Written in Partnership with Amir BakianLooking for inspiration to start the year right? Here are six experts making a real impact in their respective industries with stories worth paying attention to. From photography and entrepreneurship to law and social media, these individuals have faced challenges, overcome obstacles, and achieved success in their careers. They have valuable lessons and wisdom to share, and their stories can inspire and motivate others to pursue their own dreams and aspirations.
1. David Drebin – Photography
A graduate of Parsons School of Design in NYC, David Drebin is a multidisciplinary artist working in various art forms producing limited edition works including Photographs, Lightboxes, Neon Light Installations, Diamond Dust works and more. Following his first solo exhibition at Camera Work in Berlin in 2005 and the release of his first comprehensive illustrated book “Love and Other Stories” in 2007, Drebin experienced a stream of worldwide representation by some of the finest galleries globally. Drebin’s artworks also known as “Drebins” are unique and instantly recognizable as his own. His artistic style is often described as epic, dramatic and, above all, cinematic. Drebin has released seven books with teNeues publishing including “The Morning After”, Beautiful Disasters”, “Chasing Paradise”, “Dreamscapes”, “Love and Lights”, “Before They Were Famous” and most recently released “Collectors Edition” an oversized limited edition monograph created as a gift to the collectors of his works around the world.
2. Lynch Hunt (AKA Coach Lynch) – Fitness
Lynch Hunt, also known as Coach Lynch, is a leading voice known for his ability to help others transform their lives through personal development and self-help. After spending 10 years in federal prison, including a year in solitary confinement, Hunt turned his life around and became a successful fitness entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. He is the founder of AWOL Fitness, owns two gyms, and plans to open three more in 2023. He is also an ambassador for global brands Lululemon and R7 Energy and the speaker committee chair for TedX Greensboro. He is also the author of 17 books, including From Prison to Prosperity, the basis for the Prison to Prosperity Act (H.R. 4369), which was introduced in Congress.
3. Gianni Mendes Toniutti – Law
Attorney Gianni Mendes Toniutti is an immigration lawyer who has been practicing law since 2005. After 11 years as a senior partner at a prestigious international law firm, he co-founded his own firm, Tosolini, Toniutti & Partners, in February 2022. The firm specializes in representing Italian individuals and corporate entities and has offices in New York, Miami, Tampa, Milan, and Naples. Mendes Toniutti has been named by several Italian and American media as “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧” and “𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐈𝐏𝐬”, having represented 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 of 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 during his long professional career. Mendes Toniutti and his partner, Emanuele Tosolini, are now looking to open new offices in Europe, including France and the UK
4. Mandy Lemond – Motivational Speaking
Amazon bestselling author, Mandy Lemond, is a former foster child turned Emmy Award-winning TV producer. She is a motivational speaker and wrote a memoir, The Fostered One, which features the 5-method system she developed to overcome her childhood trauma. Lemond serves globally, speaking to divorcees, parents, and children of those incarcerated and those coping with post-traumatic stress disorder.
5. Mischella Felix – Technology
Multitalented Mischella Felix is a leader in the digital space with many accomplishments. She is the author of Heal Your Career, a tool for anyone who wants to find their talents and start living their divinely-given purpose in a strategic, joyful, and soulful way. She is also the founder of one for-profit and two nonprofits organizations and is a supporter of bridging the digital divide through cutting-edge and inclusive technologies.
6. Michael Rogers – Collectibles
Michael Rogers’ entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of taking action and not second-guessing yourself. Just three years ago, Michael was working 40 hours per week at Walmart while running his business part-time. Now, he has six collectible toy stores, and a restaurant, and is a sponsor of the Dallas Mavericks, a major NBA team. He also self-published 64 books, holds a patent, produced 3 records, ran for public office, and has grown his brand to a point where he sees it as a national brand within the next three years.
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