This is What 20 Seasons of Entrepreneurial Success Looks Like (S20E1)

Alex is a strategic executive with a proven track record for driving operational excellence and profitability. With a seasoned entrepreneurial spirit, Alex produces results by capitalizing on market insights, developing scalable sales and operational processes, and galvanizing teams toward ambitious goals. As a proven product and software leader, Alex specializes in developing scalable products that achieve user desirability and market viability. An accomplished leader, Alex establishes cultures of accountability, transparency, empowerment, and excellence. With a distinguished consulting background, Alex has a history of successful partnerships with tech startups, driving multimillion-dollar revenue increases. Notably, Alex has successfully led two organizations through acquisitions, showcasing exceptional leadership and business acumen.

Andrea Furtick is a multifaceted creative force, renowned as a published author, fine artist, and toy designer. As the CEO of AGC Toys Inc., she pioneers innovative concepts in the realm of toy design, captivating audiences with her distinctive vision and craftsmanship. With a passion for storytelling and divination, Andrea is the creator of the Afro Goddess Divination Collection, a series celebrated for its spiritual depth and artistic beauty. Her work has garnered widespread acclaim, culminating in a contract with U.S. Games Systems Inc. in 2022, a testament to her enduring influence in the industry. In addition to her creative endeavors, Andrea is a dynamic keynote speaker, captivating audiences with her insights on art, spirituality, and entrepreneurship. Her engaging presentations have graced prestigious events such as The International Divination Event 2022 and the Northwestern Tarot Symposium 2022, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in her field.

Dr. Kristen Eccleston helps high-performers and complex learners stop spiraling and start thriving. Her approach: neuroscience that works in real time, delivered with soul. She is a Cognitive Performance Specialist, keynote speaker, and author of THE PERSPECTIVE PIVOT: The 3-Second Solution to Stop Spiraling and Start Thriving. The book is built on one idea: there is a three-second window between a trigger and a spiral. Catch it, and you can change everything. The manuscript is complete and seeking literary representation. Dr. Kristen holds a doctorate in Mind, Brain, and Teaching from Johns Hopkins University and brings more than 20 years of experience in cognitive performance and neurodivergent education. She is neurodivergent herself and built her frameworks because the standard advice never worked for her. She designed a district-wide mental health program that has saved $4-6 million annually and is now in its eleventh year. She has trained leaders at Fortune 500 companies, the CIA, the FAA, and universities nationwide. As Director of Social-Emotional Services at Weinfeld Education Group, she leads education consulting and advocacy for twice-exceptional and complex learners. Through The NeuroDiverse Teacher, she supports schools and families navigating neurodivergent student needs. Through CreativeTHRIVE, she coaches high-achieving adults and young adults ready to thrive.

Kanishka is a results-driven CEO, investor, and digital nomad whose superpower is turning curiosity into scalable companies. As the founder of YAMU, a performance marketing firm that takes full ownership of revenue growth, he helps brands jump from $30K/month to $1M/month by building high-converting funnels, crafting world-class offers, producing standout creative, and running ads that actually scale. He’s also a partner at Actual.VC, a deeptech venture fund backing the breakthrough technologies — in energy, biotech, materials, space, and sustainable infrastructure — that will define the next century. His work centers on identifying the inflection points where science meets scalability and accelerating innovators on the path to global impact. Named a Business First 30 Under 30, Kanishka combines entrepreneurial rigor with an explorer’s mindset. Whether he’s scaling brands, supporting philanthropic initiatives, or diving into a new continent with a backpack and a book, he’s committed to learning, communicating with intention, and expanding what’s possible for the teams and communities he serves.

Kelly Bagla, the 2024 Top CEO nominee, is a cornerstone of San Diego’s business community with over 20 years of experience in law and entrepreneurship. Known as the "Queen of Business Law®," she empowers high-net-worth individuals and business owners with proactive legal strategies to protect their ventures. Beyond leading Bagla Law Firm, Kelly is the founder of three additional businesses, a New York Times bestselling author of Go Legal Yourself!®, and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs pursuing the American Dream. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ethical business practices, community service, and innovation. Kelly’s dedication extends to supporting veterans through discounts and pro bono services, as well as contributing to animal welfare by donating to Last Chance At Life rescue. With a unique perspective as both an attorney and entrepreneur, Kelly inspires and equips others to navigate the challenges of business ownership with confidence.

Marie Hunter is an entrepreneur and business strategist with extensive experience in the fuel and energy sector. As the President of KRG fuel+energy and the Founder of BeautiFuel, she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and innovation in wholesale petroleum distribution. KRG fuel+energy specializes in on-site delivery of diesel fuel, fluids, oils, and lubricants, ensuring businesses receive top-tier energy solutions with unparalleled customer service. Marie is deeply involved in fostering entrepreneurship and empowering women in business. She is a proud Alumni Board Member of LaunchPad 2X, a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, and a participant in the Women’s Export University Program. Her dedication to mentorship is evident through her role with Goldman Sachs' One Million Black Women initiative, where she helps uplift and guide emerging entrepreneurs. Her impact has been widely recognized—Marie is a UGA Bulldog 100 Recipient and an active Forbes BLK Member, reflecting her influence and success in both the business and community leadership spaces. Passionate about growth and innovation, she continues to drive KRG fuel+energy and BeautiFuel forward while inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Megan brings extensive experience and expertise to the fields of mental health and executive leadership with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from SUNY at Buffalo and a Graduate Certificate in High-Performance Leadership from Cornell University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Oregon and is also registered as a Clinical Supervisor for students and new graduates working towards LCSW, LPC and LMFT licensure. Her career is marked by a dedication to improving mental health services and empowering leaders to achieve their highest potential, which is a cornerstone of both her leadership and advocacy to change how behavioral healthcare is provided. As the CEO of Cascade Wellness Center, Megan has successfully led a team of dedicated professionals, delivering exceptional mental health services and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both clients and staff. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the services and enhancing the overall impact of our organization within our community.

Omar Ghadry has adventured through startup, corporate and growth stage organizations since 2002, building from concept to real business in different models, environments, and technological eras. Omar holds agency-quality digital and strategic expertise, born from consulting, advisory and startup experiences across industry: USG, edtech, healthcare, e-com, cannabis, creator/gig economy, beauty care, home services, cybersecurity, and CPG. While he enjoys winning “work passions”, Omar spends a lot of time meandering this life through writing, reading, sports, travel, deep existential conversation, and the celebration of other people’s most important moments.

Ty is a results-driven strategist and entrepreneur with 14+ years of leadership at a Fortune 100 multinational corporation and more than a decade of building, scaling, and advising ventures across diverse industries. His career has been defined by creating growth where it matters most—empowering startups, accelerating scale in growth-stage businesses, and unlocking global access to capital for companies at every stage, from launch to expansion to exit. With deep expertise in business development, strategic planning, capital sourcing, experiential marketing, and finance, Ty specializes in designing and executing strategies that transform organizations, optimize human capital, and drive sustainable growth. Whether guiding founders through their first raise, structuring complex financing for mid-market expansion, or positioning companies for acquisition and exit, he brings a proven track record of aligning capital, strategy, and execution. As a coach and strategist, Ty helps executives, teams, and founders clarify their vision, elevate performance, and translate ideas into scalable impact. He thrives at the intersection of people, purpose, and performance—building brands, cultivating leaders, and guiding businesses from intention to measurable results.

Wendy is the CEO of Balancing Life’s Issues (BLI) and a leader in practical, people-centered workplace wellness. For more than 20 years, she’s helped organizations move beyond box-checking programs and implement training that actually improves mental health, leadership, and team culture. She has delivered thousands of workshops for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofits, and built a national network of expert facilitators. Wendy’s approach is straightforward: mental health matters to the bottom line, leadership should be personal, and real change happens when people have tools they can actually use. Wendy is also a contributor for Thrive Global, where she shares insights on balance, resilience, and everyday well-being. Whether she’s consulting, speaking, or training teams, her goal is the same—create workplaces where people can do their best work and feel their best doing it.