Lorraine Besser is a professor of philosophy at Middlebury College, who specializes in the philosophy and psychology of the good life and teaches popular courses for undergraduates on happiness, well-being, and ethics.

An internationally recognized scholar, she was a founding investigator on the research team studying psychological richness.  She is the author of two academic books (The Philosophy of Happiness: An Interdisciplinary Introduction and Eudaimonic Ethics: The Philosophy and Psychology of Living Well) and dozens of professional journal articles on moral psychology.

Michael Chad Hoeppner helps people speak well when it matters most.  With nearly 20 years in the field, Hoeppner coaches thousands of professionals around the world.  His corporate clients include three of the top eight global financial firms, one third of the AmLaw100, two of the four US professional sports leagues, and multinational tech, pharma, and food and beverage companies.

Michael is the author of the upcoming book, Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. 

Corey Andrew Powell wears many hats —copywriter, content producer, and podcast host/interviewer. Having earned his Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts at New Jersey City University, Corey's work experience includes art direction, video production, video editing, music writing, and producing on-air promos for top national brands. He's also a published pop culture journalist and Grammy voting member of the Recording Academy of Music.

As a Content Manager for The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), Corey contributes to the organization's marketing content and corporate communications. Utilizing his genuine curiosity about other people's experiences combined with a love of thoughtful conversation, Corey was a natural fit to take on the role as host of the popular Motivational Mondays podcast produced by the NSLS. 

Additionally, Corey stays true to another big passion in his life — music. His credits as a singer and songwriter include soundtracks for film, television, commercials, and major record labels such as Sony Canada, EMI Records, Universal Music, Hed Kandi, Stealth Records, and Pacha Recordings.

Janice Robinson is an internationally renowned singer, songwriter, and performer who has been a powerful force in the music industry since the 1990s. Known for penning the iconic hit "Dreamer" with the Euro-dance group Livin' Joy, which topped charts worldwide, she has collaborated with top producers and artists, earning global acclaim.

From early career moments like touring with New Kids on the Block and performing on Soul Train to headlining major tours and working with legends like Tina Turner, Robinson’s journey has been one of resilience and creativity. In addition to her thriving music career, she is a devoted mother and continues to inspire through her electrifying stage presence and deeply personal songwriting.

Whether you laugh at his videos, learn from his YPO podcast: 10 Minute Tips From the Top or raise eyebrows at his popular column on Inc.com, you’ll figure out quickly that Kevin Daum can’t help but brutally tell you the truth, entertaining you along the way.

Kevin is a media strategist, Inc. 500 CEO, and award-winning, bestselling author of 7 books including the Amazon #1 Bestsellers Video Marketing For Dummies (Wiley) and ROAR! Get Heard in the Sales and Marketing Jungle (Wiley). His latest release, 12 Habits of Valuable Employees, co-written with Verne Harnish, is a multi-category Amazon #1 Bestseller.

Kevin is a major contributor to several other books including the best-selling Scaling Up (Gazelles). Kevin has been a prolific editorial contributor for SkyLife Magazine, Smart Business Magazine, YPO and garners several hundred thousand monthly views for his column on Inc.com. He is consistently one of the highest rated speakers for YPO, EO, Inc., and Gazelles.

As an Inc. 500 entrepreneur, Kevin’s marketing approach delivered more than $1 billion in sales with over 95% efficacy. As a serial entrepreneur he built and successfully exited several companies, and raised millions in start-up capital. Kevin has coached dozens of companies through the Scaling Up process resulting in exponential growth and measurable employee satisfaction. He is the New York Ambassador and the Media Expert in Residence for International Deal Gateway. Kevin has advised several start-up companies and global brands on strategy, leadership development, and multimedia communication.

Leveraging Kevin’s degrees in media and theatre arts plus involvement in hundreds of video, audio, and stage productions, Kevin, through his firm, TAE International, coaches executives to engage their internal and external communities through multimedia. He helps them pursue The Awesome Experience, mastering Compelling Messaging, Intentional Marketing, and Memorable Delivery.

Kevin is a champion for liberal arts education as a priority over STEM. As head of business development for Americans For the Arts’ Creativity Connection, he facilitated unique arts-based-learning programs for Fortune 500 companies. Kevin was also instrumental in the development of an interdisciplinary arts and entrepreneurship curriculum at Baylor University. He has published several articles on marketing and the managerial relationship between the arts and entrepreneurship. He lectures regularly at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Kevin is a graduate of the MIT Enterprise Forum’s Entrepreneurial Master’s Program and received the Global Learning Award 3 times from the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) where he founded the Silicon Valley Chapter and served in several board positions. Kevin was named Distinguished Alum by his alma mater, Humboldt State University and has an M.S. in Media Management from Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business, where he teaches graduate level multimedia mastery as an adjunct professor.

With access to the Internet, Van M. Van believes she can do anything (and anywhere).
Van taught herself to code, build websites, edit videos, produce radio shows and
podcasts, direct virtual events, bake sourdough breads, grow a permaculture garden,
and many other cool things.

As a partner and Creative Strategist for TAE, she has helped numerous clients create
their Awesome Experiences through compelling messaging, intentional marketing, and
memorable delivery in multiple content formats. She was the Executive Producer for
YPO 10 Minute Tips from the Top Podcast Series. Prior to this, she was the Digital
Producer for the Amilya! Show on 77WABC-NY.

Building upon her dual degrees in Communication and Economics from the University of
California at Davis, Van combines her business acumen and communication expertise
to help executives and top thought-leaders leverage media for strategic execution. She
has produced Masters Business Courses with industry icons like Marshall Goldsmith
and Raj Sisodia of Conscious Capitalism.

As Creative Director and CMO, Van leads teams through the entire media production
process, from concept design and pre-production to overseeing logistics and managing
post-production, promotion, and engagement.

As a Bronx native and the Director of the Center for Leadership at the University of Mount Saint Vincent (Class of 2018 alum), Andrew Curiel serves the entire campus community, primarily focusing on the student body, by creating, implementing, and executing leadership development curriculum that is inclusive, innovative, culturally responsive, and collaborative with current staff, alumni, and friends of the university. The goal is to remain true to the University of Mount Saint Vincent's mission by helping students discover their leadership potential from year one, using that discovery to foster more meaningful and impactful engagement at the University—and beyond—through learning, leading, and serving.

In addition to holding a Master’s degree in Marketing and Management Strategy, Andrew also has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a concentration in sports management. As the founder of a non-profit organization, Be You Stay True, established in 2015, Andrew is deeply committed to leaving the people and places he encounters better than when he first connected with them.

Bernie Borges is host of the Midlife Fulfilled Podcast and the Fulfillment Architect at Thrive Media. Bernie partners with leaders at organizations to design and implement tailored strategies that foster a more fulfilled and thriving intergenerational workforce. By addressing the five key pillars: Health, Fitness, Career, Relationships, and Legacy, Bernie helps leaders develop a fulfillment-centric leadership strategy that cultivates a more engaged workforce with higher retention rates. Bernie partners with business leaders to boost intergenerational employee fulfillment through keynote presentations, workshops, executive coaching, and custom surveys.

His weekly Midlife Fulfilled podcast features conversations with experts on a variety of topics that inform and inspire individuals and business leaders to thrive across the five key life pillars.

Beverley Ellis is the Director for Student Life and Support Services at the University of the Southern Caribbean, where she oversees career services, disability services, and co-curricular programs like the USC Student Leadership workshop series. Her role also includes managing New Student Orientation, USC’s First Year Experience program, Senior Year Experience program, and other initiatives aimed at boosting student engagement and retention. Prior to this, she held various positions including Director for Student Life and Enrolment Management, Director for Student Life and Retention, Dean for Commuting Students, and Assistant Director in the Division of Marketing and Enrolment Management.

Mrs. Ellis holds a Master of Arts in Higher Education: Student Personnel Administration from the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, Jamaica, and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioural Science with an Emphasis in Psychology from Andrews University, Michigan. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Education. Her professional involvement includes serving on the Governing Board of the American College Personnel Association and holding leadership roles in the Caribbean Tertiary Level Personnel Association. She is also a member of several other professional associations. Before her tenure at the university, she worked in various corporate entities in Trinidad and Tobago and has a strong passion for higher education and student affairs.

As the Senior Vice President of Academic Delivery at Western Governors University (WGU), Debbie Fowler brings over 30 years of experience dedicated to fostering growth, opportunity, and success for both students and colleagues. A leader who values both connection and measurable impact, Debbie combines her expertise in competency-based education with her deep commitment to WGU’s mission of accessible and affordable higher education.

Guided by WGU’s core pillars, Debbie is a driving force in renewing education’s promise, emphasizing valuable, respected credentials that align with workforce needs. Her strategic focus on eliminating unnecessary costs and advocating for financial accessibility has strengthened WGU’s standing as a respected institution delivering meaningful returns on educational investments.

Debbie is also a staunch advocate of personalizing learning, believing in the power of meeting students where they are. Through flexible, supportive learning environments, she ensures that students can succeed on their own terms, with tailored pacing, personal scheduling, and one-on-one support designed to empower every learner on their path to graduation.

Committed to advancing systemic equity, Debbie has spearheaded initiatives aimed at removing systemic barriers to education, making WGU a more inclusive institution. She is a champion of inclusivity and psychological safety, serving as Executive Sponsor for WGU’s Disability Owls ERG and the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) to create a supportive environment for all.

In the spirit of partnering for impact, Debbie actively collaborates with forward-thinking leaders and institutions across education, business, technology, and government. Her ability to unite and inspire diverse stakeholders has been central to advancing systemic change in higher education and fostering innovative solutions for today’s workforce.

A model of accountability, Debbie places high value on transparency, trust, and measurable outcomes. Her commitment to openness and rigorous performance metrics sets a high standard for institutional integrity and continuous improvement.

Since January 2024, Debbie has led Academic Delivery, overseeing 2,900 faculty and staff dedicated to helping over 175,000 students advance in fields such as health, education, technology, and business. Debbie lives in Salt Lake City with her husband, Greg, and their two cats, with frequent visits to Dallas and Texas Hill Country to visit their four adult children. She enjoys cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, UConn Women’s Basketball, and tackling the latest New York Times games.

Joshua Canter is the Founder and Director of True Nature Travels and Education. Raised in Los Angeles, his path took him far from the bustling city to the small village of La Florida, Costa Rica, where True Nature began as an Intentional Community and Education Center in 2003. Over the past two decades, Joshua has traveled the world, leading and planning transformational retreats supporting True Nature’s mission of “Exploring the World and Changing Lives.” In addition to his leadership role, Joshua is a teacher of Mindfulness Meditation, a writer, and a musician. He holds a BA in Sustainable Community Development and a Master’s in Contemplative Psychology. Joshua now calls the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, home, where he lives with his wife Luna and two daughters, Jaya and Sasha and is also good friends with NSLS Founder Gary Tuerack. 

Lauren Breckenridge is the Activity Coordinator of Leadership and Traditions in the Office of Student Activities at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), where she has served for over a year. As a proud TAMU-CC alumnus, she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. Passionate about leadership development and student engagement, she serves as both an advisor and an alumnus of the NSLS Chapter at TAMU-CC.

In her current role, Lauren works on key university traditions and leadership programs that enhance the student experience. Her work includes fostering a sense of belonging and leadership growth through events and initiatives aimed at empowering students to reach their full potential. Lauren will present on building and sustaining "Star" NSLS chapters, offering insights on fostering student engagement to create vibrant, lasting communities.

Matthew Gier is a seasoned tactical manager with over twenty years of multi-industry experience specializing in project and product management. His most current corporate role is a Senior Project Manager for a large national ISP. Previous responsibilities include Senior Product Manager, Senior Energy Manager, Area Manager in Design Engineering and Network Implementation Project Manager. He earned an MBA with a concentration in organizational leadership from Lewis University and has been PMP certified since 2013. Other certifications include MOS, Agile, Lean, and Six Sigma. Additionally, he is ABD in his pursuance of a PhD in Global Leadership from Indiana Tech.

Additionally, Matthew is an Assistant Professor at Lewis University teaching graduate-level project management courses. He has been facilitating IT and business courses since 2012 for numerous institutions. He has successfully led several multi-million dollar projects for various corporate clients and has been involved in multiple special projects including training for the Chicago Bears, UPS, San Jose State University, City Colleges of Chicago, and the United States Postal Service.

Miranda Aguilar, a native of El Paso, moved to San Antonio in 2012. She is a driven individual committed to both academic and professional growth, with a strong sense of empathy and compassion for others. Before beginning her academic journey, Miranda gained valuable experience in the hospitality industry, advancing to management roles where she developed essential leadership and organizational skills.

After completing her Associate’s degree at Northwest Vista College (NVC), she is now pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her passion for leadership and personal development led her to become an advisor for the NVC Chapter of the National Society of Leadership & Success (NSLS), where she is dedicated to fostering leadership skills among students.

Outside of her studies and professional life, Miranda cherishes quality time with her two beloved dogs, Oliver, an Australian Shepherd mix, and Milo, a Yorkshire Terrier. She is inspired by and excited to be part of communities that encourage and support others, regardless of their journey or experiences.

Dr. Rodger Adair has published several research papers, articles, and book chapters on leader-follower relationships in the workplace. He has worked in several industries. He has served as a board member for a local Phoenix, AZ chapter of ASTD (now ATD), and served as the chair for multiple communities with the International Leadership Association for several years. Rodger conducts research about neurodiversity in the workplace, including anxiety and testing anxiety in online education. He has taught in higher education for over eighteen years, primarily online, and has tested and tried a variety of tools and methods to avoid distractions in his virtual work.

Dr. Sheila Boysen-Rotelli is a Master Certified executive leadership coach, facilitator, author, TEDx speaker, and professor recognized as a thought leader in the coaching field. Her current research focus is future-ready leadership development, digital coaching, AI-assisted coaching, supporting leadership through vertical development, and the future of coach training education.

Sheila has designed and accredited numerous ICF coach training programs and personally trained over 450 coaches within organizations and through graduate-level academic programs. Since becoming a certified coach over a decade ago, she has worked with over 1,000 clients across diverse industries, including tech, finance, consumer packaged goods, education, government, and non-profit sectors. Her coaching style is direct, authentic, and designed to help individuals and groups uncover their passion, leadership potential, and core values, applying these insights to both their personal and professional lives.

Driven by a passion for enabling leaders to engage courageously and authentically, Sheila empowers her clients and students to accomplish remarkable things. She supports leaders in their growth, helps them achieve tangible results, and guides them in developing their leadership competencies while increasing their leadership capacity.

As a process strategist with a strong focus in project management and influencing change across organizations through the usage of digital platforms, Sydney Petree has used her degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing to lead teams and organizations through transformative operational successes. 

As a female leader in technology, Sydney values both efficiency and communication in process improvement. She recognizes the people, process and technology within development and is intentional about delivery of solutions that meet quality standards. By applying various project management principles, Sydney has found success in leveraging the advantages of hybrid approaches to utilize the most appropriate components of each way of working (scrum, agile, predictive, lean, etc.) to accomplish project and organizational goals. 

Sydney is passionate about having an ‘always improving’ mindset and is especially focused on mentorship and guidance of young professionals entering the workplace. She currently serves as the chair for her employer’s Women in Leadership business resource group, where there is a strong emphasis on the development, inspiration and community growth of female associates within the company.

In addition to her professional expertise, Sydney co-owns a landscape company with her husband, consults small businesses with marketing, creative and business operations services, coaches high school soccer, is the NSLS chapter advisor for Park University (Parkville, Gilbert and Online), and is the proud mom to twins.