Heinz holds advanced degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, with more than 35 years of global experience spanning industry and academia. A prolific innovator, he has authored around 35 publications, secured over 25 patents, and contributed to several monographs and textbooks.

After decades leading international teams and solving complex technical challenges, Heinz pivoted his focus to what he considers his true calling: helping others design lives fully lived. As the founder of Heinzsight.org, he coaches and mentors professionals at all stages, guiding them to uncover their passions and find fulfillment well beyond their work.

He is also a sought-after motivational speaker and workshop facilitator known for delivering tangible results. When he is not teaching leadership or career strategy, you will often find him sharing his love of jazz and music as another expression of a life well lived.

Jeff Kiplinger started his career in drug development as an analytical scientist at Pfizer in the 1990s.  He was part of the revolution in drug discovery and development, with much effort devoted to 'democratizing' analytical technologies so they could be used directly by chemists and biologists, without the intervention of 'experts' like spectroscopists and chromatographers.  After leaving Pfizer, Jeff started several companies.  In 2007 he developed a new contract research firm with an analytical chemistry focus, and sold the company in 2016.  Since then, he's written a bestselling book on scientific entrepreneurship called "Expert to Entrepreneur: How to Turn Your Hard-Won Expertise into a Thriving Business", and founded a consulting firm called "Selling Science".  Jeff lives in the Hudson River Valley in New York with his wife Katy, and together they've been re-wilding a 10 acre depleted farm with the goal of increasing biodiversity.  

Julia Barzyk, Ph.D., is a research strategist, former federal program manager, and founder of Wise Investigator. During her 10+ years at the U.S. Army Research Office, she managed a high-impact portfolio in geoscience and civil engineering, shaping strategic priorities, crafting $6M topic calls, and evaluating outcomes. Her work influenced national science investments and supported countless academic researchers.

Now through Wise Investigator, Julia helps university researchers secure funding through a one-on-one training and support program rooted in her experience in federal funding. Her approach addresses the critical gap in strategic guidance and skill development many researchers face.

She earned degrees from the University of Rochester, the University of Florida, and the University of Chicago, and lives in Durham, NC, with her husband and two teenagers.

Lucinda Jackson is the author of two inspiring memoirs: Just a Girl: Growing Up Female and Ambitious about succeeding in male-dominated organizations and Project Escape: Lessons for an Unscripted Life, a story of creating our best lives in and out of the workplace. Jackson, a global executive and PhD scientist, has worked for four Fortune 500 companies in over 30 countries. She is a featured public speaker, podcast guest, and author of articles, book chapters, magazine columns, and patents. The founder of LJ Ventures, Jackson speaks and consults on empowerment in our careers and in our Next Act. Connect with Jackson or find her books at: www.lucindajackson.com and connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucinda-jackson/

Kristin Hiemstra, M.Ed., CPC, ELI-MP is the founder of The Art of Potential Coaching and an Adjunct Lecturer in Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at NC State’s Poole College of Management. With deep expertise in organizational culture, employee engagement, and emotional intelligence, Kristin brings both heart and strategy to the world of leadership and career growth.

She holds a BA from the University of North Carolina, an M.Ed. from George Mason University, a certificate in Human Resources from Duke University, and a professional coaching certification from iPEC (the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching).

In addition to her work as a TEDx speaker, coach, and educator, Kristin is passionate about helping people reconnect with their worth and live in alignment with who they truly are. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband Hans and their adult daughters, Haley and Zoe.

Natalie Siston is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and bestselling author of Let Her Out: Reclaim Who You Have Always Been. 

Through her powerful blend of personal storytelling, leadership expertise, and practical mental fitness tools, Natalie helps high-performing professionals slow down, reflect deeply, and lead with more presence, clarity, and confidence.

With experience spanning Silicon Valley, the Fortune 100, and entrepreneurship, Natalie has coached and trained leaders from rising executives to established changemakers. She served as Head of Client Success at Positive Intelligence, and today, she continues as the company’s Lead Presenter, where she introduces teams and individuals to the tools that strengthen resilience and performance from the inside out.

She lives in Plain City, Ohio, with her husband and two teenage daughters. 

Penda L. James was raised in Dayton, Ohio, where funk music, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and a large extended family influenced her creativity. She developed a love of reading and writing from the adults in her life who emphasized the importance of education. As an alumnus of Wilberforce University, Penda’s love for helping people tell their stories was shaped in college. At Bowling Green State University, she earned an M. Ed, in Training and Development. She has earned certificates in life coaching, film writing, and Strength-Based Family Worker from Temple University. With more than 18  years of experience in nonprofit and child welfare, service is her passion. 

Penda has authored seven inspirational books and journals and one novel. With her pen, podcast, and life, she strives to inspire people to use their gifts and pursue their dreams. 

Renée Onesti spent nearly two decades leading in American manufacturing. She’s an engineer turned Director of Operations with an MBA, a Six Sigma Black Belt, and a reputation for getting things done. But behind the high performance was a woman carrying too much, questioning her purpose, and feeling the slow creep of burnout. In this two-part conversation, Renée opens up about the pressure, the turning point, and what it really took to step away from the role she was known for and into a life that finally felt like her own. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to succeed without losing yourself, Renée’s story will stay with you.