Current Locations

Advisory Board |  Florida

Bill Owens is the Executive Chairman of Red Bison Advisory Group, where he builds strategic partnerships between leading enterprises in the U.S. and China. He has held top leadership roles in global companies, including CEO and Vice Chairman of Nortel Networks, Chairman and CEO of Teledesic LLC, and board positions at Wipro, Daimler, and British American Tobacco. Owens is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Seattle University and serves on several private and public boards worldwide.

A retired Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Owens played a pivotal role in reorganizing the U.S. military during the post-Cold War era. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, holds degrees from Oxford University, and earned an MBA from George Washington University.

Recognized for his ethical leadership and cross-border expertise, Owens has received honors such as France’s Legion d’Honneur and has been named among the 50 Most Powerful People in Networking. His legacy is defined by innovation, integrity, and a commitment to fostering global collaboration.

Advisory Board |  Florida

Deb Henretta is a seasoned global executive and board leader with a distinguished career driving growth and innovation at Fortune 100 companies. She is best known for her tenure as Group President at Procter & Gamble, where she led multi-billion-dollar businesses and championed the advancement of women in leadership. Today, Deb serves on the boards of leading organizations including Corning Incorporated, NiSource, and Meritage Homes, and is a trusted advisor on strategy, digital transformation, and ESG.

Her commitment to education and community is reflected in her roles as a trustee at Xavier University, Saint Bonaventure University, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Syracuse University. Deb is also recognized for her advocacy in women’s leadership and her active support of women’s rugby and youth development initiatives.

With a reputation for visionary leadership and a passion for empowering others, Deb Henretta continues to shape the future of business and society. Her legacy is defined by her integrity, impact, and dedication to making a difference on a global scale.

Advisory Board |  Austin

Suneet Paul is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in financial services and technology, most notably as Group Vice President and General Manager at Dell Financial Services. As one of the founding executives at Dell Financial Services, he played a crucial role in building the business from the ground up, leading multiple divisions and helping grow annual financing volume to over $5 billion. Suneet directed global teams of over 2,000 employees and was instrumental in launching Dell’s global Consumer line of business, nearly tripling the SMB segment during his tenure.

Prior to Dell, he held leadership roles at Apple, where he expanded global consumer and commercial financing programs. Suneet later co-founded Vyze Inc. (acquired by Mastercard) and NewComLink, both of which transformed consumer financing at the point of sale.

He holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson, a master’s in taxation, and a law degree from Delhi University. Suneet continues to advise and serve on boards for several technology and financial services companies, leveraging his expertise to drive growth and innovation.

Founding Partner | Cincinnati

Mark Voytek is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and advisor with over 30 years of experience driving business transformation and growth for both startups and Fortune 500 companies. As the founder and managing partner of Voytechnology Partners, he has helped high-growth B2B firms scale through technology-driven solutions and strategic advisory, leveraging his deep expertise in digital transformation, procurement, and operational excellence. Mark’s leadership extends to his role as Founding Partner at Next Stage Trajectory, where he collaborates with CEOs and founders to develop growth strategies, product development, and go-to-market initiatives across a diverse range of industries.

Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated a strong commitment to entrepreneurship, having founded and led several startups in addition to his advisory work. Mark’s entrepreneurial impact is further amplified by his board service and angel investing, where he supports companies in technology, software, and business services sectors.

 

Founding Partner | Financial Services | Atlanta

James Ray is a collaborative leader and fintech expert with over two decades of experience commercializing innovative technology solutions in digital and mobile commerce. He has held senior roles at JPMorgan Chase, including Managing Director for Merchant Services and Treasury Solutions, where he led business development for global enterprise accounts and delivered holistic payment solutions to multinational clients. James has also served as CEO and board member at GoDo and is currently a Founding Partner at Next Stage Trajectory, helping founders accelerate growth and access capital in the financial technology sector.

His fintech expertise is further demonstrated through advisory roles at companies like SKUx, where he empowers brands with blockchain-driven, real-time payment and settlement technologies.  James’ leadership extends to building and managing high-performing teams, launching strategic alliances, and driving marketplace adoption of cutting-edge commerce solutions. He is recognized for his ability to align customer strategy with organizational transformation, ensuring that fintech innovations deliver measurable value and sustainable growth.

James holds a Master’s in Organization Development from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and a BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University. 

Founding Partner | Oil & Gas | Houston

John Tikkanen is an accomplished executive with over 40 years of management, strategy, marketing, sales, and M&A experience, primarily in the oil and gas industry. He began his career in 1981 with Shaw Pipe Protection in Calgary and rose through the ranks to hold senior leadership positions, including President of Bredero Shaw and Executive Vice President of Shawcor, a global energy services company specializing in pipeline and pipe services for the oil and gas sector. Throughout his tenure, John managed a global $1 billion P&L and was instrumental in driving revenue growth, profit improvement, and enhanced safety performance across international operations.

John’s extensive oil and gas expertise is further highlighted by his leadership roles in industry organizations, notably serving as President of the International Pipeline & Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA) for the 2018-2019 term.  

In addition to his executive roles, John has contributed as a board member for several organizations within the energy and infrastructure sectors, including PFT Systems, Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel, and Torcsill Foundations. He holds an Honors degree in Business Administration from the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario and has completed executive education at the University of Toronto and Wharton Business School.

 

Founding Partner | Global Finance | Houston

John Cooper is a veteran financial services executive with a distinguished track record spanning more than 25 years, including key leadership roles at industry giants such as Invesco, Morgan Stanley, Legg Mason, and Putnam Investments. Notably, he also held a senior position at Aimco, where he contributed to the company’s operational and financial success during a period of significant growth and transformation.

Throughout his career, John has demonstrated deep expertise in investment management distribution, client engagement, and organizational leadership. His accomplishments include tripling sales at Invesco Distributors, overseeing multi-billion-dollar assets under management, and leading successful integrations of major acquisitions.

John’s prior expertise is further underscored by his extensive board and advisory experience, where he has provided strategic counsel on distribution, product development, and corporate growth for a range of asset management and financial technology firms. His reputation as a leader in financial services is built on a foundation of operational excellence, business acumen, and a commitment to driving innovation and value for clients and organizations alike.

 

 

Partner | Medtech | Los Angeles

Tom Galido is a seasoned entrepreneur and founder with a proven track record of building and scaling technology companies. As a three-time tech entrepreneur, he has co-founded ventures such as Upright Data, where he specialized in leveraging data-driven strategies to drive product development and marketing success. His leadership as CEO of Kaptivating Technology further demonstrated his ability to guide organizations through the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape, emphasizing the importance of real-time data and agile decision-making.

Tom’s prior founder expertise is grounded in his experience raising capital from seed to Series B rounds and successfully navigating multiple company exits. He has provided consulting and advisory services for tech startups and growth-stage companies across the US, Europe, and Asia, helping them overcome challenges in market entry, product-market fit, and operational excellence. 

With a background in strategy consulting for Fortune 100 companies and big tech, Tom brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial vision and corporate rigor to every venture he leads.

Partner | Professional Services | Columbus

Gina Heffner is a results-driven leader with over 25 years of experience in consulting, specializing in growth and sales strategy for professional services firms. As Vice President and Columbus Practice Lead at Centric Consulting, she has played a pivotal role in developing and executing strategies that have driven significant revenue growth and created unmatched experiences for clients and employees. Her consulting expertise spans business transformation, hybrid workplace strategy, and technology implementation, making her a trusted advisor to organizations navigating complex change.

Throughout her career, Gina has collaborated closely with national and local leadership teams, overseeing the success of sales and account management for Centric’s onshore offices. She is known for her passion for client success and her ability to build resilient, digital-first organizations that thrive amid disruption. 

Gina’s leadership and consulting acumen have not only doubled revenue in her region but also positioned her as a key driver of innovation and excellence in the management consulting industry.

Partner | AI & Technology | Austin

Stewart Skomra is a recognized leader in technology consulting, with over 30 years of experience driving innovation and growth for startups and global enterprises alike. Currently serving as Operating Partner at Next Stage Trajectory, he works closely with high-potential startups to scale operations, accelerate growth, and create significant value through strategic technology and business consulting. Stewart’s expertise spans a wide range of domains, including SaaS, IoT, M2M, ERP, and infrastructure modernization, making him a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating digital transformation and complex technology landscapes.

Throughout his career, Stewart has held pivotal roles at industry giants such as IBM, Intel, Qualcomm, and Trimble, as well as leading multiple startups and serving as CEO at OmniQuest and Tier 1 Graphene. Stewart’s contributions include shepherding mergers and acquisitions, guiding startups to profitable exits, and advising boards and executive teams on technology strategy and innovation.

A prolific inventor with 13 patents in wireless, software, and mobile technologies, Stewart is also recognized for his impact in green construction and renewable energy. 

Partner | Aerospace & Defense | Austin 

John O’Grady is the kind of leader who turns high pressure into high performance. A West Point graduate, retired Army Colonel, and former senior executive at Raytheon, John has led organizations of up to 3,500 people - including in active combat zones - and overseen operational portfolios exceeding $14B. His command was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism, built on the values-driven culture he instills in every team he leads.

John brings that same grit, precision, and strategic clarity to his work with founders and executives navigating the complexities of aerospace, defense, and national security. His client roster speaks volumes: IBM, the NY Jets, Georgetown Women’s Lacrosse, LA 2028 Olympics, CNAS, and more.

Whether coaching Fortune 500 leaders or championship athletes, John’s mentorship inspires transformational performance. He’s not just helping companies grow—he’s helping leaders build legacies.

Partner | Marketing | London

Daniella Goodwin is a dynamic marketing professional based in London, known for her innovative approach to brand strategy and digital engagement. With over a decade of experience, she has led successful campaigns for both global brands and fast-growing startups, consistently delivering measurable results in highly competitive markets. Daniella’s expertise spans content creation, social media strategy, and integrated marketing communications, making her a sought-after advisor for organizations looking to elevate their brand presence.

Her marketing acumen is complemented by a keen understanding of consumer behavior and data-driven decision-making, which she leverages to craft campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Daniella has a proven track record of building and mentoring high-performing marketing teams, fostering creativity, and driving cross-functional collaboration.

Committed to staying ahead of industry trends, Daniella regularly speaks at marketing conferences and contributes thought leadership to leading industry publications. Her passion for marketing excellence and her strategic vision have established her as a key influencer in London’s vibrant marketing community.

 

Partner |  Energy  Chemicals | Chicago

John leverages over four decades of leadership experience in the energy and chemical industries to deliver strategic consulting and organizational transformation. His expertise spans engineering, project management, and executive roles, where he has consistently driven business optimization, revenue growth, and long-term relationship development for clients and organizations. John’s approach centers on progressing organizations to higher functional capabilities, implementing execution platforms to realize corporate strategies, and fostering a culture of coaching and mentorship for exceptional personnel development.

John has held senior executive positions including Senior Vice President at Pilko & Associates and Vice President at Becht, where he led business development, marketing, and global strategy implementation. His leadership has resulted in significant achievements such as developing project management processes, executing strategic market expansions, and achieving sustained reductions in business overhead through effective restructuring. 

A graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson School of Business, John also served as a commissioned US Naval Officer, leading operations teams and instructing at the Naval Submarine School Officer Training Program. 

Partner  |  AI and Tech  |  Dallas

Nicole Colwell is a seasoned executive coach, startup advisor, and business strategist with over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, working with both Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups.  Based in Dallas, Texas, she currently serves as EVP of Alliances & Partnerships at PraSaga, where she leads global partnership initiatives and spearheads the Women’s Initiative, empowering women in emerging technologies such as blockchain. 

Throughout her career, Nicole has demonstrated a passion for building high-impact partnerships and creating solutions at the intersection of technology and business. She is recognized for her strategic mindset and her ability to help ambitious entrepreneurs break through barriers, leveraging science-based techniques and personal development strategies to drive success.  Nicole’s expertise has earned her recognition as a Brainz Magazine Global 500 honoree, celebrating her entrepreneurial achievements and dedication to helping others.

In addition to her advisory roles, Nicole hosts The Corporate Expat Experience podcast, where she shares insights on transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and highlights stories of leaders in emerging tech fields. She is a sought-after speaker and mentor, committed to fostering innovation, diversity, and global collaboration in the business community.

 

Partner | Energy | Houston

Brandon Buzarde is a seasoned sales leader with over 17 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, as well as related fields such as hydrogen technology and environmental services. He has held executive roles, including Vice President of International Sales at Cubility, where he led global teams to drive adoption of innovative drilling technologies like the MudCube® solution, significantly improving drilling efficiencies and safety. Brandon’s expertise also extends to his tenure at National Oilwell Varco (NOV), where he managed high-profile projects and developed strategic solutions for major clients across the industry.

Throughout his career, Brandon has consistently championed disruptive technologies that address critical challenges in oil and gas operations, earning recognition for his visionary leadership and sales acumen. His ability to guide both public and private organizations through complex market landscapes has resulted in outsized business growth and successful technology adoption.

Brandon’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to innovation continue to position him as a trusted expert in oil and gas, driving advancements that shape the future of energy production and environmental stewardship.

Partner | Venture Capital | Austin

David Valentino is the Managing Director of the Austin Venture Association, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping Austin’s dynamic startup and venture ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience in the technology industry, David has established a reputation for driving business scalability and supporting both early and later-stage startups through strategic consulting and executive leadership. His prior expertise includes generating hundreds of millions in revenue from software and SaaS products, as well as implementing revenue systems and teams for SMB and enterprise clients.

Before joining the Austin Venture Association, David held senior sales and channel executive roles at prominent technology firms, managed worldwide business intelligence software sales, and contributed to the growth of portfolio companies at Austin Ventures Labs by developing go-to-market strategies and securing investment for multiple startups. 

David’s deep understanding of the venture landscape, combined with his hands-on experience in business growth and market strategy, continues to make him a key figure in Austin’s entrepreneurial community. Through the Austin Venture Association, he remains committed to delivering value, fostering collaboration, and supporting the success of startups and investors alike.