Written in Partnership with Joey Lee
1 – Alexandra Rodriguez
Alexandra Rodriguez, a remarkable financial and tax strategist at IRBusiness, IRB.Tax, and IRB Immigration, exemplifies perseverance and determination in adversity. Alexandra’s journey is rooted in her parents’ pursuit of the American Dream. Growing up in a household where financial struggles were constant companions, she witnessed her father’s rise from humble beginnings to owning his own tax office. As a young girl, she was instilled with values of hard work and self-education, starting with simple tasks such as organizing documents and cleaning the house. An avid interest in learning and contributing paved the way for a lifelong career in finance for her.
With the foundation laid by her father, Alexandra embarked on a mission to empower individuals and businesses by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate financial complexities mostly only privy to the wealthy class. Her accomplishments speak volumes, as she transformed IRBusiness from a small enterprise into a thriving corporation with two subsidiaries. Under her guidance, IRB.Tax has grown exponentially, catering to a diverse clientele seeking specialized tax services. At the same time, the RB Immigration Team has filed over 3,500 immigration applications and assisted tens of thousands of individuals with their tax returns. A multistate company with a virtual presence throughout the United States, IRBusiness exerts an indelible influence within the industry.
Alexandra’s genuine relationship with clients, spanning multiple generations, sets her apart from the competition. Despite her many accomplishments, she maintains a strong sense of groundedness and dedication to making finance accessible and simplified for everyone. She believes in the power of knowledge and dedicates herself to educating her clients, empowering them to make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals. As Alexandra’s journey unfolds, she remains open to new opportunities, always listening to her clients’ needs and adapting her services accordingly. With a visionary outlook, she foresees a future where aspiring entrepreneurs have the essential financial tools to realize their dreams. Recognizing the significance of business credit-building, Alexandra aims to provide comprehensive services that empower these ambitious individuals on their path to success.
2 – Keryn Gold
Keryn Gold, PhD empowers organizations to improve profits without layoffs so they can do more good. She partners with leaders to achieve what they once believed impossible: accelerated multi-year plan and goal achievement, engaged employees, and work/life balance for both themselves and their people, without burnout.
An award-winning entrepreneurial leader, executive advisor, business strategist, and change-maker, Keryn has a unique, effective, and compassionate approach with a proven history over the past 20 years, consistently delivering 50x ROI to clients. Her experience includes being CEO and COO of start-ups and consulting firms, working in venture capital and private equity, and establishing and leading data science and strategy centers of excellence at multiple Fortune 50 and FAANG companies. Clients consider Keryn a “resourceful, perceptive, trusted advisor” who “proactively delivers transformational value with relentless compassion – phenomenally fast.” Her commitment to delivering measurable results and multiple-fold ROI within weeks, uncovering hidden profits without negative impact to people, product, or service quality, while accelerating innovation and unleashing the potential of employees and improving schedule flexibility for all make her a trusted and valued partner for organizations across industries and stages of growth.
Central to Keryn’s business is her distinctive success-based model. This is designed to ensure aligned incentives – if they don’t produce savings, they don’t get paid. Her track record of value-creation is evident in that most of Keryn’s business comes from repeat clients and their referrals. Examples range from accelerating a start-up CEO’s 5-year vision, manifesting it within just 1 year and 100x-ing their customer acquisition, to enabling $10-$100M cost-savings at multiple Fortune 500 companies across industries inside of 6 months, while empowering their employees to spend more quality time with their loved ones.
Aligning with her drive to create win-wins and equitable partnerships, when others refer her business, Keryn shares her net project profit 50/50 with them, in gratitude for their trust and providing her with expanded opportunities to make a difference.
Those who work with Keryn benefit from her strategic acumen, gain access to proven, innovative, data-driven solutions to their challenges, and thrive in the face of change. Her unique approach and consistent history delivering transformational value make Keryn a highly sought-after partner, and have earned her accolades including “10 Most Inspiring Business Women” by CXO Outlook, a “Top Innovator & Entrepreneur” by multiple organizations, and a “Changemaker of Distinction” by Ashoka. For Keryn, it’s all about the joy of unblocking people and empowering them to achieve what they once believed to be out of reach.
3 – Mike Rogge
Mike Rogge, owner, and editor of Mountain Gazette, has made a lasting impact on outdoor media through his passion and relentless pursuit of excellence. Throughout Mike’s long and distinguished career, his accomplishments and contributions have been recognized throughout the industry. Taking ownership of the legendary Mountain Gazette in 2020, he defied the digital wave and embraced the tangible allure of print media. An engaging symphony of storytelling, breathtaking photography, and original artwork unfolds within its pages, captivating readers and inspiring their sense of adventure.
Mountain Gazette is reminiscent of a treasured coffee table book, demonstrating Mike’s commitment to quality. With contributions from legendary athletes, artists, writers, and photographers, it attracts a discerning audience of top executives, influential agents, and Hollywood celebrities. As a testament to his talent, he has several accomplishments up his sleeve. Mike’s book, “Kehinde Wiley: The World Stage: Haiti,” demonstrates his literary prowess and understanding of the art form. Meanwhile, his directorial ventures, notably the award-winning short films “Another Way” and “Finding Fury,” have mesmerized audiences through their emotionally charged narratives. Moreover, his prolific contributions as a ski journalist have earned him multiple National Magazine Awards and the Mitch Kaplan Award for Excellence in Ski Journalism.
While digital media dominates the media landscape, Mike remains adamant that print is far from obsolete. His vision for Mountain Gazette goes beyond the resuscitation of the magazine; he aspires to create a world where businesses emphasize empathy and provide exceptional customer service. Having a balanced life involving his passion for skiing, the responsibilities of being a dedicated father and husband, and publishing two outstanding issues of Mountain Gazette every year is essential to him. Guided by Mike’s visionary leadership, Mountain Gazette has revitalized the outdoor media landscape. In an era flooded with shallow and superficial content, the magazine stands as a beacon of inspiration by steadfastly upholding mountain culture’s essence and harnessing authentic storytelling’s transformative power.
4 – Jessica Payne
Jessica Payne, an Impact Researcher, has made significant contributions to the field of social impact research, leaving a positive impact on numerous lives. Jessica’s founding of Mockingbird Analytics in 2015 represented a pivotal moment in her career, owing as much to her expertise in nonprofit evaluation, and government social programs as to her background in educational research.
Jessica’s story demonstrates resilience and a commitment to driving social change. As part of her extensive experience, she has held positions, including under Mayor Villaraigosa in the Department of Gang Reduction and Youth Development. She has also worked with organizations such as CASA of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Additionally, she founded Mockingbird Incubator, which provides steadfast support and comprehensive training to aspiring activists and emerging nonprofits, creating a generation of passionate changemakers. Under Jessica’s guidance, the Mockingbird Team has achieved remarkable success, securing over $35 million in grants for nonprofits across the US, amplifying their voices and igniting positive change. In particular, Mockingbird’s groundbreaking work with the LA Civil Rights Commission on a reparations study is a shining example of Mockingbird’s commitment to social justice.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jessica imparts wisdom that transcends conventional boundaries. Maintaining internal values is fundamental to her philosophy, as she recognizes that adherence to progressive values attracts partners, employees, and clients that share a love of community and equity. She nurtures a work environment that offers meaningful work, equitable wages, and a healthy work-life balance at Mockingbird Analytics. Looking to the future, Jessica envisions a transformative path for Mockingbird Analytics and Incubator, aiming to evolve into an employee-owned company that exemplifies the tremendous power of collective ownership. She is passionate about expanding her organization’s policy work and advocating for measures promoting equity and challenging oppressive systems. Among the many progressive policy areas where Mockingbird is looking to continue to expand its research, first and foremost are the programs offering universal basic income programs (UBI) significantly are debt cancellation and prioritizing cash first programs. Through her dedication and pioneering spirit, Jessica and her team aspire to continue contributing to fostering progress toward a more equitable society.
5 – Justin Stovner
Justin Stovner, a true innovator, has left an indelible mark on the biotech industry. During college, Justin’s innovative journey began when he co-founded Syntr Health Technologies, Inc., a breakthrough company focused on harnessing the potential of adipose tissue for various applications. With its transformative capabilities, this innovative venture quickly caught the industry’s attention and captivated it. While nurturing his company’s growth, he continued his pursuit for knowledge and obtained a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the esteemed University of California, Irvine.
During his master’s program, Justin embarked on an extraordinary journey to reshape the agricultural industry by developing a groundbreaking device for the rapid isolation of plant cells for genetic modification. This invention could revolutionize the agricultural biotechnology industry and ignite a beacon of hope for food production worldwide. With an impressive portfolio boasting 16 patents already granted and an additional 16 patents awaiting approval, his inventive brilliance shines with unwavering vigor. The numerous patents he has earned illustrate his commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and developing revolutionary solutions.
Amidst the recognition and triumphs, Justin remains grounded and offers valuable advice to aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the critical significance of embracing failure as a vital stepping stone to success. A firm believer in the power of knowledge, he encourages individuals to broaden their horizons, believing that new ideas flourish in an environment where minds are open to new ideas. As Justin looks ahead, he envisions a world of innovation and invention awaiting him. Dedicated to shaping the future, he strives to nurture new ideas and inventions that push the boundaries of what is possible.
6 – Daniel Zahoul
Daniel Zahoul, a visionary entrepreneur, has made a lasting contribution to the design and publishing industries. A natural-born innovator, Daniel’s professional trajectory is a testament to his relentless drive, unwavering commitment, and artistic flair. Originating from Mexico City but having made Newport Beach his home base since 2011, he began his career in Graphic Design before mastering the intricacies of SEO, digital marketing and website design.
In 2007, Daniel founded Bdsign Creative Group, initially an editorial and graphic design agency. Aware of the evolving needs of the industry, he expanded his services to include web and digital marketing. The company’s remarkable distinction lies in its exceptional client service and commitment to creative thinking, all while staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology and industry trends. This unique combination allows them to achieve unparalleled results, employing a holistic approach that takes into account both the perspectives of the developers and the end users. With a passion for digital magazines, sustainability, and showcasing exclusive interviews, Daniel launched Naluda Magazine in 2013. The launch of this pioneering platform redefined the landscape of online publications and set new standards for high-quality publication. It provides insight into interviews with various personalities, from celebrities to artists and entrepreneurs. Naluda’s SEO strategies have improved the visibility of their interviewees and fostered the magazine’s reputation as one of the industry’s leading publications.
The journey of Daniel’s entrepreneurial career has been challenging. Developing trust and connections with agencies, PR professionals, managers, and celebrities was a significant obstacle at first. Nevertheless, Naluda Magazine has achieved tremendous success through its perseverance and dedication. According to him, persistence, foresight, and hard work are the keys to success for aspiring entrepreneurs. In the coming years, Daniel envisions his company flourishing into an online media network, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the industry. With an array of informative websites in the pipeline, such as Naluda and his existing platforms like Orangism, Phloxfitness, Dollarthinking and Weblawinfo, his dreams and aspirations are set on creating an expansive network of informative resources. Through these ventures, Daniel aims to continue building a digital empire that offers valuable content and expert SEO services, bolstering the networks of clients across diverse sectors.
7 – Kati Suominen
Kati Suominen, Founder and CEO of Nextrade Group, is a visionary entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on international trade. Known for her passion for empowering individuals around the globe, Kati has helped transform the industry, opening doors to new clients, empowering growth, and positively affecting the lives of countless individuals. With more than 25 years of experience, she has grown a thriving business that now collaborates with more than 50 prestigious clients, including Fortune 500 companies like Visa, Google, Mastercard, eBay, and UPS. Her impact extends beyond her business ventures; she teaches executive MBA courses at UCLA Anderson School of Management and is an adjunct fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) promoting digital trade.
Throughout her career, Kati has achieved many remarkable accomplishments. In 2013, she founded Nextrade Group, a technology-based firm facilitating global trade. Today, it is a driving force behind initiatives that make business more accessible by improving policies and developing innovative technologies. Working with influential organizations such as USAID, United Nations, the Commerce Department, and the World Bank, she has envisioned and built seven global initiatives and multi-million dollar public-private partnerships to enable cross border ecommerce and digital trade in emerging markets. This thought leadership can be seen in Kati’s 10 books on globalization and world trade, including her latest book, “Revolutionizing World Trade: How Disruptive Technologies Open Opportunities for All,” published by Stanford University Press in 2019.
Aspired leaders will find Kati’s wisdom and insights a source of inspiration. She reminds us of the immense creative potential within each individual and encourages us to translate our visions into practice. Additionally, she emphasizes the fundamental pillars of success: hard work, consistency, and dedication, fueled by a compelling vision. With an eye toward the future, she envisions expanding her solutions to promote what she calls “Carbonless Commerce,” net zero world trade. As she transitions from a builder to a funder, she seeks to scale her impact through a fund or foundation, leveraging the valuable relationships she has cultivated. She envisions supporting after-school athletic programs focused on underserved communities. This initiative stems from her profound understanding as a life-long athlete and Division I tennis player of the significance of sports in shaping individuals’ lives.
8 – Roger Kurath
Roger Kurath, a renowned Swiss architect, has left an indelible mark on the design world through his awe-inspiring creations and innovative design methods. Originally from a quaint Swiss town, Roger’s passion for architecture was ignited at a young age, propelling him on a journey that would redefine the frontiers of architecture. With a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from a prestigious Swiss university, he moved to the United States, where he further improved his skills by earning a Master’s degree from UCLA.
The internationally acclaimed architectural firm founded by Roger, Design21, was established in 2000 and has become synonymous with dramatic, innovative, and sustainable design. As a renowned company with an impressive portfolio spanning Switzerland, the United States, and Shanghai, the firm has built a reputation for creating exquisite environments that seamlessly blend into their surroundings. Each project exudes an essence of simplicity, demonstrating the profound impact that thoughtful design and cutting-edge technology can have on the built environment. Roger is regarded as one of the foremost architects of our time, having been honored with numerous awards, including the prestigious PCBC Gold Nugget Awards, in which he was bestowed with the Award of Merit for Best Custom Home over 8,000 square feet in 2021. Several renowned publications, such as the LA Times and Dwell Magazine, have featured his captivating designs, further solidifying his reputation as a significant architectural figure.
What truly distinguishes Roger from his peers is his exceptional talent and his commitment to his craft. A strong advocate of simplicity, he emphasizes the importance of forming a cohesive team and preserving the design’s original concept. His advice resonates with aspiring architects and homeowners alike, stressing the importance of minimizing changes during construction to avoid spiralling construction costs and compromises to the project’s essence. Having a keen eye towards the future, he hopes to create sustainable dream homes for his discerning clients. Roger’s dream is to create architectural masterpieces in different corners of the world, immersing himself in climates that mirror the beauty of his native country.
9 – Krishna Chintalapathi
Krishna Chintalapathi, the visionary IT entrepreneur, has left an indelible mark on the industry with his groundbreaking achievements and contributions. From humble beginnings with a three-member team to a thriving workforce of 300 in Sacramento and Los Angeles, California, Under Krishna’s exceptional leadership, he guided the teams at West Advanced Technologies Inc. to reach unparalleled heights through their collective pursuit of excellence. Through the development of the public sector and public safety solutions, he has revolutionized mission-critical systems, sparking a positive transformation in government and law enforcement administration throughout the state.
Krishna’s contribution to modernization and innovation can be seen in his pivotal role in developing solutions that directly address pressing issues. He played an important role in combating the opioid epidemic, combating crime and improving social services benefits throughout California. Having served as a trusted advisor to a number of state and local government agencies, he has created information and data-sharing platforms that enable agencies to work seamlessly together. Among Krishna’s most important achievements is developing state-of-the-art law enforcement software, ‘BEAGLE.’ This cutting-edge product leverages the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to empower law enforcement officers to take advantage of unmatched efficiencies. Currently used by approximately 100 law enforcement agencies in California, ‘BEAGLE’ has revolutionized how officers combat crime, enhancing public safety and ensuring more effective policing.
In the IT industry, Krishna’s wisdom and experience are invaluable resources. With over 25 years of experience, he provides valuable advice regarding the transition from archaic to state-of-the-art government technology. Using his guidance, government entities can better serve their customers and citizens while avoiding costly pitfalls. In the future, he envisions a world where his groundbreaking products will transcend national borders. A deep-seated desire to make a lasting impact and provide cutting-edge solutions to empower government and agencies worldwide drives his dreams and aspirations. With growing interest in ‘BEAGLE’ from regions as diverse as Africa, Australia, and the Middle East, Krishna aims to expand his state-of-the-art offerings.
10 – Paul Edalat
Paul Edalat, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Vivera, has left an indelible mark on the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries through his groundbreaking work and dedication to patient well-being. After witnessing his younger brother, Peter, battle an aggressive form of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Paul entered the healthcare arena, motivated to make a difference in one specific area: medication delivery.
Peter was prescribed high-dose pain medications to help him manage the pain from his condition and cancer treatments. He became dependent on his medication, ultimately struggling with addiction and withdrawal symptoms throughout his treatment.
Considering the risks associated with addictive medications, Paul realized the importance of creating a controlled environment where highly addictive and abused medications could be dispensed. This realization led to the creation of Vivera, a pharmaceutical and technology company dedicated to developing innovative biopharmaceutical, medical device, and medical technology products. At the core of Vivera’s mission is ZICOH, a revolutionary, patented smart medication delivery system that is currently in development. With ZICOH, patients can receive doses of their prescribed medications in accordance with the doctor’s prescribed dosing schedule. The device features patient bio authentication aimed at improving compliance and deterring the diversion of prescription medications.
Paul’s dedication to his mission has not gone unnoticed, earning him numerous prestigious awards and honors. His exceptional leadership and remarkable growth led to his selection as a member of the esteemed Forbes Council, an honor reserved for outstanding individuals who have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial expertise and insight. Additionally, his commitment to innovation and excellence was further acknowledged through his honorable nominations for the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards and the Innovator of the Year Awards, highlighting his relentless pursuit of groundbreaking solutions. Industry experts and notable publications have also taken notice of Paul’s impact. Insights Success, a renowned publication, for example, has named him one of the top ten most impactful business leaders to follow in 2023. This accolade underscores his remarkable influence and visionary approach to driving change in the industry.
When advising future business leaders, Paul refers to his business mentors who showed him the way through his career. He also stresses the importance of seeking mentors who can provide guidance and insights into their past experiences. Looking ahead, he envisions a future where medication safety is paramount and patient experiences are greatly enhanced through innovative drug delivery solutions. As a true pioneer in reshaping the healthcare industry, Paul has distinguished himself through his visionary leadership, remarkable advancements, and relentless dedication to patient well-being.
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