Michael Sliwinski is an author and serial podcaster, a productivity guy who’s passionate about working remotely (#NoOffice) and in a mobile way (#iPadOnly). He’s the founder of Nozbe, a project management and collaboration platform (web-based with native apps for the Mac, Windows, Android, iPad, and the iPhone + Apple Watch).

Lisa Grimes is a dynamic leader, seasoned entrepreneur, leadership consultant, author, and speaker. She is the President and CEO of PurThread, an antimicrobial textile company and the Co-Founder of Habergeon LLC, a company that offers keynote speaking, executive solutions, and customized workshops. Lisa is a past recipient of Triangle Business Journal’s “Women in Business” award and Cary Magazine’s “Women of Western Wake”.

Stan Slap is the Chief Executive officer of SLAP, an international consulting company renowned for achieving maximum commitment in manager, employee, and customer cultures. He is a well-recognized keynote speaker and author of the New York Times bestseller Bury My Heart at Conference Room B. Stan’s latest book Under the Hood: Fire Up & Fine Tune Your Employee Culture, discusses how to maximize business performance through improving employee culture.

Robinson Smith is the President and CEO of Smith Consulting Group Ltd. He is the best-selling author of the book Master Your Mortgage for Financial Freedom. Rob now dedicates his time writing, speaking, and training both homeowners and financial professionals in The Smith Manoeuvre strategy.

Mike Chan is an entrepreneur, marketer, product guy, business developer, and power napper. He is the Chief Commercial Officer at UTU Technologies, a company which mission is to become the trust infrastructure of the entire internet. Mike is also a Marketing Advisor of Meter and Advisor at FanCheer Interactive.

Sean Dowdell is a well-respected entrepreneur, public speaker, and innovator. He is the owner of Club Tattoo, a luxury tattoo and piercing studio. Sean is the author of Tattooed Millionaire, describing his journey in creating and building his multi-million-dollar business: Club Tattoo with less than $8,000.

Mary Miller is the CEO of JANCOA Janitorial Services, Inc. a local certified WBE that is family-owned and operated. She is an author, professional speaker, People’s Champion, and dream manager. Mary is also an Associate Coach with Strategic Coach working with entrepreneurs at quarterly workshops in Chicago.

Ray Makela is an author, speaker, and business executive with 25 years of management, consulting, and sales experience. He is the CEO and Managing Director of Sales Readiness Group, a Seattle-based professional training and development firm that delivers industry-leading sales and sales management solutions. Ray oversees all client engagements and the delivery of sales and sales management training programs.

Malaga Baldi (she/her/hers) has worked as an independent literary agent since 1986. The Baldi Agency is an eclectic agency specializing in literary fiction, memoir, and cultural history. She worked as a cashier at Gotham Book Mart, in the Ballantine Books Publicity Department, as an associate at Candida Donadio & Associates and the Elaine Markson Agency before going out on her own. Baldi believes the strength of the author’s voice and the heart of the story to be key when considering new work.