7 SHELBY THOMAS, CEO and Director of Research Ocean Rescue Alliance HORSE SENSE: Growing up around horses, I learned accountability, discipline, and patience. My strong foundation was achieved with guidance by my riding instructor, who also happened to be an entrepreneur. People are unique with their own journeys and hardships that shape them into who they are. And every single person who achieves the seemingly unachievable is just as human as us all. So, it is important to not follow someone else’s path too critically, as it is not your own. OUTLOOK: My superpower is my adaptability, optimism, and grit. Having lost my father to suicide, among several tragedies and pivots, I have come to find that deep loss brings gratitude for the smallest things, like blue skies, your health, and the people in your life. TANGY FREDERICK, President Regal Unicorn Software Academy COATS: It was winter in Queens, New York, and I was seven years old. My parents threw parties, and everyone had coats. I thought if I charged a dollar to hang them up, it would be a win-win. No one would have to go through piles thrown on a bed when they left. My parents also always had the newest technology, so it was not something to be afraid of. CODE: I worked in California for television networks like MTV and NBC. Along the way, I taught myself how to program as a way to bring ideas to life. When I moved to Florida to help my parents, I showed my portfolio but was constantly asked if I had a degree. So, I got my degree as a software developer and still got push- back. That’s when my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in again. JASON HILL, CEO Owwll PANDEMIC: During COVID, I moved our in-person podcast to Zoom and noticed people were excited to connect. We produced a show called Fireside Chats with two cohosts and four business owners at once. Over 11 episodes with 44 business owners, no one was late or canceled. CRAVING: The world was craving to connect, but outside of work, there was no platform telling people, “Call me! I’m available now to chat.” That’s when I realized how cool it would be to be able to speak and learn directly from people you want to build professional relationships with—without displaying a phone number or going through a scheduling process. Experts indicate availability for calls and earn money. Users gain personalized insight. BETH ELLETSON, CEO ABE SPORTS: Instead of letting my height limit me, I used it to excel as the most skilled player on the court, while also developing the qualities of a strong leader. This determination fueled my focus on building top-talent teams and fostering fun, competitive company cultures. As a result, I was appointed chief people officer for the Miami Marlins. SCORE: Building recruitment strategies, training programs, and recognition initiatives for the Marlins fulfilled me, but an imbalance arose between role value and family time. I departed to build a solution I wanted as an HR executive and job seeker— a talent-matching platform anchored in authenticity and data. As we advance our technology, we also offer talent transformation services.
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