Susan Howington is the CEO and Founder of the outplacement and executive coaching firm called Power Connections Career Services, Inc, and equity owner of Career Partners International. She is a sought-after expert in the career management field due to her experiences as a career consultant, executive coach, author, and speaker. Her life-long goal i…

As founder of OC Growth Advisors, Marla works with business owners and their employees to improve focus and processes for growth and greater profitability. She has run several successful organizations, including one she sold in 2015 for 15 times EBITDA. Marla has served on multiple non-profit boards as well as two for-profit Boards. She is also a c…

Drawing on years of hospitality industry expertise, Ms. Almada excels as the Chief Executive Officer of DKN Hotels. Since joining the organization in 1998, she has held various roles, including Vice President, Regional Director, General Manager, and Assistant General Manager. In this current capacity, she oversees all personnel, ensuring they have …

Brandon is the Founder and CEO of AURA, a firm specializing in providing fractional controllers and CFO services to marketing agencies. With over 15 years of professional experience, Brandon helps marketing agencies scale and become more profitable by understanding the value of accurate data around their decision-making process. AURA has had severa…

Dr. Sophia Nnenna Ononye, PhD MPH MBA is a Yale-trained Cancer Research Scientist, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Speaker, Certified Corporate Director, Board Advisor, Women's Health/FemTech Strategist, NMQF 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader, and Mentor. Dr. Ononye has over 15 years of cross-functional experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across…

Chandan Shiroy brings over two decades of experience in manufacturing and engineering to his role as Vice President of Sales and Operations at S&D Industrial Tool Supply. Since joining the company in January 2023, he has spearheaded initiatives in digital transformation, talent development, and market expansion, including the implementation of vend…

As President of the C.W. Driver family of companies, Karl is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of three leading construction firms: C.W. Driver, Driver SPG, and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver was established in 1919 and is the longest-operating contracting firm in Southern California. The firm provides sophisticated preconstruction/…

Hernan Ricaurte is the President of Ricaurte Precision Inc. (RPI), an Orange County based contract manufacturer specializing in precision (CNC) machining for the aerospace, space, defense, and medical device industries. RPI works with some of the world’s most advanced and demanding OEMs. Hernan has over 20 years of international experience spanning…

Caecilia Gotama earned her Bachelor and Master's Degrees in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Fullerton and a Master's in Business Administration from the Graziadio School at Pepperdine University. She is also an LEED-accredited professional due to her passion for sustainable engineering. Caecilia is a licensed Mechanical Eng…

Carlo Odicino is the CEO and Founder of One TEAM Partners. He specializes in helping early-stage companies bring their innovations to market without succumbing to the burnout often faced by start-ups. With 24+ years of experience scaling businesses of all sizes, he guides CEOs and leadership teams through complex challenges to achieve extraordinary…

Frank M. Campbell is a financial services veteran with over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He holds designations as a Chartered Life Underwriter, Licensed Life & Disability Analyst, and Chartered Financial Consultant. Frank's primary focus is ensuring his clients' life insurance policies deliver the necessary protection and finan…

Jessica Huang is a seasoned restaurant marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in brand strategy, digital marketing, and third-party delivery optimization. She has worked with a diverse range of restaurant concepts, from quick-service and fast-casual brands to full-service and multi-unit operators, helping them develop strong, sustainable…

This episode of Critical Mass Business Talk Show is our contribution to #Podcasthon2025, the world’s largest podcast charity initiative, bringing together podcasters globally to raise awareness for charitable cause. Craig Kausen is the Chairman of the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity thro…

Jenny Zhan, CEO, founded and leads all areas of business and operations for Beyond International. She brings more than 20 years of investment experience focused on institutional investing and managing multi-asset strategies. As a Charted Financial Analyst (CFA), she specializes in international wealth management and has managed investments in real …

With over 30 years in the industry, Daren Lauda is a highly accomplished and versatile professional with a rich background in the technology and business sectors. Daren began his career as an Infantry Team Leader in the US Army. Leveraging his military experience, he transitioned into the corporate world and made a lasting impact in senior leadersh…

Zarina Bahadur is the CEO & Founder of 123 Baby Box, a monthly subscription box for babies. Zarina received a full scholarship to the University of California Irvine for both her bachelors and masters degree. She founded the company while a masters student in business school. Zarina has won 1st place in five national pitch competitions and has scal…

Gernado G. Abrams is the entrepreneur and independent business owner of Bungi Enterprises, a full-service creative executive professional management and accounting services company. He has been a creative professional for over twenty-five (25+) years, working in the music, entertainment, and broadcasting network industries for decades. From a radio…

Alexander Harmsen, a tech entrepreneur passionate about AI, finance, and autonomy. He founded PortfolioPilot.com, an AI Financial Advisor with over $30 billion in assets on platform. Previously, he founded and sold Iris Automation, worked on NASA’s Mars Helicopter, and went through Y Combinator. He’s raised over $30M in venture capital and was reco…

Shelley Iocona is the Founder of ON ITS AXIS, a consultancy that helps companies achieve sustainable growth through digital and operational transformation. With over 20 years of experience in product development, operations, and strategic leadership, Shelley blends technical expertise with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics to deliver …

Kristin Epperson is the driving force behind Charity Matterz, an organization dedicated to strengthening the structural foundation and sustainability of nonprofits. Charity Matterz empowers organizations by providing strategic guidance in leadership development, operational optimization, and fostering long-term sustainability. By embedding social e…

Ashleigh Louis, PhD, and Jeff Soilson, JD, co-founded Quantum ADR to help people stay out of court and avoid legal fees through mediation. As a dual-licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist alongside a former family law litigator, they weave together their combined five decades of psychology and family law experience to facilitate ne…

In his role as COO and Co-Founder at Stratus Financial, Brandon Martini spearheads strategic initiatives and oversees day-to-day operations to drive growth and ensure operational excellence. Together with Stratus FInancial's exceptional team, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's vision and implementing a customer-centric approach. …

Naushad Huda is a Senior Principal at Slalom, a global management consulting firm, where he leads customer strategy for Contact Center Transformations. He leads with a passion for research, problem-solving, and actionable insights. His career is marked by an unwavering belief in human potential, a trait that fuels his optimism and commitment to cre…

Anoushka Mirchandani is the founder of SIMMER, a financial literacy platform designed to make managing money simple and approachable. With almost two decades of experience in the financial services industry, including leadership roles at Morgan Stanley and BlackRock, Anoushka has a proven track record of driving innovation and building strategic so…

Steve Healis graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with an engineering degree but quickly realized he did not want to be an engineer. Procter & Gamble only hired engineers for their entry-level supervisory positions because engineers would have a better understanding of the technology – BUT they had to find engineers who also had people skills. Steve star…

Mark T. Hebner is the founder and CEO of Index Fund Advisors, Inc., (IFA), author of the highly regarded book Index Funds: The 12-Step Recovery Program for Active Investors, focused on investor education. Mark’s current book and previous editions received praise from financial industry experts and academic luminaries, including John Bogle, David Bo…

John Forsyte has led Pacific Symphony since 1998, during which time it has emerged as the largest orchestral institution founded in the U.S. in the past 50 years. Under his leadership, the Symphony has grown in national and international stature. Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall in 2018 as one of two orchestras invited to perform in…

LaVal Brewer is the President & CEO of South County Outreach in Irvine, CA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing hunger and homelessness by helping people help themselves. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and more than a decade in executive leadership, LaVal is a seasoned expert in board development, strategic pl…

Gregg Hemphill is the CEO of Nexbelt, LLC, a leader in premium belts and accessories. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, where he played on the golf team, Gregg worked in a variety of roles until 2001, when he met John Ashworth as he was starting a new golf brand with Quiksilver. Gregg joined the brand and worked there until 200…

Meg Treat, APR is a public relations agency leader, running industry professional, entrepreneur, and educator. She is the owner and CEO of Treat Public Relations, the endurance event industry's premier public relations and strategic communications partner. Her award-winning firm represents some of the largest endurance sports events in the United S…

Since founding Powerhouse+Co. in 2015, Kristin has advanced its standing as one of Orange County’s premier agencies by highlighting innovation, thought leadership and entrepreneurism. She has continued to reimagine the firm’s approach to PR, influencer and social media programs to tell powerful client stories. Last year, Kristin redefined what it m…

Alison Lehmann Edwards is the CEO of the nonprofit organization Groundswell, she has been involved with the organization since 1998, serving as the director for the BRIDGES Safe and Respectful Schools Program, then Deputy Director of the organization before becoming CEO in 2018. Ali has degrees in Ethnic Studies, American Studies and Cultural Studi…

Sohail Sadeghi is the founder and principal of Atlantis Tax Group & Financial Services, a firm revolutionizing the tax industry by providing strategic tax planning services that go beyond traditional preparation. With over a decade of experience in both the public and private sectors, Sohail is committed to helping clients achieve their financial g…

Jasmina (Jass) Brooks is President, Electrophysiology, Johnson & Johnson MedTech (formerly Biosense Webster, Inc.), a global leader in the science, diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Jass is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in the cardiovascular field, primarily focused on electrophysiology. She has accountabi…

Joshua Dominic is the Co-Founder & CEO of Dreamstar Lines, the premier overnight sleeper train service in North America. Joshua co-founded Dreamstar after experiencing the significant shortfalls in today’s travel and realizing other countries had a working solution, but one needing further development for the American market. By developing a luxury…

Bita Safari is the founder and CEO of GIGO Clean Technology. GIGO Clean Technology provides a platform for an application that works like Uber for the cleaning industry. Starting from a small office in Santa Ana, California, the company plans to provide services nationwide by 2028. Bita Safari is an effective leader with an extensive project manage…

Bryan Crain is the President of Orange County Rescue Mission, Bryan’s entrepreneurial career began 28 years ago as an undergraduate at the University of Southern California. He co-founded what became the largest independent radio show prep company in the nation, serving over 2,000 radio morning shows with daily written and audio content. After sell…

Jennifer Strong is the founder of Cognitive Diagnostic Associates (CDA), the largest special education company in the United States. An accomplished School Psychologist with specialized expertise in School Neuropsychological Assessment. Boasting an illustrious background in the field, Jennifer has embraced the role of Board Member and Region 9 (IX)…

Jay Rogers is an investment professional and entrepreneur with almost three decades in the financial services industry. His career began with such firms as Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo and Bear Stearns and later transitioned to working full time with family offices and creating diverse investment portfolios. Alpha Strategies was established in 2009 …

Chris Skaling is the visionary founder and CEO of NAITIVE, an innovative AI Consulting Agency that is transforming the consulting landscape. With over 15 years of experience in AI integration and cloud transformations, Chris is at the forefront of pioneering AI-driven solutions that redefine how businesses operate. At NAITIVE, Chris leads a team de…

Polina Kratova is the Founder and CEO of RiseUP Stars, a pioneering organization in youth enrichment and education. With over a decade of experience working with tech-enabled startups and building impactful programs, Polina has dedicated her career to empowering young minds through innovative, hands-on learning experiences. RiseUP Stars is a leadin…

Tom Wood is a seasoned entrepreneur and industry expert with a passion for helping business maximize profits and increase their bottom line. As the CEO of Silent Streams, he has successfully saved companies millions of dollars and increased employees' benefits at the same time. With a keen eye for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Tom is d…

Known as The Transformational Book Coach for “cause publishing,” Susie Schaefer believes that books are the gateway to creating a movement. Whether writing a book helps an author heal past trauma or raise awareness for social change, Susie empowers storytellers to be part of the global conversation and create a ripple effect for humanity, particula…

Shannon Chapman graduated from Mission Viejo High School in 2000, making her way to SDSU days before her 18th birthday. She wanted to be a teacher, so she majored in English & had her BA by 2004. She was 21 when she graduated college & set out to become a teacher abroad. Instead, she welcomed a baby boy at age 23 with half of her credential complet…

Jenn Quader is President & CEO of The Smart Agency, a 30-year-old company she acquired in 2018 that is now the leading professional communications firm for commercial real estate and financial services companies in the United States. Her personal mission is to empower the next generation of confident communicators by sharing her voice in the global…

John Cervenka is the CEO and a co-founder of Starfish Social Media Inc. Starfish is a fast growing global social media platform that enables users to promote their good, connect with others that share common interests, and easily connect with the causes they about. Prior to launching Starfish, John was an Institutional Advisor with Morgan Stanley. …

Ian Tonks is an expert EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide. Through the Entrepreneurial Operating System™, Ian Tonks combines timeless business principles with a set of simple, practical, real-world tools to help entrepreneurs get what they want from their businesses, enabling them to crystalize their vision, instill discipline and accountability thro…

Sebastian Zelger, born in 1988 in Germany, is the CEO of Liqui Moly USA. His early experiences with low-paying and physically exhausting vacation jobs during high school fueled his determination to pursue higher education and a successful career. While studying, Zelger gained hands-on experience at prominent companies like Porsche AG in Stuttgart a…

Scott Cannon is the CEO of OC-based BigRentz, a leading procurement software company that solves long-standing challenges in construction by streamlining equipment procurement and improving logistics. The platform connects contractors to over 14,000 rental yards and 6,000 rental companies across the U.S., reducing inefficiencies in a traditionally …

Curtis McCullom is a Human Potential Coach, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, speaker, and trainer with over 35 years of experience in self-improvement and personal development. As the CEO of the Curtis McCullom Group LLC, Bespoke Human Potential Coaching, Curtis helps individuals and entrepreneurs break through mindset blocks, increase income, an…