Business & Career Development

Stevie Barnett

Project Management & Operations

Amidst the ever-evolving business landscape, I'm here to provide consultative services as your passionate project management guide. With a heart full of dedication, I bring a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset to ensure seamless operations and high-performing teams. Through my nurturing leadership, I empower teams to flourish! Driven by an unyielding pursuit of growth, I constantly refine processes, embracing continuous improvement to unlock your business's full potential. Whether it's optimizing operations, empowering your teams, crafting foolproof plans, or revolutionizing processes, I'm here to collaborate and support you on this journey. Let's connect!

Elles Skony

People & Talent Executive Advisor

I am a People executive and operator with over 15 years of experience in high growth venture backed organizations. I've led teams ranging from 15-250M in revenue and 18-800 employees. I have a passion for creating a method to the madness to create best in class human capital strategies for organizations. I support founders and their teams in intentionally and strategically bringing clarity and simplification to both the strategic and executional level of the business, in order to achieve the best employee experience possible. Sessions can include : - An executive or manager talking through whatever is on their mind regarding the organization! - Organizational Development advisory - Leadership coaching & advisory - HR Generalist coaching & advisory - Planning a productive Leadership offsite - Career coaching - Employee issue coaching (with manager and/or individual) - Conflict resolution - Reduction in force planning

Jimmy Wadman

Ed-Tech Product Leader & DEI Advocate

I am a professor turned software developer currently working full-time in the Ed-Tech space. I have a unique background of launching straight from undergrad into higher education, where I taught chemistry and led the development of a successful DEI outreach program. Although I LOVED teaching, I transitioned to Ed-Tech in 2021, where I now lead a product for a start-up while still running my outreach program. Our company has served hundreds of universities across the US and Canada to provide the highest and most equitable standard for higher education. I'd love to chat if you are thinking in need of... A. Transitioning from feeling "stuck in academia" to a new career in technology B. Implementing a DEI program in your company or institution, including how to navigate hostile anti-DEI regulations C. Product management and leadership to gain a level-headed and objective perspective on your start-up Sometimes you just want to talk to someone to gain the courage to make the leap to try something new. Believe me, I've been there. We can discuss strategies for making your next big move and create a logical path to following your passion.

Jen Eckhardt

growth partner + ops expert to agency CEO's

With over 15 years of experience, first leading my own small consulting agency and later supporting Founder CEOs of consulting agencies, I engage with clients through personalized 1:1 and small group experiences, treating each individual like the VIP they truly are—in a world where it's easy to get lost in the crowd. Having served as a fractional COO to over 100 brilliant CEOs, I've achieved remarkable results, such as: - Significantly reducing CEO workweeks by an astounding 20-40%. - Catapulting engagement levels by up to 600% through innovative marketing campaigns. - Simultaneously cutting overhead and boosting gross revenue by up to 50%. My primary focus lies in aligning resources, people, and assets to guide clients toward their business goals. Specializing in supporting service business founders during their transition into the CEO role, I now work as a Mentor and Coach, collaborating closely with Visionaries and their Integrators. Together, we cultivate a remote-first, results-driven, and relationship-focused approach to fuel growth. On the educational front, I hold a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Education and completed Master's work in Counseling and Guidance. Committed to lifelong learning, I'm constantly enrolled in courses and immersed in reading, often juggling multiple books at once. Beyond my professional pursuits, I find joy in cheering for my kids from the bleachers at every imaginable activity. Summers are spent camping, and whenever my schedule allows, I seize the opportunity to travel and explore new destinations.

Janel Abrahami

Personal Brand + Portfolio Career Strategist

I'm Janel Abrahami, a career coach, personal brand expert, and founder of Modern Mavericks- a newsletter/podcast that helps you create a meaningful career on your own terms. I bring a decade+ of career coaching, corporate HR, and entrepreneurship experience to help modern women clarify their career goals, diversify their income, and leave their mark with powerful personal brands! I have a Masters in organizational psychology from the London School of Economics and a Bachelors in work psychology from NYU.

Niki Brown

Interior Design Specialist

Niki originally attended UNC Chapel Hill as a pre-med student, only to realize that the business of medicine was not for her. After some soul searching, Brown realized that interior design was the perfect mix of the technical process—technology and principles of design—that spoke to both the designer and scientist in her and would allow her to create a tangible, visible final product that would treat both her and her clients to world-class design. Soon after completing her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, she enrolled at Meredith College in Raleigh where she completed a BS in Interior Design and has been immersed in the industry ever since! Brown spent the first five years of her design career in Atlanta, GA. There she started as an intern for a residential design firm and moved into working as a production assistant for HGTV. There she learned how to produce interior design content for TV. In 2011, she put her knowledge to the test as a featured designer on HGTV’s “Design Wars,” then, in 2013, she joined the design team for the Emmy award-winning show, “Elbow Room.” Brown’s experiences in Atlanta taught her a great deal about interior design, but she ultimately decided to move back to Raleigh to continue developing stronger professional opportunities and to connect with her family and loved ones regularly. Brown settled back into life in Raleigh, where she was grateful to be near her family, and the local housing market was booming. Brown joined a small design firm that introduced her to the multi-family market, which gave her a valuable blend of commercial and residential work experience.

Evan Mulligan

Career Development Coach & Resume Writer

Hi there! My name is Evan and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share a little bit about myself with you. As a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) with over 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, and recruiting, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate the ever-changing world of professional development. Throughout my own journey, I have experienced firsthand the frustration and dissatisfaction that can come from being stuck in unfulfilling jobs and careers. However, it was through these challenges that I discovered my true passion: helping people find and meet their career goals in a personalized, one-on-one setting. My expertise as a career coach lies in resume writing, interview preparation, offer negotiation, raise negotiation, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and career strategy. Whether you are just starting out on your career journey, considering a career change, or simply need to update your resume to stand out as the top applicant, I am uniquely qualified to provide you with the guidance and support you need. What sets me apart is my genuine enthusiasm for helping others and my ability to solve problems. I believe that everyone deserves to find a career they are truly passionate about, and I am here to help you discover that path. With my extensive background in sales, marketing, and recruiting, I have the knowledge and expertise to guide you towards success. So, if you are ready to take the next step in your professional journey, I am here to support you every step of the way. Together, we will uncover your true passions, craft a standout resume, enhance your LinkedIn profile, and prepare you for those all-important interviews. No matter your age or stage in life, I am here to help. I will be your copilot on this exciting journey in making your career dreams a reality. Get in touch with me today and let's get started!

Iynna Halilou

Ex-UN turned tech founder, operator, turned VC

Hello! I am an investor at Defiance Capital, a seed venture capital fund backing defiant founders in the US and the EU and a Partner at the MBA Fund, a pre-seed fund investing in companies founded by alumni of UPenn, Harvard, and Stanford. Prior, I was at Moxxie Ventures where I joined as the first hire. I invest primarily in early-stage deals at the intersection of AI and Enterprise SaaS across large underserved industries including healthcare, climate, fintech, logistics, future of work. Before, I served as the Global Programs Manager at Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA) — New York’s first and largest early-stage VC fund and tech startup accelerator. I joined as ERA Global employee #1 to build the division focused on accelerating the US entry of international startups. In my role, I've worked with 500+ companies, signed partnerships with 50+ governments, and led 16 acceleration programs. Prior to ERA, I managed Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus’ digital global accelerator to support the growth of social impact ventures across the world. I acquired my operational skills during my time as the COO of Enza Academy — an award-winning early-stage edtech startup providing STEM and entrepreneurship training to underrepresented low-income youth in the New York tri-state area. I started my career at the United Nations, working for the Communications, Public Information, and Media team. I am a proud global citizen being from Cameroon and Madagascar, having lived in France, the UK, Russia, Senegal, and the US, I am passionate about bridging the socioeconomic gap in Africa through early-stage technology investing. I am a native French and English speaker as well as fluent in Spanish. I hold an MBA from the Wharton School, a Master's in International Affairs, specialising in International Development from NYU, and a Bachelor's in International Relations and Spanish from Durham University, in England. During my spare time, I love running (my current goal is to run a marathon on every continent), cooking, and listening to podcasts. Book a time with if you want to discuss: - Framing your story to appeal: This is a skill that needs to be continuously refined because it is transferrable across functions ie. to employers if you are looking for a new role, to investors if you are looking to raise money, to customers if you are looking to sell a product/service; - Career switching: I did it a few times as you can see; - Working in venture capital: From getting a job to being successful on the job ie. how to stand out and rising through the ranks which is what I did; - Applying and getting into business school: I applied to 5 schools and interviewed at all (HBS, GSB, Wharton, CBS, and MIT Sloan), I participated in fellowships (AdmitMe, Toigo), I received funding; - Being an international student while adjusting to the cultural differences: Navigating visas, trying to find ways to do meaningful work in the first year when CPT is not available yet, listening to classes in English as a non-native English speaker, getting a job in the US.

Lisa Friscia

Chief People Officer & Leadership Coach

Lisa Friscia is a fractional Chief People Officer, Strategic Advisor and leadership coach. She is an experienced teacher, founding principal, talent leader, consultant and board member whose career has been focused on ensuring equity and access to all, whether it be in education, the workplace, and recently, the startup ecosystem. In 2009, she started the first Democracy Prep High School which earned an A on its first report card, and regularly has Regents pass rates over 90%. The dual focus on academic performance and personal development were key in ensuring a strong culture and outcomes, She then moved into the talent space, eventually becoming Chief People Officer. Under her leadership, she led her team and hiring managers to develop systems, education and programs to ensure equitable hiring, development and promotional decisions. She speaks on leadership development, management, culture, hiring, retention, learning and developing and building inclusive systems. She currently works with small, midsized and growing organizations to align strategy, talent and equity. She also serves on the boards of Nerdy Girl Success and The Inspired Community Project. She enjoys meeting new people, being a nerd, and being Auntie to her niece and nephew.

Morgan Loveland

Mental Health & Startup Operations Coach

With a wealth of experience spanning over 15 years in the field of mental health and 8 years in tech startup operations, I am Morgan, a dedicated professional committed to helping individuals and early-stage startups achieve their goals and reach their full potential. My diverse background uniquely positions me to offer coaching sessions that encompass personal growth, habit-building, life optimization, and startup operations. 🧠 Mental Health Expertise: As a seasoned mental health professional, I have spent over a decade and a half guiding individuals on their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. I specialize in helping people navigate the complexities of their inner worlds, overcome obstacles, and build the habits necessary for success. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based techniques, ensuring that each coaching session is tailored to your specific needs. 🚀 Startup Operations Guru: With 8 years of hands-on experience in the dynamic world of tech startups, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with launching and scaling a business. Whether you're an early-stage startup founder or an aspiring entrepreneur, I can assist you in building out your operations, streamlining processes, and developing strategies for sustainable growth. 💼 Who Should Schedule a Session: If you're a driven professional seeking to streamline your life, boost your productivity, or overcome personal and professional challenges, I'm here to help. Additionally, if you're an early-stage startup founder looking to set a solid operational foundation or address specific questions related to your business, I have the expertise to guide you. 📈 What to Expect: In our coaching sessions, we will work together to create a customized plan tailored to your unique goals and circumstances. Whether you're striving for personal growth, seeking to optimize your life, or aiming to take your startup to the next level, I will provide you with actionable insights, practical strategies, and unwavering support to help you achieve success. 📆 Schedule a Session: Ready to embark on a transformative journey? Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a session with me. We can delve into your specific needs, set clear objectives, and embark on a path toward personal and professional fulfillment. Let's work together to unlock your full potential, optimize your life, and build a thriving future. Your journey to success begins here.

Julia Leodori

Freelance Startup & VC Consultant Specializing in Data, Product, Operations, Content/Pitch Decks & more

Hi there! I am an experienced Data Scientist, Software Engineer and Product Manager at a large bank, as well as a Master of Engineering in Financial Technology graduate and Venture Fellow and Scout. My real passion lies in freelancing and providing contract/fractional services to startups and VC firms in a wide range of domains. I specialize in business development, pitch deck creation, due diligence, market research, competitive analysis, investment memos, operations, data analytics, technical writing and content/branding materials, investor relations and more. I love cultivating relationships with innovative entrepreneurs and the variety of working with different startups. I am excited about FinTech, Data, AI/ML, SaaS, FemTech (women's health and wellness), AgriTech, CPG and other exciting, budding companies. I'm so excited to chat and learn more about how I can help you grow your business. My services on Expert Session include: - GTM strategy and execution: How we can roadmap your product's launch and/or improve existing practices - Market Research: How I can help you discover where you are already shining, and where you can improve to increase revenue and users - Due Diligence: How we can collaborate and dive deep into existing and prospective decisions related to management, strategy, operations, etc. - Data Analytics: Where I can learn more about how I can dig deep into your market, industry and financials of your business to deliver insights - Consulting: I will provide my input on your branding and content, and together we can plan for how I can enhance this through content creation and technical writing services. Outside of working, I love chatting endlessly about my hiking across the U.S.'s National Park system, my miniature pomeranian, Leo, and holistic/functional health and wellness advice for women.

Mo Ellabban

Community Building | Digital Communications | Social Marketing

I have spent the last 13+ years dedicating myself to building communities and digital projects that harness the power of data in various areas such as community growth, communications, social marketing, international expansions, digital media, creator economy, trust & safety, product operations, and generative AI. Lately, I worked as Director of Community at The Suite, overseeing C-Suite online communities such as TechGC and F Suite. Previously, at Quora, I played a key role in launching new products and programs for international markets, assuming leadership responsibilities in community strategy development and market adoption, notably establishing a strong presence in the MENA region from scratch. I also led a dedicated team focused on expanding Quora's global community through data analysis, moderation, events, partnerships, and digital communications. During my tenure at the Red Cross, I led digital operations using social media for disaster and crisis support, and at USAGM, I crafted digital communication plans and campaigns to combat online violence and misinformation within online communities. I hold a Master's degree in Social Science of New Media from the University of Kadir Has. I have also served as an advisory council member at the business schools of George Washington University and the University of South Florida. I am fluent in both English and Arabic. Having lived, worked, and studied in various countries across four continents, I have gained a unique and global perspective on the process of building online communities. Residing in different cultural and geographical contexts has provided me with valuable insights into the diverse needs, preferences, and dynamics of online communities worldwide.

Georgie-Ann Getton

Tech Ecosystem Trailblazer & Execution Expert

Georgie-Ann Getton is a NY-based tech ecosystem trailblazer, Execution Expert, mom of two, and the CEO of GSD Solutions. She has worked with companies like Girls Who Code, CUNY Startups, Black Women Talk Tech, and many more. She is also a multimedia content creator and speaker for her brand GSD with Georgie. She is the author of "The Art of Getting Sh*t Done", a memoir and entrepreneurship guide, and the host of Doing The Most The Misadventures of Entrepreneurship Podcast. Georgie is passionate about helping people be more productive in life and business through strategic decision-making in their daily activities that help them live a fuller life. She also sits on the NY Tech Alliance, Black Podcasting Awards, and Caribbeans in Tech & Entrepreneurship Boards.

Annie Schiffmann

Marketing Consultant & Relationship Builder

Annie Schiffmann is a speaker, consultant, and marketer who works with small businesses who want to build relationships with their audience. The owner of the marketing agency Downstage Media, Annie is a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Mailchimp Partner. She blogs weekly about email and social media marketing on Downstage.Media. She has worked with solopreneurs, authors, investment capital firms, Off-Broadway shows, and financial tech companies. Feel free to reach out to Annie. You can find her at [email protected].

Jessica DeMarte

Resilience Coach

Hi! I’m Jess. I help millennials in science and technology achieve greater impact without compromising themselves. I am a Biomedical Engineer and Senior Manager in the MedTech industry with 15 years of experience leading organizations and people through change. I became a Resilience Coach to continue to help people through transformation. In my spare time, I am a dog mom and stand up comedian. I try to add humor to my day and other’s day whenever I can and not take myself or life too seriously. We all deserve to have more joy in our lives and fully express our selves while having fun!

Lisa Cox

B2B Marketing | Leading Marketing Teams

Hi there, my name is Lisa! I'm a Director of Marketing with specific expertise in evaluating B2B marketing strategy and connecting marketing performance to revenue. So that would include topics like: • Determining ROI (return on investment). • Setting up attribution to connect campaign or channel performance to revenue. • Creating systems to track marketing data.  • Using SEO (search engine optimization) and content to drive revenue. • Gathering client feedback to inform product and website changes. • Vetting tactics and evaluating how they align with your resources. • And just setting the overall marketing strategy! I launched a business earlier in my career (what I call my real-world MBA), which shaped my marketing approach that emphasizes thinking like a business owner and understanding how everything contributes to revenue. Currently, I serve as Director of Marketing at Teak & Twine. I have transformed the marketing efforts from a one-person D2C hire to a thriving B2B marketing team with multiple employees, agencies, and freelancers. I have achieved remarkable wins like: • Developing a new content and SEO strategy, resulting in a 5x increase in leads.  • Spearheading website content and design updates that led to 2x improvement in conversion rates.  • Was recognized as runner-up in the EMYs (Experimental Marketer of the Year) for our innovative approach to testing ABM (account-based marketing). I am excited to bring my expertise and passion for B2B marketing to help businesses thrive. Let's connect and explore how I can contribute to your success!

Fiona Siseman

Leadership Development Coach

Being an effective leader is rooted in being authentic, self-aware, and inclusive. The journey to effective leadership is different for everyone and it’s unlocked through experience and self-discovery. I love to help people find and define their own path. I offer 1:1 coaching sessions for leaders in tech that will help you: - reframe your thinking about situations you are finding challenging at work - diagnose what might be going on in your team - support you in how to facilitate workshops or group dynamics - prepare you to have a difficult conversation - be more sure of yourself as a leader. I have a broad background that includes coaching high-performing leadership teams at Spotify, managing people, moving countries (Australia to the USA), and starting my own business. I also experience chronic pain and ADHD. I began my career in operations and delivery roles with Lonely Planet. It was here that I honed my systems thinking and people-first leadership skills as I built effective teams, managed digital projects, and discovered the joy of helping people and teams connect and work effectively together. After a stint at Luna Tractor helping teams with agile transformations I moved across the world from Australia to the US – a jump into the unknown! It was at Spotify that I found my love of enabling and growing leaders. I saw how the power of a well-placed question or observation could unlock a team. I managed coaches and engineering managers, facilitated the right conversations, and built a high-performing senior leadership team in a large Platform Engineering organization (for a period, leading a cross-functional organization of 130 people). Through this work I gained the skills and experience in coaching leaders and teams to be effective, resilient, and adaptable in an environment of fast-paced growth and change. The through-line of my approach is to be endlessly curious about how and why things are. What is driving this behavior? Why is this thing hard to say? What purpose does this have? How can we work with this to get the outcome that we want? Helping people disentangle themselves from beliefs and assumptions to connect to the heart of the matter brings me joy.

Daniela Holban

Cultural Strategist & Curator

Daniela Holban is a Romanian curator, cultural strategist and producer whose curatorial practice is dedicated to exploring themes of self-reflection, identity, multipolarity, and sustainability. With a strong focus on public engagement, artist development, environmentally-based art programming, and action-driven communities, she aims to create meaningful experiences for audiences. Daniela possesses a well-demonstrated talent for cultivating connections with artists, creators, visionaries, and arts-focused institutions. She is renowned for her expertise in innovative project management, cultural analysis, and insightful storytelling. Daniela excels in brand positioning, cross-functional collaborations, and event production. Her track record includes the successful establishment of partnerships, exhibitions, and programming for museums, art organizations, and nonprofits. Daniela's exhibition series, REPOPULATIONS (2019 & 2022), received recognition and support through the Brooklyn Arts Council Community Arts Grant. She has been actively involved in organizing and leading the We Are Nature Series, a summer art program at NOoSPHERE Arts that promotes systems thinking and environmental awareness. Additionally, she oversees the Broadway Stages @ Kingsland Wildflowers Residency Award, curating and producing an annual site-specific art installation. Recognized as one of Brooklyn's 50 Most Fascinating People of 2023 by Brooklyn Magazine, Daniela currently holds the position of Director of Programs & Curation at NOoSPHERE Arts. She has served as a Mentor for NEW INC: an incubator for people working at the intersection of art, design, and technology since September 2022. She has previously worked with institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MANA Contemporary, {CTS} Creative Thriftshop, William Bennet Gallery, The Ear Classical, and The Fashion and Textile Museum in London. Her extensive network includes partnerships with organizations like The High Line, NADA, Residency Unlimited, CalArts, BRIC, The Brooklyn Rail, ILAP, CreateART, gener8tor Art, Brooklyn Arts Council, Broadway Stages, Newtown Creek Alliance, Kingsland Wildflowers, Showfields, and Moleskine. Daniela also co-founded ARTFARE INC., where she served as Senior Curator.

Sylvia Heisel

Fashion Tech Innovator & Sustainability Expert

Fashion designer and design technology expert with over 25 years of experience in sustainability, digital fashion and wearable tech, 3D printing, and dog-centric design. Started my career before fashion technology was a thing and built an eponymous designer eveningwear brand that was sold in stores across the US and featured in every major fashion publication. I transitioned from traditional fashion to apparel innovation over 10 years ago and have worked on hardware, software, sustainability, supply chain innovation, and digital fashion since then. I've been named one of the "Top 100 Women in Fashion Tech" and "25 Forward Thinkers Defining the Future of Fashion" and spoken on fashion tech and sustainable fashion innovation at CES, ITAP (Industrial Transformation Asia-Pacific), and many others. Many of my personal projects have focussed on 3D printing for fashion. My 3D-printed clothes have been displayed at Museo Ferragamo Florence, Premier Vision Paris, and others. I've taught and led numerous workshops in 3D printing for fashion. During Covid, I took a break from fashion and launched a side business to design dog parks. In 2020 DogPark Production was selected as one of fifteen pet care startups to participate in the Leap Venture Academy’s Bootcamp for pet care entrepreneurs working on an early-stage idea. My consulting experience spans from large tech companies launching global initiatives to independent creatives just starting to explore an idea. I believe that innovation drives change and I'm honored to share my knowledge and help others who are pursuing the future of fashion.

Tom Hadley

Startup Product Management & Engineering Advisor

My name is Tom and I am a seasoned professional in the field of product management and engineering for startups. With a wealth of experience working with companies in the pre-seed to pre-IPO stage, I have honed my expertise in guiding these ventures towards success. One of my key strengths lies in my deep understanding of various tech stacks and software architectures. I have a knack for identifying the most suitable technologies and frameworks to build robust and scalable products. Additionally, I excel in hiring and leading high-performing engineering teams, ensuring that the right talent is in place to drive innovation and deliver exceptional results. Another area where I bring immense value is in API design. I have a proven track record of creating well-documented and intuitive APIs that enable seamless integration with external systems. This expertise allows me to optimize the user experience and enhance the overall functionality of the products I work on. In addition to my technical prowess, I am also well-versed in product design and the development of minimum viable products (MVPs). I understand the importance of creating user-centric solutions that address real pain points and deliver tangible value. By leveraging my skills in product management, I am able to guide startups in crafting compelling product roadmaps and executing successful go-to-market strategies. What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. I have a knack for translating complex technical concepts into clear and concise language that resonates with non-technical founders. This enables effective collaboration and ensures that everyone is aligned towards achieving the company's goals. If you are a non-technical founder looking to navigate the challenging landscape of product management and engineering, I am the ideal candidate to guide you. With my extensive experience and unique skill set, I am confident in my ability to help you build and scale successful startups. I am passionate about empowering startups to reach their full potential, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and contribute to your success.