Judy Robinett saw other people were getting further ahead, making more money. She read an article on five ways to become financially independent: Become a doctor, a lawyer, inherit or marry. Number 5 was start a business. “How hard could it be? I got a $1.3 million S.B.A. loan and opened a franchise restaurant.” Judy has now led both public and private companies as CEO and served in management positions at Fortune 500 companies. She sits on several virtual capital boards and is an advisor to Springboard.

Larry Minnix, a leader in the non-profit aging services field since 1973, served as CEO at Wesley Woods Center of Emory University and at Leading Age, which represents 6,000-plus non-profits. A minister, author, and speaker, he consults widely on long-term care issues. He has received numerous national awards for leadership from the National Council on Aging and others. Leading Age named their leadership academy after Larry to honor his 1917 retirement.

Dr. Steve Taubman is a bestselling author, physician, magician, hypnotist, and mindfulness coach who brings deep wisdom, entertaining insights and a unique perspective to sales professionals, entrepreneurs and small business owners. His reprogramming-your-mind-for-success audio, UnHypnosis for Entrepreneurs, was voted one of the Top 25 Must-Have Products for his industry. Steve has performed for and coached top celebrities and movie stars and has shared the stage with legendary motivational speakers like the late Zig Ziglar.

Laura Gassner Otting is a professional motivational keynote speaker and the founder of Limitless Possibility, where she empowers innovators, idealists, and iconoclasts to get “unstuck” in their thinking, push past their limiting beliefs, and achieve extraordinary results. Laura’s new book Limitless is like a high-energy master class and brainstorming session all in one, with actionable tips to transform your vision for your career and do work with purpose.

Pamela Peeters is an environmental economist and sustainability strategist. She consults with companies globally and develops educational programs for youth with her “Eco Hero” program now established in nine countries. An author, filmmaker, and educator, she was on the marketing team of the U. S. Partnerships for the UNESCO Decade for Sustainable Education. She's also a former Research Fellow in Economics from Columbia University and current Fellow of the Explorers Club.

Scott Wilhite was in a corporate job he hated, with a mindset he called “grumpaholic.” Feeling miserable, he ran a fantasy jackpot scenario in his head, and asked himself, “If I win the Powerball and $32 million, what will I do?” After quickly imagining his first seven days as a millionaire, he began to suspect lack of money was not his problem. He set out to discover what was missing. Scott has since created the Feed Your Happy app, authored a mindset course on the 7 Core Skills of Everyday Happiness, and founded nCOURAGE.LIFE.

Laura De La Cruz was learning about dog obedience and agility while teaching at a university. A colleague advised, “Get a Border Collie.” But the breeder Laura contacted said, “No way am I going to sell you one. You have no idea how to handle this dog!” A teacher, dog trainer and herding judge, Laura started Leash Up Dog Training as an alternative to the "pack" mentality, focusing on people who consider their dogs to be part of the family. Best-selling author of more than 80 books and journals, she has trained herding dogs and their people for over ten years.

Steve Robertson is the CEO of Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs (JKCP), an organization specializing in youth-to-adult programming that turns curiosity into passion and skill. Steve has been with the company for 20 years. In this role, his primary responsibility is to cultivate a culture that results in memories lasting a lifetime. Steve is an expert on youth development and education as well as understanding and adapting to youth.

Jeremy Barnhart experienced a successful career in finance, but he worked long hours and travelled extensively. Frankly, he wasn’t passionate about the work. He “retired” and started a company for something he cared about–assisting schools in fundraising. Now Jeremy has time to coach his 3 sons’ basketball, football and baseball teams. He is a co-owner and vice president of franchise development at Apex Leadership Co., originally Apex Fun Run, a healthy and safe alternative to school fundraising. The company partners with schools to raise funds for campus needs. The concept incorporates a two-week character building and leadership program for students that culminates with a student “run” to raise donations for schools.

Gini Dietrich had her sights set on law school and becoming a sports agent. Then her mother needed her help to overcome a life-threatening illness, so she took an entry level position at a public relations agency. Passing out samples of cranberry juice at PR events was an unexpected detour on her career path. Gini is the founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, an integrated marketing communications firm.

Vince Kramer is a thirty-seven-year airline and military pilot with over 200,000 hours in aircraft and flight simulators. In the U.S. Air Force he was a pilot, instructor & evaluator. He is a combat veteran with over one hundred combat hours during Desert Storm. He has flown for United Airlines and American Airlines as an airline transport pilot, has held positions in management and as an instructor/evaluator at United Airlines, and currently is an active pilot at United Airlines.

PJ Jonas faced criticism when she left an engineering job to be a stay-at-home mom. Soon her problem-solving skills and creativity were fully put to use. As an undergrad at the University of Virginia, stuff made from goat’s milk was nowhere in her plans. What started out as a means of getting good milk for her children produced a wide range of unanticipated discoveries, and a thriving family business.