Personal Development & Life Goals

Hercules H

The largest dog breed in the world (by mass).

Hello. My name is Hercules (yes... really) and I am a passionate expert in the field of Old English Mastiff Dogs. With a deep understanding and extensive knowledge of these magnificent creatures, I am uniquely qualified to provide expert advice and guidance on pet care for this breed... as well as what to expect (items/issues you probably have never contemplated). (Please note: I am not now (nor have I ever been) a veterinarian. The closest I came to becoming a doctor was taking the MCATs and working as a licensed, NRPA (Nationally Registered Paramedic - Advanced)). Having majored in Biology at Northeastern University, I have acquired a solid educational foundation that complements my practical experience in the field (I have owned six OEMs and I currently own two OEMs). This combination of academic knowledge and hands-on expertise allows me to offer comprehensive insights into the world of Old English Mastiffs. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to the well-being and proper care of these gentle giants. I have spent countless hours studying their behavior, health and nutritional needs, ensuring that I am always up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. My commitment to continuous learning and professional development has allowed me to stay at the forefront of the available knowledge. As an expert in Old English Mastiffs, I am the go-to person for anyone with questions or concerns about these magnificent dogs. Whether you are a seasoned owner seeking advice on training techniques or a prospective owner considering bringing an Old English Mastiff into your home, I am here to provide you with the guidance and support you need. My passion for these dogs extends beyond my professional life. I am an active member of various breed clubs and organizations, where I contribute my knowledge and expertise to the betterment of the breed. Through my involvement in these communities, I have had the privilege of connecting with fellow enthusiasts and sharing our love for these remarkable animals. In conclusion, I am an expert in Old English Mastiff Dogs, with a strong educational background and a wealth of practical experience. I am dedicated to providing top-notch advice and guidance on pet care, particularly for those interested in Old English Mastiffs. With my expertise and passion, I am here to help you navigate the world of these magnificent creatures and ensure the best possible care for your GIANT furry companions.

Jennifer Walsh

Retail & Wellness Strategist

Hello, my name is Jennifer and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my professional journey with you. With a deep passion for retail, wellness, beauty, and our connection to the natural world for health and wellbeing, I have dedicated my career to exploring the intersection of these fields. One of the highlights of my career was founding the first omni channel beauty brand in the US, Beauty Bar, back in 1997. This groundbreaking venture caught the attention of industry giants, and in 2011, the company sold to Amazon. Throughout my 26 years in the media, I have been honored to serve as an on-air expert and freelance writer, sharing my knowledge and insights with audiences worldwide. I have also had the privilege of founding four other successful brands. These experiences have allowed me to develop a unique perspective on growth and strategy, which I am eager to share with others. As a faculty advisor at the Center for Neuroaesthetics at UPenn and for the Brain Health Initiative under Harvard and Mass General, I have had the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of neuroscience and neuroaesthetics. As a keynote speaker in the US and abroad, I have had the honor of addressing audiences on topics ranging from wellness to retail to the power of nature in our lives. My expertise has also been captured in my book, "Walk Your Way Calm," where I provide practical advice on finding peace and tranquility through the simple act of walking. I am uniquely qualified to guide and inspire anyone looking to launch, grow, or create from a place of passion. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply someone seeking a deeper connection to the natural world, I am here to offer my expertise and support. Thank you for taking the time to learn a little bit about me. I look forward to connecting with you and helping you on your own journey towards success and wellbeing.

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

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.

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.

Gina Byers

Health & Fitness Specialist & Nutrition Consultant

As a health and fitness specialist, I want to help you meet your goals. I have a Master's degree in Health, Physical Activity, and Chronic Disease and am currently pursing a second Master's in Nutrition and Dietetics with a specialty in maternal and pediatric nutrition. I am a passionate cook, mother to a sweet baby boy, and a lifelong learner. I'll help you set goals and determine how to get there. As a certified exercise physiologist, I can help you start an exercise plan. I have an anti-diet approach to nutrition, and can equip you with the knowledge to make lifelong healthful habits in the kitchen. Are you pregnant and considering breastfeeding your baby? Let me help you navigate the ins and outs of lactation! If you're trying to enhance your health through food or simply looking for training tips, let's chat. No matter what life-stage you're in, I'd love to meet you!

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.

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!

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.

Leang Chung

Navigating sensitive work situations, starting a coaching practice and developing a career strategy

Hi, I'm Leang 👋 I'm the Founder of Pelora Stack, a career and leadership coaching company where I help first-time career changers, people managers, and senior leaders identify patterns in their career, increase their capabilities and gain confidence. Prior to launching Pelora Stack, I was an HR leader and internal leadership coach at Getty Images, Xaxis Inc., Havaianas, and L’Oreal USA and Macy’s Inc. Because of my experience launching my business, becoming a coach, and expertise in HR practices, I'm usually the go-to person in my network for advice on: ⭐️ how to transition out of a corporate role and launch a consulting or coaching business. ⭐️ how to choose a focus area for a new consulting or coaching business. ⭐️ how to market yourself and find new clients. ⭐️ how to navigate a tricky work situation with your manager or team. ⭐️ how to navigate a tricky situation where you feel like you're being pushed out of the company. ⭐️ how to navigate a tricky management situation with someone on your team who isn't performing. ⭐️ advice on what to do about a career rut or crossroad. Feel free to set up time with me if you need advice or a quick brainstorming session on any of these topics or related topics.

Ruthie Berber

Community-led Growth | Brand Marketing | Tech | Leadership

With more than 10 years of integrated marketing experience, I have spent 7 years most recently in B2B SaaS. I specialize in brand expansion community engagement, and strategic program building, specifically in the eCommerce, innovation, and women's health & wellness and empowerment spaces. I volunteer as a local Marketing & Community Lead for both Women in Innovation and Led By Community organizations. I'm a big foodie, I love to eat & drink my way through NYC where I've been living the past 4 years, and I balance it out by also being a big pilates and fitness girlie.

Lisa Pertoso

Creativity Coach / Comedian / Learning Designer

🌟Feel stuck on a work or life project and need a creativity boost? 🌟 I’ll shake up your perspective with tools from comedy and experiential learning principles. Approach your challenge with fresh eyes with writing, verbal, and/or movement exercises. 💡How have I supported others? Some examples…💡 – Best practices on how to lead brainstorming / ideation sessions – Speaking / presentation / facilitation tips to increase confidence – Energizing ice breakers for more effective meetings and gatherings – Fun, creative activities for the solopreneur who needs a routine break – Feedback on humor and satire short written pieces 🌎 Why me? 🌏 * Designed & facilitated thousands of people through remote and live learning experiences * 20+ years experience in professional development, experience design, and consulting * 13 years of performing improv theater, storytelling, sketch comedy * Published writer: satire and personal essays = portfolio: https://lapertoso.medium.com/ Why me? The Official Bio... Lisa Pertoso is a learning designer, facilitator, and organizational coach. She founded Follow the Fear, an experiential learning company, to help organizations and individuals prepare for the future of work by developing our most vital human skills: adaptability, communication, creativity, empathy, and self-awareness. Throughout her 20+ year career, Lisa has brought playful and human-centric learning experiences to thousands of people in the U.S., Asia, Australia, and Europe. She has led workshops, classes, and talks for the public and for clients including NYC Department of Health, Brooklyn Public Library, BMW Group, Equinox, TBWA, and Pragmatic Institute. Her personal essays and satire pieces have been featured in Glamour, Women's Health, Insider, McSweeney's and more. Lisa follows her fears every day as an improvisation performer, writer, and parent. Learn more and connect with Lisa on Linkedin.

Faren Ahlman

Career Coach

Hi there! I'm a career coach and recruiter. I love reading resumes and coaching clients to help them get to the next level in their careers. I use my 10+ years as a recruiting professional to help job-seekers understand what's happening behind the scenes when they apply to a role. This gives them an edge in the job market and allows them to make better decisions about their careers. It's all about demystifying the process and helping people achieve their goals!

Theodora Sergiou

Expert Entrepreneurial Advice

Award winning Business Owner and Professor available to mentor and guide new business owners reach their goals and grow their business. Awarded NJBiz Top 50 Business Women, NJMonthly Leading Women Entrepreneur Top 25, Brava Award.