Leading Turnaround and Restructuring Consulting Experts 2025

I’m Daniel (He/Him), and I’m the Founder of The Courage Collective. My experience includes work in Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, Tech, Consulting, Education, and the Nonprofit Sector. I care deeply about humanizing the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion conversation, bringing impactful ideas to life, and creating meaningful, memorable, and transformational experiences with & for others.

For over 30 years, Jim has been a change agent in the nonprofit and public sectors. Just recently, he finished his 7th interim executive position. Jim was the Interim CEO of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, a visual and performing arts center in the heart of the cultural and convention district of San Francisco. There, he helped reduce a projected $4M deficit to $600k surplus and built back trust with the staff after a major public relations crisis. Previously, Jim was the Interim CEO of Downtown Streets Team, a nonprofit rated as one of California’s top five evidence-based best practices in transitioning the homeless to self-sufficiency. Over 18 months, he turned an $800,000 deficit into a $500,000 surplus while also paying off a third of their debt. Previously, he served as the interim executive director of five other nonprofits. His additional positions include acting as the Chief Communications Officer for the American Red Cross in Colorado, the interim Chief Operating Officer for More than Me (an international nonprofit for girls in Africa), and the Chief External Relations Officer for the Minnesota Zoo. In addition to his nonprofit work, Jim is passionate about good government. Jim was the VP of Strategy at CivicMakers, a San Francisco government innovation consultancy. There, he co-facilitated a three year strategic roadmap for the City of Hayward and designed process improvements for over 40 internal procedures for the City of Berkeley. As a 2014 Humphrey School Policy Fellow, 2013 White House Innovation Fellow finalist, and winner of the 2012 Minnesota Idea Open, he has been recognized for excellence within the public sector. Jim holds a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of Pennsylvania.

I am the founder of BeastBI GmbH, a digital consultancy specializing in digital marketing. Whether it's marketing analysis, restructuring, or migration. We focus on optimize marketing budgets and improve ROIs. HubSpot and Google Ads certified and partner. With over a decade of experience across CRM, Paid Ads, SEO, (B2B) leadgen and marketing analysis, I combine technical know-how with a deep understanding of marketing & business strategy. I work and lead a remote team, scaled international campaigns. I also support companies as interim head of marketing and similar positions.

An impassioned Career Transition Coach who spent more than 20 years working in the recruitment industry and now dedicates my focus on helping my clients navigate important career decisions. When it comes to a person’s career, everyone has a unique need or challenge, therefore, I design a bespoke solution around my clients need, applying an approach that maybe a blend of advisor, consultant, coach, and or mentor. I have collaborated with clients across all industries and job levels, from youth to graduates to executive level, providing 1:1 Career Coaching, Outplacement Support and Career Skills Development workshops. My focus is to collaborate with my clients across the following key areas: Discover, develop a plan and guide on how to execute one’s plan, imparting knowledge, providing practical advice and the necessary tools to assist in aligning to the market expectations, making the individual aware of what to expect and how to prepare for the necessary career transition. “Helping one person might not change the world, but it can change the world for one person”. This quote resonates firmly within my values, where I strive to make a positive difference everywhere possible. In addition to running Career Management Consultancy, in January 2024 I was appointed as an International Career and Transition Coach for Africa, for IMPACT Group a global coaching firm providing relocation, outplacement and leadership development programmes, where I provide career consulting to relocating spouses as well as cross-cultural and integration/transition coaching for employees and their families.

I’m Cristy Verdeja Zaldívar—a strategic communications and marketing leader with over 15 years of experience transforming how brands connect, grow, and lead. As CEO of Pointe Connect, I consult for companies across industries—from nimble startups to global Fortune 500s—offering high-level strategy rooted in clarity, creativity, and results. I specialize in diagnosing challenges, crafting messaging that resonates, and building marketing and communications frameworks that drive real business impact. Known for my sharp instincts and innovative thinking, I’m the person teams call when they need to elevate their brand, reset their approach, or navigate complexity with confidence. My expertise spans corporate communications, PR, digital strategy, crisis and issues management, and multicultural marketing. I’ve advised industry giants, led global campaigns, and built cross-functional teams that deliver. I’m a bilingual storyteller (English/Spanish + conversational French) with a global mindset and a deep belief in the power of connection. Whether I’m guiding an executive team or rolling up my sleeves with a small business owner, I bring vision, structure, and momentum to every engagement.

If you’re here, you’re probably curious about who I am and what we do at spectup. Let me fill you in. I started my career with a banking apprenticeship, thinking I’d spend my life crunching numbers. But then I discovered startups—and everything changed. At N26, the fintech unicorn, I got my first taste of the fast-paced world of innovation. I fell in love with the chaos, creativity, and energy. After that, I joined Civey, where I dove into digital market research, business models, and marketing strategies. Then came Deutsche Bahn, where I worked on international expansion, competitor analysis, and market strategies. I learned how to make sense of complex industries (global transport markets, anyone?) and drive growth. At diffferent (yes, that’s how it’s spelled), I helped brands like Audi and Zalando identify growth opportunities and design innovative business strategies. And at Deloitte’s Innovation & Ventures team, I worked on building future-proof businesses with cutting-edge tech. One highlight? Leading 30+ projects at the BMW Startup Garage, helping startups find their place in the world of mobility. That’s where I saw the real power of connecting startups with the right partners. Now, I’m building spectup. We work with growth-stage companies and select early-stage startups, helping them raise capital, connect with the right investors, and position themselves for long-term success. We also work with investors—PEs, VCs, angels, and family offices—helping them find promising, vetted companies to invest in without spending countless hours on due diligence. Why? Because startups fail too often, and investors waste too much time looking for the right opportunities. We’re here to bridge that gap. Whether you’re a founder looking for investors or an investor seeking quality opportunities, spectup is about making those connections—and making them work.

Interdisciplinary Global Marketing and Human Resource Development (HRD) executive with over 20 years of experience scaling brand ecosystems across enterprise, high-growth, and startup environments – from Fortune 1 (Walmart) to VC- and PE-backed ventures. Adept at developing emotionally resonant, data-driven brand strategies that drive top-line growth, market share and long-term equity. Proven expertise leading cross-functional and regional teams, launching go-to-market strategies across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas, and overseeing portfolios with budgets up to $100MM. Known for transforming complex market insights into differentiated brand positioning, unifying internal culture with external messaging and operationalizing high-performing marketing infrastructures. Fluent in growth strategy, creative storytelling, product innovation alignment and maximizing ROI through global-local execution.

Dr Tan Chi Chiu has is Chairman of the Lien Centre for Social Innovation at Singapore Management University, where he was also the invited Convocation Speaker in 2012. He is Board Member of the UBS Optimus Foundation Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Community Fund, National Healthcare Group Fund, Church Of Our Saviour, St Andrew’s Nursing Homes and World Harvest Initiative, a Christian international community development agency. He is a Fellow and member of the Senior Common Room of King Edward VII Hall, National University of Singapore. He retired from the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) in 2017 after 18 years as an elected member, but has been re-appointed Chairman of the SMC’s Medical Ethics Committee as a non-Council member for two further terms until 2023. He has been Chairman of the Working Committee for the Review of the SMC Ethical Code and Guidelines (2002 and 2016 editions), Chairman of the Registration Review Committee and remains Chairman of Complaints Committees. He was a member of SMC’s Credentials Committee and Supervisory Framework Review Committee. He is a member of the National Telemedicine Guidelines Review Committee. He has retired as Vice Chairman of SATA CommHealth after 8 years on the Board and he was appointed Adviser to the Board for a term. He was also previously Vice Chairman of Make A Wish Foundation Singapore and a Board Member of the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and a member of the Board of Governors of the Anglo Chinese Schools. He was a Council Member of the National Youth Achievement Awards Council for over 20 years before retirement. He is active in the youth development and community service scene in Singapore and has been deeply involved in many overseas humanitarian, community aid and scientific expeditions for which he has received numerous international awards. He also led disaster relief expeditions to Sri Lanka (tsunami 2005), Pakistan Kashmir (earthquake 2005), Java (earthquake 2006), Haiti (earthquake 2010), Philippines (Typhoon Haiyan 2013) and also worked with the Red Cross in Nepal (earthquake 2015). His recent community development work included a social innovation development project in east Nepal and a medical development program in East Timor.

I am a management and technical consultant with over 10 years of experience in delivering successful outcomes for my renowned clients (including Rolls-Royce, Siemens, Meggitt, Quest Global and Siemens Energy). My areas of expertise include complex project and programme management in aerospace, manufacturing, engineering and energy industries.

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Adam Czeczuk is the Head of Consulting Services at Think Beyond, specializing in Salesforce platform implementations across industries such as education, automotive, finance, and IT services. With over a decade of experience in business development, team leadership, and project management, Adam has a strong track record of driving business growth and delivering scalable solutions. Adam holds 15 Salesforce certifications, along with Scrum Master and ITIL Foundation. His expertise lies in aligning Salesforce solutions with business objectives, leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, and managing complex software projects. Adam’s leadership is centered on building teams and optimizing processes to achieve long-term success.

Juan Luis Garrido is a DEI Project Consultant at Center Desk Consulting whose work bridges strategy, facilitation, and communication to help organizations design more equitable, human-centered experiences. In his current role, he supports nonprofit and corporate clients in deepening their diversity, equity, and inclusion commiments through participatory methods, co-created initiatives, and systems-level thinking. With a background that spans nonprofit leadership and social impact consulting, he is known for his ability to build trust across sectors and center lived experience in meaningful, actionable ways. Juan Luis holds a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from OCAD University, where his graduate research explored the role of joy as a critical resource for practitioners in social change work. His work reflects a deep belief that joy, care, and imagination are not distractions from equity work, but vital components of its sustainability and impact.

Australian marketing leader, with 15+ years of experience in marketing, with the last 7 years in Head of Digital Marketing roles. As a marketing leader, I am passionate about driving digital transformation, growing brands and building high-performing teams through a people-first approach. My leadership style focuses on collaborative and strategic thinking, enabling me to navigate complex challenges with ease. Adam’s journey into the world of strength sports began at 16 in a local gym in Melbourne. Over the years, he has cultivated a deep passion for powerlifting, CrossFit, bodybuilding, and strongman competitions. Professionally, Adam brings extensive experience in digital marketing, having held senior roles in both government and tourism sectors. His expertise in these fields has been instrumental in developing Turtle Strength’s online presence and connecting and building our community of lifters.

With 40 years of industry experience and a Business Management degree from Napier University Edinburgh, I've gained valuable insights across multiple sectors. As the Director at In House First Aid Training, I bring real-world expertise in HR, business development, and sales. I've built teams from the ground up, turned struggling departments around, and developed marketing strategies that actually work. My approach combines old school relationship building with modern business practices. Because in this industry, results speak louder than words.

LinkedIn's Top Voice in Entrepreneurship ► I help (Paralyzed) Entrepreneurs find meaning & clarity ► Business Coach ► Founded 4 startups & 4 successful exits ► Health & Wellness Blogger ► Dad x 3 👇 Growing a portfolio of online businesses → Coaching → E-Book (Cooking up) → Digital Course ( On the way) → Blog: Healthy Work Habits → Newsletter (Taking shape) 💡 I'm on a mission to build a portfolio of digital businesses to make the lives of Overachievers, Mid-Career Professionals & Entrepreneurs more purposeful. 👥Building an audience online to thrive together. 📩 Posts & articles about the process. 🧠 Mental Health Advocate ⚡ Co-founder of Albert Solino Consulting (Exit in 2023) 🏆 Proudly hired, developed, and led an in-house team of 65 consultants. ( Many of them are still colleague-turned friends) ✅ Consulting Portfolio → Management Consultancy → Strategic Planning → OKR → Human Resources → Performance Management → Employee Engagement → Remote Work → Digitalization 👉🏼 Acted as CMO and managed all omnichannel marketing efforts including → Website Development → Google Ads Management → SEO → Blog Management → Youtube Content Marketing → E-mail Marketing → Newsletter Marketing → Referral Partnerships → Business Development ✅ Blue-chip client list including: → Ford (Dearborn, MI) → Cigna Group (Bloomfield, Connecticut) → Concentrix - Webhelp (Fremont -CA & France) → JotForm (SF - CA) → Barsan Global Logistics, Inc. (Chicago - IL) → Novartis / Sandoz (Switzerland) → BEKO Global (Switzerland) → Carrefour (France) → Saint-Gobain (France) → Legrand (France) → Faber-Castell (Germany) → MAHLE (Germany) → Aegon (The Netherlands) → Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST) (Turkey) → ENKA Construction (Turkey) → Trendyol.com / Alibaba Group (China - Turkey) → Daiichi Sankyo (Japan) → Elleair International (Japan) → QNB - Qatar National Bank (Qatar) → Metair (South Africa) ⚡ Co-Founder of Corvisio HR Management & OKR Platform (Exit in 2023) ⚡ Co-founded Prosoftly (Exit in 2023) ⚡️ Co-Founder of Mailsoftly (Exit in 2023)

Chris Sheehy is a Certified Google Ads Partner and member of Google Ads Advisors, with agency partnerships including BigCommerce, BrightLocal, SEMrush, Shopify, Squarespace, and Wix. Based in Rhode Island, he has specialized in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), digital marketing, and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising since 1997, serving small to medium-sized trade, service, manufacturing, and nonprofit organizations. Achievements: > Top-5 Startup Business in New England - Mass High Tech > Top Tech Entrepreneur - GoLocalProv > Top Web Development Firm - Providence Business News (PBN) > 5X Best Places to Work RI - PBN Educational Contributions: > Created and instructed continuing education courses in digital marketing and SEO at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) > Served as technical and curriculum advisor for New England Tech University’s bachelor’s program in website design Media Features: Chris’s expertise has been featured on major networks such as ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC business news segments. He has been a subject of entrepreneurial studies at Columbia University and Johnson & Wales University and cited by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His published work appears in Search Engine Journal, Polaris Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) of Rhode Island, Beyond.com, MarketingProfs.com, MOPAR Masters Magazine, Rhode Island Small Business Journal, RI Creative Magazine, SocialMediaToday.com, and others. He has also been quoted or referenced by Forbes, Unkorked, Databox, and highlighted in the Wall Street Journal and Yahoo Small Business Advisor, among various trending articles on Bing, Google, and LinkedIn News. Speaking Engagements: Chris regularly speaks at academic institutions including the University of Rhode Island (graduate studies), RISD (continuing education), and New England Tech University (undergraduate and graduate studies). He has presented to professional organizations such as the American Marketing Association, Polaris MEP of Rhode Island, Sail America, SailTime Franchise, Search Engine Marketing New England, SCORE, the Small Business Administration, and various trade and business groups. Personal Interests: Outside of his professional work, Chris enjoys rebuilding muscle-car era carburetors and working on his old car in his garage. Top Skills: Executive Leadership, Operations Management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Pay Per Click (PPC), Operational Improvement

Mark MacDonald is a seasoned strategist and creative with 4 decades of expertise in powerful Branding and Marketing Communication based on reliable research. He's the go-to guide for effective church communication, branding, and logos. As a bestselling author, engaging speaker, and founder of BeKnownforSomething.com, Mark empowers church leaders to communicate with impact.

I’m Simon Elliott, Founder and Operations Director of CLIFTON, where we specialize in custom clothing that blends exceptional quality, sustainability, and personal expression. With years of experience in the fashion industry, I’ve built a brand that focuses on creating bespoke, tailored pieces that are not only stylish but also crafted to last. At CLIFTON, we’re committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that our products have a positive impact on both the environment and the individuals who wear them. As a business leader, I believe in embracing innovation while honoring the traditions of craftsmanship. I’ve cultivated a culture at CLIFTON that values continuous improvement, client-centric solutions, and operational excellence. My goal is to challenge the status quo of fashion by promoting slow fashion principles and using technology to enhance the client experience. Whether through personalized design or forward-thinking strategies, I’m dedicated to shaping the future of fashion in a way that’s both meaningful and responsible.