technology and digital media industries as a CEO and Board Director. He has lived and worked in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Asia. Steve was CEO of ASX-listed technology company Xero from April 2018 to January 2023, where he led a team of more than 4,500 people around the world. Previously, Steve served as Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, CEO of ninemsn and Managing Director of Apple Asia Pacific. Steve has served as a non-executive director of Telstra, Fletcher Building, Medibank Private and David Jones and as a non-executive director and advisor to a range of Australian organisations, from start-ups to large established companies. Through Shifts and Shocks is Steve’s first book.Mehak Gandhi – Head of Research at Valuecreator and Co-Author of Triple Fit Strategy: How to Build Lasting Customer Relationships and Boost Growth
Mehak Gandhi is the Head of Research at Valuecreator, Switzerland,where she designs and implements B2B growth accelerator programs and next-generation sales organization strategies. She has conducted research and training programs with leading global companies including Allianz, Konica Minolta, Maersk, Schneider Electric, Sennheiser, Schindler, Thermo Fisher Scientific, VAT, and WMF/Schaerer. Simply put: It’s time for companies to rethink their growth logic and strategy. Imagine how much more value would result if companies no longer operated in a transactional buyer-seller relationship, but instead as a singular team. If they could collaborate on decisions around planning, execution and resources like they were one company , they could orchestrate growth together. Instead of the narrow-minded “product selling” playbooks that businesses have long followed, the authors lay out the Triple Fit Strategy framework where customers are at the heart of three core “fit” areas: planning, execution and resources. Helping companies escape the product-centric mindset, their decades-long research shows that companies who apply Triple Fit Strategy contribute 10x more to their customers’ success and can double account values in less than three years. The book also draws from extensive training and advisory work with Fortune 100 and global companies (Microsoft, Coca-Cola, GE, BASF, Sonos, Best Buy and more), including Danish shipping giant Maersk, which unlocked hundreds of millions of dollars in new business opportunities using the Triple Fit Strategy with a New Zealand-based customer. With a database of 10,000+ cases, TRIPLE FIT STRATEGY introduces an entirely new approach to business. Complete with practical steps to invite your customers and stakeholders into your company’s internal process, businesses will also be able to better evaluate customer relationships and allocate resources for faster breakthroughs.

December 09, 2024 – Chinese Village to E&Y Winner Jenny Jing Zhu and Dealing w Grief Richard John Allen

Jenny Jing Zhu – Founder of Lush Decor and Author of Dream Weaver: Finding Strength & Purpose in Life’s Twists and Turns
Jenny Jing Zhu – Would you believe that a girl from a remote village in Shandong, China, without electricity or basic amenities, could one day stand as a Chairwoman on the global stage? This is my story—my journey from humble beginnings to the forefront of entrepreneurship and empowerment. My early years were filled with determination to change my family’s fate. From working as a hotel maid, an esthetician, to running a dry cleaning business and even starting a matchmaking service for successful women, each step was a leap towards a bigger dream. The adventure took a daring turn when I moved to the United States in my mid-20s, with little English, starting as a nanny before diving into design studies. The real test came in 2008, during the financial crisis. With a one- year-old baby by my side and on the brink of single motherhood, I founded Lush Décor Home. My path was not easy, strewn with business betrayals, two amicable divorces, and a leap into the unknown world of private equity for my first business exit. Despite initially not knowing what “PE” stood for, I navigated my way to financial freedom and handed over the torch to a talented leadership team, led by a woman CEO, as I embraced the role of Chairwoman of the Board. This journey has been about more than just overcoming challenges; it’s been a process of continuous learning and standing up after countless failures. Today, I am a dedicated champion for girls and women everywhere. Through sharing my story, I aim to instill hope and strength in those who find themselves in the shoes of my younger self or facing similar battles. So, if you asked me years ago if I believed that girl from the village could achieve all this, my answer would have been fueled by hope, but shrouded in doubt. Yet, here I am. This narrative is living proof that with unwavering determination, the support of professional communities, and the courage to take risks, breaking barriers and achieving dreams isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable. To everyone facing their own set of challenges, remember: Your beginning does not define your destiny. With each step forward, you too can transform your dreams from mere fantasies into your reality. Let’s embark on this journey of empowerment together, breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. As a champion for female entrepreneurs, I serve as the Founder of USPAACC’s Women Initiative Strategic Empowerment (WISE) and the Founder of the Jenny Jing Zhu Collective in partnership with Gold House. Additionally, I hold the position of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) DEI Officer and Garden State Board Member. I earned EY’s New Jersey Entrepreneur of the Year Award and a national nomination in the consumer category in 2019. I had the distinction of being inducted into the Enterprising Women Hall of Fame in 2024 after being named a recipient of the 2021 Enterprising Women of the Year Award. In 2021 and 2022, Lush Décor was named a 50 Fastest Growing Women Owned/Led Companies by WPO. Inc. Magazine named Triangle Home Fashions | Lush Décor a 2022 Top 500 Fastest Growing Company.
Richard John Allen – Author of Heavenly Realms: A Journey Into The Unknown: Discovering the Mysteries of Heaven and the Afterlife
Richard John Allen, known professionally as John Allen, is a British-born, North Carolina-based author who found his calling as a writer following a profound personal loss. On November 23, 2020, he lost his father to cancer, a devastating event that altered the trajectory of his life and inspired him to leave his corporate career to become a bestselling author on Amazon, focusing on the subject of grief. His choice of pen name, John Allen, honors his late father. In his debut book, Keep Calm and Cope with Grief, Allen shares his personal journey of loss, detailing how his family navigated the challenges of a funeral, writing obituaries and eulogies, managing wills and finances, and recognizing signs from his father. One Amazon reviewer described the book as “well-written” and praised its ability to help readers bridge the gap from overwhelming grief to easier coping. Allen’s second book, Life After This, explores how past civilizations coped with loss, as well as various religious perspectives on life after death. The book provides practical advice for readers seeking ways to connect with loved ones who have passed away. His third book, Nature’s Reach, delves into how nature’s inherent beauty and gifts can aid individuals in coping with the multifaceted layers of grief. Allen believes that God has provided the tools for healing through the world around us. Across his works, Allen combines his personal experiences, thorough research, and interviews with others, including those who have had near-death experiences, to offer readers a fresh perspective on managing grief. Recently, Allen completed his fourth book, a children’s guide to coping with grief, slated for release in early summer 2023. Born and raised in Liverpool, England, Allen grew up in a working-class city known for its humor, kindness, and camaraderie, traits that profoundly influenced his outlook on life. Despite the financial challenges of his youth, the community’s wit and generosity shaped his perspective on resilience and connection. He fondly recalls Liverpool’s spirited humor, particularly its lighthearted sarcasm and deep passion for football (soccer). Throughout his career, Allen worked for some of the world’s largest corporations, accumulating valuable experiences and memories. However, the losses of his father and father-in-law compelled him to leave the corporate world and pursue writing full-time. Allen comes from a religious family and holds strong faith-based values while maintaining an open mind grounded in logic and common sense. At 16, he briefly considered becoming a priest, a decision that surprised his parents but ultimately gave way to other paths. Through his writing, Allen seeks to help others understand the universal yet deeply personal nature of grief. He believes that everyone receives unique signs, skills, and gifts to navigate life’s joys and sorrows. His mission is to share these insights through his books, research, and interviews, offering hope and comfort to those who have experienced loss.

December 06, 2024 – Fire Soul Leadership Ulla Sommerfelt and Mental Health Expert Mike Veny

Ulla Sommerfelt – Exited Founder and Author of Firesoul Leadership: An Entrepreneur’s Blueprint for Fueling Growth, Igniting Creativity, and Crafting a Culture of Compassion
Ulla Sommerfelt is the cofounder and CEO of an award-winning design consultancy, Ulla Sommerfelt has seen firsthand the vital role culture plays in the success of an organization. Starting with a small team, her company, EGGS, grew rapidly to more than 130 people of twenty-seven nationalities and became one of the most successful design houses in Norway by creating an antidote to the prevailing start-up culture of burnout, infighting, and power games that leaves both employees and founders feeling like they’re making huge sacrifices without receiving much in return. Ulla Sommerfelt is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and keynote speaker with a passion for helping organizations create impactful change. Her company, EGGS, is one of the most successful design houses in Scandinavia. Her new book, “Firesoul Leadership: An Entrepreneur’s Blueprint for Fueling Growth, Igniting Creativity, and Crafting a Culture of Compassion,” offers invaluable insights for leaders looking to transform their workplaces. Learn more at FiresoulLeadership.com.Mike Veny – Mental Health Expert and Author of Fill Your Cup: The Exhausted Educator’s Guide to Emotional Wellness
Mike Veny is a Leading Mental Health expert available to discuss mental health crisis, workforce, criminal mindset and more. Mike has been celebrated as one of the top 5 mental health motivational speakers, sharing this honor with the esteemed Brené Brown. In addition to being a world-class keynote speaker, he’s a facilitator for employee well-being, a podcast host, and the author of several books, including the best-selling book, Transforming Stigma: How to Become a Mental Wellness Superhero. As a child, Mike was expelled from several schools, attempted suicide, and spent time in psychiatric hospitals for extended periods of time. His path to eventually becoming a motivational speaker became evident at an early age when he learned how to convince the staff to discharge him. His groundbreaking work as a Certified Corporate Wellness Specialist® earned him the Innovation & Excellence Award in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, his commitment to mental health advocacy was recognized with the NAMI New York State 2023 Leader Of Mental Health Awareness award. Moreover, as a recipient of the PM360 ELITE Award, Mike is acknowledged among the 100 most influential figures in the healthcare industry, highlighting his significant impact and contributions. His expertise and life experience have been featured on ABC, NBC, and CBS news.